Thermal management assembly and vehicle

Abstract

A thermal management assembly (1) comprises: a plate-shaped manifold (10) comprising a plurality of flow channels (11, 12, 13, 14) and a mounting cavity (20), wherein the mounting cavity (20) is provided with a plurality of communication ports (21, 22, 23, 24) respectively in communication with the plurality of flow channels (11, 12, 13, 14); and a valve core (30) disposed in the mounting cavity (20) and rotatable relative to the mounting cavity (20) between a plurality of working positions; when located in different working positions, the valve core (30) can bring at least two of the plurality of communication ports (21, 22, 23, 24) into communication, and at least one communication port (21, 22, 23, 24) is opposite to an opening (200) of the mounting cavity (20). In the thermal management assembly, the mounting cavity is used as a valve cavity of the valve core and is at least partially formed on the plate-shaped manifold. This can effectively improve the integration degree of the thermal management assembly, simplify assembly, and reduce the space occupied by the thermal management assembly. Further disclosed is a vehicle.

Description

Thermal management components and vehicles Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a thermal management component and a vehicle including the thermal management component. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicle thermal management assemblies, multiple shut-off valves and / or three-way valves are typically used in conjunction with piping to switch and control the fluid circuit. However, this approach not only increases assembly difficulty but also results in a complex, difficult-to-control, space-consuming, and costly thermal management assembly. To overcome these drawbacks, commercially available vehicle thermal management assemblies use multi-way valves directly or indirectly connected to the flow channel plate. However, this type of thermal management assembly is also not easy to install and has low integration.

[0003] Therefore, those skilled in the art are dedicated to developing a new type of thermal management component that is easy to install, has high integration, and reduces costs.

[0004] Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a thermal management assembly that effectively improves the integration of the thermal management assembly and facilitates installation by forming / integrating at least partially a mounting cavity for accommodating a valve core onto a plate-shaped manifold, thereby reducing the space occupied by the thermal management assembly.

[0006] This disclosure provides a thermal management assembly, comprising: a plate-shaped manifold including a plurality of flow channels and a mounting cavity, the mounting cavity having a plurality of communication ports respectively communicating with the plurality of flow channels; and a valve core disposed within the mounting cavity and rotatable relative to the mounting cavity between a plurality of working positions, wherein when the valve core is in different working positions, it is capable of communicating with at least two of the plurality of communication ports, and at least one communication port is opposite to the opening of the mounting cavity.

[0007] The thermal management component according to this disclosure may also have one or more of the following features, individually or in combination.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the thermal management assembly further includes a valve cover mounted on the mounting cavity to seal the mounting cavity.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the mounting cavity includes a bottom wall and a side wall located between the bottom wall and an opening of the mounting cavity, wherein the at least one communication port is disposed on the bottom wall.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of communication ports include a first communication port, a second communication port, a third communication port, and a fourth communication port, wherein the fourth communication port is disposed on the bottom wall, and the first communication port, the second communication port, and the third communication port are disposed on the side wall.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the fourth connection port is a fluid inlet for fluid to flow into the mounting cavity, and the first connection port, the second connection port, and the third connection port are all fluid outlets for fluid to flow out of the mounting cavity.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the thermal management component further includes an inlet interface disposed on the plate manifold, the inlet interface being connected to a fourth communication port via a fourth flow channel.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the orientation of the inlet interface is the same as, opposite to, or intersects with the orientation of the mounting cavity.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the valve core is frustum-shaped, having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a spherical sidewall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall. The valve core includes a first valve core flow channel and a second valve core flow channel that communicate with each other. The first valve core flow channel includes a first flow channel opening located on the spherical sidewall, and the second valve core flow channel includes a second flow channel opening located on the bottom wall.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the valve core has a clearance space located in the first valve core flow channel, the clearance space having a first boundary and a second boundary in the valve core, the included angle between the first boundary and the second boundary being between 150 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is in a first working position, the thermal management component is in a first working mode: the first flow channel opening of the first valve core flow channel is connected to the first communication port, and the second flow channel opening of the second valve core flow channel is connected to the fourth communication port, so that the first flow channel of the plate manifold is connected to the fourth flow channel.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is in the second working position, the thermal management component is in a second working mode: the first flow channel opening of the first valve core flow channel is connected to the third communication port, and the second flow channel opening of the second valve core flow channel is connected to the fourth communication port, so that the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel of the plate manifold are connected.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is in the third operating position, the thermal management component is in a third operating mode: the first flow channel opening of the first valve core flow channel is connected to the first connecting port and the second connecting port, and the second flow channel opening of the second valve core flow channel is connected to the fourth connecting port, so that the first flow channel, the second flow channel and the fourth flow channel of the plate manifold are connected, wherein, in the third operating mode, the flow rate of the first flow channel and the second flow channel can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap ratio between the first flow channel opening and the first connecting port and the second connecting port.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is in the fourth operating position, the thermal management component is in a fourth operating mode: the first flow channel opening of the first valve core flow channel is connected to the second connecting port and the third connecting port, and the second flow channel opening of the second valve core flow channel is connected to the fourth connecting port, so that the second flow channel, the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel of the plate manifold are connected, wherein, in the fourth operating mode, the flow rate of the second flow channel and the third flow channel can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap ratio between the first flow channel opening and the second connecting port and the third connecting port.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is in the fifth operating position, the thermal management component is in the fifth operating mode: the first flow channel opening of the first valve core flow channel is connected to the first connecting port, the second connecting port and the third connecting port, and the second flow channel opening of the second valve core flow channel is connected to the fourth connecting port, so that the first flow channel, the second flow channel, the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel of the plate manifold are connected.

[0021] This disclosure also provides a vehicle that includes the aforementioned thermal management components. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a thermal management assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a thermal management assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle;

[0024] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a plate manifold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a plate manifold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle;

[0026] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a plate manifold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a valve core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a valve core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle;

[0029] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a valve core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a third perspective;

[0030] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a valve core according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 10 shows a partial enlarged view of a mounting cavity on a plate manifold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a seal is installed into the mounting cavity;

[0032] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the valve core, seal and sealing positioning member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a thermal management assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, omitting the actuator;

[0034] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when it is in a first operating mode, wherein the valve core is located in the first operating position;

[0035] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of a thermal management assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when it is in a second operating mode, wherein the valve core is located in the second operating position;

[0036] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when it is in a third operating mode, wherein the valve core is located in the third operating position.

[0037] Figure 16 shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of a thermal management assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a fourth operating mode, wherein the valve core is located in the fourth operating position.

[0038] Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of a thermal management component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a fifth operating mode, wherein the valve core is located in the fifth operating position. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this disclosure from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0040] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this disclosure can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this disclosure, provided that they do not affect the effects and purposes that this disclosure can produce.

[0041] For ease of description, the accompanying drawings of this disclosure have correspondingly simplified or omitted components commonly used in the art, and these omitted or simplified components do not affect the understanding of the contents of this disclosure by those skilled in the art.

[0042] This disclosure provides a thermal management component. Specific embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Please refer to Figures 1 to 8. The thermal management assembly 1 includes a plate-shaped manifold 10 and a valve core 30, among other components. The plate-shaped manifold 10 includes multiple flow channels 11, 12, 13, and 14, and a mounting cavity 20 for accommodating the valve core 30. The mounting cavity 20 has multiple communication ports 21, 22, 23, and 24 that communicate with the multiple flow channels 11, 12, 13, and 14, respectively. The valve core 30 is disposed within the mounting cavity 20 of the plate-shaped manifold 10 and can rotate relative to the mounting cavity 20 between multiple operating positions. When the valve core 30 is in different operating positions, it can connect to at least two of the multiple communication ports 21, 22, 23, and 24, and at least one communication port is opposite to the opening of the mounting cavity 20. This configuration allows the valve core 30 to be directly installed into the mounting cavity 20 of the plate manifold 10. In other words, the mounting cavity 20 in this disclosure can be formed / integrated into the plate manifold at least partially as the valve cavity of the valve core 30. This effectively improves the integration of the thermal management components, simplifies assembly, and reduces the space occupied by the thermal management components.

[0044] Specifically, referring to Figures 1 to 5, the plate manifold 10 may be composed of a first cover plate 101 and a second cover plate 102 stacked together. The first cover plate 101 and / or the second cover plate 102 may be provided with grooves, and the grooves on the first cover plate 101 or the second cover plate 102 are sealed by another cover plate to form multiple flow channels 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the plate manifold 10. The fluid (also referred to as the heat transfer fluid) flows in the flow channels of the plate manifold 10 to exchange heat with the outside world or external components (e.g., refrigerant plates).

[0045] The mounting cavity 20 may be partially disposed / integrated on the first cover plate 101 and fluidly connected to multiple flow channels 11, 12, 13, and 14 via multiple communication ports 21, 22, 23, and 24, respectively. In one embodiment, the mounting cavity 20 may be integrally formed with the first cover plate 101, which simplifies the installation process and improves integration. The top of the mounting cavity 20 is provided with an opening 200, and the mounting cavity 20 may include a bottom wall L disposed opposite to the opening 200 and a side wall S located between the bottom wall L and the opening 200. At least one of the multiple communication ports 21, 22, 23, and 24 is provided with a communication hole on the bottom wall L.

[0046] In this embodiment, the plurality of connecting ports 21, 22, 23, and 24 may include a first connecting hole 21, a second connecting port 22, a third connecting port 23, and a fourth connecting port 24. The plurality of flow channels 11, 12, 13, and 14 include a first flow channel 11, a second flow channel 12, a third flow channel 13, and a fourth flow channel 14. The fourth connecting port 24 may be disposed on the bottom wall L of the mounting cavity 20 and connect the mounting cavity 20 with the fourth flow channel 14, serving as a fluid inlet for fluid to flow into the mounting cavity 20. The first connecting ports 21, 22, and 23 may be disposed on the side wall S of the mounting cavity 20 and connect the mounting cavity 20 with the first flow channel 11, the second flow channel 12, and the third flow channel 13, respectively, serving as fluid outlets for fluid to flow out of the mounting cavity 20. Of course, this disclosure is not limited to the number of the above-mentioned connecting ports and flow channels; for example, more connecting ports and flow channels may be provided, depending on the actual situation.

[0047] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. The first connecting port 21 is directly opposite the third connecting port 23, meaning the connecting port axis of the first connecting port 21 coincides with the connecting port axis of the third connecting port 23. The second connecting port 22 is approximately located on the central axis (line of symmetry) of the first connecting port 21 and the second connecting port 23, and the connecting port axis of the second connecting port 22 is perpendicular to the connecting port axes of the first and third connecting ports 21 and 23. In this embodiment, the first flow channel 11 and the third flow channel 13 connecting the first and third connecting ports 21 and 23 can be correspondingly arranged on the same straight line, and the second flow channel 12 connecting the second connecting port 22 can be correspondingly perpendicular to the straight line where the first and third flow channels 11 and 13 are located. Of course, this disclosure is not limited to the arrangement of the first, second and third connecting ports 21, 22 and 23 mentioned above. For example, the first, second and third connecting ports 21, 22 and 23 can also be evenly distributed on the side wall S of the mounting cavity 20 in the circumferential direction. In this case, the arrangement direction of the first, second and third flow channels 11, 12 and 13 can be modified accordingly.

[0048] Referring again to Figures 2 and 5, the thermal management assembly 1 also includes an inlet port 15 disposed on the plate manifold 10 for connecting an external component (e.g., a fluid source) to supply fluid to the plate manifold 10. The inlet port 15 can be connected to a fourth communication port 24 via a fourth flow channel 14, allowing fluid entering through the inlet port 15 to enter the mounting cavity 20 and connect to at least one of the first flow channel 11, the second flow channel 12, and the third flow channel 13 through different operating positions of the valve core 30.

[0049] In this embodiment, the orientation of the inlet interface 15 is the same as that of the mounting cavity 20 (as shown in Figure 5). That is, the inlet interface 15 and the mounting cavity 20 are located on the same side of the plate manifold 10 (for example, both are located on the first cover plate 101 of the plate manifold 10). Since the fourth communication port 24 is located opposite to the opening 200 of the mounting cavity 20, the fourth flow channel 14 can be located on the other side of the plate manifold 10 (for example, located on the second cover plate 102) and partially overlaps the mounting cavity 20. This arrangement allows the refrigerant plate (not shown) to be located on the side of the plate manifold 10 closer to the second cover plate 102, and while improving the compactness of the plate manifold 10 and the refrigerant plate, it avoids interference between the inlet interface 15 and the mounting cavity 20 and the refrigerant plate. In another embodiment, the orientation of the inlet port 15 can also be set opposite to the orientation of the mounting cavity 20. That is, the inlet port 15 and the mounting cavity 20 can be located on opposite sides of the plate-shaped manifold 10 (for example, the mounting cavity 20 is located on the first cover plate 101, and the inlet port 15 is located on the second cover plate). The inlet port 15 can be connected to the fourth connecting port 24 via a fourth flow channel 14 extending vertically. This arrangement can reduce the fluid resistance when fluid enters the mounting cavity 20. Of course, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the orientation of the inlet port 15 can also be set to intersect with the orientation of the mounting cavity 20, as long as the inlet port 15 can be fluidly connected to the mounting cavity 20 via the fourth flow channel 14 and the fourth connecting port 24.

[0050] Referring to Figures 3 and 12, the top of the mounting cavity 20 is provided with an opening 200, through which the valve core 30 is placed inside the mounting cavity 20. Correspondingly, the thermal management assembly 1 may also include a valve cover 40 that seals the opening 200 of the mounting cavity 20. The valve cover 40 can be connected to the top of the mounting cavity 20 by a locking element such as a screw, so as to seal the valve core 30 inside the mounting cavity 20 (or, in other words, seal the mounting cavity 20).

[0051] Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the valve core 30 can be a ball valve core. Specifically, the valve core 30 can be generally frustum-shaped and rotatable relative to the mounting cavity 20. The frustum-shaped valve core 30 has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a spherical sidewall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall. The valve core 30 includes a first valve core flow channel 31 and a second valve core flow channel 32 for connecting different ports within the mounting cavity 20, thereby forming a fluid circuit with the different flow channels. The first valve core flow channel 31 can be an open cavity chamber within the valve core 30, and this cavity has a first flow channel opening 310 located on the spherical sidewall for connecting at least one of the first, second, and third ports 21, 22, and 23; the second valve core flow channel 32 can be a channel within the valve core 30 connecting to the first valve core flow channel 31, and the second valve core flow channel 32 has a second flow channel opening 320 located on the bottom wall of the valve core 30 for always connecting to the fourth port 24. To ensure that the second valve core flow channel 32 remains connected to the fourth communication port 24 regardless of the valve core 30's operating position, this disclosure positions the second valve core flow channel 32, particularly the second flow channel opening 320, at the center of the bottom wall of the valve core 30. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; it is sufficient as long as the second flow channel opening 320 remains connected to the fourth communication port 24.

[0052] Referring to Figure 9, to reduce the flow resistance of fluid in the valve core 30, a clearance space 300 can be provided in the first valve core flow channel 31 to avoid fluid entering the valve core 30 from the second valve core flow channel 32, thereby reducing fluid resistance. Specifically, the clearance space 300 has a first boundary 301 and a second boundary 302 in the valve core 30, and the included angle α between the first boundary 301 and the second boundary 302 is approximately in the range of 150 degrees to 180 degrees; preferably, the included angle α can be approximately in the range of 160 degrees to 170 degrees; more preferably, the included angle α can be approximately 160 degrees. It should be noted that the intersection of the first boundary 301 and the second boundary 302 can be transitioned by an arc to further reduce flow resistance. Of course, this disclosure is not limited to this, as long as the first valve core flow channel 31 and the second valve core flow channel 32 are connected to each other.

[0053] Referring to Figure 11, the thermal management assembly 1 may also include at least one seal 60 disposed at the periphery of at least one of the first communication port 21, the second communication port 22, and the third communication port 23 within the mounting cavity 20, to achieve a sealed connection between the plate manifold 10, particularly the mounting cavity 20, and the valve core 30. In one embodiment, the thermal management component 1 includes three seals 60, which are respectively disposed on the periphery of the first communication port 21, the second communication port 22, and the third communication port 23 to close the corresponding communication ports. Moreover, no seal 60 is required at the position corresponding to the fourth communication port 24 in the mounting cavity 20, which can effectively prevent the problem of internal leakage caused by fluid crossflow between the valve core 30 and the plate manifold 10 (especially at the mounting cavity 20), while also reducing costs and facilitating installation. In addition, since no seal 60 is provided at the position corresponding to the fourth communication port 24 in the mounting cavity 20, and the fourth communication port 24 is always in communication with the mounting cavity 20, fluid can fill the upper and lower regions of the valve core 30 in the mounting cavity 20, thereby balancing the axial pressure of the fluid on the valve core 30 and reducing the rotational resistance of the valve core 30.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 11. The thermal management assembly 1 may also include a sealing positioning element 61 for positioning the sealing element 60, so that the sealing element 60 is fixed at the periphery of the first connecting port 21, the second connecting port 22 and the third connecting port 23, so as to avoid the sealing element 60 from being misaligned during the rotation of the valve core 30, which would cause internal leakage of fluid.

[0055] The above embodiments are mainly described using the thermal management assembly 1 including the seal 60 as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the thermal management assembly 1 may not include the seal 60, and the sealing connection between the first, second and third flow channels 11, 12 and 13 and the corresponding flow channels of the valve core 30 can be achieved only by the high fitting accuracy between the plate manifold 10 (especially at the mounting cavity 20) and the valve core 30.

[0056] Referring back to Figure 1, the thermal management assembly 1 may further include an actuator 50 for driving the valve core 30 to rotate between different operating positions. In one embodiment, the actuator 50 may include a stepper motor to control the rotation angle of the valve core 30. Specifically, a drive portion 33 (as shown in Figure 6) is provided on the top wall of the valve core 30. This drive portion 33 penetrates the valve cover 40 and is connected (e.g., splined) to the output shaft of the actuator 50 to drive the valve core 30 to rotate relative to the mounting cavity 20 via the actuator 50.

[0057] The following description, in conjunction with Figures 3 to 4, 6 to 7 and 13 to 17, will specifically illustrate five operating modes of a thermal management component 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of the thermal management component 1 when the valve core 30 is in the first working position, i.e., the first working mode of the thermal management component 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 30 is in the first working position, the fourth connecting port 24 is connected to the second flow channel opening 320 of the second valve core flow channel 32 in the valve core 30, and the first flow channel opening 310 of the first valve core flow channel 31 is connected to the first connecting hole 21. That is to say, the inlet interface 15 of the thermal management component 1 can be connected to the first connecting port 21 (i.e., connected to the first flow channel 11) in sequence via the fourth flow channel 14, the fourth connecting port 24, the second valve core flow channel 32 of the valve core 30 and the first valve core flow channel 31, so that fluid can flow into the thermal management component 1 from the inlet interface 15 and flow out from the first flow channel 11, as shown by the arrow in Figure 13. Therefore, when the valve core 30 is in the first working position, the inlet interface 15 of the thermal management component 1 is connected to the first flow channel 11 via the valve core 30, and the second flow channel 12 and the third flow channel 13 are not connected to the first and fourth flow channels 11 and 14, and the thermal management component 1 is in the first working mode.

[0059] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of the thermal management component 1 when the valve core 30 is in the second working position, i.e., the second working mode of the thermal management component 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 30 is in the second working position, the fourth connecting port 24 connects to the second flow channel opening 320 of the second valve core flow channel 32 in the valve core 30, and the first flow channel opening 310 of the first valve core flow channel 31 connects to the third connecting port 23. That is to say, the inlet interface 15 of the thermal management component 1 can be connected to the third connecting port 23 (i.e., connected to the third flow channel 13) in sequence via the fourth flow channel 14, the fourth connecting port 24, the second valve core flow channel 32 of the valve core 30 and the first valve core flow channel 31, so that fluid can flow into the thermal management component 1 from the inlet interface 15 and flow out from the third flow channel 13, as shown by the arrow in Figure 14. Therefore, when the valve core 30 is in the second working position, the inlet interface 15 of the thermal management component 1 is connected to the third flow channel 13 via the valve core 30, and the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 are not connected to the third and fourth flow channels 13 and 14, and the thermal management component 1 is in the second working mode.

[0060] Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of the thermal management component 1 when the valve core 30 is in the third working position, i.e., the third working mode of the thermal management component 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 30 is in the third working position, the fourth connecting port 24 connects to the second flow channel opening 320 of the second valve core flow channel 32 in the valve core 30, and the first flow channel opening 310 of the first valve core flow channel 31 simultaneously connects to the first connecting port 21 and the second connecting port 22. That is to say, the inlet interface 15 of the thermal management component 1 can be connected to the first connecting port 21 (i.e., connected to the first flow channel 11) and the second connecting port 22 (i.e., connected to the second flow channel 21) in sequence via the fourth flow channel 14, the fourth connecting port 24, the second valve core flow channel 32 of the valve core 30 and the first valve core flow channel 31, so that fluid can flow into the thermal management component 1 from the inlet interface 15 and flow out from the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12, as shown by the arrows in Figure 15. Therefore, when the valve core 30 is in the third working position, the inlet interface 15 of the thermal management component 1 is connected to the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 via the valve core 30, and the third flow channel 13 is not connected to the first, second and fourth flow channels 11, 12 and 14, and the thermal management component 1 is in the third working mode.

[0061] It should be noted that when the thermal management component 1 is in the third working mode, the flow rate of the first flow channel 11 and the second flow channel 12 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the valve core 30, especially by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening 310 with the first connecting port 21 and the second connecting port 22, so as to realize the different flow distribution of the thermal management component 1 between different flow channels.

[0062] Figure 16 shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of the thermal management component 1 when the valve core 30 is in the fourth working position, i.e., the fourth working mode of the thermal management component 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 30 is in the fourth working position, the fourth connecting port 24 is connected to the second flow channel opening 320 of the second valve core flow channel 32 in the valve core 30, and the first flow channel opening 310 of the first valve core flow channel 31 is simultaneously connected to the second connecting port 22 and the third connecting port 23. That is to say, the inlet interface 15 of the thermal management component 1 can be connected to the second connecting port 22 (i.e., connected to the second flow channel 12) and the third connecting port 23 (i.e., connected to the third flow channel 13) in sequence via the fourth flow channel 14, the fourth connecting port 24, the second valve core flow channel 32 of the valve core 30 and the first valve core flow channel 31, so that fluid can flow into the thermal management component 1 from the inlet interface 15 and flow out from the second flow channel 12 and the third flow channel 13, as shown by the arrows in Figure 16. Therefore, when the valve core 30 is in the fourth working position, the inlet interface 15 of the thermal management component 1 is connected to the second flow channel 12 and the third flow channel 13 via the valve core 30, and the first flow channel 11 is not connected to the second, third and fourth flow channels 12, 13 and 14, and the thermal management component 1 is in the fourth working mode.

[0063] It should be noted that when the thermal management component 1 is in the fourth working mode, the flow rate of the second flow channel 12 and the third flow channel 13 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the valve core 30, especially by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening 310 with the second connecting port 22 and the third connecting port 23, so as to realize the different flow distribution of the thermal management component 1 between different flow channels.

[0064] Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of the thermal management component 1 when the valve core 30 is in the fifth working position, i.e., the fifth working mode of the thermal management component 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 30 is in the fifth working position, the fourth connecting port 24 connects to the second flow channel opening 320 of the second valve core flow channel 32 in the valve core 30, and the first flow channel opening 310 of the first valve core flow channel 31 simultaneously connects to the first connecting port 21, the second connecting port 22, and the third connecting port 23. That is to say, the inlet interface 15 of the thermal management component 1 can sequentially connect to the first connecting port 21 (i.e., connected to the first flow channel 11), the second connecting port 22 (i.e., connected to the second flow channel 12), and the third connecting port 23 (i.e., connected to the third flow channel 13) via the fourth flow channel 14, the fourth connecting port 24, the second valve core flow channel 32 of the valve core 30, and the first valve core flow channel 31, so that fluid can flow into the thermal management component 1 from the inlet interface 15 and flow out from the first flow channel 11, the second flow channel 12, and the third flow channel 13, as shown by the arrows in Figure 17. Therefore, when the valve core 30 is in the fifth working position, the inlet interface 15 of the thermal management component 1 is connected to the first flow channel 11, the second flow channel 12 and the third flow channel 13 via the valve core 30, and the thermal management component 1 is in the fifth working mode.

[0065] It should be noted that when the thermal management component 1 is in the fifth working mode, the flow rate of the first fluid outlet V1 and the third fluid outlet V3 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the valve core 30, especially by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening 310 with the first connecting port 21 and the third connecting port 23, so as to realize the different flow distribution of the thermal management component 1 between different flow channels.

[0066] As described above, the mounting cavity 20 in this application is integrated on the plate-shaped manifold 10. The valve core 30 is located within the mounting cavity 20 and can rotate relative to the mounting cavity 20 between the first and fifth working positions, thus enabling the thermal management component 1 to switch between the first and fifth working modes. This design is not only simple to assemble and low in cost, but also easy to control and simplifies the piping structure, improving product integration. It avoids the problem of complex installation and low integration caused by first installing the multi-way valve and then mounting it on the flow channel plate in the prior art.

[0067] Although the embodiments of this disclosure are mainly described with the valve core 30 in the shape of a frustum, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the valve core 30 may also be in the shape of a spherical cap, a ball, or a cylinder, as long as it can rotate relative to it within the mounting cavity 20. In this case, the mounting cavity 20 also needs to be set to a shape corresponding to the valve core 30.

[0068] The embodiments of this disclosure mainly use a first cover plate 101 and a second cover plate 102 stacked together to form a plate-shaped manifold 10. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. As long as the mounting cavity 20 is at least partially integrated into the plate-shaped manifold 10, the installation process can be simplified and the integration can be improved.

[0069] Furthermore, the thermal management component 1 of the embodiments of this disclosure is mainly described with the mounting cavity 20 connected to four flow channels via four connecting ports. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the thermal management component 1 may also have more connecting ports and flow channels, depending on the requirements of the working mode of the thermal management component 1.

[0070] In summary, the thermal management assembly provided in this disclosure includes a plate-shaped manifold and a valve core, wherein the plate-shaped manifold includes a mounting cavity, the valve core is located in the mounting cavity and can rotate relative to the mounting cavity between multiple working positions, and by forming / integrating the mounting cavity at least partially on the plate-shaped manifold as the valve cavity of the valve core, the integration of the thermal management assembly can be effectively improved, and the assembly is simple, reducing the space occupied by the thermal management assembly.

[0071] This disclosure also provides a vehicle that includes the aforementioned thermal management component 1.

[0072] The foregoing description, with reference to preferred embodiments, illustrates exemplary implementations of the thermal management components provided by this disclosure and vehicles including such thermal management components. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the above specific embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, and various combinations can be made to the various technical features and structures proposed in this disclosure without exceeding the protection scope of this disclosure, the protection scope of which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management assembly (1), comprising: a plate manifold (10) comprising a plurality of flow channels (11, 12, 13, 14) and a mounting cavity (20) having a plurality of communication ports (21, 22, 23, 24) respectively communicating with the plurality of flow channels (11, 12, 13, 14); and a valve core (30), characterized in that the valve core (30) is arranged in the mounting cavity (20) and is rotatable relative to the mounting cavity (20) between a plurality of working positions, at least two of the plurality of communication ports (21, 22, 23, 24) being able to communicate when the valve core (30) is in different working positions, and at least one communication port being opposite to an opening (200) of the mounting cavity (20).

2. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The thermal management assembly further comprises a valve cover (40) mounted on the mounting cavity (20) to seal the mounting cavity (20).

3. The thermal management assembly (1) of claim 1, characterized in that The mounting cavity (20) comprises a bottom wall (L) and a side wall (S) between the bottom wall (L) and the opening (200) of the mounting cavity (20), the at least one communication port being arranged on the bottom wall (L).

4. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The plurality of communication ports (21, 22, 23, 24) comprises a first communication port (21), a second communication port (22), a third communication port (23) and a fourth communication port (24), wherein the fourth communication port (24) is arranged on the bottom wall (L), and the first communication port (21), the second communication port (22) and the third communication port (23) are arranged on the side wall (S).

5. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The fourth communication port (24) is a fluid inlet for fluid flowing into the mounting cavity (20), and the first communication port (21), the second communication port (22) and the third communication port (23) are all fluid outlets for fluid flowing out of the mounting cavity (20).

6. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The thermal management assembly (1) further comprises an inlet interface (15) arranged on the plate manifold (10), the inlet interface (15) being connected to the fourth communication port (24) via the fourth flow channel (14).

7. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The inlet interface (15) has the same, opposite or intersecting orientation as the mounting cavity (20).

8. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The valve core (30) is in the shape of a spherical frustum having a top wall, a bottom wall and a spherical side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall, the valve core (30) comprising a first valve core flow channel (31) and a second valve core flow channel (32) communicating with each other, the first valve core flow channel (31) comprising a first flow channel opening (310) on the spherical side wall, and the second valve core flow channel (32) comprising a second flow channel opening (320) on the bottom wall.

9. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The valve core (30) has an avoidance space (300) in the first valve core flow channel (31), the avoidance space (300) having a first boundary (301) and a second boundary (302) in the valve core (30), and an included angle (a) between the first boundary (301) and the second boundary (302) being between 150 degrees and 180 degrees.

10. The thermal management assembly (1) of claim 8, characterized in that When the valve core (30) is in the first working position, the thermal management assembly (1) is in a first working mode: The first flow passage opening (310) of the first valve core flow passage (31) communicates with the first communication port (21), and the second flow passage opening (320) of the second valve core flow passage (32) communicates with the fourth communication port (24), so that the first flow passage (11) and the fourth flow passage (14) of the plate-shaped manifold (10) are communicated.

11. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that When the valve core (30) is in the second working position, the thermal management assembly (1) is in a second working mode: The first flow passage opening (310) of the first valve core flow passage (31) communicates with the third communication port (23), and the second flow passage opening (320) of the second valve core flow passage (32) communicates with the fourth communication port (24), so that the third flow passage (13) and the fourth flow passage (14) of the plate-shaped manifold (10) are communicated.

12. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that When the valve core (30) is in the third working position, the thermal management assembly (1) is in a third working mode: The first flow passage opening (310) of the first valve core flow passage (31) communicates with the first communication port (21) and the second communication port (22), and the second flow passage opening (320) of the second valve core flow passage (32) communicates with the fourth communication port (24), so that the first flow passage (11), the second flow passage (12), and the fourth flow passage (14) of the plate-shaped manifold (10) are communicated, Wherein, in the third working mode, the flow rates of the first flow passage (11) and the second flow passage (12) can be adjusted by adjusting the overlapping ratio of the first flow passage opening (310) with the first communication port (21) and the second communication port (22).

13. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that When the valve core (30) is in the fourth working position, the thermal management assembly (1) is in a fourth working mode: The first flow passage opening (310) of the first valve core flow passage (31) communicates with the second communication port (22) and the third communication port (23), and the second flow passage opening (320) of the second valve core flow passage (32) communicates with the fourth communication port (24), so that the second flow passage (12), the third flow passage (13), and the fourth flow passage (14) of the plate-shaped manifold (10) are communicated, Wherein, in the fourth working mode, the flow rates of the second flow passage (12) and the third flow passage (13) can be adjusted by adjusting the overlapping ratio of the first flow passage opening (310) with the second communication port (22) and the third communication port (23).

14. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that When the valve core (30) is in the fifth working position, the thermal management assembly (1) is in a fifth working mode: The first flow passage opening (310) of the first valve core flow passage (31) communicates with the first communication port (21), the second communication port (22), and the third communication port (23), and the second flow passage opening (320) of the second valve core flow passage (32) communicates with the fourth communication port (24), so that the first flow passage (11), the second flow passage (12), the third flow passage (13), and the fourth flow passage (14) of the plate-shaped manifold (10) are communicated.

15. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The vehicle comprises a thermal management assembly (1) as claimed in any of claims 1-14.

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