EP2295920A1 - Heater block and method for manufacturing same - Google Patents

Abstract

The heat exchanger block (1) has multiple channels (2), a distributor element (3) for distribution of a heat distribution medium (7) on the channels and a collecting element (4) for admission of heat distribution medium from channels. One of the supporting elements (5,6) have a latch (9), which serves for support of a chucking device (10), where the latch is movable relative to the appropriate supporting element, so that the channels are durable in a defined position to two supporting elements by chucking device. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing heat exchanger block.

Description

The invention relates to a heat exchanger block, and to a method for producing a heat exchanger block according to the preamble of the independent claims 1, 12.

The use of heat exchange systems is well known in a nearly intangible number of prior art applications. Heat exchangers are used in refrigerators, e.g. used in ordinary household refrigerators, in air conditioners for buildings or in vehicles of all kinds, especially in automobiles, aircraft and ships, as water or oil coolers in internal combustion engines in mobile or stationary operation, as condensers or evaporators in coolant circuits.

As a result, it should be distinguished between "laminated heat exchangers" on the one hand, and "mini-channel" or "microchannel heat exchangers" on the other hand.

The well known laminated heat exchangers, like all types of heat exchangers, serve to transfer heat between two media, e.g. from a cooling medium to air or vice versa. The flowing inside the channels of the heat exchanger medium is referred to as a heat carrier. The medium flowing around the channels is referred to below as Transportfluidum. Both the heat carrier and the transport fluid can be in liquid or gaseous state. Water, oil, air or a refrigerant are examples of the heat transfer medium or transport fluid. One of these media is cooled by the heat transfer accordingly, while the other medium is heated.

In general, the transport fluid, e.g. the air, a much lower heat transfer coefficient than the heat transfer medium, e.g. the coolant or heating medium that circulates within the channels of the heat exchanger. This is compensated for by the greatly differing heat transfer surfaces for the two media: The medium with the high heat transfer coefficient flows in the channel. On the outside are thin sheets, z. For example, ribs or fins are mounted so that the outer surface of the channel has a larger heat transfer area compared to the inner surface of the channel where the heat transfer with the transport fluid takes place.

The ratio of the outer surface to the inner surface of the channel depends on the lamella geometry, which in turn is determined by the channel diameter, the arrangement of the channels and the distance of the channels from each other, and the lamellar spacing d 'from. The fin spacing d 'is chosen differently for different applications. However, purely thermodynamically, it should be as small as possible, but not so small that the pressure loss on the side of the transport fluid to is great. An economic optimum is about 2 mm, which is a typical value for condenser and recooler.

The efficiency is essentially determined by the fact that the heat that is transferred between the fin surface and the Transportfluidum must be transferred via heat conduction through the fins to the channel. This heat transfer is the more effective, the higher the conductivity or the thickness of the lamella, but also the smaller the distance between the channels. This is called the lamella efficiency. As a lamellar material is therefore nowadays predominantly aluminum used, which has a high thermal conductivity (about 220 W / mK) to economic conditions. The distance of the channels should be as small as possible. Thermodynamically, a solution that has many channels in close proximity to each other with small diameters would be optimal. A major cost factor, however, is also the working time for widening and soldering the channels. This would disproportionately increase with such a geometry.

Therefore, a few years ago, a new class of heat exchangers, so-called mini-channel or micro-channel heat exchangers have been developed, which are manufactured by a completely different method and almost correspond to the ideal picture of a laminated heat exchanger. They contain miniature channels or microchannels with a very small diameter, which is of the order of 1 mm. For the production of these mini-channels or micro-channels aluminum extruded profiles are preferably used.

Essentially, a heat exchanger block is constructed from one or more laminated heat exchangers or from one or more microchannel heat exchangers, wherein in each case one inlet side of the heat exchanger block with a distributor element and an outlet side of the heat exchanger block with a collecting element is soldered flameproof. At the Distributor element and the collecting element of one or more heat exchanger comprehensive heat exchanger block is in each case provided a connection port, so that the heat exchanger block can be fluidly connected to an external system such as a chiller such that the heat carrier in the operating state to exchange heat with the Transportfluidum under a predeterminable operating pressure can be supplied from the distributor element through the heat exchanger to the collecting element.

For the production of the heat exchanger block, all the individual parts are loosely assembled in a first step, and possibly brazed together using a suitable solder, flux and possibly further aids in a single soldering process in a brazing furnace. The heat exchanger includes the channels and any heat exchange elements disposed between the channels.

So that the items are manipulated, that is transportable on a conveyor belt, removable, stackable and conveyed, the items must be temporarily fixed by means of clamping elements. As such clamping elements clamping cages, clamps, tension springs or tension bands are known.

These clamping elements are usually made of steel, while the individual parts of the heat exchanger block are preferably made of aluminum. Since steel and aluminum have different thermal expansion, the length of the clamping elements must be selected so that the heat exchanger block is fixed at room temperature and at the soldering temperature, which is usually around 600 ° C.

If one uses a tension band for this, this leads to the fact that the tension band at room temperature no force on the heat exchanger block exerts, which has the consequence that the heat exchanger block is poorly manipulated. The items, especially heat exchange elements that are not plugged into the manifold or collector, slip before or during the soldering process.

To avoid this disadvantage, kinked straps or spring elements were provided. A kinked strap has a kink, which is formed for example in the form of a prong. This kink serves to shorten the tension band, at the same time an elasticity of the tension band is ensured by the kink. Alternatively, tension springs can be used to increase the elasticity. A disadvantage of these solutions, however, is that the results are poorly reproducible. It has also been shown that a deformation of the outermost channels and / or the heat exchange elements can occur.

Furthermore, clamping cages or clamps are often used. This clamping cages or clamps are usually designed as a complex clamping frame construction to secure the items against slipping. Accordingly, these clamping frame constructions are expensive and, from a certain heat exchanger size, can no longer be used due to their own weight. In addition, these clamping frame constructions have a large mass, whereby they heat up slower during soldering than the solder, which can lead to deformation of the heat exchanger block in the heating phase. The larger the heat exchanger block, the stronger the effects of these disadvantages.

If, on the other hand, a clamping element were used by means of which the individual parts are already sufficiently fixed at room temperature that they can be manipulated without slipping, the heat exchanger block would be replaced by the Clamping element to be stretched too much during the soldering process, since the thermal expansion of aluminum is greater than the thermal expansion of steel.

• Ein Spannband wird gegen die Oberfläche des Wärmetauschers gepresst und mit dem Wärmetauscher verlötet.

Excessive distortion of the heat exchanger block during the soldering process entails the following problems:

• A tension band is pressed against the surface of the heat exchanger and soldered to the heat exchanger.

As previously mentioned, deform the outer channels and / or heat exchange elements and in the design as corrugated fins they can even collapse.

The channels are bent in the direction of the center of the heat exchanger, that is, there is a collapse or collapse of the heat exchanger. As a result, undefined deformations of the distributor element or the collecting element occur.

Cases have also been observed in which tension bands have detached from the heat exchanger block due to excessive tension. This detachment takes place abruptly by jumping off the tensioning band in the soldering furnace, which can result in damage to the conveyor belt or to the soldering line.

The object of the invention is therefore to fix the heat exchanger together with the support elements and the distributor element and collector element before soldering as a heat exchanger block such that this heat exchanger block can be manipulated and soldered, without causing any deformation or slippage of the individual parts to each other.

To solve the problem, a heat exchanger block is proposed which comprises a plurality of channels, a distributor element for distributing a Heat transfer to the channels, a collecting element for receiving the heat carrier from the channels, wherein the channels form a connection between the distributor element and the collecting element, so that the heat transfer medium from the distributor element can flow through the channels in the collecting element, wherein a first support member and a second support member is provided, wherein the first support element is arranged opposite to the second support element and the support elements between the distributor element and the collecting element extend and the channels between the first and second support element are arranged, characterized in that at least one of the support elements has a tab, the Receiving the clamping element is used, wherein the tab is movable relative to the support element, so that by means of the clamping element, the channels are stable in a defined position to the support element.

The voltage is thus adjustable for each temperature range, so that a sufficient voltage of the heat exchanger block is ensured so that it can be manipulated.

A complex calculation of the clamping mass can be dispensed with, since the voltage can be adjusted by the movable tab. Thus, the proposed clamping technique is suitable for a variety of different manufacturing processes.

By the movement of the tab, the clamping element lifts off from the heat exchanger, so that a soldering of the clamping element on the heat exchanger is reliably avoided.

The tab may be elastically deformable according to a preferred embodiment. In this case, the clamping element is biased by the tab, that is, the tab exerts a tensile load on the clamping element, causing it to tension. If the Tensile stress increases due to thermal expansion of the heat exchanger, the tab yields and continues to exercise a defined clamping force. When the heat exchanger is cooled after soldering, it gradually shrinks substantially to its original dimensions. In this case, pushes the tab by the elastic return movement thereof the clamping element, so that the clamping element continues to exert a defined clamping force. This ensures that the heat exchanger block remains manipulable if the solder joints are not yet fully solidified. Therefore, according to this solution too high a tension of the clamping element can no longer occur, whereby a detachment of the clamping element can be avoided by the heat exchanger block.

In addition or as an alternative to the preceding embodiment, the tab can also be plastically deformable. As a result, it is possible, in particular, for controlled breakdown of excessive stress during the soldering process. In this case, the tension member pulls on the tab to effect the plastic deformation thereof. If the tension on the tensioning element lags behind, the tensioning element pushes the flap back in the direction of its starting position.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first and second support members is formed as a U-beam, the U-beam having a base and two legs, each of the legs extending from the base to a side facing away from the channels That is, the leg extends on the side opposite the channels with respect to a plane extending in the surface of the leg. Such a U-beam is easy to manufacture from strip material and can be adapted to any dimensions of the heat exchanger.

After a particularly simple and inexpensive variant, the tab is formed from the leg of the U-beam. For this purpose, the leg of the carrier itself can be designed such that it allows elastic or plastic deformation when the bias through the clamping element goes beyond the permissible range.

In particular, the tab is bounded by two slots which run in the leg of the U-beam. The slots are easily cut at a suitable location in the leg.

The slots may extend over half, preferably 2/3 more preferably substantially over the entire width of the leg. In particular, the length change can be adjusted by the thermal expansion depending on the greetings of the heat exchanger and the desired deflection of the tab over the length of the slots. The greater the deflection of the tab, the greater the distance of the clamping element from the heat exchanger.

At least one of the slots may have at least one portion which is disposed at an angle other than 90 ° to the edge of the leg. As a result, the force to be applied for the deflection of the tab can be adjusted as a function of time. For example, at the beginning of the soldering process, a small deflection may be desired and a greater deflection may occur during the soldering process, in order to avoid soldering of the clamping element by varying the width of the flap by the angular arrangement of the slots.

Conversely, a greater deflection may be desired at the beginning of the soldering process, so that the stresses generated by the thermal expansion are degraded quickly and during the soldering a higher Voltage may be desired so that a shifting of the items during the soldering process can be safely excluded.

In most cases, the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the clamping element is smaller than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the channels and / or the support elements.

The tab may be formed according to a further embodiment as a projection of the support member.

The material of the channels and / or the support elements may comprise aluminum or an aluminum alloy. A very important example in practice relates to a heat exchanger block, e.g. a heat exchanger block comprising at least one heat exchanger, which contains channels which are designed as mini-channels or microchannels. The heat exchanger block is preferably made entirely of aluminum.

At least between a part of the channels heat exchange elements can be arranged, by means of which two adjacent channels are connected to each other. The heat exchange elements can be designed in particular as wave-shaped internals. The heat exchange elements protrude into the flow path of the transport fluid and serve to increase the heat exchange surface on the transport fluid-side surface of the heat exchanger.

The method for producing a heat exchanger block for exchanging heat between a heat carrier and a transport fluid according to one of the preceding embodiments comprises the steps of connecting the first support element and the second support element to the clamping element
Bracing the between the first and second support member extending channels by means of the clamping element, so that the channels with the support elements form the heat exchanger block.

This heat exchanger block can be operated under high operating pressure and under considerable mechanical loads, e.g. under Biegebelastungen, safely operated, allows long maintenance intervals and has a much longer life than the known from the prior art heat exchanger blocks, in particular due to the fact that the soldering can be done more precisely by the more accurate positioning of the items and the lower tension.

The distributor element and the collecting element are attached to one end of the channels. For this purpose, it may be advantageous if the heat exchanger and the two support elements are already fixed in advance by a clamping element.

The heat exchanger block is placed after fixing the items in a brazing furnace and the collecting element, the distributor element, the channels and the first and two support members are soldered together in a soldering process. The soldering process may be discontinuous, which may be advantageous in particular for small quantities, or in a continuous manner. The provided with the clamping elements heat exchanger block is placed on a conveyor belt, and then transported on the conveyor belt in the soldering oven. The brazing furnace contains zones of different temperature, so that a controlled heating and cooling of the heat exchanger block can take place. After cooling, the finished heat exchanger block can be removed from the conveyor belt and fed to any further processing steps.

At the latest after the fixation of the individual parts, a cleaning step can be interposed before soldering. Furthermore, at Aluminum or aluminum alloy components, typically a flux is applied to the heat exchanger block to eliminate the oxide layer that is on the surface of each aluminum component, which would hinder the soldering process.

The clamping element is removed following the soldering process and can be used again for other heat exchanger blocks to be soldered.

The soldering method used may be a per se known soldering method, for example a brazing method, in particular an aluminum brazing method.

In practice, the heat exchanger block of the present invention is often a radiator, a condenser or an evaporator, in particular for a mobile or stationary heating system, cooling system or air conditioning, in particular a cooler device for a machine, a data processing system or for a building or a heat exchanger block for a other suitable application.

• Fig. 1: Eine Ansicht des erfindungsgemässen Wärmetauscherblocks sowie eines zugehörigen Spannelements,
• Fig. 2: ein Detail eines Stützelements in einer ersten Position,
• Fig. 3: ein Detail eines Stützelements in einer zweiten Position,
• Fig. 4: eine Ansicht einer ersten Variante einer Lasche,
• Fig. 5: eine Ansicht einer zweiten Variante einer Lasche,
• Fig. 6: eine Ansicht einer dritten Variante einer Lasche,
• Fig. 7 eine Ansicht einer vierten Variante einer Lasche,
• Fig. 8: eine Ansicht einer fünften Variante einer Lasche.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments and with reference to the drawings. In the schematic, not to scale drawings show partly in section:

• Fig. 1 : A view of the heat exchanger block according to the invention and of an associated tensioning element,
• Fig. 2 : a detail of a support element in a first position,
• Fig. 3 : a detail of a support element in a second position,
• Fig. 4 : a view of a first variant of a tab,
• Fig. 5 : a view of a second variant of a tab,
• Fig. 6 : a view of a third variant of a tab,
• Fig. 7 a view of a fourth variant of a tab,
• Fig. 8 : a view of a fifth variant of a tab.

Fig. 1 illustrates a heat exchanger block 1 according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. The heat exchanger block comprises a distributor element 3, a collecting element 4 and a plurality of channels 2, which connect the distributor element 3 to the collecting element 4. In the distributor element 3, a heat transfer medium 7 enters, flows through the channels 2 in the direction of the collecting element 4 and leaves the heat exchanger block 1 subsequently. The heat transfer medium 7 may be a liquid heating medium or a coolant. The channels 2 are spaced apart so that a transport fluid 8 can flow between the channels. The Transportfluidum 8, which is usually gaseous, can be heated by means of the heating means or cooled by the coolant, depending on the desired function of the heat exchanger block 1. As a heat exchanger 22, the region of the heat exchanger block 1 is referred to, in which a heat exchange between the heat carrier 7 and Transportfluidum 8 takes place. In the present embodiment, it is the channels 2 except the distributor element 3, the collecting element 4 and the first and second support element 5, 6.

The channels 2 can be designed in particular as microchannels 20. The heat transfer medium 7 flows through these microchannels 20, which in the present illustration in FIG Fig. 1 have wave-shaped baffles 21. These wave-shaped baffles 21 are used to increase the for the Heat transfer available heat exchange surface. Of course, it is also possible to provide grid structures, net-like structures or porous structures instead of the wave-shaped installations 21. The channels 2 may be formed as tubes or as oval or rectangular, in particular rectangular channels, which have been produced from an extruded profile by means of an extrusion process. As a result, a multiplicity of microchannels 20 are available. As a material for the channels 2 in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy has been proven.

The distance between the channels 2, which is traversed by the transport fluid 8, may also contain mounting elements 13, which in Fig. 1 are shown as a corrugated structure. The mounting elements 13 are in thermally conductive contact with the respective adjacent channels, so that heat is transferred via the mounting elements 13. Thus, the mounting elements 13 serve to increase the heat exchange surface. The built-in elements may also be formed as ribs or, as above, contain lattice structures, net-like structures or porous structures. Furthermore, the mounting elements can also be designed as serrated profiles in V or W-shape.

The channels 2 are bounded by the first support element 5 and the second support element 6. The two support elements 5, 6 extend from the distributor element 3 to the collector element 4. As a rule, the two support elements 5, 6 do not touch the distributor element 3 or the collector element 4. The first and second support element 5, 6 is mounted on the outside of the corresponding outermost channel 2. Defining the longitudinal dimension of the channel 2 as the distance between the distributor element 3 and the collecting element 4, the channels 2 of the heat exchanger 22 are parallel to this longitudinal dimension. Each of the channels 2 also has a width dimension 15. The width dimension 15 extends substantially parallel to the distributor element 3 or the collecting element 4. If the channels 2 adjacent to each other, that is, the channels touch each other at least in places, the sum of all widths 15 is equal to the width 16 of the heat exchanger. If, in contrast, recessed elements 15 are present between the channels, then each installation element 13 has a width dimension 17. The sum of the width dimensions 15 of the channels 2 and the sum of the width dimensions 17 of the installation elements 13 results in the width 16 of the heat exchanger 22 in this case nor the corresponding width dimensions 18, 19 of the first and second support member 5, 6, so that the sum of the width dimensions 15 of the channels, any width dimensions 17 of the mounting elements 13 and the width dimensions 18, 19 of the first and second support elements, the width 23 of the heat exchanger block.

Of course, the width dimension 15 of one channel 2 may differ from the width dimension of each other channel 2. The same applies to the width dimensions 17 of the mounting elements 13 and the width dimensions 18, 19 of the first and second support elements 5, 6.

The first and second support elements 5, 6 serve to increase the dimensional stability of the heat exchanger block and increase the robustness of the heat exchanger block. The channels 2 and any installation elements 13 of the heat exchanger 22 are configured as thin as possible in order to optimize the heat transfer. So that the heat exchanger does not deform during operation due to its own weight or due to compressive forces which are exerted by the heat carrier or the transport fluid, the first and second support elements 5, 6 are provided.

But the support elements 5, 6 also have a different function when the assembly of the heat exchanger takes place. Usually, the Channels 2 made of an extruded profile, which in particular in the embodiment as a mini-channel or micro-channel 20 is produced by a suitable prior art extrusion process and is tailored to the desired longitudinal dimension 14. The distributor element 3 and the collecting element 4 are made of a tubular blank, in which openings for receiving one of the ends of the channels 2 are introduced, for example by punching. Alternatively, the distributor element 3 and the collecting element 4 can be made of strip material. The strip material is bent into the desired channel shape, the edges of the strip material are joined together by welding. Subsequently, the channel is cut to the desired length, and introduced the openings for receiving one of the ends of the channels 2. The blind ends of the distributor element 3 or the collecting element 4 are obtained by being closed by corresponding end caps.

The wave-shaped internals 21 are also made of strip material, folded or corrugated accordingly and cut to the desired length. The first and second support element 5,6 can also be made of strip material. The strip material is also bent so that a U-beam is formed, which is then cut to the desired length.

The distributor element 3, the collecting element 4, the first support element 5, the second support element 6, the channels 2 and the wave-shaped internals 21 are thus in the form of individual parts which must be fluid-tightly interconnected during assembly. For this purpose, a soldering method has proved to be particularly advantageous. To carry out the soldering process, the individual parts are preassembled, that is, the channels 2 are plugged together with the distributor element 3 and the collecting element 4, any wavy inserts 21 are arranged therebetween, and the first and second Support elements 5,6 attached. These items must be fixed in position to each other, so that a shifting of the items is excluded.

The items are made according to a preferred method of a clad brazing, ie a sheet on which the solder is applied as a coating. The sheet is made in particular of aluminum, which is available inexpensively, has a low weight and sufficient thermal conductivity.

The parts are placed after a cleaning step, after applying a flux for removing the soldering process disturbing oxide layer on the surface of the brazing sheet in a brazing furnace, in which the temperature is increased so that the solder is liquid and the items are connected by it. Subsequently, the temperature is lowered, so that the solder solidifies and a permanent connection of the items is ensured, so that a functioning heat exchanger block 1 is obtained.

As has been stated in the introduction, the fixation of the individual parts for carrying out the soldering process is of great importance. If the individual parts do not remain in the intended position with respect to each other, leaks may occur at the soldered heat exchanger block as well as distortion. Furthermore, the items may slip or deform in an improper manner, so that the soldering no longer leads to satisfactory results.

According to Fig. 1 a clamping element 10 is used, by means of which the first and second support elements 5, 6 with the channels 2 and the wave-shaped baffles 21 can be interconnected. This Clamping element 10 is in Fig. 1 shown in a position in which it is still or again separated from the heat exchanger block 1.

In Fig. 2 the attachment of the clamping element 10 is shown on one of the support elements 5, 6. Fig. 2 shows the state during the assembly of the individual parts, Fig. 3 the situation at a temperature which is higher than the temperature during assembly, especially at the temperature in the soldering oven. In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 the attachment of the clamping element 10 is explained on the corresponding support member 5, 6 only to one of the four attachment points shown. Depending on the size of the heat exchanger, a different number of fastening points may be provided. As in Fig. 1 is shown, each of the two support elements 5, 6 at least one tab 9. But it is quite possible to provide a tab 9 only one of the two support elements.

The support elements 5,6 is designed as a U-carrier. This U-beam has a base 11 and two legs 12. The base 11 rests on the outermost channel 2 or the outermost heat exchange element 21, as in Fig. 1 is shown.

The tab 9 is obtained by attaching two slots 24 in the leg.

According to Fig. 4 For example, the slots 24 may extend substantially beyond the width dimension 18, 19 of the leg 12 of the corresponding support member 5, 6. They are arranged at an angle of approximately 90 ° to the edge 26 of the leg.

According to Fig. 5 For example, the slots may extend over only a portion of the width dimension 18, 19, preferably over at least the Half of the width dimension, more preferably over at least 2/3 of the width dimension of the support member 5, 6 or its leg 12th

In contrast to Fig. 5 For example, each of the two slots 24 has a portion 25 that has an inclination angle with the edge 26 of the support member 5, 6 that is smaller than 90 °, so that the portions 25 approach towards the base 12. Instead of a section, the slot 24 in its entirety may also have an inclination angle of less than 90 ° according to the above definition, which is shown in FIG Fig. 7 is shown.

In Fig. 8 In contrast to the preceding embodiments, a variant is shown, according to which the tab 9 as a projection 28 of the leg 11 of at least one of the two support elements 5, 6 is formed.

The person skilled in the art knows that the exemplary embodiments described within the scope of this application are to be understood as merely exemplary. That is, the invention is not limited solely to the specific embodiments described. In particular, all suitable combinations of the specific embodiments presented are also covered by the invention.

Claims (15)

Heat exchanger block (1) comprising a plurality of channels (2), a distributor element (3) for distributing a heat carrier (7) to the channels (2), a collecting element (4) for receiving the heat carrier (7) from the channels (2) in that the channels (2) form a connection between the distributor element (3) and the collecting element (4) so that the heat carrier (7) can flow from the distributor element (3) through the channels (2) into the collecting element (4) a first support element (5) and a second support element (6) are provided, the first support element (5) being arranged opposite the second support element (6) and the first and second support elements (5, 6) being located between the distributor element (3) and the collecting element (4) extend and the channels (2) between the first and second support element (5,6) are arranged, characterized in that at least one of the support elements (5,6) has a tab (9) for receiving a clamping element (10) is used, where wherein the tab (9) is movable relative to the corresponding support element (5,6), so that by means of the clamping element (10) the channels (2) in a defined position to the two support elements (5,6) are durable. Heat exchanger block according to claim 1, wherein the tab (9) is elastically deformable. Heat exchanger block according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tab (9) is plastically deformable. Heat exchanger block according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second support elements (5,6) is formed as a U-carrier, wherein the U-carrier has a base (11) and two legs (12), each of the legs (12) extending from the base (11) to a side away from the channels (2). A heat exchanger block according to claim 5, wherein the tab (9) is formed by the leg (12) of the U-beam. A heat exchanger block according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the tab (9) is bounded by two slots (24) extending in the leg (12) of the U-beam. A heat exchanger block according to claim 6, wherein the slots (24) extend over at least half, preferably at least 2/3, more preferably substantially the entire widthwise dimension (18, 19) of the leg (12). Heat exchanger block according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one of the slots (24) has at least one portion (25) which is arranged at an angle (27) not equal to 90 ° to the edge (26) of the leg (12). Heat exchanger block according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the clamping element (10) is smaller than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the channels (2) and / or the support elements (5,6). Heat exchanger block according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tab is formed as a projection of the support element. Heat exchanger block according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least between a part of the channels (2) heat exchange elements (21) are arranged, by means of which two adjacent channels (2) are connectable to each other. Method for producing a heat exchanger block for exchanging heat between a heat carrier (7) and a transport fluid (8) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of connecting the first support element (5) and the second support element (6) to the clamping element (10 )
Clamping the between the first and second support member (5,6) extending channels (2) by means of the clamping element (10), so that the channels (2) with the support elements (5,6) form the heat exchanger block. The method of claim 12, wherein the distributor element (3) and the collecting element (4) are attached to one end of the channels (2). The method of claim 13, wherein the heat exchanger block is placed in a brazing furnace and the distribution element (3), the collecting element (4), the channels (2) and the first and two support elements (5,6) are soldered together in a soldering step. The method of claim 14, wherein the tension member (10) is removed after completion of the soldering step.

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