Thermal management assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a heat management assembly which comprises a connecting pipe and at least two heat management modules, the connecting pipe is provided with a convex part and a main pipe part, the convex part is connected with the main pipe part and a connecting part, the connecting part is connected with the heat management modules, and the convex part protrudes in the radial direction of a connector at the end of the connecting pipe relative to the main pipe part. The convex part on the connecting pipe provides a stress point for the press to press the connecting pipe and the opponent piece, the clamping force of the press is distributed on the main pipe part, and the pressure during press fitting is distributed on the convex part, so that the clamping pressure and the press fitting pressure during working of the press are easy to adjust and correct, and the assembling difficulty of the press between the connecting pipe and the opponent piece is reduced; and the influence of a press on the pipe wall when the connecting pipe is assembled can be reduced, and the press-fitting quality of the connecting pipe and an opponent piece is improved.

Description

[0001] (This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 202411097925.2, filed on August 10, 2024, entitled "A Thermal Management Component") Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of thermal management technology, and more specifically to a thermal management component for vehicles or energy storage. Background Technology

[0003] In existing thermal management components, some thermal management modules are connected by pipes to enable fluid flow between them. The pipes are usually straight pipes. During the assembly of the straight pipes and the fittings, it is difficult to adjust the clamping pressure of the press on the straight pipes. If the clamping pressure is too high, the pipe wall will be easily deformed by squeezing. If the clamping pressure is too low, the robot arm will easily slip off the pipe wall during the pressing process. The assembly of the pipes and the fittings is difficult and affects the welding quality of the pipes and fittings. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a thermal management component with a structural design for the nozzle that facilitates the connection between the nozzle and the fitting to improve the welding quality of the nozzle and the fitting.

[0005] This application discloses a thermal management component, which includes a connecting pipe and at least two thermal management modules. Each thermal management module includes at least one of a valve module, a heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator, and a liquid receiver. The connecting pipe includes at least two connecting portions, and each thermal management module has an interface portion, wherein one of the connecting portions is connected to the interface portion of one thermal management module, and the other connecting portion is connected to the interface portion of another thermal management module.

[0006] The connector has a protrusion and a main pipe. The protrusion connects the connecting portion and the main pipe. The protrusion protrudes radially relative to the main pipe along the interface of the connector end. Along the axial direction of the end interface, there is a gap between the protrusion and the interface portion.

[0007] According to the thermal management component provided by the technical solution of this application, the connector has a protrusion and a main pipe. The protrusion connects the main pipe and the connecting part, and the connecting part is connected to the thermal management module. The protrusion protrudes radially relative to the main pipe along the interface of the connector end. Compared with the traditional straight pipe structure, the protrusion on the connector provides a force point for the press to press the connector and the fitting. The clamping force of the press is distributed on the main pipe, while the pressure distribution during press is on the protrusion. This makes it easy to adjust the clamping pressure and press pressure during press operation, reducing the assembly difficulty of the press between the connector and the fitting. In addition, it can also reduce the impact of the press on the pipe wall during connector assembly, improve the press quality of the connector and the fitting, and thus improve the welding quality of the connector and the interface. Furthermore, there is a gap between the protrusion and the interface, so that the solder used for welding the connector and the interface can be placed in the space where the gap is located. The protrusion and the interface can limit the solder, so that the position of the solder melting later is relatively fixed, thereby improving the stability of the welding quality of the connector and the interface. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a thermal management component provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view schematic diagram of the thermal management component shown;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Top view of the structure;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the thermal management component.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the valve component structure on the back side of the thermal management assembly is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the valve module, heat exchanger, and support frame structure of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows the assembly of the structures connected via a pipe assembly.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The structural diagram of the pipe assembly shown is extracted separately.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the connecting block and pipe assembly of the valve module of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 8Another perspective structural diagram;

[0018] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame structure of a thermal management component provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of each thermal management module of the thermal management component provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the connecting block and pipe assembly of the valve module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Enlarged view of point A;

[0022] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the first connecting pipe structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 BB direction diagram;

[0024] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a thermal management component mounting part provided in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Enlarged view of point C;

[0026] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector and pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 20 yes Figure 12 A front view schematic diagram of the thermal management component shown;

[0028] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 DD direction schematic diagram;

[0029] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a thermal management component according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Thermal management module; 2. Support frame; 3. Pipe assembly; 310. Pipe; 30. Channel; 21. First sidewall; 33. Connecting part; 31. First pipe assembly; 301. First interface; 302. Second interface; 10. Interface part; 111. First interface part; 121. Second interface part; 311. First pipe; 312. Second pipe; 313. Connector; 4. Valve module; 41. Connecting block; 42. Valve component; 40. Receiving cavity; 48. First connecting block; 49. Second connecting block; 401. First receiving cavity; 40 3. First flow channel; 402. Second receiving cavity; 404. Second flow channel; 405. External interface; 211. Bearing part; 13. Support part; 22. Support beam; 221. First support beam; 222. Second support beam; 223. Third support beam; 224. Fourth support beam; 225. Fifth support beam; 226. Sixth support beam; 227. Seventh support beam; 20. Receiving space; 32. Second connecting pipe assembly; 5. Detection element; 321. Third connecting pipe; 322. Fourth connecting pipe; 323. Adapter block; 320. Mounting cavity; 110. Interface channel; 46. ​​Positioning part; 23. Fitting part; 6. Heat exchanger; 43. Control box; 410. Main body; 411. Extension part; 231. First frame; 232. Second frame; 233. Extension frame; 201. First receiving space; 202. Second receiving space; 2111. First bearing part; 2112. Second bearing part; 228. Extension beam; 229. Body connecting part; 1111. Inner peripheral wall; 1112. Guide wall; 3111. Guide section; 3110. Welding groove; 3113. Protrusion; 3114. Main pipe part; 3131. First connecting piece ; 3132, Second connector; 3231, First side; 3232, Second side; 3233, Third side; 314, Mounting part; 3140, First channel; 331, First connecting part; 332, Second connecting part; 3101, First folding part; 3102, Second folding part; 3103, Third folding part; 3320, First wall part; 3321, Protruding tube part; 100, Insertion cavity; 3133, First screw hole; 3134, Second screw hole; 110a, Interface cavity; 7, Gas-liquid separator; 8, Flow channel component; 1101, Limiting part. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0032] refer to Figure 1This application discloses a thermal management assembly, which includes a thermal management module 1, a support frame 2, and a connecting pipe assembly 3. Each thermal management module 1 is fixedly connected or limited to the support frame 2, and each connecting pipe assembly 3 is fixedly connected or limited to each thermal management module 1. The connecting pipe assembly 3 includes a connecting pipe 310, which has a channel 30 that communicates with the fluid channel of the thermal management module 1 corresponding to the connecting pipe assembly 3. Specifically, the thermal management module 1 includes a valve module 4, which includes at least two connecting blocks 41 and valve components 42 connected to the corresponding connecting blocks 41. The connecting pipe assembly 3 is connected to the connecting blocks 41, and one end of the connecting pipe assembly 3 is connected to a... One connecting block 41 is connected to the other end of the pipe assembly 3, and the channel 30 communicates with the fluid channel of the connecting block 41 corresponding to the pipe assembly 3. The support frame 2 is fixedly connected to the connecting block 41. Compared with traditional thermal management components, this application decomposes the load-bearing function and flow function of the thermal management component into the support frame and the pipe assembly respectively. For the load-bearing function, the support frame can be designed separately according to the arrangement position and installation structure of each thermal management module. For the load-bearing function of the valve components, the valve component structure required by the thermal management system can be designed separately. For the flow function, each pipe assembly can be designed separately according to the system in which the thermal management component is applied. Compared to traditional highly integrated flow channel plates, the arrangement of the connecting pipes in the new design assembly has fewer space constraints, allowing for greater design flexibility and making the entire thermal management assembly easier to manufacture. Furthermore, traditional flow channel plates integrate load-bearing and flow functions, requiring the manufacturing process to meet various manufacturing requirements, including mechanical strength, dimensional accuracy of the installation position, airtightness, streamlined flow channel structure, and thermal insulation between channels. These various manufacturing requirements interact with each other, and the processing requirements for components used to achieve load-bearing and flow functions differ. For example, components for load-bearing functions require high mechanical strength, but airtightness is less critical. There are no specific requirements for airtightness, but the components used to achieve the flow function have high requirements for airtightness, streamlined shape, and heat insulation. Therefore, traditional flow channel plates are manufactured as a whole, and to ensure that all functions of the flow channel plate can be realized normally, the manufacturing requirements during processing need to be upward compatible, which is costly and difficult. In contrast, the thermal management module provided in this application decomposes the load-bearing function and the flow function into the support frame and the connecting pipe assembly, respectively. The support frame and the connecting pipe assembly can be implemented according to different manufacturing processing schemes. For example, the support frame, which does not have airtightness requirements, can be manufactured by high-pressure aluminum casting, and the connecting pipe assembly can be manufactured by thin-walled pipes and partial welding, which is less costly and reduces manufacturing difficulty. For thermal management components applied to different thermal management systems, the structure of the support frame and the connecting pipe assembly can be simply adjusted to achieve production and manufacturing, without the need for a radical design and manufacturing of the entire flow channel plate. This reduces the process complexity of thermal management components applied to different thermal management systems and is beneficial to the production and manufacturing of thermal management components.In addition, compared with traditional thermal management assemblies where each thermal management component is connected by a pipeline, this application arranges the connecting blocks for connecting valve components in a relatively concentrated manner on the support frame, avoiding the dispersed arrangement of connecting blocks and valve components, and improving the compactness of the entire thermal management assembly.

[0033] Additionally, refer to Figures 1-4 In this embodiment, the support frame includes several support beams 22. The thermal management module 1 is fixedly connected to the support beams 22, and there is a receiving space 20 between the support beams 22. At least a portion of the thermal management module 1 is located in the receiving space 20. From the perspective of the valve module 4 structure alone, at least a portion of the valve module 4 is located in the receiving space 20. Alternatively, at least a portion of the connecting pipe assembly 3 may also be located in the receiving space 20. In other words, the support frame 2 is a frame structure. Furthermore, the receiving space of the frame structure can be used to arrange the thermal management module 1. The connecting block 41 is fixedly connected to the support beams 22. On the one hand, the frame structure itself occupies less space; on the other hand, by fully utilizing the hollow portion of the frame structure, the thermal management component becomes more compact. In addition, this embodiment uses a frame structure support frame to fix the thermal management component, and connects the fluid channels of each thermal management component through the connecting pipe assembly. Compared to traditional thermal management components integrated into flow channel plates, most of the structures used to connect the load-bearing functional parts and the flow functional parts are removed, making the thermal management component lighter.

[0034] Further, refer to Figures 1-4 The support frame 2 is an integral structure. In this embodiment, the support frame 2 is preferably formed by high-pressure aluminum casting, but it can also be formed by forging, machining, or other methods. Furthermore, the material of the support frame 2 is not limited to metal; it can also be made of plastic and integrally formed by injection molding. The support frame 2 includes a first support beam 221 and a second support beam 222. A portion of the wall forming the accommodating space 20 is located on the first support beam 221 and the second support beam 222. The extension direction of the first support beam 221 and the extension direction of the second support beam 222 define a first plane. Along a direction perpendicular to the first plane, a portion of the thermal management module 1 located in the accommodating space 20 is located on one side of the support frame 2, and a portion of the thermal management module 4 is located on the other side of the support frame 2. Specifically, a portion of the valve module 4 is located on one side of the support frame 2, and a portion of the valve module 4 is located on the other side of the support frame 2. In other words, the thermal management module 1 located in the accommodating space 20 penetrates the accommodating space. In the direction perpendicular to the first plane, the accommodating space is fully utilized, making the entire thermal management assembly more compact.

[0035] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5Specifically, in this embodiment, to ensure the integration and ease of manufacturing of the thermal management component, a connecting block 41 is located on one side of the support frame 2 along a direction perpendicular to the first plane. The connecting block 41 has multiple receiving cavities 40 with openings facing the receiving space 20. A valve component 42 is partially located in the receiving cavity 40 and also partially in the receiving space 20. During production, the connecting block 41 is fixedly connected to the support frame 2 from one side of the support frame, and multiple valve components 42 are installed onto the connecting block 41 from the other side of the support frame. Furthermore, the valve components 42 are arranged within the receiving space 20 of the support frame 2, thus ensuring both the ease of manufacturing and the compactness of the thermal management component. Further, the valve module 4 includes a control box 43, which is fixedly connected to the connecting block 41. A portion of the control box 43 is located in the receiving space 20 and is located on the side of the support frame 2 relatively away from the connecting block 41. The entire valve module 4 fully utilizes the receiving space of the support frame.

[0036] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, to ensure the ease of installation of each thermal management module on the support frame 2, the support frame 2 has a bearing portion 211 located on the first side wall 21. The thermal management module 1 has a support portion 13 corresponding to and connected to the bearing portion 211. The bearing portion 211 and the support portion 13 are fixedly connected. The support portion 13 of each thermal management module 1 is located on the same side as its corresponding bearing portion 211. The thermal management module 1 includes a heat exchanger 6. The valve module 4 and the heat exchanger 6 have support portions 13 corresponding to and connected to the bearing portion 211. The bearing portion 211 and the support portion 13 are fixedly connected. The support portions 13 of the valve module 4 and the heat exchanger 6 are located on the same side as their corresponding bearing portions 211. Of course, the thermal management module may also include other thermal management components that circulate refrigerant, such as a gas-liquid separator, a liquid receiver, and a compressor. The support portions 13 of these thermal management components may also be located on the same side as the bearing portion 211. On the production line, when components need to be installed on both sides of the component, a flipping fixture needs to be set up on the production line. This will extend the production line, make the process complicated, and increase the cost of equipment, space and labor, which is not conducive to the production of thermal management components. Therefore, in this embodiment, more thermal management components are arranged on the same side of the support frame, which is beneficial to the production of thermal management components.

[0037] Additionally, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7In this embodiment, the connecting block 41 includes a main body 410 and an extension 411. The main body 410 has a receiving cavity 40, and the valve component 42 is partially located in the receiving cavity 40. The main body 410 and the extension 411 are integrally structured. The extension 411 extends from the main body 410 in a direction parallel to the first plane. The support part 13 of the valve module 4 is located in the extension 411. The main body 410 undertakes the functions of placing the valve component and guiding fluid, while the extension undertakes the function of bearing load. Specifically, in this embodiment, the main body 410 is generally a plurality of cylindrical structures, and the extension 411 is generally a claw-shaped structure. With this configuration, the size of the main body 410 and the weight of the extension 411 can be minimized as much as possible during the design. It only needs to be able to accommodate the valve component and provide a flow channel, and the extension only needs to have a certain structural strength.

[0038] refer to Figure 11 In some embodiments, the support frame includes a first frame 231, a second frame 232, and an extension frame 233. The first frame 231 has a first receiving space 201, and the second frame 232 has a second receiving space 202. The thermal management components include a heat exchanger 6 and a gas-liquid separator 7 or a liquid reservoir. The valve module 4 is at least partially located in the first receiving space 201, and the heat exchanger 6 is at least partially located in the second receiving space 202. The gas-liquid separator 7 or the liquid reservoir is fixedly connected to the extension frame 233. In this embodiment, each thermal management module 1 makes reasonable use of the hollow area of ​​the entire support frame 2, which is conducive to the integration of the thermal management components. In addition, the support frame structure improves the lightweight of the thermal management components.

[0039] Specifically, refer to Figure 11 In this embodiment, the supporting beam 22 forming the first frame 231 has a first load-bearing portion 2111, and the supporting portion 13 of the valve module 4 is fixedly connected to the first load-bearing portion 2111. The supporting beam 22 forming the second frame 232 includes an extension beam 228, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and has a second load-bearing portion 2112. The supporting portion 13 of the heat exchanger 6 is fixedly connected to the second load-bearing portion 2112. This arrangement serves two purposes: firstly, it ensures that the interface portion 10 of the heat exchanger 6 and the valve module 4 is approximately in the same thickness region, eliminating the need for the pipe assembly to extend excessively in a direction perpendicular to the first plane, thus facilitating the installation of the pipe assembly; secondly, the design of the supporting beam is versatile and can accommodate various types of heat exchanger installations; and thirdly, the supporting beam has a certain degree of bending structure, which improves its strength.

[0040] Further, refer to Figure 11In this embodiment, the support can also be designed to limit the connection between the thermal management component and the vehicle body. The support frame 2 includes multiple vehicle body connection parts 229, which are used to fix the vehicle body. The vehicle body connection parts 229 are connected with elastic linings, which helps to improve the shock resistance of the thermal management component.

[0041] Specifically, refer to Figure 11 The support frame structure in this embodiment is as follows: The support frame 2 includes a first support beam 221, a second support beam 222, a third support beam 223, a fourth support beam 224, a fifth support beam 225, a sixth support beam 226, and a seventh support beam 227. The extension direction of the second support beam 222 is defined as the first direction. The first support beam 221, the third support beam 223, and the fifth support beam 225 are spaced apart along the first direction. The second support beam 222 connects one end of the first support beam 221 and the third support beam 226. At one end of beam 23, the fourth support beam 224 connects the middle section of the first support beam 221, the other end of the third support beam 223, and one end of the fifth support beam 225. The sixth support beam 226 connects the middle section of the third support beam 223 and the other end of the fifth support beam 225. The seventh support beam 227 connects the other end of the first support beam 221 and the middle section of the fourth support beam 224. Along the first direction, the first accommodating space 201 is located on one side of the third support beam 223, and the second accommodating space 202 is located on the other side of the third support beam 223. The support beams are staggered, and each part used to support the thermal management module is a closed frame structure, ensuring the strength of the support frame.

[0042] Additionally, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, to ensure the integration and ease of manufacturing of the thermal management components, the support frame 2 includes a first sidewall 21. At least a portion of the thermal management module 1 is fixedly connected to the first sidewall 21, and the connecting pipe assembly 3 connects to the thermal management module 1 fixedly connected to the first sidewall 21. Along a direction perpendicular to the first sidewall 21, at least a portion of each connecting pipe assembly 3 is located on the same side of the first sidewall 21. In this embodiment, the valve module 4 is fixedly connected to the first sidewall 21, and the connecting pipe assembly 3 connects the valve module 4 to other thermal management modules 1. Since the connecting pipe 310 in the connecting pipe assembly 3 requires a certain bending radius, arranging the connecting pipe assembly 3 as close as possible to one side of the first sidewall 21 can avoid wasting space due to bending in multiple directions of the thermal management component. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1In this embodiment, part of the connecting pipe assembly 3 is located above the connecting block 41, and part is located on the side of the connecting block 41 away from the support frame 2. Basically, they are all located on one side of the first side wall 21. Other components can be arranged on the other side of the first side wall 21 of the support frame 2, which can avoid excessive space waste. In addition, in the manufacturing process, the supporting part of the thermal management assembly is usually clamped and fixed, and the thermal management assembly is flipped to complete the installation of the components on each surface. In this embodiment, the support frame 2 can be clamped and fixed, and the support frame 2 can be flipped to realize the installation of each component of the thermal management assembly. At least a portion of the multiple connecting pipe assemblies 3 are arranged on one side of the first side wall 21 of the support frame, so that the connecting pipe assembly 3 can be installed without repeatedly flipping the support frame 2. This can reduce the number of flipping tooling devices on the production line, shorten the production line, simplify the process, and reduce the corresponding equipment cost, site cost and labor cost. It also increases the convenience of manufacturing the entire thermal management assembly and is beneficial to the production and manufacturing of the thermal management assembly.

[0043] Further, refer to Figures 1-4 The connector assembly 3 includes a connecting part 33, which is located at the end of the connector 310 and is fixedly connected to the thermal management module 1. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the connecting portion 33 is fixedly connected to the valve module 4, the heat exchanger 6, and the gas-liquid separator 7, and the connecting portion 33 of each pipe assembly 3 is located on the same side of the first sidewall 21. This allows the pipe assembly to be installed and connected from one side of the thermal management assembly, making the manufacturing of the entire thermal management assembly more convenient. (See reference) Figures 5 to 8In some embodiments, the thermal management component includes a plurality of interface portions 10, wherein the plurality of interface portions 10 includes a first interface portion 111, at least one first interface portion 111 is located on a connecting block 41, the connecting block 41 also has at least one receiving cavity 40, the valve component 42 is at least partially located in the receiving cavity 40, the first interface portion 111 has an interface channel 110, the interface channel 110 is capable of communicating with the corresponding receiving cavity 40, and the connecting pipe assembly 3 is configured in multiple groups, the connecting pipe assembly 3 includes a first connecting pipe assembly 31, the first connecting pipe assembly 31 is connected to at least two connecting blocks 41, specifically, one end of the first connecting pipe assembly 31 is connected to the first interface portion 111 of one connecting block 41, and the other end of the first connecting pipe assembly 31 is connected to the first interface portion 111 of another connecting block 41, that is, the channel 30 of the first connecting pipe assembly 31 communicates with the interface channels 110 on at least two first interface portions 111. Of course, in other embodiments, the first connecting pipe assembly 31 is connected to two first interface portions 111 on the same connecting block 41. Compared to traditional flow channel plates, this application decomposes the connection and flow functions of the flow channel plate into connecting blocks and first connecting pipe assemblies, respectively. For the connection function, the connecting blocks can be designed individually according to the arrangement and installation structure of each valve component. For the flow function, each first connecting pipe assembly can be designed individually according to the system in which the thermal management assembly is applied. Moreover, the arrangement of the pipes in the first connecting pipe assembly is less spatially restricted compared to traditional highly integrated flow channel plates, allowing for more flexible design and making the manufacturing of the entire thermal management assembly easier. In some embodiments, the interfaces of the first interface portions 111 of at least two connecting blocks 41 face the same side, preferably the first interface portion 111 connected to the first connecting pipe assembly 31 is located on the same side of the connecting block 41. In addition, for ease of installation, the opening of the receiving cavity 40 is located on the other side of the connecting block 41. This configuration allows for convenient placement of the first connecting pipe assembly 31 on one side of the connecting block 41 during the manufacturing process of the thermal management component. The valve component 42 can be installed on the other side of the connecting block 41, simplifying the installation process and avoiding structural interference issues caused by the joint installation of the valve component and connecting pipe assembly on the connecting block. Furthermore, it avoids the need for multiple flipping of the connecting block on the production line during the connecting pipe assembly and valve component installation processes, reducing the number of flipping fixtures required on the production line. This shortens the production line, simplifies the process, and reduces corresponding equipment, space, and labor costs, increasing the overall ease of manufacturing the thermal management component and facilitating subsequent inspection and maintenance. Additionally, see reference... Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 10In this embodiment, the opening of the receiving cavity 40 faces away from the interface orientation of the first interface portion. This improves manufacturing convenience and allows the valve component to fully utilize the support frame's accommodating space, enhancing the compactness of the thermal management assembly. Furthermore, the axis of the interface channel 110 is collinear with the axis of the receiving cavity 40. This arrangement prevents excessive pressure loss of the fluid when fluid enters the interface channel 110 from the receiving cavity 40 or vice versa.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 In some embodiments, to increase the ease of manufacturing the entire thermal management assembly and avoid the need for multiple flips of the connecting block on the production line, the interfaces of multiple connecting pipe assemblies are designed to face the same side of the thermal management assembly. Specifically, the connecting pipe assembly 3 includes at least two first connecting parts 331, one of which connects to a connecting block 41 and the other connects to another connecting block 41. The first connecting part 331 has a first interface 301 that can communicate with the corresponding receiving cavity 40. The first interfaces 301 of at least two first connecting parts 331 face the same side of the thermal management assembly. Preferably, most or even all of the first interfaces 301 of the first connecting parts 331 connected to the connecting block 41 face the same side of the thermal management assembly, so that the installation of the connecting pipe assembly can be completed on one side of the thermal management assembly as much as possible. This can reduce the number of flips of the thermal management assembly on the production line, reduce manufacturing steps, and thus facilitate the production and manufacturing of the thermal management assembly.

[0045] Further, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 19 To facilitate the arrangement and installation of other piping components on the entire thermal management assembly, the thermal management assembly includes other thermal management components besides valve components, namely, the first type of thermal management components. The first type of thermal management components includes at least one of a heat exchanger 6, a gas-liquid separator 7, and a liquid receiver, and may even include a compressor. The piping assembly 3 includes a second connection portion 332 corresponding to the first type of thermal management components. The second connection portion 332 has a second interface 302, which connects to the fluid channel of the first type of thermal management components. The orientation of the second interface 302 is the same as that of the first interface 301. By designing both types of interfaces to face one side of the thermal management assembly, the installation and connection of the piping components can be completed entirely from one side of the thermal management assembly, increasing the ease of manufacturing the entire thermal management assembly and thus facilitating its production.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 13 The connecting pipe assembly 3 includes a connecting pipe 310, the end section of which has a connecting portion 33. The pipe section containing the connecting portion 33 extends into the interface cavity 110a of the corresponding interface section 10. The connecting portion 33 is welded and fixed to the corresponding interface section 10. The extension direction of the pipe sections containing multiple connecting portions 33 is consistent. Specifically, the first connecting pipe assembly 31 includes a first connecting pipe 311. The first interface section 111 has an interface cavity 110a. The interface cavity 110a is close to the interface of the first interface section 111 relative to the interface channel 110. The connecting portion 33 at the end of the first connecting pipe 311 is welded and fixed to the wall forming the interface cavity 110a. The axial direction of the interface cavities 110a of the multiple first interface sections 111 corresponding to the connecting portion 33 is consistent. In this way, not only can the connecting pipe assemblies be installed on the same side of the thermal management assembly, but these connecting pipe assemblies can also be installed in the same direction by the equipment, reducing the need for adjusting the equipment installation angle and facilitating the production and manufacturing of the thermal management assembly.

[0047] Further, refer to Figure 14 The first interface portion 111 includes an inner peripheral wall 1111 and a guide wall 1112. The wall forming the interface cavity 110a includes the inner peripheral wall 1111. The guide wall 1112 is located at the end of the first interface portion 111 near the interface. The guide wall 1112 expands in diameter along the central axis of the interface cavity 110a from the inner peripheral wall 1111. The inner diameter of the guide wall 1112 at the end near the inner peripheral wall 1111 is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide wall 1112 at the end away from the inner peripheral wall 1111. The guide wall 1112 provided in the first interface portion 111 allows the end of the first connector 311 to be smoothly inserted, which is beneficial to the connection between the connector assembly and the connecting block. Correspondingly, a guide section 3111 can also be provided in the pipe section where the connecting part 33 is located. Specifically, the first connecting pipe 311 has a guide section 3111, which is located at the end of the first connecting pipe 311 and within the interface cavity 110a. The guide section 3111 has a reduced diameter along the central axis of the end interface. The outer diameter of the end of the guide section 3111 near the end interface of the first connecting pipe 311 is smaller than the outer diameter of the end of the guide section 3111 away from the first connecting pipe 311. In this way, the guide section 3111 serves as an assembly guide, improving the alignment of the connecting pipe and the interface part during assembly. The first connector 311 is smoothly inserted into the interface 14, which absorbs the positional deviation and assembly deviation between the interface and the connector during the connector processing, reduces the pressure of the servo press, improves the stability of product assembly, and facilitates the rapid and accurate connection of the connector assembly and the connecting block, which is conducive to the realization of automated assembly. Conversely, if the connecting part 33 is a straight pipe structure, the connector will pose a risk of cutting the guide wall 1112 during the press-fitting process. After setting the guide section 3111 in the connecting part 33, the risk of cutting between the connector and the guide wall 1112 will be reduced.

[0048] Additionally, refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 In this embodiment, the connecting portion 33 has a plurality of welding grooves 3110. Specifically, the first connecting portion 331 at the end of the first connector 311 has a plurality of welding grooves 3110. The welding grooves 3110 are recessed relative to the outer peripheral wall of the end of the first connector 311. The opening of the welding grooves 3110 faces the inner peripheral wall 1111 of the interface portion 10. The welding grooves 3110 extend along the central axis of the end interface of the first connector 311. The plurality of welding grooves 3110 are spaced apart along the outer periphery of the first connector 311. After the solder melts, it can fill the welding grooves to ensure the welding quality between the first connecting portion 331 at the end of the first connector 311 and the first interface portion 111, and to ensure the airtightness requirements of the connection.

[0049] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 In some embodiments, the connector 310 includes a main pipe portion 3114, a protrusion 3113, and a connecting portion 33. The main pipe portion 3114, protrusion 3113, and connecting portion 33 are mainly arranged on the first connector 311 connected to the connecting block 41. The protrusion 3113 connects the main pipe portion 3114 and the connecting portion 33. The connecting portion 33 is welded and fixed to the corresponding interface portion 10. The protrusion 3113 is radially protruding relative to the main pipe portion 3114 along the end interface. Before welding the connector 310 to the interface portion 10, the connector 310 can be inserted into the interface portion 10 by pressing the protrusion 3113 against the protrusion using a pressing device, ensuring the connection quality before welding the connector 310 to the interface portion 10. In this embodiment, reference... Figure 12 and Figure 14 The protrusion 3113, the main pipe 3114, and the connecting part 33 are integrally structured. The protrusion 3113 circumferentially surrounds the channel 30 of the connecting pipe 310, providing an annular force-bearing plane for the servo press, which facilitates uniform force distribution on the connecting pipe during the pressing process. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 3113 includes a first folding part 3101, a second folding part 3102, and a third folding part 3103. The first folding part 3101 surrounds the outer periphery of the main pipe 3114. 3101 is radially outwardly folded by the main pipe 3114, the third folded portion 3103 surrounds the outer periphery of the first connecting portion 331, and the third folded portion 3103 is radially outwardly folded by the first connecting portion 331. The second folded portion 3102 is located on the outer periphery of the first folded portion 3101 and the third folded portion 3103, and the second folded portion 3102 connects the first folded portion 3101 and the third folded portion 3103. There is a placement space between the third folded portion 3103 and the corresponding interface portion 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the protrusion 3113 is formed by pressing with a machine, which makes the protrusion easy to manufacture. In addition, placing a welding ring in the placement space between the protrusion 3113 and the interface portion 10 can press the welding ring tightly between the protrusion 3113 and the interface portion 10, avoiding the welding ring from moving the heat management component before the welding process, which is beneficial to the welding of the pipe assembly.

[0050] refer to Figure 14 The connecting part 33 includes a limiting part 1101. The wall forming the interface cavity 110a includes a bottom wall. The limiting part 1101 is located on the bottom wall. The end of the connecting part 33 abuts against the limiting part 1101. The limiting part 1101 provides a termination limiting point for the press fitting of the pipe to ensure that there is a certain placement space between the protrusion 3113 and the interface part 10, and the welding ring is accommodated through the placement space.

[0051] refer to Figures 1-3 In this embodiment, the connecting pipe assembly 3 includes a first connecting pipe assembly 31, wherein one thermal management module 1 has at least two first interface portions 111, and the other thermal management module 1 has at least two second interface portions 121. One connecting portion 33 of the first connecting pipe assembly 31 is fixedly connected to the first interface portion 111, and the other connecting portion 33 of the first connecting pipe assembly 31 is fixedly connected to the second interface portion 121. The interfaces of the first interface portion 111 and the second interface portion 121 both face the same side of the first sidewall 21. In this embodiment, the valve module 4 has at least two first interface portions 111, and the other thermal management modules 1 have at least two second interface portions 121. The other thermal management modules include a heat exchanger 6 and a gas-liquid separator 7. The valve module 4 has a first interface portion 111, and the heat exchanger 6 and the gas-liquid separator assembly 7 have second interface portions 121. The connecting pipe assembly 3 is fixedly connected to the first interface portion 111 and the second interface portion 121. The interfaces of the first interface portion 111 and the second interface portion 121 both face the same side of the first sidewall 21. The interface portion of the thermal management component used to connect the first pipe assembly is arranged on the same side of the first side wall 21, and the interface directions of the interface portions on the two thermal management modules 1 are consistent. This allows multiple pipe assemblies to be installed in the same direction, which can further improve the ease of manufacturing the thermal management component and facilitate subsequent inspection and maintenance.

[0052] refer to Figure 6 In this embodiment, the thermal management assembly includes a support frame 2, and a connecting block 41 including a first connecting block 48 and a second connecting block 49. The first connecting block 48 and the second connecting block 49 are separate structures. The support frame 2 has a first side wall 21, and the first connecting block 48 and the second connecting block 49 are fixedly connected to the first side wall 21. The interface of the first interface portion 111 of the first connecting block 48 and the second connecting block 49 faces away from the first side wall 21. After the first connecting block 48 and the second connecting block 49 are fixedly installed to the first side wall 21 of the support frame 2, the first connecting pipe assembly 31 for connecting the first connecting block 48 and the second connecting block 49 can be installed on the same side, without repeatedly flipping the thermal management assembly, which facilitates the manufacture of the thermal management assembly.

[0053] Further, refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, in order to balance the compactness and thermal insulation of the entire thermal management assembly, some flow channels are respectively set in the first connecting block 48 and the second connecting block 49, and the other flow channels are realized through the pipe assembly. Specifically, the first connecting block 48 has a first flow channel 403 and at least two first receiving cavities 401, and the second connecting block 49 has a second flow channel 404 and at least two second receiving cavities 402. The first flow channel 403 connects to at least two first receiving cavities 401, and the second flow channel 404 connects to at least two second receiving cavities 402. The fluid temperature in the first flow channel 403 is higher than the fluid temperature in the second flow channel 404. The first receiving cavities 401 and the second receiving cavities 402 are connected through the channel of the first pipe assembly 31.

[0054] Further, refer to Figure 6 Since the first connecting block 48 and the second connecting block 49 are separate structures and both need to be installed on the support frame 2, dimensional deviations may occur, affecting the connection accuracy of the first connecting pipe assembly 31 used to connect the first connecting block 48 and the second connecting block 49. In this embodiment, the first connecting block 48 and the second connecting block 49 both have a positioning part 46, and the support frame 2 has a mating part 23. The positioning part 46 and the mating part 23 are connected in a limiting manner. By setting the positioning part 46 and the mating part 23, the first connecting block 48 and the second connecting block 49 are positioned and installed relatively accurately, avoiding large deviations in the installation of the first connecting pipe assembly 31.

[0055] Further, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8In this embodiment, the first connecting pipe assembly 31 includes a first connecting pipe 311 and a second connecting pipe 312. Two connecting blocks 41 are fixedly connected to both ends of the first connecting pipe 311. One end of the second connecting pipe 312 is fixedly connected to the middle section of the first connecting pipe 311, and the other end of the second connecting pipe 312 is fixedly connected to another thermal management module 1. The channels of the first connecting pipe assembly 31 are respectively connected to the fluid channels of the three thermal management components. Specifically, two ends of the first connecting pipe assembly 31 have first connecting portions 331 corresponding to the connecting blocks 41, and the other end of the first connecting pipe assembly 31 has a second connecting portion 332 connecting to the first type of thermal management component. The second connecting portion 332 has a second interface 302. The first interfaces 301 and second interfaces 302 corresponding to the two first connecting portions 331 face the same direction, integrating multiple connecting pipes into one unit. This allows for unified installation of multiple connecting pipes and reduces the number of first or second interface portions, thus reducing the number of installation points between the interface portions and the connecting pipes, which is beneficial for the production and manufacturing of the thermal management components. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first connector assembly 31 includes a first connector 311 and a second connector 312. The two ends of the first connector 311 are welded and fixed to two first interface portions 111, respectively. One end of the second connector 312 is fixedly connected to the middle section of the first connector 311, and the other end of the second connector 312 is fixedly connected to other thermal management components or an external connector block for connecting external thermal management components. The channel of the first connector 311 connects to the interfaces of the two first interface portions 111, and the channel of the second connector 312 connects to the channel of the first connector 311. The channel of the second connector 312 connects to the fluid channel 30 of the thermal management component or the external interface 405 of the connector block. (Reference) Figure 8 In this embodiment, the first connecting pipe assembly 31 includes two sets, one set of which has a second connecting pipe 312 fixedly connected to a heat exchanger at one end, and the other set of which has a second connecting pipe 312 fixedly connected to an external connecting block at the other end.

[0056] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first connecting pipe assembly also includes a connector 313, which is welded and fixed to the second connecting pipe 312. The connector 313 includes a first connector 3131 and a second connector 3132. The first connector 3131 is fixedly connected to the support frame 2 and has an external interface 405. The first connector 3131 is connected to thermal management components such as the compressor and passenger compartment heat exchanger, which are not directly connected to the support frame, through a pipeline. The second connector 3132 is welded and fixed or detachably connected to the first type of thermal management component. In this embodiment, the second connector 3132 is detachably connected to the second interface 121 of the heat exchanger, specifically by screw connection.

[0057] Additionally, refer to Figure 19In some embodiments, the connector 313 is fixedly connected to the connecting pipe 310. The connector 313 includes a first wall portion 3320, which is fixedly connected or limited to the corresponding interface portion 10. The normal directions of the first wall portions 3320 of the multiple connectors 313 are consistent. This arrangement facilitates the connection of the connector to the interface portion 10 of the connecting block and the interface portion 10 of the first type of thermal management component from one direction or one side of the thermal management component, making the manufacturing of the thermal management component more convenient.

[0058] Further, refer to Figure 19 The connector 313 includes a protruding tube portion 3321, which protrudes relative to the first wall portion 3320. The interface portion 10 corresponding to the connector 313 has a insertion cavity 100. The protruding tube portion 3321 is at least partially located in the insertion cavity 100, forming a wall of the insertion cavity 100 that is inserted into the protruding tube portion 3321. During the connection process between the connector 313 and the interface portion 10, the protruding tube portion 3321 can be inserted into the insertion cavity 100 for pre-positioning before welding or screw connection. Similarly, this further facilitates the manufacturing of the heat management component.

[0059] Further, refer to Figure 20 The connector 313 has a first screw hole 3133 and a second screw hole 3134, which are used to place screws. The direction from the center of the first screw hole 3133 to the second screw hole 3134 is defined as the inclination direction of the connector 313. At least two connectors 313 are fixedly connected to the connecting block 41, and the inclination directions of the at least two connectors 313 are at an angle. Installing multiple connectors on the same side can cause screw installation interference. This design avoids screw installation interference.

[0060] refer to Figure 20 The thermal management component includes a gas-liquid separator 7, to which a connector 313 is fixedly connected. The inclination direction of the connector 313 forms an angle with the extension direction of the gas-liquid separator 7. This is done to take into account the volume of the gas-liquid separator 7 itself. The inclined design of the connector ensures that the horizontal dimension of the connector does not exceed the horizontal cross-sectional dimension of the gas-liquid separator, and on this basis, minimizes the vertical height of the entire gas-liquid separator and connector assembly.

[0061] refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18The thermal management assembly includes a second connecting pipe assembly 32 and a detection element 5. The second connecting pipe assembly 32 includes a third connecting pipe 321, a fourth connecting pipe 322, and an adapter block 323. The adapter block 323 includes a first side portion 3231, a second side portion 3232, and a third side portion 3233. One end of the third connecting pipe 321 is welded to a first interface portion 111, and the other end of the third connecting pipe 321 is welded and fixed to the first side portion 3231. One end of the fourth connecting pipe 322 is fixedly connected to other thermal management components, and the other end of the fourth connecting pipe 322 is welded and fixed to the second side portion 3232. The third side portion 3233 has a mounting cavity 320, and the detection element 5 is at least partially located in the mounting cavity 320. This solution provides mounting positions for some scattered components, such as temperature sensors and pressure sensors, and also allows for the transfer of fluid channels through the adapter block when the connecting pipe needs to be bent at a large angle, facilitating the manufacturing and processing of the connecting pipe and the arrangement of the fluid path.

[0062] In another embodiment, reference is made to... Figure 12 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 The connector assembly includes a mounting member 314. One side of the mounting member 314 is welded and fixed to the connector of the connector assembly 3, and the other side of the mounting member 314 is welded and fixed to other thermal management components. The mounting member 314 has a first channel 3140, which can connect the fluid channels of other thermal management components with the channel 30 of the connector assembly 3. The mounting member 314 has a mounting cavity 320, which is connected to the first channel 3140. The detection element 5 is fixedly connected to the mounting member 314, and at least part of the detection element 5 is located in the mounting cavity 320. This embodiment also provides mounting positions for some scattered components, such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors and other detection elements. On the other hand, when the connector needs to be bent at a large angle, the fluid channel can be transferred through the mounting member 314, which facilitates the manufacturing and processing of the connector and the arrangement of the fluid path. In addition, the fixed connection between the mounting member 314 and the thermal management components makes the structure of the mounting member and the connector assembly more stable.

[0063] Additionally, in this embodiment, reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the connecting block 41 has multiple external interfaces 405. The orientation of the external interfaces 405 is defined as a first direction, and the orientation of the interface of the first interface part 111 is defined as a second direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect. Setting the orientation of the external interfaces 405 and the interface orientation of the first interface part 111 in different directions can avoid interference between the installation of the external connector and the first connector assembly, making the manufacturing of the thermal management assembly more convenient.

[0064] Additionally, in some embodiments, references Figure 22The thermal management assembly also includes a flow channel component 8, which has a coolant flow channel. The flow channel component 8 is fixedly connected to the support frame 2, integrating the refrigerant-side components and coolant-side components on the support frame. The mechanical strength manufacturing requirements of the flow channel component 8 can be appropriately reduced. Compared with the flow channel component being directly connected to the vehicle body, the support frame can enhance the shock resistance of the entire thermal management assembly.

[0065] It should be noted that the above technical solutions are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A thermal management component, characterized in that, The thermal management assembly includes a connecting pipe (310) and at least two thermal management modules (1). Each thermal management module (1) includes at least one of a valve module (4), a heat exchanger (6), a gas-liquid separator (7), and a liquid reservoir. The connecting pipe (310) includes at least two connecting parts (33). Each thermal management module (1) has an interface part (10). One of the connecting parts (33) is welded to the interface part (10) of one thermal management module (1), and the other connecting part (33) is welded to the interface part (10) of another thermal management module (1). The connector (310) has a protrusion (3113) and a main pipe (3114). The protrusion (3113) connects the connecting part (33) and the main pipe (3114). The protrusion (3113) protrudes radially relative to the main pipe (3114) along the end interface of the connector (310). Along the axial direction of the end interface, there is a gap between the protrusion (3113) and the interface part (10).

2. The thermal management component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (3113), the main tube (3114) and the connecting part (33) are integral structures, and the protrusion (3113) circumferentially surrounds the channel (30) of the connecting tube (310).

3. The thermal management component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protrusion (3113) includes a first folded portion (3101), a second folded portion (3102), and a third folded portion (3103). The first folded portion (3101) surrounds the outer periphery of the main tube (3114) and is radially outward from the main tube (3114). The third folded portion (3103) surrounds the outer periphery of the connecting portion (33) and is radially outward from the connecting portion (33). The second folded portion (3102) is located on the outer periphery of the first folded portion (3101) and the third folded portion (3103) and connects the first folded portion (3101) and the third folded portion (3103).

4. The thermal management component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The interface portion (10) has an interface cavity (110a), and the connecting portion (33) extends to the interface cavity (110a). Along the axial direction of the end interface, the third folding portion (3103) has a gap with the corresponding interface portion (10).

5. The thermal management component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting part (33) includes a limiting part (1101), the wall forming the interface cavity (110a) includes a bottom wall, the limiting part (1101) is located on the bottom wall, and the end of the connecting part (33) abuts against the limiting part (1101).

6. The thermal management component according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The connecting part (33) includes a guide section (3111), which is located at the end of the connecting part (33) and within the interface cavity (110a). The guide section (3111) has a reduced diameter along the central axis of the end interface, and the outer diameter of the guide section (3111) near the end interface is smaller than the outer diameter of the guide section (3111) away from the end interface.

7. The thermal management component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The interface portion (10) includes an inner peripheral wall (1111) and a guide wall (1112). The interface portion (10) has an interface cavity (110a). The wall forming the interface cavity (110a) includes the inner peripheral wall (1111). The guide wall (1112) is located at the end of the first interface portion (111) near the interface. The guide wall (1112) is expanded in diameter along the central axis of the interface cavity (110a) from the inner peripheral wall (1111). The inner diameter of the guide wall (1112) at the end near the inner peripheral wall (1111) is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide wall (1112) at the end away from the inner peripheral wall (1111).

8. The thermal management component according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The connecting part (33) has a plurality of welding grooves (3110), which are recessed relative to the pipe wall of the connecting pipe (310). The opening of the welding groove (3110) faces the inner peripheral wall of the corresponding interface part (10). The welding groove (3110) extends along the central axis of the end interface. The plurality of welding grooves (3110) are spaced apart along the outer periphery of the pipe wall of the connecting pipe (310).

9. The thermal management component according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The thermal management module (1) includes a valve module (4), which includes at least two connecting blocks (41) and a valve component (42). The connecting block (41) has at least one receiving cavity (40), and the valve component (42) is at least partially located in the receiving cavity (40). The connecting pipe (310) includes at least two connecting parts (33), one of which is connected to one of the connecting blocks (41) and the other is connected to the other connecting block (41). The connecting part (33) has a first interface (301) that can communicate with the corresponding receiving cavity (40). The first interfaces (301) corresponding to at least two of the connecting parts (33) face the same side of the thermal management component.

10. The thermal management component according to claim 9, characterized in that, The thermal management component includes a support frame (2), and the connecting block (41) includes a first connecting block (48) and a second connecting block (49). The first connecting block (48) and the second connecting block (49) are separate structures. The support frame (2) has a first sidewall (21). The first connecting block (48) and the second connecting block (49) are fixedly connected to the first sidewall (21). The interface of the interface portion of the first connecting block (48) and the second connecting block (49) faces away from the first sidewall (21).

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