An integrator integrated with an expansion valve integrated heat management structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses an integrated heat management structure of integrated device and expansion valve integration, including integrated jar and two valve core subassembly, two valve core subassembly all include valve core, drive motor and driver, the top of integrated jar is equipped with gaseous refrigerant export, and the inside of integrated jar holds the liquid refrigerant, two opposite side wall bottom of integrated jar is equipped with high pressure liquid refrigerant inlet and medium pressure liquid refrigerant export respectively, and high pressure liquid refrigerant inlet, medium pressure liquid refrigerant export all are below the liquid level of liquid refrigerant, the outer edge of high pressure liquid refrigerant inlet is equipped with the first straight pipe for connecting with condenser, and the outer edge of medium pressure liquid refrigerant export is equipped with the second straight pipe for connecting with evaporator, and the first straight pipe, second straight pipe all are equipped with the valve core hole for installing valve core and motor mounting structure for installing drive motor, and the upper portion of valve core is in the valve core hole, the utility model can simplify installation, reduce the space occupied, reduce cost and refrigerant leakage risk.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle thermal management technology, and in particular to an integrated thermal management structure that integrates an integrator and an expansion valve. Background Technology

[0002] As new energy vehicles increasingly demand higher levels of integration, safety, and adaptability to extreme operating conditions in their thermal management systems, the limitations of traditional thermal management structures are becoming more and more apparent, necessitating breakthroughs in performance through innovation in the connection methods of key components.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, the existing thermal management system includes an integrator 01, a first expansion valve 02, and a second expansion valve 03. The top of the integrator 01 is provided with a high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 011, a gaseous refrigerant outlet 012, and a medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 013. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 011 is connected to a first connecting pipe 04, and the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 013 is connected to a second connecting pipe 05. Both the first connecting pipe 04 and the second connecting pipe 05 are located in the inner cavity of the integrator 01, and the outlet of the first connecting pipe 04 and the inlet of the second connecting pipe 05 are close to the bottom of the inner cavity of the integrator 01. The first expansion valve 02 and the second expansion valve 03 each include a valve body 021, a valve core 022, a drive motor 023, and an actuator 024. The valve body 021 is provided with a first inlet 0211 and a first outlet 0212. The valve core 022 is installed inside the valve body 021, the drive motor 023 is installed on top of the valve core 022, and the actuator 024 is mounted on the drive motor 023. In the thermal management system, the first outlet of the first expansion valve 02 is connected to the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 011 of the integrator via the first pipeline 06, and the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 013 of the integrator is connected to the first inlet of the second expansion valve 03 via the second pipeline 07. After the refrigerant condenses into high-pressure liquid refrigerant inside the condenser and is discharged, it enters the first inlet of the first expansion valve 02. The high-pressure refrigerant undergoes a first-stage throttling process within the first expansion valve 02, then flows through the first outlet of the first expansion valve 02 and the first pipeline into the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 011 of the integrator. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant evaporates within the cavity of the integrator 01 to produce gaseous refrigerant, transforming into medium-pressure liquid refrigerant. The medium-pressure liquid refrigerant then flows through the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 013 of the integrator and the second pipeline into the first inlet of the second expansion valve 03. After undergoing a second-stage throttling process within the second expansion valve 03, it enters the evaporator from the first outlet of the second expansion valve 03. The medium-pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs heat through evaporation, transforming into superheated gaseous refrigerant, which enters the suction port of the compressor 08, completing the entire cycle. Meanwhile, the gaseous refrigerant is delivered to the gas supply port 081 of the compressor 08 through the gaseous refrigerant outlet 012 at the top of the integrator 01.

[0004] Both expansion valves and the integrator mentioned above are connected by pipelines. This connection redundancy leads to a high risk of leakage. The extensive use of pipelines and joints multiplies the number of system interfaces. Especially for flammable refrigerants such as R290, even a small leak can cause a safety hazard, and the traditional structure cannot reduce this risk through the connection method. Moreover, this solution has low integration efficiency. The distributed pipeline connection results in a scattered component layout, a large overall system size, occupies limited installation space in the vehicle, and increases assembly procedures and costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an integrated thermal management structure that combines an integrator and an expansion valve. This integrated thermal management structure can simplify installation, reduce space occupation, reduce cost and the risk of refrigerant leakage.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: An integrated thermal management structure combining an integrator and an expansion valve is characterized by: an integrated tank and two valve core assemblies, each valve core assembly including a valve core, a drive motor, and a driver; a gaseous refrigerant outlet at the top of the integrated tank, and liquid refrigerant contained inside the integrated tank; a high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet and a medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet respectively located on the bottom of two opposite side walls of the integrated tank, both communicating with the inner cavity of the integrated tank, and both located below the liquid refrigerant level; a useful... A first straight pipe connected to the condenser has a second straight pipe for connecting to the evaporator at the outer edge of the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet. Both the first and second straight pipes have valve core holes for installing the valve cores and motor mounting structures for installing the drive motors. The upper part of the valve core is located in the valve core hole, and the lower parts of the two valve cores form planar sealing pairs with the inner walls of the first and second straight pipes, respectively. The two drive motors are respectively mounted on the first and second straight pipes through corresponding motor mounting structures. The upper parts of the two valve cores are respectively connected to the output shafts of the corresponding drive motors, and the two actuators are mounted on the corresponding drive motors.

[0007] The first straight pipe, used to connect to the condenser, extends from the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet on the side wall of the integrated tank to the outside of the integrated tank. The second straight pipe, used to connect to the evaporator, extends from the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet on the side wall of the integrated tank to the outside of the integrated tank. These extended straight pipes serve as the valve bodies for the expansion valve; only valve core holes for mounting the valve core and motor mounting structures for mounting the drive motor need to be machined into the first and second straight pipes. Positioning the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet and the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet at the bottom of two opposite side walls of the integrated tank ensures the longest possible flow path for the liquid refrigerant inside the tank, allowing it to fully evaporate into gaseous refrigerant within the tank.

[0008] The port of the first straight pipe forms the inlet of an expansion valve, the outlet of which coincides with the inlet of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant; the inlet of another expansion valve coincides with the outlet of the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant, and the port of the second straight pipe forms the outlet of another expansion valve. The high-pressure refrigerant enters the valve core of the first straight pipe through its port. After primary throttling by this expansion valve structure, it directly enters the interior of the integrated tank from the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet to evaporate and produce gaseous refrigerant, transforming the high-pressure liquid refrigerant into medium-pressure liquid refrigerant. The medium-pressure liquid refrigerant flows directly into the second straight pipe (another expansion valve) from its outlet for secondary throttling. After secondary throttling, the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant is transported from the port of the second straight pipe to the evaporator for evaporation and heat absorption; while the gaseous refrigerant is transported to the compressor's gas supply port through the gaseous refrigerant outlet at the top of the integrated tank.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the integrated tank has a baffle structure inside its cavity, positioned between the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet and the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the integrated tank through the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet after a primary throttling process. The baffle structure prevents the straight flow of the liquid refrigerant, forcing it to circulate, deflect, and disperse along the sidewall of the baffle structure. This provides sufficient time for the newly introduced liquid refrigerant to evaporate, preventing it from flowing directly from the high-pressure inlet to the medium-pressure outlet.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, the blocking structure is a baffle post, which is vertically arranged, and the lower end of the baffle post is installed on the bottom of the inner cavity of the integrated tank.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the width of the baffle is greater than or equal to the opening size of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet. This configuration intercepts the liquid refrigerant at the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet, forcing all liquid refrigerant to detour along the sidewall of the baffle.

[0012] In another further preferred embodiment, the blocking structure is a baffle bar, which is horizontally suspended and its two ends are respectively installed on the other two opposite side walls of the integrated tank.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the width of the baffle is greater than or equal to the opening size of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet. This configuration intercepts the liquid refrigerant at the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet, forcing all liquid refrigerant to detour along the side wall of the baffle.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, both the first and second straight pipes are integrally formed with the sidewall of the integrated tank. This arrangement allows the first and second straight pipes to be machined into the sidewall of the integrated tank, serving as the valve bodies for two expansion valves. This one-piece structure avoids assembly gaps between the expansion valves and the integrated tank, eliminating the need for additional seals (such as sealing rings or sealant) and structurally preventing leakage risks at this location.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, both the first and second straight tubes are square tubes. The sidewalls of the square tubes are flat, which facilitates the installation of mounting structures such as screw holes and locating pin holes, and makes it easier to install the drive motor.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the motor mounting structure includes multiple screw holes and multiple bolts. Each screw hole is located on the outer edge of the corresponding valve core hole. The drive motor has multiple through holes corresponding to the screw holes. Each bolt passes through the corresponding through hole and is threadedly connected to the corresponding screw hole.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid refrigerant level is between 40% and 60% of the height of the integrated tank. Controlling the liquid refrigerant level in the inner cavity of the integrated tank within the range of 40% to 60% of the tank's height ensures the spatial ratio of gas and liquid refrigerant, balancing the gas and liquid refrigerant levels and ensuring gas replenishment stability.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages: This invention eliminates the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet and medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet located at the top of the traditional integrator, as well as the first and second connecting pipes inside the integrator. Instead, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet and medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet are located at the bottom of two opposite side walls of the integrator. The integrator is then modified by using the first and second straight pipes installed in the integrator as valve bodies for two expansion valves. This system modification creates a new type of integrator with expansion valve functionality, breaking through conventional structures, simplifying installation, saving on piping and pipe joints, reducing costs and leakage risks, and minimizing the space occupied by the integrator. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in the background technology of this utility model, showing the separate connection between the integrator and the expansion valve; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a specific embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a specific embodiment 2 of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of a specific embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] Example 1, such as Figure 2 As shown, the integrated thermal management structure of the integrator and expansion valve in this embodiment includes an integrated tank 1 and two valve core assemblies 2. Each valve core assembly 2 includes a valve core 21, a drive motor 22, and a driver 23. The top of the integrated tank 1 is provided with a gaseous refrigerant outlet 11, and the interior of the integrated tank 1 contains liquid refrigerant 3. The bottom of the two opposite side walls of the integrated tank 1 are respectively provided with a high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 and a medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 and the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13 are both connected to the inner cavity of the integrated tank 1, and the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 and the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13 are both below the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant 3. The outer edge of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 is provided for connection with the condenser. The outer edge of the first straight pipe 14, where the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13 is provided with a second straight pipe 15 for connection to the evaporator; both the first straight pipe 14 and the second straight pipe 15 are provided with valve core holes 141 for installing the valve core 21 and motor mounting structures 142 for installing the drive motor 22. The upper part of the valve core 21 is located in the valve core hole 141, and the lower part of the two valve cores 21 forms a planar sealing pair with the inner wall of the first straight pipe 14 and the inner wall of the second straight pipe 15, respectively. The two drive motors 22 are respectively mounted on the first straight pipe 14 and the second straight pipe 15 through the corresponding motor mounting structures 142. The upper part of the two valve cores 21 is respectively connected to the output shaft of the corresponding drive motor 22. The two actuators 23 are mounted on the corresponding drive motors 22.

[0022] The first straight pipe 14, used for connecting to the condenser, extends from the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 on the side wall of the integrated tank 1 to the outside of the integrated tank 1. The second straight pipe 15, used for connecting to the evaporator, extends from the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13 on the side wall of the integrated tank 1 to the outside of the integrated tank 1. The extended first straight pipe 14 and second straight pipe 15 serve as the valve bodies of the expansion valve. Only valve core holes 141 for installing the valve core 21 and motor mounting structures 142 for installing the drive motor 22 need to be machined on the first straight pipe 14 and second straight pipe 15. Positioning the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 and the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13 of the integrated tank 1 at the bottom of two opposite side walls of the integrated tank 1 ensures the longest flow path for the liquid refrigerant inside the integrated tank 1, allowing the liquid refrigerant to fully evaporate into gaseous refrigerant inside the integrated tank 1.

[0023] The port of the first straight pipe 14 forms the inlet of an expansion valve, the outlet of which coincides with the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12; the inlet of another expansion valve coincides with the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13, and the port of the second straight pipe 15 forms the outlet of another expansion valve. The high-pressure refrigerant enters the valve core 21 of the first straight pipe 14 through the port of the first straight pipe 14. After the first-stage throttling of the expansion valve structure, it directly enters the interior of the integrated tank 1 from the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 to evaporate and generate gaseous refrigerant, which then becomes medium-pressure liquid refrigerant. The medium-pressure liquid refrigerant flows directly from the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13 into the second straight pipe 15 (another expansion valve) for a second-stage throttling. After the second-stage throttling, the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant is transported from the port of the second straight pipe 15 to the evaporator for evaporation and heat absorption; while the gaseous refrigerant 4 is transported to the compressor's gas supply port through the gaseous refrigerant outlet 11 at the top of the integrated tank 1.

[0024] Both the first straight pipe 14 and the second straight pipe 15 are integrally formed with the side wall of the integrated tank 1. With this arrangement, the first straight pipe 14 and the second straight pipe 15 are machined into the side wall of the integrated tank 1, serving as the valve bodies of two expansion valves. This integrally formed structure avoids assembly gaps between the expansion valves and the integrated tank 1, eliminating the need for additional seals (such as sealing rings or sealant), and structurally preventing leakage risks in this area.

[0025] Both the first straight tube 14 and the second straight tube 15 are square tubes. The side walls of the square tubes are flat, which facilitates the installation of screw holes, locating pin holes and other installation structures, and makes it convenient to install the drive motor 22.

[0026] The motor mounting structure 142 includes multiple screw holes 1421 and multiple bolts 1422. Each screw hole 1421 is located on the outer edge of the corresponding valve core hole 141. The drive motor 22 is provided with multiple through holes 221 corresponding to the screw holes 1421. Each bolt 1422 passes through the corresponding through hole 221 and is threadedly connected to the corresponding screw hole 1421.

[0027] The liquid refrigerant 3 level is between 40% and 60% of the height of the integrated tank 1. Controlling the liquid refrigerant 3 level in the inner cavity of the integrated tank 1 within the range of 40% to 60% of the body height can ensure the spatial ratio of gas and liquid refrigerant, balance the gas and liquid refrigerant, and ensure the stability of gas replenishment.

[0028] Example 2, as Figure 3 As shown, the difference between the integrated thermal management structure of the integrator and expansion valve in this embodiment and that in Embodiment 1 is: The integrated tank 1 has a baffle structure 16 inside its cavity, which is located between the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 and the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13. After a first-stage throttling process, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the integrated tank 1 from the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12. The baffle structure 16 blocks the straight flow of the liquid refrigerant, forcing it to circulate, deflect, and disperse along the side wall of the baffle structure 16, providing sufficient time for the evaporation of the newly introduced liquid refrigerant and preventing it from flowing directly from the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 to the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13.

[0029] The blocking structure 16 is a baffle 161, which is vertically arranged and the lower end of the baffle 161 is installed on the bottom of the inner cavity of the integrated tank 1.

[0030] The width of the baffle 161 is greater than or equal to the opening size of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12. This arrangement intercepts the liquid refrigerant in the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12, forcing all liquid refrigerant to detour along the side wall of the baffle 161.

[0031] Example 3, as Figure 4 As shown, the difference between the integrated thermal management structure of the integrator and expansion valve in this embodiment and that in Embodiment 2 is: The integrated tank 1 has a baffle structure 16 inside its cavity, which is located between the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 and the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13. After a first-stage throttling process, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the integrated tank 1 from the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12. The baffle structure 16 blocks the straight flow of the liquid refrigerant, forcing it to circulate, deflect, and disperse along the side wall of the baffle structure 16, providing sufficient time for the evaporation of the newly introduced liquid refrigerant and preventing it from flowing directly from the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12 to the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet 13.

[0032] The blocking structure 16 is a stop bar 162, which is horizontally suspended and its two ends are respectively installed on the other two opposite side walls of the integrated tank 1.

[0033] The width of the baffle 162 is greater than or equal to the opening size of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12. This arrangement intercepts the liquid refrigerant in the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet 12, forcing all liquid refrigerant to detour along the side wall of the baffle 162.

[0034] Furthermore, it should be noted that the names of the various parts of the specific embodiments described in this specification may differ. All equivalent or simple variations made to the structure, features, and principles described in this utility model patent concept are included within the protection scope of this utility model patent. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to replace them, as long as they do not deviate from the structure of this utility model or exceed the scope defined in these claims, they should all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An integrated thermal management structure combining an integrator and an expansion valve, characterized in that: The system includes an integrated tank and two valve core assemblies, each comprising a valve core, a drive motor, and a driver. The top of the integrated tank has a gaseous refrigerant outlet, and the interior of the tank contains liquid refrigerant. Two opposite side walls of the integrated tank have a high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet and a medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet, respectively, both connected to the inner cavity of the integrated tank and located below the liquid refrigerant level. The outer edge of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet has a first straight pipe for connection to a condenser. The outer edge of the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet is provided with a second straight pipe for connection with the evaporator; both the first and second straight pipes are provided with valve core holes for installing the valve cores and motor mounting structures for installing the drive motors. The upper part of the valve core is located in the valve core hole, and the lower parts of the two valve cores form planar sealing pairs with the inner walls of the first and second straight pipes, respectively. The two drive motors are respectively mounted on the first and second straight pipes through corresponding motor mounting structures. The upper parts of the two valve cores are respectively connected to the output shafts of the corresponding drive motors, and the two actuators are mounted on the corresponding drive motors.

2. The integrated thermal management structure combining the integrator and expansion valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The integrated tank has a blocking structure inside its cavity, which is located between the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet and the medium-pressure liquid refrigerant outlet.

3. The integrated thermal management structure combining the integrator and expansion valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The blocking structure is a baffle post, which is vertically arranged and its lower end is installed on the bottom of the inner cavity of the integrated tank.

4. The integrated thermal management structure combining the integrator and expansion valve as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The width of the baffle is greater than or equal to the opening size of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet.

5. The integrated thermal management structure combining the integrator and expansion valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The blocking structure is a baffle bar, which is horizontally suspended and its two ends are respectively installed on the other two opposite side walls of the integrated tank.

6. The integrated thermal management structure of the integrator and expansion valve as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The width of the baffle is greater than or equal to the opening size of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant inlet.

7. The integrated thermal management structure combining the integrator and expansion valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first straight pipe and the second straight pipe are integrally formed with the side wall of the integrated tank.

8. The integrated thermal management structure of the integrator and expansion valve as described in claim 1 or 7, characterized in that: Both the first straight pipe and the second straight pipe are square pipes.

9. The integrated thermal management structure combining the integrator and expansion valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The motor mounting structure includes multiple screw holes and multiple bolts. Each screw hole is located on the outer edge of the corresponding valve core hole. The drive motor has multiple through holes corresponding to the screw holes. Each bolt passes through the corresponding through hole and is threadedly connected to the corresponding screw hole.

10. The integrated thermal management structure combining the integrator and expansion valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid refrigerant level is between 40% and 60% of the height of the integrated tank.

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