heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprises: a first conduit for a first fluid, including a first manifold, a second manifold, and a plurality of tubes arranged in at least two parallel stacks, the plurality of tubes having a first terminal tube and a second terminal tube opposite to the first terminal tube, the tubes being fluidly connected to the first manifold and the second manifold to provide at least one U-turn for the first fluid; a second conduit for a second fluid, including a housing body arranged to at least partially enclose the first conduit, wherein the second conduit is fluidly isolated from the first conduit, and a baffle arranged between the stacks of tubes and the manifold, which allows the second fluid to make a U-turn near the first manifold, characterized in that the baffle includes a first limiting member projecting toward the first manifold, the first limiting member being configured to partially limit the U-turn of the second fluid at the level of the first terminal tube of the stack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heat exchanger, particularly a heat exchanger for motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In order to reduce the impact of climate change and to meet CO2 emission standards for vehicle refrigerants used in mobile HVAC and refrigeration systems, new refrigerants such as R744 (carbon dioxide or CO2) have been introduced.

[0003] Previous refrigeration systems included refrigerants such as R1234yf, which have similar properties to R134a. However, its global warming potential, or GWP, is only 4, not 1430. Refrigerant R744 was assigned a GWP of 1 and used as a reference gas.

[0004] With the development of hybrid vehicles (such as PHEVs) and pure electric vehicles (such as EVs), interest in cooling electronics and batteries continues to increase. As a result, new devices have been developed. One example of such a device is the water chiller.

[0005] A water cooler is a compact heat exchanger that uses a medium (e.g., R744) used in a vehicle's refrigeration system to cool another medium (e.g., water, coolant) used to cool batteries or electronic devices in hybrid or electric vehicles. Therefore, the water cooler must withstand the high pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration circuit. For this purpose, the metal core of the refrigerant circuit is encapsulated within a composite housing of the coolant circuit. The circuit responsible for coolant flow is typically guided to form at least two channels to improve encapsulation while maintaining high heat exchanger efficiency. Baffles can be used to allow the coolant fluid to pass through more than once.

[0006] Baffles guide the coolant fluid in a U-shaped bend, thereby flushing the components of the refrigerant circuit responsible for its cooling, such as pipes and plates. However, the baffles allow the coolant fluid to utilize the entire available volume, which can lead to uncontrolled and unbalanced flow between channels. Therefore, the coolant fluid may bypass, for example, the middle section of the refrigerant circuit core. This phenomenon can cause unbalanced coolant flow in these areas, resulting in reduced cooler performance.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a device for directing coolant fluid to the middle section of the refrigerant core to provide a uniform coolant distribution, which will result in improved cooler thermal performance. Furthermore, it is desirable to restrict coolant flow in specific sections of the refrigerant core and promote its flow in desired sections (e.g., the middle section of the refrigerant core) to further optimize the thermal performance of the heat exchanger. The invention should be inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and preferably require no new tooling. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is a heat exchanger, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising: a first conduit for a first fluid, including a first manifold, a second manifold, and a plurality of tubes arranged in at least two parallel stacks, the plurality of tubes having a first terminal tube and a second terminal tube opposite to the first terminal tube, the tubes being fluidly connected to the first manifold and the second manifold to provide at least one U-turn for the first fluid; a second conduit for a second fluid, including a housing body arranged to at least partially enclose the first conduit, wherein the second conduit is fluidly isolated from the first conduit; and a baffle disposed between the stacks of tubes and the manifold, the baffle enabling the second fluid to make a U-turn near the first manifold, characterized in that the baffle includes a first limiting member projecting toward the first manifold, the first limiting member being configured to partially limit the U-turn of the second fluid at the level of the first terminal tube of the stack.

[0009] Preferably, the baffle includes a second limiting member projecting toward the first manifold, the second limiting member being configured to partially restrict the U-turn of the second fluid at the level of the second terminal tube of the stack.

[0010] Preferably, the limiting member is substantially rectangular.

[0011] Preferably, the first limiting member extends from the first terminal tube toward the top portion of the housing body.

[0012] Preferably, the first restrictive member allows the second fluid to pass along the top portion of the housing body.

[0013] Preferably, the second limiting member extends from the second terminal tube toward the bottom portion of the housing body.

[0014] Preferably, the baffle includes at least one third limiting member configured to at least partially restrict the U-turn of the second fluid at a selected level between the first and second terminal pipes.

[0015] Preferably, the first restrictive member allows the second fluid to pass between its terminal and the first manifold.

[0016] Preferably, the second restrictive member allows the second fluid to pass between its terminal and the first manifold.

[0017] Preferably, the limiting member is configured to restrict the second fluid to make a U-turn at the level of the terminal pipe and at least one continuous pipe.

[0018] Preferably, the limiting member is inclined toward the direction of the continuous tube, so that the U-shaped bend of the second fluid gradually increases.

[0019] Preferably, the limiting member is in the form of a basic triangular wall that slopes horizontally from the level of the terminal tube toward the central section of the tube.

[0020] Preferably, the baffle includes a spring member disposed between the first terminal tube and the second terminal tube, wherein the spring member interacts with the first manifold to fix the baffle in its longitudinal direction.

[0021] Preferably, the baffle includes at least one recessed portion arranged on the edge facing the U-shaped turn.

[0022] Preferably, the heat exchange loop, particularly for a heat exchange loop used in a motor vehicle battery thermal management system, includes the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Examples of the invention will become apparent and will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A perspective view of the heat exchanger assembly is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A perspective view of a partial cross-section of the first conduit is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 A cross-section of the heat exchanger assembly is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 A first exemplary baffle is shown in one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 A second exemplary baffle is shown in one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 A third exemplary baffle is shown in one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 A fourth exemplary baffle is shown in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This invention relates to a heat exchanger in which at least two media are guided through a predetermined path to exchange heat with each other. Specifically, the subject matter of this invention relates to a heat exchanger 1 used in a motor vehicle, which includes, for example, an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a combination of both.

[0032] The present invention includes a heat exchanger 1, which can be used, for example, to cool water and / or coolant fluid that has been heated while cooling a battery in an electric vehicle. A suitable medium for cooling the coolant fluid may be, for example, R744 refrigerant. The subject matter of the invention will be described in detail in subsequent paragraphs.

[0033] Figure 1 A perspective view of a heat exchanger 1 is shown, which can be configured to transfer heat between a first conduit 10 including a first fluid and a second conduit 20 including a second fluid, wherein the first fluid may have different properties than the second fluid, for example, the pressure of the first fluid is higher than that of the second fluid.

[0034] The second conduit 20 particularly includes a housing body 21, which includes at least one inlet 22 and at least one outlet 23 for a second fluid, wherein the inlet 22 is configured to introduce the second fluid into the second conduit 20, and the outlet 23 is configured to collect the second fluid from the second conduit 20. The inlet 22 and outlet 23 for the second fluid typically include channels projecting from the housing body 21 to achieve a uniform distribution of the second fluid from the top to the bottom portion of the housing body 21. Figure 1 As shown, inlet 22 and outlet 22 are arranged parallel to the channel and share a common main axis. However, other locations for inlet 22 and / or outlet 23 are also conceivable. For example, inlet 22 may alternatively be located on the side of housing body 21. In other words, the main axis of inlet 22 may be arranged perpendicular to the main axis of the channel, wherein the channel is still configured to achieve a uniform second fluid distribution from the top to the bottom of housing body 21. Alternatively, the main axis of inlet 22 may be arranged at an angle to the main axis of the channel, wherein the channel is still configured to achieve a uniform second fluid distribution from the top to the bottom of housing body 21.

[0035] In addition, the outer shell body 21 can be assembled from two components, namely the outer shell tank 21a and the outer shell plate 21b.

[0036] The outer shell can 21a can be in the form of a basic rectangular container, but a similar shape, such as a cube, is also conceivable. The term "basically rectangular" means that two long sides and two short sides of the outer shell can 21a can be distinguished; they are not necessarily flat, i.e., they can include reinforcements, openings, cavities, etc. The outer shell can 21a can include an opening 24 configured to allow a sub-component of the first conduit 10 (e.g., connecting block 11) to protrude from the outer shell body 21. The outer shell can 21a can include at least one circular wall, which is typically one of the shorter walls. The outer shell can 21a can also include an open end for receiving the outer shell plate 21b. Reinforcing protrusions can project outward from the outer shell can 21a, forming, for example,... Figure 1 The cube inlay shown allows for the use of synthetic materials, such as plastics, to manufacture the outer shell body 21. This, in turn, facilitates weight reduction and control of production costs. However, the outer shell canister 21a can also be made of metallic materials, such as lightweight metal alloys, like aluminum.

[0037] The outer casing 21a is typically assembled with an outer casing plate 21b. The shape of the outer casing plate 21b typically corresponds to the shape of the open end located on the outer casing 21a. The outer casing plate 21b typically includes reinforcing elements on its inner surface to provide a flat surface on its outer surface suitable for securing the heat exchanger 1 to, for example, a vehicle body. The outer casing plate 21b may also include fixing points for securing the heat exchanger 1 in a desired location, using, for example, bolts or screws. The outer casing plate 21b also includes a flange extending vertically toward the outer casing 21a, wherein the shape of the flange corresponds to the shape of the open end of the outer casing 21a, thereby facilitating the securing of the outer casing body 21.

[0038] Figure 2 A perspective view of the first conduit 10 assembly is shown. The first conduit 10 may include a connecting block 11, a first manifold 13a, a second manifold 13b, and a plurality of tubes 12. Sub-components assembled in the first conduit 10 may be adapted to transport a first fluid.

[0039] The connecting block 11 may be made from a single material block, such as a lightweight metal alloy like aluminum. The shape of the connecting block 11 generally corresponds to the shape of the opening 24 located on the housing body 21, such that the connecting block 11 can partially protrude from the housing body 11. Preferably, the connecting block 11 is substantially rectangular. Furthermore, the connecting block 11 includes at least one inlet 11a and at least one outlet 11b, wherein the inlet 11a is configured to introduce a first fluid into the first conduit 10, and the outlet 11b is configured to receive the first fluid from the first conduit 10. Figure 2 An inlet 11a and an outlet 11b are shown, which typically extend from the top portion of the connecting block 11 toward the remaining sub-components of the first conduit 10 through the body of the connecting block 11. The inlet 11a and outlet 11b may have a circular cross-section. The connecting block 11 may also include a notch 14 for tightly connecting the connecting block 11 to the first fluid loop. The notch 14 may have different shapes depending on the desired type of connection. Figure 2 The notch 14 shown is essentially a cut in the material of the connecting block 11; however, other shapes suitable for tightly connecting the connecting block 11 to the rest of the loop are also conceivable. The notch 14 does not preclude the presence of other devices, such as bolts, screws, etc., for connecting the connecting block 11 to other sub-components of the refrigerant loop.

[0040] The connecting block 11 may also include a sealing region adapted to receive a sealing device (e.g., a synthetic gasket). The sealing region may be in the form of a cutout along the periphery of the connecting block 11. The sealing region should be arranged near the opening 24 on the housing body 11 to provide a fluid-tight connection between the second conduit 20 and the environment.

[0041] Connector block 11 is typically fluidly connected to a first manifold 13a, which participates in the distribution and collection of a first fluid. In its simplest form, the first manifold 13a typically includes a first tank and a first header, configured to define a flow path through the first conduit 10. The first tank can typically be in the form of a single block of material including openings for fluid, wherein the first tank has at least two openings at the top to allow fluid communication between connector block 11 and the first manifold 13a. Naturally, the first tank is closed at the bottom by, for example, an end plate. The first tank is fluidly connected to a first header comprising multiple sub-components. The first header typically includes a first plate comprising slots for receiving at least half of the number of tubes 12, i.e., a single slot of the first plate can receive a pair of tubes 12. Alternatively, the slots are configured to receive only one tube 12, such that the number of slots arranged on the first plate is equal to the number of tubes 12. The first header is tightly connected to the first tank, for example, by crimping, to ensure proper positioning of the first header relative to the first tank and to facilitate the formation of a fluid-tight connection after, for example, brazing one of the first header and the first tank to the other. Furthermore, the first manifold includes at least one second plate disposed between the first plate and the first manifold. The second plate may include openings configured to establish a passage for and guide the flow of the first fluid. Depending on the shapes of the first tank and the first manifold, the first conduit 10 may include a simple U-shaped flow path; however, blocking a portion of the passage in the first tank and opening a corresponding passage in the first manifold can achieve a more advanced flow path for the first fluid.

[0042] The second manifold 13b includes a second tank and a second header, wherein the second manifold 13b acts as a first fluid distributor and does not participate in the introduction and / or collection of the first fluid. In other words, the second manifold receives the first fluid from a first portion of pipe 12 and transfers it to another portion of pipe 12. However, different configurations of the second manifold are also conceivable. The second header typically includes a third plate comprising slots for receiving at least half of the number of pipes 12, i.e., a single slot of the second plate can receive a pair of pipes 12. Alternatively, the slots are configured to receive only one pipe 12, such that the number of slots arranged on the second plate is equal to the number of pipes 12 received therein. The second tank particularly includes a cover plate and at least one fourth plate, the cover plate being substantially flat and providing closure to the second manifold 13b, the fourth plate being configured to convey the first fluid from the top portion of the second manifold 13b to the bottom portion. One method of producing the fourth plate can be to form a plate having a plurality of parallel openings that provide fluid communication with sub-components of the second header. Furthermore, the second header may also include at least one fifth plate arranged between the fourth plate and the second header. The fifth plate may include an opening configured to establish a passage for a first fluid, allowing fluid communication between the second manifold and the second tank. The second manifold is tightly connected to the second tank, for example, by crimping, to ensure proper positioning of the first manifold relative to the first tank and to facilitate the formation of a fluid-tight connection after, for example, brazing one of the second manifold and the second tank to the other.

[0043] The first conduit 10 also includes a plurality of tubes 12. The tubes 12 are typically arranged between the first manifold 13a and the second manifold 13b to provide fluid communication between them. The tubes 12 may be in the form of a plate comprising two long sides and two short sides, wherein the short sides typically include an open end that is introduced into a groove in the respective manifold. Based on the form of the tubes 12, their overall planar shape can be easily distinguished. The tubes 12 may be arranged in at least two parallel stacks, each stack comprising a first terminal tube 12a and a second terminal tube 12b opposite to the first terminal tube 12a. The term "parallel stack" should be understood as at least two parallel-aligned stacks, wherein the long side of the tubes 12 forming one stack faces the long side of the tubes 12 forming the adjacent stack. Furthermore, each stack may be staggered with dissipative portions 12c, such as fins, turbulence fins, etc., wherein the stacks do not share the same set of dissipative portions 12c. This allows adjacent stacks to be materially separated, resulting in gaps between the stacks. Dissipative portions 12c may be staggered among all the tubes 12 forming the stack. Furthermore, the tubes 12 may include bent ends that allow for the formation of pairs of tubes 12 that can be introduced into corresponding slots. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of connection area between the tubes 12 and the manifolds 13a, 13b, which are most prone to leakage. Furthermore, it facilitates secondary fluid flow between the tubes 12 and near the first manifold 13a. Alternatively, the tubes 12 may be straight; however, the number of slots in the first manifold 13a and the second manifold 13b should be increased accordingly. To provide a fluid seal and rigid connection between the tubes 12 and the manifolds 13a, 13b, the ends of each tube 12 are introduced into their respective manifolds 13a, 13b such that they completely penetrate the first and third plates and partially penetrate the second and fifth plates.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, baffle 30 can be arranged between and perpendicular to adjacent stacks of tubes 12. It should be taken into account that, for clarity, some tubes 12 and dissipative sections 12c have been omitted. This makes it possible to clearly show the position of baffle 30.

[0045] Baffle 30 does not directly direct the flow of the first fluid through the first conduit 10, but it enables fluid cooperation between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20 in terms of heat exchange. In other words, baffle 30 guides the second fluid in the second conduit 20 to maximize heat exchange with the first fluid in the first conduit 10. Baffle 30 will be discussed further in the following paragraphs.

[0046] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger 1 assembly is shown. It must be considered that, for clarity, pipes 12 have been completely omitted, but they should not be considered non-existent. The assembly includes a first conduit 10, a second conduit 20, and a baffle 30, which enables fluid cooperation between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20 in terms of heat exchange.

[0047] The housing 11 encapsulates the first conduit 10 and the baffle 30, and it defines the flow of the second fluid in the second conduit 20.

[0048] Baffle 30 directs second fluid entering the housing body 21 through inlet 22 to the first manifold 13a, thereby forming a first passage for the second fluid, which can flush at least one stack of pipes 12. In other words, baffle 30 can be arranged between the stack of pipes 12 and manifolds 13a, 13b, allowing the second fluid to make a U-turn near the first manifold 13a. The second fluid then passes through the area between the stacks of pipes 12 not occupied by baffle 30. This allows the second fluid to enter a second passage, which, in a basic embodiment of the invention, directs the second fluid to outlet 23. Similar to the first passage, the second fluid can flush at least one stack of pipes 12. Baffle 30 typically includes at least one spring member 33 resting against the first manifold 13a, such that the baffle is pushed towards the second manifold 13b. This helps the baffle 30 to properly engage between the first manifold 13a and the second manifold 13b.

[0049] Both the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20 can include more than two channels for their respective fluids. For example, the heat exchanger 1 may include two baffles 30 that define the presence of at least three channels for the second fluid and at least three stacks of the tube 12 for the first fluid. Thus, embodiments in which the heat exchanger includes an odd or even number of baffles 30 are also conceivable.

[0050] To improve the overall efficiency of heat exchanger 1, the second fluid typically flows through the second conduit 20 in the opposite direction to the first fluid flowing through the first conduit 10 via all the channels included within heat exchanger 1. Alternatively, the second fluid may flow through the second conduit 20 in the same direction as the first fluid flowing through the first conduit 10 via all the channels included within heat exchanger 1; however, this may negatively impact its efficiency.

[0051] The second conduit 20 typically utilizes the entire available space between the inner surface of the outer casing 21a and the inner surface of the outer casing plate 21b to perform a U-turn. This facilitates the flow of the second fluid along the upper wall of the outer casing 21a and the outer casing plate 21b. Consequently, this can result in restricted flow of the second fluid in the central section of the second conduit 20.

[0052] Figure 4 Means for mitigating the aforementioned phenomenon are illustrated. The baffle 30 may include a first limiting member 31a projecting toward the first manifold 13a, configured to partially restrict the U-turn of the second fluid at the level of the first terminal pipe 12a of the stack. Ideally, this would guide the second fluid toward the central section of pipe 12. The central section of pipe 12 should be considered as part of pipe 12, which is relatively centrally located between the first terminal pipe 12a and the second terminal pipe 12b of each stack. The first limiting member 31a does not completely block the passage of the second fluid; it allows the second fluid to pass along the top portion of the housing body 21.

[0053] The first limiting member 31a typically extends from the first terminal pipe 12a toward the top portion of the housing body 21 to form a passage near the inner surface of the housing 21a or the connecting block 11 (if applied). This allows the flow of the second fluid through the top portion of the first terminal pipe 12a to be restricted and directed to the central portion of the pipe 12. The first limiting member 31a typically extends from the first terminal pipe 12a toward the top portion of the housing body 21 by at least two heights of the first terminal pipe 12a.

[0054] Furthermore, the first limiting member 31a allows the second fluid to pass between its terminal end and the first manifold 13a. Since there is no contact between the wall of the first manifold 13a and the terminal wall of the first limiting member 31a facing the first manifold 13a, the second fluid can pass between these elements so that the first limiting member 31a does not completely block the passage of the second fluid near the first manifold 13a.

[0055] Alternatively, the baffle 30 may include a second limiting member 31b projecting toward the first manifold 13a, configured to partially restrict the U-turn of the second fluid at the level of the second terminal pipe 12b of the stack. Ideally, this would guide the second fluid toward the central section of pipe 12. The second limiting member 31b does not completely close the passage of the second fluid, allowing it to pass along the bottom portion of the housing body 21.

[0056] The second limiting member 31b typically extends from the second terminal tube 12b toward the bottom portion of the housing body 21, thereby forming a passage near the inner surface of the housing plate 21b. This allows for the restriction of the flow of a second fluid through the second terminal tube 12b. The second limiting member 31b typically extends from the second terminal tube 12b toward the bottom portion of the housing body 21 at least two heights of the second terminal tube 12b.

[0057] Furthermore, the second limiting member 31b allows the second fluid to pass between its terminal end and the first manifold 13a. Since there is no contact between the wall of the first manifold 13a and the terminal wall of the second limiting member 31a facing the first manifold 13a, the second fluid can pass between these elements, so that the second limiting member 31b does not completely block the passage of the second fluid near the first manifold 13a.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the baffle 30 may include a first limiting member 31a and a second limiting member 31b. The paired limiting members 31a and 31b have additional characteristics of the first and second limiting members 31a and 31b, such that they cooperate with the second fluid of the second conduit 20. In other words, the limiting members 31a and 31b partially restrict the flow of the second fluid near the U-shaped bend formed by the baffle 30, to direct a larger amount of the second fluid to the central section of the tube 12 of each stack. This allows for maximizing the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger 1, since the flow around the tube 12 above and below the heat exchange region is now restricted. Therefore, the amount of second fluid capable of exchanging heat with the first fluid can be optimized.

[0059] The above embodiments can be further modified to optimize heat exchange between the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20. Examples of such modifications are described in the following paragraphs.

[0060] Figure 5 A baffle 30 including a first limiting member 31a is shown, which forms a generally rectangular wall extending toward the outer casing 21b, the wall being configured to restrict the second fluid at the level of the first terminal tube 12a and at least one consecutive tube 12.

[0061] Similar to the preceding paragraphs, the baffle 30 may further include a second limiting member 31b that forms a substantially rectangular wall extending toward the outer casing tank 21a, the wall being configured to restrict the second fluid to make a U-turn at the level of the second terminal tube 12b and at least one continuous tube 12.

[0062] Figure 6 A baffle 30 is shown, which includes a first limiting member 31a that forms a wall of a basic triangle that slopes horizontally from the level of the first terminal tube 12a toward the central section of the tube 12.

[0063] Similar to the preceding paragraphs, the baffle 30 may also include a first limiting member 31a, which forms a wall that slopes substantially triangularly from the horizontal of the first terminal tube 12a toward the height of the central section of the tube 12. This allows for a gradual increase in the flow of the second fluid through the U-shaped bend to further optimize the flow in the second conduit 20.

[0064] Figure 7 A baffle 30 is shown comprising at least one third limiting member 31c configured to at least partially restrict a U-turn of the second fluid at a selected level between a first terminal pipe 12a and a second terminal pipe 12b. The third limiting member 31c may have a similar shape to the first limiting member 31a or the second limiting member 31b; however, the extent to which it extends toward the first manifold 13a need not be the same as, for example, the extent to which the first limiting member 31a extends. The third limiting member 31c may be arranged on the baffle 30 together with the first limiting member 31a, the second limiting member 31b, or both the first and second limiting members 31a and 31b. The third limiting member 31c enables selective optimization of the flow of the second fluid in areas of the U-turn not covered by the first limiting member 31a and / or the second limiting member 31b. In one embodiment, the baffle 30 may include a plurality of third limiting members 31c forming a comb-like structure.

[0065] The baffle 30 may also include at least one recess 34 disposed on the edge facing the U-turn, between the first limiting member 31a and the second limiting member 31b. The recess can increase the usable area for the second fluid to perform the U-turn.

[0066] The first limiting member 31a, the second limiting member 31b, and the third limiting member 31c are typically integral with the baffle 30 in terms of material. The baffle 30, including all possible embodiments of the present invention, can be realized by processing materials, such as cutting, stamping, laser cutting, water jetting, etc.

[0067] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. The fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (1), particularly for use in motor vehicles, comprising: - A first conduit (10) for a first fluid, the first conduit (10) comprising a first manifold (13a), a second manifold (13b), and a plurality of tubes (12) arranged in at least two parallel stacks, the stacks having a first terminal tube (12a) and a second terminal tube (12b) opposite to the first terminal tube (12a), the tubes (12) being fluidly connected to the first manifold (13a) and the second manifold (13b) to provide at least one U-turn for the first fluid. - A second conduit (20) for a second fluid includes a housing body (21) arranged to at least partially enclose the first conduit (10), wherein the second conduit (20) is fluidly isolated from the first conduit (10). as well as, - A baffle (30) is arranged between the stack of the pipe (12) and the manifolds (13a, 13b), the baffle allowing the second fluid to make a U-turn near the first manifold (13a). Its features are, The baffle (30) includes a first limiting member (31a) projecting toward the first manifold (13a), the first limiting member being configured to partially restrict the U-turn of the second fluid at the level of the first terminal pipe (12a) of the stack. The first limiting member (31a) allows the second fluid to pass along the top portion of the outer casing (21), and the first limiting member is inclined toward the direction of the continuous tube (12), so that the U-shaped turns of the second fluid gradually increase.

2. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The baffle (30) includes a second limiting member (31b) protruding toward the first manifold (13a), the second limiting member being configured to partially restrict the U-turn of the second fluid at the level of the second terminal pipe (12b) of the stack.

3. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The limiting members (31a, 31b) are substantially rectangular.

4. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first limiting member (31a) extends from the first terminal tube (12a) toward the top portion of the outer casing body (21).

5. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The second limiting member (31b) extends from the second terminal tube (12b) toward the bottom portion of the housing body (21).

6. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The baffle (30) includes at least one third limiting member (31c) configured to at least partially restrict the U-turn of the second fluid at a selected level between the first terminal tube (12a) and the second terminal tube (12b).

7. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first limiting member (31a) allows the second fluid to pass between the terminal end of the first limiting member and the first manifold (13a).

8. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The second limiting member (31b) allows the second fluid to pass between the end of the second limiting member and the first manifold (13a).

9. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The limiting members (31a, 31b) are configured to restrict the U-turn of the second fluid at the level of the terminal pipes (12a, 12b) and at least one continuous pipe (12).

10. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The second limiting member (31b) is inclined toward the continuous tube (12), so that the U-shaped bend of the second fluid gradually increases.

11. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The limiting members (31a, 31b) are in the form of a basic triangular wall that slopes horizontally from the terminal tubes (12a, 12b) toward the central section of the tube (12).

12. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The baffle (30) includes a spring member (33) arranged in the region between the first terminal tube (12a) and the second terminal tube (12b), wherein the spring member (33) interacts with the first manifold (13a) such that the baffle (30) is fixed in the longitudinal direction of the baffle.

13. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The baffle (30) includes at least one recessed portion (34) arranged on the edge facing the U-shaped turn.

14. A heat exchange loop for a motor vehicle battery thermal management system, comprising a heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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