Heat exchanger and method of operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1), in particular for electrically driven motor vehicles, having a tube-fin block (2) with a plurality of tubes (3) and a plurality of fins (4), wherein the tubes are arranged substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another, and the fins are arranged between two adjacently arranged tubes each and contact two adjacently arranged tubes, wherein at least one collecting tube is arranged on one side of the tube-fin block for feeding fluid into the tubes (3) of the tube-fin block and / or for leading fluid out of the tubes of the tube-fin block, wherein a covering device (7) is provided, which is arranged downstream and / or upstream of the tube-fin block, for temporarily and / or regionally controlling the air flow through the tube-fin block for defined discharge of water from the tube-fin block. The invention also relates to a method for operating a heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, particularly for a refrigerant circuit or coolant circuit, especially for a refrigerant circuit of an electrically driven motor vehicle, and to a method for operating the heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] In electrically driven motor vehicles, a refrigerant circuit is used for cooling and, if necessary, heating of the passenger compartment. This refrigerant circuit can be used as a heat pump circuit in both air conditioning operation mode and heat pump operation mode, also known as heating operation mode.

[0003] This refrigerant circuit has an external heat exchanger that functions as a condenser in air conditioning operation mode, cooling and condensing the gaseous refrigerant flowing through it, while the air flowing through the heat exchanger is heated in heat transfer with the refrigerant. In heat pump operation mode, the external heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, where the refrigerant flowing through it is heated and evaporated, while the air flowing through it is cooled. During this cooling of the air, at least some of the air humidity may condense out and, as water, condense on the fins and tubes of the heat exchanger's tube-fin array. This water can accumulate in the area of ​​the tube-fin array and reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the tube-fin array for airflow. This reduces the efficiency of the heat exchanger, which is undesirable.

[0004] When a ventilation device that generates an airflow is provided, a remedy can be achieved to some extent here, wherein the airflow is through a heat exchanger. The airflow from the ventilation device can here force or draw water out of the tube-fin array, depending on whether the heat exchanger is located downstream or upstream of the ventilation device.

[0005] There are essentially two mechanisms that allow water to be drained from the tube-fin blocks of the heat exchanger.

[0006] The first mechanism is based on the pressure difference between the airflow tubes and the heat exchanger fins. If the local pressure difference across the tubes and heat exchanger fins is large enough to overcome the capillary forces that bind water to the tubes and heat exchanger fins, then water can be locally forced out or drawn out of the tubes and heat exchanger fins.

[0007] The second mechanism involves water entrainment through the airflow passing through the tube-fin array. At the start of water discharge, the heat exchanger's tube-fin array is mostly filled with water. This represents a large flow resistance. If, in this case, only a small volume of air is supplied by the ventilation system, this causes a large pressure drop at the heat exchanger as a pressure differential.

[0008] The more water is discharged from the tube-fin array, the lower the flow resistance caused by the remaining water in the heat exchanger. However, because water is discharged unevenly from the tube-fin array of the heat exchanger, there are local areas that are almost devoid of water, but also areas that are still filled with water.

[0009] Because the flow resistance of the tube-heat sink is reduced due to the partial discharge of water, the ventilation system provides a correspondingly larger air mass flow. Therefore, the probability that areas of the tube-heat sink that were not initially evacuated will subsequently be evacuated decreases as the duration of ventilation operation increases.

[0010] Because the ventilation device has an annular area from which the airflow originates, the airflow transitions from the annular flow cross-section of the ventilation device to the angular cross-section of the heat exchanger, resulting in uneven flow at the heat exchanger. This also contributes to the uneven blowing / drawing of water out of the heat exchanger.

[0011] If the tubes of the tube-to-radiator are horizontally arranged, the vertical transport of water from tube to tube is significantly hindered due to the separation of the tubes. There is no height difference within the fins of the tube-to-radiator to allow condensate to be drawn out of the heat exchanger by the pressure of the formed water column. In this installation position, the heat exchanger can not only be completely filled with water, but it can also store the water permanently. Therefore, almost no water flows out of the heat exchanger without external force. The mass flow of condensate out without airflow through the tube-to-radiator is extremely small.

[0012] Even if airflow is applied by means of a ventilation device, areas with increased water load and areas that are blown / sucked out will still remain in the tube-heat sink block during and after the blowing / sucking process, because the balanced flow within the heat sink, which is usually configured as a corrugated heat sink, is almost non-existent when the heat sink is horizontally oriented.

[0013] Another disadvantage is that areas with increased water loads are particularly prone to damaging icing, resulting in less heat transfer from the air to the refrigerant in these areas compared to areas with blown / sucked water.

[0014] With the tubes of the tube-heat sink block vertically arranged, condensate within the heat sink can flow out along the direction of gravity. The curved portions of each heat sink fin can be proportionally filled with water, and a column of water typically accumulates at the lower end of the fin. The height of this water column is related to the capillary force that holds the water within the heat sink. Due to the localized confinement of the accumulated water, it is not safe to remove the water via airflow generated by a ventilation system, as the airflow in the lower region of the heat exchanger is quite weak. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The object of this invention is to provide a heat exchanger, particularly for a refrigerant circuit or coolant circuit, especially for electrically driven motor vehicles, said heat exchanger being improved in terms of preventing water accumulation. Another object is to provide a method for operating such a heat exchanger to avoid or reduce water accumulation or to remove accumulated water. Accordingly, the operation of the heat exchanger corresponds to a method for draining water, such as condensate, that accumulates on the surface of the heat exchanger.

[0016] The purpose of the heat exchanger is achieved by means of the features described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] One embodiment of the invention relates to a heat exchanger, particularly for an electrically driven motor vehicle, having a tube-fin block with multiple tubes and multiple fins, wherein the tubes are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, and the fins are respectively arranged between two adjacent tubes and in contact with these two adjacent tubes, wherein at least one collecting tube is provided on one side of the tube-fin block for conveying fluid into and / or drawing fluid from the tubes of the tube-fin block, wherein a covering device is provided downstream and / or upstream of the tube-fin block for temporarily and / or regionally controlling the airflow through the tube-fin block for discharging water from the tube-fin block in a defined manner. Thus, the airflow flowing above the heat exchanger is directed not particularly towards the entire tube-fin block, but only towards certain areas, such that the entire airflow sweeps across a smaller area, thereby having a higher flow velocity to entrain and discharge water.

[0018] Therefore, it is possible to use and operate a ventilation device that can be positioned upstream or downstream of a heat exchanger, such that the airflow to the heat exchanger provides a predefined amount of air, particularly a maximum deliverable amount of air, which can be specifically used for the ventilation device in question.

[0019] Accordingly, water can flow to and release into the corresponding area, allowing that area to be closed again, while another area can be released to drain the water. In principle, this can be done such that water flows sequentially to and drains all areas, or only to and drains areas specifically designated for water accumulation. This can, for example, depend on the orientation of the tubes in the tube-heat sink. If the tubes are oriented horizontally, for example, then fully zoned flow and drainage of the tube-heat sink can be meaningful. If the tubes are oriented vertically, for example, then it may also be sufficient to drain only the lower region of the tube-heat sink, as gravity causes water to flow from the upper region to the lower region.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, it is also desirable that the covering device has multiple zones equipped with airflow control elements that can be operated individually, in groups, and / or together to release or block airflow through the zone, such that the zone where the tube-heat sink is located is either air-flowed or not. By zoning the airflow control elements, under a given airflow, when the corresponding airflow control element releases the airflow through that zone, the airflow can be directed to different zones. Drainage can then be performed in that zone. If drainage occurs, for example, after a preset time period, the airflow control element in one zone can be closed again, and if necessary, another airflow control element can be opened to drain another zone.

[0021] Particularly advantageous is the inclusion of a valve element as an airflow control component, specifically a flag valve, butterfly valve, and / or wing-shaped valve, which is torsionally hinged to at least one load-bearing element. This allows the surface of the tube-heat sink block to be divided into different regions, each equipped with a correspondingly arranged valve element. The valve elements are space-saving and easy to operate. In the case of a flag valve, it is advantageous that the hinge of the flag valve is positioned close to the tube-heat sink block, saving installation space and causing defined flow through the corresponding region.

[0022] Of particular advantage is that it is configured as an airflow control element with at least one louver device having multiple flaps. This allows for a narrow configuration in the direction of airflow.

[0023] Also in line with the objective, in one embodiment, the covering device has at least one rolling belt as an airflow control element, the airflow control element having at least one strip-shaped region with at least one through-hole, wherein the strip-shaped region is movably configured such that the at least one through-hole can be movably positioned along the end face of the tube-heat sink block in a defined manner. This achieves the following: the required installation space is very small, while still maintaining good controllability of the airflow area.

[0024] Also in line with the objective, the covering device is essentially directly abutted against at least one end face of the tube-heat sink, or disposed adjacent to at least one end face of the tube-heat sink, or disposed spaced apart from at least one end face of the tube-heat sink. This achieves a space-saving configuration, which is also functionally advantageous because there is little or no lateral airflow from the released area. This maintains high efficiency in drainage.

[0025] Also in line with the purpose, the covering device has a web extending between the end face of the tube-heat sink block and the support element, on which airflow control elements are disposed or hinged. The web serves to support the support element on the lateral boundary of the heat exchanger and the area to prevent lateral flow.

[0026] In another embodiment, it is also desirable that at least one or more airflow control elements can be operated individually, in groups, and / or together by means of at least one actuator. This allows for targeted control, enabling the targeted loading of air onto areas to be drained as needed. Therefore, individualized operation of the airflow control elements is possible, or combined operation of interconnected airflow control elements is also possible.

[0027] Also in line with the objective, a first air channel and a second air channel are provided downstream of the tube-heat sink, wherein an airflow control element is provided. By means of the airflow control element, the second air channel can be connected to the first air channel, allowing air to be conducted from the second air channel to the first air channel, or the second air channel can be separated from the first air channel, allowing air to flow out independently of the first air channel. Thus, the airflow through the second air channel can be directed outwards when it contains water to be discharged, or the airflow through the second air channel can be delivered to the first air channel when it is dry, for example, for heating. Therefore, in the case of heating, if no water needs to be discharged, the maximum area of ​​the tube-heat sink is used. In the case of water discharge, a considerable portion of the area of ​​the tube-heat sink can still be used, while the area used for water discharge is temporarily decoupled from heating.

[0028] The purpose of the method is achieved by means of the features of the embodiments.

[0029] One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for operating a heat exchanger according to the invention, wherein, in order to temporarily and / or regionally control the airflow through the tube-fin block for discharging water from the tube-fin block in a defined manner, a covering device disposed downstream and / or upstream of the tube-fin block is operated such that airflow flows only regionally to the tube-fin block to discharge water, in such a way that the covering device regionally releases the airflow through the tube-fin block. Other regions are correspondingly blocked or not released, so that advantageously, and for example, the entire airflow flows through the released regions, thereby making water discharge very effective due to the increased flow velocity in those regions.

[0030] It is also advantageous that the areas or some areas of the tube-heat sink and / or covering device are released selectively and sequentially to allow flow through the tube-heat sink, enabling moisture to drain from the tube-heat sink in a regional manner, and then the corresponding areas are subsequently closed again until the drainage process is complete. Accordingly, in particular, only one or more areas to be drained are released, and then said areas are subsequently closed again. If the drainage process is complete, all areas can be released again, and temporarily closing the still-open areas is, for example, unnecessary.

[0031] In one embodiment, it is also desirable that, in a first mode of operation, the area of ​​the tube-heat sink block and / or covering device is sequentially released from top to bottom for flow through the tube-heat sink block, and is subsequently resealed. This allows the entire tube-heat sink block to be drained, which is desirable, for example, in the case of a horizontally extending tube, since water only poorly flows laterally from top to bottom in the longitudinal direction of the tube, as it would be confined within the heat sink, such as in a corrugated heat sink.

[0032] In another embodiment, it is also desirable that, in the second operating mode, one or more lower regions of the tube-heat sink and / or covering device are released for flow through the tube-heat sink. This allows the tube-heat sink to be partially drained when needed, which is desirable, for example, in the case of a vertically extending tube, because water can then flow downwards along the tube and collect in the lower part of the heat sink, such as a corrugated heat sink.

[0033] It is also particularly advantageous that the water and the air used to drain the water are discharged directly into the surrounding environment or through an air passage open to the surrounding environment. This allows the volume of water-laden air to be drawn outwards, as it is unsuitable for, for example, heating the interior space. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] The attached diagram shows:

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a heat exchanger according to the present invention, having a vertically arranged collection pipe, is shown.

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention, having horizontally arranged collection tubes, is shown.

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 4A schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention, having a vertically arranged collection pipe, is shown;

[0041] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention, having horizontally arranged collection pipes, is shown.

[0043] Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown; and

[0045] Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, particularly for a coolant or refrigerant circuit, especially for a refrigerant circuit in an electrically driven motor vehicle, and a method for operating such a heat exchanger.

[0047] Figure 1 The heat exchanger 1 according to the first embodiment, such as a heat exchanger for a refrigerant circuit, is shown in the front view in the opposite direction to the airflow direction of the air L flowing through the tube-heat sink block 2 of the heat exchanger 1. Other fluids can also be used instead of refrigerant.

[0048] Heat exchanger 1 is a heat exchanger 1, such as a heat exchanger 1 for a refrigerant circuit, as it may be used, for example, as a condenser or gas cooler in an electrically driven motor vehicle for air conditioning operation mode and / or as an evaporator in heat pump operation mode.

[0049] The heat exchanger 1 has a tube-fin block 2 with multiple tubes 3 and multiple fins 4.

[0050] The tubes 3 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. Here, in Figure 1 In one embodiment, the tube 3 of the tube-heat sink block 2 is oriented horizontally, that is, laterally to the direction of gravity G.

[0051] Heat sinks 4 are respectively disposed between and in contact with two adjacently disposed pipes 3, in order to improve heat transfer between the medium flowing through the pipes 3, such as refrigerant, and the air flowing between the heat sinks 4. Here, the heat sinks 4 are preferably configured as corrugated heat sinks.

[0052] The tube-heat sink 2 has at least one collection tube 5 on one side, and preferably has two collection tubes 5 and 6 on both sides of the tube-heat sink 2. See [reference] Figure 1 The collection tubes are arranged substantially parallel to each other and are oriented at right angles to tube 3 or its longitudinal direction.

[0053] The collecting pipes 5 and 6 are preferably used to deliver and distribute fluid, such as refrigerant, into the pipe 3 of the pipe-heat sink 2, and / or to collect and draw fluid from the pipe 3 of the pipe-heat sink 2.

[0054] exist Figure 1 The covering device 7, located on the rear side of the tube-heat sink block 2, is not visible. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the covering device 7 is positioned entirely upstream of the tube-heat sink 2 with respect to airflow. Alternatively, the covering device 7 can also be positioned entirely downstream of the tube-heat sink 2. Furthermore, alternatively, a partially upstream and partially downstream covering device 7 can be provided. In this alternative, the covering device 7 is partially positioned on both sides of the tube-heat sink 2.

[0055] This covering device 7 is used for temporary and / or zoned control of the airflow pipe-heat sink 2 for draining water from the pipe-heat sink 2 in a defined manner.

[0056] Figure 2 The previous view shows a heat exchanger 1 according to the second embodiment, for example for a refrigerant circuit, with the airflow direction opposite to that of the air L flowing through the tube-heat sink block 2 of the heat exchanger 1. Other fluids can also be used instead of refrigerant.

[0057] Heat exchanger 1 is, for example, a heat exchanger 1 for a refrigerant circuit, such that it can be used as a condenser or gas cooler in an air conditioning operating mode and / or as an evaporator in a heat pump operating mode in an electrically driven motor vehicle.

[0058] The heat exchanger 1 has a tube-fin block 2 with multiple tubes 3 and multiple fins 4.

[0059] The tubes 3 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. Here, in Figure 2 In this embodiment, the tube 3 of the tube-heat sink block 2 is oriented vertically, that is, parallel to the direction of gravity G.

[0060] Heat sinks 4 are respectively disposed between and in contact with two adjacently disposed pipes 3, in order to improve heat transfer between the medium flowing through the pipes 3, such as refrigerant, and the air flowing between the heat sinks 4. Here, the heat sinks 4 are preferably configured as corrugated heat sinks.

[0061] The tube-heat sink 2 has at least one collection tube 5 on one side, and preferably has two collection tubes 5 and 6 on both sides of the tube-heat sink 2. See [reference] Figure 2 The collection tubes are arranged substantially parallel to each other and are oriented at right angles to tube 3 or its longitudinal direction.

[0062] Collection pipes 5 and 6 are preferably used to deliver and distribute fluid, such as refrigerant, to pipe 3 of pipe-heater block 2 and / or to collect and draw fluid from pipe 3 of pipe-heater block 2.

[0063] exist Figure 2 The covering device 7, which is not visible in the image, is located on the rear side of the tube-heat sink block 2. The covering device 7 is... Figure 2 In the embodiment, the covering device 7 is entirely located upstream of the tube-heat sink 2. Alternatively, the covering device 7 can be entirely located upstream, or in principle, entirely located downstream of the tube-heat sink 2. Furthermore, alternatively, a partially upstream covering device 7 and a partially downstream covering device 7 can be proposed. In this alternative, the covering device 7 is partially located on both sides of the tube-heat sink 2.

[0064] In principle, in each disclosed embodiment, the covering device can be located downstream of the heat exchanger, upstream of the heat exchanger, or partially upstream and partially downstream of the heat exchanger.

[0065] This covering device 7 is used to temporarily and / or regionally control the airflow pipe-heat sink 2 for discharging water from the pipe-heat sink 2 in a defined manner.

[0066] Figure 3 A heat exchanger 1 according to a third embodiment is shown in cross-sectional view, for example for a refrigerant circuit, wherein the airflow of air L is in Figure 3 The air is directed from right to left, so that air flows through the tube-fin block 2 of heat exchanger 1 according to arrow 10. Another fluid can also be used instead of refrigerant.

[0067] Figure 3 The heat exchanger 1 is, for example, a heat exchanger 1 for a refrigerant circuit, such that it can be used as a condenser or gas cooler in an air conditioning operating mode and / or as an evaporator in a heat pump operating mode in an electrically driven motor vehicle.

[0068] The heat exchanger 1 shown has a tube-fin block 2 with multiple tubes 3 and multiple fins 4. The tubes 3 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. Here, in Figure 3 In this embodiment, the tubes 3 of the tube-heat sink block 2 are oriented vertically, i.e., parallel to the direction of gravity G. Heat sinks 4, for example as corrugated heat sinks, are respectively disposed between and in contact with two adjacent tubes 3 to improve heat transfer between the medium flowing through the tubes 3, such as refrigerant, and the air flowing between the heat sinks 4. Here, the heat sinks 4 are preferably configured as corrugated heat sinks.

[0069] The tube-heat sink 2 has at least one collection tube 5 on one side, and preferably has two collection tubes 5 and 6 on both sides of the tube-heat sink 2. See [reference] Figure 3 The collection tubes are arranged substantially parallel to each other and are oriented at right angles to tube 3 or its longitudinal direction.

[0070] Collection pipes 5 and 6 are preferably used to deliver and distribute fluid, such as refrigerant, to pipe 3 of pipe-heat sink 2 and / or collect and draw fluid from pipe 3 of pipe-heat sink 2.

[0071] exist Figure 3 As can be seen, the covering device 7 is positioned on the airflow-facing side of the tube-heat sink block 2. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the covering device 7 is completely positioned upstream of the tube-heat sink block 2.

[0072] Alternatively, the covering device 7 can be entirely located upstream, or in principle, it can be entirely located downstream of the tube-heat sink 2. Furthermore, alternatively, a partially upstream covering device 7 and a partially downstream covering device 7 can be proposed. In this alternative case, the covering device 7 is partially located on both sides of the tube-heat sink 2.

[0073] This covering device 7 is used to temporarily and / or regionally control the airflow pipe-heat sink 2 for discharging water from the pipe-heat sink 2 in a defined manner.

[0074] exist Figure 3 As can be seen, the tube-heat sink 2 has water accumulation 8 distributed on different heat sink areas. The water accumulation is mainly present in the lower region and the middle region of the tube-heat sink 2, while a certain amount of water accumulation 8 can also be determined in the upper region of the tube-heat sink 2.

[0075] Because water will accumulate in different places above the tube-heat sink 2, the purpose is to divide the air accordingly for airflow.

[0076] For this purpose, the covering device 7 has multiple regions 9 equipped with airflow control elements 11, which can operate individually, in groups and / or together to release or block airflow through the corresponding regions 9, so that airflow through or without the airflow tube-heat sink block 2 is provided to the regions 9 of the covering device 7.

[0077] exist Figure 3 The cover device 7 can be seen to have a total of six exemplary regions 9, which are stacked vertically along the direction G and respectively demarcate the corresponding regions of the tube-heat sink block 2. An airflow control element 11 is provided to each region 9 of the cover device 7 to close or block the corresponding region 9, or to release the corresponding region 9 to allow airflow. Instead of the six regions 9 shown, more or fewer regions 9 may also be provided.

[0078] Here, the airflow control elements 11 can be opened individually, in pairs, or in groups, for example, sequentially, such that one or more upper regions 9 are opened first, and air flows through them. Therefore, water can be blown out or discharged from the upper region of the tube-heat sink block. Subsequently, one or more opened regions are closed again, blocking the airflow. Then, as... Figure 3 As shown, one or more lower zones 9 can be opened and airflow can pass through them. Water can then be blown out or discharged from one or more lower zones 9 of the tube-radiator block 2. Afterward, one or more opened zones 9 are closed again, blocking the flow. Subsequently, other zones 9 can be opened up to the lowest zone 9, and airflow can pass through them, until the lowest zone 9 is also opened and airflow passes through it. Afterward, one or more opened zones 9 are closed again, blocking the flow. Alternatively, for example, it is also possible to operate after the lowest zone 9 has flowed through it, such that all airflow control elements 11 are then operated again to open zones 9 for normal operation of the heat exchanger 1.

[0079] As in Figure 3 As can be seen in the diagram, in this embodiment there exists a region 9 consisting of an airflow control element 11 and two partition walls 12, which divide the region 9 upwards and downwards in the sense of an air passage and separate it from adjacent regions 9. Here, the covering device 7 has a plurality of such partition walls 12 and airflow control elements 11 so as to be able to separate the corresponding regions from each other.

[0080] The airflow control element 11 can be driven and regulated by at least one drive device (not shown), for example by means of at least one electric motor, at least one hydraulic drive unit, or at least one pneumatic drive unit. The drive device can be coupled to the airflow control element 11 via a transmission device, such as a cam disc. Each airflow control element 11 can also be equipped with its own drive device, or a group of airflow control elements 11 can each be equipped with a drive device.

[0081] exist Figure 3 It can also be seen that the airflow control element 11 can be folded from the cover device 7 toward the tube-heat sink block 2.

[0082] exist Figure 3 The embodiment shown has six regions 9 arranged vertically overlapping each other. Each region 9 can be individually and sequentially opened for flow passage, and then closed again to open and pass through another region 9. The regions 9 can be manipulated in pairs, such that, for example, the two upper regions 9 are manipulated first as pair I, then the two middle regions 9 as pair II, and finally the two lower regions 9 as pair III.

[0083] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the heat exchanger 1 according to the present invention is shown, the heat exchanger being substantially similar to Figure 3 The heat exchanger 1 is configured as described above, therefore refer to the description therein. However, Figure 4 heat exchanger and Figure 3 The difference in the heat exchanger lies in that the covering device 7 has five zones 9, in which airflow through the tube-heating fin block 2 is controlled by means of an airflow control element 11. The airflow control element is also substantially in contact with the tube-heating fin block 2 in the off state, and... Figure 4 In the embodiments, the omission of Figure 3 A partition wall 12 is provided along the direction of airflow. An airflow control element 11 is pivotally disposed here, such that the airflow control element pivots away from the tube-heat sink block 2.

[0084] exist Figure 4 The embodiment shown has five regions 9 arranged vertically overlapping each other. Each region 9 can be opened individually and sequentially for flow passage, and then closed again to open and pass through another region 9. The regions 9 can be manipulated in pairs, such that, for example, the two upper regions 9 are manipulated first as pair I, then the two middle regions 9 as pair II, and finally the single lower region 9 as region III. Instead of the five regions 9 shown, more or fewer regions 9 can also be provided.

[0085] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4In the two embodiments shown, the airflow control element 11 is configured as a valve element. The valve element is configured as a flag valve having a hinged portion at the end of the valve surface.

[0086] Alternatively, it may be advantageous for individual or all of the airflow control elements 11 to be configured as butterfly valves and / or wing valves, which are, for example, rotatably hinged to the carrier element.

[0087] Alternatively, it is advantageous to configure at least one louver device with multiple doors as an airflow control element 11.

[0088] Alternatively, the covering device 7 may advantageously include at least one rolling belt as an airflow control element 11, the rolling belt having at least one strip-shaped region with at least one through-opening, wherein the strip-shaped region is movably configured such that at least one through-opening can be movably disposed along the end face of the tube-heat sink block 2 in a defined manner.

[0089] Figure 4 The covering device 7 in the embodiment is configured such that the covering device is substantially directly attached to at least one end face of the tube-heat sink 2, or is disposed adjacent to at least one end face of the tube-heat sink 2.

[0090] exist Figure 3 In one embodiment, the covering device 7 is configured such that the covering device itself and / or its airflow control element 11 are spaced apart from at least one end face of the tube-heat sink 2. Here, the covering device 7 may have a web as a partition wall 12 extending between the end face of the tube-heat sink 2 and the support element 13, on which one or more airflow control elements 11 are disposed or hinged.

[0091] Figure 5 and 6 A fifth embodiment of the heat exchanger 1 according to the invention is shown in different views, the heat exchanger having horizontally arranged collection pipes 5 and 6 and vertically arranged pipes of tube-heat fin blocks 2.

[0092] Figure 5 and 6 A fifth embodiment of the heat exchanger 1 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the heat exchanger is... Figure 4 Heat exchanger 1 and Figure 3 The heat exchangers are basically similarly constructed, therefore refer to Figure 4 The description and Figure 3 The description. However, Figure 5 heat exchanger and Figure 4The difference in the heat exchanger is that the covering device 7 has five zones 9, in which airflow through-tubes-heat fin blocks 2 are controlled by means of an airflow control element 11. The vertical dimensions or heights of the zones 9 and the airflow control element 11 are not equal; rather, the lower zone 9 has only about half the height h of the other zones 9 located above it. w Instead of the five regions 9 shown, there can also be more or fewer regions 9.

[0093] Figure 5 The view in the image has five regions 9. However, this number of regions 9 is merely exemplary. Any other number is equally feasible. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the height h of the lower region 9 W It is approximately half the height of the other nine regions. However, this depends on the specific structural conditions. W This indicates the height at which water accumulates in the heat sink or corrugated heat sink and will not flow out without external influence. Even without slow water flow from above, the water remains at this height. The water is held in the heat sink or corrugated heat sink by capillary force. To blow out the water column, the lower element is positioned precisely at the height of the water column h. W They are the same height. Typical values ​​range from 5mm to approximately 35mm.

[0094] In the closed state, the airflow control element 11 is positioned slightly away from the tube-heat sink block 2, wherein the distance is bridged by the partition wall 12 as a web. The airflow control element 11 is pivotally mounted here. The lower airflow control element 11 is configured as a butterfly valve. The upper airflow control element 11 is configured according to… Figure 3 Butterfly-shaped or flag-shaped valves.

[0095] exist Figure 6 The embodiment shown has five regions 9 arranged vertically overlapping each other. Each region 9 can be opened individually and sequentially for flow passage, and then closed again to open and pass through another region 9. The regions 9 can also be manipulated in pairs or groups, such that, for example, the two upper regions 9 are manipulated first as pair I, then the two middle regions 9 as pair II, and finally the single lower region 9 as region III. Instead of the five regions 9 disclosed herein, more or fewer regions 9 can also be provided.

[0096] Figure 7 and 8 A sixth embodiment of the heat exchanger 1 according to the invention is shown in different views, the heat exchanger having horizontally arranged collection pipes 5 and 6 and vertically arranged pipes of tube-heat fin blocks 2.

[0097] Figure 7 and 8 A sixth embodiment of the heat exchanger 1 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the heat exchanger 1 is... Figure 5 and 6 Heat exchanger 1 Figure 4 Heat exchanger 1 and Figure 3 The heat exchanger 1 is constructed in a basically similar manner, therefore refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and 6 Descriptions and references related to this. Figure 3 The description. However, Figure 7 and Figure 8 heat exchanger and Figure 5 and Figure 6 The difference in the heat exchanger is that the covering device 7 is partially located downstream of the tube-heat fin block 2 and partially located upstream of it.

[0098] Figure 8 The covering device 7 has two regions 9, with the upper region 9 located downstream of the heat exchanger 1 and the lower region 9 located upstream of the heat exchanger 1. Airflow control elements 11 are respectively provided to the two regions 9 to control the airflow through the regions 9.

[0099] The vertical dimensions or heights of region 9 and airflow control element 11 are not equal, and the lower region 9 has a significantly smaller height h compared to the other regions 9 provided above. w With the aid of the airflow control element 11, the upper region 9 can be partially or completely closed. The lower region 9 can also be advantageously partially or completely closed with the aid of the airflow control element 11. For h W Also applicable to: Figure 5 The embodiments detailed above.

[0100] In the closed state, the airflow control element 11 is positioned slightly away from the tube-heat sink block 2, with the spacing bridged by the partition wall 12 as a web. The lower airflow control element 11 is pivotally mounted, and may be configured as a butterfly valve, for example. The upper airflow control element 11 may be configured as a rolling belt, for example. Other configurations are also possible, such as having multiple valve elements. In the case of the rolling belt, it is desirable, for example, that the rolling belt can be set to be fully open, only at h W Open and / or completely close at a certain height.

[0101] Figure 9 and 10 A seventh embodiment of the heat exchanger 1 according to the invention is shown under different operating conditions. The heat exchanger has horizontally arranged collection pipes 5 and 6 and vertically arranged pipes of tube-heat fin blocks 2.

[0102] Figure 9 and 10 A seventh embodiment of the heat exchanger 1 according to the present invention is shown, which is substantially similar in configuration to the heat exchanger 1 in the above figures, and therefore reference is made to the description thereon.

[0103] A first air passage 20 and a second air passage 21 are provided downstream of the tube-heat sink block 2, and the first and second air passages respectively partially guide the airflow through the heat exchanger 1. A first airflow control element 11 is provided or disposed in the first air passage 20 so as to block the airflow through the heat exchanger 1 in the first air passage.

[0104] Not shown, but optionally, an airflow control element for blocking the second air passage 21 is also feasible.

[0105] However, an airflow control element 22 is provided, which is disposed in the partition wall 23 between the first air passage 20 and the second air passage 21.

[0106] With the help of the airflow control element 22, the second air passage 21 can be connected to the first air passage 20 through the opening 24, so that when the airflow control element 22 releases the opening, air can be guided from the second air passage 21 into the first air passage 20 through the opening 24.

[0107] The second air passage 21 can also be separated from the first air passage 20, allowing air to flow out of the second air passage 21 independently of the first air passage 20. The air in the first air passage 20 can be supplied, for example, to the air conditioning unit inside the vehicle, while the air in the second air passage 21 can be supplied, for example, to the surrounding environment or the outside air of the vehicle.

[0108] The heat exchanger 1 according to the present invention can be operated by means of a method for operating the heat exchanger 1.

[0109] For this purpose, the provided covering device 7, which is located downstream and / or upstream of the tube-heat sink 2, can be operated to temporarily and / or regionally control the airflow through the tube-heat sink 2 to discharge water from the tube-heat sink 2 in a defined manner.

[0110] The operation here can be performed such that the tube-heat sink 2 is only partially exposed to airflow for water drainage, by means that the covering device 7 only partially releases the airflow through the tube-heat sink 2. This reduces the available airflow from the blower or ventilation device to a smaller cross-section, resulting in a higher air velocity in the open area, which improves the drainage of water from the area where the tube-heat sink 2 is released. If the surface of the tube-heat sink 2 is selectively modified, for example, sequentially from top to bottom, then water can be removed from the entire tube-heat sink 2, or water can be removed only from the area 9 of the tube-heat sink 2 that is particularly affected by water accumulation.

[0111] Therefore, in an advantageous design of the method, these regions 9, all regions 9, or some regions 9 of the tube-heat sink 2 and / or covering device 7 can be released in a targeted manner for flow through the tube-heat sink 2, so that moisture is regionally discharged from the tube-heat sink 2, and the respective regions 9 are subsequently closed again.

[0112] Therefore, in the first operating mode, the area 9 of the tube-heat sink 2 and / or the covering device 7 can be released sequentially from top to bottom, individually or in groups, for the flow through the tube-heat sink 2, and then subsequently closed again. Thus, the tube-heat sink 2 can be evacuated from top to bottom.

[0113] In the second operating mode, one or more lower regions 9 of the tube-heat sink 2 and / or the covering device 7 can be released to allow water to flow through the tube-heat sink 2. Therefore, the tube-heat sink 2 can be evacuated from at least one or more lower regions 9.

[0114] In another embodiment, it is advantageous to discharge the water and the air used for discharging the water directly into the surrounding environment or by means of an air passage open to the surrounding environment. This prevents water from being directed into the interior space of the vehicle and, for example, from causing fogging of the vehicle windows in cold weather.

[0115] List of reference numerals

[0116] 1 heat exchanger

[0117] 2-pipe heat sink

[0118] 3 tubes

[0119] 4 heat sinks

[0120] 5 collection tubes

[0121] 6 collection tubes

[0122] 7 Covering devices

[0123] 8. Water accumulation

[0124] 9 regions

[0125] 10 arrows

[0126] 11 Airflow control components

[0127] 12 partition walls

[0128] 13 load-bearing elements

[0129] 20 First Air Channel

[0130] 21 Second Air Channel

[0131] 22 Airflow control elements

[0132] 23 partition walls

[0133] 24 openings

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (1) having a tube-fin block (2) with a plurality of tubes (3) and a plurality of fins (4), wherein the tubes (3) are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, and the fins (4) are respectively arranged between two adjacent tubes (3) and the fins (4) contact the two adjacent tubes (3), wherein at least one collecting tube (5, 6) is provided on one side of the tube-fin block (2) for conveying fluid to and / or drawing fluid from the tubes (3) of the tube-fin block (2), wherein a covering device (7) is provided downstream and / or upstream of the tube-fin block (2) for temporarily and / or regionally controlling airflow through the tube-fin block (2) for discharging water from the tube-fin block (2) in a defined manner.

2. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The covering device (7) has multiple regions (9) equipped with airflow control elements (11, 22) that can be operated individually, in groups and / or together to release or block airflow through the regions (9), such that the regions of the tube-heat sink block (2) assigned to the regions (9) of the covering device (7) are either airflowed or not airflowed.

3. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, A valve element is provided as an airflow control element (11, 22), which is torsionally hinged to at least one load element (13).

4. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, It comprises at least one louver device with multiple doors, serving as an airflow control element (11, 22).

5. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The covering device (7) includes at least one rolling belt as an airflow control element (11, 22), the airflow control element having at least one strip-shaped region with at least one through-opening, wherein the strip-shaped region is movably configured such that at least one through-opening can be movably disposed along the end face of the tube-heat sink block (2) in a defined manner.

6. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that, The covering device (7) is substantially directly attached to at least one end face of the tube-heat sink block (2), or the covering device (7) is disposed adjacent to at least one end face of the tube-heat sink block (2), or the covering device (7) is disposed spaced apart from at least one end face of the tube-heat sink block (2).

7. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The covering device (7) is substantially directly attached to at least one end face of the tube-heat sink block (2), or the covering device (7) is disposed adjacent to at least one end face of the tube-heat sink block (2), or the covering device (7) is disposed spaced apart from at least one end face of the tube-heat sink block (2).

8. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The covering device (7) has a web that extends between the end face of the tube-heat sink block (2) and the support element (13).

9. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The airflow control elements (11, 22) can be operated individually and / or together by means of at least one actuator.

10. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The airflow control elements (11, 22) can be operated in groups by means of at least one actuator.

11. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Downstream of the tube-heat sink block (2), there is a first air channel (20) and a second air channel (21), wherein airflow control elements (11, 22) are provided. With the aid of the airflow control elements, the second air channel (21) can be connected to the first air channel (20) so that air can be conducted from the second air channel (21) to the first air channel (20), or the second air channel (21) can be separated from the first air channel (20) so that air can flow out from the second air channel (21) independently of the first air channel (20).

12. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (1) is a heat exchanger for an electrically driven motor vehicle.

13. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve element is configured as a flag valve, a butterfly valve, and / or a wing valve.

14. A method for operating a heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, In order to temporarily and / or control the airflow through the tube-heat sink (2) in a limited manner to discharge water from the tube-heat sink (2), the covering device (7) disposed downstream and / or upstream of the tube-heat sink (2) is operated such that the airflow flows only to the tube-heat sink (2) in a limited manner to discharge water, in such a way that the covering device (7) releases the airflow through the tube-heat sink (2) in a limited manner.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, In order to allow water to flow through the tube-heat sink (2), some areas (9) of the tube-heat sink (2) and / or the covering device (7) are selectively released in sequence, so that moisture is regionally discharged from the tube-heat sink (2).

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, In the first operating mode, the area (9) of the tube-heat sink block (2) and / or the covering device (7) is released sequentially from top to bottom for flow through the tube-heat sink block (2).

17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, In the second operating mode, one or more lower regions of the tube-heat sink (2) and / or the covering device (7) are released for flow through the tube-heat sink (2).

18. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The water and the air used to drain the water are discharged directly into the surrounding environment or by means of air passages (20, 21) open to the surrounding environment.

19. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, In order to allow water to pass through the tube-heat sink (2), some areas (9) of the tube-heat sink (2) and / or the covering device (7) are selectively released in sequence, so that moisture is drained from the tube-heat sink (2) in a localized manner, and then the corresponding areas (9) are closed again.

20. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, In the first operating mode, the area (9) of the tube-heat sink block (2) and / or the covering device (7) is released sequentially from top to bottom to allow flow through the tube-heat sink block (2), and then the area is closed again.

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