Thermal management device and manufacturing method therefor

Abstract

A thermal management device and a manufacturing method therefor. The thermal management device comprises a flow channel portion and a valve component, wherein the flow channel portion is provided with a flow channel, the valve component is partially located in the flow channel, the valve component comprises a housing, and the flow channel portion and the housing are made of different metals. The thermal management device comprises a connection portion, wherein in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the height of the valve component, the connection portion is at least located between the valve component and the flow channel portion; the connection portion is made of the same material as one of the flow channel portion and the housing, the connection portion is welded to the flow channel portion, and the connection portion is welded to the valve component. The present application can reduce the risk of failure of internal parts of the valve component caused by the fixed connection between the valve component and the flow channel portion.

Description

Thermal management device and manufacturing method thereof

[0001] This application claims Chinese patent application number 202510362164.7, filed on March 25, 2025, entitled "Thermal Management Device and Thermal Management System"; Chinese patent application number 202510402324.6, filed on March 31, 2025, entitled "Thermal Management Device"; Chinese patent application number 202510406132.2, filed on April 1, 2025, entitled "Thermal Management Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof"; and Chinese patent application number 202510406132.2, filed on May 6, 2025. The priority of the following Chinese patent applications is hereby granted: Chinese Patent Application No. 202510582100.8, entitled "Thermal Management Device"; Chinese Patent Application No. 202511339523.3, filed on September 16, 2025, entitled "Thermal Management Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof"; and Chinese Patent Application No. 202512043942.9, filed on December 31, 2025, entitled "Thermal Management Device and Thermal Management System". The full text of these Chinese patent applications is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a thermal management device and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0003] Thermal management devices are devices that manage the heat of components, such as those used in residential air conditioners, commercial air conditioners, multi-split air conditioners, or automobiles.

[0004] In related technologies, thermal management devices include a flow channel section and a valve component. The flow channel section contains flow channels and is made of aluminum alloy, while the valve component is made of stainless steel. The valve component contains a sealing ring for internal sealing. Because the flow channel section and the valve component are made of different metals, related technologies achieve a reliable fixed connection between the flow channel section and the valve component through furnace brazing. However, furnace brazing can easily lead to the failure of internal components of the valve component (such as the sealing ring inside the valve component). Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a thermal management device and a method for manufacturing the same, which can reduce the risk of failure of internal components of the valve component due to the fixed connection between the valve component and the flow channel.

[0006] A first aspect of this application provides a thermal management device, including a flow channel portion and a valve component, the flow channel portion having a flow channel, the valve component being partially located in the flow channel, the valve component including a housing, and the material of the flow channel portion and the material of the housing being a different metal;

[0007] The thermal management device includes a connecting portion located at least between the valve component and the flow channel portion along a direction perpendicular to the height of the valve component; the connecting portion is made of the same material as one of the flow channel portion and the housing; the connecting portion is welded to the flow channel portion and the connecting portion is welded to the valve component.

[0008] The thermal management device provided in the first aspect of this application includes a connecting part, which is welded to a flow channel and to a valve component. By providing the connecting part, the connecting part can be welded to one of the valve component housing and the flow channel first, and then welded to the other of the valve component housing and the flow channel. This provides more welding options between the valve component and the flow channel. By selecting a welding option that causes less damage to the internal parts of the valve component, the risk of failure of the internal components of the valve component due to the fixed connection between the valve component and the flow channel can be reduced.

[0009] A second aspect of this application provides a method for manufacturing a thermal management device, comprising the following steps: providing a flow channel, a valve component, and a connecting portion, wherein the flow channel has a flow channel, the valve component includes a housing, the housing is made of a different metal than the flow channel, and the connecting portion is made of the same material as either the flow channel or the housing;

[0010] The connecting part is welded to the outer shell;

[0011] The connecting part is welded to the flow channel part.

[0012] The manufacturing method of the thermal management device provided in the second aspect of this application involves welding the connecting part to the flow channel part and welding the connecting part to the valve component. By setting the connecting part, the connecting part can be welded to one of the valve component housing and the flow channel part first, and then the connecting part can be welded to the other of the valve component housing and the flow channel part. This provides more welding options between the valve component and the flow channel part. By selecting a welding option that causes less damage to the internal parts of the valve component, the risk of failure of the internal parts of the valve component due to the fixed connection between the valve component and the flow channel part can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a thermal management device provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the valve component and connecting part in Figure 1;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the explosion shown in Figure 2;

[0016] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the valve component, the first brazing filler metal, the connecting part, and the flow channel in Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another thermal management device provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the valve component, the second brazing filler metal, the connecting part, and the flow channel in Figure 5.

[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another thermal management device provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 7;

[0021] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the explosion shown in Figure 7;

[0022] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional projection schematic diagram of a thermal management device provided in the second embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of circle E in Figure 10;

[0024] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the flow channel, valve components and connection parts of the thermal management device shown in Figure 10;

[0025] Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional projection schematic diagram of another thermal management device provided in the second embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of circle F in Figure 13;

[0027] Figure 15 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a thermal management device provided in the third embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 16 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the flow channel and protrusion in Figure 15;

[0029] Figure 17 is an explosion diagram of the protrusion and sensing part in Figure 16;

[0030] Figure 18 is a three-dimensional sectional view of the flow channel section in Figure 15;

[0031] Figure 19 is an enlarged view of circle C in Figure 15;

[0032] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the protrusion, the snap-fit ​​part, and the other side of the sensing part in Figure 16;

[0033] Figure 21 is an enlarged view of circle D in Figure 20;

[0034] Figure 22 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the other side of the thermal management device shown in Figure 15;

[0035] Figure 23 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the protrusion of another thermal management device provided in the third embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 24 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Figure 23 after the protrusion and sensing part are hidden;

[0037] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the flow channel and protrusion of another thermal management device provided in the third embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system provided in the third embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 27 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a thermal management device provided in the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the explosion in Figure 27;

[0041] Figure 29 is a partial schematic diagram of the welded body and flow channel in Figure 27;

[0042] Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 29;

[0043] Figure 31 is an enlarged view of circle B in Figure 30;

[0044] Figure 32 is an exploded schematic diagram of the flow channel and throttle valve in Figure 28;

[0045] Figure 33 is a schematic diagram of another thermal management device provided in the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 34 is an exploded view of the flow channel, blocking section, welded body and filter section of Figure 33;

[0047] Figure 35 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the welding corner in Figure 30;

[0048] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system provided in the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 37 is a perspective view of a thermal management device provided in the fifth embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 38 is an exploded schematic diagram of the thermal management device shown in Figure 37;

[0051] Figure 39 is a partial cross-sectional view of the thermal management device shown in Figure 37 from the first angle;

[0052] Figure 40 is a partial cross-sectional view of the thermal management device shown in Figure 37 from a second angle;

[0053] Figure 41 is a partial cross-sectional view of the thermal management device shown in Figure 37 from the third angle;

[0054] Figure 42 is a projected schematic diagram of the thermal management device shown in Figure 37;

[0055] Figure 43 is a partial cross-sectional view of the thermal management device shown in Figure 37 from the fourth angle;

[0056] Figure 44 is a partial cross-sectional view of the thermal management device shown in Figure 37 from the fifth angle;

[0057] Figure 45 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the flow channel integration block of the thermal management device shown in Figure 37;

[0058] Figure 46 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the flow channel integrated block included in the thermal management device shown in Figure 37 from another angle;

[0059] Figure 47 is a perspective view of another thermal management device provided in the fifth embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 48 is a schematic diagram of the thermal management system provided in the fifth embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0061] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] In related technologies, thermal management devices include a flow channel section and a valve component. The flow channel section contains flow channels and is made of aluminum alloy, while the valve component is made of stainless steel. The valve component contains a sealing ring for internal sealing. Because the flow channel section and the valve component are made of different metals, related technologies have to use furnace brazing to achieve a reliable fixed connection between the flow channel section and the valve component. However, furnace brazing can easily lead to the failure of internal components of the valve component, such as the sealing ring inside the valve component.

[0063] Therefore, the first embodiment of this application provides a thermal management device. Referring to FIG1, the thermal management device includes a flow channel 1 and a valve component 2. The flow channel 1 has a flow channel 11, and the valve component 2 is partially located in the flow channel 11. The valve component 2 includes a housing 25. The material of the flow channel 1 and the material of the housing 25 are different metals. The thermal management device includes a connecting part 4. Along a direction perpendicular to the height of the valve component 2, the connecting part 4 is located at least between the valve component 2 and the flow channel 1. The connecting part 4 has the same material as one of the flow channel 1 and the housing 25. The connecting part 4 is welded to the flow channel 1 and welded to the valve component 2.

[0064] By providing the connecting part 4, the connecting part 4 can be welded to one of the outer shell 25 and the flow channel 1 first, and then the connecting part 4 can be welded to the other of the outer shell 25 and the flow channel 1. This provides more welding options between the valve component 2 and the flow channel 1. By selecting a connection method that causes less damage to the internal parts of the valve component 2, the risk of failure of the internal parts of the valve component 2 caused by the fixed connection between the valve component 2 and the flow channel 1 can be reduced.

[0065] In some embodiments, referring to FIG1, the material of the connecting part 4 is the same as that of the flow channel part 1, the connecting part 4 is fused and welded to the flow channel part 1, and the connecting part 4 is brazed to the outer shell of the valve component 2.

[0066] Alternatively, the connecting part 4 is made of the same material as the valve component 2, the connecting part 4 is fused and welded to the valve component 2, and the connecting part 4 is brazed to the flow channel part 1.

[0067] In related technologies, thermal management devices include a flow channel section and a valve component. The flow channel section contains a flow path and is made of aluminum alloy, while the valve component is made of stainless steel. A sealing ring is installed on the valve component to seal the flow path within the flow channel section. Since stainless steel and aluminum alloy are often bonded using furnace brazing, the presence of the sealing ring on the valve component necessitates sealing the sealing ring against the corresponding wall of the flow path before welding. If furnace brazing is performed after sealing the sealing ring against the corresponding wall, the high temperature inside the furnace can cause the sealing ring to fail, making furnace brazing impossible. In the air conditioning field, if it is necessary to weld a stainless steel valve component to an aluminum alloy flow channel section, an alternative feasible solution is needed to achieve welding the valve component to the flow channel section with minimal impact on the sealing ring.

[0068] In some embodiments, referring to FIG1, the thermal management device further includes a sealing ring 9, which is connected to the valve component 2. The sealing ring 9 is at least partially located between the valve component 2 and the wall corresponding to the flow channel 11. The valve component 2 is connected to the flow channel 1 via a connecting part 4, which is fused and welded to the flow channel 1. The connecting part 4 is fixedly connected to the valve component 2.

[0069] Since the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1 are fused and welded, and the fusion welding is a local heating and melting process, compared with the related technology of performing furnace brazing of valve component 2, sealing ring 9 and flow channel part 1 together, the heat of welding can be greatly reduced to reduce the impact of welding on sealing ring 9. This makes the external and internal seals between the welded flow channel part 1 and valve component 2 more reliable. The external seal refers to the seal between the connecting part 4, valve component 2 and flow channel part 1, and the internal seal refers to the seal between valve component 2, sealing ring 9 and flow channel part 1.

[0070] Specifically, referring to Figures 1 and 2, valve component 2 includes a drive unit 24 and a valve body. The drive unit 24 is sleeved on the valve body. The valve body includes a housing 25 and internal components. The housing 25 has a third port 2501 and a fourth port 2502, both of which communicate with the flow channel 11. A sealing ring 9 is sleeved on the housing 25, and along the height direction of the valve body, the sealing ring 9 is located between the third port 2501 and the fourth port 2502. The internal components of the housing 25 are fixedly connected to the connecting part 4. Furthermore, the connecting part 4 is partially exposed to the outside of the thermal management device. Valve component 2 is a throttling valve, specifically an expansion valve.

[0071] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 3, the connecting portion 4 is fused and welded to the flow channel portion 1, and the connecting portion 4 is connected to the valve component 2; the thermal management device includes a first brazing filler metal 42, which is at least partially located between the connecting portion 4 and the valve component 2, and the connecting portion 4 is connected to the valve component 2 through the first brazing filler metal 42.

[0072] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 3, the connecting portion 4 has a first communicating hole 40 that extends through the connecting portion 4, and the valve component 2 is partially located in the first communicating hole 40. Specifically, the connecting portion 4 is sleeved on the valve component 2, and further, the connecting portion 4 is sleeved on the outer shell 25; the connecting portion 4 is specifically annular.

[0073] Specifically, referring to Figures 1 and 3, the connecting part 4 has a first groove 43, the valve component 2 forms part of the wall of the first groove 43, the first brazing filler metal 42 is at least partially located in the first groove 43, the first brazing filler metal 42 is connected to the wall corresponding to the first groove 43, and the first brazing filler metal 42 is connected to the valve component 2. Further, a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the first connecting hole 40 is defined as the projection plane. The orthographic projection of the wall corresponding to the first connecting hole 40 on the projection plane lies within the orthographic projection of the wall corresponding to the first groove 43 on the projection plane, and the orthographic projections of the wall corresponding to the first connecting hole 40 and the wall corresponding to the first groove 43 on the projection plane are interconnected. The connecting part 4 and the valve component 2 are connected by the first brazing filler metal 42, resulting in a high degree of sealing and high structural strength. When the connecting part 4 and the valve component 2 are reflow soldered, the first groove 43 can pre-position the first brazing filler metal 42, and the first groove 43 can increase the contact area between the first brazing filler metal 42 and the connecting part 4, thereby further increasing the welding strength.

[0074] In some embodiments, the valve component 2 has a second groove, the connecting portion 4 forms part of the wall of the second groove, the first brazing filler metal 42 is at least partially located in the second groove, the first brazing filler metal 42 is connected to the corresponding wall of the second groove, and the first brazing filler metal 42 is connected to the connecting portion 4. Alternatively, the valve component 2 has a second groove, the connecting portion 4 has a first groove 43, the first brazing filler metal 42 is located in the first groove 43 and the second groove, and both the first groove 43 and the second groove are used for pre-positioning the first brazing filler metal 42.

[0075] In some embodiments, there is a certain gap between the valve component 2 and the wall corresponding to the first connecting hole 40, so that during the furnace brazing process, the molten first brazing filler metal 42 can fill the gap, increase the contact surface between the valve component 2 and the first brazing filler metal 42 and between the connecting part 4 and the first brazing filler metal 42, thereby further increasing the welding strength.

[0076] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 4, the flow channel 1 has an embedding groove 12. Along the height direction of the valve component 2, the embedding groove 12 is recessed from the surface of the flow channel 1 to the flow channel 11, and the connecting portion 4 is at least partially located in the embedding groove 12. Specifically, the flow channel 1 has a receiving groove 132, and the valve component 2 is partially located in the receiving groove 132. Along the height direction of the valve component 2, the receiving groove 132 is recessed from the interior of the flow channel 1 from the wall corresponding to the embedding groove 12. Specifically, a plane perpendicular to the extending direction of the first connecting hole 40 is defined as the projection plane, and the orthographic projection of the wall corresponding to the receiving groove 132 on the projection plane lies within the orthographic projection of the wall corresponding to the embedding groove 12 on the projection plane.

[0077] Specifically, the flow channel 11 includes a first flow channel 111 and a second flow channel 112. The first flow channel 111 is connected to the third port 2501, and the second flow channel 112 is connected to the fourth port 2502. The valve component 2 is located in the second flow channel 112, and the fourth port 2502 is located in the second flow channel 112.

[0078] Fusion welding can be a method that requires melting and solidifying a portion of the first component and a portion of the second component before welding them together, such as laser welding, arc welding, or gas welding. Specifically, the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1 are laser welded.

[0079] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 and 4, the connecting portion 4 has a first welded wall 44, and the flow channel portion 1 has a second welded wall 133. The first welded wall 44 has a first welded surface 441, and the second welded wall 133 has a second welded surface 1331. The first welded surface 441 and the second welded surface 1331 are located on the same plane, and the first welded wall 44 and the second welded wall 133 are fused together. Compared to welding where the first welded surface 441 and the second welded surface 1331 are perpendicular, this welding improves the shock resistance between the connecting portion 4 and the valve component 2, provides better weld strength, and is more convenient to weld. Specifically, both the first welded wall 44 and the second welded wall 133 are partially exposed to the outside of the thermal management device.

[0080] Further referring to Figures 1 and 4, the thermal management device includes a first molten section 45, located between the first weld wall 44 and the second weld wall 133. The connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1 are made of the same material, and the first molten section 45, the connecting part 4, and the flow channel part 1 are integrally formed. Specifically, the first weld wall 44 and the second weld wall 133 are laser-welded. The laser melts a portion of the first weld wall 44 and a portion of the second weld wall 133, and the molten portion of the first weld wall 44 and the molten portion of the second weld wall 133 are fused together. After cooling and solidification, the first molten section 45 is formed. The first molten section 45, the connecting part 4, and the flow channel part 1 are integrally formed, realizing the welding between the first weld wall 44 and the second weld wall 133. Both the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1 are made of aluminum alloy.

[0081] By welding the first welding wall 44 to the second welding wall 133 with laser welding, the energy of the laser can be controlled to minimize the impact of the welding heat generated during the laser welding process on the sealing ring 9.

[0082] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 4, the thermal management device includes a second positioning part 1321, the valve component 2 has a second positioning groove 252, the second positioning part 1321 is partially located in the second positioning groove 252, and the second positioning part 1321 protrudes from the wall corresponding to the receiving groove 132 along the height direction of the valve component 2.

[0083] Specifically, referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4, along the height direction of valve component 2, the second positioning part 1321 is at least partially located between the third port 2501 and the fourth port 2502. Further, along the height direction of valve component 2, the second positioning part 1321 is at least partially located between the third port 2501 and the sealing ring 9. The wall corresponding to the receiving groove 132 includes a second stepped wall 1322. Along the height direction of valve component 2, the second stepped wall 1322 is located between the sealing ring 9 and the third port 2501. The second positioning part 1321 is connected to the second stepped wall 1322, and along the height direction of valve component 2, the second positioning part 1321 protrudes from the second stepped wall 1322.

[0084] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 4, the flow channel 1 has a second positioning groove 252, which is recessed from the wall corresponding to the receiving groove 132 to the interior of the flow channel 1. Along the height direction of the valve component 2, a second positioning part 1321 protrudes from the valve component 2, and the second positioning part 1321 is partially located in the second positioning groove 252.

[0085] By inserting the second positioning part 1321 into the second positioning groove 252, the valve component 2 and the flow channel part 1 are circumferentially positioned along the height direction of the valve component 2. During the welding process of the valve component 2 with the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1, the occurrence of the connecting part 4 rotating relative to the flow channel part 1 can be reduced. During the welding process, the rotation of the connecting part 4 relative to the flow channel part 1 may cause the welding to fail.

[0086] The first embodiment of this application also discloses another embodiment of a thermal management device, which differs from the above-described solution in that, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the connecting part 4 is fused and welded to the valve component 2, and the connecting part 4 is fixedly connected to the flow channel part 1.

[0087] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the connecting portion 4 has a first welded wall 44, and the valve component 2 has an eighth welded wall 26. The first welded wall 44 has a first welded surface 441, and the eighth welded wall 26 has an eighth welded surface 261. The first welded surface 441 and the eighth welded surface 261 are intersecting and are fused together. Specifically, the first welded surface 441 and the eighth welded surface 261 are perpendicular to each other.

[0088] Specifically, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the thermal management device includes a second melting section 46, which is located between the connecting section 4 and the valve component 2. The connecting section 4 and the valve component 2 are made of the same material, and the second melting section 46, the connecting section 4, and the valve component 2 are an integral piece.

[0089] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the thermal management device includes a second solder 47, which is at least partially located between the connecting portion 4 and the flow channel portion 1, and the connecting portion 4 is connected to the flow channel portion 1 via the second solder 47.

[0090] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 4 has a third groove, the flow channel portion 1 forms part of the wall of the third groove, the second brazing filler metal 47 is at least partially located in the third groove, the second brazing filler metal 47 is connected to the wall corresponding to the third groove, and the second brazing filler metal 47 is connected to the flow channel portion 1; the connecting portion 4 and the flow channel portion 1 are connected to each other by the second brazing filler metal 47, resulting in a high degree of sealing and high structural strength. When the connecting portion 4 and the flow channel portion 1 are welded in the furnace, the third groove can pre-position the second brazing filler metal 47, and the third groove can increase the contact surface between the second brazing filler metal 47 and the connecting portion 4, thereby further increasing the welding strength.

[0091] Since the connecting part 4 and the valve component 2 are fused together, and the fusion welding is a local heating and melting process, compared with the related technology of performing furnace brazing of the flow channel part 1, the sealing ring 9 and the valve component 2 together, the heat of welding can be greatly reduced to reduce the impact of the sealing ring 9. This makes the external and internal seals between the valve component 2 and the flow channel part 1 more reliable. The external seal refers to the seal between the connecting part 4, the flow channel part 1 and the valve component 2, and the internal seal refers to the seal between the flow channel part 1, the sealing ring 9 and the valve component 2.

[0092] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the flow channel 1 has a fourth groove 123, the connecting portion 4 forms a portion of the wall of the fourth groove 123, the second solder 47 is at least partially located in the fourth groove 123, the second solder 47 is connected to the corresponding wall of the fourth groove 123, and the second solder 47 is connected to the connecting portion 4. Alternatively, the flow channel 1 has a fourth groove 123, the connecting portion 4 has a third groove, the second solder 47 is located in both the third groove and the fourth groove 123, and both the third groove and the fourth groove 123 are used for pre-positioning the second solder 47.

[0093] This application also discloses another embodiment of a thermal management device, which differs from the above-described scheme in that, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the flow channel 1 has an embedding groove 12, the flow channel 1 has an inner sidewall 121 and an outer sidewall 122, the embedding groove 12 is located between the inner sidewall 121 and the outer sidewall 122, the connecting part 4 is interference-fitted or transition-fitted with the inner sidewall 121, and there is a gap between the connecting part and the outer sidewall 122.

[0094] Specifically, the connecting part 4 is interference-fitted with the inner sidewall 121.

[0095] By interfering or transitioning the connection part 4 with the inner sidewall 121, the connection part 4 can be pre-positioned in the embedding groove 12, which facilitates welding the connection part 4 to the flow channel part 1 and results in a better welding effect.

[0096] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the embedding groove 12 is annular, and the second brazing filler metal 47 is at least partially located in the gap between the outer wall 122 and the connecting portion 4.

[0097] By having the second brazing filler metal 47 at least partially located in the gap between the outer sidewall 122 and the connecting portion 4, the welding strength between the connecting portion 4 and the flow channel portion 1 can be further improved. The annular design of the embedding groove 12 allows for both an interference fit between the connecting portion 4 and the inner sidewall 121 and a clearance fit between the connecting portion 4 and the outer sidewall 122 of the embedding groove 12.

[0098] Specifically, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the fourth groove 123 is located on the periphery of the connecting part 4, and the embedding groove 12 penetrates the wall corresponding to the fourth groove 123. The second brazing filler metal 47 is located in the gap between the embedding groove 12 and the outer wall 122 of the connecting part 4 and the embedding groove 12.

[0099] In some embodiments, the housing 25 is transition-fitted or interference-fitted with the first connecting hole 40.

[0100] By using a transition fit or interference fit between the outer shell 25 and the first connecting hole 40, the welding strength between the outer shell 25 and the connecting part 4 can be improved, and further, the strength of the fusion weld between the outer shell 25 and the connecting part 4 can be improved.

[0101] Specifically, the outer shell 25 is transitionally fitted to the first connecting hole 40. Since the connecting portion 4 and the flow channel portion 1 are brazed before the outer shell 25 and the connecting portion 4 are fused together, the transitional fit between the outer shell 25 and the first connecting hole 40 reduces the pressure exerted by the outer shell 25 and the connecting portion 4 on the second brazing filler metal 47. This reduces the risk of the second brazing filler metal 47 being damaged due to the pressure exerted by the outer shell 25 on the first connecting hole 40, leading to welding failure between the connecting portion 4 and the flow channel portion 1. In some embodiments, referring to Figures 7, 8, and 9, the connecting portion 4 is fused together with the flow channel portion 1, and the connecting portion 4 is brazed to the valve component 2. The connecting portion 4 has a first welding wall 44, and the outer shell 25 has a third welding wall 251. Along the height direction of the valve component 2, the third welding wall 251 and the first welding wall 44 are both located on the same side of the connecting portion 4. The second fused portion 46 is located between the first welding wall 44 and the third welding wall 251. The second fused portion 46, the connecting portion 4, and the valve component 2 are a single piece.

[0102] Specifically, referring to Figures 7, 8, and 9, the first welded wall 44 and the third welded wall 251 are both located on the same plane, and this plane is perpendicular to the height direction of the valve component 2; both the first welded wall 44 and the third welded wall 251 are perpendicular to the height direction of the valve component 2. Furthermore, the first welded wall 44 and the third welded wall 251 are at least partially exposed to the outside of the thermal management device.

[0103] The first embodiment of this application also discloses a method for manufacturing a thermal management device, comprising the following steps:

[0104] The system provides a flow channel 1, a valve component 2, and a connecting part 4. The flow channel 1 has a flow channel 11, the valve component 2 includes a housing 25, the housing 25 is made of a different metal than the flow channel 1, and the connecting part 4 is made of the same material as either the flow channel 1 or the housing 25.

[0105] Weld the connecting part 4 to the outer casing 25;

[0106] Weld the connecting part 4 to the flow channel part 1.

[0107] By providing the connecting part 4, the connecting part 4 can be welded to one of the outer shell 25 and the flow channel 1 first, and then the connecting part 4 can be welded to the other of the outer shell 25 and the flow channel 1. This provides more welding options between the valve component 2 and the flow channel 1. By selecting a connection method that causes less damage to the internal parts of the valve component 2, the risk of failure of the internal parts of the valve component 2 caused by the fixed connection between the valve component 2 and the flow channel 1 can be reduced.

[0108] Specifically, the steps of welding the connecting part 4 to the outer casing 25 and welding the connecting part 4 to the flow channel part 1 include the following steps:

[0109] First, braze the connecting part 4 to the outer shell 25, and then fuse the connecting part 4 to the flow channel part 1.

[0110] By first brazing the connecting part 4 to the outer shell 25 separately, without installing components such as sealing rings inside the outer shell 25 at this time, and then installing the internal components of the outer shell 25, including the sealing rings, inside the outer shell 25 after welding, the impact of welding heat on the sealing rings inside the outer shell 25 can be reduced. Then, the connecting part 4 is fused to the flow channel part 1. Since fusion welding is a localized heating process, the impact of welding heat on the sealing rings inside the outer shell 25 can be reduced. Specifically, the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1 are laser welded.

[0111] Alternatively, the connecting part 4 can be brazed to the flow channel part 1 first; then the connecting part 4 can be fused to the outer shell 25.

[0112] By first brazing the connecting part 4 to the flow channel part 1, then fusion welding the connecting part 4 to the outer shell 25, and finally fusion welding the connecting part 4 to the outer shell 25, the impact of welding heat on the inner sealing ring of the outer shell 25 can be reduced due to the localized heating of the fusion welding. Specifically, the connecting part 4 is laser welded to the outer shell 25.

[0113] In some embodiments, the valve component 2 further includes internal components of the housing;

[0114] After the step of brazing the connecting part 4 to the housing 25 and before the step of fusion welding the connecting part 4 to the flow channel part 1, the following steps are also included:

[0115] The valve component 2 is obtained by assembling the outer shell 25 with the connecting part 4 welded on and the internal components of the outer shell; the valve component 2 and the connecting part 4 are inserted into the flow channel 11 in the flow channel 1.

[0116] In some embodiments, before the step of brazing the connecting portion 4 to the flow channel portion 1, the following step is also included:

[0117] The flow channel 1 has an annular embedding groove 12, and the connecting part 4 has a first communicating hole 40. The connecting part 4 is pressed into the embedding groove 12. The first communicating hole 40 is transitionally fitted or interference-fitted with the inner side wall of the embedding groove 12, and the connecting part 4 has a gap with the outer side wall of the embedding groove 12.

[0118] In some embodiments, after the step of brazing the connecting portion 4 to the flow channel portion 1 and before the step of fusion welding the connecting portion 4 to the housing 25, the following steps are further included:

[0119] The valve component 2 is inserted into the first connecting hole 40, and the valve component 2 and the first connecting hole 40 are either transitionally fitted or interference-fitted.

[0120] In some embodiments, the process of brazing the connecting part 4 to the housing 25 includes the following steps:

[0121] A first brazing filler metal 42 is provided and embedded between the connecting part 4 and the outer shell 25. The connecting part 4, the valve component 2, and the first brazing filler metal 42 are then passed through a furnace.

[0122] In some embodiments, the process of brazing the connecting portion 4 to the flow channel portion 1 includes the following steps:

[0123] A second brazing filler metal 47 is provided and embedded between the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1. The connecting part 4, the valve component 2, and the second brazing filler metal 47 are then passed through the furnace.

[0124] The first embodiment of this application also discloses another method for manufacturing a thermal management device, including the following steps:

[0125] The system provides a flow channel 1, a sealing ring 9, a valve component 2, and a connecting part 4, wherein the flow channel 1 has a flow channel 11.

[0126] The connecting part 4 is fixedly connected to the valve component 2; the valve component 2, the sealing ring 9 and the connecting part 4 are inserted into the flow channel 11 in the flow channel 1, and the connecting part 4 and the flow channel 1 are fused and welded.

[0127] By fusion welding the connecting part 4 to the flow channel part 1, the influence of welding heat on the sealing ring 9 can be reduced because fusion welding is a local heating process.

[0128] Specifically, after the step of fixing the connecting part 4 to the valve component 2, the following steps are also included:

[0129] A sealing ring 9 is provided, and the sealing ring 9 is installed on the valve component 2.

[0130] In some embodiments, the connecting part 4 is first fixedly connected to the valve component 2, then the sealing ring 9 is installed on the valve component 2, then the valve component 2, the sealing ring 9 and the connecting part 4 are inserted into the flow channel 11 in the flow channel part 1, and then the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1 are fused and welded.

[0131] By using this manufacturing method, the connecting part 4 is first fixedly connected to the valve component 2, specifically by brazing. Then, the sealing ring 9 is installed on the valve component 2. After the connecting part 4 and the valve component 2 are brazed together, the sealing ring 9 is installed on the valve component 2, which can further reduce the impact of welding heat on the sealing ring 9.

[0132] Specifically, the step of fixing the connecting part 4 to the valve component 2 includes the following steps: providing a housing 25 and an internal component of the housing, fixing the housing 25 to the connecting part 4, specifically by brazing, assembling the housing 25 and the internal component of the housing, and the housing 25 and the internal component of the housing forming the valve component 2.

[0133] Furthermore, in the step of fusion welding the connecting part 4 to the flow channel part 1, the fusion welding includes laser welding.

[0134] In some embodiments, a flow channel 1, a sealing ring 9, a valve component 2, and a connecting portion 4 are provided, wherein the flow channel 1 has a flow channel 11; the connecting portion 4 is fixedly connected to the valve component 2; the valve component 2, the sealing ring 9, and the connecting portion 4 are inserted into the flow channel 11 in the flow channel 1; and the connecting portion 4 is fused and welded to the flow channel 1.

[0135] The step of fixing the connecting part 4 to the valve component 2 includes the following steps:

[0136] A first brazing filler metal 42 is provided and embedded between the connecting part 4 and the valve component 2. The connecting part 4, the valve component 2 and the first brazing filler metal 42 are then brazed in a furnace.

[0137] In some embodiments, providing a first brazing filler metal 42 and embedding the first brazing filler metal 42 between the connecting portion 4 and the valve component 2 includes the following steps:

[0138] The connecting part 4 has a first groove 43, and the valve component 2 forms part of the wall of the first groove 43, so that the first brazing filler metal 42 is placed into the first groove 43.

[0139] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 4 is fixedly connected to the flow channel portion 1; the valve component 2 is inserted into the flow channel 11 within the flow channel portion 1, and the connecting portion 4 and the valve component 2 are fused and welded. Specifically, in at least one of the steps of fused welding the connecting portion 4 to the flow channel portion 1 and fused welding the connecting portion 4 to the valve component 2, the fused welding includes laser welding.

[0140] In some embodiments, the step of fixing the connecting part 4 to the flow channel part 1 includes the following steps:

[0141] A second brazing filler metal 47 is provided and embedded between the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1. The connecting part 4, the flow channel part 1 and the second brazing filler metal 47 are then brazed in a furnace.

[0142] In some embodiments, providing a second solder 47 and embedding the second solder 47 between the connecting portion 4 and the flow channel portion 1 includes the following steps:

[0143] The flow channel 1 has a fourth groove 123, and the connecting part 4 forms part of the wall of the fourth groove 123, and the second brazing filler metal 47 is placed into the fourth groove 123.

[0144] In related technologies, thermal management devices include flow channel sections and valve components. The flow channel section contains flow channels. Since the flow channel section and valve components are made of different metals, they are connected by welding copper pipes. This not only results in more pipelines but also more welding points, making the processing complex and the welds prone to misalignment, which increases manufacturing costs and the number of leakage points.

[0145] Therefore, a second embodiment of this application provides a thermal management device. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the thermal management device includes a flow channel 1 and a valve component 2. The flow channel 1 has a flow channel 11, and the valve component 2 is partially located in the flow channel 11. The valve component 2 includes a housing 25. The thermal management device includes a connecting portion 4. Along a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the valve component 2, the connecting portion 4 is at least partially located between the valve component 2 and the flow channel 1. The connecting portion 4 has a protrusion 41. Along the height direction of the valve component 2, the valve component 2 contacts the protrusion 41. The connecting portion 4 is welded to the flow channel 1 and the valve component 2.

[0146] By setting the connecting part 4 and the protrusion 41, the valve component 2 is positioned by contacting the protrusion 41 along its height direction. Then the connecting part 4 is welded to the flow channel part 1 and the valve component 2 respectively. The processing is simple and the weld is flush, thereby improving the production efficiency of the thermal management device and reducing the manufacturing cost of the thermal management device.

[0147] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10 and 12, the connecting portion 4 has a first communicating hole 40 that extends through the connecting portion 4. A portion of the valve component 2 is located within the first communicating hole 40. A protrusion 41 protrudes from the surface of the connecting portion 4 to the first communicating hole 40 along a direction perpendicular to the height of the valve component 2. Specifically, the connecting portion 4 is sleeved on the valve component 2; further, the connecting portion 4 is sleeved on the outer casing 25. The connecting portion 4 is specifically annular.

[0148] In some embodiments, the material of the connecting part 4 is the same as that of the flow channel part 1, the connecting part 4 is fused and welded to the flow channel part 1, and the connecting part 4 is brazed to the outer shell 25 of the valve component 2.

[0149] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10, 11 and 12, the material of the connecting part 4 is the same as that of the valve component 2, the connecting part 4 is fused and welded to the valve component 2, and the connecting part 4 is brazed to the flow channel part 1.

[0150] In related technologies, thermal management devices include a flow channel section and valve components. The flow channel section has a flow path and is made of aluminum alloy, while the valve components are made of stainless steel. The flow channel section and valve components are often connected by copper tubing welding. Longer piping increases the system's installation space, and the numerous pipes and joints result in more weld points, complex processing, and a higher risk of weld misalignment leading to more leakage points. In the air conditioning field, if it is necessary to weld stainless steel valve components to aluminum alloy flow channel sections to minimize leaks, an alternative feasible solution is needed to achieve precise positioning between the valve components and the flow channel section, and to ensure flush welds.

[0151] In some embodiments, referring to FIG10, the valve component 2 is connected to the flow channel 1 via the connecting part 4, the connecting part 4 is fused and welded to the valve component 2, and the connecting part 4 is fixedly connected to the flow channel 1.

[0152] Fusion welding can be a method that requires melting and solidifying a portion of a first component with a portion of a second component before welding them together, such as laser welding, arc welding, or gas welding. Specifically, the connecting part 4 is laser welded to the valve component 2.

[0153] Specifically, referring to Figures 10 and 12, valve component 2 includes a drive unit 24 and a valve body. The drive unit 24 is sleeved on the valve body. The valve body includes a housing 25 and internal components. The housing 25 has a third port 2501 and a fourth port 2502, both of which communicate with the flow channel 11. The housing 25 is fused and welded to the connecting part 4. Furthermore, the connecting part 4 is partially exposed to the outside of the thermal management device. Valve component 2 is a throttling valve, specifically an expansion valve.

[0154] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10, 11, 13, and 14, the connecting portion 4 has a first welded wall 44, and the outer shell 25 has a third welded wall 251. The first welded wall 44 has a first welded surface 441, and the third welded wall 251 has a third welded surface 2511. The connecting portion 4 has a protrusion 41, and the valve component 2 contacts the protrusion 41 along the height direction of the valve component 2. Along the height direction of the valve component 2, the first welded wall 44 and the third welded wall 251 are located on the same side of the protrusion 41, and the first welded surface 441 and the third welded surface 2511 are located on the same plane. The first welded wall 44 and the third welded wall 251 are fused together. Compared to welding with copper pipes, the valve component 2 of this application is positioned by the contact between the outer shell 25 and the protrusion 41, so that the first welded surface 441 and the third welded surface 2511 are located on the same plane, that is, the weld is kept flush, which can effectively reduce the risk of leakage at the connection between the valve component 2 and the flow channel portion 1. Specifically, both the first weld wall 44 and the third weld wall 251 are partially exposed to the outside of the thermal management device.

[0155] Further referring to Figures 10, 11, 13, and 14, the thermal management device includes a second molten section 46 located between the first welded wall 44 and the third welded wall 251. The connecting part 4 and the valve component 2 are made of the same material, and the second molten section 46, the connecting part 4, and the valve component 2 are integrally formed. Specifically, the first welded wall 44 and the third welded wall 251 are laser-welded. The laser melts a portion of the first welded wall 44 and a portion of the third welded wall 251, fusing the molten portions of the first welded wall 44 and the third welded wall 251 together. After cooling and solidification, the second molten section 46 is formed. The second molten section 46, the connecting part 4, and the valve component 2 are integrally formed, realizing the welding between the first welded wall 44 and the third welded wall 251. Both the connecting part 4 and the valve component 2 are made of stainless steel.

[0156] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the thermal management device includes a sealing ring 9 fitted onto the connecting portion 4. Along a direction perpendicular to the height of the valve component 2, the connecting portion 4 is at least partially located between the sealing ring 9 and the housing 25. Specifically, the connecting portion 4 is partially exposed to the outside of the thermal management device, and the sealing ring 9 is fitted onto the portion of the connecting portion 4 exposed to the outside of the thermal management device. The sealing ring 9 enhances the interference fit or transition fit between the housing 25 and the first connecting hole 40, thereby improving the connection strength between the connecting portion 4 and the valve component 2.

[0157] By welding the first welding wall 44 to the third welding wall 251 with laser welding, the energy of the laser can be controlled to minimize the impact of the welding heat generated during the laser welding process on the sealing ring 9.

[0158] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10, 11, 13 and 14, the connecting portion 4 is brazed to the flow channel portion 1, and the thermal management device includes a second brazing filler metal 47, which is at least partially located between the connecting portion 4 and the flow channel portion 1, and the connecting portion 4 is connected to the flow channel portion 1 through the second brazing filler metal 47.

[0159] In some embodiments, there is a certain gap between the connecting part 4 and the wall corresponding to the flow channel part 1. During the brazing process, the molten second brazing filler metal 47 can fill the gap, increasing the contact surface between the connecting part 4 and the second brazing filler metal 47, as well as between the flow channel part 1 and the second brazing filler metal 47, thereby improving the welding strength.

[0160] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10, 11, 13, and 14, the flow channel portion 1 has an embedding groove 12. Along the height direction of the valve component 2, the embedding groove 12 is recessed from the surface of the flow channel portion 1 to the flow channel 11, and the connecting portion 4 is at least partially located in the embedding groove 12. The flow channel portion 1 has an inner sidewall 121 and an outer sidewall 122. The embedding groove 12 is located between the inner sidewall 121 and the outer sidewall 122. The connecting portion 4 is press-fitted or transition-fitted with the inner sidewall 121, and a gap exists between the connecting portion 4 and the outer sidewall 122. Specifically, the connecting portion 4 is press-fitted with the inner sidewall 121.

[0161] By interfering or transitioning the connection part 4 with the inner sidewall 121, the connection part 4 can be pre-positioned in the embedding groove 12, which facilitates welding the connection part 4 to the flow channel part 1 and results in a better welding effect.

[0162] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10, 11 and 12, the embedding groove 12 is annular, the connecting portion 4 has a first communicating hole 40, and the thermal management device includes a second brazing filler metal 47, which is at least partially located in the gap between the connecting portion 4 and the outer side wall 122.

[0163] By having the second brazing filler metal 47 at least partially located in the gap between the outer wall 122 and the connecting portion 4, the welding strength between the connecting portion 4 and the flow channel portion 1 can be further improved. The annular design of the embedding groove 12 allows for both an interference fit between the connecting portion 4 and the inner wall 121, and a clearance fit between the connecting portion 4 and the outer wall 122 of the embedding groove 12.

[0164] In some embodiments, the housing 25 is transition-fitted or interference-fitted with the first connecting hole 40.

[0165] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 13 and 14, the connecting portion 4 has a fourth welding wall 48 with a fourth welding surface 481, and the outer wall 122 has a fifth welding surface 1221. The second brazing filler metal 47 is at least partially located between the fourth welding wall 48 and the outer wall 122, and there is an angle between the fourth welding surface 481 and the fifth welding surface 1221. Specifically, the angle between the fourth welding surface 481 and the fifth welding surface 1221 is less than 15°. The fourth welding surface 481 is parallel to the height direction of the valve component 2, and the fifth welding surface 1221 extends obliquely from the bottom of the embedding groove 12 away from the connecting portion 4 along the height direction of the valve component 2. Specifically, along the height direction of the valve component 2, the distance between the fourth welding wall 48 and the outer wall 122 gradually increases towards the outside of the thermal management device. Alternatively, the fifth welding surface 1221 is parallel to the height direction of the valve component 2, and the fourth welding surface 481 extends obliquely from one end near the bottom of the embedded groove 12 towards the first connecting hole 40 along the height direction of the valve component 2, so that the distance between the fourth welding wall 48 and the outer wall 122 gradually increases towards the outside of the thermal management device along the height direction of the valve component 2.

[0166] By tilting the weld at the brazing connection between the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1, that is, by increasing the taper of the brazing weld, the flow of the second brazing filler metal 47 is facilitated, thereby improving the welding strength between the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1.

[0167] The second embodiment of this application also discloses another embodiment of a thermal management device, which differs from the above-described solution in that, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the gap between the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1 is set differently.

[0168] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the flow channel 1 has a fourth groove 123, the connecting portion 4 forms a portion of the wall of the fourth groove 123, the second solder 47 is at least partially located in the fourth groove 123, the second solder 47 is connected to the wall corresponding to the fourth groove 123, the second solder 47 is connected to the connecting portion 4, the connecting portion 4 forms a portion of the wall of the fourth groove 123, the second solder 47 is at least partially located in the fourth groove 123, the second solder 47 is connected to the wall corresponding to the fourth groove 123, and the second solder 47 is connected to the connecting portion 4. Specifically, the outer wall 122 forms part of the wall of the fourth groove 123. The outer wall 122 has a first sub-welding surface 1222. The groove wall of the fourth groove 123 has a second sub-welding surface 1231. The connecting part 4 has a fourth welding wall 48. The fourth welding wall 48 has a fourth welding surface 481. The gap between the first sub-welding surface 1222 and the fourth welding surface 481 is smaller than the gap between the second sub-welding surface 1231 and the fourth welding surface 481. Furthermore, along the height direction of the valve component 2, the fourth groove 123 is closer to the outside of the thermal management device than the embedded groove 12.

[0169] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the connecting portion 4 has a third groove, the flow channel portion 1 forms part of the wall of the third groove, the second brazing filler metal 47 is at least partially located in the third groove, the second brazing filler metal 47 is connected to the wall corresponding to the third groove, and the second brazing filler metal 47 is connected to the flow channel portion 1. Specifically, the outer wall 122 has a fifth welding surface 1221, the connecting portion 4 has a fourth welding wall 48, the fourth welding wall 48 has a third sub-welding surface, the groove wall of the third groove has a fourth sub-welding surface, and the gap between the third sub-welding surface and the fifth welding surface 1221 is smaller than the gap between the fourth sub-welding surface and the fifth welding surface 1221; furthermore, along the height direction of the valve component 2, the third groove is closer to the outside of the thermal management device than the embedded groove 12.

[0170] By increasing the gap in the upper part of the weld at the brazing connection between the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1, the flow of the second brazing filler metal 47 is facilitated, thereby improving the welding strength between the connecting part 4 and the flow channel part 1.

[0171] A second embodiment of this application also provides a thermal management system. Referring to Figures 10, 11, and 12, the thermal management system includes a thermal management device. The thermal management device includes a flow channel 1, a valve component 2, and a connecting portion 4. The flow channel 1 has a flow channel 11, and the valve component 2 is partially located in the flow channel 11. Along a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the valve component 2, the connecting portion 4 is at least partially located between the valve component 2 and the flow channel 1. The connecting portion 4 has a protrusion 41, and along the height direction of the valve component 2, the valve component 2 contacts the protrusion 41. The connecting portion 4 is welded to the flow channel 1 and the valve component 2.

[0172] By setting the connecting part 4 and the protrusion 41, the valve component 2 is positioned by contacting the protrusion 41 along its height direction. Then the connecting part 4 is welded to the flow channel part 1 and the valve component 2 respectively. The processing is simple and the weld is flush, thereby improving the production efficiency of the thermal management system and reducing the manufacturing cost of the thermal management system.

[0173] In related technologies, thermal management devices include thermal management components and flow channel integration components. The thermal management components may be, for example, sensors, heat exchangers, or throttling valves. The flow channel integration components integrate two or more flow channels, enabling communication between the thermal management components. In these technologies, sensors are inserted into the flow channel integration components and welded to them. These sensors are used to measure parameters within the flow channels, such as at least one of temperature and pressure. The high temperatures generated during the welding process may damage the internal components of the sensor.

[0174] The third embodiment of this application provides a thermal management device. Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the thermal management device includes a flow channel 1 and a sensor 20. The flow channel 1 has a flow channel 11, and the sensor 20 includes a sensing part 201 that contacts the flow channel 1. The thermal management device also includes a protrusion 30 that is welded to the flow channel 1. The protrusion 30 has a mounting groove 306 that is separated from the flow channel 11. The sensing part 201 is located in the mounting groove 306 and is partially exposed to the outside of the thermal management device. The sensing part 201 is connected to the protrusion 30.

[0175] In the above manner, the thermal management device includes a protrusion 30, which is welded to the flow channel 1. A sensing part 201 is located in the mounting groove 306 of the protrusion 30. The sensing part 201 is connected to the protrusion 30. Welding the protrusion 30 to the flow channel 1 ensures a tight seal. Installing the sensing part 201 to the protrusion 30 reduces damage to the sensor 20 caused by high temperatures during the welding process. The sensing part 201 and the protrusion 30 can be connected to each other in a detachable or adhesive manner. Detachable methods include threaded connection between the sensing part 201 and the protrusion 30, transition fit between the sensing part 201 and the mounting groove 306 of the protrusion 30, or adding an elastic element between the corresponding walls of the sensing part 201 and the mounting groove 306.

[0176] In some embodiments, the sensing part 201 can be a temperature sensing part, which includes a thermistor, which can be an NTC or a PTC thermistor, and the thermistor is in direct or indirect contact with the protrusion 30; the protrusion 30 and the flow channel 1 are separately provided, wherein the separate is defined as the protrusion 30 and the flow channel 1 are not integrally cast or integrally extruded, in other words, the separate is defined as the two parts being separate individuals before they are connected to each other.

[0177] Further referring to Figures 15 and 16, the sensor 20 includes an output harness 202, and the temperature sensing unit includes a package 2011. The output harness 202 is connected to the package body and electrically connected to a thermistor, which is located inside the package 2011. The thermistor is covered with an insulating thermally conductive material, and the package 2011 is also covered with an insulating thermally conductive material. The package 2011 is made of copper or stainless steel. Since the resistance of the thermistor changes with temperature, temperature measurement is performed through the output harness 202 and the processing module. In some embodiments, the sensing unit 201 can also be a pressure sensing unit.

[0178] In some embodiments, a portion of the protrusion 30 is located in the flow channel 11, and the protrusion 30 is used to directly contact the cooling element in the flow channel 11. The sensing element 201 is located in the mounting groove 306 and the sensing element 201 is directly connected to the wall of the mounting groove 306 or a heat-conducting part is provided between them. In short, heat transfer between the protrusion 30 and the sensing element 201 can be realized.

[0179] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 16 and 17, the mounting groove 306 fits into the protrusion 30. In other words, the protrusion 30 is cylindrical, and the mounting groove 306 is cylindrical. The protrusion 30 has an outer wall 304 and an inner wall 305. The inner wall 305 is located in the mounting groove 306, and the outer wall 304 is located outside the mounting groove 306. A portion of the outer wall 304 is located in the flow channel 11. The shape of the portion of the outer wall 304 is consistent with the shape of the protrusion 30. In other words, the distance between the outer wall 304 and the outer wall 304 of the sensing unit 201 is consistent. The temperature of the refrigerant transferred to the sensing unit 201 by each part of the protrusion 30 is approximately the same, which can improve the detection accuracy of the sensing unit 201.

[0180] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 16 and 18, the protrusion 30 is separately disposed from the flow channel 1. The flow channel 1 has a through hole 16, and the protrusion 30 is located in the through hole 16. The protrusion 30 partially forms a portion of the wall corresponding to the flow channel 11.

[0181] Specifically, referring to Figures 16 and 18, the through hole 16 penetrates the wall corresponding to the flow channel 11, and the protrusion 30 is inserted into the flow channel 11 by being placed inside the through hole 16.

[0182] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 16 and 18, the flow channel portion 1 has a limiting wall 164. Along the extending direction of the through hole 16, the limiting wall 164 is located on one side of the protrusion 30, and one end of the protrusion 30 inserted into the flow channel 11 can contact the limiting wall 164. When the protrusion 30 is inserted into the flow channel 11, the limiting wall 164 can limit the depth of insertion of the protrusion 30 into the flow channel 11. When the protrusion 30 is welded to the flow channel portion 1, the relative displacement between the protrusion 30 and the flow channel portion 1 can also be reduced, further improving the welding quality.

[0183] In some embodiments, the sensing part 201 is made of copper, the protrusion 30 is made of stainless steel, and the flow channel 1 is made of aluminum alloy. The protrusion 30 is brazed to the flow channel 1. With the above arrangement, if the copper sensing part 201 is directly connected to the aluminum alloy flow channel 1, copper-aluminum corrosion is likely to occur, leading to leakage. This application reduces copper-aluminum corrosion and improves the safety of the thermal management device by providing a stainless steel protrusion 30 between the copper sensing part 201 and the aluminum alloy flow channel 1.

[0184] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 18 and 19, the flow channel 1 has a limiting groove 165, and the protrusion 30 forms part of the wall of the limiting groove 165. The heat management device includes a welding ring 203, which is located in the limiting groove 165, connected to the flow channel 1, and connected to the protrusion 30. With this arrangement, during reflow welding, the limiting groove 165 can limit the welding ring 203, reducing its movement during reflow and further improving the welding effect.

[0185] Specifically, the through hole 16 is recessed from the bottom of the limiting groove 165 to the flow channel 11 and penetrates the wall corresponding to the flow channel 11.

[0186] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 16 and 20, the thermal management device includes a snap-fit ​​portion 307, which includes an elastic portion 3071. The elastic portion 3071 is at least partially located between the wall corresponding to the mounting groove 306 and the sensing portion 201. The elastic portion 3071 is elastically pressed against the wall corresponding to the mounting groove 306, and the elastic portion 3071 is elastically pressed against the sensing portion 201.

[0187] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 16 and 20, the snap-fit ​​portion 307 includes a hook portion 3072 connected to the elastic portion 3071. Along the extending direction of the through hole 16, part of the hook portion 3072 is located on the side of the protrusion 30 away from the flow channel 11. Along the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the through hole 16, another part of the hook portion 3072 is located on the side of the protrusion 30 away from the sensing portion 201. The hook portion 3072 can limit the depth of the elastic portion 3071 in the mounting groove 306, reducing the possibility that the snap-fit ​​portion 307 will be completely inserted into the mounting groove 306, making it difficult to disassemble.

[0188] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 20 and 21, the elastic part 3071 includes a first sub-elastic body 30711 and a second sub-elastic body 30712. The first sub-elastic body 30711 is connected to the hook part 3072, and the second sub-elastic body 30712 is connected to the first sub-elastic body 30711. A gap exists between the connection point of the first sub-elastic body 30711 and the second sub-elastic body 30712 and the sensing part 201. The first sub-elastic body 30711 and the second sub-elastic body 30712 move relative to each other, resulting in elastic deformation. The elastic force confines the sensing part 201 within the mounting groove 306. Specifically, portions of the first sub-elastic body 30711 and the second sub-elastic body 30712 abut against the sensing part 201, and the connection point between the first sub-elastic body 30711 and the second sub-elastic body 30712 abuts against the corresponding wall of the mounting groove 306, thereby confining the sensing part 201 within the mounting groove 306 by the elastic force. Furthermore, the first sub-elastic body 30711 and the second sub-elastic body 30712 are integral parts, and furthermore, the first sub-elastic body 30711, the second sub-elastic body 30712 and the hook portion 3072 are integral parts.

[0189] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 15 and 22, the thermal management device includes a plate heat exchanger 10, a first throttling valve 21, and a second throttling valve 22. The flow channel 1 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 10. The plate heat exchanger 10 has a first heat exchange flow channel 101 and a second heat exchange flow channel 102. The first heat exchange flow channel 101 and the second heat exchange flow channel 102 are fluidly isolated. The flow channel 11 includes a first flow channel 111, a first sub-flow channel 114, and a second sub-flow channel 115. Both the first sub-flow channel 114 and the second sub-flow channel 115 are connected to the first flow channel 111. The first sub-flow channel 114 is connected to the first heat exchange flow channel 101, and the second sub-flow channel 115 is connected to the second heat exchange flow channel 102. The throttling channel of the second throttling valve 22 is located in the first sub-flow channel 114, and the throttling channel of the first throttling valve 21 is located in the first flow channel 111.

[0190] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 15 and 22, the flow channel 1 is a single piece. Related technologies use a connecting pipe to connect the first throttle valve 21 and the second throttle valve 22. Since the connecting pipe has multiple weld points, such as welding to the outer pipe of the throttle valve, the filter device 51, or the main pipe and branch pipe at branch or junction points, oxide scale easily forms on the pipe during welding. This oxide scale is easily detached and mixes with the fluid flowing through the pipe, such as refrigerant, during operation. Therefore, a filter device 51, including a filter section 521, is required before both the first throttle valve 21 and the second throttle valve 22 connected by a pipe. This application uses a flow channel 1, which is a single piece, reducing the number of weld points compared to pipe connections, thereby reducing impurities introduced during welding. In other words, the single-piece design of the flow channel 1 reduces weld points, thus reducing impurities mixed with the refrigerant during operation. Therefore, the first throttle valve 21 and the second throttle valve 22 can share the filter device 51 to meet filtration requirements.

[0191] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 15 and 22, the protrusion 30 is partially located in the first sub-channel 114, and the protrusion 30 is located between the second throttle valve 22 and the first heat exchange channel 101.

[0192] The third embodiment of this application also discloses another thermal management device, which differs from the thermal management device described above in that, referring to Figures 23 and 24, the protrusion 30 includes an insert body 301 and an isolation body 302. The insert body 301 is connected to the isolation body 302. The insert body 301 is located in the flow channel 11 and has a mounting groove 306. The isolation body 302 has an isolation groove 3021. The sensing part 201 is located in the isolation groove 3021 and the mounting groove 306. The sensing part 201 contacts the wall corresponding to the mounting groove 306, and there is a gap between the sensing part 201 and the wall corresponding to the isolation groove 3021. Furthermore, the isolation body 302 contacts the wall corresponding to the through hole 16.

[0193] Specifically, referring to Figures 23 and 24, the extension body 301 includes a side wall portion 3011 and a bottom wall portion 3012. Along the extension direction of the through hole 16, the bottom wall portion 3012 is located on one side of the side wall portion 3011 and is connected to the side wall portion 3011. The side wall portion 3011 is cylindrical, and the bottom wall portion 3012 is a circular plate. The mounting groove 306 is a cylindrical groove, and the axis of the mounting groove 306 is coaxial with the axis of the side wall portion 3011. The isolation body 302 is cylindrical, and the axis of the isolation body 302 is coaxial with the axis of the side wall portion 3011. The isolation groove 3021 is a cylindrical groove, and the axis of the isolation groove 3021 is coaxial with the axis of the mounting groove 306. The bottom wall portion 3012 can directly contact the sensing unit 201.

[0194] By providing an isolation groove 3021 between the sensing unit 201 and the isolation body 302, the temperature or pressure transmitted from the flow channel 1 to the sensing unit 201 is reduced, making the temperature or pressure sensed by the sensing unit 201 more accurate, as it is a response to the temperature or pressure of the fluid in the flow channel 11.

[0195] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 23 and 24, the protrusion 30 includes a limiting body 303 located between the extending body 301 and the isolating body 302. The limiting body 303, the extending body 301, and the isolating body 302 are all connected. The flow channel 1 has a through hole 16, which includes a first hole 161 and a second hole 162. The extending body 301 is located in the first hole 161, and the isolating body 302 is located in the second hole 162. The flow channel 1 has a first stepped wall 163 located between the first hole 161 and the second hole 162 along the extending direction of the first hole 161. The limiting body 303 contacts the first stepped wall 163. Along the extending direction of the first hole 161, the first hole 161 is closer to the flow channel 11 than the second hole 162.

[0196] Specifically, the first stepped wall 163 is located in the through hole 16. Since the first stepped wall 163 is not located in the flow channel 11, the extension body 301 can avoid contact with the wall corresponding to the flow channel 11, so that the extension body 301 can be in complete contact with the fluid in the flow channel 11, such as refrigerant, making the detection of the fluid by the sensing unit 201 more accurate.

[0197] Specifically, referring to Figures 23 and 24, the diameter of the first hole 161 is smaller than the diameter of the second hole 162; the first stepped wall 163 surrounds to form a transition hole 166, the transition hole 166 has a first opening and a second opening, along the extension direction of the through hole 16, the first opening is closer to the flow channel 11 than the second opening, the diameter of the first opening is smaller than the diameter of the second opening, and the first stepped wall 163 is inclined.

[0198] The third embodiment of this application also discloses another thermal management device, which differs from the above-mentioned thermal management device in that, as shown in FIG25, the protrusion 30 and the flow channel 1 are integral parts.

[0199] In some embodiments, referring to FIG25, the protrusion 30 forms a portion of the wall corresponding to the flow channel 11. The protrusion 30 has a contact wall 308 exposed to the flow channel 11, and the shape of the contact wall 308 is consistent with the partial shape of the sensing part 201. Specifically, the protrusion 30 includes a side wall body 3013 and a bottom wall body 3014. The side wall body 3013 has the contact wall 308. The side wall body 3013 is cylindrical, and the bottom wall body 3014 is a circular plate. The side wall body 3013 and the flow channel 1 are integrally formed. Along the extending direction of the mounting groove 306, the bottom wall body 3014 is located on one side of the side wall body 3013 and is connected to the side wall body 3013. The bottom wall body 3014 is partially exposed to the flow channel 11. Specifically, the bottom wall body 3014 and the side wall body 3013 are integrally formed. In other words, the distance between the contact wall 308 and the outer wall 304 of the sensing unit 201 is the same, and the temperature of the refrigerant transferred to the sensing unit 201 by each part of the protrusion 30 is similar, which can improve the detection accuracy of the sensing unit 201.

[0200] Specifically, referring to Figure 25, the sensing part 201 is a cylinder, the contact wall 308 is the side of the cylinder, and the mounting groove 306 is a cylindrical groove.

[0201] In some embodiments, the sensing part 201 is made of stainless steel, and the flow channel part 1 and the protrusion 30 are made of aluminum alloy to reduce electrochemical corrosion between the sensing part 201 and the protrusion 30.

[0202] The third embodiment of this application also provides a thermal management system. Referring to FIG26, the thermal management system includes a main flow path 72, a first branch flow path 721, and a second branch flow path 722. The main flow path 72 has a first flow channel 111, the first branch flow path 721 has a first sub-flow channel 114, and the second branch flow path 722 has a second sub-flow channel 115. The first branch flow path 721 and the second branch flow path 722 are both connected to the main flow path 72, and the first sub-flow channel 114 and the second sub-flow channel 115 are both connected to the first flow channel 111. The thermal management system includes a plate heat exchanger 10. The plate heat exchanger 10 has a first heat exchange flow channel 101 and a second heat exchange flow channel 102. The first heat exchange flow channel 101 is connected to the first sub-flow channel 114, and the second heat exchange flow channel 102 is connected to the second sub-flow channel 115. The first heat exchange flow channel 101 and the second heat exchange flow channel 102 of the plate heat exchanger 10 are arranged in parallel.

[0203] Referring to Figure 26, the thermal management system includes a first throttling valve 21, a second throttling valve 22, and a sensor 20. The first throttling valve 21 is connected to the main flow path 72. The second throttling valve 22 and the sensor 20 are both connected to the first branch flow path 721. The sensor 20 is connected between the plate heat exchanger 10 and the sensor 20. The second throttling valve 22 is connected between the main flow path 72 and the sensor 20.

[0204] Referring to Figure 26, the thermal management system includes a filter device 51, which is connected to the main flow path 72, and a first throttle valve 21 is connected between the filter device 51 and the first branch flow path 721. The filter device 51 includes a filter section 521.

[0205] In related technologies, the blocking part and the flow channel part are connected together by bolts. The bolts pass through the blocking part and are threadedly connected to the flow channel part. The bolts have a certain preload. During operation, the compressor vibration causes the bolts to vibrate, and the bolts are prone to vibrate out of the flow channel part, resulting in the failure of the bolt preload. The bolts are prone to loosening and failure, and the sealing ring between the blocking part and the flow channel part is also prone to loosening, resulting in leakage between the blocking part and the flow channel part.

[0206] Therefore, the fourth embodiment of this application provides a thermal management device. Referring to FIG27, the thermal management device includes a flow channel 1, a filter 521, and a blocking part 6. The flow channel 1 has a flow channel 11 and a receiving cavity 131, which are connected. The blocking part 6 has a second connecting hole 63, which is connected to the receiving cavity 131. The blocking part 6 forms a portion of the wall of the receiving cavity 131. The filter 521 is located in the receiving cavity 131 and is located between at least a portion of the blocking part 6 and a portion of the flow channel 1. The blocking part 6 and the portion of the flow channel 1 limit the filter 521. The blocking part 6 is welded to the flow channel 1.

[0207] The blocking part 6 is welded to the flow channel part 1. Compared with the related technology of installing the blocking part 6 to the flow channel part 1 by bolts, it can greatly reduce the situation where the sealing of the blocking part 6 fails due to compressor vibration during operation. During long-term operation, it can reduce the impact of compressor vibration on the sealing performance between the blocking part 6 and the flow channel part 1.

[0208] Specifically, the blocking part 6 is made of the same material as the flow channel part 1, and the blocking part 6 is welded to the flow channel part 1. Furthermore, the blocking part 6 is laser-welded to the flow channel part 1. Furthermore, referring to FIG27, the blocking part 6 is at least partially embedded in the flow channel part 1, the blocking part 6 is partially located in the receiving cavity 131, and the blocking part 6 can contact the filter part 521.

[0209] In some embodiments, the material of the flow channel 1 is aluminum alloy or stainless steel. If it is aluminum alloy, the flow channel 1 is integrally die-cast. If it is stainless steel, the flow channel 1 is welded from two stamped plates, and there are several flow channels 11 between the two stamped plates.

[0210] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 27 and 28, the blocking part 6 includes a welding body 61 and a blocking body 62. The welding body 61 is connected to the blocking body 62. Along the radial direction of the second connecting hole 63, the welding body 61 protrudes from the blocking body 62 and is welded to the flow channel part 1.

[0211] Specifically, the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second connecting hole 63 is defined as the transverse direction X, and along the transverse direction X, the welding body 61 is at least partially located on one side of the blocking body 62.

[0212] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 27 and 28, the welding body 61 is sleeved on the blocking portion 6, and the welding body 61 is connected to the blocking portion 6. Specifically, the welding body 61 and the blocking portion 6 are an integral part.

[0213] When welding the welding body 61 to the flow channel 1, since the welding position between the welding body 61 and the flow channel 1 is located far away from the second connecting hole 63, the heat generated during the welding process can reduce the deformation of the hole wall of the second connecting hole 63.

[0214] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 29, 30 and 35, the welding body 61 has a sixth welding wall 611 and the flow channel portion 1 has a seventh welding wall 612. Taking the plane where the extension direction of the receiving cavity 131 is located as the sectional plane S, the angle between the cross section of the sixth welding wall 611 in the sectional plane S and the cross section of the seventh welding wall 612 in the sectional plane S is the welding angle A. The angle of the welding angle A is greater than 90° and less than or equal to 180°. The sixth welding wall 611 and the seventh welding wall 612 are welded together.

[0215] Specifically, referring to Figures 29 and 30, the welding body 61 and the flow channel 1 are made of the same material; a connecting portion 64 is provided between the sixth welding wall 611 and the seventh welding wall 612, and the connecting portion 64 is partially integral with the flow channel 1 and partially integral with the welding body 61. Specifically, the welding body 61 and the flow channel 1 are laser welded. Laser welding melts a portion of the welding body 61 and a portion of the flow channel 1, and the molten portion of the welding body 61 and the portion of the flow channel 1 are mixed. After cooling, the welding body 61 and the flow channel 1 are welded together, and after cooling, the connecting portion 64 is formed between the welding body 61 and the flow channel 1; in other words, after welding, the welding body 61 and the flow channel 1 are at least partially integral. Furthermore, the sixth welding wall 611 and the seventh welding wall 612 are parallel; in other words, the welding angle A is 180°. The angle limitation in this application is not necessarily 180°. In the case of manufacturing errors, the actual welding angle A is close to 180°.

[0216] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 28 and 30, the flow channel portion 1 has a receiving groove 132, which is located away from the filter portion 521 relative to the receiving cavity 131, and the welding body 61 is at least partially located in the receiving groove 132. Specifically, the receiving groove 132 is recessed from the surface of the flow channel portion 1 to the interior of the flow channel portion 1, and the receiving groove 132 is coaxial with the receiving cavity 131.

[0217] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 28 and 30, the second connecting hole 63 has a first opening 631 and a second opening 632. The second opening 632 is closer to the receiving cavity 131 than the first opening 631, and the flow area of ​​the second opening 632 is larger than that of the first opening 631. Specifically, the flow area of ​​the second connecting hole 63 gradually increases from the first opening 631 to the second opening 632. This design reduces flow resistance.

[0218] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 28 and 30, the thermal management device includes an external connection portion 50 and an external connecting pipe 501. The external connection portion 50 is connected to the blocking portion 6. The external connection portion 50 has an external channel 502 that extends through the external connection portion 50. The external connecting pipe 501 is connected to the external connection portion 50. Both the pipe inside the external connecting pipe 501 and the external channel 502 are connected to the second connecting hole 63. Specifically, the first opening 631 is connected to the pipe inside the external connecting pipe 501. Further, the external connection portion 50 and the blocking portion 6 are integral components, and the external connection portion 50 and the external connecting pipe 501 are welded together, specifically by brazing.

[0219] Furthermore, referring to Figures 28 and 30, along the lateral direction X, the sixth welded wall 611 is located between the outer portion 50 and the seventh welded wall 612. A plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the outer channel 502 is defined as the projection plane, and the orthographic projection of the sixth welded wall 611 onto the projection plane is located outside the orthographic projection of the outer portion 50 onto the projection plane.

[0220] With the above design, when laser welding the sixth welding wall 611 and the seventh welding wall 612, the welding head has enough space to weld the sixth welding wall 611 and the seventh welding wall 612. The welding head can be placed between the sixth welding wall 611 and the seventh welding wall 612 to reduce interference during welding. Furthermore, the setting of the welding body 61 can also reduce the impact of heat during the welding process on the hole wall of the second connecting hole 63.

[0221] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 30 and 31, the thermal management device includes a limiting part 15 connected to the flow channel part 1. The limiting part 15 protrudes from the corresponding wall of the receiving cavity 131 along the radial direction of the receiving cavity 131. The filter part 521 is at least partially located between the limiting part 15 and the blocking part 6. Specifically, the filter part 521 includes a mounting part 5211 and a filter body 5212. The mounting part 5211 is annular and located between the blocking part 6 and the limiting part 15. The blocking part 6 and the limiting part 15 limit the mounting part 5211. The filter body 5212 is connected to the mounting part 5211. Further, both the mounting part 5211 and the filter body 5212 are made of stainless steel, and the limiting part 15 and the flow channel part 1 are integrally formed.

[0222] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 28 and 32, the flow channel 11 includes a first flow channel 111, which communicates with the receiving cavity 131. The thermal management device includes a valve component 2, which is partially located in the first flow channel 111, and the valve passage of the valve component 2 communicates with the first flow channel 111. The first flow channel 111 communicates with the outside of the thermal management device.

[0223] The fourth embodiment of this application also discloses another thermal management device, which differs from the above-mentioned thermal management device in that, referring to Figures 33 and 34, the second connecting hole 63 includes a flow groove 633 and a flow hole 634, the flow channel 11 includes a first sub-flow channel 114 and a second sub-flow channel 115, the flow channel portion 1 has a first sub-flow channel 114 and a second sub-flow channel 115, the first sub-flow channel 114 and the flow groove 633 are respectively located on both sides of the receiving groove 132, the first sub-flow channel 114 and the flow groove 633 are both connected to the receiving groove 132, the flow hole 634 is located between the flow groove 633 and the second sub-flow channel 115, the flow groove 633 and the second sub-flow channel 115 are both connected to the flow hole 634, and the extending direction of the flow groove 633 intersects the extending direction of the flow hole 634.

[0224] Specifically, the extension direction of the flow groove 633 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the flow hole 634.

[0225] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 33 and 34, the external connection portion 50 is connected to the flow channel portion 1, and the external connection portion 50 has a second sub-flow channel 115. Specifically, the external connection portion 50 and the flow channel portion 1 are integral, the external pipe 501 is connected to the external connection portion 50, and the pipe inside the external pipe 501 communicates with the second sub-flow channel 115.

[0226] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 33 and 34, the thermal management device includes a first positioning part 65 connected to a blocking part 6. The first positioning part 65 protrudes from the blocking part 6 along the radial direction of the second connecting hole 63. The flow channel part 1 has a first positioning groove 14, and the first positioning part 65 is at least partially located in the first positioning groove 14.

[0227] Specifically, the first positioning groove 14 is located between the welding body 61 and the receiving groove 132, and the welding body 61 forms part of the wall of the first positioning groove 14. The first positioning part 65 is connected to the welding body 61 and is located between the welding body 61 and the receiving groove 132. Furthermore, the first positioning part 65, the welding body 61, and the blocking part 6 are integral parts. When welding the welding body 61 and the flow channel 1, the first positioning part 65 is located in the first positioning groove 14, which can reduce the possibility that the flow hole 634 and the second sub-flow channel 115 will be misaligned due to the rotation of the blocking part 6 during the welding process, thereby reducing the possibility of increased flow resistance.

[0228] The fourth embodiment of this application also discloses a thermal management system. Referring to FIG36, the thermal management system includes a multi-way valve 8, a first flow path 1101, a second flow path 1102, a third flow path 1103, and a fourth flow path 1104. The multi-way valve 8 has a first valve port 81, a second valve port 82, a third valve port 83, and a fourth valve port 84. The first valve port 81 is connected to the first flow path 1101, the second valve port 82 is connected to the second flow path 1102, the third valve port 83 is connected to the third flow path 1103, and the fourth valve port 84 is connected to the fourth flow path 1104. The fourth flow path 1104 has a first flow channel 111, the second flow path 1102 has a second flow channel 112, and the third flow path 1103 has a third flow channel 113.

[0229] The first flow path 1101 is connected to the compressor outlet, the second flow path 1102 is connected to the compressor inlet, and the fourth flow path 1104 is equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger 181, valve component 2, filter section 521, filter body 185, refrigerant ring 182, subcooling heat exchanger 71, and a first shut-off valve 183. The third flow path 1103 is equipped with a second shut-off valve 184. One port of the outdoor heat exchanger 181 is connected to the fourth valve port 84, and the other port of the outdoor heat exchanger 181 is connected to the port of valve component 2. Part 521 is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger 181 and the valve component 2. Another interface of the valve component 2 is connected to the channel of the refrigerant ring 182. The filter body 185 is connected between the valve component 2 and the refrigerant ring 182. The channel of the refrigerant ring 182 is connected to the third interface 713 of the subcooling heat exchanger 71. The first interface 711 of the subcooling heat exchanger 71 is connected to the first shut-off valve 183. The second interface 712 of the subcooling heat exchanger 71 is connected to the second flow path 1102 and is connected to the compressor inlet.

[0230] A thermal management device includes thermal management components and flow channel integration components. Thermal management components can be, for example, heat exchangers or expansion valves, while the flow channel integration components integrate two or more flow channels to enable communication between the thermal management components. Thermal management devices can improve the integration of a thermal management system. However, related technologies require further improvements to thermal management devices to reduce the cost of the corresponding thermal management system.

[0231] The inventors discovered that to reduce clogging of throttle valves, related technologies incorporate a filter device before the throttle valve, allowing fluid to pass through the filter before flowing into the throttle valve. Some thermal management systems include at least two throttle valves, thus requiring at least two filter devices.

[0232] This application provides a fifth embodiment of a thermal management device, as shown in Figures 37-46 or 47, which can help reduce the number of filter devices 51 in the corresponding thermal management system and achieve the purpose of reducing costs.

[0233] The thermal management device provided in this application, as shown in Figure 37 or Figure 47, includes a plate heat exchanger 10, a first throttling valve 21, a second throttling valve 22, and a flow channel integrated block 3. The flow channel integrated block 3 is mounted on the plate heat exchanger 10, and both the first throttling valve 21 and the second throttling valve 22 are mounted on the flow channel integrated block 3. The plate heat exchanger 10 has a first heat exchange flow channel 101 and a second heat exchange flow channel 102. The first throttle valve 21 has a first valve port 211 and a second valve port 212, one of which is the inlet of the first throttle valve 21, and the other is the outlet of the first throttle valve 21. The second throttle valve 22 has a third valve port 221 and a fourth valve port 222, one of which is the inlet of the second throttle valve 22, and the other is the outlet of the second throttle valve 22. The flow channel integrated block 3 has a first channel 31, a second channel 32, and a third channel 33, and the first valve port 211 can communicate with the inner cavity of the filter device 51. The second valve port 212 and the first heat exchange channel 101 are both connected to the first channel 31. The second valve port 212 and the third valve port 221 are both connected to the second channel 32. The fourth valve port 222 and the second heat exchange channel 102 are both connected to the third channel 33. Alternatively, the first channel 31 connects the second valve port 212 and the first heat exchange channel 101, the second channel 32 connects the second valve port 212 and the third valve port 221, and the third channel 33 connects the fourth valve port 222 and the second heat exchange channel 102.

[0234] The thermal management device provided in this application allows the first throttle valve 21 and the second throttle valve 22 to share the filter device 51, which helps to reduce the number of filter devices 51 in the thermal management system corresponding to the thermal management device, thereby helping to reduce the cost of the thermal management system corresponding to the thermal management device.

[0235] In some embodiments, the flow channel integrated block 3 is a single piece. Related technologies use a pipe connection 7 to connect the first throttle valve 21 and the second throttle valve 22. Because the pipe connection 7 has multiple weld points, such as welding to the throttle valve, the filter device 51, or the main pipe and branch pipe at branch or confluence points, oxide scale easily forms on the pipe during welding. This oxide scale is easily detached and mixes with the fluid (e.g., refrigerant) flowing through the pipe during the operation of the thermal management system. Therefore, a filter device 51 needs to be installed before both the first throttle valve 21 and the second throttle valve 22 connected by pipes. This application uses a flow channel integrated block 3, which is a single piece, reducing the number of weld points compared to pipe connections, thereby reducing impurities introduced during the welding process. In other words, the single-piece design of the flow channel integrated block 3 reduces weld points, thus reducing impurities mixed with the refrigerant during the operation of the thermal management system. Therefore, the first throttle valve 21 and the second throttle valve 22 can share the filter device 51 to meet filtration requirements. In some embodiments, the first channel 31, the second channel 32, and the third channel 33 of the flow channel integrated block 3 are all machined or formed by sand core process.

[0236] In some embodiments, the plate heat exchanger 10 includes a plurality of plates stacked together. The thermal management device has a first opening 310 and a second opening 320. The first opening 310 connects to a first channel 31 and a first heat exchange channel 101, and the second opening 320 connects to a third channel 33 and a second heat exchange channel 102. Along the stacking direction of the plurality of plates, the first opening 310 and the second opening 320 are located on the same side of the channel integration block 3, and on the same side of the plate heat exchanger 10. This facilitates the connection between the channel integration block 3 and the plate heat exchanger 10.

[0237] In some embodiments, both the first opening 310 and the second opening 320 are disposed in the flow channel integrated block 3. For example, as shown in FIG46, the flow channel integrated block 3 includes a first connecting portion 330, a second connecting portion 340, and a body portion 350. Both the first connecting portion 330 and the second connecting portion 340 protrude from the body portion 350. A portion of the first channel 31 is disposed in the body portion 350, and another portion of the first channel 31 is disposed through the first connecting portion 330. The first opening 310 is disposed in the first connecting portion 330. A portion of the third channel 33 is disposed in the body portion 350, and another portion of the third channel 33 is disposed through the second connecting portion 340. The second opening 320 is disposed in the second connecting portion 340. The first connecting portion 330 is at least partially located in the first heat exchange flow channel 101, and the second connecting portion 340 is at least partially located in the second heat exchange flow channel 102. That is, the first connecting portion 330 and the second connecting portion 340 are respectively inserted into the plate heat exchanger 10. Further, as shown in Figure 44, the plate heat exchanger 10 includes a side plate 105, which includes a main body 151 and a flange 1052. The flange 1052 protrudes from the main body 1051. The flange 1052 includes a first flange 1053 and a second flange 1054. A first connecting portion 330 is at least partially inserted into the first flange 1053 and is welded to the first flange 1053. A second connecting portion 340 is at least partially inserted into the second flange 1054 and is welded to the second flange 1054.

[0238] In other embodiments, both the first opening 310 and the second opening 320 are disposed in the plate heat exchanger 10, for example, in the flanged portion 1052 described above. The first opening 310 is disposed in the first flanged portion 1053, and the second opening 320 is disposed in the second flanged portion 1054. The first flanged portion 1053 is at least partially inserted into the first connecting portion 330, and the second flanged portion 1054 is at least partially inserted into the second connecting portion 340. Alternatively, one of the first opening 310 and the second opening 320 is disposed in the flow channel integration block 3, and the other of the first opening 310 and the second opening 320 is disposed in the plate heat exchanger 10. This application does not limit the connection method between the flow channel integration block 3 and the plate heat exchanger 10, as long as the two can be connected to achieve the communication between the first channel 31 and the first heat exchange flow channel 101, and the communication between the third channel 33 and the second heat exchange flow channel 102.

[0239] In some embodiments, the plate heat exchanger 10 has an inter-plate flow channel 104 and a distribution flow channel 103. The inter-plate flow channel 104 is located between two adjacent plates and includes at least two first inter-plate flow channels 1041 and at least two second inter-plate flow channels 1042. The distribution flow channel 103 includes a first distribution flow channel 1031 and a second distribution flow channel 1032. At least two first inter-plate flow channels 1041 are connected to the first distribution flow channel 1031, and at least two second inter-plate flow channels 1042 are connected to the second distribution flow channel 1032. The first heat exchange flow channel 101 includes at least two first inter-plate flow channels 1041 and a first distribution flow channel 1031, and the second heat exchange flow channel 102 includes at least two second inter-plate flow channels 1042 and a second distribution flow channel 1032. The first opening 310 connects the first channel 31 and the first distribution channel 1031, with the extension direction of the first channel 31 parallel to the extension direction of the first distribution channel 1031. The second opening 320 connects the third channel 33 and the second distribution channel 1032, with the extension direction of the third channel 33 parallel to the extension direction of the second distribution channel 1032, as shown in Figure 44. This reduces the flow resistance at the connection between the flow channel assembly and the plate heat exchanger 10. Furthermore, the first channel 31 is coaxial with the first distribution channel 1031. Furthermore, the third channel 33 is coaxial with the second distribution channel 1032.

[0240] In some embodiments, the second channel 32 has a first connecting port 321 and a second connecting port 322, the first connecting port 321 communicating with the second valve port 212, and the second connecting port 322 communicating with the third valve port 221. The thermal management device has a thickness direction T1, and along the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device, the flow channel assembly 3 is at least partially located on one side of the plate heat exchanger 10; along the thickness direction T1, the distance between the second channel 32 and the plate heat exchanger 10 is a constant, the distance between the second valve port 212 and the plate heat exchanger 10 is equal to the distance between the second channel 32 and the plate heat exchanger 10, and the distance between the third valve port 221 and the plate heat exchanger 10 is equal to the distance between the second channel 32 and the plate heat exchanger 10. This helps to reduce the flow resistance of the second channel 32. In some embodiments, the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device is in the same direction as the direction of the stacking of the plurality of plates of the plate heat exchanger 10 described above. In some embodiments, the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device is perpendicular to the extending direction of the second channel 32.

[0241] In some embodiments, the flow channel integrated block 3 has a first mounting cavity 35, and the first throttle valve 21 includes a first valve port portion 2110 and a second valve port portion 2120. The first valve port 211 is disposed in the first valve port portion 2110, and the second valve port 212 is disposed in the second valve port portion 2120. Both the first valve port portion 2110 and the second valve port portion 2120 are located in the first mounting cavity 35, and both the first valve port 211 and the second valve port 212 are in communication with the first mounting cavity 35. The first channel 31 has a first channel opening 311, and the second channel 32 has a first connecting port 321. Both the first channel opening 311 and the first connecting port 321 are disposed through the wall of the first mounting cavity 35. The first channel opening 311 is farther away from the second valve port portion 2120 relative to the first connecting port 321. For example, as shown in FIG41, the first mounting cavity 35 includes a first sub-mounting cavity 351 and a second sub-mounting cavity 352. The first valve port 2110 is located in the first sub-mounting cavity 351, and the first valve port 211 is connected to the first sub-mounting cavity 351. The second valve port 2120 is located in the second sub-mounting cavity 352, and the second valve port 212 is connected to the second sub-mounting cavity 352. The first channel 31 and the second channel 32 are both connected to the second sub-mounting cavity 352.

[0242] In some embodiments, the flow channel integrated block 3 has a second mounting cavity 36, and the second throttle valve 22 includes a third valve port portion 2210 and a fourth valve port portion 2220. The third valve port 221 is disposed in the third valve port portion 2210, and the fourth valve port 222 is disposed in the fourth valve port portion 2220. Both the third valve port portion 2210 and the fourth valve port portion 2220 are located in the second mounting cavity 36, and both the third valve port 221 and the fourth valve port 222 are in communication with the second mounting cavity 36. The second channel 32 and the third channel 33 are both in communication with the second mounting cavity 36. The third channel 33 has a second channel opening 331, and the second channel 32 has a second connecting port 322. Both the second channel opening 331 and the second connecting port 322 are disposed through the wall surface of the second mounting cavity 36. Specifically, the second mounting cavity 36 includes a third sub-mounting cavity 361 and a fourth sub-mounting cavity 362. The third valve port 2210 is located in the third sub-mounting cavity 361, and the third valve port 221 communicates with the third sub-mounting cavity 361. The fourth valve port 2220 is located in the fourth sub-mounting cavity 362, and the fourth valve port 222 communicates with the fourth sub-mounting cavity 362. The second channel 32 communicates with the third sub-mounting cavity 361, and the third channel 33 communicates with the fourth sub-mounting cavity 362.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first mounting cavity 35 extends along a first straight line L1, and the second mounting cavity 36 extends along a second straight line L2. The thermal management device has a thickness direction T1, and along the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device, the flow channel integrated block 3 is at least partially located on one side of the plate heat exchanger 10. A plane perpendicular to the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device is defined as the projection plane. The orthographic projection of the first straight line L1 onto the projection plane is the first projection line P1, the orthographic projection of the second straight line L2 onto the projection plane is the second projection line P2, and the orthographic projection of the plate heat exchanger 10 onto the projection plane is the third projection P3. The third projection P3 has a first straight side C and a second straight side K, the length of the first straight side C is greater than the length of the second straight side K, the angle between the first projection line P1 and the first straight side C is less than or equal to 20°, and the angle between the second projection line P2 and the first straight side C is less than or equal to 20°.

[0244] The plate heat exchanger 10 has a thickness direction T, a length direction L, and a width direction D. Multiple plates are stacked along the thickness direction T of the plate heat exchanger 10, and the thickness direction T, length direction L, and width direction D of the plate heat exchanger 10 are perpendicular to each other. During the application of the heat management device, the length direction L of the plate heat exchanger 10 is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The plate heat exchanger 10 has a first flow channel opening 1061, a second flow channel opening 1062, a third flow channel opening 1063, and a fourth flow channel opening 1064. For example, as shown in Figure 38, along the length direction L of the plate heat exchanger 10, the first flow channel opening 1061 and the second flow channel opening 1062 are located on the same side of the plate heat exchanger 10, and the third flow channel opening 1063 and the fourth flow channel opening 1064 are located on the same side of the plate heat exchanger 10. The first flow channel opening 1061 and the third flow channel opening 1063 are located on opposite sides of the plate heat exchanger 10. Both the first flow channel opening 1061 and the second flow channel opening 1062 are connected to the flow channel integrated block 3. Specifically, the first flow channel opening 1061 is connected to the first connecting part 330 mentioned above, and the second flow channel opening 1062 is connected to the second connecting part 340 mentioned above. The third flow channel opening 1063 and the fourth flow channel opening 1064 are respectively connected to straight pipes or other components. The setting that the angle between the first projection line P1 and the first straight side C is less than or equal to 20°, and the angle between the second projection line P2 and the first straight side C is less than or equal to 20°, can reduce the interference between the first throttling valve 21 and the second throttling valve 22 and the third flow channel opening 1063 and the fourth flow channel opening 1064, while ensuring that the height direction of the first throttling valve 21 and the second throttling valve 22 is as parallel as possible to the direction of gravity. The height direction of the first throttling valve 21 is parallel to the extension direction of the first mounting cavity 35. The height direction of the second throttling valve 22 is parallel to the extension direction of the second mounting cavity 36. Specifically, as shown in Figure 42, the angle between the first projection line P1 and the first straight side C is 18°, and the angle between the second projection line P2 and the first straight side C is also 18°. During the design process, while ensuring that the first throttle valve 21 and the second throttle valve 22 do not interfere with the third flow channel inlet 1063 connector 7 and the fourth flow channel inlet 1064 connector 7, the smaller the angle between the height direction of the first throttle valve 21 and the direction of gravity, the better. Correspondingly, the smaller the angle between the first projection line P1 and the first straight side C, the better. Similarly, the smaller the angle between the height direction of the second throttle valve 22 and the direction of gravity, the better, and the smaller the angle between the second projection line P2 and the first straight side C, the better.

[0245] In some embodiments, the height direction of the first straight line L1, or the first throttle valve 21, is perpendicular to the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device, and the height direction of the second straight line L2, or the second throttle valve 22, is perpendicular to the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device.

[0246] In some embodiments, the thermal management device includes a filter connected to a third flow channel opening 1063, the filter having a filter chamber 52 communicating with a first heat exchange flow channel 101.

[0247] In one embodiment, the thermal management device includes a connecting pipe 7, one end of which is connected to the flow channel integrated block 3, and the other end of which is connected to the filter device 51. Both the first mounting cavity 35 and the inner cavity of the filter device 51 are connected to the pipe of the connecting pipe 7. That is, the filter device 51 is externally connected to the flow channel integrated block 3. The connecting pipe 7 and the flow channel integrated block 3 can be fixedly connected or limitedly connected, or they can be detachably connected, for example, for convenient filter replacement. Specifically, as shown in Figure 39, the flow channel integrated block 3 has a fourth channel 34, and a first throttle valve 21 is at least partially located in the first mounting cavity 35. The first channel 31, the second channel 32, and the fourth channel 34 are all connected to the first mounting cavity 35. The pipe of the connecting pipe 7 is connected to the first sub-mounting cavity 351. The fourth channel 34 is connected to the first mounting cavity 35, specifically, the fourth channel 34 is connected to the first sub-mounting cavity 351. A portion of the connecting pipe 7 is located in the fourth channel 34 and is sealed and fixedly connected to the wall of the fourth channel 34.

[0248] In another thermal management device according to the fifth embodiment of this application, the thermal management device has a filter chamber 52, which is at least partially disposed in the flow channel integration block 3. The thermal management device includes a filter section 521, which is located in the filter chamber 52. That is, the flow channel integration block 3 integrates the filter device 51. Specifically, as shown in FIG40, in another thermal management device, both the first mounting cavity 35 and the filter chamber 52 are connected to the fourth channel 34. The fourth channel 34 has a third channel opening 341 and a fourth channel opening 342. The third channel opening 341 is disposed through the wall of the first mounting cavity 35, and the fourth channel opening 342 is disposed through the wall of the filter chamber 52. Specifically, as shown in FIG39, the filter section 521 is a filter screen with filter holes; the filter chamber 52 includes a first filter chamber 522 and a second filter chamber 523, which are respectively located on both sides of the filter screen. Both the first filter chamber 522 and the second filter chamber 523 are connected to the filter holes. The fourth channel 34 connects the first filter chamber 522 and the first sub-mounting chamber 351. Thus, fluid first enters the first filter chamber 522, is filtered by the filter screen, enters the second filter chamber 523, and then enters the first sub-mounting chamber 351 via the fourth channel 34 and finally enters the first valve port 211. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the filter chamber 52 is larger than the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth channel 34.

[0249] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG37, the plate heat exchanger 10 and the filter device 51 are located on both sides of the flow channel integrated block 3 along the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device; the first channel 31 and the fourth channel 34 are located on both sides of the first mounting cavity 35 along the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device. For example, as shown in conjunction with FIG37 and FIG39, the first channel 31 extends along the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device, and the fourth channel 34 extends at least partially along the thickness direction T1 of the thermal management device. The extension direction of the filter cavity 52 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first channel 31, and along the extension direction of the filter cavity 52, the first filter cavity 522 and the second filter cavity 523 are located on both sides of the filter section 521.

[0250] In some embodiments, the distribution channel 103 includes a third distribution channel 1033 and a fourth distribution channel 1034. At least two first inter-plate channels 1041 are connected to the third distribution channel 1033, and at least two second inter-plate channels 1042 are connected to the fourth distribution channel 1034. The first heat exchange channel 101 includes the third distribution channel 1033, and the second heat exchange channel 102 includes the fourth distribution channel 1034, as shown in Figure 43, for example. The first distribution channel 1031 penetrates the first channel opening 1061 described above, the second distribution channel 1032 penetrates the second channel opening 1062 described above, the third distribution channel 1033 penetrates the third channel opening 1063 described above, and the fourth distribution channel 1034 penetrates the fourth channel opening 1064 described above. In some embodiments, the first flow channel opening 1061 includes the first flange 1053 described above, and the second flow channel opening 1062 includes the second flange 1054 described above. In some embodiments, to increase the connection strength with the outer pipe, the third flow channel opening 1063 and the fourth flow channel opening 1064 may also be provided with flanges 1052.

[0251] In some embodiments, the thermal management device has a first mode. In the first mode, the refrigerant enters the filter device 51, for example, the second filter chamber 523 of the filter device 51, is filtered by the filter section 521 and then enters the first filter chamber 522; then it passes through the fourth channel 34 to the first valve port 211, and enters the first throttle valve 21 through the first valve port 211, and then flows out of the first throttle valve 21 from the second valve port 212. The refrigerant flowing out from the second valve port 212, in part, enters the first distribution channel 1031 of the plate heat exchanger 10 through the first channel 31, and is distributed from the first distribution channel 1031 to at least two first inter-plate channels 1041, and then flows out from the third distribution channel 1033; the other part reaches the third valve port 221 of the second throttling valve 22 through the second channel 32, then flows out from the second throttling valve 22 through the fourth valve port 222 and enters the second distribution channel 1032 of the plate heat exchanger 10, and is distributed from the second distribution channel 1032 to at least two second inter-plate channels 1042, and then flows out from the fourth distribution channel 1034. In the first mode, the first throttling valve 21 does not throttle the refrigerant flowing through it, while the second throttling valve 22 does throttle the refrigerant flowing through it.

[0252] In some embodiments, the thermal management device has a second mode in which refrigerant enters a third distribution channel 1033 and is distributed from the third distribution channel 1033 to at least two first inter-plate channels 1041, then enters the first distribution channel 1031, and subsequently flows out from the first distribution channel 1031 to the first channel 31. A portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the first channel 31 reaches the second valve port 212, flows through the first throttling valve 21, and then flows out from the first valve port 211; another portion of the refrigerant enters the second channel 32 and flows from the second channel 32 to the third valve port 221, passes through the second throttling valve 22, and then flows out from the fourth valve port 222. The refrigerant flowing out from the fourth valve port 222 enters the second distribution channel 1032 and is distributed from the second distribution channel 1032 to at least two second inter-plate channels 1042, and then flows out from the fourth distribution channel 1034. In the second mode, both the first throttling valve 21 and the second throttling valve 22 throttle the flow of refrigerant.

[0253] In some embodiments, the third flow channel opening 1063 described above is connected to a filter 53, thereby enabling the filtration of refrigerant entering the third distribution flow channel 1033. In some embodiments, the filter 53 includes a housing portion 531, an inner filter portion 532, and a connecting pipe portion 533. The housing portion 531 has a cavity 5310, the inner filter portion 532 is located in the cavity 5310, and the inner filter portion 532 is connected to the housing portion 531. The connecting pipe portion 533 is connected to the third flow channel opening 1063 of the plate heat exchanger 10, and the connecting pipe portion 533 has a lumen 5330 that communicates with the cavity 5310 and the first heat exchange flow channel 101. The housing portion 531 is at least partially integrally formed with the connecting pipe portion 533. For example, as shown in Figure 43, the outer casing 531 includes a first outer casing 5311 and a second outer casing 5312. The first outer casing 5311 and the second outer casing 5312 are sealed together, and both the first outer casing 5311 and the second outer casing 5312 are located on the periphery of the cavity 5310. Along the extending direction of the connecting pipe 533, the first outer casing 5311 is closer to the connecting pipe 533 than the second outer casing 5312. The first outer casing 5311 and the connecting pipe 533 are integrally formed, as shown in Figure 43. Of course, in some embodiments, the outer casing 531 and the connecting pipe 533 can be separately provided.

[0254] Regarding the thermal management device of the fifth embodiment described above, this application provides a thermal management system, including a thermal management device and a filtration device 51. The thermal management device includes a plate heat exchanger 10, a first throttling valve 21, a second throttling valve 22, and a flow channel integrated block 3. The flow channel integrated block 3 is installed on the plate heat exchanger 10, and both the first throttling valve 21 and the second throttling valve 22 are installed on the flow channel integrated block 3. The plate heat exchanger 10 has a first heat exchange flow channel 101 and a second heat exchange flow channel 102. The first throttle valve 21 has a first valve port 211 and a second valve port 212, one of which is the inlet of the first throttle valve 21, and the other is the outlet of the first throttle valve 21. The second throttle valve 22 has a third valve port 221 and a fourth valve port 222, one of which is the inlet of the second throttle valve 22, and the other is the outlet of the second throttle valve 22. The flow channel integrated block 3 has a first channel 31, a second channel 32, and a third channel 33, and the first valve port 211 can communicate with the inner cavity of the filter device 51. The second valve port 212 and the first heat exchange channel 101 are both connected to the first channel 31. The second valve port 212 and the third valve port 221 are both connected to the second channel 32. The fourth valve port 222 and the second heat exchange channel 102 are both connected to the third channel 33. Alternatively, the first channel 31 connects the second valve port 212 and the first heat exchange channel 101, the second channel 32 connects the second valve port 212 and the third valve port 221, and the third channel 33 connects the fourth valve port 222 and the second heat exchange channel 102.

[0255] The thermal management system provided in the fifth embodiment of this application, as shown in FIG48, includes a thermal management device. The thermal management device includes a flow channel integrated block 3, which has a first channel 31, a second channel 32, and a third channel 33. The second valve port 212 of the first throttling valve 21 and the first heat exchange flow channel 101 are both connected to the first channel 31. The second valve port 212 of the first throttling valve 21 and the third valve port 221 of the second throttling valve 22 are both connected to the second channel 32. The fourth valve port 222 and the second heat exchange flow channel 102 are both connected to the third channel 33. The first valve port 211 is connected to the inner cavity of the filter device 51. In this way, the first throttling valve 21 and the second throttling valve 22 can share the filter device 51, which helps to reduce the number of filter devices 51 in the thermal management system and thus reduce the cost of the thermal management system.

[0256] In some implementations, the thermal management system has a cooling mode and a heating mode. In the cooling mode, the thermal management device is in the first mode described above; in the heating mode, the thermal management device is in the second mode described above.

[0257] In some embodiments, the thermal management system has a cooling mode, in which the first valve port 211 is the inlet of the first throttle valve 21, the second valve port 212 is the outlet of the first throttle valve 21, the third valve port 221 is the inlet of the second throttle valve 22, and the fourth valve port 222 is the outlet of the second throttle valve 22.

[0258] In some embodiments, the thermal management system has a heating mode, in which the second valve port 212 is the inlet of the first throttle valve 21, the first valve port 211 is the outlet of the first throttle valve 21, the third valve port 221 is the inlet of the second throttle valve 22, and the fourth valve port 222 is the outlet of the second throttle valve 22.

[0259] The above examples illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. These embodiments are merely illustrative and intended to aid in understanding the method and core concepts of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management device, comprising: flow channel The flow channel (1) and valve component (2) are provided, wherein the flow channel (1) has a flow channel (11), the valve component (2) is partially located in the flow channel (11), the valve component (2) includes a housing (25), and the material of the flow channel (1) and the material of the housing (25) are different metals; The thermal management device includes a connecting part (4) in a direction perpendicular to the height of the valve component (2), the connecting part (4) being located at least between the valve component (2) and the flow channel part (1); the connecting part (4) is made of the same material as one of the flow channel part (1) and the outer shell (25), the connecting part (4) is welded to the flow channel part (1), and the connecting part (4) is welded to the valve component (2).

2. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The material of the connecting part (4) is the same as that of the flow channel part (1), the connecting part (4) is fused and welded to the flow channel part (1), and the connecting part (4) is brazed to the outer shell (25) of the valve component (2); Alternatively, the connecting part (4) is made of the same material as the valve component (2), the connecting part (4) is fused to the valve component (2), and the connecting part (4) is brazed to the flow channel part (1).

3. The thermal management device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting part (4) is fused and welded to the flow channel part (1), and the connecting part (4) is brazed to the outer shell of the valve component (2); The thermal management device includes a first solder (42), which is at least partially located between the connecting part (4) and the valve component (2), and the connecting part (4) is connected to the valve component (2) through the first solder (42); The flow channel (1) has an embedding groove (12) that is recessed from the surface of the flow channel (1) to the flow channel (11) along the height direction of the valve component (2). The connecting part (4) is at least partially located in the embedding groove (12). The connecting part (4) has a first welding wall (44). The flow channel (1) has a second welding wall (133). The first welding wall (44) has a first welding surface (441). The second welding wall (133) has a second welding surface (1331). The first welding surface (441) and the second welding surface (1331) are located in the same plane. The first welding wall (44) and the second welding wall (133) are fused together.

4. The thermal management device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting part (4) is fused and welded to the valve component (2), and the connecting part (4) is brazed and connected to the flow channel part (1); The thermal management device includes a second solder (47), which is at least partially located between the connecting portion (4) and the flow channel portion (1), and the connecting portion (4) is connected to the flow channel portion (1) through the second solder (47); The connecting part (4) has a first welded wall (44), and the outer shell (25) has a third welded wall (251). Along the height direction of the valve component (2), the third welded wall (251) and the first welded wall (44) are both located on the same side of the connecting part (4). The thermal management device includes a second molten part (46), which is located between the first welded wall (44) and the third welded wall (251). The second molten part (46), the connecting part (4), and the valve component (2) are an integral piece.

5. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting part (4) has a protrusion (41), and the valve component (2) contacts the protrusion (41) along the height direction of the valve component (2); The connecting part (4) has a first connecting hole (40) that passes through the connecting part (4). The valve component (2) is partially located in the first connecting hole (40). Along a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the valve component (2), the protrusion (41) protrudes from the surface of the connecting part (4) to the first connecting hole (40).

6. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The flow channel (1) has an embedded groove (12), the flow channel (1) has an inner sidewall (121) and an outer sidewall (122), the embedded groove (12) is located between the inner sidewall (121) and the outer sidewall (122), the connecting part (4) is interference-fitted or transition-fitted with the inner sidewall (121), and there is a gap between the connecting part (4) and the outer sidewall (122).

7. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The embedding groove (12) is annular; The thermal management device includes a second brazing filler metal (47), which is at least partially located in the gap between the outer sidewall (122) and the connecting portion (4); The outer shell (25) is transition-fitted or interference-fitted with the first connecting hole (40).

8. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The connecting part (4) has a fourth welding wall (48), the fourth welding wall (48) has a fourth welding surface (481), the outer wall (122) has a fifth welding surface (1221), and there is an angle between the fourth welding surface (481) and the fifth welding surface (1221).

9. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The flow channel (1) has a fourth groove (123), the connecting part (4) forms part of the wall of the fourth groove (123), the second solder (47) is at least partially located in the fourth groove (123), the second solder (47) is connected to the wall corresponding to the fourth groove (123), and the second solder (47) is connected to the connecting part (4). Alternatively, the connecting portion (4) has a third groove, the flow channel portion (1) forms part of the wall of the third groove, the second solder (47) is at least partially located in the third groove, the second solder (47) is connected to the wall corresponding to the third groove, and the second solder (47) is connected to the flow channel portion (1).

10. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The outer wall (122) forms part of the wall of the fourth groove (123), the outer wall (122) has a first sub-welding surface (1222), the groove wall of the fourth groove (123) has a second sub-welding surface (1231), the connecting part (4) has a fourth welding wall (48), the fourth welding wall (48) has a fourth welding surface (481), and the gap between the first sub-welding surface (1222) and the fourth welding surface (481) is smaller than the gap between the second sub-welding surface (1231) and the fourth welding surface (481); Alternatively, the outer wall (122) has a fifth welding surface (1221), the connecting part (4) has a fourth welding wall (48), the fourth welding wall (48) has a third sub-welding surface, the wall of the third groove has a fourth sub-welding surface, and the gap between the third sub-welding surface and the fifth welding surface (1221) is smaller than the gap between the fourth sub-welding surface and the fifth welding surface (1221).

11. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The thermal management device includes a sensor (20), the sensor (20) includes a sensing part (201), and the sensing part (201) is in contact with the flow channel part (1); The thermal management device includes a protrusion (30) which is welded to the flow channel (1). The protrusion (30) has a mounting groove (306) which is separated from the flow channel (11). The sensing part (201) is located in the mounting groove (306) and is partially exposed to the outside of the thermal management device. The sensing part (201) is connected to the protrusion (30).

12. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The protrusion (30) is separately disposed from the flow channel (1). The flow channel (1) has a through hole (16). The protrusion (30) is located in the through hole (16). The protrusion (30) partially forms the wall of the flow channel (11). The sensing part (201) is made of copper, the protrusion (30) is made of stainless steel, the flow channel part (1) is made of aluminum alloy, and the protrusion (30) is brazed to the flow channel part (1).

13. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein, The protrusion (30) includes an extension body (301) and an isolation body (302). The extension body (301) is connected to the isolation body (302). The extension body (301) is located in the flow channel (11). The extension body (301) has the mounting groove (306). The isolation body (302) has an isolation groove (3021). The sensing part (201) is located in the isolation groove (3021) and the mounting groove (306). The sensing part (201) is in contact with the wall corresponding to the mounting groove (306). There is a gap between the sensing part (201) and the wall corresponding to the isolation groove (3021).

14. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The thermal management device includes a filter section (521) and a blocking section (6). The thermal management device has a receiving cavity (131). The flow channel (11) communicates with the receiving cavity (131). The blocking section (6) has a second communicating hole (63) that communicates with the receiving cavity (131). The flow channel section (1) forms part of the wall of the receiving cavity (131). The blocking section (6) forms part of the wall of the receiving cavity (131). The filter section (521) is located in the receiving cavity (131). The filter section (521) is located at least partially between the blocking section (6) and the flow channel section (1). The filter section (521) is limited to being located between the flow channel section (1) and the blocking section (6). The blocking part (6) is welded to the flow channel part (1).

15. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The blocking part (6) includes a welding body (61) and a blocking body (62). The welding body (61) is connected to the blocking body (62). Along the radial direction of the second connecting hole (63), the welding body (61) protrudes from the blocking body (62) and is welded to the flow channel part (1). The welding body (61) has a sixth welding wall (611), and the flow channel (1) has a seventh welding wall (612). The plane in which the extension direction of the receiving cavity (131) is located is a cross section (S). The angle between the cross section of the sixth welding wall (611) and the cross section of the seventh welding wall (612) in the cross section (S) is a welding angle (A). The angle of the welding angle (A) is greater than 90° and less than or equal to 180°. The sixth welding wall (611) and the seventh welding wall (612) are welded together.

16. The thermal management device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The thermal management device includes a plate heat exchanger (10) and a flow channel integrated block (3). The flow channel integrated block (3) is installed on the plate heat exchanger (10). The flow channel section (1) and the valve component (2) are both installed on the flow channel integrated block (3). The plate heat exchanger (10) has a first heat exchange channel (101) and a second heat exchange channel (102); The valve component (2) includes a first throttle valve (21) and a second throttle valve (22). The first throttle valve (21) has a first valve port (211) and a second valve port (212). One of the first valve port (211) and the second valve port (212) is the inlet of the first throttle valve (21), and the other of the first valve port (211) and the second valve port (212) is the outlet of the first throttle valve (21). The second throttle valve (22) has a third valve port (221) and a fourth valve port (222). One of the third valve port (221) and the fourth valve port (222) is the inlet of the second throttle valve (22), and the other of the third valve port (221) and the fourth valve port (222) is the outlet of the second throttle valve (22). The flow channel integrated block (3) has a first channel (31), a second channel (32) and a third channel (33). The first valve port (211) can communicate with the inner cavity of the filter device (51). The first channel (31) connects the second valve port (212) and the first heat exchange flow channel (101). The second channel (32) connects the second valve port (212) and the third valve port (221). The third channel (33) connects the fourth valve port (222) and the second heat exchange flow channel (102).

17. A method for manufacturing a thermal management device, comprising the following steps: A flow channel (1), a valve component (2), and a connecting part (4) are provided, wherein the flow channel (1) has a flow channel (11), the valve component (2) includes a housing (25), the material of the housing (25) is a different metal from that of the flow channel (1), and the connecting part (4) is made of the same material as either the flow channel (1) or the housing (25); The connecting part (4) is welded to the outer shell (25); The connecting part (4) is welded to the flow channel part (1).

18. The method of manufacturing the thermal management device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The steps of welding the connecting part (4) to the outer shell (25) and welding the connecting part (4) to the flow channel part (1) include the following steps: First, the connecting part (4) is brazed to the outer shell (25), and then the connecting part (4) is fused to the flow channel part (1). Alternatively, the connecting part (4) can be brazed to the flow channel part (1) first; and then the connecting part (4) can be fused to the outer shell (25).

19. The method of manufacturing the thermal management device as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The valve component (2) also includes internal components of the housing; After the step of brazing the connecting part (4) to the outer shell (25) and before the step of fusion welding the connecting part (4) to the flow channel part (1), the following steps are also included: The valve component (2) is assembled with the outer shell (25) with the connecting part (4) welded on and the internal components of the outer shell; the valve component (2) and the connecting part (4) are inserted into the flow channel (11) in the flow channel part (1); Before the step of brazing the connecting part (4) to the flow channel part (1), the following steps are also included: The flow channel (1) has an annular fourth groove (123), the connecting part (4) has a first connecting hole (40), the connecting part (4) is pressed into the fourth groove (123), the first connecting hole (40) is transitionally fitted or interference-fitted with the inner wall of the fourth groove (123), and the connecting part (4) has a gap with the outer wall of the fourth groove (123); After the step of brazing the connecting part (4) to the flow channel part (1) and before the step of fusion welding the connecting part (4) to the outer shell (25), the following steps are also included: The valve component (2) is inserted into the first connecting hole (40), and the valve component (2) is transitionally fitted or interference-fitted with the first connecting hole (40).

Images