Automobile thermal management integrated module liquid supplementing structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of automobile thermal management integrated module liquid supplement structure, including waterway runner plate upper piece, middle piece and lower piece. Waterway runner plate middle piece is equipped with liquid supplement balance passage and circulating liquid passage, liquid supplement balance passage end is communicated with buffer cavity through connecting groove, buffer cavity is located circulating liquid passage back, and is communicated with circulating liquid passage through communicating hole. Waterway runner plate upper piece and lower piece are respectively welded in the upper and lower side of middle piece, form sealed passage and cavity. Liquid supplement balance passage and circulating liquid passage part share side wall, circulating liquid passage end communicates circulating water pump interface. The utility model reduces the overall change amount of mould by optimizing structure design, simplifies moulding processing technology, reduces development cost, realizes the accurate control of liquid supplement flow and the balance of system pressure, is suitable for the integrated design and large-scale production of new energy automobile thermal management system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive thermal management technology and relates to a fluid replenishment structure for an integrated automotive thermal management module. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the thermal management system, as a core component ensuring the efficient operation of power batteries, motors, and electronic control systems, has become a key focus of industry attention in terms of design and optimization. In the wave of new energy development, integrated design of thermal management systems is gradually becoming the mainstream trend. Integrated design, by reducing the number of components, optimizing spatial layout, and reducing assembly complexity, not only improves system operating efficiency but also significantly reduces production costs. However, the complexity of the thermal management system lies in its multiple independently operating loops, such as battery cooling loops, motor cooling loops, and air conditioning cooling loops. These loops require a stable coolant supply and pressure balance during operation to maintain the system's normal operating condition. To reduce system costs, existing thermal management systems typically include a coolant reservoir for storing and supplying coolant. In the mode of multiple loops operating independently, loops without coolant reservoirs need to obtain coolant through a replenishment structure to maintain liquid level and pressure balance.

[0003] In existing technologies, liquid replenishment structures are mainly implemented in two ways: one is to set up liquid replenishment balancing channels between each circuit, and to achieve liquid distribution and balance through channel connectivity; the other is to set multiple liquid replenishment ports on the water storage bottle to provide liquid replenishment channels for different circuits. However, these two solutions have significant shortcomings in practical applications, especially in terms of the flexibility and efficiency of mold development and processing.

[0004] First, the design of existing fluid replenishment and balancing channels is usually quite fixed, with their channel dimensions and structure determined in the early design phase. If the dimensions of the fluid replenishment channel need to be adjusted during development to balance loop flow resistance or pressure, it often requires a complete modification of the mold or adjustment of the welding tooling fixtures. This requirement for a complete mold modification presents significant challenges. For example, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid replenishment and balancing channel needs to be fine-tuned, due to the high integration of the channel structure with other components, adjusting the size of a single channel may require redesigning the entire water channel plate mold, or even involving simultaneous modifications to multiple related molds. This large-scale overall modification not only increases the uncertainty of the development cycle but also significantly increases development costs due to the complexity of mold redesign and manufacturing. Furthermore, the spatial layout of the thermal management system integration module is usually strictly limited by the overall vehicle structural design, and in some cases, mold adjustments may not be possible due to the overall structural layout, further exacerbating the development difficulty. For example, the complex channel geometry and compact layout require extremely high mold machining precision; a complete mold modification may lead to machining errors or increased mold wear, affecting the performance and reliability of the fluid replenishment structure.

[0005] Secondly, existing fluid replenishment and balancing flow channel designs have limitations in mold manufacturing. Traditional flow channel structures are typically complex, requiring precise matching of the flow channel's geometry and dimensions to the mold design, resulting in high mold manufacturing difficulty and cost. Adjustments to the flow channel dimensions necessitate significant changes to the entire mold, involving redesign, manufacturing, and verification, significantly extending the development cycle. Furthermore, while multi-port solutions for water tanks provide independent replenishment paths for different circuits, their complex structure increases the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the water tank. Additionally, the multi-port design may lead to decreased sealing performance, increasing the risk of coolant leakage. This solution also has limited precise control over the replenishment flow rate, making it difficult to meet the differentiated coolant flow requirements of different circuits. For example, some circuits require lower replenishment flow rates to maintain low flow resistance, while others require higher replenishment flow rates to cope with high-load operation; existing solutions struggle to address these needs flexibly.

[0006] In summary, existing technologies for designing the fluid replenishment structure of thermal management integrated modules suffer from the following problems: First, adjusting the fluid replenishment channel requires a complete mold overhaul, resulting in significant modifications, prolonged development cycles, and wasted costs. Second, the fluid replenishment channel structure is complex, making mold processing difficult and increasing manufacturing costs and processing risks. Third, the flexibility and precision of the fluid replenishment flow rate are insufficient, making it difficult to meet the differentiated needs of multi-loop systems. These problems limit the development efficiency of thermal management systems and the overall performance of new energy vehicles. Therefore, a novel fluid replenishment structure is urgently needed that can simplify mold design, reduce the overall mold overhaul, lower the difficulty of mold opening and processing, and simultaneously meet the fluid replenishment requirements of multi-loop systems. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to solve the above problems and provide a liquid replenishment structure for an integrated automotive thermal management module.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A fluid replenishment structure for an integrated automotive thermal management module includes an upper water channel plate, a middle water channel plate, and a lower water channel plate. The middle water channel plate has a fluid replenishment balance channel and a circulating fluid channel. The end of the fluid replenishment balance channel has a buffer cavity communicating with it, and the buffer cavity is located on the back side of the circulating fluid channel. The circulating fluid channel has a connecting hole and communicates with the buffer cavity through the connecting hole. The upper water channel plate is connected to the upper side of the middle water channel plate and covers the fluid replenishment balance channel and the circulating fluid channel. The lower water channel plate is connected to the lower side of the middle water channel plate and covers the buffer cavity.

[0010] Furthermore, the replenishment balance channel and the circulating fluid channel are located on the same side of the middle plate of the water flow channel plate, and partially share the same sidewall.

[0011] Furthermore, the end of the fluid replenishment and balancing channel is provided with a connecting groove, and is connected to the buffer chamber through the connecting groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the replenishment balance channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the circulating fluid channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the upper part of the water channel plate and the middle part of the water channel plate are fixedly connected by welding to form a sealed liquid replenishment balance channel and a circulating liquid channel.

[0014] Furthermore, the lower piece of the water channel plate and the middle piece of the water channel plate are fixedly connected by welding to form a sealed buffer cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, the end of the circulating fluid channel is connected to the circulating water pump interface on the upper part of the water flow channel plate.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] This utility model provides a fluid replenishment structure for an integrated automotive thermal management module, which achieves several significant technical advantages through optimized design, as follows:

[0018] 1. Reduced overall mold modifications and lower development costs: This invention effectively balances flow resistance and pressure in each circuit by setting a replenishment and balancing channel and a buffer chamber on the middle plate of the water channel, and connecting the replenishment and balancing channel with the circulating fluid channel through a connecting hole. Unlike existing technologies where adjusting the replenishment channel size requires overall mold modifications, this invention features a flexible structural design. The replenishment and balancing channel and buffer chamber allow for flow and pressure adjustments without large-scale mold modifications; only the size of the connecting hole needs to be adjusted within the mold, significantly reducing mold modifications. This not only reduces the cost of mold redesign and manufacturing but also shortens the development cycle, avoiding development delays caused by overall mold modifications. It is particularly suitable for the rapid iterative development of thermal management systems for new energy vehicles.

[0019] 2. Simplified mold processing and improved production efficiency: The replenishment and balancing channel and the circulating fluid channel are located on the same side of the water channel plate and partially share a sidewall. This structural design significantly simplifies the geometric complexity of the mold. Compared with the complex channel structures in existing technologies, this design reduces the difficulty and precision requirements of mold processing, facilitates mold opening and processing, and lowers mold manufacturing costs. At the same time, the simplified structure improves the consistency and reliability of mold processing, reduces processing errors and mold wear, and significantly improves production efficiency, making it particularly suitable for the large-scale production needs of thermal management systems for new energy vehicles.

[0020] 3. Precise control of coolant flow rate to meet the needs of multiple loops: This invention, by setting a coolant balance channel with a cross-sectional area smaller than the circulating fluid channel and combining it with a buffer chamber design, can precisely control the coolant flow rate and flexibly adapt to the differentiated coolant flow requirements of different loops. The buffer chamber, as a pressure and flow regulation unit, effectively balances the flow resistance of each loop, ensuring stable system operation. This design avoids the problem of inaccurate flow control in existing multi-inlet solutions, improving the overall performance of the thermal management system.

[0021] 4. Enhanced system sealing and improved reliability: The upper, middle, and lower sections of the water channel plate are welded together to form a sealed replenishment and balance channel, circulating fluid channel, and buffer chamber. This sealing structure effectively reduces the risk of coolant leakage, enhances the system's reliability and durability, and meets the needs of long-term high-load operation of new energy vehicles.

[0022] In summary, this utility model significantly reduces the overall mold modification amount by optimizing the fluid replenishment structure design, simplifies the mold opening and processing technology, and reduces development and manufacturing costs. At the same time, it achieves precise control of fluid replenishment flow and high system reliability, comprehensively improving the development efficiency and performance of the thermal management system for new energy vehicles, and possesses significant technical advantages and market competitiveness.

[0023] Other advantages, objectives, and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination and study, or may be learned from practice of this invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the preferred embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the fluid replenishment structure of the automotive thermal management integrated module in this utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the middle piece of the water channel plate in this utility model.

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Partial sectional view of AA.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the middle piece of the water channel plate in this utility model.

[0029] Figure labels: 1-Upper part of water channel plate; 2-Middle part of water channel plate; 3-Lower part of water channel plate; 4-Replenishment and balance channel; 5-Circulating fluid channel; 6-Connecting hole; 7-Buffer chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0031] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual pictures. They should not be construed as limiting the present invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0032] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] Please see Figures 1-4 This is a coolant replenishment structure for an integrated automotive thermal management module, used for coolant replenishment and pressure balancing in the thermal management system of new energy vehicles. The structure includes a water channel plate upper section 1, a water channel plate middle section 2, and a water channel plate lower section 3. It adopts a modular design for easy mold making and assembly. The water channel plate middle section 2 is the core component of the coolant replenishment structure, featuring a coolant replenishment balancing channel 4 and a circulating fluid channel 5 for respectively transporting replenished and circulating coolant.

[0034] like Figure 2As shown, in the front structure of the middle plate 2 of the water channel plate, the replenishment balance channel 4 and the circulating fluid channel 5 are located on the same side and partially share a sidewall to simplify the structural design and reduce the complexity of mold processing. The cross-sectional area of ​​the replenishment balance channel 4 is smaller than that of the circulating fluid channel 5 to achieve precise control of the replenishment flow rate and adapt to the different requirements of different circuits for coolant flow rate. The end of the replenishment balance channel 4 is provided with a connecting groove, which connects to the buffer cavity 7 located on the back of the middle plate 2 of the water channel plate. The buffer cavity 7, as a pressure and flow rate adjustment unit, can effectively balance the flow resistance of each circuit.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 2 The partial sectional view in section AA further illustrates the connection between the replenishment and balancing channel 4 and the buffer chamber 7. The circulating fluid channel 5 has a connecting hole 6, through which it connects to the buffer chamber 7. Coolant flows in from the replenishment and balancing channel 4, passes through the connecting groove, and enters the buffer chamber 7. After being buffered within the buffer chamber 7, it enters the circulating fluid channel 5 through the connecting hole 6, thus completing the replenishment process.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the back structure of the middle section 2 of the water channel plate clearly reveals the location of the buffer chamber 7, which is located on the back of the circulating fluid channel 5, further optimizing the spatial layout. The upper section 1 of the water channel plate is fixedly connected to the upper side of the middle section 2 by welding, covering the replenishment balance channel 4 and the circulating fluid channel 5 to form a sealed flow channel structure. The lower section 3 of the water channel plate is fixedly connected to the lower side of the middle section 2 by welding, covering the buffer chamber 7 to form a sealed cavity structure. The welding connection method ensures the sealing of the channel and cavity, reducing the risk of coolant leakage.

[0037] In addition, the end of the circulating fluid channel 5 is connected to the circulating water pump interface, which is located on the upper part 1 of the water flow channel plate and is used to connect an external circulating water pump to drive the coolant to circulate in each loop of the thermal management system.

[0038] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: Coolant flows in from the replenishment and balance channel 4, passes through the connecting groove and enters the buffer chamber 7. After being buffered by the buffer chamber 7, the coolant flows into the circulating fluid channel 5 through the connecting hole 6, and finally enters the corresponding circuit of the thermal management system through the circulating water pump interface. If the replenishment flow rate needs to be changed, only the size of the connecting hole on the mold needs to be adjusted, without the need to change the entire mold.

[0039] The technical advantage of this embodiment is that by optimizing the structural design of the replenishment balance channel 4, the buffer chamber 7 and the circulating fluid channel 5, the amount of mold modification required when adjusting the replenishment flow rate is reduced.

[0040] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of this technical solution, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fluid replenishment structure for an integrated automotive thermal management module, characterized in that: The system includes an upper section of a water channel plate, a middle section of a water channel plate, and a lower section of a water channel plate. The middle section of the water channel plate has a replenishment and balance channel and a circulation channel. The end of the replenishment and balance channel has a buffer cavity communicating with it, and the buffer cavity is located on the back side of the circulation channel. The circulation channel has a connecting hole and communicates with the buffer cavity through the connecting hole. The upper section of the water channel plate is connected to the upper side of the middle section of the water channel plate and covers the replenishment and balance channel and the circulation channel. The lower section of the water channel plate is connected to the lower side of the middle section of the water channel plate and covers the buffer cavity.

2. The fluid replenishment structure for the automotive thermal management integrated module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The replenishment balance channel and the circulating fluid channel are located on the same side of the middle plate of the water flow channel plate, and partially share the side wall.

3. The fluid replenishment structure for the automotive thermal management integrated module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the fluid replenishment and balancing channel is provided with a connecting groove, which is connected to the buffer chamber.

4. The fluid replenishment structure for the automotive thermal management integrated module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional area of ​​the replenishment and balancing channel is smaller than that of the circulating fluid channel.

5. The fluid replenishment structure for the automotive thermal management integrated module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper and middle sections of the water channel plate are fixedly connected by welding to form a sealed liquid replenishment balance channel and a circulating liquid channel.

6. The fluid replenishment structure for the automotive thermal management integrated module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower section of the water channel plate and the middle section of the water channel plate are fixedly connected by welding to form a sealed buffer cavity.

7. The fluid replenishment structure for the automotive thermal management integrated module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the circulating fluid channel is connected to the circulating water pump interface on the upper part of the water flow channel plate.

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