Thermal management system and air conditioner
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GD MIDEA AIR CONDITIONING EQUIP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
Smart Images
Figure CN224498804U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to a thermal management system and an air conditioner. Background Technology
[0002] In existing air conditioning systems, the air conditioning piping typically consists of numerous components, including but not limited to filters, electronic expansion valves, and capillary tubes, which are welded together by refrigerant pipes. While this complex structural design can meet the functional requirements of the air conditioning system to some extent, it tends to increase the number of connecting pipes, thereby increasing the overall size of the system and manufacturing costs. Utility Model Content
[0003] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a thermal management system and an air conditioner, which aims to simplify the structure of the thermal management system, thereby reducing the overall size of the thermal management system and lowering the cost.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the thermal management system proposed in this utility model includes:
[0005] The integrated valve island has a flow channel for refrigerant flow.
[0006] The heat exchanger assembly includes a plate heat exchanger disposed on the integrated valve island, the plate heat exchanger having a first refrigerant inlet and outlet and a first refrigerant inlet communicating with the flow channel; and
[0007] The throttling valve assembly includes a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve. The first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve are respectively disposed on two branches on the flow channel. The first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the plate heat exchanger.
[0008] In one embodiment, the included angle between the projections of the first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve on the plate heat exchanger is α, where 0°≤α≤90°.
[0009] In one embodiment, the plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange plates and a first plate and a second plate disposed on both sides of the heat exchange plates. The integrated valve island is disposed on the first plate. The angle between the axis of the first electronic expansion valve and the plane of the first plate is b, -30°≤b≤30°, and the angle between the axis of the second electronic expansion valve and the plane of the first plate is c, -30°≤c≤30°.
[0010] In one embodiment, the first electronic expansion valve includes a first coil portion disposed outside the integrated valve island and a first valve core extending at least into the integrated valve island, the first coil portion being disposed above or diagonally above the integrated valve island; and / or
[0011] The second electronic expansion valve includes a second coil portion disposed outside the integrated valve island and a second valve core extending at least into the integrated valve island, the second coil portion being disposed above or diagonally above the integrated valve island.
[0012] In one embodiment, the projection of the first coil portion of the first electronic expansion valve onto the plane of the plate heat exchanger at least partially covers the projection onto the plate heat exchanger; and / or
[0013] The projection of the second coil portion of the second electronic expansion valve onto the plane of the plate heat exchanger at least partially covers the projection onto the plate heat exchanger.
[0014] In one embodiment, the integrated valve island includes a valve island body and a filter installed in the valve island body. The filter includes a first filter screen and a second filter screen, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the first electronic expansion valve.
[0015] And / or, the plate heat exchanger is further provided with a second refrigerant outlet diagonally opposite to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet, and a second connecting pipe is connected to the second refrigerant outlet. An assembly gap is formed between the first electronic expansion valve and the plate heat exchanger for the second connecting pipe to pass through.
[0016] In one embodiment, the integrated valve island further includes a capillary tube, and the pipeline between the first electronic expansion valve and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet and the second electronic expansion valve are respectively connected to both ends of the capillary tube.
[0017] In one embodiment, the thermal management system further includes a temperature sensing module, which is at least partially located within the flow channel to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the temperature sensing module.
[0018] In one embodiment, the integrated valve island is provided with an installation port communicating with the flow channel, and the temperature sensing module includes a thermally conductive temperature sensing sleeve and a temperature sensor, with the temperature sensing sleeve being inserted into the flow channel through the installation port.
[0019] In one embodiment, a coolant gap is formed between the outer surface of the temperature-sensing sleeve extending into the flow channel and the inner wall surface of the flow channel;
[0020] And / or, a heat-conducting layer is provided between the temperature sensor probe and the temperature-sensing sleeve;
[0021] And / or, the flow channel includes a refrigerant circuit connecting the second electronic expansion valve and the first refrigerant inlet, the refrigerant circuit including a main circuit and a temperature sensing cavity connected together, and the temperature sensing module is installed in the temperature sensing cavity.
[0022] This utility model also proposes an air conditioner that includes the thermal management system described above.
[0023] In the technical solution of this utility model, the plate heat exchanger, the throttling valve group, etc. are integrated on the integrated valve island, which can connect the various components that were originally welded with multiple refrigerant pipes through the flow channel on the integrated valve island. This can effectively reduce the use of connecting pipes, reduce the overall complexity in design and installation, reduce costs, facilitate the reduction of system size, and reliably improve the performance and reliability of the thermal management system.
[0024] The first and second electronic expansion valves are respectively installed on two branches of the flow channel. Based on the flow split, the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant can be controlled by controlling the opening of the first and second electronic expansion valves, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the system and improving the system energy efficiency. At the same time, the first and second electronic expansion valves are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the plate heat exchanger, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the throttling valve group and further reduce the overall volume of the thermal management system. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, 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 this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 A front view of an embodiment of the thermal management system provided by this utility model;
[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view of the central heat management system;
[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Right view of the central heat management system;
[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the plate heat exchanger and the first electronic expansion valve.
[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Assembly diagram of the integrated valve island and temperature sensing module;
[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A sectional view of the central heat management system taken along section line AA;
[0032] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in the plate heat exchanger and integrated valve island under heating mode.
[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in the thermal management system under heating mode;
[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in the thermal management system during cooling mode.
[0035] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0036] 10. Integrated valve island; 11. Valve island body; 111. Mounting port; 12. Flow channel; 121. Main circuit; 1211. First circuit section; 1212. Second circuit section; 122. Temperature sensing chamber; 13. Throttling valve assembly; 131. First electronic expansion valve; 132. Second electronic expansion valve; 14. Capillary tube;
[0037] 20. Heat exchanger assembly; 21. Plate heat exchanger; 211. First refrigerant inlet; 212. First refrigerant inlet / outlet; 213. Second refrigerant inlet / outlet; 214. Second refrigerant outlet; 215. Heat exchange plate; 216. First plate; 217. Second plate; 22. Evaporator; 23. Condenser; 24. Filter; 241. First filter screen; 242. Second filter screen; 251. First connecting pipe; 252. Second connecting pipe;
[0038] 30. Temperature sensing module; 31. Temperature sensing sleeve; 311. Receiving cavity; 32. Sealing limit sleeve; 40. Compressor.
[0039] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0040] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0041] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0042] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0043] In existing air conditioning systems, the air conditioning piping typically consists of numerous components, including but not limited to filters, electronic expansion valves, and capillary tubes, which are welded together by refrigerant pipes. While this complex structural design can meet the functional requirements of the air conditioning system to some extent, it tends to increase the number of connecting pipes, thereby increasing the overall size of the system and manufacturing costs.
[0044] To solve this technical problem, this utility model proposes a thermal management system.
[0045] Please see Figures 1 to 9 In one embodiment of this utility model, the thermal management system includes an integrated valve island 10, a heat exchanger assembly 20, and a throttling valve group 13. The integrated valve island 10 is provided with a flow channel 12 for refrigerant flow. The heat exchanger assembly 20 includes a plate heat exchanger 21 disposed on the integrated valve island 10. The plate heat exchanger 21 is provided with a first refrigerant inlet / outlet 212 and a first refrigerant inlet 211 communicating with the flow channel 12. The throttling valve group 13 includes a first electronic expansion valve 131 and a second electronic expansion valve 132. The first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 are respectively disposed on two branches on the flow channel 12. The first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the plate heat exchanger 21. This reduces the number of parts, simplifies the complexity of design and manufacturing, reduces the system volume, thereby saving costs and improving the performance and reliability of the thermal management system.
[0046] In the technical solution of this utility model, the plate heat exchanger 21, the throttling valve group 13, etc. are integrated on the integrated valve island 10. The components that were originally welded with multiple refrigerant pipes can be connected through the flow channel 12 on the integrated valve island 10. This can effectively reduce the use of connecting pipes, reduce the overall complexity in design and installation, reduce costs, facilitate the reduction of system size, and reliably improve the performance and reliability of the thermal management system.
[0047] The first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 are respectively set on two branches on the flow channel 12. Based on the flow splitting, the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant can be controlled by controlling the opening of the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the system and improving the system energy efficiency. At the same time, the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the plate heat exchanger 21, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the throttling valve group 13 and further reduce the overall volume of the thermal management system.
[0048] It should be noted that the integrated valve island 10 effectively reduces the number of connecting pipelines, thus eliminating the need for a large amount of labor for the assembly and welding of components. At the same time, it eliminates the need for strict quality control of each weld point and the use of various equipment or tools for processing and testing during the welding process, thereby reducing costs such as labor and material costs and time costs, while simplifying the complexity of the design and manufacturing process.
[0049] Compared to the traditional method of welding the electronic expansion valve and plate heat exchanger 21 together via refrigerant pipes (copper pipes), where adjacent refrigerant pipes need to maintain a certain distance to ensure refrigerant flow and heat dissipation, this method integrates the throttle valve assembly 13 and plate heat exchanger 21 onto the integrated valve island 10. This significantly reduces the connection length of the connecting pipes, effectively lowering the risk of breakage due to vibration stress, and reliably improving the miniaturization and integration level of the thermal management system. It also reduces welding processes, minimizing welding defects such as incomplete welds and leaks, improving the reliability and safety of the thermal management system, ensuring the normal operation of the air conditioner, reducing manual welding pressure, improving assembly efficiency, reducing manufacturing complexity, and saving costs. Furthermore, this integration method simplifies complex multi-split systems, and while ensuring stable system operation, it can be expanded to integrate multiple sets of pipes and multiple electronic expansion valves in the future.
[0050] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the included angle between the projections of the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 on the plate heat exchanger 21 is α, where 0°≤α≤90°. Thus, the first electronic expansion valve 131, the second electronic expansion valve 132, and the integrated valve island 10 are disposed on one side of the plate heat exchanger 21, as shown in Figure 1. By limiting the included angle α between the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 to between 0° and 90°, the overall volume of the throttling valve assembly can be effectively reduced, thereby reducing the space occupied by the thermal management system.
[0051] Specifically, the included angle between the projections of the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 may take values including, but are not limited to, 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, and 90°. Preferably, the included angle α between the projections of the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 satisfies: 0° ≤ α ≤ 45°, and more preferably, α = 20°.
[0052] Please see Figure 2 In an embodiment of this utility model, the plate heat exchanger 21 includes multiple heat exchange plates 215 and a first plate 216 and a second plate 217 disposed on both sides of the heat exchange plates 215. The integrated valve island 10 is disposed on the first plate 216. The angle between the axis of the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the plane of the first plate 216 is b, -30°≤b≤30°. The angle between the axis of the second electronic expansion valve 132 and the plane of the first plate 216 is c, -30°≤c≤30°. Thus, by limiting the angles between the axes of the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 and the plane of the first plate 216 to between -30° and 30°, the valve cores inside the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 can be effectively limited to be tilted at a small angle or vertically disposed relative to the plane of the first plate 216. This facilitates uniform force distribution on the valve cores and reduces friction between the refrigerant and the valve cores, thereby reliably reducing vibration wear of the valve cores.
[0053] Specifically, the angles between the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 and the plane containing the first plate 216 can be, but are not limited to, -30°, -25°, -20°, -15°, -10°, -5°, 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30°.
[0054] Please see Figure 1In an embodiment of this utility model, the first electronic expansion valve 131 includes a first coil portion disposed outside the integrated valve island 10 and a first valve core extending into the integrated valve island 10. The first coil portion is disposed above or diagonally above the integrated valve island 10. Furthermore, by extending the first valve core into the flow channel of the integrated valve island 10, and by setting the first valve core at a small angle or vertically, throttling and pressure reduction of the refrigerant is ensured, while effectively reducing vibration and wear of the first valve core. Moreover, because the first coil portion is disposed above or diagonally above the integrated valve island 10, condensate water can be effectively prevented from flowing into the coil, thereby improving the safety and service life of the first electronic expansion valve 131.
[0055] Please see Figure 1 In an embodiment of this utility model, the second electronic expansion valve 132 includes a second coil portion disposed outside the integrated valve island 10 and a second valve core extending at least into the integrated valve island 10. The second coil portion is disposed above or diagonally above the integrated valve island 10. Furthermore, by extending the second valve core into the flow channel of the integrated valve island 10, and by setting the second valve core at a small angle or vertically, throttling and pressure reduction of the refrigerant is ensured, while effectively reducing vibration and wear of the second valve core. Moreover, because the second coil portion is disposed above or diagonally above the integrated valve island 10, condensate water can be effectively prevented from flowing into the coil, thereby improving the safety and service life of the second electronic expansion valve 132.
[0056] Please see Figure 1 In an embodiment of this utility model, the projection of the first coil portion of the first electronic expansion valve 131 onto the plane of the plate heat exchanger 21 at least partially covers the projection onto the plate heat exchanger 21. That is, the projection of the first coil portion does not protrude as much as possible from the projection of the side edge of the first plate 216. This can effectively reduce the space occupied by the first electronic expansion valve 131 in the circumferential direction of the corresponding plate heat exchanger 21, thereby helping to reduce the overall volume of the thermal management system.
[0057] Please see Figure 1 In an embodiment of this utility model, the projection of the second coil portion of the second electronic expansion valve 132 onto the plane of the plate heat exchanger 21 at least partially covers the projection on the plate heat exchanger 21. That is, the projection of the second coil portion does not protrude from the projection of the side edge of the first plate 216 as much as possible. This can effectively reduce the occupancy of the second electronic expansion valve 132 in the circumferential space of the corresponding plate heat exchanger 21, thereby helping to reduce the overall volume of the thermal management system.
[0058] Please see Figures 1 to 3In an embodiment of this utility model, the integrated valve island 10 includes a valve island body 11 and a filter 24 installed within the valve island body 11. The filter 24 includes a first filter screen 241 and a second filter screen 242. The first filter screen 241 and the second filter screen 242 are respectively disposed at both ends of the first electronic expansion valve 131. It can be understood that the first valve core of the first electronic expansion valve 131 extends into the flow channel 12, and the first filter screen 241 and the second filter screen 242 are respectively disposed at both ends of the flow channel 12. That is, the first filter screen 241 and the second filter screen 242 are respectively disposed at the inlet and outlet of the first electronic expansion valve 131. In this way, the flow channel 12 is separated by the first filter screen 241 and the second filter screen 242, so that the first... The flow channels of the electronic expansion valve 131 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 are relatively independent. They can effectively filter impurities in the refrigerant by utilizing the filtering effect of the first filter screen 241 and the second filter screen 242, reducing the impurities entering the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the downstream heat exchanger and compressor 40. This helps to improve the operational stability and reliability of the thermal management system and extend its service life. It can also effectively prevent cross-temperature, thereby improving energy efficiency and ensuring overall reliability. Furthermore, the arrangement of installing the first filter screen 241 and the second filter screen 242 in the flow channel based on the valve island body 11 can achieve the filtering function of the filter while reducing the number of components in the thermal management system, thereby improving the integration level of the thermal management system.
[0059] Specifically, the refrigerant flowing in the flow channel 12 is filtered for impurities by the first filter screen 241, achieving primary filtration of the refrigerant. At the same time, the refrigerant can enter the flow channel where the first electronic expansion valve 131 is located. The refrigerant that has been throttled and depressurized by the first electronic expansion valve 131 can be filtered for a second time by the second filter screen 242 and flows out of the valve island body 11 through the first connecting pipe 251.
[0060] Please see Figure 2 In an embodiment of this utility model, the plate heat exchanger 21 is further provided with a second refrigerant outlet 214 diagonally opposite to the first refrigerant inlet / outlet 212. A second connecting pipe 252 is connected to the second refrigerant outlet 214. An assembly gap is formed between the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the plate heat exchanger 21 for the second connecting pipe 252 to pass through. With this configuration, when there is an assembly gap between the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the first plate 216 of the plate heat exchanger 21 due to assembly requirements, one end of the second connecting pipe 252 is connected to the second refrigerant outlet 214, and the other end extends away from the first plate 216 and passes through the assembly gap. This fully utilizes the gap between the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the plate heat exchanger 21, achieving a more compact arrangement of the components and reducing the space occupied by the thermal management system.
[0061] Optionally, in an embodiment of this utility model, the integrated valve island 10 further includes a capillary tube 14. The pipeline between the first electronic expansion valve 131 and the first refrigerant inlet / outlet 212, and the second electronic expansion valve 132 are respectively connected to both ends of the capillary tube 14. That is, part of the refrigerant flowing out of the first refrigerant inlet / outlet 212 enters the capillary tube 14 for primary throttling. The throttled refrigerant then enters the second electronic expansion valve 132 for secondary throttling. The refrigerant after secondary throttling enters the plate heat exchanger 21 through the first refrigerant inlet 211. Thus, through secondary throttling of the refrigerant, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are further reduced. This low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant can be compressed more effectively when it enters the compressor 40, thereby absorbing more heat during the compression process and improving efficiency.
[0062] Please see Figures 1 to 6 In an embodiment of this utility model, the thermal management system further includes a temperature sensing module 30. The temperature sensing module 30 is at least partially placed within the flow channel 12 to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through it. Therefore, compared to detecting the refrigerant temperature by contacting the integrated valve island 10 for heat transfer, placing at least part of the temperature sensing module 30 within the flow channel 12 allows it to directly contact the refrigerant within the flow channel 12, thus fully acquiring heat and reducing heat conduction between the temperature sensing module 30 and the integrated valve island 10. This effectively improves the accuracy of refrigerant temperature detection, facilitates precise control of the auxiliary valve opening based on the refrigerant's superheat, and ensures the thermal management system always operates at a relatively ideal superheat state, thereby improving system efficiency.
[0063] It should be noted that the temperature sensing module 30 is specifically installed on the valve island body 11 of the integrated valve island 10. The valve island body 11 typically has high thermal conductivity. While this high thermal conductivity is beneficial in some aspects, it becomes a key issue in temperature measurement. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the valve island body 11, the temperature conduction speed within the valve island body 11 is relatively fast. This means that the temperature measured by the temperature sensing module 30 is not the precise temperature of the fluid, but rather the overall temperature after heat conduction through the valve island body 11. Therefore, by extending the sensing part of the temperature sensing module 30 into the flow channel 12, the heat conduction between the temperature sensing module 30 and the valve island body 11 is reduced, and the effective contact area between the refrigerant and the temperature sensing module 30 is increased to fully absorb heat, thereby improving the accuracy of refrigerant temperature detection and ensuring precise system control and stable operation of the air conditioner.
[0064] Please see Figure 6In an embodiment of this utility model, the integrated valve island 10 is provided with an installation port 111 that connects to the flow channel 12. The temperature sensing module 30 includes a thermally connected temperature sensing sleeve 31 and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensing sleeve 31 is inserted into the flow channel 12 through the installation port 111. With this arrangement, the temperature sensing sleeve 31 can directly contact the refrigerant in the flow channel 12. By utilizing the heat conduction of the temperature sensing sleeve 31, the temperature sensor can directly detect the temperature of the refrigerant through the temperature sensing sleeve 31, effectively improving the accuracy of the temperature sensing module 30 in detecting the refrigerant temperature.
[0065] The temperature sensing module 30 includes a temperature sensing sleeve 31 and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensing sleeve 31 has a simple structure and low cost, and can be adapted to mass-produced electronically controlled sensor heads. It does not require additional expensive sensor materials, which allows the temperature sensing module 30 to balance economy and practicality.
[0066] In one embodiment of this utility model, the temperature sensing module 30 further includes a sealing and limiting sleeve 32. The sealing and limiting sleeve 32 is arranged around the periphery of the temperature sensing sleeve 31 and is sealed and fixed to the mounting port 111. This not only prevents the temperature sensing sleeve 31 from contacting the valve island body 11 too much, ensuring the accuracy of temperature detection, but also ensures the assembly of the temperature sensing module 30 on the valve island body 11. At the same time, it reduces the risk of refrigerant leakage from the mounting port 111 and improves the safety of the thermal management system.
[0067] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this utility model, a refrigerant gap is formed between the outer surface of the temperature-sensing sleeve 31 extending into the flow channel 12 and the inner wall surface of the flow channel 12; that is, the refrigerant entering the flow channel 12 directly scours the temperature-sensing sleeve 31, and because of the surrounding area of the temperature-sensing sleeve 31, specifically as follows... Figure 6 As shown, the outer peripheral surface and end face of the temperature-sensing sleeve 31 located in the flow channel 12 form a refrigerant gap with the inner wall surface of the flow channel 12, effectively increasing the thermal contact area between the refrigerant and the temperature-sensing sleeve 31, while reducing the thermal contact area between the temperature-sensing sleeve 31 and the valve island body 11. This allows the measured refrigerant temperature to be closer to the actual refrigerant temperature, thereby improving the accuracy of refrigerant temperature detection. Alternatively, a refrigerant gap can be formed between the outer peripheral surface or end face of the temperature-sensing sleeve 31 and the inner wall surface of the flow channel 12, which also enables direct contact between the refrigerant and the temperature-sensing sleeve 31.
[0068] Please see Figure 6 In an embodiment of this utility model, the temperature-sensing sleeve 31 is provided with a receiving cavity 311, and the temperature-sensing probe of the temperature sensor is built into the receiving cavity 311 and abuts against the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 311. In this way, by directly contacting the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 311 with the temperature-sensing probe, the heat on the temperature-sensing sleeve 31 can be obtained more directly, and the refrigerant temperature can be reliably obtained through the temperature-sensing sleeve 31, thereby realizing the accurate measurement of the refrigerant temperature.
[0069] Furthermore, in an embodiment of this utility model, a heat-conducting layer is provided between the temperature sensor probe and the temperature-sensing sleeve 31; with this arrangement, by filling the gap between the temperature sensor probe and the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 311 with the heat-conducting layer, the heat conduction capacity between the temperature sensor and the temperature-sensing sleeve 31 can be effectively increased, thereby achieving low-cost and high-precision refrigerant temperature detection.
[0070] Specifically, the thermally conductive layer can be configured as a thermally conductive gel layer or a silicone grease layer. It is understood that by filling the space between the temperature probe and the temperature sensing sleeve 31 with a thermally conductive gel or silicone grease, it is easy to apply and distribute evenly, thus reliably realizing the heat conduction between the temperature probe and the temperature sensing sleeve 31, while having good thermal conductivity.
[0071] Please see Figures 5 to 6 In an embodiment of this utility model, the flow channel 12 includes a refrigerant circuit connecting the second electronic expansion valve 132 and the first refrigerant inlet 211. The refrigerant circuit includes a main circuit 121 and a temperature sensing chamber 122 connected to each other. The temperature sensing module 30 is installed in the temperature sensing chamber 122. It can be understood that by installing the temperature sensing module 30 in the temperature sensing chamber 122, the temperature sensing module 30 can directly contact the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit through the temperature sensing sleeve 31. Combined with the fact that the refrigerant is throttled by the capillary tube 14 and the second electronic expansion valve 132, it helps to detect a temperature that is closer to the actual refrigerant temperature, and at the same time reliably ensures the normal operation of the system. That is, by detecting the refrigerant temperature after throttling, it is possible to intuitively understand whether the functional modules on the system are working properly. The functional modules include, but are not limited to, the first electronic expansion valve 131, the second electronic expansion valve 132, the evaporator 22, the condenser 23, and the compressor 40. The opening degree of the auxiliary valve can also be precisely controlled by the feedback of the detected refrigerant temperature to ensure that the system operates under more precise operating conditions and improve system efficiency.
[0072] A temperature sensing cavity 122 is added to the main circuit 121 side. The temperature sensing cavity 122 is connected to the main circuit 121 and is used to install the temperature sensing module 30. This does not affect the smooth flow of refrigerant in the main circuit 121, and it also enables the temperature sensing module 30 to detect the temperature of the refrigerant after throttling. Furthermore, because a refrigerant gap is formed around the temperature sensing sleeve 31 for the refrigerant flow channel 12, the temperature sensing module 30 can fully absorb heat, which helps to improve the detection accuracy of the refrigerant temperature after throttling. In addition, the temperature sensing cavity 122 can also act as a noise reduction cavity to a certain extent. That is, the size and structure of the temperature sensing cavity 122 can be adjusted according to the working noise of the second electronic expansion valve 132, so as to achieve noise reduction during operation.
[0073] More specifically, in an embodiment of this utility model, the main circuit 121 includes a first circuit segment 1211 and a second circuit segment 1212 connected by a bend. The second circuit segment 1212 connects the first circuit segment 1211 and the first refrigerant inlet 211. The temperature sensing cavity 122 is located on opposite sides of the first circuit segment 1211. It can be understood that the opening of the temperature sensing cavity 122 faces the first circuit segment 1211. Part of the refrigerant flowing out of the first circuit segment 1211 flows towards the temperature sensing cavity 122, fully enveloping the temperature sensing sleeve 31 to achieve accurate detection of the refrigerant temperature. The other part enters the plate heat exchanger 21 through the second circuit segment 1212 and the first refrigerant inlet 211. However, this design is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the temperature sensing cavity 122 and the second circuit segment 1212 are located on opposite sides of the first circuit segment 1211.
[0074] Please refer to the following: Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The thermal management system includes at least a compressor 40, an evaporator 22, a condenser 23, a first electronic expansion valve 131, a second electronic expansion valve 132, a filter 24, and a four-way valve, such as... Figure 4 The plate heat exchanger 21 shown also has a second refrigerant outlet 214 and a second refrigerant inlet and outlet 213. The four-way valve has an exhaust pipe end D, an evaporator 22 end E, a suction pipe end S, and a condenser 23 end C. The exhaust pipe end D is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 40, the evaporator 22 end E is connected to the indoor heat exchanger (evaporator 22), the suction pipe end S is connected to the return port of the compressor 40, and the condenser 23 end C is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (condenser 23). By changing the connection method of the above four pipes, the cooling mode and heating mode of the thermal management system can be switched, that is, the refrigerant flow direction can be changed.
[0075] like Figure 9 As shown, in cooling mode, the exhaust pipe D of the four-way valve is connected to the condenser 23 end C, and the evaporator 22 end E is connected to the suction pipe end S. Refrigerant flows out from the compressor 40, enters the condenser 23 through the four-way valve, and then flows into the plate heat exchanger 21. Since the plate heat exchanger 21 and the integrated valve island 10 are integrated, the power and the amount of refrigerant returning to the compressor 40 are controlled by controlling the opening of the throttling valve group 13 on the integrated valve island 10. Then, the refrigerant flows out from the first refrigerant inlet and outlet 212 and the second refrigerant outlet 214 respectively. In this way, by throttling the refrigerant, it is ensured that it is within an appropriate range, which can prevent excessive liquid refrigerant from entering the evaporator 22 or the compressor 40, effectively prevent liquid slugging, realize liquid replenishment of the compressor 40, ensure the efficient operation of the compressor 40, and realize the full vaporization of the refrigerant in the evaporator 22.
[0076] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in heating mode, the exhaust pipe D of the four-way valve can be connected to the evaporator 22 end E, and the condenser 23 end C can be connected to the suction pipe end S. Refrigerant flows out from the compressor 40 and enters the evaporator 22 through the four-way valve. In the evaporator 22, the refrigerant condenses and releases heat, heating the indoor air. The condensed refrigerant flows into the plate heat exchanger 21 through the second refrigerant inlet / outlet 213, and enters the flow channel 12 of the integrated valve island 10 through the first refrigerant inlet / outlet 212 for diversion. On one branch, the refrigerant flows through the filter 24, where multiple filter screens on the filter 24 filter impurities. It also passes through the first electronic expansion valve 131 for throttling and pressure reduction, and then flows to the condenser 23 and through the four-way valve. The refrigerant flows back to the compressor 40 from the suction pipe end S. On another branch, the refrigerant flows through the filter 24, then through the capillary tube 14 and the second electronic expansion valve 132 for secondary throttling, and flows into the plate heat exchanger 21 through the first refrigerant inlet 211. During this process, the second electronic expansion valve 132 and the first refrigerant inlet 211 are connected through the refrigerant circuit. The temperature sensing module 30 is set on the refrigerant circuit. By detecting the temperature of the refrigerant after throttling, it ensures that it is within an appropriate range, avoiding the refrigerant temperature flowing back to the compressor 40 being too low, especially for liquid refrigerant, which could cause liquid slugging. It can also avoid the refrigerant temperature flowing back to the compressor 40 being too high, effectively ensuring the normal operation of the compressor 40.
[0077] This utility model also proposes an air conditioner, which includes a thermal management system. The specific structure of the thermal management system is as described in the above embodiments. Since this air conditioner adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.
[0078] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, include: The integrated valve island has a flow channel for refrigerant flow. The heat exchanger assembly includes a plate heat exchanger disposed on the integrated valve island, the plate heat exchanger having a first refrigerant inlet and outlet and a first refrigerant inlet communicating with the flow channel; and The throttling valve assembly includes a first electronic expansion valve and a second electronic expansion valve. The first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve are respectively disposed on two branches on the flow channel. The first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the plate heat exchanger.
2. The thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the projections of the first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve on the plate heat exchanger is α, where 0°≤a≤90°.
3. The thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plate heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange plates and a first plate and a second plate disposed on both sides of the heat exchange plates. The integrated valve island is disposed on the first plate. The angle between the axis of the first electronic expansion valve and the plane where the first plate is located is b, -30°≤b≤30°. The angle between the axis of the second electronic expansion valve and the plane where the first plate is located is c, -30°≤c≤30°.
4. The thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first electronic expansion valve includes a first coil portion disposed outside the integrated valve island and a first valve core extending at least into the integrated valve island, the first coil portion being disposed above or diagonally above the integrated valve island; and / or The second electronic expansion valve includes a second coil portion disposed outside the integrated valve island and a second valve core extending at least into the integrated valve island, the second coil portion being disposed above or diagonally above the integrated valve island.
5. The thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The projection of the first coil portion of the first electronic expansion valve onto the plane of the plate heat exchanger at least partially covers the projection onto the plate heat exchanger; and / or The projection of the second coil portion of the second electronic expansion valve onto the plane of the plate heat exchanger at least partially covers the projection onto the plate heat exchanger.
6. The thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated valve island includes a valve island body and a filter installed in the valve island body. The filter includes a first filter screen and a second filter screen, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the first electronic expansion valve. And / or, the plate heat exchanger is further provided with a second refrigerant outlet diagonally opposite to the first refrigerant inlet and outlet, and a second connecting pipe is connected to the second refrigerant outlet. An assembly gap is formed between the first electronic expansion valve and the plate heat exchanger for the second connecting pipe to pass through.
7. The thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated valve island also includes a capillary tube, and the pipeline between the first electronic expansion valve and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet and the second electronic expansion valve are respectively connected to the two ends of the capillary tube.
8. The thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, 6, and 7, characterized in that, The thermal management system further includes a temperature sensing module, which is at least partially placed within the flow channel to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the temperature sensing module.
9. The thermal management system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The integrated valve island is provided with an installation port that connects to the flow channel. The temperature sensing module includes a thermally conductive temperature sensing sleeve and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensing sleeve is inserted into the flow channel through the installation port.
10. The thermal management system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, A coolant gap is formed between the outer surface of the temperature-sensing sleeve that extends into the flow channel and the inner wall surface of the flow channel; And / or, a heat-conducting layer is provided between the temperature sensor probe and the temperature-sensing sleeve; And / or, the flow channel includes a refrigerant circuit connecting the second electronic expansion valve and the first refrigerant inlet, the refrigerant circuit including a main circuit and a temperature sensing cavity connected together, and the temperature sensing module is installed in the temperature sensing cavity.
11. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.