Water module and heat pump system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a water module and a heat pump system. The water module comprises a shell, a plate heat exchanger assembly and a functional assembly. The shell is in a cuboid shape. The plate heat exchanger assembly and the functional assembly are arranged in the shell. The plate heat exchanger assembly comprises a plate heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger is connected with a water pipe and a refrigerant pipe. The plate heat exchanger is cuboid-shaped. The length direction of the plate heat exchanger is the same as the width direction of the shell. The length direction of the functional assembly is the same as that of the plate heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat exchange, and in particular to a water module and a heat pump system. Background Technology

[0002] A heat pump system is a system that uses air as a low-temperature heat source to obtain heat, such as for producing hot water. Typically, a heat pump system includes an outdoor unit, a water module, and user terminals. The outdoor unit includes an evaporator, compressor, and four-way valve, while the water module includes a water heat exchanger, expansion tank, and electrical control box. The outdoor unit and water module are connected via refrigerant piping to form a refrigerant circuit; the water module and user terminals are connected via water piping to form a water circuit. In the heat pump system, the refrigerant flows in the refrigerant circuit connecting the outdoor unit and the water module, while the water in the heat pump system flows in the water circuit connecting the water module and the user terminals. At the outdoor unit, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, and then exchanges heat with the water in the water module. The water, after heat exchange, flows to the user terminals.

[0003] The size of the water module varies depending on the power output of the heat pump system. As users demand higher performance from their heat pump systems, they desire to maintain the same or minimally increase the size of the water module. Therefore, users expect to miniaturize the water module to adapt to different installation locations. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a water module and a heat pump system, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the water module.

[0005] This application provides a water module, including a shell, a plate heat exchanger assembly, and functional components. The shell is rectangular. The plate heat exchanger assembly and functional components are disposed within the shell. The plate heat exchanger assembly includes a plate heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger is connected to water piping and refrigerant piping. The plate heat exchanger is rectangular. The length direction of the plate heat exchanger is the same as the width direction of the shell. The length direction of the functional components is the same as the length direction of the plate heat exchanger.

[0006] In this embodiment of the water module, the length direction of the plate heat exchanger is the same as the width direction of the shell, and the length direction of the functional components is the same as the length direction of the plate heat exchanger, thereby utilizing the space in the width direction of the shell. The relatively small dimensions of both the plate heat exchanger and the functional components in the length direction of the shell help reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module in the length direction of the shell, thus reducing the overall size and volume of the water module. This makes the water module meet the market demand for miniaturization and improves the installation flexibility of the water module.

[0007] In some feasible implementations, the orthographic projections of the functional components and the orthographic projections of the plate heat exchanger have overlapping areas along the length of the shell.

[0008] The overall width of the casing can be determined by the plate heat exchanger and the longer components in the functional assembly. Therefore, the overlapping area between the orthographic projections of the functional assembly and the plate heat exchanger also helps to reduce the overall width of the water module.

[0009] In some feasible embodiments, the water module includes an electrical component box disposed within a housing, with at least one of the functional components and a plate heat exchanger spaced apart from the electrical component box along the thickness direction of the housing.

[0010] Along the thickness direction of the shell, the space on one side of the electrical component box can be reused to accommodate at least one of the functional components and plate heat exchangers. This helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module in the length direction of the shell and reduce the overall size of the water module in the length direction of the shell, making the water module meet the market demand for miniaturization.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the water module includes a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, the first mounting bracket being connected to a functional component, the second mounting bracket being connected to a plate heat exchanger assembly, and an electrical component box being connected to at least one of the first and second mounting brackets.

[0012] The electrical component box is fixed in position by at least one of the first and second fixing frames, which allows at least one of the first and second fixing frames to be reused. The water module does not need to set up an additional fixing structure for fixing the electrical component box, which helps to reduce the number of parts, save installation space, and thus facilitates the miniaturization of the water module in the thickness direction.

[0013] In some feasible implementations, the water module also includes a water pump housed within the housing, which is connected to the plate heat exchanger via water piping. At least one of the functional components and the plate heat exchanger is spaced apart from the water pump along the width of the housing.

[0014] The arrangement of at least one of the functional components and plate heat exchangers being spaced apart from the water pump along the width direction of the shell allows the plate heat exchangers, functional components, and water pump to make full use of the space in the width direction of the shell. This helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module in the length direction of the shell and reduces the overall size of the water module in the length direction of the shell, thus making the water module meet the market demand for miniaturization.

[0015] In some feasible implementations, the water module includes a water pump housed within the casing, which is connected to a plate heat exchanger via water piping. The functional components, the plate heat exchanger, and the water pump are arranged along the length of the casing.

[0016] The arrangement of functional components, plate heat exchangers, and water pumps along the length of the casing allows for full utilization of space along the length of the casing. This reduces the overall space occupancy of the water module in the width direction of the casing and decreases the overall size of the water module in the width direction, thus making the water module meet the market demand for miniaturization.

[0017] In some feasible configurations, the plate heat exchanger is located between the functional components and the water pump along the length of the shell.

[0018] The functional components with low maintenance probability are placed at the top, and the plate heat exchanger is placed in the middle. The plate heat exchanger is connected to the water pump downward through piping and then extends downward to the outside of the shell, which makes the internal layout of the water module reasonable and is conducive to the miniaturization of the whole machine.

[0019] In some feasible configurations, the functional components are located between the plate heat exchanger and the water pump along the length of the casing.

[0020] In some feasible implementations, the functional components include an expansion tank or an electric heater.

[0021] In some feasible implementations, the water module includes a water pump. The water pump is housed within the casing and connected to the plate heat exchanger via water piping. Functional components include an expansion tank and an electric heater. Along the width of the casing, the plate heat exchanger includes a first end and a second end. The first end has a water inlet, and the second end has a water outlet. The water inlet of the plate heat exchanger is connected to the expansion tank via water piping, and the water outlet of the plate heat exchanger is connected to the electric heater via water piping. The expansion tank, plate heat exchanger, electric heater, and water pump are arranged along the length of the casing.

[0022] The expansion tank, plate heat exchanger, electric heater, and water pump are arranged along the length of the shell. This arrangement allows the expansion tank, plate heat exchanger, electric heater, and water pump to make full use of the space along the length of the shell, which helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module in the width direction of the shell and reduce the overall size of the water module in the width direction of the shell, thus making the water module meet the market demand for miniaturization.

[0023] In some feasible configurations, the electric heater and water pump are both located on the side of the plate heat exchanger facing away from the expansion tank, along the length of the shell.

[0024] The plate heat exchanger and electric heater are arranged around the water pump, so that the heat released by the plate heat exchanger and the electric heater in operation can act on the water pump. This helps to reduce the possibility of the water pump freezing in low-temperature environments, which could lead to water module shutdown or damage, and improves the adaptability of the water module in low-temperature environments.

[0025] In some feasible implementations, the water pump includes an inlet and an outlet, which are arranged opposite to each other along the width of the housing.

[0026] The arrangement of the inlet and outlet relative to each other along the width of the casing allows for full utilization of space in that direction. This helps reduce the overall space occupancy of the heat exchanger in the length of the casing, thereby reducing the overall size of the water module in the length of the casing and making the water module meet the market demand for miniaturization.

[0027] In some feasible implementations, the functional component includes an expansion tank. Along the width direction of the shell, the plate heat exchanger includes a first end and a second end. The first end is provided with a water inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and the second end is provided with a water outlet and a refrigerant inlet. The shell includes a front plate and a back plate arranged opposite each other along the thickness direction of the shell. The length and width directions of the shell are both perpendicular to the thickness direction of the shell. The water inlet, refrigerant outlet, water outlet, and refrigerant inlet are all oriented towards the front plate.

[0028] When it is necessary to disassemble or assemble the plate heat exchanger, after opening the front panel, the inlet water interface, refrigerant outlet interface, outlet water interface, and refrigerant inlet interface can be relatively easily disassembled and assembled with their respective pipelines, which helps to reduce the difficulty of disassembling and assembling the plate heat exchanger.

[0029] This application provides a water module, including a shell, a plate heat exchanger assembly, and functional components. The shell is rectangular. The plate heat exchanger assembly and functional components are disposed within the shell. The plate heat exchanger assembly includes a plate heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger is connected to water piping and refrigerant piping. The plate heat exchanger is rectangular, and its length direction is the same as the width direction of the shell. The length direction of the functional components is perpendicular to the length direction of the plate heat exchanger.

[0030] In the water module of this application embodiment, the length direction of the plate heat exchanger is the same as the width direction of the shell, so that the space in the width direction of the shell can be utilized, which helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module in the length direction of the shell, reduce the size of the water module in the length direction of the shell, make the water module meet the market demand for miniaturization, and improve the installation flexibility of the water module.

[0031] The functional components are positioned perpendicular to the length of the plate heat exchanger, which facilitates the connection between the functional components and the plate heat exchanger. The space enclosed by the plate heat exchanger and the functional components can also accommodate other parts or piping, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of water modules.

[0032] In some feasible implementations, the functional components include an expansion tank along the width of the shell, a plate heat exchanger includes a first end with an inlet port, and the expansion tank includes inlet and outlet ports located near the inlet port.

[0033] The inlet and outlet can be set close to the inlet interface, which facilitates the connection between the inlet and outlet of the expansion tank and the inlet interface of the plate heat exchanger. This helps to reduce the size of the pipeline connecting the inlet and outlet, reduce the complexity of the pipeline layout, simplify the connection piping structure, and facilitate the shortest possible design of the connection piping to save space and promote the miniaturization of the water module.

[0034] This application provides a heat pump system, which includes a water module and an outdoor unit. The water module is connected to the outdoor unit through refrigerant piping. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The features, advantages, and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of water modules with the front panel removed, based on some embodiments of the present application.

[0038] Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 4 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 5 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 6 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 7 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 8 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 9 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 10 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 11 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 12 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 13 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 14 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 15 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 16 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 17 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 18 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0054] Figure 19 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 20 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 21 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 22 A partial structural schematic diagram of a water module provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of the water circuit of a heat pump system provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 24 A circuit diagram illustrating the circuit structure of a heat pump system provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 25 A circuit diagram illustrating the circuit structure of a heat pump system provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0061] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0063] 1. Heat pump system;

[0064] 10. Shell; 11. Front panel; 12. Back panel; 13. Top panel; 14. Bottom panel; 15. Left side panel; 16. Right side panel;

[0065] 20. Expansion tank;

[0066] 201. Part One; 202. Part Two; 21. Inlet and Outlet;

[0067] 30. Electrical component boxes;

[0068] 40. First fixing frame;

[0069] 50. Second fixing frame;

[0070] 60. Water pump; 61. Inlet; 62. Outlet;

[0071] 70. Electric heater;

[0072] 90. First water inlet pipe;

[0073] 91. Second water inlet pipe;

[0074] 92. Water outlet pipe;

[0075] 93. Refrigerant outflow pipe;

[0076] 94. Refrigerant inlet pipe;

[0077] 95. Cable tray;

[0078] 96. Seam clamp;

[0079] X, the length direction of the shell;

[0080] Y, the width direction of the shell;

[0081] Z, the thickness direction of the shell;

[0082] 100. Outdoor unit;

[0083] 110. Compressor;

[0084] 120. Outdoor heat exchanger;

[0085] 130. Liquid storage tank;

[0086] 140. Outdoor air supply device;

[0087] 200. Indoor unit;

[0088] 210. First indoor heat exchanger;

[0089] 220. Second indoor heat exchanger;

[0090] 230. Indoor air supply device;

[0091] 300, Water Module;

[0092] 310. Plate heat exchanger; 311. Water inlet; 312. Water outlet; 313. Refrigerant outlet; 314. Refrigerant inlet;

[0093] 400. Underfloor heating water circuit;

[0094] 510. Domestic water supply terminals;

[0095] 600. Fan coil unit circuit;

[0096] 700, First ball valve;

[0097] 800, Second ball valve;

[0098] 900. Water supply valve;

[0099] a. First port;

[0100] b. Second port;

[0101] c. Third port;

[0102] d. Fourth port;

[0103] P1, First connecting pipe;

[0104] P101, First outdoor piping;

[0105] P102, Second outdoor piping;

[0106] P2, Second connecting pipe;

[0107] P201, First indoor piping;

[0108] P202, Second indoor piping;

[0109] P3, third connecting pipe;

[0110] P301, Refrigerant piping;

[0111] P302, water piping;

[0112] P3021, Main Road;

[0113] P3022, Branch piping;

[0114] P4, fourth connecting pipe;

[0115] P401, Heating water piping;

[0116] P501, Water inlet pipe;

[0117] P502, Domestic water piping;

[0118] P601, Water piping for circuits;

[0119] Pi, compressor suction pipe;

[0120] Po, compressor discharge pipe;

[0121] SH, water circuit;

[0122] SX, water tank;

[0123] VC1, First shut-off valve;

[0124] VC2, second shut-off valve;

[0125] VC3, third shut-off valve;

[0126] VC4, fourth shut-off valve;

[0127] VF1, four-way switching valve;

[0128] VF2, three-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0129] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0130] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0131] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0132] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0133] In the embodiments of this application, the same reference numerals denote the same components, and for the sake of brevity, detailed descriptions of the same components are omitted in different embodiments. It should be understood that the thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of various components in the embodiments of this application shown in the accompanying drawings, as well as the overall thickness, length, width, and other dimensions of the integrated device, are merely illustrative and should not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0134] In this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two).

[0135] See Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this application embodiment provides a water module 300. The water module 300 includes a housing 10, a plate heat exchanger assembly, and functional components. The housing 10 is rectangular. The plate heat exchanger assembly and functional components are disposed within the housing 10. The plate heat exchanger assembly includes a plate heat exchanger 310. The plate heat exchanger 310 is connected to water piping and refrigerant piping. The plate heat exchanger 310 is rectangular. The length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310 is the same as the width direction Y of the housing 10. The length direction of the functional components is the same as the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0136] The functional component is a structural member with an aspect ratio greater than 1. The dimension of the functional component along the length direction X of the housing 10 is smaller than its dimension along the width direction Y of the housing 10. The functional component has a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis of the functional component is arranged along the width direction Y of the housing 10. The minor axis of the functional component is arranged along the length direction X of the housing 10.

[0137] In this embodiment of the water module 300, the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310 is the same as the width direction Y of the housing 10, and the length direction of the functional components is the same as the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310, thereby utilizing the space in the width direction Y of the housing 10. The plate heat exchanger 310 and the functional components are arranged laterally relative to the length direction X of the housing 10, and their respective dimensions in the length direction X of the housing 10 are relatively small. This helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module 300 in the length direction X of the housing 10, reducing the overall size of the water module 300 in the length direction X of the housing 10. This makes the water module 300 meet the market demand for miniaturization, improves the installation flexibility of the water module 300, and facilitates its installation in various spaces with small height dimensions, such as under outdoor windowsills or indoors (e.g., in kitchen cabinets).

[0138] The horizontal arrangement of the plate heat exchanger 310 within the water module 300 helps save installation space, making the layout of water and refrigerant piping relatively simple. The water and refrigerant piping make full use of the space of the shell 10, resulting in a compact layout that is beneficial for the miniaturization design of the water module 300.

[0139] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the functional components may include an expansion tank 20. The shell 10 is rectangular. A plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 are disposed within the shell 10. The plate heat exchanger 310 is rectangular. The length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310 is the same as the width direction Y of the shell 10. The length direction of the expansion tank 20 is the same as the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0140] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the housing 10 includes a top plate 13, a bottom plate 14, a back plate 12, a front plate 11, a left side plate 15, and a right side plate 16 connected to the top plate 13 and the bottom plate 14.

[0141] The plate heat exchanger 310 assembly includes a plate heat exchanger 310, an insulation component (not shown) disposed around the outer periphery of the plate heat exchanger 310, and a plate heat exchanger mounting bracket for fixing the plate heat exchanger 310. The plate heat exchanger 310 is fixed to the back plate 12 by the plate heat exchanger mounting bracket.

[0142] The plate heat exchanger 310 includes multiple layers of alternating heat exchange plates, with adjacent heat exchange plates alternately forming water flow channels and refrigerant channels, allowing heat exchange between them. The plate heat exchanger 310 has a refrigerant inlet port 314 and a refrigerant outlet port 313 connected to the refrigerant channels. The refrigerant inlet port 314 and the refrigerant outlet port 313 are respectively connected to refrigerant piping, and are connected to the outdoor unit through the refrigerant piping to form a refrigerant circulation loop. The plate heat exchanger 310 also has a water inlet port 311 and a water outlet port 312 connected to the water flow channels. The water inlet port 311 and the water outlet port 312 are respectively connected to a first water inlet pipe 90 and a water outlet pipe 92, and are connected to a water-using terminal through the first water inlet pipe 90 and the water outlet pipe 92 to form a water circulation loop.

[0143] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 4 As shown, the water flow channel of the plate heat exchanger 310 is at the top and the refrigerant flow channel is at the bottom. Along the length of the plate heat exchanger 310, the water and refrigerant channels intersect and flow in opposite directions, which helps improve the heat exchange efficiency of the plate heat exchanger 310 and facilitates the arrangement of water piping (including the first inlet pipe 90 and the outlet pipe 92) and refrigerant piping (including the refrigerant inlet pipe 94 and the refrigerant outlet pipe 93). The outlet pipe 92 is located at the bottom of the plate heat exchanger 310, which helps reduce pressure loss and heat loss.

[0144] In some feasible ways, the water flow channel of the plate heat exchanger 310 can be bottom inlet and top outlet, and the refrigerant channel can be bottom inlet and top outlet.

[0145] In some implementations, the water module 300 includes a water pump 60. The water pump 60 has an inlet 61 and an outlet 62. In the water circulation loop, the water pump 60 is located upstream of the plate heat exchanger 310 to drive the water flow in the water circulation loop. The water pump 60 can also be located outside the housing 10 or downstream of the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0146] The water pump 60 is fixed in the following way: a first inlet pipe 90 and an outlet pipe 92 are respectively located on both sides of the water pump 60. The first inlet pipe 90 and the outlet pipe 92 are fixed to the back plate 12 by fixing brackets, thereby fixing the water pump 60. Alternatively, a separate fixing bracket can be provided for the water pump 60.

[0147] In some feasible ways, the expansion tank 20 is secured to the back plate 12 by fasteners.

[0148] In some feasible implementations, the expansion tank 20 is positioned above the plate heat exchanger 310, and the inlet / outlet 21 is on the same side as the inlet port 311 of the plate heat exchanger 310, facilitating connection of the inlet / outlet 21 to the first inlet pipe 90 of the plate heat exchanger 310. See also some examples. Figure 4As shown, the extension section of the first inlet pipe 90 extending upward toward the top plate 13 can be connected to the inlet / outlet 21 of the expansion tank 20 via connecting pipes. An air vent valve is installed at the end of the extension section to ensure that the vent outlet of the air vent valve is higher than the inlet / outlet 21 of the expansion tank 20. The connecting pipe structure between the inlet / outlet 21 of the expansion tank 20 and the first inlet pipe 90 is simple and short, and the air vent valve design is also simple.

[0149] See Figure 4 As shown, the pipe joints of water pipes and refrigerant pipes are fixed on the back plate 12, or through holes can be opened on the bottom plate 14 or side plate to directly pass through the bottom plate 14 or side plate.

[0150] The shell 10 can protect the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20, reducing the possibility of damage to the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 due to collision or compression.

[0151] The housing 10 can provide an installation base for the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20. When the water module 300 needs to be fixed to the installation platform, the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 can be pre-fixed to the housing 10, and then the housing 10 can be fixed to the installation platform. This helps to reduce the installation difficulty of the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 and improve the installation and fixing efficiency of the water module 300.

[0152] In some feasible ways, the water module 300 can be installed vertically. When the water module 300 is fixed to the mounting platform, the length direction X of the housing 10 can be the same as the vertical direction, and the width direction Y of the housing 10 can be the same as the horizontal direction.

[0153] Water pipes and refrigerant pipes extend toward the base plate 14 and out of the housing 10 to connect with water terminals (such as underfloor heating). Alternatively, they can extend toward the left side plate 15 or the right side plate 16 and out of the housing 10. Different pipe outlet methods can be used for different installation scenarios.

[0154] In some feasible configurations, the water module 300 can also be installed horizontally. When the water module 300 is fixed to the mounting platform, the width direction Y of the housing 10 can be the same as the vertical direction, and the length direction X of the housing 10 can be the same as the horizontal direction.

[0155] Water pipes and refrigerant pipes extend toward the base plate 14 and out of the housing 10 to connect with water terminals (such as underfloor heating). Alternatively, they can extend toward the left side plate 15 or the right side plate 16 and out of the housing 10. Different pipe outlet methods can be used for different installation scenarios.

[0156] When the water module 300 is installed horizontally, the orientation of the vent hole of the vent valve can be adjusted or the position of the vent hole can be adjusted by means of a pipe to ensure that the vent hole is higher than the inlet and outlet 21 of the expansion tank 20.

[0157] In some feasible ways, the mounting platform can be, but is not limited to, a wall or a vertical panel.

[0158] In some feasible configurations, the water module 300 can be floor-mounted if it is installed vertically and both the water piping and refrigerant piping extend toward the left side panel 15 or the right side panel 16 and protrude from the housing 10. Alternatively, the water module 300 can be floor-mounted if it is installed horizontally and both the water piping and refrigerant piping extend toward the base plate 14 and protrude from the housing 10. Alternatively, the water module 300 can be floor-mounted if it is connected and fixed using mounting brackets.

[0159] The plate heat exchanger 310 is a structural component with a length-to-width ratio. The length-to-width ratio of the plate heat exchanger 310 is greater than 1. The dimension of the plate heat exchanger 310 along the length direction X of the shell 10 is smaller than the dimension of the plate heat exchanger 310 along the width direction Y of the shell 10. The plate heat exchanger 310 has a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis of the plate heat exchanger 310 is arranged along the width direction Y of the shell 10. The minor axis of the plate heat exchanger 310 is arranged along the length direction X of the shell 10.

[0160] The plate heat exchanger 310 includes multiple layers of alternating heat exchange plates, with adjacent heat exchange plates alternately forming water flow channels and refrigerant channels, allowing heat exchange between them. For example, heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the water, thereby heating the water and producing hot water.

[0161] The expansion tank 20 is a structural component with a length-to-width ratio greater than 1. The dimension of the expansion tank 20 along the length direction X of the shell 10 is smaller than the dimension of the expansion tank 20 along the width direction Y of the shell 10. The expansion tank 20 has a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis of the expansion tank 20 is arranged along the width direction Y of the shell 10. The minor axis of the expansion tank 20 is arranged along the length direction X of the shell 10.

[0162] The expansion tank 20 can buffer pressure fluctuations in the entire fluid system, preventing the fluid system pressure from rising or falling too quickly, so that the fluid system can maintain operation at a relatively stable pressure.

[0163] In some feasible ways, the expansion tank 20 can be used with components such as safety valves and vent valves to keep the fluid system operating at a relatively stable pressure.

[0164] In some feasible ways, the expansion tank 20 can be cylindrical (airbag type) or flat (diaphragm type), and this application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0165] In some examples, the expansion tank 20 is an air-bladder type expansion tank. The air-bladder type expansion tank has good anti-freeze and corrosion resistance. The expansion tank 20 adopts a slender cylindrical structure, which optimizes the volume, ensuring the heat exchange performance of the water module 300 as a whole, and also facilitates the miniaturization of the water module 300.

[0166] In this embodiment of the water module 300, the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310 is the same as the width direction Y of the shell 10, and the length direction of the expansion tank 20 is the same as the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310, thereby utilizing the space in the width direction Y of the shell 10. The plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 are arranged laterally relative to the length direction X of the shell 10, and their respective dimensions in the length direction X of the shell 10 are relatively small. This helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module 300 in the length direction X of the shell 10, reducing the overall size of the water module 300 in the length direction X of the shell 10. This makes the water module 300 meet the market demand for miniaturization, improves the installation flexibility of the water module 300, and facilitates its installation in various spaces with small height dimensions, such as under outdoor windowsills or indoors (e.g., in kitchen cabinets).

[0167] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 are arranged along the length X of the shell 10. Along the length X of the shell 10, the orthographic projections of the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 overlap, meaning that when viewed along the length X of the shell 10, there is an obstruction between the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310. Along the length X of the shell 10, the expansion tank 20 is located on one side of the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0168] In the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, there is no overlapping area between the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20, which can help reduce the space occupancy of the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 in the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, reduce the size of the water module 300 in the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, and facilitate the miniaturization of the water module 300.

[0169] The overall width of the shell 10 can be determined by the longer components in the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20. Therefore, the overlapping area between the orthographic projection of the expansion tank 20 and the orthographic projection of the plate heat exchanger 310 also helps to reduce the overall width of the water module 300.

[0170] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 4 , Figure 8 As shown, both ends of the expansion tank 20 along its length are projected onto the plate heat exchanger 310. Along the width direction Y of the shell 10, neither end of the expansion tank 20 extends beyond the plate heat exchanger 310. The overall width of the shell 10 is determined by the plate heat exchanger 310 and the longer components of the expansion tank 20. Therefore, the arrangement of projecting both ends of the expansion tank 20 along its length onto the plate heat exchanger 310 helps to reduce the overall width of the water module 300.

[0171] In some examples, overlapping areas: see Figure 4 , Figure 8 As shown, the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 may completely overlap or partially overlap. Along the width direction Y of the shell 10, the length of the plate heat exchanger 310 is a first dimension, and the overlapping area is a second dimension, which is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the first dimension.

[0172] In some feasible implementations, one end of the expansion tank 20 along its length is projected onto the plate heat exchanger 310. The other end of the expansion tank 20 along its length extends beyond the plate heat exchanger 310 along the width direction Y of the shell 10.

[0173] In some examples, one end of the expansion tank 20 extends beyond the plate heat exchanger 310 along its length toward the left side plate 15.

[0174] In some examples, one end of the expansion tank 20 extends beyond the plate heat exchanger 310 along the length direction toward the right side plate 16.

[0175] In the width direction Y of the shell 10, the space occupied by the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 is relatively reduced, which is conducive to reducing the size of the water module 300 in the width direction Y of the shell 10 and to miniaturizing the water module 300.

[0176] In some examples, the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 are arranged at intervals along the length X of the shell 10. The spacing between the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 reduces the possibility of mutual scraping or squeezing between them.

[0177] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the water module 300 includes an electrical component box 30. The electrical component box 30 is disposed within the housing 10. Along the thickness direction Z of the housing 10, at least one of the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 is spaced apart from the electrical component box 30. Along the thickness direction Z of the housing 10, at least one of the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 is located on one side of the electrical component box 30.

[0178] See Figure 4 and5 As shown, the expansion tank 20 is a slender cylindrical structure, with its length along the axial direction of the cylindrical tank. The diameter of the expansion tank 20 is approximately equal to the thickness of the plate heat exchanger 310. Along the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, the electrical component box 30 is located in front of the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310. Along the width direction Y of the shell 10, the electrical component box 30 is located between the inlet port 311 and the outlet port 312 along the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310, specifically embedded within the space enclosed by the plate heat exchanger 310, the first inlet pipe 90, the outlet pipe 92, the first branch pipe, and the second branch pipe. The first branch pipe extends along the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, and the first inlet pipe 90 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 310 through the first branch pipe. The second branch pipe extends along the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, and the outlet pipe 92 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 310 through the second branch pipe. The electrical component box 30 does not interfere with the water piping and refrigerant piping, making full use of the space in the thickness direction Z of the casing 10, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the whole machine.

[0179] The electrical component box 30 is secured using fasteners on the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger mounting bracket, eliminating the need for additional mounting supports. This simple structure facilitates miniaturization. Alternatively, fasteners can be used on either the expansion tank 20 or the plate heat exchanger mounting bracket for securing.

[0180] Along the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, the orthographic projection of the electrical component box 30 does not overlap with the orthographic projections of the water piping and refrigerant piping. Viewed along the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, there is no obstruction between the electrical component box 30 and the water piping and refrigerant piping. There are no water or refrigerant pipes between the electrical component box 30 and the expansion tank 20, or between the electrical component box 30 and the plate heat exchanger 310. Therefore, the electrical component box 30 can be positioned as close as possible to the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 (while preserving space for assembly tool operation), further reducing the dimensions of the shell 10 in the thickness direction Z.

[0181] See Figure 3 As shown, along the length X of the housing 10, the electrical component box 30 covers the upper half of the plate heat exchanger 310, and a cable holder 95 is also provided at the lower end of the plate heat exchanger 310 (see...). Figure 7 As shown), it is used to fix the wires extending from the electrical component box 30. The wire fixing bracket is set by using the plate heat exchanger fixing bracket, so there is no need to set up an additional wire fixing structure. The structure is simple and conducive to miniaturization.

[0182] Along the thickness direction Z of the housing 10, the space on one side of the electrical component box 30 can be reused to accommodate at least one of the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310. This helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module 300 in the length direction X of the housing 10, and reduce the overall size of the water module 300 in the length direction X of the housing 10, so that the water module 300 meets the market demand for miniaturization.

[0183] See in some examples Figure 5 As shown, the housing 10 includes a front plate 11 and a back plate 12 disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction Z of the housing 10. The electrical parts box 30 is disposed near the front plate 11. The expansion tank 20 is located on the side of the electrical parts box 30 facing the back plate 12.

[0184] See in some examples Figure 6 As shown, along the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 are located on the same side of the electrical component box 30. The expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 can reuse the space on one side of the electrical component box 30, making the layout of the expansion tank 20, the plate heat exchanger 310 and the electrical component box 30 compact. This helps to further reduce the space occupancy rate in the length direction X of the shell 10, thereby helping to reduce the overall volume of the water module 300 and making the water module 300 meet the market demand for miniaturization.

[0185] In some examples, the housing 10 includes a front plate 11 and a back plate 12 disposed opposite each other along the thickness direction Z of the housing 10. The electrical component box 30 is disposed near the front plate 11. The expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 are both located on the side of the electrical component box 30 facing the back plate 12.

[0186] The front plate 11 and the back plate 12 are spaced apart along the thickness direction Z of the shell 10. The expansion tank 20, the plate heat exchanger 310, and the electrical component box 30 are located between the front plate 11 and the back plate 12. The water module 300 can be fixed to the mounting platform via the back plate 12. For example, the back plate 12 can be detachably fixed to the mounting platform directly by fasteners such as screws, or it can be fixed to the mounting platform by connectors such as hanging plates. The front plate 11 provides protection for the expansion tank 20, the plate heat exchanger 310, and the electrical component box 30. When it is necessary to inspect or repair the water module 300, the front plate 11 can be opened for inspection or repair work.

[0187] The electrical component box 30 needs to accommodate wiring, electronic devices, and function buttons. The box's placement near the front panel 11 facilitates the arrangement of these components. Furthermore, when inspection or maintenance is required, the expansion tank 20 and plate heat exchanger 310 do not need to be removed, reducing the difficulty and complexity of inspection and maintenance, and improving convenience and efficiency.

[0188] For example, both the front panel 11 and the back panel 12 can be metal plates. For instance, both the front panel 11 and the back panel 12 can be steel plates or aluminum plates.

[0189] See in some examples Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the water module 300 includes a first mounting bracket 40 and a second mounting bracket 50. The first mounting bracket 40 is connected to the expansion tank 20. The second mounting bracket 50 is connected to the plate heat exchanger assembly. The electrical component box 30 is connected to at least one of the first mounting bracket 40 and the second mounting bracket 50.

[0190] The electrical component box 30 is fixed in position by at least one of the first fixing frame 40 and the second fixing frame 50, so that at least one of the first fixing frame 40 and the second fixing frame 50 can be reused. The water module 300 does not need to set up an additional fixing structure for fixing the electrical component box 30, which helps to reduce the number of parts, save installation space, and thus facilitates the miniaturization of the water module 300 in the thickness direction.

[0191] For example, the electrical component box 30 is connected to the first mounting bracket 40. The electrical component box 30 is fixedly connected to the expansion tank 20 to secure the position of the electrical component box 30. For example, the electrical component box 30 can be detachably connected to the first mounting bracket 40 by fasteners such as screws.

[0192] For example, the electrical component box 30 is connected to the second mounting bracket 50. Both the plate heat exchanger 310 and the electrical component box 30 are connected to the second mounting bracket 50, allowing both the plate heat exchanger 310 and the electrical component box 30 to share the second mounting bracket 50 to fix their positions, thus improving the utilization rate of the second mounting bracket 50. For example, the electrical component box 30 can be detachably connected to the second mounting bracket 50 using fasteners such as screws.

[0193] In some examples, the electrical component box 30 is positioned along the thickness direction Z of the housing 10, and is located in front of the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310, see [reference]. Figure 3As shown, in the width direction Y of the housing 10, the first water inlet pipe 90 and the electrical component box 30 are overlapped, with an overlapping area between them. The electrical component box 30 and the first water inlet pipe 90 can reuse space in the thickness direction Z of the housing 10, which helps to reduce the thickness of the water module 300.

[0194] In some examples, the electrical component box 30 is positioned between the first water inlet pipe 90 and the water outlet pipe 92 in the width direction Y of the housing 10, which helps to reduce the width dimension of the water module 300.

[0195] In some examples, the plate heat exchanger mounting bracket secures the plate heat exchanger 310 to the back plate 12 by partially enclosing the upper and lower sides and the front side of the plate heat exchanger 310. The second mounting bracket 50 can be integrally formed with the plate heat exchanger mounting bracket (folded forming), or it can be fixedly connected to the plate heat exchanger mounting bracket (riveting, welding, etc.), or it can be set independently (directly fixedly connected to the back plate).

[0196] See Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the plate heat exchanger mounting bracket is also equipped with a wire fixing bracket 95, and the wire fixing bracket 95 is equipped with a wire clamp 96, which facilitates the fixing of the wires led out from the electrical component box 30. The plate heat exchanger mounting bracket has multiple functions, a simple structure, and is convenient for wiring, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the whole machine.

[0197] For example, the electrical accessory box 30 is connected to the first fixing frame 40 and the second fixing frame 50, which can increase the number of connection points of the electrical accessory box 30 and help improve the positional stability of the electrical accessory box 30. For example, the electrical accessory box 30 can be detachably connected to the first fixing frame 40 and the second fixing frame 50 by fasteners such as screws.

[0198] For example, the first fixing bracket 40 may be welded to the expansion tank 20.

[0199] For example, the housing 10 includes a back plate 12. A second mounting bracket 50 is detachably connected to the back plate 12.

[0200] In some examples, along the length direction X of the housing 10, the electrical accessory box 30 is slidably connected to at least one of the first mounting bracket 40 and the second mounting bracket 50.

[0201] The electrical component box 30 can slide along the length direction X of the housing 10, so that the position of the electrical component box 30 can be flexibly adjusted without removing the electrical component box 30, thereby improving the convenience of adjusting the position of the electrical component box 30.

[0202] The electrical parts box 30 is located near the front panel 11. The expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 are both located on the same side of the electrical parts box 30 facing the back panel 12. When it is necessary to inspect or repair the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310, it is not necessary to remove the electrical parts box 30. The electrical parts box 30 can be slid along the length X of the shell 10 to expose the expansion tank 20 or the plate heat exchanger 310, which facilitates the inspection or repair of the expansion tank 20 or the plate heat exchanger 310 and reduces the difficulty of inspection or repair work.

[0203] Exemplarily, the electrical accessory box 30 is slidably connected to the first mounting bracket 40. Exemplarily, the electrical accessory box 30 includes an oblong hole extending along the length direction X of the housing 10. Fasteners such as screws pass through the oblong hole and are connected to the first mounting bracket 40. When the position of the electrical accessory box 30 needs to be adjusted, the fasteners are loosened to release the electrical accessory box 30, allowing it to move along the length direction X of the housing 10. After the position adjustment of the electrical accessory box 30 is completed, the fasteners are tightened to fix the position of the electrical accessory box 30.

[0204] Exemplarily, the electrical accessory box 30 is slidably connected to the second mounting bracket 50. Exemplarily, the electrical accessory box 30 includes an oblong hole extending along the length direction X of the housing 10. Fasteners such as screws pass through the oblong hole and are connected to the second mounting bracket 50. When the position of the electrical accessory box 30 needs to be adjusted, the fasteners are loosened to release the electrical accessory box 30, allowing it to move along the length direction X of the housing 10. After the position adjustment of the electrical accessory box 30 is completed, the fasteners are tightened to fix the position of the electrical accessory box 30.

[0205] Exemplarily, the electrical accessory box 30 is slidably connected to the first mounting bracket 40 and the second mounting bracket 50. Exemplarily, the electrical accessory box 30 includes an oblong hole extending along the length direction X of the housing 10. Fasteners such as screws pass through the oblong hole and are connected to the first mounting bracket 40 and the second mounting bracket 50. When the position of the electrical accessory box 30 needs to be adjusted, the fasteners are loosened to release the electrical accessory box 30, allowing it to move along the length direction X of the housing 10. After the position adjustment of the electrical accessory box 30 is completed, the fasteners are tightened to fix the position of the electrical accessory box 30.

[0206] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the water module 300 also includes a water pump 60. The water pump 60 is disposed within the housing 10. The water pump 60 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 310 via water piping. The water pump 60 can be used to deliver liquid water into the plate heat exchanger 310. The water pump 60 can provide fluid driving power to the water module 300 to ensure smooth fluid circulation.

[0207] Since the water pump 60 is located inside the housing 10, a silent water pump can be selected (especially when the water module 300 is installed indoors), which can reduce the operating noise of the water pump 60.

[0208] In some examples, at least one of the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 is spaced apart from the water pump 60 along the width direction Y of the casing 10. At least one of the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 is located on one side of the water pump 60.

[0209] The arrangement of at least one of the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 located on one side of the water pump 60 along the width direction Y of the housing 10 allows the plate heat exchanger 310, the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60 to make full use of the space in the width direction Y of the housing 10. This helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module 300 in the length direction X of the housing 10, and also helps to reduce the overall size of the water module 300 in the length direction X of the housing 10, thus making the water module 300 meet the market demand for miniaturization.

[0210] In some examples, the plate heat exchanger 310 is located on one side of the water pump 60 along the width direction Y of the housing 10.

[0211] In some examples, the expansion tank 20 is located on one side of the water pump 60 along the width direction Y of the housing 10.

[0212] In some examples, along the length direction X of the shell 10, the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 may not have overlapping areas with the water pump 60.

[0213] In some examples, along the width direction Y of the casing 10, the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 are both located on the same side of the water pump 60. Along the length direction X of the casing 10, neither the expansion tank 20 nor the plate heat exchanger 310 overlaps with the water pump 60. Along the length direction X of the casing 10, the orthographic projections of both the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 do not overlap with the orthographic projection of the water pump 60.

[0214] The arrangement of the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 on the same side of the water pump 60 along the width Y of the housing 10 allows the plate heat exchanger 310, the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60 to make full use of the space in the width Y of the housing 10. This helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module 300 in the length X of the housing 10, and also helps to reduce the overall size of the water module 300 in the length X of the housing 10, thus making the water module 300 meet the market demand for miniaturization.

[0215] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the water module 300 includes a water pump 60. The water pump 60 is disposed inside the housing 10. The water pump 60 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 310. The expansion tank 20, the plate heat exchanger 310, and the water pump 60 are arranged along the length X direction of the housing 10.

[0216] The expansion tank 20, plate heat exchanger 310, and water pump 60 are arranged along the length direction X of the shell 10. This arrangement allows the plate heat exchanger 310, expansion tank 20, and water pump 60 to make full use of the space in the length direction X of the shell 10. This helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module 300 in the width direction Y of the shell 10, and also helps to reduce the overall size of the water module 300 in the width direction Y of the shell 10. As a result, the water module 300 meets the market demand for miniaturization.

[0217] In some examples, the orthographic projections of the expansion tank 20, the plate heat exchanger 310, and the water pump 60 overlap along the length direction X of the shell 10.

[0218] The plate heat exchanger 310, expansion tank 20, and water pump 60 can make full use of the space in the length direction X of the shell 10. In the width direction Y of the shell 10, the space occupied by the plate heat exchanger 310, expansion tank 20, and water pump 60 is relatively reduced, which is conducive to reducing the size of the water module 300 in the width direction Y of the shell 10 and to miniaturizing the water module 300.

[0219] In the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, the plate heat exchanger 310, the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60 can be free from overlapping areas, which can help reduce the space occupancy of the plate heat exchanger 310, the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60 in the thickness direction Z of the shell 10, and reduce the overall size of the water module 300 in the thickness direction Z of the shell 10.

[0220] In some examples, the plate heat exchanger 310, the expansion tank 20, and the water pump 60 are arranged at intervals along the length X of the shell 10. Gaps exist between the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 to reduce the possibility of mutual scraping or squeezing between them.

[0221] See in some examples Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, along the length X of the shell 10, the plate heat exchanger 310 is located between the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60. The plate heat exchanger 310 can radiate heat to the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60 on both sides, which helps to reduce the possibility of the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60 freezing in low-temperature environments, thus causing the water module 300 to shut down or be damaged, and improves the adaptability of the water module 300 in low-temperature environments.

[0222] Compared to the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60, the plate heat exchanger 310 is relatively heavier. With the plate heat exchanger 310, expansion tank 20 and water pump 60 housed within the shell 10, the plate heat exchanger 310 is positioned relatively close to the center of the water module 300, which makes the center of gravity of the water module 300 relatively close to the center of the water module 300, thus improving the overall stability of the water module 300.

[0223] The expansion tank 20, which has a low maintenance probability, is located at the top, and the plate heat exchanger 310 is located in the middle. The plate heat exchanger 310 is connected to the water pump 60 through piping and extends downwards out of the shell 10, which makes the internal layout of the water module 300 reasonable and is conducive to the miniaturization of the whole machine.

[0224] In some examples, along the length direction X of the shell 10, the expansion tank 20 is located between the plate heat exchanger 310 and the water pump 60.

[0225] The expansion tank 20 is a pressure device. With the plate heat exchanger 310, expansion tank 20, and water pump 60 housed within the casing 10, the expansion tank 20 is positioned relatively close to the center of the water module 300. The circumferential distance between the expansion tank 20 and the casing 10 is relatively large, which helps improve the safety of the expansion tank 20.

[0226] See in some examples Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the housing 10 includes a top plate 13 and a bottom plate 14 disposed opposite each other along the length direction X of the housing 10. The water pump 60 is disposed close to the top plate 13. The distance between the water pump 60 and the top plate 13 is relatively small relative to the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20.

[0227] The top plate 13 and the bottom plate 14 are spaced apart along the length X of the shell 10. The plate heat exchanger 310, the expansion tank 20, and the water pump 60 are located between the top plate 13 and the bottom plate 14. A portion of the heat released by the plate heat exchanger 310 can flow towards the top plate 13 and accumulate there. The arrangement of the water pump 60 close to the top plate 13 allows more of the heat released by the plate heat exchanger 310 to be applied to the water pump 60, reducing the likelihood of the water pump 60 freezing in low-temperature environments, which could lead to shutdown or damage to the water module 300, and improving the adaptability of the water module 300 in low-temperature environments.

[0228] See in some examples Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the housing 10 includes a top plate 13 and a bottom plate 14 disposed opposite each other along the length direction X of the housing 10. The water pump 60 is disposed close to the bottom plate 14. The distance between the water pump 60 and the bottom plate 14 is relatively small relative to the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20.

[0229] In the event of an accidental leak in the water pump 60, the leaked water can flow downwards under the influence of gravity, making it less likely to come into contact with the plate heat exchanger 310 or the expansion tank 20. This helps to reduce the possibility that the leaked water may freeze on the plate heat exchanger 310 or the expansion tank 20 in low-temperature environments, thus causing damage to the plate heat exchanger 310 or the expansion tank 20.

[0230] Exemplarily, the front panel 11, back panel 12, top panel 13, and bottom panel 14 can be interconnected to form a housing 10. Exemplarily, the housing 10 includes a left side panel 15 and a right side panel 16 disposed opposite each other along the width direction Y of the housing 10. The front panel 11, back panel 12, top panel 13, bottom panel 14, left side panel 15, and right side panel 16 can be interconnected to form the housing 10.

[0231] For example, the top plate 13, bottom plate 14, left side plate 15, and right side plate 16 can all be metal plates. For instance, the top plate 13, bottom plate 14, left side plate 15, and right side plate 16 can all be steel plates or aluminum plates.

[0232] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the water module 300 includes an electrical component box 30 and a water pump 60. Both the electrical component box 30 and the water pump 60 are housed within the casing 10. The water pump 60 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 310. The electrical component box 30, the expansion tank 20, the plate heat exchanger 310, and the water pump 60 are arranged along the length X direction of the casing 10.

[0233] The arrangement of the electrical component box 30, expansion tank 20, plate heat exchanger 310, and water pump 60 along the length X of the housing 10 allows for full utilization of space in the length X of the housing 10. This helps reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module 300 in the width Y of the housing 10, thus reducing the overall size of the water module 300 in the width Y of the housing 10. This makes the water module 300 meet the market demand for miniaturization and also improves the installation flexibility of the water module 300.

[0234] In some examples, along the length direction X of the housing 10, the orthographic projections of the electrical component box 30, the expansion tank 20, the plate heat exchanger 310, and the water pump 60 have overlapping areas.

[0235] The electrical component box 30, plate heat exchanger 310, expansion tank 20, and water pump 60 can make full use of the space in the length direction X of the housing 10. In the width direction Y of the housing 10, the space occupied by the electrical component box 30, plate heat exchanger 310, expansion tank 20, and water pump 60 is relatively reduced, which is beneficial to reducing the overall size of the water module 300 in the width direction Y of the housing 10, and is conducive to the miniaturization of the water module 300.

[0236] In the thickness direction Z of the housing 10, there is no overlapping area between the electrical component box 30, the plate heat exchanger 310, the expansion tank 20, and the water pump 60. This can help reduce the space occupancy of the electrical component box 30, the plate heat exchanger 310, the expansion tank 20, and the water pump 60 in the thickness direction Z of the housing 10, and reduce the overall size of the water module 300 in the thickness direction Z of the housing 10.

[0237] See in some examples Figure 15 As shown, the housing 10 includes a top plate 13 and a bottom plate 14 disposed opposite each other along the length X of the housing 10. Along the direction from the top plate 13 to the bottom plate 14, an electrical component box 30, an expansion tank 20, a plate heat exchanger 310, and a water pump 60 are arranged sequentially. The electrical component box 30 is disposed near the top plate 13. The water pump 60 is disposed near the bottom plate 14.

[0238] Along the length X of the casing 10, the electrical component box 30, expansion tank 20, and plate heat exchanger 310 are all located above the water pump 60. In the event of an accidental leak in the water pump 60, the leaked water can flow downwards and is less likely to come into contact with the electrical component box 30. This helps reduce the possibility of leaked water entering the electrical component box 30 and causing a circuit failure. It also helps reduce the possibility of the leaked water freezing on the electrical component box 30, plate heat exchanger 310, or expansion tank 20 in low-temperature environments, which could lead to damage to these components.

[0239] With the electrical component box 30, expansion tank 20, plate heat exchanger 310 and water pump 60 installed inside the housing 10, the plate heat exchanger 310 is positioned relatively close to the center of the water module 300, which makes the center of gravity of the water module 300 relatively close to the center of the water module 300, which is beneficial to improving the overall stability of the water module 300.

[0240] In some possible implementations, the functional component may include an electric heater 70. The dimension of the electric heater 70 along the length direction X of the housing 10 is smaller than the dimension of the electric heater 70 along the width direction Y of the housing 10. The length direction of the electric heater 70 may be the same as the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0241] The electric heater 70 is a backup heater. It can be used to supplement the heating of water in the water module 300. For example, when rapid heating is required or the plate heat exchanger 310 is insufficient, the electric heater 70 can be activated. The electric heater 70 can improve the heating performance of the water module 300 and meet more functional requirements without changing the layout of the internal components of the housing 10. In the water circulation loop, the electric heater 70 is located downstream of the plate heat exchanger 310. Specifically, the electric heater 70 has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the electric heater and the outlet 312 of the plate heat exchanger 310 are connected by water piping. The water heated by the electric heater 70 is then transported from the outlet of the electric heater to the water-using terminal through the water piping.

[0242] In some examples, the orthographic projections of the electric heater 70 and the plate heat exchanger 310 overlap along the length direction X of the housing 10.

[0243] In some examples, at least one of the electric heater 70 and the plate heat exchanger 310 is spaced apart from the electrical component box 30 along the thickness direction Z of the housing 10. At least one of the electric heater 70 and the plate heat exchanger 310 is located on one side of the electrical component box 30.

[0244] In some examples, the first mounting bracket 40 may be connected to the electric heater 70. The electrical appliance box 30 may be connected to the first mounting bracket 40 to be connected to the electric heater 70 via the first mounting bracket 40.

[0245] See in some examples Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the functional components may include an expansion tank 20 and an electric heater 70. The electric heater 70 is disposed within the housing 10. The plate heat exchanger 310 is connected to the electric heater 70 via water piping. The expansion tank 20, the plate heat exchanger 310, the electric heater 70, and the water pump 60 are arranged along the length X direction of the housing 10.

[0246] The expansion tank 20, plate heat exchanger 310, electric heater 70, and water pump 60 are arranged along the length direction X of the housing 10. This arrangement allows the expansion tank 20, plate heat exchanger 310, electric heater 70, and water pump 60 to make full use of the space in the length direction X of the housing 10. This helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module 300 in the width direction Y of the housing 10, and reduce the overall size of the water module 300 in the width direction Y of the housing 10, thereby making the water module 300 meet the market demand for miniaturization.

[0247] For example, the expansion tank 20, plate heat exchanger 310, electric heater 70 and water pump 60 are arranged sequentially along the length direction X of the housing 10.

[0248] Exemplarily, the housing 10 includes a top plate 13 and a bottom plate 14 disposed opposite each other along the length X of the housing 10. The expansion tank 20 is disposed near the top plate 13. The water pump 60 is disposed near the bottom plate 14. In the event of an accidental leak in the water pump 60 (mainly a leak at the joints connecting the inlet 61 and outlet 62 of the water pump 60 to the water piping), the leaked water can flow downwards and is less likely to come into contact with the electric heater 70, the plate heat exchanger 310, or the expansion tank 20. This helps to reduce the possibility that the leaked water may freeze on the electric heater 70, the plate heat exchanger 310, or the expansion tank 20 in low-temperature environments, thus causing damage to the electric heater 70, the plate heat exchanger 310, or the expansion tank 20.

[0249] See in some examples Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the water module 300 includes an electric heater 70. The electric heater 70 is disposed within the housing 10. A plate heat exchanger 310 is connected to the electric heater 70. The expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 are arranged along the length direction X of the housing 10. Along the length direction X of the housing 10, both the electric heater 70 and the water pump 60 are located on the side of the plate heat exchanger 310 facing away from the expansion tank 20. Along the width direction Y of the housing 10, the electric heater 70 and the water pump 60 are spaced apart.

[0250] Along the length X of the shell 10, an expansion tank 20 is provided on one side of the plate heat exchanger 310, and an electric heater 70 and a water pump 60 are provided on the other side. The plate heat exchanger 310 and the electric heater 70 are arranged circumferentially along the water pump 60, so that the heat released by the plate heat exchanger 310 and the electric heater 70 in operation can act on the water pump 60. This helps to reduce the possibility of the water pump 60 freezing in low-temperature environments, which could lead to the shutdown or damage of the water module 300, and improves the adaptability of the water module 300 in low-temperature environments.

[0251] Along the length X of the housing 10, the electric heater 70 and the water pump 60 can reuse the space on one side of the plate heat exchanger 310, which helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module 300 along the length X of the housing 10 and reduce the overall size of the water module 300 along the length X of the housing 10, so that the water module 300 meets the market demand for miniaturization.

[0252] Exemplarily, the housing 10 includes a top plate 13 and a bottom plate 14 disposed opposite each other along the length direction X of the housing 10. The expansion tank 20 is disposed near the top plate 13. The water pump 60 is disposed near the bottom plate 14. Along the length direction X of the housing 10, both the electric heater 70 and the water pump 60 are located on the side of the plate heat exchanger 310 opposite to the expansion tank 20, with the electric heater 70 disposed near the bottom plate 14.

[0253] In the event of an accidental leak in the water pump 60, the leaked water can flow downwards and is less likely to come into contact with the electric heater 70, plate heat exchanger 310, or expansion tank 20. This helps reduce the possibility that the leaked water may freeze on the electric heater 70, plate heat exchanger 310, or expansion tank 20 in low-temperature environments, thereby causing damage to the electric heater 70, plate heat exchanger 310, or expansion tank 20.

[0254] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 4 As shown, the expansion tank 20, plate heat exchanger 310, and water pump 60 are arranged along the length X of the casing 10. The water pump 60 includes an inlet 61 and an outlet 62. The inlet 61 and outlet 62 are arranged opposite each other along the width Y of the casing 10. The outlet 62 of the water pump 60 can be connected to the plate heat exchanger 310. The water pump 60 can deliver water to the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0255] The water pump 60 is relatively large in size from the inlet 61 to the outlet 62. The long axis of the water pump 60 can be arranged along the width Y direction of the housing 10. The arrangement of the inlet 61 and outlet 62 relative to each other along the width Y direction of the housing 10 makes full use of the space in that direction, reducing the overall space occupancy of the heat exchange device in the length X direction of the housing 10. This reduces the overall size of the water module 300 in the length X direction of the housing 10, making the water module 300 meet the market demand for miniaturization.

[0256] In some feasible implementations, the water module 300 also includes a water pump 60. The water pump 60 is located outside the housing 10. The water pump 60 does not occupy space inside the housing 10, which helps to reduce the height and volume of the housing 10.

[0257] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, along the width direction Y of the shell 10, the plate heat exchanger 310 includes a first end and a second end. The first end is provided with a water inlet 311. The expansion tank 20 includes inlet and outlet water outlets 21. Along the width direction Y of the shell 10, the water inlet 311 and the inlet and outlet water outlets 21 are located on the same side.

[0258] The term "inlet / outlet 21" refers to a single opening in the expansion tank 20. This single opening serves as both an inlet and an outlet, hence the designation "inlet / outlet 21". This term does not refer to separate inlet and outlet openings. External liquids can enter or exit the expansion tank 20 through the inlet / outlet 21 to buffer pressure fluctuations throughout the fluid system.

[0259] The inlet 311 of the plate heat exchanger 310 and the inlet / outlet 21 of the expansion tank 20 can be connected by pipelines. The fact that the inlet 311 and the inlet / outlet 21 are located on the same side allows the inlet / outlet 21 to be positioned close to the inlet 311, facilitating connection between the inlet / outlet 21 of the expansion tank 20 and the inlet 311 of the plate heat exchanger 310. This reduces the size of the pipeline connecting the inlet 311 and the inlet / outlet 21, lowers the complexity of the pipeline layout, simplifies the piping structure, and promotes the shortest possible piping design to save space and contribute to the miniaturization of the water module 300.

[0260] For example, see Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the outlet 62 of the water pump 60 can be connected to the inlet 311 of the plate heat exchanger 310 via the first inlet pipe 90. The inlet and outlet 21 of the expansion tank 20 can be connected to the first inlet pipe 90 via pipelines.

[0261] See in some examples Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a refrigerant outlet 313 is provided at the first end of the plate heat exchanger 310. A water outlet 312 and a refrigerant inlet 314 are provided at the second end of the plate heat exchanger 310. The housing 10 includes a front plate 11 and a back plate 12 disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction Z of the housing 10. The length direction X and the width direction Y of the housing 10 are both perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the housing 10. The water inlet 311, the refrigerant outlet 313, the water outlet 312, and the refrigerant inlet 314 are all disposed facing the front plate 11.

[0262] When the plate heat exchanger 310 needs to be inspected, after opening the front panel 11, the inlet water interface 311, the refrigerant outlet interface 313, the outlet water interface 312, and the refrigerant inlet interface 314 can be observed relatively easily. It is also convenient to check the connection status of each of the inlet water interface 311, the refrigerant outlet interface 313, the outlet water interface 312, and the refrigerant inlet interface 314 to the corresponding pipelines, which helps to reduce the difficulty of the inspection work.

[0263] When it is necessary to disassemble or assemble the plate heat exchanger 310, after opening the front panel 11, the inlet water interface 311, the refrigerant outlet interface 313, the outlet water interface 312 and the refrigerant inlet interface 314 can be disassembled and assembled with their respective pipelines relatively easily, which helps to reduce the difficulty of disassembling and assembling the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0264] For example, along the length X of the housing 10, the refrigerant outlet 313 is located below the water inlet 311, and the refrigerant inlet 314 is located above the water outlet 312. The refrigerant and water achieve cross-counterflow in the plate heat exchanger 310, which is beneficial to improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0265] See Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310 is consistent with the width direction Y of the shell 10, that is, the plate heat exchanger 310 is arranged laterally inside the shell 10, and the plate heat exchanger 310 adopts a cross-corrugated flow channel inside. That is, on the plate heat exchanger 310, the refrigerant outlet 313 and the refrigerant inlet 314 are located at the two corners of one diagonal, and the water inlet 311 and the water outlet 312 are located at the two corners of the other diagonal. This can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0266] In some feasible implementations, along the width direction Y of the housing 10, the housing 10 includes a left side plate 15 and a right side plate 16 disposed opposite to each other. The first end of the plate heat exchanger 310 may be close to the right side plate 16. The water inlet 311 and the refrigerant flow inlet provided at the first end may both be close to the right side plate 16.

[0267] For example, the inlet and outlet 21 of the expansion tank 20 can be located near the right side plate 16.

[0268] In some examples, the first end of the plate heat exchanger 310 can be close to the left side plate 15. The water inlet 311 and the refrigerant flow interface provided at the first end can both be close to the left side plate 15.

[0269] For example, the inlet and outlet 21 of the expansion tank 20 can be located near the left side plate 15.

[0270] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the water module 300 includes a second water inlet pipe 91, a water outlet pipe 92, a refrigerant outlet pipe 93, and a refrigerant inlet pipe 94.

[0271] The inlet 61 of the water pump 60 is connected to the second inlet pipe 91. The outlet 62 of the water pump 60 is connected to the inlet port 311 of the plate heat exchanger 310 via the first inlet pipe 90. The outlet port 312 of the plate heat exchanger 310 is connected to the outlet pipe 92. The outlet pipe 92 is used to discharge water from the plate heat exchanger 310. See also... Figure 4 As shown, the outlet pipe 92 bypasses the second inlet pipe 91 from the side facing away from the back plate 12. Alternatively, see... Figure 8 As shown, the water outlet pipe 92 passes through the side of the second water inlet pipe 91 facing the back panel 12. The refrigerant outlet port 313 is connected to the refrigerant outlet pipe 93. The refrigerant inlet port 314 is connected to the refrigerant inlet pipe 94.

[0272] For example, see Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the housing 10 includes a top plate 13 and a bottom plate 14. The second water inlet pipe 91, the water outlet pipe 92, the refrigerant inlet pipe 94, and the refrigerant outlet pipe 93 each have a pipe interface that extends through the bottom plate 14.

[0273] For example, along the width direction Y of the housing 10, the pipe interface of the second water inlet pipe 91 and the pipe interface of the water outlet pipe 92 are arranged adjacent to each other, and there is a gap between the pipe interface of the second water inlet pipe 91 and the pipe interface of the water outlet pipe 92. Along the width direction Y of the housing 10, the pipe interface of the refrigerant inlet pipe 94 and the pipe interface of the refrigerant outlet pipe 93 are arranged adjacent to each other, and there is a gap between the pipe interface of the refrigerant inlet pipe 94 and the pipe interface of the refrigerant outlet pipe 93.

[0274] See Figures 20 to 21 As shown, this application embodiment provides a water module 300. The water module 300 includes a housing 10, a plate heat exchanger assembly, and functional components. The housing 10 is rectangular. The plate heat exchanger assembly and functional components are disposed within the housing 10. The plate heat exchanger assembly includes a plate heat exchanger 310. The plate heat exchanger 310 is connected to water piping and refrigerant piping. The plate heat exchanger 310 is rectangular. The length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310 is the same as the width direction Y of the housing 10. The length direction of the functional components is perpendicular to the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310. The length direction of the functional components is the same as the length direction X of the housing 10.

[0275] In this embodiment of the water module 300, the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310 is the same as the width direction Y of the housing 10, so that the space in the width direction Y of the housing 10 can be utilized, which helps to reduce the overall space occupancy of the water module 300 in the length direction X of the housing 10, reduce the size of the water module 300 in the length direction X of the housing 10, make the water module 300 meet the market demand for miniaturization, and improve the installation flexibility of the water module 300.

[0276] The length direction of the functional component is perpendicular to the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310, which facilitates the connection between the functional component and the plate heat exchanger 310. It also allows the space enclosed by the plate heat exchanger 310 and the functional component to accommodate other components or piping, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the water module 300.

[0277] In some possible implementations, the functional component may include an expansion tank 20. The length direction of the expansion tank 20 is perpendicular to the length direction of the plate heat exchanger 310. The length direction of the expansion tank 20 is the same as the length direction X of the shell 10.

[0278] The expansion tank 20 is perpendicular to the length of the plate heat exchanger 310, which facilitates the connection between the expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310. At the same time, the space enclosed by the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 can accommodate other components (such as the water pump 60) or pipelines, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate inside the shell 10 and to the overall miniaturization of the water module 300.

[0279] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 20 As shown, along the width direction Y of the shell 10, the plate heat exchanger 310 includes a first end and a second end. The first end is provided with a water inlet 311. The expansion tank 20 includes inlet and outlet water ports 21. The inlet and outlet water ports 21 are located near the water inlet 311. The inlet and outlet water ports 21 are located at the end of the expansion tank 20 facing the water inlet 311.

[0280] The inlet port 311 and the inlet / outlet port 21 of the plate heat exchanger 310 can be connected by pipelines. The arrangement of the inlet / outlet port 21 close to the inlet port 311 helps to reduce the size of the pipeline between the inlet / outlet port 21 and the inlet port 311, reduce the complexity of the pipeline layout, save space, and facilitate the miniaturization of the water module 300.

[0281] In some feasible configurations, the expansion tank 20 is located on one side of the plate heat exchanger 310 along the length X of the shell 10. The expansion tank 20 and the plate heat exchanger 310 are arranged along the length X of the shell 10.

[0282] In some examples, the plate heat exchanger 310 is located above the expansion tank 20 along the length X of the shell 10. The expansion tank 20 and the water inlet 311 may be positioned close to the left side plate 15 of the shell 10 along the width Y of the shell 10. The water inlet 311 of the plate heat exchanger 310 is located near the lower edge region of the expansion tank 20 along the length X of the shell 10, and the expansion tank 20 has inlet and outlet ports 21 facing the end of the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0283] For example, the water module 300 includes a water pump 60. Along the length direction X of the housing 10, both the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60 are located below the plate heat exchanger 310. Along the width direction Y of the housing 10, the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60 are arranged in a symmetrical configuration. The space enclosed by the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 can be used to accommodate the water pump 60, reducing the space occupancy of the water pump 60 and making the internal components of the water module 300 more compact, which is beneficial for the overall miniaturization of the water module 300.

[0284] See in some examples Figure 21As shown, along the length direction X of the shell 10, the plate heat exchanger 310 is located below the expansion tank 20. Along the width direction Y of the shell 10, the expansion tank 20 and the water inlet 311 can be positioned close to the right side plate 16 of the shell 10. Along the length direction X of the shell 10, the water inlet 311 of the plate heat exchanger 310 is located near the upper edge of the expansion tank 20, and the inlet and outlet water ports 21 are located at the ends of the expansion tank 20 facing the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0285] For example, the water module 300 includes a water pump 60. Along the length direction X of the housing 10, both the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60 are located above the plate heat exchanger 310. Along the width direction Y of the housing 10, the expansion tank 20 and the water pump 60 are arranged in a symmetrical configuration. The space enclosed by the plate heat exchanger 310 and the expansion tank 20 can be used to accommodate the water pump 60, reducing the space occupancy of the water pump 60 and making the internal components of the water module 300 more compact, which is beneficial for the overall miniaturization of the water module 300.

[0286] See also some of the possible implementation methods. Figure 22 As shown, along the length direction X of the shell 10, the expansion tank 20 includes a first part 201 and a second part 202. Along the width direction Y of the shell 10, a gap exists between the plate heat exchanger 310 and the shell 10. The first part 201 of the expansion tank 20 is located within the gap, and the second part 202 of the expansion tank 20 is located outside the gap. A water inlet 311 is provided on the plate heat exchanger 310 near the edge of the gap. Inlet and outlet ports 21 are provided on the first part 201 of the expansion tank 20.

[0287] For example, the water module 300 includes a water pump 60. Along the length direction X of the housing 10, the water pump 60 is located on one side of the plate heat exchanger 310. The space enclosed by the plate heat exchanger 310 and the second part 202 of the expansion tank 20 can be used to accommodate the water pump 60, reducing the space occupancy of the water pump 60 and making the internal components of the water module 300 more compact, which is beneficial to the overall miniaturization of the water module 300.

[0288] This application provides a heat pump system 1. The heat pump system 1 includes a water module 300 and an outdoor unit. The water module 300 is connected to the outdoor unit via refrigerant piping.

[0289] See Figure 23As shown, a water supply valve 900 is installed on the water pipe P302 of the water circuit SH, and it is connected to the underfloor heating water circuit 400, the water tank SX, and the fan coil circuit 600. Here, the water pipe P302 includes a main pipe P3021 and a branch pipe P3022, which is connected to the main pipe P3021 via a three-way valve VF2. The underfloor heating water circuit 400 includes an underfloor heating water pipe P401, whose two ends are respectively connected to the main pipe P3021 of the water pipe P302. The branch pipe P3022 passes through the water tank SX, and an inlet pipe P501 and a domestic water pipe P502 connected to domestic water terminals 510 such as faucets and showers are installed on the water tank SX. The fan coil circuit 600 includes a coil circuit water pipe P601, whose two ends are respectively connected to the main pipe P3021 of the water pipe P302. Additionally, this illustration shows a floor heating water circuit 400 consisting of only one floor heating water pipe P401, but it is not limited to this; the floor heating water circuit 400 may also include multiple floor heating water pipes P401 connected in parallel. Similarly, this illustration shows a fan coil unit circuit 600 consisting of only one coil circuit water pipe P601, but it is not limited to this; the fan coil unit circuit 600 may also include multiple coil circuit water pipes P601 connected in parallel. Of course, in Figure 23 In the structure shown, the water circuit SH of the water module 300 may also be connected to any one or both of the following: the underfloor heating water circuit 400, the water tank SX (including the inlet pipe P501 (the inlet in the figure is the inlet of the water tank SX), the domestic water piping P502 and the domestic water terminal 510), and the fan coil unit circuit 600.

[0290] On the water circuit SH, a first ball valve 700 is installed on the water pipe P302 on the inlet side of the plate heat exchanger 310, and a second ball valve 800 is installed on the main pipe P3021 on the outlet side of the plate heat exchanger 310. The first ball valve 700 and the second ball valve 800 are used to regulate the flow of water between the water module 300 and the underfloor heating system.

[0291] A filter assembly can also be installed on the inlet water pipe P302 to purify and filter the water entering the plate heat exchanger 310.

[0292] A drain valve can also be installed on the water inlet side water pipe P302 and / or the main outlet side water pipe P3021, and the drain valve can be opened to drain water when the water module 300 needs to drain water.

[0293] The aforementioned filter assembly can be integrated into the valve body of the first ball valve 700, and the drain valve can also be integrated into the valve body of the second ball valve 800. This integration of multiple components results in overall miniaturization and fewer joints, simplifying the water circuit.

[0294] See Figure 24As shown, the heat pump system 1 of this embodiment includes an outdoor unit 100, an indoor unit 200 (e.g., a three-pipe indoor unit) and a water module 300. These outdoor units 100, indoor units 200 and water modules 300 are interconnected by multiple (e.g., four) connecting pipes.

[0295] The aforementioned multiple connecting pipes include a first connecting pipe P1, a second connecting pipe P2, a third connecting pipe P3, and a fourth connecting pipe P4.

[0296] In this specification, a three-pipe indoor unit refers to an indoor unit that can be connected to three of the multiple connecting pipes (first connecting pipe P1 to fourth connecting pipe P4) of the heat pump system 1. For example, in this embodiment, the indoor unit 200 can be connected to the first connecting pipe P1, the second connecting pipe P2, and the third connecting pipe P3 of the heat pump system 1 to allow refrigerant to flow between the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200.

[0297] (Outdoor Unit 100)

[0298] Additionally, the outdoor unit 100 includes a compressor 110, an outdoor heat exchanger 120, a valve V11, a liquid storage tank 130, and a four-way switching valve VF1. Furthermore, the outdoor unit 100 also includes an outdoor air supply device 140, which supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger 120.

[0299] Specifically, the discharge side of compressor 110 is connected to one end of compressor discharge pipe Po, and the other end of compressor discharge pipe Po is located at... Figure 24 Point K10 is connected to one end of the first outdoor pipe P101, midway through the compressor discharge pipe Po (located in...). Figure 24 At point K11, the second outdoor piping P102 branches off. One end of the second outdoor piping P102 is located at... Figure 24 Point K11 is connected to the compressor discharge pipe Po mentioned above.

[0300] Additionally, the other end of the first outdoor piping P101 is connected to the first port a of the four-way switching valve VF1, and the other end of the second outdoor piping P102 is connected to the fourth port d of the four-way switching valve VF1. Furthermore, the second port b of the four-way switching valve VF1 is connected to one end of the second connecting piping P2, and the third port c of the four-way switching valve VF1 is connected to one end of the third connecting piping P3. The aforementioned four-way switching valve VF1 can switch between a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, the four-way switching valve VF1 is switched to connect the first port a to the second port b and the third port c to the fourth port d, thereby connecting the first outdoor piping P101 to the second connecting piping P2 and the second outdoor piping P102 to the third connecting piping P3. In the second switching state, the four-way switching valve VF1 is switched to connect the first port a to the fourth port d and the second port b to the third port c, thereby connecting the first outdoor piping P101 to the second outdoor piping P102 and the second connecting piping P2 to the third connecting piping P3. Additionally, in the middle of the second outdoor piping P102 (located at...) Figure 24 At point K12, the branch has a fourth connecting pipe P4.

[0301] On the other hand, the suction side of compressor 110 is connected to one end of compressor suction pipe Pi, and the other end of compressor suction pipe Pi (located in...) Figure 24 The compressor suction pipe Pi is connected to one end of the first connecting pipe P1 at point K13. A liquid storage tank 130 is provided in the middle of the compressor suction pipe Pi. In addition, an outdoor heat exchanger 120 and a valve V11 are provided in the middle of the first connecting pipe P1, more specifically, in the middle of the portion of the first connecting pipe P1 located in the outdoor unit 100.

[0302] For ease of description, the first connecting pipe P1, second connecting pipe P2, third connecting pipe P3, and fourth connecting pipe P4 referred to in this application embodiment all include a portion of the corresponding piping located within the outdoor unit 100. Unless otherwise specified, in this embodiment, the first connecting pipe P1 includes an outdoor unit-side connecting pipe and an external connecting pipe. The outdoor unit-side connecting pipe and the external connecting pipe of the aforementioned first connecting pipe P1 are separated by a first shut-off valve VC1. Hereinafter, the first shut-off valve VC1 is sometimes also referred to as... Figure 24 The pipe section between point K13 is called the outdoor unit side connecting pipe of the first connecting pipe P1, and the first shut-off valve VC1 is connected to... Figure 24The pipe section between point K30 is referred to as the external connection pipe of the first connecting pipe P1. Similarly, the second connecting pipe P2 includes an outdoor unit-side connecting pipe and an external connection pipe. The outdoor unit-side connecting pipe of the second connecting pipe P2 is the pipe section between the second port b of the four-way switching valve VF1 and the second shut-off valve VC2. The external connection pipe of the second connecting pipe P2 is the pipe section between the second shut-off valve VC2 and... Figure 24 The pipe section between point K21. The third connecting pipe P3 includes outdoor unit-side connecting pipe and external connecting pipe. The outdoor unit-side connecting pipe of the third connecting pipe P3 is the pipe section between the third port c of the four-way switching valve VF1 and the third shut-off valve VC3. The external connecting pipe of the third connecting pipe P3 is the pipe section between the third shut-off valve VC3 and... Figure 24 The pipe section between point K23. The fourth connecting pipe P4 includes outdoor unit-side connecting pipe and external connecting pipe. The outdoor unit-side connecting pipe of the fourth connecting pipe P4 is... Figure 24 The pipe section between point K12 and the fourth shut-off valve VC4, and the external connection pipe of the fourth connecting pipe P4 is the pipe between the fourth shut-off valve VC4 and... Figure 24 The pipe section between point K31 in the middle.

[0303] In other words, the first shut-off valve VC1 is used to connect the portion inside the outdoor unit 100 of the first connecting pipe P1 to the portion outside the outdoor unit 100, the second shut-off valve VC2 is used to connect the portion inside the outdoor unit 100 of the second connecting pipe P2 to the portion outside the outdoor unit 100, the third shut-off valve VC3 is used to connect the portion inside the outdoor unit 100 of the third connecting pipe P3 to the portion outside the outdoor unit 100, and the fourth shut-off valve VC4 is used to connect the portion inside the outdoor unit 100 of the fourth connecting pipe P4 to the portion outside the outdoor unit 100.

[0304] Under normal circumstances, the first shut-off valve VC1, the second shut-off valve VC2, the third shut-off valve VC3, and the fourth shut-off valve VC4 are in the normally open state. However, in certain situations, any one or more, or even all of the first shut-off valves VC1 to the fourth shut-off valve VC4, can be omitted.

[0305] (Indoor Unit 200)

[0306] The indoor unit 200 is equipped with a valve V21, a first indoor heat exchanger 210, a valve V22, a second indoor heat exchanger 220, and an indoor air supply device 230 for delivering heat or cold energy from the indoor unit 200 into the room.

[0307] Specifically, in the middle of the first connecting pipe P1 (located in...) Figure 24At point K20, a first indoor piping P201 branches off. Midway through this first indoor piping P201, one end of the first indoor piping P201 (located at...) Figure 24 Starting from point K20, valve V21 and the first indoor heat exchanger 210 are sequentially installed. One end of the first indoor piping P201 (located at...) Figure 24 The first indoor pipe P201 (located at point K20) is connected to the external connecting pipe of the first connecting pipe P1 (the part located outside the outdoor unit 100), and the other end of the first indoor pipe P201 (located at point K20) is connected to the external connecting pipe of the first connecting pipe P1 (the part located outside the outdoor unit 100). Figure 24 The second connecting pipe (located outside the outdoor unit 100) is connected to the external connecting pipe of the second connecting pipe P2 (at point K21 in the middle).

[0308] Midway through the aforementioned first indoor interior piping P201, located between point K20 and the aforementioned valve V21 (located in... Figure 24 At point K22, a second indoor piping P202 branches off. Midway through the second indoor piping P202, from one end (located at...) Figure 24 Starting from point K22, valve V22 and the second indoor heat exchanger 220 are installed sequentially. One end of the aforementioned second indoor piping P202 (located at...) Figure 24 The point K22 in the middle) is connected to the first indoor side piping P201 and is located between the valve V21 and one end of the first indoor side piping P201. The other end of the second indoor side piping P202 (located at...) Figure 24 The external connecting pipe (located outside outdoor unit 100) of the third connecting pipe P3 is connected at point K23 in the middle.

[0309] Here, the first indoor heat exchanger 210 and the second indoor heat exchanger 220 are arranged in the flow path of the airflow formed by the indoor air supply device. Furthermore, electric valves or solenoid valves can be used as valves V21 and V22.

[0310] (Water Module 300)

[0311] The water module 300 includes a refrigerant piping P301, a water circuit SH consisting of a water piping P302, and a plate heat exchanger 310 for heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping P301 and the water flowing through the water piping P302. Specifically, one end of the refrigerant piping P301 (located in...) Figure 24 At point K30 in the middle, it is connected to the external connecting pipe (located outside the outdoor unit 100) of the first connecting pipe P1, and on the above-mentioned refrigerant pipe P301, from one end (located at...) Figure 24 Starting from point K30, valve V31 and plate heat exchanger 310 are sequentially installed. Furthermore, the other end of the aforementioned refrigerant piping P301 (located at...) Figure 24The external connection pipe (located outside the outdoor unit 100) of the fourth connection pipe P4 is connected at point K31 in the middle.

[0312] (First connecting pipe P1 to fourth connecting pipe P4)

[0313] The first connecting pipe P1 connects one end of the first indoor side pipe P201 of the indoor unit 200 (located in...). Figure 24 (at point K20 in the middle) and the other end of the compressor suction pipe Pi (located at...) Figure 24 The second connecting pipe P2 connects to the other end of the first indoor side pipe P201 of the indoor unit 200 (located at point K13). Figure 24 The third connecting pipe P3 connects the other end of the second indoor side pipe P202 of the indoor unit 200 (located at K21) to the second port b of the four-way switching valve VF1. Figure 24 Point K23 in the middle) is connected to the third port c of the four-way switching valve VF1, and the fourth connecting pipe P4 connects the other end of the refrigerant pipe P301 of the water module 300 (located at point K23 in the middle) to the third port c of the four-way switching valve VF1. Figure 24 The middle section between point K31 and the second outdoor external piping P102 (located at point K31) and point P102. Figure 24 Connect point K12 in the middle.

[0314] In addition, the heat pump system 1 in this embodiment also includes a control unit (not shown), which is used to control the operation of components such as the compressor 110, outdoor air supply device 140, valve V11, valve V21, valve V22, indoor air supply device 230, valve V31 and four-way switching valve VF1 of the heat pump system 1.

[0315] Other advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, more broadly, the embodiments of this application are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Thus, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the application embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0316] For example, in the heat pump system 1 of this application embodiment, see Figure 24 As shown, the indoor unit 200 is illustrated using a three-pipe indoor unit as an example, but the embodiments of this application are not limited to this, and may also be as follows: Figure 25 The diagram shows a two-pipe indoor unit, with the outdoor unit 100, indoor unit 200, and water module 300 interconnected via three connecting pipes.

[0317] Furthermore, in the water module 300 of this application embodiment, the water supply valve 900 installed on the water pipe P302 is located outside the housing 10 of the water module 300. However, this application embodiment is not limited to this and may also be located inside the housing 10 of the water module 300. In this case, the water supply valve 900 may not have a handle to rotate the valve core, but may be connected to a control unit (not shown) to control the rotation of the valve core, thus becoming an electric three-way valve.

[0318] Additionally, in the water module 300 of this application embodiment, see... Figure 24 As shown, the above-mentioned water supply valve 900 is provided on the pipe section of the water pipe P302 located inside the housing 10 (indicated by dashed lines) of the water module 300 before the water circuit SH enters the plate heat exchanger 310 (also known as the "inlet side"). However, the embodiments of this application are not limited to this. The water supply valve 900 can also be provided on the pipe section located outside the housing 10 (indicated by dashed lines) of the water module 300.

[0319] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water module comprising a housing, a plate heat exchanger assembly, and a functional assembly, the housing being a cuboid, the plate heat exchanger assembly and the functional assembly being disposed in the housing, the plate heat exchanger assembly comprising a plate heat exchanger, the plate heat exchanger connecting a water pipe and a refrigerant pipe, characterized in that: the plate heat exchanger is a cuboid, the length direction of the plate heat exchanger being the same as the width direction of the housing; and the length direction of the functional assembly is the same as the length direction of the plate heat exchanger.

2. The water module according to claim 1, characterized in that: along the length direction of the housing, the orthographic projection of the functional assembly and the orthographic projection of the plate heat exchanger have an overlapping area.

3. The water module according to claim 1, characterized in that: the water module comprises an electric component box, the electric component box being disposed in the housing, and along the thickness direction of the housing, at least one of the functional assembly and the plate heat exchanger is disposed apart from the electric component box.

4. The water module according to claim 3, characterized in that: the water module comprises a first fixing frame and a second fixing frame, the first fixing frame being connected to the functional assembly, the second fixing frame being connected to the plate heat exchanger assembly, and the electric component box being connected to at least one of the first fixing frame and the second fixing frame.

5. The water module according to claim 1, characterized in that: the water module further comprises a water pump, the water pump being disposed in the housing, the water pump being connected to the plate heat exchanger through the water pipe, and along the width direction of the housing, at least one of the functional assembly and the plate heat exchanger is disposed apart from the water pump.

6. The water module according to claim 1, characterized in that: the water module comprises a water pump, the water pump being disposed in the housing, the water pump being connected to the plate heat exchanger through the water pipe, and the functional assembly, the plate heat exchanger, and the water pump are arranged along the length direction of the housing.

7. The water module according to claim 6, characterized in that: along the length direction of the housing, the plate heat exchanger is located between the functional assembly and the water pump; or along the length direction of the housing, the functional assembly is located between the plate heat exchanger and the water pump.

8. The water module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: the functional assembly comprises an expansion tank or an electric heater.

9. The water module according to claim 1, characterized in that: the water module comprises a water pump, the water pump being disposed in the housing, the water pump being connected to the plate heat exchanger through the water pipe, the functional assembly comprises an expansion tank and an electric heater, and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Along the width direction of the shell, the plate heat exchanger comprises a first end and a second end, the first end is provided with a water inlet interface, and the second end is provided with a water outlet interface, the water inlet interface of the plate heat exchanger is connected with the expansion tank through the water pipe, the water outlet interface of the plate heat exchanger is connected with the electric heater through the water pipe, and the expansion tank, the plate heat exchanger, the electric heater and the water pump are arranged along the length direction of the shell; or, Along the length direction of the shell, the electric heater and the water pump are located on the side of the plate heat exchanger away from the expansion tank.

10. The water module of claim 9, wherein, The water pump comprises a water inlet and a water outlet, and the water inlet and the water outlet are oppositely arranged along the width direction of the shell.

11. The water module of claim 1, wherein, The functional assembly comprises an expansion tank, Along the width direction of the shell, the plate heat exchanger comprises a first end, the first end is provided with a water inlet interface, the expansion tank comprises a water inlet and outlet, and the water inlet interface and the water inlet and outlet are located on the same side along the width direction of the shell.

12. The water module of claim 1, wherein, Along the width direction of the shell, the plate heat exchanger comprises a first end and a second end, the first end is provided with a water inlet interface and a refrigerant outlet interface, the second end is provided with a water outlet interface and a refrigerant inlet interface, the shell comprises a front plate and a back plate oppositely arranged along the thickness direction of the shell, and the water inlet interface, the refrigerant outlet interface, the water outlet interface and the refrigerant inlet interface are all arranged towards the front plate.

13. A water module comprising a shell, a plate heat exchanger assembly and a functional assembly, the shell is in the shape of a cuboid, the plate heat exchanger assembly and the functional assembly are arranged in the shell, the plate heat exchanger assembly comprises a plate heat exchanger, and the plate heat exchanger is connected with a water pipe and a refrigerant pipe, characterized in that: The plate heat exchanger is in the shape of a cuboid, and the length direction of the plate heat exchanger is the same as the width direction of the shell; The length direction of the functional assembly is perpendicular to the length direction of the plate heat exchanger.

14. The water module of claim 13, wherein, The functional assembly comprises an expansion tank, Along the width direction of the shell, the plate heat exchanger comprises a first end and a second end, the first end is provided with a water inlet interface, the expansion tank comprises a water inlet and outlet, and the water inlet and outlet is arranged close to the water inlet interface.

15. A heat pump system, characterized by A water module and an outdoor unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 are included, and the water module is connected with the outdoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

Images