Thermal management module

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal management module (1), at least comprising a module housing (100), a heat exchanger (2), and a pump (3), wherein the module housing (100) has flow channels (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114) for a liquid medium, in particular oil; the heat exchanger (2) and the pump (3) are provided on the module housing (100); the pump (3) is designed to convey a flow of the liquid medium through at least one of the flow channels (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114); the heat exchanger (2) is designed to transfer heat between the medium flow and another medium; and the interior of the module housing (100) is equipped with at least one electrohydraulic control valve (9) for controlling the medium flow through at least one of the flow channels (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114) and with an electronic circuit part (8) which is electrically connected to the at least one electrohydraulic control valve (9) and to the pump (3) and is provided with a control circuit (83).

Description

[0001] R. 415476

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Thermal management module

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Electrically powered vehicles have components that generate heat during operation or use. For example, the e-axle (electric axle) of an electric vehicle, which comprises an electric motor and a transmission, is known to generate heat during operation. Furthermore, it is known that the battery of an electric vehicle (BEV) can generate heat, for example, while charging at an electric charging station, or requires heat to maintain functionality at very low ambient temperatures. On the one hand, there is a need to cool some components; on the other hand, the heat emitted by one component can optionally be used to heat another component.To organize the necessary heat management, a thermal management system may be provided, the task of which is the efficient removal, transfer and / or use of heat generated by at least one of the units.

[0008] The thermal management system can, for example, be wholly or partially integrated into a thermal management module, which, as a compact assembly, can be installed, particularly in or on an electrically powered vehicle, for example, on the housing of the electric motor or the transmission. The thermal management module can be designed, for example, to dissipate the heat generated by a vehicle component by exchanging this heat between a flowing liquid medium, which flows at least partially through flow channels of the thermal management module, and another medium. This other medium can, for example, be air, in particular also ambient air. R. 415476

[0009] - 2 - be, or another liquid. In this way, the heat absorbed by the flowing liquid medium can be transferred to another medium, which, for example, circulates in a fluid circuit of the vehicle that is thermally coupled to the vehicle battery and / or the vehicle interior, where the fluid circuit comprises a liquid or a gas. The thermal management module can, for example, transfer heat to this fluid circuit or absorb it from it.

[0010] For this purpose, the thermal management module can comprise at least one heat exchanger and one pump, which are installed on or in a module, wherein the module has flow channels for a liquid medium, which may in particular be oil. A flow of the liquid medium can be conveyed by means of the pump through at least one of the flow channels. This flow can flow within the module and through components outside the module. The flow can, for example, flow wholly or partially, in particular through the electric motor and / or the transmission of an electrically powered vehicle or parts thereof. The heat exchanger installed on the thermal management module is designed to transfer heat between the liquid medium flowing in at least one flow channel of the module housing and another medium, in particular another medium flowing in a fluid circuit.

[0011] From DE 102020 216288 A1, for example, a thermal management module for an electric motor, called an oil module, is known, in which a pump and a heat exchanger are mounted on a plate-shaped base body provided with flow channels, wherein the pump is designed to pump an oil flow through at least one of the flow channels, and wherein the heat exchanger is designed to transfer heat between the oil flow and an external medium.

[0012] Disclosure of the invention

[0013] The invention describes a thermal management module comprising at least one module housing, a heat exchanger, and a pump, wherein the module housing has flow channels for a liquid medium, in particular oil. R. 415476

[0014] - 3 - comprising a dielectric fluid or a cooling fluid, wherein the heat exchanger and the pump are arranged on the module housing, wherein the pump is configured to convey a media flow of the liquid medium through at least one of the flow channels, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat between the media flow and another medium, wherein at least one electrohydraulic control valve for controlling a media flow through at least one of the flow channels and an electronic circuit part electrically connected to the at least one electrohydraulic control valve and the pump and provided with a control circuit are arranged within the module housing.

[0015] A fluid connection between two components is understood to be a connection which allows a liquid medium to pass from a channel or interior of one of the components into a channel or interior of the other component.

[0016] In the context of this application, a flow channel for a liquid medium is understood to be a flow space which, in at least one cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium, is enclosed on all sides, at least partially, by a wall. The cross-section of a flow channel is, for example, circular or rectangular. A flow channel can be long and extend over a larger section of the module housing, or it can be relatively short and, for example, form a simple opening between two adjacent flow channels. A flow channel can be straight or curved. Further flow channels can branch off from a flow channel.A flow channel can have two ends, to which further flow channels with different cross-sectional geometry are connected and / or which are fluidly connected to inlet and outlet openings for the liquid medium from the module housing or to the inlets of a control valve.

[0017] In the context of this application, a channel trench is understood to be a flow space open on one side, which, in at least one cross-section viewed perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium, is open on one side and on the three other sides of the cross-section R. 415476

[0018] - 4 - is bounded by a wall. The cross-section of a channel trench is, for example, C-shaped or U-shaped with a bottom and two side walls. By placing another component on top, such as a flat mounting surface of a heat exchanger or an end face of a channel block, the channel trench can be sealed, thus forming a flow channel. Furthermore, two channel trenches with complementary paths and mirror symmetry to each other can be placed with their open sides facing each other and, if necessary, with a seal in between, stacked on top of each other in such a way that a flow channel is created whose cross-section, viewed perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium, is closed on all sides.

[0019] The wording, according to which the heat exchanger is designed to transfer heat between the flow of the liquid medium and another medium, is to be understood as meaning that heat transfer is possible in both directions, i.e., from the liquid medium to the other medium and vice versa. However, this is not strictly necessary. Preferably, heat is transferred from the liquid medium flowing in the flow channels of the module housing to the other medium via the heat exchanger.

[0020] Advantages of the invention

[0021] In contrast to modules known from the prior art, the thermal management module proposed according to the invention comprises at least one electrohydraulic control valve for controlling a media flow through at least one of the flow channels of the thermal management module and an electronic circuit component electrically connected to the at least one electrohydraulic control valve and the pump for controlling the at least one electrohydraulic control valve. According to the invention, both the at least one electrohydraulic control valve and the electronic circuit component are arranged within the same module housing. Preferably, several electrohydraulic control valves are integrated into the module housing. The electrohydraulic control valves can, for example, be designed as electrically controlled switching valves or pressure regulating valves.The electronic circuitry includes a control circuit for controlling the electro-hydraulic control valves. (Without limitation, R. 415476.)

[0022] - 5 - the thermal management module is preferably intended for installation in a vehicle, in particular an electrically powered vehicle. The electronic circuit component can automatically control the electro-hydraulic control valves and the pump, or, for example, depending on signals transmitted by the electronic circuit component from a central vehicle control unit and / or depending on signals transmitted by vehicle sensors to the circuit component.

[0023] The thermal management module according to the invention advantageously provides a compact device with central control elements required for thermal management, which is suitable for different requirement profiles and can be installed simply and cost-effectively as a compact assembly.

[0024] Advantageously, the thermal management module can control the flow of the medium through at least one of its flow channels. In particular, it is possible for the thermal management module to control the flow of the medium through several or all of the flow channels formed in the module housing. The electronic circuitry can, for example, independently control the heat dissipation from individual components and / or the heat input to individual components, depending on the operating conditions of a vehicle or the operating conditions of individual vehicle components, such as the electric motor, a transmission coupled to the electric motor, or the vehicle battery.

[0025] The thermal management module can have external interfaces such as at least one electrical connection and one or more hydraulic connections for one or more of the flow channels. Additionally, the thermal management module can have connections for another fluid circuit, which is connected, for example, to the heat exchanger. The thermal management module can be connected via connecting lines to one or more components, in particular oil-cooled vehicle components, such as an oil-cooled electric motor or a transmission. The heat generated by the respective component can be absorbed by the flowing medium during operation, with the flowing medium entering the flow channels of the thermal management module R. 415476 via the connecting lines.

[0026] - 6 - is reached. From there, the heat can be transferred via the heat exchanger to the further fluid circuit.

[0027] Beyond simply managing heat, the thermal management module can also be connected to hydraulically actuated components, such as a hydraulically actuated parking lock or a clutch actuator. Since the electronic control circuit and electro-hydraulic control valves allow for the optional setting of regulated pressure in the control channels, the thermal management module can advantageously be used to control hydraulic actuators in addition to its thermal function, if required.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous that the arrangement of the electronic circuit part, which is equipped with a control circuit, within the module housing provides the additional possibility of transporting away the heat generated by the electronic power components of the control circuit through the liquid medium flowing in the flow channels, so that the electronic circuit part can be cooled particularly efficiently.

[0029] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention enable the features contained in the dependent claims.

[0030] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the module housing comprises at least one module support part with a front and a rear facing away from it, and a cover part, wherein the module support part is provided with first flow channels and has a housing receptacle on its rear side, wherein the electronic circuit part is arranged in the housing receptacle, wherein the cover part comprises a channel block provided with second flow channels and a cover, wherein the cover part is placed on the rear side of the module support part such that the channel block engages in the housing receptacle next to the electronic circuit part and at least one of the first flow channels of the module support part is in fluid communication with at least one of the second flow channels of the channel block, wherein the cover covers the housing receptacle with the circuit part contained therein.This measure ensures that flow channels are removed from the front of the R. 415476.

[0031] - 7 -

[0032] The module carrier component can be routed through the channel block, for example, all the way to the rear of the thermal management module. This allows the thermal management module to be mounted, for instance, with its rear and cover components facing onto a gearbox or motor housing of an electric machine, where it can be connected to the hydraulic system via appropriate connections. Meanwhile, the heat exchanger, pump, and, for example, an electrical connection to a vehicle wiring harness are located on the front of the thermal management module. Simultaneously, the electronic circuitry is protected within the housing recess between the cover component and the module housing.

[0033] The channel block, arranged laterally next to the circuit section, offers the particularly advantageous possibility of inserting one or more electrohydraulic control valves, each comprising a valve part and a solenoid part, into a receiving opening of the channel block, with the valve part oriented parallel to a contacting side of the electronic circuit section. The solenoid part projects laterally from the channel block and extends into the housing receptacle between the electronic circuit section and the cover of the lid. This advantageously ensures that the electrical contact elements, particularly spring-loaded contact elements, of the respective electrohydraulic control valve, projecting from the solenoid part, can be electrically contacted with contact surfaces on the contacting side of the electronic circuit section when the lid is placed on the unit.At least one electro-hydraulic control valve, and in particular several electro-hydraulic control valves, can first be pre-assembled on the cover part and then attached to the module housing together with the cover part.

[0034] It is further advantageous if the module support section has a first area with initial channels on the front side, the initial channels being covered by the heat exchanger to form flow channels extending in a first plane. The module support section can be made of, for example, plastic or metal. The design of the channels allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing, as the channels are directly accessible on the front side. R. 415476

[0035] - 8 -

[0036] Accordingly, the module support part can have a second area with secondary channels on the rear side at the base of the housing recess, with the secondary channels being covered by the channel block to form flow channels extending in a second plane. Alternatively or additionally, a side of the channel block facing the module support part can also have a second area with secondary channels, with the secondary channels being covered by the rear of the module support part to form flow channels extending in a second plane. The cover part with the channel block and the cover can be manufactured in one piece or in multiple parts from metal or plastic. Manufacturing the channels on the front face of the channel block is technically simple and cost-effective.

[0037] Advantageously, at least one of the flow channels arranged in the first plane can be fluidly connected to at least one of the flow channels arranged in the second plane via at least one flow channel formed as an opening in the module support part. Naturally, several of these openings for fluid connection of different flow channels on the front side with one or more flow channels on the back side are possible.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the side of the channel block facing the module carrier part can be provided with at least one sealing element, wherein the sealing element has several separate sealing areas and is arranged between the channel block and the rear of the module carrier part such that a transition area between at least one of the first flow channels and at least one of the second flow channels and / or the flow channels arranged in the second plane are each surrounded by a sealing area and are sealed from each other and from the housing receptacle.

[0039] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the module support part can be provided with an embedded heat-conducting insert, wherein the heat-conducting insert is made of a material that has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the module support part. If the module support part is made of plastic, the heat-conducting insert can, for example, be made of aluminum or copper. The heat-conducting insert R. 415476

[0040] - 9 - can, for example, be injected into the plastic material of the module carrier part during its manufacture as an injection-molded part, or inserted into the housing receptacle from the rear and secured to the bottom of the housing receptacle via a through-hole using screw-in fasteners. The heat-conducting insert forms a wall section (e.g., the bottom) of one or more of the first channel trenches on the front of the module carrier part, wherein the heat-conducting insert on the front of the module carrier part is covered by the heat exchanger and is in direct or indirect thermal contact with the electronic circuit part on the rear of the module carrier part via a thermal paste or other thermal coupling element.This advantageously achieves particularly efficient cooling of the electronic circuit component, since the heat generated by the electronic components is quickly transferred to the heat-conducting insert during operation and can be directly dissipated from there via the flow channel through which the liquid medium flows.

[0041] The module carrier can further include a reservoir for the liquid medium on its rear side, which is in fluid communication with the pump and is closed by a reservoir cover mounted on the rear side next to the cover section. The reservoir can optionally be filled via a connection in the module housing. The liquid medium can be pumped from the reservoir into at least one of the flow channels of the module housing and from there distributed to different flow channels within the module housing.

[0042] Furthermore, the module housing can be provided with a receptacle for a filter for filtering the liquid medium flowing in at least one of the flow channels, wherein at least one inlet channel of the flow channels leads to the filter and at least one outlet channel of the flow channels leads away from the filter.

[0043] An electrical connection for the electronic circuitry and / or the pump can be provided on the front of the module carrier. Preferably, there can be only one electrical connection, which simplifies the electrical connection of the thermal management module to an external electrical connection. The thermal management module can therefore, for example, advantageously have a single common electrical connection. R. 415476

[0044] - 10 -

[0045] Connection, for example, an electrical connection designed as a plug part for connection to a vehicle wiring harness.

[0046] Brief description of the drawings

[0047] Possible embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawing shows:

[0048] Figure 1 shows a perspective top view of the front of an embodiment of the thermal management module according to the invention.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a perspective rear view of the thermal management module from Figure 1.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a top view of the front of a module carrier part of the thermal management module with the heat exchanger removed.

[0051] Figure 4 shows a top view of the rear of the module carrier part of the thermal management module with the cover part and reservoir cover removed, without the filter element and without the pump.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a perspective rear view of the thermal management module from Figure 1 without the cover part but with a representation of the location of the electronic circuit part and the electro-hydraulic control valves.

[0053] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the inside of the lid part.

[0054] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the inside of the cover part with a sealing element arranged on the channel block, R. 415476

[0055] - 11 -

[0056] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the inside of the cover part with electro-hydraulic control valves inserted into the channel block.

[0057] Figure 9 shows a cross-section through an embodiment of the thermal management module from Figure 1.

[0058] Embodiments of the invention

[0059] Figure 1 shows a perspective top view of the front of an embodiment of a thermal management module 1 according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the rear mounting side of the same embodiment, opposite the front. The thermal management module 1 has a module housing 100, which has several through-holes 13 for screw-in fasteners, with which the thermal management module 1 can be arranged, for example, on a vehicle component such as a transmission or an electric motor. The module housing 100 can be arranged, in particular, on an outer surface of the vehicle component or in a receiving opening therein, wherein the mounting side of the thermal management module 1 shown in Figure 2 faces the vehicle component, while the front surface shown in Figure 1 faces the outside of the vehicle component.

[0060] The thermal management module 1 shown here includes, among other things, a pump 3, a filter 4, and a heat exchanger 2, which are mounted on the front of the module housing 100. On the mounting side, the module housing 100 has a cover 5 and a reservoir cover 6. Inside the module housing 100 are an electronic circuit 8 and at least one electrohydraulic control valve 9. In the embodiment shown here, there are three electrohydraulic control valves 9. The module housing 100 also has several flow channels 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114 for a liquid medium pumped by the pump 3, which is preferably oil. However, it is also possible to use, for example, a dielectric fluid, a fluid used in air conditioning systems.

[0061] - 12 - to use liquid coolant or electrolyzed water. The thermal management module 1 has a single electrical connection 16 on its front face facing the outside for electrical contact with an external connector. At least some electrical components of the thermal management module can be contacted via the electrical connection 16. The exact structure of the module housing 100 is described below.

[0062] The module housing 100 of the thermal management module 1 comprises a module carrier part 10, which is preferably made of plastic, for example, as an injection-molded part. However, it is also possible to manufacture the module carrier part 10 from metal. The module carrier part 10 is shown in Figures 3 and 4 and has a front side 11, which also represents the front of the thermal management module 1, and a rear side 12 facing away from it. Figure 3 shows a view of the front side 11 of the module carrier part 10 with the heat exchanger 2 removed, while Figure 4 shows a perpendicular view of the rear side 12 of the module carrier part 10. In Figure 4, all other components have been removed for clarity. The front side 11 and the rear side 12 of the module carrier part 10 can each be completely or partially covered by other components of the thermal management module 1, such as the heat exchanger 2, a cover part 5, or a reservoir cover 6.The module carrier part 10 is largely covered on the rear side 12 by the cover part 5 and the reservoir cover 6, so that from the mounting side of the module housing 100 shown in Figure 2, only a few areas of the rear side 12 are visible at all.

[0063] As can best be seen in Figure 3, the module support part 10 has a first area 110 with first channels 111 on its front face 11. The first area 110 occupies only a portion of the front face 11. As can be seen by comparing Figure 1 and Figure 3, all first channels 111 in the first area 110 are covered by a heat exchanger 2, which is mounted with its mounting side facing the module support part 10 directly above the first channels 111 on the front face 11 of the module support part 10. As can be seen in Figure 1, the heat exchanger 2 has an enlarged flange area 22 extending beyond a box-shaped base body, which, if necessary with the insertion of a suitable gasket, connects to the first area 110. R. 415476

[0064] - 13 - can be screwed on. On its underside, which is not visible in Figure 1, the heat exchanger 2 has two openings for the liquid medium that flows in the flow channels of the module housing 10. The liquid medium enters the heat exchanger 2, for example, via the inlet opening 106 visible in Figure 3, and leaves the heat exchanger 2 via an outlet opening of the heat exchanger 2, which is not visible and is located approximately at the position of reference numeral 108 in Figure 3 above one of the first channel channels 111. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 2 has two outwardly projecting connections 23, 24 visible in Figure 1 for a second liquid medium that flows through the heat exchanger 2.The heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat between the liquid medium flowing through the flow channels of the thermal management module 1 and the heat exchanger 2 on the one hand, and the second liquid medium flowing through the heat exchanger via the connections 23, 24 on the other, whereby the two media are completely separated from each other. Preferably, the heat exchanger transfers heat to the second liquid medium during operation.

[0065] By mounting the heat exchanger 2 above the first area 110, the first channel trenches 111 are covered, forming flow channels 103 extending in a first plane. This first plane with flow channels 103 is particularly visible in the cross-sectional view of Figure 9, although the heat exchanger 2 is not shown in Figure 9.

[0066] As can be seen in Figures 3 and 9, the module support part 10 has an embedded heat-conducting insert 7. The heat-conducting insert 7 is made of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the module support part 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat-conducting insert 7 is, for example, made of aluminum or copper and is, for example, injection-molded into the plastic of the module support part 10, glued into a mounting opening, screwed onto the base of a housing receptacle 14 above a through-hole, or otherwise attached. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 9, the heat-conducting insert 7 forms a wall section 72 on the front face 11 of the module support part 10 at the bottom of a first trench 111. The heat-conducting insert 7 can be covered by the heat exchanger 2 on the front face 11 of the module support part 10.On the back side 12 of the module carrier part 10, the heat conducting insert 7 or the wall section 72 of the heat conducting insert 7 is located directly or R. 415476.

[0067] - 14 - indirectly via a thermal paste 19 or another thermal coupling element with the electronic circuit part 8 in thermal contact, as shown in Figure 9. The thermal insert 7 can have a deflecting wall 71 projecting perpendicularly from the wall section 72, which projects within one of the first channel grooves 111 towards the heat exchanger 2. The liquid medium, which enters the flow channel 101 equipped with the thermal insert 7 at position 108, flows approximately in a U-shape around the deflecting wall towards a flow channel 105, which is designed as an opening in the module carrier part 10. Liquid medium passes through the opening onto the rear side 12 of the module carrier part 10. In this way, heat produced by the electronic circuit part 8 during operation can be dissipated.

[0068] As can be further seen in Figure 1, a cable connection 17 can be provided on the front 11 of the module carrier part 10, which connects the pump 3 to a connection contact 18 of the thermal management module 1. The connection contact 18 can, for example, be electrically connected to the terminal 16 and / or the electronic circuit part 8 via metal conductors injected into the module carrier part 10.

[0069] Figure 4 shows a top view of the rear side 12 of the module carrier part 10 of the thermal management module 1 with the cover part 5 and reservoir cover 6 removed, but without the filter element 4 and without the pump 3. It can be seen that, for example, a flow channel 105, designed as a through-hole, on the rear side 12 is fluidly connected to one of the second channel trenches 112. As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the module carrier part 10 has a housing receptacle 14 on its rear side 12. At the base of the housing receptacle 14, a second area 120 with second channel trenches 112 is formed. These second channel trenches 112 are covered by a channel block 52 formed on the cover part 5 to create flow channels 104 extending in a second plane. Figure 9 best shows the second level of the flow channels 104, which are created by the cover with the channel block 52 of the cover part 5.Figure 4 and Figure 9 also show that the module support part 10 has further first flow channels 101 designed as openings, which are led from the front 11 to the rear 12 and do not all have to end in second channel trenches 112, but R. 415476.

[0070] - 15 - may also be fluidly connected to such second flow channels 102 which are formed in the channel block 52.

[0071] Figures 5 and 9 show that the electronic circuit component 8 is inserted in the housing receptacle 14 next to the second area 120 with second channel grooves 112. The electronic circuit component 8 is designed, for example, as a printed circuit board and has a side 81 populated with electronic components 84 and a contact side 82 facing away from it and towards the cover part 5, which is provided with contact surfaces (not shown). The electronic circuit component 8 includes an electronic control circuit 83 for controlling the electro-hydraulic control valves 9 and the pump 3, as well as optionally other electrical / electronic components of the thermal management module 1. Contact pins of the electrical connection 16, not visible in Figure 9, can, for example, be directly contacted with the electronic circuit component 8 in a through-hole configuration.The side 81 of the electronic circuit part 8, which is equipped with the components, is thermally connected, for example, to the thermally conductive part 7 at the base of the housing receptacle 14 via a thermal paste 19.

[0072] Figure 6 shows a top view of the rear side of the cover part 5 from Figure 2. The cover part 5 has a channel block 52 provided with second flow channels 102 and a cover 51. The cover part 5 can be made of metal or, preferably, plastic. As can be seen from Figures 2 and 9, the cover part 5 is placed on the rear side 12 of the module carrier part 10 such that the channel block 52 engages in the housing receptacle 14 next to the electronic circuit part 8, and at least one of the first flow channels 101 of the module carrier part 10 is in fluid communication with at least one of the second flow channels 102 of the channel block 52. The cover 51 covers the housing receptacle 14 with the circuit part 8 contained therein, as shown in Figure 9.On the outside, the cover part 5 has several connections 55 (hydraulic connections) shown in Figure 2, through which some of the second flow channels 102 are connected to external counter-connections or fluid connection lines of one or more vehicle components, such as the rotor and / or stator of an electric machine or an oil chamber of a gearbox, hydraulically actuated clutch parts, a hydraulic R. 415476.

[0073] - 16 -

[0074] Parking barriers or similar devices can be connected. A seal 56 placed on or integrated into the surface on the underside can seal the connections 55 against the mating connections.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, alternatively or additionally the side 53 of the channel block 52 facing the module support part 10 can also have a second area 120 with second channel trenches 112, wherein the second channel trenches 112 are covered in the assembled state by the rear side 12 of the module support part 10 to form flow channels 104 extending in a second plane, as shown in Figure 9.

[0076] Figure 7 shows that the side 53 of the channel block 52 facing the module carrier part 10 can be provided with at least one sealing element 130. The sealing element 130 can be made of an elastomer and preferably has several separate sealing areas 131. The sealing element 130 is arranged between the channel block 52 and the rear side 12 of the module carrier part 10 such that at least one transition area between at least one of the first flow channels 101 and at least one of the second flow channels 102 is sealed (as can best be seen in Figure 9). In addition, the flow channels 104 arranged in the second plane can each be surrounded by a sealing area 131 of the sealing element 130. Preferably, all fluid transition areas between the cover part 5 and the module carrier part 10 are sealed from each other and from the housing receptacle 14 by the sealing element 130.

[0077] It should be noted that in one embodiment, both the side 53 of the channel block 52 facing the module support part 10 has a second area 120 with second channel channels 112, and the module support part 10 also has a second area 120 with second channel channels 112 on its rear side 12 at the base of the housing receptacle 14. The second channel channels 112 on the module support part 10 and on the channel block 12 are mirror images of each other, so that when the cover part 5 is placed on top and the channel block 52 is inserted into the housing receptacle 14, the flow channels 104 extending in the second plane are formed, as shown in Figure 9. However, it is of course equally possible to form the second channel channels 112 only on the channel block 52 or only on the module support part 10. R. 415476

[0078] - 17 - and the corresponding opposite side of the respective opposing part should be formed flat and without channel trenches. In this case, too, the sealing element 130 can be inserted.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first channel grooves 111 on the front face 11 of the module support part 10 are both part of the first flow channels 101 and part of the flow channels 103 arranged in the first plane. In addition to the flow channels 103 arranged in the first plane, there are further first flow channels 101 of the module support part 10, which, for example, connect the front face 11 with the rear face 12 as openings, such as the flow channel 105 in Figure 3. The second channel grooves 112 on the rear face 12 and / or the end face 53 of the channel block 52 are part of the flow channels 104 running in the second plane, which run in the module housing 100 and are bounded by both the module support part 10 and the cover part 5, or are formed between these two components.Further channel trenches on the rear side 12 outside the second area 112 are covered by the reservoir cover 6, forming, for example, an inlet channel 113 and an outlet channel 114 of the filter 4. Both the inlet channel 113 and the outlet channel 114 are flow channels formed in the module housing 100.

[0080] Figures 8 and 9 show that, for example, three electrohydraulic control valves 9 can be pre-assembled on the channel block 52. Each of the electrohydraulic control valves 9 can have a valve part 92 and a solenoid part 91. Each solenoid part 91 has a solenoid coil and, when energized, can, for example, actuate a spool valve formed in the valve part 92. The operating principle of such control valves, which can be designed as switching valves or pressure regulating valves, is known and is therefore not explained here. The valve part 92 of the control valves 9 can each be inserted into a receiving opening 54 of the channel block 52, which runs parallel to the contacting side 82 of the electronic circuit part 8, with the respective solenoid part 91 projecting laterally from the channel block 52, as can be seen in Figures 8 and 9. In this way, the electrohydraulic control valves 9 can be pre-assembled on the channel block 52.If necessary, a retaining clip 93 (Figure 5) can fix the electro-hydraulic control valves 9 to the channel block 52. The channel block 52 R. 415476.

[0081] - 18 - The second flow channels 102 can, for example, each represent an inlet port, outlet port and / or working port of an electrohydraulic control valve 9. The flow of the liquid medium in one or more of the flow channels (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114) can be controlled by the electrohydraulic control valves 9.

[0082] After the cover part 5 is placed on the module carrier part 10, the magnetic parts 91 project into the housing receptacle 14 between the electronic circuit part 8 and the cover 51, as can best be seen in Figure 9. Spring-loaded electrical contact elements 93 of the respective electrohydraulic control valve 9, projecting from the magnetic part 91, can be electrically contacted with contact surfaces on the contacting side 82 of the electronic circuit part 8, for example, by press contact. The cover part 5 and the module carrier part 10 can be welded together. Alternatively, the cover part 5 can be screwed to the module carrier part 10. An additional sealing element can be arranged between the edge of the housing receptacle 14 and the cover part 5, which seals the housing receptacle 14 to the outside.

[0083] As can be seen further in Figure 4, the module support part 10 can have a reservoir 15 for the liquid medium on its rear side 12, which is in fluid communication with the pump 3. The liquid medium can enter the reservoir 15, for example, via an opening 61 (Figure 2) on the mounting side of the module housing 100. During operation, the pump 3 pumps the liquid medium into an inlet channel 113, which is part of the flow channels of the module support part 10. The inlet channel 113 is designed as a channel trench on the rear side 12 of the module support part 10 and is covered together with the reservoir 15 by a reservoir cover 6, which is arranged on the mounting side of the module housing 100 next to the cover part 5, as shown in Figure 2.

[0084] As can be seen in Figure 4, a receptacle 41 for a filter 4 for filtering the flowing liquid medium is formed on the module housing 10, wherein the inlet channel 113 leads to the filter 4 and at least one outlet channel 114 of the flow channels leads away from the filter 4 and, for example, via a flow channel 107 designed as a vertical deflection channel, to one of the first channel trenches 111 of the R. 415476

[0085] - 19 - first area 110 on the front 11 is fluid-connected. The filter 4 is shown here as a filter canister and can include a filter element for filtering the liquid medium, in particular an oil filter element.

Claims

R. 415476 - 20 - Claims 1. Thermal management module (1), comprising at least a module housing (100), a heat exchanger (2), and a pump (3), wherein the module housing (100) has flow channels (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114) for a liquid medium, in particular oil, wherein the heat exchanger (2) and the pump (3) are arranged on the module housing (100), wherein the pump (3) is configured to pump a flow of the liquid medium through at least one of the flow channels (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114), wherein the heat exchanger (2) is configured to transfer heat between the flow of the medium and another medium, wherein at least one electrohydraulic control valve (9) is located within the module housing (100) for controlling a flow of the medium through at least one of the flow channels (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114). , 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114) and an electrically connected unit with at least one electrohydraulic control valve (9) and the pump (3) and equipped with a control circuit (83),electronic circuit part (8) are arranged.

2. Thermal management module according to claim 1, characterized in that the module housing (100) comprises at least one module carrier part (10) with a front (11) and a rear (12) facing away from it, and a cover part (5), wherein the module carrier part (10) is provided with first flow channels (101) and has a housing receptacle (14) on its rear (12), wherein the electronic circuit part (8) is arranged in the housing receptacle (14), wherein the cover part (5) comprises a channel block (52) provided with second flow channels (102) and a cover (51), wherein the cover part (5) is placed on the rear (12) of the module carrier part (10) such that the channel block (52) engages in the housing receptacle (14) next to the electronic circuit part (8) and at least one of the first flow channels (101) of the module carrier part (10) is connected to at least one of the second flow channels (102). of the channel block (52) is in fluid contact,wherein the cover (51) covers the housing recess (14) with the circuit part (8) contained therein. R. 415476 - 21 - 3. Thermal management module according to claim 2, characterized in that the module carrier part (10) has a first area (110) with first channel trenches (111) on the front side (11), wherein the first channel trenches (111) are covered by the heat exchanger (2) to form flow channels (103) extending in a first plane.

4. Thermal management module according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that - the module carrier part (10) on the rear side (12) at the base of the housing receptacle (14) has a second area (120) with second channel trenches (112), wherein the second channel trenches (112) are covered by the channel block (52) to form flow channels (104) extending in a second plane, - and / or a side (53) of the channel block (52) facing the module support part (10) has a second area (120) with second channel trenches (112), wherein the second channel trenches (112) are covered by the rear (12) of the module support part (10) to form flow channels (104) extending in a second plane, - and wherein in particular at least one of the flow channels (103) arranged in the first plane is fluidly connected to at least one of the flow channels (104) arranged in the second plane via at least one flow channel (105) designed as a breakthrough in the module support part (10).

5. Thermal management module according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the side (53) of the channel block (52) facing the module carrier part (10) is provided with at least one sealing element (130), wherein the sealing element (130) has several separate sealing areas (131) and is arranged between the channel block (52) and the rear side (12) of the module carrier part (10) such that - a transition area between at least one of the first flow channels (101) and at least one of the second flow channels (102) - and / or the flow channels (104) arranged in the second level are each surrounded by a sealing area (131) and are sealed from each other and from the housing receptacle (14). R. 415476 - 22 - 6. Thermal management module according to claim 3, characterized in that the module carrier part (10) is provided with a heat-conducting insert (7) embedded therein, wherein the heat-conducting insert (7) is made of a material that has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the module carrier part (10), wherein the heat-conducting insert (7) forms a wall section of one or more of the first channel trenches (111) on the front side (11) of the module carrier part (10), wherein the heat-conducting insert (7) is covered by the heat exchanger (2) on the front side (11) of the module carrier part and is in thermal contact with the electronic circuit part (8) directly or indirectly via a thermal paste (19) or another thermal coupling element on the back side (12) of the module carrier part (10).

7. Thermal management module according to at least one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the module carrier part (10) has a reservoir (15) for the liquid medium on the rear side (12) which is in fluid communication with the pump (3), wherein the reservoir (15) is closed with a reservoir cover (6) applied to the rear side (12) next to the cover part (5).

8. Thermal management module according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a receptacle (41) for a filter (4) for filtering the liquid medium flowing in at least one of the flow channels (101 , 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114) is formed on the module housing (10), wherein at least one inlet channel (113) of the flow channels (101 , 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114) leads to the filter (4) and at least one outlet channel (114) of the flow channels (101 , 102, 103, 104, 105, 113, 114) leads away from the filter (4).

9. Thermal management module according to at least one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that an electrical connection (16) for the electrical contacting of the electronic circuit part (8) and / or the pump (3) is provided on the front side (11) of the module carrier part (10).

10. Thermal management module according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the at least one electrohydraulic control valve (9) has a valve part (92) and a solenoid part (91), and that the valve part (92) is inserted parallel to a contacting side (82) of the electronic circuit part (8) into a receiving opening (54) of the channel block (52), wherein the R. 415476 - 23 - The magnetic part (91) protrudes laterally from the channel block (52) and extends into the housing recess (14) between the electronic circuit part (8) and the cover (51), wherein electrical contact elements (93) of the electrohydraulic control valve (9) protruding from the magnetic part (91) are electrically contacted with contact surfaces on the contacting side (82) of the electronic circuit part (8).

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