EP0838653A1 - Heat exchanger with improved feeding for heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning installations especially for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The heat exchanger comprises a tube bundle (1) which is mounted between first (2) and second (3) longitudinal manifold casings. The first casing has a longitudinal opening (23) and two tubes(12,15). Tubes(13,16) parallel to the first manifold, connected respectively to the two tubes(12,15), have a longitudinal opening (24,27). A connecting plate (18) comprising two edges(19,20) has longitudinal extensions equal to the openings and introduced into them in order to fix the first manifold to the first and second tubes. The plate also has two passages (14,17) for the circulation of a fluid between the first manifold and each of the tubes.

Description

The invention relates to the field of heating installations, ventilation and / or air conditioning, especially for vehicles automobile.

It relates more particularly to heat exchangers brazed which include first and second pipes, say input and output, and a bundle of tubes emerging in at least a first manifold. The box generally extends in a longitudinal direction (from preferably substantially vertical).

In some of these installations, such as in the condensers, the entry of the fluid into the manifold takes place in an upper part, while the exit takes place in a lower part. Entry and exit are generally connected to the installation, via tubing, to a common connector whose location may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Such a connection often imposes complex shapes on tubing and little adaptability, which makes them bulky and expensive due, in particular, to folding operations.

Furthermore, to allow good flow of the fluid in these pipes, their radius of curvature must be at least equal to their external radius, which makes them even more bulky.

To this are added mechanical constraints of resistance in vibration which further increase the complexity of tubing shapes.

To try to remedy some of these drawbacks, those skilled in the art have proposed, in the publication DE 43 30 214 A1, to manufacture tube box manifolds by extrusion distribution system, the latter being connected to the tubing in a chosen location. Such an achievement is complex and very expensive, and does not allow real adaptability, which very significantly limits its interest.

One of the aims of the invention is therefore to provide an exchanger of heat which does not have all or some of the disadvantages prior art exchangers.

To this end, it offers an exchanger of the type described in introduction, in which, on the one hand, a first tube independent of the realization of the manifold, substantially parallel to it, connected to the first tubing, and comprising a first opening which extends longitudinally, and on the other hand, the first box collector is provided with a second opening which extends also longitudinally. It also includes a first connecting plate comprising, on the one hand, first and second edges with longitudinal extensions substantially equal to those of the first and second openings and intended to be respectively introduced into them so as to secure the first manifold to first tube, and secondly, a passage to allow the circulation of a fluid between the first manifold and the first tube.

This produces a simple realization exchanger, little expensive and highly adaptable due to the independence of manufacturing the tube and the manifold.

Preferably, the first manifold and the first tube are each made by folding a plate metallic.

It is also preferable that, on the one hand, the second opening extends over the entire length of the first box collector, and on the other hand, the first opening extends along the entire length of the first tube. This allows to simplify the production of the manifold and the tube, insofar as a simple folding without removing material (for openings) is enough to make them.

In a preferred embodiment, the exchanger comprises a second manifold which extends longitudinally (substantially parallel to the first manifold), said beam then being mounted between the first and second manifold boxes.

Two variants are envisaged depending on whether the first box is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes, or that the first box is connected to the inlet manifold while the second box is connected to the tubing of exit.

In the first variant, a second tube is also provided independent of the first manifold, substantially parallel to it and in the extension of the first tube, connected to the second tube, and provided with a third opening extending longitudinally to receive the first edge of the first connecting plate, which for this purpose has a longitudinal part of length substantially equal to that of the third opening, so as to secure the second tube to the first box collector. In addition, to allow the circulation of the fluid between the first manifold and the second tube, we provides for a second passage in the first connection plate.

In the second variant, a second independent tube is provided of the second manifold, substantially parallel to this one, connected to the second tubing, and provided with a third opening which extends longitudinally. Moreover, we provide the second manifold with a fourth opening which extends longitudinally. Finally, we plan a second connecting plate which comprises, on the one hand, first and second edges having longitudinal extensions substantially equal to those of the third and fourth openings and intended to be respectively introduced into these so as to secure the second manifold to the second tube, and on the other hand, a second passage for allow the circulation of the fluid between the second box manifold and the second tube.

In these two variants, the second tube can be produced by folding of a metal plate.

In the only first variant, the first and second tubes can be made in the same folded metal plate comprising a transverse partition for prohibit any communication between them, which simplifies the realization of the exchanger (at least in terms of assembly).

In the second variant alone, it is preferable that, first part, the second manifold is made of preferably by folding a metal plate, a second hand, the third opening extends over the entire length of the second tube, and on the third hand, the fourth opening extends over the entire length of the second box collector. This simplifies the realization of the second manifold and second tube, to the extent where a simple folding without removing material (for openings) is enough to realize them.

According to another characteristic of the invention, a first connector block in which is formed by extruding the first tube, and which comprises a first axial housing communicating with the first tube and allowing the introduction of the first tube. We can plan to even a second block in which is formed by extrusion the second tube, and comprising a second housing axial communicating with the second tubing and allowing the introduction of the second tube.

Such an embodiment provides the tubes with very good resistance to vibrations, since they are now joined together, even before soldering, to the manifold with which they communicate respectively, due including their cooperation with the first and second tubes.

Alternatively, when the entry and exit are provided on the same manifold, we can provide a single block in which are formed by extrusion the first and second tubing, and which includes first and second axial housings communicating respectively with the first and second tubing and allowing respectively the introduction of the first and second tubes.

• la figure 1 illustre, dans une vue en coupe transversale, une première forme de réalisation d'un échangeur de chaleur selon l'invention;
• la figure 2A est une vue en coupe selon l'axe II-II d'une partie agrandie de l'échangeur de chaleur de la figure 1;
• les figures 3A et 3B illustrent la cloison de liaison entre la première boíte collectrice et les premier et second tubes de l'échangeur de chaleur de la figure 1, respectivement dans des vues de côté et de face; et
• la figure 4 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en coupe transversale, une seconde forme de réalisation d'un échangeur de chaleur selon l'invention.

In the description which follows, given by way of example, reference is made to the appended drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a first embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the invention;
• Figure 2A is a sectional view along the axis II-II of an enlarged part of the heat exchanger of Figure 1;
• Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the connecting wall between the first manifold and the first and second tubes of the heat exchanger of Figure 1, respectively in side and front views; and
• Figure 4 schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a second embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the invention.

The invention relates to heat exchangers, in particular for motor vehicle.

In what follows, we consider, by way of example not limiting that the heat exchanger is a condenser of a cold loop of a heating and air conditioning system of motor vehicle.

There is shown in Figure 1, in cross section, a so-called multi-pass condenser comprising a bundle of parallel tubes 1 mounted between a first manifold 2 and a second manifold 3.

The manifolds 2 and 3 have an extension longitudinal in a direction which, in this example, is vertical (X-X axis). Beam tubes 1 are installed in a direction substantially transverse to the X-X axis and are separated from each other by corrugated dividers 4 whose purpose is to promote heat exchanges between a refrigerant which circulates inside the tubes 1 beam and air flowing between these tubes.

In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the box collector 2 is subdivided into three sub-chambers 5 to 7, an upstream sub-chamber 5, a downstream sub-chamber 6 and a sub-cooling sub-chamber 7.

The second manifold 3 is subdivided into two sub-chambers 8 and 9, an upstream sub-chamber 8 and a sub-chamber downstream 9.

The different sub-chambers of each manifold are separated from each other by partitions 10. Furthermore, the ends of the manifolds 2 and 3 are obstructed by end partitions 11.

In this type of multi-pass condenser, the refrigerant by means which will be explained below, in the upstream sub-chamber 5 of the first manifold 2, circulates in the tubes 1 of the bundle which open into this sub-chamber 5, reaches the upstream sub-chamber 8 of the second manifold 3 from which it emerges by ends of new tubes 1 with opposite ends open into the downstream sub-chamber 6 of the first box collector 2. Having reached this downstream sub-chamber 6, the fluid comes out of tube ends 1, then reaches by opposite ends of these tubes in the sub-chamber downstream 9 of the second manifold 3.

In a conventional condenser, we would provide in the sub-chamber downstream of the second manifold 3 a pipe outlet to reinject the cooled and condensed fluid into the installation's cold loop. However, in the example illustrated, a part of super-cooling is provided for further lower the temperature of the condensed fluid. For to do this, other tubes 1 are planned, including first ends open into the downstream sub-chamber 9 of the second manifold 3 and second ends opposite lead into the cooling sub-chamber 7 of the first manifold 2. The fluid which reaches in the downstream sub-chamber 9 of the second manifold 3 can therefore circulate in these tubes 1, and reach the cooling sub-chamber 7, from which it can be evacuated by means which will be described below so as to regain the cold loop of the installation.

To allow the introduction into the first manifold 2 of the refrigerant to be cooled and condensed, provides an inlet manifold 12 which communicates with a first feed tube 13 installed in one position substantially parallel to the first manifold 2, and communicating with it through a first pass 14 forming a slot (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), produced in a connecting plate 18 to which we will return later. This first slot 14 has a longitudinal extension adapted to the shape, and therefore to the performance, of the upstream crazy chamber 5 of the first manifold 2.

Likewise, to allow the evacuation of the refrigerant supercooled from the cooling sub-chamber 7 of the first manifold 2, a manifold is provided outlet 15 connected to a second discharge tube 16 which also extends substantially parallel to the first manifold 2 and communicating through a lower part with the cooling sub-chamber 7 of the first manifold 2, thanks to a second passage 17 forming second slot made in the intermediate plate 18 (see Figures 3A and 3B). This second slot 17 has a longitudinal extension adapted to the shape of the sub-chamber cooling 7.

The first supply tube 13 and the second discharge tube 16 are secured to the first manifold 2 via the connecting partition 18, which has a first longitudinal edge 19 and a second edge longitudinal 20 intended to be introduced respectively in openings 24, 23, 27, made in the walls delimiting the first 13 and second 16 tubes, as well as the first manifold 2.

Preferably, the first manifold 2 is produced by folding a metal plate, so that delimit a cylinder, generators parallel to the X-X axis, at least partially open at both edges longitudinal 21 and 22 so as to delimit the opening 23 intended to receive the second edge 20 of the connection plate 18. Preferably, the opening 23 of the first box collector 2 extends over the entire length (or height) of the wall which delimits it. So, to get the opening 23, it is not necessary to cut at the longitudinal edges 21 and 22 of the wall which delimits the first manifold 2. The opening 23 is directly formed by the spacing which separates the two longitudinal edges 21 and 22. Such an achievement obviously requires that the second longitudinal edge 20 of the connecting plate 18 has a longitudinal extension substantially equal to that of the opening 23 of the first manifold 2.

Of course, in the event that the opening 23 made in the first manifold 2 does not have a longitudinal extension equal to the length (or height) of this manifold 2, it would not be necessary for the second edge 20 of the connecting partition 18 extends over all the height of the manifold, but simply on the height corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the opening 23.

The supply 13 and discharge 16 tubes are produced in much the same way as the first manifold 2, from metal plates folded so as to delimit a cylinder, of substantially parallel generatrices to the X-X axis, and of longitudinal extension chosen.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the first 13 and second 16 tubes are produced in two separate elements, but it is clear that one could consider carrying them out at from a single metal plate provided in one place chosen from a partition to allow separation to seal these two tubes.

The first feed tube 13 includes an opening longitudinal 24 delimited by the longitudinal edges 25 and 26 of the wall which constitutes it, which edges are separated for this purpose. In the example illustrated, the opening 24 extends over the entire height (or length) of the first feed tube 13. The first longitudinal edge 19 of the bulkhead link 18 can thus be introduced inside the opening 24. This first supply tube 13 is positioned so that the first slot 14 made in the connecting plate 18 is partially housed inside of space delimited by its wall. In this way, the fluid, which arrives through the inlet tube 12, arrives in the tube supply 13, passes through the first slot 14 of the plate link 18, and opens into the upstream sub-chamber 5 of the first manifold 2.

The second discharge tube 16 is produced substantially from the same way as the first feed tube 13. So it's formed from a metal plate folded in the form of a cylinder, generators substantially parallel to the X-X axis, and whose longitudinal edges are slightly separated from so as to define an opening 27 intended to receive the first edge 19 of the connection plate 18. In the example illustrated, the opening 27 extends over the entire height of the second discharge tube 16, and therefore the first edge 19 of the connection plate 18 extends over the entire height of the wall delimiting this second evacuation tube 16.

Of course, just like for the first manifold 2, it is possible to envisage a first and / or a second tube in which (or which) the longitudinal opening does not not extend over the entire height of the tube (s). In this case, the opening must be made by cutting the wall which delimits the tube to which it belongs and, therefore, the first edge 19 of the connecting plate 18 must be arranged accordingly.

In the example illustrated in Figure 1, by way of example not limiting, the inlet tubing 12 and the tubing of outlet 15 are produced by extrusion, in a metal block connection 28 intended to be connected directly to a additional connector for the installation's cold loop.

The connector block 28 comprises a first longitudinal recess 29 which communicates with the inlet pipe 12 and intended to receive the open end of the first tube supply 13, so as to allow the circulation of the fluid from the inlet tubing 12 to said supply tube 13. This connector block 28 includes a second recess axial 30 which communicates with the outlet pipe 15 and intended to receive the open end of the second tube evacuation 16, so as to allow the circulation of the fluid from this discharge tube 16 to the outlet pipe 15.

Of course, a first connector block could be provided for the first supply tube 13, and a second connector block, completely independent of the first connector block, for the second discharge tube 16. Similarly, we could provide a single connector block 28 provided with a axial recess over its entire length so as to allow the introduction of a wall defining at the same time the first supply tube 13 and the second discharge tube 16.

In such a heat exchanger, the connector block or the connector blocks can be positioned anywhere included at least between the two ends of the first manifold 2. It is enough to do this on the respective lengths of tubes 13 and 16.

The connector block (s) which now integrate the inlet and outlet pipes have a resistance in high vibration insofar as they are joined to the first manifold 2 via the plate connecting 18 and supply 13 and evacuation tubes 16.

Such an assembly offers great adaptability.

Preferably, the connecting plate 18 is a plate metallic in the thickness of which are made the first 14 and second 17 slots, as illustrated on the Figures 3A and 3B.

The second manifold 3 can be made according to any way known to those skilled in the art. It can thus be produced by folding a metal plate, or by extrusion.

Furthermore, in order to protect the tubes 1 from the bundle, we provides, on either side of the two tubes placed at the ends beam, protective cheeks 31 and 32 fitted with fixing lugs 33 to allow the exchanger to be fixed heat on the vehicle chassis, or any other place provided for this purpose.

Preferably, the materials constituting such an exchanger, and in particular the first and second tubes, the manifolds, the bundle tubes and connector blocks are made of aluminum. These different constituents are definitively united with one another by a passage through an oven, for example brazing, or welding.

We now refer to Figure 4 to describe a second embodiment of the invention. In fact, this second mode of realization is close to that described above. The main difference is that the first manifold 2 communicates only with the tubing input 12, while the second manifold 3 communicates with the outlet pipe 15. In addition, in the example illustrated, no super-cooling part has been provided refrigerant. Consequently, he there is no cooling sub-chamber in the first manifold 2. Nevertheless, it is perfectly possible, just as in the embodiment previously described, to provide such a part of super-cooling.

In this variant, the first box manifold and the second manifold are made both from a folded metal plate of so as to delimit a cylinder of generators parallel to the X-X axis.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, provision is therefore made for first connecting plate 34 including the first 35 and second 36 longitudinal edges are intended to be inserted respectively in an opening 37 of the first tube 38 and in an opening 39 of the first manifold 2.

The first connection plate 34 has only one first passage 40 forming first slot. This first plate is made in the same way as the connecting plate referenced 18 in the previous embodiment (see Figures 3A and 3B).

In this example, the first connecting plate 34 does not extend only over part of the height (or length) of the first manifold 2. Consequently, the opening 39 of the first manifold 2 extends only over part of the total height thereof, and more precisely on a height equal to the longitudinal extension of the second edge 36 of the first partition 34. This opening 39 is for example produced by local cutting of the longitudinal edges of the wall which delimits the first manifold 2.

As in the previously described embodiment, provides a first metallic connector block 41 in which is made by extrusion the inlet pipe 12, and which includes an axial recess 42 communicating with the tubing input 12 and allowing the introduction of the end open the first feed tube 38.

The second manifold 3 is almost identical to the first manifold 2 which has just been described. His embodiment is therefore identical to that which has just been described.

This second manifold 3 therefore includes a longitudinal opening 43 which extends only over a part of its height and intended to receive a second edge longitudinal 44 of a second connecting plate 45.

This second connection plate 45 includes a second passage 46 forming a second slot 47 allowing communication between the downstream sub-chamber 9 of the second manifold 3 and a second discharge tube 47 which communicates with the outlet pipe 15.

The second discharge tube 47 is produced in the same way that the first feed tube 38, namely from of a metal plate folded into the shape of a cylinder generators substantially parallel to the X-X axis. He understands also a longitudinal opening 48 intended to receive the first edge 49 of the second connecting plate 45. In this example, the longitudinal extension of the opening 48 is equal to the height (or length) of the wall which delimits the second discharge tube 47. The outlet tubing 15 is, like the inlet tubing

12, produced by extrusion in a second connector block 50 which further comprises an axial recess 51, which communicates with the outlet pipe 15 and allowing the introduction of the open end of the second discharge tube 47.

Of course, in this embodiment, one could provide first 34 and second 45 connecting plates longitudinal extension substantially equal to that of manifolds 2 and 3. In this case, it is clear that the opening made in each of the manifolds should extend over the entire height of the boxes.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but it covers all the variants that may develop a person skilled in the art within the framework of the claims below.

Thus, we have described a condenser comprising two boxes collectors, but it is clear that the invention applies just as much with heat exchangers equipped with a single manifold.

Claims (15)

Heat exchanger for heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation, of the type comprising a bundle of tubes (1) opening into at least one first manifold (2) extending in a longitudinal direction, and first (12) and second (15) tubing, characterized in that it comprises a first tube (13), substantially parallel to the first manifold (2), connected to the first tube (12), and provided with a first opening (24) extending in said direction longitudinal, in that the first manifold (2) is provided with a second opening (23) extending in said longitudinal direction, and in that it comprises a first connecting plate (18) comprising, on the one hand, first (19) and second (20) edges having longitudinal extensions substantially equal to those of the first (24) and second (23 ) openings and adapted to be respectively introduced therein so as to secure the first manifold (2) to the first tube (13), and secondly, a passage (14) to allow the circulation of a fluid between said first manifold (2) and said first tube (13). Heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that the first manifold (2) and the first tube (13) are each made by folding a plate metallic. Heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the second opening (23) extends over the entire length of the first manifold (2). Heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first opening (24) extends over the entire length of the first tube (13). Heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a second manifold (3) extending in a longitudinal direction, said beam being mounted between the first (2) and second (3) manifolds. Heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a second tube (16), substantially parallel to the first manifold (2) and in the extension of the first tube (13), connected to the second tube (15), and provided with a third opening (27) extending in said longitudinal direction and suitable for receiving the first edge (19) of the first connecting plate (18), which for this purpose comprises a longitudinal part of length substantially equal to that of the third opening (27), so as to secure said second tube (16) to said first manifold (2), and in that the first connection plate (18) has a second passage (17) to allow the circulation of the fluid between said first manifold (2) and said second tube (16). Heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a second tube (16), substantially parallel to the second manifold (3), connected to the second tube (15), and provided with a third opening ( 48) extending in said longitudinal direction, in that the second manifold (3) is provided with a fourth opening (43) extending in said longitudinal direction, and in that it comprises a second connecting plate (45) comprising, on the one hand, first (49) and second (44) edges having longitudinal extensions substantially equal to those of the third (48) and fourth (43 ) openings and adapted to be respectively introduced therein so as to secure the second manifold (3) to the second tube (16), and on the other hand, a second passage (46) to allow the circulation of the fluid between said second manifold (3) and said second tube (16). Heat exchanger according to one of claim 6 and 7, characterized in that the second tube (16) is produced by folding of a metal plate. Heat exchanger according to claim 6, characterized in that the first (13) and second (16) tubes are produced in a single folded metal plate comprising a transverse partition to prevent the communication between said first (13) and second (16) tubes. Heat exchanger according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the third opening (48, 27) extends over the entire length of the second tube (16). Heat exchanger according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the fourth opening (43) extends over the entire length of the second manifold (3). Heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a first block (28, 41) in which is formed by extrusion the first tubing (12), and comprising a first axial housing (29, 42) communicating with said first tube (12) and allowing the introduction of the first tube (13). Heat exchanger according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a second block (28, 50) in which is formed by extrusion the second tubing (15), and comprising a second axial housing (30, 51) communicating with said second tube (15) and allowing the introduction of the second tube (16). Heat exchanger according to claim 6 in combination with one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a block (28) in which are located formed by extrusion the first (12) and second (15) tubing, and comprising first (29) and second (30) axial housings communicating respectively with said first (12) and second (15) tubing and allowing respectively the introduction of said first (13) and second (16) tubes. Heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that the second manifold (3) is made by folding a metal plate.

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