Heat exchanger, heat management system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a heat exchanger, a heat management system and a vehicle. The heat exchanger comprises a shell and a PTC heater. A first medium channel and a second medium channel are arranged in the shell, the first medium channel and the second medium channel are isolated and can perform heat exchange, and the second medium channel is provided with a bend; the PTC heater is arranged in the shell and used for heating the first medium in the first medium channel, the first medium reheats the second medium in the second medium channel, and therefore heat exchange is achieved. The PTC heater and the plate heat exchanger of the air conditioning system are integrated, so that the lightweight design can be met, the manufacturing cost is reduced, and the space arrangement is more compact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of vehicle air conditioning, and more particularly to a heat exchanger, a thermal management system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In existing cars, the automobile air conditioning system is an important means to improve the working conditions of drivers, improve work efficiency, enhance driving safety, and create a comfortable riding environment for passengers. It is indispensable for both fuel vehicles and electric vehicles. Most electric vehicle air conditioning systems use PTC (positive temperature coefficient thermistor) electric heating for winter heating. It is small in size and the heating system it forms has high reliability, but it will reduce the car's range in winter. In comparison, heat pump air conditioning has higher heating efficiency, controllable costs, and can also achieve the integration of cooling and heating of electric vehicle air conditioning. However, the electric vehicle heat pump air conditioning system currently developed has problems such as poor heating performance in low temperature environments and low defrosting efficiency. Therefore, the current dual-mode car air conditioning system proposes to use two heating modes: heat pump air conditioning and PTC heating, which not only meets the needs of safe and reliable heating, but also ensures the car's range requirements.

[0003] However, the existing PTC heater and the plate heat exchanger of the air conditioning system are connected by a long pipe, which has the problems of high heat loss, low heat transfer efficiency and large space occupied by the pipe layout.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a heat exchanger, a thermal management system and a vehicle to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the Summary of the Invention, which will be further described in detail in the Detailed Description of the Invention. The Summary of the Invention does not mean to attempt to define the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor does it mean to attempt to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] To at least partially solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a heat exchanger, comprising:

[0007] A shell, wherein a first medium channel and a second medium channel are provided in the shell, the first medium channel and the second medium channel are isolated from each other and can perform heat exchange, and the second medium channel is provided with a bend; and

[0008] A PTC heater is disposed in the housing.

[0009] Optionally, the PTC heater is arranged inside the first medium channel and located in the bend of the second medium channel.

[0010] Optionally, the second medium channel includes a plurality of the bends, and the plurality of the bends are sequentially connected to form an S-shaped channel;

[0011] The heat exchanger includes a plurality of the PTC heaters, and one PTC heater is disposed in each bend.

[0012] Optionally, the heat exchanger further comprises:

[0013] A top cover, in which a control circuit is disposed, the control circuit is electrically connected to the PTC heater, and the housing and the top cover are combined to form a chamber; and

[0014] The inner core module is arranged inside the chamber, and the second medium channel and the PTC heater are both arranged inside the inner core module.

[0015] Optionally, a first medium inlet and a first medium outlet are provided on the side wall of the housing corresponding to the first medium channel, respectively connecting two ends of the first medium channel;

[0016] A second medium inlet and a second medium outlet are provided on the side wall of the housing corresponding to the second medium channel, and are respectively connected to two ends of the second medium channel.

[0017] Optionally, the heat exchanger further comprises:

[0018] A power connection terminal is arranged on the side wall of the top cover, and the power connection terminal is externally connected to a power source and internally connected to the control circuit; and

[0019] The sensor connection terminal is arranged on the side wall of the top cover, and the sensor connection terminal is externally connected to the temperature sensor and internally connected to the control circuit.

[0020] Optionally, the inner core module includes:

[0021] a top plate, the second medium channel being disposed at a lower portion of the top plate; and

[0022] The accommodating cavity is arranged at the lower part of the top plate and located in the bend of the second medium channel. The PTC heater is arranged inside the accommodating cavity. The electrode terminal of the PTC heater extends from the top plate and is electrically connected to the control circuit.

[0023] Optionally, a protruding partition is provided on the inner wall of the shell, the partition abuts against one end of the outer wall of the accommodating cavity, and the partition, the outer wall of the accommodating cavity and the inner wall of the shell form the first medium channel in combination.

[0024] Optionally, an entrance and an exit are arranged on the top of the shell body corresponding to the inner core module, a circle of grooves are arranged around the entrance and an exit, and an edge of the top plate of the inner core module falls into the groove.

[0025] Optionally, a fastening structure is provided at the position where the top cover is connected to the shell, and the fastening structure includes connecting ears and bolts, and the connecting ears are correspondingly distributed on the edge of the top cover and the edge of the shell.

[0026] Optionally, reinforcing ribs are provided on the edge of the top cover corresponding to the fastening structure.

[0027] Optionally, a fixing plate is provided on the bottom or the outer side wall of the shell, and the heat exchanger is installed and fixed by the fixing plate, and reinforcing ribs are provided between the fixing plate and the outer side wall of the shell.

[0028] Optionally, a detachable sealing connection structure is provided between the first medium inlet, the first medium outlet and the first medium channel;

[0029] A detachable sealing connection structure is provided between the second medium inlet, the second medium outlet and the second medium channel.

[0030] Optionally, a first sealing structure is provided at a position where the inner core module and the housing are connected;

[0031] A second sealing structure is provided at a position where the top cover and the shell are connected.

[0032] A second aspect of the present invention provides a thermal management system, including an air-conditioning circulation pipeline and a heating circulation pipeline, the air-conditioning circulation pipeline includes a battery temperature control circulation pipeline, the battery pack to be temperature controlled is connected to the battery temperature control circulation pipeline, and also includes a heat exchanger described in any one of the above technical solutions, and the heat exchanger is simultaneously connected to the heating circulation pipeline and the battery temperature control circulation pipeline.

[0033] Optionally, the air conditioning circulation pipeline includes: a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a three-way valve connected in sequence along the flow direction of the medium;

[0034] The three-way valve comprises a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, the first interface is connected to the compressor, the second interface is connected to the evaporator, and the third interface is connected to the battery temperature control circulation pipeline;

[0035] The second medium inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the compressor, and the second medium outlet is connected to the battery pack.

[0036] Optionally, the heating circulation pipeline comprises a heater core, a four-way valve and a water pump which are sequentially connected along the medium flow direction, and the four-way valve is externally connected to the waste heat transport pipeline of the engine;

[0037] The four-way valve comprises a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port is connected to the heater core, the second port is connected to the water pump, and the third port and the fourth port are connected to the waste heat transport pipeline of the engine;

[0038] The first medium inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the water pump, and the first medium outlet is connected to the heater core.

[0039] A third aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle, comprising an engine and a thermal management system according to any one of the above technical solutions, wherein a waste heat transport pipeline of the engine is connected to the heating circulation pipeline.

[0040] According to a heat exchanger, thermal management system and vehicle of the present invention, a first medium channel, a second medium channel and a PTC heater are arranged in a housing, the first medium channel and the second medium channel are isolated and can exchange heat, the PTC heater heats the first medium in the first medium channel, and the first medium heats the second medium in the second medium channel, thereby achieving heat exchange, eliminating the arrangement of the intermediate pipeline of the PTC heater and the air conditioning system plate heat exchanger in the existing solution, and improving the overall heating efficiency. Through the integrated structural design method, the working efficiency of the vehicle air conditioning and heating system is improved, space is saved, costs are reduced, and the lightweight of the entire vehicle is taken into account. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The following drawings of the embodiments of the present invention are used as part of the present invention for understanding the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention and their description are shown in the drawings to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings,

[0042] Figure 1 An exploded view of a heat exchanger according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of a heat exchanger according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of a heat exchanger according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a thermal management system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional diagram of a heat exchanger according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the top cover is not included;

[0048] Figure 7 A three-dimensional diagram of a top cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 8 A three-dimensional diagram of an inner core module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Fig. 9 A bottom view of an inner core module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Fig.10 A three-dimensional diagram of a housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Fig.11 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a PTC heater according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Description of reference numerals:

[0054] 100: Heat exchanger 101: Top cover

[0055] 1011: Edge 1012: Reinforcement rib

[0056] 102: Inner core module 1021: Top plate

[0057] 1022: Second medium channel 1023: Accommodating chamber

[0058] 1024: Second medium inlet 1025: Second medium outlet

[0059] 1026: Positioning hole 103: Shell

[0060] 1031: groove 1032: partition

[0061] 1033: Fixed plate 1034: First medium channel

[0062] 1035: first medium inlet 1036: first medium outlet

[0063] 1037: Positioning column 104: PTC heater

[0064] 1041: Electrode terminal 1042: PI film

[0065] 1043: Silicone protective cover 1044: Ceramic heating plate

[0066] 1045: Partition 105: Sensor connection terminal

[0067] 106: Power connection terminal 107: Fastening structure

[0068] 200: Air conditioning circulation pipeline 201: Compressor

[0069] 202: First temperature / pressure sensor 203: Condenser

[0070] 204: Second temperature / pressure sensor 205: Expansion valve

[0071] 206: Evaporator 207: Third temperature / pressure sensor

[0072] 208: Three-way valve 300: Heating circulation pipeline

[0073] 301: Water pump 302: Four-way valve

[0074] 303: Engine 304: Heater core

[0075] 400: Battery temperature control circulation pipeline 401: Battery pack DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] In the following description, a large number of specific details are provided to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented without one or more of these details. In other examples, in order to avoid confusion with the present invention, some technical features well known in the art are not described.

[0077] In order to fully understand the present invention, a detailed description will be provided in the following description. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention thorough and complete, and to fully convey the concepts of these exemplary embodiments to those of ordinary skill in the art. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, but in addition to these detailed descriptions, the present invention may also have other embodiments.

[0078] Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" cited in the present invention are merely identifications and do not have any other meanings, such as a specific order, etc. Moreover, for example, the term "first component" itself does not imply the existence of the "second component", and the term "second component" itself does not imply the existence of the "first component".

[0079] It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "inside", "outside" and similar expressions used in the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting.

[0080] The present invention discloses a heat exchanger 100 , a thermal management system and a vehicle.

[0081] Now, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, a heat exchanger 100 includes: a housing 103 and a PTC heater 104;

[0083] The housing 103 is provided with a first medium channel 1034 and a second medium channel 1022. The first medium channel 1034 and the second medium channel 1022 are isolated from each other and can perform heat exchange. The second medium channel 1022 is provided with a bend.

[0084] The PTC heater 104 is provided in the housing 103 .

[0085] The housing 103 can be designed as a rectangular parallelepiped, which is convenient for manufacturing and installation in a vehicle. The housing 103 can also be designed as other shapes according to actual needs.

[0086] The first medium channel 1034 is used to connect with the heating circulation pipeline 300. In actual use, the first medium circulates through the first medium channel 1034. The second medium channel 1022 is used to connect with the battery temperature control circulation pipeline 400. In actual use, the second medium circulates through the second medium channel 1022. Figure 5 As shown; the PTC heater 104 is used to heat the medium in the first medium channel 1034, thereby heating the medium in the second medium channel 1022.

[0087] By providing the second medium channel 1022 with a bend, the heat exchange area of ​​the second medium channel 1022 is increased, and the heat exchange efficiency between the first medium and the second medium can be improved.

[0088] The first medium may be water or other suitable medium, and the second medium may be a cooling medium used in an air-conditioning system or other suitable medium.

[0089] By integrating the PTC heater 104, the first medium channel 1034 and the second medium channel 1022 into an integrated structure, the heated hot water directly heats the refrigerant inside the second medium channel 1022, and the heat is quickly transferred, which can save space, reduce pipeline development costs, and effectively improve heating efficiency.

[0090] The second medium channel 1022 is preferably made of a material with good heat transfer performance, such as copper alloy, which is conducive to heat transfer.

[0091] In one embodiment, the PTC heater 104 is disposed inside the first medium channel 1034 and located in a bend of the second medium channel 1022 .

[0092] The internal space of the housing 103 is the first medium channel 1034, and the first medium channel 1034 is disposed in the internal space of the housing 103, that is, is also located in the first medium channel 1034. By disposing the PTC heater 104 in the bend of the second medium channel 1022, close to the second medium channel 1022, it is beneficial to improve the heat exchange efficiency from the PTC heater 104 to the first medium and from the first medium to the second medium, and it can also save space.

[0093] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, the second medium channel 1022 includes a plurality of bends, and the plurality of bends are sequentially connected to form an S-shaped channel;

[0094] The heat exchanger 100 includes a plurality of PTC heaters 104 , with one PTC heater 104 being disposed in each bend.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown, the solid arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the first medium, and the dotted arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the second medium. The second medium channel 1022 does not contact the PTC heater 104, and there is a gap between them. The gap is filled with the first medium, which can prevent the PTC heater 104 from contacting the second medium channel 1022 to cause damage or uneven heat transfer.

[0096] In one embodiment, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchanger 100 further includes:

[0097] The top cover 101 has a control circuit (not shown) disposed therein, the control circuit is electrically connected to the PTC heater 104, and the housing 103 and the top cover 101 are combined to form a chamber;

[0098] The inner core module 102 is disposed inside the chamber, and the second medium channel 1022 and the PTC heater 104 are both disposed inside the inner core module 102 .

[0099] The heat exchanger 100 is provided with three sets of main module structures, which is convenient for structural setting, assembly production, and subsequent repair and maintenance.

[0100] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, a first medium inlet 1035 and a first medium outlet 1036 are provided on the side wall of the housing 103 corresponding to the first medium channel 1034, which are connected to both ends of the first medium channel 1034 respectively;

[0101] A second medium inlet 1024 and a second medium outlet 1025 are disposed on the side wall of the housing 103 corresponding to the second medium channel 1022 , which are connected to two ends of the second medium channel 1022 , respectively.

[0102] The first medium inlet 1035 , the first medium outlet 1036 , the second medium inlet 1024 , and the second medium outlet 1025 are all in a tubular shape, and external threads may be provided on the outer surfaces to achieve external connection to a medium delivery pipeline.

[0103] The second medium inlet 1024 and the second medium outlet 1025 both penetrate the side wall of the housing 103 and communicate with the second medium channel 1022 inside.

[0104] like Figure 4 As shown, when the heat exchanger 100 starts working, the water in the heating circulation pipeline 300 enters the first medium channel 1034 through the first medium inlet 1035, and the water in the channel is quickly heated by multiple PTC heaters 104. At the same time, the refrigerant in the battery temperature control circulation pipeline 400 enters the second medium channel 1022 from the second medium inlet 1024. The refrigerant flows in the second medium channel 1022 and is continuously heated by the water on both sides. After being heated to a certain temperature, it is discharged from the heat exchanger 100 through the second medium outlet 1025 and returned to the battery temperature control circulation pipeline 400. The water is also discharged from the heat exchanger 100 through the first medium outlet 1036 and returned to the heating circulation pipeline 300, forming a working cycle through the water pump 301. The heat exchanger 100 integrates the PTC heater 104 and the plate heat exchanger in an integrated structure design. The water heated by the PTC heater 104 directly heats the internal refrigerant to achieve rapid heat transfer.

[0105] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 As shown, the heat exchanger 100 further includes:

[0106] The power connection terminal 106 is arranged on the side wall of the top cover 101. The power connection terminal 106 is connected to the power supply externally and to the control circuit internally. The power connection terminal 106 provides the PTC heater 104 with the power required for operation.

[0107] The sensor connection terminal 105 is disposed on the side wall of the top cover 101 . The sensor connection terminal 105 is externally connected to a temperature sensor and internally connected to a control circuit.

[0108] The output power of the PTC heater 104 is controlled according to the temperature signal transmitted by the sensor connection terminal 105 (low-voltage connector), thereby controlling the temperature of the hot water in the first medium channel 1034, thereby achieving the purpose of regulating the heat of the refrigerant in the second medium channel 1022.

[0109] In one embodiment, if Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 As shown, the inner core module 102 includes:

[0110] The top plate 1021, the second medium channel 1022 is arranged at the lower part of the top plate 1021;

[0111] The accommodating cavity 1023 is disposed at the lower part of the top plate 1021 and is located in the bend of the second medium channel 1022 . The PTC heater 104 is disposed inside the accommodating cavity 1023 . The electrode terminal 1041 of the PTC heater 104 extends from the top plate 1021 and is electrically connected to the control circuit.

[0112] The second medium channel 1022 and the top plate 1021 need to be sealed to prevent medium leakage; the accommodating cavity 1023 and the top plate 1021 also need to be sealed to prevent medium from entering the accommodating cavity 1023 and damaging the PTC heater 104 .

[0113] The accommodating cavity 1023 is preferably made of a material with good heat transfer performance, such as copper alloy, which is conducive to heat transfer.

[0114] The accommodating cavity 1023 , the second medium channel 1022 and the top plate 1021 may be cast as one piece, or may be manufactured separately and then fixedly connected together, for example, by welding.

[0115] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 , Fig.10 As shown, a protruding partition 1032 is provided on the inner wall of the shell 103 to guide the flow of the first medium. The partition 1032 abuts against one end of the accommodating cavity 1023 . The partition 1032 , the accommodating cavity 1023 and the inner wall of the shell 103 together form a first medium channel 1034 .

[0116] There are multiple partitions 1032, which abut against different ends of the multiple accommodating chambers 102. The partitions 1032 and the housing 103 are made in one piece.

[0117] When the inner core module 102 is placed inside the shell 103, the partition 1032 can be abutted against one end of the accommodating cavity 1023. The partition 1032 and the accommodating cavity 1023 do not require a sealed connection, and close contact is sufficient, which does not affect the circulation of the first medium.

[0118] In one embodiment, if Figure 6 , Fig.10 As shown, an entrance and exit are arranged at the top of the shell 103 corresponding to the inner core module 102 , and a circle of grooves 1031 are arranged around the entrance and exit. The edge of the top plate 1021 of the inner core module 102 falls into the groove 1031 , and the groove 1031 can support the inner core module 102 .

[0119] It is required that the top of the top plate 1021 is flush with or slightly lower than the top of the groove so as not to affect the connection and assembly between the top cover 101 and the shell 103 .

[0120] A positioning column 1037 can be set in the groove 1031, and a positioning hole 1026 is correspondingly set on the top plate 1021. When the inner core module 102 is installed into the shell 103, the positioning column 1037 is inserted into the positioning hole 1026, and the inner core module 102 will not shake inside the shell 103.

[0121] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a fastening structure 107 is provided at the position where the top cover 101 and the shell 103 are connected. The fastening structure 107 includes connecting ears and bolts. The connecting ears are correspondingly distributed at the edge of the top cover 101 and the edge of the shell 103.

[0122] The connecting ear is arc-shaped, and a connecting hole is arranged inside, and a bolt is inserted to realize the connection assembly. The thickness of the connecting ear arranged on the housing 103 is relatively thick, so that it is convenient to arrange an internal thread in its connecting hole.

[0123] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, a reinforcing rib 1012 is provided on the edge of the top cover 101 corresponding to the fastening structure 107. Specifically, two triangular reinforcing ribs 1012 can be provided on both sides of the connecting ear, and the reinforcing ribs 1012 can enhance the structural strength of the connecting ear position to prevent damage from reducing or destroying the sealing performance of the housing.

[0124] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a fixing plate 1033 is provided at the bottom of the shell 103 , and the heat exchanger 100 is installed and fixed by the fixing plate 1033 . A reinforcing rib is provided between the fixing plate 1033 and the outer side wall of the shell 103 .

[0125] The fixing plate 1033 is provided with a connection hole, into which bolts are inserted to realize the installation and fixing of the heat exchanger 100 in the car. The reinforcing ribs can enhance the structural strength of the fixing plate 1033 to prevent damage and unstable installation.

[0126] The fixing plate 1033 may also be disposed on the outer side wall of the housing 103 .

[0127] In one embodiment, a detachable sealing connection structure is provided between the first medium inlet 1035, the first medium outlet 1036 and the first medium channel 1034 to ensure that the first medium channel 1034 does not leak;

[0128] A detachable sealing connection structure is provided between the second medium inlet 1024 , the second medium outlet 1025 and the second medium channel 1022 to ensure that the second medium channel 1022 does not leak.

[0129] The detachable sealed connection structure may specifically be: a threaded connection is adopted at the connection position, and a sealing ring and / or a sealing gasket is provided to achieve sealing.

[0130] When the inner core module 102 is installed into the housing 103 , the second medium inlet 1024 and the second medium outlet 1025 are not installed yet. The second medium inlet 1024 and the second medium outlet 1025 are installed after the inner core module 102 is installed.

[0131] A sealing connection structure is also required between the second medium inlet 1024, the second medium outlet 1025 and the outer wall of the housing 103 to ensure that the first medium channel 1034 does not leak at the penetration position. The sealing connection structure can be: nuts are set inside and outside the connection position, and sealing rings and sealing gaskets are set to achieve sealing.

[0132] In one embodiment, a first sealing structure is provided at the connection position between the inner core module 102 and the shell 103 to ensure that the first medium channel 1034 does not leak at the connection position, especially to prevent the first medium from entering upward into the interior of the top cover 101 .

[0133] A second sealing structure is provided at the connection position between the top cover 101 and the shell 103 to seal the whole.

[0134] The first sealing structure may specifically be: a circle of sealing grooves and sealing gaskets are provided at the connection position, so as to achieve sealing under the combined pressure of the top cover 101 and the shell 103 .

[0135] The second sealing structure may specifically be: a sealing ring and / or a sealing gasket is arranged at the connection position, and sealing is achieved under the combined pressure of the top cover 101 and the housing 103 .

[0136] In one embodiment, if Fig.11As shown, the PTC heater 104 includes a ceramic heating plate 1044, a PI film 1042, a silicone protective cover 1043 and a middle partition 1045. The connection relationship of the internal components is as follows: the ceramic heating plate 1044 is embedded in the opening of the middle thermal insulation plate 1045, the two sides of the ceramic heating plate 1044 are respectively pressed by electrode terminals 1041 (copper electrodes), the electrode terminals 1041 are embedded in the groove of the middle partition 1045, and extend a certain distance from the end face through the opening on the end face side of the middle partition 1045, the middle partition 1045 is installed in the silicone protective cover 1043, the outer surface of the silicone protective cover 1043 is wrapped by the PI film 1042, and the outer surface of the silicone protective cover 1043 and the PI film 1042 need to be evenly coated with thermal conductive silicone grease. In order to adapt to the internal environment of the heat exchanger 100 and heat more effectively, the structure of the PTC heater 104 can be adaptively changed, not limited to the above structure.

[0137] like Figure 5 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a thermal management system, including an air-conditioning circulation pipeline 200 and a heating circulation pipeline 300, the air-conditioning circulation pipeline 200 includes a battery temperature control circulation pipeline 400, and a battery pack 401 to be temperature controlled is connected to the battery temperature control circulation pipeline 400, and also includes a heat exchanger 100 described in any one of the above embodiments, and the heat exchanger 100 is simultaneously connected to the heating circulation pipeline 300 and the battery temperature control circulation pipeline 400.

[0138] The air conditioning circulation pipeline 200 can be used to cool down or heat up the vehicle interior environment, and correspondingly, the battery temperature control circulation pipeline 400 can be used to cool down or heat the battery pack 401 .

[0139] In one embodiment, the air conditioning circulation pipeline 200 includes: a compressor 201, a condenser 203, an expansion valve 205, an evaporator 206 and a three-way valve 208 connected in sequence along the flow direction of the medium;

[0140] The three-way valve 208 includes a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, the first interface is connected to the compressor 201, the second interface is connected to the evaporator 206, and the third interface is connected to the battery temperature control circulation pipeline 400;

[0141] The second medium inlet 1024 of the heat exchanger 100 is connected to the compressor 201 , and the second medium outlet 1025 of the heat exchanger 100 is connected to the battery pack 401 .

[0142] The three-way valve 208 is provided with a valve core inside, and the valve core can control the connection status of the three interfaces, select any two interfaces to be connected, or connect the three interfaces at the same time, so as to control the state of the air-conditioning circulation pipeline 200.

[0143] A first temperature / pressure sensor 202 can be set on the pipeline between the compressor 201 and the condenser 203, a second temperature / pressure sensor 204 can be set on the pipeline between the condenser 203 and the expansion valve 205, and a third temperature / pressure sensor 207 can be set on the pipeline between the evaporator 206 and the three-way valve 208, for detecting the temperature / pressure in the pipeline, and the detection signal is used to control the operation of the air-conditioning circulation pipeline 200.

[0144] In one embodiment, the heating circulation pipeline 300 includes a heater core 304, a four-way valve 302 and a water pump 301 connected in sequence along the flow direction of the medium, and the four-way valve 302 is externally connected to the waste heat transport pipeline of the engine 303;

[0145] The four-way valve 302 includes a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port. The first port is connected to the heater core 304 , the second port is connected to the water pump 301 , and the third port and the fourth port are connected to the waste heat transport pipeline of the engine 303 .

[0146] The first medium inlet 1035 of the heat exchanger 100 is connected to the water pump 301 , and the first medium outlet 1036 is connected to the heater core 304 .

[0147] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a vehicle, comprising: an engine 303 , and also comprising a thermal management system according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein a waste heat transport pipeline of the engine 303 is connected to a heating circulation pipeline 300 .

[0148] The working principle of the heat exchanger 100 in air conditioning heating and battery heating conditions is described as follows:

[0149] 1. Under the heat pump air conditioning heating condition, the air conditioning refrigerant loop passes through the air conditioning compressor-condenser-electronic expansion valve-evaporator-air conditioning compressor. The compressor 201 compresses the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to do work. The compressed refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state is detected by the first temperature / pressure sensor 202 and then released into the vehicle through the condenser 203 to achieve the purpose of heating the passenger compartment. The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant after the heat exchange phase change enters the expansion valve 205. The expansion valve 205 adjusts the valve opening according to the signal input by the second temperature / pressure sensor 204. The refrigerant after throttling through the expansion valve 205 is converted into a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid mixed state, absorbs the external heat through the evaporator 206 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and enters the compressor 201 again through the three-way valve 208 to form a system loop circulation. The heat pump air conditioning system has the advantage of high energy efficiency, and usually can achieve good performance above -15°C, but under extremely cold conditions, the energy efficiency is significantly reduced and the energy consumption increases, and PTC is still needed for auxiliary heating.

[0150] 2. When the ambient temperature is lower than -15°C, the heat pump cycle evaporation temperature is low, and external heat exchange is difficult. The evaporator 206 can no longer absorb external heat, and the heat pump air conditioner cannot provide heating. For hybrid models, if the engine has enough waste heat to be recovered, adjust the four-way valve 302 to send hot water to the heater core 304 through the water pump 301 for heating. When the engine waste heat is insufficient, the heat exchanger 100 can be turned on to heat the passenger compartment; for pure electric models, there is no engine waste heat for heating in fuel vehicles, and the heat exchanger 100 is usually used for heating. The heater core 304 transfers the heat brought by the refrigerant to the passenger compartment. The on-board battery pack is the only power source for pure electric vehicles. The energy consumption of the air conditioning system directly affects the winter driving range of electric vehicles. The integrated structural design of the PTC heater and the plate heat exchanger can optimize the energy consumption of the entire vehicle, reduce secondary heat exchange losses, and alleviate the winter mileage anxiety of electric vehicle users.

[0151] 3. When the battery pack 401 needs to be heated, there are three working conditions:

[0152] Working condition 1: the outside temperature is greater than -15°C, the passenger cabin is not heated + the battery pack is heated, the heat pump air conditioner is turned on, the three-way valve 208 is adjusted, and the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state after being compressed by the compressor 201 enters the battery pack 401 for heating;

[0153] Working condition 2: the outside temperature is greater than -15°C, the crew cabin is heated + the battery pack is heated, the heat pump air conditioner normally heats the crew cabin, and the heat exchanger 100 is turned on to heat the battery pack 401;

[0154] Working condition three: the outside temperature is less than -15°C, the passenger compartment is heated + the battery pack is heated, the heat pump air conditioner cannot provide heating, the heat exchanger 100 is turned on to heat the battery pack 401, and the passenger compartment is heated through the heater core 304.

[0155] According to a heat exchanger, thermal management system and vehicle of the present invention, a refrigerant channel (second medium channel) is arranged in the water channel structure (first medium channel) of the PTC heater, and the temperature of the water in the PTC heater is used to directly heat the refrigerant, thereby eliminating the arrangement of the intermediate pipeline between the PTC heater and the plate heat exchanger of the air conditioning system in the existing solution, thereby improving the overall heating efficiency. Through the integrated structural design method, the working efficiency of the vehicle air conditioning and heating system is improved, space is saved, costs are reduced, and the lightweight of the entire vehicle is taken into account.

[0156] The processes and steps described in all the above preferred embodiments are only examples. Unless adverse effects occur, various processing operations can be performed in a sequence different from the sequence of the above processes. The sequence of steps in the above processes can also be increased, merged or deleted according to actual needs.

[0157] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprise" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open terms, which specify the existence of recorded features, elements, components, groups, wholes and / or steps, but do not exclude the existence of other unrecorded features, elements, components, groups, wholes and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "include", "have" and their derivatives.

[0158] The terms "attached" or "attached" as used herein include: a configuration where an element is directly secured to another element by directly securing the element to the other element; a configuration where an element is indirectly secured to another element by securing the element to an intermediate member which in turn is secured to the other element; and a configuration where one element is integral with the other element, i.e., one element is substantially a part of the other element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings such as "connect," "connect," "couple," "mount," "bond," "fix," and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein represent the amount of deviation that modifies the term such that the end result will not be significantly changed.

[0159] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein are only for describing specific implementation purposes and are not intended to limit the present invention. The features described herein in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment individually or in combination with other features, unless the feature is not applicable or otherwise specified in the other embodiment.

[0160] The present invention has been described through the above-mentioned embodiments, but it should be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments are only for the purpose of example and description, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the described embodiments. In addition, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and more variations and modifications can be made according to the teachings of the present invention, and these variations and modifications all fall within the scope of the protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that: include: A shell, wherein a first medium channel and a second medium channel are provided in the shell, the first medium channel and the second medium channel are isolated and can perform heat exchange, and the second medium channel is provided with a bend; as well as A PTC heater is disposed in the housing.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The PTC heater is arranged inside the first medium channel and located in the bend of the second medium channel.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second medium channel comprises a plurality of bends, and the plurality of bends are connected in sequence to form an S-shaped channel; The heat exchanger includes a plurality of the PTC heaters, and one PTC heater is disposed in each bend.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: A top cover, wherein a control circuit is disposed inside, the control circuit is electrically connected to the PTC heater, and the housing and the top cover are combined to form a chamber; as well as The inner core module is arranged inside the chamber, and the second medium channel and the PTC heater are both arranged inside the inner core module.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first medium inlet and a first medium outlet are provided on the side wall of the housing corresponding to the first medium channel, respectively communicating with two ends of the first medium channel; A second medium inlet and a second medium outlet are provided on the side wall of the housing corresponding to the second medium channel, and are respectively connected to two ends of the second medium channel.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that Also includes: A power connection terminal is arranged on the side wall of the top cover, and the power connection terminal is externally connected to a power source and internally connected to the control circuit; as well as The sensor connection terminal is arranged on the side wall of the top cover, and the sensor connection terminal is externally connected to the temperature sensor and internally connected to the control circuit.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that The inner core module comprises: a top plate, the second medium channel being disposed at a lower portion of the top plate; and The accommodating cavity is arranged at the lower part of the top plate and located in the bend of the second medium channel. The PTC heater is arranged inside the accommodating cavity. The electrode terminal of the PTC heater extends from the top plate and is electrically connected to the control circuit.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that A protruding partition is provided on the inner wall of the shell, and the partition abuts against one end of the outer wall of the accommodating cavity. The partition, the outer wall of the accommodating cavity and the inner wall of the shell form the first medium channel in combination.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that: The top of the shell is provided with an entrance and an exit corresponding to the inner core module, and a circle of grooves is provided around the entrance and an exit, and the edge of the top plate of the inner core module falls into the groove.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that A fastening structure is provided at the position where the top cover is connected to the shell, and the fastening structure includes connecting ears and bolts, and the connecting ears are correspondingly distributed on the edge of the top cover and the edge of the shell.

11. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, characterized in that Reinforcing ribs are arranged on the edge of the top cover corresponding to the fastening structure.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that A fixing plate is arranged on the bottom or the outer side wall of the shell, and the heat exchanger is installed and fixed by the fixing plate. A reinforcing rib is arranged between the fixing plate and the outer side wall of the shell.

13. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that A detachable sealing connection structure is provided between the first medium inlet, the first medium outlet and the first medium channel; A detachable sealing connection structure is provided between the second medium inlet, the second medium outlet and the second medium channel.

14. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that A first sealing structure is provided at a position where the inner core module and the shell are connected; A second sealing structure is provided at a position where the top cover and the shell are connected.

15. A thermal management system, comprising an air conditioning circulation pipeline and a heating circulation pipeline, wherein the air conditioning circulation pipeline comprises a battery temperature control circulation pipeline, and a battery pack to be temperature controlled is connected to the battery temperature control circulation pipeline, characterized in that: It also includes a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the heat exchanger is simultaneously connected to the heating circulation pipeline and the battery temperature control circulation pipeline.

16. The thermal management system according to claim 15, characterized in that: The air conditioning circulation pipeline comprises: a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a three-way valve connected in sequence along the medium flow direction; The three-way valve comprises a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, the first interface is connected to the compressor, the second interface is connected to the evaporator, and the third interface is connected to the battery temperature control circulation pipeline; The second medium inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the compressor, and the second medium outlet is connected to the battery pack.

17. The thermal management system according to claim 16, characterized in that: The heating circulation pipeline comprises a heater core, a four-way valve and a water pump which are sequentially connected along the medium flow direction, and the four-way valve is externally connected to the waste heat transport pipeline of the engine; The four-way valve comprises a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port is connected to the heater core, the second port is connected to the water pump, and the third port and the fourth port are connected to the waste heat transport pipeline of the engine; The first medium inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the water pump, and the first medium outlet is connected to the heater core.

18. A vehicle comprising an engine, characterized in that: It also includes a thermal management system according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein the waste heat transport pipeline of the engine is connected to the heating circulation pipeline.

Images