A heat exchanger

Abstract

The heat exchanger core includes a first sub-core, a third sub-core, and a second sub-core arranged sequentially along the plate stacking direction. The third sub-core is located between the first and second sub-cores. The core has a first fluid channel, which includes multiple first inter-plate channels located between the plates. The first fluid channel also includes one or more second inter-plate channels located between the plates. A portion of the first inter-plate channels is located in the first sub-core, and another portion is located in the second sub-core. The second inter-plate channels are located in the third core. Both the first and second inter-plate channels are connected to a second orifice. When a fluid enters the second orifice through the second inter-plate channel, it is divided into two streams that enter the first and second sub-cores respectively, thereby improving the flow distribution among the various first inter-plate channels and increasing the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat exchange technology, and in particular to a heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] Plate heat exchangers have good heat exchange efficiency and are widely used in various industries such as refrigeration, chemical industry, and water treatment. The basic principle of a plate heat exchanger is that multiple adjacent and spaced-apart flow channels are formed between multiple heat exchange plates, and two heat exchange media exchange heat through the heat exchange plates in the adjacent flow channels. For example... Figure 17 As shown, a heat exchanger includes multiple small flow channels 100, all of which are connected to a corner channel 200. If the pressure drop in the corner channel 200 is large, it will cause uneven flow distribution among the downstream small flow channels 100, thereby reducing the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat exchanger that is beneficial to improving the flow distribution between various small channels and increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A heat exchanger includes a core, the core comprising a plurality of stacked plates, the core having a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel isolated from each other, characterized in that the first fluid channel includes a first channel, a second channel and a third channel;

[0006] The first fluid channel includes a first inter-plate channel and a second inter-plate channel. The first inter-plate channel connects the first channel and the second channel, and the second inter-plate channel connects the third channel and the second channel. The third channel is not directly connected to the first inter-plate channel.

[0007] The core includes a first sub-core, a third sub-core, and a second sub-core. Along the stacking direction of the plates, the third sub-core is located between the first sub-core and the second sub-core. A portion of the first inter-plate channel is located in the first sub-core, another portion of the first inter-plate channel is located in the second sub-core, and the second inter-plate channel is located in the third sub-core.

[0008] In the heat exchanger of this application, the third sub-core is located between the first and second sub-cores, and the second interplate channel is located in the third sub-core. Both the first and second interplate channels are connected to the second channel. When a fluid enters the second channel through the second interplate channel, it is divided into two streams flowing in different directions. One stream enters the first interplate channel of the first sub-core, and the other enters the first interplate channel of the second sub-core. This helps to improve the flow distribution among the various first interplate channels downstream of the second channel and can improve the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the heat exchanger in this invention;

[0010] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the heat exchanger shown.

[0011] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A top view of the heat exchanger shown.

[0012] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger along line AA.

[0013] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of point E of the heat exchanger shown;

[0014] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of point F in the heat exchanger shown;

[0015] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger along line BB.

[0016] Figure 8 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the heat exchanger along line CC.

[0017] Figure 9 for Figure 3 The heat exchanger shown is a cross-sectional view along line DD.

[0018] Figure 10 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the first plate of the heat exchanger shown;

[0019] Figure 11 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the second plate of the heat exchanger shown;

[0020] Figure 12 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the third plate of the heat exchanger shown;

[0021] Figure 13 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of fluid flow direction in the intermediate heat exchanger;

[0022] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid flow direction in another embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid flow direction in another embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the plates in another embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchanger includes a core, which comprises stacked plates. The H direction in the figure represents the plate stacking direction. The plates are generally rectangular or approximately rectangular in shape, and the length direction of the core is the same as the extension direction of the long side of the plates. The L direction in the figure represents the length direction of the heat exchanger, which is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the plate stacking direction. The heat exchanger also includes a valve assembly 1 and a valve body 2.

[0028] The core has a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel that are isolated from each other. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the first fluid channel includes a first channel 55 and a second channel 56 located at both ends of the core's length direction. The first fluid channel also includes a third channel 57, which is located at the same end of the core's length direction as the first channel 55. The core includes a first sub-core 5, a third sub-core 6, and a second sub-core 7 arranged along the plate stacking direction, with the third sub-core 6 located between the first sub-core 5 and the second sub-core 7. The first fluid channel includes multiple first inter-plate channels 11 located between the plates and connected to the first channel 55 and the second channel 56. The first fluid channel also includes a second inter-plate channel 12 located between the plates, which is connected to the third channel 57 and the second channel 56. The third channel 57 is not directly connected to the first inter-plate channel 11. The second channel 56 extends along the plate stacking direction, and its flow area remains constant or approximately constant.

[0029] like Figures 4 to 7As shown, a portion of the first interplate channel 11 is located in the first sub-core 5, another portion of the first interplate channel 11 is located in the second sub-core 7, and the second interplate channel 12 is located in the third sub-core 6. When the heat exchanger is in operation, the refrigerant first enters the third channel 57, then enters the second channel 56 through the second interplate channel 12, and then flows out of the core through the first interplate channel 11 into the first channel 55, forming a two-pass flow pattern within the core. When the refrigerant enters the second channel 56 from the second interplate channel 12, it is divided into two parts in different directions. One part of the refrigerant enters the first interplate channel 11 located in the first sub-core 5, and the other part enters the first interplate channel 11 located in the second sub-core 7, improving the flow distribution among the various first interplate channels 11, thereby improving the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. The specific principle is: on the one hand, a flow stream is split into two streams in different directions within the second channel 56. Compared to the core where there is only one flow stream in the same direction within the channel, the volumetric flow rate through the cross-section of the second channel 56 will decrease. Typically, the pressure drop within a channel is positively correlated with the square of the volumetric flow rate within the channel. Therefore, reducing the pressure drop within the second channel 56 effectively reduces the uneven flow distribution caused by the pressure drop. On the other hand, after entering the second channel 56, the refrigerant separates into two streams in opposite directions, making the pressure field within the entire second channel 56 more uniform, further reducing uneven flow distribution. Simultaneously, it also facilitates the mixing of the gas and liquid phases during flow. Furthermore, this core has a two-pass flow configuration. The first interplate channels 11 within the first sub-core 5 and the second sub-core 7 are connected in parallel. Compared to a series connection, the overall pressure drop within the first fluid channel is smaller, which can reduce the impact on the heat exchanger's heat exchange performance in applications with high flow rates or large temperature differences. Specifically, the refrigerant within the first fluid channel is essentially saturated. If the overall pressure drop within the first fluid channel is large, it will increase the saturated evaporation temperature at the inlet of the first fluid channel, reducing the heat exchange temperature difference between the refrigerant and the other fluid, thereby reducing the heat exchange capacity of the core. In the actual use of the heat exchanger, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the length direction of the core can be aligned with the vertical direction, that is, the core is set vertically, which can reduce the influence of gravity on the fluid distribution in the second channel 56, thereby making the fluid distribution more uniform. Figure 4 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 13 The arrows in the diagram show the approximate flow path of the refrigerant within the first fluid channel.

[0030] Such as 4 and Figure 7As shown, the sum of the flow areas of each first interplate channel 11 in the first sub-core 5 is the same as or approximately the same as the sum of the flow areas of each first interplate channel 11 in the second sub-core 7. Therefore, the total flow resistance of each first interplate channel 11 in the first sub-core 5 is the same as or approximately the same as the total flow resistance of each first interplate channel 11 in the second sub-core 7. This allows the flow rate entering the first sub-core 5 from the second channel 56 to be the same as or approximately the same as the flow rate entering the second sub-core 7, enabling a more even distribution of fluid between the first sub-core 5 and the second sub-core 7. Furthermore, the sum of the flow areas of each second interplate channel 12 is less than the sum of the flow areas of each first interplate channel 11, causing the flow area of ​​the first fluid channel to gradually increase. This accommodates the gradual expansion of the refrigerant during heat absorption, reducing the pressure drop of the heat exchanger and improving heat exchange efficiency. Similarly, the flow area of ​​the third channel 57 is smaller than that of the first channel 55 and the second channel 56, which can also reduce the pressure drop of the heat exchanger and improve the heat exchange efficiency. Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, the first fluid channel includes two second inter-plate channels 12 and six first inter-plate channels 11, the first sub-core 5 and the second sub-core 7 each include three first inter-plate channels 11, and the third sub-core 6 includes two second inter-plate channels 12. The height of the second inter-plate channels 12 is the same as or approximately the same as the height of the first inter-plate channels 11. The height of each second inter-plate channel 12 is the same, and the height of each first inter-plate channel 11 is also the same. The number of second inter-plate channels 12 is less than the number of first inter-plate channels 11. The second channel 56 extends along the plate stacking direction and includes a first channel segment 561 and a second channel segment 562 arranged along the plate stacking direction. The first channel segment 561 is located within the first sub-core 5, and the second channel segment 562 is located within the second sub-core 7. The lengths of the first channel segment 561 and the second channel segment 562 are the same or approximately the same as their flow areas, making the pressure drop within the first channel segment 561 and the second channel segment 562 more symmetrical and the pressure field within the entire second channel 56 more uniform. Ideally, the first channel segment 561 and the second channel segment 562 each receive 50% of the fluid flow.

[0031] In other embodiments of the heat exchanger, the number of first interplate channels 11 located in the first sub-core 5 and the second sub-core 7 may be different. For example... Figure 15 As shown, three first inter-plate channels 11 are provided in the first sub-core 5, and two first inter-plate channels 11 are provided in the second sub-core 7. Those skilled in the art can adjust the number or structure of the inter-plate channels according to the needs of flow rate, heat exchange, size, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0032] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the second fluid channel includes a fourth channel 58 and a fifth channel 59 located at both ends of the core length direction. The second fluid channel also includes a third inter-plate channel 13 communicating with the fourth channel 58 and the fifth channel 59. Within the first sub-core 5 and the second sub-core 7, the first inter-plate channel 11 and the third inter-plate channel 13 are alternately arranged in the plate stacking direction. Within the third sub-core 6, the second inter-plate channel 12 and the third inter-plate channel 13 are alternately arranged in the plate stacking direction, so that when the heat exchanger is in operation, the fluid in the second fluid channel can exchange heat more fully with the fluid in the first fluid channel.

[0033] In other embodiments of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger may include two or more cores arranged along the plate stacking direction, with the first channels 55 of each core connected, the second channels 56 of each core connected, and the third channels 57 of each core connected. Figure 14 Taking the heat exchanger shown as an example, the heat exchanger includes two cores connected end-to-end. The second sub-core 7 has the same number of first inter-plate channels 11 as the first sub-core 5. This embodiment can achieve a more uniform flow distribution in each of the first inter-plate channels 11 when the number of heat exchanger plates is large.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the core includes a first plate 51, a second plate 52, and a third plate 53. The first sub-core 5 is formed by alternately stacking the first plate 51 and the second plate 52, and the third sub-core 6 is formed by alternately stacking the first plate 51 and the third plate 53. Figure 2 Some plates are omitted and are not shown. The first inter-plate channel is located between the first plate 51 and the second plate 52, and the second inter-plate channel is located between the first plate 51 and the third plate 53.

[0035] like Figures 10 to 12As shown, the first plate 51, the second plate 52, and the third plate 53 all include a bottom 40 and a flange 48 arranged circumferentially along the bottom 40. The bottom 40 is rectangular or approximately rectangular. The bottom 40 of the first plate 51, the second plate 52, and the third plate 53 are all provided with a first corner hole 41 and a second corner hole 42, and the first corner hole 41 and the second corner hole 42 are located on one long side of the bottom 40. The bottom 40 of the first plate 51, the second plate 52, and the third plate 53 are all provided with a third corner hole 43 and a fourth corner hole 44, and the third corner hole 43 and the fourth corner hole 44 are located on the other long side of the bottom 40. The bottom 40 of the first plate 51, the second plate 52, and the third plate 53 are all provided with a first through hole 45. The first through hole 45, the first corner hole 41, and the third corner hole 43 are all located at the same end in the length direction of the bottom 40, and the first through hole 45 is located between the first corner hole 41 and the third corner hole 43. The first corner holes 41, 42, and 45 of the first plate 51, second plate 52, and third plate 53 are coaxial or substantially coaxial in the plate stacking direction and form a first channel 55, a second channel 56, and a third channel 57. The third triangular holes 43 and 44 of the first plate 51, second plate 52, and third plate 53 are coaxial or substantially coaxial in the plate stacking direction and form a fourth channel 55 and a fifth channel 56.

[0036] like Figure 10 As shown, the first plate 51 includes a first corner hole portion 46 arranged circumferentially along the first corner hole 41 and a second corner hole portion 47 arranged circumferentially along the second corner hole 42. The first corner hole portion 46 protrudes from and is connected to the bottom 40, and the second corner hole portion 47 protrudes from and is connected to the bottom 40. That is, the first corner hole 41 and the second corner hole 42 of the first plate 51 are boss openings. The first corner hole portion 46 and the second corner hole portion 47 protrude from the bottom 40 in the same direction, and the first corner hole portion 46 and the second corner hole portion 47 protrude from the bottom 40 at the same height. The first triangular hole 43 and the fourth corner hole 44 of the first plate 51 are approximately coplanar with the bottom 40. That is, the first triangular hole 43 and the fourth corner hole 44 of the first plate 51 are planar openings. The first plate 51 also includes a first annular protrusion 63 surrounding the first through hole 45, and the first annular protrusion 63 protrudes from the bottom 40. The first through hole 45 of the first plate 51 is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the bottom 40, that is, the first through hole 45 is a planar opening. The first plate 51 also includes a flow-dispersing part 49 disposed in the middle part of the bottom 40.

[0037] like Figure 11As shown, the first corner hole 41 and the second corner hole 42 of the second plate 52 are approximately coplanar with the bottom 40, meaning that the first corner hole 41 and the second corner hole 42 of the second plate 52 are planar openings. The second plate 52 also includes a third corner hole portion 61 arranged circumferentially along the third corner hole 43 and a fourth corner hole portion 62 arranged circumferentially along the fourth corner hole 44. The third corner hole portion 61 protrudes from the bottom 40 and is connected to the bottom 40, and the fourth corner hole portion 62 protrudes from the bottom 40 and is connected to the bottom 40. That is, the third corner hole 43 and the fourth corner hole 44 of the second plate 52 are boss openings. The third corner hole portion 61 and the fourth corner hole portion 62 of the second plate 52 protrude from the bottom 40 in the same direction, and the third corner hole portion 61 and the fourth corner hole portion 62 protrude from the bottom 40 at the same height. The second plate 52 also includes a second annular protrusion portion 64 surrounding the first through hole 45. The second annular protrusion portion 64 protrudes from the bottom 40 and its protrusion direction and protrusion height are the same as those of the first annular protrusion portion 63. The first through hole 45 of the second plate 52 is approximately coplanar with the bottom 40, that is, the first through hole 45 is a planar opening.

[0038] like Figure 13 As shown, the third channel 57 includes a third channel segment 571 and a fourth channel segment 572 arranged along the stacking direction of the plates. The third channel segment 571 is located within the first sub-core 5, and the fourth channel segment 572 is located within the third sub-core 6. Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the second annular protrusion 64 can be formed by stamping. The second plate 52 includes an annular groove 641 located on the opposite side of the second annular protrusion 64. The second plate 52 has a planar connecting portion 642 located between the annular groove 641 and the first through hole 45. The planar connecting portion 642 is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the bottom 40. Inside the first sub-core 5, the first annular protrusion 63 is welded and fixed to the planar connecting portion 642 of the adjacent second plate 52. At the same time, the second annular protrusion 64 is welded and fixed to the bottom 40 of the adjacent first plate 51 and sealed. Both the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 have a first through hole 45. The first through hole 45 of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 can form a third channel segment 571. The third channel segment 571 is similar to a pipe. The third channel segment 571 is not directly connected to the first plate channel 11 and is isolated from the second fluid channel. The third channel 57 is formed by stacking plates. Compared with related technologies that insert conduits into the channel, it is not necessary to maintain the assembly accuracy between the conduit and the plate during the welding process. Only the welding of the first annular protrusion 63 and the second annular protrusion 64 to the adjacent plates needs to be ensured. The assembly accuracy requirements are lower, it is easier to weld and manufacture, and it can reduce the risk of internal leakage or bypass. In addition, it can save the number of parts, making the heat exchanger more reliable. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the first annular protrusion 63 and the second annular protrusion 64 is annular in the direction parallel to the plate. The diameter of the first annular protrusion 63 is smaller than the diameter of the second annular protrusion 64. The first annular protrusion 63 and the second annular protrusion 64 are coaxially arranged. The first through holes 45 of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52 have the same shape and are coaxially arranged in the stacking direction.

[0039] like Figure 12As shown, the first corner hole 41 and the second corner hole 42 of the third plate 53 are approximately coplanar with the bottom 40, meaning that the first corner hole 41 and the second corner hole 42 of the third plate 53 are planar openings. The third plate 53 also includes a third corner hole portion 61 arranged circumferentially along the third corner hole 43 and a fourth corner hole portion 62 arranged circumferentially along the fourth corner hole 44. The third corner hole portion 61 protrudes from the bottom 40 and is connected to the bottom 40, and the fourth corner hole portion 62 protrudes from the bottom 40 and is connected to the bottom 40, meaning that the third corner hole 43 and the fourth corner hole 44 of the third plate 53 are boss openings. The third corner hole portion 61 and the fourth corner hole portion 62 of the third plate 53 protrude from the bottom 40 in the same direction, and the height of the third corner hole portion 61 and the fourth corner hole portion 62 protruding from the bottom 40 is also the same. The first through hole 45 of the third plate 53 is approximately coplanar with the bottom 40, meaning that the first through hole 45 is a planar opening, and no second annular protrusion is provided around the first through hole 45. The third plate 53 includes a third annular protrusion 65 surrounding the first corner hole 41. The third annular protrusion 65 protrudes from the bottom 40 and its protrusion direction and height are the same as those of the third corner hole 61. The third annular protrusion 65 can isolate the second interplate channel 12 from the first channel 55.

[0040] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, within the third sub-core 6, the second annular protrusion 64 of the first plate 51 is welded and sealed to the bottom 40 of the adjacent third plate 53. Both the first plate 51 and the third plate 53 have a first through hole 45, which can form a fourth channel segment 572. Simultaneously, since the third plate 53 does not have a second annular protrusion 64, the fourth channel segment 572 can communicate with the second inter-plate channel 12.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the plate arrangement of the second sub-core 7 is similar to that of the first sub-core 5, and the second sub-core 7 is formed by alternating stacking of the first plate 51 and the second plate 52. In other embodiments of the second sub-core 7, the third channel may not be provided in the second sub-core 7, that is, the plates in the second sub-core 7 may not have the first through hole.

[0042] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 13 As shown, the core includes a sealing part 60, which is located at one end of the fourth channel section 572 near the second sub-core 7. The sealing part 60 completely seals the first through hole of a plate, and the sealing part 60 is integrally formed with this plate. Integrating the sealing part 60 with a plate simplifies the process and reduces the number of parts. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the sealing part 60 is disposed on a second plate 52 of the second sub-core 7 that is closest to the third sub-core 6.

[0043] like Figure 8 As shown, the heat exchanger includes a valve body 2, which is located at one end of the heat exchanger plate stacking direction and is fixedly connected to the core. The valve body 2 is directly integrated with the core, saving on connecting components between them. The valve body 2 includes a first interface 21 and a second interface 22, as well as a first channel 23, a receiving cavity 25, and a second channel 28. The first interface 21 communicates with the receiving cavity 25 through the first channel 23, and the receiving cavity 25 communicates with the third channel 57 of the core. The second interface 22 communicates with the first channel 55 of the core through the second channel 28. The valve body 2, the first channel 55, and the third channel 57 are located at the same end along the length of the core. Therefore, the distance between the valve body 2 and the first channel 55 and the third channel 57 is short, eliminating the need for long drainage structures or additional components to connect the valve body 2 to the first channel 55 and the third channel 57 in the core. This reduces the need for connecting pipes or components, decreases the risk of leakage, improves product reliability, and also reduces costs and simplifies manufacturing. The third channel 57 is located between the fourth channel 58 and the first channel 55, making the distance between the third channel 57 and the first channel 55 relatively short. This reduces the size required for the valve body 2 or the flow-guiding structure, further simplifying the flow-guiding structure. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the second channel 28 is the same as the extension direction of the first channel 55 of the core. The second channel 28 and the first channel 55 of the core are coaxially arranged, which reduces flow resistance. The heat exchanger also includes a third channel 33, which connects the receiving cavity 25 and the third channel 57. The third channel may be provided with a bend.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the heat exchanger also includes a valve assembly 1, at least a portion of which is inserted into the receiving cavity 25. In this embodiment, the inserted portion includes a throttling orifice (not shown), and the valve assembly 1 can throttle and depressurize the refrigerant about to enter the core and regulate the refrigerant flow rate. When the heat exchanger is operating, the refrigerant enters the valve body 2 through the first port 21, then flows through the throttling orifice and is depressurized, and then enters the third channel 57 of the core through the third channel 33. The refrigerant exchanges heat with another fluid in the core, and finally flows out of the second port 22 through the second channel 28. In other embodiments of the valve assembly 1, the inserted portion of the valve assembly 1 may include a piston-type valve core or a rotary valve core, etc., which can regulate the flow rate of the fluid entering the first fluid channel or open and close the first fluid channel.

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 8As shown, the heat exchanger includes an end plate 4 and a first mounting plate 3. The end plate 4, the first mounting plate 3, and the valve body 2 are all located at the same end in the plate stacking direction of the heat exchanger. The end plate 4 and the first mounting plate 3 are located between the core and the valve body 2. The end plate 4 is fixedly connected to the core, and the valve body 2 is fixedly connected to the first mounting plate 3. The thickness of the first mounting plate 3 is greater than that of the end plate 4. A portion of the valve body 2 is inserted into the first mounting plate 3, making the fixation between the valve body 2 and the first mounting plate 3 more secure and the positioning more precise. The thickness of the first mounting plate 3 can be greater than 3 mm. In other embodiments of the heat exchanger, the first mounting plate 3 can be integrally formed with the valve body 2.

[0046] like Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the first channel 55 and the second channel 56 are located at both ends of the core's length direction, and the third channel 58 and the fourth channel 59 are also located at both ends of the core's length direction. The fluid in the first inter-plate channel 11 and the third inter-plate channel 13 flows in an I-flow pattern. The I-flow structure of the plates is relatively simple, which is beneficial for plate stamping and forming, and reduces defects such as incomplete welding and cracking during plate welding, resulting in higher reliability of the heat exchanger. In this embodiment, as... Figures 10 to 12 As shown, in the first plate 51, the second plate 52 and the third plate 53, the first corner hole 41 and the second corner hole 42 are located on the same long side of the bottom 40, and the third corner hole 43 and the fourth corner hole 44 are both located on the other long side of the bottom 40. The fluid flows in the first inter-plate channel 11 and the third inter-plate channel 13 in the form of unilateral flow.

[0047] In other embodiments of the heat exchanger, the flow state of the fluid in the first and third inter-plate channels can also be configured as a diagonal flow. For example... Figure 16 As shown, in the first plate 51, the second plate 52, and the third plate 53, the first corner hole 41 and the second corner hole 42 are located diagonally opposite each other at the bottom 40, and the third corner hole 43 and the fourth corner hole 44 are located at the other diagonal corner of the bottom 40, forming a diagonal flow pattern. Compared with the single-sided flow pattern, the diagonal flow pattern has a more uniform flow distribution in the direction parallel to the plate, which can improve the heat exchange effect.

[0048] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the heat exchanger also includes a first connecting pipe 10 and a second connecting pipe 20. The second connecting pipe 20 communicates with the fourth channel 58, and the first connecting pipe 10 communicates with the fifth channel 59. The second connecting pipe 10 and the valve body 2 are located at opposite ends of the core plate stacking direction, so the second connecting pipe 20 will not interfere with the valve body 2 at the other end, making the heat exchanger structure more compact. When the heat exchanger is working, the coolant can enter the fourth channel 58 through the second connecting pipe 20, exchange heat with the refrigerant, and then flow out through the first connecting pipe 10.

[0049] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising a core, the core comprising a plurality of stacked plates, the core having mutually isolated first fluid channels and second fluid channels, characterized in that, The first fluid channel includes a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel; The first fluid channel includes a first inter-plate channel and a second inter-plate channel. The first inter-plate channel connects the first channel and the second channel, and the second inter-plate channel connects the third channel and the second channel. The third channel is not directly connected to the first inter-plate channel. The core includes a first sub-core, a third sub-core, and a second sub-core. Along the stacking direction of the plates, the third sub-core is located between the first sub-core and the second sub-core. A portion of the first inter-plate channel is located in the first sub-core, another portion of the first inter-plate channel is located in the second sub-core, and the second inter-plate channel is located in the third sub-core. The core includes a first plate and a second plate. The first sub-core is formed by alternating stacking of the first plate and the second plate. The bottom of the first plate and the second plate are provided with a first through hole. The first through hole (45) of the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) included in the first sub-core forms a third channel segment (571). The third channel segment (571) is not directly connected to the first plate channel (11) and is isolated from the second fluid channel.

2. The heat exchanger as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes two or more cores arranged along the plate stacking direction, with the first channels of each core connected, the second channels of each core connected, and the third channels of each core connected.

3. The heat exchanger as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The flow area of ​​the third channel is smaller than that of the first and second channels, and the sum of the flow areas of each of the second inter-plate channels is smaller than the sum of the flow areas of each of the first inter-plate channels.

4. The heat exchanger as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second channel extends along the stacking direction of the plates; the sum of the flow areas of each of the first inter-plate channels in the first sub-core is the same as or approximately the same as the sum of the flow areas of each of the first inter-plate channels in the second sub-core.

5. The heat exchanger as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The heights of each of the first inter-plate channels are the same or approximately the same, and the number of the first inter-plate channels located in the first sub-core and the number of the first inter-plate channels located in the second sub-core are the same. The height of the second inter-plate channel of the heat exchanger is the same as or approximately the same as the height of the first inter-plate channel, the height of each second inter-plate channel is the same as or approximately the same, and the number of second inter-plate channels is less than the number of first inter-plate channels. The second channel includes a first channel segment and a second channel segment arranged along the stacking direction of the plates. The first channel segment is located in the first sub-core, and the second channel segment is located in the second sub-core. The lengths of the first channel segment and the second channel segment are the same or approximately the same as the flow area.

6. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The plate is rectangular or approximately rectangular, and the length direction of the core is the same as the extension direction of the long side of the plate; the first channel and the second channel are located at opposite ends of the length direction of the core, and the third channel is located at the same end of the length direction of the core as the first channel.

7. The heat exchanger as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second fluid channel includes a fourth channel and a fifth channel located at both ends of the core along its length. The second fluid channel also includes a third inter-plate channel communicating with the fourth and fifth channels. In the first and second sub-cores, the first inter-plate channel and the third inter-plate channel are alternately arranged in the plate stacking direction. In the third sub-core, the second inter-plate channel and the third inter-plate channel are alternately arranged in the plate stacking direction. The fourth channel, the third channel, and the first channel are all located at the same end of the core along its length, and the third channel is located between the fourth channel and the first channel.

8. The heat exchanger as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a valve body located at one end of the heat exchanger's plate stacking direction and fixedly connected to the core. The valve body, the first channel, and the third channel are located at the same end of the core's length direction. The valve body also includes a first interface and a second interface, a first channel, a receiving cavity, and a second channel. The first interface communicates with the receiving cavity through the first channel, the receiving cavity communicates with the third channel of the core, and the second interface communicates with the first channel of the core through the second channel. The heat exchanger also includes a valve assembly, at least a portion of which is inserted into the receiving cavity. The inserted portion includes a throttling orifice or a valve core.

9. The heat exchanger as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes a valve body located at one end of the heat exchanger's plate stacking direction and fixedly connected to the core. The valve body, the first channel, and the third channel are located at the same end of the core's length direction. The valve body also includes a first interface and a second interface, a first channel, a receiving cavity, and a second channel. The first interface communicates with the receiving cavity through the first channel, the receiving cavity communicates with the third channel of the core, and the second interface communicates with the first channel of the core through the second channel. The heat exchanger also includes a valve assembly, at least a portion of which is inserted into the receiving cavity. The inserted portion includes a throttling orifice or a valve core.

10. The heat exchanger as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The flow area of ​​the first channel of the valve body is smaller than that of the second channel. The extension direction of the second channel is the same as the extension direction of the first channel of the core. The second channel is coaxial or approximately coaxial with the first channel. The heat exchanger includes a fixedly connected end plate and a first mounting plate. The end plate, the first mounting plate, and the valve body are all located at the same end in the plate stacking direction of the heat exchanger. The end plate and the first mounting plate are located between the core and the valve body. The end plate is fixedly connected to the core, and the valve body is fixedly connected to the first mounting plate. The thickness of the first mounting plate is greater than that of the end plate, and a portion of the valve body is inserted into the first mounting plate.

11. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The core includes a third plate, and the third sub-core is formed by alternating stacking of the first plate and the third plate; The first plate, the second plate, and the third plate all include a bottom, which is rectangular or approximately rectangular; the bottom of the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate are provided with a first corner hole and a second corner hole, and the bottom of the third plate is provided with a first through hole, wherein the first through hole and the first corner hole are located at the same end in the length direction of the bottom; The first corner holes and the second corner holes of the first plate, the second plate and the third plate are coaxial or substantially coaxial in the plate stacking direction and form the first channel and the second channel; The third channel includes a third channel segment and a fourth channel segment arranged along the stacking direction of the plates. The third channel segment is located in the first sub-core, and the fourth channel segment is located in the third sub-core. The first plate includes a first annular protrusion surrounding the first through hole, the first annular protrusion protruding from the bottom of the first plate; the second plate includes a second annular protrusion surrounding the first through hole, the second annular protrusion protruding from the bottom of the second plate and protruding in the same direction as the first annular protrusion; the second plate also includes an annular groove located on the opposite side of the second annular protrusion, the second plate has a planar connecting portion located between the annular groove and the first through hole, the planar connecting portion of the second plate is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the bottom of the second plate; the first annular protrusion of the first plate is welded and fixed to the planar connecting portion of the adjacent second plate and sealed, the second annular protrusion of the second plate is welded and fixed to the bottom of the adjacent first plate and sealed; the first through holes of the first plate and the second plate are coaxial or substantially coaxially arranged; the first through holes of the first plate and the third plate are coaxial or substantially coaxially arranged, the first through holes of the first plate and the third plate form the fourth channel segment, the third plate does not have the second annular protrusion, the fourth channel segment communicates with the inter-plate channel; In the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate, the first corner hole and the second corner hole are located on the same long side of the bottom; or, the first corner hole and the second corner hole are located at opposite corners of the bottom. The core also includes a sealing part, which is located at one end of the fourth channel section near the third sub-core. The sealing part completely seals the first through hole of the plate and is integrally formed with the plate.

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