Fluid guide block for a heating and cooling module

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid guide block (2) for a heating and cooling module, having a fluid circuit (26), a first fluid guide plate (19) and a second fluid guide plate, the fluid circuit (26) being integrally formed on the first fluid guide plate (19) and / or on the second fluid guide plate, the first fluid guide plate (19) and / or the second fluid guide plate being formed components, and the first fluid guide plate (19) and the second fluid guide plate being fluid-tightly connected to one another.

Description

[0001] FLUID GUIDE BLOCK FOR A HEATING AND COOLING MODULE

[0002] The present invention relates to a fluid guide block for a heating and cooling module and a heating and cooling module with such a fluid guide block.

[0003] For components of air conditioning systems and heat pumps, a diffusion-tight and pressure-resistant connection is required. According to internal experience, metal pipes can be used for this purpose, which usually form a closed circuit through soldered or welded joints and / or flange connections in conjunction with sealing rings. However, this type of connection technology offers only limited process reliability, as soldered joints, for example, depend heavily on the selected process parameters and are also very complex and require a large amount of installation space. Furthermore, the number of connection points increases the risk of leaks and thus the risk of climate-damaging refrigerant being released into the environment.

[0004] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fluid guide block.

[0005] Accordingly, a fluid guide block for a heating and cooling module is proposed. The fluid guide block comprises a fluid circuit, a first fluid guide plate, and a second fluid guide plate, wherein the fluid circuit is integrally formed on the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate, wherein the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate are formed components, and wherein the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate are connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner. Because the fluid circuit is integrally formed on the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate, and because the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate are formed components, it is possible to manufacture the fluid guide block cost-effectively and simultaneously arrange the fluid circuit within the fluid guide block.This results in process-reliable production, a small footprint with high power density, and high flexibility, for example, with regard to the possible applications of the fluid guide block. A diffusion-tight fluid circuit is created with the fewest possible number of potential leak points. Furthermore, the elimination of external piping allows for a reduction in the amount of fluid circulating in the fluid circuit.

[0006] A "fluid circuit" is understood here to mean a device or an arrangement in which a fluid, for example a coolant or a refrigerant, can circulate or through which the fluid can flow. The fluid circuit can in particular be a cavity formed within the fluid guide block. The fluid circuit can be formed by any number of cavities within the fluid guide block. The fluid circuit can be arranged entirely within the fluid guide block. However, the fluid circuit can also be placed at least partially outside the fluid guide block. The fluid circuit is formed, for example, with the aid of bulges of the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate formed onto the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate.

[0007] The fluid circuit may, for example, also include a suction line and / or a pressure line of a compressor of the heating and cooling module, which may be arranged at least partially outside the fluid guide block. Furthermore, the fluid circuit may also include buffer storage valves, compressor valves, switching valves, two-way valves, expansion valves, bypass valves, a compressor as mentioned above, filters, a treatment unit, heat exchangers, and / or any other components of a heat pump integrated into or mounted on the fluid guide block. The aforementioned components may also be referred to generally as components of the fluid circuit or of the heating and cooling module.

[0008] A "fluid" in this context is understood to mean, in particular, a liquid. However, this does not preclude the possibility that the fluid can be transformed from a liquid state to a gaseous state and vice versa by means of a phase change or phase transition. After a phase transition from liquid to gaseous, the fluid then becomes a gas. Evaporation of the fluid can cause it to become gaseous. In the process, the fluid absorbs heat. The fluid can release the absorbed heat again through another phase transition from gaseous to liquid. In this process, the fluid condenses. For the phase transitions, the heating and cooling module can have one or more heat exchangers that are in fluid communication with the fluid circuit or are part of the fluid circuit. One heat exchanger can function as an evaporator and another heat exchanger as a condenser or condenser.

[0009] The fluid flowing through the fluid circuit is preferably a refrigerant. However, the fluid can also be a cooling agent. For example, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), carbon dioxide (R744), or any other suitable refrigerant can be used as a refrigerant. During operation of the heating and cooling module, the fluid flows through the fluid circuit. A "refrigerant" transports enthalpy from a cooled item to the environment. The difference from a cooling agent is that a refrigerant in a cooling circuit can transport enthalpy along a temperature gradient, so that, with the application of added energy, the ambient temperature may even be higher than the temperature of the object to be cooled. A cooling agent is only capable of transporting enthalpy against the temperature gradient to a location of lower temperature in a cooling circuit. Examples of cooling agents are water or oil.

[0010] In this case, the fluid is preferably a refrigerant. Accordingly, the terms "fluid" and "refrigerant" can be interchanged at will. Accordingly, the fluid guide block can also be referred to as a refrigerant guide block. Accordingly, the terms "fluid guide block" and "refrigerant guide block" can be interchanged at will. Thus, the terms "fluid circuit" and "refrigerant circuit" can also be interchanged at will. The terms "fluid guide block" and "refrigerant guide block" can also be interchanged at will.

[0011] The fluid guide block is block-shaped or plate-shaped. "Block-shaped" in this case means that the fluid guide block is cuboid-shaped or box-shaped. "Plate-shaped" means that the thickness of the fluid guide block is significantly smaller than its width and depth. The fluid guide block is particularly preferably plate-shaped. The fluid guide block can therefore also be referred to as a fluid guide plate. This means that the terms "fluid guide block" and "fluid guide plate" can be interchanged at will. The fluid guide block guides or directs the fluid during operation of the heating and cooling module. The fluid guide block can therefore also be referred to as a fluid line block or fluid line plate. This means that the terms "fluid guide block," "fluid line block," and "fluid line plate" can be interchanged at will.

[0012] A material from which the fluid guide block is made can, for example, comprise an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or any other metallic material. Preferably, the material is a light metal. However, the material can also be a copper alloy or a steel alloy, for example. For weight reasons, however, an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy is preferably used. However, the material can also be a plastic material. However, the material is particularly preferably a metallic material. The first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate are preferably sheet-like. For example, the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate can be aluminum sheets.

[0013] The fluid circuit is arranged between the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate. The term "molded" onto the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate is understood here to mean, in particular, that the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate has depressions, bulges, deformations, or the like that form one or more cavities between the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate, which are part of the fluid circuit. The "molding" of the fluid circuit onto the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate can be achieved using a forming manufacturing process. Examples of forming manufacturing processes include rolling, pressing, rolling, deep drawing, forging, drop forging, or extrusion.

[0014] The fluid circuit can either be molded onto the first fluid guide plate only, the second fluid guide plate only, or both the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate. If the fluid circuit is molded onto the first fluid guide plate only, the second fluid guide plate is smooth or flat. If the fluid circuit is molded onto the second fluid guide plate only, the first fluid guide plate is smooth or flat. If the fluid circuit is molded onto both the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate, neither the first fluid guide plate nor the second fluid guide plate are smooth or flat.

[0015] The fact that the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate are "formed components" means in particular that the first fluid guide plate, the second fluid guide plate, or both the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate are manufactured using a forming manufacturing process as mentioned above. For this purpose, flat sheet metal sections can be formed into the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate. In the event that the fluid circuit is formed onto only one of the two fluid guide plates, the other of the two fluid guide plates remains smooth or flat and is not formed.

[0016] The first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate are connected to each other in such a way that the fluid circuit is sealed fluid-tight from the surroundings of the fluid guide block. The first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate can be connected to each other by a material fit, a force fit, and / or a form fit. In material-fit connections, the connecting partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces. Material-fit connections are non-detachable connections that can only be separated by destroying the connecting means and / or the connecting partners. Material-fit connections can be achieved, for example, by gluing, soldering, welding, or vulcanizing.

[0017] A positive connection is created by the interlocking or engaging of at least two connecting partners. In this case, the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate can be caulked together, for example. A force-locking connection requires a normal force on the surfaces to be joined. Force-locking connections can be achieved through frictional engagement. Mutual displacement of the surfaces is prevented as long as a counterforce caused by static friction is not exceeded. For example, the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate can be force-locked together using a screw connection.

[0018] "Fluid-tight" in this context can mean both gas-tight and liquid-tight. "Fluid-tight" also means that the fluid contained in the fluid guide block cannot escape from the fluid guide block between the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate. This fluid-tightness can be achieved in the case of a positive and / or non-positive connection between the two fluid guide plates by inserting a seal, for example in the form of a rubber plate, between the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate. In the case of a material connection between the fluid guide plates, the fluid-tightness can be achieved, for example, by a solder layer arranged between the fluid guide plates.

[0019] The fluid guide block can have multiple fluid circuits. These multiple fluid circuits are preferably not fluidly connected to one another. However, heat exchange or heat transfer can take place or be carried out between the fluid circuits. Different fluids can circulate in the fluid circuits. It is also possible for the same fluid to circulate in the fluid circuits. For example, a first fluid circuit can be filled with a first fluid, in particular in the form of a refrigerant, and a second fluid circuit with a second fluid, in particular in the form of a coolant. Heat exchange between the two fluids is then possible. One fluid circuit can, for example, be provided on the front side of the fluid guide block, whereas another fluid circuit is provided on the rear side of the fluid guide block.Multiple fluid circuits can also be provided on the front and / or the rear of the fluid guide block. The number of fluid circuits is essentially unlimited. Only one fluid circuit will be discussed below.

[0020] The fluid circuit preferably has a plurality of fluid circuit sections that together form the fluid circuit. The number of fluid circuit sections is arbitrary. The fluid circuit sections are in particular fluidly connected to one another. The fluid circuit sections can have different flow cross-sections. Valve blocks, for example a buffer storage valve block, a compressor valve block and / or an expansion valve block, can be arranged between the fluid circuit sections, fluidically connecting the fluid circuit sections to one another. The valve blocks are part of the fluid circuit and can be flowed through by the fluid. For this purpose, bores, channels, grooves, openings, recesses or the like can be provided in the valve blocks, which enable the fluid to flow through the respective valve block.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate are integrally connected to one another, in particular soldered to one another.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate are brazed together. For this purpose, a solder layer as mentioned above is provided between the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate. To connect the first fluid guide plate to the second fluid guide plate, a solder paste can be applied, for example, to one of the two fluid guide plates. After joining the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate, they can be placed, for example, in a soldering furnace to melt the solder paste, thus soldering the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate together. The soldering furnace can be a continuous furnace.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the fluid circuit within the fluid guide block has a change of direction.

[0024] This means, in particular, that the fluid circuit does not run straight through the fluid guide block. In particular, such a change of direction means that the fluid flowing through the fluid circuit changes its flow direction as it flows through the fluid circuit. Such a change of direction can, for example, have an angle of 90°. In other words, the fluid is redirected within the fluid guide block, so that the flow direction of the fluid within the fluid guide block changes.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the change of direction has an arc-shaped, in particular circular arc-shaped, curved course.

[0026] This allows for flow optimization. In contrast to a drilled fluid circuit, in which several perpendicularly oriented holes are connected and their outlets are at least partially closed again, the use of formed components for the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate allows for the arcuately curved change of direction.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the fluid circuit has multiple changes of direction, so that a reversal of the fluid circuit's direction is realized within the fluid guide block. A "reversal of direction" is understood here in particular to mean that the flow direction of the fluid through the fluid circuit is reversed or reversed within the fluid guide block. In particular, the reversal of direction has an angle of 180°. For example, two changes of direction of 90° can lead to such a reversal of the fluid circuit's direction. The fluid circuit can have any number of changes of direction within the fluid guide block.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the fluid guide block has an opening, wherein the fluid circuit runs at least partially around the opening.

[0029] The fluid guide block can have any number of openings. Only one opening will be discussed below. The opening passes through both the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate. With the help of such an opening, thermal separation of several fluid circuit sections of the fluid circuit within the fluid guide block can be achieved. In other words, the opening prevents or hinders heat transfer by conduction within the fluid guide block. Furthermore, the opening can save material, making the fluid guide block easier to construct. In addition to the opening, the fluid guide block can also have one or more cutouts. Unlike an opening, a cutout does not have a circumferentially closed edge or contour.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the fluid guide block has a third fluid guide plate, which is arranged between the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate and which is fluid-tightly connected to both the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate. Preferably, the third fluid guide plate is integrally connected, in particular soldered, to both the first fluid guide plate and the first fluid guide plate. With the aid of the third fluid guide plate, several fluid circuit sections can be arranged one inside the other or one above the other. The fluid guide block can have any number of fluid guide plates. The fluid guide plates are integrally connected, in particular soldered, to one another.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate has a surface structure and / or surface coating arranged on the inside of the fluid circuit.

[0032] The fluid circuit is preferably formed or delimited by an inner surface of the first fluid guide plate and an inner surface of the second fluid guide plate, which face each other. The surface structure can be formed on one or both of these inner surfaces. The surface structure can, for example, be web-shaped, groove-shaped, or ridge-shaped. However, a surface structure of any shape can be provided. Corrosion-inhibiting coatings, for example, are used as the surface coating. Nanosurface structuring and / or a nanosurface coating can also be provided. With the help of the surface structure, a targeted pressure loss can also be achieved.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the fluid guide block has a thermal bridge that thermally connects spatially separated fluid circuit sections of the fluid circuit, wherein the thermal bridge in particular has a latent heat accumulator. The thermal bridge is preferably integrally formed on the first fluid guide plate and / or the second fluid guide plate. The latent heat accumulator is accordingly preferably arranged between the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate. For example, the fluid circuit sections can run parallel to one another. "Spatially separated from one another" in this case means in particular that the fluid circuit sections do not contact one another. However, heat transfer between the fluid circuit sections is achieved with the aid of the thermal bridge.In this context, a "latent heat storage device" is a heat storage device that stores a large portion of the thermal energy supplied to it in the form of conversion enthalpy. Materials such as salts or paraffins can be used.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the fluid guide block has an insert which is arranged within the fluid circuit.

[0035] The insert is preferably inserted between the first fluid guide plate and the second fluid guide plate before the two fluid guide plates are fluid-tightly connected to one another. The insert can be an extruded component, for example. The insert can have any desired geometry. For example, the insert has a tubular base section from which rib sections extend radially. The insert can be supported on the inside of the fluid circuit with the base section and / or the rib sections. The insert can also have a spiral or helical geometry. The insert can be a so-called turbulator. The insert can function as an internal heat exchanger within the fluid circuit. Any number and / or different inserts can be arranged within the fluid circuit.According to a further embodiment, the insert divides the fluid circuit along a flow direction into several fluid circuit volumes.

[0036] In particular, the insert divides the fluid circuit into a plurality of fluid circuit volumes along a flow direction of the fluid through the fluid circuit. The fluid circuit volumes are preferably not fluidly connected to one another. This division of the fluid circuit into the fluid circuit volumes can be achieved, for example, with the aid of the aforementioned tubular base section and / or the rib sections of the insert. For example, such a fluid circuit volume can be provided between two adjacent rib sections and / or within the tubular base section of the insert. With the aid of such an insert, for example, different fluids can be conducted in the fluid circuit. Heat exchange between these different fluids is then possible.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, a buffer storage valve block, a compressor valve block, an expansion valve block, buffer storage valves, compressor valves, an expansion valve, a dryer, a filter, a buffer storage and / or a heat exchanger are integrated into or mounted on the fluid guide block.

[0038] For this purpose, corresponding formations can be provided in or on the first fluid guide plate and / or in or on the second fluid guide plate. However, a heat exchanger as mentioned above can also be mounted externally on the fluid guide block. The buffer storage valves and / or the compressor valves can be two-way valves and are therefore also referred to as such. The buffer storage valves are assigned to the buffer storage. The compressor valves are assigned to a compressor as mentioned above. According to a further embodiment, the coolant circuit has a variable flow cross-section.

[0039] This means, in particular, that the coolant circuit does not have a constant flow cross-section along its course through the fluid guide block, but can, for example, expand and contract. For example, a throttle point and / or a buffer storage device can be molded directly onto the coolant circuit.

[0040] Furthermore, a heating and cooling module is proposed with such a fluid guide block, a compressor which is in fluid connection with the fluid circuit, and at least one heat exchanger which is also in fluid connection with the fluid circuit.

[0041] The heating and cooling module may be suitable for use in a building. In this case, the heating and cooling module may also be referred to as a building heating and cooling module. Alternatively, the heating and cooling module may also be used in a motor vehicle, for example, a passenger car. In this case, the heating and cooling module may also be referred to as a vehicle heating and cooling module. The heating and cooling module may then, for example, be part of the vehicle's air conditioning system. The heating and cooling module can operate in both heating and cooling modes. Accordingly, the heating and cooling module may also be referred to as an air conditioning module.

[0042] The heating and cooling module is preferably a heat pump or part of a heat pump. A "heat pump" is understood here to be a machine that, by exerting technical energy, absorbs thermal energy from a reservoir with a lower temperature, in this case, for example, the environment, and transfers it—together with the drive energy—as useful heat to a system to be heated with a higher temperature, in this case, for example, the interior of a building or a vehicle. The heating and cooling module can therefore also be referred to as a heat pump heating and cooling module or a heat pump module.

[0043] A "module" in this context is understood to be a cuboid or box-shaped component that can be transported and installed as a single unit. The heating and cooling module is therefore preferably a portable, compact unit that can be carried by one person, for example. This enables a wide range of uses for the heating and cooling module. For example, several heating and cooling modules can be combined.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the heating and cooling module has a support plate that supports the fluid guide block, the compressor and the at least one heat exchanger.

[0045] The support plate can, for example, be a bent sheet metal component. The fluid guide block can be bolted to the support plate. The heat exchanger can also be bolted to the support plate. The support plate can also serve as a collector for the fluid. A buffer storage tank, as mentioned above, can be integrated into the support plate. The support plate can support all components of the heating and cooling module.

[0046] The embodiments and features described for the proposed fluid guide block apply accordingly to the proposed heating and cooling module and vice versa.

[0047] "One" in this case is not necessarily limited to a single element. Rather, multiple elements, such as two, three, or more, may also be included. Any other counting term used here should not be understood as implying a limitation to the exact number of elements mentioned. Rather, numerical deviations upwards and downwards are possible, unless otherwise stated.

[0048] Further possible implementations of the fluid guide block and / or the heating and cooling module also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the fluid guide block and / or the heating and cooling module.

[0049] Further advantageous configurations and aspects of the fluid guide block and / or the heating and cooling module are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the fluid guide block and / or the heating and cooling module described below. The fluid guide block and / or the heating and cooling module are explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a heating and cooling module!

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid guide block for the heating and cooling module according to Fig. i;

[0052] Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2;

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a schematic rear view of the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2; Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2;

[0054] Fig. 6 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2;

[0055] Fig. 7 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2;

[0056] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective detailed view of the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2;

[0057] Fig. 9 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2;

[0058] Fig. 10 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2;

[0059] Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an insert for the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2;

[0060] Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an insert for the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2;

[0061] Fig. 13 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2; Fig. 14 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block according to Fig. 2; and

[0062] Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a heating and cooling system with a heating and cooling module according to Fig. 1.

[0063] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements have been provided with the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated.

[0064] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a heating and cooling module 1.

[0065] The heating and cooling module 1 comprises a fluid guide block 2 in which a fluid, in particular a coolant and / or a refrigerant, circulates. A "refrigerant" transports enthalpy from a cooled item to its surroundings. The difference from a "coolant" is that a refrigerant in a refrigeration circuit can transport the enthalpy along a temperature gradient, so that, with the application of supplied energy, the ambient temperature may even be higher than the temperature of the object to be cooled, whereas a coolant is only capable of transporting the enthalpy in a refrigeration circuit against the temperature gradient to a location of lower temperature. Examples of refrigerants that can be used include 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) or carbon dioxide (R744). Examples of coolants that can be used include water or oil.

[0066] In the present case, a refrigerant preferably circulates in the fluid guide block 2. Therefore, the fluid guide block 2 can also be referred to as a refrigerant guide block. Accordingly, the terms "fluid guide block" and "refrigerant guide block" can be interchanged at will. However, it is not excluded that a coolant can also circulate in the fluid guide block 2.

[0067] A buffer storage valve block 3 with a first buffer storage valve 4 and a second buffer storage valve 5 is mounted on the fluid guide block 2. The buffer storage valves 4, 5 are two-way valves. Furthermore, a compressor valve block 6 with a first compressor valve 7 and a second compressor valve 8 is attached to the fluid guide block 2. The compressor valves 7, 8 are also two-way valves. Furthermore, an expansion valve block 9 with an expansion valve 10 is mounted on the fluid guide block 2.

[0068] Furthermore, a first heat exchanger 11 and a second heat exchanger 12 are attached to the fluid guide block 2. A screw connection can be provided for this purpose. The fluid guide block 2 is connected to a support plate 13. A screw connection can be provided for this purpose. The support plate 13 can be a bent sheet metal component. A flange plate 14, to which the heat exchangers 11, 12 are connected, is mounted on the support plate 13. A screw connection can be provided for this purpose. The flange plate 14 can be a stamped component. The flange plate 14 is made of sheet metal.

[0069] The support plate 13 further supports a buffer storage 15, which is in fluid communication with the buffer storage valve block 3. The buffer storage 15 can also be at least partially integrated into the support plate 13. Furthermore, the support plate 13 supports a compressor 16. The compressor 16 is in fluid communication with the buffer storage 15 via a suction line 17. The compressor 16 is in fluid communication with the compressor valve block 6 via a pressure line 18. The suction line 17 can be screwed to the buffer storage 15. Likewise, the pressure line 18 can be screwed to the compressor valve block 6. The buffer storage 15 can function as an accumulator. Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the fluid guide block 2. Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of the fluid guide block 2. Fig. 4 shows a schematic rear view of the fluid guide block 2. In the following, reference is made simultaneously to Figs. 2 to 4.

[0070] The fluid guide block 2 comprises a first fluid guide plate 19 and a second fluid guide plate 20. At least one of the two fluid guide plates 19, 20 is a formed component. A "formed component" is understood here to be a component, in particular a sheet-metal component, which is manufactured using a forming manufacturing process. Forming manufacturing processes used include, for example, rolling, pressing, rolling, deep drawing, forging, drop forging, or extrusion. It is possible for only the first fluid guide plate 19 to be a formed component, for only the second fluid guide plate 20 to be a formed component, or for both the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20 to be formed components.

[0071] To form the fluid guide block 2, the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20 are connected to one another. Soldering, welding, gluing, or roll bonding are examples of permanent connection methods used to connect the two fluid guide plates 19, 20. The connection between the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20 can, for example, be positively locking, non-positively locking, and / or firmly bonded. A positively locking connection is created by the interlocking or engaging of at least two connecting partners. For example, the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20 can be caulked together.

[0072] A force-locking connection requires a normal force acting on the surfaces to be joined. Force-locking connections can be achieved through frictional engagement. The mutual displacement of the surfaces is prevented as long as the counterforce caused by static friction is not exceeded. For example, the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20 can be force-locked together using a screw connection.

[0073] In bonded connections, the connecting partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces. Bonded connections are non-detachable connections that can only be separated by destroying the connecting means and / or the connecting partners. Bonded connections can be achieved, for example, by gluing, soldering, or welding. Particularly preferably, the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20 are bonded together, in particular soldered together. Preferably, the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20 are brazed together.

[0074] The first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20 are connected to each other in a fluid-tight manner. "Fluid-tight" can mean both gas-tight and liquid-tight. "Fluid-tight" further means that a fluid contained in the fluid guide block 2 cannot escape from the fluid guide block 2 between the fluid guide plates 19, 20. This fluid-tightness can be achieved in the case of a positive and / or non-positive connection between the two fluid guide plates 19, 20 by inserting a seal, for example in the form of a rubber plate, between the fluid guide plates 19, 20. In the case of a material connection between the fluid guide plates 19, 20, the fluid-tightness can be achieved by a solder layer arranged between the fluid guide plates 19, 20. The fluid guide block 2 can be manufactured using a soldering process, in particular using a brazing process.For this purpose, a solder, particularly in the form of a solder paste, can be applied to one or both of the fluid guide plates 19, 20. The fluid guide plates 19, 20 are then soldered together. For this purpose, the fluid guide plates 19, 20 can be placed in a soldering furnace and heated evenly. A continuous furnace can be used. The soldering of the fluid guide plates 19, 20 can be carried out in a protective atmosphere. The entire fluid guide block 2 can thus be manufactured in a single production process. The fluid guide plates 19, 20 are preferably made of an aluminum alloy. However, other materials can also be used.

[0075] Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block 2. Fig. 6 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block 2. Fig. 7 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block 2. In the following, reference is made simultaneously to Figs. 5 to 7.

[0076] As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the first fluid guide plate 19 has an outer surface 22 facing an environment 21 of the heating and cooling module 1 and an inner surface 23 facing away from the outer surface 22. Accordingly, the second fluid guide plate 20 also has an outer surface 24 facing the environment 21 and an inner surface 25 facing away from the outer surface 24. This means, in particular, that the two inner surfaces 23, 25 of the fluid guide plates 19, 20 are arranged facing one another. The two fluid guide plates 19, 20 abut one another with their inner surfaces 23, 25. The two fluid guide plates 19, 20 can be soldered to one another at least in sections at the inner surfaces 23, 25.

[0077] A fluid circuit 26, in which a fluid F circulates, is provided or arranged between the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20. The fluid F can be a coolant or a refrigerant. Preferably, the fluid F is a refrigerant and can therefore also be referred to as such. Accordingly, the terms "fluid" and "refrigerant" can be interchanged at will in the present case. The fluid circuit 26 can therefore be a refrigeration circuit or refrigerant circuit. Accordingly, the terms "fluid circuit," "refrigeration circuit," and "refrigerant circuit" can be interchanged at will in the present case.

[0078] The fluid circuit 26 is, in particular, a cavity provided between the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20. The fluid circuit 26 can have multiple cavities or be composed of multiple cavities. The fluid circuit 26 or the cavities forming the fluid circuit 26 preferably have different cross-sections depending on a function and a requirement for flow velocity, heat transfer, and pressure loss. The fluid circuit 26 thus does not have a constant, but rather a variable flow cross-section. The "flow cross-section" is understood here to mean a cross-section of the fluid circuit 26 through which the fluid F can flow.

[0079] The fluid circuit 26 can be integrally formed on the first fluid guide plate 19 and / or the second fluid guide plate 20. As shown in Fig. 5, this can mean that a bulge 27 is integrally formed on the first fluid guide plate 19. The bulge 27 is channel-like or channel-shaped. The second fluid guide plate 20 is flat in this case and does not have such a bulge 27. This bulge 27, together with the second fluid guide plate 20, forms the fluid circuit 26 as a cavity provided between the two fluid guide plates 19, 20. The fluid circuit 26 is surrounded or delimited by the two inner surfaces 23, 25 of the two fluid guide plates 19, 20. Both fluid guide plates 19, 20 can be fixed and / or positioned relative to one another during the manufacturing process with the aid of interlocking deformations.An optimized pressure loss can be achieved by reducing friction, such as through a surface treatment, production-related inlet and / or outlet radii during rolling, deep drawing, punching and / or embossing of the fluid guide plates 19, 20.

[0080] The inner surfaces 23, 25 can have a golf ball design and / or a coating, in particular a nanocoating. Targeted and thus optimized heat transfer can be achieved through a so-called rifle tube design. This can result in an enlarged surface area, swirling flow in certain areas, such as during cooling operation, and heat dissipation, in particular in a targeted manner to the outside. It is particularly possible to incorporate an embossing in the form of a simulated rifle tube structure into the inner surfaces 23, 25.

[0081] As Fig. 6 shows, however, such a bulge 27 can be provided not only on the first fluid guide plate 19, but a bulge 28 curved opposite to the bulge 27 can also be provided on the second fluid guide plate 20. In this case, the fluid circuit 26 is integrally formed on both the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20. Furthermore, it is also possible for the fluid circuit 26 to be integrally formed only on the second fluid guide plate 20.

[0082] As Fig. 6 further shows, the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20 can be positively connected to one another by means of a caulking 29. For this purpose, a bore 30 is provided in the second fluid guide plate 20, into which material of the first fluid guide plate 19 is caulked to form the caulking 29. Any number of such caulkings 29 can be provided. The connection of the two fluid guide plates 19, 20 by means of the caulking 29 can also be referred to as

[0083] can be referred to as clinching.

[0084] As Fig. 7 shows, the first fluid guide plate 19 and / or the second fluid guide plate 20 can have a surface structure 31 arranged or formed on the inside of the fluid circuit 26. The surface structure 31 is groove-shaped or ridge-shaped and can be provided on the inner surface 23 of the first fluid guide plate 19. Alternatively or additionally, the surface structure 31 can also be provided on the inner surface 25 of the second fluid guide plate 20. Additionally or alternatively, a surface coating can also be provided. The surface structure 31 can have any desired geometry. The surface structure 31 can also be the aforementioned rifle tube structure.

[0085] The surface structure 31 can be provided in particular in sections of the fluid circuit 26 that function as a suction line or suction line regions, which serve to simplify oil return. In the simplest case, the surface structure 31 can be implemented by an embossing that collects and specifically guides the fluid F, for example in the form of oil, on the inner surface 23 and / or on the inner surface 25. Basically, the surface structure 31 can be designed similarly to the previously mentioned rifle tubes, which provide an enlarged surface in the heat transfer area and increase turbulence. The fluid F is conveyed back to the compressor 16 by the flow velocity, particularly in regions of the fluid circuit 26 that function as a suction line. In this case, the fluid F adheres to the inner surfaces 23, 25 of the fluid circuit 26. The surface structure 31 can collect the fluid F and specifically guide it.With the help of the surface structure 31, a targeted pressure loss can also be achieved. The surface structure 31 can be manufactured using machining or embossing processes. The surface structure 31 serves to guide the fluid F. The surface structure 31 can protrude into the fluid circuit 26 in a concave or convex manner. In summary, the surface structure 31 serves to ensure fluid circulation within the fluid circuit 26 and / or to increase the efficiency of heat transfer.

[0086] Incorporated sound reduction paths, particularly in the form of a cross-sectional change as a pulsation damper, or masses at defined locations to reduce low frequencies can be provided in or on the fluid circuit 26. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide abrupt cross-sectional changes, for example, as so-called mufflers, on or in the fluid circuit 26 for sound reduction.

[0087] Returning now to Figs. 2 and 3, the fluid circuit 26 comprises a plurality of fluid circuit sections 32, 33, 34, 35, which together form the fluid circuit 26. The fluid circuit sections 32, 33, 34, 35 are fluidly connected to the buffer storage valve block 3, the compressor valve block 6, or the expansion valve block 9. Thus, the buffer storage valve block 3, the compressor valve block 6, and / or the expansion valve block 9 can be part of the fluid circuit 26. The fluid circuit sections 33, 34 have a smaller flow cross-section than the fluid circuit sections 32, 35.

[0088] The buffer storage valves 4, 5, the compressor valves 7, 8, and / or the expansion valve 10 can also be part of the fluid circuit 26. In particular, the fluid circuit sections 32, 35 are in fluid communication with the buffer storage valve block 3 and the compressor valve block 6, with the fluid circuit sections 33, 34 being in fluid communication with the expansion valve block 9. Furthermore, the fluid circuit sections 32, 33, 34, 35 can also be in fluid communication with the heat exchangers 11, 12. Accordingly, the heat exchangers 11, 12 can also be part of the fluid circuit 26.

[0089] As shown with reference to the fluid circuit section 32, the fluid circuit 26 can have a change of direction 36. A "change of direction" is understood here to mean that a flow direction of the fluid F through the fluid circuit 26 changes at the change of direction 36. The flow direction of the fluid F through the fluid circuit 26 can change, for example, by 90° at the change of direction 36. The change of direction 36 can have an arcuate, in particular circular, curved course.

[0090] The fluid circuit 26 can have several such direction changes 36, 37, so that a reversal of the direction of the fluid circuit 26 is realized within the fluid guide block 2. A "reversal of direction" is understood here to mean that the flow direction of the fluid F in the fluid circuit 26 is reversed. The flow direction of the fluid F through the fluid circuit 26 can change, for example, by 90° at each of the two direction changes 36, 37, so that the overall flow direction changes by 180°. For example, the flow direction of the fluid F is redirected by 90° at the direction change 36 and again by 90° at the direction change 37. Several such direction reversals can be provided within the fluid guide block 2.

[0091] As Figs. 3 and 4 further show, the fluid guide block comprises a plurality of openings 38, 39, 40, 41, 42. The openings 38, 39, 41, 42 serve to interrupt the heat transfer within the fluid guide block 2. The fluid circuit 26 runs at least partially around the openings 38, 39, 40, 41, 42. For example, the opening 41 serves to interrupt the heat transfer between the fluid circuit sections 32, 34. In other words, with the help of the opening 41, the heat transfer between the two fluid circuit sections 32, 34 can be interrupted or at least hindered.

[0092] Furthermore, the fluid guide block 2 can also have cutouts 43, 44, 45. The cutouts 43, 44, 45 also serve to interrupt heat transfer within the fluid guide block 2. The cutout 43 also accommodates the buffer storage valve block 3. In contrast to an "opening," a "cutout" is understood here to be a geometry that does not have a circumferentially closed edge or contour. An "opening," on the other hand, has a circumferentially closed edge or contour.

[0093] With the aid of the openings 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and / or the cutouts 43, 44, 45, it is possible to realize a weight-, structurally, and / or heat-loss-optimized design of the fluid guide block 2 in areas where no material of the fluid guide plates 19, 20 is required. This can be achieved in particular by the openings 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, which exclude or reduce undefined heat exchange between areas of different temperature levels and / or are designed to optimize weight and material.

[0094] Furthermore, the fluid guide block 2 can have a plurality of bores 46, 47, of which only two are provided with a reference numeral in Figs. 3 and 4. Using the bores 46, 47, the fluid guide block 2 can be mounted to any desired structure, or additional components can be mounted to the fluid guide block 2.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 4, the second fluid guide plate 20 has openings 48, 49, 50, 51. The opening 48 is in fluid communication with the fluid circuit section 35. The opening 49 is in fluid communication with the fluid circuit section 33. The opening 50 is in fluid communication with the fluid circuit section 32. The opening 51 is in fluid communication with the fluid circuit section 34. The first heat exchanger 11 is in fluid communication with the openings 48, 51. The second heat exchanger 12 is in fluid communication with the openings 49, 50.

[0096] In particular, one or both heat exchangers 11, 12 can be connected to a fluid F as mentioned above, for example in the form of oil, water, or a mixture of water and glycol, or even to air. If a fluid F is used in the form of a refrigerant, plate heat exchangers are preferably used for the heat exchangers 11, 12. For heat exchangers 11, 12 that implement heat exchange between air and a refrigerant, finned refrigerant-air heat exchangers in round tube, flat tube, or plate designs are preferably provided. For example, the pairings air / fluid, fluid / fluid, or air / air are possible.

[0097] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective detailed view of the fluid guide block 2.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 8, the fluid guide block 2 has a thermal bridge 52 that thermally connects spatially separated fluid circuit sections 32, 35. This allows for targeted local heat transfer. Any number of such thermal bridges 52 can be provided. Only one thermal bridge 52 will be discussed below. The thermal bridge 52 can be molded onto the first fluid guide plate 19 and / or the second fluid guide plate 20.

[0099] The thermal bridge 52 can have a latent heat storage device 53. The latent heat storage device 53 is arranged between the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20. In this context, a "latent heat storage device" is understood to mean a heat storage device that stores a large portion of the thermal energy supplied to it in the form of conversion enthalpy. Materials used for such a latent heat storage device 53 can be, for example, salts or paraffins.

[0100] Fig. 9 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block 2.

[0101] An insert 54 can be arranged within the fluid circuit 26. The insert 54 can be an extruded profile, for example. With the help of the insert 54, an increase in efficiency and improved heat transfer can be achieved. The insert 54 can be tubular, rib-shaped, spiral-shaped, or the like. Fig. 9 shows an insert 54, which in this case is arranged within the bulge 27 formed on the first fluid guide plate 19.

[0102] The insert 54 comprises a tubular base section 55 that can bear against the inner surface 25 of the second fluid guide plate 20. A plurality of rib sections 56 extend radially from the tubular base section 55, only one of which is provided with a reference numeral in Fig. 9. With its rib sections 56, the insert 54 can bear against the inner surface 23 of the first fluid guide plate 19.

[0103] The insert 54 divides the fluid circuit 26 along the flow direction of the fluid F through the fluid circuit 26 into a plurality of fluid circuit volumes 57, 58, which can be fluidically separated from one another. Different fluids F can flow through the fluid circuit volumes 57, 58. However, this is not absolutely necessary. In the present case, a fluid circuit volume 57 is provided within the tubular base section 55. A fluid circuit volume 58 is provided between each two rib sections 56 of the insert 54. Any number of fluid circuit volumes 58 can be provided between the rib sections 56. The insert 54 can serve to increase efficiency and heat transfer, for example in the form of an internal heat exchanger from liquid to steam. The insert 54 can have any desired geometry. The insert 54 can be a spiral, an extruded profile, or a comparable component.Any number of inserts 54 can be placed in the fluid circuit 26.

[0104] Fig. 10 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block 2.

[0105] In this case, the fluid circuit 26 is integrally formed on both the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20, as previously explained with reference to Fig. 6. This means that a bulge 27, 28 is integrally formed on each of the two fluid guide plates 19, 20.

[0106] An insert 59 is accommodated in the fluid circuit 26. The insert 59 is enclosed by the bulges 27, 28 of the two fluid guide plates 19, 20. The insert 59 has a tubular base section 60, from which any number of rib sections 61 extend radially, only one of which is provided with a reference numeral in Fig. 10. The number of rib sections 61 is arbitrary. The base section 60 encloses a fluid circuit volume 57 as mentioned above, with a fluid circuit volume 58 being provided between each adjacent rib section 61.

[0107] Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an insert 62. The insert 62 is accommodated in the fluid circuit 26 and thus positioned between the two fluid guide plates 19, 20. The insert 62 is spiral or helical in the present case and can separate two fluid streams in countercurrent. The two fluid streams can, for example, be formed by the same fluid F at two different temperatures. However, with the aid of such an insert 62, several different fluids F can also be in heat exchange with one another.

[0108] The insert 62 is, in particular, a so-called turbulator. Such a turbulator has two paths, in particular a path for a fluid F in the form of a refrigerant and a path for a fluid F in the form of a coolant, for heat exchange within the fluid guide block 2 from the refrigerant to the coolant or vice versa.

[0109] Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an insert 63.

[0110] The insert part 63 is received in the fluid circuit 26 and thus placed between the two fluid guide plates 19, 20. The insert part 63 is an extruded profile that has been machined. The insert part 63 has a tubular base section 64 from which a plurality of rib sections 65 extend radially, only one of which is provided with a reference numeral in Fig. 12. The base section 64 has two smooth sections 66, 67 from which the rib sections 65 have been removed. The rib sections 65 are thus arranged between the two smooth sections 66, 67. A spherical cap-shaped end cap 68 is attached to the rib sections 65. The end cap 68 serves to fluidically separate two sides of the insert 63. A turbulator as mentioned above can also be used as an insert.This serves to facilitate internal heat exchange and / or reduce viscosity in a region of the fluid circuit 26 acting as a suction line, and to optimize flow guidance. The turbulator serves as an internal heat exchanger. Heat exchange occurs between the fluid F on the suction side of the compressor 16 and the fluid F downstream of the expansion valve 10. This shifts the refrigerant circuit further to the left in the log pH diagram. The evaporation enthalpy in an evaporator, in this case one of the heat exchangers 11, 12, increases as a result, and efficiency improves.

[0111] The buffer storage 15 can be permanently connected to the fluid guide block 2 or detachably integrated into it. The buffer storage 15 absorbs the fluid F under different operating conditions and releases it into or to the fluid circuit 26 as needed. The buffer storage 15 can also have filter and / or dryer substances to eliminate contaminants and moisture within the fluid circuit 26. A dryer can be designed as a separate assembly or as a distinct cavity within the fluid guide block 2. In this case, a filter and / or dryer substance can be replaced, for example, by a detachable screw connection in the area of ​​this cavity.

[0112] The support plate 13 can be designed such that a horizontal or vertical collector and / or dryer is integrated into it. In this case, a filter material is replaceable. The support plate 13 can be designed as a complete or sectional cavity in order to fulfill the function of a horizontal collector. In particular, the support plate 13 can be an integral component of the fluid guide block 2. The buffer storage 15 can be integrated into the support plate 13 in the form of a cavity. In this case, the buffer storage 15 has a cover in the form of a screw for servicing the filter and the drying substance. Alternatively, a horizontal collector can be integrated into the support plate 13.

[0113] The fluid guide block 2 can also have paths for water cooling in the area of ​​the evaporator, in this case one of the heat exchangers 11, 12, a suction line for cold water from or to the evaporator for pre-cooling or post-cooling, in the area of ​​the hot gas, and / or a liquid line for hot water to a condenser, in this case one of the heat exchangers 11, 12. The fluid guide block 2 can additionally serve as a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. The fluid guide block 2 is connected to at least one of the two installed heat exchangers 11, 12.

[0114] At least one integrated heat exchanger 11, 12 can be provided, which communicates with the fluid circuit 26 via the fluid circuit 26 in the fluid guide block 2 or via cavities in the fluid guide block 2. The respective heat exchanger 11, 12 can be permanently connected to the fluid guide block 2 or detachably screwed to the fluid guide block 2. Alternatively, two integrated heat exchangers 11, 12 can be provided, which communicate with each other via cavities in the fluid guide block 2 and / or communicate with the fluid circuit 26 via cavities in the fluid guide block 2. Both heat exchangers 11, 12 can be permanently connected to the fluid guide block 2 or detachably connected to it.

[0115] Paths within the fluid guide block 2 can be equipped with valves. These valves can be digital or proportional. The valves can also be single- or multi-way. Both the refrigerant-side and the secondary fluid-side paths can be completely or partially shut off via valve interfaces, directing flows into other cavities according to the desired cooling or heating function and / or throttling flows. Furthermore, analog interfaces for sensors and / or actuators can be provided. Figure 13 shows another schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block 2.

[0116] In this case, the bulges 27 of the first fluid guide plate 19 and the bulge 28 of the second fluid guide plate 20 are offset from one another, so that two fluidically separated cavities 69, 70 are formed between the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20. The cavities 69, 70 can be part of the fluid circuit 26. The cavities 69, 70 can also each be part of two different fluid circuits 26. A first cavity 69 is filled, for example, with a fluid F in the form of a cooling liquid, for example water. A second cavity 70, however, is filled with a fluid F in the form of a refrigerant.

[0117] An expansion tank 71 is mounted on the fluid guide block 2. The expansion tank 71 is filled with the fluid F, which is accommodated in the first cavity 69. The expansion tank 71 is fluidly connected to the first cavity 69 via an opening 72. Furthermore, a coolant valve 73 and a refrigerant valve 74 are mounted on the fluid guide block 2. The expansion tank 71 can be fully or partially integrated into the fluid guide block 2.

[0118] Water paths within the fluid guide block 2 can contain cross-sectional changes that can be used as buffers. The compensation tank 71 can be integrated on one water side of the fluid guide block 2. In this case, the buffer serves as the compensation tank 71. However, the compensation tank 71 can also be only partially integrated.

[0119] Fig. 14 shows a further schematic sectional view of the fluid guide block 2. In this case, the fluid guide block 2 comprises, in addition to the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20, a third fluid guide plate 75. The third fluid guide plate 75 is arranged between the first fluid guide plate 19 and the second fluid guide plate 20. The third fluid guide plate 75 comprises an outer surface 76 facing the inner surface 23 of the first fluid guide plate 19. Furthermore, the third fluid guide plate 75 comprises an inner surface 77 facing the inner surface 25 of the second fluid guide plate 20.

[0120] A bulge 78 is formed on the third fluid guide plate 75. In this case, a first cavity 69, as mentioned above, is formed between the second fluid guide plate 20 and the third fluid guide plate 75. A second cavity 70, as mentioned above, is formed between the first fluid guide plate 19 and the third fluid guide plate 75. The cavities 69, 70 are arranged one within the other. In particular, the second cavity 70 runs within the first cavity 69. The cavities 69, 70 are thus arranged in multiple planes. However, it is also possible to arrange the cavities 69, 70 in an identical plane or in alignment.

[0121] A water pump can be integrated into the fluid guide block 2. This integration can be complete. However, only housing parts of the water pump can also be integrated. Water circuit components and / or refrigerant circuit sections can be partially integrated into the fluid guide block 2. Stacked heat exchangers can achieve a multi-layer plate structure. Several levels can be implemented to represent a wide variety of circuits. Different fluids F can flow in different levels. The fluid guide block 2 can comprise a high-pressure layer and a low-pressure layer. The fluid guide plates 19, 20 can have wall thicknesses adapted to the loads. Local reinforcement elements can be attached to the fluid guide block 2. Various material combinations, such as steel and aluminum, are possible. Partial regions of the fluid guide plates 19, 20 can be glued together.

[0122] Preferably, the fluid guide block 2 comprises at least two refrigerant-carrying cavities, which are pressurized by a refrigerant at at least two different pressure levels of a refrigerant circuit and communicate with at least one refrigerant-carrying heat exchanger 11, 12, which is operated with refrigerant at one of the aforementioned two pressures, either as an evaporator, as a condenser, or as a gas cooler. At least two pressure levels are provided in each refrigerant circuit.

[0123] In order to eliminate as much piping as possible, at least the two pressure levels, high pressure and low pressure, must be implemented within the fluid guide block 2. Due to the different densities of the refrigerant and the necessary flow velocities, the cross-sections of the cavities vary. In the simplest case, a heat exchanger 11, 12 is integrated into the heating and cooling module 1. Another heat exchanger 11, 12 is located at a different location in a vehicle, for example. Interfaces to other external components of the fluid circuit 26 can be provided on the fluid guide block 2. These components can include, for example, a refrigerant compressor or an additional heat exchanger in the form of an evaporator and / or a compressor.

[0124] Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a heating and cooling system 79. The heating and cooling system 79 comprises the heating and cooling module 1 with the fluid guide block 2. In addition to the heating and cooling module 1, the heating and cooling system 79 can comprise a first heat transfer medium circuit 80, which is thermally connected to the second heat exchanger 12, and a second heat transfer medium circuit 81, which is thermally connected to the first heat exchanger 11. A heat transfer medium, for example, water, circulates in each of the heat transfer medium circuits 80, 81.

[0125] The compressor 16 comprises a compressor geometry 82 and a drive 83, for example an electric motor, for driving the compressor geometry 82. The heating and cooling system 79 has a heat source 84, in particular a liquid-operated one. The heat source 84 supplies heat Q. Alternatively, the heat Q can also be extracted from the environment 21.

[0126] The functionality of the heating and cooling system 79 in heating mode is explained below. The heating and cooling system 79, in particular the heating and cooling module 1, functions as a heat pump. A "heat pump" is understood here to be a machine that, by expending technical energy, absorbs thermal energy from a reservoir with a lower temperature—in this case, the environment 21 or the heat source 84—and—together with the drive energy—transfers it as useful heat to a system to be heated with a higher temperature—in this case, an area 85 of a component 86 to be tempered.

[0127] Component 86 may be a building. In this case, component 86 may also be referred to as a building. Area 85 may then be an interior of the building. However, component 86 may also be, for example, a vehicle, in particular a passenger car. Therefore, component 86 may also be referred to as a vehicle. Area 85 may then be, for example, a passenger compartment of the vehicle. However, area 85 may also be a battery, in particular a rechargeable one, or any other electrical or electronic component.

[0128] For this purpose, the second heat exchanger 12 absorbs heat Q from the heat source 84 or the environment 21. The second heat exchanger 12 functions as an evaporator to at least partially evaporate the fluid F, which in this case is a refrigerant. The fluid F absorbs heat Q. After the second heat exchanger 12, the fluid F is cold, has a low pressure, and is at least partially gaseous. This cold fluid F is fed to the compressor 16 via the fluid circuit section 32, the opening 50, the buffer storage valve block 3, the buffer storage 15, and the suction line 17, where it is compressed. Downstream of the compressor 16, the fluid F has a high temperature and a high pressure and is at least partially gaseous.

[0129] The second buffer storage valve 5 is connected such that a fluid connection exists between the fluid circuit section 32 and the buffer storage 15 and thus also to the suction line 17. The first buffer storage valve 4 is connected such that the fluid circuit section 35 is not in fluid communication with the buffer storage 15. The second compressor valve 8 is connected such that the fluid circuit section 32 is closed at the compressor valve block 6. The first compressor valve 7 is connected such that a fluid connection exists between the pressure line 18 and the fluid circuit section 35.

[0130] The compressed fluid F is then fed to the first heat exchanger 11 via the pressure line 18, the compressor valve block 6, the fluid circuit section 35, and the opening 48. The first heat exchanger 11 acts as a condenser. The gaseous fluid F condenses in the first heat exchanger 11 and releases heat Q to the second heat transfer medium circuit 81. Downstream of the first heat exchanger 11, the fluid F is liquid, has a high pressure, and is warm. The fluid F is then fed downstream of the first heat exchanger 11 via the opening 51 and the fluid circuit section 34 to the expansion valve 10, where the pressure is reduced. Downstream of the expansion valve 10, the fluid F is liquid, has a low pressure, and is very cold. The fluid F is fed back to the second heat exchanger 12 via the fluid circuit section 33 and the opening 49, where it again absorbs heat Q.

[0131] The heat Q transferred to the second heat transfer medium circuit 81 is transferred to the area 85 to heat it. To cool the area 85, the process explained above can be reversed. The heating and cooling system 79 is then in cooling mode.

[0132] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

[0133] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS Heating and cooling module Fluid guide block Buffer storage valve block Buffer storage valve Buffer storage valve Compressor valve block Compressor valve Compressor valve Expansion valve block Expansion valve Heat exchanger Heat exchanger Support plate Flange plate Buffer storage Compressor Suction line Pressure line Fluid guide plate Fluid guide plate Surroundings Outer surface Inner surface Outer surface Inner surface Fluid circuit Bulge Bulge 29 Caulking

[0134] 30 holes

[0135] 31 Surface structure

[0136] 32 Fluid circuit section 33 Fluid circuit section

[0137] 34 Fluid circuit section

[0138] 35 Fluid circuit section

[0139] 36 Change of direction

[0140] 37 Change of direction 38 Breakthrough

[0141] 39 Breakthrough

[0142] 40 Breakthrough

[0143] 41 Breakthrough

[0144] 42 breakthrough 43 neckline

[0145] 44 Excerpt

[0146] 45 Excerpt

[0147] 46 Hole

[0148] 47 Hole 48 Opening

[0149] 49 Opening

[0150] 50 opening

[0151] 51 Opening

[0152] 52 Thermal bridge 53 Latent heat storage

[0153] 54 insert

[0154] 55 Base section

[0155] 56 rib section

[0156] 57 Fluid circuit volume 58 Fluid circuit volume 9 Insert 0 Base section 1 Rib section 2 Insert 3 Insert 4 Base section 5 Rib section 6 Smooth section 7 Smooth section 8 End cap 9 Cavity

[0157] 70 cavity

[0158] 71 Expansion tank

[0159] 72 Breakthrough

[0160] 73 Coolant valve

[0161] 74 Refrigerant valve

[0162] 75 Fluid guide plate

[0163] 76 exterior area

[0164] 77 interior surface

[0165] 78 bulge

[0166] 79 Heating and cooling system

[0167] 80 Heat transfer medium circuit

[0168] 81 Heat transfer medium circuit

[0169] 82 Compressor geometry

[0170] 83 Drive

[0171] 84 Heat source

[0172] 85 area

[0173] 86 Component

[0174] F Fluid Q Heat

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Fluid guide block (2) for a heating and cooling module (1), with a fluid circuit (26), a first fluid guide plate (19), and a second fluid guide plate (20), wherein the fluid circuit (26) is formed onto the first fluid guide plate (19) and / or onto the second fluid guide plate (20), wherein the first fluid guide plate (19) and / or the second fluid guide plate (20) are formed components, and wherein the first fluid guide plate (19) and the second fluid guide plate (20) are connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner.

2. Fluid guide block according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fluid guide plate (19) and the second fluid guide plate (20) are integrally connected to one another, in particular soldered to one another.

3. Fluid guide block according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fluid circuit (26) within the fluid guide block (2) has a change of direction (36, 37).

4. Fluid guide block according to claim 3, characterized in that the change of direction (36, 37) has an arcuate, in particular circular arc-shaped, curved course.

5. Fluid guide block according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that that the fluid circuit (26) has several changes of direction (36, 37), so that a reversal of direction of the fluid circuit (26) is realized within the fluid guide block (2).

6. Fluid guide block according to one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the fluid guide block (2) has an opening (38, 39, 40, 41, 42), wherein the fluid circuit (26) runs at least partially around the opening (38, 39, 40, 41, 42).

7. Fluid guide block according to one of claims 1 - 6, characterized by a third fluid guide plate (75) which is arranged between the first fluid guide plate (19) and the second fluid guide plate (20) and which is connected to both the first fluid guide plate (19) and the second fluid guide plate (20) is connected in a fluid-tight manner.

8. Fluid guide block according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the first fluid guide plate (19) and / or the second fluid guide plate (20) has a surface structure (31) and / or surface coating attached to the inside of the fluid circuit (26).

9. Fluid guide block according to one of claims 1 - 8, characterized in that the fluid guide block has a thermal bridge (52) which thermally connects spatially separated fluid circuit sections (32, 35) of the fluid circuit (26) to one another, wherein the thermal bridge (52) in particular has a latent heat accumulator (53).

10. Fluid guide block according to one of claims 1 - 9, characterized by an insert part (54, 59, 62, 63) which is arranged within the fluid circuit (26).

11. Fluid guide block according to claim 10, characterized in that the insert part (54, 59, 62, 63) divides the fluid circuit (26) along a flow direction into several fluid circuit volumes (57, 58).

12. Fluid guide block according to one of claims 1 - 11, characterized in that a buffer storage valve block (3), a compressor valve block (6), an expansion valve block (9), buffer storage valves (4, 5), compressor valves (7, 8), an expansion valve (10), a dryer, a filter, a buffer storage (15) and / or a heat exchanger (11, 12) are integrated into or mounted on the fluid guide block (2).

13. Fluid guide block according to one of claims 1 - 12, characterized in that the fluid circuit (26) has a variable flow cross-section.

14. Heating and cooling module (1) with a fluid guide block (2) according to one of claims 1 - 13, a compressor (16) which is in fluid connection with the fluid circuit (26), and at least one heat exchanger (11, 12) which is also in fluid connection with the fluid circuit (26).

15. Heating and cooling module according to claim 14, characterized by a support plate (13) which carries the fluid guide block (2), the compressor (16) and the at least one heat exchanger (11, 12).

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