Fluid management device

By designing a fluid management device in the thermal management system and placing the heat exchange module and the fluid management module on different sides of the connector, the problems of large system size and instability are solved, achieving miniaturization and improved stability.

CN115195382BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-11ZHEJIANG SANHUA AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202110393798.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-04-13
Publication Date
2025-11-11
Estimated Expiration
2041-04-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing thermal management systems, the piping connections of functional components are complex, resulting in a large and unstable system, and the heat exchange module seriously interferes with the fluid management module.

Method used

Design a fluid management device, including a heat exchange module, a fluid management module, and a connector. The fluid management module is fixedly connected to the connector. The valve core has a conduction channel, a throttling chamber, and a gas-liquid separation chamber. The heat exchange module and the fluid management module are located on different sides of the connector to reduce volume and prevent interference.

Benefits of technology

This approach achieves miniaturization and stability of the fluid management device, reduces interference from the heat exchange module to the fluid management module, and improves the overall stability and compactness of the system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The fluid management device provided in the embodiments of this application has a first heat exchange module located on one side of the connector and a second heat exchange module located on the other side of the connector along the stacking direction of the plates. The fluid management module, the first heat exchange module and the second heat exchange module are located on different sides of the connector, and at least a portion of the fluid management module is located between the first side and the second side. This helps to reduce the volume of the fluid management device, and the center of gravity of the fluid management device is relatively close to the connector, making the fluid management device more stable. In addition, the fact that the heat exchange module and the fluid management module are located on different sides of the connector also helps to prevent the heat exchange module from interfering with the fluid management module during heat exchange.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fluid management technology, and more specifically to a fluid management device. Background Technology

[0002] A thermal management system comprises several functional components, which are located in different positions or distributed across various parts of the system. These components are connected by pipes to form the thermal management system, and the pipes between them form the flow paths for fluids. Developing a fluid management component that facilitates the optimization of the thermal management system is a technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a fluid management device to help solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] One embodiment of this application provides a fluid management device, including a heat exchange module, a fluid management module, and a connector. The fluid management device has a communication channel, at least a portion of which is located in the connector and communicates with the flow channel of the heat exchange module. At least a portion of the fluid management module is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the connector. The fluid management module includes a valve core with a conduction channel. The fluid management module has a throttling chamber, a valve chamber, and a first gas-liquid separation chamber. The valve chamber communicates with the communication channel, and the valve core is located in the valve chamber. In one operating state of the fluid management device, the valve core allows the valve chamber to communicate with the first gas-liquid separation chamber through the throttling chamber or the conduction channel.

[0005] The heat exchange module includes at least one of a first heat exchange module and a second heat exchange module. The connector includes a first side and a second side. The second heat exchange module is fixedly connected to or limited to the first side, and the first heat exchange module is fixedly connected to or limited to the second side. The heat exchange module includes a plurality of stacked plates. Along the stacking direction of the plates, at least a portion of the first heat exchange module is located on one side of the connector, and at least a portion of the second heat exchange module is located on the other side of the connector. The first heat exchange module and the second heat exchange module are located on different sides of the connector. At least a portion of the fluid management module is located between the first side and the second side.

[0006] The fluid management device provided in the embodiments of this application has a first heat exchange module located on one side of the connector and a second heat exchange module located on the other side of the connector along the stacking direction of the plates. The fluid management module, the first heat exchange module and the second heat exchange module are located on different sides of the connector, and at least a portion of the fluid management module is located between the first side and the second side. This helps to reduce the volume of the fluid management device, and the center of gravity of the fluid management device is relatively close to the connector, making the fluid management device more stable. In addition, the fact that the heat exchange module and the fluid management module are located on different sides of the connector also helps to prevent the heat exchange module from interfering with the fluid management module during heat exchange. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram from one perspective of the first embodiment of the fluid management device;

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the fluid management device from another perspective;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a fluid management device from one perspective;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded structural diagram of the fluid management device from another perspective;

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the connecting component from one perspective;

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the connecting component from another perspective;

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A perspective structural diagram of the connecting component;

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the integrated first block and the first control unit;

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the integrated structure of the first block and the first control unit from one perspective;

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along AA;

[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 1Top view of the fluid management device;

[0018] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Schematic cross-section along DD;

[0019] Figure 13 This is an exploded structural diagram of another embodiment of the fluid management device;

[0020] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Top view of the central heat management module;

[0021] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view along CC. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The fluid management device of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. At least one of the embodiments can be applied to a vehicle thermal management system, and at least one embodiment can be applied to other thermal management systems such as a household thermal management system or a commercial thermal management system. The following description takes the fluid management device applied to a vehicle thermal management system as an example and is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The fluid is a refrigerant, including R134a, CO2, or other forms of refrigerant.

[0023] Please see Figures 1-15The fluid management device 10 includes a heat exchange module 100, a fluid management module 300, and a connector 200. The fluid management device 10 has a communication channel, at least a portion of which is located in the connector 200 and communicates with the flow channel of the heat exchange module 100. At least a portion of the fluid management module 300 is fixedly connected or limited to the connector 200, wherein the fixed connection includes welding, bonding, and an integral structure. The fluid management module 300 includes a valve core with a conduction channel. The fluid management module 300 has a throttling chamber, a valve chamber, and a first gas-liquid separation chamber. The valve chamber communicates with the communication channel, and the valve core is located in the valve chamber. In one operating state of the fluid management device 10, the valve core causes the valve chamber to communicate with the first gas-liquid separation chamber through the throttling chamber or the conduction channel. The heat exchange module 100 includes a plurality of stacked plates. The connector 200 includes a first side portion 210 and a second side portion 220. Along the stacking direction of the plates, the first side portion 210 is located on one side of the connector 200, and the second side portion 220 is located on the opposite side of the connector 200. The side where the first side portion 210 is located and the side where the second side portion 220 is located are different sides of the connector 200. The heat exchange module 100 is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the connector 200. Specifically, the heat exchange module 100 includes at least one of a first heat exchange module 120 and a second heat exchange module 110. In this embodiment, the heat exchange module 100 includes a second heat exchange module 110 and a first heat exchange module 120. Both the first heat exchange module 120 and the second heat exchange module 110 are plate heat exchangers. The second heat exchange module 110 is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the first side portion 210, and the first heat exchange module 120 is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the second side portion 210. Thus, along the stacking direction of the plates, at least a portion of the first heat exchange module 120 is located on one side of the connector 200, and at least a portion of the second heat exchange module 110 is located on the other side of the connector 200, with the first heat exchange module 120 and the second heat exchange module 110 on different sides of the connector 200. Along the stacking direction of the plates, at least a portion of the fluid management module is located between the first side portion 210 and the second side portion 220. Along the stacking direction of the plates, the first heat exchange module 120 is located on one side of the connector 200, and the second heat exchange module 110 is located on the other side of the connector 200. The fluid management module, the first heat exchange module 120, and the second heat exchange module 110 are located on different sides of the connector 200. At least part of the fluid management module 300 is located between the first side 210 and the second side 220. This helps to reduce the volume of the fluid management device 10, and the center of gravity of the fluid management device 10 is relatively close to the connector 200, making the fluid management device 10 more stable. In addition, the fact that the heat exchange module and the fluid management module are located on different sides of the connector 200 also helps to prevent the heat exchange module 100 from interfering with the fluid management module 300 during heat exchange.In this embodiment, when the fluid management device 10 is working, the fluid in the first flow channel of the first heat exchange module 120 and the first flow channel of the second heat exchange module 110 is a refrigerant, and the fluid in the second flow channel of the first heat exchange module 120 and the second flow channel of the second heat exchange module 110 is a coolant.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 7 The fluid management device 10 also includes a fluid management component. The connector 200 includes a mounting portion 280, which does not have a mounting hole. At least a portion of the fluid management component is located in the mounting hole. In this embodiment, the fluid management component includes a throttling unit 500 and a valve unit 400. Correspondingly, the mounting portion 280 includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion has a first mounting hole 281, and the second mounting portion has a second mounting hole 282. At least a portion of the valve unit 400 is located in the first mounting hole 281, and the valve unit 400 is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the first mounting portion. At least a portion of the throttling unit 500 is located in the second mounting hole 282, and the throttling unit 500 is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the second mounting portion. The fluid management device 10 has a communication channel, at least a portion of which is located at the connector 200. The fluid management component is capable of adjusting the opening and / or switching of the second communication channel 260. Specifically, the communication channel includes a first communication channel 250, a second communication channel 260, and a third communication channel 270. The second communication channel 260 includes a first sub-channel 261, a second sub-channel 262, and a third sub-channel 262. The wall of the second mounting portion has an opening that communicates with the first sub-channel 261. The throttling unit 500 is capable of adjusting the opening of the first sub-channel 261. The wall of the first mounting portion has an opening that communicates with the third sub-channel 262. The valve unit 400 is capable of opening and closing the third sub-channel 262. The third sub-channel communicates with the third communication channel. The first heat exchange module 120 has a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The second heat exchange module 110 also has a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first connecting channel 250 has an opening on the second side 220 facing the first heat exchange module 120, and the first flow channel of the first heat exchange module 120 is connected to the first connecting channel 250. The first sub-channel 261 has an opening on the first side 210 facing the second heat exchange module 110, and the first flow channel of the second heat exchange module 110 is connected to the first sub-channel 261. The third connecting channel 270 has an opening on the first side 210 facing the second heat exchange module 110, and the first flow channel of the second heat exchange module 110 is connected to the third connecting channel 270. In other words, the first sub-channel 261 is connected to the third connecting channel 270 through the first flow channel of the second heat exchange module 110.

[0025] In this embodiment, the connector 200 includes a third side portion 230 and a fourth side portion 240. Along the stacking direction of the plates, a first side portion 210 is located on one side of the third side portion 230, and a second side portion 220 is located on the other side of the third side portion 230. A first mounting hole 281 has an opening on the third side portion, and a second mounting hole 282 has an opening on the first side portion. This arrangement allows the throttling unit 500 and the valve unit 400 to be located on different sides of the connector, making the fluid management device more compact, facilitating miniaturization, and simplifying the installation of the throttling unit 500 and the valve unit 400. Along the stacking direction of the plates, the first side portion 210 is located on one side of the fourth side portion 240, and the second side portion 220 is located on the opposite side of the fourth side portion 240. Along the direction of gravity, the third side portion 230 is located above the fourth side portion 240. The fluid management device 10 includes a gas-liquid separation section 600, which is fixedly or partially connected to a fourth side portion 240. A first surface is defined, perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plates. A first direction is defined on the first surface, parallel to the third side portion. Along this first direction, at least the gas-liquid separation section 600 is located on one side of the heat exchange module 100, and at least a portion of the fluid management module 300 is located on the other side of the heat exchange module 100. The fluid management module 300 and the gas-liquid separation section 600 are on different sides of the connector 200. A first heat exchange module 120, a second heat exchange module 110, the fluid management module 300, and fluid management components are located around the connector 200. The fluid management device 10 has a compact structure and relatively small volume. The gas-liquid separation section 600 has a second gas-liquid separation chamber, and a third connecting channel 270 has an opening on the fourth side portion 240 facing the gas-liquid separation section 600, communicating with the second gas-liquid separation chamber. In other embodiments, the gas-liquid separation section 600 may also be integral with the connector 200, in which case the third communication channel 270 has an opening on the inner wall of the gas-liquid separation section 600, and the third communication channel 270 communicates with the second gas-liquid separation chamber.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 5-7 , Figure 11 , Figure 12The fluid management module includes a first block 311 and a second block 312. The fluid management module 300 has a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity. The valve cavity includes a first valve cavity 3133 and a second valve cavity 3153. The valve core includes a first valve core 313 and a second valve core 315. A first connecting channel 250 has an opening on the second side 220 facing the first block 311. The first connecting channel 250 communicates with the first valve cavity 3133, thus the first flow channel of the first heat exchange module 120 is connected to the first valve cavity 3133 through the first connecting channel 250. A second sub-channel 262 has an opening on the first side 220 facing the second block 312. The second sub-channel 262 communicates with the second valve cavity 3153. The connector 200 includes a receiving portion, or the receiving portion is part of the connector. The receiving portion includes a first receiving portion 291 and a second receiving portion 292. The first receiving portion 291 has a first receiving cavity 291'. The first sub-cavity 3161 includes the first receiving cavity 291', or the first receiving cavity 291' is part of the first sub-cavity 3161. The fluid management device has a first channel 3162, at least a portion of which is located in the connector 200. The first channel 3162 has an opening on the inner wall of the first receiving portion 291 and communicates with the first sub-cavity 3161. The first channel 3162 has an opening on the outer wall of the connector 200 toward the first valve core 313. Specifically, the first channel 3162 has an opening on the second side toward the first valve core 313. The first valve core 313 has a first groove 3131, which cooperates with the valve seat of the fluid management device 10 to form a first throttling cavity 3131'. The first valve core enables the first throttling cavity to communicate with the first valve cavity and the first channel. The first valve core 313 is spherical, near-spherical, or cylindrical. The second block 312 is fixedly connected or limited to the connector 200. The connector 200 and the second block 312 are connected by bolts. The second block 312 has an opening facing the connector 200. The second sub-channel 262 communicates with the second valve chamber 3153. The second valve chamber 3153 is located inside the second block 312. The second receiving portion 292 has a second receiving cavity 292'. The second sub-cavity 3171 includes the second receiving cavity 292'. The conducting channel includes the second channel 3172. At least part of the second channel... Channel 3172 is located in connector 200. Channel 3172 communicates with second sub-cavity 3171. Channel 3172 has an opening on its first side facing the second valve core 315. The second valve core 315 has a second groove 3151, which cooperates with the valve seat of fluid management device 10 to form a second throttling cavity 3151'. The second valve core enables the second throttling cavity to connect with the second valve cavity 3153 and the second channel 3172. The second valve core 315 is spherical, near-spherical, or cylindrical. It can be understood that, along the stacking direction of the plates, at least a portion of the first accommodating portion and at least a portion of the second accommodating portion are located between the first side and the second side.In this embodiment, the connecting portion is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion. The first receiving portion and the second receiving portion are located in the connector, or are integral with the structure, which simplifies the installation steps of the fluid management device.

[0027] In this embodiment, when the fluid management device 10 is working, the refrigerant after being throttled by the first throttling chamber 3131' enters the first sub-cavity 3161 through the first channel 3162, and the refrigerant rotates centrifugally in the first sub-cavity 3161. Similarly, the refrigerant after being throttled by the second throttling chamber 3151' enters the second sub-cavity 3171 through the second channel 3172, and the refrigerant rotates centrifugally in the second sub-cavity 3171. Additionally, the fluid management device 10 has a first gas channel 3163 and a first liquid channel 3164, which are connected to the first sub-cavity 3161. The first gas channel 3163 is used to discharge the relatively gaseous refrigerant after gas-liquid separation, and the first liquid channel 3164 is used to discharge the relatively liquid refrigerant after gas-liquid separation. The first liquid channel 3164 can also be referred to as a third channel. The third channel has an opening in the bottom wall of the first receiving portion 291 and is connected to the first sub-cavity 3161 to facilitate the discharge of the refrigerant after gas-liquid separation from the fluid management device. The fluid management device 10 has a second gas channel 3173 and a second liquid channel 3174, which are connected to a second sub-cavity 3171. The second gas channel 3173 is used to discharge the relatively gaseous refrigerant after gas-liquid separation, and the second liquid channel 3174 is used to discharge the relatively liquid refrigerant after gas-liquid separation. The second liquid channel 3174 can also be referred to as a fourth channel. The fourth channel has an opening in the bottom wall of the second receiving portion 292 and is connected to the second sub-cavity 3171 to facilitate the discharge of the refrigerant after gas-liquid separation from the fluid management device 10. In other embodiments, the gas-liquid separation method of the fluid management device 10 may also be other forms, which will not be described in detail here.

[0028] When the fluid management device 10 is in operation, it includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the first valve core 313 connects the first throttling chamber 3131' to the first valve chamber 3133 and the first sub-chamber 3161. Refrigerant in a gaseous state leaves the fluid management device 10 through the first gas passage 3163, and refrigerant in a liquid state leaves the fluid management device 10 through the first liquid passage 3164. The valve unit 400 opens the third sub-channel 262, the throttling unit 500 closes the second sub-channel 262, and the second valve core 315 connects the second valve chamber 3153 to the second sub-chamber 317. 1. No connection; In the second working mode, the first valve core 313 prevents the first valve chamber 3133 from connecting with the first sub-chamber 3161, and the second valve core 315 connects the second throttling chamber 3151' with the second valve chamber 3153 and the second sub-chamber 3171. The valve unit 400 closes the third sub-channel 262. The relatively gaseous refrigerant leaves the fluid management device 10 through the second gas channel 3173, and the relatively liquid refrigerant leaves the fluid management device 10 through the second liquid channel 3174. The throttling unit 500 can be opened to throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant in the first sub-channel 261, or the throttling unit 500 can not be opened. Furthermore, the first valve core 313 also has a first conducting channel 3132, which has at least two openings on the outer wall of the first valve core 313. In the second operating mode of the fluid management device 10, the first valve core 313 connects the first conducting channel 3132 to the first valve chamber 3133 and one outlet of the fluid management device, namely the second opening 1002. The first valve core 313 prevents the first valve chamber 3133 from communicating with the first sub-chamber 3161. The second connecting channel 260 is an inlet channel of the fluid management device 10, and the second connecting channel 260 has an opening in the connector 200, namely the first opening 1001. Similarly, the second valve core 315 has a second connecting hole 3152, which has at least two openings on the outer wall of the second valve core 315. The second valve core 315 enables the second connecting hole 3152 to connect the second valve chamber 3153 and one outlet of the fluid management device 10, namely the fourth opening 1004. In this embodiment, the first block 311, the second block 312, the throttling unit 500, the valve unit 400, and the connector 200 are fixedly connected or limitedly connected. The fluid management device 10 has a first communication channel 250 communicating with the first valve chamber, and a second sub-channel 262 communicating with the second valve chamber 3153. The valve unit 400 can open and close the third sub-channel 262, and the throttling unit 500 can adjust the opening degree of the first sub-channel 261. The communication channel is located inside the connector 200, which helps prevent internal leakage and also facilitates the miniaturization of the fluid management device 10.In this embodiment, the accommodating portion includes a first accommodating portion 291 and a second accommodating portion 292. In other embodiments, the accommodating portion may also include one of the first accommodating portion 291 and the second accommodating portion 292. In other words, one of the first accommodating portion 291 and the second accommodating portion 292 is located in the connector 200, while the other may be located in a block or other structure, which will not be described in detail here.

[0029] The first fluid control module includes a first control unit 318. When the fluid management device 10 is working, the first control unit 318 can drive the first valve core 313 to rotate. The first control unit 318 includes a first valve stem that is pulsatorically connected to the first valve core 313. The second fluid control module includes a second control unit 321. The second control unit 321 includes a second valve stem that is pulsatorically connected to the second valve core 315. Correspondingly, the first block 311 includes a first valve stem hole. The first valve stem hole has a first valve stem hole, and a portion of the first valve stem is located in the first valve stem hole. The first valve stem and the first valve stem hole are dynamically sealed. Similarly, the second block 312 includes a second valve stem hole. The second valve stem hole has a second valve stem hole, and a portion of the second valve stem is located in the second valve stem hole. The second valve stem and the second valve stem hole are dynamically sealed.

[0030] Please see Figure 4 , Figures 8-10 In this embodiment, the first block 311 is fixedly connected or limited to the second side 220. The first block 311 includes a connecting wall 3110, which faces the second side. The first connecting channel has an opening on the second side facing the connecting wall 3110 of the first block 311. The first block 311 has a first sub-flow channel 3111, which communicates with the first valve chamber and the first connecting channel. The first channel 3162 has an opening on the second side 220 facing the connecting wall of the first block 311. The second block 312 is fixedly connected or limited to the first side portion 210. The second block 312 includes a connecting wall. The connecting wall 3120 of the second block 312 faces the first side portion. The second connecting channel 260 has an opening in the first side portion 210 facing the connecting wall 3120 of the second block 312. Specifically, the second sub-channel 262 has an opening in the second side portion 220 facing the second block 312. The second sub-channel 262 communicates with the second valve cavity 3153. The second block 312 has a first sub-flow channel 3121. The first sub-flow channel 3121 of the second block 312 communicates with the second valve cavity 3153 and the second connecting channel 260. The second channel 3172 has an opening in the first side portion facing the connecting wall 3120 of the second block 312.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 , Figure 11 and Figure 12The fluid management device 10 has a first port 1001, a second port 1002, a third port 1003, a fourth port 1004, a fifth port 1005, a sixth port 1006, and a seventh port 1007. The fifth port 1005 is connected to the first flow channel of the first heat exchange module 120. In this embodiment, the fifth port 1005 is located in the first heat exchange module 120 or in a pipe or block that is fixedly connected or limited to the first heat exchange module 120. The first port 1001 is located on the third side 230. The first port 1001 is connected to the second connecting channel 260. The valve unit 400 can open and close the connecting channel between the first port 1001 and the second gas-liquid separation chamber. The first port 1001 can be connected to the first flow channel of the first heat exchange module 120 through the throttling unit 500. The first port 1001 is connected to the second sub-channel 262. The first port 1001 can be connected to the second valve chamber 3153 through the second sub-channel 262. Of course, the first port 1001 can also be located on a pipe or block that is fixedly connected or limited to the connector 200, which will not be described in detail. The second port 1002 is located in the first block 311. The first block 311 has a channel connecting the second port 1002 and the first valve chamber 3133. The first valve core 313 enables the first throttling chamber 3131' or the first conducting channel 3132 to connect the first valve chamber 3133 and the second port 1002. In this embodiment, the first liquid channel 3174 is also connected to the second port 1002. The liquid refrigerant after gas-liquid separation in the first sub-chamber 3161 can flow out of the fluid management device 10 through the second port 1002. The fourth port 1004 is located in the second block 312. The second block 312 has a channel connecting the second valve chamber 3153 and the fourth port 1004. The first valve core 313 enables the second throttling chamber 3151' or the second connecting hole 3152 to connect the second valve chamber 3153 and the fourth port 1004. The second liquid channel 3174 is also connected to the fourth port 1004. The liquid refrigerant after gas-liquid separation in the second sub-chamber 3171 can flow through the fluid management device 10 via the fourth port 1004. The first gas channel 3163 and the second gas channel 3173 are connected to the third port 1003. The relatively gaseous refrigerant after gas-liquid separation in the first sub-chamber 3161 can be discharged from the fluid management device 10 via the third port 1003. The relatively gaseous refrigerant after gas-liquid separation in the second sub-chamber 3171 can be discharged from the fluid management device 10 via the third port 1003. The seventh port 1007 is an inlet of the gas-liquid separation section 600, and the sixth port 1006 is an outlet of the gas-liquid separation section 600. In this embodiment, the sixth port 1006 is located in the gas-liquid separation section 600, and the seventh port 1007 is located in the third side 230. The seventh port 1007 enters the second gas-liquid separation chamber through the first interface.In a more specific embodiment, the first port 1001, the second port 1002, the third port 1003, the fourth port 1004, the fifth port 1005, the sixth port 1006, and the seventh port 1007 are oriented upwards along the direction of gravity, which facilitates the connection of the fluid management device 10 with other components or fittings within the thermal management system.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 11 , Figure 12 The fluid management module includes a connecting portion 330, which is fixedly connected or limited to a connector. In this embodiment, the connecting portion is fixedly connected or limited to a third side portion. This fixed connection includes the connecting portion 330 and the connector 200 forming an integral structure. The connecting portion 330 includes a receiving portion with a receiving cavity. At least a portion of the valve component 340 is located in the receiving cavity, and the valve component 340 is fixedly connected or limited to the receiving portion. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first gas channel 3163 and at least a portion of the second gas channel 3173 are located in the connecting portion 330. Specifically, the connecting portion 330 has a first connection port, a first connecting cavity 3312, and a second connecting cavity 3313. The first connecting cavity 3312 is part of the second gas channel 3173, and the second connecting cavity 3313 is part of the first gas channel 3163. The first connection port is the third port 1003 of the fluid management device 10 or is connected to the third port 1003. The first connecting cavity 3312... The first sub-cavity 3161 is connected to the second sub-cavity 3171, and the second connecting cavity 3313 is connected to the first sub-cavity 3161. The valve component 340 allows the first connecting cavity 3312 to unidirectionally connect to the second connecting cavity 3313. The first connection port is connected to the second connecting cavity 3313. Thus, the relatively gaseous refrigerant in the second sub-cavity 3171 can flow out of the fluid management device 10 through the valve component 340 from the first connection port, while the relatively gaseous refrigerant in the first sub-cavity 3161 can flow into the fluid management device 10 through the first connection port. Due to the presence of the valve component 340, it cannot enter the second sub-cavity 3171. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the connecting part 330 is located above the third side portion along the direction of gravity, and the connector 200 is bolted to the connecting part 330. This gives the fluid management device 10 a common gas outlet, reducing the number of interfaces and facilitating connection between the fluid management device 10 and other components of the thermal management system. The fluid management device 10 is equipped with a valve component 340, which can prevent gas from entering the second sub-cavity 3171 from the first sub-cavity 3161.

[0033] In one specific embodiment, the connecting portion 330 includes a first insertion portion 3316 and a second insertion portion 3317, and the fluid management device 10 includes a first conduit portion 3318 and a second conduit portion 3319. The conduit port of the first conduit portion 3318 faces away from the first insertion portion 3316, and the conduit port of the second conduit portion 3319 faces away from the second insertion portion 3317. The first conduit portion 3318 and the first insertion portion 3316 are integrally structured, fixedly connected, or limitedly connected, and the second conduit portion 3319 and the second insertion portion 3317 are integrally structured, fixedly connected, or limitedly connected. A portion of the first gas passage is located in the first conduit portion 3318 and the first insertion portion 3316, and a portion of the second gas passage is located in the second conduit portion 3319 and the second insertion portion 3317. The fluid management device 10 is provided with an insertion portion and a corresponding receiving portion, which facilitates the positioning of the connecting portion during installation and is beneficial for installation.

[0034] In this embodiment, the valve component 340 is a one-way component. The connecting portion 330 includes a first hole 331, at least a portion of the first connecting cavity 3312 is located in the first hole 331, and at least a portion of the second connecting cavity 3313 is located in the first hole 331. The first hole 331 includes a receiving portion. The connecting portion 330 has a first connecting port and a second connecting port. The first connecting port is located on the wall of the first hole 331, and the second connecting port is located on the wall of the first hole. The first connecting port communicates with the second sub-cavity 3171, and the second connecting port communicates with the first sub-cavity 3161. Along the axial direction of the first hole 331, the first connecting port is located on one side of the receiving portion, and the second connecting port is located on the other side of the receiving portion. In other embodiments, the valve component 340 may also be a solenoid valve or a ball valve, which will not be described in detail. Compared with the valve component 340 being a solenoid valve or a ball valve, it has the advantages of convenient installation, low cost, and no need for electrical control.

[0035] The fluid management device 10 includes a first fixing part, a second fixing part, a first mating part, and a second mating part. The first fixing part is fixedly connected to or limited by the first mating part, and the second fixing part is fixedly connected to or limited by the second mating part. In this embodiment, the connecting part 330 and the third side are fixed by bolts. One of the first fixing part and the first mating part is located in the connecting part 330, and the other is located in the third side. One of the second fixing part and the second mating part is located in the connecting part 330, and the other is located in the third side. In this embodiment, the first mating part and the second mating part are located in the third side.

[0036] In the first operating mode of the fluid management device 10, the first valve core 313 connects the first valve chamber 3133 to the first sub-chamber 3161 through the first throttling chamber 3131', and the valve component 340 prevents the second connecting chamber 3313 from connecting with the first connecting chamber 3312. The relatively gaseous refrigerant in the first sub-chamber 3161 flows out of the fluid management device 10 through the first connection port, which is an outlet of the fluid management device 10. In the second operating mode, the first valve core 313 prevents the first valve chamber 3133 from connecting with the first sub-chamber 3161, and the second valve core 315 connects the second valve chamber 3153 to the second sub-chamber 3171 through the second throttling chamber 3151'. The valve component 340 allows the first connecting chamber 3312 to unidirectionally connect with the second connecting chamber 3313, and the first connection port is an outlet of the fluid management device 10. Of course, the fluid management device 10 may not have the connecting part 330. The first gas passage 3163 has an outlet in the fluid management device, and the second gas passage 3173 has an outlet in the fluid management device, which will not be described in detail.

[0037] Please see Figures 13-15The fluid management module 300 includes at least one of a first fluid management module 310 and a second fluid management module 320. In this embodiment, the fluid management module 300 includes a first fluid management module 310 and a second fluid management module 320. The first fluid management module 310 includes a first valve core 313, a first block 311, and a third block 316. The first block 311 and the third block 316 are fixedly connected or limitedly connected. The first block 311 is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the connector 200. In this embodiment, the connector 200 is bolted to the first block 311. The first fluid management module 310 has a first throttling chamber 3131', a first valve chamber 3133, and a first sub-chamber 3161. The first valve chamber 3133 is located inside the first block 311, and the first valve core 313 is located in the first valve chamber 3133. The first communication channel 250 has an opening on its second side facing the first block 311, and the first valve chamber 3133 communicates with the first communication channel 250. At least a portion of the first sub-cavity 3161 is located within the third block 316. The first fluid management module 310 has a first channel 3162, at least a portion of which is located within the third block 316. The first channel 3162 communicates with the first sub-cavity 3161. The first channel 3162 has an opening facing the first valve core 313. The first valve core 313 has a first groove 3131, which cooperates with the valve seat of the first fluid management module 310 to form a first throttling cavity 3131'. The first valve core 313 is spherical, near-spherical, or cylindrical. The second fluid management module 320 includes a second valve core 315, a second block 312, and a fourth block 317. The second block 312 is fixedly connected to or limited by the fourth block 317. The second block 312 is fixedly connected to or limited by the connector 200. The connector 200 is connected to the second block 312 by bolts. The fluid management module 300 has a second throttling chamber 3151', a second valve chamber 3153, and a second sub-chamber 3171. The second valve chamber 3153 is located within the second block 312, and the second valve core 315 is located within the second valve chamber 3153. At least a portion of the second sub-chamber 3171 is located within the fourth block 317. The second fluid management module 310 has a second channel 3172, at least a portion of which is located within the fourth block 317. The second channel 3172 communicates with the second sub-chamber 3171. The second channel 3172 has an opening in the fourth block facing the second valve core 315, and the second channel 3172 can communicate with the second valve chamber 3153. The second sub-channel 262 has an opening facing the second block on the first side. The second sub-channel 262 is connected to the second valve cavity 3153. The second valve core 315 has a second groove 3151. The second groove 3151 cooperates with the valve seat of the second fluid management module 320 to form a second throttling cavity 3151'. The second valve core 315 is spherical, quasi-spherical, or cylindrical.In this embodiment, at least a portion of the third block and at least a portion of the fourth block are located between the first side and the second side along the stacking direction of the plates, thus making the structure of the fluid management device relatively compact.

[0038] 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. 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 make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. 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 fluid management device, comprising a heat exchange module, a fluid management module, and a connector, wherein the fluid management device has a communication channel, at least a portion of the communication channel is located in the connector, the communication channel being in communication with a flow channel of the heat exchange module; at least a portion of the fluid management module is fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the connector, the fluid management module includes a valve core, the valve core having a conduction channel, the fluid management module having a throttling chamber, a valve chamber, and a first gas-liquid separation chamber, the valve chamber being in communication with the communication channel, the valve core being located in the valve chamber, and in one operating state of the fluid management device, the valve core causes the valve chamber to communicate with the first gas-liquid separation chamber through the throttling chamber or the conduction channel; The heat exchange module includes at least one of a first heat exchange module and a second heat exchange module. The connector includes a first side and a second side. The second heat exchange module is fixedly connected to or limited to the first side, and the first heat exchange module is fixedly connected to or limited to the second side. The heat exchange module includes a plurality of stacked plates. Along the stacking direction of the plates, at least a portion of the first heat exchange module is located on one side of the connector, at least a portion of the second heat exchange module is located on the other side of the connector, the first heat exchange module and the second heat exchange module are located on different sides of the connector, and at least a portion of the fluid management module is located between the first side and the second side. The fluid management device includes a valve unit and a throttling unit. The connector includes a mounting portion having a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole. One of the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole has an opening on the first side or the second side. At least a portion of the valve unit is located in the first mounting hole, and at least a portion of the throttling unit is located in the second mounting hole.

2. The fluid management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a third side portion, and along the stacking direction of the plates, the first side portion is located on one side of the third side portion, and the second side portion is located on the other side of the third side portion; One of the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole has an opening in the wall of the third side, while the other has an opening in either the first side or the second side.

3. The fluid management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a third side portion, the fluid management device includes a gas-liquid separation section, the gas-liquid separation section is fixedly connected to or limited by the connector, the gas-liquid separation section has a second gas-liquid separation chamber, and the communication channel communicates with the second gas-liquid separation chamber. A first surface is defined, which is perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plates. A first direction is defined on the first surface, which is parallel to the third side. Along the first direction, at least the gas-liquid separation section is located on one side of the heat exchange module, and at least a portion of the fluid management module is located on the other side of the heat exchange module. The fluid management module and the gas-liquid separation section are on different sides of the connector.

4. The fluid management device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector includes a third side portion, the fluid management device includes a gas-liquid separation section, the gas-liquid separation section is fixedly connected to or limited by the connector, the gas-liquid separation section has a second gas-liquid separation chamber, and the communication channel communicates with the second gas-liquid separation chamber. A first surface is defined, which is perpendicular to the stacking direction of the plates. A first direction is defined on the first surface, which is parallel to the third side. Along the first direction, at least the gas-liquid separation section is located on one side of the heat exchange module, and at least a portion of the fluid management module is located on the other side of the heat exchange module. The fluid management module and the gas-liquid separation section are on different sides of the connector.

5. The fluid management device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector includes a fourth side portion. Along the stacking direction of the plates, the first side portion is located on one side of the fourth side portion, the second side portion is located on the opposite side of the fourth side portion, and along the vertical direction of the third side portion, the third side portion is located above the fourth side portion. The gas-liquid separation section is fixedly connected or limited to the fourth side, and the communication channel has an opening on the fourth side facing the gas-liquid separation section.

6. The fluid management device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connector includes a fourth side portion. Along the stacking direction of the plates, the first side portion is located on one side of the fourth side portion, the second side portion is located on the opposite side of the fourth side portion, and along the vertical direction of the third side portion, the third side portion is located above the fourth side portion. The gas-liquid separation section is fixedly connected or limited to the fourth side, and the communication channel has an opening on the fourth side facing the gas-liquid separation section.

7. The fluid management device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The fluid management module includes a first block and a second block. The valve chamber includes a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber, with the first valve chamber located within the first block and the second valve chamber located within the second block. The valve core includes a first valve core and a second valve core, with the first valve core located within the first valve chamber and the second valve core located within the second valve chamber. The first valve core includes a first conducting channel, and the second valve core includes a second conducting channel. The throttling chamber includes a first throttling chamber and a second throttling chamber. The first gas-liquid separation chamber includes a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The fluid management device further includes a first accommodating part and a second accommodating part. The first block and the second block are respectively fixedly connected or limitedly connected to the connecting member. The first accommodating part and the connecting member are integrally formed. The second accommodating part and the connecting member are integrally formed. At least a portion of the first sub-cavity is located in the first accommodating part, and at least a portion of the second sub-cavity is located in the second accommodating part. The connecting member has a first channel, and the first channel has an opening on the inner wall of the first accommodating part. The first channel has an opening in the first gas distribution part facing the first block. The connecting member has a second channel, and the second channel has an opening on the inner wall of the second accommodating part. The second channel has an opening in the second gas distribution part facing the second block. The first valve core enables the first valve chamber to communicate with the first channel through the first throttling chamber or the first conducting channel; the second valve core enables the second valve chamber to communicate with the second channel through the second throttling chamber or the second conducting channel.

8. The fluid management device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The fluid management module includes a first block and a second block. The valve chamber includes a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber, with the first valve chamber located within the first block and the second valve chamber located within the second block. The valve core includes a first valve core and a second valve core, with the first valve core located within the first valve chamber and the second valve core located within the second valve chamber. The first valve core includes a first conducting channel, and the second valve core includes a second conducting channel. The throttling chamber includes a first throttling chamber and a second throttling chamber. The first gas-liquid separation chamber includes a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The fluid management device further includes a first accommodating portion and a second accommodating portion, wherein at least a portion of the first accommodating portion and at least a portion of the second accommodating portion are located between the first side portion and the second side portion along the stacking direction of the plates; or, the fluid management module includes a third block and a fourth block, wherein the first block is fixedly connected or limit-connected to the third block, and the second block is fixedly connected or limit-connected to the fourth block, wherein at least a portion of the first sub-cavity is located in the third block, and at least a portion of the second sub-cavity is located in the fourth block; the third block has a first channel communicating with the first sub-cavity, and the first channel has an opening in the third block facing the first block; The second gas section has a second channel, which communicates with the second sub-cavity, and the second channel has an opening facing the second block in the fourth block; Along the stacking direction of the plates, at least a portion of the third block and at least a portion of the fourth block are located between the first side and the second side; The first valve core enables the first valve chamber to communicate with the first channel through the first throttling chamber or the first conducting channel; the second valve core enables the second valve chamber to communicate with the second channel through the second throttling chamber or the second conducting channel.

9. The fluid management device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The communication channel includes a first communication channel and a second communication channel. The first communication channel has two openings on the second side, one of which faces the first heat exchange module and the other of which faces the first block. The first communication channel is connected to the first valve chamber. The second connecting channel has an opening on the third side. The second connecting channel includes a first sub-channel, a second sub-channel, and a third sub-channel. The first sub-channel has an opening on the first side facing the second heat exchange module. The second sub-channel has an opening on the first side facing the second block. The second sub-channel is connected to the second valve chamber. The third sub-channel has an opening on the fourth side facing the gas-liquid separation section. The third sub-channel is connected to the second gas-liquid separation chamber.

10. The fluid management device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The communication channel includes a first communication channel and a second communication channel. The first communication channel has two openings on the second side, one of which faces the first heat exchange module and the other of which faces the first block. The first communication channel is connected to the first valve chamber. The second connecting channel has an opening on the third side. The second connecting channel includes a first sub-channel, a second sub-channel, and a third sub-channel. The first sub-channel has an opening on the first side facing the second heat exchange module. The second sub-channel has an opening on the first side facing the second block. The second sub-channel is connected to the second valve chamber. The third sub-channel has an opening on the fourth side facing the gas-liquid separation section. The third sub-channel is connected to the second gas-liquid separation chamber.

11. The fluid management device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The second heat exchange module has a first flow channel, which is connected to the first sub-channel. The wall of the second mounting hole has an opening that is connected to the first sub-channel. The throttling unit can adjust the opening of the first sub-channel. The wall of the first mounting hole has an opening that is connected to the third sub-channel. The valve unit can open or close the third sub-channel.

12. The fluid management device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fluid management device has a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, a sixth port, and a seventh port. The fifth port is connected to the first flow channel of the first heat exchange module. The first valve chamber can be connected to the second port through the first throttling chamber or the first conductive channel, and the first sub-chamber is connected to the second port. The second valve chamber can be connected to the fourth port through the second throttling chamber or the second conductive channel, and the second sub-chamber is connected to the fourth port. The first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber are connected to the third port. The valve unit can open and close the communication channel between the first port and the second gas-liquid separation chamber. The first port can be connected to the flow channel of the second heat exchange module through the throttling unit, and the first port is connected to the second sub-channel. The seventh port is connected to the second gas-liquid separation chamber, and the seventh port is an inlet of the gas-liquid separation section. The sixth port is an outlet of the gas-liquid separation section.

13. The fluid management device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fluid management device has a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, a sixth port, and a seventh port. The fifth port is located in the first heat exchange module or in a pipe or block that is fixedly connected or limited to the first heat exchange module. The second port is located in the first block. The fourth port is located in the second block. The third port is located in the fluid management module. The first port is located on the third side. The sixth port is located in the gas-liquid separation section. The seventh port is located on the third side. Along the vertical direction of the third side, the first port, the second port, the third port, the fourth port, the fifth port, the sixth port, and the seventh port face the same direction.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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