Manifold and thermal management device

Abstract

A manifold and a thermal management device are provided in the present disclosure. The manifold comprises: a main body portion extending in a first direction, and a plurality of flow channels provided on the main body portion; a first fixation portion and a second fixation portion arranged along the first direction at two respective ends of the main body portion; and an intermediate fixation portion arranged in a middle region of the main body portion, wherein the intermediate fixation portion is located between the first fixation portion and the second fixation portion with respect to the first direction.

Description

Flow channel plate and thermal management device Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a flow channel plate and a thermal management device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the application of new energy vehicles is becoming increasingly widespread in order to protect the environment. In electric vehicles, which are considered new energy vehicles, the electric drive mechanism generates a large amount of heat when supplying power, leading to increased resistance. This reduces discharge and charging efficiency, thus shortening battery life. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause batteries to explode. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to low temperatures results in unnecessary energy loss. Therefore, electric vehicles require additional consideration of battery and motor cooling, making their thermal management systems more complex and involving more piping than those of traditional gasoline vehicles. However, the limited space in a vehicle's overall layout presents challenges and difficulties in designing the thermal management system for new energy vehicles.

[0003] Typically, integrated thermal management modules are used to address these issues, integrating various thermal management components and valves onto a manifold panel. However, the integration or mounting of numerous components on the manifold panel results in a significant weight distribution and potential instability during installation. Some known integrated thermal management modules are mounted from only one direction, leading to instability. Others use brackets for vehicle mounting, which increases assembly steps and installation costs.

[0004] Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a flow channel plate and a thermal management device that have high installation stability, simplify the assembly process, and reduce installation costs.

[0006] The above objectives are achieved through the flow channel plate and thermal management device described below.

[0007] This disclosure provides a flow channel plate, the flow channel plate comprising: a main body portion extending along a first direction and having a plurality of flow channels thereon; a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion disposed at both ends of the main body portion along the first direction; and an intermediate fixing portion disposed in the middle region of the main body portion; wherein the intermediate fixing portion is located between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion in the first direction.

[0008] The flow channel plate according to this disclosure may also have one or more of the following features, individually or in combination.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first fixing part and the second fixing part are disposed on the first edge of the flow channel plate, and the intermediate fixing part is disposed on the second edge of the flow channel plate opposite to the first edge.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first fixing part, the second fixing part, and the intermediate fixing part form an integral component with the flow channel plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first fixing part has a first hole; the second fixing part has a second hole; the central axis of the first hole and / or the central axis of the second hole are perpendicular to the first direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, when viewed along the first direction, the central axis of the first hole forms an angle with the central axis of the second hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the intermediate fixing part includes a third hole, the central axis of which is perpendicular to the extension plane of the flow channel plate.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first fixing part includes a first base plate connected to the main body and transverse to the extension plane of the flow channel plate; a first hole is formed in the first base plate, and the central axis of the first hole is perpendicular to the first base plate; the second fixing part includes a second base plate connected to the main body and transverse to the extension plane of the flow channel plate; a second hole is formed in the second base plate, and the central axis of the second hole is perpendicular to the second base plate; viewed along the first direction, the first base plate and the second base plate are offset.

[0015] In one embodiment, when viewed along the first direction, the first base plate and the second base plate form an angle.

[0016] In one embodiment, when viewed along the first direction, the first base plate and the second base plate are arranged parallel to each other.

[0017] In one embodiment, a first reinforcing rib is provided between the main body portion and the first base plate; and / or a second reinforcing rib is provided between the main body portion and the second base plate.

[0018] In one embodiment, the central axis of the first hole and / or the central axis of the second hole are offset from the extension plane of the flow channel plate.

[0019] In one embodiment, the flow channel plate further includes a connecting portion extending from the main body to the outside, the connecting portion being used to securely connect the drying bottle of the thermal management device; a channel is formed within the connecting portion, the channel being configured to fluidly communicate the flow channel on the main body with the drying bottle.

[0020] This disclosure also provides a thermal management device, the thermal management device including a drying bottle and a flow channel plate as described above; the drying bottle is mounted on the flow channel plate and is in fluid communication with the flow channel plate.

[0021] In one embodiment, the main body portion of the flow channel plate extends along a first direction; along the first direction, a second fixing portion of the flow channel plate is located between the first fixing portion of the flow channel plate and the drying bottle; and the thermal management device further includes a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is close to the first fixing portion and the drying bottle is close to the second fixing portion.

[0022] The advantages of the technical solution disclosed herein are: the flow channel plate has a three-point fixing part and uses different fixing directions, thus having high installation stability; the flow channel plate uses a fixing part adapted to the installation environment, eliminating the need for bracket assistance, simplifying the assembly process, and reducing installation costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly described below. The drawings are merely illustrative of some embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of all embodiments of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle thermal management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the flow channel plate of a vehicle thermal management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle thermal management device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the flow channel plate of a vehicle's thermal management device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0028] Figure 5 shows a side view of the flow channel plate of a vehicle thermal management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “connected,” and similar terms are not limited to the physical or mechanical connection or connection shown in the drawings, but may include equivalent connections or connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, which may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0031] The following describes in detail, with reference to Figures 1 to 5, various embodiments of a thermal management device for a vehicle and a flow channel plate for the thermal management device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The thermal management device according to the present disclosure is used to distribute a heat transfer fluid, which may be, for example, a refrigerant as described below. The thermal management device may be mounted on the vehicle body. For example, the vehicle body includes a frame, and the thermal management device may be mounted on the frame. The thermal management device according to the present disclosure can be used in new energy vehicles, such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc. The thermal management device includes a refrigerant circuit for refrigerant flow and a coolant circuit for coolant flow. The refrigerant may be, for example, Freon or propane, and the coolant may be, for example, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the thermal management device may include a flow channel plate 1, a first valve 100, and a second valve 200. The first valve 100 may be a multi-port valve, at least partially integrated into the flow channel plate 1 to improve integration and reduce material and assembly costs. The second valve 200 may be a one-way valve, configured to be in fluid communication with one port of the first valve 100. The flow channel plate 1 may also be referred to as a manifold plate, and has multiple flow channels thereon. For example, the valve cavity of the first valve 100 may be at least partially formed within the flow channel plate 1, thus eliminating the need for at least part of the valve body structure and reducing assembly steps. For example, the second valve 200 may be inserted into a flow channel on the flow channel plate 1.

[0033] For example, the flow channel plate 1 can be a refrigerant plate, on one side of which a thermal management element in the refrigerant circuit of a thermal management device is mounted. Various thermal management elements can be mounted on the flow channel plate 1, such as a dryer flask 120, a heat exchanger 121, expansion valves 122 and 123, etc. Expansion valves 122 and 123 are, for example, electronic expansion valves. The specific locations of the various thermal management elements on the flow channel plate 1 depend on the situation and are not limited to those shown in Figures 1 and 3. In other examples, the flow channel plate 1 can be a coolant plate, and the heat transfer fluid flowing in its channels can be a coolant.

[0034] In addition, the flow channel plate 1 can be provided with various openings, such as openings 23, 24, 25, and 26 shown in Figure 1, and openings 25, 26, 27, and 28 shown in Figure 3. These openings are in fluid communication with the thermal management element through pipes, or are directly connected to the inlet or outlet of the thermal management element.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the flow channel plate 1 includes a main body portion 2 extending along a first direction D1, on which a plurality of flow channels are disposed. The first direction D1 can also be referred to as the length direction of the flow channel plate 1. Figures 1 and 2 also show a second direction D2 that is transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the first direction D1, which can also be referred to as the width direction of the flow channel plate 1. The flow channel plate 1 has an extending plane that extends along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0036] For example, the flow channel plate 1 also includes a transverse portion 3 extending along the second direction D2, which is disposed at one end of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the flow channel plate 1 generally has an "L" shape. The first valve 100 and the second valve 200 described above can be disposed on the transverse portion 3; for example, the valve chamber of the first valve 100 can be integrated into the transverse portion 3. Furthermore, the flow channels on the flow channel plate 1 can extend along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, resulting in a compact structure and convenient processing.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the flow channel plate 1 includes a first fixing part 5 and a second fixing part 6, which are disposed at both ends of the main body portion 2 along a first direction D1. For example, the first fixing part 5 and the second fixing part 6 are protrusions extending from the main body portion 2 of the flow channel plate 1. The flow channel plate 1 also includes a middle fixing part 7, which is disposed in the middle region of the main body portion 2. The middle fixing part 7 is located between the first fixing part 5 and the second fixing part 6 in the first direction D1, for example, disposed in the central region of the flow channel plate 1. For example, the middle fixing part 7 is a protrusion extending from the main body portion 2 of the flow channel plate 1. The above arrangement allows for three-point fixation of the flow channel plate 1.

[0038] For example, the first fixing part 5 and the second fixing part 6 are disposed at the first edge of the flow channel plate 1, and the middle fixing part 7 is disposed at the second edge of the flow channel plate 1 opposite to the first edge. When the flow channel plate is installed in a vehicle, the first edge can be referred to as the lower edge, and the second edge can be referred to as the upper edge. The above arrangement allows the first fixing part 5, the second fixing part 6, and the middle fixing part 7 to form a triangular fixation, which improves the installation stability and eliminates the need for additional brackets to assist in fixation.

[0039] The openings 23, 24, 25, and 26 in Figure 1 and the openings 25 and 26 in Figure 3 described above can be located at the second edge, and their opening direction is, for example, perpendicular to the extending plane of the flow channel plate 1. In this way, the engagement position of the opening with the external piping or thermal management element is moved to the edge of the flow channel plate, improving the compactness of the flow channel plate.

[0040] The openings 27 and 28 in Figure 3 above can be set on the side of the flow channel plate 1.

[0041] For example, the first fixing part 5, the second fixing part 6, and the intermediate fixing part 7 form an integral component with the flow channel plate 1, i.e., they are integrally molded. This improves the integration and increases the structural strength.

[0042] For example, the first fixing part 5 has a first hole 8, and the second fixing part 6 has a second hole 9. The central axis A1 of the first hole 8 and / or the central axis A2 of the second hole 9 are perpendicular to the first direction D1. The central axes are shown as dashed lines in Figures 1 to 5. In some examples, the central axis A1 of the first hole 8 and / or the central axis A2 of the second hole 9 may be parallel to the second direction D2, or they may form an angle with the second direction D2.

[0043] For example, as shown in Figure 5, when viewed along the first direction D1, the central axis A1 of the first hole 8 and the central axis A2 of the second hole 9 form an angle. In other words, the central axis A1 of the first hole 8 and the central axis A2 of the second hole 9 are not parallel. This arrangement allows the flow channel plate to meet different installation environments.

[0044] For example, the intermediate fixing part 7 includes a third hole 10, the central axis A3 of which is perpendicular to the extension plane of the flow channel plate 1. The first fixing part 5, the second fixing part 6, and the intermediate fixing part 7 improve installation stability and increase fixing strength by fixing the flow channel plate in two different directions.

[0045] For example, the first fixing part 5 includes a first base plate 11, which is connected to the main body part 2 and is transverse to the extension plane of the flow channel plate 1. For example, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the first base plate 11 extends obliquely from the first edge of the flow channel plate 1 away from the heat management element on the flow channel plate, i.e., it extends obliquely to the lower left in Figure 5. A first hole 8 is formed in the first base plate 11, and the central axis A1 of the first hole 8 is perpendicular to the first base plate 11. That is, the central axis A1 of the first hole 8 is offset from the extension plane of the flow channel plate 1, i.e., the first base plate 11 forms an angle with the extension plane, such as an obtuse angle. The second fixing part 6 includes a second base plate 12, which is connected to the main body part 2 and is transverse to the extension plane of the flow channel plate 1. For example, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the second base plate 12 extends obliquely from the first edge of the flow channel plate 1 away from the heat management element on the flow channel plate, i.e., it extends obliquely to the lower left in Figure 5. A second hole 9 is formed in the second base plate 12, and the central axis A2 of the second hole 9 is perpendicular to the second base plate 12. In other words, the central axis A2 of the second hole 9 is offset from the extension plane of the flow channel plate 1, that is, the second base plate 12 forms an angle with the extension plane, for example, an obtuse angle. It is also possible for one of the first base plate 11 and the second base plate 12 to extend obliquely to the lower left in Figure 5. By arranging the first base plate 11 and / or the second base plate 12 to extend obliquely to the lower left in Figure 5, the central axis of the first hole 8 and / or the second hole 9 is offset as far outward as possible relative to the second direction D2, thereby facilitating the installation of fasteners (e.g., nuts). The above arrangement can avoid interference of the thermal management element mounted on the flow channel plate with the installation of the fastener at the second fixing part 6, especially the interference of the joint between the thermal management element and the flow channel plate with the fastener, particularly the joint at the interfaces 27 and 28 of the flow channel plate 1 as shown in Figure 3.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, when viewed along the first direction D1, the first base plate 11 and the second base plate 12 are offset. The term "offset" as used in this article refers to a non-overlapping arrangement.

[0047] For example, as shown in Figure 5, when viewed along the first direction D1, the first base plate 11 and the second base plate 12 form an angle. In other examples, when viewed along the first direction D1, the first base plate 11 and the second base plate 12 are arranged parallel to each other. This arrangement can depend on the frame on which the flow channel plate 1 is mounted.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, a first reinforcing rib 13 is provided between the main body portion 2 of the flow channel plate 1 and the first main plate 11; and / or a second reinforcing rib 14 is provided between the main body portion 2 and the second base plate 12. The first reinforcing rib 13 and the second reinforcing rib 14 can be plate-shaped or block-shaped structures extending transversely to the extension plane of the flow channel plate 1. The number of each of the first reinforcing rib 13 and the second reinforcing rib 14 can be one or more. By providing reinforcing ribs, the strength of the flow channel plate can be increased, and the installation stability can be improved.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the flow channel plate 1 also includes a connecting portion 15 extending from the main body portion 2 to the outside, which is used to securely connect the drying bottle 120. Channels 16 and 17 are formed within the connecting portion 15, configured to fluidly communicate the flow channel on the main body portion 2 with the drying bottle 120. For example, the extending direction of channels 16 and 17 is perpendicular to the extending plane of the flow channel plate 1. For example, a portion of the connecting portion 15 has the form of a pipe. For example, the connecting portion 15 is integrally formed with the main body portion 2 of the flow channel plate 1.

[0050] In some examples of the thermal management device disclosed herein, the thermal management device includes a drying bottle 120 and a flow channel plate 1 as described above, the drying bottle 120 being mounted on the flow channel plate 1 and in fluid communication with the flow channel plate 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0051] For example, the thermal management device also includes a heat exchanger 121, and the main body portion 2 of the flow channel plate 1 extends along a first direction D1. In the example shown in FIG3, along the first direction D1, the second fixing portion 6 of the flow channel plate 1 is located between the first fixing portion 5 of the flow channel plate 1 and the drying bottle 120, with the heat exchanger 121 closer to the first fixing portion 5 and the drying bottle 120 closer to the second fixing portion 6. In other words, the heat exchanger 121, which has a larger mass in the thermal management device, is closer to the first fixing portion 5, and the drying bottle 120 is closer to the second fixing portion 6. Compared with the embodiment shown in FIG1, this arrangement in FIG3 can shorten the distance between the first fixing portion 5 and the second fixing portion 6, and make the center of the heavier component closer to the first fixing point and the second fixing point respectively, so as to achieve a balanced weight distribution and improve the overall strength of the flow channel plate and the thermal management device to a certain extent.

[0052] As described above, the flow channel plate of this disclosure has a three-point fixing part and uses different fixing directions, thus exhibiting high installation stability. Furthermore, the flow channel plate of this disclosure uses a fixing part adapted to the installation environment, eliminating the need for bracket assistance, simplifying the assembly process, and reducing installation costs. It should be noted that the thermal management device of this disclosure possesses all the advantages mentioned above regarding the flow channel plate.

[0053] The technical features disclosed above are not limited to the combinations of the disclosed features with other features. Those skilled in the art may also make other combinations of the technical features according to the purpose of the disclosure in order to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A flow channel plate, characterized in that, The flow channel plate (1) includes: The main body (2) extends along the first direction (D1) and is provided with multiple flow channels; A first fixing part (5) and a second fixing part (6) are disposed at both ends of the main body part (2) along the first direction (D1); and An intermediate fixing part (7) is disposed in the middle region of the main body part (2); wherein the intermediate fixing part (7) is located between the first fixing part (5) and the second fixing part (6) in the first direction (D1).

2. The flow channel plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing part (5) and the second fixing part (6) are disposed on the first edge of the flow channel plate (1), and the intermediate fixing part (7) is disposed on the second edge of the flow channel plate (1) opposite to the first edge.

3. The flow channel plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing part (5), the second fixing part (6), and the intermediate fixing part (7) form an integral component with the flow channel plate (1).

4. The flow channel plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing part (5) has a first hole (8); the second fixing part (6) has a second hole (9); the central axis (A1) of the first hole (8) and / or the central axis (A2) of the second hole (9) are perpendicular to the first direction (D1).

5. The flow channel plate according to claim 4, characterized in that, Looking along the first direction (D1), the central axis (A1) of the first hole (8) and the central axis (A2) of the second hole (9) form an angle.

6. The flow channel plate according to claim 4, characterized in that, The intermediate fixing part (7) includes a third hole (10), the central axis (A3) of which is perpendicular to the extension plane of the flow channel plate (1).

7. The flow channel plate according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first fixing part (5) includes a first base plate (11), which is connected to the main body part (2) and is transverse to the extension plane of the flow channel plate (1); the first hole (8) is formed in the first base plate (11), and the central axis (A1) of the first hole (8) is perpendicular to the first base plate (11); The second fixing part (6) includes a second base plate (12), which is connected to the main body part (2) and is transverse to the extension plane of the flow channel plate (1); the second hole (9) is formed in the second base plate (12), and the central axis (A2) of the second hole (9) is perpendicular to the second base plate (12); Looking along the first direction (D1), the first base plate (11) and the second base plate (12) are offset from each other.

8. The flow channel plate according to claim 7, characterized in that, Looking along the first direction (D1), the first base plate (11) and the second base plate (12) form an angle.

9. The flow channel plate according to claim 7, characterized in that, Looking along the first direction (D1), the first base plate (11) and the second base plate (12) are arranged parallel to each other.

10. The flow channel plate according to claim 7, characterized in that, A first reinforcing rib (13) is provided between the main body part (2) and the first base plate (11); and / or a second reinforcing rib (14) is provided between the main body part (2) and the second base plate (12).

11. The flow channel plate according to claim 7, characterized in that, The central axis (A1) of the first hole (8) and / or the central axis (A2) of the second hole (9) are offset from the extension plane of the flow channel plate (1).

12. The flow channel plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow channel plate (1) further includes a connecting portion (15) extending from the main body portion (2) to the outside, the connecting portion (15) being used to fix the drying bottle (120) of the thermal management device; a channel (16, 17) is formed in the connecting portion (15), the channel being configured to fluidly communicate the flow channel on the main body portion (2) with the drying bottle (120).

13. A thermal management device comprising a drying flask (120), characterized in that, The thermal management device includes a flow channel plate as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; the drying bottle (120) is mounted on the flow channel plate and is in fluid communication with the flow channel plate.

14. The thermal management device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The main body (2) of the flow channel plate (1) extends along a first direction (D1); along the first direction (D1), the second fixing part (6) of the flow channel plate (1) is located between the first fixing part (5) of the flow channel plate (1) and the drying bottle (120); and the thermal management device further includes a heat exchanger (121); The heat exchanger (121) is located near the first fixing part (5), and the drying bottle (120) is located near the second fixing part (6).

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