A multi-purpose heat exchanger

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of multi-in-one heat exchangers, belong to automobile thermal management technical field. Including multiple side-by-side arranged flat tubes, rectangular wave-shaped radiating band is equipped between adjacent flat tubes;Flat tube both ends are equipped with side-by-side liquid collecting chamber, and are divided into cold and warm core body liquid collecting chamber group and dehumidification core body liquid collecting chamber group;Independent pass group is equipped in flat tube, respectively connect corresponding liquid collecting chamber, form cold and warm core body and dehumidification core body;Cooling liquid circulates in liquid collecting chamber and flat tube pass, and is thermally coupled with air, realizes refrigeration, heating and dehumidification. The utility model makes air conditioning box compact arrangement, reduce wind resistance, improve thermal management performance, reduce manufacturing cost;Adopt cooling liquid medium, avoid flammable and pollution risk of traditional refrigerant, especially suitable for automobile refrigerant heat pump system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive thermal management technology, specifically relating to an all-in-one heat exchanger for integrated thermal management that realizes cooling, heating and dehumidification functions. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of modern automotive thermal management, the air conditioning system, as a core component of vehicle comfort and energy efficiency, has always received considerable attention for its design and optimization. Traditional automotive air conditioning units typically consist of two separate components: an evaporator and a heater. The evaporator is responsible for the cooling process, absorbing heat through the evaporation of refrigerant to cool the air inside the vehicle; the heater, on the other hand, heats the air using hot water or a high-temperature medium to provide heating. This dual-component design stems from the limitations of early air conditioning technology, where cooling and heating were considered independent physical processes, thus arranging the evaporator and heater core separately within the air conditioning unit. While this arrangement functionally met basic requirements, it had several drawbacks.

[0003] First, inefficient space utilization is a major problem with traditional designs. Evaporators typically employ a double-layer parallel flow structure, consisting of vertical flat tubes, a liquid collection chamber, and heat dissipation fins, resulting in a relatively large volume. Heaters, on the other hand, use an I-type flow design, including a water chamber assembly, B-type flat tubes, and heat dissipation fins. These components are arranged independently, leading to an overall expansion of the air conditioning unit and occupying valuable interior space. This not only limits the vehicle's design flexibility but can also affect the optimization of the passenger compartment layout, such as reducing storage space or impacting seating arrangements. Furthermore, in electric vehicles, this wasted space indirectly increases the difficulty of battery pack placement, further limiting the vehicle's driving range.

[0004] Secondly, increased wind resistance is another key technical issue. Independently arranging the two heat exchangers within the air conditioning unit does not save space, but it also increases wind resistance, affecting performance and increasing manufacturing costs. For new energy vehicles, this translates to higher energy consumption, contradicting the design principles of energy conservation and environmental protection. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to solve the above problems and provide an all-in-one heat exchanger.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A multi-functional heat exchanger includes a flat tube and liquid collection chambers located at both ends of the flat tube and connected through internal channels of the flat tube. Each end of the flat tube has multiple liquid collection chambers arranged side by side, and all liquid collection chambers are divided into two groups: one group is a cold and warm core liquid collection chamber, and the other group is a dehumidification core liquid collection chamber. The flat tube is provided with two sets of independent channels. One set connects the liquid collection chambers of the hot and cold core at both ends of the flat tube to form a hot and cold core, and the other set connects the liquid collection chambers of the dehumidifying core at both ends of the flat tube to form a dehumidifying core. The coolant in the cooling and heating core liquid collection chamber, the coolant in the dehumidifying core liquid collection chamber, and the air flowing through the flat tube are thermally coupled through the flat tube.

[0007] Furthermore, multiple flat tubes are arranged along the length of the liquid collection chamber, and heat dissipation strips are provided between adjacent flat tubes.

[0008] Furthermore, the heat dissipation strip is rectangular in shape.

[0009] Furthermore, the number of liquid collection chambers at both ends of the flat tube is equal.

[0010] Furthermore, the number of liquid collection chambers in the heating and cooling core is four, namely the first liquid collection chamber, the second liquid collection chamber, the third liquid collection chamber, and the fourth liquid collection chamber; the number of liquid collection chambers in the dehumidifying core is two, namely the fifth liquid collection chamber and the sixth liquid collection chamber; and the flat tube has three channels. The first, third, and sixth liquid collection chambers are arranged side by side at one end of the flat tube; the second, fourth, and fifth liquid collection chambers are arranged side by side at the other end of the flat tube. The first liquid collection chamber is connected to the second liquid collection chamber through a flat tube internal channel; the second liquid collection chamber is connected to the fourth liquid collection chamber through an opening in the side wall; the fourth liquid collection chamber is connected to the third liquid collection chamber through a flat tube internal channel; the first liquid collection chamber is connected to the inlet pipe of the heating and cooling core; and the third liquid collection chamber is connected to the outlet pipe of the heating and cooling core. The fifth liquid collection chamber is connected to the sixth liquid collection chamber through a flat tube inner channel. The fifth liquid collection chamber is connected to the dehumidifying core liquid inlet pipe, and the sixth liquid collection chamber is connected to the dehumidifying core liquid outlet pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, the liquid collection chamber is made of a D-shaped tube.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model's all-in-one heat exchanger significantly optimizes the internal layout of automotive air conditioning units by integrating heating / cooling and dehumidifying cores into a single structure. Replacing the traditional dual-component design reduces the size of the air conditioning unit, freeing up more interior space. This is particularly beneficial for compact vehicles and electric vehicles. Simultaneously, the integrated structure reduces obstructions to airflow paths, lowering wind resistance and saving energy consumption. For new energy vehicles, this translates to longer driving range and lower operating costs.

[0013] In terms of manufacturing costs, this invention adopts a unified microchannel flat tube and liquid collection chamber assembly design, simplifying the production process. The separate manufacturing of traditional evaporators and heaters is integrated into a single component brazed molding, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps, thus lowering manufacturing costs. Material utilization is also higher; the design of the triple-row flat tube and rectangular wave heat dissipation strip optimizes the heat conduction path and reduces waste.

[0014] The heat exchanger in this invention uses a coolant as the medium, such as an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol. This medium is stable, non-toxic, non-flammable, and unlikely to leak in the circulation system. Even in a vehicle collision, it will not cause an explosion or fire hazard. Furthermore, the coolant is fluoride-free, avoiding the flammability risks of traditional refrigerants such as R290 and the ozone depletion problems of R23. Other advantages, objectives, and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination and study, or may be learned from practice of this invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the preferred embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the all-in-one heat exchanger in this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the multi-functional heat exchanger in this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged view of the heat dissipation strip and flat tube in this utility model.

[0018] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-First liquid collection chamber; 2-Second liquid collection chamber; 3-Third liquid collection chamber; 4-Fourth liquid collection chamber; 5-Fifth liquid collection chamber; 6-Sixth liquid collection chamber; 7-Flat tube; 8-Heat dissipation strip; 9-Side plate. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0020] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual pictures. They should not be construed as limiting the present invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] Example 1 like Figures 1-3 The diagram shows a multi-functional heat exchanger for automotive refrigerant heat pump systems. It includes flat tubes 7 and liquid collection chambers located at both ends of the flat tubes 7 and connected by internal channels. Multiple liquid collection chambers are arranged side-by-side at each end of the flat tubes 7, and all chambers are divided into two groups: one group for heating and cooling cores, and the other for dehumidifying cores. The flat tubes 7 have two independent channels. One group connects the heating and cooling cores at both ends of the flat tubes 7 to form a heating and cooling core, and the other group connects the dehumidifying cores at both ends of the flat tubes 7 to form a dehumidifying core. The coolant in the heating and cooling cores, the coolant in the dehumidifying cores, and the air flowing through the flat tubes 7 are thermally coupled through the flat tubes 7. Multiple flat tubes 7 are arranged along the length of the liquid collection chambers, and heat dissipation strips 8 are provided between adjacent flat tubes 7. The heat dissipation strips 8 are rectangular and wavy to facilitate the discharge of condensate during cooling. The number of liquid collecting chambers at both ends of the flat tube 7 is equal, and the liquid collecting chambers are made of D-shaped tubes.

[0023] In this embodiment, the number of liquid collection chambers in the heating and cooling core is four, namely the first liquid collection chamber 1, the second liquid collection chamber 2, the third liquid collection chamber 3, and the fourth liquid collection chamber 4; the number of liquid collection chambers in the dehumidifying core is two, namely the fifth liquid collection chamber 5 and the sixth liquid collection chamber 6; the flat tube 7 has three channels; the first liquid collection chamber 1, the third liquid collection chamber 3, and the sixth liquid collection chamber 6 are arranged side by side at one end of the flat tube 7; the second liquid collection chamber 2, the fourth liquid collection chamber 4, and the fifth liquid collection chamber 5 are arranged side by side at the other end of the flat tube 7; the first liquid collection chamber... Liquid chamber 1 is connected to the second liquid collection chamber 2 via an internal channel in the flat tube 7. The second liquid collection chamber 2 is connected to the fourth liquid collection chamber 4 via an opening in the side wall. The fourth liquid collection chamber 4 is connected to the third liquid collection chamber 3 via an internal channel in the flat tube 7. The first liquid collection chamber 1 is connected to the inlet pipe of the heating and cooling core, and the third liquid collection chamber 3 is connected to the outlet pipe of the heating and cooling core. The fifth liquid collection chamber 5 is connected to the sixth liquid collection chamber 6 via an internal channel in the flat tube 7. The fifth liquid collection chamber 5 is connected to the inlet pipe of the dehumidifying core, and the sixth liquid collection chamber 6 is connected to the outlet pipe of the dehumidifying core. Side plates 9 are provided on both sides of the flat tube 7 for fixing the overall structure.

[0024] When operating in an automotive refrigerant heat pump system, coolant (low / high temperature) flows from the heating / cooling core through the first collection chamber 1, then through the microchannels in the flat tube 7 (a 6-hole design is used during cooling to reduce flow resistance) to the second collection chamber 2, then through the convection holes to the fourth collection chamber 4, and finally through the microchannels in the flat tube 7 to the third collection chamber 3 and out through the drain pipe, forming a coolant circulation and exchanging heat with the air to achieve cooling or heating functions. When a high cooling capacity is required, a small flow of coolant can be introduced into the dehumidifying core, flowing from the fifth collection chamber 5 into the microchannels in the flat tube 7 and then out through the sixth collection chamber 6, thus enhancing the cooling effect. During heating, a low-temperature coolant is introduced into the dehumidifying core, flowing from the fifth collection chamber 5 into the microchannels in the flat tube 7 and then out through the sixth collection chamber 6, thus achieving a dehumidification effect.

[0025] The entire heat exchanger assembly can be manufactured using the traditional brazing forming method for evaporators, simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0026] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of this technical solution, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-functional heat exchanger, comprising a flat tube and liquid collection chambers disposed at both ends of the flat tube and connected through internal channels of the flat tube, characterized in that: The flat tube has multiple liquid collection chambers arranged side by side at each end, and all liquid collection chambers are divided into two groups: one group is the liquid collection chamber for the heating and cooling core, and the other group is the liquid collection chamber for the dehumidifying core. The flat tube is provided with two sets of independent channels. One set connects the liquid collection chambers of the hot and cold core at both ends of the flat tube to form a hot and cold core, and the other set connects the liquid collection chambers of the dehumidifying core at both ends of the flat tube to form a dehumidifying core. The coolant in the heating and cooling core liquid collection chamber, the coolant in the dehumidifying core liquid collection chamber, and the air flowing through the flat tube are thermally coupled through the flat tube.

2. The multi-functional heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple flat tubes are arranged along the length of the liquid collection chamber, and heat dissipation strips are provided between adjacent flat tubes.

3. The multi-functional heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat dissipation strip is rectangular and wavy.

4. The multi-functional heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of liquid collection chambers at both ends of the flat tube is equal.

5. The multi-functional heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heating and cooling core has four liquid collection chambers, namely the first liquid collection chamber, the second liquid collection chamber, the third liquid collection chamber, and the fourth liquid collection chamber; the dehumidifying core has two liquid collection chambers, namely the fifth liquid collection chamber and the sixth liquid collection chamber; the flat tube has three channels. The first, third, and sixth liquid collection chambers are arranged side by side at one end of the flat tube; the second, fourth, and fifth liquid collection chambers are arranged side by side at the other end of the flat tube. The first liquid collection chamber is connected to the second liquid collection chamber through a flat tube internal channel; the second liquid collection chamber is connected to the fourth liquid collection chamber through an opening in the side wall; the fourth liquid collection chamber is connected to the third liquid collection chamber through a flat tube internal channel; the first liquid collection chamber is connected to the inlet pipe of the heating and cooling core; and the third liquid collection chamber is connected to the outlet pipe of the heating and cooling core. The fifth liquid collection chamber is connected to the sixth liquid collection chamber through a flat tube inner channel. The fifth liquid collection chamber is connected to the dehumidifying core liquid inlet pipe, and the sixth liquid collection chamber is connected to the dehumidifying core liquid outlet pipe.

6. The multi-functional heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid collection chamber is made of a D-shaped tube.

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