Patent Description:
This part merely provides background art related to the application and is not inevitably prior art.

At present, to make a passenger compartment have a comfortable temperature and humidity environment, an air conditioning system has been a standard configuration of a vehicle. The air conditioning system of the vehicle will generate much condensate water during refrigeration, particularly with high humidity. At present, a conventional condensate water treatment mode is to drain away condensate water directly out of the vehicle, such that the cooling capacity of condensate water is not utilized wel <CIT> discloses a heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The objective of the application is to provide a condensate water recycling device and a vehicle to recycle the cooling capacity of condensate water generated by an air conditioning system. To achieve the above objective, the application provides the technical solution as follows:.

The embodiment in the first aspect of the application provides a heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system. The heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system includes a heat exchanger body, a water storage tank and a condensate water circulating device. The heat exchanger body is provided with an air-inlet side and an air-outlet side, where the air-inlet side is configured to enable an external air flow to enter the heat exchanger body, so that the air flow conducts heat exchange with a refrigerant in the heat exchanger body; the air-outlet side is configured to exhaust the air flow completing heat exchange with the refrigerant; and the water storage tank is arranged below the heat exchanger body and is configured to store condensate water formed on the heat exchanger body. The condensate water circulating device is configured to transport the condensate water in the water storage tank to the air-inlet side of the heat exchanger body for heat exchange with the heat exchanger body.

According to the heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system in the embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger body will form condensate water during heat exchange. The water storage tank located below the heat exchanger body is capable of storing the condensate water, and the condensate water circulating device transports the condensate water in the water storage tank to the air-inlet side of the heat exchanger body for heat exchange. Thus, when the heat exchanger body is subject to heat exchange, external high-temperature air first exchanges heat with the condensate water transported by the condensate water circulating device to the air-inlet side, and then the cooled air flows through the heat exchanger body for secondary heat exchange. Therefore, the external high-temperature air can be cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, so that the cooling capacity of the condensate water is more effectively utilized. According to the heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system in the embodiments of the application, the condensate water generated by the heat exchanger body is stored and is transported to the air-inlet side of the heat exchanger body, so that the high-temperature air is cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, and thus, the cooling capacity of the condensate water can be recovered and utilized.

In some embodiments of the application, the condensate water circulating device includes a water cooler and a power device. The water cooler is arranged at the air-inlet side of the heat exchanger body. The power device is configured to transport the condensate water stored in the water storage tank to the water cooler. By arranging the water cooler at the air-inlet side of the heat exchanger body, thus, when the high-temperature air is subject to heat exchange, it first passes through the water cooler. Becauase of low temperature of the condensate water in the water cooler, the high-temperature air needing heat exchange can be cooled for the first time. The air cooled for the first time then flows through the heat exchanger body for secondary cooling. Therefore, the high-temperature gas can be cooled by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water well.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes a catchment tray, where the catchment tray is arranged at a bottom of the heat exchanger body, is configured to collect the condensate water formed on the heat exchanger body, and is communicated with an internal space of the water storage tank. By arranging the catchment tray at the bottom of the heat exchanger body, the condensate water can be collected more conveniently, and the condensate water is exported into the water storage tank. Therefore, the condensate water can be prevented from flowing out of the water storage tank.

In some embodiments of the application, the catchment tray is further located at the bottom of the water cooler and is further configured to collect the condensate water formed on the water cooler. In the embodiment, the condensate water flows through the interior of the water cooler. Because of low temperature of the condensate water, when the high-temperature gas passes through the water cooler, the condensate water will be formed on the surface of the water cooler as well. Therefore, the catchment tray is arranged at the bottoms of the heat exchanger body and the water cooler at the same time, and thus, the condensate water formed on the heat exchanger body and the water cooler can be collected at the same time.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes a reversing valve arranged on the water storage tank, where a water outlet of the water cooler is connected to the reversing valve, the water storage tank is further provided with a drain outlet and a humidifying connector, the drain outlet is configured to drain away the condensate water, and the humidifying connector is configured to be connected to an external sprayer; the reversing valve has a first state and a second state capable of being switched; in a case where the reversing valve is in the first state, the water outlet of the water cooler is connected to the drain outlet, and the water outlet of the water cooler is disconnected to the humidifying connector; and in a case where the reversing valve is in the second state, the water outlet of the water cooler is connected to the humidifying connector, and the water outlet of the water cooler is disconnected to the drain outlet. In the embodiment, after the condensate water in the water cooler is subject to heat exchange with the external high-temperature air, the condensate water completing heat exchange can be treated according to different demands. Specifically, the condensate water after recycling cooling capacity can be drained away. At the time, the reversing valve can be switched to the first state, and thus, the condensate water can be drained away through the drain outlet. Alternatively, when air in the passenger compartment is dry, the condensate water after recycling cooling capacity can be used for humidifying air in the passenger compartment as well. At the time, the reversing valve can be switched to the second state to transport the condensate water to the humidifier, so as to further utilize the condensate water.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes a switching valve arranged on the water storage tank, where the switching valve is connected to the water outlet of the water cooler, the water storage tank is further provided with a water connector, the water connector is configured to provide a user with domestic water, and the water connector is connected to the water outlet of the water cooler through the switching valve. By arranging the water connector and arranging the switching valve between the water connector and the water outlet of the condensate water, the condensate water exchanging heat with the water cooler has multiple purposes.

In some embodiments of the application, the reversing valve further has a third state, and in a case where the reversing valve is in the third state, the water outlet of the water cooler is disconnected to both the drain outlet and the humidifying connector. The reversing valve can be matched with the switching valve in use. Specifically, the switching valve is opened while providing the user with domestic water, and meanwhile, the reversing valve is switched to the third state. At the time, when the reversing valve is in the third state, the water outlet of the water cooler is disconnected to both the drain outlet and the humidifying connector. Thus, the condensate water only flows out from the water connector rather than flowing through the drain outlet and the humidifying connector. Therefore, it can be ensured that the water quantity at the water connector can meet the usage requirement.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes a liquid level sensor and a controller, where the liquid level sensor and the power device both are electrically connected to the controller, the liquid level sensor is arranged in the water storage tank and is configured to detect a liquid level height of the condensate water in the water storage tank, and the controller is configured to start the power device in a case where the liquid level height of the condensate water in the water storage tank reaches a preset value. In the embodiment, the controller is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor and the power device respectively. The controller is capable of receiving liquid level height information sent by the liquid level sensor. When the liquid level height reaches a preset value, the controller is capable of starting the power device, so as to prevent the condensate water in the water storage tank exceeding a water storage limit of the water storage tank and causing overflow.

In some embodiments of the application, the power device is a water pump. The condensate water in the water storage tank is transported to the water cooler through the water pump. As the water pump is conventional and has various models, water pumps with different models can be selected as required, and substitutes can be more conveniently found in subsequent maintenance.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger body is internally provided with a refrigerant channel, and the heat exchanger body is provided with a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet. A refrigerant is transported in the refrigerant channel inside the heat exchanger body. Therefore, the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel is capable of exchanging heat with air in an external environment, so as to play a role of cooling or heating air.

The embodiment in the second aspect of the application provides a vehicular air conditioning system, including the heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system in any one embodiment in the first aspect.

In the embodiment, since the vehicular air conditioning system includes the heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system in any one embodiment in the first aspect, it also has the beneficial effects in any one embodiment in the first aspect, which is not repeatedly described herein.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes a reversing valve arranged on the water storage tank, where a water outlet of the water cooler is connected to the reversing valve, the water storage tank is further provided with a drain outlet and a humidifying connector, and the drain outlet is configured to drain away the condensate water; the reversing valve has a first state and a second state capable of being switched; in a case where the reversing valve is in the first state, the water outlet of the water cooler is connected to the drain outlet, and the water outlet of the water cooler is disconnected to the humidifying connector; and in a case where the reversing valve is in the second state, the water outlet of the water cooler is connected to the humidifying connector, and the water outlet of the water cooler is disconnected to the drain outlet. The vehicular air conditioning system further includes a sprayer connected to the humidifying connector. The vehicular air conditioning system further includes the sprayer connected to the humidifying connector. The reversing valve has the first state and the second state capable of being switched. After the condensate water in the water cooler is subject to heat exchange with the external high-temperature air, the condensate water completing heat exchange can be treated according to different demands. Specifically, the condensate water after recycling cooling capacity can be drained away. At the time, the reversing valve can be switched to the first state, and thus, the condensate water can be drained away through the drain outlet. Alternatively, when air in the passenger compartment is dry, the condensate water after recycling cooling capacity can be used for humidifying air in the passenger compartment as well. At the time, the reversing valve can be switched to the second state to transport the condensate water to the sprayer, so as to further utilize the condensate water.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes the controller, and the vehicular air conditioning system further includes a humidity sensor; the humidity sensor is configured to detect a humidity of a passenger compartment; and the controller is configured to control the reversing valve to be switched to the second state in a case where the humidity of the passenger compartment is lower than a preset value. In a case where the humidity in the passenger compartment is lower than the preset value, the controller can switch the reversing valve to the second state. At the time, the condensate water subject to heat exchange in the water cooler flows out from the water outlet of the water cooler, flows through the reversing valve and flows to the humidifying connector and arrives at the sprayer. Finally, the condensate water is vaporized to water vapor diffused to air. Therefore, the humidity of air can be increased, so that the comfort of the passenger compartment is guaranteed.

In some embodiments of the application, the vehicular air conditioning system further includes a compressor, a second heat exchanger and an expansion valve, where the compressor, the second heat exchanger, the expansion valve and the heat exchanger form a refrigerant circulation loop. A refrigerant flows through the compressor, the second heat exchanger, the expansion valve and the heat exchanger in sequence, thereby reducing the environment temperature at the heat exchanger body.

The embodiment in the third aspect of the application provides a vehicle, including the vehicular air conditioning system in any one embodiment in the second aspect.

In the embodiment, the vehicle includes the vehicular air conditioning system in any one embodiment in the second aspect, so that it also has the beneficial effects in any one embodiment in the second aspect, which is not repeatedly described herein.

By reading detailed description of preferred implementation modes below, various other advantages and benefits will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art. The accompanying drawings are merely used for illustrating the preferred implementation modes rather than being construed as limitation to this application. Throughout the drawings, same numerals in the drawings indicate same components. In the drawings:.

Numerals in the drawings are illustrated as follows:.

The embodiments of the technical solutions of the application will be described in detail below in combination with drawings. The embodiments below are merely used to more clearly describe the technical solutions of the application, merely as examples, instead of limiting the scope of protection of the application.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein are identical to meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the application. The terms used herein are merely used to describe specific embodiments rather than limiting the application. The terms "include" and "have" and any variation thereof in the description, claims and the above description of drawings of the application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

In description of the application, terms "first", "second" and the like are merely used to distinguish different objects rather than being construed to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly indicate the quantity, specific order or primary and secondary relation of indicated technical features. In the description of the application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The "embodiments" in the application mean that specific features, structure or characteristics described in combination with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The phrase emerges in each position of the description is not necessary the same embodiment or independent or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein may combine with other embodiments.

In the description of the application, the term "and/or" is only an association relationship describing associated objects and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, A and/or B may represent three conditions: i.e., independent existence of A, existence of both A and B and independent existence of B. In addition, character "/" in the disclosure usually represents that previous and next associated objects form an "or" relationship.

In the description of the application, the term "a plurality of" means more than two (including two), and similarly, "a plurality of groups" means more than two groups (including two groups), and "a plurality of sheets" means more than two sheets (including two sheets).

In the description of the application, orientation or position relations indicated by the technical terms "central", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper" , "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "anticlockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", and the like are orientation or position relations based on the drawings only for ease of description of the application and for simplicity of description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the referenced device or element must have a particular orientation and be constructed and operative in a particular orientation, and thus may not be construed as a limitation on the present invention.

In the description of the application, unless otherwise specified and defined, the technical terms such as "mount", "connect", "connection" and "fix" shall be understood in a board sense. For example, it can be either fixed connection or detachable connection or integrated connection; either mechanical connection or electrical connection with each other; either direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate, and communication in two components or interaction relaxation of the two components. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand specific meaning of the terms in the disclosure under specific circumstances.

At present, to make a passenger compartment have a comfortable temperature and humidity environment, an air conditioning system has been a standard configuration of a vehicle. In related art, there is moisture in air. When the air conditioning system of the vehicle refrigerates, as the temperature of the evaporator is low, moisture in air will condensate on the evaporator to become condensate water. Particularly in a case where air humidity is high, much condensate water will be generated. At present, a conventional treatment mode for condensate water is to drain away the condensate water out of the vehicle. As the temperature of the condensate water is usually lower than <NUM>, the cooling capacity of the condensate water is not utilized well. Through repeated researches and discussions, the applicant designs a heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system, which can store the condensate water generated by the heat exchanger and transports the condensate water to the air-inlet side of the heat exchanger by the condensate water circulation device for heat exchanger. Thus, external high-temperature air can be cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, so that the cooling capacity of the condensate water can be more effectively utilized. Thus, the cooling capacity of the condensate water can be recycled. Therefore, the energy sources can be saved, and the heat exchanger refrigerates more efficiently.

The heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system disclosed by the embodiment of the application can be applied to various vehicles such as a fuel-engined vehicle, a gas vehicle or a new energy automobile and the like. The new energy automobile can be a battery electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle or an extended range electric vehicle and the like. A motor <NUM>, a controller <NUM> and a battery <NUM> can be arranged in the vehicle <NUM>, where the control system <NUM> is configured to control the battery <NUM> to supply power to the motor <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> can be arranged at the bottom or head or tail of the vehicle <NUM>. The battery <NUM> can be used for supplying power to the vehicle <NUM>, for example, the battery <NUM> can serve as an operating power supply of the vehicle <NUM> for a circuit system of the vehicle <NUM>, for example, for a working electric demand during start, navigation and running of the vehicle <NUM>. In another embodiment of the application, the battery <NUM> can not only serve as the operating power supply of the vehicle <NUM>, but also can serve as a driving power supply of the vehicle <NUM> to replace or partially replace fuel or natural gas to provide driving power to the vehicle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the embodiment in the first aspect of the application provides a heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system. The heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system includes a heat exchanger body <NUM>, a water storage tank <NUM> and a condensate water circulating device. The heat exchanger body <NUM> is provided with an air-inlet side <NUM> and an air-outlet side <NUM>, where the air-inlet side <NUM> is configured to enable an external air flow to enter the heat exchanger body <NUM>, so that the air flow conducts heat exchange with a refrigerant in the heat exchanger body <NUM>; and the air-outlet side <NUM> is configured to exhaust the air flow completing heat exchange with the refrigerant. The water storage tank <NUM> is arranged below the heat exchanger body <NUM> and is configured to store condensate water formed on the heat exchanger body <NUM>. The condensate water circulating device is configured to transport condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> to the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM> for heat exchange with the heat exchanger body <NUM>.

The heat exchanger is a device achieving mutual heat exchange among fluid media (for example, refrigerant and air) in the air conditioning system. According to different actions in the air conditioning system, the heat exchanger can be specifically divided into the condenser and the evaporator, where the evaporator absorbs heat of external air during work, and the condenser releases heat towards the external air during work. According to different working modes of the air conditioning system, sometimes the evaporator can be converted into the condenser, and the condenser can be converted into the evaporator as well.

The heat exchanger body <NUM> is a main body structure of the heat exchanger, i.e., a part capable of achieving heat exchange.

The refrigerant is also known as a refrigerating medium which is a working medium of a refrigeration loop in the air conditioning system and transfers heat by means of phase change of the refrigerating medium. For example, the refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator absorbs heat and condensed in the condenser releases heat. At present, there are many types of refrigerants, usually ammonia, Freon, water, a minority of hydrocarbon and the like.

The air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger <NUM> can be construed as the side of air to be cooled or to be heated. When the heat exchanger body <NUM> works, the air to be cooled or to be heated enters the heat exchanger body <NUM> from the air-inlet side <NUM> for heat exchange.

The air-outlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger <NUM> can be construed as the side of air passing through the heat exchanger body <NUM> for heat exchange, and generally speaking, the air-inlet side <NUM> and the air-outlet side <NUM> are respectively located on both sides of the heat exchanger <NUM>.

The water storage tank <NUM> is a container for storing the condensate water; the water storage tank is internally provided with an accommodation cavity, and is configured to accommodate the condensate water generated by the heat exchanger <NUM>; and an anti-corrosive coating can be smeared to the inner wall of the water storage tank <NUM> to prevent rust of the water storage tank <NUM>.

The condensate water circulating device is a device which transports the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> to the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM>.

According to the heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system in the embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger body <NUM> will form condensate water during heat exchange. The water storage tank <NUM> located below the heat exchanger body <NUM> is capable of storing the condensate water, and the condensate water circulating device transports the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> to the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM> for heat exchange. Thus, when the heat exchanger body <NUM> is subject to heat exchange, external high-temperature air first exchanges heat with the condensate water transported by the condensate water circulating device to the air-inlet side <NUM>, and then the cooled air flows through the heat exchanger body <NUM> for secondary heat exchange. Therefore, the external high-temperature air can be cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, so that the cooling capacity of the condensate water is more effectively utilized. According to the heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system in the embodiments of the application, the condensate water generated by the heat exchanger body <NUM> is stored and is transported to the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM>, so that the high-temperature air is cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, and thus, the cooling capacity of the condensate water can be recovered and utilized.

In some embodiments of the application, the condensate water circulating device includes a water cooler <NUM> and a power device <NUM>. The water cooler <NUM> is arranged at the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM>, and the power device <NUM> is configured to transport the condensate water stored in the water storage tank <NUM> to the water cooler <NUM>.

The water cooler <NUM> is a device for cooling external air by utilizing water with low temperature, which is one of cooling devices. A fluid channel is formed inside the water cooler <NUM>. In some specific embodiments, the water cooler <NUM> can be of a netty structure, thus, faster transferring the cooling capacity of the condensate water to the external environment.

The power device <NUM> is a device which powers transport of the condensate water, for example, various liquid pumps such as a water booster pump and a peristaltic pump. One end of the power device <NUM> is connected to the interior of the water storage tank <NUM>, and the other end of the power device <NUM> is connected to the water cooler <NUM>. Thus, the power device <NUM> is capable of transporting the condensate water from the water storage tank <NUM> to the water cooler <NUM> during work.

In the embodiment, by arranging the water cooler <NUM> at the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM>, thus, when the high-temperature air is subject to heat exchange, it first passes through the water cooler <NUM>. Because of low temperature of the condensate water in the water cooler <NUM>, the high-temperature air needing heat exchange can be cooled for the first time. The air cooled for the first time then flows through the heat exchanger body <NUM> for secondary cooling. Therefore, the high-temperature gas can be cooled by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water well.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes a catchment tray <NUM>, where the catchment tray <NUM> is arranged at a bottom of the heat exchanger body <NUM>, is configured to collect the condensate water formed on the heat exchanger body <NUM> and is communicated with an internal space of the water storage tank <NUM>.

The catchment tray <NUM> is of a disc structure, which plays a major role of collecting the condensate water. The shape of the catchment tray <NUM> can be designed according to the shape of the water storage tank <NUM>, and it can be of an opened structure, thereby facilitating collecting the condensate water. The catchment tray <NUM> can also have an inclined bottom, thus, facilitating importing the condensate water into the water storage tank <NUM>. The catchment tray <NUM> is communicated with the internal space of the water storage tank <NUM>, the shape of the water storage tank <NUM> can be in an opened design, and a through hole can be designed at the bottom of the catchment tray <NUM>, thus, water on the catchment tray <NUM> can flow into the water storage tank <NUM>.

In the embodiment, by arranging the catchment tray <NUM> at the bottom of the heat exchanger body <NUM>, the condensate water can be collected more conveniently, and the condensate water is exported into the water storage tank <NUM>. Therefore, the condensate water can be prevented from flowing out of the water storage tank <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the application, the catchment tray <NUM> is further located at the bottom of the water cooler <NUM> and is further configured to collect the condensate water formed on the water cooler <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the condensate water flows through the interior of the water cooler <NUM>. Because of low temperature of the condensate water, when the high-temperature gas passes through the water cooler <NUM>, condensate water will be formed on the surface of the water cooler <NUM> as well. Therefore, the catchment tray <NUM> is arranged at the bottoms of the heat exchanger body <NUM> and the water cooler <NUM> at the same time, and thus, the condensate water formed on the heat exchanger body <NUM> and the water cooler <NUM> can be collected at the same time.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes a reversing valve <NUM> arranged on the water storage tank <NUM>, where a water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is connected to the reversing valve <NUM>, the water storage tank <NUM> is further provided with a drain outlet <NUM> and a humidifying connector <NUM>, the drain outlet <NUM> is configured to drain away the condensate water, and the humidifying connector <NUM> is configured to be connected to an external sprayer <NUM>; the reversing valve <NUM> has a first state and a second state capable of being switched; in a case where the reversing valve <NUM> is in the first state, the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is connected to the drain outlet <NUM>, and the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is disconnected to the humidifying connector <NUM>; and in a case where the reversing valve <NUM> is in the second state, the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is connected to the humidifying connector <NUM>, and the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is disconnected to the drain outlet <NUM>.

The reversing valve <NUM> is a fluid direction control valve which is provided with a plurality of valve ports and is capable of achieving the connected channel and disconnected channel of the plurality of valve ports. The reversing valve usually has a multidirectional adjustable channel, which can change the flow direction of the fluid timely as required. Specifically, the reversing valve <NUM> can be a manual reversing valve <NUM>, an electromagnetic reversing valve <NUM> or an electro-hydraulic reversing valve <NUM>.

The water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is a port where the condensate water on the water cooler <NUM> flows out, and the condensate water flowing through the water cooler <NUM> flows out from the water outlet.

The drain outlet <NUM> is a port where the condensate water is drained away, and one end of the drain outlet <NUM> is connected to the reversing valve <NUM>.

The humidifying connector <NUM> is a port configured to connect the humidifier, and one end of the humidifying connector <NUM> is connected to the reversing valve <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the reversing valve <NUM> can have three ports respectively connected to the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM>, the drain outlet <NUM> and the humidifying connector <NUM>. The reversing valve <NUM> has the first state and the second state capable of being switched. When the reversing valve is in the first state, the condensate water subject to heat exchanger in the water cooler <NUM> flows out from the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM>, and flows to the drain outlet <NUM> after flowing through the reversing valve <NUM>. When the reversing valve is in the second state, the condensate water subject to heat exchanger in the water cooler <NUM> flows out from the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> and flows to the humidifying connector <NUM> after flowing through the reversing valve <NUM>. In the embodiment, after the condensate water in the water cooler <NUM> is subject to heat exchange with the external high-temperature air, the condensate water completing heat exchange can be treated according to different demands. Specifically, the condensate water after recycling cooling capacity can be drained away. At the time, the reversing valve <NUM> can be switched to the first state, and thus, the condensate water can be drained away through the drain outlet <NUM>. Alternatively, when air in the passenger compartment is dry, the condensate water after recycling cooling capacity can be used for humidifying air in the passenger compartment as well. At the time, the reversing valve <NUM> can be switched to the second state to transport the condensate water to the humidifier, so as to further utilize the condensate water.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes a switching valve <NUM> arranged on the water storage tank <NUM>, where the switching valve <NUM> is connected to the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM>; the water storage tank <NUM> is further provided with a water connector <NUM>, where the water connector <NUM> is configured to provide the user with domestic water, and the water connector <NUM> is connected to the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> through the switching valve <NUM>.

The switching valve <NUM> is a valve capable of controlling the connected channel and disconnected channel of the fluid in the pipeline, and the switching valve <NUM> can be a manual switching valve <NUM>, an electromagnetic switching valve <NUM> or an electro-hydraulic switching valve <NUM>.

The water connector <NUM> is a water connector <NUM> of domestic water, the water connector <NUM> is connected to the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM>, and the switching valve <NUM> is arranged at the connection of the two. Thus, when water is needed, the switching valve <NUM> can be controlled, so that the water connector <NUM> and the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> form a connected channel. The condensate water can flow to the water connector <NUM> from the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM>. When water is not needed, the switching valve <NUM> can be controlled, so that the water connector <NUM> and the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> form a disconnected channel, and the condensate water will not flow to the water connector <NUM>.

In the embodiment, by arranging the water connector <NUM> and arranging the switching valve <NUM> between the water connector <NUM> and the water outlet of the condensate water, the condensate water exchanging heat with the water cooler <NUM> has multiple purposes.

In some embodiments of the application, the reversing valve <NUM> further has a third state, and in a case where the reversing valve <NUM> is in the third state, the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is disconnected to both the drain outlet <NUM> and the humidifying connector <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the reversing valve <NUM> can be matched with the switching valve <NUM> in use. Specifically, the switching valve <NUM> is opened while providing the user with domestic water, and meanwhile, the reversing valve <NUM> is switched to the third state. At the time, when the reversing valve <NUM> is in the third state, the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is disconnected to both the drain outlet <NUM> and the humidifying connector <NUM>. Thus, the condensate water only flows out from the water connector <NUM> rather than flowing through the drain outlet <NUM> and the humidifying connector <NUM>. Therefore, it can be ensured that the water quantity at the water connector <NUM> can meet a usage requirement.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes a liquid level sensor <NUM> and a controller <NUM>, the liquid level sensor <NUM> and the power device <NUM> both are electrically connected to the controller <NUM>. The liquid level sensor <NUM> is arranged in the water storage tank <NUM> and is configured to detect a liquid level height of the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> is configured to start the power device <NUM> in a case where the liquid level height of the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> reaches a preset value.

The liquid level sensor <NUM> is a sensor capable of measuring the liquid level of the liquid. The liquid level sensor <NUM> can be a float type liquid level sensor <NUM>, a ball float type liquid level sensor <NUM> or a static liquid level sensor <NUM> and the like.

The controller <NUM> is a master device which controls the working state of a motor, a liquid pump and the like by changing wiring of a main circuit or a control circuit and changing the resistance value in the circuit in a preset sequence. In the embodiment, the controller <NUM> is capable of receiving liquid level height information sent by the liquid level sensor <NUM>. When the liquid level height reaches a preset value, the controller is capable of starting the power device <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the controller <NUM> is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor <NUM> and the power device <NUM> respectively. The controller <NUM> is capable of receiving liquid level height information sent by the liquid level sensor <NUM>. When the liquid level height reaches a preset value, the controller <NUM> is capable of starting the power device <NUM>, so as to prevent the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> exceeding a water storage limit of the water storage tank <NUM> and causing overflow.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments of the application, the power device <NUM> is a water pump.

The water pump is a device which powers transport of the liquid, which transfers its mechanical energy to the liquid, so that the energy of the liquid is increased to, thus, transport the liquid. The water pump can be a displacement pump, a vane pump, a piston pump and the like, and the embodiment has no particular limitation on specific type of the water pump.

In the embodiment, the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> is transported to the water cooler <NUM> through the water pump. As the water pump is conventional and has various models, water pumps with different models can be selected as required, and substitutes can be more conveniently found in subsequent maintenance.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger body <NUM> is internally provided with a refrigerant channel, and the heat exchanger body <NUM> is provided with a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet.

The refrigerant channel can be a coiled tube type. Since the refrigerant will release a lot of heat when being transformed from gaseous state into liquid state and will absorb a lot of heat when being transformed from liquid state into gaseous state, the refrigerant can be subject to heat exchange with external environment more sufficiently when the refrigerant channel is designed in the coiled tube type. The refrigerant channel can be made from copper and can serve as a better heat conduction material.

The refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are respectively formed in both ends of the refrigerant channel, which are inlet and outlet for transporting the refrigerant.

In the embodiment, the refrigerant is transported in the refrigerant channel inside the heat exchanger body <NUM>. Therefore, the refrigerant in the refrigerant channel is capable of exchanging heat with air in an external environment, so as to play a role of cooling or heating air.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system includes the heat exchanger body <NUM>, the water storage tank <NUM>, the water cooler <NUM>, the water pump, the catchment tray <NUM>, the reversing valve <NUM>, the switching valve <NUM>, the liquid level sensor <NUM> and the controller <NUM>. The heat exchanger body <NUM> is provided with an air-inlet side <NUM> and an air-outlet side <NUM>, where the air-inlet side <NUM> is configured to enable an external air flow to enter the heat exchanger body <NUM>, so that the air flow conducts heat exchange with a refrigerant in the heat exchanger body <NUM>; and the air-outlet side <NUM> is configured to exhaust the air flow completing heat exchange with the refrigerant. The water storage tank <NUM> is arranged below the heat exchanger body <NUM> and is configured to store condensate water formed on the heat exchanger body <NUM>. The water cooler <NUM> is arranged at the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM> and the water pump is configured to transport the condensate water stored in the water storage tank <NUM> to the water cooler <NUM> for heat exchange with the heat exchanger body <NUM>. The catchment tray <NUM> is arranged at the bottoms of the heat exchanger body <NUM> and the water cooler <NUM>, and is configured to collect the condensate water formed on the heat exchanger body <NUM> and the water cooler <NUM>, and is communicated with an internal space of the water storage tank <NUM>. The water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is connected to the reversing valve <NUM>, the water storage tank <NUM> is further provided with the drain outlet <NUM> and the humidifying connector <NUM>, the drain outlet <NUM> is configured to drain away the condensate water, and the humidifying connector <NUM> is configured to be connected to the external sprayer <NUM>; the reversing valve <NUM> has the first state and the second state capable of being switched; in a case where the reversing valve <NUM> is in the first state, the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is connected to the drain outlet <NUM>, and the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is disconnected to the humidifying connector <NUM>; in a case where the reversing valve <NUM> is in the second state, the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is connected to the humidifying connector <NUM>, and the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is disconnected to the drain outlet <NUM>; and in a case where the reversing valve <NUM> is in the third state, the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is disconnected to both the drain outlet <NUM> and the humidifying connector <NUM>. The switching valve <NUM> is connected to the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM>, the water storage tank <NUM> is further provided with the water connector <NUM>, the water connector <NUM> is configured to provide the user with domestic water, and the water connector <NUM> is connected to the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> through the switching valve <NUM>. The liquid level sensor <NUM> and the water pump both are electrically connected to the controller <NUM>, the liquid level sensor <NUM> is arranged in the water storage tank <NUM> and is configured to detect a liquid level height of the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> is configured to start the water pump in a case where the liquid level height of the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> reaches the preset value.

In the embodiment, the heat exchanger body <NUM> will form condensate water during heat exchange. The water storage tank <NUM> located below the heat exchanger body <NUM> is capable of storing the condensate water, and the water pump transports the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> to the water cooler <NUM> and finally transports the condensate water to the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM> for heat exchange. Thus, when the heat exchanger body <NUM> is subject to heat exchange, external high-temperature air first exchanges heat with the condensate water, and then the cooled air flows through the heat exchanger body <NUM> for secondary heat exchange. Therefore, the external high-temperature air can be cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, so that the cooling capacity of the condensate water is more effectively utilized.

Furthermore, the condensate water flows through the interior of the water cooler <NUM>. Because of low temperature of the condensate water, when the high-temperature gas passes through the water cooler <NUM>, the condensate water will be formed on the surface of the water cooler <NUM> as well. Therefore, the catchment tray <NUM> is arranged at the bottoms of the heat exchanger body <NUM> and the water cooler <NUM> at the same time, and thus, the condensate water formed on the heat exchanger body <NUM> and the water cooler <NUM> can be collected at the same time.

Further, the reversing valve <NUM> has the first state, the second state and the third state capable of being switched. When the reversing valve is in the first state, the condensate water subject to heat exchanger in the water cooler <NUM> flows out from the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM>, and flows to the drain outlet <NUM> after flowing through the reversing valve <NUM>. When the reversing valve is in the second state, the condensate water subject to heat exchanger in the water cooler <NUM> flows out from the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> and flows to the humidifying connector <NUM> after flowing through the reversing valve <NUM>. After the condensate water in the water cooler <NUM> is subject to heat exchange with the external high-temperature air, the condensate water completing heat exchange can be treated according to different demands. Specifically, the condensate water after recycling cooling capacity can be drained away. At the time, the reversing valve <NUM> can be switched to the first state, and thus, the condensate water can be drained away through the drain outlet <NUM>. Alternatively, when air in the passenger compartment is dry, the condensate water after recycling cooling capacity can be used for humidifying air in the passenger compartment as well. At the time, the reversing valve <NUM> can be switched to the second state to transport the condensate water to the humidifier, so as to further utilize the condensate water. Alternatively, when the user needs to use the domestic water, the reversing valve <NUM> can be switched to the third state while the switching valve <NUM> is opened. At the time, the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is disconnected to both the drain outlet <NUM> and the humidifying connector <NUM>. The condensate water only flows out from the water connector <NUM> to provide the user with the domestic water. Moreover, the water quantity at the water connector <NUM> can meet the usage requirement.

Finally, the controller <NUM> is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor <NUM> and the power device <NUM> respectively. The controller <NUM> is capable of receiving liquid level height information sent by the liquid level sensor <NUM>. When the liquid level height reaches the preset value, the controller <NUM> is capable of starting the power device <NUM>, so as to prevent the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> exceeding a water storage limit of the water storage tank <NUM> and causing overflow.

The embodiment in the second aspect of the application provides a vehicular air conditioning system. The vehicular air conditioning system includes the heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system in any one embodiment in the first aspect.

In the embodiment, since the vehicular air conditioning system includes the vehicular air conditioning system in any one embodiment in the first aspect, it also has the beneficial effects in any one embodiment in the first aspect. Specifically, the heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system in the embodiments of the application includes the heat exchanger body <NUM>, where the heat exchanger body <NUM> will form condensate water during heat exchange. The water storage tank <NUM> located below the heat exchanger body <NUM> is capable of storing the condensate water, and the condensate water circulating device transports the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> to the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM> for heat exchange. Thus, when the heat exchanger body <NUM> is subject to heat exchange, external high-temperature air first exchanges heat with the condensate water transported by the condensate water circulating device to the air-inlet side <NUM>, and then the cooled air flows through the heat exchanger body <NUM> for secondary heat exchange. Therefore, the external high-temperature air can be cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, so that the cooling capacity of the condensate water is more effectively utilized. According to the vehicular air conditioning system in the embodiment, the condensate water generated by the heat exchanger body <NUM> is stored and is transported to the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM>, so that the high-temperature air is cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, and thus, the cooling capacity of the condensate water can be recovered and utilized.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes the reversing valve <NUM> arranged on the water storage tank <NUM>, where the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is connected to the reversing valve <NUM>, the water storage tank <NUM> is further provided with the drain outlet <NUM> and the humidifying connector <NUM>, and the drain outlet <NUM> is configured to drain away the condensate water; the reversing valve <NUM> has the first state and the second state capable of being switched; in a case where the reversing valve <NUM> is in the first state, the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is connected to the drain outlet <NUM>, and the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is disconnected to the humidifying connector <NUM>; and in a case where the reversing valve <NUM> is in the second state, the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is connected to the humidifying connector <NUM>, and the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM> is disconnected to the drain outlet <NUM>. The vehicular air conditioning system further includes the sprayer <NUM> connected to the humidifying connector <NUM>.

The sprayer <NUM> can be also known as a humidifier which converts water into water vapor, thereby improving the humidity of air. The sprayer <NUM> can be either an ultrasonic sprayer <NUM> or a direct evaporation sprayer <NUM> or a thermal evaporation sprayer <NUM>, and the embodiment has no particular limitation to specific type of the sprayer <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the vehicular air conditioning system further includes the sprayer <NUM> connected to the humidifying connector <NUM>. The reversing valve <NUM> has the first state and the second state capable of being switched. After the condensate water in the water cooler <NUM> is subject to heat exchange with the external high-temperature air, the condensate water completing heat exchange can be treated according to different demands. Specifically, the condensate water after recycling cooling capacity can be drained away. At the time, the reversing valve <NUM> can be switched to the first state, and thus, the condensate water can be drained away through the drain outlet <NUM>. Alternatively, when air in the passenger compartment is dry, the condensate water after recycling cooling capacity can be used for humidifying air in the passenger compartment as well. At the time, the reversing valve <NUM> can be switched to the second state to transport the condensate water to the sprayer <NUM>, so as to further utilize the condensate water.

In some embodiments of the application, the heat exchanger further includes the controller <NUM>, and the vehicular air conditioning system further includes the humidity sensor <NUM>; the humidity sensor <NUM> is configured to detect a humidity of the passenger compartment; and the controller <NUM> is configured to control the reversing valve <NUM> to be switched to the second state in a case where the humidity of the passenger compartment is lower than the preset value.

In the embodiment, in a case where the humidity in the passenger compartment is lower than the preset value, the controller <NUM> can switch the reversing valve <NUM> to the second state. At the time, the condensate water subject to heat exchange in the water cooler <NUM> flows out from the water outlet of the water cooler <NUM>, flows through the reversing valve <NUM> and flows to the humidifying connector <NUM> and arrives at the sprayer <NUM>. Finally, the condensate water is vaporized to water vapor which flows through the air outlet <NUM> of the air conditioner and is diffused to air. Therefore, the humidity of air can be increased, so that the comfort of the passenger compartment is guaranteed.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments of the application, the vehicular air conditioning system further includes the compressor <NUM>, the second heat exchanger <NUM> and the expansion valve <NUM>, where the compressor <NUM>, the second heat exchanger <NUM>, the expansion valve <NUM> and the heat exchanger form a refrigerant circulation loop.

The compressor <NUM> is a driven fluid machine which boots a low pressure gas to a high pressure. The compressor sucks the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas from the gas suction pipe and the motor runs to drive the piston to compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor discharges the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant liquid to the exhaust pipe so as to provide power to refrigeration cycle.

The second heat exchanger <NUM> and the heat exchanger body <NUM> are similar in function, which is not described repeatedly herein.

The expansion valve <NUM>, an important part in the refrigeration system, is capable of throttling a medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant to low-temperature and low-pressure wet vapor, then the refrigerant absorbs heat in the evaporator to achieve the refrigeration effect, and the expansion valve <NUM> controls the flow of the valve by means of change of degree of superheat at the tail end of the evaporator, so as to prevent under-utilization of the area of the evaporator and the knocking phenomenon.

In the embodiment, the compressor <NUM> compresses the refrigerant into the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant which is then transported to the second heat exchanger <NUM>. At the time, the gaseous refrigerant passing through a second radiator is capable of being liquefied to a normal-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant and dissipates heat to the external environment. Therefore, the second heat exchanger <NUM> blows out hot air at the time, then the refrigerant enters the expansion valve <NUM>, the expansion valve <NUM> is capable of throttling the normal-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant into low-temperature and low-pressure wet vapor, and the wet vapor entering the heat exchanger body <NUM> is capable of absorbing a lot of heat from the external environment, and at the time, the temperature of air surrounding the heat exchanger body <NUM> will be reduced. When the high-temperature air in the external environment enters from the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM>, it will be subject to heat exchange with the heat exchanger body <NUM>, the cooled air is blown to the external environment from the air-outlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM>, and at the same time, the water vapor in air encountering the cold heat exchanger will be condensed to the condensate water and flows into the water storage tank <NUM>. In the embodiment, the condensate water circulating device is capable of transporting the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> to the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM>. Therefore, the high-temperature gas is first subject to the condensate water transported to the air-inlet side <NUM> by the condensate water circulating device, and then the cooled air flows through the heat exchanger body <NUM> for secondary heat exchange. Therefore, the external high-temperature air can be cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, so that the cooling capacity of the condensate water is more effectively utilized.

In some specific embodiments, the fan <NUM> can be arranged at one side of the second heat exchanger <NUM>. When the heat exchanger body <NUM> of the vehicular air conditioning system conducts refrigeration, the second heat exchanger <NUM> will blow out hot air. The fan <NUM> is arranged to accelerate air motion near the second heat exchanger <NUM> to cool the second heat exchanger <NUM>, so as to prevent overtemperature during work.

The vehicle can be either a motor vehicle or a non-motor vehicle, an automobile or a diesel vehicle or an electric automobile, and the embodiment has no particular limitation to the vehicle.

In the embodiment, the vehicle includes the vehicular air conditioning system in any one embodiment in the second aspect, so that it also has the beneficial effects in any one embodiment in the second aspect. Specifically speaking, according to the vehicle in the embodiment, the vehicular air conditioning system in the vehicle includes the heat exchanger body <NUM>; the heat exchanger body <NUM> will form condensate water during heat exchange. The water storage tank <NUM> located below the heat exchanger body <NUM> is capable of storing the condensate water, and the condensate water circulating device transports the condensate water in the water storage tank <NUM> to the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM> for heat exchange. Thus, when the heat exchanger body <NUM> is subject to heat exchange, external high-temperature air first exchanges heat with the condensate water transported by the condensate water circulating device to the air-inlet side <NUM>, and then the cooled air flows through the heat exchanger body <NUM> for secondary heat exchange. Therefore, the external high-temperature air can be cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, so that the cooling capacity of the condensate water is more effectively utilized. According to the vehicle in the embodiment, the condensate water generated by the heat exchanger body <NUM> is stored and is transported to the air-inlet side <NUM> of the heat exchanger body <NUM>, so that the high-temperature air is cooled for the first time by utilizing the cooling capacity of the condensate water, and thus, the cooling capacity of the condensate water can be recovered and utilized.

Claim 1:
A heat exchanger for a vehicular air conditioning system, comprising:
a heat exchanger body (<NUM>), provided with an air-inlet side (<NUM>) and an air-outlet side (<NUM>), wherein the air-inlet side (<NUM>) is configured to enable an external air flow to enter the heat exchanger body (<NUM>), so that the air flow conducts heat exchange with a refrigerant in the heat exchanger body (<NUM>), and the air-outlet side (<NUM>) is configured to exhaust the air flow completing heat exchange with the refrigerant;
a water storage tank (<NUM>), arranged below the heat exchanger body (<NUM>) and configured to store condensate water formed on the heat exchanger body (<NUM>); characterised by
a condensate water circulating device, configured to transport cold water in the water storage tank (<NUM>) to the air-inlet side (<NUM>) of the heat exchanger body (<NUM>) for heat exchange with the heat exchanger body (<NUM>).