Thermal management system for vehicle and integrated kettle assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a thermal management system for a vehicle and an integrated jug assembly. The thermal management system comprises: a temperature control kettle having a cold liquid inlet, a hot liquid inlet, a main outlet, a circulation outlet and a circulation inlet; the main heat exchanger is respectively communicated with the circulating outlet and the circulating inlet; the cold pot is respectively communicated with the cold liquid inlet and the main outlet; and the hot kettle is respectively communicated with the hot liquid inlet and the main outlet. The integrated kettle assembly comprises at least one kettle, and the at least one kettle comprises a main body which is provided with a main body cavity and a buffer cavity communicated with the main body cavity; and the pump is at least partially arranged in the main body and can pump the cooling liquid in the main body cavity to the buffer cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle and an integrated pot assembly. Background Art

[0002] With the increasing emphasis on environmental protection, electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles have been more and more widely used. The thermal management system of a vehicle is mainly used for heating or cooling target objects such as a vehicle passenger compartment, an electric motor, and a battery.

[0003] In some known thermal management systems, heat or cold in a refrigerant circuit is exchanged with a coolant in an expansion pot through a heat exchanger, and then the heat or cold is transferred to the target object through the coolant respectively to achieve thermal management of the target object. However, the structure of this thermal management system is complex, requires a large installation space, and has a high cost.

[0004] In addition, a known pot can be divided into multiple regions, and the partition setting can prevent heat transfer and achieve precise temperature control. However, the integration degree of this pot is still not high enough, and the thermal management system still requires a large installation space. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a thermal management system for a vehicle and an integrated pot assembly, where the thermal management system uses a highly integrated pot that integrates components such as pumps and valves in the thermal management system, making the structures of the pot and the system simple and compact, not requiring a large installation space, having high flexibility, being able to implement more modes, and having convenient and free switching between various modes.

[0006] The above purpose is achieved by the thermal management system for a vehicle and the integrated pot assembly described below.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a thermal management system for a vehicle, the thermal management system including: a temperature control pot having a cold liquid inlet, a hot liquid inlet, a main outlet, a circulation outlet, and a circulation inlet; a main heat exchanger respectively communicating with the circulation outlet and the circulation inlet; a cold pot respectively communicating with the cold liquid inlet and the main outlet; and a hot pot respectively communicating with the hot liquid inlet and the main outlet.

[0008] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes: a first coolant circuit provided with the cold pot and a first joint point thereon; a second coolant circuit provided with the hot pot and a second joint point thereon; a third coolant circuit provided between the first joint point and the cold liquid inlet; and a fourth coolant circuit provided between the second joint point and the hot liquid inlet.

[0009] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a cold air device and a warm air device, wherein the cold air device is disposed on the first coolant return line, and the warm air device is disposed on the second coolant return line.

[0010] In one embodiment, the thermal management system includes a refrigerant circuit, on which a compressor, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger are provided; the first heat exchanger is disposed inside the cold pot and / or the second heat exchanger is disposed inside the hot pot.

[0011] In one embodiment, a first shut-off valve is provided between the first joint and the cold air device; a second shut-off valve (V2) is provided between the second joint and the warm air device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes: a fifth coolant circuit, disposed between the main outlet of the temperature control pot and the cold pot, and having a third joint provided thereon, wherein a third shut-off valve is provided between the third joint and the main outlet of the temperature control pot; and a sixth coolant circuit, disposed between the main outlet of the temperature control pot and the hot pot, and having a fourth joint provided thereon, wherein a fourth shut-off valve is provided between the fourth joint and the main outlet of the temperature control pot.

[0013] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes: a fifth joint, disposed between the third joint and the fourth joint; a seventh coolant circuit, disposed between the first joint and the fifth joint; an eighth coolant circuit, disposed between the second joint and the fifth joint; and a motor assembly, disposed on the seventh coolant circuit and the eighth coolant circuit, wherein a fifth shut-off valve is provided between the first joint and the motor assembly, and a sixth shut-off valve is provided between the second joint and the motor assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes: a ninth coolant circuit, disposed between the first joint and the cold pot, and having a sixth joint and a seventh joint provided thereon; a tenth coolant circuit, disposed between the second joint and the hot pot, and having a sixth joint and a seventh joint provided thereon; and a radiator, disposed on the ninth coolant circuit and the tenth coolant circuit, and located between the sixth joint and the seventh joint, wherein a seventh shut-off valve is provided between the first joint and the seventh joint, and an eighth shut-off valve is provided between the second joint and the seventh joint.

[0015] In one embodiment, a first one-way valve is provided between the cold air device and the cold kettle, and the first one-way valve only allows the coolant to flow from the cold air device to the cold kettle; a second one-way valve is provided between the warm air device and the hot kettle, and the second one-way valve only allows the coolant to flow from the warm air device to the hot kettle.

[0016] In one embodiment, a third one-way valve is provided between the fifth junction point and the third junction point, and the third one-way valve only allows the coolant to flow from the fifth junction point to the third junction point; a fourth one-way valve is provided between the fifth junction point and the fourth junction point, and the fourth one-way valve only allows the coolant to flow from the fifth junction point to the fourth junction point.

[0017] In one embodiment, a fifth one-way valve is provided between the sixth junction point and the cold kettle, and the fifth one-way valve only allows the coolant to flow from the sixth junction point to the cold kettle; a sixth one-way valve is provided between the sixth junction point and the hot kettle, and the sixth one-way valve only allows the coolant to flow from the sixth junction point to the hot kettle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first junction point, the first cut-off valve, the fifth cut-off valve, and the seventh cut-off valve are integrated into a first four-way valve.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first four-way valve, the first one-way valve, and the fifth one-way valve are integrated on the main body of the cold kettle.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second junction point, the second cut-off valve, the sixth cut-off valve, and the eighth cut-off valve are integrated into a second four-way valve.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second four-way valve, the second one-way valve, and the sixth one-way valve are integrated on the main body of the hot kettle.

[0022] The present disclosure also provides an integrated kettle assembly for a thermal management system of a vehicle. The integrated kettle assembly includes at least one kettle, and the at least one kettle includes: a main body formed with a main body cavity and a buffer cavity communicating with the main body cavity; and a pump at least partially disposed in the main body and capable of pumping the coolant in the main body cavity to the buffer cavity.

[0023] In one embodiment, the integrated kettle assembly further includes at least one multi-way valve assembly, and the multi-way valve assembly communicates with the main body cavity or the buffer cavity of the corresponding kettle.

[0024] In one embodiment, the valve cavity of the multi-way valve assembly is integrally formed with the main body of the corresponding kettle.

[0025] In one embodiment, the integrated pot assembly further includes a flow channel plate, the at least one pot is disposed on the flow channel plate, and the at least one multi-way valve assembly is at least partially formed integrally with the flow channel plate.

[0026] In one embodiment, the at least one pot includes a temperature-controlled pot, and a buffer cavity of the temperature-controlled pot is communicated with a main coolant circuit of the thermal management system.

[0027] In one embodiment, the at least one pot further includes a cold pot, and a buffer cavity of the cold pot is communicated with a multi-way valve assembly of the cold pot.

[0028] In one embodiment, a first heat exchanger of the thermal management system is embedded in a main body of the cold pot to perform heat exchange with coolant therein.

[0029] In one embodiment, the at least one pot further includes a hot pot, and a buffer cavity of the hot pot is communicated with a multi-way valve assembly of the hot pot.

[0030] In one embodiment, a second heat exchanger of the thermal management system is embedded in a main body of the hot pot to perform heat exchange with hot coolant therein.

[0031] In one embodiment, a multi-way valve assembly of the temperature-controlled pot is communicated with a main body cavity of the temperature-controlled pot, a main body cavity of the cold pot, and a main body cavity of the hot pot.

[0032] In one embodiment, a guiding channel leading to the buffer cavity is formed on the main body, and an outlet of the pump is sealingly connected to the guiding channel.

[0033] In one embodiment, the at least one pot is arranged along a first direction.

[0034] In one embodiment, a connection spacer is provided between adjacent pots among the at least one pot.

[0035] In one embodiment, the temperature-controlled pot is disposed between the cold pot and the hot pot.

[0036] The present disclosure further provides a thermal management system for a vehicle, and the thermal management system includes the integrated pot assembly as described above.

[0037] The thermal management system of the present disclosure can achieve precise temperature regulation of a battery by using a temperature-controlled pot. By using the integrated pot assembly, the system structure is simple and compact, does not require a large installation space, reduces costs, has high flexibility, and can achieve free switching between multiple thermal management modes. The integrated pot assembly of the present disclosure integrates a pump and a valve on the pot, and has the advantages of being structurally compact, small in volume, high in integration degree, and capable of promoting the realization and free switching of multiple modes of the thermal management system. Description of the Drawings

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Among them, the accompanying drawings are only used to show some embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than limiting all embodiments of the present disclosure thereto. In the accompanying drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic connection diagram of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a high-temperature cooling or dehumidification / battery cooling mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a low-temperature dehumidification mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a low-temperature heat pump / battery self-circulation mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a low-temperature heat pump / battery heating mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an air replenishment triangular cycle / motor stall / battery heating mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a high-temperature cooling or dehumidification / battery cooling mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of a low-temperature dehumidification mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of a low-temperature heat pump / battery self-circulation mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of a low-temperature heat pump / battery heating mode of a thermal management system of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 12Shows a schematic diagram of the air replenishment triangular cycle / motor stall / battery heating mode of the thermal management system of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 13 Shows a schematic diagram of an integrated pot assembly of the thermal management system of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 14 Shows according to Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the integrated pot assembly in another direction;

[0053] Figure 15 Shows according to Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the integrated pot assembly;

[0054] Figure 16 Shows according to Figure 13 Another cross-sectional view of the integrated pot assembly;

[0055] Figure 17 Shows according to Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of one of the pots of the integrated pot assembly;

[0056] Figure 18 Shows according to Figure 13 Another cross-sectional view of one of the pots of the integrated pot assembly; and

[0057] Figure 19 Shows a height schematic diagram of the integrated pot assembly of the thermal management system of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0058] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the technical solutions of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, technical terms or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meanings as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first", "second" and similar terms used in the specification and claims of this patent application of the disclosure do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, terms such as "a" or "an" do not necessarily denote a quantity limitation. Terms such as "comprising", "including" or "having" mean that the elements or objects appearing before this term cover the elements or objects listed after this term and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "communicated" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or communications shown in the drawings, but may include equivalent connections or communications thereto, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper", "lower", "left" and "right" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships, and when the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0060] Reference is made below to Figures 1 to 19 describe in detail various embodiments of a thermal management system for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle, includes a thermal management system as shown in Figure 1 for heating, cooling, etc. of the passenger compartment, battery and motor of the vehicle. Figure 1 The connection relationships between the various components in the thermal management system are schematically shown in

[0062] As shown in Figure 1 the thermal management system includes a temperature control kettle 4, a main heat exchanger 14, a cold kettle 7 and a hot kettle 8. The temperature control kettle 4 has a cold liquid inlet 11, a hot liquid inlet 12, a main outlet 13, a circulation outlet 15 and a circulation inlet 16. The main heat exchanger 14 is respectively communicated with the circulation outlet 15 and the circulation inlet 16 of the temperature control kettle 4. For example, the main heat exchanger 14 is a battery cooler, and the battery or battery assembly can be in contact with it. The cold kettle 7 is respectively communicated with the cold liquid inlet 11 and the main outlet 13 of the temperature control kettle 4. The hot kettle 8 is respectively communicated with the hot liquid inlet 12 and the main outlet 13 of the temperature control kettle 4. The cold coolant and the hot coolant are mixed in the temperature control kettle before flowing to the battery cooler to obtain a desired temperature. By providing a temperature control kettle for the battery cooler, precise temperature regulation of the battery can be achieved, avoiding excessive battery temperature fluctuations.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1 the thermal management system includes a main coolant circuit B1, on which a temperature control kettle 4 and a main heat exchanger 14 are provided. As shown in Figure 1 the thermal management system further includes more coolant circuits, and the coolant flowing in the coolant circuits is, for example, a mixed liquid of water and ethanol.

[0064] For example, the thermal management system may include a first coolant circuit L1, a second coolant circuit L2, a third coolant circuit L3, and a fourth coolant circuit L4. A cold pot 7 and a first junction point P1 are provided on the first coolant circuit L1. For example, the first junction point P1 may be located near the outlet of the cold pot 7. A hot pot 8 and a second junction point P2 are provided on the second coolant circuit L2. For example, the second junction point P2 may be located near the outlet of the hot pot 8. The third coolant circuit L3 is provided between the first junction point P1 and the cold liquid inlet 11 of the temperature control pot 4. The fourth coolant circuit L4 is provided between the second junction point P2 and the hot liquid inlet 12 of the temperature control pot 4.

[0065] For example, the thermal management system may further include a cold air device 5 and a warm air device 6. The cold air device 5 is provided on the first coolant circuit L1 and is, for example, a cold air core, such as an HVAC cooler, for cooling the air entering the vehicle passenger compartment. The warm air device 6 is provided on the second coolant circuit L2 and is, for example, a warm air core, such as an HVAC heater, for heating the air entering the vehicle passenger compartment. The cold air device 5 and the warm air device 6 may be provided in the air conditioner housing of the vehicle. In the air flow direction, the cold air device 5 is located upstream of the warm air device 6.

[0066] As Figure 1 shown, the thermal management system includes a refrigerant circuit C1, on which a compressor 1, a first heat exchanger 2, and a second heat exchanger 3 are provided. A refrigerant such as R290 circulates in the refrigerant circuit C1. Of course, other refrigerants are also possible. The compressor 1 can compress the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas. For example, as Figures 1 to 6 shown, the first heat exchanger 2 is provided in the cold pot 7. Additionally or alternatively, as Figures 1 to 6 shown, the second heat exchanger 3 is provided in the hot pot 8. Figures 1 to 6 The situation where the first heat exchanger 2 is provided in the cold pot 7 and the second heat exchanger 3 is provided in the hot pot 8 is shown. In other examples, one or both of the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 may be provided outside the corresponding pot. For example, the first heat exchange core of the first heat exchanger 2 is provided in the cold pot 7, and the first heat exchange core has a first flow channel, and the refrigerant flowing through the first flow channel exchanges heat with the coolant in the cold pot 7. For example, the second heat exchange core of the second heat exchanger 3 is provided in the hot pot 8, and the second heat exchange core has a second flow channel, and the refrigerant flowing through the second flow channel exchanges heat with the coolant in the hot pot 8. For example, the first heat exchanger 2 may be a chiller, and the second heat exchanger 3 may be a water-cooled condenser (WCDS).

[0067] By providing a heat exchange pot between the refrigerant circuit and the coolant circuit, the present application can significantly improve the thermal management of the target object.

[0068] To achieve various thermal management modes, various stop valves are also provided in the thermal management system. For example, a first stop valve V1 is provided between the first joint P1 and the cold air device 5; a second stop valve V2 is provided between the second joint P2 and the warm air device 6. By providing the above stop valves, it is possible to set whether the coolant flows to the cold air device or the warm air device.

[0069] For example, the thermal management system may further include a fifth coolant circuit L5 and a sixth coolant circuit L6. The fifth coolant circuit L5 is provided between the main outlet 13 of the temperature control kettle 3 and the cold kettle 7, and a third joint P3 is provided thereon. A third stop valve V3 is provided between the third joint P3 and the main outlet 13 of the temperature control kettle 4. The sixth coolant circuit L6 is provided between the main outlet 13 of the temperature control kettle 3 and the hot kettle 8, and a fourth joint P4 is provided thereon. A fourth stop valve V4 is provided between the fourth joint P4 and the main outlet 13 of the temperature control kettle 3.

[0070] For example, the thermal management system may further include a fifth joint P5, a seventh coolant circuit L7, and an eighth coolant circuit L8. The fifth joint P5 is provided between the third joint P3 and the fourth joint P4. The seventh coolant circuit L7 is provided between the first joint P1 and the fifth joint P5. The eighth coolant circuit L8 is provided between the second joint P2 and the fifth joint P5. The thermal management system may further include a motor assembly 9, which is provided on the seventh coolant circuit L7 and the eighth coolant circuit L8. That is, the coolant from the cold kettle 7 and the coolant from the hot kettle 8 can both flow through the motor assembly 9 to heat or cool the motor assembly as needed. In addition, a fifth stop valve V5 is provided between the first joint P1 and the motor assembly 9, and a sixth stop valve V6 is provided between the second joint P2 and the motor assembly 9.

[0071] For example, the thermal management system may further include a ninth coolant circuit L9 and a tenth coolant circuit L10. The ninth coolant circuit L9 is provided between the first joint P1 and the cold kettle 7, and a sixth joint P6 and a seventh joint P7 are provided thereon. The tenth coolant circuit L10 is provided between the second joint P2 and the hot kettle 8, and a sixth joint P6 and a seventh joint P7 are provided thereon. The thermal management system may further include a radiator 10, which is provided on both the ninth coolant circuit L9 and the tenth coolant circuit L10 and is located between the sixth joint P6 and the seventh joint P7. In addition, a seventh stop valve V7 is provided between the first joint P1 and the seventh joint P7, and an eighth stop valve V8 is provided between the second joint P2 and the seventh joint P7. For example, the radiator 10 is a low-temperature radiator for transferring heat to the outside or absorbing heat from the outside.

[0072] As Figure 1As shown, in order to implement various heat management modes, various check valves are also provided in the heat management system. For example, a first check valve S1 is provided between the cold air device 5 and the cold kettle 7, and the first check valve S1 only allows the coolant to flow from the cold air device 5 to the cold kettle 7; a second check valve S2 is provided between the warm air device 6 and the hot kettle 8, and the second check valve S2 only allows the coolant to flow from the warm air device 8 to the hot kettle 8.

[0073] For example, a third check valve S3 is provided between the fifth joint point P5 and the third joint point P3, and the third check valve S3 only allows the coolant to flow from the fifth joint point P5 to the third joint point P3; a fourth check valve S4 is provided between the fifth joint point P5 and the fourth joint point P4, and the fourth check valve S4 only allows the coolant to flow from the fifth joint point P5 to the fourth joint point P4.

[0074] For example, a fifth check valve S5 is provided between the sixth joint point P6 and the cold kettle 7, and the fifth check valve S5 only allows the coolant to flow from the sixth joint point P6 to the cold kettle 7; a sixth check valve S6 is provided between the sixth joint point P6 and the hot kettle 8, and the sixth check valve S6 only allows the coolant to flow from the sixth joint point P6 to the hot kettle 8.

[0075] Referring to the following text, the first joint point P1, the first cut-off valve V1, the fifth cut-off valve V5, and the seventh cut-off valve V7 described above are integrated into a first four-way valve F1, as shown by the dashed box in the figure. For example, the first four-way valve F1, the first check valve S1, and the fifth check valve S5 described above can be integrated on the main body 71 of the cold kettle 7, as Figures 13 to 18 shown. For example, the first four-way valve F1 is a four-way valve with one inlet and three outlets.

[0076] Referring to the following text, the second joint point P2, the second cut-off valve V2, the sixth cut-off valve V6, and the eighth cut-off valve V8 described above are integrated into a second four-way valve F2, as shown by the dashed box in the figure. For example, the second four-way valve F2, the second check valve S2, and the sixth check valve S6 described above can be integrated on the main body 81 of the hot kettle 8, as Figures 13 to 18 shown. For example, the second four-way valve F2 is a four-way valve with one inlet and three outlets.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first cut-off valve, the second cut-off valve, the fifth cut-off valve, the sixth cut-off valve, the seventh cut-off valve, and / or the eighth cut-off valve can also be replaced with a flow regulating valve, which can regulate the flow rate of the coolant in the corresponding circuit.

[0078] It should be noted that the joint points described herein are only used to conveniently describe each coolant circuit, and the present application does not represent any component or element.

[0079] In addition, each kettle of the present disclosure may be integrated with a part of a pump for providing pressure to pump the coolant out of the kettle. For example, the temperature-controlled kettle 4 is integrated with a part of the temperature-controlled pump. For example, the cold kettle 7 is integrated with a part of the first pump. The inlet of the first pump communicates with the outlet of the cold kettle 7. The outlet of the first pump communicates with the inlet of the cold air device 5, and the first joint point P1 is provided therebetween. The hot kettle 8 is integrated with a part of the second pump. The inlet of the second pump communicates with the outlet of the hot kettle 8. The outlet of the second pump communicates with the inlet of the warm air device 6, and the second joint point P2 is provided therebetween.

[0080] Furthermore, the thermal management system may further include valves 19 and 20, which may be flow regulating valves. The inlet of valve 19 communicates with the outlet of the compressor 1, and the outlet of valve 19 communicates with the inlet of the first heat exchange core of the first heat exchanger 2. The thermal management system may further include a liquid storage tank 21, which may be connected to the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3. A valve 20 is provided between the liquid storage tank 21 and the first heat exchanger 2.

[0081] The thermal management system may further include various sensors for measuring the temperature or pressure of the refrigerant or the coolant, represented by PT and TW. PT represents a pressure temperature sensor for measuring the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, such as PT1 and PT2. TW represents a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the coolant in the coolant circuit, such as TW1, TW2, and TW3.

[0082] The following Figures 2 to 6 describes Figure 1 the various modes that the described thermal management system can achieve.

[0083] As Figure 2As shown, the thermal management system is in the high-temperature cooling or dehumidification / battery cooling mode. In this mode, the first shut-off valve V1, the second shut-off valve V2, the third shut-off valve V3, the sixth shut-off valve V6, and the eighth shut-off valve V8 are opened; the fourth shut-off valve V4, the fifth shut-off valve V5, and the seventh shut-off valve V7 are closed; the first check valve S1, the second check valve S2, the third check valve S3, the fourth check valve S4, and the sixth check valve S6 are opened; the fifth check valve S5 is closed. The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor exchanges heat with the coolant in the hot pot 8 at the second heat exchanger 3, causing the temperature of the coolant in the hot pot 8 to rise. The refrigerant output by the second heat exchanger 3 flows through the liquid storage tank 21 and the valve 20, and is throttled at the valve 20, and then enters the first heat exchanger 2 to evaporate and absorb heat, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant in the cold pot 7. The coolant in the hot pot 8 is transported to the warm air device 6 by the pump to heat the air, and then returns to the hot pot 8. In addition, the coolant in the hot pot 8 is also transported to the motor assembly 9. Since the temperature of the motor assembly 9 is higher than that of the coolant during operation, the coolant can cool the motor assembly 9. Then, the coolant flowing through the motor assembly 9 returns to the hot pot 7 through the fourth check valve S4. Further, the coolant in the hot pot 8 is also transported to the radiator 10, where it exchanges heat with the air, for example, reducing the temperature of the coolant, and then the coolant returns to the hot pot 7. The radiator 10 here can be used to assist in regulating the temperature of the coolant. Since the fourth shut-off valve V4 is closed, the coolant in the hot pot 8 does not enter the temperature control pot 4. The coolant in the cold pot 7 is transported to the cold air device 5 by the pump to cool the air, and then returns to the cold pot 7. In addition, the coolant in the cold pot 7 is also transported to the temperature control pot 4 through the cold liquid inlet 11 to cool the battery, and then returns to the cold pot 17 through the main outlet 13, the third shut-off valve V3, the third joint P3, and the inlet 17 of the cold pot 7.

[0084] As Figure 3As shown, the thermal management system is in the low-temperature dehumidification mode. In this mode, the first shut-off valve V1, the second shut-off valve V2, the third shut-off valve V3, the fifth shut-off valve V5, and the seventh shut-off valve V7 are opened; the fourth shut-off valve V4, the sixth shut-off valve V6, and the eighth shut-off valve V8 are closed; the first check valve S1, the second check valve S2, the third check valve S3, and the fifth check valve S5 are opened; the fourth check valve S4 and the sixth check valve S6 are closed. The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor exchanges heat with the coolant in the hot kettle 8 at the second heat exchanger 3, causing the temperature of the coolant in the hot kettle 8 to rise. The refrigerant output by the second heat exchanger 3 flows through the liquid storage tank 21 and the valve 20, and is throttled at the valve 20, and then enters the first heat exchanger 2 to evaporate and absorb heat, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant in the cold kettle 7. The coolant in the hot kettle 8 is transported to the warm air device 6 by the pump to heat the air, and then returns to the hot kettle 8. The coolant in the cold kettle 7 is transported to the cold air device 5 by the pump to cool the air to condense the moisture in the air, and then returns to the cold kettle 7. The cold air device 5 upstream of the warm air device 6 in the air flow direction can condense the moisture in the air into water to achieve the purpose of dehumidification. In addition, the coolant in the cold kettle 7 is also transported to the temperature control kettle 4 through the cold liquid inlet 11 to cool the battery, and then returns to the cold kettle 7 through the main outlet 13, the third shut-off valve V3, the third joint P3, and the inlet 17 of the cold kettle 7. Further, the coolant in the cold kettle 7 is also transported to the motor assembly 9 to cool the motor assembly 9. The coolant in the cold kettle 7 is also transported to the radiator 10, where it exchanges heat with the air, and then returns to the cold kettle 7.

[0085] As Figure 4As shown, the thermal management system is in the low-temperature heat pump / battery self-circulation mode. In this mode, the second cut-off valve V2, the fifth cut-off valve V5, and the seventh cut-off valve V7 are open; the first cut-off valve V1, the third cut-off valve V3, the fourth cut-off valve V4, the sixth cut-off valve V6, and the eighth cut-off valve V8 are closed; the second check valve S2, the third check valve S3, and the fifth check valve S5 are open; the first check valve S1, the fourth check valve S4, and the sixth check valve S6 are closed. The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor exchanges heat with the coolant in the hot pot 8 at the second heat exchanger 3, causing the temperature of the coolant in the hot pot 8 to rise. The refrigerant output by the second heat exchanger 3 flows through the liquid storage tank 21 and the valve 20, and is throttled at the valve 20, and then enters the first heat exchanger 2 to evaporate and absorb heat, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant in the cold pot 7. The coolant in the hot pot 8 is transported to the warm air device 6 by the pump to heat the air, and then returns to the hot pot 8. The coolant in the cold pot 7 is transported to the motor assembly 9 by the pump to cool the motor assembly 9 to recover the heat generated by the motor assembly 9. In addition, the coolant in the cold pot 7 is also transported to the radiator 10, where it exchanges heat with the air, and then returns to the cold pot 7. The coolant in the cold pot 7 and the hot pot 8 is not transported to the temperature control pot 4. The coolant in the temperature control pot 4 on the main coolant circuit B1 forms a self-circulation to make the temperature of each part of the battery uniform.

[0086] As Figure 5As shown, the thermal management system is in the low-temperature heat pump / battery heating mode. In this mode, the second cut-off valve V2, the fourth cut-off valve V4, the fifth cut-off valve V5, and the seventh cut-off valve V7 are open; the first cut-off valve V1, the third cut-off valve V3, the sixth cut-off valve V6, and the eighth cut-off valve V8 are closed; the second check valve S2, the third check valve S3, the fourth check valve S4, and the fifth check valve S5 are open; the first check valve S1 and the sixth check valve S6 are closed. The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor exchanges heat with the coolant in the hot pot 8 at the second heat exchanger 3, increasing the temperature of the coolant in the hot pot 8. The refrigerant output by the second heat exchanger 3 flows through the liquid storage tank 21 and the valve 20, and is throttled at the valve 20, then enters the first heat exchanger 2 to evaporate and absorb heat, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant in the cold pot 7. The coolant in the hot pot 8 is transported to the warm air device 6 by the pump to heat the air, and then returns to the hot pot 8. In addition, the coolant in the hot pot 8 is also transported to the temperature control pot 4 through the hot liquid inlet 12 to heat the battery, and returns to the hot pot 8 through the main outlet 13, the fourth cut-off valve V4, the fourth joint P4, and the inlet 18 of the hot pot 8. The coolant in the cold pot 7 is transported to the motor assembly 9 by the pump to cool the motor assembly 9. In addition, the coolant in the cold pot 7 is also transported to the radiator 10, where it exchanges heat with the air, and then returns to the cold pot 7. A part of the coolant can also be transported to the hot pot 8 for temperature adjustment.

[0087] As Figure 6As shown, the thermal management system is in the air supplement triangular cycle / motor stall / battery heating mode. In this mode, the second cut-off valve V2, the fourth cut-off valve V4, and the fifth cut-off valve V5 are opened; the first cut-off valve V1, the third cut-off valve V3, the sixth cut-off valve V6, the seventh cut-off valve V7, and the eighth cut-off valve V8 are closed; the second one-way valve S2, the third one-way valve S3, and the fourth one-way valve S4 are opened; the first one-way valve S1, the fifth one-way valve S5, and the sixth one-way valve S6 are closed. The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor exchanges heat with the coolant in the hot water kettle 8 at the second heat exchanger 3, increasing the temperature of the coolant in the hot water kettle 8. The refrigerant output by the second heat exchanger 3 flows through the liquid storage tank 21 and the valve 20, and is throttled at the valve 20, then enters the first heat exchanger 2 to evaporate and absorb heat, thereby reducing the temperature of the coolant in the cold water kettle 7. In addition, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor 1 can be directly transported to the first heat exchanger 2 through the valve 19 and then back to the compressor 1 to ensure the minimum pressure for the system operation. The coolant in the hot water kettle 8 is transported to the warm air device 6 under the action of the pump to heat the air, and then returns to the hot water kettle 8. In addition, the coolant in the hot water kettle 8 is also transported to the temperature control kettle 4 through the hot liquid inlet 12 to heat the battery, and returns to the hot water kettle 8 through the main outlet 13, the fourth cut-off valve V4, the fourth joint P4, and the inlet 18 of the hot water kettle 8. The coolant in the cold water kettle 7 is transported to the motor assembly 9 under the action of the pump to cool the motor assembly 9 and recover the heat generated by the motor stall.

[0088] Through the refrigerant circuit, the heat in the cold water kettle 7 can be transferred to the hot water kettle 8, such as the heat from the operation of the motor assembly 9 and the heat exchanged with the air at the radiator 10.

[0089] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the thermal management system according to the present disclosure is shown, where the first heat exchanger 2 is arranged outside the cold water kettle 7, and the second heat exchanger 3 is arranged outside the hot water kettle 8. The first heat exchanger 2 includes two flow channels, where the upper flow channel in the figure is connected to the refrigerant circuit C1, and the lower flow channel in the figure is connected to the cold water kettle 7. The second heat exchanger 3 also has two flow channels, where the upper flow channel in the figure is connected to the refrigerant circuit C1, and the lower flow channel in the figure is connected to the hot water kettle 8. Other components and connection methods are similar to Figures 1 to 6 , and the opening and closing of various valves are also similar to Figures 1 to 6 , which will not be elaborated here. In addition, Figure 7 The thermal management system shown also has Figure 1 the various modes of the thermal management system shown. For example, Figure 8 shows the high-temperature cooling or dehumidification / battery cooling mode, Figure 9 shows the low-temperature dehumidification mode, Figure 10 shows the low-temperature heat pump / battery self-circulation mode,Figure 11 shows the low temperature heat pump / battery heating mode, Figure 12 The air supply triangle cycle / motor stall / battery heating mode is shown. For details, please refer to the above Figures 1 to 6 As stated.

[0090] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the thermal management system includes Figures 13 to 19 The integrated kettle assembly shown in . This integrated kettle assembly can make the structure of the thermal management system simpler and more compact, and reduce the volume of the thermal management system.

[0091] like Figure 13 As shown, the integrated kettle assembly includes at least one kettle, for example, three kettles, namely the temperature-controlled kettle 4, cold kettle 7 and hot kettle 8 mentioned above. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the number shown. It is also possible that two of the kettles are integrated together, or one kettle is also possible. The at least one kettle is arranged along a first direction D. In other examples, it is also possible to arrange at least one kettle in a direction perpendicular to or at any angle to the first direction D shown in the figure. For example, at least one kettle can be stacked in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Connecting spacers J1 and J2 are provided between adjacent kettles in the at least one kettle. For example, a connecting spacer J1 is provided between the temperature-controlled kettle 4 and the hot kettle 8, and a connecting spacer J2 is provided between the temperature-controlled kettle 4 and the cold kettle 7. This arrangement makes the integrated kettle assembly more integrated and can ensure that there is no heat transfer between adjacent kettles. The temperature-controlled kettle 3 is provided between the cold kettle 7 and the hot kettle 8, which makes it convenient to connect the cold kettle and the hot kettle to the temperature-controlled kettle respectively, making the structure more compact.

[0092] Each kettle may comprise a body and a pump. Figure 14 As shown, the temperature-controlled pot 4 includes a main body 41 and a pump 44, wherein the main body 41 is formed with a main cavity 42 and a buffer cavity 43 communicating with the main cavity 42, and the pump 44 is at least partially disposed in the main body 41 of the temperature-controlled pot 4 and is capable of pumping the coolant in the main cavity 42 of the temperature-controlled pot 4 to the buffer cavity 43 of the temperature-controlled pot 4, as shown in FIG. Figures 15 - 16 As shown. Figure 17 As shown, the inlet of the pump 44 of the temperature-controlled pot 4 is connected to the main body cavity 42 of the temperature-controlled pot 4, for example, extending into the main body cavity 42, and the two are sealed. Figure 14 As shown, the cold pot 7 includes a main body 71 and a pump 74. The main body 71 of the cold pot 7 is formed with a main cavity 72 and a buffer cavity 73 connected to the main cavity 72. The pump 74 is at least partially arranged in the main body 71 of the cold pot 7 and can pump the coolant in the main cavity 72 of the cold pot 7 to the buffer cavity 73 of the cold pot 7. Figures 15 - 16 As shown. Figure 18 As shown, the inlet of the pump 74 of the cold kettle 7 is communicated with the main body cavity 72 of the cold kettle 7, for example, extends into the main body cavity 72, and the two are sealed.Figure 14 As shown, the heat kettle 8 includes a main body 81 and a pump 84. A main body cavity 82 and a buffer cavity 83 communicating with the main body cavity 82 are formed in the main body 81 of the heat kettle 8. And the pump 84 is at least partially disposed in the main body 81 of the heat kettle 8 and can pump the coolant in the main body cavity 82 of the heat kettle 8 to the buffer cavity 83 of the heat kettle 8, as Figures 15 - 16 shown. The coolant can be fully mixed in the main body cavity and then transported to the corresponding coolant circuit via the buffer cavity. By disposing at least part of the pump in the main body, the integration degree can be improved and the system volume can be made smaller.

[0093] As Figure 16 and 17 shown, guiding channels 46, 76, 86 leading to the buffer cavity are formed on the main body of the kettle. The outlets of the pumps 44, 74, 84 are hermetically connected to the guiding channels. For example, a guiding channel 46 leading to its buffer cavity 43 is formed on the main body 41 of the temperature control kettle 4, and the outlet of the pump 44 of the temperature control kettle 4 is hermetically connected to its guiding channel 46. For example, a guiding channel 76 leading to its buffer cavity 73 is formed on the main body 71 of the cold kettle 7, and the outlet of the pump 74 of the cold kettle 7 is hermetically connected to its guiding channel 76. For example, a guiding channel 86 leading to its buffer cavity 83 is formed on the main body 81 of the heat kettle 8, and the outlet of the pump 84 of the heat kettle 8 is hermetically connected to its guiding channel 86.

[0094] Referring again to Figure 13 , the integrated kettle assembly may further include at least one multi-way valve assembly, such as three multi-way valve assemblies 45, 75, 85, and the multi-way valve assembly communicates with the main body cavity of the corresponding kettle or the buffer cavity of the corresponding kettle. For example, the multi-way valve assembly 45 communicates with the main body cavity 42 of the temperature control kettle 4. For example, the multi-way valve assembly 75 communicates with the buffer cavity 73 of the cold kettle 7. For example, the multi-way valve assembly 85 communicates with the buffer cavity 83 of the heat kettle 8.

[0095] As Figure 16 shown, the valve cavities 47, 77, 87 of the multi-way valve assemblies 45, 75, 85 can be integrally formed with the main body of the corresponding kettle. For example, the valve cavity 47 of the multi-way valve assembly 45 is integrally formed with the main body 41 of the temperature control kettle 4. For example, the valve cavity 77 of the multi-way valve assembly 75 is integrally formed with the main body 71 of the cold kettle 7. For example, the valve cavity 87 of the multi-way valve assembly 85 is integrally formed with the main body 81 of the heat kettle 8. This further makes the structure compact and the volume reduced.

[0096] The multi-way valve assembly 75 is the first four-way valve F1 integrated with the first joint point P1, the first cut-off valve V1, the fifth cut-off valve V5, and the seventh cut-off valve V7 described above for Figure 1 and 7 . For example, the first joint point P1 is located in the valve cavity 77 of the multi-way valve assembly 75.

[0097] The multi-way valve assembly 85 is the second four-way valve F2 integrated with the second joint point P2, the second cut-off valve V2, the sixth cut-off valve V6, and the eighth cut-off valve V8 as described above for Figure 1 and 7 . For example, the second joint point P2 is located in the valve cavity 87 of the multi-way valve assembly 85.

[0098] As Figure 13 shown, the first four-way valve F1, the first one-way valve S1, and the fifth one-way valve S5 described above are integrated on the main body 71 of the cold kettle 7. The second four-way valve F2, the second one-way valve S2, and the sixth one-way valve S6 described above are integrated on the main body 81 of the hot kettle 8.

[0099] Combined with Figure 1 and 7 , the buffer cavity 43 of the temperature-controlled kettle 4 is communicated with the main coolant circuit B1 of the thermal management system. Figure 15 and 17 show the circulation outlet 15 and the circulation inlet 16 of the temperature-controlled kettle 4.

[0100] Figure 15 also shows that the buffer cavity 73 of the cold kettle 7 is communicated with the multi-way valve assembly 75 of the cold kettle 7. Figure 15 also shows that the buffer cavity 83 of the hot kettle 8 is communicated with the multi-way valve assembly 85 of the hot kettle 8.

[0101] As Figure 13 and 16 shown, the coolant from the buffer cavity 73 of the cold kettle 7 can be transported to the main body cavity 42 of the temperature-controlled kettle 4 through the cold liquid inlet 11, and the coolant from the buffer cavity 83 of the hot kettle 8 can be transported to the main body cavity 42 of the temperature-controlled kettle 4 through the hot liquid inlet 12.

[0102] As Figure 13 , 15 , 16, 18 shown, the multi-way valve assembly 45 of the temperature-controlled kettle 4 is communicated with the main body cavity 42 of the temperature-controlled kettle 4, the main body cavity 72 of the cold kettle 7, and the main body cavity 82 of the hot kettle 8, for example, through pipelines. The main outlet 13, the third joint point P3, the fourth joint point P4, and the fifth joint point P5 of the temperature-controlled kettle 4 can be arranged as Figure 16 shown. The third joint point P3 is communicated with the inlet 17 of the cold kettle 7, and then communicated with the main body cavity 72 of the cold kettle 7. The fourth joint point P4 is communicated with the inlet 18 of the hot kettle 8, and then communicated with the main body cavity 82 of the hot kettle 8. The fifth joint point P5 is communicated with the motor assembly 9. The third cut-off valve V3 and the fourth cut-off valve V4 can be realized by a three-way valve 48 here, as Figure 15 shown.

[0103] The design of the above multi-way valve assembly makes the integration degree of the thermal management system higher and the structure more compact.

[0104] See again Figure 14 , Figure 1 and 7 The first heat exchanger 2 of the thermal management system shown in 7 is embedded in the main body 71 of the cold kettle 7 to exchange heat with the coolant therein. Figure 1 and 7 The second heat exchanger 3 of the thermal management system shown in 7 is embedded in the main body 81 of the hot kettle 8 to exchange heat with the hot coolant therein. For example, recesses are provided on the main bodies of the cold kettle 7 and the hot kettle 8 respectively, and the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 are embedded in the corresponding recesses.

[0105] In some other examples, as shown in Figure 19 , the integrated kettle assembly further includes a flow channel plate 22, at least one of the above-mentioned kettles is arranged on the flow channel plate 22, and at least part of the at least one multi-way valve assembly 45, 75, 85 is integrally formed with the flow channel plate 22. For example, the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 described above can also be arranged on the flow channel plate 22. For example, the temperature-controlled kettle 4, the cold kettle 7 and the hot kettle 8 described above can also be arranged on the flow channel plate 22. In these examples, the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 of the thermal management system can also be inserted into the corresponding kettles respectively. That is, Figure 19 The integrated kettle assembly using the flow channel plate shown in Figure 19 can be applied to the thermal management system shown in Figure 1 , and can also be applied to the thermal management system shown in Figure 7 . This design using the flow channel plate can also make the pipeline connection of the system simpler, the system structure more compact, and the volume smaller.

[0106] As described above, the thermal management system of the present disclosure uses a highly integrated kettle, which integrates components such as pumps and valves in the thermal management system, making the structure of the kettle and the system simple and compact, not requiring a large installation space, having high flexibility, being able to implement more modes, and the switching between various modes being convenient and free.

[0107] The above-disclosed technical features are not limited to the combinations with other disclosed features. Those skilled in the art can also make other combinations among the technical features according to the purpose of the invention, subject to the purpose of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An integrated pot assembly for a thermal management system of a vehicle, characterized in that, The integrated pot assembly includes at least one pot, and the at least one pot includes: A body (41, 71, 81) formed with a body cavity (42, 72, 82) and a buffer cavity (43, 73, 83) communicating with the body cavity; and A pump (44, 74, 84) at least partially disposed in the body and capable of pumping the coolant in the body cavity to the buffer cavity.

2. The integrated kettle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The integrated pot assembly further includes at least one multi-way valve assembly (45, 75, 85), and the multi-way valve assembly communicates with the body cavity or the buffer cavity of the corresponding pot.

3. The integrated kettle assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The valve cavity (47, 77, 87) of the multi-way valve assembly is integrally formed with the body of the corresponding pot.

4. The integrated kettle assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The integrated pot assembly further includes a flow channel plate (22), the at least one pot is disposed on the flow channel plate (20), and the at least one multi-way valve assembly (45, 75, 85) is at least partially integrally formed with the flow channel plate (20).

5. The integrated pot assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one pot includes a temperature-controlled pot (4), and the buffer cavity (43) of the temperature-controlled pot (4) communicates with the main coolant circuit (B1) of the thermal management system.

6. The integrated kettle assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least one pot further includes a cold pot (7), and the buffer cavity (73) of the cold pot (7) communicates with the multi-way valve assembly (75) of the cold pot (7).

7. The integrated kettle assembly according to claim 6, wherein The first heat exchanger (2) of the thermal management system is embedded in the body (71) of the cold pot (7) to perform heat exchange with the coolant therein.

8. The integrated pot assembly according to claim 6, wherein The at least one pot further includes a hot pot (8), and the buffer cavity (83) of the hot pot (8) communicates with the multi-way valve assembly (85) of the hot pot (8).

9. The integrated pot assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The second heat exchanger (3) of the thermal management system is embedded in the body (81) of the hot pot (8) to perform heat exchange with the hot coolant therein.

10. The integrated kettle assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The multi-way valve assembly (45) of the temperature-controlled pot (4) communicates with the body cavity (42) of the temperature-controlled pot, the body cavity (72) of the cold pot (7), and the body cavity (82) of the hot pot (8).

11. The integrated kettle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, A guiding channel (46, 76, 86) leading to the buffer cavity is formed on the body, and the outlet of the pump (44, 74, 84) is sealingly connected to the guiding channel.

12. The integrated kettle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one pot is arranged along a first direction (D).

13. The integrated kettle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Connection isolation members (J1, J2) are provided between adjacent pots among the at least one pot.

14. The integrated kettle assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The temperature-controlled pot (3) is disposed between the cold pot (7) and the hot pot (8).

15. A thermal management system for a vehicle, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes the integrated pot assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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