Stable, slim module for a temperature-control medium circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to a module (1) for a temperature-control medium circuit, the module comprising a main body (2), the main body (2) having at least one fluid line (3) and preferably a plurality of fluid lines (3). The main body (2) is formed in one piece, the module (1) or the main body (2) comprising at least one receptacle (4), and preferably a plurality of receptacles (4), for arranging fluid components (13, 14, 15). The at least one fluid line (3) is, in cross-section, integrally formed such that, at the location of the cross-section, the fluid line (3) is produced entirely by a primary shaping process, in particular a blow moulding process. The module (1) has a tank (5).

Description

[0001] Stable, slim module for a temperature control fluid circuit

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a module for a temperature control medium circuit according to the preamble of claim 1. The temperature control medium serves in particular to maintain the temperature of a traction battery of an electric vehicle at an optimal level, thereby enabling the electric vehicles, among other things, to be charged faster and to achieve a greater driving range. The invention further relates to an assembly comprising the module and to a use of the module.

[0004] Modules according to the preamble of claim 1 are known from EP 3 919 299 A1, the base body of which is manufactured with minimal effort using blow molding and comprises several channels. Several functional elements, such as valves, pumps, or sensors, are connected to the base body. For this purpose, a portion of the base body is cut open at a corresponding location to attach the respective functional element to the base body at the cut point. This method results in relatively low manufacturing costs, since the base bodies or channels produced in this way are integrally formed and therefore reliably leak-proof. However, a disadvantage of the known modules or temperature control circuits is that they occupy a relatively large amount of space within the vehicle.

[0005] From EP 4 279 300 A1, a module is known which is relatively compact and includes a tank. The base body comprises a main part and a cover part, with longitudinally open channels integrally formed on the main part. The longitudinally open channels of the main part are closed by means of the cover part, which irreversibly and integrally joins the main part and the cover part by welding. The channels, together with the end-mounted pipe connectors, form a plurality of fluid lines. Due to the requirements for leak tightness, the welds of all channels must be very carefully formed and, in a second step, tested for leak tightness, which entails a considerable manufacturing effort. In further steps, the tank and other components of the module are connected to the base body or its flat side by means of screw connections.This results in a compact, roughly cuboid-shaped module that is also relatively robust. However, the manufacturing costs for this module are relatively high.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a module that is both low-effort and space-saving.

[0007] This problem is solved by a module according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the module has a tank.

[0008] The invention is based on the initial finding that known modules with bias-shaped base bodies do not have a tank. Instead, these modules are connected to the tank via an external fluid line, which is often located in a completely different part of the vehicle. Consequently, the external fluid line winds its way through part of the vehicle, resulting in a loss of space.

[0009] It was found that stability problems arise due to the weight of the tank and its contents, on the one hand, and the very slim, integral design of the base body, on the other. These stability problems can be addressed by attaching the tank to one side of the base body. However, this results in a more compact, yet bulkier, design, which is often impractical in many vehicles. Furthermore, a tank mounted on one side restricts the design options for the base body, as the fluid components should ideally be located at least partially below the tank. This allows the fluid column of the temperature control fluid to automatically push the fluid into the fluid components, ensuring the fluid circuit is immediately available when the vehicle is started.Modules with integrally formed base bodies, especially those produced by blow molding, are in contrast to modules that have a tank.

[0010] The invention is further based on the understanding that this contradiction is a misconception. It is possible to position the tank above, or at least partially above, the base body. This results in a module that is relatively flat, relatively long, and simultaneously relatively tall. However, such modules are subject to considerable stability requirements with regard to the vehicle's service life and the countless vibrations and shocks it experiences. It has been recognized that the integral design of the base body meets these stability requirements—but not the interface between the tank and the base body.

[0011] It was found, in particular, that the tank and the base body – preferably with the aid of a support structure – can be connected to each other in very different ways, so that the module is both stable and slim. The aforementioned prejudice is thus unfounded, which is a finding of this invention. The solution according to the invention – in which the module includes the tank – eliminates the need for an external fluid line running through the vehicle, thereby saving space. Consequently, even a space-saving, low-effort module with an integrally formed base body and a tank can be designed to be very stable. As a result, the problem stated at the outset has been solved.

[0012] The term "fluid component" preferably refers to pumps, heat exchangers, valves, and the like. In particular, the term "fluid component" refers to components that go beyond simply guiding the fluid and can, for example, cool, heat, drive, or switch the fluid flow. The term "assembly" preferably refers to a module that is equipped with at least one fluid component.

[0013] The term "receptacle" preferably means that the module or base body provides a space or surface for the respective fluid component. It is advantageous that the at least one receptacle, and preferably all receptacles, each have at least one or two fluid inlets. For example, a receptacle for a pump must provide a fluid inlet for a low-pressure area and at least one fluid outlet for a high-pressure area. Preferably, the at least one receptacle includes at least one connecting element for connecting the fluid component to the receptacle. The at least one connecting element can, in particular, be a predetermined position or a bore for a screw.

[0014] The term "one-piece" preferably refers to a body that can only be divided into two or more pieces by irreversible partitioning. The term "irreversible" conveniently refers to destructive partitioning. Destructive partitioning is, for example, cutting or breaking plastic. Reversible partitioning is, for example, loosening a screw connection, since the screw connection can be re-established without the use of additional materials or tools. The term "integral" preferably refers to a one-piece body that is produced from a single mold or a single polymer melt. For example, a multilayer, co-extruded tube is generally formed in one piece, with the individual layers being integral in themselves. The individual layers of the multilayer tube are connected to each other via interfaces, so that the tube as a whole is not integral.The term "integral" preferably means that the one-piece body is not merely joined by one or more connecting interfaces. A connecting interface may be created, for example, by gluing or welding. Connecting interfaces are preferably visible in cross-sectional or longitudinal sections—especially under a microscope. Typically, integral elements are represented by a single hatching pattern in technical drawings. An integral body may have a connecting interface, provided that the connecting interface is not the cause of the integral body's one-piece nature. For example, if an integral, single-layer tube is compressed in the middle and the inner wall of the tube is welded to itself, this tube does not lose its integral property due to this connecting interface.

[0015] The module or tank preferably includes a tank opening for closing or filling the tank. The tank opening preferably has a tank cap. The tank advantageously includes a tank wall, wherein the tank wall expediently encloses a cavity of the tank for receiving a temperature control medium. The tank cap can be made of plastic and / or metal. The tank may include a tank nozzle. It is advantageous for the tank nozzle to be manufactured separately from the tank wall. The tank nozzle is preferably inserted into the tank wall and, in particular, welded to the tank wall. Advantageously, the tank cap is connected or connectable to the tank wall or the tank nozzle by a screw connection.

[0016] The term "top" is preferably defined by the position of the fuel filler cap or tank opening. Advantageously, the fuel filler cap is located at an upper end of the module or tank. The end of the module opposite the upper end is advantageously a lower end of the module. It is possible that the definition of the module's vertical direction used here may differ from the vertical direction of a module when installed in a vehicle.

[0017] The vertical direction, preferably defined by the fuel filler cap or opening, expediently corresponds to the Z-axis. It is advantageous that the maximum dimension of the base body in the Y-direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the base body in the X-direction and / or the Z-direction. It is preferred that the maximum dimension of the base body in the Z-direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the base body in the X-direction. Expediently, the X-direction of the base body, when installed in the vehicle, corresponds to a direction of travel of the vehicle or the direction of travel of the vehicle's rear wheels.

[0018] Preferably, the base body is formed from at least two, three, or four channels arranged one above the other in a cross-section in the Z-direction. The cross-section through the superimposed channels expediently extends in the YZ-plane. It is possible for two adjacent, superimposed channels to have an intermediate section between them. Preferably, the at least one channel extends in a longitudinal section in the XZ-plane. Advantageously, several channels of the base body extend at least partially in a longitudinal section in an XZ-plane. It is preferred that at least two channels are arranged one above the other in the Z-direction in a cross-section through the YZ-plane.

[0019] According to a highly preferred embodiment, the maximum extent of the base body in the Z-direction is at least 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 times greater than the maximum extent of the base body in the Y-direction. Preferably, the maximum extent of the base body in the X-direction is at least 2, 3, 4, or 5 times greater than the maximum extent of the base body in the Y-direction.

[0020] The base body is preferably planar. Advantageously, the base body comprises a first side wall and a second side wall facing away from the first. The first and second side walls are preferably the largest side walls of the base body. It is advantageous that the first side wall of the base body can be assigned to at least one, preferably several, and particularly preferably all of the fluid components. It is highly preferred that at least one of the fluid components of an assembly is attached to the first side wall of the base body.

[0021] The module preferably comprises at least one and preferably several fluid lines. The at least one fluid line expediently comprises the at least one channel of the base body and at least one line connector at the end of the channel. The line connector is preferably welded to the channel and, in particular, is not part of the base body. Preferably, the number of fluid lines in the module corresponds to the number of channels in the base body. Advantageously, at least one line connector of a fluid line is assigned to one or more of the first side walls of the base body. It is preferred that the line connector assigned to the first side wall of the base body, or its central axis, has an orientation with a Y-component. It is possible that the central axis of the line connector assigned to the first side wall of the base body extends only in the Y-direction.

[0022] It is highly preferred that the module, tank, or base body includes a support body to reinforce the connection between the tank and the base body. This provides greater stability to the module and greater flexibility in the manufacture of the tank or base body. If the tank and / or base body do not include the support body, greater design freedom is available, allowing the tank or base body to perform more specific functions. In this respect, the support body serves to divide the functions of the individual elements within the module. The support body is preferably designed and arranged to establish and stabilize the mechanical connection between the base body and the tank. It is also possible for the support body to reinforce an existing mechanical connection between the tank and the base body.It is preferred that the support body constitutes the only mechanical and / or fluidic connection between the base body and the tank.

[0023] The support body is particularly preferably manufactured separately from the tank and / or the base body. Advantageously, the support body is manufactured by injection molding. This separate manufacturing significantly reduces the extent to which the tank and the base body have to perform the function of supporting the mechanical connection, thus further improving the division of functions between the base body, tank, and support body. The support body preferably comprises a plastic, and in particular a thermoplastic. The support body is advantageously a single piece and, more preferably, integrally formed.

[0024] According to a highly preferred embodiment, the support body comprises a connecting surface for connection to the base body and / or a connection surface for connection to the tank. This ensures that only the support body is located between the base body and the tank, thus increasing stability and minimizing the number of connection steps. Advantageously, the tank includes a connection section for connection to the connection surface of the support body. It is advantageous for the base body to have a connecting section for connection to the support body or the connecting surface. Preferably, the connection surface is materially bonded to the connection section, and in particular by welding.

[0025] The support body preferably includes a connecting channel for the fluidic connection between the tank and the base body. This ensures that the fluidic connection is supported by the support body and also minimizes the number of module components. In particular, a separate, external fluid line for the fluidic connection between the tank and the base body is not required. The connecting channel extends longitudinally, or along its central axis, in a direction that has a Z-component. Advantageously, the central axis of the connecting channel extends, at least partially, only in the Z-direction. It is possible for the central axis of the connecting channel to have a bend. It is preferred that the connecting channel has a channel inlet and / or a channel outlet.A surface normal of the channel inlet preferably extends in a direction with a Z-component, and more preferably only in the Z-direction. It is preferred that a surface normal of the channel outlet extends in a direction having a Y-component. Advantageously, a surface normal of the channel outlet extends only in the Y-direction.

[0026] It is highly preferred that the tank is arranged at least partially above the base body and / or the support body in the vertical or Z-direction, and preferably completely above the base body or the support body. This ensures automatic filling of the temperature control fluid circuit when the tank is filled with temperature control fluid. In particular, this ensures that the liquid column of temperature control fluid pushes the fluid into at least one pump. It is highly preferred that the support body is angled. Advantageously, the support body has a tank leg and a base body leg. Advantageously, the tank leg is associated with or connected to the tank. Advantageously, the base body leg is associated with or connected to the base body.It is preferred that the tank leg and the base body leg form an angle, and particularly a right angle, with each other in a cross-section—especially in a cross-section of a YZ plane. Preferably, an inner side of the base body leg or the connecting surface of the support body forms an angle, and preferably a right angle, with an outer side of the tank leg or with a connecting surface of the support body. Advantageously, in the Z-direction, the tank leg is arranged in at least one cross-section in a YZ plane between the base body and the tank. It is advantageous that the tank or the tank wall is integrally formed at least along one cross-section and / or longitudinal section. This ensures high tank stability on the one hand and low manufacturing costs on the other. It is possible that the tank is not integrally formed along a transverse or longitudinal section through the tank nozzle / tank cap.The tank wall preferably comprises at least 60, 70, 80, or 90% of the tank's surface area. It is particularly preferred that the tank wall is integral along at least one cross-section and at least one longitudinal section. Advantageously, the at least one cross-section and the at least one longitudinal section of the tank wall are oriented perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal section or the cross-section need not pass through the tank opening or the tank outlet. A longitudinal section adjacent to the tank opening or the tank outlet can unequivocally demonstrate that the tank wall is integral in this longitudinal section. It is particularly preferred that the tank wall is manufactured using a single primary forming process—especially preferably by blow molding. Advantageously, the tank wall comprises a plastic, and in particular a thermoplastic. The tank's connection section is advantageously an integral part of the tank wall.

[0027] It is highly advantageous that the base body is integrally formed along at least one cross-section, particularly along a cross-section in the YZ direction. This eliminates the need for additional joining processes to ensure fluid tightness in the fluid connections, thus minimizing the effort required to manufacture the base body. It is highly preferred that the base body be made of a plastic. Advantageously, the base body comprises at least 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90 wt.% of a plastic, and in particular a thermoplastic. The base body is preferably manufactured by blow molding.

[0028] Preferably, the support body comprises at least one reinforcing element and preferably a plurality of reinforcing elements. This results in particularly high module stability. The at least one reinforcing element is preferably designed as a rib. It is preferred that one reinforcing element reinforces the connection surface or the tank leg. The reinforcing element reinforcing the tank leg extends longitudinally in a direction with a Y-component and preferably only in the Y-direction. Advantageously, at least one reinforcing element reinforces the base body leg. The at least one reinforcing element of the base body leg preferably extends longitudinally in the X-direction or in the Z-direction. Advantageously, the base body leg comprises at least two reinforcing elements whose longitudinal extensions extend in different directions and which preferably intersect.

[0029] The aforementioned problem is solved by an assembly for a temperature control fluid circuit comprising a module according to the invention, wherein at least one fluid component is arranged on the module or the base body or on the at least one receptacle of the base body. This makes the assembly sufficiently pre-assembled to be ready for final assembly. Preferably, the assembly only needs to be mechanically fastened in the vehicle and connected to other components of the temperature control fluid circuit, in particular to the traction battery, via external fluid lines. It is preferred that the assembly comprises at least one pump and preferably at least two pumps. Advantageously, the assembly has at least one valve and preferably at least two valves. It is preferred that the assembly includes at least one heat exchanger.

[0030] The aforementioned problem is solved by using a module or assembly according to the invention for a vehicle's fluid circuit, and in particular for a vehicle's temperature control circuit. The vehicle is preferably an electric vehicle and expediently comprises a traction battery and an electric motor for propelling the vehicle. It is highly preferred that the temperature control medium or the temperature control medium circuit can heat or cool the traction battery as required. The module or assembly according to the invention is particularly advantageous for electric vehicles, since electric vehicles have a particularly high turnover of temperature control medium.

[0031] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to several figures of an embodiment of the invention. These figures show, in schematic representation:

[0032] Figure 1 shows a side view of a module according to the invention for a temperature medium circuit.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a side view of the module rotated 180° compared to Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the module of Figures 1 and 2,

[0035] Figure 4 shows a slightly inclined view of the side view from Figure 2, with a support body simultaneously hidden; Figure 5A shows a first perspective view of the support body hidden in Figure 4; and

[0036] Figure 5B shows a second perspective view of the supporting body from Figure 5A.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a module 1 according to the invention for a temperature control fluid circuit. The module 1 is preferably installed in an electric vehicle, wherein the temperature control fluid circuit serves in particular to regulate the temperature of a traction battery of the electric vehicle. The module 1 is preferably part of an assembly 1, 13, 14, 15. The assembly 1, 13, 14, 15 expediently comprises the module 1 and a plurality of fluid components 13, 14, 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fluid components 13, 14, 15 includes a heat exchanger 13, two valves 14, and two pumps 15. The number and nature of the fluid components 13, 14, 15 can vary from vehicle to vehicle.

[0038] According to Figure 1, module 1 comprises a base body 2 and a tank 5. The base body 2 has at least one channel 11 and preferably several channels 11 for transporting the fluid or temperature control medium. Preferably, the channels 11 run parallel to each other at least partially. The base body 2 of this embodiment was manufactured by blow molding. The base body 2, or the at least one channel 11, or several or all of the channels 11, is / are formed in at least one cross-section—in particular in a YZ plane and preferably over the entire base body 2—in one piece and preferably integrally, cf. the cross-section of the base body 2 shown in Figure 3.

[0039] Figure 3 shows that the base body 2 comprises at least one intermediate section 22. The at least one intermediate section 22 is advantageously arranged in cross-section between two channels 11. The at least one intermediate section 22 preferably defines a boundary between the two adjacent channels 11. The at least one intermediate section 22 is preferably an integral part of the base body 2. The intermediate section 22 is preferably formed by compressing a first side wall 30 and a second side wall 31 of the base body 2 during the blowing process. The first side wall 30 and the second side wall 31 are advantageously flat sides of the base body 2 and expediently face away from each other. Preferably, the fluid components 13, 14, 15 are associated with the first side wall 30.

[0040] The module 1 advantageously has at least one cable connector 12, see Figure 1. The cable connector(s) 12 are preferably designed as plugs – in particular for a quick-release coupling. It is preferred that the cable connector(s) 12 or the plug(s) is / are designed as a VDA plug. The cable connector(s) 12 is / are advantageously manufactured by injection molding and preferably welded to the respective channel 11. The cable connectors 12 of this embodiment are expediently not part of the base body 2, but are part of the module 1.

[0041] Preferably, the at least one channel 11 and the at least one connector 12, as shown in Figure 1, are components of a fluid line 3. Module 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of fluid lines 3. A fluid line 3 expediently comprises at least one channel 11 and may have at least one connector 12. The number of fluid lines 3 preferably corresponds to the number of channels 11. It is possible that a fluid line 3 does not include a connector or that a channel 11 is not associated with a connector, as can be seen, for example, in the fluid line 3 or the channel 11 between the upper valve 14 and the lower pump 15 in Figure 1.

[0042] The base body 2 of this embodiment comprises receptacles 4 for arranging the fluid components 13, 14, 15. The receptacles 4 are preferably areas or locations of the base body 2 specifically adapted to the fluid components 13, 14, 15, as can best be seen in Figure 2. It is preferred that at least one channel 11 is connected to a receptacle 4. Preferably, at least one channel 11 is assigned to each of several receptacles 4.

[0043] The base body 2 may, according to Figure 1, have at least one fastening element 16 and preferably at least two fastening elements 16. Each fastening element 16 may comprise a tab for fastening the assembly 1, 13, 14, 15 in a vehicle. Advantageously, a fastening element 16 or a tab has a bore for fastening – in particular by means of a screw.

[0044] The tank 5 preferably comprises at least one fixing element 17 and further preferably two fixing elements 17, see Figure 1. The fixing element 17 or fixing elements is / are advantageously designed as a tab which projects towards a tank wall 21. The tab of the at least one fixing element 17 preferably includes a bore for arranging a screw connection.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the tank 5 advantageously has a tank wall 21. The tank 5 preferably includes a tank opening 18, which in this embodiment is located at an upper end of the tank 5, or at an upper end of the module 1, or at an upper end of the assembly 1, 13, 14, 15. The tank opening 18 advantageously has a tank cap 28. Preferably, the tank opening 18 includes a tank nozzle 27. The tank nozzle 27 is advantageously inserted into the tank wall 21 and, in particular, welded to the tank wall 21. It is preferred that the tank cap 28 is screwable to, or is screwed to, the tank nozzle 27. It is advantageous that the tank 5, or the tank wall 21, has a tank outlet 20 (see especially Figures 3 and 4), particularly at the lower end of the tank 5.

[0046] Module 1 of this embodiment comprises a support body 6, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The support body 6 preferably connects the tank 5 to the base body 2 mechanically and / or fluidically. In Figure 2, the side view from Figure 1 of assembly 1, 13, 14, 15 has been rotated by 180°. Advantageously, the support body 6 includes a connecting channel 7, the longitudinal extent of which expediently extends in the Z-direction. Preferably, the support body 6 is associated with the second side wall 31.

[0047] The tank outlet 20 advantageously corresponds to the connecting channel 7, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. It is preferred that the base body 2 has an inlet 23 (see Figures 1 and 4). The inlet 23 preferably corresponds to the connecting channel 7. In this way, the temperature control fluid can flow by gravity from the tank 5 through the connecting channel 7 into the base body 2 to the various fluid components 13, 14, 15.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a cross-section through module 1 and, in particular, through the connecting channel 7. It is preferred that the tank wall 21 is formed in one piece, and especially integrally, in a cross-section shown in Figure 3, and is preferably manufactured by blow molding. It is advantageous that the support body 6 is manufactured separately from the tank 5 or the tank wall 21. The support body 6 is preferably formed in one piece, and especially integrally, and is preferably manufactured by injection molding. Preferably, the support body 6 is manufactured separately from the base body 2.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the base body 2 advantageously has a connecting section 19 for connection to the support body 6. In Figure 4, the support body 6 has been omitted for better visibility of the surrounding components, and the assembly 1, 13, 14, 15 has been slightly tilted relative to Figure 2. Advantageously, the tank 5 or the tank wall 21 includes a connection section 24—preferably on the underside of the tank—for connection to the support body 6, which is not shown in Figure 4.

[0050] In Figure 5A, the support body 6 is shown in isolation and enlarged compared to the preceding figures. The support body 6 advantageously comprises a connecting surface 9 for connection with the connecting section 19 of the base body 2. Advantageously, the connecting channel 7 has a channel outlet 26. The channel outlet 26 of the support body 6, or connecting channel 7, expediently corresponds to the inlet 23 of the base body 2.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5B, the support body 6 or the connecting channel 7 expediently includes a channel inlet 25. The support body 6 of this embodiment can include a connection surface 10. The channel inlet 25 is preferably part of the connection surface 10. The connection surface 10 preferably has a different orientation than the connecting surface 9. It is highly preferred that the connection surface 10 is perpendicular to the connecting surface 9.

[0052] The support body 6 preferably forms an angle, and in particular a right angle, with respect to the connection surface 10 and the connecting surface 9. Preferably, the support body 6 is designed as an angle element. The support body 6 preferably comprises a base body leg 32 and a tank leg 33. The connecting surface is preferably part of the base body leg 32. The connection surface 10 is preferably part of the tank leg 33.

[0053] The connecting surface 9 may, according to Figures 5A and 5B, have an outer connecting edge 29 and / or an inner connecting edge 34. It is preferred that the outer connecting edge 29 and / or the inner connecting edge 34 is formed circumferentially. The outer connecting edge 29 can define the connecting surface 9. It is highly preferred that the outer connecting edge 29 and / or the inner connecting edge 34 project – advantageously by the same amount – from a base surface of the connecting surface 9. The base surface of the connecting surface is preferably defined by the circumferential outer connecting edge 29 and / or the circumferential inner connecting edge 34, so that the base surface is advantageously arranged between the outer connecting edge 29 and the inner connecting edge 34.The base surface may be formed at least partially parallel to a surface of the connecting section 19 of the base body 2 and, in particular, may abut the connecting section 19 at least partially. Advantageously, a clear cross-section of the inner connecting edge 34 corresponds to the channel outlet 26.

[0054] The connection surface 10 may, as shown in Figure 5A, have an outer connection edge 36 and / or an inner connection edge 35. It is preferred that the outer connection edge 36 and / or the inner connection edge 35 is formed circumferentially. The outer connection edge 36 can define the connection surface 10. It is highly preferred that the outer connection edge 36 and / or the inner connection edge 35 project – advantageously by the same amount – from a base surface of the connection surface 10. The base surface of the connection surface 10 is preferably defined by the circumferential outer connection edge 36 and / or the circumferential inner connection edge 35, so that the base surface is advantageously arranged between the outer connection edge 36 and the inner connection edge 35.The base surface may be formed at least partially parallel to a surface of the connection section 24 of the tank 5 and, in particular, may abut the connection section 24 at least partially. Advantageously, a clear cross-section of the inner connection edge 35 corresponds to a channel inlet 25.

[0055] To connect the tank 5 to the support body 6, the connection surface 10, or the outer connection edge 36 and / or the inner connection edge 35, is preferably heated and pressed against the advantageously also heated connection section 24 of the tank 5 or the tank wall 21. The heating of the connection surface 10 is advantageously achieved by means of a heated plunger, which can in particular be designed as a flat surface and melts the outer connection edge 36 and / or the inner connection edge 35 – preferably simultaneously.

[0056] To connect the base body 2 with the support body 6, the connecting surface 9 or the outer connecting edge 29 and / or the inner connecting edge 34 is preferably heated and pressed onto the connecting section 19 of the base body 2, which is advantageously also heated. The heating of the connecting surface 9 is advantageously achieved by means of a heated punch, which can in particular be designed as a flat surface and melts the outer connecting edge 29 and / or the inner connecting edge 34 – preferably simultaneously.

[0057] The support body 6, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, preferably comprises reinforcing elements 8a, 8b. The reinforcing elements 8a, 8b are preferably designed as ribs or fins and preferably intersect each other or form a grid, see Figure 2. It is advantageous that at least one reinforcing element 8a, and preferably several reinforcing elements 8a, has a longitudinal extension in a first direction, preferably in the Z-direction. It is possible that at least one reinforcing element 8b, and preferably several reinforcing elements 8b, has a longitudinal extension that has a different direction than the longitudinal extension of the reinforcing elements 8a. Advantageously, the longitudinal extensions of the reinforcing elements 8b extend in the X-direction. It is highly preferred that the connecting channel 7 is embedded in the reinforcing elements 8a, 8b or is at least partially enclosed by the reinforcing elements 8a, 8b.

[0058] The support body 6 comprises, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B and Figure 1, reinforcing elements 8c, wherein the reinforcing elements 8c serve to reinforce the connection surface 10. The reinforcing elements 8c advantageously connect the connection surface 10 to the connecting surface 9. Preferably, the reinforcing elements 8c extend in the Y-direction or the longitudinal extent of the reinforcing elements 8c has a Y-direction component. Reference numeral list:

[0059] 1 module

[0060] 2 basic shapes

[0061] 3 Fluid line

[0062] 4 recording

[0063] 5 Tank

[0064] 6 support bodies

[0065] 7 connection channel

[0066] 8a,b,c Reinforcing element of 6

[0067] 9 connection area of ​​6 for 2

[0068] 10 connection area of ​​6 for 5

[0069] Channel 11 of 3

[0070] 12 cable connectors

[0071] 13 heat exchangers

[0072] 14 valve

[0073] 15 pump

[0074] 16 fastening element of 2

[0075] 17 fixing elements out of 5

[0076] 18 Fuel tank opening

[0077] 19 Connecting section of 2

[0078] 20 Tank outlet

[0079] 21 Tank wall

[0080] 22 Intermediate section of 2 between 11

[0081] 23 Admission from 2

[0082] 24 connection section of 5

[0083] 25 channel inputs out of 7

[0084] 26 channel outputs out of 7

[0085] 27 fuel filler necks

[0086] 28 Fuel tank caps

[0087] 29 Outer connecting edge of 9

[0088] 30 First side wall

[0089] 31 Second side wall 32 Base body leg

[0090] 33 Tank legs

[0091] 34 Inner connecting edge of 9

[0092] 35 Inner connecting edge of 10

[0093] 36 Outer connecting edge of 10

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Module (1) for a temperature control medium circuit, wherein the module (1) comprises a base body (2), wherein the base body (2) has at least one channel (11) and preferably several channels (11), wherein the base body (2) is formed in one piece, wherein the module (1) or the base body (2) comprises at least one receptacle (4) and preferably several receptacles (4) for arranging fluid components (13, 14, 15), wherein the at least one channel (11) is formed integrally in a cross-section, such that the channel (11) is completely produced at the location of the cross-section by a primary forming process, in particular a blow molding process, characterized in that the module (1) has a tank (5).

2. Module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the module or tank (5) or base body (2) comprises a support body (6) for supporting a connection between the tank (5) and the base body (2).

3. Module (1) according to claim 2, wherein the support body (6) comprises a connecting surface (9) for connection to the base body (2) and / or a connection surface (10) for connection to the tank (5).

4. Module (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the support body (6) comprises a connecting channel (7) for the fluidic connection of the tank (5) and the base body (2).

5. Module (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the tank (5) is arranged at least sectionally above the base body (2) in the vertical direction.

6. Module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tank (5) is integrally formed along at least one transverse and / or longitudinal section.

7. Module (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base body (2) is integrally formed along at least one cross-section.

8. Module (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support body (6) has at least one reinforcing element (8a, 8b, 8c) and preferably a plurality of reinforcing elements (8a, 8b, 8c).

9. Assembly (1 , 13, 14, 15) for a temperature control fluid circuit, comprising a module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one fluid component (13, 14, 15) is arranged on the module (1 ) or the base body (2) or on the at least one receptacle (4) of the base body (2).

10. Use of a module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or of an assembly (1 , 13, 14, 15) according to claim 9 for a fluid circuit of a vehicle, in particular for a temperature control circuit of a vehicle.

Images