Automotive liquid-cooled electronic control system

Abstract

An electronic control system (3) for a vehicle (1) includes first and second ECUs (5a, 5b) each comprising first and second circuit carriers (6a, 7a, 6b, 7b) and first and second cooling channels (8a, 8b). The cooling channels (8a, 8b) each include a refrigerant inlet (9a, 9b) and a refrigerant outlet (10a, 10b). A hydraulic manifold (11) of the electronic control system (3) includes a main inlet (12), a main outlet (13), first and second ECU outlets (14, 15), and first and second ECU inlets (16, 17) to distribute refrigerant from the main inlet (12) to the first and second ECUs (5a, 5b) and from the first and second ECUs (5a, 5b) to the main outlet (13).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic control system for a vehicle, wherein the control system comprises a first electronic control unit (ECU) comprising at least one first circuit carrier and a first cooling channel for a liquid refrigerant, and the first cooling channel is arranged to cool at least one first circuit carrier. The present invention also relates to an electronic vehicle guidance system comprising such an electronic control system and a vehicle comprising such an electronic vehicle guidance system. Background Technology

[0002] As the functionality and computing performance of automotive electronic control systems, such as semi-autonomous or fully autonomous driving functions and driver assistance systems, improve, heat dissipation from electronic components is increasing. Consequently, the use of liquid cooling for these electronic components is known. However, liquid cooling generally entails an increase in assembly space. The problem to be solved

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an improved concept for a liquid-cooled electronic control system for vehicles that requires less assembly space. means of solving the problem

[0004] This objective is achieved by the subject of an independent claim. Further implementations and preferred embodiments are the subject of a dependent claim.

[0005] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​providing at least two electronic control units (ECUs), each having at least one circuit carrier that is cooled through a respective cooling channel for a liquid refrigerant. Additionally, a hydraulic manifold connected to the ECUs is provided to centrally supply liquid refrigerant to both ECUs, for example, between the main inlet and the main outlet of the hydraulic manifold.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic control system for a vehicle, particularly an automobile, is provided. The control system comprises a first electronic control unit (ECU) comprising at least one first circuit carrier. The first ECU comprises a first cooling channel for a liquid refrigerant, such as water or a water-based refrigerant, wherein the first cooling channel is arranged to cool at least one first circuit carrier. The control system further comprises a second ECU comprising at least one second circuit carrier and a second cooling channel for a liquid refrigerant, wherein the second cooling channel is arranged to cool at least one second circuit carrier. The first cooling channel comprises a refrigerant inlet for the liquid refrigerant and a refrigerant outlet for the liquid refrigerant, and the second cooling channel also comprises a corresponding refrigerant inlet for the liquid refrigerant and a refrigerant outlet for the liquid refrigerant. The control system comprises a hydraulic manifold comprising a main inlet for the liquid refrigerant and a main outlet for the liquid refrigerant. The hydraulic manifold includes a first ECU outlet connected to the refrigerant inlet of the first ECU to distribute refrigerant from the main inlet to the first ECU. The hydraulic manifold includes a second ECU outlet connected to the refrigerant inlet of the second ECU to distribute refrigerant from the main inlet to the second ECU. The hydraulic manifold includes a first ECU inlet connected to the refrigerant outlet of the first ECU to distribute refrigerant from the first ECU to the main outlet. The hydraulic manifold includes a second ECU inlet connected to the refrigerant outlet of the second ECU to distribute refrigerant from the second ECU to the main outlet.

[0007] The circuit carrier may be represented as a circuit board, and in some embodiments, may be implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0008] A cooling channel can be understood, for example, as an empty space within each ECU and extends between each refrigerant inlet and each refrigerant outlet. A cooling channel may be formed by one or more components of each ECU, and these one or more components define the boundaries of each cooling channel. For example, each cooling channel is positioned for at least one circuit carrier of each ECU so as to absorb heat dissipated by one or more electronic components of at least one circuit carrier when refrigerant is present within the cooling channel, particularly when flowing through the cooling channel.

[0009] The first and second ECU outlets of the hydraulic manifold, as well as the first and second ECU inlets, may be connected to the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the respective ECUs through one or more hoses, pipes, tubes, or other connections to guide the liquid refrigerant.

[0010] The main inlet of the hydraulic manifold may be connected, for example, to a source for providing liquid refrigerant, and this source may be located separately from the vehicle's electronic control system. Additionally, the main outlet of the hydraulic manifold may be connected, for example, to a corresponding drain for the liquid refrigerant, where the drain may also be located outside the vehicle's electronic control system. The vehicle may include means for recirculating, conditioning, or recooling the liquid refrigerant, for example, received from the main outlet by the drain and supplied back to the main inlet through the source. To this end, the vehicle may also include a transport system for the liquid refrigerant having one or more pumps that transport the liquid refrigerant from the source through a cooling channel to the main inlet, and back to the main outlet and drain, etc.

[0011] In particular, when all ECU inlets and all ECU outlets of the hydraulic manifold are connected according to each ECU, the main inlet and main outlet may each be only two connections of the electronic control system for supplying liquid refrigerant to the electronic control system and discharging liquid refrigerant from the electronic control system.

[0012] Consequently, by providing a hydraulic manifold according to the present invention, the supply of liquid refrigerant to an electronic control system can be implemented in a particularly compact manner. This ultimately leads to a reduction in the assembly space of the electronic control system, especially compared to an alternative arrangement in which liquid refrigerant is supplied separately to the first and second ECUs.

[0013] For example, the flow of liquid refrigerant may be provided through two branches (e.g., parallel branches). The first branch may extend from the main inlet through the first ECU outlet, the refrigerant inlet of the first ECU, and the refrigerant outlet of the first ECU to the first ECU inlet and the main outlet of the hydraulic manifold. The second branch may extend from the main inlet through the second ECU outlet, the refrigerant inlet of the second ECU, the refrigerant outlet of the second ECU, and the second ECU inlet and the main outlet of the hydraulic manifold.

[0014] According to various embodiments of an electronic control system, a first ECU includes a first housing in which at least one first circuit carrier is disposed within a first housing and a first cooling channel is disposed at least partially within the first housing.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the second ECU includes a second housing in which at least one second circuit carrier is disposed within the second housing and a second cooling channel is disposed at least partially within the second housing.

[0016] According to various embodiments, the first housing and the second housing are stacked on top of each other.

[0017] In particular, the form factor or external dimensions of the first housing are identical or nearly identical to the form factor or external dimensions of the second housing. For example, the first and second housings may be approximately rectangular in shape, which means that the first ECU and the second ECU can be fitted into their respective virtual rectangular prisms. Stacking the first and second housings vertically or overlapping them can be understood as the faces of the rectangular prisms facing each other.

[0018] That is, stacking the first housing and the second housing on top of each other can be understood as the first housing essentially completely obscuring the second housing from the direction of view along the stacking direction, or vice versa.

[0019] In this way, the space required for the entire arrangement of the first and second ECUs is reduced, and consequently, the overall assembly space of the electronic control system is further reduced.

[0020] According to various embodiments, the first ECU includes at least two first support elements attached to the outside of the first housing, wherein each of the at least two first support elements extends along the stacking direction of the first housing stacked on the second housing. The second ECU includes at least two second support elements attached to the outside of the second housing and extending along the stacking direction. Each of the at least two first support elements is fastened to a corresponding support element among the at least two second support elements.

[0021] That is, the first housing and the second housing are connected or fastened to each other through first and second support elements. The support elements can be designed, for example, as elongated columnar, cylindrical, or prismatic elements, such as rectangular prismatic elements, which define the desired position and distance between the ECU and the first and second housings when fastened to each other. Consequently, the first and second ECUs are firmly connected to each other by the first and second support elements without the need for rack holders to accommodate the first and second housings, respectively.

[0022] Consequently, the main housing of the electronic control system may be designed more simply as it does not require means to position the first and second ECUs relative to each other, or the main housing may be omitted entirely.

[0023] According to various embodiments, each of at least two first support elements is fastened to a corresponding of at least two second support elements by at least one screw, threaded rod, or bolt extending through each of the first and second support elements along the stacking direction.

[0024] In this way, ECUs can be connected to each other stably and robustly, and since screws, threaded rods, or bolts extend through support elements, no additional assembly space is required for other connection means.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the electronic control system includes a main housing. A first ECU and a second ECU, in particular the first housing and the second housing, are connected within the main housing at their respective receptacles.

[0026] In other words, the main housing contains one or more receptacles for a first ECU and one or more receptacles for a second ECU internally, which can be used to attach the first and second housings to the main housing, respectively. For example, the receptacles may be designed with slits, slide-in features, etc., to allow the first and second housings to be inserted into or slide into the main housing from their respective receptacles. In this way, the design of the first and second housings of the first and second ECUs, respectively, can be simplified.

[0027] According to various embodiments, at least one first circuit carrier comprises two first circuit carriers disposed opposite the first cooling channel. Alternatively or additionally, at least one second circuit carrier comprises two second circuit carriers disposed opposite the second cooling channel.

[0028] In other words, the first cooling channel is arranged to cool two first circuit carriers simultaneously and / or the second cooling channel is arranged to cool two second circuit carriers simultaneously. In this way, the cooling efficiency by the liquid refrigerant can be optimized. In particular, using a single cooling channel to cool at least two circuit carriers can further reduce the overall assembly space of the electronic control system.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the electronic control system includes at least one connector component, and the connector component electrically connects at least one first circuit carrier to at least one second circuit carrier.

[0030] In this way, the first ECU and the second ECU can and can communicate with each other based on wired communication, or the first ECU can supply electrical energy to the second ECU or vice versa. This also contributes to reducing the assembly space of the entire electronic control system.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the hydraulic manifold comprises a solid body, an inlet chamber for a refrigerant within the solid body, and an outlet chamber for a refrigerant within the solid body. A main inlet, a first ECU outlet, and a second ECU outlet are connected to an intake chamber. A main outlet, a first ECU inlet, and a second ECU inlet are connected to an outlet chamber.

[0032] The inlet chamber and the outlet chamber are not connected to each other. In other words, the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber are separated from each other so that liquid refrigerant cannot directly enter the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber, or vice versa.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the hydraulic manifold includes tuning means, which are arranged and configured to adjust the flow rate of liquid refrigerant from a main inlet to a first ECU outlet and / or from a main inlet to a second ECU outlet and / or from a first ECU inlet to a main outlet and / or from a second ECU inlet to a main outlet. In other words, the hydraulic manifold is designed as a tunable hydraulic manifold.

[0034] For example, the tuning means may include one or more tunable valves for adjusting each flow rate. In this way, the distribution of liquid refrigerant between the first and second ECUs can be adjusted as desired, particularly so that a specific uniform refrigerant flow is achieved and, consequently, uniform cooling of the first and second ECUs is achieved.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic vehicle guidance system for a vehicle is provided. The electronic vehicle guidance system comprises an electronic control system according to the present invention, wherein a first ECU and / or a second ECU is configured to receive sensor data from at least one sensor system of a vehicle and to generate at least one control signal to influence lateral and / or longitudinal control of the vehicle and / or to generate at least one additional control signal to provide information or warning to the driver of the vehicle.

[0036] An electronic vehicle guidance system can be understood as an electronic system configured to guide a vehicle in a fully automated or fully autonomous manner, particularly without the need for manual intervention or control by the driver or vehicle user. The vehicle performs all necessary functions, such as steering, deceleration, and / or acceleration, and automatically monitors and records road traffic and its corresponding reactions. In particular, an electronic vehicle guidance system can implement fully automatic or fully autonomous driving modes according to Level 5 of the SAE J3016 classification. An electronic vehicle guidance system can also be implemented as an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) to assist the driver for partially automatic or partially autonomous driving. In particular, an electronic vehicle guidance system can implement partially automatic or partially autonomous driving modes according to Levels 1 through 4 of the SAE J3016 classification. Here and below, SAE J3016 refers to the relevant standard established in June 2018.

[0037] Accordingly, guiding a vehicle at least partially automatically may include guiding a vehicle according to a fully automatic or fully autonomous driving mode according to Level 5 of the SAE J3016 classification. Guiding a vehicle at least partially automatically may include guiding a vehicle according to a partially automatic or partially autonomous driving mode according to Levels 1 to 4 of the SAE J3016 classification.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle, particularly an automobile, comprising an electronic control system according to the present invention or an electronic vehicle guidance system according to the present invention is provided.

[0039] In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a source and / or drain of a liquid refrigerant, and a transport system for supplying the liquid refrigerant to, for example, an electronic control system and discharging the liquid refrigerant from the electronic control system.

[0040] Further features of the present invention are apparent from the claims, drawings, and the description of the drawings. Features and combinations of features mentioned in this specification, as well as features and combinations of features mentioned in the description of the drawings below or illustrated in the drawings, may be configured by the present invention in combinations other than each combination mentioned. In particular, embodiments and combinations of features that do not possess all the features of the originally formulated claims may also be configured by the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features that go beyond or exceed the combinations of features specified in the claims may be configured by the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0041] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and their respective schematic drawings. In the drawings, identical or functionally identical elements may be indicated by the same reference numerals. Descriptions of identical or functionally identical elements are not necessarily repeated in different drawings. In the drawing: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an electronic control system according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a hydraulic manifold of another exemplary embodiment of an electronic control system according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away drawing of the hydraulic manifold of FIG. 3 for illustrative purposes; FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ECU for use in another exemplary embodiment of an electronic control system according to the present invention; FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the ECU of FIG. 5; Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of the ECU of Fig. 5; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of an electronic control system according to the present invention from various perspectives; FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of an electronic control system according to the present invention; FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the electronic control system of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic control system of FIG. 10; FIG. 12 schematically illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an electronic control system according to the present invention from various perspectives; FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of an electronic control system according to the present invention; FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the electronic control system of FIG. 13; Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic control system of Figure 14. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0042] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a plan view of a vehicle (1) equipped with an electronic vehicle guidance system (2) including an electronic control system (3) according to the present invention and an environmental sensor system (4) such as, for example, a camera, a radar system, a lidar system, a rain-light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor system.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electronic control system (3) according to the present invention, and for exemplary purposes, a part of the main housing (29) of the electronic control system (3) is not shown.

[0044] The control system (3) includes a first ECU (5a) and a second ECU (5b) placed within the main housing (29) in the illustrated example. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the main housing (29) may be omitted. An exemplary embodiment of the first ECU (5a) is schematically illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 5, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, and the exploded view of FIG. 7. For example, the second ECU (5b) may be implemented in an analog manner.

[0045] The first ECU (5a) includes a first circuit carrier (6a) and a first cooling channel (8a), and the first cooling channel is formed by each cooling component of the ECU (5a) arranged relative to the first circuit carrier (6a), and accordingly, heat dissipated by the electronic components of the first circuit carrier (6a) to cool the first ECU (5a) is captured in the liquid refrigerant within the first cooling channel (8a).

[0046] Optionally, the first ECU (5a) may include an additional first circuit carrier (7a). In this case, the first circuit carriers (6a, 7a) are positioned opposite the cooling channel (8a) so that the cooling channel cools both the first circuit carriers (6a, 7a). Similarly, the second ECU (5b) includes at least one second circuit carrier (6b, 7b) (not shown in FIG. 2) and a corresponding second cooling channel (8b) (not shown in FIG. 2). Each of the first and second cooling channels (8a, 8b) includes a respective refrigerant inlet (9a) for liquid refrigerant and a respective refrigerant outlet (10a) for liquid refrigerant.

[0047] Additionally, the electronic control system (3) includes a hydraulic manifold (11) as shown in FIG. 2, which is shown separately in a partially cut-out state for example in the perspective views of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0048] The hydraulic manifold (11) includes a main inlet (12) and a main outlet (13) for liquid refrigerant. For example, the main inlet (12) may be connected to a source of a refrigerant circuit (not shown) of a vehicle (1), and the main outlet (13) may be connected to a drain of a refrigerant circuit of a vehicle (1).

[0049] The hydraulic manifold (11) distributes refrigerant from the main inlet (12) to the first ECU (5a), including a first ECU outlet (14) connected to the refrigerant inlet (9a) of the first ECU. The hydraulic manifold (11) also distributes refrigerant from the main inlet (12) to the second ECU (5b), including a second ECU outlet (15) connected to the refrigerant inlet (9b) of the second ECU (5b). Additionally, the hydraulic manifold (11) distributes refrigerant from the first ECU (5a) to the main outlet (13), including a first ECU inlet (16) connected to the refrigerant outlet (10a) of the first ECU (5a). The hydraulic manifold (11) also includes a second ECU inlet (17) connected to a refrigerant outlet (10b) of the second ECU (5b), and distributes refrigerant from the second ECU (5b) to the main outlet (13).

[0050] To connect the ECU inlets (16, 17) and ECU outlets (14, 15) to the respective refrigerant inlets (9a, 9b) and refrigerant outlets (10a, 10b), the hydraulic manifold (11) may include each hose pipe or tube (18, 19, 20, 21).

[0051] As illustrated exemplarily in FIG. 4, the hydraulic manifold (11) may include, for example, a solid body (22), and an inlet chamber (23) and an outlet chamber (24) separated from the inlet chamber (23) are disposed in the solid body (22). The main inlet (12), the first ECU outlet (14), and the second ECU outlet (15) are connected to the inlet chamber (23). In other words, they are disposed in the inlet chamber (23). The main outlet (13), the first ECU inlet (16), and the second ECU inlet (17) are connected to the outlet chamber (24). In other words, they are disposed in the outlet chamber (24).

[0052] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the first ECU (5a) may include two housing components (25a, 26a) that can form the housing of the first ECU (5a) when attached to each other. The housing components (25a, 26a) may form an enclosure that accommodates the first ECU (5a) and the cooling channel (8a), and, if applicable, an additional first circuit carrier (7a). For example, a cover (30) may be placed between the first circuit carrier (6a) and the cooling channel (8a) and, if applicable, between the additional first circuit carrier (7a) and the cooling channel (8a), thereby increasing heat conduction between the first circuit carriers (6a, 7a) and the cooling channel (8a) or the refrigerant, respectively.

[0053] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 7, the ECUs (5a, 5b) may slide into, for example, a main housing (29), which may include a receptacle for accommodating the ECUs (5a, 5b).

[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of an electronic control system (3) according to the present invention in a perspective view, FIG. 9 illustrates the electronic control system (3) of FIG. 10 in an exploded view, and FIG. 11 illustrates the electronic control system (3) of FIG. 10 in a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line AA. The electronic control system (3) of FIG. 10 may include, for example, a main housing (29). FIG. 8 illustrates the electronic control system (3) in various views without the main housing (29).

[0055] The main housing (29) can accommodate the first and second ECUs (5a, 5b), and, for example, one side may be open so that the ECUs (5a, 5b) can be placed within the main housing (29). Additionally, the electronic control system (3) may optionally include a cover (32), which closes the open side of the main housing (29) while leaving an access opening for accessing the first and second ECUs (5a, 5b) partially open by means of an electrical connector (not shown).

[0056] In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 through 11, the first ECU (5a) may have four support elements (27a), for example, one at each corner of the housing of the first ECU (5a). The support elements (27a) may have the shape of an elongated rectangular prism or column extending along the stacking direction, for example, and may be perpendicular to the plane of the circuit carrier (6a, 7a), for example. Similarly, the second ECU (5b) has a corresponding support element (27b), for example, one at each edge of the housing of the second ECU (5b). The support elements (27a, 27b) may be designed to align with each other when the first ECU (5a) and the second ECU (5b) are stacked together along the stacking direction.

[0057] Each support element (27a) of the first ECU (5a) can come into contact with the corresponding support element (27b) of the second ECU (5b). For example, the support element (27a) of the first ECU (5a) can be fastened to each support element (27b) of the second ECU (5b) by a suitable fastening means, such as a screw (28). For example, the support elements (27a, 27b) are hollow inside so that the screw (28) can extend through the support elements (27a, 27b) along the stacking direction to fasten the support elements (27a, 27b) to each other.

[0058] Consequently, the first and second ECUs (5a, 5b) are firmly connected to each other before being inserted into the main housing (29). Therefore, the main housing (29) may not necessarily include receptacles for individually securing the ECUs (5a, 5b). In practice, the main housing (29) may be omitted, and the first and second ECUs (5a, 5b) may still be placed in fixed positions defined relative to each other.

[0059] As can be seen in FIG. 11, in this embodiment as well, the ECUs (5a, 5b) may each have, for example, two circuit carriers (6a, 7a and 6b, 7b). However, in other embodiments, each ECU (5a, 5b) may have only one circuit carrier (6a, 7b).

[0060] For example, the first ECU (5a) and the second ECU (5b) can be electrically connected to each other through a connecting element (31). For example, the connecting element (31) can be implemented as a circuit board connector and can connect the first circuit carrier (6a, 7a) of the first ECU (5a) to the second circuit carrier (6b, 7b) of the second ECU (5b). For example, if each ECU (5a, 5b) includes two respective circuit carriers (6a, 7a, 6b, 7b), the two circuit carriers (7a, 6a) facing each other in a stacked arrangement can be oriented toward each other by the connecting element (31). For example, an additional connecting element (31) can connect the two circuit carriers (6a, 7a) of the first ECU (5a) to each other and / or the two circuit carriers (6b, 7b) of the second ECU (5b) to each other.

[0061] FIG. 14 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an electronic control system (3) according to the present invention. The electronic control system (3) may also have a main housing (29) as described and as illustrated in FIG. 14. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the electronic control system (3) according to FIG. 14, and FIG. 15 is a corresponding cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line AA of FIG. 14. FIG. 12 illustrates the electronic control system (3) of FIG. 13 through FIG. 15 from various perspectives without the main housing (29).

[0062] The electronic control system (3) of FIGS. 11 to 15 includes, in addition to the first and second ECUs (5a, 5b), a third ECU (5c) and a fourth ECU (5d). For example, all four ECUs (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) may be stacked together along the stacking direction as described in relation to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 11. In particular, the third and fourth ECUs (5c, 5d) may each include a support element (27c and 27d).

[0063] In the example of FIG. 15, the first and second ECUs (5a, 5b) each include a first circuit carrier (6a) and a second circuit carrier (6b), but do not each include an additional first circuit carrier (7a) and an additional second circuit carrier (7b). Likewise, the third ECU (5c) includes a third circuit carrier (6c), and the fourth ECU (5d) includes a fourth circuit carrier (6d). Additionally, the third ECU (5c) includes a third cooling channel (8c), and the fourth ECU (5d) includes a fourth cooling channel (8d). The description of the first and second cooling channels (8a, 8b) applies similarly to the third and fourth cooling channels (8c, 8d).

[0064] Additionally, each of the third and fourth cooling channels (8C, 8D) includes a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet (not shown). The hydraulic manifold (11) may include a third ECU outlet, a fourth ECU outlet, a third ECU inlet, and a fourth ECU inlet (not shown). The third ECU outlet is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the third ECU, for example, through each hose, and the fourth ECU outlet is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the fourth ECU, for example, through each hose. In this way, the refrigerant can also be distributed from the main inlet to the third ECU (5c) and the fourth ECU (5d).

[0065] Additionally, the third ECU inlet may be connected to the refrigerant outlet of the third ECU, and the fourth ECU inlet may be connected to the refrigerant outlet of the fourth ECU (5d). In this way, the refrigerant may be distributed from the third ECU (5c) and the fourth ECU (5d) to the main outlet (13). In particular, as described in relation to the drawings, the present invention can reduce the overall assembly space of a liquid-cooled electronic control system for a vehicle having two or more liquid-cooled ECUs.

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic control system (3) for a vehicle (1), wherein the electronic control system (3) comprises a first electronic control unit (ECU) (5a) comprising at least one first circuit carrier (6a, 7a) and a first cooling channel (8a) for a liquid refrigerant, wherein the first cooling channel (8a) is arranged to cool at least one first circuit carrier (6a, 7a); wherein the control system (3) comprises a second ECU (5b) comprising at least one second circuit carrier (6b, 7b) and a second cooling channel (8b) for a liquid refrigerant, wherein the second cooling channel (8b) is arranged to cool at least one second circuit carrier (6b, 7b); - each of the first cooling channel (8a) and the second cooling channel (8b) comprises a respective refrigerant inlet (9a, 9b) and a respective refrigerant outlet (10a, 10b); and - the control The system (3) comprises a hydraulic manifold (11) including a main inlet (12) and a main outlet (13); the hydraulic manifold (11) comprises a first ECU outlet (14) connected to a refrigerant inlet (9a) of the first ECU (5a) to distribute refrigerant from the main inlet (12) to the first ECU (5a), and a second ECU outlet (15) connected to a refrigerant inlet (9b) of the second ECU (5b) to distribute refrigerant from the main inlet (12) to the second ECU (5b);- The hydraulic manifold (11) comprises a first ECU inlet (16) connected to a refrigerant outlet (10a) of the first ECU (5a) to distribute refrigerant from the first ECU (5a) to a main outlet (13), and a second ECU inlet (17) connected to a refrigerant outlet (10b) of the second ECU (5b) to distribute refrigerant from the second ECU (5b) to a main outlet (13); - The first ECU (5a) comprises a first housing (25a, 26a), at least one first circuit carrier (6a, 7a) disposed within the first housing (25a, 26a), and a first cooling channel (8a) disposed at least partially within the first housing (25a, 26a); and the second ECU (5b) comprises a second housing (25b, 26b), and at least one second circuit carrier (6b, An electronic control system characterized in that 7b) is disposed within the second housing (25b, 26b), the second cooling channel (8b) is disposed at least partially within the second housing (25b, 26b), and the hydraulic manifold (11) is configured as a separate single structure independent of the first and second housings.; Claim 2 An electronic control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first housing (25a, 26a) and the second housing (25b, 26b) are stacked on top of each other. Claim 3 An electronic control system according to claim 2, wherein - the first ECU (5a) comprises at least two first support elements (27a) attached to the outside of the first housing (25a, 26a) and extending along the stacking direction of the first housing (25a, 26a) and the second housing (25b, 26b); - the second ECU (5b) comprises at least two second support elements (27b) attached to the outside of the second housing (25b, 26b) and extending along the stacking direction; and - each of the at least two first support elements (27a) is fastened to a corresponding one of the at least two second support elements (27b). Claim 4 An electronic control system according to claim 3, wherein each of at least two first support elements (27a) is fastened to one of the corresponding two second support elements (27b) by at least one respective screw (28), threaded rod, or bolt extending through each of the first and second support elements (27a, 27b) along the stacking direction. Claim 5 An electronic control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic control system (3) comprises a main housing (29); and wherein the first ECU (5a) and the second ECU (5b) are connected within the main housing (29) in their respective receptacles. Claim 6 An electronic control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein - the at least one first circuit carrier (6a, 7a) comprises two first circuit carriers (6a, 7a) disposed on opposite sides of the first cooling channel (8a); and / or - the at least one second circuit carrier (6b, 7b) comprises two second circuit carriers (6b, 7b) disposed on opposite sides of the second cooling channel (8b). Claim 7 An electronic control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electronic control system (3) comprises at least one connector component (31) that electrically connects at least one first circuit carrier (6a, 7a) to at least one second circuit carrier (6b, 7b). Claim 8 An electronic control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hydraulic manifold (11) comprises a solid body (22); - the hydraulic manifold (11) comprises an inlet chamber (23) within the solid body (22), and the main inlet (12), the first ECU outlet (14), and the second ECU outlet (15) are connected to the inlet chamber (23); and - the hydraulic manifold (11) comprises an outlet chamber (24) within the solid body (22), and the main outlet (13), the first ECU inlet (16), and the second ECU inlet (17) are connected to the outlet chamber (24). Claim 9 An electronic control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hydraulic manifold (11) comprises tuning means arranged and configured to adjust the flow rate of liquid refrigerant from the main inlet (12) to the first ECU outlet (14) and / or from the main inlet (12) to the second ECU outlet (15) and / or from the first ECU inlet (16) to the main outlet (13) and / or from the second ECU inlet (17) to the main outlet (13). Claim 10 An electronic vehicle guidance system (2) for a vehicle (1) comprising an electronic control system (3) as described in claim 1, wherein the first ECU (5a) and / or second ECU (5b) is configured to receive sensor data from at least one sensor system (4) of the vehicle (1) and to generate at least one control signal to influence lateral and / or longitudinal control of the vehicle (1) and / or to generate at least one additional control signal to provide information or warning to the driver of the vehicle (1). Claim 11 A vehicle (1) comprising the electronic control system (3) described in claim 1 or the electronic vehicle guidance system (2) described in claim 10.

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