Thermal management system and vehicle

Abstract

Provided are a thermal management system and a vehicle. The thermal management system comprises a first flow path (11), a second flow path (12), an expansion tank (13) and a switching valve (14). The first flow path (11) comprises a first liquid pump (15), and the second flow path (12) comprises a second liquid pump (16). The expansion tank (13) comprises a first refill port (19) and a second refill port (20) in communication with each other. When the switching valve (14) is in a first state, the first flow path (11) and the second flow path (12) are respectively communicated with the expansion tank (13) to form a first coolant loop (21) flowing through the first flow path (11) and the expansion tank (13), and a second coolant loop (22) flowing through the second flow path (12) and the expansion tank (13); the first liquid pump (15) is used for realizing circulating flow of a coolant in the first coolant loop (21), and the second liquid pump (16) is used for realizing circulating flow of the coolant in the second coolant loop (22). When the switching valve (14) is in a second state, the first flow path (11) and the second flow path (12) are separated, and the expansion tank (13) is used for replenishing coolant to the first liquid pump (15) and the second liquid pump (16) through the first refill port (19) and the second refill port (20) respectively.

Description

Thermal management system and vehicle CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410125304.4, filed on January 29, 2024, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to, but is not limited to, the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a thermal management system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] A vehicle's thermal management system is designed to control internal vehicle temperature and heat distribution. Expansion tanks within the thermal management system replenish coolant and vent air. Some expansion tanks are connected in series in the coolant flow path where the batteries reside. This causes the coolant in the battery flow path to exchange heat with the coolant in the electric drive components flow path, increasing heat leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is a summary of the subject matter described in detail herein. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] The present application provides a thermal management system and a vehicle.

[0006] The present application provides a thermal management system, comprising: a first flow path including a battery and a first liquid pump for the battery; a second flow path including an electric drive assembly and a second liquid pump for the electric drive assembly; an expansion water tank including a first liquid inlet and a second liquid inlet connected to each other, the first liquid inlet being connected to a liquid inlet of the first liquid pump, and the second liquid inlet being connected to a liquid inlet of the second liquid pump; and a switching valve, the first flow path and the second flow path being connected to the switching valve; wherein the switching valve comprises a first state and a second state; when the switching valve is in the first state, the first flow path and the second flow path are respectively connected to the expansion water tank to form a first coolant circuit flowing through the first flow path and the expansion water tank, and a second coolant circuit flowing through the second flow path and the expansion water tank; the first liquid pump is used to circulate coolant in the first coolant circuit; the second liquid pump is used to circulate coolant in the second coolant circuit; when the switching valve is in the second state, the first flow path and the second flow path are separated, and the expansion water tank is used to replenish liquid to the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump respectively through the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet.

[0007] Optionally, the thermal management system also includes a third flow path connected to the switching valve, the third flow path includes a radiator, one port of the radiator is connected to the switching valve, and the other port of the radiator is connected between the switching valve and the liquid inlet of the second liquid pump.

[0008] Optionally, when the switching valve is in the first state, the first flow path and the third flow path are connected, and the first coolant circuit passes through the third flow path; when the switching valve is in the second state, the third flow path is connected to the second flow path.

[0009] Optionally, the expansion kettle further includes an exhaust port, the radiator is connected to the exhaust port, and the exhaust port is used to discharge the gas in the radiator.

[0010] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes a refrigerant circuit and a first heat exchange path connected to the switching valve; the refrigerant circuit includes a first heat exchanger and a compressor, the first heat exchanger is connected to the air inlet of the compressor; the first heat exchange path passes through the first heat exchanger.

[0011] Optionally, when the switching valve is in the first state, the first flow path and the first heat exchange flow path are connected, and the first coolant circuit passes through the first heat exchange flow path; when the switching valve is in the second state, the first heat exchange flow path can be selectively connected to one of the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0012] Optionally, the thermal management system further includes a refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange flow path connected to the switching valve; the refrigerant circuit includes a second heat exchanger and a compressor, the second heat exchanger is connected to the air outlet of the compressor; the second heat exchange flow path passes through the second heat exchanger.

[0013] Optionally, when the switching valve is in the first state, the second heat exchange flow path and the second flow path are connected, and the second coolant circuit passes through the second heat exchange flow path; when the switching valve is in the second state, the second heat exchange flow path can be selectively connected to one of the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0014] Optionally, the second heat exchange flow path also includes a first coolant branch connected in parallel to the second heat exchanger; the first coolant branch includes a one-way valve; when the switching valve is in the first state, the second flow path is connected to one of the one-way valve and the second heat exchanger; the second coolant circuit passes through the one-way valve or the second heat exchanger.

[0015] Optionally, the second heat exchange flow path also includes a third liquid pump, the first coolant branch is connected in parallel to the third liquid pump, the liquid inlet of the third liquid pump is connected between the first coolant branch and the switching valve, and the liquid outlet of the third liquid pump is connected to the liquid inlet of the second heat exchanger; the third liquid pump is used to realize the flow of coolant through the second heat exchanger.

[0016] Optionally, the second heat exchange flow path also includes a three-way valve and a second coolant branch connected in parallel to the second heat exchanger; the second coolant branch includes a heater core; the inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger, the first outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the switching valve, and the second outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the second coolant branch; the inlet of the three-way valve is connected to at least one of the first outlet of the three-way valve and the second outlet of the three-way valve.

[0017] Optionally, the second heat exchange flow path further includes a heater, which is connected to the liquid outlet of the second heat exchanger and is used to heat the coolant in the second heat exchange flow path.

[0018] Optionally, the electric drive component includes one or more of a motor, an on-board charger, a converter, and an automatic driving controller.

[0019] The present application provides a vehicle, comprising a thermal management system as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0020] The thermal management system provided in the present application includes a first flow path, a second flow path, an expansion kettle and a switching valve. The first flow path includes a first liquid pump. The second flow path includes a second liquid pump. When the switching valve is in the first state, the first flow path and the second flow path are respectively connected to the expansion kettle to form a first coolant circuit flowing through the first flow path and the expansion kettle, and a second coolant circuit flowing through the second flow path and the expansion kettle. The coolant in the first coolant circuit and the second coolant circuit can be exhausted separately through the expansion kettle, so that the expansion kettle can exhaust the first flow path separately or exhaust the second flow path separately, which can greatly increase the filling speed of the coolant and shorten the exhaust time of the coolant. When the switching valve is in the second state, the first flow path and the second flow path are separated, and the expansion kettle is used to replenish liquid to the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump through the first replenishment port and the second replenishment port respectively. A loop cannot be formed in the expansion tank, so the coolant flowing through the battery and the coolant flowing through the electric drive component will not produce heat exchange in the expansion tank, reducing the heat leakage generated by the heat exchange between the first flow path and the second flow path, thereby greatly reducing the amount of heat leakage.

[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory and cannot limit the present application. Other aspects can be understood after reading and understanding the drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing a switching valve of a thermal management system in a first state according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram showing the switching valve of the thermal management system shown in FIG. 1 in the first state.

[0025] FIG3 is a schematic diagram showing the switching valve of the thermal management system shown in FIG1 in a second state.

[0026] FIG4 is another schematic diagram showing the switching valve of the thermal management system shown in FIG1 in the second state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0028] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are simply used to distinguish different components. Similarly, terms such as "a" or "an" do not indicate a quantitative limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. "Multiple" or "several" means two or more. Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "front," "rear," "lower," and / or "top," "bottom," and "upper" are for ease of description only and are not limited to a single position or spatial orientation. Terms such as "include" or "comprises" mean that the elements or objects listed before "include" or "comprises" and their equivalents are included, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The words “connected” or “connected” and the like are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0029] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. As used in this application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] The present application provides a thermal management system and a vehicle. The thermal management system and the vehicle of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The features of the following embodiments and implementations may be combined with each other unless they conflict.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 , a thermal management system 10 can be used in a vehicle, such as a new energy vehicle. The thermal management system 10 includes a first flow path 11, a second flow path 12, an expansion tank 13, and a switching valve 14. A coolant can flow through the first and second flow paths 11 and 12. The coolant can be cooling water.

[0032] The first flow path 11 may include a battery 17. The first flow path 11 includes a first coolant pump 15 for the battery 17. The inlet of the first coolant pump 15 may be connected to the switching valve 14, and the outlet of the first coolant pump 15 may be connected to the battery 17 to provide coolant to the battery 17. The first coolant pump 15 may accelerate the circulation speed of the coolant.

[0033] The second flow path 12 may include an electric drive assembly 18, which may include one or more of a motor, an onboard charger, a converter, and an autonomous driving controller, and is not limited in this application. The second flow path 12 includes a second liquid pump 16 for the electric drive assembly 18. The liquid inlet of the second liquid pump 16 may be connected to the switching valve 14, and the liquid outlet of the second liquid pump 16 may be connected to the electric drive assembly 18 to provide coolant to the electric drive assembly 18. The second liquid pump 16 can accelerate the circulation speed of the coolant.

[0034] The expansion water tank 13 includes a first fluid infusion port 19 and a second fluid infusion port 20 that are connected to each other. The first fluid infusion port 19 is connected to the fluid inlet of the first liquid pump 15. The first fluid infusion port 19 can be connected between the fluid inlet of the first liquid pump 15 and the switching valve 14. The second fluid infusion port 20 is connected to the fluid inlet of the second liquid pump 16. The second fluid infusion port 20 can be connected between the fluid inlet of the second liquid pump 16 and the switching valve 14. In this way, the expansion water tank 13 can replenish fluid to the first liquid pump 15 through the first fluid infusion port 19, and replenish fluid to the second liquid pump 16 through the second fluid infusion port 20. When the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are connected to the expansion water tank 13, the coolant can pass through the expansion water tank 13 through the first fluid infusion port 19 and the second fluid infusion port 20 of the expansion water tank 13, thereby achieving exhaust of the coolant.

[0035] The first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are connected to the switching valve 14. The switching valve 14 can be a multi-way valve. In this embodiment, the switching valve 14 is a nine-way valve. The switching valve 14 includes a first state and a second state. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, when the switching valve 14 is in the first state, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are respectively connected to the expansion kettle 13 to form a first coolant circuit 21 flowing through the first flow path 11 and the expansion kettle 13, and a second coolant circuit 22 flowing through the second flow path 12 and the expansion kettle 13. Among them, the first liquid pump 15 is used to achieve the circulation of coolant in the first coolant circuit 21. Only the first liquid pump 15 can be turned on to achieve the circulation of coolant in the first coolant circuit 21. The second liquid pump 16 is used to achieve the circulation of coolant in the second coolant circuit 22. Only the second liquid pump 16 can be turned on to achieve the circulation of coolant in the second coolant circuit 22. The flow direction of the coolant circulation in the first coolant circuit 21 is shown in Figure 1. The coolant in the first coolant circuit 21 can flow through the first flow path 11 and the expansion kettle 13. The gas in the battery 17 can be transferred to the expansion kettle 13 along with the coolant, so that the gas in the coolant can be discharged. The flow direction of the coolant circulation in the second coolant circuit 22 is shown in Figure 2. The coolant in the second coolant circuit 22 can flow through the second flow path 12 and the expansion kettle 13. The gas in the electric drive component 18 can be transferred to the expansion kettle 13 along with the coolant, so that the gas in the coolant can be discharged. When the switching valve 14 is in the first state, the coolant circuit can be divided into the first coolant circuit 21 and the second coolant circuit 22 by controlling the first liquid pump 15 and the second liquid pump 16, so that the coolant can circulate alone in the first coolant circuit 21 or alone in the second coolant circuit 22. The coolant in the first coolant circuit 21 and the second coolant circuit 22 can be exhausted separately through the expansion kettle 13, thereby enabling the expansion kettle 13 to exhaust the first flow path 11 or the second flow path 12 separately. This can greatly increase the coolant filling speed and shorten the coolant exhaust time. Furthermore, when partially replacing flow path components, the flow path of the replaced component can be filled and exhausted. For example, when replacing the battery 17, only the gas in the coolant in the first flow path 11 needs to be exhausted. In this way, only the first liquid pump 15 can be turned on, allowing the coolant to circulate in the first coolant circuit 21. This greatly saves the time of coolant filling and exhausting when partially replacing flow path components.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , when the switching valve 14 is in the second state, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are separated, and the expansion tank 13 is used to replenish fluid to the first liquid pump 15 and the second liquid pump 16 through the first and second liquid replenishment ports 19 and 20, respectively. The expansion tank 13 is used to replenish fluid to the first liquid pump 15 through the first and second liquid replenishment ports 19 and 20, respectively. When the switching valve 14 is in the second state, the first flow path 11 is connected only to the first and second liquid replenishment ports 19 and 20, respectively, of the expansion tank 13, and the second flow path 12 is connected only to the second and second liquid replenishment ports 20 of the expansion tank 13. A loop cannot be formed within the expansion tank 13. As a result, the coolant flowing through the battery 17 and the coolant flowing through the electric drive assembly 18 do not exchange heat in the expansion tank 13, reducing heat leakage caused by heat exchange between the first and second flow paths 11 and 12, thereby significantly reducing heat leakage and, in turn, system energy consumption.

[0037] In one embodiment, the thermal management system 10 further includes a third flow path 23 connected to the switching valve 14. The third flow path 23 includes a radiator 24. The radiator 24 can be an air-cooled radiator, allowing the coolant in the third flow path 23 to exchange heat with air at the radiator 24 to reduce the coolant's temperature. One port of the radiator 24 is connected to the switching valve 14, and the other port is connected between the switching valve 14 and the liquid inlet of the second liquid pump 16. As shown in FIG1 , when the switching valve 14 is in the first state, the first flow path 11 and the third flow path 23 are connected, and the first coolant circuit 21 passes through the third flow path 23. The first flow path 11, the third flow path 23, and the expansion tank 13 form the first coolant circuit 21. The coolant can flow through the battery 17, the radiator 24, and the expansion tank 13. Gas in the battery 17 and the radiator 24 is transferred to the expansion tank 13 along with the coolant, thereby allowing for the refilling and exhaust of the coolant when replacing the battery 17 and the radiator 24. 3 and 4 , when the switching valve 14 is in the second state, the third flow path 23 is connected to the second flow path 12 . In this way, the radiator 24 is turned on to cool the electric drive assembly 18 .

[0038] In one embodiment, the expansion kettle 13 further includes an exhaust port 25, to which the radiator 24 is connected. The exhaust port 25 is used to discharge gas within the radiator 24. The exhaust port 25 can discharge gas stored in the water chamber of the radiator 24 during operation of the thermal management system 10, thereby facilitating the normal operation of the thermal management system 10.

[0039] In one embodiment, the thermal management system 10 further includes a refrigerant circuit (not shown) and a first heat exchange flow path 26 connected to the switching valve 14. Refrigerant can flow in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit includes a first heat exchanger 27 and a compressor, and the compressor can be an electric compressor. The first heat exchanger 27 is connected to the air inlet of the compressor. The first heat exchange flow path 26 passes through the first heat exchanger 27. The first heat exchanger 27 can be used to achieve heat exchange between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit and the coolant in the first heat exchange flow path 26, thereby increasing the temperature of the coolant in the first heat exchange flow path 26. As shown in Figure 1, when the switching valve 14 is in the first state, the first flow path 11 and the first heat exchange flow path 26 are connected, and the first coolant circuit 21 passes through the first heat exchange flow path 26. The first flow path 11, the first heat exchange flow path 26, and the expansion tank 13 form a first coolant circuit 21. Coolant can flow through the battery 17, the first heat exchanger 27, and the expansion tank 13. Gas in the battery 17 and the first heat exchanger 27 is transferred to the expansion tank 13 along with the coolant, allowing for the refilling and venting of coolant when the battery 17 and the first heat exchanger 27 are replaced. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the switching valve 14 is in the second state, the first heat exchange flow path 26 selectively connects to either the first flow path 11 or the second flow path 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first heat exchange flow path 26 connects to the first flow path 11. The first heat exchanger 27 can reduce the coolant temperature in the first flow path 11, thereby cooling the battery 17. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first heat exchange flow path 26 connects to the second flow path 12 and the third flow path 23. The first heat exchanger 27 can absorb heat from the external environment through the radiator 24.

[0040] In one embodiment, the thermal management system 10 includes a second heat exchange path 28 connected to the switching valve 14. The refrigerant circuit includes a second heat exchanger 29, which is connected to the compressor's air outlet. In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit may include an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a first throttling device, and a second throttling device. The first throttling device and the second throttling device may both be electronic expansion valves. The outlet of the first heat exchanger 27 and the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger are connected to the compressor's air inlet, the compressor's air outlet is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 29, the outlet of the second heat exchanger 29 is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger, the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to one end of the first throttling device and one end of the second throttling device, the other end of the first throttling device is connected to the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger, and the other end of the second throttling device is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 27. The second heat exchange path 28 passes through the second heat exchanger 29. The second heat exchanger 29 can be used to exchange heat between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit and the coolant in the second heat exchange path 28, thereby increasing the temperature of the coolant in the second heat exchange path 28. As shown in Figure 2, when the switching valve 14 is in the first position, the second heat exchange path 28 is connected to the second flow path 12, and the second coolant circuit 22 passes through the second heat exchange path 28. The second flow path 12, the second heat exchange path 28, and the expansion pot 13 form a second coolant circuit 22. Coolant can flow through the electric drive assembly 18, the second heat exchanger 29, and the expansion pot 13. Gas in the electric drive assembly 18 and the second heat exchanger 29 is transferred to the expansion pot 13 along with the coolant, thereby facilitating the refilling and venting of coolant when replacing the electric drive assembly 18 and the second heat exchanger 29. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the switching valve 14 is in the second position, the second heat exchange path 28 can selectively connect to either the first flow path 11 or the second flow path 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG3 , the second heat exchange flow path 28 is connected to the second flow path 12 . The radiator 24 can be used to cool the coolant in the second heat exchange flow path 28 . This allows the radiator 24 to lower the temperature of the coolant passing through the second heat exchanger 29 , thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchanger 29 . In the embodiment shown in FIG4 , the second heat exchange flow path 28 is connected to the first flow path 11 . This allows the battery 17 to be heated via the second heat exchange flow path 28 , facilitating rapid heating of the battery 17 .

[0041] In one embodiment, the second heat exchange flow path 28 further includes a first coolant branch 30 connected in parallel to the second heat exchanger 29. The first coolant branch 30 includes a one-way valve 31. The first end of the one-way valve 31 is connected to the liquid inlet of the second heat exchanger 29, and the second end of the one-way valve 31 is connected to the liquid outlet of the second heat exchanger 29. The one-way valve 31 is unidirectional from the first end to the second end. This prevents coolant backflow. As shown in Figure 2, when the switching valve 14 is in the first state, the second flow path 12 is connected to either the one-way valve 31 or the second heat exchanger 29. The second flow path 12 can be connected to the one-way valve 31. The second flow path 12 can also be connected to the second heat exchanger 29. The second coolant circuit 22 passes through the one-way valve 31 or the second heat exchanger 29. This allows the coolant to enter the expansion tank 13 after the electric drive assembly 18 is replaced without passing through the second heat exchanger 29, thereby accelerating the exhaust of the coolant.

[0042] In one embodiment, the second heat exchange flow path 28 further includes a third liquid pump 32. The first coolant branch 30 is connected in parallel to the third liquid pump 32. The inlet of the third liquid pump 32 is connected between the first coolant branch 30 and the switching valve 14, and the outlet of the third liquid pump 32 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 29. The third liquid pump 32 is used to enable the coolant to flow through the second heat exchanger 29. The third liquid pump 32 can accelerate the flow of coolant through the second heat exchanger 29.

[0043] In one embodiment, the second heat exchange flow path 28 further includes a three-way valve 33 and a second coolant branch 34 connected in parallel to the second heat exchanger 29. The second coolant branch 34 includes a heater core 35. The inlet of the three-way valve 33 is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger 29, the first outlet of the three-way valve 33 is connected to the switching valve 14, and the second outlet of the three-way valve 33 is connected to the second coolant branch 34. The inlet of the three-way valve 33 is connected to at least one of the first outlet or the second outlet of the three-way valve 33. When the inlet of the three-way valve 33 is connected to the first outlet of the three-way valve 33, the coolant passes through the second heat exchanger 29 and directly enters the other flow paths through the switching valve 14. When the inlet of the three-way valve 33 is connected to the second outlet of the three-way valve 33, the coolant can pass through the heater core 35 after passing through the second heat exchanger 29. This allows coolant to flow through the heater core 35 to assist in heating the air inside the vehicle when the vehicle interior temperature is low, and prevents coolant from flowing through the heater core 35 when the vehicle interior temperature is suitable, thereby improving the adaptability of the thermal management system 10. When the switching valve 14 is in the first state, the inlet of the three-way valve 33 can be connected to both the first outlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve 33. In this way, the gas in the heater core 35 and the second heat exchanger 29 can be transferred to the expansion kettle 13 along with the coolant, facilitating the discharge of the gas.

[0044] In one embodiment, the second heat exchange circuit 28 further includes a heater 36. Heater 36 can be a high-voltage heater. Heater 36 can be connected in series with the second heat exchanger 29 and in parallel with the one-way valve 31. Heater 36 is connected to the liquid outlet of the second heat exchanger 29 and is configured to heat the coolant in the second heat exchange circuit 28. By heating the coolant in the second heat exchange circuit 28, heater 36 heats components such as the heater core 35 and the battery 17, thereby increasing the heating rate of the thermal management system 10.

[0045] 1 and 2 , in this embodiment, when the switching valve 14 is in the first state, the first flow path 11 , the first heat exchange flow path 26 and the third flow path 23 are connected in series, and the second flow path 12 and the second heat exchange flow path 28 are connected in series.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the first flow path 11, the first heat exchange flow path 26, the third flow path 23, and the expansion kettle 13 are connected in series to form a first coolant circuit 21. Only the first liquid pump 15 is turned on to allow coolant to circulate in the first coolant circuit 21. The coolant can flow through the battery 17, the first heat exchanger 27, the radiator 24, and the expansion kettle 13 in sequence, thereby discharging gas from the battery 17, the first heat exchanger 27, and the radiator 24 through the expansion kettle 13. This can be used to add and vent coolant when replacing components of the battery 17, the first heat exchanger 27, and the radiator 24.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in FIG2 , the second flow path 12, the second heat exchange flow path 28, and the expansion kettle 13 are connected in series to form the second coolant circuit 22. The first and second outlets of the three-way valve 33 are both opened to 50%, and the second liquid pump 16 and the third liquid pump 32 are turned on to allow the coolant to circulate in the second coolant circuit 22. The coolant can flow through the electric drive assembly 18, the second heat exchanger 29, the heater 36, the heater core 35, and the expansion kettle 13 in sequence, thereby discharging gas from the electric drive assembly 18, the second heat exchanger 29, the heater 36, and the heater core 35 through the expansion kettle 13. This can be used to add and vent coolant when replacing components of the electric drive assembly 18, the second heat exchanger 29, the heater 36, and the heater core 35.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in this embodiment, when the switching valve 14 is in the second state, the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are separated. Specifically, the second state can include at least a first sub-state and a second sub-state. When the switching valve 14 is in the first sub-state (Figure 3), the battery 17 can be cooled, and when the switching valve 14 is in the second sub-state (Figure 4), the battery 17 can be heated. The first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12 are separated, and the coolant in the first flow path 11 cannot circulate in the expansion kettle 13, and the coolant in the second flow path 12 cannot circulate in the expansion kettle 13. In this way, the coolant flowing through the battery 17 and the coolant flowing through the electric drive component 18 will not generate heat exchange at the expansion kettle 13, reducing heat leakage.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in FIG3 , when the switching valve 14 is in the first sub-state, the first flow path 11 and the first heat exchange flow path 26 are connected in series, while the second flow path 12, the third flow path 23, and the second heat exchange flow path 28 are connected in series. This allows the battery 17 to be cooled by the first heat exchanger 27, while the electric drive assembly 18 and the second heat exchanger 29 to be cooled by the radiator 24.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in FIG4 , when the switching valve 14 is in the second sub-state, the first flow path 11 and the second heat exchange flow path 28 are connected in series, and the second flow path 12, the third flow path 23, and the first heat exchange flow path 26 are connected in series. This allows the battery 17 to be heated by the second heat exchanger 29, while the first heat exchanger 27 can absorb heat from the external environment through the radiator 24.

[0051] The present application also provides a vehicle including a thermal management system. It should be noted that the description of the thermal management system in the above embodiments and implementations is also applicable to the vehicle in the embodiments of the present application.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present application are indicated by the following claims.

[0053] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system comprising: a first flow path comprising a battery and a first liquid pump for the battery; a second fluid path, comprising an electric drive assembly and a second fluid pump for the electric drive assembly; An expansion kettle, comprising a first liquid inlet and a second liquid inlet communicated with each other, wherein the first liquid inlet is connected to the liquid inlet of the first liquid pump, and the second liquid inlet is connected to the liquid inlet of the second liquid pump; and a switching valve, the first flow path and the second flow path being connected to the switching valve; Wherein, the switching valve includes a first state and a second state; When the switching valve is in the first state, the first flow path and the second flow path are respectively connected to the expansion pot, so as to form a first coolant circuit flowing through the first flow path and the expansion pot, and a second coolant circuit flowing through the second flow path and the expansion pot; the first liquid pump is used to circulate the coolant in the first coolant circuit; and the second liquid pump is used to circulate the coolant in the second coolant circuit; When the switching valve is in the second state, the first flow path and the second flow path are separated, and the expansion kettle is used to replenish fluid to the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump through the first fluid replenishment port and the second fluid replenishment port respectively.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1 further includes a third flow path connected to the switching valve, the third flow path includes a radiator, one port of the radiator is connected to the switching valve, and the other port of the radiator is connected between the switching valve and the liquid inlet of the second liquid pump.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein: When the switching valve is in the first state, the first flow path and the third flow path are connected, and the first coolant circuit passes through the third flow path; When the switching valve is in the second state, the third flow path communicates with the second flow path.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The expansion kettle further comprises an exhaust port, the radiator is connected to the exhaust port, and the exhaust port is used to discharge the gas in the radiator.

5. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a refrigerant circuit and a first heat exchange flow path connected to the switching valve; The refrigerant circuit includes a first heat exchanger and a compressor, wherein the first heat exchanger is connected to an air inlet of the compressor; The first heat exchange flow path passes through the first heat exchanger.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein: When the switching valve is in the first state, the first flow path and the first heat exchange flow path are connected, and the first coolant circuit passes through the first heat exchange flow path; When the switching valve is in the second state, the first heat exchange flow path can be selectively connected to one of the first flow path and the second flow path.

7. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a refrigerant circuit and a second heat exchange flow path connected to the switching valve; The refrigerant circuit includes a second heat exchanger and a compressor, wherein the second heat exchanger is connected to an air outlet of the compressor; The second heat exchange flow path passes through the second heat exchanger.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7, wherein: When the switching valve is in the first state, the second heat exchange flow path is connected to the second flow path, and the second coolant circuit passes through the second heat exchange flow path; When the switching valve is in the second state, the second heat exchange flow path can be selectively connected to one of the first flow path and the second flow path.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The second heat exchange flow path further includes a first coolant branch connected in parallel to the second heat exchanger; The first coolant branch includes a one-way valve; When the switching valve is in the first state, the second flow path is connected to one of the one-way valve and the second heat exchanger; and the second coolant circuit passes through the one-way valve or the second heat exchanger.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein: The second heat exchange flow path further includes a third liquid pump, the first coolant branch is connected in parallel to the third liquid pump, the liquid inlet of the third liquid pump is connected between the first coolant branch and the switching valve, and the liquid outlet of the third liquid pump is connected to the liquid inlet of the second heat exchanger; The third liquid pump is used to enable the coolant to flow through the second heat exchanger.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The second heat exchange flow path further includes a three-way valve and a second coolant branch connected in parallel to the second heat exchanger; The second coolant branch includes a heater core; The inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the liquid outlet of the second heat exchanger, the first outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the switching valve, and the second outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the second coolant branch; The inlet of the three-way valve communicates with at least one of the first outlet of the three-way valve and the second outlet of the three-way valve.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The second heat exchange flow path further includes a heater, which is connected to the liquid outlet of the second heat exchanger and is used to heat the coolant in the second heat exchange flow path.

13. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The electric drive assembly includes one or more of a motor, an on-board charger, a converter, and an automatic driving controller.

14. A vehicle comprising the thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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