An integrated heater electric compressor and thermal management method

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of automobile air conditioner, and particularly relates to an electric compressor integrated with a heater, which comprises an electric control device, a heater, and a first assembly cavity and a second assembly cavity which are independent of each other. The electric control device is arranged in the first assembly cavity. At least part of the heater is arranged in the first assembly cavity, and the heater comprises a heat exchange body and a heating element. The heat exchange body comprises a liquid flow channel and a flow guide. The flow guide changes the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the liquid flow channel, so as to prolong the flow stroke of the heat exchange medium in the liquid flow channel. The heating element is arranged along the outer wall of the heat exchange body in a circumferential direction, and is arranged in the first assembly cavity as a whole, is electrically connected with the electric control device, and performs circumferential heating on the heat exchange medium. The present application further comprises a heat management method. The integration of the heater and the compressor in the present application shares the cost, reduces the volume of the overall compressor, and further utilizes the flow splitting and flow guiding structure to sufficiently improve the heat exchange efficiency, relieve the excessively high local heat load, and significantly reduce the risk of film burst failure of the heating film layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive air conditioning, and in particular to an electric compressor with an integrated heater and a thermal management method. Background Technology

[0002] The automotive air conditioning system mainly consists of components such as a compressor and a heater. In current models, the compressor and heater are mostly separate structures: the compressor is located in the engine compartment and is responsible for the cooling cycle; the heater is integrated into the vehicle's air conditioning unit and relies on water cooling or electric heating to achieve heating. The two are installed separately and work independently, achieving air conditioning heating and cooling regulation through the cooperation of pipes and wiring harnesses.

[0003] In existing designs, the separate structure of the compressor and heater leads to problems such as large installation space occupation, long pipelines, high energy loss, inconvenient assembly and maintenance, poor matching of heating and cooling regulation, and low temperature control accuracy.

[0004] Furthermore, existing heaters mostly adopt plate structures: plate heaters only have heating elements on one side of their plate surface, heating the heat exchange medium on one side only, resulting in low heating efficiency and limited power density; and the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the plate heater lacks guidance, resulting in uneven flow distribution, which can easily lead to local dry burning and the formation of steam film, causing local overheating of the heating layer, and posing a risk of cracking, burning through and bursting failure of the heating layer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electric compressor with an integrated heater and a thermal management method, mainly addressing the problems existing in the prior art, namely, the technical problems caused by separate compressor and heater installation, such as large installation space occupation, long piping, high energy loss, and inconvenient assembly and maintenance, as well as the problems of heating reliability and efficiency caused by the lack of organization of the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the heating channel and local overheating. This invention has a simple structure and lower cost.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide an electric compressor with an integrated heater, characterized in that it includes an electronic control device, a heater, a first assembly cavity, and a second assembly cavity; the first assembly cavity and the second assembly cavity are independent of each other and formed within the electric compressor; the electronic control device is disposed within the first assembly cavity; at least a portion of the heater is disposed within the first assembly cavity, and the heater includes a heat exchanger and a heating element; the heat exchanger includes a liquid flow channel disposed inside to accommodate the heat exchange medium, and a flow guide disposed within the liquid flow channel; the flow guide is used to change the flow path of the heat exchange medium within the liquid flow channel to extend the flow distance of the heat exchange medium within the liquid flow channel; the heating element is disposed circumferentially along the outer wall of the heat exchanger, is integrally disposed within the first assembly cavity, and is electrically connected to the electronic control device for circumferentially heating the heat exchange medium.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a compression mechanism, a motor, and a transfer assembly; the compression mechanism and the motor are disposed in the second assembly cavity; the compression mechanism and the motor are in drive cooperation; the transfer assembly is disposed in the first assembly cavity; the heating element is electrically connected to the motor through the transfer assembly to the same electronic control device.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a housing cover; the first assembly cavity includes a heater assembly cavity formed in the inner cavity of the housing cover; the heating element is integrally disposed in the heater assembly cavity; the liquid flow channel of the heat exchanger is partially disposed in the heater assembly cavity; the adapter assembly is fixed to the inner wall of the housing cover.

[0009] Furthermore, the adapter assembly includes an adapter plate, a first adapter, and a second adapter; the adapter plate is fixedly connected to the shell cover; the first adapter and the second adapter are respectively disposed on opposite side walls of the adapter plate and are electrically connected to each other; the heat exchanger is provided with a first electrical connector electrically connected to the heating element and electrically connected to the first adapter; the electronic control device is provided with a second electrical connector electrically connected to the second adapter; therefore, the heating element is electrically connected to the electronic control device in sequence through the first electrical connector, the first adapter, the second adapter, and the second electrical connector.

[0010] Furthermore, the heat exchanger includes a base tube and a base tube connector; there are two base tubes arranged side by side; the base tube connector connects the inner cavities of each base tube to form the liquid flow channel; the heating element is arranged circumferentially along the outer wall of the base tube.

[0011] Furthermore, the base tube is a straight tube; the flow guide includes a flow guide column and a flow guide structure; the flow guide structure is located on the outer wall of the flow guide column, extends spirally around the axis of the flow guide column, and forms a spiral liquid flow channel with the inner wall of the base tube, guiding the heat exchange medium to flow spirally in the base tube.

[0012] Furthermore, at least one end of the guide column is provided with a flow-diverting structure; the flow-diverting structure is a frustum-shaped ring; and a plurality of flow-diverting holes are formed on the frustum-shaped ring.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner wall of the heater assembly cavity is provided with an installation limiting groove; the outer wall of the base tube connector is provided with an installation limiting member; the installation limiting member is embedded in the installation limiting groove and is fixedly connected to the groove wall of the installation limiting groove; the two base tubes are fixedly connected to each other through a fixed end cap; the fixed end cap covers the installation through hole on the shell cover and is fixed to the shell cover.

[0014] The present invention also discloses a thermal management method for an electric compressor utilizing the above-mentioned integrated heater, characterized in that the thermal management method includes the following steps:

[0015] Step S10: Introduce the heat exchange medium into the liquid flow channel of the heat exchanger;

[0016] Step S20: Using the flow guide, the flow path of the heat exchange medium is changed, and the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the liquid flow channel is extended.

[0017] Step S30: Activate the heating element to heat the heat exchange medium along the circumferential direction of the outer wall of the heat exchanger.

[0018] Furthermore, the heat exchange medium is guided to flow spirally within the spiral channel formed by the inner wall of the guide structure and the base tube of the heat exchanger by the guide structure and the guide structure. When the heat exchange medium enters the liquid channel, it is first uniformly distributed circumferentially by the diversion structure at the end of the guide column, and then enters the spiral channel. After heat exchange is completed, it is discharged through the diversion structure at the other end of the guide column.

[0019] In view of the above technical features, the electric compressor and thermal management method integrating the heater of the present invention have the following significant advantages compared with the prior art:

[0020] 1. In this invention, the integrated setup of the heater and compressor reduces the overall layout space; the heating element and the motor share the same electronic control device, reducing the additional parts required by setting up a separate heater control device, thereby reducing costs and the overall size of the integrated compressor.

[0021] 2. In this invention, the heating element is arranged circumferentially along the outer wall of the heat exchanger, which effectively increases the heating area and allows for sufficient and uniform heating of the heat exchange medium in the liquid flow channel in the circumferential direction. Under the same heating requirements, the required heating power and heating time are lower. Simultaneously, the heating element is located entirely within the first assembly cavity and constrained by the heater assembly cavity, with the adapter plate forming a shield, reducing heat transfer to the compressor body and electrical control device during heater operation and protecting the electrical control device. Compared to plate heaters, which are prone to localized dry burning and the formation of vapor films due to single-sided heating, this invention significantly reduces the risk of the heating element's heating film layer bursting.

[0022] 3. In this invention, a flow guide is provided inside the heat exchanger to guide the heat exchange medium, change the flow path of the heat exchange medium, extend the flow path and heat exchange time of the medium in the liquid channel, and effectively improve the overall heat exchange effect of the heater.

[0023] 4. In this invention, a flow-dividing structure and a flow-guiding structure work together: the flow-dividing structure achieves uniform circumferential distribution of the heat exchange medium, eliminating concentrated fluid overflow; the distributed heat exchange medium, under the constraint of the flow-guiding structure, changes its flow direction and extends its flow path, increasing the residence time of the heat exchange medium in the liquid channel; after heat exchange, it is discharged through the flow-dividing structure at the other end. Through the synergistic effect of flow-dividing and flow-guiding, uniform fluid distribution is ensured, heat exchange efficiency is significantly improved, localized excessive heat load is alleviated, and the risk of heating film failure due to rupture is significantly reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of the electric compressor with integrated heater of the present invention in the assembled state.

[0025] Figure 2 An exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the electric compressor with an integrated heater according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the heater, the adapter assembly, and the housing in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the heater in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the shell cover in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a heater with a flow-diverting structure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the flow guide column with a flow splitting structure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a heater without a flow splitting structure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the flow guide column without a flow splitting structure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in its assembled state;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the thermal management method for an electric compressor with an integrated heater according to the present invention.

[0035] In the figure: 1-First housing part, 2-Second housing part, 3-Housing cover, 4-Electrical control device, 5-Transfer assembly, 6-Heater, 7-Compression mechanism, 8-Motor, 11-Circuit interface, 12-Refrigerant interface;

[0036] 31-Heater assembly cavity; 32-Mounting limiting groove; 33-Mounting through hole;

[0037] 41-Second electrical connection;

[0038] 51-Adapter board, 52-First adapter, 53-Second adapter;

[0039] 61-Heating element, 62-Liquid inlet, 63-Liquid outlet, 64-Base tube, 65-Base tube connector, 66-First electrical connector, 67-Fixed end cap, 68-Flow guide column, 69-Installation limiting component;

[0040] 641 - Limiting slot;

[0041] 651 - Connecting component one; 652 - Connecting component two;

[0042] 681-Flow guiding structure, 682-Limiting end one, 683-Limiting end two, 684-Flow diversion structure, 6841-Flow diversion orifice;

[0043] 91-Adapter plate bolt, 92-Heater bolt, 93-Shell cover bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0045] Example 1: An electric compressor with an integrated heater.

[0046] Please see Figures 1 to 10 This invention discloses an electric compressor with an integrated heater. As shown in the figure, a preferred embodiment includes a housing, a cover 3, a compression mechanism 7, a motor 8, an electronic control device 4, an adapter 5, and a heater 6.

[0047] The outer contour of the shell presents a cylindrical structure with an opening on one side. This shell can be a modular structure, comprising a first shell portion 1 and a second shell portion 2. The first shell portion 1 has an opening on one side. A cover 3 is fitted onto the opening on one side of the first shell portion 1, and after fitting, the cover 3 and the first shell portion 1 together form a first assembly cavity. A second assembly cavity is formed within the second shell portion 2. The first and second assembly cavities are independent of each other.

[0048] The second assembly cavity is used to accommodate the compression mechanism 7 and the motor 8, that is, the compression mechanism 7 and the motor 8 are arranged in the second assembly cavity. The motor 8 is driven by the compression mechanism 7 and is electrically connected to and controlled by the electronic control device 4. A circuit interface 11 is arranged on the first housing part 1, and a refrigerant interface 12 is arranged on the second housing part 2. The refrigerant interface 12 is connected to the compression mechanism 7, and the circuit interface 11 is electrically connected to the electronic control device 4. The electronic control device 4 is electrically connected to an external power source through the circuit interface 11 to obtain working power and supplies power to the motor 8 and the heating element 61 respectively.

[0049] The heater 6 includes a heat exchanger and a heating element 61. A liquid flow channel is provided inside the heat exchanger, and an inlet port 62 and an outlet port 63 are connected to the heat exchanger, protruding from the outer side of the cover 3. The heat exchange medium enters the liquid flow channel through the inlet port 62 and flows out of the liquid flow channel through the outlet port 63. The heating element 61 is arranged circumferentially along the outer wall of the heat exchanger and is used to circumferentially heat the heat exchange medium in the liquid flow channel. In this embodiment, the heating element 61 is a heating film covering the outer wall of the tube section of the heat exchanger. At least a portion of the heater 6 is disposed in the first assembly cavity, while the heating element 61 is entirely disposed in the first assembly cavity. The heating element 61 is electrically connected to the electronic control device 4, sharing the same electronic control device 4 with the motor 8. That is, the electronic control device 4 controls the operation of the compression mechanism 7 through the motor 8 and also controls the operation of the heating element 61 through the adapter assembly 5, thereby reducing the additional parts and assembly space required for matching the control device to the heater 6, which is beneficial for reducing the overall size of the integrated compressor.

[0050] The first assembly cavity is used to accommodate the electronic control device 4, the adapter component 5, and the heater 6, including a heater assembly cavity 31 formed within the inner cavity of the housing cover 3. Specifically, the heating element 61 is integrally disposed in the heater assembly cavity 31, and the corresponding pipe section of the heat exchanger covered by the heating element 61 is also disposed in the heater assembly cavity 31. The adapter component 5 is disposed in the first assembly cavity and fixed to the inner wall of the housing cover 3. By confining the heating element 61 integrally within the recess of the housing cover 3, the heater 6 is integrated and the external structure of the entire machine is simplified. Furthermore, by confining the heat source within the heater assembly cavity 31, heat loss to the external environment is reduced, and thermal energy utilization is improved.

[0051] The adapter assembly 5 includes an adapter plate 51, a first adapter 52, and a second adapter 53. The adapter plate 51 includes an insulating substrate and a conductive portion disposed on the insulating substrate. The conductive portion forms a conductive path, and the insulating substrate serves as the mounting base for the first adapter 52 and the second adapter 53. The adapter plate 51 is fixedly connected to the housing cover 3, specifically fixed to the opening of the heater assembly cavity 31 facing the electrical control device 4. The electrical control device 4 is also located within the first assembly cavity and on the side of the adapter plate 51 facing away from the heater assembly cavity 31. The heat exchanger is provided with a first electrical connector 66 electrically connected to the heating element 61, and the electrical control device 4 is provided with a second electrical connector 41. The first adapter 52 and the second adapter 53 are electrically connected to each other through the conductive portion of the adapter plate 51, and are disposed on opposite side walls of the adapter plate 51, each having a conductive insertion mating part. The first electrical connector 66 includes an electrical plug-in terminal and a plug-in terminal bracket for supporting and positioning the electrical plug-in terminal. The first electrical connector 66 is electrically connected to the heating element 61. The second electrical connector 41 is a plug-in conductive terminal disposed on the electronic control device 4. The first adapter 52 and the first electrical connector 66 are electrically connected through the mating of the plug-in conductive terminals, and the second adapter 53 and the second electrical connector 41 are also electrically connected through the mating of the plug-in conductive terminals. Thus, the electronic control device 4 supplies power to the heating element 61 sequentially through the second electrical connector 41, the second adapter 53, the adapter plate 51, the first adapter 52, and the first electrical connector 66. The adapter plate 51 isolates the heater 6 from the electronic control device 4. The adapter plate 51 forms a shield on one side of the electronic control device 4, which can effectively suppress excessive heat dissipation from the heating element 61 to the motor 8 and the electronic control device 4, reduce the risk of overheating of the electronic control device, and improve the reliability of the system.

[0052] The heat exchanger includes two base tubes 64 arranged side by side and a base tube connector 65 for connecting the inner cavities of each base tube 64. A heating element 61 is arranged circumferentially along the outer wall of the base tube 64, which is a straight tubular circular tube. The base tube connector 65 is formed by welding a first connector component 651 and a second connector component 652. The first connector component 651 is an end cap with a mounting hole, which is sealed and welded to the lower outer wall of the base tube 64, thereby ensuring the seal between the base tube 64 and the base tube connector 65. The walls of the inlet port 62 and the outlet port 63 are respectively sealed and welded to the walls of one base tube 64. The heat exchange medium enters the inner cavity of the first base tube 64 through the inlet port 62, is heated, enters the inner cavity of the base tube connector 65, and then enters the inner cavity of the second base tube 64 for further heating. After being heated, it flows out from the outlet port 63, forming a series of heat exchange paths. The connection structure of the two side-by-side base pipes 64 and the base pipe connector 65 is reasonably laid out and the overall volume is controllable.

[0053] A flow guide is provided inside the base tube 64, comprising a flow guide column 68, a flow guide structure 681, and a flow splitting structure 684. The outer wall of the flow guide column 68 has a flow guide structure 681 extending spirally around its axis, forming a spiral flow channel with the inner wall of the base tube 64. A flow splitting structure 684 is provided at the end of the flow guide column 68. The flow splitting structure 684 is a frustoconical ring with several flow splitting holes 6841 formed on it. These holes are radially evenly distributed around the axis of the flow guide column 68, and the smaller end of the frustoconical ring is connected to the end of the flow guide column 68. In this embodiment, the flow splitting structure 684 is provided at both the upper and lower ends of the flow guide column 68.

[0054] The outer wall of the guide column 68 near the base pipe connector 65 is also provided with symmetrically distributed limiting end 1 682 and limiting end 2 683. Limiting end 1 682 and limiting end 2 683 are respectively engaged in two limiting slots 641 at the lower edge of the base pipe 64 to limit the guide column 68. During assembly, before welding, limiting end 1 682 and limiting end 2 683 are engaged in the two limiting slots 641 to position and lock the guide column 68. After the base pipe connector 65 is welded to the base pipe 64, the guide column 68 is pressed tightly against the inner wall of the connector component 2 652, locking the axial position of the guide column 68.

[0055] Under the action of the flow guide, when the heat exchange medium flows through the diversion structure 684 at the end of the flow guide column 68, it achieves circumferential uniform distribution through the diversion flow holes 6841 on the frustoconical ring, eliminating the phenomenon of concentrated fluid deviation. The distributed fluid then enters the flow guide structure 681 again, where its flow direction is changed and its flow path is lengthened under the constraint of the flow guide structure 681, increasing the residence time of the medium in the heat exchanger cavity. After the medium has completed heat exchange, it is discharged through the diversion structure 684 at the other end. Through the synergistic effect of diversion and flow guidance, both uniform fluid distribution and heat exchange efficiency are ensured, while localized excessive heat load is alleviated, reducing the risk of thick film failure of the heating element 61.

[0056] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in other embodiments, the end of the guide column 68 may not have a flow-dividing structure 684, that is, the guide element only includes the guide column 68 and the flow-dividing structure 681. The heat exchange medium flows spirally along the spiral channel under the constraint of the flow-dividing structure 681, with the flow direction constantly changing and the flow path extended. When a flow-dividing structure 684 is provided, the flow-dividing structure 684 may also be provided only at one end of the guide column 68, that is, only at the medium inlet or outlet end.

[0057] An installation limiting groove 32 is provided on the inner wall of the heater assembly cavity 31, and an installation limiting member 69 is provided on the outer wall of the base tube connector 65. The installation limiting member 69 is embedded in the installation limiting groove 32 and is securely connected to the groove wall of the installation limiting groove 32 by fastening bolts. The two base tubes 64 are fixedly connected to each other by a fixed end cap 67. The fixed end cap 67 covers the installation through hole 33 on the shell cover 3 and is fixedly connected to the shell cover 3. Through the above structure, a stable connection between the heater 6 and the shell cover 3 is achieved. During installation, the installation limiting member 69 embedded in the installation limiting groove 32 can achieve the installation positioning of the heater 6, accurately assembling the lower end of the heater 6 in the designated position within the heater assembly cavity 31.

[0058] During assembly, the heater 6 and the adapter assembly 5 are first fixed together with the shell cover 3, and then the assembled structure is fitted together with the shell cover. Specifically, the heater 6 is fastened to the shell cover 3 by heater bolts 92, the adapter plate 51 is fastened to the shell cover 3 by adapter plate bolts 91, and the shell cover 3 is fastened to the shell cover by shell cover bolts 93.

[0059] Example 2: A thermal management method for an electric compressor using an integrated heater.

[0060] Please see Figure 11 The present invention also provides a thermal management method for an electric compressor utilizing an integrated heater of any of the above embodiments. A preferred embodiment includes the following steps:

[0061] Step S10: Introduce the heat exchange medium.

[0062] The heat exchange medium is introduced into the liquid flow channel of the heat exchanger. Specifically, the heat exchange medium enters the inner cavity of the first base tube through the liquid inlet.

[0063] Step S20: Change the flow path of the heat exchange medium.

[0064] By utilizing flow guides installed within the internal cavity of the heat exchanger, the flow path of the heat exchange medium is altered, extending its flow path within the liquid channel. Specifically, the heat exchange medium is first evenly distributed circumferentially by a flow-dividing structure at the end of the flow guide column. Then, guided by the flow guide structure on the outer wall of the flow guide column, it flows spirally along the spiral channel formed by the flow guide structure and the inner wall of the base tube, continuously changing its flow direction and extending its flow path. After flowing through the first base tube, the heat exchange medium enters the inner cavity of the base tube connector, merges, and then diverts again into the inner cavity of the second base tube, similarly flowing spirally along the spiral channel. Finally, after leaving the second base tube, it merges again and exits from the liquid outlet.

[0065] In other embodiments, when there is only one stream structure, the heat exchange medium flows directly between the first and second base tubes, omitting the process of merging and then splitting.

[0066] Step S30: Heat the heat exchange medium.

[0067] The heating element is activated, circumferentially heating the heat exchange medium along the outer wall of the heat exchanger. After heat exchange is completed, the fluid is discharged through the diversion structure at the other end of the guide column, flowing out from the liquid outlet and circulating to the heat exchange location on the vehicle. Through the synergistic effect of the guide component and the diversion structure, uniform fluid distribution is ensured, heat exchange efficiency is significantly improved, and localized excessive heat load is alleviated, reducing the risk of thick film failure of the heating element.

[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric compressor with an integrated heater, characterized in that, The device includes an electronic control unit, a heater, a first assembly cavity, and a second assembly cavity. The first and second assembly cavities are independent of each other and are formed within the electric compressor. The electronic control unit is located within the first assembly cavity. At least a portion of the heater is disposed within the first assembly cavity. The heater includes a heat exchanger and a heating element. The heat exchanger includes a liquid flow channel disposed inside to accommodate the heat exchange medium, and a flow guide disposed within the liquid flow channel. The flow guide is used to change the flow path of the heat exchange medium within the liquid flow channel to extend the flow distance of the heat exchange medium within the liquid flow channel. The heating element is arranged circumferentially along the outer wall of the heat exchanger, is integrally disposed within the first assembly cavity, and is electrically connected to the electronic control unit for circumferentially heating the heat exchange medium.

2. The electric compressor with an integrated heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a compression mechanism, a motor, and a transfer assembly; the compression mechanism and the motor are disposed in the second assembly cavity; the compression mechanism and the motor are in drive cooperation; the transfer assembly is disposed in the first assembly cavity; The heating element is electrically connected to the motor via the adapter assembly to the same electronic control device.

3. The electric compressor with an integrated heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a housing cover; the first assembly cavity includes a heater assembly cavity formed in the inner cavity of the housing cover; the heating element is integrally disposed in the heater assembly cavity; the liquid flow channel of the heat exchanger is partially disposed in the heater assembly cavity; the adapter assembly is fixed to the inner wall of the housing cover.

4. The electric compressor with an integrated heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adapter assembly includes an adapter plate, a first adapter, and a second adapter; the adapter plate is fixedly connected to the shell cover; the first adapter and the second adapter are respectively disposed on opposite side walls of the adapter plate and are electrically connected to each other; the heat exchanger is provided with a first electrical connector electrically connected to the heating element and electrically connected to the first adapter; the electronic control device is provided with a second electrical connector electrically connected to the second adapter; therefore, the heating element is electrically connected to the electronic control device in sequence through the first electrical connector, the first adapter, the second adapter, and the second electrical connector.

5. The electric compressor with an integrated heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a base tube and a base tube connector; there are two base tubes arranged side by side; the base tube connector connects the inner cavities of each base tube to form the liquid flow channel; the heating element is arranged circumferentially along the outer wall of the base tube.

6. The electric compressor with an integrated heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base tube is a straight tube; the flow guide includes a flow guide column and a flow guide structure; the flow guide structure is located on the outer wall of the flow guide column, extends spirally around the axis of the flow guide column, and forms a spiral liquid flow channel with the inner wall of the base tube, guiding the heat exchange medium to flow spirally in the base tube.

7. The electric compressor with an integrated heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one end of the guide column is provided with a flow-dividing structure; the flow-dividing structure is a frustoconical ring; and a plurality of flow-dividing holes are formed on the frustoconical ring.

8. The electric compressor with an integrated heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the heater assembly cavity is provided with an installation limiting groove; the outer wall of the base tube connector is provided with an installation limiting component; the installation limiting component is embedded in the installation limiting groove and is fixedly connected to the groove wall of the installation limiting groove; the two base tubes are fixedly connected to each other through a fixed end cap; the fixed end cap covers the installation through hole on the shell cover and is fixed to the shell cover.

9. A thermal management method for an electric compressor utilizing an integrated heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The thermal management method includes the following steps: Step S10: Introduce the heat exchange medium into the liquid flow channel of the heat exchanger; Step S20: Using the flow guide, the flow path of the heat exchange medium is changed, and the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the liquid flow channel is extended. Step S30: Activate the heating element to heat the heat exchange medium along the circumferential direction of the outer wall of the heat exchanger.

10. The thermal management method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The heat exchange medium is guided to flow spirally within the spiral channel formed by the inner wall of the guide structure and the base tube of the heat exchanger by the guide structure and the guide structure. When the heat exchange medium enters the liquid channel, it is first uniformly distributed circumferentially by the diversion structure set at the end of the guide column, and then enters the spiral channel. After heat exchange is completed, it is discharged through the diversion structure at the other end of the guide column.

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