heat exchanger

Abstract

This invention relates to a heat exchanger having a tube-fin module consisting of tubes and fins, wherein the tubes form fluid channels to guide a first fluid, particularly a refrigerant, and the fins arranged between the tubes form a second fluid channel to guide a second fluid, such as air, flowing around the tubes, wherein a collector is arranged at at least one end of the tube-fin module, the collector being in communication with the fluid channels of the tubes, wherein the at least one collector is designed as a plate structure and has at least a stacked and hermetically welded base plate and a cover plate, wherein a device is provided to space the base plate and the cover plate and to distribute the first fluid in the collector, wherein the base plate has a first opening to receive and hermetically secure the tube end of the tube of the tube-fin module, wherein the first opening of the base plate is surrounded by the edge of the base plate, and the device has a second opening, the first opening being aligned with the second opening, the second opening being designed to be larger than the first opening and designed to be laterally open.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly to a heat exchanger for a refrigerant circuit in a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In motor vehicles, various heat exchangers for refrigerant circuits are known, for example, as evaporators or coolers, to cool air in the interior space of a motor vehicle or to cool fluids for example, to cool other components (such as battery packs).

[0003] Here, vehicle manufacturers are increasingly demanding that heat exchangers be made lighter, have less structural space requirements, and be more efficient, as the growing demands for efficiency from vehicle consumers and legislators are also prompting corresponding requirements for vehicle components.

[0004] This is especially true for heat exchangers for refrigerant R1234yf, and even more so for heat exchangers for refrigerant R744 (also known as CO2), because these heat exchangers must withstand significantly greater pressures, which in principle places higher demands on the wall thickness of the heat exchanger components and the design of the heat exchanger.

[0005] For example, EP 1 780 490 B1, FR 3 025 304 A1 and DE 10 2005 029 171 A1 have disclosed evaporator designs for heat exchangers using R744 as a refrigerant, in which the heat exchanger collector is designed as a plate structure. This includes a base plate stacked and welded together, at least one intermediate plate, and a cover plate.

[0006] The base plate is designed to have openings for introducing and sealing the tube ends of the tubes connected to the Rohr-Rippenblock. The cover plate is typically flat or implemented with at least one arch to design the collector as upwardly closed, wherein the at least one possible arch serves to guide the flow of refrigerant within the collector. The intermediate plate also has openings to guide refrigerant flowing in from the tubes or towards the tube ends, wherein possible connecting channels between the openings of the intermediate plate are used for refrigerant distribution. Here, the openings in the intermediate plate are designed to be larger than those in the base plate so that solder does not enter the tube openings at the tube ends from the gap between the intermediate and base plates and block the cross-section of the tube openings. Correspondingly, the corresponding openings in the intermediate plate must be larger around the perimeter than those in the base plate.

[0007] In this configuration, the intermediate plate has edge tabs on its longitudinal side, between the opening and the lateral edge of the intermediate plate. These edge tabs typically have a width equal to the wall thickness of the intermediate plate (i.e., the thickness of the intermediate plate). These edge tabs typically function together to ensure that the collector has an extension relative to the tube-fin module in the airflow direction, which in turn determines the overall depth of the heat exchanger in the airflow direction. Here, the overall depth of the heat exchanger is typically the depth of the tube-fin module in the airflow direction plus twice the amount of the extension (i.e., the extension on the air inlet side and the extension on the air outlet side). Therefore, the width of the edge tabs of the intermediate plate at least indirectly determines the overall depth of the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat exchanger that is an improvement over the prior art, with a smaller weight, reduced structural space requirements, and increased efficiency.

[0009] This objective is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0010] One embodiment of the invention relates to a heat exchanger having a tube-fin module consisting of tubes and fins, wherein the tubes form fluid channels to guide a first fluid, particularly a refrigerant, and the fins arranged between the tubes form second fluid channels to guide a second fluid, such as, particularly air, flowing around the tubes, wherein a collector is arranged at at least one end of the tube-fin module, the collector communicating with the fluid channels of the tubes, wherein the at least one collector is designed as a plate structure and has at least a stacked and hermetically welded base plate and a cover plate, wherein a device is provided to space the base plate and the cover plate and to dispense the first fluid in the collector, wherein the base plate has a first opening to receive and hermetically secure the tube end of the tube of the tube-fin module, wherein the first opening of the base plate is surrounded by the edge of the base plate, wherein the device has a second opening, wherein the first opening is aligned with the second opening, wherein the second opening is designed to be larger than the first opening and is designed to be laterally open. Thus, on the one hand, it prevents solder from entering the tube end of the tube-fin module and clogging the tube end during the welding of the heat exchanger; and on the other hand, it allows the collector protrusion to be designed to be narrower relative to the tube-fin module, thereby reducing the structural space required for the heat exchanger.

[0011] Another advantage is that the device is designed to be positioned as an intermediate plate between the base plate and the cover plate. By arranging the intermediate plate with a laterally open second opening, the intermediate plate can be kept narrow, as the lateral edge tabs that laterally close the second opening can be eliminated.

[0012] Furthermore, the device is designed to be integrated into one or more intermediate elements in the base plate and / or cover plate. Thus, portions of the base plate and / or cover plate can serve as spacers, maintaining a distance between the base plate and cover plate to improve current flow, while also preventing solder from entering the tube end.

[0013] In another embodiment, it is also advantageous to include a distribution plate with channel openings extending longitudinally along the collector. This allows for a four-plate assembly together with the base plate, intermediate plate, and cover plate. Here, the distribution plate can be arranged between the intermediate plate and the cover plate, or between the intermediate plate and the base plate, while the intermediate plate is arranged between the base plate and the distribution plate, or between the distribution plate and the cover plate. In the case of a three-plate assembly, the intermediate plate is arranged between the base plate and the cover plate, or the distribution plate is arranged between the base plate and the cover plate.

[0014] Another embodiment of the invention also relates to a heat exchanger having a tube-fin module consisting of tubes and fins, wherein the tubes form fluid channels to guide a first fluid, particularly a refrigerant, and the fins arranged between the tubes form second fluid channels to guide a second fluid, such as, particularly air, flowing around the tubes, wherein a collector is arranged at at least one end of the tube-fin module, the collector communicating with the fluid channels of the tubes, wherein the at least one collector is designed as a plate structure and has at least a stacked and hermetically welded base plate and a cover plate, wherein a device is provided to space the base plate and the cover plate and to dispense the first fluid in the collector, wherein the base plate has a first opening to receive and hermetically secure the tube end of the tube of the tube-fin module, wherein the first opening of the base plate is surrounded by the edge of the base plate, wherein the device has a second opening, wherein the first opening is aligned with the second opening, wherein the second opening is designed to be larger than the first opening, and wherein the second opening is designed to have a circumferentially closed edge.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger may alternatively or additionally be designed such that the collector extends beyond the tube-fin module in a direction transverse to the flow direction, and interfaces are arranged in the extended region of the collector to deliver the first fluid into and out of the collector. This eliminates the need for complex and additional structural space requirements such as flanges, and especially eliminates the need for welding, as structural space is limited and solid flange elements are difficult to weld due to their high heat capacity, since the temperature characteristics of solid flange elements typically differ from those of thinner sheet metal.

[0016] In another embodiment, it is also advantageous that the interface is designed as an annular through-hole into which the connecting pipe of the first fluid's fluid loop can be inserted. This results in an interface that is relatively easy to manufacture for arranging and securing the connecting pipe, and is also cost-effective and has good weldability.

[0017] A particularly advantageous feature is that the through-hole is formed by a base plate or cover plate and extends from the collector. This provides a solution that is easy to manufacture and allows for reliable welding.

[0018] In another embodiment, it is also convenient that the through-hole is formed by an additional plate between the base plate and the cover plate, particularly an intermediate plate or distribution plate, wherein the through-hole engages in an opening in the base plate or cover plate, and / or the through-hole extends through the opening in the base plate or cover plate. This allows the base plate to be designed to be thinner, thus saving material and cost, since the base plate is not directly responsible for the fastening stability of the connecting pipe.

[0019] According to another concept of the invention, the heat exchanger can also be alternatively or additionally designed such that: the base plate, particularly along its longitudinal sides, has an upright edge region that surrounds the cover plate and optionally the intermediate plate and / or the distribution plate; and / or the cover plate, particularly along its longitudinal sides, has an upright edge region that surrounds the base plate and optionally the intermediate plate and / or the distribution plate. This allows the collector plates to be reliably and correctly positioned to each other before welding, and furthermore, this enclosure provides additional stability against internal pressure.

[0020] According to another concept of the invention, the heat exchanger can also be alternatively or additionally designed such that the base plate and cover plate, as well as optionally the intermediate plate and / or distribution plate, are each implemented as being bent along a bend line, wherein the bend line of these plates is arranged generally at the center of the respective plate between the two longitudinal sides of the respective plate and extends along the longitudinal direction of the respective plate. This achieves the effect that the contact area with the fins of the tube-fin module is limited to the narrow area of ​​the bend, which improves and simplifies the drainage of condensate on the outside of the heat exchanger. Therefore, there will be little or no water remaining in the contact area between the fins and the collector, which might freeze and potentially obstruct the flow of water through the fins.

[0021] Particularly preferred are the base plate and cover plate, and optionally the intermediate plate and / or distribution plate, each having prominent protrusions along their lines, especially in the areas of the bends. This also restricts the contact area between the fins and the tube-fin module to the narrow area of ​​the bends, which improves and simplifies the drainage of condensate on the outside of the heat exchanger. Therefore, there is little or no water remaining in the contact area between the fins and the collector, which could potentially freeze and obstruct airflow through the fins.

[0022] Furthermore, in another embodiment, it is also convenient that the corresponding protrusions extend either toward or away from the tube-fin module. Protrusions toward the tube-fin module reduce the contact area with the fins. Protrusions away from the tube-fin module create gaps, which also reduce the contact area with the fins.

[0023] According to another concept of the invention, the heat exchanger can also be alternatively or additionally designed such that the base plate and / or cover plate have at least one raised portion that extends at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the base plate or cover plate and is particularly used for fluid distribution and / or fluid collection. This improves the internal fluid distribution because the collector has a larger internal volume available. At the same time, the raised portion or these raised portions also reduce the contact area with the fins, so that no water or only a very small amount of water remains in the contact area between the fins and the collector, which may freeze and potentially obstruct the flow through the fins.

[0024] It is also particularly advantageous that the base plate and / or cover plate have at least two raised portions that extend at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the base plate or cover plate and are particularly useful for fluid distribution and / or fluid collection. Thus, for example, the flow cross-section can be increased in different flow paths, thereby improving flow passage and reducing pressure drop.

[0025] In another embodiment, it is also preferred that the at least two raised portions of the base plate and / or cover plate are designed to be the same or different in cross-section, particularly in a plane parallel to the direction of airflow. In different designs, the cross-section can be adapted to the fluid, particularly to the state of the fluid. Thus, for example, the area with inflowing liquid fluid can be designed to be smaller than the area for overflowing fluid used for evaporation. The area arranged therebetween can also be correspondingly adapted in terms of its cross-section.

[0026] Furthermore, the at least two raised portions, designed differently on a cross-section in a plane parallel to the airflow direction, are designed such that, with reference to the plane parallel to the airflow direction, one of the raised portions is designed to be higher or deeper, lower or shallower, and / or wider or narrower than the other of the two raised portions in height or depth and / or width. This allows for a suitable individual fit to the cross-section of the raised portions.

[0027] According to another concept of the invention, the heat exchanger can also be alternatively or additionally designed such that the base plate and / or cover plate form steps extending along the longitudinal direction of the base plate and / or cover plate, in such a way that the base plate and / or cover plate substantially form at least two planes, which are arranged offset from each other due to the steps. Therefore, a clever fit can be achieved, especially when these protrusions are designed with different heights or depths, to a given structural space.

[0028] According to another concept of the invention, the heat exchanger can also be alternatively or additionally designed such that: at least one collector plate has recesses aligned with each other, each recess forming a channel traversing the collector, particularly serving as a condensate drain outlet. This allows condensate to drain from the tube-fin module through the collector, thereby improving condensate drainage. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] In the attached diagram:

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the collector plate of the heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 3 A schematic three-dimensional diagram of the collector's plate arrangement.

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic partial view of the intermediate plate of the collector in the heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 6 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 7 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 8 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 9A schematic partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 10 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a cover plate according to an embodiment of a heat exchanger based on the present invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 12 A schematic partial illustration of the collector plate of the heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown, and

[0043] Figure 13 A schematic partial illustration of the collector plate of the heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown.

[0044] Among them, 1-heat exchanger, 2-pipe-fin module, 3-pipe, 4-fin, 5-fluid channel, 6-second fluid channel, 7-collector, 8-base plate, 9-cover plate, 10-device, 11-intermediate plate, 12-distribution plate, 13-channel opening, 14-first opening, 15-pipe end, 16-second opening, 17-interface, 18-through part, 19-opening, 20-edge area, 21-edge area, 22-bend line, 23-line, 24-protrusion, 25-recess, 26-raised part, 27-step, 28-plane, 29-plane, 30-notch, 31-channel. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the heat exchanger 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in schematic diagram.

[0046] The heat exchanger 1 has a tube-fin module 2 consisting of tubes 3 and fins 4. The fins 4 can be arranged as corrugated fins between the tubes 3, for example.

[0047] Pipe 3 can be arranged in a single row or multiple rows sequentially in the airflow direction L. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, pipe 3 can be arranged in two rows in sequence.

[0048] Pipe 3 forms a fluid passage 5 to guide a first fluid. The first fluid may be, for example, a refrigerant, such as R744 or R1234yf.

[0049] Fins 4 arranged between tubes 3 form a second fluid channel 6 to guide a second fluid flowing around tubes 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the second fluid is, for example, air.

[0050] A collector 7 is arranged at at least one end of the tube-fin module 2. In the illustrated embodiment, two collectors 7 are provided, one collector 7 at each end of the tube-fin module 2.

[0051] The corresponding collector 7 is connected to the fluid passage 5 of the pipe 3, so that the first fluid can flow from the collector 7 into the pipe 3 and the first fluid can also flow from the pipe 3 into the collector 7. At least one partition wall can be provided in the at least one collector 7 to divide the corresponding collector 7 internally.

[0052] At least one collector 7 is designed as a plate structure. Similarly, both collectors 7 can be designed as plate structures. (See reference) Figures 2 to 5 To illustrate the plate structure.

[0053] Collector 7 has at least a stacked and sealed welded base plate 8 and cover plate 9.

[0054] The device 10 is also provided to space the base plate 8 from the cover plate 9 and to dispense the first fluid in the collector 7.

[0055] Device 10 can be designed as an intermediate plate 11 arranged between the base plate 8 and the cover plate 9 (see...) Figure 2 Alternatively, device 10 may also be designed to be integrated into one or more intermediate elements of the base plate 8 and / or cover plate 9, thereby maintaining the spacing between the base plate 8 and the cover plate 9 and allowing the first fluid to flow within the collector 7.

[0056] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiments, it can also be seen that the collector 7 is not only composed of a base plate 8 and a cover plate 9, but also has an intermediate plate 11 and a distribution plate 12 arranged between the base plate 8 and the cover plate 9. The distribution plate 12 has channel openings 13 that extend along the longitudinal direction of the collector 7 and are used to distribute the first fluid in the collector 7.

[0057] The base plate 8 has a first opening 14 to receive and seal the tube end 15 of the tube 3 of the tube-fin module 2.

[0058] Here, the first opening 14 of the base plate 8 is correspondingly surrounded by the edge of the base plate 8, so that the tube end 15 inserted into the first opening 14 can be welded to the base plate 8 in a circumferential manner or otherwise sealed to it.

[0059] In addition, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, device 10, especially intermediate plate 11, has a second opening 16, wherein the first opening 14 is aligned with the second opening 16.

[0060] Here, the second opening 16 is designed to be larger than the first opening 14, and a step is provided from the first opening 14 toward the second opening 16 accordingly, so that no solder will enter the tube opening of the tube 3 inserted into the first opening 14 during welding.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, in order to reduce the lateral structural space, the second opening 16 is designed to be laterally open.

[0062] Figure 5 A partial view of the intermediate plate 11 also illustrates an embodiment in which the second opening 16 is designed to be laterally open.

[0063] As can be seen, the lateral tabs of the intermediate plate 11 are removed, so the second opening 16 is designed to be open. This eliminates the need for lateral tabs, reduces the lateral structural space required for the intermediate plate 11, and thus the collector 7 can be designed to be narrower overall.

[0064] However, alternatively, in some embodiments a tab may also be present, so that the second opening 16 may also be designed to be closed accordingly.

[0065] from Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can also be seen by way of example that, in an advantageous embodiment, the collector 7 extends beyond the tube-fin module 2 in a direction transverse to the flow direction L, and in the region where the collector 7 extends... An interface 17 is provided in the middle to deliver the first fluid to the collector 7 and to discharge the first fluid from the collector 7.

[0066] Observe here Figure 3 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As can be seen, the interface 17 is designed as an annular through-hole 18, into which the connecting pipe of the fluid circuit of the first fluid can be inserted.

[0067] In principle, the through-hole 18 can be formed by and extend from the base plate 8, or, if necessary, can be formed by and extend from the cover plate 9, thus the through-hole 18 optionally extends from the collector 7. A stable variation is that the through-hole 18 is formed by the base plate 8, and the connecting pipe is connected to the collector 7 from the tube-fin module 2 side, because the through-hole 18 extends toward the tube-fin module 2.

[0068] Alternatively, the through section 18 may also be formed by additional plates 11, 12 between the base plate 8 and the cover plate 9, depending on which additional plates are provided.

[0069] Correspondingly, the design can be implemented in such a way that the through section 18 can be formed by the intermediate plate 11 or the distribution plate 12. Figure 13 As can be seen by way of example, the through portion 18 is formed by the intermediate plate 11.

[0070] The through portion 18 extends toward the base plate 8. Here, the through portion 18 is sized to engage in the opening 19 of the base plate 8, and / or the through portion 18 also extends through the opening 19 of the base plate 8. The opening 19 is sized to receive the through portion 18. Advantageously and optionally, the through portion 18 is sized in terms of its extension length to be longer than the thickness of the base plate 8, so that the through portion 18 can extend from the base plate 8. Advantageously and optionally, the through portion 18 can also be sized in terms of its extension length to be no longer than the thickness of the base plate 8, so that the through portion 18 does not extend from the base plate 8 and terminates, for example, flush with the base plate 8.

[0071] Alternatively, the design can also be implemented such that the through portion 18 can be formed by the intermediate plate 11 or the distribution plate 12 and protrude toward the cover plate 9. For this purpose, the through portion 18 protrudes toward the cover plate 9. Here, the through portion 18 can be sized to engage with the opening 19 of the cover plate 9, and / or the through portion 18 can also extend through the opening 19 of the cover plate 9. The opening 19 is here sized to receive the through portion 18. Advantageously and optionally, the through portion 18 is sized in terms of its extension length to be longer than the thickness of the cover plate 9, so that the through portion 18 can extend from the cover plate 9. Advantageously and optionally, the through portion 18 can also be sized in terms of its extension length to be no longer than the thickness of the cover plate 9, so that the through portion 18 does not extend from the cover plate 9 and terminates, for example, flush with the cover plate 9.

[0072] According to another aspect, in another embodiment, the base plate 8 may have an upright edge region 20, for which see, for example, [reference needed]. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 Here, the upright edge region 20 stands particularly along the longitudinal side of the base plate 8 and optionally curls at the edge around the cover plate 9, thereby achieving a form-fitting connection between the base plate 8 and the cover plate 9 and all the plates optionally arranged therebetween.

[0073] The upright edge region 20 of the base plate 8 surrounds the cover plate 9 and optionally surrounds the intermediate plate 11 and / or the distribution plate 12.

[0074] Alternatively, instead of the base plate 8, the cover plate 9 may also be designed with an upright edge region 20 (especially along the longitudinal side of the cover plate 9), which surrounds the base plate 8 and optionally surrounds the plates 11, 12 arranged therebetween.

[0075] according to Figure 10 Alternatively, the design could be as follows: not only does the base plate 8 have a vertical, protruding edge area 20, but the cover plate 9 also has a vertical, protruding edge area 21, each of which surrounds the stacked plates.

[0076] According to another aspect, in another embodiment, the base plate 8 and cover plate 9, as well as optionally the intermediate plate 11 and / or distribution plate 12, may each be configured to be bent along bend line 22, see [reference] Figure 6 and Figure 7 .exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram illustrates how the base plate 8, cover plate 9, and intermediate plate 11 disposed therebetween are implemented as bent. Optionally, the intermediate plate 11 may be omitted, or at least one additional plate (e.g., distribution plate 12) may be provided, which is also implemented as bent.

[0077] For example, the bend lines 22 of plates 8, 9, 11, and / or 12 are generally arranged at the center of the respective plates 8, 9, 11, and / or 12 between the two longitudinal sides of the respective plates 8, 9, 11, and / or 12, wherein the bend lines 22 extend, for example, along the longitudinal direction of the respective plates 8, 9, 11, and / or 12. Alternatively, the bend lines 22 may not extend at the center, but may be arranged asymmetrically between the two longitudinal sides of the plates 8, 9, 11, and / or 12.

[0078] According to another aspect, in another embodiment, the base plate 8 and the cover plate 9, as well as optionally the intermediate plate 11 and / or the distribution plate 12, may each have a protruding protrusion 24 along the line 23, especially the bend line 22.

[0079] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The corresponding protrusion 24 is shown extending toward the tube-fin module 2. Alternatively, the corresponding protrusion 24 may also extend away from the tube-fin module.

[0080] The protrusion 24 is formed by embossing, so that the protrusion extends on one side of the plates 8, 9, 11 and / or 12, and a recess 25 is formed on the other side of the plates 8, 9, 11 and / or 12. Here, the protrusion 24 optionally engages with the recess 25 of the corresponding adjacent plate.

[0081] According to another aspect, in another embodiment, the base plate 8 and / or cover plate 9 may have at least one protrusion 26 that extends at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 8 or cover plate 9 and is particularly used for fluid distribution and / or fluid collection. In this regard, see reference... Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figures 6 to 11 .

[0082] Here, the base plate 8 and / or cover plate 9 may have at least two protrusions 26 that extend at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 8 or cover plate 9 and are particularly used for fluid distribution and / or fluid collection.

[0083] Advantageously, the at least two raised portions 26 of the base plate 8 and / or cover plate 9 are designed to be identical in cross-section, particularly in cross-section in a plane parallel to the airflow direction L. Here, the two raised portions 26 of the base plate 8 can be identical, and the two raised portions 26 of the cover plate 9 can also be identical. Furthermore, the raised portions 26 of the base plate 8 and the cover plate 9 can also be identical. Figure 2 and Figure 6 Each shows that the raised portion 26 of the cover plate 9 is designed to be identical. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The raised portions 26 of the base plate 8 and the cover plate 9 are shown to be designed to be identical.

[0084] Advantageously, the at least two raised portions 26 of the base plate 8 and / or cover plate 9 are designed to be different in cross-section, especially in cross-section in a plane parallel to the airflow direction L. Figure 8 The raised portions 26 of the base plate 8 and the cover plate 9 are shown to be designed differently. Here, not only are the two raised portions 26 of the base plate 8 designed differently, but the two raised portions 26 of the cover plate 9 are also designed differently. Therefore, a total of four raised portions 26 are designed differently.

[0085] In one embodiment, the at least two raised portions 26, designed differently in a cross-section in a plane parallel to the airflow direction L, are designed such that, with reference to a plane parallel to the airflow direction L, one of the raised portions 26 is designed to be higher or deeper, lower or shallower, and / or wider or narrower than the other of the raised portions 26 in height H or depth T and / or width B, for example, see Figure 8 .

[0086] According to another aspect, in another embodiment, the base plate 8 and / or the cover plate 9 may form a step 27 extending along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 8 and / or the cover plate 9, such that the base plate 8 and / or the cover plate 9 substantially form at least two planes 28, 29, which are arranged offset from each other due to the step 27. Here, the plates 11 and / or 12 arranged between the base plate 8 and the cover plate 9 may also optionally be designed with the step 27. Reference in this aspect Figure 11 .

[0087] According to another aspect, in another embodiment, at least one collector 7's plates 8, 9, 11, 12 may each have mutually aligned notches 30, these notches each forming a channel 31 traversing the collector 7, particularly serving as a channel for condensate drain outlets, see [reference needed] Figure 3 and Figure 4 .

[0088] Different design schemes of the embodiments can be implemented by considering their features in themselves, or by selected combinations of different features, even if these combinations are not shown in detail.

Claims

1. Heat exchanger (1) having a tube-fin module (2) consisting of tubes (3) and fins (4), wherein the tubes (3) form fluid channels (5) to guide a first fluid and the fins (4) arranged between the tubes (3) form second fluid channels (6) to guide a second fluid flowing around the tubes (3), wherein at least one end of the tube-fin module (2) is arranged with a collector (7) which is in communication with the fluid channels (5) of the tubes (3), wherein the at least one collector (7) is designed as a plate structure and has at least a bottom plate (8) and a cover plate (9) which are stacked and seal-welded, wherein means (10) are also provided to space the bottom plate (8) from the cover plate (9) and to distribute the first fluid in the collector (7), wherein the bottom plate (8) has first openings (14) to receive and sealingly fasten tube ends (15) of the tubes (3) of the tube-fin module (2), wherein the first openings (14) of the bottom plate (8) are surrounded by edges of the bottom plate (8), characterized in that The device (10) has a second opening (16), wherein the first opening (14) is aligned with the second opening (16), wherein the second opening (16) is designed larger than the first opening (14) and is designed to be laterally open.

2. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The device (10) is designed as an intermediate plate (11) arranged between the base plate (8) and the cover plate (9).

3. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The device (10) is designed as one or more intermediate elements integrated into the base plate (8) and / or the cover plate (9).

4. Heat exchanger (1) according to the preceding claim 2 or 3, characterized in that A distribution plate (12) is also arranged, which has passage openings (13) extending in the longitudinal direction of the collector (7).

5. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The collector (7) projects beyond the tube-fin module (2) in a direction transverse to the throughflow direction, and an interface (17) is arranged in the region of the projection of the collector (7) to feed the first fluid into the collector (7) and to conduct the first fluid out of the collector (7).

6. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The interface (17) is designed as a ring-shaped penetration (18) into which a connecting pipe of a fluid circuit of the first fluid can be inserted.

7. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The penetration (18) is formed by the base plate (8) or the cover plate (9) and projects from the collector (7).

8. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The penetration (18) is formed by an intermediate plate (11) or a distribution plate (12) between the base plate (8) and the cover plate (9), wherein the penetration (18) engages into an opening (19) of the base plate (8) or the cover plate (9) and / or the penetration (18) projects through an opening (19) of the base plate (8) or the cover plate (9).

9. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The base plate (8) has a standing edge region (20) along the longitudinal sides of the base plate (8), which surrounds the cover plate (9) and the intermediate plate (11) and / or the distribution plate (12); and / or the cover plate (9) has a standing edge region (20) along the longitudinal sides of the cover plate (9), which surrounds the base plate (8) and the intermediate plate (11) and / or the distribution plate (12).

10. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The base plate (8) and the cover plate (9) and the intermediate plate (11) and / or the distribution plate (12) are each embodied to be bent along a bending line (22), wherein the bending line (22) of the plate (8, 9, 11, 12) is arranged in the center of the respective plate (8, 9, 11, 12) between the two longitudinal sides of the respective plate (8, 9, 11, 12) and extends in the longitudinal direction of the respective plate (8, 9, 11, 12).

11. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The base plate (8) and the cover plate (9) and the intermediate plate (11) and / or the distribution plate (12) each have a protruding protrusion (24) in the region of the bending line (22) along a line (23).

12. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The respective protrusion (24) projects in the direction of the tube-fin module (2) or away from the tube-fin module (2). The respective protrusion (24) projects in the direction of the tube-fin module (2) or away from the tube-fin module (2).

13. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The base plate (8) and / or the cover plate (9) has at least one ridge (26) which extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the base plate (8) or the cover plate (9) and serves for fluid distribution and / or fluid collection.

14. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The base plate (8) and / or the cover plate (9) has at least two ridges (26) which extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the base plate (8) or the cover plate (9) and serve for fluid distribution and / or fluid collection.

15. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The at least two ridges (26) of the base plate (8) and / or the cover plate (9) are designed identically or differently in cross section in a plane parallel to the air flow direction.

16. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The at least two ridges (26) which are designed differently in cross section in a plane parallel to the air flow direction are designed such that, with reference to the plane parallel to the air flow direction, one of the two ridges (26) is designed higher or deeper, lower or shallower and / or wider or narrower in height or depth and / or in width than the other of the two ridges (26).

17. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The base plate (8) and / or the cover plate (9) forms a step (27) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the base plate (8) and / or the cover plate (9) in such a way that the base plate (8) and / or the cover plate (9) forms at least two planes (28, 29) which are arranged offset to one another as a result of the step (27).

18. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The plates (8, 9, 11, 12) of the at least one collector (7) each have notches (30) which are aligned with one another, the notches each forming a channel (31) which runs across the collector (7) as a channel for the discharge of condensate.

Images