Stacked disc heat exchanger for thermal management module

Abstract

The invention relates to a stacked disk heat exchanger for a thermal management module, comprising stacked disks successive to each other in a stacking direction, each stacked disk having a bottom extending transversely to the stacking direction. In the stacking direction, the outermost of the stacked disks form a cover disk, which comprises at least one protrusion outwardly formed in the stacking direction, which extends transversely to the stacking direction and forms a passage for a flow path of a fluid, which flows through the stacked disk heat exchanger, and which comprises at least one opening outwardly opened in the stacking direction, which is used for fluid connection with the thermal management module, whereby a reduction of costs and an extension of the service life are achieved. Furthermore, the invention relates to a thermal management module having such a stacked disk heat exchanger.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a stacked disk heat exchanger for a thermal management module, comprising stacked disks which are successive to each other in a stacking direction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a thermal management module having such a stacked disk heat exchanger. BACKGROUND

[0002] Heat exchangers are used to exchange heat between two fluids in a fluid-separating manner and are usually used in associated thermal management modules. The use of such heat exchangers consisting of stacked disks, which are also referred to hereinafter as stacked disk heat exchangers, is known. In addition to the heat exchanger, a thermal management module comprises further components. These components are in particular used to change the flow rate of the fluids through the thermal management module and / or to change the thermodynamic state of the fluids. Tubes and flanges are usually used for the fluidic and mechanical connection between the different components of the thermal management module and the heat exchanger. This leads to a complex production and assembly of the thermal management module, with an increased cost and assembly effort.

[0003] In order to reduce the assembly effort and the costs, different solutions are proposed in the prior art, for example in DE 10 2004 004 975 A1, DE 10 2020 203 892 A1, EP 0 614 061 A1, EP 2 154 465 A2, WO 01 / 46636 A2 and WO 02 / 01124 A1. These solutions comprise the milling of tubes or flanges. SUMMARY

[0004] The invention relates to the object of presenting improved or at least alternative embodiments for stacked disk heat exchangers and thermal management modules having such stacked disk heat exchangers of the type mentioned at the outset, which in particular eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the invention relates to the object of presenting improved or at least alternative embodiments for stacked disk heat exchangers and thermal management modules, which are characterized by a reduced cost and / or a longer service life.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] Thus, the general idea underlying the present invention is that a protrusion is introduced at the outermost side of the stacked discs of a stacked disc heat exchanger to form a channel and an opening via which the stacked disc heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a thermal management module. In contrast to the solutions known from the prior art, in which a pipe is milled, it is thus not necessary to provide a fluidic interface or at least the fluidic interface provided is reduced. In addition to a reduction in production costs, this also avoids or at least reduces potential leakage points. A reduction in such leakage points can avoid damage in this respect and thus prolong the service life of the stacked disc heat exchanger and the associated thermal management module. In contrast to the solutions known from the prior art, in which a flange is milled, the solution according to the present invention has the advantage that the flange formed is at least smaller, so that the use of material and the production effort are reduced and thus the costs are lower.

[0007] According to the idea of the present invention, the stacked disc heat exchanger (in the following also referred to as heat exchanger) comprises stacked discs which follow one another, in particular stacked discs which are stacked on one another in a direction. In the following, this direction is referred to as stacking direction. The individual stacked discs comprise a base which extends transversely to the stacking direction. At the outermost side in the stacking direction, one of the stacked discs forms a cover disc of the heat exchanger. The cover disc comprises at least one protrusion which is formed outward in the stacking direction, which protrusion extends transversely to the stacking direction and forms a channel which serves as a flow path for a fluid through the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the cover disc comprises at least one opening which opens outward in the stacking direction for fluid connection to a thermal management module.

[0008] Advantageously, the heat exchanger comprises a plate-like disc which is located at the outermost side opposite the cover disc in the stacking direction, which is also referred to as bottom disc in the following. Advantageously, the bottom disc serves to place the heat exchanger on a base and preferably to mount it on the base.

[0009] The flow paths in the heat exchanger are delimited or defined by the stacked discs. This means that the stacked discs define the flow of the fluid through the heat exchanger.

[0010] Advantageously, in addition to the fluid mentioned above (which is also referred to as first fluid in the following), another fluid (which is also referred to as second fluid in the following) also flows through the heat exchanger during operation. This means that, advantageously, in addition to the flow path of the first fluid (which is also referred to as first flow path in the following), a flow path of the second fluid (which is also referred to as second flow path in the following) advantageously flows through the heat exchanger. The flow paths through the heat exchanger are fluidically separated from one another, so that in the heat exchanger a heat transfer between the fluids occurs which is fluidically separated.

[0011] As mentioned above, the heat exchanger is used in a thermal management module. The heat exchanger is fluidically connected with the thermal management module via the channels and openings. Thus, the flow path, e.g. the first flow path, passes through the thermal management module and the stacked disc heat exchanger. Preferably, the thermal management module comprises a block attached to the cover disc, through which the flow path passes. Furthermore, the thermal management module comprises at least one component, which is separate from the stacked disc heat exchanger attached to the block, through which the flow path passes. At least one of said block and / or said at least one component is fluidically connected with at least one of the at least one openings of the stacked disc heat exchanger.

[0012] Preferably, the thermal management module, in the following also simply referred to as module, is attached to the cover disc via the block. This simplifies the assembly and production of the thermal management module.

[0013] Basically, it can be imagined that both such a component and a block are directly fluidically connected with the heat exchanger via the associated openings.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the fluidic connection between the thermal management module and the heat exchanger is only realized via the block. This means that the block is directly connected with at least one opening of the cover disc and the fluidic connection of the component with the heat exchanger is realized via the block. Thus, the block serves as a flange for the fluidic and mechanical connection with the cover disc or at least comprises such a flange. This greatly reduces the possible interfaces to the heat exchanger and greatly reduces the assembly effort. This means that by this means, costs are reduced and the service life is also extended.

[0015] Advantageously, the block comprises at least one hollow space formed in the block, through which the flow path passes. By means of said at least one hollow space, at least one component can be fluidically connected to the heat exchanger. Thus, it is advantageous when at least one of said at least one component is fluidically connected with at least one of the hollow spaces.

[0016] The fluid flowing through the heat exchanger and / or the module can be any fluid.

[0017] Advantageously, the fluid is a refrigerant.

[0018] The stacked disc heat exchanger can be used for any heat exchange with a fluid, in particular for a heat exchange with a refrigerant. In particular, the stacked disc heat exchanger can be a chiller, an internal heat exchanger and the like. In particular, the stacked disc heat exchanger is a heat exchanger which evaporates a fluid, in particular a refrigerant, during operation.

[0019] Preferably, the stacked discs of the heat exchanger are made of a thin metal material, preferably of a metal sheet. In addition to reducing production costs, this also facilitates the heat exchange within the heat exchanger, thus increasing the efficiency. Thus, the stacked discs of the heat exchanger can in particular be metal sheet discs.

[0020] Basically, the openings in fluid connection with the modules can be separate from the at least one channel, respectively, i.e. spaced apart from the at least one channel.

[0021] It is also conceivable that at least one of the at least one channel comprises such an opening. It is particularly conceivable that each channel comprises at least one such opening. Thus, the assembly effort and / or the number of interfaces is reduced. In addition to reducing production costs, this also reduces possible leakage points, thus prolonging the service life.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the at least one protrusion, particularly preferably each protrusion, is pressed into the bottom of the cover disk. This means that at least one of the protrusions, preferably each protrusion, is cast into the bottom of the cover disk. This simplifies the production of the heat exchanger and is cost-effective.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the at least one opening, preferably each opening, is formed as a recess in the bottom of the cover disk. At least one of the openings, preferably each opening, is thus formed in recessed material, in particular in recessed material cut out of the bottom of the cover disk. At least one of the openings, preferably each opening, can thus in particular be a hole in the bottom of the cover disk. Thus, the production of the heat exchanger is simplified and cost-effective.

[0024] Basically, each opening can be formed flat in the bottom.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the at least one opening, preferably each opening, can be formed in a connection of the cover disk that protrudes outwards in the stacking direction. This simplifies the fluid connection and mechanical connection of the heat exchanger to the modules.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the at least one connection, preferably each connection, is pressed into the bottom of the cover disk. At least one of the connections, preferably each connection, is thus cast in the bottom. This simplifies the production of the heat exchanger and is cost-effective.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the openings for the fluid connection to the modules are arranged on a plane. Thus, the fluid connection and mechanical connection of the heat exchanger to the modules is greatly simplified. Thus, the assembly effort is reduced, thus reducing production costs.

[0028] Furthermore, it is advantageous when the at least one opening and the at least one channel end in a plane that extends transversely to the stacking direction. This further reduces the assembly effort, thus further reducing production costs.

[0029] It is to be understood that the cover disc can comprise a further opening which is not used for a fluid connection to the module. In particular it is conceivable that the cover disc comprises an opening through which a further fluid is supplied to the heat exchanger.

[0030] The various components of the thermal management module are in particular used to vary the flow of fluid through the heat exchanger and the module during operation and / or to vary the thermodynamics of the fluid. So far, the stacked disc heat exchanger is likewise a component of the thermal management module.

[0031] The thermal management module can in particular comprise a further heat exchanger.

[0032] Advantageously, the thermal management module comprises as a component an expansion valve. The expansion valve expands the fluid during its flow through the module and the heat exchanger. It is advantageous if the fluid connection between the expansion valve and the heat exchanger is made via the block. This means that there is preferably no direct fluid connection between the expansion valve and the heat exchanger. This reduces the possible interfaces, thus, as mentioned above, the service life is extended and the assembly effort is reduced, thus the costs are reduced. Preferably, the expansion valve is directly attached to the block.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the module can comprise as a component a valve for varying the flow of fluid through the heat exchanger and the module. The valve is preferably exclusively attached to the block, thus is not directly fluidically connected to the heat exchanger. Thus, the valve is preferably fluidically connected to the block. This reduces the required interfaces, thus, as mentioned above, the costs are reduced and the service life is extended.

[0034] It is conceivable to attach the valve to the side of the block which faces away from the cover disc. Thus, the block and the module can be attached to the cover disc in a simplified manner. Thus, the assembly effort and the production costs are reduced. Furthermore, the access to the valve is improved in this way.

[0035] Basically, the valve can be of any design. Advantageously, the valve is a multi-way valve. Thus, the module can be provided in a more cost-effective and / or more compact manner. For example, the valve can be a three-way valve.

[0036] It is conceivable that the module comprises as a component a collector for collecting the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger and the module. The collector is in particular used to balance the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger and the module. The collector is preferably exclusively connected to the block. This means that the fluid connection between the collector and the heat exchanger is made via the block. Thus, no separate fluid connection to the heat exchanger is required, thus the required interfaces are reduced. Thus, the costs are reduced and the service life is extended.

[0037] Basically, the collector can be any type of collector. In particular, the collector can form a cylinder. Preferably, the collector is a high-pressure collector.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, the collector is attached to the block on an outer side, which is transverse to the stacking direction and spaced apart from the stacked disc heat exchanger. Thus, the module can be attached to the heat exchanger in a simplified manner by means of the block. As a result, the assembly effort and production costs are reduced. Furthermore, it is also possible to form larger collectors in this way.

[0039] Basically, the heat management module can be used in any application.

[0040] It can be particularly envisaged that the heat management module is used in a motor vehicle. Thus, the heat management module is configured in particular with regard to size and / or weight and / or performance.

[0041] Further important features and advantages of the present application result from the dependent claims, the figures and the associated description of the figures by way of example.

[0042] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolation without leaving the scope of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description, in which the same reference signs denote identical or similar or functionally identical parts.

[0044] are shown schematically:

[0045] Figure 1 : isometric view of a stacked disc heat exchanger,

[0046] Figure 2 : isometric view of a heat management module with a stacked disc heat exchanger,

[0047] Figure 3 : another isometric view of a heat management module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] As Figures 1 to 3 The stacked disc heat exchanger 1 shown by way of example is used in a motor vehicle 2 as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heat management module 100 shown by way of example is used in the motor vehicle 2. The heat management module 100 can be used in a motor vehicle not shown.

[0049] In direction 50, the stacked disc heat exchanger 1 comprises stacked discs 2 arranged sequentially. Hereinafter, direction 50 is also referred to as stacking direction 50. Each stacked disc 2 includes a bottom 4 extending transversely to the stacking direction 50. Each stacked disc 2 is preferably made of a thin metallic material, particularly of a sheet of metal (not shown). In the stacking direction 50, the outermost disc of the stacked disc 2 forms the cover disc 5 of the stacked disc heat exchanger 1. In the figures, only the bottom 4 of the cover disc 5 is visible due to the perspective. A fluid flow path 3 passes through the stacked disc heat exchanger 1, such as... Figure 1 As indicated by the arrow, the stacked disc heat exchanger 1 will also be referred to as heat exchanger 1 in the following text. The fluid in the exemplary embodiment shown is a refrigerant. Flow path 3 will also be referred to as the first flow path in the following text. During operation, fluid separation heat exchange between the refrigerant and another fluid (hereinafter also referred to as the second fluid) occurs in heat exchanger 1. This means that another flow path 12 for the second fluid passes through heat exchanger 1, such as... Figure 1 As indicated by the arrows in the diagram. Hereinafter, flow path 12 is also referred to as second flow path 12. Thus, first flow path 3 and second flow path 12 pass through heat exchanger 1 and are fluidly separated from each other. Within heat exchanger 1, flow path 3 and flow path 12 are defined and separated from each other by stacking disks 2. Additionally, in the stacking direction 50, heat exchanger 1 includes an outermost disk 2 located opposite the cover disk 5, which is also referred to hereafter as base plate 13. By means of base plate 13, heat exchanger 1 can be placed on and specifically mounted to an object (not shown).

[0050] With the aid of the thermal management module 100 (hereinafter also referred to as module 100), changes in the flow rate and / or thermodynamics of the fluid (i.e., the refrigerant in the illustrated exemplary embodiment) flowing along the flow path 3 can be realized. For this purpose, from Figure 2 and Figure 3 The thermal management module 100, clearly visible in the image, includes a corresponding component 102 through which the flow path 3 passes. Furthermore, the module 100 includes a block 101 to which the component 102 is attached. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, module 100 includes an expansion valve 103 and a valve 104 as components 102. The expansion valve 103 is used to expand the refrigerant, and the valve 104 is used to regulate the flow rate of the fluid along the flow path 3. In the exemplary embodiment, valve 104 is designed as a multi-way valve 105, for example, a three-way valve 105. Furthermore, module 100 includes a collector 106 for collecting the refrigerant, which is designed as a high-pressure collector 107 in the exemplary embodiment shown.

[0051] To establish a simplified and cost-effective mechanical and fluid connection between module 100 and heat exchanger 1, fromFigure 1 The cover plate 5 of the heat exchanger 1, which is particularly visible, includes at least one protrusion 6 formed outwardly along the stacking direction 50. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the corresponding at least one protrusion 6 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the stacking direction 50 and forms a channel 7 for refrigerant, thereby defining a flow path 3. Furthermore, the cover plate 5 includes at least one opening 8 that opens outwardly along the stacking direction 50 for fluid connection with the module 100. Therefore, the number of interfaces between the heat exchanger 1 and the module 100 is further reduced. Thus, potential leaks caused by such interfaces can be reduced. Therefore, damage caused by such leaks is avoided or at least reduced, thereby increasing the service life of the heat exchanger 1 and the module 100.

[0052] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 5 includes two such protrusions 6 or channels 7, hereinafter also referred to as first channel 7a and second channel 7b. Furthermore, the cover plate 5 includes three such openings 8 for fluid connection with the module 100. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first channel 7a includes one such opening 8, hereinafter also referred to as first opening 8a. Furthermore, the second channel 7b includes one such opening 8, hereinafter also referred to as second opening 8b. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 5 includes one such opening 8 separate from the channels 7, hereinafter also referred to as third opening 8c. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, module 100 is fluidly connected to heat exchanger 1 via a first opening to a third opening 8a-8c. This means that, as Figure 1 The first flow path 3 shown passes through the first opening to the third opening 8a-8c.

[0053] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is assumed that the heat exchanger 1 also cools the liquid refrigerant during operation, i.e., the heat exchanger 1 is designed as an internal heat exchanger 11. Gaseous refrigerant from module 100 can flow into heat exchanger 1 via the second channel 7b, while condensed refrigerant flows out of heat exchanger 1 and into module via the first channel 7a, and vice versa.

[0054] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, block 101 is directly fluid-connected to the first to third openings 8a-8c and serves as a common flange. Therefore, refrigerant flows through block 101 to component 102. Thus, flow path 3 passes between the first to third openings 8a-8c and block 101, and passes through component 102 via block 101.

[0055] from Figures 1 to 3As can be clearly seen, the cover disk 5 in the exemplary embodiment shown comprises two further openings 8 for supplying the heat exchanger 1 with a second fluid, and these two further openings 8 are also referred to as fourth opening 8d and fifth opening 8e in the following. By means of the fourth opening 8d and the fifth opening 8e, the second fluid can flow into and out of the heat exchanger 1. This means that, as Figure 1 the second flow path 12 shown passes through the fourth opening 8d and the fifth opening 8e.

[0056] As can be clearly seen from Figure 1 , the protrusions 6 in the exemplary embodiment shown are pressed into the bottom 4 of the cover disk 5, i.e. are cast in the bottom 4. Furthermore, the openings 8 in the exemplary embodiment shown are each recessed in the bottom 4, i.e. form a recess 9 in the bottom 4 of the cover disk 5. As can be clearly seen from Figure 1 , the openings 8 in the exemplary embodiment shown, which are spaced apart from the channels 7, are each formed in a connecting piece 10 of the cover disk 5, which projects outwards in the stacking direction 50. The respective connecting piece 10 is pressed into the bottom of the cover disk 5, i.e. is cast in the bottom 4. It is furthermore apparent that, in particular from Figure 1 , the openings 8 shown in the exemplary embodiment for connecting the module 100, i.e. the first to third openings 8a-8c, and the respective channels 7 end in a plane (not shown) which extends transversely to the stacking direction 50. In this way, the connection of the heat exchanger 1 to the module 100 is simplified.

[0057] As can be clearly seen from Figure 2 and Figure 3 , in the exemplary embodiment shown, the valve 104 is attached on the side of the block 101 which faces away from the cover disk 5 and is fluidically connected to the block 101. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the collector 106 is attached on the outer side transversely to the stacking direction 50 and is spaced apart from the stacked disk heat exchanger 1, is attached to the block 101 and is fluidically connected to the block 101.

Claims

1. A stacked disc heat exchanger (1) for a thermal management module (100). -Has stacked disks (2) that are sequentially arranged along the stacking direction (50). -Among them, each The stacking disk (2) includes a bottom (4) that extends laterally in the stacking direction (50). -In the stacking direction (50), the outermost part of the stacking disk (2) forms the cover disk (5) of the stacking disk heat exchanger (1). Its features - The cover plate (5) includes at least one protrusion (6) formed outward along the stacking direction (50), the at least one protrusion (6) extending transversely to the stacking direction (50) and forming a channel (7) for a flow path (3) of fluid passing through the stacked plate heat exchanger (1). - The cover plate (5) includes at least one opening (8) that opens outward along the stacking direction (50), the at least one opening (8) being used for fluid connection with the thermal management module (100).

2. The stacked disc heat exchanger according to claim 1, Its features At least one of the at least one channels (7) includes at least one such opening (8).

3. The stacked disc heat exchanger according to claim 2, Its features Each of the at least one channel (7) includes at least one such opening (8).

4. The stacked disc heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features At least one of the at least one protrusion (6) is pressed into the bottom (4) of the cover plate (5).

5. The stacked disc heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features At least one of the at least one opening (8) is formed as a recess (9) in the bottom (4) of the cover plate (5).

6. The stacked disc heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Its features At least one of the at least one opening (8) is formed in the connector (10) of the cover plate (5), the connector (10) protruding outward along the stacking direction (50).

7. The stacked disc heat exchanger according to claim 6, Its features At least one of the at least one connector (10) is pressed into the bottom of the cover plate (5).

8. The stacked disc heat exchanger according to claim 6, Its features The at least one opening (8) and the at least one channel (7) terminate in a plane extending transversely to the stacking direction (50).

9. The stacked disc heat exchanger according to claim 1, Its features The fluid is a refrigerant.

10. A thermal management module (100) having a stacked disc heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. -in, The fluid flow path (3) passes through the thermal management module (100) and the stacked disc heat exchanger (1). -The thermal management module (100) includes a block (101) attached to the cover plate (5), through which the flow path (3) passes. -The thermal management module (100) includes at least one component (102) attached to the block (101), and the flow path (3) passes through the at least one component (102). - wherein at least one of the block (101) and / or at least one of the components (102) is fluidly connected to at least one of the openings (8).

11. The thermal management module according to claim 10, Its features At least one of the block (101) and / or at least one of the components (102) is in direct fluid connection with at least one of the openings (8).

12. The thermal management module according to claim 10 or 11, Its features The thermal management module (100) includes an expansion valve (103) as a component (102).

13. The thermal management module according to claim 10 or 11, Its features The thermal management module (100) includes a valve (104) as a component (102), which is attached to the side of the block (101) opposite to the cover plate (5) and is in fluid connection with the block (101).

14. The thermal management module according to claim 10 or 11, Its features The thermal management module (100) includes a collector (106) as a component (102) for collecting fluid, which is attached to the block (101) on the outside of the stack direction (50) and spaced apart from the stacked disc heat exchanger (1), and is in fluid connection with the block (101).

15. The thermal management module according to claim 10, Its features The thermal management module (100) is used in motor vehicles.

16. The thermal management module according to claim 10, Its features The fluid is a refrigerant.

17. The thermal management module according to claim 13, Its features The valve (104) is a multi-way valve (105).

18. The thermal management module according to claim 14, Its features The collector (106) is a high-voltage collector (107).

19. The thermal management module according to claim 12, Its features The thermal management module (100) includes a valve (104) as a component (102), which is attached to the side of the block (101) opposite to the cover plate (5) and is fluidly connected to the block (101), and The thermal management module (100) includes a collector (106) as a component (102) for collecting fluid, which is attached to the block (101) on the outside of the stack direction (50) and spaced apart from the stacked disc heat exchanger (1), and is in fluid connection with the block (101).

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