Integrated heat exchanger and heat pump system

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of heat management systems, in particular to an integrated heat exchanger and a heat pump system.The integrated heat exchanger comprises a plurality of stacked heat exchange units; the heat exchange unit comprises an upper layer flow channel and a lower layer flow channel arranged along the stacking direction; the upper layer flow channel and the lower layer flow channel each comprise a first edge heat exchange area, a middle heat exchange area and a second edge heat exchange area; the corresponding first edge heat exchange area corresponds to realize heat exchange, the corresponding middle heat exchange area corresponds to realize heat exchange, and the corresponding second edge heat exchange area corresponds to realize heat exchange; the first one of the first edge heat exchange area and the second edge heat exchange area is in communication with the middle heat exchange area; the medium can flow into the first one of the first edge heat exchange area and the middle heat exchange area and flow out of the second one of the first edge heat exchange area and the middle heat exchange area; the second one of the first edge heat exchange area and the second edge heat exchange area is isolated from the middle heat exchange area; and the medium can flow into and flow out of the second one. The integrated heat exchanger occupies less space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal management system technology, and in particular to an integrated heat exchanger and heat pump system. Background Technology

[0002] In an indirect heat pump system, the refrigerant absorbs and releases heat through a heat pump cycle, but this process is separate from the part that directly contacts the medium that needs to be heated or cooled (such as air or water). This means that there is an intermediate medium, usually water or other liquid, between the refrigerant cycle and the medium that needs temperature control to transfer heat. Advantages of this design include improved system safety. Typically, a heat pump system includes multiple heat exchangers such as an evaporator, condenser, subcooler, and intermediate heat exchanger. Numerous connecting pipes are needed to connect these heat exchangers as required, resulting in a complex structure and large footprint for the entire system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated heat exchanger and heat pump system, so as to solve to some extent the technical problems of complex structure and large space occupation of heat pump systems in the prior art.

[0004] This invention provides an integrated heat exchanger, comprising: a heat exchange core including a plurality of stacked heat exchange units; each heat exchange unit includes an upper flow channel and a lower flow channel arranged along the stacking direction; both the upper and lower flow channels include a first edge heat exchange region, a middle heat exchange region, and a second edge heat exchange region; the first edge heat exchange regions of the upper and lower layers respectively perform heat exchange, the middle heat exchange regions of the upper and lower layers respectively perform heat exchange, and the second edge heat exchange regions of the upper and lower layers respectively perform heat exchange; the first of the first and second edge heat exchange regions is in communication with the middle heat exchange region; a medium can flow in from the first of the first and the middle heat exchange regions and flow out from the second of the first and the middle heat exchange regions; the second of the first and the second edge heat exchange regions is isolated from the middle heat exchange region; the medium can flow in and out from the second.

[0005] By forming multiple heat exchange zones within the same flow channel, different heat exchange functions and purposes can be achieved. Compared to related technologies that use multiple independent heat exchangers to achieve different heat exchange functions, the integrated heat exchanger provided in this embodiment has a significantly more compact structure, fewer connecting pipes, and less space occupation. The integrated heat exchanger provided in this embodiment has a high degree of integration, which better meets the requirements for the integration and miniaturization of heat exchange devices. When this integrated heat exchanger is applied to a heat pump system, it can make the heat pump system more compact, occupy less space, and have a high degree of integration. Moreover, the first of the first edge heat exchange zone and the second edge heat exchange zone is connected to the intermediate heat exchange zone. In each layer of the heat exchange core, the first is connected to the intermediate heat exchange zone, and the medium can flow directly between the first and intermediate heat exchange zones to directly achieve different heat exchange purposes. The medium does not need to flow through an entire heat exchanger before flowing into another heat exchanger, which not only saves flow path and time, but also further saves connecting pipes, further reduces space occupation, and further improves integration.

[0006] Furthermore, for the same layer of the flow channel, the first edge heat exchange zone and the second edge heat exchange zone flow with different media; for the flow channels of different layers, the two first edge heat exchange zones flow with different media, and the two second edge heat exchange zones flow with different media.

[0007] Furthermore, the upper flow channel includes an upper first edge heat exchange zone, an upper middle heat exchange zone, and an upper second edge heat exchange zone; the lower flow channel includes a lower first edge heat exchange zone, a lower middle heat exchange zone, and a lower second edge heat exchange zone; the number of upper middle heat exchange zones is one more than the number of lower middle heat exchange zones; there are two different upper middle heat exchange zones corresponding to the same lower middle heat exchange zone and respectively connected to the upper first edge heat exchange zone and the upper second edge heat exchange zone.

[0008] Furthermore, there are two upper intermediate heat exchange zones: a first upper intermediate heat exchange zone and a second upper intermediate heat exchange zone. The first and second upper intermediate heat exchange zones are isolated from each other. The first upper intermediate heat exchange zone is connected to the first upper edge heat exchange zone, and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone is connected to the second upper edge heat exchange zone. There is one lower intermediate heat exchange zone, which is connected to the first lower edge heat exchange zone.

[0009] Furthermore, the integrated heat exchanger also includes: a first fluid input channel, a first fluid output channel, a second fluid input channel, and a second fluid output channel; the first fluid input channel is connected to the lower first edge heat exchange zone, and the first fluid output channel is connected to the lower middle heat exchange zone; the second fluid input channel is connected to the upper second edge heat exchange zone, and the second fluid output channel is connected to the second upper middle heat exchange zone; a first medium input channel, a first medium output channel, a second medium input channel, and a second medium output channel; the first medium input channel is connected to the first upper middle heat exchange zone, and the first medium output channel is connected to the upper first edge heat exchange zone; the second medium input channel and the second medium output channel are both connected to the lower second edge heat exchange zone.

[0010] As an alternative, along the length of the heat exchange unit, the first upper intermediate heat exchange zone and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone are located between the upper first edge heat exchange zone and the upper second edge heat exchange zone; along the width of the heat exchange unit, the first upper intermediate heat exchange zone and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone are arranged side by side; along the length of the heat exchange unit, the lower intermediate heat exchange zone is located between the lower first edge heat exchange zone and the lower second edge heat exchange zone.

[0011] As an optional solution, along the length direction of the heat exchange unit, the upper first edge heat exchange zone, the first upper middle heat exchange zone, the second upper middle heat exchange zone, and the upper second edge heat exchange zone are arranged sequentially; along the length direction of the heat exchange unit, the lower first edge heat exchange zone, the lower middle heat exchange zone, and the lower second edge heat exchange zone are arranged sequentially.

[0012] Furthermore, the lower intermediate heat exchange zone is provided with guide strips to form at least an S-shaped flow path.

[0013] Furthermore, the heat exchange unit includes three plates stacked sequentially, wherein two adjacent plates form a flow channel; the periphery of each plate is provided with a plate flange, and the flange of the next layer is welded to the flange of the plate on the previous side; The plate has multiple partition holes, which divide the flow channel into a first edge heat exchange zone, a middle heat exchange zone, and a second edge heat exchange zone. The edges of the partition holes are provided with hole flanges, and the hole flanges are in the same direction as the plate flanges. The hole flanges of the next layer of the plate are inserted into the corresponding partition holes of the previous layer of the plate and welded to the corresponding hole flanges.

[0014] The present invention provides a heat pump system including the above-mentioned integrated heat exchanger.

[0015] As an alternative, the first edge heat exchange zone is a condensation zone, and the second edge heat exchange zone is an evaporation zone.

[0016] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are for illustrative purposes and do not necessarily limit the scope of this disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the subject matter of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specification and drawings serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the integrated heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the integrated heat exchanger from a second perspective; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the integrated heat exchanger shown from a first-person perspective; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the integrated heat exchanger from a second perspective; Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of one plate in the integrated heat exchanger shown; Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of another plate in the integrated heat exchanger shown.

[0019] icon: 1-Heat exchange core; 101-Upper first edge heat exchange zone; 102-Upper second edge heat exchange zone; 103-First upper middle heat exchange zone; 104-Second upper middle heat exchange zone; 105-Lower first edge heat exchange zone; 106-Lower second edge heat exchange zone; 107-Lower middle heat exchange zone; 108-First fluid inlet channel; 109-First fluid outlet channel; 110-Second fluid inlet channel; 111-Second fluid outlet channel; 112-First medium inlet channel; 113-First medium outlet channel; 114-Second medium inlet channel; 115-Second medium outlet channel; 116-Separation hole; 117-Hole flange; 118-Plate flange; 119-Partition; 2-First fluid input interface; 3-First fluid output interface; 4-Second fluid input interface; 5-Second fluid output interface; 6-First medium input interface; 7-First medium output interface; 8-Second medium input interface; 9-Second medium output interface; 10-Upper cover plate; 11-Lower cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0021] The components of the embodiments of the invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can typically be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention.

[0022] Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides an integrated heat exchanger, including a heat exchange core 1 and multiple stacked heat exchange units. The stacking direction of the multiple heat exchange units can be understood as the height direction of the heat exchange core 1. Each heat exchange unit includes an upper flow channel and a lower flow channel arranged along the stacking direction. Both the upper and lower flow channels include a first edge heat exchange region, a middle heat exchange region, and a second edge heat exchange region. The first edge heat exchange regions corresponding to the upper and lower flow channels respectively realize heat exchange (that is, the medium in the first edge heat exchange regions of the upper and lower flow channels respectively exchanges heat), and the middle heat exchange regions corresponding to the upper and lower flow channels respectively realize heat exchange. Heat exchange occurs in the intermediate heat exchange zones of the upper and lower flow channels (i.e., heat exchange occurs between the media in the middle heat exchange zones of the upper and lower flow channels), and heat exchange also occurs in the second edge heat exchange zones of the upper and lower flow channels (i.e., heat exchange occurs between the media in the second edge heat exchange zones of the upper and lower flow channels); the first of the first and second edge heat exchange zones is connected to the intermediate heat exchange zone; the medium can flow in through the first of the first and intermediate heat exchange zones and flow out through the second of the first and intermediate heat exchange zones; the second of the first and second edge heat exchange zones is isolated from the intermediate heat exchange zone; the medium can flow in and out through the second.

[0027] It should be noted that, for the entire integrated heat exchanger, multiple heat exchange units are arranged along the height direction of the integrated heat exchanger. Therefore, the lower flow channel in the upper heat exchange unit is close to the upper flow channel in the lower heat exchange unit. It can be understood that the first edge heat exchange zone in the lower heat exchange unit exchanges heat not only with the first edge heat exchange zone of the lower layer of that heat exchange unit, but also with the first edge heat exchange zone of the lower layer of the upper heat exchange unit; similarly, the second edge heat exchange zone in the lower heat exchange unit exchanges heat not only with the second edge heat exchange zone of the lower layer of that heat exchange unit, but also with the second edge heat exchange zone of the lower layer of the upper heat exchange unit. In other words, for the entire integrated heat exchanger, the heat exchange zone can exchange heat with its corresponding upper and lower heat exchange zones.

[0028] It should be noted that the heat exchange unit may consist of only two flow channels: an upper flow channel and a lower flow channel. The heat exchange unit may also include an intermediate flow channel, positioned between the upper and lower flow channels. Furthermore, the heat exchange unit may include outer flow channels, which may be located on the outer side of the upper flow channel (away from the lower flow channel), or on the outer side of the lower flow channel (away from the upper flow channel), or both on the outer sides of the upper and lower flow channels. The structures of the intermediate and outer flow channels can be configured as needed. The intermediate and outer flow channels may also have the same structure as one of the upper and lower flow channels, with corresponding connections achieved in the same heat exchange area. These are merely illustrative examples; further modifications can be made based on the embodiments of this invention, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0029] It should be noted that "first" and "second" do not indicate order, but simply refer to one of two things.

[0030] The first of the two edge heat exchange zones is connected to the intermediate heat exchange zone, and the second of the two edge heat exchange zones is isolated from the intermediate heat exchange zone. This can be: the intermediate heat exchange zone is connected to the first edge heat exchange zone and isolated from the second edge heat exchange zone; or the intermediate heat exchange zone is connected to the second edge heat exchange zone and isolated from the first edge heat exchange zone.

[0031] The medium can flow in from the first of the two heat exchange zones and out from the second of the two heat exchange zones. This can be either: the medium can flow in from the first heat exchange zone and out from the intermediate heat exchange zone; or the medium can flow in from the intermediate heat exchange zone and out from the first heat exchange zone.

[0032] In this embodiment, multiple heat exchange zones are formed within the same flow channel, enabling different heat exchange functions and purposes. Compared to related technologies that use multiple independent heat exchangers to achieve different heat exchange functions, the integrated heat exchanger provided in this embodiment is significantly more compact, reduces connecting pipes, and occupies less space. This integrated heat exchanger has a high degree of integration, better meeting the requirements for integrated and miniaturized heat exchange devices. When applied to a heat pump system, this integrated heat exchanger makes the system more compact, occupies less space, and has a high degree of integration. Furthermore, the first of the first and second edge heat exchange zones is connected to the intermediate heat exchange zone. In each layer of the heat exchange core 1, the first zone is connected to the intermediate heat exchange zone, allowing the medium to flow directly between the first and intermediate heat exchange zones, directly achieving different heat exchange purposes. The medium does not need to flow through an entire heat exchanger before flowing into another, saving flow paths and time, further reducing connecting pipes, further reducing space, and further improving integration.

[0033] For ease of understanding, "upper" and "lower" in "upper flow channel" and "lower flow channel" are only used to distinguish the two flow channels, not to define their positions. Accordingly: the first edge heat exchange zone of the upper flow channel is called the upper first edge heat exchange zone 101, the middle heat exchange zone of the upper flow channel is called the upper middle heat exchange zone, and the second edge heat exchange zone of the upper flow channel is called the upper second edge heat exchange zone 102; the first edge heat exchange zone of the lower flow channel is called the lower first edge heat exchange zone 105, the middle heat exchange zone of the lower flow channel is called the lower middle heat exchange zone 107, and the second edge heat exchange zone of the lower flow channel is called the lower second edge heat exchange zone 106.

[0034] It is understandable that, for the entire integrated heat exchanger, multiple heat exchange units include multiple upper first edge heat exchange zones 101, upper middle heat exchange zones, upper second edge heat exchange zones 102, lower first edge heat exchange zones 105, lower middle heat exchange zones 107, and lower second edge heat exchange zones 106. The multiple upper first edge heat exchange zones 101 are sequentially connected, the multiple upper middle heat exchange zones are sequentially connected, the multiple upper second edge heat exchange zones 102 are sequentially connected, the multiple lower first edge heat exchange zones 105 are sequentially connected, the multiple lower middle heat exchange zones 107 are sequentially connected, and the multiple lower second edge heat exchange zones 106 are sequentially connected.

[0035] The upper first edge heat exchange zone 101 and the upper second edge heat exchange zone 102 can flow with the same type of medium (e.g., both water, or both gas, etc.), while the lower first edge heat exchange zone 105 and the lower second edge heat exchange zone 106 flow with the same type of medium.

[0036] As an alternative, for the same flow channel, different media flow through the first and second edge heat exchange zones; for flow channels in different layers, different media flow through the two first edge heat exchange zones, and different media flow through the two second edge heat exchange zones. This facilitates the design of media delivery and output channels.

[0037] Based on the above embodiments, the number of upper intermediate heat exchange zones is one more than the number of lower intermediate heat exchange zones; there are two different upper intermediate heat exchange zones corresponding to the same lower intermediate heat exchange zone 107 and respectively connected to the upper first edge heat exchange zone 101 and the upper second edge heat exchange zone 102.

[0038] In this embodiment, the number of upper intermediate heat exchange zones is one more than the number of lower intermediate heat exchange zones, and all of the upper intermediate heat exchange zones correspond to the lower intermediate heat exchange zone 107 to achieve corresponding heat exchange. At least two different upper intermediate heat exchange zones are respectively connected to the upper first edge heat exchange zone 101 and the upper second edge heat exchange zone 102, that is, different media flow through the two different upper intermediate heat exchange zones. Since the two upper intermediate heat exchange zones correspond to the same lower intermediate heat exchange zone 107 for heat exchange, the medium in the lower intermediate heat exchange zone 107 can exchange heat with the different media in the two upper intermediate heat exchange zones, further increasing the heat exchange function of the integrated heat exchanger.

[0039] It should be noted that the number of upper intermediate heat exchange layers and the number of lower intermediate heat exchange zones 107 can be set as needed. Of course, the flow channel can also include multiple edge heat exchange zones such as a third edge heat exchange zone, a fourth edge heat exchange zone, or a fifth edge heat exchange zone, which can be added based on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] For example, there are two upper intermediate heat exchange zones: a first upper intermediate heat exchange zone 103 and a second upper intermediate heat exchange zone 104. The first upper intermediate heat exchange zone 103 and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone 104 are isolated from each other. The first upper intermediate heat exchange zone 103 is connected to the first upper edge heat exchange zone 101 (correspondingly, the first upper intermediate heat exchange zone 103 is isolated from the second edge heat exchange zone), and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone 104 is connected to the second upper edge heat exchange zone 102 (correspondingly, the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone 104 is isolated from the first edge heat exchange zone). There is one lower intermediate heat exchange zone 107, which is connected to the first lower edge heat exchange zone 105.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, based on the above embodiments, the integrated heat exchanger further includes: a first fluid input channel 108, a first fluid output channel 109, a second fluid input channel 110, and a second fluid output channel 111; the first fluid input channel 108 is connected to the lower first edge heat exchange zone 105, and the first fluid output channel 109 is connected to the lower middle heat exchange zone 107; the second fluid input channel 110 is connected to the upper second edge heat exchange zone 102, and the second fluid output channel 111 is connected to the second upper middle heat exchange zone 104; a first medium input channel 112, a first medium output channel 113, a second medium input channel 114, and a second medium output channel 115; the first medium input channel 112 is connected to the first upper middle heat exchange zone 103, and the first medium output channel 113 is connected to the upper first edge heat exchange zone 101; the second medium input channel 114 and the second medium output channel 115 are both connected to the lower second edge heat exchange zone 106.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the fluid is a refrigerant, the first edge heat exchange zone can serve as a condensation zone, the second edge heat exchange zone can serve as an evaporation zone, the first upper intermediate heat exchange zone 103 can serve as a subcooled zone, and the second upper heat exchange zone serves as an intermediate heat exchange zone. The medium can be water or air, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, the integrated heat exchanger also includes an upper cover plate 10 and a lower cover plate 11. In the height direction of the heat exchange core 1, the upper cover plate 10 is disposed on one side of the heat exchange core 1, and the lower cover plate 11 is disposed on the other side of the heat exchange core 1. The integrated heat exchanger also includes a first fluid input interface 2 connected to the first fluid input channel 108, a first fluid output interface 3 connected to the first fluid output channel 109, a second fluid input interface 4 connected to the second fluid input channel 110, a second fluid output interface 5 connected to the second fluid output channel 111, a first medium input interface 6 connected to the first medium input channel 112, a first medium output interface 7 connected to the first medium output channel 113, a second medium input interface 8 connected to the second medium input channel 114, and a second medium output interface 9 connected to the second medium output channel 115.

[0044] Optionally, the first fluid input port 2, the first fluid output port 3, the second fluid input port 4, and the second fluid output port 5 can be located on one of the upper cover plate 10 and the lower cover plate 11, and the first medium input port 6, the first medium output port 7, the second medium input port 8, and the second medium output port 9 can be located on the other of the upper cover plate 10 and the lower cover plate 11, so that the structure of the integrated heat exchanger is regular.

[0045] As an alternative, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, along the length of the heat exchange unit, the first upper intermediate heat exchange zone and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone are located between the upper first edge heat exchange zone 101 and the upper second edge heat exchange zone; along the width of the heat exchange unit, the first upper heat exchange zone and the second upper heat exchange zone are arranged side by side; along the length of the heat exchange unit, the lower intermediate heat exchange zone 107 is located between the lower first edge heat exchange zone 105 and the lower second edge heat exchange zone. This allows for easy integration of the liquid storage tank onto the integrated heat exchanger, resulting in a more compact structure and higher integration of the heat pump system. It is understood that during integration, a liquid storage tank inlet and a liquid storage tank outlet are provided on the heat exchanger.

[0046] As another alternative, along the length of the heat exchange unit, the upper first edge heat exchange zone 101, the first upper middle heat exchange zone 103, the second upper middle heat exchange zone 104 and the upper second edge heat exchange zone 102 are arranged in sequence; along the length of the heat exchange unit, the lower first edge heat exchange zone 105, the lower middle heat exchange zone 107 and the lower second edge heat exchange zone 106 are arranged in sequence.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a liquid storage tank can still be integrated, and the liquid storage tank can be connected to at least one of the first edge heat exchange zone and the second edge heat exchange zone.

[0048] It is understood that fluid control components can be integrated into the integrated heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of the present invention as needed.

[0049] Among them, guide strips can be set in the lower middle heat exchange zone 107 to form at least an S-shaped flow path to improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0050] Based on the above embodiments, the flow channel can be further formed by pipes, with multiple pipes stacked along a set direction, and baffles installed inside the pipes to separate the heat exchange zones of the flow channel.

[0051] Based on the above embodiments, the heat exchange unit can have various structural forms, such as: the heat exchange unit includes an upper plate, a middle plate and a lower plate; the upper plate and the middle plate are connected to form a flow channel, and the lower plate and the middle plate are connected to form another flow channel; multiple ribs are provided in the flow channel, and the multiple ribs divide the flow channel into a first edge heat exchange zone, a middle heat exchange zone and a second edge heat exchange zone, which is simple in structure and easy to assemble.

[0052] Among them, the ribs can be welded to the plate, or, as an alternative, can be formed by stamping on the plate.

[0053] As an alternative, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the heat exchange unit includes three plates stacked sequentially. When the heat exchange unit includes only two flow channels, any three adjacent plates in the heat exchange device form a heat exchange unit. However, when the heat exchange unit also includes an intermediate flow channel and / or an outer flow channel, more plates need to be stacked, and two adjacent plates form a flow channel.

[0054] Taking a heat exchange unit consisting of only two flow channels as an example, the three plates are an upper plate, a middle plate, and a lower plate. Each pair of adjacent plates forms a flow channel. The plates have flanges 118 around their perimeter. The flange 118 of the next lower plate is welded to the flange 118 of the plate on the upper side. Specifically, the inner side of the flange of the middle plate contacts and welds to the outer side of the flange of the lower plate, and the inner side of the flange of the lower plate contacts and welds to the inner side of the flange of the middle plate. The plates have multiple partition holes 116, which divide the flow channel into a first edge heat exchange zone, a middle heat exchange zone, and a second edge heat exchange zone. The edges of the partition holes are provided with hole flanges 117, which are in the same direction as the plate flanges. The hole flanges of the next lower plate are inserted into the corresponding partition holes of the previous plate and welded to the corresponding hole flanges.

[0055] In this embodiment, the flow channel is divided into a first edge heat exchange zone, a middle heat exchange zone, and a second edge heat exchange zone by flanging the holes in the lower and upper plates. On the one hand, the flanging process and welding between the flanged holes can increase the strength of the heat exchange unit, thereby increasing the strength of the integrated heat exchanger. On the other hand, the separating holes form a break between at least a portion of two adjacent heat exchange zones, which can prevent heat transfer between the two heat exchange zones.

[0056] The first edge heat exchange zone, the middle heat exchange zone, and the second edge heat exchange zone can be sequentially arranged along a first direction of the plate (which can be either the length direction or the width direction of the plate). If the first edge heat exchange zone and the middle heat exchange zone are connected on one side of the second direction of the plate (which can be either the length direction or the width direction of the plate), or if the first edge heat exchange zone and the middle heat exchange zone are connected on one side of the second direction of the plate (which can be either the length direction or the width direction of the plate), the side of the partition hole away from the connection point can be set through the plate, that is, the partition hole is a notch, which facilitates processing. If the first heat exchange zone and the middle heat exchange zone are completely isolated, or the second edge heat exchange zone and the middle heat exchange zone are completely isolated, in order to ensure the continuity of the plate, a protrusion or a recess can be provided at least one end of the plate located at the partition hole to connect with another plate.

[0057] It is understandable that partitions 119 (e.g., protrusions, recesses, or flanged holes) can be provided in the upper intermediate heat exchange zone to achieve separation, so as to form the first upper intermediate heat exchange zone 103 and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone 104.

[0058] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a heat pump system comprising an integrated heat exchanger according to any of the above-described technical solutions, wherein the first edge heat exchange zone is a condensation zone and the second edge heat exchange zone is an evaporation zone. This heat pump system has high integration and occupies little space.

[0059] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the present invention and form different embodiments.

Claims

1. An integrated heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: A heat exchange core includes multiple stacked heat exchange units; each heat exchange unit includes an upper flow channel and a lower flow channel arranged along the stacking direction; both the upper and lower flow channels include a first edge heat exchange region, a middle heat exchange region, and a second edge heat exchange region; the first edge heat exchange regions of the upper and lower layers respectively realize heat exchange, the middle heat exchange regions of the upper and lower layers respectively realize heat exchange, and the second edge heat exchange regions of the upper and lower layers respectively realize heat exchange. The first of the first edge heat exchange zone and the second edge heat exchange zone is in communication with the intermediate heat exchange zone; the medium can flow in from the first of the first and the intermediate heat exchange zone and flow out from the second of the first and the intermediate heat exchange zone; The second of the first edge heat exchange zone and the second edge heat exchange zone is isolated from the intermediate heat exchange zone; the medium can flow in and out through the second one.

2. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper flow channel includes an upper first edge heat exchange zone, an upper middle heat exchange zone, and an upper second edge heat exchange zone; the lower flow channel includes a lower first edge heat exchange zone, a lower middle heat exchange zone, and a lower second edge heat exchange zone. The number of upper intermediate heat exchange zones is one more than the number of lower intermediate heat exchange zones; there are two different upper intermediate heat exchange zones corresponding to the same lower intermediate heat exchange zone and respectively connected to the upper first edge heat exchange zone and the upper second edge heat exchange zone.

3. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of upper intermediate heat exchange zones is two, one is a first upper intermediate heat exchange zone and the other is a second upper intermediate heat exchange zone. The first upper intermediate heat exchange zone and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone are isolated from each other. The first upper intermediate heat exchange zone is connected to the upper first edge heat exchange zone, and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone is connected to the upper second edge heat exchange zone. The number of the lower intermediate heat exchange zone is one, and the lower intermediate heat exchange zone is connected to the lower first edge heat exchange zone.

4. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The integrated heat exchanger also includes: A first fluid input channel, a first fluid output channel, a second fluid input channel, and a second fluid output channel; the first fluid input channel is connected to the lower first edge heat exchange zone, and the first fluid output channel is connected to the lower middle heat exchange zone; the second fluid input channel is connected to the upper second edge heat exchange zone, and the second fluid output channel is connected to the second upper middle heat exchange zone. The system comprises a first medium input channel, a first medium output channel, a second medium input channel, and a second medium output channel; the first medium input channel is connected to the first upper middle heat exchange zone, and the first medium output channel is connected to the upper first edge heat exchange zone; both the second medium input channel and the second medium output channel are connected to the lower second edge heat exchange zone.

5. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the length of the heat exchange unit, the first upper intermediate heat exchange zone and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone are located between the upper first edge heat exchange zone and the upper second edge heat exchange zone; along the width of the heat exchange unit, the first upper intermediate heat exchange zone and the second upper intermediate heat exchange zone are arranged side by side. Along the length of the heat exchange unit, the lower middle heat exchange zone is located between the lower first edge heat exchange zone and the lower second edge heat exchange zone.

6. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the length of the heat exchange unit, the upper first edge heat exchange zone, the first upper middle heat exchange zone, the second upper middle heat exchange zone, and the upper second edge heat exchange zone are arranged sequentially; Along the length of the heat exchange unit, the lower first edge heat exchange zone, the lower middle heat exchange zone, and the lower second edge heat exchange zone are arranged sequentially.

7. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lower intermediate heat exchange zone is equipped with guide strips to form at least an S-shaped flow path.

8. The integrated heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The heat exchange unit includes three plates stacked sequentially, wherein two adjacent plates form a flow channel. The plate has a flange around its perimeter, and the flange of the next layer is welded to the flange of the upper side. The plate has multiple partition holes, which divide the flow channel into a first edge heat exchange zone, a middle heat exchange zone, and a second edge heat exchange zone. The edges of the partition holes are provided with hole flanges, and the hole flanges are in the same direction as the plate flanges. The hole flanges of the next layer of the plate are inserted into the corresponding partition holes of the previous layer of the plate and welded to the corresponding hole flanges.

9. A heat pump system, characterized in that, Including the integrated heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first edge heat exchange zone is a condensation zone, and the second edge heat exchange zone is an evaporation zone.

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