Integrated heat exchanger

Abstract

Integrated heat exchanger (1000), comprising: a water box (100) in which a collector / distributor (110) and a container (130) are coupled to form a space in which a heat exchange medium is stored and flows, and in which a seal (120) is inserted between the collector / distributor (110) and the container (130) to seal a section in which the collector / distributor (110) and the container (130) are coupled to each other, wherein an interior space of the water box (100) is subdivided in such a way that first space sections (A1) are formed between areas in which the heat exchange medium flows, and in the section in which the collector / distributor (110) and the tank (130) are coupled together, the first space sections (A1) are connected to an exterior space (A2) of the water box (100), the water tank contains (100): the collector / distributor (110) which has a sealing seat groove (111) formed in an edge section thereof; wherein the seal (120) has a circumferential section (121) which is inserted into the seal seat groove (111) and has both ends of a pair of bridges (122) which are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction and are connected to the circumferential section (121); wherein the container (130) has a coupling section (131) formed at an open end section thereof, which is in close contact with the circumferential section (121) of the seal (120), and which is coupled to the collector / distributor (110) to form a space through which the heat exchange medium flows; and a pair of guide plates (140) which are formed longitudinally spaced apart from each other inside the container (130) and which are in close contact with the pair of bridges (122) of the seal (120) in order to divide the interior space formed by the coupling between the collector / distributor (110) and the container (130), and wherein the first space (A1) between the pair of guide plates (140) and the outer space (A2) of the water tank (100) are connected to each other via a space (G) between the sealing seat groove (111) of the collector / distributor (110) and the coupling section (131) of the tank (130), wherein the seal (120) has a cutout section (124) at a location between the pair of guide plates (140) in which a section of the circumferential section (121) is removed, wherein the cutout section (124) is formed in the width direction on both sides of the circumferential section (121), and wherein the seal (120) has a pair of connecting sections (123) that connect the pair of bridges (122) to each other and are formed such that they are spaced apart from each other at a location that is spaced inwards in the width direction from the cutout section (124), to maintain a distance between the pair of bridges (122).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The following disclosure relates to an integrated heat exchanger in which two heat exchanger pairs are formed in one piece. BACKGROUND

[0002] A heat exchanger is generally a device that is installed in a specific flow path to carry out heat exchange in such a way that a heat exchange medium circulating in the specific flow path absorbs heat from outside air or radiates heat from the heat exchange medium itself to the outside.

[0003] Such a heat exchanger is manufactured in various ways according to its intended use, for example as a condenser and evaporator that use a refrigerant as a heat exchange medium, as a cooler and heating element that use cooling water as the heat exchange medium, as an oil cooler that uses oil as the heat exchange medium to cool oil flowing in a power engine and in a gearbox, and the like.

[0004] While interest in the environment and energy in the automotive industry has increased worldwide recently, research is also being conducted to improve fuel efficiency, with continuous research and development for weight reduction, miniaturization and high functionalization to meet the needs of various consumers.

[0005] However, if several heat exchangers are manufactured and installed separately in a vehicle's heat exchanger system, the large number of manufacturing processes not only results in low productivity but also in such high material waste that, in addition to increased costs, it becomes difficult to secure space for the assembly of each individual heat exchanger. Therefore, various techniques for forming multiple heat exchangers as a single unit are being developed and implemented to solve the aforementioned problem.

[0006] The Korean patent publication KR 10 2007 0 081 635 A, which is in the related field, discloses an integrated heat exchanger, and Fig. Figure 1 is a view representing an integrated heat exchanger of the related area.

[0007] As shown, the integrated heat exchanger, according to the related field, is configured to include several first tubes 11 through which a first fluid flows, a first core part 10 containing a first heat-radiating fin 12 inserted between the first tubes 11 and first collectors / distributors 13, each coupled to both ends of the first tubes 11, several second tubes 21 through which a second fluid flows, a second core part 20 containing a second heat-radiating fin 22 inserted between the second tubes 21 and second collectors / distributors 23, each coupled to both ends of the second tubes 21, and a single vessel 30 coupled simultaneously to the first collectors / distributors 13 and to the second collectors / distributors 23 of the first and second core parts 10 and 20 to form a space in which the first and the second fluid flows, and at least one guide plate 60,which is installed in the container 30 to separate the first fluid and the second fluid from each other. The integrated heat exchanger, as described above, can simultaneously cool two heat exchange media by dividing an inner section of the single container 30 with the baffle plate 60.

[0008] However, in such a heat exchanger, the pipes 11 and 21 and the vessel 30 are deformed by a difference in thermal expansion between the pipes 11 and 21 and the vessel 30 due to a temperature difference, since the two heat exchange media with different temperatures are circulated in the single tank divided by the baffle 60. This can result in a leakage loss of the heat exchange medium. To solve this problem, a pair of baffles 60 are installed in the vessel 30, spaced apart from each other, and a heat-blocking slot 31 is formed between the pair of baffles 60 to prevent heat transfer between the two heat exchange media through the vessel 30. However, there is a problem that heat transfer can still occur through a connecting section of the vessel 30, and that a leakage loss of the heat exchange medium can still occur.Accordingly, a leak detection hole can be formed in the collector / distributor 12, 23 or in the container 30 at a point between the pair of guide plates 60 in order to detect leakage of the heat exchange media. However, external foreign substances or the like can be introduced through the leak detection hole, and corrosion of a sealed section can occur. [Documents of the related field]

[0009] KR 10 2007 0 081 635 A

[0010] DE 10 2010 050 555 A1 relates to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has dividing means for partitioning a collector tank such that a first chamber and a second chamber are arranged longitudinally from the main tank body. An annular outer circumferential sealing surface is provided around a pipe connection surface of a core plate of the collector tank over its entire circumference and is fitted with a seal. A partition sealing surface is provided on the pipe connection surface at a position corresponding to the dividing means and is fitted with a seal. The seal seals between the core plate and the partitioning means. The partition sealing surface is positioned on a plane identical to a plane of the outer circumferential sealing surface.Part of the seal, which is held in between by the core plate and the main tank body, has a constant thickness.

[0011] US 2008 / 0047687 A1 relates to a combination heat exchanger having an improved end tank assembly. The combination heat exchanger comprises: a heat exchanger core with multiple tubes, the core having at least one core end; an end tank with two side walls and two end walls, two partitions, the cavity defining at least a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber, a circumferential edge defined by the outer edges of the side walls, the outer edges of the two end walls, and the outer edges of the two partitions; a head plate engaging between the end tank and the core end; and a gasket between the circumferential edge and the contact surface of the head plate, the compression ratio of the gasket varying along the contact surfaces of the circumferential edge and the contact surface of the end plate.

[0012] DE 10 2012 204 520 A1 relates to a heat exchanger. An outer peripheral sealing surface of an inner surface of a core plate of a collector tank is formed in a loop shape and extends along an outer peripheral edge section of the core plate and, in conjunction with an outer peripheral end section of a tank main body of the collector tank, clamps a seal. A transition section of the outer peripheral sealing surface establishes a connection between a primary section and a secondary section, which are arranged in two different planes. The plane of the secondary section is the same as a plane of a sealing surface of a boundary section, which is held between two pipe connection surfaces in the core plate.

[0013] DE 23 53 442 A1 relates to a gasket for a heat exchanger. The gasket is for a heat exchanger for heating or cooling with a water tank consisting of a base and a cover, which is pressed from a mold, has a rectangular contour and a circular cross-section. Preferably, an inwardly directed lip is formed onto the cross-section, the lower edge of which runs obliquely to a diameter of the cross-section, and with a quadrant section adjoining the inclined part of the lip and with longitudinal and / or transverse ribs, having a concave cross-section towards the cover part. The gasket can be made of plastic or rubber and accommodates expansion and manufacturing tolerances without rework, has a progressive spring characteristic, and a circular cross-section.

[0014] FR 2 913 477 A1 relates to a gasket for the manifold of a heat exchanger. The joint has a hexagonally shaped main part that extends in a plane. A flat crossbar is connected to two longitudinal edges of the main part such that the distance between the edges increases near the crossbar. Before assembly of the joint, the crossbar extends in the same plane as the main part; after assembly, it extends in a plane different from that of the main part. The crossbar is made of a deformable material, e.g., polymer, so that it rests on a manifold plate during assembly.

[0015] JP 2016-102623 A concerns a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger comprises: a first sealing section sandwiched between side walls and a core plate, defining a first tank interior; a second sealing section sandwiched between side walls and the core plate, defining a second interior; and a connecting section linking the first sealing section to the second sealing section. The compression ratio of the connecting section is lower than both the compression ratio of the first sealing section and the compression ratio of the second sealing section.

[0016] DE 10 2007 054 345 A1 relates to a cooling module. A cooling module comprises an intercooler and an integrated heat exchanger, which cools a condenser unit for cooling a coolant circulating in a cooling circuit by means of heat exchange between the coolant and air, and an oil cooler unit for cooling an oil at a higher temperature than the coolant by means of heat exchange between the oil and air. The condenser unit and the oil cooler unit are arranged vertically parallel to each other, and the integrated heat exchanger is located downstream of the intercooler in the direction of airflow. The vertical length of the integrated heat exchanger is greater than the vertical length of the intercooler. The oil cooler unit is arranged superimposed or stacked on top of at least part of the intercooler in the direction of airflow. SUMMARY

[0017] The object of the invention is to provide an integrated heat exchanger in which reliable heat transfer is ensured while avoiding leakage losses of the heat exchange medium.

[0018] The problem is solved with an integrated heat exchanger having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0019] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to the creation of an integrated heat exchanger which, in the integrated heat exchanger in which the two heat exchange parts are formed in one piece, can prevent heat exchange media from leaking between two heat exchange parts and which can detect the leakage loss of the heat exchange medium, even when the leakage loss of the heat exchange medium occurs.

[0020] In general terms, an integrated heat exchanger comprises: a water box 100 in which a collector / distributor 110 and a vessel 130 are coupled to form a space in which a heat exchange medium is stored and flows, and in which a seal 120 is inserted between the collector / distributor 110 and the vessel 130 to seal a section in which the collector / distributor 110 and the vessel 130 are coupled, wherein an interior of the water box 100 is subdivided in such a way that first space sections A1 are formed between areas in which the heat exchange medium flows, and in the section in which the collector / distributor 110 and the vessel 130 are coupled, a heat exchange medium discharge medium is formed, such that the first space sections A1 are connected to an exterior space A2 of the water box 100.

[0021] The water tank 100 can include: the collector / distributor 110, which has a sealing seat groove 111 formed in an edge section thereof; wherein the seal 120 has a circumferential section 121 inserted into the sealing seat groove 111 and both ends of a pair of bridges 122 spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction and connected to the circumferential section 121; wherein the tank 130 has a coupling section 131 formed at an open end section thereof, which is in close contact with the circumferential section 121 of the seal 120 and which is coupled to the collector / distributor 110 to form a space through which the heat exchange medium flows;and a pair of guide plates 140, which are formed longitudinally spaced apart from each other inside the container 130 and which are in close contact with the pair of bridges 122 of the seal 120 in order to divide the interior space formed by the coupling between the collector / distributor 110 and the container 130, wherein the first space A1 between the pair of guide plates 140 and the outer space A2 of the water tank 100 can be connected to each other via an intermediate space G between the seal seat groove 111 of the collector / distributor 110 and the coupling section 131 of the container 130.;

[0022] A pair of water boxes 100 can be arranged spaced apart from each other, and the integrated heat exchanger can further include several refrigerant tubes 200, both ends of which are attached to the pair of water boxes 100 to form a flow path of the heat exchange medium; and several fins 300 which are inserted and coupled between the refrigerant tubes 200.

[0023] The places in the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide plates 140 formed in the water box 100 which is arranged in an upper section, and the places in the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide plates 140 formed in the water box 100 which is arranged in a lower section, can be formed at the same place.

[0024] With regard to the locations where the pair of guide plates 140 is formed, a first heat exchange section 1000-1 can be formed longitudinally on one side and a second heat exchange section 1000-2 can be formed longitudinally on the other side, wherein the first heat exchange section 1000-1 and the second heat exchange section 1000-2 can be provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe respectively, so that different heat exchange media flow in the first heat exchange section 1000-1 and in the second heat exchange section 1000-2.

[0025] Furthermore, the integrated heat exchanger can contain 1000 blind tubes 400, which are arranged between the refrigerant tubes 200 and whose two ends are connected to the pair of water boxes 100 and to the first space A1 between the pair of guide plates 140.

[0026] The blind pipes 400 can be designed in such a way that the heat exchange medium does not flow in them.

[0027] The blind pipes 400 can be formed in the form of a pipe whose two ends are closed.

[0028] The blind pipes 400 can be formed in the same shape as the refrigerant pipes 200.

[0029] The seal 120 can have a cutout section 124 at a point between the pair of guide plates 140, in which a section of the circumferential section 121 is removed.

[0030] The seal 120 has a connecting section 123 at a point in the circumferential direction spaced inwards in the width direction of the circumferential section 121, which connects the pair of bridges 122.

[0031] The cutout sections 124 can be formed in the width direction on both sides of the circumferential section 121.

[0032] The seal 120 can have connecting sections 123 that connect the pair of bridges 122, each formed at points of the circumferential section 121 that are spaced inwards in the width direction.

[0033] The seal 120 can include a first sealing section 120-1, which seals the area of ​​one side of the water box 100, in which the heat exchange medium flows, with respect to the first space section A1, a second sealing section 120-2, which seals the area of ​​the other side of the water box 100, in which the heat exchange medium flows, with respect to the first space section A1, and a connecting section 123, which connects the first sealing section 120-1 and the second sealing section 120-2.

[0034] The connecting section 123 can have a smaller cross-sectional area than the circumferential section 121 of the first sealing section 120-1 and the second sealing section 120-2.

[0035] The connecting section 123 can have a smaller diameter than the circumferential section 121 of the first sealing section 120-1 and the second sealing section 120-2.

[0036] The seal 120 can have the first sealing section 120-1, the second sealing section 120-2 and the connecting section 123, which are formed in one piece.

[0037] The guide plate 140 can be formed as a single unit with the container 130. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a view representing a heat exchanger of the related area. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 is a composite perspective view and a perspective exploded view representing an integrated heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective partial view showing a seal according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a front cross-sectional view showing a section in which a guide plate is positioned in a water box according to the present invention. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view along a direction AA' from Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along a direction BB' from Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing another example of the seal according to the present invention. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view along direction AA' in an example where the seal is made of Fig. 8 is built in. [Detailed description of main elements] 1000 integrated heat exchangers 1000-1 first heat exchange section 1000-2 second heat exchange section 100 water crates 110 collectors / distributors 111 Seal seat groove 112 Pipe insertion hole 113 deformed section 120 seals 120-1 first sealing section 120-2 second sealing section 121 Scope section 122 Bridge 123 Connecting section 124 Excerpt 130 containers 131 Coupling section 140 guide plate 150 Inlet pipe 160 outlet pipe A1 first room A2 Exterior G space 200 refrigerant pipe 300 rib 400 blind pipe DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0038] In the following, an integrated heat exchanger according to the present invention with the configuration described above will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 is a composite perspective view and a perspective exploded view, which represent an integrated heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective partial view showing a seal according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a front cross-sectional view showing a section in which a guide plate is positioned in a water box according to the present invention, and Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are cross-sectional views along a direction AA' from Fig. 5 and a cross-sectional view along a direction BB' from Fig. 5.

[0040] As shown, an integrated heat exchanger 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a water box 100 in which a collector / distributor 110 and a container 130 are coupled to form a space in which a heat exchange medium can be stored and flow, and wherein a seal 120 is inserted between the collector / distributor 110 and the container 130 to seal a section in which the collector / distributor 110 and the container 130 are coupled, wherein an interior of the water box 100 can be subdivided so that first space sections A1 are formed between areas in which the heat exchange medium flows, and wherein a heat exchange medium discharge element can be formed in a section in which the collector / distributor 110 and the container 130 are coupled, so that the first space sections A1 are connected to the outer space A2 of the water box 100 stand.

[0041] Firstly, the integrated heat exchanger 1000 according to the present invention can generally include a pair of water boxes 100, several refrigerant tubes 200 and several fins 300.

[0042] The water boxes 100 can form a flow path through which a heat exchange medium flows and can be arranged side by side, spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in a vertical direction. Furthermore, the water box 100 can be formed by a coupling between the collector / distributor 110 and the tank 130. In the section where the collector / distributor 110 and the tank 130 are coupled, a seal 120 is inserted between them, acting as a sealing element to prevent leakage of the heat exchange medium. Additionally, the water boxes 100 can be configured with inlet pipes 150, into which the heat exchange medium is introduced, and outlet pipes 160, through which the heat exchange medium is expelled.

[0043] The refrigerant tubes 200 are inserted into tube insertion holes 112 formed in the collectors / distributors 110 of the water tanks 100, and then both ends are secured by welding or similar means to form heat exchange medium flow paths. The heat exchange medium flows through the refrigerant tubes 200, where the heat exchange takes place. Several tube insertion holes 112 are formed in the collector / distributor 110 so that the end sections of the refrigerant tubes 200 can be inserted into them. The multiple tube insertion holes 112 are spaced apart from each other longitudinally by a predetermined distance, so that the multiple refrigerant tubes 200 can be arranged side by side with a longitudinal distance between them.

[0044] The fins 300 can be inserted between the refrigerant tubes 200 and, in a state where they are in contact with the refrigerant tubes 200, can be coupled to them by welding or similar means. The fins 300 are formed in a corrugated shape, which serves to increase the heat-radiating surface of the heat exchange medium passing through the refrigerant tubes 200, thereby increasing the heat exchange efficiency.

[0045] The collectors / distributors 110 and the containers 130 of the water boxes 100 according to the present invention are coupled together to form spaces in which the heat exchange medium can be stored and flow. In this case, the seals 120 are inserted between the collectors / distributors 110 and the containers 130, and the collectors / distributors 110 and the containers 130 are then coupled together so that the sections in which the collectors / distributors 110 and the containers 130 are coupled together can be sealed. An interior space of the water box 100 can be divided by a baffle plate 140 or the like, so that between areas in which the heat exchange medium flows, first space sections A1 are formed, which are voids, and on one side and on the other side of the first space section A1 the areas in which different heat exchange media can flow can be formed in such a way that they are sealed.Furthermore, in the section where the collector / distributor 110 and the tank 130 are coupled to connect with the external space A2, which is an external space of the first room section A1 and the water tank 100, a heat exchange medium discharge medium can be formed. In this case, the heat exchange medium discharge medium can, for example, be a flow path through which the heat exchange medium can pass, and it can also be formed in various ways.

[0046] Thus, the integrated heat exchanger according to the present invention can detect, via the heat exchange medium discharge means, that the heat exchange medium has leaked between the two heat exchange sections. Since in this case no separate opening for detecting the leakage loss of the heat exchange medium is formed in the collector / distributor or in the container, and since external foreign substances or the like are difficult to introduce via the heat exchange medium discharge means, which is a passage through which the leakage loss of the heat exchange medium can be detected, it is possible to prevent corrosion by foreign substances in the section between the two heat exchange sections.

[0047] Furthermore, the pair of water tanks 100 includes the collectors / distributors 110, in whose edge sections sealing seat grooves 111 are formed; the seals 120 have circumferential sections 121 which are inserted into the sealing seat grooves 111, and their two ends of a pair of bridges 122 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and connected to the circumferential sections 121; the tanks 130 have coupling sections 131 which are formed on open end sections thereof, which are in close contact with the circumferential sections 121 of the seals 120, and which are coupled to the collectors / distributors 110 to form spaces through which the heat exchange medium flows;and a pair of guide plates 140 are formed in the containers 130, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, which are in close contact with the pair of bridges 122 of the seals 120 in order to subdivide the interior spaces formed by the coupling between the collectors / distributors 110 and the containers 130, wherein the first spaces A1 between the pair of guide plates 140 and the outer space A2 of the water boxes 100 can be configured such that they are connected to each other via gaps G between the seal seat grooves 111 of the collectors / distributors 110 and the coupling sections 131 of the containers 130.

[0048] The collectors / distributors 110 are provided here with the sealing seat grooves 111, so that the seals 120 can be inserted into the edge sections thereof, and the sealing seat grooves 111 can be concave along the entire circumferences of the collectors / distributors 110.

[0049] The seals 120 can have circumferential sections 121 formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the seal seat grooves 111 formed in the collectors / distributors 110. Furthermore, the seals 120 can have a pair of bridges 122 connected to both sides of the circumferential sections 121 in the lateral direction, with the pair of bridges 122 being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the circumferential sections 121 of the seals 120 can be inserted into the seal seat grooves 111, and the bridges 122 can each be arranged on both sides of a pipe insertion hole 112 formed in the collector / distributor 110. Thus, the bridges 122 can be arranged between the pipe insertion holes 112.

[0050] The tanks 130 are coupled to the manifolds / collectors 110 to form the spaces in which the heat exchange medium can be stored and flow. The tanks 130 are concave in shape with one open end and have coupling sections 131 formed along their circumference at the open end, such that the coupling sections 131 can be inserted into the sealing grooves 111 of the manifolds / collectors 110. As a result, the circumferential sections 121 of the seals 120 are inserted into the sealing grooves 111 of the manifolds / collectors 110, and the bridges 122 are placed on the upper surfaces of the manifolds / collectors 110.

[0051] In this case, the guide plates 140 are formed inside the containers 130 to subdivide the interiors of the containers 130, and they can be formed at locations corresponding to the bridges 122 of the seals 120. That is, the guide plates 140 can be configured in pairs and arranged longitudinally spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the guide plates 140 can be formed integrally with the containers 130.

[0052] Furthermore, the positions of the pair of guide plates 140 formed in the water box 100 which is arranged in an upper section and the positions of the pair of guide plates 140 formed in the water box 100 which is arranged in a lower section can be formed in the same longitudinal direction.

[0053] As a result, the coupling sections 131 of the containers 130 are coupled in a state in which the seals 120 are coupled to the collectors / distributors 110, inserting into the seal seat grooves 111 of the collectors / distributors 110, and deformed sections 113, extending upwards from the outside of the seal seat grooves 111, are bent towards the containers 130 in a state in which the collectors / distributors 110 and the containers 130 are pressed.Thus, in a state in which the circumferential sections 121 of the seals 120 are pressed through the collectors / distributors 110 and through the reservoirs 130 so that they are in close contact with the collectors / distributors 110 and with the reservoirs 130, and in which the bridges 122 of the seals 120 are pressed through the collectors / distributors 110 and through the guide plates 140 so that they are in close contact with the collectors / distributors 110 and with the guide plates 140, the circumferential sections 121 of the seals 120 can be coupled to the collectors / distributors 110 and the reservoirs 130 and the bridges 122 of the seals 120 can be coupled to the collectors / distributors 110 and with the guide plates 140.

[0054] Accordingly, the interior spaces of the water boxes 100 are subdivided by the pair of guide plates 140, and with respect to the location where the pair of guide plates 140 is formed, a first heat exchange section 1000-1 can be formed on the left side longitudinally and a second heat exchange section 1000-2 can be formed on the right side longitudinally. Furthermore, the first heat exchange section 1000-1 and the second heat exchange section 1000-2 are provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, respectively, so that different heat exchange media can flow in the first heat exchange section 1000-1 and in the second heat exchange section 1000-2.

[0055] The first space A1, which is a void between the pair of guide plates 140 of the collector / distributor 100, is connected here to the outer space A2 of the water tank 100. As shown, the first space A1 and the outer space A2 can be configured to be connected to each other via the space G between the sealing seat groove 111 of the collector / distributor 110 and the coupling section 131 of the tank 130.

[0056] Thus, the integrated heat exchanger according to the present invention can detect that the heat exchange medium has leaked between the two heat exchange sections. Since in this case no separate opening for detecting the leakage loss of the heat exchange medium is formed in the collector / distributor or in the container, and since foreign substances or the like are difficult to introduce through the space, which is a passage through which the leakage loss of the heat exchange medium can be detected, it is possible to prevent corrosion by foreign substances in the section between the two heat exchange sections.

[0057] Furthermore, the integrated heat exchanger 1000 can also include blind tubes 400, which are arranged between the refrigerant tubes 200 and whose two ends are connected to the pair of water boxes 100 and to the first space A1 between the pair of guide plates 140.

[0058] That is, as shown, the blind tubes 400 can be arranged longitudinally at positions between the pair of guide plates 140, and an upper end of the blind tube 400 can be connected to the first chamber A1 of the water box 100 located in the upper section, and a lower end of it can be connected to the first chamber A1 of the water box 100 located in the lower section. In this case, the blind tube 400 is formed in the form of a tube in which one inner section is empty and both ends are open, and which serves to block heat transfer between the two heat exchange sections when heat exchange media with different temperatures flow through the first heat exchange section 1000-1 and through the second heat exchange section 1000-2.

[0059] Furthermore, the blind pipes 400 can be configured so that the heat exchange medium does not flow within them. That is, both ends of the blind pipes 400 are connected to the first chamber A1 between the guide plates 140, so that the heat exchange medium can either be introduced into the blind pipes 400 or not flow along them. However, the heat exchange medium can be introduced into or flow along the blind pipes 400 if the heat exchange medium leaks towards the first chamber A1 in the water tank of the first heat exchange section 1000-1 or the second heat exchange section 1000-2, and the heat exchange medium is introduced into the first chamber A1. Thus, the blind pipes 400 are, for example, configured as a pipe with both ends closed, so that the heat exchange medium cannot flow within them.After the blind pipes 400, whose two ends are open, have been inserted into the pipe insertion holes 112 of the collector / distributor 110, both ends of the blind pipes 400 are closed by pressure or sealing, which prevents the heat exchange medium from being introduced into the blind pipes 400.

[0060] Furthermore, the blind tubes 400 can be formed in the same shape as the refrigerant tubes 200. That is, the refrigerant tubes 200 can be formed in the shape of a tube in which both ends are open, allowing the heat exchange medium to flow. Thus, the refrigerant tube 200 and the blind tube 400 can be used with the same type of tube, without any distinction between them, provided the blind tubes 400 are formed in the same shape as the refrigerant tubes 200, since the refrigerant tubes 200 and the blind tubes 400 can be used together. In this case, the refrigerant tubes 200 can be arranged in the first heat exchange section 1001-1 and in the second heat exchange section 1000-2, and the blind tubes 400 can be arranged longitudinally at positions between the pair of guide vanes 140.

[0061] Furthermore, the seal 120 can have a cutout section 124 in which a section of the circumferential section 121 is removed at a point between the pair of guide plates 140.

[0062] That is, as shown, the circumferential section 121 of the seal 120 can be provided with the cutout section 124 in the form in which the entire circumferential section 121 corresponds to a trajectory of the seal seat groove 111 of the collector / distributor 110, in which the area between the pair of guide plates 140 is separated longitudinally. As a result, the cutout section 124 of the seal 120, together with the seal seat groove 111 of the collector / distributor 110 and with the coupling section 131 of the container 130, forms a void. Thus, it is possible to easily detect the leakage loss of the heat exchange medium across the space G between the cutout section 124 and the sealing seat groove 111 of the collector / distributor 110 and the coupling section 131 of the vessel 130 if the leakage loss of the heat exchange medium occurs in the direction of the first space A1.

[0063] In this case, the seal 120 can have a connecting section 123 at a point in the circumferential direction that is spaced inwards in the width direction of the circumferential section 121, and this connecting section joins the pair of bridges 122. That is, as shown, a precise distance between the pair of bridges 122 cannot be maintained if the cutout section 124 is formed in the circumferential section 121 of the seal 120 as shown. Thus, the connecting section 123, which connects the pair of bridges 122, is formed at the point in the circumferential direction that is spaced inwards in the width direction of the circumferential section 121, thereby making it possible to easily maintain the shape of the seal 120 by means of the connecting section 123.

[0064] Furthermore, the cutout sections 124 can be formed in the width direction on both sides of the circumferential section 121.

[0065] This means that the cutout sections 124 of the seal 120 are each formed in sections that are positioned in the width direction on both sides of the circumferential section 121, making it possible to easily detect the leakage loss of the heat exchange medium on both sides of the water box 100 in the width direction.

[0066] In this case, the connecting sections 123 of the seal 120 can each be formed at the points of the cutout sections 124 that are spaced inwards in the width direction.

[0067] Furthermore, the seal 120 can include a first sealing section 120-1, which seals the area of ​​one side of the water box 100 in which the heat exchange medium flows with respect to the first space section A1, a second sealing section 120-2, which seals the area of ​​the other side of the water box 100 in which the heat exchange medium flows with respect to the first space section A1, and the connecting sections 123, which connect the first sealing section 120-1 and the second sealing section 120-2.

[0068] That is, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the seal 120 is formed by separating the first sealing section 120-1 and the second sealing section 120-2 in such a way that the circumferential section 121 and the bridge 122 are connected to each other so that they cannot be separated, and it can be formed in such a way that the respective separated first sealing section 120-1 and second sealing section 120-2 are connected to each other by the connecting sections 123. The first sealing section 120-1, the second sealing section 120-2 and the connecting section 123 can be formed in one piece by injection molding.

[0069] Furthermore, the connecting section 123 can have a smaller cross-sectional area than the circumferential section 121 of the first sealing section 120-1 and the second sealing section 120-2.

[0070] As in Fig. 8 and Fig.As shown in Figure 9, the connecting section 123 can have a smaller diameter than the circumferential section 121 in this case. Thus, sections in which the connecting sections 123 are present are not closed and can form gaps through which the heat exchange medium can flow, even when the circumferential section 121 of the seal 120 is pressed through the coupling between the collector / distributor 110 and the container 130.

[0071] According to the present invention, the integrated heat exchanger can detect the heat exchange media that have leaked between the two heat exchange parts and can prevent corrosion caused by foreign substances in the section between the two heat exchange parts, since external foreign substances are difficult to introduce through a passage through which the leakage loss of the heat exchange medium can be detected.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments mentioned above, but can be applied in various ways. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways by a person skilled in the art in the field to which it relates, without departing from the main point of the present invention as claimed in the claims.

Claims

[1] Integrated heat exchanger (1000), comprising: a water box (100) in which a collector / distributor (110) and a container (130) are coupled to form a space in which a heat exchange medium is stored and flows, and in which a seal (120) is inserted between the collector / distributor (110) and the container (130) to seal a section in which the collector / distributor (110) and the container (130) are coupled to each other, wherein an interior space of the water box (100) is subdivided in such a way that first space sections (A1) are formed between areas in which the heat exchange medium flows, and in the section in which the collector / distributor (110) and the tank (130) are coupled together, the first space sections (A1) are connected to an exterior space (A2) of the water box (100), the water tank contains (100): the collector / distributor (110) which has a sealing seat groove (111) formed in an edge section thereof; wherein the seal (120) has a circumferential section (121) which is inserted into the seal seat groove (111) and has both ends of a pair of bridges (122) which are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction and are connected to the circumferential section (121); wherein the container (130) has a coupling section (131) formed at an open end section thereof, which is in close contact with the circumferential section (121) of the seal (120), and which is coupled to the collector / distributor (110) to form a space through which the heat exchange medium flows; and a pair of guide plates (140) which are formed longitudinally spaced apart from each other inside the container (130) and which are in close contact with the pair of bridges (122) of the seal (120) in order to divide the interior space formed by the coupling between the collector / distributor (110) and the container (130), and wherein the first space (A1) between the pair of guide plates (140) and the outer space (A2) of the water tank (100) are connected to each other via a space (G) between the sealing seat groove (111) of the collector / distributor (110) and the coupling section (131) of the tank (130), wherein the seal (120) has a cutout section (124) at a location between the pair of guide plates (140) in which a section of the circumferential section (121) is removed, wherein the cutout section (124) is formed in the width direction on both sides of the circumferential section (121), and wherein the seal (120) has a pair of connecting sections (123) that connect the pair of bridges (122) to each other and are formed such that they are spaced apart from each other at a location that is spaced inwards in the width direction from the cutout section (124), to maintain a distance between the pair of bridges (122). [2] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 1, wherein a pair of water boxes (100) are arranged spaced apart from each other and the integrated heat exchanger (1000) further comprises: several refrigerant tubes (200), both ends of which are attached to the pair of water boxes (100) to form a flow path for the heat exchange medium; and several ribs (300) that are inserted and coupled between the refrigerant tubes (200). [3] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 2, wherein the places in the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide plates (140) formed in the water box (100) arranged in an upper section and the places in the longitudinal direction of the pair of guide plates (140) formed in the water box (100) arranged in a lower section are formed at the same place. [4] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 3, wherein, with respect to the locations where the pair of guide plates (140) is formed, a first heat exchange section (1000-1) is formed in the longitudinal direction on one side and a second heat exchange section (1000-2) is formed in the longitudinal direction on the other side, and the first heat exchange section (1000-1) and the second heat exchange section (1000-2) are each provided with an inlet pipe (150) and an outlet pipe (160), such that different heat exchange media flow in the first heat exchange section (1000-1) and in the second heat exchange section (1000-2). [5] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 2, further comprising blind tubes (400) arranged between the refrigerant tubes (200) and the two ends of which are connected to the pair of water boxes (100) and which are connected to the first space (A1) between the pair of guide plates (140). [6] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 5, wherein the blind tubes (400) are formed such that the heat exchange medium does not flow in them. [7] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 6, wherein the blind tubes (400) are formed in the form of a tube, both ends of which are closed. [8] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 5, wherein the blind tubes (400) are formed in the same shape as the refrigerant tubes (200). [9] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the seal (120) comprises a first sealing section (120-1) which seals the area of ​​one side of the water box (100) in which the heat exchange medium flows with respect to the first space section (A1), a second sealing section (120-2) which seals the area of ​​the other side of the water box (100) in which the heat exchange medium flows with respect to the first space section (A1), and a connecting section (123) which connects the first sealing section (120-1) and the second sealing section (120-2). [10] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 9, wherein the connecting section (123) has a smaller cross-sectional area than the circumferential section (121) of the first sealing section (120-1) and the second sealing section (120-2). [11] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 10, wherein the connecting section (123) has a smaller diameter than the circumferential section (121) of the first sealing section (120-1) and the second sealing section (120-2). [12] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 9, wherein the seal (120) comprises the first sealing section (120-1), the second sealing section (120-2) and the connecting section (123), which are formed in one piece. [13] Integrated heat exchanger (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the guide plate (140) is formed integrally with the container (130).

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