Integrated heat exchanger and thermal management assembly

Abstract

Provided is an integrated heat exchanger and heat management assembly that is compact and has low heat loss. An integrated heat exchanger (1) is formed by stacking a plurality of plates (110) parallel to each other, and includes at least a first heat exchanger (10) and a second heat exchanger (30). When the length direction of the plates is set as a first direction (D1), the width direction is set as a second direction (D2), and the stacking direction of the plurality of plates is set as a third direction (D3), each of the plurality of plates has a first partition groove (S1) that partitions the plates at the same position, a portion (110a) of the plurality of plates on one side of the first partition groove constitutes the first heat exchanger (10), and a portion (110b) of the plurality of plates on the other side of the first partition groove constitutes the second heat exchanger (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an integrated heat exchanger and a thermal management component having the integrated heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, thermal management systems for vehicles such as electric vehicles required different thermal management modes for different thermal management objects. To provide different thermal management modes while making the thermal management system more compact, there is a need to integrate multiple heat exchangers into a single unit.

[0003] However, existing integrated heat exchangers have the following problems:

[0004] In an integrated heat exchanger, multiple heat exchangers are fixedly connected to each other by welding, and the heat exchangers are completely in contact with each other, which increases heat loss and reduces heat exchange performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an integrated heat exchanger with a compact structure and low heat loss, and a thermal management component having the integrated heat exchanger.

[0006] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of this disclosure is an integrated heat exchanger comprising multiple plates stacked parallel to each other, the integrated heat exchanger having multiple heat exchangers, the multiple heat exchangers including at least a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, wherein when the length direction of the plates is set as a first direction, the width direction is set as a second direction, and the stacking direction of the multiple plates is set as a third direction, each of the multiple plates has a first spacer groove separating the plates at the same position, the portion of the multiple plates located on one side of the first spacer groove constitutes the first heat exchanger, and the portion of the multiple plates located on the other side of the first spacer groove constitutes the second heat exchanger.

[0008] According to this structure, two heat exchangers are formed by stacking multiple plates in parallel, which ensures that various functions are achieved while making the integrated heat exchanger compact. In addition, the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are separated by a first spacer slot, thus maintaining the overall integration of the integrated heat exchanger while reducing heat loss and improving heat exchange performance.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, in the above-described integrated heat exchanger, the plurality of heat exchangers further includes a third heat exchanger, which is formed by a portion of the plurality of plates located on one side of the first spacer groove. The first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are arranged in the third direction, and an air gap is formed between the first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger.

[0010] According to this structure, the arrangement direction of the first and third heat exchangers in the integrated heat exchanger is parallel to the stacking direction of the plates constituting the heat exchanger. Therefore, the number of different heat exchanger plates can be flexibly changed in the stacking direction of the plates according to different thermal management requirements, which can improve the degree of freedom of heat exchanger installation.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, in the above-described integrated heat exchanger, the plurality of heat exchangers each have a plurality of flow channels for fluid to flow between the plurality of plates. The plurality of flow channels are composed of the plurality of plates and a plurality of ribs connecting the plates to each other, and the flow direction of the fluid in the flow channels is guided by the arrangement of the ribs and the plates.

[0012] According to this structure, multiple flow channels are formed by multiple plates and multiple ribs, thereby enabling heat exchange within each heat exchanger. Moreover, by arranging the ribs and plates to guide the flow of refrigerant, the flow path of the fluid in the integrated heat exchanger can be extended, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, in the integrated heat exchanger described above, a refrigerant and a first coolant flow as the fluid in the first heat exchanger, and a refrigerant and a second coolant flow in the third heat exchanger. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the first coolant, and in the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the second coolant.

[0014] According to this structure, the refrigerant exchanges heat with coolant from different coolant circuits in the first and third heat exchangers, thereby enabling the integrated heat exchanger to cope with different thermal management modes.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the plates located at both ends of the plurality of plates in the third direction respectively form a first cover plate and a second cover plate. The first cover plate is the cover plate of the first heat exchanger, and the second cover plate is the cover plate of the third heat exchanger. The first cover plate is provided with a first refrigerant inlet port and a first refrigerant outlet port for refrigerant to flow into and out of the first heat exchanger. The second cover plate is provided with a second refrigerant inlet port and a second refrigerant outlet port for refrigerant to flow into and out of the third heat exchanger. The plurality of flow channels include at least a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel connects the first refrigerant inlet port and the first refrigerant outlet port and allows refrigerant to flow between the plurality of plates of the first heat exchanger. The second flow channel connects the second refrigerant inlet port and the second refrigerant outlet port and allows refrigerant to flow between the plurality of plates of the third heat exchanger.

[0016] According to this structure, the refrigerant, as a fluid, enters and exits the first and third heat exchangers from both ends of the integrated heat exchanger along the plate stacking direction. Therefore, different flow channel blocks can be set on different surfaces of the integrated heat exchanger, thereby making the configuration of the flow channel blocks more flexible and reducing their volume, reducing heat loss and increasing the freedom of installation of the integrated heat exchanger.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the first cover plate is provided with a first coolant inlet port and a first coolant outlet port for coolant to flow into and out of the first heat exchanger, and the second cover plate is provided with a second coolant inlet port and a second coolant outlet port for coolant to flow into and out of the third heat exchanger. The plurality of flow channels also include a first coolant flow channel and a second coolant flow channel. The first coolant flow channel connects the first coolant inlet port and the first coolant outlet port and allows the first coolant to flow between the plurality of plates of the first heat exchanger. The second coolant flow channel connects the second coolant inlet port and the second coolant outlet port and allows the second coolant to flow between the plurality of plates of the third heat exchanger.

[0018] According to this structure, the first and second coolants, which are fluids, enter and exit the first and third heat exchangers respectively from the two end faces of the integrated heat exchanger in the plate stacking direction. Therefore, different flow channel blocks or thermal management devices can be set on different faces of the integrated heat exchanger, thereby making the configuration of flow channel blocks or thermal management devices more flexible, reducing heat loss, and improving the installation freedom of the integrated heat exchanger.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, in the integrated heat exchanger described above, the plurality of flow channels of the second heat exchanger include a high-pressure refrigerant flow channel and a low-pressure refrigerant flow channel. The high-pressure refrigerant flow channel is for high-pressure refrigerant to flow as the fluid, and the low-pressure refrigerant flow channel is for low-pressure refrigerant to flow as the fluid. The high-pressure refrigerant flowing in the high-pressure refrigerant flow channel and the low-pressure refrigerant flowing in the low-pressure refrigerant flow channel exchange heat.

[0020] According to this structure, the high-pressure refrigerant and the low-pressure refrigerant are exchanged using a second heat exchanger, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency of the integrated heat exchanger.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, in the integrated heat exchanger described above, the plurality of flow channels of the second heat exchanger further include a third flow channel, wherein the refrigerant flowing in the third flow channel as the fluid does not participate in heat exchange, and the portions of the plurality of plates constituting the second heat exchanger have a second spacer groove at the same position, the second spacer groove separating the third flow channel from the high-pressure refrigerant flow channel and the low-pressure refrigerant flow channel.

[0022] According to this structure, a third flow channel that does not participate in heat exchange is provided inside the second heat exchanger, thereby improving the integration of the integrated heat exchanger, making it more compact, and reducing the overall volume of the integrated heat exchanger. Furthermore, by separating the flow channels used for heat exchange from those not involved in heat exchange in the second heat exchanger through second gaps formed on each plate, heat loss in the second heat exchanger can be reduced, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the integrated heat exchanger.

[0023] In one possible embodiment, in the integrated heat exchanger described above, the plates located at both ends of the third direction of the plurality of plates further form a third cover plate and a fourth cover plate, which are two cover plates of the second heat exchanger. One of the third cover plate and the fourth cover plate is provided with a high-pressure refrigerant outlet port for the high-pressure refrigerant to flow out of the high-pressure refrigerant channel, a low-pressure refrigerant inlet port for the low-pressure refrigerant to flow into the low-pressure refrigerant channel, a low-pressure refrigerant outlet port for the low-pressure refrigerant to flow out of the low-pressure refrigerant channel, and a third refrigerant outlet port for the refrigerant to flow out of the third channel. The other of the third cover plate and the fourth cover plate is provided with a high-pressure refrigerant inlet port for the high-pressure refrigerant to flow into the high-pressure refrigerant channel and a third refrigerant inlet port for the refrigerant to flow into the third channel.

[0024] According to this structure, the refrigerant enters and exits the second heat exchanger from both ends of the integrated heat exchanger along the plate stacking direction. Therefore, flow channel blocks can be arranged on different faces of the integrated heat exchanger, especially flow channel blocks shared with the first and third heat exchangers. This reduces the volume of the flow channel blocks and increases the flexibility in mounting the integrated heat exchanger.

[0025] Another aspect of this disclosure is a thermal management component comprising the aforementioned integrated heat exchanger; a first flow channel block; and a second flow channel block, the first and second flow channel blocks being respectively disposed on plates located at both ends of the plurality of plates in the third direction, wherein refrigerant can flow between the first, second, and third heat exchangers via flow channels within the first and second flow channel blocks.

[0026] According to this structure, the first and second flow channel blocks are respectively disposed at both ends of the integrated heat exchanger in the plate stacking direction, and the refrigerant flow between the first, second, and third heat exchangers is achieved using the first and second flow channel blocks. Therefore, compared with a structure using a single flow channel block, the flow channel length within the flow channel block can be shortened, the heat loss of the fluid within the flow channel block can be reduced, the volume of the flow channel block can be reduced, and the installation flexibility of the flow channel block can be improved. This, in turn, reduces the overall volume of the thermal management component, making its structure more compact and reducing heat loss.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, in the above-described thermal management assembly, the first flow channel block has a first inlet and a first outlet, the first inlet and the first outlet for refrigerant to enter and exit the first flow channel block from the first heat exchanger; the second flow channel block has a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet and the second outlet for refrigerant to enter and exit the second flow channel block from the third heat exchanger; a first valve is provided in the first flow channel block, and a second valve is provided in the second flow channel block; the first valve controls the refrigerant flowing to the first heat exchanger, and the second valve controls the refrigerant flowing to the third heat exchanger.

[0028] Based on this structure, valves are respectively installed on different flow channel blocks at the two end faces of the integrated heat exchanger to control the flow of refrigerant to the first and third heat exchangers. This allows for switching between different thermal management modes with a compact flow channel structure, enriching the functionality of the integrated heat exchanger and increasing the flexibility in valve placement.

[0029] In one possible embodiment, in the above-described thermal management component, the first flow channel block further has a third inlet, the second flow channel block further has a third outlet, the third flow channel connects the third inlet and the third outlet, and the first flow channel block is further provided with a third valve, the third valve and the second valve together control the refrigerant flowing to the third flow channel.

[0030] According to this structure, a third flow channel that does not participate in heat exchange is provided inside the second heat exchanger. The refrigerant flowing through (into and out of) this third flow channel is controlled by a valve located outside the integrated heat exchanger. This allows for the miniaturization of the overall structure of the thermal management component while providing more diverse thermal management modes.

[0031] In one possible embodiment, in the above-described thermal management assembly, the first flow channel block further has a fourth inlet, a fourth outlet, and a fifth inlet. The fourth inlet allows low-pressure refrigerant to flow into the first flow channel block from the second heat exchanger. The fourth outlet allows low-pressure refrigerant to flow out of the first flow channel block from the second heat exchanger. The fifth inlet allows high-pressure refrigerant to flow into the first flow channel block from the second heat exchanger. The second flow channel block also has a fifth outlet, which allows high-pressure refrigerant to flow out of the second flow channel block from the second heat exchanger.

[0032] According to this structure, the refrigerant flow between the first heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger is realized by using the flow channels inside the two flow channel blocks. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchanger can be flexibly controlled by valves, sensors and other components set in the flow channel blocks, which enriches the function of the integrated heat exchanger and improves the freedom of mounting thermal management components.

[0033] The effects of the invention

[0034] According to this disclosure, a compact integrated heat exchanger and thermal management component with low heat loss can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the integrated heat exchanger of this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a side view of the integrated heat exchanger viewed along a third direction.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a side view of the integrated heat exchanger taken along a third direction.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the first and third heat exchangers in an integrated heat exchanger.

[0039] Figure 5This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second heat exchanger in an integrated heat exchanger.

[0040] Figure 6 This is another cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second heat exchanger in the integrated heat exchanger.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the thermal management component of the integrated heat exchanger of this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 8 This is another perspective view of the thermal management assembly of the integrated heat exchanger of this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a 3D view of the first flow channel block.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the second flow channel block.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow path of the thermal management component included in this embodiment, illustrating the refrigerant flow in the device cooling mode.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow path of the thermal management component included in this embodiment, illustrating the refrigerant flow under air conditioning cooling.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow path of the thermal management component included in this embodiment, illustrating the refrigerant flow in the air conditioning heating mode.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow path of the thermal management component included in this embodiment, illustrating the refrigerant flow in rapid heating mode.

[0049] Symbol Explanation

[0050] 1…Integrated heat exchanger, 100…Thermal management assembly, 10…First heat exchanger, 11…First flow channel, 11a…First refrigerant inlet port, 11b…First refrigerant outlet port, 110…Plate, 110a…First section, 110b…Second section, 111…First plate, 112…Second plate, 115…Rib, 12…First coolant flow channel, 12a…First coolant inlet port, 12b…First coolant outlet port, 120…Air gap, 15…First cover plate, 20…Third heat exchanger, 21…Second flow channel, 21a…Second refrigerant inlet port, 21b…Second refrigerant outlet port, 22…Second coolant flow channel, 22a…Second coolant inlet port, 22b…Second coolant outlet port, 25…Second cover plate, 30…Second heat exchanger, 31…High-pressure refrigerant flow channel, 31a…High-pressure refrigerant inlet port, 31b…High-pressure refrigerant outlet port, 32…Low-pressure refrigerant flow channel, 32a…Low-pressure refrigerant inlet port, 32b…Low-pressure refrigerant outlet port, 33…Third flow channel, 3 3a…Third refrigerant inlet port, 33b…Third refrigerant outlet port, 35…Third cover plate, 45…Fourth cover plate, 4…First flow channel block, 41a…First inlet, 41b…First outlet, 43a…Third inlet, 44a…Fourth inlet, 44b…Fourth outlet, 45a…Fifth inlet, 46a…Sixth inlet, 46b…Sixth outlet, 47b…Seventh outlet, 5…Second flow channel block, 52a…Second inlet, 52b…Second outlet, 53b…Third outlet, 55b…Fifth outlet, 57a …Seventh inlet, 58a…Eighth inlet, 58b…Eighth outlet, 59a…Ninth inlet, 59b…Ninth outlet, 6…Evaporator, 7…Compressor, 8…Condenser, 9…Storage tank, D1…First direction, D2…Second direction, D3…Third direction, S1…First partition, S2…Second partition, V1…First electronic expansion valve (first valve), V2…Solenoid three-way valve (second valve), V3…Second electronic expansion valve (third valve), V4…Solenoid valve, V5…Thermal expansion valve, V6…Third electronic expansion valve. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific embodiments described below are merely illustrative of the structures that can be adopted by this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. In this embodiment, the same or similar elements are sometimes labeled with the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0052] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," and similar terms used do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance; they are merely used to distinguish different components. Furthermore, directional terms such as "front / back," "up / down," and / or "left / right" are defined based on the map orientation of the corresponding accompanying drawings for ease of explanation and are not intended to define location or spatial orientation.

[0053] <Integrated Heat Exchanger>

[0054] The following is for reference Figures 1-6 The specific structure of the integrated heat exchanger 1 involved in this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the integrated heat exchanger 1. Figure 2 , 3 These are two side views of the integrated heat exchanger 1. Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20 in the integrated heat exchanger 1, showing the cross-section of the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20 as viewed from the side (along the second direction D2). Figure 5 , 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second heat exchanger 30 in the integrated heat exchanger 1, showing a top view (along the first direction D1) of the cross-section of the second heat exchanger. It should be noted that... Figures 4-6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view used to illustrate the internal structure of the integrated heat exchanger 1. The dimensions and relative positions of the components shown in the diagram are schematic and do not reflect the actual dimensions and relative positions.

[0055] The integrated heat exchanger 1 consists of multiple plates 110 (see...) Figures 4-6 They are stacked parallel to each other. For ease of illustration, in Figures 4-6 Only a portion of the plates 110 are schematically labeled. In this embodiment, the shapes of the multiple plates 110 are all rectangular, but the shapes of the plates 110 can be arbitrarily set as needed. In the following text, the length direction of the plates 110 is defined as the first direction D1, the width direction of the plates 110 is defined as the second direction D2, and the stacking direction of the multiple plates 110 is defined as the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are all orthogonal to each other, but they can also be non-orthogonal but intersecting directions.

[0056] The plates 110 located at both ends of the third direction D3 among the multiple plates 110 are respectively designated as the first plate 111 (refer to...). Figure 1 , 2 ) and the second board 112 (refer to) Figure 1 , 3 ).like Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 have a first spacing groove S1 at the same position. Furthermore, although not shown, each of the plurality of plates 110 has the aforementioned first spacing groove S1 at the same position, separating each plate 110 by the first spacing groove S1. In this embodiment, the first spacing groove S1 separates the plates 110, for example, in the vertical direction (first direction D1), and is formed, for example, by penetrating the plate 110 along its thickness direction. The portion of each plate 110 located on one side of the first spacing groove S1 (the upper side in this embodiment) is a first portion 110a, and the portion located on the other side of the first spacing groove S1 (the lower side in this embodiment) is a second portion 110b.

[0057] The integrated heat exchanger 1 integrally comprises a first heat exchanger 10, a second heat exchanger 30, and a third heat exchanger 20. Specifically, a first portion 110a of a portion of plates 110 constitutes the first heat exchanger 10, a first portion 110a of another portion of plates 110 constitutes the third heat exchanger 20, and a second portion 110b of all plates 110 constitutes the second heat exchanger 30. The first portion 110a of the first plate 111 forms a first cover plate 15, and the second portion 110b of the first plate 111 forms a third cover plate 35. The first portion 110a of the second plate 112 forms a second cover plate 25, and the second portion 110b of the second plate 112 forms a fourth cover plate 45. The first cover plate 15 is the cover plate of the first heat exchanger 10, the second cover plate 25 is the cover plate of the third heat exchanger 20, and the third cover plate 35 and the fourth cover plate 45 are the cover plates of the second heat exchanger 30.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 10 and the second heat exchanger 30 are arranged in the first direction D1, and the second heat exchanger 30 and the third heat exchanger 20 are also arranged in the first direction D1. Since different heat exchangers (i.e., the first heat exchanger 10, the second heat exchanger 30, and the third heat exchanger 20) are formed by stacking multiple plates 110 in parallel in the integrated heat exchanger 1, it is possible to ensure that various functions corresponding to different thermal management modes are achieved while making the overall size of the integrated heat exchanger 1 compact.

[0059] If the arrangement direction of each heat exchanger in the integrated heat exchanger 1 is intersected with the stacking direction of the plates constituting each heat exchanger, then the number of plates constituting each heat exchanger can only be increased or decreased synchronously, and it is difficult to change the volume ratio between each heat exchanger.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20 are arranged in a third direction D3. In other words, the arrangement direction of the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20 is parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of plates 110 constituting the integrated heat exchanger 1. Therefore, compared with the structure in which the arrangement direction of each heat exchanger in the integrated heat exchanger intersects with the stacking direction of the plates, the number of plates 110 of the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20 can be flexibly changed in the stacking direction of the plates 110 according to different thermal management requirements. As a result, the arrangement of the integrated heat exchanger 1 can be more flexible, and the degree of freedom in mounting the integrated heat exchanger 1 can be improved.

[0061] Furthermore, an air gap 120 is formed between the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the air gap 120 is located between the innermost plate 110 of the first heat exchanger 10 and the innermost plate 110 of the third heat exchanger 20, which are adjacent on the third direction D3. The air gap 120 is formed by filling the gap between the two plates 110 with air. In this embodiment, the edges of the two plates 110 forming the air gap 120 are connected to each other to close the air gap 120, and air fills the closed air gap 120. However, the air gap 120 can also be open to the atmosphere.

[0062] Because the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20 in the integrated heat exchanger 1 are separated by an air gap 120, heat loss can be reduced and heat exchange performance can be improved while maintaining the overall integration of the integrated heat exchanger 1. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first heat exchanger 10 and the second heat exchanger 30, as well as the second heat exchanger 30 and the third heat exchanger 20, are separated by a first spacer groove S1. The first spacer groove S1 and the air gap 120 also effectively reduce heat loss and improve heat exchange performance.

[0063] The internal structures of the first heat exchanger 10, the second heat exchanger 30, and the third heat exchanger 20 are further described below. See also... Figures 4-6 Each of the first heat exchanger 10, the second heat exchanger 30, and the third heat exchanger 20 has multiple flow channels for fluid to flow between multiple plates 110. In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 10 has a first flow channel 11 and a first coolant flow channel 12. The third heat exchanger 20 has a second flow channel 21 and a second coolant flow channel 22. The second heat exchanger 30 has a high-pressure refrigerant flow channel 31, a low-pressure refrigerant flow channel 32, and a third flow channel 33. These flow channels are all formed by multiple plates 110 of the integrated heat exchanger 1 and multiple ribs 115 connecting the plates 110 to each other (see...). Figures 4-6The rib 115 is a structure that connects adjacent plates 110 by protruding from one plate 110 to another. Additionally, in the second heat exchanger 30, for ease of illustration, in... Figures 4-6 Only a few ribs 115 are schematically marked. The arrangement of multiple ribs 115 guides the flow direction of the fluid in each flow channel. Thus, within each of the first heat exchanger 10, the second heat exchanger 30, and the third heat exchanger 20, fluids flowing in different flow channels can exchange heat. Furthermore, the arrangement of the ribs 115 and plates 110 can extend the flow path of the fluid in the integrated heat exchanger 1, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0064] As a fluid, refrigerant flows in the first flow channel 11 of the first heat exchanger 10, and first coolant flows in the first coolant flow channel 12. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the first cover plate 15 is provided with a first refrigerant inlet port 11a and a first refrigerant outlet port 11b for refrigerant to flow into and out of the first heat exchanger 10, and also with a first coolant inlet port 12a and a first coolant outlet port 12b for first coolant to flow into and out of the first heat exchanger 10. Figure 4 As shown, the first flow channel 11 connects the first refrigerant inlet port 11a and the first refrigerant outlet port 11b, and allows the refrigerant to flow between the multiple plates 110 of the first heat exchanger 10. The first coolant flow channel 12 connects the first coolant inlet port 12a and the first coolant outlet port 12b, and allows the first coolant to flow between the multiple plates 110 of the first heat exchanger 10.

[0065] Similar to the first heat exchanger 10, refrigerant flows as a fluid in the second flow channel 21 of the third heat exchanger 20, and a second coolant flows as a fluid in the second coolant flow channel 22. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the second cover plate 25 is provided with a second refrigerant inlet port 21a and a second refrigerant outlet port 21b for refrigerant to flow into and out of the third heat exchanger 20, and also with a second coolant inlet port 22a and a second coolant outlet port 22b for the second coolant to flow into and out of the third heat exchanger 20. Figure 4 As shown, the second flow channel 21 connects the second refrigerant inlet port 21a and the second refrigerant outlet port 21b, and allows the refrigerant to flow between the multiple plates 110 of the third heat exchanger 20. The second coolant flow channel 22 connects the second coolant inlet port 22a and the second coolant outlet port 22b, and allows the second coolant to flow between the multiple plates 110 of the third heat exchanger 20.

[0066] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, in the first heat exchanger 10, the first flow channel 11 and the first coolant flow channel 12 are configured by arranging multiple ribs 115 between multiple plates 110, such that refrigerant flows on one side of each plate 110 (excluding the first plate 111 and the plate 110 forming the air gap 120) towards the third direction D3, and first coolant flows on the other side. Thus, the refrigerant and the first coolant exchange heat via the plates 110. Figure 4 In the diagram, the flow of refrigerant is shown by solid arrows, and the flow of the first coolant is shown by dashed arrows. By utilizing the arrangement of multiple ribs 115 and multiple plates 110 in the first heat exchanger 10 to guide the flow of fluids (refrigerant and first coolant in the first heat exchanger 10), the flow path of the fluid in the first heat exchanger 10 can be extended, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0067] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the third heat exchanger 20, refrigerant flows on one side of each plate 110 (excluding the second plate 112 and the plate forming the air gap 120) towards the third direction D3, and a second coolant flows on the other side, thereby exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the second coolant via the plate 110. Figure 4 In the diagram, the flow of refrigerant is shown by solid arrows, and the flow of the second coolant is shown by dashed arrows. By utilizing the arrangement of multiple ribs 115 and multiple plates 110 in the third heat exchanger 20 to guide the flow of fluids (refrigerant and second coolant in the third heat exchanger 20), the flow path of the fluid in the third heat exchanger 20 can be extended, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. In this embodiment, the first coolant and the second coolant are different coolants flowing in independent coolant circuits. By allowing the refrigerant to exchange heat with coolants from different coolant flow paths in the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20 respectively, the integrated heat exchanger can cope with different thermal management modes. However, the first coolant and the second coolant can also be the same coolant flowing in the same coolant circulation.

[0068] Furthermore, fluids such as refrigerant, first coolant, and second coolant enter and exit the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20 from the two end faces of the integrated heat exchanger 1 in the third direction D3 (i.e., the plate stacking direction), respectively. Therefore, different flow channel blocks (e.g., the first flow channel block 4 and the second flow channel block 5 described later) or other thermal management devices can be provided on different faces of the integrated heat exchanger 1. As a result, the configuration of the flow channel blocks or thermal management devices can be more flexible and the overall volume of the flow channel blocks can be reduced, thereby reducing heat loss and increasing the freedom of mounting the integrated heat exchanger 1.

[0069] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 , 6As shown, in the second heat exchanger 30, high-pressure refrigerant flows through the high-pressure refrigerant channel 31, and low-pressure refrigerant flows through the low-pressure refrigerant channel 32. Both the high-pressure and low-pressure refrigerants exchange heat via the plate 110. The flow patterns of the high-pressure and low-pressure refrigerants are as follows: Figure 5 , 6 As indicated by the arrow in the diagram. The high-pressure refrigerant and the low-pressure refrigerant are exchanged using the second heat exchanger 30, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency of the integrated heat exchanger 1.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the third cover plate 35 is provided with a high-pressure refrigerant outlet port 31b, a low-pressure refrigerant inlet port 32a, and a low-pressure refrigerant outlet port 32b. The fourth cover plate 45 is provided with a high-pressure refrigerant inlet port 31a. The high-pressure refrigerant inlet port 31a and the high-pressure refrigerant outlet port 31b are respectively for high-pressure refrigerant to flow into and out of the high-pressure refrigerant channel 31 of the second heat exchanger 30, and the low-pressure refrigerant inlet port 32a and the low-pressure refrigerant outlet port 32b are respectively for low-pressure refrigerant to flow into and out of the low-pressure refrigerant channel 32 of the second heat exchanger 30. Since the fluid enters and exits the second heat exchanger 30 from both ends of the integrated heat exchanger 1 in the third direction D3 (i.e., the plate stacking direction), flow channel blocks can be provided on both ends of the integrated heat exchanger 1, especially flow channel blocks shared with the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20. Therefore, the configuration of the flow channel blocks can be made more flexible and the volume of the flow channel blocks can be reduced, thereby increasing the freedom of installation of the integrated heat exchanger 1.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the high-pressure refrigerant flow channel 31 connects the high-pressure refrigerant inlet port 31a and the high-pressure refrigerant outlet port 31b. Inside the second heat exchanger 30, multiple ribs 115 and multiple plates 110 are arranged such that the high-pressure refrigerant flows meanderingly from the high-pressure refrigerant inlet port 31a of the fourth cover plate 45 through the gaps between the multiple plates 110 to the high-pressure refrigerant outlet port 31b of the fourth cover plate 45. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, the low-pressure refrigerant flow channel 32 connects the low-pressure refrigerant inlet port 32a and the low-pressure refrigerant outlet port 32b. Inside the second heat exchanger 30, a plurality of ribs 115 and a plurality of plates 110 are arranged such that the low-pressure refrigerant flows from the low-pressure refrigerant inlet port 32a of the third cover plate 35 through the gaps between the plurality of plates 110 to the low-pressure refrigerant outlet port 32b, which is also located on the third cover plate 35.

[0072] In addition, a third refrigerant outlet port 33b is provided on the third cover plate 35, and a third refrigerant inlet port 33a is provided on the fourth cover plate 45. The third flow channel 33 connects the third refrigerant inlet port 33a and the third refrigerant outlet port 33b, and the third refrigerant inlet port 33a and the third refrigerant outlet port 33b respectively allow refrigerant, as a fluid, to flow into and out of the third flow channel 33 of the second heat exchanger 30. The refrigerant flowing in the third flow channel 33 does not participate in heat exchange. Since the third flow channel 33, which does not participate in heat exchange, is located inside the second heat exchanger 30, the integration of the integrated heat exchanger 1 can be improved, the overall volume of the integrated heat exchanger 1 can be reduced, and it can be made more compact.

[0073] Moreover, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown, each plate 110 has a second spacer groove S2 at the same position in its second portion 110b. In this embodiment, the second spacer groove S2 separates the second portion 110b of the plate 110 located below the first spacer groove S1 in the second direction D2, thereby separating the third flow channel 33 from the high-pressure refrigerant flow channel 31 and the low-pressure refrigerant flow channel 32. Similar to the first spacer groove S1, in this embodiment, the second spacer groove S2 is formed, for example, by penetrating the plate 110 along its thickness direction. By using the second spacer groove S2 to separate the high-pressure refrigerant flow channel 31 and the low-pressure refrigerant flow channel 32 used for heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 30 from the third flow channel 33 which does not perform heat exchange, heat loss in the second heat exchanger 30 can be reduced, and the heat exchange efficiency of the integrated heat exchanger 1 can be improved.

[0074] <Thermal Management Components>

[0075] See below. Figures 7-10 A thermal management component 100 having an integrated heat exchanger 1 will be described. Figure 7 , Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a thermal management assembly 100 with an integrated heat exchanger 1. Figure 9 This is a 3D view of the first flow channel block 4. Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the second flow channel block 5.

[0076] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the thermal management assembly 100, in addition to the integrated heat exchanger 1, also has a first flow channel block 4 and a second flow channel block 5. The first flow channel block 4 is disposed on the first plate 111, and the second flow channel block 5 is disposed on the second plate 112, that is, the first flow channel block 4 and the second flow channel block 5 are respectively disposed at both ends of the third direction D3 of the integrated heat exchanger 1. The specific structure of the first flow channel block 4 and the second flow channel block 5 is described below.

[0077] like Figure 9As shown, the first flow channel block 4 has a first inlet 41a and a first outlet 41b. The first inlet 41a is connected to the first refrigerant outlet port 11b of the first heat exchanger 10, and the first outlet 41b is connected to the first refrigerant inlet port 11a of the first heat exchanger 10. The first inlet 41a and the first outlet 41b allow refrigerant to enter and exit the first flow channel 11 of the first heat exchanger 10 from the first flow channel 11.

[0078] like Figure 10 As shown, the second flow channel block 5 has a second inlet 52a and a second outlet 52b. The second inlet 52a is connected to the second refrigerant outlet port 21b of the third heat exchanger 20, and the second outlet 52b is connected to the second refrigerant inlet port 21a of the third heat exchanger 20. The second inlet 52a and the second outlet 52b respectively allow refrigerant to enter and exit the second flow channel 21 of the third heat exchanger 20 from the second flow channel 21 of the second flow channel block 5.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 9 , 10 As shown, the first flow channel block 4 also has a third inlet 43a, a fourth inlet 44a, a fourth outlet 44b, and a fifth inlet 45a, and the second flow channel block 5 also has a third outlet 53b and a fifth outlet 55b. The third inlet 43a is connected to the third refrigerant outlet port 33b of the second heat exchanger 30, and the third outlet 53b is connected to the third refrigerant inlet port 33a of the second heat exchanger 30. The third inlet 43a allows refrigerant to flow from the third flow channel 33 of the second heat exchanger 30 into the first flow channel block 4, and the third outlet 53b allows refrigerant to flow from the second flow channel block 5 into the third flow channel. The fourth inlet 44a is connected to the low-pressure refrigerant outlet port 32b of the second heat exchanger 30, and the fourth outlet 44b is connected to the low-pressure refrigerant inlet port 32a of the second heat exchanger 30. The fourth inlet 44a supplies low-pressure refrigerant from the low-pressure refrigerant channel 32 of the second heat exchanger 30 into the first flow channel block 4, and the fourth outlet 44b supplies low-pressure refrigerant from the first flow channel block 4 into the low-pressure refrigerant channel 32. The fifth inlet 45a is connected to the high-pressure refrigerant outlet port 31b of the second heat exchanger 30, and the fifth outlet 55b is connected to the high-pressure refrigerant inlet port 31a of the second heat exchanger 30. The fifth inlet 45a supplies high-pressure refrigerant from the high-pressure refrigerant channel 31 of the second heat exchanger 30 into the first flow channel block 4, and the fifth outlet 55b supplies high-pressure refrigerant from the second flow channel block 5 into the high-pressure refrigerant channel 31.

[0080] Therefore, the refrigerant can flow between the first heat exchanger 10, the second heat exchanger 30, and the third heat exchanger 20 via the internal channels of the first flow channel block 4 and the second flow channel block 5. Compared to a thermal management assembly that uses only a single flow channel block to connect each heat exchanger, the refrigerant, as a fluid, can enter and exit the first heat exchanger 10, the second heat exchanger 30, and the third heat exchanger 20 from both end faces in the third direction D3 (i.e., the plate stacking direction) of the integrated heat exchanger 1. Therefore, the first flow channel block 4 and the second flow channel block 5 can be respectively provided on different end faces of the integrated heat exchanger 1, thereby reducing the volume of the flow channel blocks and increasing the mounting flexibility of the integrated heat exchanger 1. Moreover, compared to the structure of a single flow channel block, the internal channel length of each of the first flow channel block 4 and the second flow channel block 5 is shortened, thereby reducing the volume of the first flow channel block 4 and the second flow channel block 5, and reducing the overall volume of the thermal management assembly 100. Since the small flow channel blocks offer high installation flexibility, the mounting flexibility of the thermal management assembly 100 can be increased.

[0081] In addition, the first flow channel block 4 also has a sixth inlet 46a, a sixth outlet 46b and a seventh outlet 47b, and the second flow channel block 5 also has a seventh inlet 57a and an eighth inlet 58a (in Figure 8 (shown in the image), Eighth Exit 58b (in) Figure 8 The sixth inlet 46a and the sixth outlet 46b are shown in the diagram. The sixth inlet 46a and the sixth outlet 46b are connected to the evaporator 6 and allow refrigerant to enter and exit the evaporator 6 from the first flow channel block 4. The seventh inlet 57a and the seventh outlet 47b are connected to the compressor 7; the seventh inlet 57a allows refrigerant to flow from the compressor 7 into the second flow channel block 5, and the seventh outlet 47b allows refrigerant to flow from the first flow channel block 4 out of the compressor 7. The eighth inlet 58a and the eighth outlet 58b are connected to the condenser 8 and allow refrigerant to enter and exit the condenser 8 from the second flow channel block 5. The ninth inlet 59a and the ninth outlet 59b are connected to the receiver 9 and allow refrigerant to enter and exit the receiver 9 from the second flow channel block 5. It should be noted that the evaporator 6, compressor 7, condenser 8, and receiver 9 are components outside the thermal management assembly 100, and together with the thermal management assembly 100, constitute a refrigerant circulation system for refrigerant circulation. Because multiple flow channels can be used to achieve refrigerant communication with external components, the flexibility in mounting the thermal management assembly 100 is further improved.

[0082] Furthermore, the first flow channel block 4 and the second flow channel block 5 have multiple valve ports (not shown) for mounting valve components. Utilizing these valve ports as valve components, in this embodiment, a first electronic expansion valve V1 and a second electronic expansion valve V3 are provided in the first flow channel block 4, and a solenoid three-way valve V2 is provided in the second flow channel block. In this embodiment, the first electronic expansion valve V1 corresponds to the first valve of the thermal management assembly 100, the solenoid three-way valve V2 corresponds to the second valve of the thermal management assembly 100, and the second electronic expansion valve V3 corresponds to the third valve of the thermal management assembly 100. The operation of the first electronic expansion valve V1, the second electronic expansion valve V3, and the solenoid three-way valve V2 will be described later.

[0083] In an integrated heat exchanger where the heat exchangers are completely fitted together and fluids such as refrigerant flow directly through openings in the fitting surfaces, it is impossible to install valves to control the flow of fluids into each heat exchanger. This lack of flow path control between heat exchangers limits the functionality of the integrated heat exchanger and greatly reduces its flexibility in installation.

[0084] In this embodiment, valves are respectively installed on different flow channel blocks on the two end faces of the integrated heat exchanger 1 to control the flow of refrigerant to the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20, thereby controlling the flow of refrigerant. This allows for switching between different thermal management modes with a compact flow channel structure, enriches the functionality of the integrated heat exchanger 1, and increases the flexibility in valve placement.

[0085] <The operation of thermal management components>

[0086] The following is for reference Figures 11-14 Explain the operation of thermal management component 100 under different thermal management modes. Figures 10-13 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path including the thermal management component 100. Figures 11-14 The arrows in the diagram indicate the refrigerant flow in the equipment cooling mode, air conditioning cooling mode, air conditioning heating mode, and rapid heating mode, respectively. Figures 11-14 The parts outlined by the dashed lines are the external components of the thermal management assembly 100. These external components include the evaporator 6, compressor 7, condenser 8, and liquid receiver 9 mentioned above, as well as the solenoid valve V4, thermal expansion valve V5, and third electronic expansion valve V6 described later.

[0087] Equipment cooling mode is a thermal management mode that cools devices that generate heat during operation, such as batteries. In equipment cooling mode, such as... Figure 11As shown, the first electronic expansion valve V1 is controlled in a throttling state, the solenoid three-way valve V2 is controlled to direct the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 7 to the condenser 8, and the solenoid valve V4 and the third electronic expansion valve V6 are controlled in a closed state. Thus, after flowing out of the compressor 7, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the solenoid three-way valve V2 through the condenser 8, the liquid receiver 9, and the second heat exchanger 30 (specifically, the high-pressure refrigerant channel 31 of the second heat exchanger 30), then through the first electronic expansion valve V1, and into the first heat exchanger 10. In the first heat exchanger 10, it exchanges heat with the first coolant (absorbing heat). The refrigerant, after absorbing heat, then passes through the second heat exchanger 30 again (specifically, the low-pressure refrigerant channel 32 of the second heat exchanger 30), where it exchanges heat with the high-pressure refrigerant in the high-pressure refrigerant channel 31 before returning to the compressor 7. Additionally, in the equipment cooling mode, the first coolant, after absorbing heat from the refrigerant, is used to cool the battery.

[0088] Air conditioning cooling mode is a thermal management mode that cools the air in a space such as the passenger compartment of a vehicle. In air conditioning cooling mode, the first electronic expansion valve V1 is controlled to be closed, the solenoid three-way valve V2 is controlled to direct the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 7 to the condenser 8, the solenoid valve V4 is open, and the third electronic expansion valve V6 is controlled to be in a throttling state. For example... Figure 12 As shown, after the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 7, it flows sequentially through the condenser 8, the liquid receiver 9, and the second heat exchanger 30 (specifically, the high-pressure refrigerant channel 31 of the second heat exchanger 30) via the solenoid three-way valve V2. Then it branches into two streams. One stream of refrigerant enters an evaporator 6 after passing through the solenoid valve V4 and the thermal expansion valve V5, while the other stream enters another evaporator 6 after passing through the third electronic expansion valve V6. These two streams of refrigerant exchange heat with the air in the vehicle compartment in the two evaporators 6 to cool the vehicle compartment. The two streams of refrigerant then merge into one stream and pass through the second heat exchanger 30 again (specifically, the low-pressure refrigerant channel 32 of the second heat exchanger 30). In the second heat exchanger 30, it exchanges heat with the high-pressure refrigerant in the high-pressure refrigerant channel 31 before returning to the compressor 7.

[0089] The air conditioning heating mode is a thermal management mode that heats the air in a space such as the passenger compartment of a vehicle. In air conditioning heating mode, the first electronic expansion valve V1 is controlled in a throttling state, the solenoid three-way valve V2 is controlled to direct the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 7 to the third heat exchanger 20, and the solenoid valve V4 and the third electronic expansion valve V6 are controlled in a closed state. Figure 13As shown, after the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 7, it flows into the third heat exchanger 20 via the electromagnetic three-way valve V2. In the third heat exchanger 20, it exchanges heat with the second coolant (releasing heat) to heat the air in the vehicle compartment. After passing through the liquid tank 9 and the second heat exchanger 30 (specifically, the high-pressure refrigerant flow channel 31 of the second heat exchanger 30), it flows into the first heat exchanger 10 via the first electronic expansion valve V1. In the first heat exchanger 10, it exchanges heat with the first coolant (absorbing heat). After absorbing heat, the refrigerant passes through the second heat exchanger 30 again (specifically, the low-pressure refrigerant flow channel 32 of the second heat exchanger 30). After exchanging heat with the high-pressure refrigerant in the high-pressure refrigerant flow channel 31 in the second heat exchanger 30, it returns to the compressor 7.

[0090] Rapid heating mode is a thermal management mode that quickly provides heating from the air conditioner. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the difference between the rapid heating mode and the normal air conditioning heating mode is that in the rapid heating mode, the second electronic expansion valve V3 is controlled to be in a throttling state, and the solenoid three-way valve V2 is controlled to cause the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 7 to branch into two streams, one flowing to the third heat exchanger 20 and the other to the second electronic expansion valve V3. Specifically, one stream of refrigerant flows to the third heat exchanger 20, passing through the liquid receiver 9, the high-pressure refrigerant channel 31 of the second heat exchanger 30, the first electronic expansion valve V1, and the first heat exchanger 10, just like in the normal air conditioning heating mode. The other stream of refrigerant passes through the second electronic expansion valve V3 and then through the third channel 33 in the second heat exchanger 30, merging with the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 10 without any heat exchange. After merging, the refrigerant passes through the low-pressure refrigerant channel 32 of the second heat exchanger 30. After exchanging heat with the high-pressure refrigerant in the high-pressure refrigerant channel 31 in the second heat exchanger 30, it returns to the compressor 7. Since the refrigerant flowing through the third channel 33 does not undergo heat exchange after flowing out of the compressor until it merges with the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 10, it can quickly provide air conditioning heating.

[0091] As described above, the first electronic expansion valve V1, located in the first flow channel block 4, controls the refrigerant flowing to the first heat exchanger 10, and the electromagnetic three-way valve V2, located in the second flow channel block 5, controls the refrigerant flowing to the third heat exchanger 20. That is, the thermal management assembly 100 uses valves located in different flow channel blocks on both ends of the integrated heat exchanger 1 to control the refrigerant flowing to the first heat exchanger 10 and the third heat exchanger 20. Therefore, the thermal management assembly 100 can achieve switching between different thermal management modes with a compact flow channel structure and can improve the flexibility in valve placement.

[0092] Furthermore, the second electronic expansion valve V3, located in the first flow channel block 4, and the electromagnetic three-way valve V2, located in the second flow channel block 5, together control the refrigerant flowing to the third flow channel 33 of the second heat exchanger 30. Since a third flow channel 33, which does not participate in heat exchange, is provided inside the second heat exchanger 30, the flow of refrigerant to this third flow channel 33 is controlled by a valve located outside the integrated heat exchanger 1. Therefore, while miniaturizing the overall structure of the thermal management component 100, more diverse thermal management modes can be provided.

[0093] <Variation Example>

[0094] In this embodiment, an example of an integrated heat exchanger 1 having three heat exchangers is shown, but the number of heat exchangers in an integrated heat exchanger is not limited to this. The integrated heat exchanger 1 may also have only a first heat exchanger 10 and a second heat exchanger 30, or a second heat exchanger 30 and a third heat exchanger 20, or it may have more than four heat exchangers.

[0095] The configuration positions of the refrigerant inlet ports and refrigerant outlet ports in this embodiment are merely exemplary. As long as the refrigerant can enter and exit the integrated heat exchanger 1 from the two end faces on the third side of the integrated heat exchanger 1 to the two end faces on the third side of the integrated heat exchanger 1, there are no restrictions on the configuration positions of the refrigerant inlet ports and refrigerant outlet ports.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first spacer S1 divides the plate 110 in the first direction D1, and the second spacer S2 divides the plate 110 in the second direction D2. However, the number and shape of the spacers are not limited to this; the spacers can extend in any direction, and the spacers can also be curved. There can be only one spacer, or there can be three or more spacers.

[0097] In this embodiment, an example is given where the first and third valves are electronic expansion valves and the second valve is a solenoid three-way valve. However, the type of valve is not limited to these examples as long as the refrigerant flow control described above can be achieved. For example, the first and third valves can also be mechanical expansion valves, and the second valve can also be a valve group consisting of multiple on / off valves.

[0098] Although not specifically stated, the thermal management component 100 may also be equipped with various sensors such as temperature sensors and pressure sensors in the first fluid block 4 and / or the second fluid block 5.

[0099] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples. Those skilled in the art can appropriately add, remove, or modify the constituent elements of the above embodiments, or appropriately combine some features of the embodiments, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, and such modifications are included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An integrated heat exchanger, characterized in that, The integrated heat exchanger is composed of multiple plates stacked parallel to each other. The integrated heat exchanger has multiple heat exchangers, including at least a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. When the length direction of the plate is set as the first direction, the width direction as the second direction, and the stacking direction of the plurality of plates is set as the third direction, Each of the plurality of plates has a first spacer groove separating the plates at the same location, the portion of the plurality of plates located on one side of the first spacer groove constitutes the first heat exchanger, and the portion of the plurality of plates located on the other side of the first spacer groove constitutes the second heat exchanger.

2. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of heat exchangers also includes a third heat exchanger. The third heat exchanger is composed of portions of the plurality of plates located on one side of the first spacer slot. The first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are arranged in the third direction, with an air gap formed between them.

3. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of heat exchangers each have a plurality of flow channels for fluid to flow between the plurality of plates. The plurality of flow channels are composed of the plurality of plates and the plurality of ribs connecting the plates to each other. The arrangement of the ribs and the plates guides the flow direction of the fluid in the flow channel.

4. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, As the fluids, refrigerant and a first coolant flow in the first heat exchanger, and refrigerant and a second coolant flow in the third heat exchanger. In the first heat exchanger, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the first coolant. In the third heat exchanger, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the second coolant.

5. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plates located at either end of the plurality of plates in the third direction respectively form a first cover plate and a second cover plate, wherein the first cover plate is the cover plate of the first heat exchanger and the second cover plate is the cover plate of the third heat exchanger. The first cover plate is provided with a first refrigerant inlet port and a first refrigerant outlet port for refrigerant to flow into and out of the first heat exchanger. The second cover plate is provided with a second refrigerant inlet port and a second refrigerant outlet port for refrigerant to flow into and out of the third heat exchanger. The plurality of flow channels includes at least a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel connects the first refrigerant inlet port and the first refrigerant outlet port, and allows the refrigerant to flow between the plurality of plates in the first heat exchanger. The second flow channel connects the second refrigerant inlet port and the second refrigerant outlet port, and allows refrigerant to flow between the plurality of plates of the third heat exchanger.

6. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first cover plate is provided with a first coolant inlet port and a first coolant outlet port for coolant to flow into and out of the first heat exchanger. The second cover plate is provided with a second coolant inlet port and a second coolant outlet port for coolant to flow into and out of the third heat exchanger. The plurality of flow channels also includes a first coolant flow channel and a second coolant flow channel. The first coolant flow channel connects the first coolant inlet port and the first coolant outlet port, and allows the first coolant to flow between the plurality of plates in the first heat exchanger. The second coolant flow channel connects the second coolant inlet port and the second coolant outlet port, and allows the second coolant to flow between the plurality of plates of the third heat exchanger.

7. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second heat exchanger includes multiple flow channels, including high-pressure refrigerant flow channels and low-pressure refrigerant flow channels. The high-pressure refrigerant channel is for the flow of high-pressure refrigerant as the fluid, and the low-pressure refrigerant channel is for the flow of low-pressure refrigerant as the fluid. The high-pressure refrigerant flowing in the high-pressure refrigerant channel and the low-pressure refrigerant flowing in the low-pressure refrigerant channel exchange heat.

8. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second heat exchanger further includes a third flow channel, in which the refrigerant, as the fluid, flows without participating in heat exchange. The portions of the plurality of plates constituting the second heat exchanger have a second spacer groove at the same location, the second spacer groove separating the third flow channel from the high-pressure refrigerant flow channel and the low-pressure refrigerant flow channel.

9. The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plates located at both ends of the plurality of plates in the third direction further form a third cover plate and a fourth cover plate, which are two cover plates of the second heat exchanger. One of the third cover plate and the fourth cover plate is provided with a high-pressure refrigerant outlet port for the high-pressure refrigerant to flow out of the high-pressure refrigerant flow channel, a low-pressure refrigerant inlet port for the low-pressure refrigerant to flow into the low-pressure refrigerant flow channel, a low-pressure refrigerant outlet port for the low-pressure refrigerant to flow out of the low-pressure refrigerant flow channel, and a third refrigerant outlet port for refrigerant to flow out of the third flow channel. The other of the third cover plate and the fourth cover plate is provided with a high-pressure refrigerant inlet port for the high-pressure refrigerant to flow into the high-pressure refrigerant channel, and a third refrigerant inlet port for the refrigerant to flow into the third channel.

10. A thermal management component, characterized in that, have: The integrated heat exchanger according to any one of claims 2 to 9; First flow channel block; and Second flow channel block, The first flow channel block and the second flow channel block are respectively disposed on the plates located at both ends of the plurality of plates in the third direction. The refrigerant can flow between the plurality of heat exchangers through the channels inside the first and second flow channels.

11. The thermal management component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first flow channel block has a first inlet and a first outlet, the first inlet and the first outlet for refrigerant to enter and exit the first flow channel block from the first heat exchanger. The second flow channel block has a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet and the second outlet for refrigerant to enter and exit the second flow channel block from the third heat exchanger. A first valve is provided in the first flow channel block, and a second valve is provided in the second flow channel block. The first valve controls the refrigerant flowing to the first heat exchanger, and the second valve controls the refrigerant flowing to the third heat exchanger.

12. A thermal management component, characterized in that, have: The integrated heat exchanger according to claim 8 or 9; First flow channel block; and Second flow channel block, The first flow channel block and the second flow channel block are respectively disposed on the plates located at both ends of the plurality of plates in the third direction. The refrigerant can flow between the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger via the channels inside the first and second flow channels. The first flow channel block has a first inlet and a first outlet, the first inlet and the first outlet for refrigerant to enter and exit the first flow channel block from the first heat exchanger. The second flow channel block has a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet and the second outlet for refrigerant to enter and exit the second flow channel block from the third heat exchanger. A first valve is provided in the first flow channel block, and a second valve is provided in the second flow channel block. The first valve controls the refrigerant flow to the first heat exchanger, and the second valve controls the refrigerant flow to the third heat exchanger. The first flow channel block also has a third inlet, and the second flow channel block also has a third outlet, the third flow channel connecting the third inlet and the third outlet. A third valve is also provided in the first flow channel block, and the third valve and the second valve together control the refrigerant flowing to the third flow channel.

13. The thermal management component according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first flow channel block also has a fourth inlet, a fourth outlet, and a fifth inlet. The fourth inlet allows low-pressure refrigerant to flow into the first flow channel block from the second heat exchanger. The fourth outlet allows low-pressure refrigerant to flow out of the first flow channel block from the second heat exchanger. The fifth inlet allows high-pressure refrigerant to flow into the first flow channel block from the second heat exchanger. The second flow channel block also has a fifth outlet for high-pressure refrigerant to flow from the second flow channel block to the second heat exchanger.

Images