Plate arrangement for fluid flow

A plate arrangement for fluid flow includes a support plate, and a plurality of channel plates detachably mounted on the support plate, wherein the plurality of channel plates are mounted to cover at least a portion of the support plate, each channel plate has a fluid channel, the plurality of channel plates are arranged along a fluid flow path of at least a portion of a predetermined fluid circulation loop so that the plurality of channel plates form at least the portion of the fluid circulation loop, and fluid channels of adjacent channel plates are fluidly connected to each other.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0125245, filed on Sep. 17, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a plate arrangement for fluid flow, and more particularly, to a plate arrangement for fluid flow designed to flatten at least a portion of a circulation loop through which a fluid flows.

BACKGROUND

A cooling system for a vehicle may be configured to allow a coolant to circulate so as to cool heat generating components such as an internal combustion engine, batteries, and power electronics. The vehicle cooling system may include a coolant circulation loop through which the coolant circulates, and the coolant circulation loop may be fluidly connected to various components including control components (valves, pumps, etc.) for controlling the flow of the coolant, heat exchangers (a radiator, etc.), and heat generating components (an internal combustion engine, batteries, power electronics, etc.).

For example, the vehicle cooling system may include an internal combustion engine cooling system allowing the coolant to circulate so as to cool an internal combustion engine of an internal combustion engine vehicle, a battery cooling system allowing the coolant to circulate so as to cool a battery of an electric vehicle, a power electronics cooling system allowing the coolant to circulate so as to cool power electronics of a powertrain of an electric vehicle, and a battery-power electronics cooling system allowing the coolant to circulate so as to cool both the battery and the power electronics of an electric vehicle.

The vehicle cooling system may be mounted in a narrow front compartment of the vehicle, and a plurality of tubes or a plurality of hoses may form the coolant circulation loop of the vehicle cooling system. The dimensions (diameters, lengths, etc.) of the tubes or the dimensions (diameters, lengths, etc.) of the hoses may vary according to the positions and arrangement of various components. The plurality of tubes or a plurality of hoses for forming the coolant circulation loop may make the layout of the vehicle cooling system complicated in the front compartment of the vehicle.

The layout of the vehicle cooling system may at least partially change depending on types or structures of vehicles. Accordingly, it may be difficult to modularize or standardize the vehicle cooling system. Thus, the vehicle cooling system may be difficult to flexibly respond to the automated production of vehicles.

The above information described in this background section is provided to assist in understanding the background of the inventive concept, and may include any technical concept which is not considered as the prior art that is already known to those skilled in the art.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a plate arrangement for fluid flow designed to flatten at least a portion of a fluid circulation loop through which a fluid such as a coolant flows, thereby easily achieving modularization or standardization of at least a portion of the fluid circulation loop and/or a plurality of components fluidly connected thereto.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a plate arrangement for fluid flow may include a support plate, and a plurality of channel plates detachably mounted on the support plate. The plurality of channel plates may be mounted to cover at least a portion of the support plate, each channel plate may have a fluid channel, the plurality of channel plates may be arranged along a fluid flow path of at least a portion of a predetermined fluid circulation loop so that the plurality of channel plates may form at least the portion of the fluid circulation loop, and fluid channels of adjacent channel plates may be fluidly connected to each other.

The support plate and the plurality of channel plates in the plate arrangement for fluid flow may allow at least the portion of the fluid circulation loop to be flattened, thereby easily achieving the modularization or standardization of at least the portion of the fluid circulation loop and/or the plurality of components fluidly connected thereto. Thus, the layout of various fluid flow systems may become compact and simplified, and may flexibly respond to the automated production of vehicles, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of vehicles.

The plate arrangement may further include a plurality of dummy plates disposed between at least some adjacent channel plates of the plurality of channel plates, and each dummy plate may have no fluid channel.

As the plurality of dummy plates having no fluid channel are disposed between the plurality of channel plates, the plurality of channel plates and the plurality of dummy plates may be mounted on the support plate, and thus the overall flattening and structural stiffness of the plates in the plate arrangement may be reliably achieved.

The plurality of dummy plates may be detachably mounted on the support plate.

As the plurality of dummy plates are mounted on the support plate, the plurality of channel plates mounted on the support plate may be stably supported.

The channel plate may have a first surface facing the support plate and a second surface opposing the first surface. The fluid channel may be recessed from the first surface of the channel plate toward the second surface of the channel plate.

As the fluid channel is recessed in each channel plate, the fluid channel of the channel plate may be precisely and easily processed by a relatively inexpensive manufacturing method.

The dummy plate may have a first surface facing the support plate and a second surface opposing the first surface. The first surface of the channel plate may be flush with the first surface of the dummy plate, and the second surface of the channel plate may be flush with the second surface of the dummy plate.

As the dummy plates are aligned with the channel plates, the flattening of the plates with respect to at least the portion of the fluid circulation loop may be reliably achieved.

The support plate may have a plurality of holes, and the plurality of holes may be arranged in a predetermined pattern. The channel plate may have a plurality of recesses, the plurality of recesses may be arranged in a predetermined pattern, and the plurality of recesses may be aligned with at least some of the plurality of holes.

As a bolt is fastened to any one hole of the support plate and a corresponding recess of the channel plate, each channel plate may be firmly fixed to the support plate.

The dummy plate may have a plurality of recesses, the plurality of recesses may be arranged in a predetermined pattern, and the plurality of recesses may be aligned with at least some of the plurality of holes.

As a bolt is fastened to any one hole of the support plate and a corresponding recess of the dummy plate, each dummy plate may be firmly fixed to the support plate.

The plurality of channel plates may have the same external shape and the same external size.

Accordingly, the plurality of channel plates may be variously combined on the support plate to match fluid flow paths of various fluid circulation loops.

The plurality of dummy plates may have the same external shape and the same external size, and each dummy plate and each channel plate may have the same external shape and the same external size.

Accordingly, the plurality of channel plates and the plurality of dummy plates may be variously combined on the support plate to match fluid flow paths of various fluid circulation loops.

The support plate may include a first mounting surface on which the plurality of channel plates and the plurality of dummy plates are mounted, and a second mounting surface opposing the first mounting surface. The first mounting surface may be a flat surface corresponding to the first surface of each channel plate.

As the plurality of channel plates and the plurality of dummy plates are mounted on the first mounting surface of the support plate, the fluid flow system may be efficiently flattened and become compact.

The plate arrangement may further include a plurality of components fluidly connected to the fluid channels of the corresponding channel plates through the support plate.

As the plurality of components are fluidly connected to the fluid channels of the corresponding channel plates through the support plate, at least the portion of the fluid circulation loop and the related components may become more compact.

The plurality of components may include: at least one control component controlling the flow of a coolant, at least one heat exchanger cooling the coolant by an external heat transfer medium, and at least one heat generating component having an internal passage through which the coolant passes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used throughout to designate the same or equivalent elements. In addition, a detailed description of well-known techniques associated with the present disclosure will be ruled out in order not to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1, a plate arrangement20for fluid flow according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be designed to form at least a portion6a(seeFIG.8) of a predetermined fluid circulation loop6through which a fluid such as a coolant circulates.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the plate arrangement20for fluid flow according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of channel plates21,22, and23having fluid channels21a,22a, and23a, respectively.

The plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may include at least one first channel plate21having a first fluid channel21a, at least one second channel plate22having a second fluid channel22a, and at least one third channel plate23having a third fluid channel23a.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may be attached to each other on the same plane, and the fluid channels21a,22a, and23aof the adjacent channel plates21,22, and23may be fluidly connected to each other to form at least the portion6aof the fluid circulation loop6. At least some edges of each channel plate may directly contact edges of other adjacent channel plates.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may be connected in a vertically stacked manner.

Referring toFIG.3, the first channel plate21may include the first fluid channel21adefined therein, and the first fluid channel21amay have a straight shape. A first connection portion21bmay be provided in a central portion of the first fluid channel21a, and the first connection portion21bmay have various shapes such as a circular shape or a square shape. Various components (not shown) may be fluidly connected to the first connection portion21b.

Referring toFIG.4, the second channel plate22may include the second fluid channel22adefined therein, and the second fluid channel22amay have an L-shape. A second connection portion22bmay be located at a corner portion of the L-shaped second fluid channel22a, and the second connection portion22bmay have various shapes such as a circular shape or a square shape. Various components (not shown) may be fluidly connected to the second connection portion22b.

Referring toFIG.5, the third channel plate23may include the third fluid channel23adefined therein, and the third fluid channel23amay have a T-shape. A third connection portion23bmay be located at an intersection of the T-shaped third fluid channel23a. Various components (not shown) may be fluidly connected to the third connection portion23b.

A support plate35may support the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23, and the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may be mounted on the support plate35. In particular, the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may be mounted to cover at least a portion of the support plate35. Each of the channel plates21,22, and23and the support plate35may be a flat plate. Each of the channel plates21,22, and23may have the form of a cube or a rectangular cuboid, and the size of each of the channel plates21,22, and23may be less than the size of the support plate35. In particular, the first channel plate21, the second channel plate22, and the third channel plate23may have the same thickness.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may have the same external shape and the same external size. Since the channel plates21,22, and23have the same external shape and the same external size, the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may be variously combined to match fluid circulation loops of various fluid flow systems.

According to another exemplary embodiment, at least some of the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may have different external shapes and different external sizes.

Referring toFIGS.11,12,15, and17, the first channel plate21may include a first surface41facing the support plate35, a second surface42opposing the first surface41, and a plurality of side surfaces. The first fluid channel21amay be recessed from the first surface41toward the second surface42.

Referring toFIGS.12and14, the second channel plate22may include a first surface43facing the support plate35, a second surface44opposing the first surface43, and a plurality of side surfaces. The second fluid channel22amay be recessed from the first surface43toward the second surface44.

Referring toFIGS.11,12, and15, the third channel plate23may include a first surface45facing the support plate35, a second surface46opposing the first surface45, and a plurality of side surfaces. The third fluid channel23amay be recessed from the first surface45toward the second surface46.

The first surface41of the first channel plate21, the first surface43of the second channel plate22, and the first surface45of the third channel plate23may be flush with each other. That is, the first surface41of the first channel plate21, the first surface43of the second channel plate22, and the first surface45of the third channel plate23may form a single flat plane.

The second surface42of the first channel plate21, the second surface44of the second channel plate22, and the second surface46of the third channel plate23may be flush with each other. That is, the second surface42of the first channel plate21, the second surface44of the second channel plate22, and the second surface46of the third channel plate23may form a single flat plane.

As the fluid channels21a,22a, and23aare recessed from the first surfaces41,43, and45of the corresponding channel plates21,22, and23, the fluid channels21a,22a, and23aof the channel plates21,22, and23may be precisely and easily processed by a relatively inexpensive manufacturing method. Each of the first surfaces41,43, and45, the second surfaces42,44, and46, and the side surfaces of the channel plates21,22, and23may be flat. The fluid channels21a,22a, and23aof the channel plates21,22, and23may be connected to each other by sealing members such as O-rings mounted on respective end portions thereof.

Referring toFIG.1, the support plate35may include a first mounting surface35aon which the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23are mounted, and a second mounting surface35bon which components14,15,16,17, and18fluidly connected to at least the portion6aof the fluid circulation loop6are mounted.

Referring toFIGS.1,11,12,14,15, and17, the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35may be a flat surface corresponding to the first surfaces41,43, and45of the channel plates21,22, and23, and thus the channel plates21,22, and23may be tightly mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35. The second mounting surface35bof the support plate35may oppose the first mounting surface35a, and the second mounting surface35bmay be a flat surface corresponding to mounting flanges14c,15c,16c,17c, and18cof the components14,15,16,17, and18.

The plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may be mounted to cover at least a portion of the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the channel plates21,22, and23are mounted on the support plate35through fasteners, the first surfaces41,43, and45of the channel plates21,22, and23may directly contact the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35. According to another exemplary embodiment, a sealing member such as a gasket or a seal may be at least partially interposed between each of the first surfaces41,43, and45of the channel plates21,22, and23and the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35, and thus the fluid channels21a,22a, and23aof the channel plates21,22, and23may be mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35in a sealed manner.

The plate arrangement20for fluid flow according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a fourth channel plate24. Referring toFIG.6, the fourth channel plate24may include a fourth fluid channel24adefined therein, and the fourth fluid channel24amay have a cross (+) shape. A fourth connection portion24bmay be provided at an intersection of the cross-shaped fourth fluid channel24a. Various components (not shown) may be fluidly connected to the fourth connection portion24b.

As illustrated inFIGS.3to6, the channel plates21,22,23, and24may have the fluid channels21a,22a,23a, and24aof various shapes such as a straight shape (a vertical straight shape, a horizontal straight shape), L-shape, T-shape, or cross (+) shape. In addition, the fluid channel may also have other shapes such as U-shape. Accordingly, the fluid channels21a,22a,23a, and24aof the channel plates21,22,23, and24may be variously formed to match at least the portion6aof the fluid circulation loop6.

As described above, the channel plates21,22,23, and24may have a simple structure for fluid flow using the fluid channels21a,22a,23a, and24aand the connection portions21b,22b,23b, and24b, thereby enabling the standardization of the plate arrangement, and various components may be simply and easily mounted on at least some of the channel plates21,22,23, and24.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may be arranged on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35along a fluid flow path of at least the portion6aof the fluid circulation loop6so that the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may form at least the portion6aof the fluid circulation loop6. An empty space on which the channel plates21,22, and23are not mounted may be created on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35. The plate arrangement20according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a plurality of dummy plates25disposed between at least some of the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23, and each dummy plate25may not have a fluid channel. Since the plurality of dummy plates25have no fluid channel, they may not be related to the fluid circulation loop6. The plurality of dummy plates25may be mounted on the empty space of the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35on which the channel plates21,22, and23are not mounted, and thus lateral support stiffness with respect to the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23may be improved, and flattening of the plurality of plates with respect to the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35may be reliably achieved. As the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23and the plurality of dummy plates25are mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35, the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23and the plurality of dummy plates25may entirely or partially cover the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, when the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23and the plurality of dummy plates25are mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35, the total area of the first surfaces41,43, and45of the channel plates21,22, and23and first surfaces47of the dummy plates25may be substantially the same as that of the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35.

Referring toFIG.17, each dummy plate25may include the first surface47facing the support plate35, a second surface48opposing the first surface47, and a plurality of side surfaces.

A thickness of the dummy plate25may be the same as that of each of the channel plates21,22, and23. The first surface47of the dummy plate25may be aligned with the first surfaces41,43, and45of the channel plates21,22, and23so that the first surface47of the dummy plate25may be flush with the first surfaces41,43, and45of the channel plates21,22, and23. The second surface48of the dummy plate25may be aligned with the second surfaces42,44, and46of the channel plates21,22, and23so that the second surface48of the dummy plate25may be flush with the second surfaces42,44, and46of the channel plates21,22, and23.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of dummy plates25may have the same external shape and the same external size. In particular, the channel plates21,22, and23and the dummy plates25may have the same external shape and the same external size. Accordingly, the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23and the plurality of dummy plates25may be variously combined on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35to match fluid circulation loops of various fluid flow systems.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of dummy plates25may have different external shapes and different external sizes. The dummy plates25may have different external shapes and different external sizes from those of the channel plates21,22, and23. Accordingly, the plurality of channel plates21,22, and23and the plurality of dummy plates25may be more variously combined on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35to match fluid circulation loops of various fluid flow systems.

Referring toFIG.1, the support plate35may have a plurality of holes35c, and the plurality of holes35cmay be arranged in a predetermined pattern. Each hole35cmay be a through hole which is made to go completely through the first mounting surface35athe second mounting surface35b.

The channel plates21,22, and23may have a plurality of recesses21c,22c, and23c, and the plurality of recesses21c,22c, and23cmay be aligned with at least some of the plurality of holes35cprovided in the support plate35. Bolts31and33may be fastened to the holes35cof the support plate35and the corresponding recesses21c,22c, and23cof the channel plates21,22, and23so that the channel plates21,22, and23may be fixed to the support plate35. The recesses21c,22c, and23cof the channel plates21,22, and23may be arranged in a predetermined pattern by taking the sizes of the components14,15,16,17, and18into consideration. The bolts31may be selectively fastened to the plurality of recesses21c,22c, and23cthrough the holes35cof the support plate35according to the sizes of the components to be mounted on the second mounting surface35bof the support plate35.

For example, referring toFIGS.3to6, the plurality of recesses21c,22c,23c, and24cmay be arranged in a diagonal direction from the center of the corresponding channel plates21,22,23, and24toward vertices thereof.

Each dummy plate25may have a plurality of recesses25c, and the plurality of recesses25cmay be arranged in a predetermined pattern. For example, referring toFIG.7, the plurality of recesses25cmay be arranged in a diagonal direction from the center of the dummy plate25toward vertices thereof.

The plurality of recesses25cmay be aligned with at least some of the plurality of holes35cprovided in the support plate35. Bolts32may be fastened to the holes35cof the support plate35and the corresponding recesses25cof the dummy plate25so that the dummy plate25may be firmly fixed to the support plate35.

Referring toFIG.1, various components such as a battery chiller14, a first pump15, a second pump16, a first three-way valve17, and a second three-way valve18may be fluidly connected to at least the portion6aof the fluid circulation loop6. As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the battery chiller14, the first pump15, the second pump16, the first three-way valve17, and the second three-way valve18may be fluidly connected to the corresponding channel plates21,22, and23through the support plate35.

FIG.8illustrates an example of a vehicle thermal management system1. Referring toFIG.8, the vehicle thermal management system1may include a refrigerant loop2of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystem heating or cooling air flowing into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and a coolant system5thermally connected to the refrigerant loop2.

The HVAC subsystem may be configured to heat or cool the air flowing into the passenger compartment of the vehicle using a refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant loop2. The refrigerant loop2may be fluidly connected to a compressor2a, a condenser2b, an expansion valve2c, and an evaporator2d.

The compressor2amay be configured to compress the refrigerant and circulate the refrigerant through the refrigerant loop2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the compressor2amay be an electric compressor which is driven by electric energy.

The condenser2bmay be configured to condense the refrigerant received from the compressor2a. The condenser2bmay be disposed adjacent to a front grille of the vehicle, and accordingly the refrigerant may be condensed in the condenser2bby releasing heat to the ambient air. A cooling fan may be located behind the condenser2b. The condenser2bmay exchange heat with the ambient air forcibly blown by the cooling fan, and thus a heat transfer rate between the condenser2band the ambient air may be further increased.

The expansion valve2cmay be configured to expand the refrigerant received from the condenser2b. The expansion valve2cmay be disposed between the condenser2band the evaporator2din the refrigerant loop2. The expansion valve2cmay be located on the upstream side of the evaporator2d, thereby adjusting the flow of the refrigerant or the flow rate of the refrigerant into the evaporator2d. According to an exemplary embodiment, the expansion valve2cmay be a thermal expansion valve (TXV) which senses the temperature and/or pressure of the refrigerant and adjusts the opening degree thereof.

The evaporator2dmay be configured to evaporate the refrigerant received from the expansion valve2c. That is, the refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve2cmay absorb heat from the air and be evaporated in the evaporator25. During a cooling operation of the HVAC subsystem, the evaporator2dmay cool the air using the refrigerant cooled by condenser2band expanded by the expansion valve2c, and the cooled air may be directed into the passenger compartment.

The refrigerant loop2may further include a branch conduit3branching off from an upstream point of the expansion valve2c, and the branch conduit3may be fluidly connected to the compressor2a. Accordingly, a portion of the refrigerant may be directed toward the expansion valve2c, and a remaining portion of the refrigerant may flow through the branch conduit3.

The coolant system5illustrated inFIG.8may be an example of a fluid flow system to which the plate arrangement20according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The coolant system5may be configured to cool power electronics11and a battery pack12using a coolant.

Referring toFIG.8, the coolant system5may include the fluid circulation loop6through which the coolant circulates. The fluid circulation loop6may be fluidly connected to the power electronics11, the battery pack12, a coolant radiator13, the battery chiller14, the first pump15, the second pump16, the first three-way valve17, and the second three-way valve18.

The power electronics11may include components of an electric powertrain such as an electric motor, an inverter, and an on-board charger (OBC). The power electronics11may have a coolant passage provided inside or outside thereof, and the coolant may pass through the coolant passage of the power electronics11. The fluid circulation loop6may be fluidly connected to the coolant passage of the power electronics11.

The coolant radiator13may be a high temperature radiator. The coolant radiator13together with the condenser2bof the HVAC subsystem may be disposed adjacent to the front grille of the vehicle. The front grille of the vehicle may be selectively opened or closed by an active air flap. The cooling fan may be located behind the condenser2band the coolant radiator13. The condenser2band the coolant radiator13may exchange heat with the ambient air forcibly blown by the cooling fan so that a heat transfer rate between the condenser2band the ambient air and between the coolant radiator13and the ambient air may be further increased.

A reservoir13amay be located on the downstream side of the coolant radiator13in the fluid circulation loop6.

The battery chiller14may be configured to transfer heat between the fluid circulation loop6and the branch conduit3of the refrigerant loop2. The battery chiller14may be configured to cool the coolant circulating in the fluid circulation loop6using the refrigerant passing through the branch conduit3of the refrigerant loop2.

The battery chiller14may include a first passage fluidly connected to the fluid circulation loop6, and a second passage fluidly connected to the branch conduit3of the refrigerant loop2. The first passage and the second passage may be adjacent to each other or contact each other in the battery chiller14, and the first passage may be fluidly separated from the second passage. Accordingly, the battery chiller14may transfer heat between the coolant passing through the first passage and the refrigerant passing through the second passage.

A chiller-side expansion valve4may be located on the upstream side of the battery chiller14in the branch conduit3, and the chiller-side expansion valve4may adjust the flow of the refrigerant or the flow rate of the refrigerant into the second passage of the battery chiller14. The chiller-side expansion valve4may be configured to expand the refrigerant received from the condenser2b.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the chiller-side expansion valve4may be an electronic expansion valve (EXV) having a drive motor. The drive motor may have a shaft which is movable to open or close an orifice defined in a valve body of the chiller-side expansion valve4, and the position of the shaft may be varied depending on the rotation direction, rotation degree, and the like of the drive motor, and thus the opening degree of the chiller-side expansion valve4may be varied.

The first pump15may force the coolant to circulate between the power electronics11and the coolant radiator13. The first pump15may be located between the power electronics11and the battery chiller14in the fluid circulation loop6.

The second pump16may force the coolant to circulate between the battery pack12and the battery chiller14. The second pump16may be located on the upstream side of the battery pack12in the fluid circulation loop6.

The fluid circulation loop6of the coolant system5inFIG.8may include a first bypass conduit19aallowing the coolant to bypass the power electronics11and the coolant radiator13, and a second bypass conduit19ballowing the coolant to bypass the battery pack12and the battery chiller14.

An inlet of the first bypass conduit19amay be connected to a point between an inlet of the first pump15and the battery chiller14in the fluid circulation loop6, and an outlet of the first bypass conduit19amay be connected to a point between an outlet of the reservoir13aand an inlet of the second pump16in the fluid circulation loop6.

An inlet of the second bypass conduit19bmay be connected to a point between the inlet of the first pump15and the battery chiller14in the fluid circulation loop6, and an outlet of the second bypass conduit19bmay be connected to a point between the outlet of the reservoir13aand the inlet of the second pump16in the fluid circulation loop6. The inlet of the second bypass conduit19bmay be closer to the inlet of the first pump15than the inlet of the first bypass conduit19a, and the outlet of the second bypass conduit19bmay be closer to the reservoir13athan the outlet of the first bypass conduit19a.

The first three-way valve17may be disposed at the inlet of the first bypass conduit19a. A portion of the coolant may pass through the first bypass conduit19ato bypass the power electronics11and the coolant radiator13by the operation of the first three-way valve17, and thus it may sequentially pass through the battery pack12and the battery chiller14. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first three-way valve17may include a first port fluidly connected to the battery chiller14, a second port fluidly connected to the power electronics11, and a third port fluidly connected to the first bypass conduit19a. The first three-way valve17may be configured to perform a switching operation by a drive motor so as to allow the second port and the third port to selectively communicate with the first port. Specifically, when the first three-way valve17is switched to allow the second port to communicate with the first port, the third port may be closed, and accordingly the coolant may not be directed toward the first bypass conduit19a. When the first three-way valve17is switched to allow the third port to communicate with the first port, the second port may be closed, and accordingly the coolant may be directed toward the first bypass conduit19a.

The second three-way valve18may be disposed at the outlet of the second bypass conduit19b. A remaining portion of the coolant may pass through the second bypass conduit19bto bypass the battery pack12and the battery chiller14by the operation of the second three-way valve18, and thus it may sequentially pass through the power electronics11and the coolant radiator13. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second three-way valve18may include a first port fluidly connected to the coolant radiator13, a second port fluidly connected to the battery pack12, and a third port fluidly connected to the second bypass conduit19b. The second three-way valve18may be configured to perform a switching operation by a drive motor so as to allow the second port and the third port to selectively communicate with the first port. Specifically, when the second three-way valve18is switched to allow the second port to communicate with the first port, the third port may be closed, and accordingly the coolant may not be directed toward the second bypass conduit19b. When the second three-way valve18is switched to allow the third port to communicate with the first port, the second port may be closed, and accordingly the coolant may be directed toward the second bypass conduit19b.

As described above, the coolant system5according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG.8may be a battery-power electronics cooling system configured to cool the power electronics11and the battery pack12using the coolant. The plate arrangement20according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may not only be applied to the battery-power electronics cooling system illustrated inFIG.8but also to various coolant systems configured to cool heat generating components. For example, the coolant system5may be a fluid flow system of at least one of an internal combustion engine cooling system configured to cool an internal combustion engine, a battery cooling system configured to cool a battery, and a power electronics cooling system configured to cool the power electronics.

In the plate arrangement20according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the arrangement of the channel plates21,22,23, and24may be varied to match at least some fluid flow paths of various fluid circulation loops, and the flattening of the channel plates with respect to the fluid circulation loops of various fluid flow systems may be effectively achieved.

The plurality of components fluidly connected to the fluid circulation loop6of the coolant system5may include control components which control the flow of the coolant, heat exchangers which cool the coolant by an external heat transfer medium, and heat generating components which generate heat and have an internal passage through which the coolant passes.

The control components may include a pump, a valve, and the like that controls the flow of the coolant, such as the first pump15, the second pump16, the first three-way valve17, and the second three-way valve18. The heat exchangers may include a radiator, a battery chiller, and the like that cools the coolant using the external heat transfer medium (the air, the refrigerant, etc.), such as the coolant radiator13and the battery chiller14. The heat generating components may include components that reject heat according to the driving of the vehicle, such as the power electronics11and the battery pack12. In addition, the heat generating components may also include an internal combustion engine (a prime mover of a mechanical powertrain), and various coolers (an oil cooler, a transmission cooler, an ERG cooler, etc.).

Referring toFIG.11, the first pump15may be fluidly connected to the first fluid channel21aof the corresponding first channel plate21through the support plate35. The mounting flange15cof the first pump15together with the corresponding first channel plate21may be fixed to the support plate35through the bolts31. The bolts31may pass through the through holes of the mounting flange15cand the holes35cof the support plate35and be screwed into the recesses21cof the corresponding first channel plate21so that the first pump15and the corresponding first channel plate21may be mounted together on the support plate35. Accordingly, the first pump15may be mounted on the second mounting surface35bof the support plate35, and the corresponding first channel plate21may be mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35. The first pump15may have an inlet plug15athrough which the coolant draws in and an outlet plug15bthrough which the coolant is discharged. The inlet plug15aand the outlet plug15bmay protrude from the mounting flange15cof the first pump15toward the support plate35and the first channel plate21. The support plate35may have an opening36athrough which the inlet plug15aof the first pump15passes and an opening36bthrough which the outlet plug15bof the first pump15passes. The openings36aand36bof the support plate35may directly communicate with the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21. The inlet plug15aof the first pump15may pass through the opening36aof the support plate35and be sealingly fitted into one portion of the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21so that an opening of the inlet plug15aof the first pump15may communicate with one portion of the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21. The outlet plug15bof the first pump15may pass through the opening36bof the support plate35and be sealingly fitted into the other portion of the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21so that an opening of the outlet plug15bof the first pump15may communicate with the other portion of the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21. As the inlet plug15aand the outlet plug15bof the first pump15are individually fitted into the first fluid channel21aof the corresponding first channel plate21, the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21may be fluidly separated into an inlet-side channel portion communicating with the inlet plug15aof the first pump15and an outlet-side channel portion communicating with the outlet plug15bof the first pump15.

Referring toFIG.12, the battery chiller14may be fluidly connected to the first fluid channel21aof the corresponding first channel plate21through the support plate35. The mounting flange14cof the battery chiller14may be fixed to the support plate35through the bolts31. The bolts31may pass through the through holes of the mounting flange14cand the holes35cof the support plate35and be screwed into the recesses21cof the corresponding first channel plate21so that the battery chiller14and the corresponding first channel plate21may be mounted together on the support plate35. Accordingly, the battery chiller14may be mounted on the second mounting surface35bof the support plate35, and the corresponding first channel plate21may be mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35. Referring toFIGS.10and12, the battery chiller14may have an inlet plug14athrough which the coolant draws in and an outlet plug14bthrough which the coolant is discharged. The inlet plug14aand the outlet plug14bmay protrude from the mounting flange14cof the battery chiller14toward the support plate35and the first channel plate21. The support plate35may have an opening36cthrough which the inlet plug14aof the battery chiller14passes and an opening36dthrough which the outlet plug14bof the battery chiller14passes. The openings36cand36dof the support plate35may directly communicate with the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21. The inlet plug14aof the battery chiller14may pass through the opening36cof the support plate35and be sealingly fitted into one portion of the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21so that an opening of the inlet plug14aof the battery chiller14may communicate with one portion of the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21. The outlet plug14bof the battery chiller14may pass through the opening36dof the support plate35and be sealingly fitted into the other portion of the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21so that an opening of the outlet plug14bof the battery chiller14may communicate with the other portion of the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21. As the inlet plug14aand the outlet plug14bof the battery chiller14are individually fitted into the first fluid channel21aof the corresponding first channel plate21, the first fluid channel21aof the first channel plate21may be fluidly separated into an inlet-side channel portion communicating with the inlet plug14aof the battery chiller14and an outlet-side channel portion communicating with the outlet plug14bof the battery chiller14.

Referring toFIG.12, the first three-way valve17may be fluidly connected to the third fluid channel23aof the corresponding third channel plate23through the support plate35. The mounting flange17cof the first three-way valve17may be fixed to the support plate35through the bolts31. The bolts31may pass through the through holes of the mounting flange17cand the holes35cof the support plate35and be screwed into the recesses23cof the corresponding third channel plate23so that the first three-way valve17and the corresponding third channel plate23may be mounted together on the support plate35. Accordingly, the first three-way valve17may be mounted on the second mounting surface35bof the support plate35, and the corresponding third channel plate23may be mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35. Referring toFIGS.9and12, the first three-way valve17may have a valve member17aprotruding from the mounting flange17ctoward the support plate35and the third channel plate23. The valve member17aof the first three-way valve17may be rotatably inserted into the third connection portion23bof the third fluid channel23a.

Referring toFIG.13, the third connection portion23bmay be located at the intersection of the T-shaped third fluid channel23a, and the valve member17amay be rotatable in the third connection portion23b. An outer diameter of the valve member17amay be the same as an inner diameter of the third connection portion23b. The valve member17amay have a guide surface17dguiding the flow of the coolant. The valve member17amay be rotated by a drive motor embedded in a valve body, and accordingly the first three-way valve17may be switched to allow three channel portions of the T-shaped third fluid channel23ato selectively communicate with each other by the rotation of the valve member17a. Specifically, the third fluid channel23aillustrated inFIG.13may include a first channel portion51fluidly connected to the battery chiller14, a second channel portion52fluidly connected to the power electronics11, and a third channel portion53fluidly connected to the first bypass conduit19a. The third connection portion23bmay be located at the intersection of the first channel portion51, the second channel portion52, and the third channel portion53. For example, when the first three-way valve17is switched to allow the second channel portion52to communicate with the first channel portion51, the third channel portion53may be closed, and accordingly the coolant may not be directed toward the first bypass conduit19a. When the first three-way valve17is switched to allow the third channel portion53to communicate with the first channel portion51, the second channel portion52may be closed, and accordingly the coolant may be directed toward the first bypass conduit19a.

Referring toFIG.14, the second pump16may be fluidly connected to the second fluid channel22aof the corresponding second channel plate22through the support plate35. The mounting flange16cof the second pump16may be fixed to the support plate35through the bolts31. The bolts31may pass through the through holes of the mounting flange16cand the holes35cof the support plate35and be screwed into the recesses22cof the corresponding second channel plate22so that the second pump16and the corresponding second channel plate22may be mounted together on the support plate35. Accordingly, the second pump16may be mounted on the second mounting surface35bof the support plate35, and the corresponding second channel plate22may be mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35. The second pump16may have an inlet plug16athrough which the coolant draws in and an outlet plug16bthrough which the coolant is discharged. The inlet plug16aand the outlet plug16bmay protrude from the mounting flange16cof the second pump16toward the support plate35and the second channel plate22. The support plate35may have an opening36ethrough which the inlet plug16aof the second pump16passes and an opening36fthrough which the outlet plug16bof the second pump16passes. The openings36eand36fof the support plate35may directly communicate with the second fluid channel22aof the second channel plate22. The inlet plug16aof the second pump16may pass through the opening36eof the support plate35and be sealingly fitted into one portion of the second fluid channel22aof the second channel plate22so that an opening of the inlet plug16aof the second pump16may communicate with one portion of the second fluid channel22aof the second channel plate22. The outlet plug16bof the second pump16may pass through the opening36fof the support plate35and be sealingly fitted into the other portion of the second fluid channel22aof the second channel plate22so that an opening of the outlet plug16bof the second pump16may communicate with the other portion of the second fluid channel22aof the second channel plate22. As the inlet plug16aand the outlet plug16bof the second pump16are individually fitted into the second fluid channel22aof the corresponding second channel plate22, the second fluid channel22aof the second channel plate22may be fluidly separated into an inlet-side channel portion communicating with the inlet plug16aof the second pump16and an outlet-side channel portion communicating with the outlet plug16bof the second pump16.

Referring toFIG.15, the mounting flange18cof the second three-way valve18may be fixed to the support plate35through the bolts31. The bolts31may pass through the through holes of the mounting flange18cand the holes35cof the support plate35and be screwed into the recesses23cof the corresponding third channel plate23so that the second three-way valve18and the corresponding third channel plate23may be mounted together on the support plate35. Accordingly, the second three-way valve18may be mounted on the second mounting surface35bof the support plate35, and the corresponding third channel plate23may be mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35. Referring toFIGS.9and15, the second three-way valve18may have a valve member18aprotruding from the mounting flange18ctoward the support plate35and the third channel plate23. The valve member18aof the second three-way valve18may be rotatably inserted into the third connection portion23bof the third fluid channel23a.

Referring toFIG.16, the third connection portion23bmay be located at the intersection of the T-shaped third fluid channel23a, and the valve member18amay be rotatable in the third connection portion23b. An outer diameter of the valve member18amay be the same as an inner diameter of the third connection portion23b. The valve member18amay have a guide surface18dguiding the flow of the coolant. The valve member18amay be rotated by a drive motor embedded in a valve body, and accordingly the second three-way valve18may be switched to allow three channel portions of the T-shaped third fluid channel23ato selectively communicate with each other by the rotation of the valve member18a. Specifically, the third fluid channel23aillustrated inFIG.16may include a first channel portion61fluidly connected to the coolant radiator13, a second channel portion62fluidly connected to the battery pack12, and a third channel portion63fluidly connected to the second bypass conduit19b. For example, when the second three-way valve18is switched to allow the second channel portion62to communicate with the first channel portion61, the third channel portion63may be closed, and accordingly the coolant may not be directed toward the second bypass conduit19b. When the second three-way valve18is switched to allow the third channel portion63to communicate with the first channel portion61, the second channel portion62may be closed, and accordingly the coolant may be directed toward the second bypass conduit19b.

Referring toFIG.17, some first channel plates21having the first fluid channels21awhich are not fluidly connected to the components may be mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35through the bolts33. The bolts33may pass through the holes35cof the support plate35and be screwed into the recesses21cof the corresponding first channel plate21so that the corresponding first channel plate21may be mounted on the support plate35. The dummy plates25may be mounted on the first mounting surface35aof the support plate35through the bolts32. The bolts32may pass through the holes35cof the support plate35and be screwed into the recesses25cof the corresponding dummy plate25so that the corresponding dummy plate25may be mounted on the support plate35.

As set forth above, the plate arrangement for fluid flow according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may allow at least a portion of the fluid circulation loop to be flattened, thereby easily achieving the modularization or standardization of at least a portion of the fluid circulation loop and/or the plurality of components fluidly connected thereto. Thus, the layout of the fluid flow system may become compact and simplified, and may flexibly respond to the automated production of vehicles, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of vehicles.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the channel plates may have a simple structure for fluid flow using the fluid channels and the connection portions, thereby enabling the standardization of the plate arrangement, and various components may be simply and easily mounted on at least some of the channel plates.

In particular, the arrangement of the channel plates may be varied to match at least some fluid flow paths of various fluid circulation loops, and thus the flattening of the channel plates with respect to the fluid circulation loops in the plate arrangement for fluid flow may be effectively achieved.