Patent ID: 12235051

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures show a pipe arrangement1for transporting temperature control medium. The pipe arrangement1is formed from a base body2of polymeric material produced by blow molding. A first channel3and a second channel4are formed from the base body2, wherein the first channel3and the second channel4receive a temperature control medium. Depending on the embodiment, further channels9may also be provided. The pipe arrangement1often forms a manifold structure and is then also referred to as a manifold.

The base body2is made of a single material and in one piece as a blow-molded part and is made of a thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene or polyamide. In most cases, the channels3,4,9are connected to one another by a material bond, in that the boundary walls of the channels3,4,9are in contact with one another or in that a web is formed between the channels3,4,9.

In the present case, the pipe arrangement1is part of a temperature control unit which is configured to control the temperature of the drive unit components of electric vehicles. In addition to the battery, this includes the power electronics and the electric motors. Furthermore, the temperature control unit is configured to cool the charging electronics and the associated plug connections and lines, which is particularly advantageous in connection with fast charging processes. Furthermore, the temperature control unit can be configured to temper, in particular to cool, components of the remaining vehicle electronics. Such components include sensors and computers for autonomous driving as well as on-board computers.

Alternatively, the pipe arrangement1may form part of an air conditioning circuit of an air conditioning system, wherein the air conditioning system is in the form of a mobile air conditioning system of a motor vehicle.

In the embodiment according toFIG.1andFIG.2, the first channel3and the second channel4are routed in the base body2in such a way that the first channel3and the second channel4cross in a crossing section5. In the crossing section5, the first channel3and the second channel4are routed in an arcuate manner in the form of an S bend.

In the crossing section5, the first channel3and the second channel4have a cross-section that differs from the other cross-sections of the channels3,4in the area of the pipe arrangement1. In the crossing section5, the first channel3and the second channel4are flattened. Viewed in cross-section, the first channel3and the second channel4in the crossing section5are thereby formed in a rectangular shape, wherein the corner regions of the rectangular channel cross-sections are rounded. The flattening of the first channel3and the second channel4is done in such a way that the height of the intersecting channels3,4in the region of the crossing section5corresponds to the height of the channels3,4, when they are routed next to each other and have a round cross-section, in the regions outside the crossing section5. As a result, the pipe arrangement1is largely neutral in terms of overall height as far as the installation space is concerned.

Outside the crossing section5, the first channel3and the second channel4are materially-bonded to each other, wherein the channel walls of the channels3,4abut and contact each other. Alternatively, the channels3,4can also be connected to each other by means of fastening means in such a way that they cannot be lost, or they can be connected to each other by means of a web.

In the crossing section5, openings6are formed between the channels3,4. Alternatively, a boundary wall can be arranged between the channels.

A functional element7is arranged in the base body2. The functional element7is formed from the base body2of a single material and in one piece. In the present case, the functional element7forms a throttle.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, the first channel3and the second channel4have a first orientation towards one another in a first section11and a second orientation towards one another in a second section12, wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation. Specifically, in this embodiment, the channels3,4run parallel to each other in a first section11in a first plane and parallel to each other in a second section12in a second plane. In the first section11, the channels3,4run in a vertical plane and are arranged one above the other, and in the second section12, the channels3,4run in a horizontal plane and are arranged side by side. Accordingly, channels3,4run parallel to each other in segments.

In the transitions between the first and second sections11,12, the channels are arcuate in a third section13and in a fourth section14, wherein the orientation of the channels3,4changes in the third section13and in the fourth section14. The arcuate sections13,14are formed such that the pipe arrangement1is U-shaped overall.

FIG.4shows the pipe arrangement1shown inFIG.3in the upper area in top view and in the lower area in side view.

FIG.5shows a pipe arrangement1with three channels3,4,9, wherein one channel9crosses the other two channels3,4in a crossing section5. For this purpose, channel9penetrates the other two channels3,4. In the crossing section5, the channel9is routed within the other channels3,4. In order to keep the fluid flows within the channels3,4,9separated, a channel section16of the channel9is formed as an insert17. The insert17is a tubular element through which the fluid flowing through the channel9is transported through the crossing section5. The insert17can be seen in the sectional view inFIG.6. Outside the crossing section5, the channels3,4,9run parallel in segments15. In all sections, the channels3,4,9run in one plane. The insert17is formed of polymeric material, but metallic materials such as aluminum may alternatively be considered.

FIG.7shows a pipe arrangement1with two channels3,4, wherein one channel4crosses the other channel3in a crossing section5. The two channels3,4run at an angle to each other, in this embodiment at right angles, so that the pipe arrangement1forms a crossing.

In the crossing section5, the channel4penetrates the other channel3, wherein the channel4is routed inside the other channel3in the crossing section5. In order to keep the fluid flows within the channels3,4separated, a channel section16of the channel4is formed as an insert17. The insert17is a tubular element through which the fluid flowing through the channel4is transported through the crossing section5. The insert17is inserted into the pipe arrangement1in a fluid-tight manner so that no overflow of medium can occur between the channels3,4. The insert17can be seen in sectional view inFIGS.8and9.

FIG.10shows a further development of the pipe arrangement1shown inFIGS.7,8and9. In the present embodiment, arcuate third and fourth sections13,14adjoin the crossing section5. The arcuate sections13,14are formed in such a way that the channels3,4run parallel to each other in segments15.FIG.11shows a sectional view of the pipe arrangement1along with the insert17shown inFIG.10.

In the pipe arrangement1shown inFIG.12, one channel4penetrates the other channel3, so that one channel4is partially routed inside the other channel3. In this case, the pipe arrangement1forms an internal heat exchanger of an air conditioning unit of a vehicle. In order to keep the fluid flows within the channels3,4separated, a channel section of the channel4is formed as an insert17. The insert17is a tubular element through which the fluid flowing through the channel4is transported through the area located inside the other channel3. The insert17can be seen in the sectional view inFIG.13.