manifold

Abstract

The manifold claimed in this invention is applied in an automotive thermal management system. The manifold includes a manifold body and a sealing cover. The sealing cover is mounted on the manifold body and surrounds it, forming a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel conducts a first refrigerant, and the second flow channel conducts a second refrigerant. The first and second flow channels are independently configured. The first flow channel includes a first branch channel and a second branch channel, which are connected in parallel and located around the second flow channel, surrounding it. The first refrigerant in the first branch channel and the first refrigerant in the second branch channel can exchange heat with the second refrigerant in the second flow channel. This manifold integrates the heat exchange function of a heat exchanger, which not only reduces production costs but also reduces the overall size of the manifold structure, facilitating its subsequent assembly and application in automobiles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of automotive thermal management systems, and in particular to manifolds. Background Technology

[0002] A manifold is used in automotive thermal management systems to connect and link the compressor, indoor condenser, outdoor condenser, evaporator, and heat exchanger, so that the refrigerant circulates and exchanges heat within the automotive thermal management system, achieving the purposes of cooling, heating, dehumidification, and defrosting during the operation of the automotive thermal management system.

[0003] Currently, in existing automotive thermal management systems, the manifold and heat exchanger are set up separately. Specifically, the manifold and heat exchanger are manufactured using different production processes, and then the manufactured manifold and heat exchanger are assembled and connected. Because the manifold and heat exchanger are manufactured using different production processes and then assembled, the overall production cost of the manifold and heat exchanger is high, and the final structure has a large overall volume, which is not convenient for the subsequent assembly and application of the automotive thermal piping system in automobiles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a manifold to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] A manifold is used in an automotive thermal management system. The manifold includes a manifold body and a sealing cover. The sealing cover is installed on the manifold body and surrounds the manifold body to form a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel is used to conduct a first refrigerant, and the second flow channel is used to conduct a second refrigerant. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are independently arranged.

[0006] The first flow channel includes a first branch channel and a second branch channel. The first branch channel and the second branch channel are arranged in parallel. The first branch channel and the second branch channel are arranged around the second flow channel and surround the second flow channel. The first refrigerant in the first branch channel and the first refrigerant in the second branch channel can exchange heat with the second refrigerant in the second flow channel.

[0007] In this application, a first flow channel and a second flow channel are formed by the manifold body and the sealing cover to conduct the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant. During this process, the first branch channel and the second branch channel in the first flow channel surround the second flow channel. In this way, the first refrigerant can fully exchange heat with the second refrigerant in the second flow channel when passing through the first branch channel and the second branch channel, and improve the heat exchange efficiency between the two. This allows the manifold to integrate the heat exchange function of a heat exchanger. This not only reduces production costs, but also reduces the overall size of the manifold structure, so as to facilitate the subsequent assembly and application of the manifold in automobiles.

[0008] In one embodiment, a flow channel wall is formed on the second flow channel, and the first flow channel and the second flow channel are isolated from the second flow channel by the flow channel wall;

[0009] The first refrigerant in the first branch channel and the first refrigerant in the second branch channel can exchange heat with the second refrigerant in the second channel through the channel wall.

[0010] It is understandable that using the upper flow channel wall of the second flow channel to realize the heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant in the second flow channel when passing through the first and second branch channels has the function of simplifying the structure, so that the first and second refrigerants can directly exchange heat through the flow channel wall when conducting, which has the function of improving the heat exchange efficiency during heat exchange.

[0011] In one embodiment, fins are installed in the first flow channel, the second flow channel and / or the second flow channel, and the fins overlap with the flow channel wall.

[0012] It is understandable that the overlap between the fins and the flow channel wall allows the manifold to conduct heat when the first and second refrigerants are connected, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency between the first and second refrigerants.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second flow channel includes a plurality of bends, which are arranged sequentially along the length of the manifold body and are connected end to end to make the second flow channel wavy.

[0014] The bending angle of the bent flow channel is set to 90°.

[0015] Understandably, the second flow channel is composed of a bend that connects the beginning and end, which can extend the path of the second flow channel, thereby increasing the residence time of the second refrigerant in the second flow channel and increasing the heat exchange area between the second refrigerant and the first branch channel and between the first refrigerant in the second branch channel. This further improves the heat exchange efficiency of the manifold when the first and second refrigerants are conducting heat exchange.

[0016] In one embodiment, the flow channel diameter of both the first and second branch channels is smaller than the flow channel diameter of the second channel.

[0017] It is understandable that the flow channel diameter of the second flow channel is set to be larger than that of the first and second branch flow channels. This allows for sufficient heat exchange between the second refrigerant, which is in a low-temperature and low-pressure state, and the first refrigerant, which is in a high-temperature and high-pressure state, in the second flow channel, in order to meet the requirements of the manifold for use in automotive thermal management systems.

[0018] In one embodiment, the manifold body is provided with a first connection port, and the manifold body can introduce the second refrigerant into the second flow channel through the first connection port;

[0019] Furthermore, a second connection port is provided on the sealing cover plate, and the second refrigerant in the second flow channel can be discharged outward through the second connection port.

[0020] It is understandable that, through the above-mentioned structural arrangement of the first and second connection ports, when the manifold is applied to and operates in the automotive thermal management system, the second refrigerant can be introduced into the second flow channel through the first connection port, and then discharged through the second connection port after passing through the second flow channel. This specifically realizes the introduction and discharge of the second refrigerant in the second flow channel.

[0021] In one embodiment, the manifold body is further provided with two liquid inlet channels, which are arranged along the length of the manifold body on both sides of the manifold body and are respectively connected to the first flow channel;

[0022] One of the two liquid inlet channels introduces the first refrigerant into the first flow channel, while the other is closed.

[0023] It is understandable that, through the above-mentioned structure of the two liquid inlet channels, when the manifold is applied to and operates in the automotive thermal management system, the first refrigerant can be introduced into the first flow channel through one of the liquid inlet channels. This specifically realizes the introduction of the first refrigerant into the first flow channel to meet the different usage needs of the manifold for cooling or heating when it is working in the automotive thermal management system.

[0024] In one embodiment, a one-way valve is installed in each of the two liquid inlet channels to control the one-way flow of the corresponding liquid inlet channel.

[0025] It is understandable that a one-way valve is installed in the liquid inlet channel. By utilizing the structural characteristics of the one-way valve, the backflow of the first refrigerant in the liquid inlet channel can be prevented when the manifold is working, so as to meet the usage requirements of the manifold in the automotive thermal management system.

[0026] In one embodiment, the manifold body is further provided with a first throttle valve mounting hole, a second throttle valve mounting hole and a third connection port. The first throttle valve mounting hole, the second throttle valve mounting hole and the third connection port are all connected to the first flow channel, and are used to discharge the first refrigerant passing through the first branch channel and the second branch channel.

[0027] Wherein, the first throttle valve mounting hole and the third connection port are used to discharge the first refrigerant, and the second throttle valve mounting hole is closed; or, the second throttle valve mounting hole is used to discharge the first refrigerant, and both the first throttle valve mounting hole and the third connection port are closed.

[0028] It is understandable that, through the aforementioned structural arrangement of the first throttle valve mounting hole, the second throttle valve mounting hole, and the third connection port, when the manifold is applied to and operates in the automotive thermal management system, the second refrigerant can be discharged from the first throttle valve mounting hole and the third connection port, or from the second throttle valve mounting hole. This specifically achieves the discharge of the first refrigerant within the first flow channel, thereby meeting the different usage requirements of the manifold for cooling or heating when it is operating in the automotive thermal management system.

[0029] In one embodiment, a sealing surface is formed on the sealing cover, the sealing surface abutting against and connected to the manifold body, so as to install the sealing cover onto the manifold body.

[0030] Understandably, the sealing cover is attached to and fixed to the manifold body with its sealing surface. This achieves the assembly connection between the sealing cover and the manifold body, which simplifies the structure and makes it easier to install the sealing cover onto the manifold body.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages:

[0032] The manifold claimed in this application uses a first flow channel and a second flow channel formed by the manifold body and a sealing cover to conduct a first refrigerant and a second refrigerant. In this process, the first and second branch channels in the first flow channel surround the second flow channel. In this way, the first refrigerant can fully exchange heat with the second refrigerant in the second flow channel when passing through the first and second branch channels, and improve the heat exchange efficiency between the two. This allows the manifold to integrate the heat exchange function of a heat exchanger. This not only reduces production costs, but also reduces the overall size of the manifold structure, so as to facilitate the subsequent assembly and application of the manifold in automobiles. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a manifold provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are structural schematic diagrams of the manifold body from different perspectives in this application;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing cover plate in this application.

[0037] Reference numerals: 100, manifold; 10, manifold body; 11, first flow channel; 111, first branch flow channel; 112, second branch flow channel; 12, second flow channel; 121, bend flow channel; 13, flow channel wall; 14, first connection port; 15, liquid inlet channel; 16, first throttle valve mounting hole; 17, second throttle valve mounting hole; 18, third connection port; 20, sealing cover plate; 21, second connection port; 22, sealing surface. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0039] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0042] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0043] The manifold for which protection is sought in this application is used in an automotive thermal management system.

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, a manifold 100 provided in one embodiment of this application includes a manifold body 10 and a sealing cover plate 20. The sealing cover plate 20 is installed on the manifold body 10 and surrounds the manifold body 10 to form a first flow channel 11 and a second flow channel 12. The first flow channel 11 is used to conduct a first refrigerant (not shown), and the second flow channel 12 is used to conduct a second refrigerant (not shown). The first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are independently arranged. The first flow channel 11 includes a first branch channel 111 and a second branch channel 112. The first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112 are arranged in parallel. The first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112 are arranged around the second flow channel 12 and surround the second flow channel 12. The first refrigerant in the first branch channel 111 and the first refrigerant in the second branch channel 112 can exchange heat with the second refrigerant in the second flow channel 12. In other words, the manifold 100 integrates a heat exchanger, and by utilizing the first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112 surrounding the second channel 12 on the first channel 11, when the manifold 100 conducts the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, the first refrigerant can achieve sufficient heat exchange with the second refrigerant in the second channel 12 while passing through the first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112, and plays a function similar to heat exchanger heat exchange.

[0045] It is understood that the manifold 100 uses the manifold body 10 and the sealing cover plate 20 to form a first flow channel 11 and a second flow channel 12 to conduct the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant. In this process, the first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112 in the first flow channel 11 surround the second flow channel 12. In this way, when the first refrigerant passes through the first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112, it can fully exchange heat with the second refrigerant in the second flow channel 12 and improve the heat exchange efficiency between the two. This allows the manifold 100 to integrate the heat exchange function of a heat exchanger. This not only reduces production costs but also reduces the overall volume of the manifold structure, so as to facilitate the subsequent assembly and application of the manifold in automobiles.

[0046] It should be noted that the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 on the manifold 100 are specifically disposed on the manifold body 10, and the sealing cover plate 20 is installed on the manifold body 10, which can be assembled and sealed with the manifold body 10 so that the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 form two independent refrigerant channels. Of course, for those skilled in the art, the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 on the manifold 100 can also be formed by the manifold body 10 and the sealing cover plate 20 working together.

[0047] It should be explained that since the manifold 100 is formed by assembling the manifold body 10 and the sealing cover plate 20, the manifold 100 can be manufactured by a specific processing method to obtain the manifold body 10, and then the sealing cover plate 20 can be welded to the manifold body 10. Compared with the existing method of manufacturing the manifold and heat exchanger separately and then assembling them together by welding, the overall production cost of the manifold 100 is lower. Moreover, the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant can directly exchange heat on the manifold body 10, avoiding the external assembly of the heat exchanger on the manifold, which has the effect of reducing the overall volume and facilitating subsequent assembly in automobiles.

[0048] Specifically, a flow channel wall 13 is formed on the second flow channel 12, and the first branch flow channel 111 and the second branch flow channel 112 are isolated from the second flow channel 12 by the flow channel wall 13. The first refrigerant in the first branch flow channel 111 and the first refrigerant in the second branch flow channel 112 can exchange heat with the second refrigerant in the second flow channel 12 through the flow channel wall 13, so that the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant can directly exchange heat through the flow channel wall 13 when they are connected. This simplifies the structure and facilitates the heat exchange between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency during the heat exchange.

[0049] It should be noted that the manifold body 10 can be integrally formed from a metal part, specifically by forging or casting, so that the manifold body 10 itself has the function of heat conduction, and realizes the heat exchange between the first refrigerant in the first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112 and the second refrigerant in the second channel 12 through the channel wall 13.

[0050] In one embodiment, fins (not shown) are installed in the first branch channel 111, the second branch channel 112, and / or the second channel 12. The fins overlap with the channel wall 13, so that when the manifold 100 conducts the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, the fins can play a role in heat conduction and heat exchange, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency between the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant. It should be noted that the specific structure of the fins and the arrangement method in the first branch channel 111, the second branch channel 112, and / or the second channel 12 can be specifically set according to the application requirements, and will not be elaborated here.

[0051] like Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, the second flow channel 12 includes a plurality of bent flow channels 121, which are arranged sequentially along the length of the manifold body 10 and are connected end to end, making the second flow channel 12 wavy. This extends the path of the second flow channel 12, thereby increasing the residence time of the second refrigerant in the second flow channel 12 and increasing the heat exchange area between the second refrigerant in the second flow channel 12 and the first refrigerant in the first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112, thus further improving the heat exchange efficiency of the manifold 100 when the first and second refrigerants are connected. Of course, for those skilled in the art, the second flow channel 12 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure. For those skilled in the art, the second flow channel 12 can be set as a straight strip or other irregular shape, which will not be elaborated here.

[0052] The bending angle of the bent flow channel 121 is 90°, which increases the area occupied by each bent flow channel 121 on the manifold body 10 and further extends the length of the second flow channel 12 on the manifold body 10.

[0053] Additionally, it should be noted that the flow channel diameters of the first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112 are both smaller than the flow channel diameter of the second channel 12. This allows the manifold 100 to function as an intermediate heat exchanger in the automotive thermal management system when the second refrigerant flowing through the second channel 12 is in a low-temperature and low-pressure state. It can also increase the suction temperature of the compressor in the automotive thermal management system, thereby preventing the compressor from being damaged by "liquid slugging" due to the intake of wet vapor.

[0054] The manifold body 10 is provided with a first connection port 14, and the manifold body 10 can introduce the second refrigerant into the second flow channel 12 through the first connection port 14; and the sealing cover plate 20 is provided with a second connection port 21, and the second refrigerant in the second flow channel 12 can be discharged outward through the second connection port 21, so that when the manifold 100 is applied in the automotive thermal management system and is working, the second refrigerant can be introduced into the second flow channel 12 through the first connection port 14, and discharged through the second connection port 21 after passing through the second flow channel 12, thus specifically realizing the introduction and discharge of the second refrigerant in the second flow channel 12.

[0055] like Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, the manifold body 10 also has two liquid inlet channels 15, which are arranged along the length of the manifold body 10 on both sides of the manifold body 10 and are respectively connected to the first flow channel 11; one of the two liquid inlet channels 15 introduces the first refrigerant into the first flow channel 11, while the other is closed. This allows the first refrigerant to be introduced into the first flow channel 11 through one of the liquid inlet channels 15 when the manifold 100 is used in the automotive thermal management system, thus specifically realizing the introduction of the first refrigerant into the first flow channel 11 to meet the different usage requirements of the manifold 100 for cooling or heating when it is working in the automotive thermal management system.

[0056] Each of the two liquid inlet channels 15 is equipped with a one-way valve (not shown in the figure) to control the one-way flow of the corresponding liquid inlet channel 15. This prevents the backflow of the first refrigerant in the liquid inlet channel 15 during the operation of the manifold 100, thus meeting the requirements of the manifold 100 in the automotive thermal management system. It should be noted that the aforementioned one-way valves can be conventional one-way valves currently available on the market, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0057] For example, the liquid inlet channel 15 is configured as a right angle, and two liquid inlet channels 15 are symmetrically arranged on the manifold body 10. One channel opening of the liquid inlet channel 15 is located in the first flow channel 11, and the other channel opening is located on the periphery of the manifold body 10, so as to facilitate the assembly and connection of other components used in the automotive thermal management system for guiding the first refrigerant on the manifold body 10.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the manifold body 10 is also provided with a first throttle valve mounting hole 16, a second throttle valve mounting hole 17, and a third connection port 18. The first throttle valve mounting hole 16, the second throttle valve mounting hole 17, and the third connection port 18 are all connected to the first flow channel 11, and are used to discharge the first refrigerant passing through the first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112. In other words, when the manifold 100 is applied in the automotive thermal management system, the first refrigerant passing through the first branch channel 111 and the second branch channel 112 can be discharged outward using the first throttle valve mounting hole 16, the second throttle valve mounting hole 17, and the third connection port 18.

[0059] Specifically, the first throttle valve mounting hole 16 and the third connection port 18 are used to discharge the first refrigerant, and the second throttle valve mounting hole 17 is closed; or, the second throttle valve mounting hole 17 is used to discharge the first refrigerant, and both the first throttle valve mounting hole 16 and the third connection port 18 are closed, so that when the manifold 100 is applied to and operates in the automotive thermal management system, the first refrigerant can be discharged through the first throttle valve mounting hole 16 and the third connection port 18, or the second throttle valve mounting hole 17. This specifically realizes the discharge of the first refrigerant in the first flow channel 11, so as to meet the different usage needs of the manifold 100 for cooling or heating when it is working in the automotive thermal management system.

[0060] It should be noted that the first throttle valve mounting hole 16 and the second throttle valve mounting hole 17 are used to install an electronic expansion valve (not shown in the figure). By utilizing the structural characteristics of the electronic expansion valve, the first refrigerant has a throttling and expansion function when it is discharged outward through the first throttle valve mounting hole 16 and the second throttle valve mounting hole 17.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, a sealing surface 22 is formed on the sealing cover 20. The sealing surface 22 abuts against and connects to the manifold body 10 to install the sealing cover 20 onto the manifold body 10. This specifically realizes the assembly connection between the sealing cover 20 and the manifold body 10, which simplifies the structure and facilitates the installation of the sealing cover 20 onto the manifold body 10. It should be noted that the sealing cover 20 and the manifold body 10 can be connected and fixed by welding, bonding, or other fasteners. Of course, the sealing cover 20 can be set as a single plate and covered onto the manifold body 10, or the sealing cover 20 can be set as multiple plates, which are covered onto the manifold body 10 separately according to the usage requirements. This will not be elaborated here.

[0062] In addition, it should be noted that other mounting parts are also formed on the manifold 100, so that the second heat exchanger (not shown), thermal management control valve (not shown), and gas-liquid separation device (not shown) in the automotive thermal management system can be mounted on the manifold 100 according to the usage requirements, and integrated on the manifold 100.

[0063] In summary, the manifold 100 claimed in this application integrates a manifold and a heat exchanger, exhibiting a high degree of integration. Furthermore, the manifold 100 is assembled using a manifold body 10 and a sealing cover plate 20, simplifying the structure. This not only reduces the overall volume and weight of the manifold 100, facilitating subsequent disassembly and maintenance, but also simplifies the assembly process, thereby reducing the risk of leakage.

[0064] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0065] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A manifold used in an automotive thermal management system; characterized in that, The manifold (100) includes a manifold body (10) and a sealing cover (20). The sealing cover (20) is installed on the manifold body (10) and surrounds the manifold body (10) to form a first flow channel (11) and a second flow channel (12). The first flow channel (11) is used to conduct a first refrigerant, and the second flow channel (12) is used to conduct a second refrigerant. The first flow channel (11) and the second flow channel (12) are independently arranged. The first flow channel (11) includes a first branch channel (111) and a second branch channel (112). The first branch channel (111) and the second branch channel (112) are arranged in parallel. The first branch channel (111) and the second branch channel (112) are arranged around the second flow channel (12) and surround the second flow channel (12). The first refrigerant in the first branch channel (111) and the first refrigerant in the second branch channel (112) can exchange heat with the second refrigerant in the second flow channel (12). A flow channel wall (13) is formed on the second flow channel (12), and the first branch channel (111) and the second branch channel (112) are isolated from the second flow channel (12) by the flow channel wall (13); wherein, the first refrigerant in the first branch channel (111) and the first refrigerant in the second branch channel (112) can exchange heat with the second refrigerant in the second flow channel (12) through the flow channel wall (13); The flow channel diameter of the first branch channel (111) and the flow channel diameter of the second branch channel (112) are both smaller than the flow channel diameter of the second flow channel (12), so that the manifold (100) can function as an intermediate heat exchanger in the automotive thermal management system.

2. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, Fins are installed in the first flow channel (111), the second flow channel (112) and / or the second flow channel (12), and the fins overlap with the flow channel wall (13).

3. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second flow channel (12) includes a plurality of bent flow channels (121), which are arranged sequentially along the length of the manifold body (10), and the plurality of bent flow channels (121) are connected end to end, so that the second flow channel (12) is wavy. The bending angle of the bent flow channel (121) is set to 90°.

4. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The manifold body (10) is provided with a first connection port (14), and the manifold body (10) can introduce the second refrigerant into the second flow channel (12) through the first connection port (14); Furthermore, a second connection port (21) is provided on the sealing cover plate (20), and the second refrigerant in the second flow channel (12) can be discharged outward through the second connection port (21).

5. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The manifold body (10) is also provided with two liquid inlet channels (15), which are arranged on both sides of the manifold body (10) along the length direction of the manifold body (10) and are respectively connected to the first flow channel (11). One of the two liquid inlet channels (15) introduces the first refrigerant into the first flow channel (11), while the other is closed.

6. The manifold according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the two liquid inlet channels (15) is equipped with a one-way valve to control the one-way flow of the corresponding liquid inlet channel (15).

7. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The manifold body (10) is also provided with a first throttle valve mounting hole (16), a second throttle valve mounting hole (17) and a third connection port (18). The first throttle valve mounting hole (16), the second throttle valve mounting hole (17) and the third connection port (18) are all connected to the first flow channel (11) for discharging the first refrigerant that passes through the first branch channel (111) and the second branch channel (112). Wherein, the first throttle valve mounting hole (16) and the third connection port (18) are used to discharge the first refrigerant, and the second throttle valve mounting hole (17) is closed; or, the second throttle valve mounting hole (17) is used to discharge the first refrigerant, and the first throttle valve mounting hole (16) and the third connection port (18) are both closed.

8. The manifold according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing surface (22) is formed on the sealing cover plate (20). The sealing surface (22) is attached to the manifold body (10) and connected to the manifold body (10) to install the sealing cover plate (20) onto the manifold body (10).

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