An integrated assembly, thermal management system, and control method
By integrating temperature sensors and commutation devices into the components to optimize fluid flow paths, the problem of ineffective heat exchange in oil cooling systems is solved, resulting in reduced system power loss and cost savings.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG SANHUA AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing oil-cooling devices lack temperature detection in electric drive systems, leading to ineffective heat exchange and increased power loss, resulting in increased system power loss.
The system employs integrated components, including a housing, a commutator, an oil cooler, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor detects the fluid temperature and controls the commutator to selectively direct the fluid into the first or second flow channel, thus avoiding ineffective heat exchange and reducing system power loss.
By optimizing fluid flow paths, ineffective heat exchange and pipeline pressure loss are reduced, system power loss is decreased, component layout is simplified, and costs are reduced.
Smart Images
Figure CN122107843A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle thermal management technology, specifically to an integrated component, thermal management system, and control method. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of electric drive technology, oil-cooled electric drive technology has gradually become the market mainstream due to its excellent performance. Currently, oil circuit components are generally installed separately on the reducer or motor housing. In existing technologies, oil cooling devices are used to cool the oil, but there is a lack of judgment on whether the oil needs cooling, which can easily lead to increased power loss of the oil cooling device, and thus increased system power loss. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated component, a thermal management system, and a control method, which aims to solve the problem of large power loss in power systems.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] On one hand, the present invention provides an integrated component, which includes a housing, a commutation device, an oil cooler, a first temperature sensor, and a second temperature sensor. The housing has a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a first mounting cavity. A portion of the commutation device is located in the first mounting cavity, which includes a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The oil cooler includes a fluid inlet. The housing and the oil cooler are sealed together. The first outlet communicates with the first flow channel, and the second outlet communicates with the fluid inlet through the second flow channel. A portion of the first temperature sensor is disposed within the housing, and the first temperature sensor is located within the first flow channel. Upstream of the inlet, the reversing device is configured to selectively connect one of the first outlet and the second outlet to the first inlet based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor; the housing also has an oil storage cavity and a first mounting hole, the housing defining a wall portion of the oil storage cavity, the oil storage cavity communicating with the first inlet, the first temperature sensor passing through the first mounting hole and sealed to the housing, and a portion of the first temperature sensor being located within the oil storage cavity; the housing also has a second mounting hole, the second temperature sensor passing through the second mounting hole and sealed to the housing, and a portion of the second temperature sensor being located within the first flow channel.
[0006] According to the integrated component provided by the technical solution of the present invention, the integrated device includes a housing, a commutation device, an oil cooler, a first temperature sensor, and a second temperature sensor. The commutation device, the oil cooler, and the first temperature sensor are connected to the housing, which facilitates the omission of pipeline connections between the commutation device, the oil cooler, and the first temperature sensor, thereby reducing costs and oil pressure losses caused by long connecting pipelines. After the first temperature sensor detects the fluid temperature, the commutation device controls the fluid to flow into the first or second flow channel based on the comparison result between the temperature value detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature threshold. This allows for selection of whether to perform heat exchange on the fluid according to the system's fluid requirements at different temperatures, thereby reducing system power loss. Furthermore, by setting the second temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the oil discharged from the housing to determine whether the commutation device is operating normally, it is beneficial to quickly screen for system faults. In addition, the housing also has an oil storage chamber for storing the oil in the system, which can reduce the amount of oil in the electric drive or reducer, thereby reducing oil churning losses in the power system.
[0007] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a control method for an integrated component, which is used to utilize the aforementioned integrated component. The control method includes: detecting a fluid temperature value T1 upstream of the first inlet using the first temperature sensor; comparing the temperature value T1 with a temperature threshold to obtain a comparison result; and controlling the reversing device according to the comparison result so that the reversing device selectively connects one of the first outlet and the second outlet to the first inlet.
[0008] According to the control method of the integrated component provided by the technical solution of the present invention, after the first temperature sensor detects the fluid temperature, the fluid flows into the first or second flow channel under the control of the reversing device. It can select whether to perform heat exchange on the fluid according to the system's requirements for fluids of different temperatures, thereby reducing system power loss.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a thermal management system, including an electronic oil pump and the aforementioned integrated components, wherein the electronic oil pump has a first pump port, and the first pump port is connected to the first inlet.
[0010] According to the thermal management system provided by the present invention, the reversing device is configured to selectively connect one of the first outlet and the second outlet to the first inlet. The electronic oil pump serves as the power source for the system fluid. When the fluid temperature in the thermal management system is low, the reversing device can connect the first outlet and the first inlet, thereby allowing the fluid to enter the oil cooler without passing through the second flow channel. This facilitates reducing ineffective heat exchange in the oil cooler and thus reducing system power loss. Attached Figure Description
[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of a thermal management system provided in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an integrated component provided in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows an exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of an integrated component.
[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the first housing of an integrated component. Figure 1 ;
[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the first housing of an integrated component. Figure 2 ;
[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the first housing of an integrated component. Figure 3 ;
[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the first housing of an integrated component along the BB direction.
[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the first housing of an integrated component along the AA direction.
[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a second housing structure of an integrated component;
[0021] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the commutation device along the AA direction;
[0022] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an integrated component provided in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] In the picture:
[0024] 100. Integrated component; 1. Housing; 1a. First housing; 1b. Second housing; 101. Partition; 102. First mounting hole; 103. Second mounting hole; 11. First mounting cavity; 111. First inlet; 112. First outlet; 113. Second outlet; 12. Second mounting cavity; 121. Second inlet; 122. Fifth outlet; 123. First cavity; 124. First cavity bottom; 13. Third mounting cavity; 131. Third inlet; 132. Sixth outlet; 133. Second cavity; 134. Third cavity; 135. Second cavity bottom; 136. Protrusion; 14. First flow channel; 15. Second flow channel; 151. Fourth outlet; 16. Third flow channel; 161. 17. Third outlet; 18. Fourth flow channel; 19. Fifth flow channel; 20. Coolant channel; 21. Oil reservoir; 22. Oil reservoir inlet; 22. Reversing device; 23. Drive unit; 24. Reversing unit; 25. First valve core; 26. Second valve core; 27. Drive housing; 28. Valve port; 29. Seventh outlet; 20. First seal; 21. Second seal; 22. Oil cooler; 33. Fluid outlet; 34. Fluid inlet; 35. Coolant inlet; 36. Coolant outlet; 4. Filter press; 5. Electronic oil pump; 57. First pump port; 58. Second pump port; 6. First temperature sensor; 7. Second temperature sensor; 8. Suction filter; 9. Pressure sensor; 10. Power system. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.
[0026] Electric drive systems typically include a thermal management system, which comprises an oil cooler. The oil cooler carries two heat exchange fluids that flow within their respective channels, exchanging heat. The fluids function to lubricate and cool the system. After cooling, the fluids raise the system temperature, requiring further cooling via the oil cooler to maintain optimal performance. However, electric drive systems have varying fluid temperature requirements under different operating conditions. For example, during startup, the system needs rapid temperature rise. Cooling the fluids via the oil cooler at this time would hinder this process, as the oil cooler would be exchanging heat with fluids that don't require it, resulting in ineffective heat exchange, increased power loss, and, in some cases, impeded rapid temperature rise. Furthermore, fluids in the thermal management system usually flow between components via piping. Excessive piping length can lead to significant pressure losses, and the piping layout also increases the space and cost required for system installation.
[0027] To improve the above problems, such as Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a thermal management system. The flow path of the fluid in the thermal management system is as follows: after the temperature is measured by the first temperature sensor 6 in the oil storage chamber 20, the fluid enters the electronic oil pump 5. According to the test result of the first temperature sensor 6, the fluid is filtered by the filter press 4 and the flow direction is adjusted by the reversing device 2. One flow direction is to enter the oil cooler 3 for heat exchange and then flow into the power system 10. The other flow direction is to directly enter the power system 10.
[0028] To reduce the fluid flow path, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the integrated component 100 includes a housing 1, an oil cooler 3, a commutation device 2, and a first temperature sensor 6. The oil cooler 3 and the commutation device 2 are mounted on the housing 1. The oil cooler 3 can exchange heat with the fluid in the system when coolant is introduced. Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the housing 1 includes a first housing 1a and a second housing 1b having multiple chambers. The housing 1 also integrates a first flow channel 14 and a second flow channel 15. In some embodiments, the housing 1 may also integrate an oil storage chamber 20. After the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b are sealed together, the first flow channel 14, the second flow channel 15, and the oil storage chamber 20 are formed. Optionally, the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b are sealed together by welding. The reversing device 2 is located at one end of the first flow channel 14 and the second flow channel 15, or the reversing device 2 is located upstream of the inlet of the first flow channel 14 and the inlet of the second flow channel 15. The reversing device 2 enables one of the first flow channel 14 and the second flow channel 15 to be in communication with the fluid inlet, so that fluid can enter the first flow channel 14 or the second flow channel 15. In the integrated component 100, the first temperature sensor 6 is located upstream of the reversing device 2. Specifically, the first temperature sensor 6 can be located in the oil storage chamber 20. The first temperature sensor 6 can detect the fluid temperature in the oil storage chamber 20. If the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 6 is greater than a preset value, the reversing device 2 connects the fluid inlet to the second flow channel 15 and simultaneously closes the first flow channel 14. Since the second flow channel 15 is connected to the inlet of the oil cooler 3, the fluid enters the oil cooler 3 for heat exchange. If the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 6 is less than the preset value, the reversing device 2 opens the first flow channel 14 and closes the second flow channel 15, so that the fluid does not pass through the oil cooler 3 and is discharged from the casing 1. Figure 2 As shown, the integrated component 100 may also include at least one of a filter press 4, an electronic oil pump 5, and an oil storage chamber inlet 201. The oil of the power system 10 enters the oil storage chamber 20 in the integrated component 100 through the oil storage chamber inlet 201. The fluid in the oil storage chamber 20 is sucked in by the electronic oil pump 5 and filtered out by the filter press 4. Then, it selectively enters the first flow channel 14 or the second flow channel 15 through the reversing device 2, and finally exits the housing 1 and enters the power system 10.
[0029] In one embodiment, the integrated component 100 further includes a second temperature sensor 7, and the housing 1 further includes a first mounting cavity 11. A portion of the commutation device 2 is located in the first mounting cavity 11, which includes a first inlet 111, a first outlet 112, and a second outlet 113. The oil cooler 3 includes a fluid inlet 32, and the housing 1 and the oil cooler 3 are sealed together. The first outlet 112 communicates with a first flow channel 14, and the second outlet 113 communicates with the fluid inlet 32 through a second flow channel 15. The first temperature sensor 6 is located upstream of the first inlet 111, and the commutation device 2 is configured to detect temperature based on the first temperature sensor 6. The temperature selectively connects one of the first outlet 112 and the second outlet 113 to the first inlet 111; the housing 1 also has an oil storage cavity 20 and a first mounting hole 102, the housing 1 defines the wall of the oil storage cavity 20, the oil storage cavity 20 is connected to the first inlet 111, the first temperature sensor 6 passes through the first mounting hole 102 and is sealed to the housing 1, and the first temperature sensor 6 is partially located in the oil storage cavity 20; the housing 1 also has a second mounting hole 103, the second temperature sensor 7 passes through the second mounting hole 103 and is sealed to the housing 1, and the second temperature sensor 7 is partially located in the first flow channel 14.
[0030] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 The first flow channel 14 and the second flow channel 15 are not connected. A portion of the first flow channel 14 and the second flow channel 15 is located in the first housing 1a, with its wall extending from the first housing 1a towards the second housing 1b. The other portion is located in the second housing 1b, with its wall extending from the second housing 1b towards the first housing 1a. The first flow channel 14 and the second flow channel 15 are formed when the openings of the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b are sealed together. Integrating the first flow channel 14 and the second flow channel 15 into the housing 1 simplifies the arrangement of the various oil passages, saves space, facilitates manufacturing, reduces the use of piping, and lowers costs.
[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 The oil cooler 3 has a fluid outlet 31, a fluid inlet 32, and a coolant inlet 33 on one end face near the first housing 1a, and this end face is fixedly connected to the first housing 1a, optionally by bolts. The oil cooler 3 has a coolant outlet 34 at the end away from the first housing 1a, from which the coolant, after heat exchange, flows out. Fluid in the housing 1 enters the oil cooler 3 through the fluid inlet 32, and after heat exchange with the coolant entering the oil cooler 3 through the coolant inlet 33, it exits the oil cooler 3 through the fluid outlet 31.
[0032] like Figure 4As shown, the first mounting cavity 11 is formed by the recess of the first housing 1a toward the second housing 1b, and the reversing device 2 is fixedly connected to the first housing 1a and sealed in the first mounting cavity 11.
[0033] Optionally, a first outlet 112 is provided at the bottom of the first mounting cavity 11, and a first inlet 111 and a second outlet 113 are provided on the peripheral wall of the first mounting cavity 11. In the axial direction of the first mounting cavity 11, the second outlet 113 is located on the same side of the first inlet 111 and the first outlet 112, and the first outlet 112 is located on the same side of the first inlet 111 and the second outlet 113. The openings of the first inlet 111, the first outlet 112 and the second outlet 113 do not intersect. This arrangement can prevent the fluid entering from the first inlet 111 from directly entering the first outlet 112 and / or the second outlet 113 without being controlled by the reversing device 2.
[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the first temperature sensor 6 of the integrated component 100 passes through the first mounting hole 102 of the second housing 1b and is sealed to the second housing 1b. The first mounting hole 102 is located on the wall of the second housing 1b that defines the oil storage chamber 20. After the fluid's temperature is detected by the first temperature sensor 6, it enters the first mounting chamber 11 through the first inlet 111. Under the control of the reversing device 2, it enters the first flow channel 14 or the second flow channel 15, reducing or avoiding the oil cooler 3 from cooling the fluid with a temperature lower than the preset value, thus reducing the ineffective heat exchange of the oil cooler 3 and reducing power loss.
[0035] like Figure 1 , 3 as well as Figure 8 As shown, to determine whether the commutation device 2 in the integrated component 100 is in normal working condition, a second temperature sensor 7 is inserted into the second mounting hole 103 of the second housing 1b and sealed to the second housing 1b. The second mounting hole 103 is located on the wall of the second housing 1b that defines the first flow channel 14. Therefore, the second temperature sensor 7 can detect the temperature of the fluid in the first flow channel 14 when it exits the housing 1. The first temperature sensor 6 detects the fluid temperature value T1 at time t1. The same fluid flows through the first flow channel 14 and detects the same fluid temperature value T2 when it flows through the second temperature sensor 7. By comparing the difference between T2 and T1, the system can determine whether the fluid has undergone normal heat exchange, thereby determining whether the commutation device 2 is in normal working condition. The specific scheme is described in the detection method below.
[0036] In one embodiment, a first mounting cavity 11 is located in the first housing 1a, the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b are sealed together, the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b each define at least a portion of the wall of the first flow channel 14 and at least a portion of the wall of the second flow channel 15; the housing 1 further includes a third outlet 161 and a fourth outlet 151, the first outlet 112 communicates with the third outlet 161 through the first flow channel 14, the second outlet 113 communicates with the fourth outlet 151 through the second flow channel 15, and the fourth outlet 151 communicates with the fluid inlet 32.
[0037] like Figures 2 to 4 Along the height direction of housing 1, the first housing 1a is located above the second housing 1b. The end of the first housing 1a facing the second housing 1b has an opening, and the end of the second housing 1b facing the first housing 1a has an opening. The first housing 1a and the second housing 1b are welded to form housing 1, so that the opening of the first housing 1a and the opening of the second housing 1b are sealed.
[0038] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first housing 1a also includes a third outlet 161 and a fourth outlet 151. Fluid can exit the housing 1 through the third outlet 161 or exit the housing 1 through the fourth outlet 151 and then enter the oil cooler 3. Specifically, when the oil cooler 3 is fixedly connected to the first housing 1a, the fourth outlet 151 is located at the position where the fluid inlet 32 is projected onto the first housing 1a. The fluid inlet 32 and the fourth outlet 151 are sealed together. This arrangement reduces the use of pipelines and reduces the space occupied. The third outlet 161 is located at the end opposite to the reversing device 2 of the first flow channel 14. The first outlet 112 is connected to the outside through the first flow channel 14 and the third outlet 161. Fluid exits the housing 1 through the third outlet 161. The second outlet 113 is connected to the oil cooler 3 through the second flow channel 15 and the fourth outlet 151. When the integrated component 100 is operating, the reversing device 2 can control the fluid in the integrated component 100 to flow through the first outlet 112 and the first flow channel 14 and exit the housing 1 from the third outlet 161, or flow through the second outlet 113 and the second flow channel 15 and enter the oil cooler 3 from the fourth outlet 151. This configuration allows for selection of whether to perform heat exchange on the fluid according to the system's requirements for fluids at different temperatures, thereby reducing system power loss.
[0039] In one embodiment, the housing 1 further includes a partition 101, one side of the partition 101 in the thickness direction defining at least one of at least a portion of the wall of the first flow channel 14, at least a portion of the wall of the second flow channel 15, and at least a portion of the wall of the first mounting cavity 11; the other side of the partition 101 in the thickness direction also defines at least a portion of the wall of the oil storage cavity 20.
[0040] like Figure 4As shown, the partition is integrally formed on the housing 1 and is used to form or separate the aforementioned flow channels or cavities in the integrated assembly 100. Specifically, a portion of the partition is located in the first housing 1a and extends from the first housing 1a toward the second housing 1b, and another portion is located in the second housing 1b and extends from the second housing 1b toward the first housing 1a.
[0041] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown in Figure 8, the oil reservoir 20 is used to store system fluid. The oil reservoir 20 is located on the side of the housing 1 near the electronic oil pump 5. The oil reservoir 20 can communicate with the third mounting cavity 13 through the third inlet 131. The arrangement of the oil reservoir 20 allows fluid to be stored within the housing 1, reducing the amount of oil in the electric drive or reducer and lowering the churning loss in the power system. Specifically, a portion of the oil reservoir 20 is located in the first housing 1a, with its wall extending from the first housing 1a towards the second housing 1b, and another portion is located in the second housing 1b, with its wall extending from the second housing 1b towards the first housing 1a. The oil reservoir 20 is formed when the openings of the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b are sealed together. At least a portion of the walls of the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b constitute a part of the wall of the oil reservoir 20, and a portion of the walls of the first flow channel 14, the second flow channel 15, the fourth flow channel 17, and the fifth flow channel 18 constitute another part of the wall of the oil reservoir 20. The two portions of the wall form the oil reservoir 20 when the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b are sealed together. Integrating the oil storage chamber 20 into the housing 1 simplifies the pipeline layout, allowing the electronic oil pump 5 to obtain oil from the reducer without needing to go through pipelines.
[0042] In one embodiment, the oil cooler 3 further includes a fluid outlet 31 and a coolant inlet 33. The coolant inlet 33 is located at one end face of the oil cooler 3 near the first housing 1a. The housing 1 also has a third flow channel 16 and a coolant channel 19. The third flow channel 16 is connected to the first flow channel 14 through a third outlet 161 and is connected to the oil cooler 3 through the fluid outlet 31. The third outlet 161 is formed in the wall of the third flow channel 16. The coolant channel 19 is connected to the oil cooler 3 through the coolant inlet 33. The second temperature sensor 7 is located in the first flow channel 14 near the end of the third outlet 161.
[0043] like Figures 3 to 5The third flow channel 16 and the coolant channel 19 are located downstream of the first flow channel 14 and the second flow channel 15. The fluid in the housing 1 can enter the oil cooler 3 through the second flow channel 15 for heat exchange and then exit the housing 1 through the third flow channel 16, or it can enter the housing 1 through the first flow channel 14 and then exit the housing 1 through the third flow channel 16. Specifically, the oil cooler 3 has a fluid outlet 31 and a coolant inlet 33 at the end near the first housing 1a. When the oil cooler 3 is fixedly connected to the first housing 1a, the third flow channel 16 and the coolant channel 19 are located at the positions where the fluid outlet 31 and the coolant inlet 33 are projected onto the first housing 1a, respectively. The third flow channel 16 is sealed to the fluid outlet 31, and the coolant channel 19 is sealed to the coolant inlet 33. This arrangement helps to improve the integration of the integrated component 100, reduce the use of pipelines, and reduce the space occupied.
[0044] Optionally, the third flow channel 16 penetrates the first housing 1a and extends toward the second housing 1b; alternatively, the third flow channel 16 is configured according to its required connection point curve. The design principle of the coolant channel 19 is the same as that of the third flow channel 16, and will not be described in detail here.
[0045] like Figure 1 , 3 as well as Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, experiments have shown that regardless of whether the fluid flows through the first channel 14 or the second channel 15 for heat exchange, it will flow through the third channel 16 and pass through the second temperature sensor 7. Therefore, the second temperature sensor 7 can detect the temperature of the fluid at the time of discharge from the casing 1 in both channels. The first temperature sensor 6 detects the fluid temperature value T1 at time t1. After the same fluid flows through the first channel 14 or the second channel 15, the same fluid temperature value T2 is detected when it flows through the second temperature sensor 7. By comparing the difference between T2 and T1, the system can determine whether the fluid has undergone normal heat exchange, thereby determining whether the reversing device is in normal working condition.
[0046] In one embodiment, when the integrated component 100 further includes a filter press 4 and an electronic oil pump 5, the first housing 1a further includes a second mounting cavity 12 and a third mounting cavity 13. The filter press 4 is located in the second mounting cavity 12, and the electronic oil pump 5 is located in the third mounting cavity 13. The second mounting cavity 12 and the third mounting cavity 13 are located upstream of the first mounting cavity 11. The second mounting cavity 12 includes a fifth outlet 122 and a second inlet 121, and the third mounting cavity 13 includes a sixth outlet 132 and a third inlet 131. The fifth outlet 122 communicates with the first inlet 111, and the sixth outlet 132 communicates with the second inlet 121.
[0047] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the filter press 4 is used to further filter the fluid to remove smaller impurities and is fixedly connected to the first housing 1a. Integrating the filter press 4 into the first housing 1a helps to shorten the distance between the filter press 4 and the first housing 1a, reducing pipeline pressure loss. The first housing 1a defines the wall of the second mounting cavity 12, which extends from the end face of the first housing 1a away from the second housing 1b in a direction away from and towards the second housing 1b. The depth of the second mounting cavity 12 extending towards the second housing 1b does not exceed the depth of the end face of the first housing 1a near the second housing 1b.
[0048] Specifically, the second mounting cavity 12 includes a first cavity 123 and a first cavity bottom 124. The end face of the first cavity 123 away from the second housing 1b has recesses spaced at 120-degree intervals towards the lower end face of the second housing 1b. These recesses can engage with the screw cap of the filter press 4, allowing the filter press 4 to be fixed to the first housing 1a. The fifth outlet 122 is located at the first cavity bottom 124. The diameter of the fifth outlet 122 is smaller than the diameter of the first cavity bottom 124. The fifth outlet 122 communicates with the first mounting cavity 11 through the first inlet 111. The second inlet 121 is located on the wall of the first cavity 123. The second inlet 121 communicates with the third mounting cavity 13 through the sixth outlet 132. Optionally, the second inlet 121 is located on the side of the first cavity 123 near the third mounting cavity 13 and embedded in the first housing 1a.
[0049] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the electronic oil pump 5 provides power for the movement of fluid in the flow path and is fixedly connected to the first housing 1a. The third mounting cavity 13 is integrally formed in the first housing 1a and extends from the end face of the first housing 1a away from the second housing 1b in a direction away from and towards the second housing 1b. The third mounting cavity 13 extends towards the second housing 1b such that it is partially embedded in the first housing 1a, and the embedding depth does not exceed the end face of the first housing 1a near the second housing 1b. Specifically, the third mounting cavity 13 includes a second cavity 133 and a third cavity 134 with coaxial axes and successively increasing diameters in the height direction of the first housing 1a, thus forming a stepped cavity. A boss is formed at the junction of the cavities to support the electronic oil pump 5. The second cavity 133 includes a second cavity bottom 135. The wall of the second cavity 133 and the second cavity bottom 135 have a sixth outlet 132 and a third inlet 131, respectively. The sixth outlet 132 is connected to the second inlet 121, and the third inlet 131 is connected to the oil storage cavity 20. Optionally, in order to increase the outlet flow of the electronic oil pump 5, the sixth outlet 132 can extend from the second cavity 133 to the second cavity bottom 135. The portion of the sixth outlet 132 extending to the second cavity bottom 135 does not interfere with the third inlet 131.
[0050] In one embodiment, the housing 1 further has a fourth flow channel 17 and a fifth flow channel 18, the fourth flow channel 17 connecting the first inlet 111 and the fifth outlet 122, and the fifth flow channel 18 connecting the second inlet 121 and the sixth outlet 132.
[0051] like Figure 5 and 8 As shown, in order to further improve the integration of the integrated component 100 and reduce the use of pipelines and reduce costs, a portion of the fourth flow channel 17 and the fifth flow channel 18 are located in the first housing 1a, with their walls extending from the first housing 1a toward the second housing 1b, and another portion is located in the second housing 1b, with their walls extending from the second housing 1b toward the first housing 1a. The fourth flow channel 17 and the fifth flow channel 18 are formed when the opening of the first housing 1a and the opening of the second housing 1b are locked together. Optionally, a portion of the wall of the first cavity 123 and the bottom 124 of the first cavity form the wall of the fourth flow channel 17, and a portion of the wall of the fourth flow channel 17 forms the wall of the first flow channel 14. The first inlet 111 and the fifth outlet 122 are located within the wall forming the fourth flow channel 17. Alternatively, a portion of the wall of the first cavity 123 and the bottom 124 of the first cavity form the wall of the fifth flow channel 18, and a portion of the wall of the fifth flow channel 18 forms the wall of the fourth flow channel 17. The second inlet 121 and the sixth outlet 132 are located within the wall forming the fifth flow channel 18. Optionally, a portion of the wall of the second cavity 133 and the bottom 135 of the second cavity can also form the wall of the fifth flow channel 18, simplifying the flow channel structure and making it easier to manufacture.
[0052] In one embodiment, the reversing device 2 includes a driving part 21, a reversing part 22, and a driving housing 23. The reversing part 22 includes a first valve core part 221 and a second valve core part 222 spaced apart. The driving housing 23 includes a valve port part 231, which has a seventh outlet 232. Along the axial direction of the first mounting cavity 11, the first valve core part 221 and the second valve core part 222 are both located between the seventh outlet 232 and the first outlet 112. The first valve core part 221 and the second valve core part 222 are configured to selectively open one of the first outlet 112 and the seventh outlet 232.
[0053] like Figure 8 and 10As shown, the drive unit 21 is located outside the first mounting cavity 11, the first valve core 221 and the second valve core 222 are located inside the first mounting cavity 11, and the first outlet 112 and the second outlet 113 are located on both sides of the first valve core 221 and the second valve core 222. When the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 6 is greater than the preset value, the second valve core 222 moves toward the direction closer to the second housing 1b to connect the first inlet 111 and the second outlet 113, so that the fluid enters the second flow channel 15 and enters the oil cooler 3 for heat exchange. When the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 6 is less than the preset value, the second valve core 222 moves toward the direction away from the second housing 1b to connect the first inlet 111 and the first outlet 112, so that the fluid enters the first flow channel 14 and exits the housing 1.
[0054] like Figure 8 and 10 As shown, the reversing device 2 can be a valve assembly that moves axially within the first mounting cavity 11. The valve assembly has a drive part 21, a reversing part 22, and a drive housing 23. The drive part 21 can be a motor; or a combination of a motor and a reduction mechanism; or a combination of a motor and a lead screw; or the drive element can be an electromagnetic drive element. The drive housing 23 is partially mounted in the first mounting cavity 11 and is sealed to the first mounting cavity 11. The drive housing 23 includes a valve port 231, which is located in the first mounting cavity 11. The valve port 231 has a seventh outlet 232 and a wall surface defining the seventh outlet 232. The valve port 231 can abut or separate from the second valve core 222 to control the opening or closing of the seventh outlet 232. The first valve core 221 and the second valve core 222 are movably disposed relative to the first outlet 112 and the seventh outlet 232. The first valve core 221 and the second valve core 222 are configured to selectively open one of the first outlet 112 and the seventh outlet 232, such that the first inlet 111 communicates with the first flow channel 14 through the first outlet 112, or the first inlet 111 communicates with the second flow channel 15 through the seventh outlet 232. In other embodiments, the reversing device 2 may be a component that rotates circumferentially within the first mounting cavity 11, such as a ball valve.
[0055] Specifically, the first outlet 112 and the seventh outlet 232 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the first mounting cavity 11, and the first valve core 221 and the second valve core 222 can both be located between the first outlet 112 and the seventh outlet 232. In other embodiments, the first outlet 112 and the seventh outlet 232 can both be located between the first valve core 221 and the second valve core 222. When the first valve core 221 moves to abut against the wall of the first outlet 112, there is a gap between the second valve core 222 and the seventh outlet 232. At this time, the first outlet 112 is in a closed state and the seventh outlet 232 is in an open state. The opening area of the first outlet 112 is smaller than the sealing area of the first valve core 221, so that the first valve core 221 can completely cover the first outlet 112 when it moves toward the first outlet 112, reducing oil leakage. When the second valve core 222 moves to abut against the wall of the seventh outlet 232, there is a gap between the first valve core 221 and the first outlet 112. At this time, the first outlet 112 is in an open state and the seventh outlet 232 is in a closed state.
[0056] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, in order to give the integrated assembly 100 better sealing performance, in some embodiments, the integrated assembly 100 may further include a first seal 24 and a second seal 25. Along the radial direction of the first mounting cavity 11, the first seal 24 and the second seal 25 are sandwiched between the drive housing 23 and the first housing 1a. Along the axial direction of the first mounting cavity 11, the first seal 24 is located between the second outlet 113 and the end face of the first housing 1a away from the second housing 1b, and the second seal 25 is located between the first inlet 111 and the second outlet 113.
[0057] In some embodiments, the integrated component 100 further includes a suction filter 8, which is built into the oil storage chamber 20, and the third mounting chamber 13 includes a protrusion 136, to which the suction filter 8 is snapped.
[0058] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the bottom 135 of the second cavity extends towards the second housing 1b with the third inlet 131 as its inner diameter, forming an annular protrusion 136. A suction filter 8 is located in the oil storage chamber 20, and is fitted onto the protrusion 136 and engaged with the first housing 1a. It is used to coarsely filter the oil entering the electronic oil pump 5, preventing wear from larger particles. The integrated assembly 100 may also include a drain bolt connecting the oil storage chamber 20 to the outside, for draining oil from the oil storage chamber 20. The integrated assembly 100 also includes a pressure sensor 9 located within the fourth flow channel 17, for detecting the oil pressure in the fourth flow channel 17.
[0059] In summary, the oil in the reducer enters through the oil reservoir inlet 201. After being temperature-detected by the first temperature sensor 6 and coarsely filtered by the suction filter 8, it enters the electronic oil pump 5 through the third inlet 131. It then flows through the sixth outlet 132, the fifth flow channel 18, and the second inlet 121 into the filter press 4. The filter press 4 further finely filters the oil. Subsequently, it enters the first mounting cavity 11 through the fifth outlet 122, the fourth flow channel 17, and the first inlet 111. The reversing device 2 performs a reversing action based on the value detected by the first temperature sensor 6: when the detected data is lower than the preset value, the reversing device 2 connects the first inlet 111 and the first outlet 112, and the oil enters the first flow channel 14 and flows into the third flow channel 16 through the third outlet 161 before being discharged from the housing 1; when the detected data is higher than the preset value, the reversing device 2 connects the first inlet 111 and the second outlet 113, and the oil sequentially enters the oil cooler 3 through the second flow channel 15, the fourth outlet 151, and the fluid inlet 32. After being cooled, it enters the third flow channel 16 through the fluid outlet 31 before being discharged from the housing 1.
[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a thermal management system including an electric oil pump 5, an integrated component 100, and a power system 10. The electric oil pump 5 has a first pump port 51 and a second pump port 52. The first pump port 51 can be the outlet of the electric oil pump 5, and the second pump port 52 can be the inlet of the electric oil pump 5. The outlet of the power system 10 can be connected to the inlet of the electric oil pump 5, and the outlet of the electric oil pump 5 can be connected to the first inlet 111 of the integrated component 100. The third flow channel 16 of the outlet of the integrated component 100 can be connected to the power system 10.
[0061] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also provide a control method for an integrated component 100, used in any of the above-described embodiments of the integrated component 100. The control method for the integrated component 100 in the embodiments of the present invention includes:
[0062] Step S110: The fluid temperature value T1 upstream of the first inlet 111 is detected by the first temperature sensor 6;
[0063] Step S120: Compare the temperature value T1 with the temperature threshold to obtain the comparison result;
[0064] Step S130: Control the reversing device 2 according to the comparison result, so that the reversing device 2 selectively connects one of the first outlet 112 and the second outlet 113 to the first inlet 111.
[0065] In some embodiments, the fluid in the housing 1 can be oil, and the first temperature sensor 6 is located upstream of the commutation device 2, for example, in the oil reservoir 20. Optionally, the temperature threshold can be 60°C. When the fluid temperature detected at the location of the first temperature sensor 6 is T1, and T1 is less than or equal to 60°C, the fluid temperature is low and can exchange heat with the power system. In this case, the fluid does not need to pass through the oil cooler 3 to exchange heat with the oil medium. When the fluid temperature T1 is greater than 60°C, the fluid temperature is high, and the oil medium needs to be cooled by the oil cooler 3 before it can cool the power system. In other specific embodiments, the temperature threshold can be set according to user needs, and the present invention does not limit this.
[0066] By comparing the fluid temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 6 located upstream of the commutator 2 with the temperature threshold, the commutator 2 can be better controlled according to the operating conditions of the system, thereby adjusting the fluid temperature by cooling or not cooling.
[0067] In some embodiments, if the temperature value T1 is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, the switching device is controlled to enter the heat exchange mode, in which the first inlet 111 is connected to the second outlet 113; if the temperature value T1 is less than the temperature threshold, the switching device is controlled to enter the bypass mode, in which the first inlet 111 is connected to the first outlet 112.
[0068] In heat exchange mode, the first inlet 111 is connected to the second outlet 113 and enters the oil cooler 3 through the second flow channel 15 for heat exchange; in bypass mode, the first inlet 111 is connected to the first outlet 112 and exits the shell 1 after passing through the first flow channel 14.
[0069] In some embodiments, the integrated component 100 further includes a second temperature sensor 7, which is located downstream of the first flow channel 14 and the second flow channel 15. The control method further includes:
[0070] Step 1: In heat exchange mode, the second temperature sensor 7 detects the fluid temperature and obtains the temperature value T2;
[0071] Step 2: Compare temperature value T2 with temperature value T1 to obtain the comparison result;
[0072] Step 3: If the absolute value of the difference between temperature value T2 and temperature value T1 is greater than the preset value, the commutation device 2 is determined to be in normal working condition; if the absolute value of the difference between temperature value T2 and temperature value T1 is less than or equal to the preset value, the commutation device 2 is determined to be in abnormal working condition.
[0073] The control method of the integrated component 100 provided by this invention can be used to determine whether the commutation device 2 is working properly. The first temperature sensor 6 is located upstream of the commutation device 2, for example, in the oil reservoir 20. When the fluid temperature detected at the location of the first temperature sensor 6 is T1, and T1 is less than or equal to a temperature threshold, the bypass mode is entered: the first inlet 111 is connected to the first outlet 112. When the fluid temperature T1 is greater than the temperature threshold, the heat exchange mode is entered: the first inlet 111 is connected to the second outlet 113, and the fluid enters the oil cooler 3.
[0074] In heat exchange mode, the second temperature sensor 7 can detect the temperature T2 of the fluid flowing through the third flow channel 16 after heat exchange. A preset value for the absolute value of the difference is used as the judgment value, for example, a preset value of 3. Under the same fluid flow, if T1 is greater than the preset value, the heat exchange mode is activated, and the fluid needs to be cooled by the oil cooler 3. If the reversing device 2 is operating normally, it should open the passage for the fluid to enter the oil cooler 3. After heat exchange, the temperature T2 detected by the second temperature sensor 7 should be less than the temperature T1 detected by the first temperature sensor 6, and the difference should be large, with an absolute value greater than 3 degrees. In some other specific embodiments, the absolute value of the difference can be adjusted according to the required system temperature. If the reversing device 2 is operating abnormally, i.e., the reversing device 2 prevents the fluid from passing through the oil cooler 3 for heat exchange, the difference between T2 and T1 is small, with an absolute value between 0 and 3 degrees.
[0075] In some embodiments, the control method further includes:
[0076] Step 1: In bypass mode, the second temperature sensor 7 detects the fluid temperature and obtains the temperature value T3;
[0077] Step 2: Compare temperature value T3 with temperature value T1 to obtain the comparison result;
[0078] Step 3: If the absolute value of the difference between temperature value T3 and temperature value T1 is greater than the preset value, it is determined that the working state of the commutation device 2 is abnormal; if the absolute value of the difference between temperature value T2 and temperature value T1 is less than or equal to the preset value, it is determined that the working state of the commutation device 2 is normal.
[0079] In bypass mode, the second temperature sensor 7 detects the temperature T3 of the fluid flowing through the third channel 16 after heat exchange. If T1 is less than a preset value, bypass mode is activated, and the fluid does not need to be cooled by the oil cooler 3. If the reversing device 2 is operating normally, it should prevent the fluid from entering the oil cooler 3. In this case, the difference between the fluid temperature T3 and T1 detected by the second temperature sensor 7 will be small, with the absolute value of the difference between 0 and 3 degrees Celsius. If the reversing device 2 is malfunctioning, it will allow the fluid to enter the oil cooler 3. After heat exchange, the temperature T3 detected by the second temperature sensor 7 should be less than the temperature T1 detected by the first temperature sensor 6, and the difference should be larger, with the absolute value of the difference exceeding 3 degrees Celsius. This method allows for rapid screening of whether the reversing device 2 is operating normally.
[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a thermal management system, which includes an electric oil pump 5, an integrated component 100, and a power system 10. The electric oil pump 5 has a first pump port 51 and a second pump port 52. The first pump port 51 can be the outlet of the electric oil pump 5, and the second pump port 52 can be the inlet of the electric oil pump 5. The outlet of the power system 10 can be connected to the inlet of the electric oil pump 5, and the outlet of the electric oil pump 5 can be connected to the first inlet 111 of the integrated component 100. The third flow channel 16 of the outlet of the integrated component 100 can be connected to the power system 10.
[0081] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments only illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be pointed out that those skilled in the art can make several modifications without departing from the concept of this invention, and these modifications all fall within the protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. An integrated component (100), characterized in that, The integrated component (100) includes a housing (1), a reversing device (2), an oil cooler (3), a first temperature sensor (6), and a second temperature sensor (7); the housing (1) has a first flow channel (14), a second flow channel (15), and a first mounting cavity (11), a portion of the reversing device (2) is located in the first mounting cavity (11), the first mounting cavity (11) includes a first inlet (111), a first outlet (112), and a second outlet (113); the oil cooler (3) includes a fluid inlet (32), the housing (1) and the oil cooler (3) are sealed together, the first outlet (112) communicates with the first flow channel (14), and the second outlet (113) communicates with the fluid inlet (32) through the second flow channel (15); A portion of the first temperature sensor (6) is disposed within the housing (1), and the first temperature sensor (6) is located upstream of the first inlet (111). The reversing device (2) is configured to selectively connect one of the first outlet (112) and the second outlet (113) to the first inlet (111) based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (6). The housing (1) also has an oil storage cavity (20) and a first mounting hole (102). The housing (1) defines the wall of the oil storage cavity (20). The oil storage cavity (20) is connected to the first inlet (111). The first temperature sensor (6) passes through the first mounting hole (102) and is sealed to the housing (1). The first temperature sensor (6) is partially located inside the oil storage cavity (20). The housing (1) also has a second mounting hole (103), the second temperature sensor (7) passes through the second mounting hole (103) and is sealed to the housing (1), and the second temperature sensor (7) is partially located in the first flow channel (14).
2. The integrated component (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) further includes a first housing (1a) and a second housing (1b), the first mounting cavity (11) is located in the first housing (1a), the first housing (1a) and the second housing (1b) are sealed together, and the first housing (1a) and the second housing (1b) each define at least a portion of the wall of the first flow channel (14) and at least a portion of the wall of the second flow channel (15); The housing (1) further includes a third outlet (161) and a fourth outlet (151), both of which are exposed on the outer surface of the housing (1). The first outlet (112) is connected to the third outlet (161) through the first flow channel (14), and the second outlet (113) is connected to the fourth outlet (151) through the second flow channel (15). The fourth outlet (151) is connected to the fluid inlet (32).
3. The integrated component (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) further includes a partition (101), one side of which in the thickness direction defines at least one of the walls of the first flow channel (14), at least a portion of the walls of the second flow channel (15), and at least a portion of the walls of the first mounting cavity (11); the other side of which in the thickness direction defines at least a portion of the walls of the oil storage cavity (20).
4. The integrated component (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The oil cooler (3) further includes a fluid outlet (31) and a coolant inlet (33). The coolant inlet (33) is located on one end face of the oil cooler (3) near the first housing (1a). The housing (1) also has a third flow channel (16) and a coolant channel (19). The third flow channel (16) is connected to the first flow channel (14) through the third outlet (161). The third flow channel (16) is connected to the oil cooler (3) through the fluid outlet (31). The third outlet (161) is formed in the wall of the third flow channel (16). The coolant channel (19) is connected to the oil cooler (3) through the coolant inlet (33). The second temperature sensor (7) is located in the first flow channel (14) near the third outlet (161).
5. The integrated component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The housing (1) includes an oil storage chamber (20), the integrated assembly (100) includes a filter press (4) and an electronic oil pump (5), the first housing (1a) also includes a second mounting chamber (12) and a third mounting chamber (13), the filter press (4) is located in the second mounting chamber (12), the electronic oil pump (5) is located in the third mounting chamber (13), the second mounting chamber (12) and the third mounting chamber (13) are both located upstream of the first mounting chamber (11), the second mounting chamber (12) includes a fifth outlet (122) and a second inlet (121), the third mounting chamber (13) includes a sixth outlet (132) and a third inlet (131), the third inlet (131) communicates with the oil storage chamber (20), the fifth outlet (122) communicates with the first inlet (111), and the sixth outlet (132) communicates with the second inlet (121).
6. The integrated component (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The housing (1) also has a fourth flow channel (17) and a fifth flow channel (18), the fourth flow channel (17) connecting the first inlet (111) and the fifth outlet (122), and the fifth flow channel (18) connecting the second inlet (121) and the sixth outlet (132).
7. The integrated component (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reversing device (2) includes a drive unit (21), a reversing unit (22), and a drive housing (23). The reversing unit (22) includes a first valve core (221) and a second valve core (222) spaced apart. The drive housing (23) includes a valve port (231) having a seventh outlet (232). Along the axial direction of the first mounting cavity (11), the first valve core (221) and the second valve core (222) are both located between the seventh outlet (232) and the first outlet (112). The first valve core (221) and the second valve core (222) are configured to selectively open one of the first outlet (112) and the seventh outlet (232).
8. The integrated component (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The integrated component (100) also includes a suction filter (8) which is built into the oil storage chamber (20). The third mounting chamber (13) includes a protrusion (136) which covers the third inlet (131). The suction filter (8) is snapped into the protrusion (136).
9. A control method for an integrated component (100), characterized in that, The control method for controlling the integrated component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 includes: The fluid temperature T1 upstream of the first inlet (111) is detected by the first temperature sensor (6); The temperature value T1 is compared with the temperature threshold to obtain the comparison result; The switching device (2) is controlled according to the comparison result so that the switching device (2) selectively connects one of the first outlet (112) and the second outlet (113) to the first inlet (111).
10. The control method for the integrated component (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, If the temperature value T1 is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, the switching device (2) is controlled to make the integrated component (100) enter the heat exchange mode, in which the first inlet (111) is connected to the second outlet (113); if the temperature value T1 is less than the temperature threshold, the switching device (2) is controlled to make the integrated component (100) enter the bypass mode, in which the first inlet (111) is connected to the first outlet (112).
11. The control method for the integrated component (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The integrated component (100) further includes a second temperature sensor (7) located downstream of the first flow channel (14) and the second flow channel (15), and the control method further includes: In the heat exchange mode, the second temperature sensor (7) detects the fluid temperature downstream of the first flow channel (14) and the second flow channel (15) to obtain the temperature value T2; The temperature value T2 is compared with the temperature value T1 to obtain the comparison result; If the absolute value of the difference between the temperature value T2 and the temperature value T1 is greater than the preset value, the commutation device (2) is determined to be in normal working condition; if the absolute value of the difference between the temperature value T2 and the temperature value T1 is less than or equal to the preset value, the commutation device (2) is determined to be in abnormal working condition.
12. The control method for the integrated component (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The integrated component (100) further includes a second temperature sensor (7) located downstream of the first flow channel (14) and the second flow channel (15), and the control method further includes: In the bypass mode, the second temperature sensor (7) detects the fluid temperature downstream of the first flow channel (14) and the second flow channel (15) to obtain a temperature value T3; The temperature value T3 is compared with the temperature value T1 to obtain the comparison result; If the absolute value of the difference between the temperature value T3 and the temperature value T1 is greater than the preset value, the commutation device (2) is determined to be in an abnormal working state; if the absolute value of the difference between the temperature value T3 and the temperature value T1 is less than or equal to the preset value, the commutation device (2) is determined to be in a normal working state.
13. A thermal management system, characterized in that, Includes an electronic oil pump (5) and an integrated component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electronic oil pump (5) has a first pump port (51) connected to the first inlet (111).