Thermal management integrated system and vehicle air conditioning system

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of heat management integrated system and vehicle air conditioning system, it is related to vehicle air conditioning field, it includes compressor assembly, liquid storage tank, condenser, gas-liquid separator and cooler.Compressor assembly is provided with refrigerant outlet, backflow channel and refrigerant inlet;Liquid storage tank is installed on compressor assembly, liquid storage tank is communicated with refrigerant outlet and backflow channel simultaneously;Condenser is installed on liquid storage tank, and liquid storage tank is communicated with condenser;Gas-liquid separator is installed on compressor assembly, and gas-liquid separator is communicated with backflow channel and refrigerant inlet simultaneously;Cooler is installed on gas-liquid separator, and cooler is communicated with gas-liquid separator.It can simplify structure, improve structural compactness, reduce overall volume, save installation space;It can also reduce the amount of refrigerant, reduce the probability of leakage, improve safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle air conditioning, and more specifically, to a thermal management integrated system and a vehicle air conditioning system. Background Technology With the development of new energy vehicles, the demand for automotive thermal management technology is constantly increasing. Among them, the demand for thermal management integrated modules, as one of the core components of automotive thermal management, is also constantly rising. Electric scroll compressors are a typical positive displacement compressor. Compared with other types of compressors, they have advantages such as simple structure, small size, and light weight. They are core equipment in refrigeration systems and are now widely used in the automotive air conditioning industry.

[0002] Currently, existing thermal management integrated modules typically do not integrate the compressor, a key component, but instead connect via air conditioning piping. This requires long piping, numerous joints, and large refrigerant charges. Furthermore, due to environmental protection requirements, traditional refrigerants like R134a are gradually being replaced by R290 and R1234yf. R290 has charging limits, and R1234yf is expensive. Regardless of the refrigerant used later, integrated modules will require low refrigerant charges, and due to the flammable and explosive nature of R290, its leakage needs to be strictly controlled. Utility Model Content

[0003] The objectives of this invention include, for example, providing an integrated thermal management system and an in-vehicle air conditioning system that can simplify the structure, improve structural compactness, reduce overall volume, and save installation space; it can also reduce refrigerant consumption, lower the probability of leakage, and improve safety.

[0004] The embodiments of this utility model can be implemented as follows: In a first aspect, this utility model provides a thermal management integrated system, comprising: The compressor assembly comprises a compressor receiver, a liquid receiver, a condenser, a gas-liquid separator, and a cooler. The compressor assembly has a refrigerant outlet, a refrigerant return channel, and a refrigerant inlet. The liquid receiver is mounted on the compressor assembly and is connected to both the refrigerant outlet and the refrigerant return channel. The condenser is mounted on the liquid receiver and is connected to both the liquid receiver and the condenser. The gas-liquid separator is mounted on the compressor assembly and is connected to both the refrigerant return channel and the refrigerant inlet. The cooler is mounted on the gas-liquid separator and is connected to both the gas-liquid separator.

[0005] In an optional embodiment, the liquid storage tank is provided with a first connector, which is plugged into the refrigerant outlet.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, a first seal is provided between the first connector and the refrigerant outlet.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, the gas-liquid separator is provided with a second connector, which is plugged into the refrigerant inlet.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, a second seal is provided between the second connector and the refrigerant inlet.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the thermal management integrated system further includes a first fastener, through which the compressor assembly is fixedly connected to the liquid storage tank.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the compressor assembly is provided with a first ear plate, and the liquid storage tank is provided with a second ear plate, the first ear plate and the second ear plate being fixedly connected by the first fastener.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the thermal management integrated system further includes a second fastener, through which the compressor assembly is fixedly connected to the liquid storage tank.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the compressor assembly is provided with a third lug, and the gas-liquid separator is provided with a fourth lug, the third lug and the fourth lug being fixedly connected by the second fastener.

[0013] Secondly, this utility model provides a vehicle air conditioning system, the vehicle air conditioning system comprising: The thermal management integrated system described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment include, for example: In summary, the integrated thermal management system provided in this embodiment integrates the compressor assembly, receiver tank, condenser, gas-liquid separator, and cooler into a single unit. The refrigerant outlet on the compressor assembly is directly connected to the receiver tank, eliminating the need for connecting piping between the two. Similarly, the refrigerant inlet on the compressor assembly is directly connected to the gas-liquid separator, again eliminating the need for connecting piping. This results in a short refrigerant flow path, low leakage probability, low loss, low required refrigerant quantity, reduced risk of flammability and explosion, and high safety. Furthermore, the integration of multiple components into a modular structure leads to a compact overall structure, small size, and minimal space occupation, facilitating integration with the vehicle and promoting vehicle miniaturization design. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of the thermal management integrated system in this embodiment; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the thermal management integrated system in this embodiment.

[0017] Illustration: 100-Compressor assembly; 101-Refrigerant outlet; 102-Return passage; 110-Main housing; 120-Rear housing; 130-Electronic expansion valve; 140-First lug; 150-Third lug; 160-Charging valve; 200-Liquid receiver; 210-Second lug; 300-Condenser; 400-Gas-liquid separator; 410-Fourth lug; 500-Cooler; 600-First fastener; 700-Second fastener; 800-Low-pressure temperature sensor; 900-High-pressure temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0019] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product is usually placed during use, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0024] In existing technologies, the compressor assembly 100 of an air conditioning system typically delivers refrigerant through pipelines. This increases the refrigerant flow path, leading to high losses, requiring a large amount of refrigerant, posing a high risk of leakage, and resulting in low safety. Furthermore, the multiple components are scattered, resulting in a loose structure, large size, and significant space occupation, which is not conducive to integration with the vehicle as a whole.

[0025] In view of this, the designers have provided an integrated thermal management system that simplifies piping, shortens the refrigerant flow path, reduces the probability of refrigerant leakage, and ensures high safety; at the same time, the overall structure is compact, small in size, and easy to assemble.

[0026] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a thermal management integrated system, which includes a compressor assembly 100, a liquid receiver 200, a condenser 300, a gas-liquid separator 400, and a cooler 500. The compressor assembly 100 is provided with a refrigerant outlet 101, a return channel 102, and a refrigerant inlet (not shown). The liquid receiver 200 is mounted on the compressor assembly 100 and is connected to both the refrigerant outlet 101 and the return channel 102. The condenser 300 is mounted on the liquid receiver 200 and is connected to both the liquid receiver 200 and the condenser 300. The gas-liquid separator 400 is mounted on the compressor assembly 100 and is connected to both the return channel 102 and the refrigerant inlet. The cooler 500 is mounted on the gas-liquid separator 400 and is connected to both the gas-liquid separator 400.

[0027] As described above, the working principle of the thermal management integrated system provided in this embodiment is as follows: When the compressor assembly 100 is running, the pressurized refrigerant exits from the refrigerant outlet 101 and enters the liquid receiver 200, then from the liquid receiver 200 into the condenser 300. After heat exchange with the condenser 300, the refrigerant flows back to the liquid receiver 200, and then from the liquid receiver 200 into the return channel 102. An electronic expansion valve 130 is installed on the return channel 102. After passing through the electronic expansion valve 130, the refrigerant flows into the through-hole on the gas-liquid separator 400. The through-hole only provides a passage for refrigerant flow and does not perform gas-liquid separation. The refrigerant enters the cooler 500 through the through-hole. After heat exchange, the refrigerant enters the gas-liquid separation channel of the gas-liquid separator 400. The separated gas enters the compressor assembly 100 from the refrigerant inlet and participates in compression again. The compressed refrigerant then enters the liquid receiver 200 from the refrigerant outlet 101, thus achieving refrigerant circulation.

[0028] It should be understood that by integrating the compressor assembly 100, liquid receiver 200, condenser 300, gas-liquid separator 400, and cooler 500 together, the refrigerant outlet 101 on the compressor assembly 100 is directly connected to the liquid receiver 200, eliminating the need for connecting pipes between the two. Similarly, the refrigerant inlet on the compressor assembly 100 is directly connected to the gas-liquid separator 400, again eliminating the need for connecting pipes. This results in a shorter refrigerant flow path, lower leakage probability, lower losses, less required refrigerant charge, reduced risk of flammability and explosion, and higher safety. Furthermore, the integration of multiple components into a modular structure leads to a compact overall structure, smaller size, and less space occupation, facilitating integration with the vehicle and promoting vehicle miniaturization design.

[0029] The following embodiments illustrate the details of the thermal management integrated system of this application by way of example.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, optionally, the thermal management integrated system includes a compressor assembly 100, a liquid receiver 200, a condenser 300, a gas-liquid separator 400, a cooler 500, a first fastener 600, and a second fastener 700. The compressor assembly 100, liquid receiver 200, condenser 300, gas-liquid separator 400, and cooler 500 are integrated together, resulting in a compact overall structure, eliminating the need for numerous connecting pipes, shortening the refrigerant flow path, reducing losses, minimizing leakage, and ensuring safe and reliable operation.

[0031] In this embodiment, optionally, the compressor assembly 100 includes a main housing 110 and a rear housing 120 connected together. The main housing 110 is provided with a refrigerant inlet and a first channel, and an electronic expansion valve 130 is installed on the main housing 110. The electronic expansion valve 130 can connect the first channel and the through hole on the gas-liquid separator 400. The rear housing 120 is provided with a refrigerant outlet 101 and a second channel. The main housing 110 and the rear housing 120 can be fixedly connected by bolts, and a sealing gasket can be provided between them to improve the sealing performance. After the main housing 110 and the rear housing 120 are connected, the first channel and the second channel are connected to form a return channel 102.

[0032] It should be understood that the refrigerant inlet is connected to the low-pressure chamber inside the main housing 110, and the refrigerant inlet is configured as a circular orifice to allow the refrigerant to enter the low-pressure chamber. The refrigerant outlet 101 can be connected to the high-pressure chamber on the rear housing 120, and the refrigerant outlet 101 can be configured as a circular orifice to discharge the compressed refrigerant.

[0033] Optionally, a first ear plate 140 may be provided on the rear housing 120, and a third ear plate 150 may be provided on the main housing 110. The number of the first ear plate 140 and the third ear plate 150 can be designed as needed, and no specific limitation is made in this embodiment.

[0034] In this embodiment, optionally, the liquid storage tank 200 is provided with a first connector, which can be configured as a pagoda structure. One or more first sealing elements can be fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the first connector. The liquid storage tank 200 is installed on the side of the rear housing 120 away from the main housing 110. The first connector on the liquid storage tank 200 is inserted into the refrigerant outlet 101 and sealed by the first sealing element. It should be noted that the first sealing element can be configured as an O-ring or the like.

[0035] Furthermore, the liquid storage tank 200 is provided with second ear plates 210. The number of second ear plates 210 is equal to the number of first ear plates 140, and they correspond one-to-one. The liquid storage tank 200 is directly attached to the rear shell 120, and then the cooperating first ear plates 140 and second ear plates 210 are locked together using first fasteners 600. The first fastener can be a bolt, which is convenient for disassembly and assembly. After assembly, the liquid storage tank 200 is simultaneously connected to the refrigerant outlet 101 and the second channel.

[0036] Optionally, the condenser 300 can be a water-cooled condenser 300. The condenser 300 can be fixedly connected to the liquid receiver 200 by brazing, which ensures the robustness of the connection structure and improves the sealing performance. Specifically, the condenser 300 can be welded to the side of the liquid receiver 200 away from the rear housing 120. When the condenser 300 is connected to the liquid receiver 200, the liquid receiver 200 can communicate with the condenser 300. The refrigerant in the liquid receiver 200 can enter the condenser 300, and after heat exchange, it can return to the liquid receiver 200, and then enter the second channel on the rear housing 120 from the liquid receiver 200.

[0037] In this embodiment, optionally, the gas-liquid separator 400 is provided with a second connector. The second connector can be configured as a pagoda structure, and one or more first sealing elements can be fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the second connector. The gas-liquid separator 400 is installed on the side of the main housing 110 away from the rear housing 120. The second connector on the gas-liquid separator 400 is inserted into the refrigerant inlet and sealed by the second sealing element. It should be noted that the second sealing element can be configured as an O-ring or similar.

[0038] Furthermore, a fourth ear plate 410 can be provided on the gas-liquid separator 400. The number of fourth ear plates 410 is equal to the number of third ear plates 150, and they correspond one-to-one. The gas-liquid separator 400 is attached to the side of the main housing 110 away from the rear housing 120, and the fourth ear plate 410 is attached to the corresponding third ear plate 150. Then, a second fastener 700 passes through the mating third ear plate 150 and the fourth ear plate 410 to achieve a fixed connection between the gas-liquid separator 400 and the main housing 110. The second fastener 700 can be a bolt for easy assembly and disassembly.

[0039] It should be understood that the gas-liquid separator 400 may be provided with a through hole and a gas-liquid separation channel, and the through hole is connected to the electronic expansion valve 130.

[0040] Optionally, the cooler 500 can be fixed to the side of the gas-liquid separator 400 away from the main housing 110 by brazing. This fixing method is simple, reliable, and provides good sealing. The through-hole and channel of the gas-liquid separator 400 are connected to the cooler 500. The second connector is connected to the gas outlet of the gas-liquid separation channel and can be inserted into the refrigerant inlet. The refrigerant enters the cooler 500 through the through-hole after passing through the electronic expansion valve 130. After heat exchange within the cooler 500, the refrigerant enters the gas-liquid separation channel. The separated gas enters the refrigerant inlet through the second connector and finally enters the low-pressure chamber of the compressor assembly 100.

[0041] It should be noted that because the first connector of the liquid receiver 200 is plugged into the refrigerant outlet 101 on the rear housing 120, and the second connector of the gas-liquid separator 400 is plugged into the refrigerant inlet on the main housing 110, the piping is eliminated, shortening the refrigerant flow path. This not only simplifies the structure and saves costs but also improves structural compactness, reduces the space required for installation, and facilitates integration into the vehicle. Due to the shortened path, refrigerant loss is low, the required refrigerant quantity is reduced, the probability of refrigerant leakage is low, and safety is high.

[0042] In other embodiments, the thermal management integrated system may optionally include a low-pressure temperature sensor 800 and a high-pressure temperature sensor 900. The low-pressure temperature sensor 800 is mounted on the main housing 110 and is capable of acquiring pressure and temperature information of the low-pressure chamber. The high-pressure temperature sensor 900 may be mounted on the rear housing 120 and is capable of acquiring temperature and pressure information of the high-pressure chamber. The number of high-pressure temperature sensors 900 can be one or more, depending on the design requirements.

[0043] In addition, a charging valve 160 can be installed on the main housing 110 to add an appropriate amount of refrigerant to the integrated module.

[0044] The thermal management integrated system provided in this embodiment integrates refrigerant-side components onto the compressor main housing 110 and rear housing 120, resulting in a higher degree of integration and a smaller overall refrigerant charge. The integrated components are primarily sealed using welding or radial sealing, ensuring higher sealing reliability and safer, more reliable operation.

[0045] This embodiment also provides a vehicle air conditioning system, including a thermal management integrated system, which has advantages such as low refrigerant charge, low leakage probability, high safety, and compact structure.

[0046] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management integrated system, characterized in that, include: The compressor assembly (100), liquid receiver (200), condenser (300), gas-liquid separator (400), and cooler (500) are provided; the compressor assembly (100) is provided with a refrigerant outlet (101), a return channel (102), and a refrigerant inlet; the liquid receiver (200) is installed on the compressor assembly (100), and the liquid receiver (200) is simultaneously connected to the refrigerant outlet (101) and the return channel (102); the condenser (300) is installed on the liquid storage tank (200), which is connected to the condenser (300); the gas-liquid separator (400) is installed on the compressor assembly (100), which is connected to both the return channel (102) and the refrigerant inlet; the cooler (500) is installed on the gas-liquid separator (400), which is connected to the gas-liquid separator (400).

2. The thermal management integrated system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid storage tank (200) is provided with a first connector, which is plugged into the refrigerant outlet (101).

3. The thermal management integrated system according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first seal is provided between the first connector and the refrigerant outlet (101).

4. The thermal management integrated system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separator (400) is provided with a second connector, which is plugged into the refrigerant inlet.

5. The thermal management integrated system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A second seal is provided between the second connector and the refrigerant inlet.

6. The thermal management integrated system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The thermal management integrated system also includes a first fastener (600), through which the compressor assembly (100) is fixedly connected to the liquid storage tank (200).

7. The thermal management integrated system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The compressor assembly (100) is provided with a first ear plate (140), and the liquid storage tank (200) is provided with a second ear plate (210). The first ear plate (140) and the second ear plate (210) are fixedly connected by the first fastener (600).

8. The thermal management integrated system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The thermal management integrated system also includes a second fastener (700), through which the compressor assembly (100) is fixedly connected to the liquid storage tank (200).

9. The thermal management integrated system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The compressor assembly (100) is provided with a third ear plate (150), and the gas-liquid separator (400) is provided with a fourth ear plate (410). The third ear plate (150) and the fourth ear plate (410) are fixedly connected by the second fastener (700).

10. A vehicle air conditioning system, characterized in that, The vehicle air conditioning system includes: The thermal management integrated system according to any one of claims 1-9.

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