Fluid control assembly and thermal management system

Abstract

A kind of fluid control assembly and heat management system, fluid control assembly can be applied to heat management system, fluid control assembly has passage and interface, passage is communicated with interface, fluid control assembly is respectively connected with condenser, evaporator, expansion element in heat management system by interface, by at least part of the passage in the condenser after and at least part of the passage in the expansion element before being located by fluid control assembly It is arranged close to the at least part in the passage after evaporator, so that the heat exchange of the channel part close to each other can be carried out, it is beneficial to make the working fluid in the passage after being condensed by condenser and before expansion element supercooling, the working fluid in the passage after being heated by evaporator superheating, compared with the supercooling and superheating of working fluid in the system by additionally increasing an intermediate heat exchanger, it is beneficial to make full use of the heat exchange of heat energy between passages, it is beneficial to reduce system energy consumption, improve heat exchange efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fluid control technology, specifically to a fluid control component and a thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] The fluid control components of the related technologies have channels and interfaces. The channels and interfaces are connected. When the fluid control components are applied to the thermal management system, they are connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator through the interfaces. In order to ensure that the working fluid in the fluid control component channel is subcooled after being condensed by the condenser and located in front of the expansion valve, and to ensure that the working fluid in the fluid control component channel is superheated after absorbing heat by the evaporator, the related technologies usually add an intermediate heat exchanger in the thermal management system to achieve subcooling and superheating of the working fluid. This increases the energy consumption of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a fluid control component and a thermal management system, which can reduce system energy consumption when the fluid control component is applied to the thermal management system.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A fluid control component applicable to a thermal management system includes a channel element having an interface and a channel. The channel communicates with the interface, which is used to connect with a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion element in the thermal management system. The channel comprises a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is located after the condenser and in front of the expansion element, and the second channel is located after the evaporator. At least a portion of the first channel and at least a portion of the second channel are disposed close to each other. The first channel includes a first channel segment, and the second channel includes a second channel segment. The first channel segment and the second channel segment are arranged in a U-shape. The first channel segment surrounds the second channel segment and is located outside the second channel segment. The first channel segment and the second channel segment are disposed close to each other.

[0006] A thermal management system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, an evaporator, and an expansion element. The thermal management system further includes a fluid control component, which has an interface and is directly or indirectly connected to the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the evaporator, and the expansion element through the interface. The fluid control component is the aforementioned fluid control component.

[0007] This application provides a fluid control component and a thermal management system. The fluid control component can be applied to the thermal management system. The fluid control component has channels and interfaces, with the channels and interfaces connected. The fluid control component is connected to the condenser, evaporator, and expansion element in the thermal management system through the interfaces. By positioning at least a portion of the channel where the fluid control component is located after the condenser and before the expansion element close to at least a portion of the channel where the fluid control component is located after the evaporator, heat exchange can be performed between the close-to-each channel portions. This facilitates the subcooling of the working fluid in the channel before the expansion element after condensation by the condenser and the superheating of the working fluid in the channel after heat absorption by the evaporator. Compared to achieving subcooling and superheating of the working fluid by adding an intermediate heat exchanger in the system, this method is more efficient in fully utilizing the heat exchange between the channels, reducing system energy consumption, and improving heat exchange efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a front view of one embodiment of a fluid control component;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a central channel element;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded structural diagram of the central flow channel plate and the first composite plate;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a flow channel plate;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of the valve mounting base;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A front view of the central fluid control assembly concealing the first composite plate;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a fluid control component;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the traction block;

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional perspective structural diagram of the mounting base for the liquid storage element;

[0017] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the main body of the liquid storage element;

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 An exploded structural diagram of a multi-way valve component;

[0019] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a multi-way valve;

[0020] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A system schematic diagram of the first operating mode of an embodiment of a fluid control component applied to a thermal management system;

[0021] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the second working mode of the medium-heat management system. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one component from another that has the same name, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these components.

[0023] See Figure 1The fluid control component can be applied to a thermal management system, which can be a vehicle thermal management system, specifically a new energy vehicle thermal management system. The fluid control component 100 includes a valve element 1, a heat exchange element 2, a liquid storage element 3, and a channel element 4. There can be multiple valve elements. The valve element 1 is connected to the channel element 4, and the channel element 4 has multiple channels. The valve element 1 can achieve connection or disconnection between two or more channels, and when connected, it can achieve direct connection and / or throttling connection between channels. The heat exchange element 2 is connected to the channel element 4. In this embodiment, the heat exchange element 2 includes several stacked plates, and the heat exchange element 2 has a first flow channel and a second flow channel that are not connected. The working fluid (such as refrigerant) in the first flow channel and the working fluid (such as coolant) in the second flow channel can exchange heat in the heat exchange element 3. The first flow channel of the heat exchange element 2 is connected to two channels. The liquid storage element 3 is connected to the channel element 4. The liquid storage element 4 has at least a partial liquid storage chamber, which may also be formed by the liquid storage element 4 and other parts. The liquid storage chamber is connected to two or more channels. The liquid storage element 4 is mainly used for gas-liquid two-phase separation of the working fluid to prevent the gas phase fluid in the working fluid (such as refrigerant) from flowing to the subsequent channel loop. The connection is defined as a fixed connection, a limiting connection, a detachable connection, or a sealed connection. A straight-through connection is defined as the working fluid pressure before and after flowing through the valve element without changing or tending to change (such as pressure loss range <1%). A throttling connection is defined as the working fluid pressure before flowing through the valve element being greater than the pressure after flowing through the valve element.

[0024] See Figures 2 to 4To achieve lightweighting of the fluid control components, the channel element 4 includes a flow channel plate 41 and a first composite plate 42. In this embodiment, the flow channel plate 41 has a groove and a hole forming a channel. The number of grooves and holes can be multiple. The holes are used to form connecting channels between different individuals in the channel. The holes are provided through the flow channel plate 41, while the grooves forming the channel do not penetrate the flow channel plate 41. The grooves and holes forming the channel can be integrally formed by a cold extrusion process. The flow channel plate 41 is fitted to the first composite plate 42 and connected to it. In this embodiment, the flow channel plate 41 and the first composite plate 42 are sealed and fixed by welding. The flow channel plate 41 and the first composite plate 42 cooperate to form the channel of the channel element 4. Compared with forming the channel by machining the valve block as a whole, this is beneficial to make the channel part of the component lighter. Specifically, the flow channel plate 41 includes a first wall 411. Along the direction perpendicular to the first wall 411, the flow channel plate 41 has a groove and hole that extend inward from the first wall 411 away from the first wall 411. Correspondingly, the first composite plate 42 includes a second wall 421. In this embodiment, the second wall 421 is a plane. When the flow channel plate 41 and the first composite plate 42 are fitted together, the first wall 411 and the second wall 421 are fitted to each other and sealed and fixed by welding, thereby forming the channel of the channel element 4. Of course, holes can also be formed on the first composite plate 42, that is, along the direction perpendicular to the second wall 421, the holes are set through the first composite plate 42. At this time, the flow channel plate 41 only has a groove cavity forming a channel. The first wall 411 and the second wall 421 are attached and fixed by welding. The flow channel plate 41 and the first composite plate 42 cooperate to form the channel of the channel element 4.

[0025] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the flow channel plate 41 and the first composite plate 42 each have a groove forming a channel. Specifically, along the direction perpendicular to the first wall 411 of the flow channel plate 41, the groove forming the channel in the flow channel plate 41 is recessed inward from the first wall 411 away from the first wall 411; along the direction perpendicular to the second wall 421, the groove forming the channel in the first composite plate 42 is recessed inward from the second wall 421 away from the second wall 421. The first wall 411 and the second wall 421 are fitted together and sealed and fixed by welding. The flow channel plate 41 and the first composite plate 42 cooperate to form the channel of the channel element 4. In this embodiment, the hole can also be formed on the flow channel plate 41 or on the first composite plate 42, that is, along the direction perpendicular to the first wall 411, the hole penetrates the flow channel plate 41, or along the direction perpendicular to the second wall 421, the hole penetrates the first composite plate 42.

[0026] It should be noted that the above embodiments all form a single-layer or single-sided channel. However, depending on the complexity of the application of the fluid control component 100 to the thermal management system or the complexity of the channel layout, the channel element can also be set as a double-layer or double-sided channel. In this case, the channel element also includes a second composite plate. The first composite plate 42 and the second composite plate are collectively referred to as composite plates. Along the direction perpendicular to the first wall 411, the portion of the channel cavity (defined as the portion in terms of the number of cavities) is recessed inward from the first wall 411 away from the first wall 411; the other portion of the channel cavity is recessed inward from the third wall of the flow channel plate 41 away from the third wall. The third wall and the first wall are two opposite walls of the flow channel plate. The flow channel plate 41 is located between the first composite plate 42 and the second composite plate. The first composite plate 42 is attached to the first wall and can be sealed and fixed by welding. The second composite plate is attached to the third wall and can be sealed and fixed by welding, so that the three cooperate to form the channel of the channel element.

[0027] See Figure 2 and Figure 5 The channel element 4 also includes a valve mounting seat 44, which is used to mount valve elements. The number of valve mounting seats 44 is the same as the number of valve elements. The valve mounting seat 44 is connected to the flow channel plate 41, the first composite plate 42, or the second composite plate. In this embodiment, the valve mounting seat 44 is attached to the flow channel plate 41 and fixed by welding. Of course, as in other embodiments, if conditions permit, the valve mounting seat 44 can also be integrally formed with the flow channel plate 41. The valve mounting seat 44 includes a first port 441, a second port 442, and a mounting cavity 443. The first port 441 can be used as an inlet, and the second port 442 can be used as an outlet. For a single component of the valve mounting seat 44, the mounting cavity 443 connects the first port 441 and the second port 442. The mounting cavity 443 is used to mount valve elements, and the first port 441 and the second port 442 are used to communicate with the holes forming the connecting channels, respectively. In this way, the valve elements can realize the connection or non-connection between two or more in the channel.

[0028] See Figures 1 to 6In this embodiment, the channels include a sixth channel 401, a seventh channel 402, a third channel 403, a fourth channel 404, a fifth channel 405, a first channel 406, an eighth channel 407, and a second channel 408. The valve mounting base 44 includes a first valve mounting base 44a, a second valve mounting base 44b, a third valve mounting base 44c, a fourth valve mounting base 44d, and a fifth valve mounting base 44e. The valve element 1 includes a first valve element 11, a second valve element 12, a third valve element 13, a fourth valve element 14, and a fifth valve element 15. Part of the first valve element 11 is located in the mounting cavity of the first valve mounting seat 44a. The first valve element 11 is connected to the first valve mounting seat 44a. For example, in this embodiment, the first valve element 11 is inserted and fixed to the first valve mounting seat 44a. The first valve element 11 can be connected to or not connected to the sixth channel 401 and the seventh channel 402 through the first valve mounting seat 44a. When connected, it can directly connect the sixth channel 401 and the seventh channel 402. Specifically, the hole includes a first hole 451 and a second hole 452, wherein the first hole 451 is connected to the sixth channel 401. The second hole 452 is connected to the seventh channel 402. When the first valve mounting seat 44a is connected to the flow channel plate 41, the first port of the first valve mounting seat 44a is connected to the first hole 451, that is, the first port is connected to the sixth channel 401. The second port of the first valve mounting seat 44a is connected to the second hole 452, that is, the second port is connected to the seventh channel 402. In this way, under the control of the first valve element 11, the sixth channel 401 can be connected to or not connected to the seventh channel 402 through the first hole 451, the second hole 452, and the first valve mounting seat 44a. Similarly, some of the second valve elements 12 are located in the mounting cavity of the second valve mounting seat 44b. The second valve element 12 is connected to the second valve mounting seat 44b. The second valve element 12 can be connected to or not connected to the sixth channel 401 and the third channel 403 through the hole and the second valve mounting seat 44b, and when connected, it can directly connect the sixth channel 401 and the third channel 403. Part of the fourth valve element 14 is located in the mounting cavity of the fourth valve mounting seat 44d. The fourth valve element 14 is connected to the fourth valve mounting seat 44d. The fourth valve element 14 can connect or disconnect the fourth channel 404 and the first channel 406 through the hole and the fourth valve mounting seat 44d, and can throttle the connection between the fourth channel 404 and the first channel 406 when connected. Part of the fifth valve element 15 is located in the mounting cavity of the fifth valve mounting seat 44e. The fifth valve element 15 is connected to the fifth valve mounting seat 44e. The fifth valve element 15 can connect or disconnect the first channel 406 and the eighth channel 407 through the fifth valve mounting seat 44e, and can throttle the connection between the first channel 406 and the eighth channel 407 when connected. It should be noted that in the channel layout, when there are unavoidable intersecting channels, to avoid crossflow between the intersecting channels, a traction flow channel can be used. Specifically, in this embodiment, combined with Figure 7 and Figure 8The channel element 4 also includes a traction block 46, which is welded and sealed to the first composite plate 42. The traction block 46 includes a traction flow channel 461, and the holes also include a third hole 453 and a fourth hole 454. The third hole 453 communicates with the third channel 403. Correspondingly, the first composite plate 42 is also provided with through holes. Along the direction perpendicular to the second wall 421, the through holes penetrate the first composite plate 42. Specifically, the through holes include a first through hole 422 and a second through hole 423. The first through hole 422 communicates with the fourth hole 454, and the second through hole 423 communicates with the second channel 408. The traction flow channel 461 communicates with the third channel 403. A through hole 422 and a second through hole 423 are provided, so that the traction flow channel 461 connects the second channel 408 and the fourth hole 454. Furthermore, the first port of the third valve mounting seat 44c is connected to the third hole 453, and the second port of the third valve mounting seat 44c is connected to the fourth hole 454. Part of the third valve element 13 is located in the mounting cavity of the third valve mounting seat 44, and the third valve element 13 is connected to the third valve mounting seat 44c. In this way, the third valve element 13 can be connected to or not connected to the third channel 403 and the second channel 408 through the traction flow channel 461, and when connected, it can directly connect the third channel 403 and the second channel 408.

[0029] See Figure 1 In this embodiment, the liquid storage element 3 includes a support 31. The liquid storage element 3 is connected to the channel element 4 via the support 31. Specifically, the support 31 is located on the outer periphery of the tank of the liquid storage element 3. The support 31 is fixed to the flow channel plate 41 by screws, and the support 31 is also tightened to the outer periphery of the tank, thereby realizing the connection between the liquid storage element 3 and the channel element 4. See also Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 9 In this embodiment, the channel element 4 further includes a liquid storage element mounting base 47. The liquid storage element mounting base 47 is welded and sealed to the flow channel plate 41. The liquid storage element mounting base 47 has a first connecting flow channel 471, a second connecting flow channel 472, and a third connecting flow channel 473. The first connecting flow channel 471 communicates with the fourth channel 404 through a hole, the second connecting flow channel 472 communicates with the fifth channel 405 through a hole, and the third connecting flow channel 473 communicates with the first channel 406 through a hole. Accordingly, combined with Figure 10The main body of the liquid storage element 3 includes a first inlet pipe, a second inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe. The first inlet pipe has a first inlet flow channel 32, the second inlet pipe has a second inlet flow channel 33, and the outlet pipe has an outlet flow channel 34. When the main body of the liquid storage element 3 is engaged with the liquid storage element mounting base 47, at least a portion of the first inlet pipe is located in the first connecting flow channel 471, and the first inlet flow channel 32 connects the first connecting flow channel 471 and the liquid storage chamber; at least a portion of the second inlet pipe is located in the second connecting flow channel 472, and the second inlet flow channel 33 connects the second connecting flow channel 472 and the liquid storage chamber; at least a portion of the outlet pipe is located in the third connecting flow channel 473, and the outlet flow channel 34 connects the third connecting flow channel 473 and the liquid storage chamber; in addition, in this example, the liquid storage element 3 and the liquid storage element mounting base 47 are also connected and fixed by screws to strengthen the fixation of the liquid storage element 3. Thus, the fourth channel 404 is connected to the liquid storage chamber through the first connecting channel 471 and the first inlet channel 33, the fifth channel 405 is connected to the liquid storage chamber through the second connecting channel 472 and the second inlet channel 33, and the liquid storage chamber is connected to the first channel 406 through the outlet channel 34 and the third interface channel 473. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid storage element 3 also has a built-in one-way valve. The one-way valve has the functions of one-way flow and reverse cut-off. The one-way valve includes a first one-way valve and a second one-way valve. The first one-way valve enables the first inlet flow channel 32 to flow unilaterally to the liquid storage chamber, thereby enabling the fourth channel 404 to flow unilaterally to the liquid storage chamber. The second one-way valve enables the second inlet flow channel 33 to flow unilaterally to the liquid storage chamber, thereby enabling the fifth channel 405 to flow unilaterally to the liquid storage chamber. The first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are provided to prevent the working fluid from flowing back into the liquid storage chamber from one inlet flow channel (such as the first inlet flow channel 32) to another inlet flow channel (such as the second inlet flow channel 33) when the liquid storage element 3 has two or more inlets. In addition, the one-way valve is integrated into the liquid storage element 3, which is beneficial for the compact structure.

[0030] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 In this embodiment, the heat exchange element 2 and the channel element 4 are fixedly connected by screws. Specifically, the heat exchange element 2 includes a base plate 21, on which through holes are provided for screw connection with the channel element 4. The heat exchange element 2 is fixedly connected to the channel element 4 by screws through the base plate 21. The first flow channel of the heat exchange element 2 connects to the eighth channel 407 and the second channel 408. Specifically, the holes also include a fifth hole 455 and a sixth hole 456, wherein the fifth hole 455 connects to the eighth channel 407, and the sixth hole 456 connects to the second channel 408. The first flow channel of the heat exchange element 2 connects to the fifth hole 455 and the sixth hole 456. See also Figure 1 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 12The fluid control assembly 100 also includes a multi-way valve element 5, which includes a multi-way valve 51 and a connector 52. In this embodiment, the multi-way valve 51 is a three-way switching valve with an inlet 511, a first outlet 512, and a second outlet 513. By rotating the valve core of the multi-way valve 51, the inlet 511 can be connected to the first outlet 512 or the inlet 511 can be connected to the second outlet 513. In this embodiment, the inlet 511, the first outlet 512, and the second outlet 513 have the same orientation, and the inlet 511 is located between the first outlet 512 and the second outlet 513, which facilitates the assembly of the multi-way valve 51 and the connector 52. Correspondingly, the connector 52 includes an inlet connector 521 and an outlet connector 522, which are used to dock with other components in the thermal management system, such as a battery cooling module, to cool the battery assembly. The inlet connector 521 has an inlet connector flow channel 5211, and the outlet connector 522 has an outlet connector flow channel 5221. The connector 52 also has a third flow channel 523 and a fourth flow channel 524 for communicating with the second flow channel of the heat exchange element 2, wherein the third flow channel 523 communicates with the outlet connector flow channel 5221. The multi-way valve 51 is connected to the connector 52. Specifically, in this embodiment, the multi-way valve 51 and the connector 52 are fixedly connected by screws. After the multi-way valve 51 and the connector 52 are assembled and connected, the inlet connector flow channel 5211 communicates with the inlet 511, the outlet connector flow channel 5221 communicates with the first outlet 512, and the fourth flow channel 524 communicates with the second outlet 513. Thus, by switching the valve core of the multi-way valve 51, the inlet connector flow channel 5211 can communicate with the outlet connector flow channel 5221 or the inlet connector flow channel 5211 can communicate with the fourth flow channel 524. The multi-way valve element 5 is connected to the heat exchange element 2. In this embodiment, the connector 52 of the multi-way valve element 5 is fixed to the base plate 21 of the heat exchange element 2 by screws, and the second flow channel of the heat exchange element 2 is connected to the third flow channel 523 and the fourth flow channel 524.

[0031] See Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 11To ensure the safe and stable operation of the thermal management system when the fluid control component 100 is applied, it is necessary to improve the control accuracy of the fluid control component 100, especially the control accuracy of the valve elements. Therefore, in this embodiment, the fluid control component 100 also includes sensors. The number of sensors can be multiple. The sensor heads are located in the channel or in mounting holes communicating with the channel. The sensors are mainly used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the channel. In this embodiment, the sensors include a first sensor 61, a second sensor 62, a third sensor 63, a fourth sensor 64, a fifth sensor 65, and a sixth sensor 66. The first to fourth sensors 65 are connected to sensor mounting bases on the flow channel plate 41, the fifth sensor 65 is connected to the liquid storage element mounting base 47, and the sixth sensor 66 is connected to the connector 52. Specifically, the first sensor 61 is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the third channel 403, the second sensor 62 is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the fourth channel 404, the third sensor 63 is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the fifth channel 405, the fourth sensor 64 is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the second channel 408, the fifth sensor 65 is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the third connecting flow channel 473 of the liquid storage element mounting base, or in other words, the fifth sensor 65 is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid at the outlet of the liquid storage element 3; and the sixth sensor 66 is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the third flow channel 523 of the connector.

[0032] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 6The channel element 4 also includes an interface seat, which has an interface. The fluid control component 100 communicates with other components in the thermal management system through the interface of the interface seat. The interface seat is connected to the flow channel plate 41 or the interface seat and the flow channel plate 41 can be integrally formed. In this embodiment, the interface seat and the flow channel plate 41 are fitted together and sealed by welding. The interfaces face the same direction, which facilitates the connection of the fluid control component 100 with other components. Specifically, the interface socket includes a first interface socket 71, a second interface socket 72, a third interface socket 73, a fourth interface socket 74, and a fifth interface socket 75. The first interface socket 71 has a first interface 711, which is connected to the sixth channel 401. The second interface socket 72 has a second interface 721 and a third interface 722, wherein the second interface 721 is connected to the seventh channel 402, and the third interface 722 is connected to the fifth channel 405. Thus, under the control of the valve element, the first valve element 11 can connect or disconnect the first interface 711 and the second interface 721. The third interface socket 73 has a fourth interface 731 and a fifth interface 732, wherein the fourth interface 731 is connected to the third channel 405. 403 is connected, the fifth interface 732 is connected to the fourth channel 404, and the second valve element 12 can connect to the first interface 711 and the fourth interface 731; the fourth interface seat 74 has a sixth interface 741 and a seventh interface 742, wherein the sixth interface 741 is connected to the first channel 406, and the seventh interface 742 is connected to the second channel 408, and the fourth valve element 14 can connect to or not connect to the fifth interface 732 and the sixth interface 741; the fifth interface seat 75 has an eighth interface 751, which is connected to the second channel 408, and the third valve element 13 can connect to or not connect to the fourth interface 731 and the eighth interface 751, and the eighth interface 751 is connected to the seventh interface 742.

[0033] Fluid control component 100 can be applied to a thermal management system, see [link / reference] Figure 1 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 13This is one embodiment of the fluid control component 100 applied to a thermal management system. In this embodiment, the thermal management system 200 further includes a compressor 201, a first heat exchanger 202, a second heat exchanger 203, an evaporator 204, an expansion element 205, and a third check valve 206. The first heat exchanger 202 can be used as both a condenser and an evaporator, the second heat exchanger 203 is used as a condenser, the outlet of the compressor 201 is connected to the first interface 711, and the inlet of the compressor 201 is connected to the eighth... Interface 751 is connected to the first heat exchanger 202. One end of the first heat exchanger 202 is connected to the fourth interface 731, and the other end of the first heat exchanger 202 is connected to the fifth interface 732. The inlet of the second heat exchanger 203 is connected to the second interface 721, and the outlet of the second heat exchanger 203 is connected to the third interface 722. The inlet of the evaporator 204 is connected to the sixth interface 741 via the expansion element 205, and the outlet of the evaporator 204 is unidirectionally connected to the seventh interface 742 via the third one-way valve 206. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the third one-way valve 206 may not be included, meaning the outlet of the evaporator 204 is connected only to the seventh interface 742.

[0034] See Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 The fluid control component 100 is applied to the thermal management system in, but is not limited to, two operating modes:

[0035] First working mode ( Figure 13 ): The first valve element 11, the third valve element 13, the fourth valve element 14, and the fifth valve element 15 are opened, the second valve element 12 is closed, and the multi-way valve 51 is switched to connect the inlet connector flow channel 5211 with the fourth flow channel 524.

[0036] The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous working fluid (such as refrigerant) at the outlet of compressor 201 flows into the sixth channel 401 from the first port 711, flows directly to the seventh channel 402 through the first valve element 11, and flows to the second heat exchanger 203 from the second port 721. After being condensed and cooled by the second heat exchanger 203 (condenser), it becomes a higher-temperature gas-liquid two-phase working fluid, flows into the fifth channel 405 through the third port 722, and enters the storage chamber of the liquid storage element 3 under the unidirectional guidance of the second one-way valve. After separating the gaseous working fluid, the liquid storage element 3 sends the higher-temperature liquid working fluid to the first channel 406. A portion of the higher-temperature liquid working fluid in the first channel 406 is throttled and expanded by the fourth valve element 14, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase working fluid that flows to the fourth channel 404, and then flows through the second... The fifth port 732 flows into the first heat exchanger 202 (which acts as an evaporator at this time). After evaporation and heat absorption in the first heat exchanger 202, it becomes a lower-temperature gaseous working fluid and flows into the third channel 403 through the fourth port 731, and then directly into the second channel 408 through the third valve element 13. Another part of the higher-temperature liquid working fluid in the first channel 406 is throttled and expanded by the fifth valve element 15, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase working fluid that flows to the eighth channel 407 and flows into the first flow channel of the heat exchange element 2. After heat exchange and heat absorption with the working fluid (such as coolant) in the second flow channel of the heat exchange element 2, it becomes a lower-temperature gaseous working fluid that flows into the second channel 408. The gaseous working fluid in the second channel 408 merges and returns to the compressor 201 for recirculation through the eighth port 751. It should be noted that in the first working mode, the expansion element 205 is closed, and the third one-way valve 206 is in the reverse cut-off state.

[0037] Second working mode ( Figure 14 ): The second valve element 12 and the fifth valve element 15 are opened, the first valve element 11, the third valve element 13, and the fourth valve element 14 are closed, and the multi-way valve 51 is switched to connect the inlet connector flow channel 5211 and the fourth flow channel 524.

[0038] The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous working fluid (such as refrigerant) at the outlet of compressor 201 enters the sixth channel 401 through the first port 711, flows directly to the third channel 403 through the second valve element 12, and flows into the first heat exchanger 202 (which acts as a condenser at this time) through the fourth port 731. After being condensed and cooled by the first heat exchanger 202, it becomes a higher-temperature gas-liquid two-phase working fluid, flows into the fourth channel 404 through the fifth port 732, and enters the liquid storage chamber of the liquid storage element 3 under the unidirectional guidance of the first one-way valve. After separating the gaseous working fluid, the liquid storage element 3 directs the higher-temperature liquid working fluid to the first channel 406. A portion of the higher-temperature liquid working fluid in the first channel 406 expands and is throttled by the fifth valve element 15. The working fluid, which is converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase fluid, flows to the eighth channel 407 and into the first flow channel of the heat exchange element 2. After exchanging heat with the working fluid (such as coolant) in the second flow channel of the heat exchange element 2, it becomes a lower-temperature gas-phase working fluid and flows to the second channel 408. Another part of the higher-temperature liquid-phase working fluid in the first channel 406 expands through the expansion element 205 and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase working fluid, which flows to the evaporator 204. After evaporation and heat absorption in the evaporator 204, it becomes a lower-temperature gas-phase working fluid and flows to the second channel 408 through the third one-way valve 206. The gas-phase working fluid in the second channel 408 merges and returns to the compressor 201 for recirculation through the eighth interface 751.

[0039] See Figure 4 and Figure 6Based on the operating mode of the thermal management system 200 described above, the working fluids in the sixth channel 401, the seventh channel 402, and the third channel 403 are mostly high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous working fluids flowing in from the compressor 201, while the working fluids in the fourth channel 404 and the fifth channel 405 are mostly working fluids that have been condensed and cooled by the first heat exchanger 202 (as a condenser) or the second heat exchanger 203 (as a condenser). In this embodiment, to avoid harmful heat exchange between the high-temperature working fluids in the sixth channel 401, the seventh channel 402, and the third channel 403 and the condensed and cooled working fluids in the fourth channel 404 and the fifth channel 405, the channel element 4 also includes... In this embodiment, the first heat insulation groove 412 and the second heat insulation groove 413 are formed by recessing the first heat insulation groove 412 inward from the first wall 411 away from the first wall 44 along a direction perpendicular to the first wall 411 of the flow channel plate. The first heat insulation groove 412 is located between at least a portion of the seventh channel 402 and at least a portion of the fifth channel 405 along a specific direction parallel to the first wall 411. Similarly, the second heat insulation groove 413 is formed by recessing the second heat insulation groove 413 inward from the first wall 411 away from the first wall 44 along a specific direction parallel to the first wall 411. The second heat insulation groove 413 is located between at least a portion of the third channel 403 and at least a portion of the fourth channel 404. The heat insulation grooves can be formed on the flow channel plate 41 during the process of forming the channel cavities and holes by cold extrusion. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first heat insulation groove 412 and the second heat insulation groove 413 can also be disposed through the channel element 4, which helps to reduce weight while avoiding harmful heat transfer between channels. It should be noted that, in order to avoid harmful heat exchange between channels, channel element 4 may have other heat insulation channels in addition to the first heat insulation channel 412 and the second heat insulation channel 413 mentioned above.

[0040] See Figure 6In conjunction with the second working mode of the thermal management system 200, the liquid working fluid flowing from the storage element 6 to the first channel 406 becomes a gaseous working fluid after being throttled and expanded by the expansion element 205 and evaporated and absorbed heat by the evaporator 204. It then flows into the second channel 408 and returns to the compressor 201. To ensure that the fluid in the second channel 408 and returning to the compressor 201 is a gaseous working fluid, it is necessary to supercool the liquid working fluid in the first channel 406 after being condensed and heat exchanged by the first heat exchanger 202 (as a condenser) and after being separated by the liquid storage element 3, and to superheat the gaseous working fluid in the second channel 408 after being throttled and expanded by the expansion element 205 and evaporated and absorbed heat by the evaporator 204. Considering the energy saving and improved heat exchange efficiency of the thermal management system, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the first channel 406 and at least a portion of the second channel 408 are arranged close to each other. The closeness is defined as minimizing the distance between them while ensuring strength. This allows the working fluid (higher temperature) in the portion of the first channel 406 close to the second channel 408 to exchange heat with the working fluid (lower temperature) in the portion of the second channel 408. This further facilitates condensation and heat dissipation of the working fluid in the first channel 406, ensuring its subcooling, while simultaneously facilitating evaporation and heat absorption of the working fluid in the second channel 408, ensuring its superheating. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first channel 406 includes a first channel segment 4061, and correspondingly, the second channel 408 includes a second channel segment 4081. The first channel segment 4061 is arranged close to the second channel segment 4081. Further, the first channel segment 4061 is U-shaped, and the second channel segment 4081 is also U-shaped. The first channel segment 4061 is formed around the second channel segment 4081 and located on the outside of the second channel segment 4081. Setting the first channel segment 4061 and the second channel segment 4081 in a U-shape is beneficial for increasing the heat exchange area between them and for making the channel structure more compact. Of course, as other embodiments, the first channel segment 4061 and the second channel segment 4081 can also be other shapes. Of course, as other embodiments, the working fluid in the channel after condensation and heat dissipation by the first heat exchanger (as a condenser) or the second heat exchanger (as a condenser) may flow directly through the expansion element for throttling and expansion without passing through the liquid storage element 3 for gas-liquid separation. After evaporation and heat absorption by the evaporator, it may flow back to the compressor through the channel. Therefore, considering the possibility of other embodiments, at least a portion of the channel (such as the first channel) located after the condenser and before the expansion element can be arranged close to at least a portion of the channel (such as the second channel) located after the evaporator. Here, "front" and "rear" refer to: with the compressor outlet as the starting point and the compressor inlet as the ending point, along the direction of refrigerant flow, the outlet closer to the compressor is "front," and the outlet farther from the compressor is "rear."It should be noted that when both the first and second heat exchangers function as condensers, they can be collectively referred to as condensers. The expansion element can be a thermostatic expansion valve, an electronic expansion valve, a capillary tube, or other elements known to those skilled in the art that have a throttling expansion effect. Utilizing heat exchange between channels to improve the subcooling and superheating of the working fluid, compared to achieving subcooling and superheating by adding intermediate heat exchangers in the system, is beneficial for fully utilizing the thermal energy between channels, reducing system energy consumption, and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0041] 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 control component applicable to a thermal management system, the fluid control component comprising a channel element having an interface and a channel, the channel communicating with the interface, the interface being used for docking and communicating with a condenser, evaporator, and expansion element in the thermal management system, characterized in that: The channel includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is located after the condenser and in front of the expansion element, and the second channel is located after the evaporator. At least a portion of the first channel and at least a portion of the second channel are disposed close to each other. The first channel includes a first channel segment, and the second channel includes a second channel segment. The first channel segment and the second channel segment are arranged in a U-shape. The first channel segment is formed around the second channel segment and is located outside the second channel segment. The first channel segment and the second channel segment are disposed close to each other.

2. The fluid control assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first channel is connected to the inlet of the expansion element through the interface, and the outlet of the expansion element is connected to the inlet of the evaporator. The second channel is connected to the outlet of the evaporator through the interface, or the second channel is connected to the outlet of the evaporator through the interface and the third one-way valve.

3. The fluid control assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The channel element includes a flow channel plate and a composite plate, wherein the flow channel plate and / or the composite plate have a cavity forming the channel, and the flow channel plate and the composite plate cooperate to form the channel.

4. The fluid control assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flow channel plate has a cavity forming the channel. The flow channel plate includes a first wall. Along a direction perpendicular to the first wall, the cavity is recessed inward from the first wall away from the first wall. The flow channel plate and the composite plate cooperate to form the channel.

5. The fluid control assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The channels also include a third channel, a fourth channel, a fifth channel, a sixth channel, and a seventh channel, and the fluid control assembly also includes a first valve element and a second valve element; The sixth channel is connected to the compressor outlet in the thermal management system through the interface. The first valve element can connect or not connect the sixth channel and the seventh channel. The seventh channel is connected to the inlet of the condenser through the interface. The fifth channel is connected to the outlet of the condenser through the interface. The second valve element can connect or not connect the sixth channel and the third channel. The third channel is connected to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger via the interface, and the fourth channel is connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger.

6. The fluid control assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flow channel plate further includes a first heat insulation groove and a second heat insulation groove. Along a direction perpendicular to the first wall, the first heat insulation groove and the second heat insulation groove are respectively recessed from the first wall away from the first wall, or the first heat insulation groove and the second heat insulation groove are respectively disposed through the flow channel plate. Along a specific direction parallel to the first wall, the first heat insulation groove is located between at least a portion of the seventh channel and at least a portion of the fifth channel, and the second heat insulation groove is located between at least a portion of the third channel and at least a portion of the fourth channel.

7. The fluid control assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The fluid control assembly further includes a liquid storage element having a liquid storage chamber, a first inlet channel, a second inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The first inlet channel connects the fourth channel and the liquid storage chamber, the second inlet channel connects the fifth channel and the liquid storage chamber, and the outlet channel connects the second channel and the liquid storage chamber.

8. The fluid control assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fluid control assembly further includes sensors, the sensing heads of which are located in the channel or in a mounting hole communicating with the channel. The sensors include a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a fourth sensor, and a fifth sensor. The first sensor is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the third channel, the second sensor is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the fourth channel, the third sensor is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the fifth channel, the fourth sensor is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid in the second channel, and the fifth sensor is used to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the working fluid at the outlet of the reservoir element.

9. A thermal management system, comprising a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, an evaporator, and an expansion element, characterized in that: The thermal management system further includes a fluid control component, which has an interface and is directly or indirectly connected to the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the evaporator, and the expansion element through the interface. The fluid control component is the fluid control component according to any one of claims 1-8.

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