Patent ID: 12208560

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures show an arrangement1for transporting media. In the present embodiment, the arrangement1is a distribution structure that forms part of a temperature control circuit of an electric vehicle. In this context, the arrangement1is used to transport and distribute temperature control media for controlling the temperature of elements of the electric vehicle whose temperatures are to be controlled, for example the batteries, the electric motors and the power electronics.

The arrangement1comprises a base body2formed as a blow-molded part and two functional elements3, which are positively fixed to the base body2.

The functional elements3are formed from injection-moldable plastic, wherein the glass transition temperature of the plastic selected for the functional elements3is above the temperature required for the blow molding process to produce the base body2. In the present embodiment, the functional elements3form part of a pump, namely a pump cover.

In alternative embodiments, however, the functional element3may also be formed as an adapter, pump, cooler, sensor, valve, hose adapter, or may be formed as a part of the aforementioned elements.

The functional elements3are positively fixed to the base body2. In this case, the positive fit is formed by deformation of the preform to produce the base body2during blow molding. The functional elements3have recesses6, wherein the recesses6each form an undercut. The base body2extends into the recesses6to form the positive connection. In doing so, projections7are formed from the base body2, which projections project into the recesses6. The free ends of the projections7expand in the manner of mushroom heads, so that a loss-proof and positive connection is formed between the base body2and the functional elements3. Alternatively, or additionally, the base body2can also form a substance-to-substance bond with the functional element3during blow molding.

To produce the arrangement, the functional elements3and a preform consisting of polymeric material are first provided and arranged in a blow mold. In the blow molding process, the base body2is formed from the preform, wherein the preform bears against the functional elements3during the forming process.

The base body2is made of plastic, wherein the glass transition temperature of the plastic selected for the base body2is below the glass transition temperature of the plastic selected for the functional elements3.

To create the positive connection, the preform extends partially into the recesses6during the forming process. In the process, protrusions7are formed, which widen within the recesses6and expand behind the undercuts like mushroom heads.

FIG.1shows the arrangement1in top view. The two functional elements3, each forming a pump cover, have an essentially circular basic shape. The recesses6are distributed around the circumference in the edge area of the functional elements3. Projections7that are formed congruent with the recesses6are formed from the base body2, wherein the projections7extend into the recesses6.

The base body2has several flow channels4. The functional elements3in turn each have a further flow channel5. There is a flow-conducting connection between the base body2and the functional element3, wherein one flow channel4opens into the further flow channel5of the functional elements3in each case.

FIG.2shows the arrangement1shown inFIG.1as an exploded view. It can be seen that the base body2is shaped congruently to the functional elements3in the area of the functional elements3, which enables a particularly space-saving integration of the functional elements3in the base body2. It can also be seen that the functional elements3have further flow channels5and supply lines belonging to the further flow channels5, which are embedded in sections in the base body2. The arrangement1is further equipped with further functional elements in the form of hose adapters, via which the integration of the arrangement1into the temperature control circuit of the electric vehicle takes place. The attachment of the base body2to the further functional elements has also been achieved by shaping the base body2during blow molding.

FIG.3shows in detail and in section the arrangement1in the area of the recesses6.

FIG.4shows the arrangement1in detail in the area of the flow-conducting connection between the base body2and a functional element3. The flow channel4of the base body2and the further flow channel5of the functional element3can be seen.

A nozzle8is formed from the further flow channel5, onto which a seal9in the form of an O-ring is fitted on the outer circumference. During the blow molding process, the preform bears against the outside of the nozzle8and against the seal9, and after completion of the blow molding process, the base body2bears against the seal9on the outside and with elastic pretension to form a seal.

FIG.4also shows that immediately after blow molding, the base body2blocks the flow-conducting connection between the flow channel4and the further flow channel5. To establish the flow-conducting connection, the base body2is therefore opened in the area of the flow channels after completion of the blow molding process. This can be done, for example, by drilling a hole. In the process, the disk-shaped section10is at least partially removed.

FIG.5shows another arrangement1. The arrangement1shown here is substantially the same as the arrangement1shown previously. In this embodiment, however, the functional element3is formed as an adapter in the form of an adapter plate. The adapter plate is used to accommodate further functional elements, for example sensors, pumps, or valves.