Heat exchange module and thermal management system

Abstract

The application discloses a heat exchange module, a plurality of plates of a first heat exchanger include a top plate located at the outermost side in the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger; a first flow channel, a second flow channel and a first communication hole channel are isolated from each other in the first heat exchanger, the first communication hole channel penetrates through both sides of the first heat exchanger along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger; a fitting is located on the side of the top plate away from other plates and is fixed with the top plate, the fitting has a first interface and a second interface, the first interface and the second interface can be communicated through the inner cavity of the fitting, the first interface can be communicated with the first communication hole channel, and the second interface can be communicated with the first flow channel. In the application, the first communication hole channel is used, the communication between other components located on the side of the first heat exchanger away from the top plate and the fitting can be realized, the fitting is installed on the top plate, the pipeline can be shortened or cancelled, so that the structure of the heat exchange device is relatively compact, and the miniaturization is beneficial. The application also provides a heat management system beneficial to miniaturization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat exchange technology, and more particularly to a heat exchange module and a thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] A thermal management system consists of several components, which are connected by pipes to form a system, and the pipes are used to connect the components.

[0003] In related technologies, one interface of the accessory communicates with the inner cavity of the heat exchanger, while the other interface communicates with the inner cavity of other components. The accessory and the component are located on opposite sides of the thickness direction of the heat exchanger. Connecting the accessory and the component using piping requires the piping to bypass the heat exchanger. Because the piping occupies space, the assembled assembly takes up a considerable amount of space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a heat exchange module and thermal management system that are conducive to miniaturization.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, a heat exchange module includes: an accessory and a first heat exchanger; the first heat exchanger includes a plurality of plates alternately stacked along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger, the plurality of plates of the first heat exchanger including a top plate, the top plate being the outermost plate in the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger; the first heat exchanger has a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a first connecting channel, the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the first connecting channel being isolated from each other within the first heat exchanger, the first connecting channel penetrating both sides of the first heat exchanger along the thickness direction; the accessory is located on the side of the top plate away from the other plates and is fixed to the top plate, the accessory has a first interface and a second interface, the first interface and the second interface being able to communicate through the inner cavity of the accessory, the first interface being able to communicate with the first connecting channel, and the second interface being able to communicate with the first flow channel.

[0007] In this application, the accessory is located on one side of the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger and installed on the top plate. The first connecting channel penetrates the first heat exchanger along its thickness direction. The first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the first connecting channel are isolated from each other within the first heat exchanger. The first connecting channel communicates with the first interface, and the second interface communicates with the first flow channel. Using the first connecting channel allows for communication between other components and accessories located on the side of the first heat exchanger away from the top plate. Installing the accessory on the top plate can shorten or eliminate piping, resulting in a more compact structure for the heat exchange device, which is beneficial for miniaturization.

[0008] On the other hand, a thermal management system includes a compressor and the aforementioned heat exchange module, wherein the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the first connecting channel, and the outlet of the first flow channel is connected to the compressor's gas replenishment and enthalpy-increasing inlet.

[0009] In this application, when the thermal management system is in a certain operating state, the compressor outlet is connected to the inlet of the first connecting channel, the outlet of the first flow channel is connected to the compressor's gas injection and enthalpy-increasing inlet, the first connecting channel is connected to the first interface, and the second interface is connected to the first flow channel. Using the first connecting channel allows for the connection of other components and accessories located on the side of the first heat exchanger away from the top plate. Since the accessories are installed on the top plate, piping can be shortened or eliminated, making the heat exchange device more compact. This, in turn, makes the thermal management system more compact and facilitates miniaturization. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the heat exchange module of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the heat exchange module of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of another embodiment of the heat exchange module of this application;

[0013] Figures 4 to 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the heat exchange module of this application;

[0014] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the explosion of the second heat exchanger.

[0015] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the explosion of the first heat exchanger.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the heat exchange module of this application;

[0017] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The exploded schematic diagram of the first heat exchanger is shown, with the top plate in perspective.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a first mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application;

[0019] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a second mode of an embodiment of the thermal management system of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0021] The heat exchange module of an exemplary embodiment of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the following embodiments and implementations can complement or combine with each other.

[0022] According to a specific embodiment of the heat exchange module 10 of this application, such as Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the heat exchange module 10 includes a component 1 and a first heat exchanger 2. The first heat exchanger 2 includes multiple plates stacked alternately along its thickness direction. The multiple plates of the first heat exchanger 2 include a top plate A3, which is the outermost plate along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2. The first heat exchanger 2 has a first flow channel A1, a second flow channel A2, and a first connecting channel 25. The first flow channel A1, the second flow channel A2, and the first connecting channel 25 are isolated from each other within the first heat exchanger 2. The first connecting channel 25 extends through both sides of the first heat exchanger 2 along its thickness direction. The component 1 is located on the side of the top plate A3 away from the other plates and is fixed to the top plate A3. The component 1 has a first interface 11 and a second interface 12. The first interface 11 and the second interface 12 can communicate through the inner cavity of the component 1. The first interface 11 can communicate with the first connecting channel 25, and the second interface 12 can communicate with the first flow channel A1.

[0023] In this application, accessory 1 is located on one side of the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2 and installed on the top plate A3. The first connecting channel 25 penetrates the first heat exchanger 2 along its thickness direction. The first flow channel A1, the second flow channel A2, and the first connecting channel 25 are isolated from each other within the first heat exchanger 2. The first connecting channel 25 is connected to the first interface 11, and the second interface 12 is connected to the first flow channel A1. By using the first connecting channel 25 built into the first heat exchanger 2, other components located on the side of the first heat exchanger 2 away from the top plate A3 are connected to accessory 1, thereby making the structure of the heat exchange device more compact and facilitating miniaturization.

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 7 ,as well as Figure 10 The first heat exchanger 2 includes multiple plates, each plate being approximately rectangular in shape, and the multiple plates are stacked along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2. Optionally, the first heat exchanger 2 is a plate heat exchanger, and the first heat exchanger 2 is used to realize heat exchange between refrigerants.

[0025] The multiple plates include a top plate A3, multiple first plates A4 and multiple second plates A5, with the first plates A4 and the second plates A5 stacked alternately along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2, and the top plate A3 located on the outermost side of the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2.

[0026] The first flow channel A1 includes a first channel 21, a second channel 22, and multiple first inter-plate channels (not shown in the figure). The first channel 21 and the second channel 22 are respectively connected to the first inter-plate channels. The second flow channel A2 includes a third channel 23, a fourth channel 24, and multiple second inter-plate channels (not shown in the figure). The third channel 23 and the fourth channel 24 are respectively connected to the second inter-plate channels. The first connecting channel 25, the first inter-plate channels, and the second inter-plate channels are isolated from each other within the first heat exchanger 2. The first inter-plate channels are located between the front side of the second plate A5 and the back side of the adjacent first plate A4, and the second inter-plate channels are located between the back side of the second plate A5 and the front side of the adjacent first plate A4.

[0027] The first channel 21, the second channel 22, the third channel 23, the fourth channel 24, and the first connecting channel 25 all extend along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2. The first channel 21 and the second channel 22 are arranged diagonally, and the third channel 23 and the fourth channel 24 are arranged diagonally. The first channel 21 and the third channel 23 are arranged side by side. In this embodiment, in the first heat exchanger 2, the first channel 21 and the fourth channel 24 are blind holes, and the second channel 22, the third channel 23, and the first connecting channel 25 are through holes. In the heat exchange module 10, the second channel 22, the third channel 23, and the fourth channel 24 are all blind holes, both ends of the first channel 21 are blocked, and the first connecting channel 25 penetrates both sides of the first heat exchanger 2. Specifically, in the first heat exchanger 2, the first channel 21, the second channel 22, the third channel 23, the fourth channel 24 and the first connecting channel 25 all have openings on the side of the first heat exchanger 2 away from the top plate A3. The second channel 22, the third channel 23 and the first connecting channel 25 all have openings on the top plate A3. The openings of the first channel 21 and the fourth channel 24 on the side closer to the top plate A3 are blocked by the top plate A3. The openings of the first channel 21, the second channel 22 and the third channel 23 on the side away from the top plate A3 are blocked. The openings of the first channel 21, the third channel 23 and the first connecting channel 25 are respectively connected to the inner cavity of the accessory 1. The second channel 22 is connected to the external space of the heat exchange module 10.

[0028] The first plate A4 and the second plate A5 each have a first opening K1, a second opening K2, a third opening K3, a fourth opening K4, and a fifth opening K5. The first opening K1 of the first plate A4 and the first opening K1 of the second plate A5 are stacked to form a first channel 21. The second opening K2 of the first plate A4 and the second opening K2 of the second plate A5 are stacked to form a second channel 22. The third opening K3 of the first plate A4 and the third opening K3 of the second plate A5 are stacked to form a third channel 23. The fourth opening K4 of the first plate A4 and the fourth opening K4 of the second plate A5 are stacked to form a fourth channel 24. The fifth opening K5 of the first plate A4 and the fifth opening K5 of the second plate A5 are stacked to form a first connecting channel 25.

[0029] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, both the first plate A4 and the second plate A5 include a first flange K51. The first flange K51 of the first plate A4 extends outward from the periphery of the fifth opening K5 of the first plate A4, and the first flange K51 of the first plate A4 isolates the first connecting channel 25 and the first inter-plate channel. The first flange K51 of the second plate A5 extends outward from the periphery of the fifth opening K5 of the second plate A5, and the first flange K51 of the second plate A5 isolates the first connecting channel 25 and the second inter-plate channel. The first flange K51 is a hollow cylindrical structure. The hollow areas inside the first flange K51 of the first plate A4 and the hollow areas inside the first flange K51 of the second plate A5 are interconnected, thereby forming the first connecting channel 25.

[0030] The first flange K51 of the first plate A4 is sealed to the adjacent second plate A5, and the first flange K51 of the second plate A5 is sealed to the adjacent first plate A4. (Refer to...) Figure 5 In this embodiment, along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2 and in a direction away from the top plate A3, the first flange K51 of the first plate A4 is sealed to the first flange K51 of the adjacent second plate A5, and the first flange K51 of the second plate A5 is sealed to the first flange K51 of the next adjacent first plate A4. The first flange K51 of the first plate A4 and the first flange K51 of the second plate A5 are alternately arranged along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2.

[0031] In some other embodiments, the first flange K51 of the first plate A4 is sealed to the flat area of ​​the adjacent second plate A5, and the first flange K51 of the second plate A5 is sealed to the flat area of ​​the next adjacent first plate A4.

[0032] Optionally, the first flange K51 is approximately tapered to facilitate installation positioning between the first flange K51 and the second plate A5, and between the first flange K51 and the first plate A4. Furthermore, the tapered structure allows for an interference fit during installation to ensure a sealing effect after welding.

[0033] In some other embodiments, the first flange K51 may not be provided, and other components such as pipe fittings or sealing gaskets may be used to form the first connecting channel 25. As long as a channel can be formed and the channel is isolated from the first inter-plate channel and the second inter-plate channel, this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0034] Reference Figure 5 and 6 The accessory 1 has a first interface 11 and a second interface 12. The first interface 11 is the inlet for fluid to flow into the accessory 1, and the second interface 12 is the outlet for fluid to flow out of the accessory 1. Optionally, the accessory 1 is a valve, and the first interface 11 and the second interface 12 are respectively connected to the inner cavity of the accessory 1. The first interface 11 is connected to the second interface 12 through a valve core.

[0035] In one possible embodiment, accessory 1 further has a third interface 13, which communicates with the inner cavity of accessory 1 and also serves as the outlet for fluid to flow out of accessory 1. The first interface 11 is simultaneously connected to the second interface 12 and the third interface 13 via a valve core. Optionally, accessory 1 is a three-way component, where fluid flowing through accessory 1 is split into two paths, giving accessory 1 a flow-diverting capability. Optionally, accessory 1 is a three-way flow-diverting component, such as a combination of a three-way valve, a three-way proportional valve, a three-way component, a shut-off valve, or a proportional valve.

[0036] In one possible embodiment, accessory 1 further has a fourth interface 14, which communicates with the inner cavity of accessory 1 and also serves as an outlet for fluid to flow out of accessory 1. The first interface 11 is connected to the second interface 12 and isolated from the fourth interface 14; alternatively, the first interface 11 is connected to the fourth interface 14 and isolated from the second interface 12. Optionally, accessory 1 is a reversing component, allowing the flow direction of fluid to be switched.

[0037] In one possible embodiment, accessory 1 has the aforementioned first interface 11, second interface 12, third interface 13, and fourth interface 14. When accessory 1 is a valve, the connection state of the four interfaces is switched by the valve core of accessory 1, and accessory 1 is a four-way diverter. Accessory 1 has two working states: first interface 11 is connected to fourth interface 14, and first interface 11, third interface 13, and second interface 12 are isolated from each other; first interface 11 is simultaneously connected to third interface 13 and second interface 12, and first interface 11 and fourth interface 14 are isolated from each other.

[0038] For ease of description and understanding, the following explanation will use part 1 as an example, which has four interfaces and a valve core.

[0039] In one possible embodiment, the first heat exchanger 2 further includes a second connecting channel 26, which extends through both sides of the first heat exchanger 2 along its thickness direction. The first connecting channel 25, the second connecting channel 26, the first inter-plate channel, and the second inter-plate channel are isolated from each other within the first heat exchanger 2. A third channel 23, the second connecting channel 26, and the first channel 21 are arranged side-by-side along the width direction of the first heat exchanger 2, and the third channel 23, the first connecting channel 25, and the second channel 22 are arranged side-by-side along the length direction of the first heat exchanger 2. Using the second connecting channel 26 built into the first heat exchanger 2 allows for communication between other components and accessories 1 located on the side of the first heat exchanger 2 away from the top plate A3, resulting in a more compact structure for the heat exchange device and facilitating miniaturization.

[0040] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, both the first plate A4 and the second plate A5 have a sixth opening K6, and the sixth openings K6 of the first plate A4 and the sixth openings K6 of the second plate A5 are stacked to form a second connecting channel 26. Both the first plate A4 and the second plate A5 include a second flange K61. The second flange K61 of the first plate A4 extends outward from the periphery of the sixth opening K6 of the first plate A4, isolating the second connecting channel 26 from the inter-plate channel; the second flange K61 of the second plate A5 extends outward from the periphery of the sixth opening K6 of the second plate A5, isolating the second connecting channel 26 from the inter-plate channel. The second flange K61 is a hollow cylindrical structure, and the hollow areas inside the second flange K61 of the first plate A4 and the second flange K61 of the second plate A5 are interconnected, thereby forming the second connecting channel 26. The extension direction of the second flange K61 is the same as that of the first flange K51, and the design of the second flange K61 is basically the same as that of the first flange K51. Please refer to the description of the first flange K51 above.

[0041] The top plate A3 has a first through hole A31, a second through hole A32, a third through hole A33, a fourth through hole A34 and a fifth through hole A36, and the five through holes penetrate the top plate A3 along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2. Along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2, the first through hole A31, the first interface 11, and the first connecting channel 25 are correspondingly arranged, with the first through hole A31 connecting the first interface 11 and the first connecting channel 25; the second through hole A32 and the second interface 12 are correspondingly arranged, with the second through hole A32 connecting the second interface 12 and the first channel 21; the third through hole A33, the third interface 13, and the third channel 23 are correspondingly arranged, with the third through hole A33 connecting the third interface 13 and the third channel 23; the fourth through hole A34, the fourth interface 14, and the second connecting channel 26 are correspondingly arranged, with the fourth through hole A34 connecting the fourth interface 14 and the second connecting channel 26; and the fifth through hole A36 and the second channel 22 are correspondingly arranged, with the fifth through hole A36 connecting the second channel 22. In this embodiment, the first through hole A31, the second through hole A32, the third through hole A33 and the fourth through hole A34 are arranged in a matrix shape, with the first through hole A31 and the third through hole A33 arranged diagonally, and the second through hole A32 and the fourth through hole A34 arranged diagonally.

[0042] The accessory 1 is directly installed on the top plate A3. The accessory 1 fits and is sealed to the top plate A3, which shortens or eliminates the pipeline between the accessory 1 and the first heat exchanger 2, reducing the space occupied. Through the first connecting channel 25 and the second connecting channel 26, the space utilization around the first heat exchanger 2 can be optimized, making the heat exchange module 10 compact and conducive to miniaturization.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger 2 further has a throttling channel 28, which is located inside the first heat exchanger 2 and has a throttling function. The throttling channel 28 connects the second interface 12 and the first channel A1.

[0044] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 The throttling channel 28 includes a first groove T1 located on the top plate A3. A portion of the top plate A3 is recessed to form a groove, with the groove opening facing the plate closest to the top plate A3. This plate seals the periphery of the groove opening. The first groove T1 is a slit, generally elongated in shape, and has a small hydraulic diameter, enabling it to throttle refrigerant. Optionally, the hydraulic diameter of the first groove T1 is smaller than that of the second interface 12, and the hydraulic diameter of the first groove T1 is designed according to the required throttling capacity.

[0045] In some other embodiments, the first groove T1 is entirely disposed on the plate closest to the top plate A3, a portion of which is recessed to form a groove, the opening of the groove facing the top plate A3, and the top plate A3 sealing the periphery of the groove opening.

[0046] In some other embodiments, a portion of the first groove T1 is disposed on the plate closest to the top plate A3, and a portion of the plate closest to the top plate A3 is recessed to form a groove, with the opening of the groove on the plate closest to the top plate A3 facing the top plate A3; another portion of the first groove T1 is disposed on the top plate A3, and a portion of the top plate A3 is recessed to form a groove, with the opening of the groove on the top plate A3 facing the plate closest to the top plate A3, and the periphery of the openings of the two portions of the groove can be sealed to each other.

[0047] In this application, the top plate A3 is a solid structure, meaning that the top plate A3 does not have internal flow channels. However, it should be understood that the top plate A3 has through holes, which can be used for the installation of other components or for communication between the inner cavity of a component and the inner cavity of the first heat exchanger 2. A recess A35 is provided in the area of ​​the top plate A3 corresponding to the first channel 21, serving to avoid obstruction and create space. The bottom wall of the recess A35 blocks the first channel 21, and the side wall of the recess A35 has a notch that connects the first groove T1 and the first channel 21. The recess A35 and the fifth through hole A36 are diagonally arranged.

[0048] In some other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The throttling channel 28 includes a first groove T1 and a throttling orifice 27. The first groove T1 is located at least one of the plates on the top plate A3 and the plate near the top plate A3. The throttling orifice 27 is built into the interior of the first heat exchanger 2 and extends along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2. The first groove T1 connects the second interface 12 and the throttling orifice 27, and the throttling orifice 27 connects the first groove T1 and the first orifice 21. The throttling orifice 27 is generally elongated and has a small hydraulic diameter, which enables the throttling orifice 27 to throttle the refrigerant.

[0049] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12In this embodiment, the first plate A4 and the second plate A5 are stacked to form a throttling channel 27. At least a portion of the first plate A4 and at least a portion of the second plate A5 each have a seventh orifice K7. The seventh orifice K7 of the first plate A4 and the seventh orifice K7 of the second plate A5 are stacked to form the throttling channel 27. Both the first plate A4 and the second plate A5 include a third flange K71. The third flange K71 of the first plate A4 extends outward from the periphery of the seventh orifice K7 of the first plate A4, and the third flange K71 of the first plate A4 isolates the throttling channel 27 and the inter-plate channel. The third flange K71 of the second plate A5 extends outward from the periphery of the seventh orifice K7 of the second plate A5, and the third flange K71 of the second plate A5 isolates the throttling channel 27 and the inter-plate channel. The third flange K71 is a hollow cylindrical structure. The hollow areas inside the third flange K71 of the first plate A4 and the third flange K71 of the second plate A5 are interconnected, thus forming a throttling channel 27. The extension direction of the third flange K71 is opposite to that of the first flange K51, but the design of the third flange K71 is basically the same as that of the first flange K51. Please refer to the description of the first flange K51 above.

[0050] Optionally, the end of the third flange K71 of the plate closest to the top plate A3 has a gap with the top plate A3, or the plate closest to the top plate A3 may not have a third flange K71, so that the first groove T1 can communicate more smoothly with the throttling channel 27. When the plate closest to the top plate A3 has a third flange K71, the third flange K71 can be partially located in the first groove T1, and the side wall of the first groove T1 is sealed, thereby achieving better positioning.

[0051] The hydraulic diameter of the throttling orifice 27 is smaller than the hydraulic diameter at the second interface 12, and the orifice diameter of the seventh orifice K7 is smaller than the orifice diameters of the other orifices of the first heat exchanger 2. The hydraulic diameter of the throttling orifice 27 is designed according to the required throttling capacity. Along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2, the extension length of the throttling orifice 27 is less than or equal to the extension length of the first orifice 21. The throttling orifice 27 is connected to the first orifice 21 through at least one first plate inter-plate channel. Part of the first plate A4 and part of the second plate A5 may not have the seventh orifice K7.

[0052] Optionally, the outer contour of the first groove T1 is roughly teardrop-shaped, with its tip close to the throttling channel 27 and its arc-shaped end close to the second interface 12. Since the throttling channel 27 needs to achieve the throttling function, its diameter is smaller than that of the second interface 12. If the first groove T1 is set to be waist-shaped, the pressure drop at the inlet of the throttling channel 27 will be large, resulting in poor throttling effect. In this embodiment, the first groove T1 is roughly teardrop-shaped with a gradual narrowing process, making the throttling effect more uniform and ensuring a better throttling effect.

[0053] In some possible embodiments, the heat exchange module 10 includes a base, with the accessory 1 and the first heat exchanger 2 respectively mounted on the base. A first connecting channel 25, a second connecting channel 26, and a fourth channel 24 are respectively connected to different flow channels in the base. Both the first heat exchanger 2 and the accessory 1 are mounted on the base. The first connecting channel 25 and the second connecting channel 26 enable communication between the flow channels within the base and the accessory 1, which can shorten or eliminate some piping, thereby reducing the space occupied by the heat exchange module 10 and facilitating miniaturization.

[0054] In some possible embodiments, the base is a second heat exchanger 3, see reference. Figures 2 to 9 The second heat exchanger 3 includes multiple plates, each plate being approximately rectangular in shape. The multiple plates include an end plate B4, a side plate B1, at least two second plates B3, and at least one first plate B2. The first plates B2 and the second plates B3 are stacked alternately along the thickness direction of the second heat exchanger 3. The side plate B1 and the end plate B4 are located on opposite sides of the thickness direction of the second heat exchanger 3, and both the side plate B1 and the end plate B4 are located on the outermost side of the second heat exchanger 3.

[0055] The second heat exchanger 3 has a fifth channel 31, a sixth channel 32, a seventh channel 33, an eighth channel 34, a ninth channel 35, a third inter-plate channel (not shown in the figure), and a fourth inter-plate channel (not shown in the figure). The third inter-plate channel and the fourth inter-plate channel are isolated from each other in the second heat exchanger 3. The fifth channel 31, the sixth channel 32, and the seventh channel 33 are respectively connected to the third inter-plate channel, and the eighth channel 34 and the ninth channel 35 are respectively connected to the fourth inter-plate channel. The fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth channels 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 all extend along the thickness direction of the second heat exchanger 3. One opening of each of these channels is located on the side plate B1. The other opening of each of these channels is blocked by the end plate B4. The other opening of the fifth channel 31 is blocked by the plate located in the middle. It is understandable that, referring to… Figures 6 to 8 The extension length of the fifth channel 31 is less than the extension length of the other channels of the second heat exchanger 3. The fifth channel 31 is connected to a part of the third inter-plate channel. The fifth channel 31 can be connected to another part of the third inter-plate channel through the sixth channel 32.

[0056] The second heat exchanger 3 has a third flow channel B5 and a fourth flow channel B6, which are isolated from each other within the second heat exchanger 3. The third flow channel B5 includes a fifth channel 31, a sixth channel 32, a seventh channel 33, and a third inter-plate channel. The fourth flow channel B6 includes an eighth channel 34, a ninth channel 35, and a fourth inter-plate channel. Optionally, the second heat exchanger 3 is a plate heat exchanger used as an intermediate heat exchanger to achieve heat exchange between refrigerants. Optionally, the plate stacking direction of the first heat exchanger 2 is parallel or coincident with the plate stacking direction of the second heat exchanger 3.

[0057] For ease of description, the following description uses the second heat exchanger 3, which includes a side plate B1, an end plate B4, two first plates B2, and a second plate B3, as an example. Specifically, along the thickness direction of the second heat exchanger 3, the stacked plates are, in sequence, side plate B1, first plate B2, second plate B3, first plate B2, and end plate B4. The fourth inter-plate channel is located between the back side of the second plate B3 and the front side of the adjacent first plate B2, and the third inter-plate channel is located between the front side of the second plate B3 and the back side of the adjacent first plate B2. Both the first plate B2 and the second plate B3 have a ninth orifice F2, a tenth orifice F3, an eleventh orifice F4, and a twelfth orifice F5. The first plate B2, which is closer to the side plate B1, has an eighth orifice F1. The eighth orifice F1 of the first plate B2 forms a fifth channel 31. The ninth orifice F2 of the first plate B2 and the ninth orifice F2 of the second plate B3 are stacked to form a sixth channel 32. The tenth orifice F3 of the first plate B2 and the tenth orifice F3 of the second plate B3 are stacked to form a seventh channel 33. The eleventh orifice F4 of the first plate B2 and the eleventh orifice F4 of the second plate B3 are stacked to form an eighth channel 34. The twelfth orifice F5 of the first plate B2 and the twelfth orifice F5 of the second plate B3 are stacked to form a ninth channel 35.

[0058] In this application, the first heat exchangers 2 are all installed on the side plate B1, and are all located on the side of the side plate B1 away from other plates. The accessory 1 and the second heat exchanger 3 are located on opposite sides of the width direction of the first heat exchanger 2. The second connecting channel 26 communicates with the fifth channel 31, the fourth channel 24 communicates with the sixth channel 32, and the side plate B1 blocks one side of the first channel 21, the second channel 22, and the third channel 23.

[0059] Reference Figures 2 to 9The second heat exchanger 3 has several grooves, which are located in at least one of the side plate B1 and the plates near the side plate B1. The design principle of the grooves in the second heat exchanger 3 is the same as that of the grooves in the first heat exchanger 2, as described in the relevant description. The grooves, the third flow channel B5, and the fourth flow channel B6 are isolated from each other within the second heat exchanger 3. The grooves connect the internal cavities between the two components mounted on the side plate B1. The grooves replace the function of pipes, reducing the use of external pipes and the space occupied by the heat exchange module 10. Optionally, the outer contour of the grooves is approximately waist-shaped, as this structure provides better pressure resistance.

[0060] When the number of grooves in the second heat exchanger 3 is at least two, all grooves can be provided on the side plate B1; all grooves can be provided on the first plate B2; or some grooves can be provided on the side plate B1 and other grooves can be provided on the first plate B2. The structural design of each groove is as described above, as long as it does not affect the connection relationship, this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0061] In this embodiment, the plate near side plate B1 is one of the first plates B2. Both side plate B1 and the first plate B2 are solid structures, meaning that neither side plate B1 nor the first plate B2 has internal flow channels. The front side of the first plate B2 near side plate B1, except for the area with grooves, is flush with and sealed to the back side of side plate B1, without forming any other channels between them. However, it should be understood that since several components are installed on side plate B1, the inner cavities of some components need to communicate with the inner cavity of the second heat exchanger 3. Therefore, side plate B1 and the first plate B2 near side plate B1 are provided with several connecting holes. These connecting holes penetrate the first plate B2 and side plate B1 along the thickness direction of the first plate B2 to achieve communication.

[0062] In some possible embodiments, the heat exchange module 10 includes a third heat exchanger 4 for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant. The third heat exchanger 4 is mounted and fixed to the second heat exchanger 3, and is in contact with and fixed to the side plate B1. (Refer to...) Figures 2 to 4 The third heat exchanger 4 includes multiple plates, each plate being approximately rectangular in shape. These plates are stacked along the thickness direction of the third heat exchanger 4. The plates include a middle plate S3. The third heat exchanger 4 includes a first part S1 and a second part S2 located on opposite sides of the middle plate S3 along its thickness direction. Optionally, the third heat exchanger 4 is a plate heat exchanger, and the plate stacking direction of the third heat exchanger 4 is parallel to or coincides with the plate stacking direction of the second heat exchanger 3.

[0063] The first part S1 has a tenth channel 41, an eleventh channel 42, a twelfth channel 43, a thirteenth channel 44, a fifth inter-plate channel (not shown in the figure), and a sixth inter-plate channel (not shown in the figure). The fifth inter-plate channel and the sixth inter-plate channel are isolated from each other in the third heat exchanger 4. The tenth channel 41 and the eleventh channel 42 are respectively connected to the fifth inter-plate channel, and the twelfth channel 43 and the thirteenth channel 44 are respectively connected to the sixth inter-plate channel.

[0064] The second part S2 has fourteenth channel 45, fifteenth channel 46, sixteenth channel 47, seventeenth channel 48, eighteenth channel 49, seventh inter-plate channel (not shown in the figure) and eighth inter-plate channel (not shown in the figure). Eighteenth channel 49, seventh inter-plate channel and eighth inter-plate channel are isolated from each other in the third heat exchanger 4. Fourteenth channel 45 and fifteenth channel 46 are connected to the seventh inter-plate channel respectively, and sixteenth channel 47 and seventeenth channel 48 are connected to the eighth inter-plate channel respectively.

[0065] Eleventh channel 42 connects to eighteenth channel 49, twelfth channel 43 connects to sixteenth channel 47, and thirteenth channel 44 connects to seventeenth channel 48. Specifically, the intermediate plate S3 has a first through groove S31, a second through groove S32, and a third through groove S33. The three through grooves penetrate the intermediate plate S3 along its thickness direction and are isolated from each other on the intermediate plate S3. Eleventh channel 42, eighteenth channel 49, and first through groove S31 are correspondingly arranged in the thickness direction of the third heat exchanger 4, and first through groove S31 connects eleventh channel 42 and eighteenth channel 49. Twelfth channel 43, sixteenth channel 47, and second through groove S32 are correspondingly arranged in the thickness direction of the third heat exchanger 4, and second through groove S32 connects twelfth channel 43 and sixteenth channel 47. Thirteenth channel 44, seventeenth channel 48, and third through channel S33 are correspondingly arranged in the thickness direction of the third heat exchanger 4, and the third through channel S33 connects thirteenth channel 44 and seventeenth channel 48. Tenth channel 41 and fifteenth channel 46 are correspondingly arranged in the thickness direction of the third heat exchanger 4, and intermediate plate S3 isolates tenth channel 41 and fifteenth channel 46.

[0066] All nine channels of the third heat exchanger 4 extend along the thickness direction of the third heat exchanger 4. One side opening of the tenth channel 41, the twelfth channel 43, and the thirteenth channel 44 is located on the side of the first part S1 away from the second part S2. One side opening of the fourteenth channel 45, the fifteenth channel 46, and the eighteenth channel 49 is located on the side of the second part S2 away from the first part S1. The other side opening of the tenth channel 41, the fourteenth channel 45, and the fifteenth channel 46 is blocked by the intermediate plate S3. The other side opening of the eleventh channel 42 is blocked by the plate of the first part S1 that is furthest from the second part S2. The other side opening of the sixteenth channel 47 and the seventeenth channel 48 is blocked by the plate of the second part S2 that is furthest from the first part S1.

[0067] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 2 to 5 The second heat exchanger 3 has a second groove T2, which connects the first connecting channel 25 and the fifteenth channel 46. Along the length of the second heat exchanger 3, the first heat exchanger 2 is located beside the third heat exchanger 4. The second groove T2 connects the first connecting channel 25 and the fifteenth channel 46, allowing the first heat exchanger 2 and the third heat exchanger 4 to be close to each other, reducing the space occupied by the heat exchange module 10.

[0068] In the third heat exchanger 4 of this embodiment, the refrigerant in the fifth inter-plate channel exchanges heat with the coolant in the sixth inter-plate channel, and the refrigerant in the seventh inter-plate channel exchanges heat with the coolant in the eighth inter-plate channel. The same refrigerant flows through the fifth inter-plate channel first and then through the seventh inter-plate channel, so that the third heat exchanger 4 simultaneously functions as a condenser and a subcooler. By designing the plates of the third heat exchanger 4, the third heat exchanger 4 integrates the functions of a condenser and a subcooler, and the refrigerant outlet of the condenser and the refrigerant inlet of the subcooler are located on the same side of the third heat exchanger 4, optimizing the space occupied by the supporting components of the third heat exchanger 4 and facilitating integration.

[0069] In some possible embodiments, the heat exchange module 10 includes a liquid receiver 5 for filtering and drying the refrigerant. The liquid receiver 5 is mounted and fixed to the second heat exchanger 3 and is in contact with and fixed to the side plate B1. The liquid receiver 5 has a third opening 51 and a fourth opening 52, which are respectively connected to the inner cavity of the liquid receiver 5. One of the third opening 51 and the fourth opening 52 is the inlet of the liquid receiver 5, and the other is the outlet of the liquid receiver 5.

[0070] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 2 to 5 The second heat exchanger 3 has a fourth groove T3, which connects the third opening 51 and the eighteenth channel 49. The fourth groove T3 is isolated from the other grooves in the second heat exchanger 3.

[0071] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 2 to 5 The second heat exchanger 3 has a fifth groove T4, which connects the fourth opening 52 and the fourteenth channel 45. The fifth groove T4 is isolated from the other grooves within the second heat exchanger 3.

[0072] In this embodiment, along the length of the second heat exchanger 3, the liquid reservoir 5 is located beside the third heat exchanger 4. The inner cavity of the liquid reservoir 5 is connected to the eighteenth channel 49 of the third heat exchanger 4 through the fourth groove T3, and / or the inner cavity of the liquid reservoir 5 is connected to the fourteenth channel 45 of the third heat exchanger 4 through the fifth groove T4. This allows the second heat exchanger 3, the third heat exchanger 4 and the liquid reservoir 5 to be close to each other, reducing the space occupied by the heat exchange module 10.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 2 and the liquid reservoir 5 are both located on the side of the width direction of the third heat exchanger 4. The first heat exchanger 2 and the liquid reservoir 5 are arranged in a straight line along the width direction of the second heat exchanger 3. The length direction of the first heat exchanger 2, the length direction of the third heat exchanger 4 and the width direction of the second heat exchanger 3 are parallel or coincident. Through a more reasonable arrangement, several components can be close to each other, thereby reducing the space occupied by the heat exchange module 10.

[0074] The third heat exchanger 4 includes a fifth flow channel C1 and a sixth flow channel C2 that are isolated from each other. In this embodiment, the fifth flow channel C1 includes a first sub-flow channel C11 and a second sub-flow channel C12. The first sub-flow channel C11 includes a tenth channel 41, an eleventh channel 42, an eighteenth channel 49 and a fifth inter-plate channel. The second sub-flow channel C12 includes a fourteenth channel 45, a fifteenth channel 46 and a seventh inter-plate channel. The sixth flow channel C2 includes a twelfth channel 43, a thirteenth channel 44, a sixteenth channel 47, a seventeenth channel 48, a sixth inter-plate channel and an eighth inter-plate channel.

[0075] If the heat exchange module 10 is equipped with a liquid reservoir 5, and the liquid reservoir 5 is located beside the third heat exchanger 4, the fourth groove T3 connects the outlet of the first sub-channel C11 and the third opening 51, the fifth groove T4 connects the inlet of the second sub-channel C12 and the fourth opening 52, and the outlet of the second sub-channel C12 connects with the second groove T2. If the heat exchange module 10 is not equipped with a liquid reservoir 5, the fourth groove T3, the fifth groove T4, and the eighteenth channel 49 are not required. The eleventh channel 42 connects with the fourteenth channel 45, and the outlet of the second sub-channel C12 connects with the second groove T2.

[0076] In some other possible embodiments, the third heat exchanger 4 does not have the second part S2. Correspondingly, the third heat exchanger 4 does not have the channels and inter-plate passages corresponding to the second part S2. In this embodiment, the eleventh channel 42 communicates with the third opening 51 of the liquid reservoir 5 through the fourth groove T3, and the fourth opening 52 of the liquid reservoir 5 communicates with the second groove T2. In some other possible embodiments, the liquid reservoir 5 is located on the side of the first part S1 away from the second part S2. The structures of the second heat exchanger 3 and the third heat exchanger 4 need to be adjusted accordingly to enable the communication relationship.

[0077] In some possible embodiments, the heat exchange module 10 includes a valve component 6 for throttling and cooling the refrigerant. The valve component 6 is mounted and fixed to the second heat exchanger 3 and is in contact with and fixed to the side plate B1. The valve component 6 has a first opening 61 and a second opening 62, which are respectively connected to the inner cavity of the valve component 6. One of the first opening 61 and the second opening 62 is the inlet of the valve component 6, and the other is the outlet of the valve component 6. The first opening 61 is connected to the seventh channel 33.

[0078] Along the width direction of the second heat exchanger 3, the valve component 6 is located on the side of the length direction of the first heat exchanger 2. The relatively reasonable layout makes reasonable use of the space on the upper side of the side plate B1, allowing the components to be close to each other.

[0079] In some possible embodiments, the heat exchange module 10 includes a fourth heat exchanger 7, which is used for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant. The fourth heat exchanger 7 is mounted and fixed to the second heat exchanger 3, and it is in contact with and fixed to the side plate B1. (Refer to...) Figures 2 to 8 The fourth heat exchanger 7 includes multiple plates, each plate being approximately rectangular in shape, and the multiple plates are stacked along the thickness direction of the fourth heat exchanger 7. Optionally, the fourth heat exchanger 7 is a plate heat exchanger, and the plate stacking direction of the fourth heat exchanger 7 is parallel to or coincides with the plate stacking direction of the second heat exchanger 3.

[0080] The fourth heat exchanger 7 has a nineteenth channel 71, a twentieth channel 72, a twenty-first channel 73, a twenty-second channel 74, a ninth inter-plate channel (not shown in the figure), and a tenth inter-plate channel (not shown in the figure). The ninth and tenth inter-plate channels are isolated from each other within the fourth heat exchanger 7. The nineteenth channel 71 and the twentieth channel 72 are respectively connected to the ninth inter-plate channel, and the twenty-first channel 73 and the twenty-second channel 74 are respectively connected to the tenth inter-plate channel. The twentieth channel 72 is connected to the eighth channel 34. The fourth heat exchanger 7 includes a seventh flow channel D1 and an eighth flow channel D2 that are isolated from each other. The seventh flow channel D1 includes the nineteenth channel 71, the twentieth channel 72, and the ninth inter-plate channel, and the eighth flow channel D2 includes the twenty-first channel 73, the twenty-second channel 74, and the tenth inter-plate channel.

[0081] Nineteenth channel 71, twentieth channel 72, twenty-first channel 73, and twenty-second channel 74 all extend along the thickness direction of the fourth heat exchanger 7. Specifically, on the side of the fourth heat exchanger 7 closest to the second heat exchanger 3, nineteenth channel 71, twentieth channel 72, twenty-first channel 73, and twenty-second channel 74 all form openings, and the openings of twenty-first channel 73 and twenty-second channel 74 are blocked by side plate B1; on the side of the fourth heat exchanger 7 away from the second heat exchanger 3, twenty-first channel 73 and twenty-second channel 74 form openings, and nineteenth channel 71 and twentyth channel 72 are blocked by the outermost plate in the thickness direction of the fourth heat exchanger 7.

[0082] In this embodiment, the valve component 6 is located beside the fourth heat exchanger 7, and the second heat exchanger 3 has a third groove T5. The third groove T5 connects the second opening 62 and the nineteenth channel 71, and the third groove T5 is isolated from other grooves within the second heat exchanger 3. According to the positional distribution of the fourth heat exchanger 7 and the valve component 6, the third groove T5 extends approximately along the length direction of the second heat exchanger 3.

[0083] In this application, all components are installed on the side plate B1 of the second heat exchanger 3, making reasonable use of the space on the upper side of the side plate B1. The internal cavities of each component are connected through the grooves of the second heat exchanger 3, allowing the components to be close to each other, reducing the space occupied by the heat exchange module 10, and facilitating integration. On the other hand, all the outward-facing interfaces of the components are set on the same side, which facilitates the connection of external pipelines and also facilitates integration.

[0084] Taking the heat exchange module 10, which includes the aforementioned first heat exchanger 2, second heat exchanger 3, third heat exchanger 4, fourth heat exchanger 7, accessory 1, valve component 6, and liquid reservoir 5, as an example, the first heat exchanger 2, third heat exchanger 4, fourth heat exchanger 7, valve component 6, and liquid reservoir 5 are all installed on the side plate B1 and located on the same side of the thickness direction of the second heat exchanger 3. Accessory 1 is installed on the first heat exchanger 2. The first heat exchanger 2, valve component 6, and liquid reservoir 5 are all located between the third heat exchanger 4 and the fourth heat exchanger 7. The valve component 6 and liquid reservoir 5 are arranged along the length direction of the second heat exchanger 3, the first heat exchanger 2 and valve component 6 are arranged along the width direction of the second heat exchanger 3, and the first heat exchanger 2 and liquid reservoir 5 are arranged along the width direction of the second heat exchanger 3. Along the width direction of the second heat exchanger 3, the size of the liquid reservoir 5 is larger than the size of the valve component 6. The liquid reservoir 5 and the valve component 6 are approximately L-shaped. The ninth channel 35 is placed between the liquid reservoir 5 and the valve component 6, utilizing the size difference to achieve reasonable space utilization and make the components more compact. The width direction of the second heat exchanger 3, the length direction of the first heat exchanger 2, the length direction of the third heat exchanger 4, and the width direction of the fourth heat exchanger 7 are approximately parallel. The thickness direction of the second heat exchanger 3, the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger 2, the thickness direction of the third heat exchanger 4, and the thickness direction of the fourth heat exchanger 7 are also approximately parallel. The length direction dimension of the third heat exchanger 4, the width direction dimension of the fourth heat exchanger 7, and the width direction dimension of the second heat exchanger 3 are approximately the same.

[0085] Based on the structure of the heat exchange module 10 described above, referring to Figures 4 to 8 When the heat exchange module 10 is in operation, the refrigerant enters the first part S1 from the tenth channel 41, then flows into the eleventh channel 42 through multiple fifth inter-plate channels, then enters the eighteenth channel 49 through the first through groove S31, and then flows out of the second part S2 from the eighteenth channel 49. The refrigerant flowing out of the eighteenth channel 49 enters the inner cavity of the liquid receiver 5 through the fourth groove T3, is filtered and dried, and then enters the second part S2 from the fourteenth channel 45 through the fifth groove T4. Then it flows into the fifteenth channel 46 through multiple seventh inter-plate channels, and then flows out of the second part S2 again from the fifteenth channel 46. The refrigerant flowing out of the fifteenth channel 46 flows into the first connecting channel 25 through the second groove T2, and then flows into the first interface 11.

[0086] When component 1 is in the state of connection between the first interface 11 and the fourth interface 14, the refrigerant enters the second connecting channel 26 from the fourth interface 14, then enters the fifth channel 31, and flows in the third interplate channel of the first layer. A portion of the refrigerant enters the third interplate channel of the second layer from the sixth channel 32, and then all the refrigerant flows out of the second heat exchanger 3 from the seventh channel 33. The refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 3 enters the inner cavity of the valve component 6 through the first opening 61. After being throttled and cooled by the valve component 6, it flows out of the valve component 6 from the second opening 62. The refrigerant enters the nineteenth channel 71 along the third groove T5, and then flows into the nineteenth channel 71 along multiple ninth interplate channels. The refrigerant flowing out of the nineteenth channel 71 enters the eighth channel 34, and then flows to the ninth channel 35 along multiple fourth interplate channels, and then flows out of the heat exchange module 10 from the ninth channel 35.

[0087] When component 1 is in a state where the first interface 11 is connected to the third interface 13 and the second interface 12, the refrigerant flowing out of component 1 is divided into two paths: one path of refrigerant enters the third channel 23 from the third interface 13, flows into the fourth channel 24 through multiple second inter-plate channels, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 3 through the sixth channel 32; the other path of refrigerant enters the throttling channel from the second interface 12, enters the first channel 21 after throttling and cooling, then enters the second channel 22 through multiple first inter-plate channels, and finally flows out of the heat exchange module 10 from the second channel 22. The refrigerant in the sixth channel 32 flows into the seventh channel 33 through multiple third inter-plate channels, and then enters the inner cavity of the valve component 6 through the first opening 61. The subsequent flow path is similar to the flow path of component 1 when the first interface 11 is connected to the fourth interface 14, and will not be described again here.

[0088] In the third heat exchanger 4, the coolant enters the first part S1 through the twelfth channel 43. Part of the coolant in the twelfth channel 43 flows into the thirteenth channel 44 through multiple sixth interplate channels, and the other part enters the sixteenth channel 47 through the second channel S32. The coolant in the sixteenth channel 47 flows into the seventeenth channel 48 through multiple eighth interplate channels. The coolant flows from the seventeenth channel 48 into the thirteenth channel 44 of the first part S1 through the third channel S33. The coolant flows out of the third heat exchanger 4 through the thirteenth channel 44.

[0089] In the fourth heat exchanger 7, the coolant enters the fourth heat exchanger 7 through the twenty-first channel 73, flows into the twenty-second channel 74 through multiple eighth interplate channels, and then flows out of the fourth heat exchanger 7 through the twenty-second channel 74.

[0090] In this embodiment, the coolant flowing in the third heat exchanger 4 is isolated from the coolant flowing in the fourth heat exchanger 7. The refrigerants flowing in the first heat exchanger 2, the second heat exchanger 3, the third heat exchanger 4 and the fourth heat exchanger 7 are refrigerants from different sections of the same circuit. When the heat exchange module 10 is in use, the refrigerant flows in from the tenth channel 41 and flows out from the ninth channel 35.

[0091] In another possible embodiment, the base is not the second heat exchanger 3 described above. The base is generally block-shaped and has several flow channels inside. Depending on the function of the flow channels, the flow channels in the base can be completely isolated from each other, or they can be interconnected, or they can be partially isolated and partially interconnected. The base serves as a mounting base, and other components in the heat exchange module 10 are mounted on the base, so that the components are close to each other, improving the integration.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the thermal management system of this application, refer to Figure 13 and 14 The thermal management system is primarily used to manage cooling and heating to meet the overall cooling and heating needs of the vehicle, such as the cooling / heating requirements of the cabin, the cooling requirements of the motor, and the heating / cooling requirements of the battery. A portion of the cooling / heating is supplied through methods such as operating the refrigerant circulation loop, starting the heater, and utilizing the cooling capacity carried by the coolant itself; another portion of the heating is obtained by methods such as recovering cooling / heat from other parts of the vehicle. Integrating some components of the thermal management system forms the heat exchange module 10.

[0093] In this application, the thermal management system includes a compressor 9 and a heat exchange module 10 of any of the above embodiments. The number of components of the heat exchange module 10 can be adjusted according to actual needs. For ease of description, this embodiment is described with the heat exchange module 10 including a first heat exchanger 2, a second heat exchanger 3, a third heat exchanger 4, a fourth heat exchanger 7, an accessory 1, a valve component 6, and a liquid receiver 5 as an example.

[0094] The various components of the thermal management system are connected by piping to form two main systems: the refrigerant system and the coolant system. These two systems are isolated and not interconnected. Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant system, while coolant flows through the coolant system. The refrigerant can be R134A, carbon dioxide, or other heat exchange media, and the coolant can be a mixture of ethanol and water or other cooling media.

[0095] The first heat exchanger 2, the second heat exchanger 3, the third heat exchanger 4, and the fourth heat exchanger 7 are all plate heat exchangers. The third heat exchanger 4 and the fourth heat exchanger 7 are used for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant, while the second heat exchanger 3 and the first heat exchanger 2 are used for heat exchange between two points of refrigerant in the same circuit. Specifically, the first flow channel A1, the second flow channel A2, the third flow channel B5, the fourth flow channel B6, the fifth flow channel C1, and the seventh flow channel D1 are connected to the refrigerant system, and the sixth flow channel C2 and the eighth flow channel D2 are connected to the coolant system.

[0096] In this embodiment, the thermal management system includes a compressor 9 and a heat exchange module 10. The heat exchange module 10 includes a first heat exchanger 2, a second heat exchanger 3, a third heat exchanger 4, a fourth heat exchanger 7, an accessory 1, a valve component 6, and a liquid receiver 5. The outlet of the compressor 9 is connected to the tenth channel 41 of the heat exchange module 10, the gas inlet of the compressor 9 is connected to the ninth channel 35 of the heat exchange module 10, and the gas injection and enthalpy-increasing inlet of the compressor 9 is connected to the second channel 22 of the heat exchange module 10. The throttling channel and its peripheral inner wall in the first heat exchanger 2 serve as a throttling component 8, achieving throttling through the internal channel of the first heat exchanger 2, saving space, and improving integration.

[0097] The thermal management system of this application is a full-loop system. Once the operating state of component 1 is determined, the refrigerant flow path remains unchanged under any operating condition. The full-loop system reduces the refrigerant charge, has a lower leakage rate, and is more conducive to the integration of the refrigerant system. The use of a highly integrated heat exchange module 10 results in a smaller footprint for the thermal management system.

[0098] Reference Figure 13 When component 1 is connected to the first interface 11 and the fourth interface 14, the flow path is as follows: compressor 9 outlet, first sub-channel C11 of the third heat exchanger 4, liquid receiver 5, second sub-channel C12 of the third heat exchanger 4, component 1, third channel B5 of the second heat exchanger 3, valve component 6, seventh channel D1 of the fourth heat exchanger 7, fourth channel B6 of the second heat exchanger 3, and compressor 9 inlet connected sequentially. When the thermal management system is in operation, the refrigerant flowing out of compressor 9 flows into heat exchange module 10 through tenth channel 41, then flows out of heat exchange module 10 through ninth channel 35, and finally flows to the gas inlet of compressor 9. The flow path of refrigerant in heat exchange module 10 is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0099] Reference Figure 14When accessory 1 is connected to the first interface 11, the second interface 12, and the third interface 13, one path is the sequential connection of compressor 9 outlet, the first sub-channel C11 of the third heat exchanger 4, the liquid receiver 5, the second sub-channel C12 of the third heat exchanger 4, accessory 1, the second channel A2 of the first heat exchanger 2, the third channel B5 of the second heat exchanger 3, valve component 6, the seventh channel D1 of the fourth heat exchanger 7, the fourth channel B6 of the second heat exchanger 3, and compressor 9 inlet; the other path is the sequential connection of compressor 9 outlet, the first sub-channel C11 of the third heat exchanger 4, the liquid receiver 5, the second sub-channel C12 of the third heat exchanger 4, accessory 1, the first channel A1 of the first heat exchanger 2, and compressor 9 gas replenishment and enthalpy increase inlet. When the thermal management system is in operation, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 9 flows into the heat exchange module 10 through the tenth channel 41, flows out of the heat exchange module 10 through the ninth channel 35, then flows to the gas inlet of the compressor 9, flows out of the heat exchange module 10 through the second channel 22, and then flows to the gas replenishment and enthalpy increase inlet of the compressor 9. The flow path of the refrigerant in the heat exchange module 10 is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0100] In this embodiment, the compressor 9 has a gas injection enthalpy-increasing inlet and a gas inlet. The gas injection enthalpy-increasing inlet is connected to the second channel 22, and the gas inlet is connected to the ninth channel 35. The first heat exchanger 2 serves as a gas injection enthalpy-increasing heat exchanger, used to achieve heat exchange between the higher-temperature refrigerant and the lower-temperature refrigerant in the gas injection enthalpy-increasing branch. The second heat exchanger 3 serves as an intermediate heat exchanger, used to achieve heat exchange between the higher-temperature refrigerant and the lower-temperature refrigerant in the main heat exchange branch. The third heat exchanger 4 serves as a water-cooled condenser, used to heat the coolant. The fourth heat exchanger 7 serves as a water-cooled evaporator, used to absorb heat from the coolant. The coolant system can be designed according to requirements, and this application does not limit it.

[0101] In this application, the "connection" between two components can be a direct connection or a connection via a pipeline. The two components may only have a pipeline between them, or they may have a valve or other component in addition to a pipeline. Similarly, the "connection" between two components in this application can be a direct connection or a connection via a pipeline. The two components may only have a pipeline connection, or they may have a valve or other component in addition to a pipeline connection.

[0102] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application has disclosed preferred embodiments as above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the content of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A heat exchange module, characterized in that, include: Accessories and the first heat exchanger; The first heat exchanger includes a plurality of plates stacked alternately along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger, the plurality of plates of the first heat exchanger including a top plate, the top plate being the outermost plate in the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger; the first heat exchanger has a first flow channel, a second flow channel and a first connecting channel, the first flow channel, the second flow channel and the first connecting channel being isolated from each other within the first heat exchanger, the first connecting channel penetrating both sides of the first heat exchanger along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger; The accessory is located on the side of the top plate away from other plates and is fixed to the top plate. The accessory has a first interface and a second interface. The first interface and the second interface can communicate through the inner cavity of the accessory. The first interface can communicate with the first communication channel, and the second interface can communicate with the first flow channel. The accessory has a third interface, and the first interface can communicate with both the second interface and the third interface at the same time. The third interface can communicate with the second flow channel. The first heat exchanger has a second connecting channel that extends through both sides of the first heat exchanger along its thickness direction. Multiple plates of the first heat exchanger are stacked to form the second connecting channel. The first flow channel, the second flow channel, the first connecting channel, and the second connecting channel are isolated from each other within the first heat exchanger. The accessory has a fourth interface that can communicate with the second connecting channel. Alternatively, the first interface can communicate with the second interface, but the first interface can be isolated from the fourth interface; or, the first interface can communicate with the fourth interface, but the first interface can be isolated from the second interface.

2. The heat exchange module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchanger has a throttling channel, at least a portion of which has a throttling function. The second interface is connected to the throttling channel, and the throttling channel is connected to the first channel. Multiple plates of the first heat exchanger are stacked to form the first connecting channel.

3. The heat exchange module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The throttling channel includes a first groove, which has a throttling function. The first groove is a slit, and the hydraulic radius at the first groove is smaller than the hydraulic radius at the second interface. The first groove is located on the plate closest to the top plate, with the opening of the first groove facing the top plate; or, The first groove is provided on the top plate, and the opening of the first groove faces the plate closest to the top plate; or, A portion of the first groove is located on the top plate, and another portion is located on the plate closest to the top plate. The opening of the first groove on the top plate faces the plate closest to the top plate, and the opening of the first groove on the plate closest to the top plate faces the top plate.

4. The heat exchange module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The throttling channel includes a first groove and a throttling orifice. Multiple plates of the first heat exchanger are stacked to form the throttling orifice. The throttling orifice has a throttling function. The first groove is located on the top plate or the plate closest to the top plate. The first groove connects the second interface with the throttling orifice. The throttling orifice connects the first groove with the first channel. The projection of the outer contour of the first groove onto the top plate is teardrop-shaped, with the tip close to the throttling channel and the arc end close to the second interface.

5. The heat exchange module as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The first flow channel includes a first channel and a second channel that are interconnected, and the second flow channel includes a third channel and a fourth channel that are interconnected. The first channel, the second channel, the third channel, the fourth channel, the first connecting channel and the second connecting channel all extend along the thickness direction of the first heat exchanger. The top plate has a first through hole, a second through hole, a third through hole and a fourth through hole. The first through hole connects the first interface and the first connecting channel. The second through hole connects the second interface and the throttling channel. The third through hole connects the third interface and the third channel. The fourth through hole connects the fourth interface and the second connecting channel.

6. The heat exchange module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange module includes a second heat exchanger, which is located on the side of the first heat exchanger away from the top plate, and the first heat exchanger is connected to the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger has a third flow channel and a fourth flow channel. The third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are isolated from each other within the second heat exchanger. The second flow channel and the third flow channel can communicate with each other. The first flow channel, the second flow channel, the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are all used for the flow of refrigerant. The second heat exchanger includes a plurality of plates stacked along the thickness direction of the second heat exchanger. The stacking direction of the plates of the second heat exchanger is parallel to or coincides with the stacking direction of the plates of the first heat exchanger. The plurality of plates of the second heat exchanger include side plates, which are the outermost plates in the thickness direction of the second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is fixedly connected to the side plates.

7. The heat exchange module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The heat exchange module includes a third heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are located on the same side of the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger is fixedly connected to the side plate; The third heat exchanger has a fifth flow channel and a sixth flow channel that are isolated from each other; the second heat exchanger has a second groove, which is provided on the side plate or the plate closest to the side plate. The second groove, the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are isolated from each other in the second heat exchanger. The second groove connects the fifth flow channel and the first connecting channel.

8. The heat exchange module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The heat exchange module includes a fourth heat exchanger and a valve component. The first heat exchanger, the fourth heat exchanger, and the valve component are located on the same side of the second heat exchanger. The fourth heat exchanger and the valve component are both fixedly connected to the side plate. The fourth heat exchanger has a seventh flow channel and an eighth flow channel that are isolated from each other; the valve component includes a first opening and a second opening, the first opening and the second opening respectively communicating with the inner cavity of the valve component, and the valve component has a throttling state; the second heat exchanger has a third groove, the third groove is provided on the side plate or the plate closest to the side plate, and the third groove, the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are isolated from each other in the second heat exchanger; The first opening is connected to the third flow channel, the third groove is connected to the seventh flow channel and the second opening, and the seventh flow channel is connected to the fourth flow channel.

9. A thermal management system, characterized in that, It includes a compressor and a heat exchange module as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the first connecting channel, and the outlet of the first flow channel is connected to the gas replenishment and enthalpy increase inlet of the compressor.

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