Gas-liquid separator, gas-liquid separation assembly and thermal management system

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a gas-liquid separator, a gas-liquid separation assembly and a thermal management system. The gas-liquid separator comprises a housing, inside of which an accommodating cavity is defined, wherein a first inlet and a first outlet, which are in communication with the accommodating cavity, are provided in the housing. The gas-liquid separator further comprises partition plates, which are arranged in the accommodating cavity and divide the accommodating cavity into a plurality of spaces, wherein at least one top opening allowing a gas to pass therethrough is provided in the top of each partition plate; each top opening brings two adjacent spaces into communication with each other; and the first inlet and the first outlet define a gas flow path, which passes through at least one top opening. By means of the configurations described above in the present disclosure, the residence time of a gaseous refrigerant in the accommodating cavity can be prolonged, and a liquid refrigerant is fully separated from a gas-liquid mixed-state refrigerant under the action of the partition plates, thereby improving the gas-liquid separation effect, and preventing the problem of a poor gas-liquid separation effect caused by the fact that the gas-liquid mixed-state refrigerant directly flows to the first outlet from the first inlet; besides this, the structural stability of the housing can also be improved by means of the partition plates.

Description

Gas-liquid separators, gas-liquid separation components, and thermal management systems Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle thermal management system, and more particularly to a gas-liquid separator and a gas-liquid separation assembly in the vehicle thermal management system. Background Art

[0002] In vehicle thermal management systems, a gas-liquid separator is typically located upstream of the compressor's intake port to separate the gaseous refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant. The separated gaseous refrigerant is then transported to the compressor, while the liquid refrigerant is stored in the gas-liquid separator. An internal heat exchanger, typically located at the high-pressure end of the compressor's outlet within the thermal management system's refrigerant circuit, primarily exchanges heat between the high-pressure and low-pressure refrigerants, ensuring full condensation of the high-pressure refrigerant and vaporization of the low-pressure refrigerant.

[0003] The gas-liquid separator in the existing thermal management system has a poor separation effect, and the gas-liquid separator and the internal heat exchanger are two independent parts with low integration and high cost.

[0004] Therefore, those skilled in the art are committed to developing a new type of gas-liquid separator and gas-liquid separation component to solve the above-mentioned defects of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a gas-liquid separator that can effectively improve the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a gas-liquid separation component that can fully gasify liquid refrigerant, improve integration and reduce costs.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a gas-liquid separator, comprising: a shell, the shell defining a accommodating chamber within the shell, the shell being provided with a first inlet and a first outlet communicating with the accommodating chamber, wherein the gas-liquid separator further comprises a partition, the partition being arranged in the accommodating chamber and dividing the accommodating chamber into a plurality of spaces; the top of the partition being provided with at least one top opening allowing gas to pass through, the top opening communicating with two adjacent spaces; wherein the first inlet and the first outlet define a gas flow path, and the gas flow path passes through at least one of the top openings.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the bottom of the partition is provided with at least one bottom opening allowing liquid to pass through; the bottom opening is used to connect two adjacent spaces.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the top opening is an upwardly open recess.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, wherein the first outlet is disposed in the base of the shell, the gas-liquid separator further comprises an outlet conduit, the outlet conduit being in communication with the first outlet to guide the gas to the first outlet.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the outlet conduit is provided with an oil return hole on a side wall close to the base.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the gas-liquid separator further includes a filter, which is sleeved on the side wall of the outlet conduit close to the base and covers the oil return hole.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, a countersunk hole communicating with the first outlet is provided on the base, and one end of the outlet conduit and the filter are inserted into the countersunk hole.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the upper surface of the base includes a concave surface, and a guide groove is provided on the concave surface to guide the liquid at the lowest point of the concave surface to the sink hole.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the first inlet is disposed on the base, and the gas-liquid separator further includes an inlet conduit connected to the first inlet.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the first inlet is disposed on a top cover of the shell, and the gas-liquid separator further includes a guide plate located directly below the first inlet.

[0017] The present disclosure further provides a gas-liquid separation assembly, comprising: the aforementioned gas-liquid separator, wherein a second inlet and a second outlet are further provided on the shell of the gas-liquid separator; and a heat exchange tube, wherein both ends of the heat exchange tube are respectively connected to the second inlet and the second outlet.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the heat exchange tube includes a first section, a second section and a third section, one end of the first section is connected to the second inlet, one end of the second section is connected to the second outlet, and the third section is connected to the other end of the first section and the other end of the second section; the third section passes through the top opening and / or bottom opening of the partition of the gas-liquid separator.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the second inlet and the second outlet are both provided in the base of the housing or the top cover of the housing.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the partition of the gas-liquid separator includes a first partition and a second partition arranged crosswise, and divides the accommodating cavity of the gas-liquid separator into a first space, a second space, a third space, and a fourth space.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the first inlet and the first outlet of the gas-liquid separator are located on both sides of the first partition plate and on the first side of the second partition plate, wherein the first inlet is connected to the first space, the first outlet is connected to the fourth space, the first partition plate is provided with a first top opening on the second side of the second partition plate, and the second partition plate is provided with a second top opening on both sides of the first partition plate.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the second inlet and the second outlet are connected to the second space and the third space respectively, and the third section passes through the second space, the first space, the fourth space and the third space.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the partition of the gas-liquid separator includes a first partition, a second partition and a third partition, wherein the second partition and the third partition respectively cross the first partition to divide the accommodating cavity of the gas-liquid separator into a first space, a second space, a third space, a fourth space, a fifth space and a sixth space.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first inlet and the first outlet of the gas-liquid separator are located on both sides of the first partition plate, and on the two outer sides of the second partition plate and the third partition plate away from each other, wherein the first inlet is connected to the first space, and the first outlet is connected to the fourth space, three first top openings are provided on the first partition plate, which are respectively separated by the second partition plate and the third partition plate, a second top opening is provided on the second partition plate and is located on one side of the first partition plate, and a third top opening is provided on the third partition plate and is located on the other side of the first partition plate.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the second inlet and the second outlet are connected to the second space and the fifth space respectively, and the third section passes through the second space, the third space, the sixth space and the fifth space.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the first inlet and the first outlet of the gas-liquid separator are located on both sides of the first partition and between the second partition and the third partition, the first inlet is connected to the third space, the first outlet is connected to the sixth space, two first top openings are provided on the first partition, respectively located on the two outer sides away from each other of the second partition and the third partition, two second top openings are provided on the second partition, respectively located on both sides of the first partition, two third top openings are provided on the third partition, respectively located on both sides of the first partition, the first path in the gas flow path defined by the first inlet and the first outlet passes through one of the first top openings and the second top opening, and the second path in the gas flow path passes through the other of the first top openings and the third top opening.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the second inlet and the second outlet are connected to the second space and the fourth space respectively, and the third section passes through the second space, the third space and the fourth space.

[0028] The present disclosure also provides a thermal management system, wherein the thermal management system includes: the aforementioned gas-liquid separator; or the aforementioned gas-liquid separation component.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a flow channel plate, on which the gas-liquid separator or the gas-liquid separation component is mounted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG1 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG2 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective;

[0032] FIG3 is a top view of a gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the top cover is omitted;

[0033] FIG4 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the top cover and side walls omitted, showing a gas flow path;

[0034] FIG5 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] 6 is a perspective view of the gas-liquid separation assembly according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure with the top cover and side walls omitted, showing a gas flow path;

[0036] FIG7 is a perspective view of the gas-liquid separation assembly according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective with the top cover and side walls omitted;

[0037] FIG8 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG9 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective;

[0039] FIG10 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure with the top cover and side walls omitted, showing a gas flow path;

[0040] FIG11 is a perspective view of a base of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG12 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG13 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective;

[0043] FIG14 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure with the side walls and the top cover omitted;

[0044] FIG15 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG16 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective;

[0046] 17 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure with the side walls and the top cover omitted, showing a gas flow path;

[0047] FIG18 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG19 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG20 is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separation assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure with the top cover and side walls omitted;

[0050] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following describes the embodiments of the present disclosure through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present disclosure from the contents disclosed in this specification.

[0052] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in the drawings attached to this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification for the understanding and reading of those skilled in the art, and are not used to limit the limiting conditions for the implementation of the present disclosure. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modification of the structure, change in the proportional relationship, or adjustment of the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present disclosure without affecting the efficacy and purpose that can be achieved by the present disclosure. At the same time, the terms such as "on" and "a" quoted in this specification are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the implementation of the present disclosure. Changes or adjustments in their relative relationships should also be regarded as the scope of the implementation of the present disclosure without substantially changing the technical content.

[0053] In order to more clearly understand the present disclosure, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] The present disclosure provides a gas-liquid separator 1, as shown in Figures 1-4. The gas-liquid separator 1 includes a shell 10 and a partition 30. The shell 10 defines a accommodating chamber 100 therein, and the shell 10 may be provided with a first inlet 20 and a first outlet 22 that communicate with the accommodating chamber 100, wherein the first inlet 20 is used to introduce a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixed refrigerant into the accommodating chamber 100, and the first outlet 22 is used to discharge the gaseous refrigerant after gas-liquid separation from the accommodating chamber 100. The partition 30 of the gas-liquid separator 1 is arranged in the accommodating chamber 100 of the shell 10 and divides the accommodating chamber 100 into a plurality of spaces. The partition 30 is provided with at least one top opening 300 near the top of the top cover 12 to allow gas to pass through, and the top opening 300 connects two adjacent spaces. The first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 of the shell 10 may define a gas flow path 5, which passes through the at least one top opening 300 mentioned above. With this arrangement, the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant will touch the partition 30 during its flow, causing the liquid molecules in the refrigerant fluid to be adsorbed on the partition 30, gathering into a liquid film. Under the action of gravity, the liquid refrigerant will flow to the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 1 and be stored in the gas-liquid separator 1, so that the liquid refrigerant can be fully separated from the mixed refrigerant, while the gaseous refrigerant will flow through the top opening 300 to the first outlet 22 and be discharged from the gas-liquid separator 1, thereby achieving a better gas-liquid separation effect and avoiding the problem of poor gas-liquid separation caused by the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flowing directly from the first inlet 20 to the first outlet 22. It can be seen that the arrangement of the partition 30 can effectively improve the gas-liquid separation effect and extend the residence time of the gaseous refrigerant in the accommodating chamber 100. At the same time, the partition 30 can also support the shell 10 and enhance the structural stability of the shell 10.

[0055] Specifically, in one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shell 10 can be roughly in the form of a hollow cuboid and include a base 11, a top cover 12, and a side wall 13 connected between the base 11 and the top cover 12. A first inlet 20 and a first outlet 22 can be provided on the base 11 to facilitate direct docking and communication between the gas-liquid separator 1 and an external element (such as a flow channel plate). An opening 14 can be provided on the top cover 12 for replacing a drying bag (not shown), so that the drying bag can be placed in the gas-liquid separator 1 or taken out of the gas-liquid separator 1 through the opening 14, and a sealing cover can be detachably provided at the opening 14 to seal the opening 14 so that the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 1 can be further dried.

[0056] 3 and 4 , the partition 30 disposed within the accommodating chamber 100 may include a first partition 31 and a second partition 32 arranged in a cross pattern (e.g., at a 90-degree angle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto). The two partitions 31 and 32 divide the accommodating chamber 100 into a first space 91, a second space 92, a third space 93, and a fourth space 94, arranged in sequence. The first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 of the gas-liquid separator 1 are respectively located on either side of the first partition 31 and on the same side (e.g., the first side) of the second partition 31. For example, the first inlet 20 communicates with the first space 91, and the first outlet 22 communicates with the fourth space 94. The first partition plate 31 is provided with a first top opening 310, located on the second side of the second partition plate 32. The second partition plate 32 is provided with two second top openings 320, one on each side of the first partition plate 31. Each of the top openings 310 and 320 may be an upwardly open recessed portion (this disclosure is only illustrative in this manner, but is not limited thereto. For example, the top openings may also have other shapes as long as they can connect two adjacent spaces). This configuration allows the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant entering through the first inlet 20 to flow from the first space 91 through the second top opening 320 and the first top opening 310, sequentially through the second space 92, the third space 93, and the fourth space 94, as shown by the gas flow path 5 indicated by the dotted line in FIG4 . This prolongs the flow path and residence time of the gaseous refrigerant, allowing the liquid molecules therein to be fully separated. The gaseous refrigerant then flows to the base 11 of the shell 10 under the action of gravity and is stored in the gas-liquid separator 1. The separated gaseous refrigerant can be discharged from the first outlet 22, thereby improving the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0057] The partition 30 may be provided with at least one bottom opening 333 near the base 11 to allow fluid to pass through, thereby connecting two adjacent spaces. In one embodiment, both the first partition 31 and the second partition 32 may be provided with a bottom opening 333, allowing the first through fourth spaces 91, 92, 93, and 94 to communicate with each other and maintaining the same level of liquid refrigerant in each space.

[0058] Continuing with Figure 4 , the gas-liquid separator may further include an inlet conduit 21 and an outlet conduit 23. The inlet conduit 21 is sealably connected to the first inlet 20 and extends from the first inlet 20 to the upper middle portion of the first space 91. This guides the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant entering from the first inlet 20 to the upper middle portion of the first space 91, while preventing leakage of the liquid refrigerant. The outlet conduit 23 is sealably connected to the first outlet 22 and extends from the first outlet 22 to the upper portion of the fourth space 94. This guides the gaseous refrigerant entering the upper end of the fourth space 94 to the first outlet 22 for discharge, similarly preventing leakage of the liquid refrigerant.

[0059] Typically, the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flowing in from the first inlet 20 is mixed with lubricating oil. In order to allow the lubricating oil to flow out of the first outlet 22 together with the gaseous refrigerant and return to the compressor for lubrication, an oil return hole 231 may be provided on the outlet conduit 23. The oil return hole 231 is located on the side wall of the outlet conduit 23 near the base 11, so that the lubricating oil or the mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil below the refrigerant can flow to the first outlet 22 through the oil return hole 231 and return to the compressor together with the gaseous refrigerant. Preferably, in order to prevent impurities from entering the compressor through the oil return hole 231 and causing damage to it, the gas-liquid separator 1 may further include a filter 24. The filter 24 may be mounted on the side wall of the outlet conduit 23 near the base 11 and cover the oil return hole 231. This can effectively prevent impurities from clogging the oil return hole 231 and entering the compressor through the oil return hole 231, thereby extending the service life of the compressor.

[0060] It should be noted that since the filter 24 covers the oil return hole 231 , the oil return hole 231 is not visible. The oil return hole 231 shown in FIG. 4 is only for illustrating the height relationship between the oil return hole 231 and the filter 24 .

[0061] Although the gas-liquid separator 1 in the above embodiment is described with the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 being arranged on the base 11, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 can also be arranged on the side wall or the top cover, as long as the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant can enter the accommodating chamber 100 and the gaseous refrigerant can flow out of the accommodating chamber 100.

[0062] The gas-liquid separator 1 disclosed herein is configured by arranging a partition 30 in the accommodating chamber 100 and arranging a top opening 300 at the top of the partition 30, so that the gaseous refrigerant flowing in from the first inlet 20 can pass through the top opening 300 and flow through different spaces of the accommodating chamber 100, and flow out of the gas-liquid separator 1 from the first outlet 22. Such an arrangement allows the gaseous refrigerant to collide with the partition 30 and prolong the residence time of the gaseous refrigerant in the accommodating chamber 100, thereby effectively improving the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0063] The present disclosure also provides a gas-liquid separation assembly 2. The following mainly describes various embodiments of the gas-liquid separation assembly 2 in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The gas-liquid separation assembly 2 includes the gas-liquid separator 1 described above. Therefore, to simplify the description, the similarities between the gas-liquid separator 1 in the gas-liquid separation assembly 2 and the previous embodiment will not be repeated. The following mainly describes the differences in detail. In addition, the same components in the various embodiments of the present disclosure are marked with the same reference numerals to facilitate cross-comparison between the various embodiments.

[0064] Figures 5 to 7 illustrate a first embodiment of the gas-liquid separation assembly 2 of the present disclosure. As shown, the gas-liquid separation assembly 2 includes the gas-liquid separator 1 and a heat exchange tube 41 as described above. In addition to the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22, the base 11 of the gas-liquid separator 1 is also provided with a second inlet 40 and a second outlet 42 for connecting to the heat exchange tube 41, allowing high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to enter the accommodating chamber 100 via the heat exchange tube 41. Since the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 are used to circulate high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, while the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 are used to circulate low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, the apertures of the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 can be smaller than those of the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22, as shown in Figure 5, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The heat exchange tube 41 is located within the accommodating chamber 100 of the gas-liquid separator 1, and its two ends are connected to the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42, respectively, for transporting high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to the gas-liquid separator 1. Such a setting allows the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant in the heat exchange tube 2 to exchange heat with the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the accommodating cavity 100 from the first inlet 20 (that is, the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flowing into the first inlet 20), so that the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant can be fully vaporized; at the same time, it can improve the integration of the product and reduce costs.

[0065] In one embodiment, the second inlet 40 can communicate with the second space 92, and the second outlet 42 can communicate with the third space 93. The heat exchange tube 41 may include a first section 411, a second section 412, and a third section 413 located between the first and second sections 411 and 412. One end of the first section 411 communicates with the second inlet 40, one end of the second section 412 communicates with the second outlet 42, and the third section 413 communicates with the other ends of the first section 411 and the other ends of the second section 412. The third section 413 can pass through the top opening 300 of the partition 30, allowing the heat exchange tube 41, particularly the third section 413, to sequentially pass through the second space 92, the first space 91, the fourth space 94, and the third space 93. This increases the contact area with the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, ensuring more efficient heat exchange and fully vaporizing the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant.

[0066] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first baffle 31 includes two first top openings 310, one located on either side of the second baffle 32. The second baffle 32 includes two second top openings 320, one located on either side of the first baffle 31. The heat exchange tube 41 passes through the two first top openings 310 and the second top opening 320 connecting the first space 91 and the fourth space 94, thereby increasing the flow path for the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. Furthermore, to increase the gas flow path 5 between the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 and enhance the gas-liquid separation of the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant, the second top opening 320 connecting the first space 91 and the fourth space 94 can be configured to be smaller. For example, the size of the second top opening 320 can be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the heat exchange tube 41 to allow it to pass through the second top opening 320 and minimize the problem of a shortened gas flow path 5 resulting in poor gas-liquid separation. The first top opening 310 and the second top opening 320 can be larger to allow the gas flow path 5 and / or the heat exchange tube 41 to pass through.

[0067] The arrangement of the partition 30 and the heat exchange tube 41 in the gas-liquid separation component 2 can not only improve the integration of the product and reduce costs, but also effectively improve the gas-liquid separation effect, extend the residence time of the gaseous refrigerant in the accommodating cavity 100, and fully vaporize it.

[0068] In addition, the first inlet 20, the first outlet 22, the inlet conduit 21, the outlet conduit 23, the filter 24 and other components are the same as those in the previous embodiment, and thus will not be described in detail.

[0069] Figures 8 to 11 describe a second embodiment of the gas-liquid separation component 2 of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the gas-liquid separation component 2 includes a gas-liquid separator 1 and a heat exchange tube 41 arranged in the gas-liquid separator 1 to improve the integration of the product. The shell 10 of the gas-liquid separator 1 includes a base 11, a top cover 12 and a side wall 13. The first inlet 20, the first outlet 22, the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 43 are all arranged on the base 11 to facilitate direct docking and communication with external elements (such as flow plates). In this embodiment, the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 may include a joint protruding from the base 11, and an annular groove may be provided on the joint for installing a sealing ring to achieve radial sealing. The second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 may include a flat interface, and a sealing ring may also be installed at the interface to achieve end face sealing. Such an arrangement can achieve a sealed connection between the two when the gas-liquid separation component 2 is plugged into the flow channel plate. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described configurations of the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets. For example, the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 may also be flat interfaces, and the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 may be protruding connectors, or any other combination thereof may be employed, as long as a sealed connection between the gas-liquid separation assembly 2 and the manifold plate is achieved. The base 11 may also be provided with mounting holes 15 for securing the gas-liquid separation assembly 2 to an external component, such as the manifold plate, via fastening elements (e.g., screws).

[0070] Please refer to Figure 10, the partition 30 includes a first partition 31, a second partition 32 and a third partition 33, wherein the second partition 32 and the third partition 33 can be arranged roughly in parallel and respectively cross-arranged with the first partition 31 (for example, the crossing angle can be 90 degrees) to divide the accommodating cavity 100 into a first space 91, a second space 92, a third space 93, a fourth space 94, a fifth space 95 and a sixth space 96 arranged in sequence.

[0071] To extend the refrigerant flow path within the accommodating chamber 100, the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 can be arranged diagonally. The second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 can also be arranged diagonally. Specifically, the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 are located on either side of the first partition 31, and on the outer sides of the second partition 32 and the third partition 33, away from each other. For example, the first inlet 20 can communicate with the first space 91, and the first outlet 22 can communicate with the fourth space 94. The first partition 31 is provided with three top openings 310, which are separated by the second partition 32 and the third partition 33, respectively. The second partition plate 32 is provided with a second top opening 320 located on one side of the first partition plate 31 (for example, the side away from the first inlet 20), and the third partition plate 33 is provided with a third top opening 33 located on the other side of the first partition plate 31 (for example, the side close to the first inlet 20). In this way, the gaseous refrigerant flowing in from the first inlet 20 can pass through the first space 91, the second space 92, the third space 93, the sixth space 96, the fifth space 95, and the fourth space 94 in sequence, enter the outlet duct 23, and flow out from the first outlet 22. That is, the flow path 5 of the gaseous refrigerant (as shown by the dotted line in Figure 10) can be roughly S-shaped, effectively extending the gas flow path 5, increasing the residence time of the gas-liquid refrigerant in the accommodating chamber 100, and improving the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0072] The second inlet 40 can communicate with the second space 92, and the second outlet 42 can communicate with the fifth space 95. The first section 411 of the heat exchange tube 41 communicates with the second inlet 40, and the second section 412 communicates with the second outlet 42. Furthermore, the third section 413 passes through the second top opening 320 and the third top opening 330 and connects the first section 411 and the second section 412. This allows the third section 412 to sequentially pass through the second space 92, the third space 93, the sixth space 96, and the fifth space 95, thereby increasing its contact area with the gaseous refrigerant and enabling it to be fully vaporized through heat exchange.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 11 , in a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the base 11 may further include a countersunk hole 16 communicating with the first outlet 22. One end of the outlet conduit 23 and the filter 24 may be inserted into the countersunk hole 16 to lower the height of the oil return hole 231 on the sidewall of the outlet conduit 23, thereby facilitating the discharge of lubricating oil from the outlet conduit 23 through the oil return hole 231 and its return to the compressor. Specifically, the lubricating oil sinks to the bottom of the housing 10, below the refrigerant, and then returns to the compressor. Alternatively, a mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil may return to the compressor from the oil return hole. More preferably, the upper surface of the base 11 may further include a concave surface 17. For example, the concave surface 17 may be a sloped surface that gradually descends from two opposing sides of the base 11 toward the centerline. Furthermore, the concave surface 17 may further include a diversion groove 18 for directing liquid at the lowest point of the concave surface 17 into the countersunk hole 16. This arrangement allows the liquid refrigerant to be collected into the counterbore 16 through the concave surface 17 and the guide groove 18 even when the liquid refrigerant is low, thereby facilitating the return of lubricating oil to the compressor through the oil return hole 231, while also allowing the liquid refrigerant to be stored in the gas-liquid separator assembly 2. In one embodiment, the base 11 may also be provided with a mounting groove 190 to facilitate the installation of the fixed partition 30.

[0074] Figures 12 to 14 describe a third embodiment of the gas-liquid separation component 2 of the present disclosure. The main difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment lies in the opening direction of the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22, as well as the setting position of the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42. In detail, the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 are still arranged on the base 11, but are not open downward as disclosed in the aforementioned embodiment. In this embodiment, the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 are respectively open to the two opposite side walls of the base 11, and have a bent flow channel in the base 11 so that the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 are connected to the first space 91 and the fourth space 94 respectively, and connect the inlet duct 21 and the outlet duct 23 therein. The specific structure of the partition 30 and the inlet duct 21 and the outlet duct 23 in this embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment, so they will not be repeated here.

[0075] Continuing with FIG12 , the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 are provided on the top cover 12 and open toward a side wall of the top cover 12. For example, the opening direction of the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 may be the same as the opening direction of the first inlet 20, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 may have a curved flow channel on the top cover 12 so as to connect the fifth space 95 and the second space 92, respectively, and connect the heat exchange tube 41 in the accommodating cavity 100. The heat exchange tube 41 includes a first section 411 connected to the second inlet 40, a second section 412 connected to the second outlet 42, and a third section 413 connected to the first section 411 and the second section 412. The difference is that the third section 413 passes through the bottom opening 333 of the partition 30, rather than the top opening 300. Specifically, the third section 413 passes through the bottom opening 333 of the partition 30 and sequentially passes through the second space 92, the third space 93, the sixth space 96 and the fifth space 95, so that the heat exchange tube 41 can directly contact the liquid refrigerant, and the liquid refrigerant can be fully vaporized through heat exchange.

[0076] 15 to 18 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the gas-liquid separation assembly 2 of the present disclosure. The fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment primarily in the locations of the first inlet 20, first outlet 22, second inlet 40, and second outlet 42, and the structure of the partition 30.

[0077] In detail, the first outlet 22 is arranged on the base 11 of the gas-liquid separator 1 and is open toward the side wall of the base 11, and has a bent flow channel in the base 11 to connect to the accommodating chamber 100. The first outlet 22 may include a flat interface, and a sealing ring may be installed at the interface to achieve end face sealing. The first inlet 20, the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 are arranged on the top cover 12 of the gas-liquid separator 1 and are open in the direction opposite to the first outlet 22, as shown in Figure 16. The first inlet 20, the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 have a bent flow channel in the top cover 12 to connect to the accommodating chamber 100, and include a protruding joint at the side wall of the top cover 12, and an annular groove may be provided on the joint for installing a sealing ring to achieve radial sealing. Such an arrangement can achieve a sealed connection with the flow channel plate when the gas-liquid separation component 2 is inserted between the two flow channel plates. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned forms of the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets. For example, the first inlet 20, the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 may also be planar interfaces, the first outlet 22 may be a protruding joint, or any other combination, as long as a sealed connection between the gas-liquid separation component 2 and the flow channel plate can be achieved.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 17. The partition 30 includes a first partition 31, a second partition 32 and a third partition 33, wherein the second partition 32 and the third partition 33 can be arranged roughly in parallel and respectively cross-arranged with the first partition 31 (for example, the crossing angle can be 90 degrees) to divide the accommodating cavity 100 into a first space 91, a second space 92, a third space 93, a fourth space 94, a fifth space 95 and a sixth space 96 arranged in sequence.

[0079] The first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 are located on either side of the first partition 31 and between the second partition 32 and the third partition 33. For example, the first inlet 20 can communicate with the third space 93, and the first outlet 22 can communicate with the sixth space 96. The first partition 31 is provided with two top openings 310, located on opposite sides of the second partition 32 and the third partition 33, respectively. The second partition 32 is provided with two second top openings 320, respectively, located on either side of the first partition 31. The third partition 33 is provided with two third top openings 33, respectively, located on either side of the first partition 31. This arrangement allows the first path 51 of the gas flow path 5 defined by the first inlet 20 and the first outlet 22 (as indicated by the arrow on the left side of FIG. 17 ) to pass through one of the first top openings 310 (the first top opening 310 on the left side of FIG. 17 ) and the second top opening 320, and sequentially pass through the third space 93, the second space 92, the first space 91, and the sixth space 96. Furthermore, the second path 52 of the gas flow path 5 (as indicated by the arrow on the right side of FIG. 17 ) can pass through the other of the first top openings 310 (the first top opening 310 on the right side of FIG. 17 ) and the third top opening 330, and sequentially pass through the third space 93, the fourth space 94, the fifth space 95, and the sixth space 96. Bottom openings 333 are also provided at the bottoms of the first, second, and third partitions 31, 32, and 33, so that the first to sixth spaces 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, and 96 can communicate with each other.

[0080] Referring to Figures 17 and 18 , since the first inlet 20 is located on the top cover 12 , the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant entering the accommodating chamber 100 will flow out from the top of the third space 93 . Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no need to provide an inlet conduit 23 to guide the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant to the upper portion of the space. To allow the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant in the upper portion of the third space 93 to flow directly to the second space 92 and the fourth space 94 on either side, the gas-liquid separator 1 may include a guide plate 19 located directly below the first inlet 20 (as shown in Figures 17 and 18 ), so that the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant in the upper portion of the third space 93 can be directly guided to the spaces 92 and 94 on either side.

[0081] Continuing with Figure 17 , the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 communicate with the second space 92 and the fourth space 94, respectively. The heat exchange tube 41 is located within the accommodating chamber 100 and includes a first section 411 communicating with the second inlet 40, a second section 412 communicating with the second outlet 42, and a third section 413 communicating with the first section 411 and the second section 412. The third section 413 passes through the bottom opening 333 of the partition 30 and sequentially passes through the second space 92, the third space 93, and the fourth space 94. This allows the heat exchange tube 41 to directly contact the liquid refrigerant, allowing the liquid refrigerant to be fully vaporized through heat exchange.

[0082] 19 and 20 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the gas-liquid separation assembly 2 of the present disclosure. The fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in the position of the first inlet 20 and the form of the second inlet 40.

[0083] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first inlet 20 is located on the base 11 of the shell 10 and is open toward the side wall of the base 11. The specific opening direction is the same as the opening direction of the second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42, and opposite to the opening direction of the first outlet 22. The first inlet 20 may include a planar interface, which can be installed with a sealing ring to achieve end-face sealing when connected to an external component (such as a flow channel plate). The first inlet 20 may have a curved flow channel in the base 11 to connect to the third space 93 of the accommodating chamber 100. The accommodating chamber 100 is also provided with an inlet conduit 21 connected to the first inlet 20 to guide the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant to the middle and upper part of the third space 93, as shown in Figure 20.

[0084] Please continue to refer to Figure 19. The second inlet 40 and the second outlet 42 are located on the top cover 12 and open toward the side wall of the top cover 12. The second inlet 40 may include a planar interface, and the planar interface may be installed with a sealing ring to achieve end face sealing when connected to an external element (such as a flow channel plate). The second outlet 42 may include a protruding joint, and the joint may be provided with an annular groove for installing a sealing ring to achieve radial sealing when connected to an external element (such as a flow channel plate). The top cover 12 and the base 11 may also be provided with mounting holes 15 for fixing the gas-liquid separation component 2 to an external element such as a flow channel plate by fastening elements (such as screws, etc.). The structures of the other components in this embodiment are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, so they will not be repeated here.

[0085] Although the partition 30 in the gas-liquid separation component 2 described in the present disclosure is described as including two or three partitions, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the partition 30 may also include one, four or more partitions, as long as the gas-liquid separation effect can be improved.

[0086] In addition, although the present disclosure only introduces the gas-liquid separator 1 in one embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the gas-liquid separation assembly 2 described in each embodiment can be used as an embodiment of the gas-liquid separator 1 after removing the heat exchange tube 41.

[0087] The gas-liquid separation component 2 disclosed herein integrates the heat exchange tube 41 into the gas-liquid separator 1, which not only improves the product integration, reduces the occupied area of ​​the thermal management system, and effectively reduces the parts cost of the thermal management system, but also allows the low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid mixed refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 1 to fully exchange heat with the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant in the heat exchange tube 41, so that it can be fully vaporized.

[0088] The present disclosure also provides a thermal management system 3, as shown in Figure 21, the thermal management system 3 includes the aforementioned gas-liquid separator 1 or the aforementioned gas-liquid separation component 2, and a flow channel plate 4, wherein the gas-liquid separator 1 or the gas-liquid separation component 2 is fixedly mounted on the flow channel plate 4.

[0089] The above describes exemplary implementations of the gas-liquid separator, gas-liquid separation component and thermal management system provided by the present disclosure with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, without departing from the concept of the present disclosure, various variations and modifications may be made to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and various technical features and structures proposed in the present disclosure may be combined in various ways without exceeding the scope of protection of the present disclosure, which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separator (1), comprising: A housing (10), wherein the housing (10) defines a receiving chamber (100) therein, and the housing (10) is provided with a first inlet (20) and a first outlet (22) communicating with the receiving chamber (100), The gas-liquid separator (1) further comprises a partition (30), wherein the partition (30) is arranged in the accommodating chamber (100) and divides the accommodating chamber (100) into a plurality of spaces; at least one top opening (300) is provided on the top of the partition (30) for allowing gas to pass through, and the top opening (300) communicates with two adjacent spaces; The first inlet (20) and the first outlet (22) define a gas flow path (5), and the gas flow path (5) passes through at least one of the top openings (300).

2. The gas-liquid separator (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom of the partition (30) is provided with at least one bottom opening (333) allowing liquid to pass through; the bottom opening (333) is used to connect two adjacent spaces.

3. The gas-liquid separator (1) according to claim 2, wherein the top opening is a recessed portion open upward.

4. A gas-liquid separator (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first outlet (22) is arranged in the base (11) of the shell (10), and the gas-liquid separator (1) also includes an outlet conduit (23), and the outlet conduit (23) is connected to the first outlet (22) to guide the gas to the first outlet (22).

5. The gas-liquid separator (1) according to claim 4, wherein the outlet conduit (23) is provided with an oil return hole (231) on a side wall close to the base (11).

6. The gas-liquid separator (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the gas-liquid separator (1) further comprises a filter (24), which is sleeved on the side wall of the outlet conduit (23) close to the base (11) and covers the oil return hole (231).

7. The gas-liquid separator (1) as claimed in claim 6, wherein a countersunk hole (16) connected to the first outlet (22) is provided on the base (11), and one end of the outlet conduit (23) and the filter (24) are inserted into the countersunk hole (16).

8. The gas-liquid separator (1) as described in claim 7, wherein the upper surface of the base (11) includes a concave surface (17), and a guide groove (18) is provided on the concave surface (17) to guide the liquid at the lowest point of the concave surface (17) to the sink hole (16).

9. The gas-liquid separator (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first inlet (20) is arranged on the base (11), and the gas-liquid separator (1) further comprises an inlet conduit (21), and the inlet conduit (21) is connected to the first inlet (20).

10. The gas-liquid separator (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first inlet (20) is arranged on the top cover (12) of the shell (10), and the gas-liquid separator (1) further includes a guide plate (19) located directly below the first inlet (20).

11. A gas-liquid separation component (2), comprising: The gas-liquid separator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing (10) of the gas-liquid separator (1) is further provided with a second inlet (40) and a second outlet (42); and A heat exchange tube (41), wherein two ends of the heat exchange tube (41) are respectively connected to the second inlet (40) and the second outlet (42).

12. The gas-liquid separation component (2) according to claim 11, wherein the heat exchange tube (41) comprises a first section (411), a second section (412) and a third section (413), one end of the first section (411) is connected to the second inlet (40), one end of the second section (412) is connected to the second outlet (42), and the third section (413) is connected to the other end of the first section (411) and the other end of the second section (412); the third section (413) passes through the top opening (300) and / or the bottom opening (333) of the partition (30) of the gas-liquid separator (1).

13. The gas-liquid separation component (2) according to claim 12, wherein the second inlet (40) and the second outlet (42) are both arranged in the base (11) of the shell (10) or the top cover (12) of the shell (10).

14. A gas-liquid separation component (2) as described in claim 13, wherein the partition (30) of the gas-liquid separator (1) includes a first partition (31) and a second partition (32) arranged crosswise, and divides the accommodating cavity (100) of the gas-liquid separator (1) into a first space (91), a second space (92), a third space (93) and a fourth space (94).

15. The gas-liquid separation assembly (2) according to claim 14, wherein the first inlet (20) and the first outlet (22) of the gas-liquid separator (1) are located on both sides of the first partition plate (31) and on the first side of the second partition plate (32), wherein the first inlet (20) is connected to the first space (91), and the first outlet (22) is connected to the fourth space (94), The first partition plate (31) is provided with a first top opening (310) on a second side of the second partition plate (32), and the second partition plate (32) is provided with second top openings (320) on both sides of the first partition plate (31).

16. A gas-liquid separation component (2) as described in claim 15, wherein the second inlet (40) and the second outlet (42) are respectively connected to the second space (92) and the third space (93), and the third section (413) passes through the second space (92), the first space (91), the fourth space (94) and the third space (93).

17. A gas-liquid separation component (2) as described in claim 13, wherein the partition (30) of the gas-liquid separator (1) includes a first partition (31), a second partition (32) and a third partition (33), wherein the second partition (32) and the third partition (33) respectively cross the first partition (31) to divide the accommodating cavity of the gas-liquid separator (1) into a first space (91), a second space (92), a third space (93), a fourth space (94), a fifth space (95) and a sixth space (96).

18. The gas-liquid separation assembly (2) according to claim 17, wherein the first inlet (20) and the first outlet (22) of the gas-liquid separator (1) are located on both sides of the first partition plate (31), and are located on two outer sides away from each other of the second partition plate (32) and the third partition plate (33), wherein the first inlet (20) is connected to the first space (91), and the first outlet (22) is connected to the fourth space (94), The first partition plate (31) is provided with three first top openings (310), which are respectively separated by the second partition plate (32) and the third partition plate (33); the second partition plate (32) is provided with a second top opening (320) located on one side of the first partition plate (31); and the third partition plate (33) is provided with a third top opening (330) located on the other side of the first partition plate (31).

19. The gas-liquid separation component (2) according to claim 18, wherein the second inlet (40) and the second outlet (42) are connected to the second space (92) and the fifth space (95), respectively, and the third section (413) passes through the second space (92), the third space (93), the sixth space (96) and the fifth space (95).

20. The gas-liquid separation assembly (2) according to claim 17, wherein the first inlet (20) and the first outlet (22) of the gas-liquid separator (1) are located on both sides of the first partition plate (31), and between the second partition plate (32) and the third partition plate (33), the first inlet (20) is connected to the third space (93), and the first outlet (22) is connected to the sixth space (96), The first partition (31) is provided with two first top openings (310), which are respectively located on two outer sides of the second partition (32) and the third partition (33) away from each other; the second partition (32) is provided with two second top openings (320), which are respectively located on two sides of the first partition (31); the third partition (33) is provided with two third top openings (330), which are respectively located on two sides of the first partition (31); A first path (51) in a gas flow path (5) defined by the first inlet (20) and the first outlet (22) passes through one of the first top openings (310) and the second top opening (320), and a second path (52) in the gas flow path (5) passes through the other of the first top openings (310) and the third top opening (330).

21. The gas-liquid separation component (2) according to claim 20, wherein the second inlet (40) and the second outlet (42) are connected to the second space (92) and the fourth space (94), respectively, and the third section (413) passes through the second space (92), the third space (93) and the fourth space (94).

22. A thermal management system (3), wherein the thermal management system (3) comprises: The gas-liquid separator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; or the gas-liquid separation component (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 21.

23. The thermal management system (3) according to claim 22, wherein the thermal management system (3) further comprises a flow channel plate (4), and the gas-liquid separator (1) or the gas-liquid separation component (2) is mounted on the flow channel plate (4).

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