Heat exchanger module and drive assembly with a heat exchanger module

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanger module (10), in particular for a vehicle, having the features of claim 1, and to a drive assembly having at least one such heat exchanger module (10).

Description

[0001] R.413674

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Heat exchanger module and drive assembly with a heat exchanger module

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The invention relates to a heat exchanger module, in particular for a vehicle, with features of claim 1 and a drive arrangement with features of the dependent claim.

[0008] Heat is generated during operation, particularly in vehicle drive systems, such as electrified axles (e-axles). To prevent overheating of the drive system or its components, this heat can be dissipated. A cooling circuit with a heat exchanger can be provided for this purpose. It is also desirable to bring the drive system or its components up to operating temperature as quickly as possible. The heat exchanger can be designed to allow for a bypass line to be used for this purpose.

[0009] The disadvantage is that bypassing the heat exchanger requires additional development time and installation space. Furthermore, implementing such a bypass is often complicated.

[0010] Disclosure of the invention

[0011] According to the invention, a heat exchanger module with the features of claim 1 is proposed. The heat exchanger module can be configured for a drive arrangement. The heat exchanger module comprises a heat exchanger with a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet is configured for introducing a first fluid into the heat exchanger. The first outlet is configured for R.413674

[0012] - 2 -

[0013] The first fluid is discharged from the heat exchanger. The second inlet is configured for the introduction of a second fluid into the heat exchanger. The second outlet is configured for the discharge of the second fluid from the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger module includes a bypass line for diverting the first fluid around the heat exchanger. The bypass line is specifically designed to bypass the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger module includes a valve for controlling the flow of the first fluid through the heat exchanger and / or the bypass line.

[0014] This allows for the provision of a compact heat exchanger module with a bypassable heat exchanger. The heat exchanger module can be easily and quickly implemented in a cooling circuit.

[0015] The heat exchanger can be designed in such a way that heat transfer takes place between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0016] In particular, the first fluid can be cooled using the second fluid.

[0017] In this case, the first fluid and / or the second fluid can be a gas and / or a liquid. The first fluid can be a coolant and / or lubricant. In other words, the first fluid can be used for cooling and / or lubrication. The first fluid can be a liquid, in particular oil. The second fluid can be a coolant, in particular for the first fluid. The second fluid can be a liquid, in particular oil.

[0018] According to a further development of the heat exchanger module, the heat exchanger module can have a main inlet for introducing the first fluid into the heat exchanger module. The heat exchanger module can have a main outlet for discharging the first fluid from the heat exchanger module. The main inlet can be fluidically coupled to the first inlet and / or the bypass line by means of the valve. The main outlet can be fluidically coupled to the first outlet and the bypass line. R.413674

[0019] - 3 -

[0020] In this context, a fluidic connection or fluidic coupling means that a gas and / or a liquid (the first and / or second fluid) can flow between two fluidically coupled elements or between two elements in fluidic connection.

[0021] This allows the heat exchanger and / or the bypass line to be fluidically coupled to the main inlet or outlet using simple means.

[0022] According to a further development of the heat exchanger module, the heat exchanger module can have a coolant inlet for introducing the second fluid into the heat exchanger module. The heat exchanger module can have a coolant outlet for discharging the second fluid from the heat exchanger module. The coolant inlet can be fluidically coupled to the second inlet of the heat exchanger. The coolant outlet can be fluidically coupled to the second outlet of the heat exchanger. The coolant inlet and the second inlet of the heat exchanger can be designed as a single element or a single inlet. In other words, the coolant inlet can be designed as the second inlet of the heat exchanger. The coolant outlet and the second outlet of the heat exchanger can be designed as a single element or a single outlet. In other words, the coolant outlet can be designed as the second outlet of the heat exchanger.

[0023] This allows the heat exchanger to be connected to the coolant inlet or outlet using simple means.

[0024] According to a further development of the heat exchanger, thermal insulation can be arranged between the heat exchanger and the bypass line. The thermal insulation can be designed as a thermal insulation layer and / or as a thermal insulation element.

[0025] This allows heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the bypass line to be prevented or at least reduced using simple means. This enables a more compact design of the heat exchanger module. R.413674

[0026] - 4 -

[0027] According to a further development of the heat exchanger module, the bypass line can have an orifice plate. The orifice plate can be configured to set a hydraulic pressure within the bypass line. The orifice plate can be configured to generate a hydraulic pressure within the bypass line that corresponds to (is identical to) the hydraulic pressure in the heat exchanger.

[0028] This allows the desired hydraulic pressure in the bypass line to be set using simple means. The same hydraulic pressure can be maintained in the heat exchanger and in the bypass line.

[0029] According to a further development of the heat exchanger module, the heat exchanger module can have at least one sensor. The sensor can be configured to determine a state variable of the first fluid. The sensor can be located between the main inlet and the valve. A state variable can be temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate.

[0030] This allows a state variable of the first fluid to be determined using simple means.

[0031] According to a further development of the heat exchanger module, the sensor can be designed as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and / or a flow sensor.

[0032] This allows the temperature, pressure and / or flow rate of the first fluid to be determined using simple means.

[0033] According to a further development of the heat exchanger module, the heat exchanger module can include a control unit for controlling the valve. The control unit can be configured to control the valve depending on the state variable (e.g., temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate) of the first fluid determined by the sensor. The control unit can be connected or coupled to the sensor, e.g., via a first cable connection. The control unit can be configured to control the valve by means of a real-time measurement of the state variable by the sensor. R.413674

[0034] - 5 -

[0035] This allows the valve, and thus the bypassing of the heat exchanger, to be controlled as desired and / or as required by the situation using simple means.

[0036] According to a further development of the heat exchanger module, the heat exchanger module can have an interface. This interface can be configured for reading and / or adjusting the sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the interface can be configured for reading and / or adjusting the control unit. The interface can be connected to the sensor, for example, via a second cable connection. The interface can be connected to the control unit, for example, via a third cable connection. The interface can be designed as a data interface.

[0037] This allows the sensor and / or control unit to be read and / or adjusted using simple means.

[0038] According to a further development of the heat exchanger module, the valve can be designed as a linear proportional valve.

[0039] This allows the flow of the first fluid through the heat exchanger and / or the bypass line to be adjusted as desired using simple means.

[0040] The heat exchanger module may comprise a housing. The heat exchanger, bypass line, valve, thermal insulation, orifice element, sensor, control unit, first cable connection, second cable connection, and / or third cable connection may each be located at least partially, and in particular completely, within the housing. The main inlet, main outlet, coolant inlet, coolant outlet, and / or interface may each be located at least partially, and in particular completely, in or on the housing. The main inlet, main outlet, coolant inlet, coolant outlet, and / or interface may each form a port and / or interface of the heat exchanger module. R.413674

[0041] - 6 -

[0042] This allows the heat exchanger module to be implemented in the most compact way possible. Furthermore, connecting or integrating the heat exchanger module into a cooling circuit (e.g., a drive system) can be made as simple and convenient as possible.

[0043] According to the invention, a drive arrangement with the features of the dependent claim is proposed. The drive arrangement is designed for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The drive arrangement can be designed for an electric and / or electrified motor vehicle.

[0044] The drive assembly comprises at least one heat exchanger module as described above. The drive assembly may include at least one electric motor and a cooling circuit for cooling the electric motor. The heat exchanger module may be located within the cooling circuit.

[0045] The drive arrangement can, for example, be designed as an e-axle or form part of an e-axle.

[0046] Regarding the advantages achievable with the drive arrangement, reference is made to the relevant explanations concerning the heat exchanger module. The measures described in connection with the heat exchanger module and / or those explained below can be used for further development of the drive arrangement.

[0047] An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawing. It shows:

[0048] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a heat exchanger module.

[0049] The heat exchanger module is designated with the reference numeral 10 in Figure 1.

[0050] The heat exchanger module 10 can be configured for a drive assembly. For this purpose, the heat exchanger module 10 can be arranged in a cooling circuit for cooling an electric machine of the drive assembly. R.413674

[0051] - 7 -

[0052] The heat exchanger module 10 includes a heat exchanger 12 with a first input 14, a first output 16, a second input 18 and a second output 20.

[0053] The first inlet 14 of the heat exchanger 12 is configured to introduce a first fluid into the heat exchanger 12. The first outlet 16 of the heat exchanger 12 is configured to discharge the first fluid from the heat exchanger 12. The second inlet 18 of the heat exchanger 12 is configured to introduce a second fluid into the heat exchanger 12. The second outlet 20 of the heat exchanger 12 is configured to discharge the second fluid from the heat exchanger 12.

[0054] The heat exchanger module 10 has a bypass line 22 for directing the first fluid past the heat exchanger 12. The heat exchanger 12 can be bypassed by means of the bypass line 22.

[0055] The heat exchanger module 10 has a valve 24 for controlling the flow of the first fluid through the heat exchanger 12 and / or the bypass line 22. In other words, the first fluid can be directed into the heat exchanger 12 and / or the bypass line 22 by means of the valve 24.

[0056] Valve 24 can be designed as a linear proportional valve.

[0057] The heat exchanger module 10 can have a main inlet 26 for introducing the first fluid into the heat exchanger module 10. The heat exchanger module 10 can have a main outlet 28 for discharging the first fluid from the heat exchanger module 10.

[0058] The main inlet 26 can be optionally connected to the first inlet 14 of the heat exchanger 12 and / or the bypass line 22 via the valve 24. This allows the first fluid to be introduced into the heat exchanger module 10 and, as desired, into the heat exchanger 12 and / or the bypass line 22.

[0059] The main outlet 28 can be fluidically coupled to the first outlet 16 and the bypass line 22. This allows the first fluid to flow via the heat exchanger R.413674.

[0060] - 8 -

[0061] 12 and / or the bypass line 22 and are routed out of the main outlet 28 and thus out of the heat exchanger module 10.

[0062] The heat exchanger module 10 can have a coolant inlet 30 for introducing the second fluid into the heat exchanger module 10. The heat exchanger module 10 can have a coolant outlet 32 ​​for discharging the second fluid from the heat exchanger module 10.

[0063] The coolant inlet 30 can be fluidically coupled to the second inlet 18 of the heat exchanger 12. The coolant outlet 32 ​​can be fluidically coupled to the second outlet 20 of the heat exchanger 12. This allows the second fluid to be passed through the heat exchanger 12. In doing so, the second fluid can absorb and transport the heat from the first fluid. For this purpose, the second fluid can be colder than the first fluid.

[0064] A thermal insulation 34 can be arranged between the heat exchanger 12 and the bypass line 22. The thermal insulation 34 can be designed as a thermally insulating layer and / or as a thermally insulating element.

[0065] The bypass line 22 may have an orifice element 36. The orifice element 36 may be configured to adjust a hydraulic pressure within the bypass line 22.

[0066] The heat exchanger module 10 can have at least one sensor 38 for determining a state variable of the first fluid. The sensor 38 can be arranged between the valve 24 and the main inlet 26. The sensor 38 can be arranged in the flow direction of the first fluid immediately after the main inlet 26. In this way, the state variable can be determined directly after the first fluid is introduced into the heat exchanger module 10.

[0067] The state variable can be the temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate of the first fluid. The sensor can be configured as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and / or a flow sensor. R.413674

[0068] - 9 -

[0069] The heat exchanger module 10 can include a control unit 40 for controlling the valve 24. The valve 24 can be controlled depending on the state variable of the first fluid determined by the sensor 38. For this purpose, the valve 24 can be connected or coupled to the sensor 38 by means of a first cable connection 25. The first cable connection 25 can be configured as a data connection.

[0070] The heat exchanger module 10 can have an interface 42. The interface 42 can be configured for reading and / or adjusting the sensor 38. For this purpose, the interface 42 can be connected or coupled to the sensor 38 by means of a second cable connection 27. The second cable connection 27 can be configured as a data connection.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, interface 42 can be configured for reading and / or setting the control unit 40. For this purpose, interface 42 can be connected or coupled to the control unit 40 via a third cable connection 29. This third cable connection 29 can be configured as a data connection.

[0072] The heat exchanger module 10 can have a housing 31. The heat exchanger 12 (with its first inlet 14, its first outlet 16, its second inlet 18 and its second outlet 20), the bypass line 22, the valve 24, the thermal insulation 34, the sensor 38, the control unit 40, the first cable connection 25, the second cable connection 27 and / or the third cable connection 29 of the heat exchanger module 10 can each be arranged at least partially, in particular completely, within the housing 31.

[0073] The main inlet 26, the main outlet 28, the coolant inlet 30, the coolant outlet 32 ​​and / or the interface 42 of the heat exchanger module 10 can each be arranged in or on the housing 31 and in particular form connections or interfaces of the heat exchanger module 10.

Claims

R.413674 - 10 - Claims 1. Heat exchanger module (10), in particular for a drive arrangement, comprising: a heat exchanger (12) with a first inlet (14), a first outlet (16), a second inlet (18) and a second outlet (20), wherein the first inlet (14) is configured for introducing a first fluid into the heat exchanger (12), the first outlet (16) for discharging the first fluid from the heat exchanger (12), the second inlet (18) for introducing a second fluid into the heat exchanger (12) and the second outlet (20) for discharging the second fluid from the heat exchanger (12), a bypass line (22) for directing the first fluid past the heat exchanger (12), a valve (24) for controlling a flow of the first fluid through the heat exchanger (12) and / or the bypass line (22).

2. Heat exchanger module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat exchanger module (10) has a main inlet (26) for introducing the first fluid into the heat exchanger module (10) and a main outlet (28) for discharging the first fluid from the heat exchanger module (10), wherein the main inlet (26) is selectively designed to be fluidically coupled to the first inlet (14) and / or the bypass line (22) by means of the valve (24), wherein the main outlet (28) is fluidically coupled to the first outlet (16) and the bypass line (22).

3. Heat exchanger module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat exchanger module (10) has a coolant inlet (30) for introducing the second fluid into the R.413674 - 11 - heat exchanger module (10) and a coolant outlet (32) for discharge of the second fluid from the heat exchanger module (10), wherein the coolant inlet (30) is fluidically coupled to the second inlet (18) and the coolant outlet (32) is fluidically coupled to the second outlet (20).

4. Heat exchanger module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a thermal insulation (34) is arranged between the heat exchanger (12) and the bypass line (22).

5. Heat exchanger module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bypass line (22) has an orifice element (36) for adjusting a hydraulic pressure within the bypass line (22).

6. Heat exchanger module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger module (10) has at least one sensor (38) for determining a state variable of the first fluid.

7. Heat exchanger module (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensor (38) is designed as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and / or a flow sensor.

8. Heat exchanger module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger module (10) has a control unit (40) for controlling the valve (24), in particular depending on a state variable of the first fluid determined by means of the sensor (38).

9. Heat exchanger module (10) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the heat exchanger module (10) has an interface (42) for reading and / or adjusting the sensor (38) and / or the control unit (40). R.413674 - 12 - 10. Heat exchanger module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (24) is designed as a linear proportional valve.

11. Drive arrangement for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one heat exchanger module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular wherein the heat exchanger module (10) is arranged in a cooling circuit with an electric machine of the drive arrangement.

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