Thermal management assembly

Abstract

This invention discloses a thermal management component, including a subcooling unit and a receiving unit. The receiving unit has a cylindrical body and a head end, which are fixed together. The receiving unit has a fluid cavity. The subcooling unit has a first heat exchange channel and a first side portion, which faces the head end and is fixed together. The thermal management component includes a first adjusting part, which is fixed to the head end. The head end has a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. The first channel communicates with the fluid cavity, one end of the second channel communicates with one end of the first heat exchange channel, and the third channel communicates with the other end of the first heat exchange channel. The first adjusting part can control the communication between the fluid cavity and the second channel or the flow rate from the fluid cavity into the second channel. The first interface of the thermal management component communicates with the first channel and the second interface communicates with the third channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of thermal management technology. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigeration system generally includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and throttling element. After the refrigerant is compressed and expanded by the compressor, it enters the condenser, where it releases heat to the outside and its temperature decreases. Then, the refrigerant enters the throttling element for throttling and pressure reduction, and then enters the evaporator to absorb heat from the outside, increasing its temperature. Finally, it returns to the compressor, and the process repeats.

[0003] In a type of automotive thermal management system, the cooling and heating functions of the passenger compartment are achieved through phase changes of the refrigerant. The automotive thermal management system also includes containers such as receivers or gas-liquid separators. Because there is a long pipeline between the container and the evaporator, the container is generally located downstream of the condenser. This means that when the liquid condensed by the condenser flows through the long pipeline, it is easy for flashing to occur in the pipeline, producing gaseous refrigerant. This affects the subsequent evaporation and heat absorption in the evaporator, reducing cooling efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thermal management component that can reduce the occurrence of refrigerant flashover and improve the cooling efficiency of the thermal management component application system.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0006] A thermal management assembly includes a subcooling unit and a receiving unit, the receiving unit having a cylindrical portion and a head end, and the receiving unit having a fluid cavity;

[0007] The subcooling unit has a first heat exchange channel and a first side portion. At least a portion of the first side portion is disposed facing the sealing head, and the first side portion and the sealing head are fixedly disposed.

[0008] The thermal management component includes a first adjustment section, which is sealed and fixed to the end cap. The end cap has a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. The first channel communicates with the fluid cavity, one end of the second channel communicates with one end of the first heat exchange channel, and the third channel communicates with the other end of the first heat exchange channel. The first adjustment section has a base section and a core section. The core section moves and / or rotates relative to the base section in the height direction of the first adjustment section. The base section is fixed to the end cap. The movement of the core section can control the communication between the fluid cavity and the second channel or control the flow rate from the fluid cavity into the second channel.

[0009] The thermal management component has a first interface and a second interface, the first interface being connected to the first channel and the second interface being connected to the third channel.

[0010] The thermal management assembly includes a subcooling unit and a containment unit. Liquid refrigerant in the fluid cavity can enter the first heat exchange channel of the subcooling unit through a second channel, where it undergoes heat exchange. Then, it enters the end cap through a third channel. The end cap is then connected to downstream components in the system. Thus, the thermal management assembly can be easily connected to the system via a first and second interface. Furthermore, after entering through the first interface, it directly enters the fluid cavity through the end cap and then through the second and third channels, resulting in a compact overall connection. The fluid channels are located inside the end cap, effectively reducing the possibility of liquid refrigerant flashing. In addition, the thermal management assembly has a subcooling unit within which the refrigerant can be further subcooled, increasing the subcooling degree of the refrigerant leaving the assembly and further reducing the possibility of liquid refrigerant flashing. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the thermal management component of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of the head of the center seal;

[0013] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the supercooling unit;

[0014] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Simplified schematic diagram of the internal flow channel of the center seal head;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the thermal management component of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Simplified schematic diagram of the internal flow channel of the center seal head;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the thermal management component of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the thermal management component of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the center seal head;

[0020] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the fifth embodiment of the thermal management component of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Simplified schematic diagram of the internal flow channel of the center seal head;

[0022] Figure 12 A simplified schematic diagram of the internal flow channel for another embodiment of the sealing head;

[0023] Figure 13 This is a simplified schematic diagram of one embodiment of the first adjustment unit. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Reference Figures 1-4 , Figures 1-4 The diagram illustrates the structure of one embodiment of the thermal management assembly 100. The thermal management assembly 100 includes a subcooling unit 11 and a receiving unit 12. The receiving unit 12 has a cylindrical portion 121 and a sealing head 122, which are fixed together. The receiving unit also has a fluid cavity 123. The subcooling unit 11 has a first heat exchange channel 111 and a first side portion 112. The first side portion 112 and the sealing head 122 face each other and are fixedly disposed.

[0025] In this article, the fixed setting of part A and part B includes fixing them together, as well as fixing them together through other parts.

[0026] Combined with reference Figure 13 The thermal management assembly 100 includes a first adjustment part 13, which is sealed and fixed to the end cap 122. The end cap 122 has a first channel 1221, a second channel 1222, and a third channel 1223. The first channel 1221 communicates with the fluid cavity 123, the other end of the second channel 1222 communicates with one end of the first heat exchange channel 111, and the third channel 1223 communicates with the other end of the first heat exchange channel 111. Part 13 has a seat part 132 and a core part 131. The core part 131 moves and / or rotates relative to the seat part 132 in the height direction H of the first adjustment part. The seat part 132 is fixed to the sealing head 122 and the two are sealed. The core part 131 can be sealed relative to the sealing head 122. The movement of the core part 131 can control the communication between the fluid cavity 123 and the second channel 1222 or the flow rate from the fluid cavity 123 into the second channel 1222.

[0027] The thermal management component 100 has a first interface 15 and a second interface 16, the first interface 15 being connected to the first channel 1221 and the second interface 16 being connected to the third channel 1223.

[0028] The thermal management assembly 100 includes a subcooling unit 11 and a receiving unit 12. Liquid refrigerant in the fluid cavity 123 enters the first heat exchange channel 111 of the subcooling unit 11 through the second channel 1222, where it undergoes heat exchange. Then, it enters the end cap 122 through the third channel 1223. The end cap 122 is then connected to downstream components in the system. Thus, the thermal management assembly can be easily connected to the system via the first interface 15 and the second interface 16. Furthermore, after entering through the first interface 15, it directly enters the fluid cavity 123 through the end cap 122, and then enters the first heat exchange channel 111 and the third channel 1223 through the second channel 1222. The overall connection is compact, and the fluid channels are located inside the end cap 122, effectively reducing the flashing of the liquid refrigerant. In addition, the thermal management assembly has a subcooling unit 11, which can further subcool the refrigerant before it enters the evaporator, further reducing the flashing of the liquid refrigerant.

[0029] The first side portion 112 and the end cap 122 are in contact and fixed together by welding. The subcooling unit 11 and the end cap 122 are thermally conductive. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 111 within the subcooling unit 11 is cooled, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the thermal management assembly from the second interface and increasing the subcooling degree of the refrigerant. Because the subcooling unit 11 and the end cap 122 are thermally conductive (for example, both the subcooling unit 11 and the end cap 122 are metal components), the cooled refrigerant flowing within the subcooling unit 11 conducts heat with the end cap 122, reducing the impact on the thermal environment of the end cap 122. This helps maintain the stability of the refrigerant within the containing unit 12 and also reduces the probability of refrigerant flashover due to heat.

[0030] Both the head cap 122 and the supercooling unit 11 can be made of aluminum alloy. During manufacturing, the head cap 122 and the supercooling unit 11 are first fixed by furnace welding, a simple fixing method. Then, the cylinder body 121 and the head cap 122 are welded together using methods such as laser welding. As another embodiment, the head cap 122, the supercooling unit 11, and the cylinder body 121 can also be fixed in one step by furnace welding. In this way, assembly is simple and the sealing performance is good.

[0031] The head 122 has a fourth channel 1224, which is connected to the third channel 1223, and the second interface 16 is connected to the fourth channel 1224.

[0032] The thermal management component 100 has a first interface 15 and a second interface 16. In this embodiment, the first interface 15 and the second interface 16 are located at the head 122. The first interface 15 is the external port of the first channel 1221, and the second interface 16 is the external port of the fourth channel 1224. The first adjustment part 13 can control the communication between the fourth channel 1224 and the fluid cavity 123, or control the flow rate of the fourth channel 1224 and the second channel 1222.

[0033] In one implementation, reference Figure 13 The core portion 131 has a fluid channel 133. The thermal management component has at least a first state and a second state. In the first state, the fluid channel 133 is connected to the fluid cavity and the second channel. In the second state, the fluid channel 133 is not connected to the second channel and the fluid channel is not connected to the fluid cavity.

[0034] The first regulating unit 13 can be used as a three-way valve, controlling the connection or disconnection between the second channel 1222 and the fluid chamber 123, and also controlling the connection or disconnection between the fourth channel 1224 and the fluid chamber 123, thus controlling the required subcooling degree according to the needs of the downstream evaporator. In another embodiment, the first regulating unit 13 can also be used as a flow regulating valve, adjusting the flow rate of fluid entering the second channel 1222 and the flow rate of fluid entering the fourth channel 1224, to control the subcooling degree of the refrigerant leaving the second port 16. It should be noted that the structure of the first regulating unit 13 is not limited to... Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 As an example only, the core can also have other structures such as disc-shaped or cylindrical.

[0035] The fourth channel 1224 is located in the head 122 and connects the third channel 1223, the fluid cavity 123 and the second channel 1222. This is also conducive to maintaining the subcooling of the refrigerant, reducing the influence of the external ambient temperature on the subcooling of the refrigerant, and reducing the probability of flashover.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 The subcooling unit 11 has a second heat exchange channel, through which the fluid in the first heat exchange channel 111 exchanges heat with the fluid in the second heat exchange channel. The subcooling unit 11 can be a plate heat exchanger, having multiple plate structures, with the first heat exchange channel 111 and the second heat exchange channel located between adjacent plates. The fluid in the second heat exchange channel of the subcooling unit 11 can be a cooling fluid in a system using this thermal management component, such as battery coolant, which can be used for further subcooling of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 111.

[0037] Combined with reference Figure 2 The subcooling unit 11 is welded or bolted to the sealing head 122. The sealing head has a first groove 122a and a second groove 122b. The first groove and the second groove are located on the same side of the sealing head. The first heat exchange channel has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to one end of the first groove, and the second opening is connected to one end of the second groove.

[0038] Alternatively, the subcooling unit has a welded and fixed heat exchange core and a transfer block. The transfer block has a first groove and a second groove, which are located on the same side of the subcooling unit. The sealing head has a mounting part, which is in contact with the subcooling unit. The mounting part has a first connection port and a second connection port, which communicate with the first groove and the second connection port communicate with the second groove.

[0039] The length direction of the receiving unit 12 is defined as direction L, which can be the same as or different from direction H. The head 122 has a bottom 1226 and a corresponding top 1227. The bottom 1226 of the head 122 is fixed to the cylindrical part 121. The subcooling unit 11 is fixed to the side 1228 between the bottom 1226 and the top 1227. The subcooling unit 11 is located on the side 1228 of the head 122, which makes the overall height of the thermal management assembly not too high and the structure compact.

[0040] In one embodiment, the fourth channel penetrates the head of the sealing head, the second interface is located at the top, and the cylindrical part is located at the bottom of the head of the sealing head;

[0041] In another embodiment, the fourth channel is a bent channel, the cylindrical part is located at the bottom of the sealing head, and the second interface is located on the side of the sealing head.

[0042] In this embodiment, the sealing head 122 has a first part 124 and a second part 125 that are welded and fixed. The first part 124 has a cylindrical portion that is welded and fixed to the cylindrical body 121. The second part 125 has a first mounting cavity 1251. At least a portion of the first adjusting part 13 is located in the first mounting cavity 1251, and the first adjusting part 13 can adjust the flow rate of the second channel 1222.

[0043] The sealing head 122 has a first connection port 126 and a second connection port 127. The first connection port 126 is a port of the second channel 1222, and the second connection port 127 is a port of the third channel 1223. The first connection port 126 and the second connection port 127 are located on the side of the sealing head 122 facing the subcooling unit 11.

[0044] As another implementation method, refer to Figures 5-6 , Figure 5 Another embodiment of the thermal management assembly 200 is illustrated, with a sealing head 122 located between the subcooling unit 11 and the receiving unit 12. The sealing head 122 has a side portion 1228 to which the first adjustment portion 13 is assembled and fixed.

[0045] As a result, the overall width of the thermal management component is relatively small, making it suitable for installation in narrow spaces.

[0046] As another implementation method, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal management component 300 is shown; the subcooling unit 11 has a liquid collection section 114 and a heat exchange tube 115, the first heat exchange channel 111 is located between the heat exchange tube 115 and the liquid collection section 114, the liquid collection section 114 has a first side section 112, and the liquid collection section 114 and the sealing head 122 are welded or bolted together.

[0047] The heat exchange tubes 115 are spaced apart, and the fluid in the first heat exchange channel 111 within the heat exchange tube 115 exchanges heat with the external environment.

[0048] The first side portion 112 and the end cap 122 are in contact and fixed together by welding. The subcooling unit 11 and the end cap 122 are thermally conductive. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 111 within the subcooling unit 11 is cooled, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the thermal management assembly from the second interface and increasing the subcooling degree of the refrigerant. Because the subcooling unit 11 and the end cap 122 are thermally conductive (e.g., both the subcooling unit 11 and the end cap 122 are metal components), the cooled refrigerant flowing within the subcooling unit 11 conducts heat with the end cap 122, reducing the impact on the thermal environment of the end cap 122. This helps maintain the stability of the refrigerant within the containing unit 12 and reduces the probability of refrigerant flashover. It also helps maintain the subcooling degree of the refrigerant in the first channel 1221 and the fourth channel 1224 within the end cap 122, further reducing the probability of refrigerant flashover.

[0049] As another implementation method, refer to Figures 8-9 , Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the thermal management component 400 is shown. The end cap 122 is an integrally formed structure, and the bottom 1226 of the end cap 122 has a cylindrical portion, which is welded and fixed to the cylindrical body 121.

[0050] The sealing head 122 has a first connection port 126 and a second connection port 127 on one side. The first connection port 126 is a port of the second channel 1222, and the second connection port 127 is a port of the third channel 1223. The first connection port 126 and the second connection port 127 are located on the side of the sealing head 122 facing the subcooling unit 11.

[0051] The sealing head 122 has a first mounting cavity 1251, and at least a portion of the first adjusting part 13 is located in the first mounting cavity 1251.

[0052] As another implementation method, refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The thermal management assembly 500 has a first adjusting section 13 and a second adjusting section 14. The end cap 122 has a second mounting cavity 1252, and at least a portion of the second adjusting section 14 is located in the second mounting cavity 1252. The first adjusting section 13 may be part of a shut-off valve, controlling the communication between the fluid cavity 123 and the second channel 1222 or the flow rate of the second channel 1222. The second adjusting section 14 may also be part of a component such as a three-way valve or a shut-off valve, for example, a valve core component. The end cap 122 has a fifth channel 1225, and the second adjusting section 14 controls the communication of the fifth channel 1225.

[0053] In certain specific cases, the fifth channel 1225 may be connected to the fluid cavity 123. In certain specific cases, the fifth channel 1225 may not be connected to the fluid cavity 123. The fifth channel 1225 may also be connected to other external components.

[0054] As another implementation method, in conjunction with reference Figure 10 and Figure 12 The thermal management assembly has a second adjustment section 14, a first adjustment section 13 which is part of a shut-off valve, and a second adjustment section 14 which is part of a shut-off valve. The first adjustment section 13 can control the communication between the fluid chamber 123 and the second channel 1222, and the second adjustment section 14 can control the communication between the fluid chamber 123 and the fourth channel 1224.

[0055] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. For example, the directional definitions such as "front", "back", "left", "right", "up", and "down" are used. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still combine, modify or substitute the present invention with each other. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management component, characterized in that, It includes a subcooling unit and a receiving unit, the receiving unit having a cylindrical part and a sealing head, and the receiving unit having a fluid cavity; The subcooling unit has a first heat exchange channel and a first side portion. At least a portion of the first side portion is disposed facing the sealing head, and the first side portion and the sealing head are fixedly disposed. The thermal management assembly includes a first adjustment section sealed to the end cap. The end cap has a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. The first channel communicates with the fluid cavity, one end of the second channel communicates with one end of the first heat exchange channel, and the third channel communicates with the other end of the first heat exchange channel. The first adjustment section has a base and a core. The core moves and / or rotates relative to the base in the height direction of the first adjustment section. The base is fixed to the end cap. The movement of the core can control the communication between the fluid cavity and the second channel or control the flow rate from the fluid cavity into the second channel. The thermal management component has a first interface and a second interface, the first interface being connected to the first channel and the second interface being connected to the third channel.

2. The thermal management component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical body and the sealing head are fixed together. The first side portion and the sealing head are in contact and fixed together. The first side portion is welded to the sealing head. The subcooling unit and the sealing head are thermally conductive. The core portion has fluid channels, and the thermal management component has at least a first state and a second state. In the first state, the fluid channels are connected to the fluid cavity and the second channel. In the second state, the fluid channels are not connected to the second channel and the fluid channels are not connected to the fluid cavity.

3. The thermal management component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end cap has a fourth channel, which communicates with the third channel, and the second interface communicates with the fourth channel; the first adjustment unit can control the communication between the fourth channel and the fluid cavity, or control the flow rate between the fourth channel and the second channel; The sealing head has a top and a bottom along the length of the cylindrical part; the fourth channel penetrates the sealing head, the second interface is located at the top, and the cylindrical part is located at the bottom of the sealing head; or the fourth channel is a bent channel, the cylindrical part is located at the bottom of the sealing head, and the second interface is located on the side of the sealing head.

4. The thermal management component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The subcooling unit has a second heat exchange channel, through which the fluid in the first heat exchange channel exchanges heat with the fluid in the second heat exchange channel; the subcooling unit has multiple plate structures, with the first heat exchange channel and the second heat exchange channel located between adjacent plates. The subcooling unit is welded or bolted to the sealing head. The sealing head has a first groove and a second groove. The first groove and the second groove are located on the same side of the sealing head. The first heat exchange channel has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to one end of the first groove, and the second opening is connected to one end of the second groove. Alternatively, the subcooling unit has a welded and fixed heat exchange core and a transfer block. The transfer block has a first groove and a second groove, which are located on the same side of the subcooling unit. The sealing head has a mounting part, which is in contact with the subcooling unit. The mounting part has a first connection port and a second connection port, which communicate with the first groove and the second connection port communicate with the second groove.

5. The thermal management component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The subcooling unit has a liquid collection section and a heat exchange tube. The first heat exchange channel is located between the heat exchange tube and the liquid collection section. The liquid collection section has a first side portion. The liquid collection section and the sealing head are welded or bolted together. The heat exchange tubes are spaced apart, and the fluid in the first heat exchange channel within the heat exchange tube exchanges heat with the external environment.

6. The thermal management component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sealing head has a first part and a second part that are welded and fixed. The first part has a cylindrical portion that is welded and fixed to the cylindrical body portion. The second part has a first mounting cavity. At least a portion of the first adjusting part is located in the first mounting cavity, and the first adjusting part can control the flow rate of the second channel.

7. The thermal management component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing head has a first connection port and a second connection port. The first connection port is a port of the second channel, and the second connection port is a port of the third channel. The first connection port and the second connection port are located on the side of the sealing head facing the subcooling unit.

8. The thermal management component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sealing head is an integrally formed structure, and the bottom of the sealing head has a cylindrical part, which is welded and fixed to the cylindrical body. The sealing head has a first connection port and a second connection port on one side. The first connection port is a port of the second channel, and the second connection port is a port of the third channel. The first connection port and the second connection port are located on the side of the sealing head facing the subcooling unit. The sealing head has a first mounting cavity, and at least a portion of the first adjusting part is located in the first mounting cavity.

9. The thermal management component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The thermal management assembly includes a second regulating part, the end cap having a second mounting cavity, at least a portion of the second regulating part being located in the second mounting cavity, the end cap having a fifth channel, the second regulating part controlling the connectivity of the fifth channel; the second regulating part is part of a shut-off valve or a three-way valve; the first regulating part is part of a shut-off valve or a three-way valve.

10. The thermal management component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thermal management assembly has a second adjustment section, the end cap has a second mounting cavity, at least a portion of the second adjustment section is located in the second mounting cavity, the first adjustment section is part of a shut-off valve, the second adjustment section is part of a shut-off valve, the first adjustment section controls the communication between the fluid cavity and the second channel, and the second adjustment section controls the communication between the fluid cavity and the fourth channel.

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