Integrated module for vehicle thermal management system and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

The invention discloses an integrated module for a vehicle thermal management system and a manufacturing method thereof. The integrated module comprises a condenser, a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet, a first refrigerant communicating port and a second refrigerant communicating port are formed in the top wall of the condenser, and the refrigerant inlet is in fluid communication with the first refrigerant communicating port through a heat exchange pipeline arranged in the condenser; the second refrigerant communicating port is in fluid communication with the refrigerant outlet through a pipeline arranged in the condenser; and a receiver-dryer having an inner space for accommodating a refrigerant and fixed to a top wall of the condenser such that the refrigerant can flow into the inner space of the receiver-dryer via the first refrigerant communication port and such that the refrigerant leaving the inner space of the receiver-dryer can flow into the second refrigerant communication port. Through the arrangement mode, the space can be optimized, the material cost is saved, the reliability is improved, and the process is simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an integrated module, particularly an integrated module for a vehicle thermal management system. This application also relates to a manufacturing method of the integrated module. Background Art

[0002] New energy vehicles have great development prospects, and the vehicle thermal management system is one of the cores in new energy vehicles. In order to achieve high efficiency, low cost, and high reliability, the vehicle thermal management system is developing towards modularization and integration, which is also the future trend.

[0003] Vehicle thermal management systems all include a condenser and a liquid receiver dryer. Conventionally, the condenser is assembled by brazing, and the liquid receiver dryer is also assembled by brazing and the liquid receiver dryer is usually of a circular structure, and then the condenser and the liquid receiver dryer are connected through pipelines or directly connected through screws, sealing rings, etc. Such an arrangement method occupies a large space, has a complex assembly process, high component costs and assembly process costs, low reliability, and a high leakage risk. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects existing in the prior art, this application provides an integrated module for a vehicle thermal management system. The integrated module includes: a condenser, the condenser includes a top wall and a bottom wall opposite to each other, a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet, a first refrigerant communication port, and a second refrigerant communication port are formed in the top wall of the condenser, the refrigerant inlet is fluidly connected to the first refrigerant communication port via a heat exchange pipeline provided in the condenser for transporting refrigerant from the refrigerant inlet to the first refrigerant communication port, and the second refrigerant communication port is fluidly connected to the refrigerant outlet via a pipeline provided in the condenser for transporting refrigerant from the second refrigerant communication port to the refrigerant outlet; and a liquid receiver dryer, the liquid receiver dryer has an internal space for accommodating refrigerant, the liquid receiver dryer is fixed to the top wall of the condenser, so that refrigerant can flow into the internal space of the liquid receiver dryer via the first refrigerant communication port and so that the refrigerant leaving the liquid receiver dryer can flow into the second refrigerant communication port.

[0005] Further, the liquid receiver dryer includes: a circumferential side wall, the circumferential side wall forms a liquid receiver dryer main body defining the internal space, and the liquid receiver dryer main body has a top and a bottom opposite to each other and open; and a top cover, the top cover is connected to the circumferential side wall and covers the top of the liquid receiver dryer main body.

[0006] Further, the liquid storage dryer further includes a bottom plate, the bottom plate is connected to the circumferential side wall and covers the bottom of the liquid storage dryer body, a first perforation and a second perforation are provided in the bottom plate, the first perforation is aligned and in fluid communication with the first refrigerant communication port, and the second perforation is aligned and in fluid communication with the second refrigerant communication port.

[0007] Further, the circumferential side wall is fixed to the top wall of the condenser such that the bottom of the liquid storage dryer body is covered by the top wall of the condenser.

[0008] Further, the circumferential side wall is a continuous strip-shaped wall.

[0009] Further, the liquid storage dryer is of a semi-cylindrical structure, the semi-cylindrical structure includes an arc-shaped top side and a rectangular bottom side that are opposite to each other and connected to each other, and two semi-circular transverse sides that are opposite to each other and parallel to each other.

[0010] Further, the circumferential side wall is composed of a plurality of planar side walls connected in sequence, and the connection parts of adjacent planar side walls among the plurality of planar side walls are transitioned by rounded corners.

[0011] Further, the circumferential side wall is composed of four planar side walls connected in sequence, and two non-adjacent planar side walls among the four planar side walls are parallel to each other.

[0012] Further, the liquid storage dryer further includes at least one partition, at least one of the partitions is fixed inside the liquid storage dryer to divide the internal space of the liquid storage dryer into a plurality of sub-spaces, the partition is provided with at least one through hole to communicate adjacent sub-spaces with each other, and the first refrigerant communication port and the second refrigerant communication port are respectively arranged at different sub-spaces.

[0013] Further, the through hole of the partition is adjacent to the top wall.

[0014] Further, the circumferential side wall is composed of four planar side walls connected in sequence, the four planar side walls include two long side walls opposite to each other and two short side walls opposite to each other, the at least one partition includes a first short partition and a second short partition that are parallel to the short side walls and spaced apart from each other to divide the internal space into a first sub-space, a second sub-space and a third sub-space, the first sub-space is defined between one of the two short side walls and the first short partition, the second sub-space is defined between the first short partition and the second short partition, and the third sub-space is defined between the other of the two short side walls and the second short partition, the first refrigerant communication port is arranged at the first sub-space, and the second refrigerant communication port is arranged at the third sub-space.

[0015] Further, the at least one partition further includes a long partition parallel to the long side wall and intersecting the first short partition and the second short partition, so as to divide the first sub-space into two first sub-space halves, divide the second sub-space into two second sub-space halves, and divide the third sub-space into two third sub-space halves. The long partition is disposed on the first refrigerant communication port to divide the first refrigerant communication port into two parts, such that the refrigerant from the heat exchange pipeline can flow into the two first sub-space halves simultaneously via the first refrigerant communication port. The first short partition is provided with two through holes located on both sides of the long partition, such that the refrigerant from the two first sub-space halves can flow into the two second sub-space halves respectively via the corresponding through holes. And the long partition is provided with a through hole located in the second sub-space, such that the refrigerant from one of the two second sub-space halves can flow into the other second sub-space half via this through hole. The second short partition is provided with a through hole located on one side of the long partition, such that the refrigerant from the other second sub-space half can flow into one of the two third sub-space halves via this through hole. The second refrigerant communication port is located at the other third sub-space half of the two third sub-space halves. The long partition is further provided with a communication opening located in the third sub-space, such that the refrigerant from one of the third sub-space halves can flow into the other third sub-space half via the communication opening.

[0016] Further, the liquid receiver dryer further includes a filter assembly, the filter assembly includes a housing and a filter plug inserted into the housing, and the filter assembly blocks the communication opening, such that the refrigerant from one of the third sub-space halves can flow into the other third sub-space half through the filter assembly.

[0017] Further, an installation hole is provided in the top cover, the housing is fixed in the installation hole, and the filter plug can be inserted into the housing from the outside of the liquid receiver dryer and positioned inside the liquid receiver dryer.

[0018] Further, the liquid receiver dryer further includes a filter assembly, the filter assembly includes a housing and a filter plug that can be inserted into the housing. An installation hole is provided in the top cover, the housing is fixed in the installation hole, and the filter plug can be inserted into the housing from the outside of the liquid receiver dryer and positioned inside the liquid receiver dryer.

[0019] Further, the filter assembly further includes at least one O-ring disposed between the filter plug and the housing.

[0020] Furthermore, the integrated module further comprises a combined refrigerant joint, which is fixed at the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet and comprises two interfaces separated from each other to be respectively in fluid communication with the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet.

[0021] Furthermore, a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet are provided on the bottom wall of the condenser, and the integrated module also includes two coolant connectors, one of the two coolant connectors is fixed at the coolant inlet and the other of the two coolant connectors is fixed at the coolant outlet.

[0022] The present application also provides a manufacturing method for the above-mentioned integrated module. The manufacturing method includes: fixing a combined refrigerant joint on the top wall of the condenser and fixing two coolant joints on the bottom wall of the condenser; fixing the shell in the mounting hole in the top cover of the liquid storage dryer; placing the bottom plate and circumferential side wall of the liquid storage dryer on the top wall of the condenser or placing the circumferential side wall of the liquid storage dryer on the top wall of the condenser when the liquid storage dryer does not include the bottom plate; installing the partition of the liquid storage dryer in the internal space of the liquid storage dryer surrounded by the circumferential side wall and affixing it to the top wall of the condenser; covering the top cover of the liquid storage dryer on the open top of the liquid storage dryer body formed by the circumferential side wall of the liquid storage dryer; placing the condenser and the liquid storage dryer placed together in a vacuum brazing furnace for welding; and inserting the filter plug from the outside of the liquid storage dryer into the shell and positioning it inside the liquid storage dryer after welding.

[0023] The arrangement of the present application can optimize space, save material costs, improve reliability and simplify the process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an integrated module of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an integrated module in which the top cover of the liquid storage dryer is removed to show its internal structure;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a condenser of the present application;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the condenser of the present application;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the liquid receiver dryer of the present application, with the top cover of the liquid receiver dryer removed to show its internal structure; and

[0030] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing method of the integrated module of the present application.

[0031] List of Reference Numerals

[0032] 10 Integrated module

[0033] 1 Condenser

[0034] 1a Top wall

[0035] 1b Bottom wall

[0036] 11 Refrigerant inlet

[0037] 12 Refrigerant outlet

[0038] 13 First refrigerant communication port

[0039] 14 Second refrigerant communication port

[0040] 15 Coolant inlet

[0041] 16 Coolant outlet

[0042] 2 Liquid receiver dryer

[0043] 21 Circumferential side wall

[0044] 211 Long side wall

[0045] 212 Short side wall

[0046] 22 Top cover

[0047] 23 Partition board

[0048] 231 First short partition board

[0049] 232 Second short partition board

[0050] 233 Long partition board

[0051] 24 Filter assembly

[0052] 241 Outer shell

[0053] 242 Filter plug

[0054] 3 Combined refrigerant connector

[0055] 4 Coolant connector

[0056] S Internal space

[0057] S1 First sub - space

[0058] S1a First sub - space half - part

[0059] S2 Second sub - space

[0060] S2a Second sub - space half - part

[0061] S3 Third sub - space

[0062] S3a Third sub - space half - part

[0063] H1 Through - hole

[0064] H2 Connecting opening Detailed implementation manners

[0065] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0066] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the present application may be practiced. With respect to the drawings, directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc. are used with reference to the directions of the described drawings. Since the components of the embodiments of the present application can be placed in many different directions, the directional terms are for illustration only and have no limiting meaning. It should be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense, and the present application is defined by the appended claims.

[0067] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present application provides an integrated module 10 for a vehicle thermal management system.

[0068] The integrated module 10 generally may include a condenser 1 and a liquid receiver - drier 2. As will be described in detail below, the integrated module 10 may also include a combined refrigerant connector 3 and a coolant connector 4.

[0069] Combine Figures 1 to 4As best shown, the condenser 1 may include a top wall 1a and a bottom wall 1b facing each other. A refrigerant inlet 11, a refrigerant outlet 12, a first refrigerant communication port 13, and a second refrigerant communication port 14 may be formed in the top wall 1a of the condenser 1. The refrigerant inlet 11 may be in fluid communication with the first refrigerant communication port 13 via a heat exchange pipe (not shown) disposed within the condenser 1 for transmitting refrigerant from the refrigerant inlet 11 to the first refrigerant communication port 13. The second refrigerant communication port 14 may be in fluid communication with the refrigerant outlet 12 via a pipe disposed in the condenser 1 (e.g., in its top wall 1a) for transmitting refrigerant from the second refrigerant communication port 14 to the refrigerant outlet 12. It should be noted that the heat exchange pipe disposed within the condenser is a pipe that penetrates through each layer of the condenser 1, and the refrigerant exchanges heat when flowing through the heat exchange pipe, while the pipe disposed in the condenser is independent of the heat exchange pipe, and the pipe disposed in the condenser is disposed in the condenser 1 (e.g., its top wall 1a), and the refrigerant flowing through the pipe disposed in the condenser basically does not exchange heat.

[0070] Combined Figures 1 to 2 with Figure 5 As best shown, the liquid receiver dryer 2 has an internal space S for accommodating refrigerant, and the liquid receiver dryer 2 may be fixed to the top wall 1a of the condenser 1, for example, by laser brazing, such that refrigerant (e.g., refrigerant from the heat exchange pipe) can flow into the internal space S of the liquid receiver dryer 2 via the first refrigerant communication port 13, and such that the refrigerant leaving the internal space S of the liquid receiver dryer 2 can flow into the second refrigerant communication port 14 (specifically, into the pipe disposed in the condenser). Accordingly, the refrigerant enters the heat exchange pipe within the condenser 1 via the refrigerant inlet 11, leaves the heat exchange pipe via the first refrigerant communication port 13 and enters the liquid receiver dryer 2, passes through the refrigerant path within the liquid receiver dryer 2, leaves the liquid receiver dryer 2 via the second refrigerant communication port 14 and enters the pipe disposed in the condenser 1, and finally leaves the condenser 1 via the refrigerant outlet 12.

[0071] By integrating the liquid receiver dryer 2 with the condenser 1 in such an arrangement, the space can be optimized and the material cost can be saved.

[0072] Combined Figure 1 with Figure 2 As best shown, the liquid receiver dryer 2 may include a circumferential side wall 21, and the circumferential side wall 21 forms a liquid receiver dryer body that defines the internal space S, and the liquid receiver dryer body has a top and a bottom that face each other and are open. The liquid receiver dryer 2 may further include a top cover 22, and the top cover 22 is connected to the circumferential side wall 21 and covers the top of the liquid receiver dryer body. In particular, the top cover 22 may be fixed to the circumferential side wall 21 by laser brazing.

[0073] The liquid storage dryer 2 may further include a bottom plate (not shown), which is connected to the circumferential side wall 21 and covers the bottom of the liquid storage dryer body. In particular, the bottom plate can be fixed to the circumferential side wall 21 by laser brazing. A first perforation and a second perforation may be provided in the bottom plate. The first perforation is aligned and in fluid communication with the first refrigerant communication port 13, and the second perforation is aligned and in fluid communication with the second refrigerant communication port 14. Accordingly, the first refrigerant communication port 13 and the second refrigerant communication port 14 are respectively in fluid communication with the internal space S of the liquid storage dryer 2 via the first perforation and the second perforation.

[0074] The circumferential side wall 21 can be fixed to the top wall 1a of the condenser 1 (in particular, vertically fixed to the top wall 1a of the condenser 1). For example, the circumferential side wall 21 can be directly welded to the top wall 1a of the condenser 1 (e.g., by laser brazing), so that the bottom of the liquid storage dryer body is covered by the top wall 1a of the condenser 1. Accordingly, the first refrigerant communication port 13 and the second refrigerant communication port 14 can be directly in fluid communication with the internal space S of the liquid storage dryer 2. By such an arrangement, the bottom plate of the liquid storage dryer 2 is reduced, thereby saving material costs and making the overall structure more compact and further optimizing the space.

[0075] In one embodiment, the circumferential side wall 21 can be a continuous strip-shaped wall. In other words, the circumferential side wall 21 can be formed of a single piece of continuous material. By such an arrangement, the liquid storage dryer 2 is easier to manufacture.

[0076] In one embodiment, the liquid storage dryer 2 can be a semi-cylindrical structure, which includes an arc-shaped top side and a rectangular bottom side that are opposite to each other and connected to each other, and two semi-circular transverse sides that are opposite to each other and parallel to each other. Such an arrangement can enhance the compressive resistance.

[0077] Of course, the specific shape of the circumferential side wall 21 is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, the circumferential side wall 21 can be composed of a plurality of planar side walls connected in sequence. In particular, the connection portions of adjacent planar side walls among the plurality of planar side walls can be transitioned by rounded corners. Further, the circumferential side wall 21 can be composed of four planar side walls connected in sequence. Two non-adjacent planar side walls among these four planar side walls are parallel to each other. In other words, these four planar side walls are opposite to each other in pairs. In such a case, if the top plate 22 is also flat, the liquid storage dryer 2 can form a substantially cuboid or cube shape. In particular, the connection portions of adjacent planar side walls among these four planar side walls can be transitioned by rounded corners. Such an arrangement can make the liquid storage dryer 2 cooperate with the condenser 1 that is also substantially rectangular.

[0078] Combined with Figure 2 and Figure 5As best shown, the liquid receiver 2 may further include at least one partition 23. In particular, the partition 23 may be perpendicular to the top wall 1a and be liquid-tightly connected to the top wall 1a. The at least one partition 23 may be fixed within the liquid receiver 2 to divide the internal space S of the liquid receiver 2 into a plurality of sub-spaces. The partition 23 may be provided with at least one through-hole H1 to communicate adjacent sub-spaces with each other. The first refrigerant communication port 13 and the second refrigerant communication port 14 may be respectively provided at different sub-spaces.

[0079] As Figure 1 As best shown, the liquid receiver 2 may further include a filtration assembly 24. The filtration assembly 24 may include a housing 241 and a filter plug 242 that can be plugged into the housing 241. An installation hole is provided in the top cover 22. The housing 241 may be fixed in the installation hole, and the filter plug 242 can be inserted into the housing 241 from the outside of the liquid receiver 2 and positioned inside the liquid receiver 2, particularly in a sub-space. Accordingly, the refrigerant in the liquid receiver 2 can be conveniently filtered. Moreover, since the filter plug 242 is usually made of a material that is not resistant to high temperatures, such an arrangement enables the filter plug 242 to be independently installed after the condenser 1 and the liquid receiver 2 (e.g., by laser brazing) are integrated together, thus realizing the assembly of the overall structure.

[0080] In particular, the through-hole H1 of the partition 23 is adjacent to the top wall 1a. Accordingly, the flow of the refrigerant within the liquid receiver 2 can be guided and promoted.

[0081] Combined Figures 1 to 2 with Figure 5 As best shown, the liquid receiver 2 may have a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. Among them, the circumferential side wall 21 may be composed of four planar side walls connected in sequence, and these four planar side walls include two long side walls 211 opposite to each other and two short side walls 212 opposite to each other.

[0082] In one embodiment, at least one partition 23 may include a first short partition 231 and a second short partition 232 that are parallel to the short side walls 212 and spaced apart from each other to divide the internal space S into a first sub-space S1, a second sub-space S2, and a third sub-space S3. The first sub-space S1 is defined between one of the two short side walls 212 and the first short partition 231, the second sub-space S2 is defined between the first short partition 231 and the second short partition 232, and the third sub-space S3 is defined between the other of the two short side walls 212 and the second short partition 232. The first refrigerant communication port 13 may be provided at the first sub-space S1, and the second refrigerant communication port 14 is provided at the third sub-space S3. Accordingly, the refrigerant entering the liquid receiver / dryer 2 via the first refrigerant communication port 13 first flows into the first sub-space S1, then passes through the through hole H1 provided in the first short partition 231 and flows into the second sub-space S2, then passes through the through hole H1 provided in the second short partition and flows into the third sub-space S2, and finally leaves the liquid receiver / dryer 2 via the second refrigerant communication port 14. Accordingly, the flow of the refrigerant in the liquid receiver / dryer 2 can be further guided and promoted.

[0083] In a further embodiment, at least one partition 23 may further include a long partition 233 parallel to the long side wall 211 and intersecting the first short partition 231 and the second short partition 232, so as to divide the first subspace S1 into two first subspace halves S1a, divide the second subspace S2 into two second subspace halves S2a, and divide the third subspace S3 into two third subspace halves S3a. The long partition 233 may be disposed on the first refrigerant communication port 13 to divide the first refrigerant communication port 13 into two parts, such that the refrigerant from the heat exchange pipeline can flow into the two first subspace halves S1a via the first refrigerant communication port 13 simultaneously. The first short partition 231 may be provided with two through holes H1 on both sides of the long partition 233 (i.e., one through hole H1 is provided on each side), such that the refrigerant from the two first subspace halves S1a can flow into the two second subspace halves S2a via the corresponding through holes H1 respectively, and the long partition 233 may be provided with one through hole H1 located in the second subspace S2, such that the refrigerant from one of the two second subspace halves S2a can flow into the other second subspace half S2a via this through hole H1. The second short partition 232 may be provided with one through hole H1 on one side of the long partition 233, such that the refrigerant from the other second subspace half S2a can flow into one of the two third subspace halves S3a via this through hole H1. The second refrigerant communication port 14 may be located at the other third subspace half S3a of the two third subspace halves S3a. The long partition 233 is further provided with one communication opening H2 located in the third subspace S3, such that the refrigerant from one of the third subspace halves S3a can flow into the other third subspace half S3a via the communication opening H2. Accordingly, it is possible to further guide and promote the flow of the refrigerant in the liquid storage dryer 2.

[0084] The filtering component 24 may block the communication opening H2, such that the refrigerant from one of the third subspace halves S3a can flow into the other third subspace half S3a through the filtering component 24, and even more, it can only flow into the other third subspace half S3a after passing through the filtering component 24.

[0085] In one embodiment, the filtering component 24 may further include at least one O-ring disposed between the filter plug 242 and the housing 241. Accordingly, the sealing performance of the filtering component 24 itself can be ensured, thereby further ensuring the sealing performance of the entire liquid storage dryer 2.

[0086] In one embodiment, the integrated module 10 may further include a combined refrigerant connector 3. The combined refrigerant connector 3 may be fixed (e.g., by laser brazing) at the refrigerant inlet 11 and the refrigerant outlet 12, and the combined refrigerant connector 3 may include two interfaces separated from each other to be in fluid communication with the refrigerant inlet 11 and the refrigerant outlet 12 respectively. Accordingly, it can be fixedly installed by a pressing plate at one time, and the assembly process is simple.

[0087] In one embodiment, a coolant inlet 15 and a coolant outlet 16 may be provided on the bottom wall 1b of the condenser 1. The integrated module 10 may further include two coolant connectors 4. One of the two coolant connectors 4 may be fixed (e.g., by laser brazing) at the coolant inlet 15, and the other of the two coolant connectors 4 may be fixed (e.g., by laser brazing) at the coolant outlet 16.

[0088] In addition, as Figure 6 shown, the present application also proposes a manufacturing method of an integrated module. The manufacturing method includes the following steps:

[0089] Step A1, that is, fixing the combined refrigerant connector 3 (e.g., by riveting or screwing) on the top wall 1a of the condenser 1 and fixing the two coolant connectors 4 (e.g., by riveting or screwing) on the bottom wall 1b of the condenser 1;

[0090] Step A2, that is, fixing the housing 241 (e.g., by riveting or screwing) in the mounting hole in the top cover 22 of the liquid receiver dryer 2;

[0091] Step A3, that is, placing the bottom plate and the circumferential side wall 21 of the liquid receiver dryer 2 on the top wall 1a of the condenser 1 (the bottom plate and the circumferential side wall 21 may be placed in sequence, or may be placed integrally after being connected together), or in the case where the liquid receiver dryer 2 does not include a bottom plate, placing the circumferential side wall 21 of the liquid receiver dryer 2 (directly) on the top wall 1a of the condenser 1;

[0092] Step A4, that is, installing the partition plate 23 of the liquid receiver dryer 2 in the internal space S surrounded by the circumferential side wall 21 of the liquid receiver dryer 2 and fitting it to the top wall 1a of the condenser 1;

[0093] Step A5, that is, covering the top cover 22 of the liquid receiver dryer 2 on the open top of the liquid receiver dryer main body formed by the circumferential side wall 21 of the liquid receiver dryer 2;

[0094] Step A6, that is, putting the condenser 1 and the liquid receiver dryer 2 placed together into a vacuum brazing furnace for welding; and

[0095] Step A7, that is, after welding and forming, the filter plug 242 is inserted into the housing 241 from the outside of the liquid storage dryer 2 and positioned inside the liquid storage dryer 2. Accordingly, since the integrated module 10 is generally integrally brazed and formed, the reliability is relatively high and the leakage risk is low.

[0096] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An integrated module for a vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that, The integrated module (10) includes: A condenser (1), the condenser (1) includes a top wall (1a) and a bottom wall (1b) opposite to each other. A refrigerant inlet (11), a refrigerant outlet (12), a first refrigerant communication port (13), and a second refrigerant communication port (14) are formed in the top wall (1a) of the condenser (1). The refrigerant inlet (11) is in fluid communication with the first refrigerant communication port (13) via a heat exchange pipeline provided in the condenser (1) for transporting refrigerant from the refrigerant inlet (11) to the first refrigerant communication port (13), and the second refrigerant communication port (14) is in fluid communication with the refrigerant outlet (12) via a pipeline provided in the condenser (1) for transporting refrigerant from the second refrigerant communication port (14) to the refrigerant outlet (12); and A liquid receiver dryer (2), the liquid receiver dryer (2) has an internal space (S) for containing refrigerant. The liquid receiver dryer (2) is fixed to the top wall (1a) of the condenser (1) such that refrigerant can flow into the internal space (S) of the liquid receiver dryer (2) via the first refrigerant communication port (13) and refrigerant leaving the internal space (S) of the liquid receiver dryer (2) can flow into the second refrigerant communication port (14).

2. The integrated module according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid receiver dryer (2) includes: A circumferential side wall (21), the circumferential side wall (21) forms a liquid receiver dryer main body that defines the internal space (S), and the liquid receiver dryer main body has an open top and bottom opposite to each other; and A top cover (22), the top cover (22) is connected to the circumferential side wall (21) and covers the top of the liquid receiver dryer main body.

3. The integrated module according to claim 2, wherein The liquid receiver dryer (2) further includes a bottom plate, the bottom plate is connected to the circumferential side wall (21) and covers the bottom of the liquid receiver dryer main body. A first perforation and a second perforation are provided in the bottom plate. The first perforation is aligned and in fluid communication with the first refrigerant communication port (13), and the second perforation is aligned and in fluid communication with the second refrigerant communication port (14).

4. The integrated module according to claim 2, characterized in that The circumferential side wall (21) is fixed to the top wall (1a) of the condenser (1) such that the bottom of the liquid receiver dryer main body is covered by the top wall (1a) of the condenser (1).

5. The integrated module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The circumferential side wall (21) is a continuous strip-shaped wall.

6. The integrated module according to claim 1, wherein The liquid receiver dryer (2) is a semi-cylindrical structure, the semi-cylindrical structure includes an arc-shaped top side and a rectangular bottom side opposite to each other and connected to each other, and two semi-circular transverse sides opposite to each other and parallel to each other.

7. The integrated module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The circumferential side wall (21) is composed of a plurality of planar side walls connected in sequence, and the connection part of adjacent planar side walls among the plurality of planar side walls is transitioned by a rounded corner.

8. The integrated module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The circumferential side wall (21) is composed of four planar side walls connected in sequence, and two non-adjacent planar side walls among the four planar side walls are parallel to each other.

9. The integrated module according to claim 1, wherein The liquid storage dryer (2) further includes at least one partition (23), and at least one of the partitions (23) is fixed inside the liquid storage dryer (2) to divide the internal space (S) of the liquid storage dryer (2) into a plurality of sub-spaces. The partition (23) is provided with at least one through-hole (H1) to communicate adjacent sub-spaces with each other. The first refrigerant communication port (13) and the second refrigerant communication port (14) are respectively arranged at different sub-spaces.

10. The integrated module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The liquid storage dryer (2) further includes at least one partition (23), and at least one of the partitions (23) is fixed inside the liquid storage dryer (2) to divide the internal space (S) of the liquid storage dryer (2) into a plurality of sub-spaces. The partition (23) is provided with at least one through-hole (H1) to communicate adjacent sub-spaces with each other. The first refrigerant communication port (13) and the second refrigerant communication port (14) are respectively arranged at different sub-spaces.

11. The integrated module according to claim 10, wherein The through-hole (H1) of the partition (23) is adjacent to the top wall (1a).

12. The integrated module according to claim 10, wherein The circumferential side wall (21) is composed of four planar side walls connected in sequence. The four planar side walls include two long side walls (211) opposite to each other and two short side walls (212) opposite to each other. The at least one partition (23) includes a first short partition (231) and a second short partition (232) parallel to the short side wall (212) and spaced apart from each other to divide the internal space (S) into a first sub-space (S1), a second sub-space (S2), and a third sub-space (S3). The first sub-space (S1) is defined between one of the two short side walls (212) and the first short partition (231). The second sub-space (S2) is defined between the first short partition (231) and the second short partition (232). And the third sub-space (S3) is defined between the other of the two short side walls (212) and the second short partition (232). The first refrigerant communication port (13) is arranged at the first sub-space (S1), and the second refrigerant communication port (14) is arranged at the third sub-space (S3).

13. The integrated module according to claim 12, wherein The at least one partition (23) further includes a long partition (233) parallel to the long side wall (211) and intersecting with the first short partition (231) and the second short partition (232) to divide the first sub-space (S1) into two first sub-space halves (S1a), divide the second sub-space (S2) into two second sub-space halves (S2a), and divide the third sub-space (S3) into two third sub-space halves (S3a). The long partition (233) is arranged on the first refrigerant communication port (13) to divide the first refrigerant communication port (13) into two parts, so that the refrigerant from the heat exchange pipeline can flow into the two first sub-space halves (S1a) simultaneously through the first refrigerant communication port (13). The first short partition plate (231) is provided with two through holes (H1) located on both sides of the long partition plate (233), such that the refrigerant from the two first sub-space halves (S1a) can flow into the two second sub-space halves (S2a) respectively via the corresponding through holes (H1), and the long partition plate (233) is provided with one through hole (H1) located in the second sub-space (S2), such that the refrigerant from one of the two second sub-space halves (S2a) can flow into the other second sub-space half (S2a) of the two second sub-space halves (S2a) via this through hole (H1). The second short partition plate (232) is provided with one through hole (H1) located on one side of the long partition plate (233), such that the refrigerant from the other second sub-space half (S2a) can flow into one of the two third sub-space halves (S3a) via this through hole (H1). The second refrigerant communication port (14) is located at the other third sub-space half (S3a) of the two third sub-space halves (S3a). The long partition plate (233) is further provided with one communication opening (H2) located in the third sub-space (S3), such that the refrigerant from one of the third sub-space halves (S3a) can flow into the other third sub-space half (S3a) via the communication opening (H2).

14. The integrated module according to claim 13, characterized in that, The liquid receiver dryer (2) further includes a filtering component (24). The filtering component (24) includes a housing (241) and a filter plug (242) that can be inserted into the housing (241). The filtering component (24) blocks the communication opening (H2), such that the refrigerant from one of the third sub-space halves (S3a) can flow into the other third sub-space half (S3a) through the filtering component (24).

15. The integrated module according to claim 14, characterized in that, An installation hole is provided in the top cover (22). The housing (241) is fixed in the installation hole, and the filter plug (242) can be inserted into the housing (241) from the outside of the liquid receiver dryer (2) and positioned inside the liquid receiver dryer (2).

16. The integrated module according to claim 2, wherein The liquid receiver dryer (2) further includes a filtering component (24). The filtering component (24) includes a housing (241) and a filter plug (242) that can be inserted into the housing (241). An installation hole is provided in the top cover (22). The housing (241) is fixed in the installation hole, and the filter plug (242) can be inserted into the housing (241) from the outside of the liquid receiver dryer (2) and positioned inside the liquid receiver dryer (2).

17. The integrated module according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The filtering component (24) further includes at least one O-ring provided between the filter plug (242) and the housing (241).

18. The integrated module according to claim 1, wherein, The integrated module (10) further includes a combined refrigerant connector (3), which is fixed at the refrigerant inlet (11) and the refrigerant outlet (12) and includes two interfaces separated from each other to be in fluid communication with the refrigerant inlet (11) and the refrigerant outlet (12) respectively.

19. The integrated module according to claim 1, wherein A coolant inlet (15) and a coolant outlet (16) are provided on the bottom wall (1b) of the condenser (1), and the integrated module (10) further includes two coolant connectors (4), one of the two coolant connectors (4) is fixed at the coolant inlet (15) and the other of the two coolant connectors (4) is fixed at the coolant outlet (16).

20. A method for manufacturing an integrated module according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, The manufacturing method includes: fixing the combined refrigerant connector (3) on the top wall (1a) of the condenser (1) and fixing the two coolant connectors (4) on the bottom wall (1b) of the condenser (1); fixing the housing (241) in the mounting hole in the top cover (22) of the liquid receiver dryer (2); placing the bottom plate and the circumferential side wall (21) of the liquid receiver dryer (2) on the top wall (1a) of the condenser (1) or, in the case where the liquid receiver dryer (2) does not include the bottom plate, placing the circumferential side wall (21) of the liquid receiver dryer (2) on the top wall (1a) of the condenser (1); installing the partition (23) of the liquid receiver dryer (2) in the internal space (S) surrounded by the circumferential side wall (21) of the liquid receiver dryer (2) and fitting it to the top wall (1a) of the condenser (1); covering the top cover (22) of the liquid receiver dryer (2) on the open top of the liquid receiver dryer body formed by the circumferential side wall (21) of the liquid receiver dryer (2); placing the condenser (1) and the liquid receiver dryer (2) placed together into a vacuum brazing furnace for welding; and after welding and forming, inserting the filter plug (242) from the outside of the liquid receiver dryer (2) into the housing (241) and positioning it inside the liquid receiver dryer (2).

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