ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME

The electronic control unit according to this embodiment comprises a first control unit, and the first control unit comprises a bottom coolant jacket in which a first passage and a second passage spaced apart from the first passage are formed; and a top coolant jacket in which a third passage communicate with the second passage and a fourth passage spaced apart from the third passage are formed. A lower coolant passage through which coolant passes may be formed between the first passage and the second passage and a plurality of lower cooling fins may be formed in a lower coolant passage. An upper coolant passage through which coolant passes may be formed between the third passage and the fourth passage and a plurality of upper cooling fins may be formed in the upper coolant passage. A first control board may be disposed between the bottom coolant jacket and the top coolant jacket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent Application No(s). 10-2023-0120855, filed on Sep. 12, 2023, the contents of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to an electronic control unit and vehicle having the same

Assemblies installed in a vehicle comprise an engine control assembly (or motor control assembly), power transmission assembly, brake assembly, suspension assembly, steering assembly, instrument assembly, and information and communication control assembly.

An electronic control unit (ECU) is a control device that has the function of controlling and managing the main assemblies of a vehicle. A number of electronic control units are installed in the vehicle depending on the assembly to control each assembly.

The electronic control unit may comprise an electronic control unit with a built-in chip for autonomous driving or infotainment (software or media that adds entertainment to the transfer of information) installed in the vehicle, and it is desirable for the chip or the board (control board) on which the chip is installed to be properly cooled to prevent overheating of the chip.

An example of an electronic control unit being cooled is an electronic module disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,292 A (patent, on Jun. 21, 1994). The electronic module comprises an aluminum heat sink surrounding an integrated circuit chip and a substrate, and the aluminum heat sink comprises parallel fins that provide a larger surface area to dissipate heat into the surrounding atmosphere.

SUMMARY

The present embodiment to provide an electronic control unit in which both sides of a control board can be cooled and a vehicle having the same.

The electronic control unit according to this embodiment comprises a first control unit, and the first control unit comprises a bottom coolant jacket in which a first passage and a second passage spaced apart from the first passage are formed; and a top coolant jacket in which a third passage communicate with the second passage and a fourth passage spaced apart from the third passage are formed. A lower coolant passage through which coolant passes may be formed between the first passage and the second passage and a plurality of lower cooling fins may be formed in a lower coolant passage. An upper coolant passage through which coolant passes may be formed between the third passage and the fourth passage and a plurality of upper cooling fins may be formed in the upper coolant passage. A first control board may be disposed between the bottom coolant jacket and the top coolant jacket.

The bottom coolant jacket may comprise a bottom jacket formed with the first passage, the second passage, the lower coolant passage, and the plurality of lower cooling fins; and an inner bottom cover disposed on an upper surface of the bottom jacket and covering the lower coolant passage and the plurality of lower cooling fins.

The top coolant jacket may comprise a top jacket formed with the third passage, the fourth passage, the upper coolant passage, and the plurality of upper cooling fins, and an inner top cover disposed on a lower surface of the top jacket and covering the upper coolant passage and the plurality of upper cooling fins.

The first control unit may further comprise an inner gasket sealing between the second passage and the third passage.

The electronic control unit may further comprise a second control unit disposed below a lower surface of the bottom coolant jacket.

The second control unit may comprise a first lower case disposed below the lower surface of the bottom coolant jacket; a second lower case disposed below the first lower case; and a second control board accommodated between the first lower case and the second lower case.

The electronic control unit may further comprise a lower thermal pad disposed between the lower surface of the bottom coolant jacket and an upper surface of the first lower case.

The electronic control unit may further comprise a third control unit disposed above an upper surface of the top coolant jacket.

The third control unit may comprise a first upper case disposed above the upper surface of the top coolant jacket; a second upper case disposed above the first upper case; and a first upper control board accommodated between the first upper case and the second upper case.

The electronic control unit may further comprise an upper thermal pad disposed between the upper surface of the top coolant jacket and a lower surface of the first upper case.

The electronic control unit may further comprise a fourth control unit disposed above the upper surface of the top coolant jacket.

The fourth control unit may comprise a third upper case disposed above the upper surface of the top coolant jacket; a fourth upper case disposed above the third upper case; and a second upper control board accommodated between the third upper case and the fourth upper case.

The electronic control unit may further comprise an upper thermal pad disposed between the upper surface of the top coolant jacket and a lower surface of the third upper case.

The fourth control unit may be disposed in line with the third control unit in the longitudinal direction of the first control unit.

The third control unit may be closer to the fourth passage of the third passage and the fourth passage, and the fourth control unit may be closer to the third passage of the third passage and the fourth passage.

A vehicle according to this embodiment comprises an electronic control unit comprising a first control unit; and a water-cooled cooling device flowing coolant to the first control unit.

The electronic control unit according to this embodiment comprises a first control unit, and the first control unit comprises a bottom coolant jacket in which a first passage and a second passage spaced apart from the first passage are formed; a top coolant jacket in which a third passage communicate with the second passage and a fourth passage spaced apart from the third passage are formed, a first nipple disposed in the first passage; and a second nipple disposed in the fourth passage. A lower coolant passage through which coolant passes may be formed between the first passage and the second passage and a plurality of lower cooling fins may be formed in a lower coolant passage. An upper coolant passage through which coolant passes may be formed between the third passage and the fourth passage and a plurality of upper cooling fins may be formed in the upper coolant passage. A first control board may be disposed between the bottom coolant jacket and the top coolant jacket.

The water-cooled cooling device may comprise a coolant valve suppling coolant to the first nipple or to the second nipple.

The vehicle may further comprise a second control unit disposed below a lower surface of the bottom coolant jacket and the coolant valve supplies coolant to the first nipple.

The vehicle may further comprise a second control unit disposed below a lower surface of the bottom coolant jacket; and a third control unit disposed above an upper surface of the top coolant jacket, the coolant valve supplies coolant to the second nipple.

The vehicle may further comprise a fourth control unit disposed above the upper surface of the top coolant jacket.

The third control unit may be closer to the fourth passage of the third passage and the fourth passage, and the fourth control unit may be closer to the third passage of the third passage and the fourth passage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, detailed embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an example of an electronic control unit according to this embodiment;FIG.2is an exploded perspective view of an example of an electronic control unit according to this embodiment;FIG.3is a partial cutaway perspective view of an example of an electronic control unit according to this embodiment;FIG.4is an exploded perspective view of an example of a first control unit according to this embodiment; andFIG.5is an exploded perspective view of the bottom coolant jacket and top coolant jacket shown inFIG.4;

The electronic control unit may be installed in a vehicle and may be a control unit for autonomous driving of the vehicle.

The electronic control unit may be connected to a water-cooled cooling device installed in the vehicle and may be cooled by coolant circulated by the water-cooled cooling device.

The electronic control unit may comprise at least one control unit. It is possible for the at least one control unit to comprise only one first control unit1, and it is also possible to further comprise at least one extended control unit in addition to the first control unit1.

When the electronic control unit further comprises an extended control unit, the extended control unit may comprise only the second control unit2mounted on the first control unit1, or the extended control unit may comprise the second control unit2and the third control unit3mounted on the first control unit1, or the extended control unit may comprise a second control unit2, a third control unit3, and a fourth control unit4mounted on the first control unit1.

The first control unit1may be an autonomous driving control unit for executing level 1 or level 2 of the autonomous driving levels.

The second control unit2may be an autonomous driving control unit for executing level 2+ of the autonomous driving levels, or an infotainment control unit capable of executing the vehicle's infotainment (software or media that adds entertainment to the delivery of information).

The second control unit2may be a control unit disposed below the lower surface of the first control unit1.

The third control unit3may be an autonomous driving control unit for executing level 3 of the autonomous driving levels.

The third control unit3may be a control unit disposed above the upper surface of the first control unit1.

The fourth control unit4may be an autonomous driving control unit for executing level 4 of the autonomous driving levels.

The fourth control unit4may be a control unit disposed above the upper surface of the first control unit1together with the third control unit3.

Each of the first control unit1, the second control unit2, the third control unit3, and the fourth control unit4may comprise a control board.

The control board may have semiconductor chips such as MCUs for autonomous driving or infotainment installed on the board.

A coolant passage capable of cooling the control board disposed in the first control unit1may be formed in the first control unit1, and a coolant passage may not be formed in each of the second control unit2, the third control unit3, and the fourth control unit4, and control boards of the second control unit2, third control unit3, and fourth control unit4can be cooled by coolant passing through a coolant passage formed in the first control unit1.

Hereinafter, each control unit will be described.

The first control unit1may have a length in the front and rear direction X, a width in the left and right direction Y, and a thickness in the up and down direction Z.

The first control unit1may comprise a bottom coolant jacket5, a top coolant jacket6, and a first control board7.

The bottom coolant jacket5may be formed with a first passage51and a second passage52spaced apart from the first passage52.

The bottom coolant jacket5may be formed with a lower coolant passage53and a plurality of lower cooling fins54through which coolant passes between the first passage51and the second passage52.

The first passage51may be formed at one end of the bottom coolant jacket5in the longitudinal direction X. The first passage51may be open in the longitudinal direction X of the bottom coolant jacket5.

The second passage52may be formed close to the other end of the bottom coolant jacket5in the longitudinal direction X. The second passage52may be open in the thickness direction Z of the bottom coolant jacket5.

The lower coolant passage53may be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction X of the bottom coolant jacket5.

The plurality of lower cooling fins54may be located in the lower coolant passage53and may be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction X of the bottom coolant jacket5. The length of the plurality of lower cooling fins54may be shorter than the length of the lower coolant passage53.

The plurality of lower cooling fins54may be disposed in the lower coolant passage53. The plurality of lower cooling fins54may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction Y of the bottom coolant jacket5. A unit passage through which coolant is distributed may be formed between a pair of adjacent lower cooling fins54.

The bottom coolant jacket5may be composed of a combination of multiple members. The bottom coolant jacket5may comprise a bottom jacket55and an inner bottom cover56.

The first passage51, the second passage52, the lower coolant passage53, and the plurality of lower cooling fins54may be formed in the bottom jacket55.

The bottom jacket55may have a lower opening55aformed above the upper side of the lower coolant passage53to expose the lower coolant passage53and the plurality of lower cooling fins54.

The inner bottom cover56may be disposed on the upper surface of the bottom jacket55. The inner bottom cover56may be disposed in the lower opening55a. The inner bottom cover56may cover the lower coolant passage53and the plurality of lower cooling fins54.

The bottom coolant jacket5may comprise a plurality of support legs55b.

A plurality of support legs55bmay be formed on the bottom jacket55to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

The top coolant jacket6may be vertically symmetrical with the bottom coolant jacket5with the first control board7interposed therebetween. The first control board7is disposed between the top coolant jacket6and the bottom coolant jacket5.

The top coolant jacket6may be formed with a third passage61communicating with the second passage52and a fourth passage62spaced apart from the third passage61.

The top coolant jacket6may be formed with an upper coolant passage63and a plurality of upper cooling fins64through which coolant passes between the third passage61and the fourth passage62.

The third passage61may be formed close to the other end of the top coolant jacket6in the longitudinal direction X. The third passage61may be open in the vertical direction Z of the top coolant jacket6.

The fourth passage62may be formed at one end of the top coolant jacket6in the longitudinal direction X. The fourth passage62may be open in the longitudinal direction X of the top coolant jacket6.

The upper coolant passage63may be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction X of the top coolant jacket6.

The plurality of upper cooling fins64may be located in the upper coolant passage63and may be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction X of the top coolant jacket6. The length of the plurality of upper cooling fins64may be shorter than the length of the upper coolant passage63.

The plurality of upper cooling fins64may be disposed in the upper coolant passage63. The plurality of upper cooling fins64may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction Y of the top coolant jacket6. A unit passage through which coolant is distributed may be formed between a pair of adjacent upper cooling fins64.

The top coolant jacket6may be composed of a combination of multiple members. The top coolant jacket6may comprise a top jacket65and an inner top cover66.

The third passage61, the fourth passage62, the upper coolant passage63, and the plurality of upper cooling fins64may be formed in the top jacket65.

The top jacket65may be formed with an upper opening65aformed below the lower side of the upper coolant passage63to expose the upper coolant passage63and the plurality of upper cooling fins64.

The inner top cover66may be placed on the lower surface of the top jacket65. The inner top cover66may be disposed in the upper opening65a. The inner top cover66may cover the upper coolant passage63and the plurality of upper cooling fins64.

The bottom coolant jacket5and the top coolant jacket6may be fastened with a fastening member such as a screw.

A space S1in which the first control board7can be accommodated may be formed between the bottom coolant jacket5and the top coolant jacket6.

The first control board7may be disposed between the bottom coolant jacket5and the top coolant jacket6. The first control board7may be accommodated in the space S1formed between the bottom coolant jacket5and the top coolant jacket6.

The first control board7may comprise a substrate71and a semiconductor chip72installed on the substrate71. An example of the semiconductor chip72may be to execute level 1 or level 2 among the autonomous driving levels and may be an autonomous driving chip such as an MCU.

The first control board7may be in thermal contact with each of the bottom coolant jacket5and the top coolant jacket6.

The lower surface of the substrate71or the semiconductor chip72protruding from the lower surface of the substrate71may be in thermal contact with the bottom coolant jacket5, particularly the inner bottom cover56.

The upper surface of the substrate71or the semiconductor chip72protruding from the upper surface of the substrate71may be in thermal contact with the top coolant jacket6, particularly the inner top cover66.

A groove73may be formed in the first control board7to avoid at least one of the second passage52and the third passage61.

The first control unit1may further comprise an inner gasket8that seals between the second passage52and the third passage61.

The lower portion of the inner gasket8may be inserted into the second passage52, the upper portion may be inserted into the third passage61, and the protrusion formed at the center of the inner gasket8is placed between the bottom coolant jacket5and the top coolant jacket6.

The coolant may pass through the lower coolant passage53, the coolant may cool the lower surface of the first control board7, and the coolant sequentially passes through the second passage52, the inside of the inner gasket8, and the third passage61. The Coolant may pass through the upper coolant passage63, and the coolant may cool the upper surface of the first control board7while passing through the upper coolant passage63.

Contrarily, the coolant may pass through the upper coolant passage63, and the coolant may cool the upper surface of the first control board7, and the coolant sequentially passes through the third passage61, the inside of the inner gasket8, and the second passage52. The Coolant may pass through the lower coolant passage53, and the coolant may cool the lower surface of the first control board7while passing through the lower coolant passage53.

The first control unit1may comprise a first nipple9disposed in the first passage51; and a second nipple10disposed in the fourth passage62.

A portion of the first nipple9may be inserted into the first passage51.

A portion of the second nipple10may be inserted into the fourth passage62.

The second control unit2may be parallel to the first control unit1. The second control unit2may have a length in the front and rear direction X, a width in the left and right direction Y, and a thickness in the up and down direction Z.

The second control unit2may be disposed below the lower surface of the bottom coolant jacket3.

The second control unit2may comprise a first lower case21, a second lower case22, and a second control board23.

A coolant passage is not formed in the second control unit2, and the second control unit2may be disposed below the lower surface of the bottom coolant jacket5, and the second control unit2may be cooled by the coolant passing through the lower coolant passage53.

The first lower case21may be disposed below the lower surface of the bottom coolant jacket5.

The second lower case22may be disposed below the first lower case21. The second lower case22may be fastened to the first lower case21using a fastening member such as a screw. The second control board23may be accommodated between the first lower case21and the second lower case22.

A space S2in which the second control board23can be accommodated may be formed between the first lower case21and the second lower case22.

The second control board23may comprise a substrate24and a semiconductor chip25installed on the substrate24. An example of the semiconductor chip25may be capable of executing level 2+ among autonomous driving levels and may be an autonomous driving chip such as an MCU. Another example of the semiconductor chip25may be capable of executing infotainment and may be an infotainment chip such as an MCU.

The second control board23may be in thermally contact with the bottom coolant jacket5.

The upper surface of the substrate24or the semiconductor chip25protruding from the upper surface of the substrate24may be thermally contacted with the coolant passing through the lower coolant passage53through the first lower case21and the bottom jacket55.

The electronic control unit may further comprise a lower thermal pad26disposed between the bottom coolant jacket5and the upper surface of the second control unit21. The lower thermal pad24may be disposed between the lower surface of the bottom coolant jacket5and the upper surface of the first lower case21.

If the electronic control unit further comprises a lower thermal pad26, the upper surface of the substrate24or the semiconductor chip25protruding on the upper surface of the substrate24may be thermally contacted with the coolant passing through the lower coolant passage53through the first lower case21, the lower thermal pad26and the bottom jacket55.

The third control unit3may be parallel to the first control unit1. The third control unit3may have a length in the front and rear direction X, a width in the left and right direction Y, and a thickness in the up and down direction Z.

The third control unit3may be disposed above the upper surface of the top coolant jacket6.

The size of the third control unit3may be smaller than the size of the first control unit1.

The third control unit3comprises a first upper case31and a second upper case32; and a first upper control board33.

A coolant passage is not formed in the third control unit3, and the third control unit3can be disposed above the upper surface of the top coolant jacket6, and the third control unit3may be cooled by the coolant passing through the upper coolant passage63.

The first upper case31may be disposed above the upper surface of the top coolant jacket6.

The second upper case32may be displaced above the first upper case31.

The second upper case32may be fastened to the first upper case31using a fastening member such as a screw.

The first upper control board33may be accommodated between the first upper case31and the second upper case32.

A space S3in which the first upper control board33can be accommodated may be formed between the first upper case31and the second upper case32.

The first upper control board33may comprise a substrate34and a semiconductor chip35installed on the substrate34, and an example of the semiconductor chip35is capable of executing level 3 of the autonomous driving levels and may be an autonomous driving chip such as an MCU.

The first upper control board33may be in thermally contact with the top coolant jacket6.

The lower surface of the substrate34or the semiconductor chip35protruding from the lower surface of the substrate34may be thermally contacted with the coolant passing through the upper coolant passage63through the first upper case31and the top jacket65.

The electronic control unit may comprise a first upper thermal pad36disposed between the upper surface of the top coolant jacket6and the lower surface of the third control unit3. The first upper thermal pad36may be disposed between the upper surface of the top coolant jacket6and the first upper case31.

If the electronic control unit further comprises a first upper thermal pad36, the lower surface of the substrate34or the semiconductor chip35protruding from the lower surface of the substrate34may be in thermally contact with the coolant passing through the upper coolant passage63through the first upper case31, the upper thermal pad36and the top jacket65.

The fourth control unit4may be parallel to the first control unit1. The third control unit3may have a length in the front and rear direction X, a width in the left and right direction Y, and a thickness in the up and down direction Z.

The size of the fourth control unit4may be smaller than the size of the first control unit1.

The fourth control unit4may be disposed above the upper surface of the top coolant jacket6.

The fourth control unit4comprises a third upper case41and a fourth upper case42; and a second upper control board43.

A coolant passage is not formed in the fourth control unit4, and the fourth control unit4may be disposed above the upper surface of the top coolant jacket6, and may be cooled by the coolant passing through the upper coolant passage63.

The third upper case41may be disposed above the upper surface of the top coolant jacket6.

The fourth upper case42may be placed above the third upper case41.

The fourth upper case42may be fastened to the third upper case41using a fastening member such as a screw.

The second upper control board43may be accommodated between the third upper case41and the fourth upper case42.

A space S4in which the fourth control board43can be accommodated may be formed between the third upper case41and the fourth upper case42.

The second upper control board43may comprise a substrate44and a semiconductor chip45installed on the substrate44, and an example of the semiconductor chip45is capable of executing level 4 of the autonomous driving levels and may be an autonomous driving chip such as an MCU.

The second upper control board43may be in thermally contact with the top coolant jacket6.

The lower surface of the substrate44or the semiconductor chip45protruding from the lower surface of the substrate44may be thermally contacted with the coolant passing through the upper coolant passage63through the third upper case41and the top jacket65.

The electronic control unit may further comprise a second upper thermal pad46disposed between the upper surface of the top coolant jacket6and the lower surface of the fourth control unit4. The second upper thermal pad46may be disposed between the upper surface of the top coolant jacket6and the third upper case41.

If the electronic control unit further comprises a second upper thermal pad46, the lower surface of the substrate44or the semiconductor chip45protruding from the lower surface of the substrate44may be in thermally contact with the coolant passing through the upper coolant passage63through the third upper case41, the second upper thermal pad46and the top jacket65.

The third control unit3and the fourth control unit4may be disposed in line in the longitudinal direction X of the first control unit1. The third control unit3may be disposed closer to the fourth passage62of the third passage61and fourth passage62. The fourth control unit4may be disposed closer to the third passage61of the third passage61and the fourth passage62.

An example of an electronic control unit comprises all of the first control unit1, the second control unit2, the third control unit3, and the fourth control unit4, and the semiconductor chips of the first control board7, the second control board23, the first upper control board33, and the second upper control board43may be driven together for level 4 autonomous driving.

In the case of an example of an electronic control unit, the first control board7, the first upper control board33, and the second upper control board43may be a higher heat source than the second control board23, and as shown inFIG.1, it is preferable that the coolant may be supplied to the electronic control unit through the second nipple10.

FIG.6is a perspective view of another example of an electronic control unit according to this embodiment.

Another example of an electronic control unit, as shown inFIG.6, does not comprise a fourth control unit4, but comprises the first control unit1, the second control unit2, and the third control unit3. Each semiconductor chips of the first control board7, the second control board23, and the first upper control board33, respectively, may be driven together for level 3 autonomous driving.

In the case of another example of the electronic control unit, the first control board7and the first upper control board33may be a higher heat source than the second control board23, and as shown inFIG.6, it is preferable that the coolant may be supplied to the electronic control unit through the nipple10.

FIG.7is a perspective view of the other example of an electronic control unit according to this embodiment.

The other example of the electronic control unit is as shown inFIG.7, the electronic control unit does not comprise the third control unit3and the fourth control unit4, but comprises the first control unit1and the second control unit2. Each semiconductor chip of the first control board7and the second control board23can be driven for level 1, level 2, or level 2+ autonomous driving.

In the case of the other example of the electronic control unit, as shown inFIG.7, it is preferable that the coolant may be supplied through the first nipple9so that each of the first control board7and the second control board23can be cooled quickly.

FIG.8is a view an example in which the electronic control unit according to this embodiment is cooled by a water-cooled cooling device; andFIG.9is a view the other example in which the electronic control unit according to this embodiment is cooled by a water-cooled cooling device.

The water-cooled cooling device100may be installed in the vehicle and may circulate and supply coolant to the electronic control unit installed in the vehicle.

The water-cooled cooling device300may be connected to the electronic control unit with a water pipe.

The water-cooled cooling device300comprises a heat exchanger301, a coolant tank303connected to the heat exchanger301via a heat exchanger outlet pipe302, a pump305connected to the coolant tank303via the pump inlet pipe304and a pump outlet pipe306connecting the pump305and the electronic control unit, and the electronic control unit and the heat exchanger301may be connected to a heat exchanger inlet pipe307.

The heat exchanger301may dissipate heat from the coolant into the atmosphere in an air-cooled manner.

The water-cooled cooling device300may comprise a cooling water valve308.

As shown inFIG.8, the coolant valve308may supply coolant to the second nipple10.

As shown inFIG.9, the coolant valve308may supply coolant to the first nipple9.

An example of the coolant valve308may be a four-way valve.

The pump outlet pipe306may be connected to the cooling water valve308.

The heat exchanger inlet pipe307may be connected to the cooling water valve308.

The coolant valve308and the first nipple9may be connected to a first nipple connection pipe309.

The coolant valve308and the second nipple10may be connected to the second nipple connection pipe310.

As shown inFIG.1, in case of the electronic control unit comprises the first control unit1, the second control unit2, the third control unit3and the fourth control unit4, or the electronic control unit comprises the first control unit1, the second control unit2, and the third control unit3, as shown inFIG.8, the coolant valve308may be switched to supply the coolant to the second nipple10

As shown inFIG.7, in case of the electronic control unit comprises a first control unit (1), and a second control unit (2), and the electronic control unit does not comprise a third control unit (3) and a fourth control unit (4), as shown inFIG.9, the coolant valve808may be switched to supply the coolant to the first nipple.

The coolant may circulate through the heat exchanger301and the electronic control unit and dissipate heat in the electronic control unit.

FIG.10is a view showing when the electronic control unit and motor according to this embodiment are cooled by a water-cooled cooling device.

The water-cooled cooling device300′ is connected to the electronic control unit and the motor400, and may circulate cold cooling water through the electronic control unit and the motor400.

An example of the motor400may be a drive motor provided in an electric vehicle to provide driving force to the wheels.

The motor400may comprise a motor housing403in which a coolant inlet port401and a coolant outlet port402are formed.

The water-cooled cooling device300′ may be connected to the electronic control unit and motor400through a water pipe.

The water-cooled cooling device300′ may comprise a heat exchanger301, a coolant tank303connected to the heat exchanger301via a heat exchanger outlet pipe302, a pump305connected to the coolant tank303via a pump inlet pipe304, a pump outlet pipe306′ connecting the pump305and the electronic control unit, a connection passage311connecting the electronic control unit and the motor400, and a heat exchanger inlet pipe307′ connected to the motor400and the heat exchanger301.

The heat exchanger301, the heat exchanger outlet pipe302, the cooling water tank303, the pump inlet pipe304, and the pump305are the same as the water-cooled cooling device300shown inFIG.9, their descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundant explanation.

The pump outlet pipe306′ may be connected to either the first nipple9or the second nipple10.

The heat exchanger inlet pipe307′ may be connected to the coolant outlet port402of the motor400.

One end of the connection passage311may be connected to the other one of the first nipple9or the second nipple10.

The other end of the connection passage311may be connected to the coolant inlet port401of the motor400.

The coolant may circulate through the heat exchanger301, the electronic control unit, and the motor400, and may sequentially dissipate heat through the electronic control unit and the motor400.

FIG.11is a view when the electronic control unit and the additional electronic control unit according to this embodiment are cooled by a water-cooled cooling device.

The water-cooled cooling device300″ may be connected to the electronic control unit and an additional electronic control unit500, and may circulate cold cooling water to the electronic control unit and the additional electronic control unit500.

The additional electronic control unit500may comprise an additional coolant jacket in which a coolant inlet501and a coolant outlet502are formed.

An example of the additional electronic control unit500may be an electronic control unit provided separately from the electronic control unit, and may comprise a plurality of additional coolant jackets503,504, and505.

The plurality of additional coolant jackets503,504, and505may be configured to have coolant flow paths connected in parallel.

The water-cooled cooling device300″ may be connected to the electronic control unit and the additional electronic control unit500through a water pipe.

The water-cooled cooling device300″ may comprise a heat exchanger301, a cooling water tank303connected to the heat exchanger301via the heat exchanger outlet pipe302, a pump305connected to the cooling water tank303via the pump inlet pipe304, a pump outlet pipe306′ connecting the pump305and the electronic control unit, a connection passage311′ connecting the electronic control unit and the additional electronic control unit500, and a heat exchanger inlet pipe307″ connecting the additional electronic control unit500and the heat exchanger301.

The heat exchanger301, the heat exchanger outlet pipe302, the cooling water tank303, the pump inlet pipe304, the pump305, and the pump outlet pipe306′ are the same as the water-cooled cooling device300′ shown inFIG.10, their description will be omitted to avoid redundant explanation.

The pump outlet pipe (306′) may be connected to either the first nipple (9) or the second nipple (10).

One end of the connection passage311′ may be connected to the other one of the first nipple9and the second nipple10.

The other end of the connection passage311′ may be connected to the coolant inlet501of the additional electronic control unit500.

The heat exchanger inlet pipe307″ may be connected to the coolant outlet502of the additional electronic control unit500.

The coolant may circulate through the heat exchanger301, the electronic control unit, and the additional electronic control unit500, and may sequentially dissipate heat through the electronic control unit and the additional electronic control unit500.

The coolant may flow through the passage at a specific flow rate Q by the pump305, and the coolant may flow into the electronic control unit, cool the heat source of the electronic control unit, and then flow out of the electronic control unit.

The coolant flowing out of the electronic control unit may flow to the additional electronic control unit500to cool the heat source of the additional electronic control unit500and then may pass through the heat exchanger301to drop to the initial temperature, and the coolant whose temperature has been initialized flows into the coolant tank303.

The above process may be repeated for the coolant stored in the coolant tank303.

According to this embodiment, the coolant sequentially passing through the lower coolant passage and the upper coolant passage can cool the lower and upper surfaces of the first control board, and both sides of the first control board can be quickly cooled with a simple structure.

In addition, the coolant passing through the lower coolant passage can cool the first control board and the second control board together, and the lower coolant passage can also serve as the coolant passage of the first control board and the coolant passage of the second control board. the structure is simple and compactization is possible.

In addition, the coolant passing through the upper coolant passage can cool the first control board and the third control board together, and the upper coolant passage can also serve as the coolant passage of the first control board and the coolant passage of the third control board. the structure is simple and compactization is possible.

In addition, the coolant passing through the upper coolant passage can cool the first control board, the third control board, and the fourth control board together, and the upper coolant passage is the coolant passage of the first control board and the coolant passage of the third control board and a coolant passage for the fourth control board, the structure is simple and compactization is possible.

In addition, the electronic control unit may comprise a first control unit and a second control unit, or may comprise a first control unit, a second control unit and a third control unit, or may comprise a first control unit, a second control unit and a third control unit. unit and a fourth control unit, so the electronic control unit can be expanded depending on the vehicle.

In addition, the coolant valve can allow the coolant to pass through the lower coolant passage first or the upper coolant passage first, allowing the coolant to cool the control board of the high heat source more quickly.

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations can be made to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

The protection scope of the present invention should be construed according to the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being comprised in the scope of the present invention.