Integrated automotive cooling module and on-board thermal management system
By connecting the current collecting chambers of multiple heat exchangers, the stacking arrangement and fixed connection of heat exchangers is achieved, and the cost and working hours of existing automobile cooling modules are increased during installation and assembly, achieving a more compact structure and higher efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421709920.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-07-18
AI Technical Summary
There is a need for multiple brackets and bolts during the installation and assembly of existing automotive cooling modules, resulting in increased costs and working hours. At the same time, the product size is not compact and there is air leakage problem. It is necessary to add seals and increase energy consumption.
The integrated automotive cooling module is adopted to connect the current collecting chambers of multiple heat exchangers to realize the stacking arrangement and fixed connection of the heat exchangers, eliminating brackets and bolts, and improving assembly efficiency and structural compactness through the current collecting chamber positioning and brazing.
It reduces assembly costs and energy consumption, improves assembly efficiency and structural compactness, reduces the use of seals, and achieves smaller volumes and higher efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN223014354U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automotive thermal management, and in particular, to an integrated automotive cooling module and an in-vehicle thermal management system. Background Art
[0002] The front-end cooling module of an automobile mainly consists of a cooling fan and multiple heat exchangers. Each heat exchanger is independent of each other, and each heat exchanger is equipped with a mounting bracket. The mounting brackets of multiple heat exchangers are installed and fixed to each other by means of bolt fastening or snap connection. The structures of the heat exchangers mainly have the following two forms:
[0003] An aluminum-plastic heat exchanger, mainly used as a radiator. Generally, an all-aluminum core is brazed into one body, and then the chambers at both ends are buckled to form a heat exchanger product;
[0004] A manifold heat exchanger, mainly used as a radiator, condenser, outdoor unit, oil cooler, etc. Generally, an all-aluminum core is brazed to form a heat exchanger product.
[0005] After research by the inventor, it is found that the existing cooling modules have at least the following disadvantages:
[0006] Firstly, in a conventional cooling module, multiple brackets need to be set for each heat exchanger during installation, and bolt connection or snap connection is used during installation. If bolt connection is used, additional bolt fasteners, etc. are required, resulting in an increase in part cost and assembly man-hours;
[0007] Secondly, between each heat exchanger, due to the connection by an assembly method, enough gaps need to be left between them, resulting in a relatively large product size, making the entire cooling module not compact enough and causing space waste;
[0008] Thirdly, between each heat exchanger, there is a relatively large gap, and there will be a relatively large amount of air leakage. To ensure the cooling effect, parts such as sponges or sealing plates need to be added around the heat exchangers for sealing, resulting in an increase in part cost and assembly man-hours;
[0009] Fourthly, during the production process of the heat exchanger, the most important process is brazing. Each heat exchanger needs to complete welding independently first and then be assembled, and it is impossible to complete welding at one time, resulting in energy waste. Summary of the Utility Model
[0010] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an integrated automotive cooling module and an in-vehicle thermal management system, which can improve at least one of the above technical problems.
[0011] The embodiments of the utility model are implemented as follows:
[0012] In a first aspect, the utility model provides an integrated automotive cooling module, including:
[0013] A cooling fan and a plurality of heat exchangers, the cooling fan being connected to at least one of the plurality of heat exchangers; at least some of the plurality of heat exchangers are arranged in a stacked manner, and the manifolds of at least two of the heat exchangers arranged in a stacked manner are fixedly connected.
[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the manifold includes a base plate, a cover body and two end plates, the cover body and the two end plates are both mounted on the same side of the base plate, and the base plate, the cover body and the two end plates cooperate together to define a manifold cavity.
[0015] Based on the above solution, the structure of the manifold is simple. After the base plate, the cover body and the two end plates are assembled, they can be placed in a brazing furnace for brazing, which is convenient for assembly, improves the assembly quality and the assembly efficiency.
[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the base plates of at least two of the heat exchangers arranged in a stacked manner are fixedly connected.
[0017] Based on the above solution, the base plates of the plurality of heat exchangers are fixedly connected, thereby realizing the fixed connection of the plurality of heat exchangers, and it is possible to save components such as brackets and bolts, reducing costs. Moreover, after the plurality of heat exchangers are assembled, they are connected together through the base plates, and their positions relative to each other are stable. The plurality of heat exchangers can be placed in a brazing furnace together for simultaneous brazing, saving energy and improving the brazing efficiency. At the same time, since the base plates of adjacent heat exchangers are fixed together, they can be set as an integral structure, and there is no gap between the side parts of adjacent heat exchangers corresponding to the base plates, so there is no need to provide sealing parts, saving materials and reducing costs.
[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the cover bodies of at least two of the heat exchangers arranged in a stacked manner are fixedly connected.
[0019] Based on the above solution, the cover bodies of the plurality of heat exchangers are fixedly connected, thereby realizing the fixed connection of the plurality of heat exchangers, and it is possible to save components such as brackets and bolts, reducing costs. Moreover, after the plurality of heat exchangers are assembled, they are connected together through the cover bodies, and their positions relative to each other are stable. The plurality of heat exchangers can be placed in a brazing furnace together for simultaneous brazing, saving energy and improving the brazing efficiency.
[0020] In an alternative embodiment, in the stacking direction of the plurality of heat exchangers, the cover bodies of adjacent heat exchangers are fixedly connected by connecting blocks.
[0021] Based on the above solution, adjacent covers are connected by connecting blocks, which can reduce the assembly difficulty, and multiple connection positions can be formed by adjusting the number of connecting blocks, thereby ensuring the connection strength. It should be understood that in actual processing, multiple covers and multiple connecting blocks can be set as an integrated structure, for example, integrally formed by stamping, die-casting, casting or welding, etc., with high overall structural strength and long service life.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment, positioning flanges are provided on both sides in the width direction of the substrate, and the cover is clamped between the two positioning flanges of the corresponding substrate.
[0023] Based on the above solution, when assembling the cover and the substrate, the cover is clamped between the two positioning flanges of the substrate, the installation position of the cover is accurate, the assembly efficiency is high, and the relative position between the cover and the substrate is stable and reliable, not easy to shift during brazing, with a large contact area and high welding quality.
[0024] In an alternative embodiment, a positioning block is provided on the connecting block, and the positioning block is inserted between two adjacent positioning flanges in the stacking direction of the plurality of heat exchangers.
[0025] Based on the above solution, by inserting the positioning block between two adjacent positioning flanges of adjacent heat exchangers, the firmness of the combination of the cover and the substrate can be improved.
[0026] In an alternative embodiment, in the stacking direction of the plurality of heat exchangers, the distance between two adjacent positioning flanges of adjacent heat exchangers is not greater than 1.5 mm.
[0027] Based on the above solution, the distance between adjacent heat exchangers corresponding to the side of the manifold is not greater than 1.5 mm, and there is no need to provide sealing parts such as sponges, saving materials and reducing costs.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the heat exchanger further includes flat tubes, and both ends of the flat tubes are respectively communicated with two corresponding manifolds.
[0029] Based on the above solution, the heat exchange medium enters from one manifold, flows through the flat tubes and then flows to the other manifold, and then is discharged, circulating in this way to participate in heat exchange.
[0030] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle thermal management system, and the vehicle thermal management system includes:
[0031] The integrated vehicle cooling module according to any one of the foregoing embodiments.
[0032] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are:
[0033] In summary, for the integrated vehicle cooling module provided in this embodiment, by connecting the manifolds of at least two heat exchangers, the integrated cooperation of some or all of the heat exchangers is realized. The heat exchangers integrated together are connected and fixed through the manifolds to achieve positioning, eliminating components such as brackets and bolts, saving materials, and reducing the assembly cost. At the same time, since multiple heat exchangers are positioned by the manifolds, after multiple heat exchangers are assembled, they can be put into a brazing furnace together for brazing treatment. Compared with the prior art where individual heat exchangers need to be separately put into the brazing furnace for brazing, it can save brazing steps, improve brazing efficiency, save energy, and reduce costs. Moreover, since multiple heat exchangers are connected together by the manifolds, they are more closely combined with each other, the overall structure is compact, the volume is small, the occupied space is small, and it is convenient for installation. Also, the gap between adjacent heat exchangers is small, and there is no need to set sealing parts such as sponges, saving processes and reducing costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention, and thus should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other relevant drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.
[0035] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the integrated vehicle cooling module according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] Figure 2 Partial schematic diagram of the integrated vehicle cooling module according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cooperation of multiple manifolds according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] ICON:
[0039] 100 - Cooling fan; 200 - First heat exchanger; 201 - Manifold; 210 - Substrate; 211 - Positioning flange; 220 - Cover; 230 - End plate; 240 - First connecting block; 241 - Second connecting block; 250 - Positioning block; 260 - Flat tube; 300 - Second heat exchanger; 400 - Third heat exchanger; 500 - Connecting frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present utility model. Components of the embodiments of the present utility model described and illustrated herein generally may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations.
[0041] Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed present utility model, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0042] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not require further definition and explanation in subsequent drawings.
[0043] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use. It is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present utility model. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive distinction and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0044] In addition, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not mean that the components are required to be absolutely horizontal or hanging vertically, but may be slightly inclined. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical", and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but may be slightly inclined.
[0045] In the description of the present utility model, it should also be noted that unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "set", "installed", "connected", "connected to" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the internal communication of two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.
[0046] This embodiment provides an integrated vehicle cooling module, which has a compact structure, small volume, less consumables, is convenient for assembly, and has a low manufacturing cost.
[0047] Please refer to Figures 1 - 3 In this embodiment, the integrated vehicle cooling module includes a cooling fan 100 and multiple heat exchangers. The cooling fan 100 is connected to at least one of the multiple heat exchangers; at least some of the multiple heat exchangers are arranged in a stacked manner, and the manifolds 201 of at least two of the stacked heat exchangers are fixedly connected.
[0048] Continuing from the above, the integrated vehicle cooling module provided in this embodiment has at least the following advantages:
[0049] By connecting the manifolds 201 of at least two heat exchangers, an integrated cooperation of some or all of the heat exchangers is achieved. The heat exchangers integrated together are connected and fixed through the manifolds 201 to achieve positioning, eliminating components such as brackets and bolts, saving materials, and reducing the assembly cost. At the same time, since multiple heat exchangers are positioned by the manifolds 201, after multiple heat exchangers are assembled, they can be put into a brazing furnace together for brazing treatment. Compared with the prior art where individual heat exchangers need to be separately put into the brazing furnace for brazing, it can save brazing steps, improve brazing efficiency, save energy, and reduce costs. And, since multiple heat exchangers are connected together by the manifolds 201, they are more closely combined with each other, the overall structure is compact, the volume is small, the occupied space is small, and it is convenient for installation. Also, the gap between adjacent heat exchangers is small, and there is no need to set sealing parts such as sponges, saving processes and reducing costs.
[0050] It should be noted that each heat exchanger has two independent manifolds 201, each manifold 201 has a manifold cavity, and multiple flat tubes 260 are connected between the two manifolds 201. The two ends of each flat tube 260 are respectively communicated with the corresponding manifold cavities of the two manifolds 201. The multiple flat tubes 260 can be arranged in a stacked manner, and there is a gap between adjacent flat tubes 260 and fins can be provided. At the same time, an inlet and an outlet can be set on the same manifold 201, or an inlet and an outlet can be respectively set on the two manifolds 201. The medium enters from the inlet, then flows through the flat tube 260 to the other manifold 201, and flows out from the outlet at the corresponding position to achieve circular flow. When the manifolds 201 of multiple heat exchangers are connected, the manifold cavities formed by the manifolds 201 of each heat exchanger are independent, each heat exchanger works independently, and multiple heat exchangers do not affect each other.
[0051] The following embodiments will illustrate the details of the integrated vehicle cooling module provided in this application by way of examples.
[0052] Please refer to Figure 2, in this embodiment, optionally, the integrated vehicle cooling module includes a cooling fan 100, a first heat exchanger 200, a second heat exchanger 300, and a third heat exchanger 400. The first heat exchanger 200 and the second heat exchanger 300 are located on the same side of the third heat exchanger 400, and the cooling fan 100 is located on the other side of the third heat exchanger 400. The first heat exchanger 200 and the second heat exchanger 300 are located in the same plane and are arranged side by side in the same plane. The first heat exchanger 200 and the third heat exchanger 400, as well as the second heat exchanger 300 and the third heat exchanger 400, are stacked. The manifold 201 of the first heat exchanger 200 is connected to the manifold 201 of the third heat exchanger 400, and the manifold 201 of the second heat exchanger 300 is connected to the manifold 201 of the third heat exchanger 400. It can be understood that each heat exchanger is provided with manifolds 201 on both sides, and the assembly structures of the manifolds 201 on both sides of multiple heat exchangers are the same. In this embodiment, in order to avoid repetitive narration, the assembly method of the manifolds 201 on the same side of multiple heat exchangers is taken as an example for illustration.
[0053] It should be understood that in other embodiments, the number of heat exchangers and the arrangement manner of the heat exchangers are not limited to the above-described solutions, and can be set as required, as long as partial or all integrated assembly can be achieved.
[0054] Please combine Figure 2 and Figure 3 , at the same time, the structures of the manifolds 201 of each heat exchanger can be set to be the same. For example, the manifold 201 includes a base plate 210, a cover body 220, and two end plates 230. The cover body 220 can be set as an arc-shaped plate, and the cover body 220 and the two end plates 230 are both installed on the same side of the base plate 210. The base plate 210, the cover body 220, and the two end plates 230 cooperate with each other to define a manifold cavity. The cover body 220 of the first heat exchanger 200 is connected to the cover body 220 of the third heat exchanger 400, and the cover body 220 of the second heat exchanger 300 is connected to the cover body 220 of the third heat exchanger 400. Further, the cover body 220 of the first heat exchanger 200 and the cover body 220 of the third heat exchanger 400 are fixedly connected through a first connection block 240, and the cover body 220 of the second heat exchanger 300 and the cover body 220 of the third heat exchanger 400 are fixedly connected through a second connection block 241. The cover body 220 of the first heat exchanger 200, the first connection block 240, and the cover body 220 of the third heat exchanger 400 can be set as an integral structure. Correspondingly, the cover body 220 of the second heat exchanger 300, the second connection block 241, and the cover body 220 of the third heat exchanger 400 can be set as an integral structure. The overall structure has high strength and is convenient for assembly.
[0055] It should be understood that the number of the first connection block 240 and the second connection block 241 is set as required, and is not specifically limited in this embodiment.
[0056] Optionally, positioning blocks 250 are provided on both the first connecting block 240 and the second connecting block 241, and the number of the positioning blocks 250 is set as required.
[0057] Optionally, positioning flanges 211 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the substrate 210. The cover 220 is clamped between the two positioning flanges 211 of the corresponding substrate 210. During assembly, the cover 220 is clamped between the two positioning flanges 211 of the substrate 210. The installation position of the cover 220 is accurate, the assembly efficiency is high, and the relative position between the cover 220 and the substrate 210 is stable and reliable. During brazing, it is not easy to shift, the contact area is large, and the welding quality is high. At the same time, when the manifold 201 is matched with a plurality of substrates 210, the positioning blocks 250 on the first connecting block 240 are inserted between the two positioning flanges 211 of the substrate 210 of the first heat exchanger 200 and the substrate 210 of the third heat exchanger 400, and the positioning blocks 250 on the second connecting block 241 are inserted between the two positioning flanges 211 of the substrate 210 of the second heat exchanger 300 and the substrate 210 of the third heat exchanger 400, improving the firmness of the combination.
[0058] After the assembly is completed, the distance L between the adjacent positioning flanges 211 of the substrate 210 of the first heat exchanger 200 and the substrate 210 of the second heat exchanger 300 is not greater than 1.5 mm. For example, the distance L between the adjacent positioning flanges 211 of the substrate 210 of the first heat exchanger 200 and the substrate 210 of the second heat exchanger 300 can be 0.5 mm, 1 mm or 1.5 mm, etc. The distance between the adjacent heat exchangers corresponding to the side of the manifold 201 is not greater than 1.5 mm, and there is no need to provide sealing parts such as sponges, saving materials and reducing costs.
[0059] It should be understood that in other embodiments, at least part of the substrates 210 of multiple heat exchangers on the same side can be integrated and set as an integral structure, which can also achieve the function of positioning multiple heat exchangers together without brackets and bolts and other components, reducing the manufacturing cost and improving the assembly efficiency.
[0060] It should be noted that the cooling fan 100 can be fixedly connected through a connecting frame 500 provided on the manifold 201 of the third heat exchanger 400, improving the assembly firmness.
[0061] In the integrated vehicle cooling module provided in this embodiment, between multiple heat exchangers, their respective mounting brackets are cancelled, reducing the number of parts and subsequent assembly processes. At the same time, the module is lighter in weight; the gap between each heat exchanger is reduced, making the module more compact; the number of seals between adjacent cores is reduced, reducing the process cost; the integrated heat exchangers can be brazed in the furnace at the same time, effectively saving energy consumption.
[0062] This embodiment also provides a vehicle thermal management system, including the integrated vehicle cooling module of the above embodiment.
[0063] The foregoing are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and changes. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An integrated automotive cooling module, characterized in that: include: A cooling fan (100) and a plurality of heat exchangers, wherein the cooling fan (100) is connected to at least one of the plurality of heat exchangers; at least some of the plurality of heat exchangers are arranged in a stacked manner, and collecting chambers (201) of at least two of the plurality of heat exchangers arranged in a stacked manner are fixedly connected.
2. The integrated automotive cooling module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collecting chamber (201) comprises a base plate (210), a cover body (220) and two end plates (230), wherein the cover body (220) and the two end plates (230) are installed on the same side of the base plate (210), and the base plate (210), the cover body (220) and the two end plates (230) cooperate to define a collecting chamber.
3. The integrated automotive cooling module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base plates (210) of at least two heat exchangers among the plurality of heat exchangers arranged in a stacked manner are fixedly connected.
4. The integrated automotive cooling module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The covers (220) of at least two heat exchangers among the plurality of heat exchangers arranged in a stacked manner are fixedly connected.
5. The integrated automotive cooling module according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the stacking direction of the plurality of heat exchangers, the covers (220) of adjacent heat exchangers are fixedly connected via a connecting block.
6. The integrated automotive cooling module according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both sides of the substrate (210) in the width direction are provided with positioning folded edges (211), and the cover body (220) is clamped between the two positioning folded edges (211) of the corresponding substrate (210).
7. The integrated automotive cooling module according to claim 6, characterized in that: A positioning block (250) is provided on the connection block, and the positioning block (250) is inserted between two adjacent positioning folded edges (211) of adjacent heat exchangers in the stacking direction of the plurality of heat exchangers.
8. The integrated automotive cooling module according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the stacking direction of the plurality of heat exchangers, the distance between adjacent positioning folded edges (211) of adjacent heat exchangers is no greater than 1.5 mm.
9. The integrated automotive cooling module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchanger further comprises a flat tube (260), and two ends of the flat tube (260) are respectively connected to two corresponding collecting chambers (201).
10. A vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that: The vehicle thermal management system comprises: The integrated automotive cooling module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.