Plate heat exchanger, use of plate heat exchanger in refrigerant circuit and use of plate heat exchanger as integrated gas cooler in refrigerant compressor

Abstract

The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger for a refrigerant circuit, in particular for a refrigerant circuit in a vehicle, having a channel plate with channel-forming cutouts, a use of the plate heat exchanger in a refrigerant circuit, and a use of the plate heat exchanger as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, the plate heat exchanger for a refrigerant circuit, in particular for a refrigerant circuit in a vehicle, having channel plates with channel-forming cutouts, at least two of the channel plates are arranged in each case in a stack of channel plates forming at least one channel, in which a first stack of channel plates for a first fluid and a second stack of channel plates for a second fluid are alternately stacked between two cover plates, dividing plates are arranged between the two channel plate stacks in order to separate the opposite channels, and at least one cover plate has a fluid connection for a first fluid and / or a second fluid, wherein the channel-forming cutouts of at least one channel plate of the first and second channel plate stacks in each case have at least one stabilizing bridge oriented transversely to the channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger for transferring heat between two fluids, in particular between a coolant and a refrigerant. A plate heat exchanger for use in a refrigerant circuit, in particular in a refrigerant circuit in a vehicle, is provided. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a plate heat exchanger as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor. Background Art

[0002] Plate heat exchangers are used for heat transfer in various technical fields. Plate heat exchangers play an important role in air conditioning systems with refrigerant circuits, especially in vehicle air conditioning systems, because they require a relatively small amount of space. Due to their compact design, plate heat exchangers allow effective heat transfer between two fluids flowing through the plate heat exchanger in a substantially independent manner. The individual plates between which the flow path for the fluid is formed can include different materials. The connection and sealing of the individual plates are carried out, for example, by means of joining methods such as welding, brazing or adhesive bonding. The selection of plates and connecting materials depends on the used fluids, temperature ranges, operating pressures and main materials in the air conditioning system. When using the materials of the plate heat exchanger, with respect to the main materials in the fluid circuit of the air conditioning system and the brazing materials used, corrosion critical connections should be avoided to ensure a longer service life.

[0003] Plate heat exchangers comprising deep-drawn or stamped aluminum or steel sheets are known, wherein the material thickness of the individual plates can be less than 0.6 mm. A smaller plate thickness of the channel plate is advantageous, since the channel structure for the flow path can be formed in a simple manner by stamping. However, too small a material thickness leads to a low resistance to internal pressure, and thus the operation of a plate heat exchanger with a correspondingly smaller plate thickness is only suitable for certain refrigerants. The stability and resistance to external pressure of such a plate heat exchanger are also limited by external forces, since the stamped or deep-drawn channels can be compressed under greater loads, so that the volume flow through the channels is no longer ensured. Therefore, the possibility of fastening to the compressor, for example by screwing, is limited or can only be ensured by additional stabilizing elements.

[0004] It is expected that the refrigerant R744 will replace conventional refrigerants in the future, and therefore, the demand for corresponding pressure-resistant plate heat exchangers in the automotive field is likely to increase. Therefore, a plate heat exchanger is desired, which combines the advantages of low weight with the advantages of increased pressure resistance and can be integrated in the refrigerant circuit of the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the following object: to propose a compact and stable plate heat exchanger which has a low weight and withstands high operating pressures. The plate heat exchanger will be designed in particular for use with the refrigerant R744 and for integration in a vehicle air conditioning system. Furthermore, the plate heat exchanger can be used as an integrated gas cooler for a refrigerant compressor.

[0006] This object is achieved by a plate heat exchanger having the features according to the first aspect. Developments are specified in the additional aspects.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a plate heat exchanger having channel plates with channel-forming cutouts, at least two of which are arranged in each case to form a channel plate stack, thereby forming at least one channel. The channel plate stacks are divided into a first channel plate stack for a first fluid and a second channel plate stack for a second fluid. The first channel plate stack for the first fluid and the second channel plate stack for the second fluid are alternately stacked between two cover plates, wherein a partition plate is arranged between the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack to separate opposite channels. At least one of the cover plates has a fluid connector for the first fluid and / or the second fluid. According to the invention, the channel-forming cutout of at least one channel plate of the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack in each case has at least one stabilizing bridge oriented transversely to the channel.

[0008] In the plate heat exchanger according to the present invention, the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack are alternately stacked and separated from each other fluidically by a partition plate between two cover plates. Each channel plate stack has at least one channel, and at least one channel is covered by a partition plate or one of the two cover plates. In addition, each of the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack has a first through hole and a second through hole. The first through hole of the second channel plate stack corresponds to the first through hole of the first channel plate stack, and therefore corresponds to the channel of the first channel plate stack, whereby the first channel plate stacks are connected to each other. The first through hole thus forms a distribution channel or a collection channel for the first fluid, so that the first fluid can enter the plane of the first channel plate stack. The second through hole of the first channel plate stack corresponds to the second through hole of the second channel plate stack, and therefore connects the channel of the second channel plate stack, so that the second channel plate stack is fluidly connected to each other. The second through hole thus forms a distribution channel or a collection channel for the second fluid, so that the second fluid can enter the plane of the second channel plate stack. The first channel plate stack thus forms a first flow path for a first fluid, wherein the second channel plate stack forms a second flow path for a second fluid, which second flow path is separate from the first flow path. In each case, at least one fluid connection as a fluid inlet and a further fluid connection as a fluid outlet are provided for each flow path. The fluid connections can have threads or can be attached by brazing or welding.

[0009] According to the invention, the channel plate stacks are each formed by at least two channel plates which are stacked on top of each other and each have a channel-forming cutout for forming at least one channel. In each case, at least one channel plate has at least one stabilizing bridge along the course of the channel-forming cutout, which is oriented transversely to the channel and connects opposite sides of the channel-forming cutout to each other.

[0010] Within the meaning of the present invention, the term "channel-forming cutout" describes a generally elongated, track-shaped or track-shaped through-hole in a channel plate. At least two channel plates stacked on top of each other form corresponding cutouts, which form at least one channel for the throughflow of a first fluid or a second fluid when the resulting channel plate stack is arranged between two separator plates or between a separator plate and a cover plate. Thus, the channel formed by the channel-forming cutout of the first channel plate stack has a fluid connection with a first through-hole of the second channel plate stack, wherein the channel formed by the channel-forming cutout of the second channel plate stack has a fluid connection with a second through-hole of the first channel plate stack. For guiding the fluids, the separator plates likewise each have a corresponding through-hole.

[0011] The channel plate, the channel forming cutouts, and the first and second through holes may be formed using a manufacturing method such as punching, laser cutting, or water jet cutting.

[0012] According to the invention, the channels for the throughflow of a first fluid and a second fluid separate from the first fluid are each formed as a stack of at least two channel plates, wherein in each case at least one channel plate of the channel plate stack has at least one stabilizing bridge oriented transversely to the channel along the course of the channel-forming cutout of the channel plate in question. The stabilizing bridge forms an interruption of the channel-forming cutout of the channel plate in question. Advantageously, the interruption serves as a supporting structural element, which stabilizes the channel plate with the channel-forming cutout formed in the channel plate and facilitates its manufacture, for example by stamping. In this way, particularly delicate structures can be stabilized, which is advantageous in particular for small material thicknesses.

[0013] The individual first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack are each separated in a fluid-tight manner by a separator plate or covered by a cover plate, wherein the separator plate or the cover plate covers opposite outer sides of the channel plate stack. Thus, at least one channel of the channel plate stack is also covered on both sides in a fluid-tight manner by a separator plate or by a separator plate and a cover element.

[0014] The channel plates can be formed of steel or aluminum or an aluminum alloy, wherein aluminum is the preferred material due to its lower weight. Advantageously, the use of thin channel plates including aluminum and correspondingly sized separators and cover plates helps to reduce weight when the necessary pressure resistance is required. The separators and cover plates can also be formed of aluminum and have a greater material thickness than the channel plates of the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack. Since the material thickness of the separators and cover plates can be adapted to the necessary pressure resistance, it can be ensured that the pressure resistance in the plate heat exchanger is improved. The separators and cover plates include first through holes necessary for the fluid connection of the first channel plate stack and second through holes necessary for the fluid connection of the second channel plate stack. Each first channel plate stack therefore has a second through hole for directly guiding the second fluid, wherein each second channel plate stack has a first through hole for directly guiding the first fluid. The overall first through hole forms a distribution channel or a collecting channel for the first fluid, wherein the overall second through hole forms a distribution channel or a collecting channel for the second fluid.

[0015] It has been found that the production of channel plates by punching is simplified in terms of manufacturing when the thickness of the punched sheet of channel plates is in the range of 1 mm to 0.6 mm. Thus, the thickness of the individual channel plates of the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack may be in the range of 1 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0016] The connection of the individual channel plates to each other and to the separator plates and / or the cover plates can be produced by joining methods such as brazing, welding or adhesive bonding. In the case of brazing, the use of a suitable brazing metal must be ensured to avoid that the connection is susceptible to corrosion.

[0017] The individual channel plates, separator plates, cover plates and the connections between the plates may be dimensioned such that the plate heat exchanger withstands an operating pressure of 200 bar.

[0018] The channel height of at least one channel of the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack is defined by the number of channel plates and the material thickness of the channel plates. The channel height is limited by two separator plates or by a separator plate and a cover plate. The channel height is only affected at the position where the channel forming cutout of one of the channel plates of the channel plate stack in question has a stabilizing bridge. The stabilizing bridge present along at least one channel locally reduces the flow cross section of the formed channel, thereby advantageously increasing the flow velocity and turbulence and thus improving heat transfer. If there are a plurality of parallel individual channels, the distribution of the fluid flowing through can be advantageously affected by the number of stabilizing bridges and the length of the individual stabilizing bridges to ensure improved heat transfer.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the plate heat exchanger, in which the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack are each formed by a plurality of stacked channel plates, it can be provided that each second channel plate has at least one stabilizing bridge oriented transversely to the channel. In this case, channel plates with stabilizing bridges and channel plates without any stabilizing bridges in their channel-forming cutouts can be arranged alternately. Channel plates A with stabilizing bridges and channel plates B without any stabilizing bridges can be arranged in a stacking sequence ABAB.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the plate heat exchanger, each channel plate of the first channel plate stack and each channel plate of the second channel plate stack may have a stabilizing bridge oriented transversely to at least one channel, wherein the stabilizing bridges of the channel plates stacked on top of each other are offset along the course of at least one channel. In other words, the stabilizing bridges are offset so that the fluid flow through the formed channel is not blocked. Channel plates A with stabilizing bridges and channel plates C in which stabilizing bridges are formed at different positions in the channel forming cutouts may be arranged in a stacking sequence ACAC. It may also be a stacking sequence in combination with channel plates B without any stabilizing bridges. Stacking sequences such as ABCABC and other combinations may thus be produced.

[0021] According to the invention, the channel-forming cutout of the channel plates is stabilized by at least one stabilizing bridge, wherein a channel-forming cutout which results in the formation of a long channel within the channel plate stack has more than one stabilizing bridge. This means that the longer the channel, the greater the number of stabilizing bridges of the channel-forming cutout. A channel-forming cutout of a channel plate can therefore have a plurality of stabilizing bridges.

[0022] The size of the at least one stabilizing bridge of the channel-forming cutout of the channel plate may depend on the width of the channel formed by the channel-forming cutout. Thus, the width of the at least one stabilizing bridge corresponds at least to the width of the at least one channel formed. However, as already mentioned above, the stabilizing bridge may also be much wider than the width of the channel in order to influence the flow through the channel in question.

[0023] The channel plate can each have a plurality of channel forming cutouts, and the plurality of channel forming cutouts each form a channel structure with a plurality of individual channels, wherein each individual channel has at least one stabilizing bridge oriented transversely to the individual channel. A plurality of individual channels can be arranged regularly or irregularly. Preferably, the individual channels of the channel structure are arranged adjacently in parallel at a certain distance from each other. The individual channels of the channel structure can originate from a common channel stack inlet and lead to a common channel stack outlet. The channel stack inlet and the channel stack outlet of the channel plate stack correspond to the through holes formed in the partition plate, i.e., to the corresponding first through hole and the second through hole.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the channel plate, it can be provided that a plurality of channel-forming cutouts are formed so that a plurality of channel-forming cutouts are arranged in concentric rings, so that the stacked channel plates form a plurality of spaced-apart annular-shaped individual channels. In this case, the stabilizing bridges of the adjacent annular-shaped channel-forming cutouts can be offset in the radial direction. It has been found that the radial offset arrangement of the stabilizing bridges simplifies production. The radial offset arrangement of the stabilizing bridges is also advantageous for the stability of the fine structure of the channel-forming cutouts. Also in this embodiment, the stabilizing bridges of the channel-forming cutouts are offset along the formed channels of the stacked channel plates so as to ensure fluid flow. The channel plates thus formed can be arranged as a first channel plate stack and / or a second channel plate stack. Annular-shaped individual channels can have a common inlet and a common outlet, wherein the common inlet and the common outlet are each formed by a first through hole and a second through hole, respectively. In this embodiment of the channel plate, it can also be provided that the width of the annular-shaped channel-forming cutout decreases from the outside to the inside. This means that a plurality of concentric rings formed by the annular-shaped cutouts have different widths, wherein the width of the annular-shaped cutouts decreases from the outer ring to the inner ring. Thus, the individual channels of annular shape that are then formed when the channel plates are stacked have a flow cross section that decreases from the individual channels of annular shape on the outside to the individual channels of annular shape on the inside. The individual channels that are then formed each have a different width and cross section. It has been found that an improved distribution of the fluid flowing through is achieved by this measure, which leads to even better heat transfer performance.

[0025] The surface contact of the separate channel plates, separator plates and cover plates allows a particularly compact and stable design of the plate heat exchanger. The improved stability allows screwing and fastening to components of the refrigerant circuit, in particular to a refrigerant compressor of the refrigerant circuit, without the need for additional stabilizing elements. Therefore, the channel plates, separator plates and cover plates can each have a plurality of corresponding bushings for screws or bolts. For example, these screw bushings or bolt bushings are arranged to screw the plate heat exchanger directly to the refrigerant compressor. The bushings for the screws or bolts are preferably arranged at the edges and distributed as evenly as possible so as to achieve a uniform force distribution during screwing and fastening. Due to the compact design of the plate heat exchanger, the formed channels remain leakproof and dimensionally stable even under the action of external forces that may occur during screwing and fastening.

[0026] The channel forming cutout may have a shape that forms at least one channel having an at least partially serpentine course. In this respect, a channel structure may also be provided in which a plurality of individual channels extending next to each other have an at least partially serpentine course.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the plate heat exchanger of the present invention, the cover plate, the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack and the partition plate arranged between the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack can have a substantially circular basic shape, wherein the fluid connector for the first fluid and / or for the second fluid is formed at the radial circumference of the plate heat exchanger. In this embodiment, the plate heat exchanger has a cylindrical shape, wherein the fluid connector for the first fluid is formed on a protrusion protruding from the circumference of the cylindrical shape. The fluid connector for the second fluid can be formed in the cover plate. The first fluid connector can be designed as a fluid inlet for the first fluid in the first cover element, wherein the second fluid connector is designed as a fluid outlet for the first fluid in the second cover element. This embodiment of the plate heat exchanger is particularly suitable for integration in a refrigerant compressor in a refrigerant circuit.

[0028] The plate heat exchanger according to the invention allows an arrangement for parallel or serial flow of fluids through a plurality of channel plate stacks.A first channel plate stack and a second channel plate stack fluidically separated from the first channel plate stack can thus be fluidically connected in series or in parallel.

[0029] Thanks to the invention, a high pressure resistant and compact plate heat exchanger with low weight is provided.The fine channel structure in the strong channel plates suitable for stamping and arranged to form a channel plate stack allows high heat transfer performance while keeping production costs low.

[0030] Another aspect of the invention is the use of the above-described plate heat exchanger in a refrigerant circuit with the refrigerant R744.

[0031] A further aspect of the invention is the use of a plate heat exchanger as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, in particular in a refrigerant compressor for a vehicle. The plate heat exchanger can assume the function of an internal heat exchanger in the case of multi-stage compression. According to this use of the plate heat exchanger, the plate heat exchanger can be arranged downstream of a compression stage and screwed to the refrigerant compressor so that the plate heat exchanger is located on the refrigerant outlet side of the refrigerant compressor.

[0032] The plate heat exchanger according to the invention has even more advantages. For example, the pulsation on the refrigerant outlet side of the refrigerant compressor is damped by the internal additional volume of the plate heat exchanger downstream of the compression stage in the refrigerant compressor, and thus a reduction in the noise emission of the refrigerant compressor in the vehicle is achieved. In addition to the pulsation damping by means of the internal volume of the plate heat exchanger, the internal structure of the channel-forming cutouts with the stabilizing bridge is formed so that the pulsations in the parallel individual channels interfere destructively due to the different extension lengths, and thus a reduction in the pulsation generated by the refrigerant compressor is achieved. This also leads to a reduction in the noise emission of the refrigerant compressor. Therefore, the plate heat exchanger according to the invention can be used additionally as a muffler. Therefore, when the plate heat exchanger is used in a refrigerant circuit, for example as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, in particular in a refrigerant compressor of a vehicle, no additional muffler is required, because the plate heat exchanger can ensure the damping and reduction of the noise emission. Therefore, the plate heat exchanger can be used as a muffler in an air conditioning system with a refrigerant compressor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Further details, features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be found in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the associated drawings. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1a to Figure 1d A schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a channel plate of a plate heat exchanger according to the invention,

[0035] Figure 2a to Figure 2d A schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a plate heat exchanger according to the invention,

[0036] Figures 3a to 3d A schematic diagram showing a channel plate of an embodiment of a plate heat exchanger,

[0037] Figure 3e A schematic diagram showing an alternative embodiment of a channel plate of a plate heat exchanger,

[0038] Figures 4a to 4d shows a schematic detail view of a channel plate stack of a plate heat exchanger,

[0039] Figure 4e A schematic detail of an exemplary embodiment of a plate heat exchanger is shown with a view of a separator plate,

[0040] Figure 5a and Figure 5b a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a plate heat exchanger in assembled form, and

[0041] Figure 6An exploded view of an embodiment of a plate heat exchanger according to the invention is shown.

[0042] In the drawings, recurring features are marked with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1a to Figure 1d A schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a channel plate of a plate heat exchanger according to the invention is shown. Figure 1a A perspective view of two channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 is shown, which are formed from aluminum and are stacked on top of each other to form a first channel plate stack 1. The two channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 have corresponding channel-forming cutouts 3, which form three individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 extending adjacently and at a distance from each other in a serpentine manner within the first channel plate stack 1. In the plane, the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 correspond to first through holes 4. The channel-forming cutouts 3 of the two channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 each have a stabilizing bridge 5 oriented transversely to the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 along the course of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. Three stabilizing bridges 5 are formed along the course of the channel-forming cutout 3 of the channel plate 1.1, wherein two stabilizing bridges 5 are formed along the course of the channel-forming opening 3 of the channel plate 1.2. The stabilizing bridges 5 of the corresponding channel-forming cutouts 3 of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 are offset along the course of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 formed. Since the stabilizing bridges 5 of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 stacked on top of each other are offset, the fluid flow through the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 formed is ensured. The stabilizing bridges 5 each form an interruption in the course of the channel-forming cutouts 3 of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2.

[0044] The channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 also have corresponding second through holes 6, which are used for fluid connections of a second channel plate stack 2, which is not shown in the figure.

[0045] Figure 1b Shows Figure 1aDetail. It can be seen in the detail that the stabilizing bridges 5 which stabilize the channel-forming cutouts 3 of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 stacked on top of each other are arranged at different positions in the course of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 formed. Therefore, the stabilizing bridges 5 are offset in the course of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 formed. At the positions where the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 formed have the stabilizing bridges 5, the channel height of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 or 3.3 in question is equal to the thickness of the channel plate 1.1 or 1.2 formed from aluminum. In the example shown, the thickness of the channel plate is 0.8 mm, and therefore the channel height in the area where there is no stabilizing bridge 5 is 1.6 mm. At the positions where the channel-forming cutouts 3 have the stabilizing bridges 5, the channel height is correspondingly 0.8 mm. The width of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 is 3 mm, wherein the stabilizing bridge 5 oriented transversely to the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 also has a width of 3 mm. According to one embodiment, it can be provided that the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 have different widths. In this case, the stabilizing bridge 5 can also be adapted to the width of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 and thus have a different width than the adjacent individual channels.

[0046] Figure 1c A first channel plate stack is shown ( Figure 1a ) is a channel plate 1.1 formed of aluminum, which has a channel-forming cutout 3, a first through hole 4 and a second through hole 6 formed therein, respectively. The three channel-forming cutouts 3 have an elongated geometry extending adjacently and at equal distances from each other in a serpentine manner, which is interrupted at three locations by a stabilizing bridge 5. Due to the stabilizing bridge 5, the fine structure of the channel-forming cutout 3 can be simply stamped out. In addition, the stabilizing bridge 5 gives the entire channel-forming structure improved stability, thereby improving the handling of the channel plate 1.1.

[0047] Figure 1d A first channel plate stack is shown ( Figure 1a ) is a channel plate 1.2 formed of aluminum, the channel plate 1.2 having a channel forming cutout 3, a first through hole 4 and a second through hole 6 formed therein, respectively, which correspond to the first through hole 4 and the second through hole 6 formed in the channel plate 1.1. The first through hole 4 is used as a channel stack inlet or a channel stack outlet for a first fluid.

[0048] Figure 2a to Figure 2d A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a plate heat exchanger 7 according to the invention is shown. Figure 2a to Figure 2d Each shows a top perspective view.

[0049] Figure 2a A plate heat exchanger 7 is shown in an assembled state, wherein a first channel plate stack 1 for a first fluid and a second channel plate stack 2 for a second fluid are alternately stacked between two cover plates 9.1 and 9.2, wherein a separator plate 8 is arranged between the first channel plate stack 1 and the second channel plate stack 2 to separate opposite channels. The first channel plate stack 1, the second channel plate stack 2, the separator plate 8 and the cover plates 9.1 and 9.2 are formed of aluminum and brazed to each other in a fluid-tight manner. The upper cover plate 9.1 has a first through hole 4, which corresponds to the first through hole 4 formed in the first channel plate stack 1 and the second channel plate stack 2. The cover plate 9.1 also has two second through holes 6, which correspond to the second through holes 6 formed in the first channel plate stack 1 and the second channel plate stack 2. The first through hole 4 serves as a fluid connector for the first fluid, wherein the second through hole 6 forms a fluid connector for the second fluid. Due to the stacking arrangement, the first through holes 4 form distribution channels for the first fluid in the plate plane of the first channel plate stack 1, so that the first fluid can enter the corresponding individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 before entering the collecting channels formed by the first through holes 4 located on the diagonally opposite side of the plate heat exchanger 7. In the stacking arrangement, the first channel plate stacks 1 are therefore connected to each other via the corresponding first through holes 4, so that a first flow path for the first fluid is formed. The corresponding second through holes 6 connect the second channel plate stacks 2 to each other, so that a second flow path for the second fluid is formed that is separate from the first flow path for the first fluid. The second through holes 6 form distribution channels for the second fluid in the plate plane of the second first channel plate stack 2 (see Figure 2d ), so that the second fluid can enter the respective individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the second channel plate stack 2 before passing into the collecting channel formed by the second through holes 6 located at the diagonally opposite side of the plate heat exchanger 7. In this example, the plate heat exchanger 7 has a substantially rectangular basic shape.

[0050] Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a , wherein the upper cover plate 9.1 is omitted to allow a view of one of the first channel plate stacks 1. The first channel plate stack 1 that can be seen corresponds to Figure 1a The embodiment of the channel plate stack 1 shown in FIG. 1 and formed by two stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1a to Figure 1d). Although the omitted upper cover plate 9.1 forms the upper boundary of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 or covers the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3, the lower boundary or covering of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 is ensured by the separator plate 8. The separator plate 8 separates the continuous first channel plate stack 1 and the second channel plate stack 2. The channel height reduced by the stabilizing bridges 5 in the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 advantageously contributes to the local acceleration of the fluid flowing through, thereby generating turbulence, which facilitates heat transfer. The fluid distribution in the parallel individual channels can be influenced by the number and length of the stabilizing bridges 5.

[0051] Figure 2c Shows Figure 2b 7. In this figure, a separator plate 8 can be seen which separates the first channel plate stack 1 from the second channel plate stack 2. In the figure shown, the separator plate 8 covers the second channel plate stack 2. The separator plate 8, which is formed of aluminum, has corresponding first through holes 4 and second through holes 6.

[0052] Figure 2d It also shows Figure 2a to Figure 2c 1 , a plate heat exchanger 7 is shown in the figure, wherein a second channel plate stack 2 can be seen. The second channel plate stack 2 also comprises channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 stacked on top of each other. The channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 of the second channel plate stack 2 are formed mirror-symmetrically with the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 of the first channel plate stack 1. The channel-forming cutouts 3 of the two channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 each have a stabilizing bridge 5, wherein the formed individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 correspond to the second through-holes 6. The formed individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 are used to guide the second fluid. The second channel plate stack 2 also has a first through-hole 4 that allows the first fluid to be guided through. The channel plate stack 2 is located on a partition plate 8 via the channel plate 1.2, which forms the lower boundary for the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.

[0053] Figures 3a to 3d A schematic diagram of channel plates 1 . 1 , 1 . 2 and 2 . 1 and 2 . 2 is shown of a further embodiment of a plate heat exchanger 7 according to the invention, which is provided for screw fastening to an integrated gas cooler of a compressor. Figures 3a to 3d The channel plates 1.1, 1.2 and 2.1 and 2.2 shown in the figure are formed of aluminum and each have a substantially circular shape, on the outer circumference of which protrusions 9 are formed, wherein inwardly directed second through holes 6 are formed in the protrusions 9 for guiding the second fluid. Figure 3a A channel plate 1 . 1 of a first channel plate stack 1 is shown, wherein Figure 3bA further channel plate 1.2 of the first channel plate stack 1 is shown. Both channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 have corresponding channel-forming cutouts 3. The channel-forming cutouts 3 of the two channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 each have a transversely oriented stabilizing bridge 5 along their course. The positions of the stabilizing bridges 5 in the originally corresponding channel-forming cutouts 3 of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 are different, so that the stabilizing bridges 5 of the stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 are located in the resulting individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 (see Figure 4a and Figure 4c ) are offset in the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2. In the center of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2, there is a central first through hole 4.1 and a plurality of radially spaced smaller further first through holes 4.2. The first through holes 4.1 and 4.2 are used to guide the first fluid. The channel forming cutout 3 has a portion with a serpentine route.

[0054] Figure 3c A channel plate 2.1 of a second channel plate stack 2 is shown (see FIG. 5), wherein Figure 3d Another channel plate 2.2 of the second channel plate stack 2 is shown. Both channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 have a corresponding channel-forming cutout 3. The channel-forming cutout 3 is a shape that is geometrically different from the channel-forming cutouts 3 of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2. Therefore, the channel-forming cutouts 3 of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are spaced apart from each other in a ring, wherein each annular-shaped channel-forming cutout 3 has a plurality of transversely oriented stabilizing bridges 5 along its route. The stabilizing bridges 5 are each located in the radial direction. Due to the stabilizing bridges 5, the annular-shaped channel-forming cutouts 3 of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are interrupted so that the channel-forming cutouts 3 are each formed by a plurality of annular portions arranged concentrically around the first through hole 4.1. The positions of the stabilizing bridges 5 in the channel-forming cutouts 3 of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are different, so that the stabilizing bridges 5 of the stacked channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are located in the resulting individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 (see Figure 4a and Figure 4c ), which allows the second fluid to flow through. In the center of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2, there is a central first through hole 4.1 and a plurality of radially spaced smaller further first through holes 4.2. These first through holes 4.1 and 4.2 each correspond to the first through holes 4.1 and 4.2 of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 and are used to guide the first fluid.

[0055] Figures 3a to 3d The individual channel plates 1.1, 1.2 and 2.1 and 2.2 each have fourteen bushings 13 for screws or bolts, which correspond to one another in the stacked state so that the assembled plate heat exchanger 7 (see Figure 5a and Figure 5b) can be screwed and fastened to the refrigerant compressor by means of screws or bolts fed through bushings 13. The bushings 13 are each arranged at an equal distance from the first through hole 4.2 formed in the center. Therefore, the partition plate 8 and the cover plates 9.1 and 9.2 also have corresponding bushings 13, as can be seen in Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 6 Seen in.

[0056] Figure 3e A schematic diagram of a preferred alternative embodiment of a channel plate for forming a first channel plate stack 1 or a second channel plate stack 2 is shown. According to this preferred design of the channel plate, a plurality of channel-forming cutouts 3 are concentrically formed as a ring, wherein the stabilizing bridges 5 of adjacent annular channel-forming cutouts 3 of this channel plate embodiment are offset in the radial direction. Figure 3c and Figure 3d The embodiments of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 shown in FIG. 1 are different in that the stabilizing bridges 5 of the adjacent annular channel-forming cutouts 3 are not located on a line in the radial direction. The positions of the stabilizing bridges 5 in the annular channel-forming cutouts 3 of the stacked channel plates of this embodiment are also different, so that the stabilizing bridges 5 of the stacked channel plates are offset in the resulting individual channels, which allows fluid to flow through. In addition, unlike Figure 3c and Figure 3d In contrast to the embodiment shown in , two half-moon-shaped first through holes 4.1 and 4.2 separated from each other by a bridge 4.3 are located in the center of the channel plate 2.1. According to the concept of the invention, these channel plates can also be stacked to form a first channel plate stack 1 and a second channel plate stack 2, wherein a partition plate 8 is arranged between the first channel plate stack 1 and the channel plate stack 2, wherein the half-moon-shaped through holes 4.1 and 4.2 each correspond to each other, so that the first through hole 4.1 forms a distribution channel for distributing the first fluid to the individual plate planes of the first channel plate stack 1 of the plate heat exchanger 7, wherein the first through hole 4.2 forms a collecting channel for the first fluid to flow back from the individual first channel plate stack 1 of the plate heat exchanger 7. This embodiment also has fourteen bushings 13 for screws or bolts to allow screw tightening.

[0057] Figures 4a to 4d A schematic detail view of a channel plate stack 1 and 2 of a plate heat exchanger 7 is shown. Figure 4a A plurality of alternately stacked first channel plate stacks 1 and second channel plate stacks 2 are shown, which are fluidically separated from one another by separation plates 8 . Figure 4a The figure allows a view of the first channel plate stack 1 which is formed by the channel plate 1.1 ( Figure 3a ) and channel plate 1.2( Figure 3b)form. Figure 4b A detailed view of a first channel plate stack 1 is shown, which is formed by channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 and in which individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 for a first fluid are formed. Arrows 10 indicate the route of the flow of the first fluid between first through-holes 4.1 and 4.2 through the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 formed by the channel-forming through-holes 3. The formed stack of the plate heat exchanger has a plurality of bushings 13 for screws or bolts. The bushings 13 are also provided with the same reference numerals in the following figures.

[0058] Figure 4c A plurality of alternately stacked first channel plate stacks 1 and second channel plate stacks 2 are shown, which are fluidically separated from one another by separation plates 8 . Figure 4c The figure allows a view of the second channel plate stack 2, which is formed by the channel plate 2.1 ( Figure 3c ) and channel plate 2.2( Figure 3d )form. Figure 4d A detailed view of a second channel plate stack 2 formed by channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 is shown. Arrows 11 indicate the route of the flow of the second fluid between the second through holes 6 through the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 formed by the channel forming through holes 3.

[0059] Figure 4e A schematic detail view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate heat exchanger 7 is shown with a view of a separator plate 8, which is arranged in a stack with a first channel plate stack 1 and a second channel plate stack 2, in each case between the first channel plate stack 1 and the second channel plate stack 2. The separator plate 8 has first through-holes 4.1 and 4.2 and second through-holes 6. The first through-holes 4.1 and 4.2 and the second through-holes 6 correspond to the first through-holes 4.1 and 4.2 and the second through-holes 6 formed in the channel plate stacks 1 and 2 and the respective channel plates 1.1, 1.2 and 2.1 and 2.2.

[0060] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a plate heat exchanger 7 is shown in assembled form, wherein the individual plates are brazed to each other. Figure 5aA view of a cover plate 9.1 of a plate heat exchanger 7 is shown. Channel plate stacks 1 and 2 are alternately stacked on top of each other, wherein a separator plate 8 is arranged between the channel plate stacks 1 and 2. The separator plates 8 each have first through holes 4.1 and 4.2 and second through holes 6 (covered), which each correspond to the first through holes 4.1 and 4.2 and the second through holes 6 formed in the first channel stack 1 and the second channel stack 2. The stacking arrangement of the first channel plate stack 1 and the second channel plate stack 2 is defined by the cover plates 9.1 and 9.2. The cover plate 9.1 has a plurality of first through holes 4.2, which serve as fluid outlets for a first fluid. The second through hole 6 formed in the protrusion 9 of the cover plate 9.1 has fluid connectors 12.1 and 12.2 for a second fluid. The fluid connector 12.1 serves as a fluid inlet for the second fluid, and the fluid connector 12.2 serves as a fluid outlet for the second fluid. This embodiment of the plate heat exchanger 7 is suitable for use as an integrated fluid-cooled gas cooler for a refrigerant compressor. In a corresponding application, the first fluid is a refrigerant, for example R744, wherein a coolant such as a water-glycol mixture is used as the second fluid.

[0061] Figure 5b Shows Figure 5a 2 to allow a view of the cover plate 9.2. In the center of the cover plate 9.2 there is a central first through hole 4.1 which corresponds to the central first through holes 4.1 formed in the channel plates 1.1, 1.2 of the channel plate stack 1 and the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 of the channel plate stack 2. This central first through hole 4.1 serves as a fluid inlet for a first fluid which may be the refrigerant R744.

[0062] Figure 6 An exploded view for a more detailed description of an embodiment of a plate heat exchanger 7 as described in FIGS. 4 and 5 is shown. The plate heat exchanger 7 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for integration as an internal heat exchanger or an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor. According to this embodiment, two Figure 3a The channel plate 1.1 and according to Figure 3b The channel plates 1.2 are arranged to form a first channel plate stack 1, wherein two further channel plates according to Figure 3c The channel plate 2.1 and according to Figure 3dThe channel plates 2.2 are arranged to form a channel plate stack 2. The first channel plate stack 1 and the second channel plate stack 2 are arranged between two cover plates 9.1 and 9.2 and separated by a partition plate 8, so that the opposite channels formed in the first channel plate stack 1 and the second channel plate stack 2 are separated from each other and covered. A central first through hole 4.1 provided as a fluid inlet for the first fluid is formed in the cover plate 9.2, wherein the opposite cover plate 9.1 has seven first through holes 4.2 provided as fluid outlets for the first fluid. Fluid connectors 12.1 and 12.2 inserted into the protrusion 9 and brazed are assigned to the second through holes 6 for the second fluid.

[0063] Reference numerals list

[0064] 1 First channel plate stack

[0065] 1.1 Channel Board

[0066] 1.2 Channel Board

[0067] 2 Second channel plate stack

[0068] 2.1 Channel Board

[0069] 2.2 Channel Board

[0070] 3 channel incision

[0071] 3.1-3.7 channels / separate channels

[0072] 4,4.1,4.2 First through hole

[0073] 4.3 Bridging section

[0074] 5Stable bridge

[0075] 6 Second through hole

[0076] 7 Plate heat exchanger

[0077] 8 Divider Plate

[0078] 9 protrusion

[0079] 9.1 Covering plate

[0080] 9.2 Covering plate

[0081] 10 Arrows

[0082] 11 Arrows

[0083] 12.1 Fluid connections

[0084] 12.2 Fluid connections

[0085] 13 Bushing

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger (7) for a refrigerant circuit, in particular for a refrigerant circuit in a vehicle, the plate heat exchanger (7) having channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) with channel-forming cutouts (3), at least two of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) being arranged in each case to form a channel plate stack (1, 2), thereby forming at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), in, A first channel plate stack (1) for a first fluid and a second channel plate stack (2) for a second fluid are alternately stacked between two cover plates (9.1, 9.2), wherein a partition plate (8) is arranged between the first channel plate stack (1) and the second channel plate stack (2) to separate opposite channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), at least one of the cover plates (9.1, 9.2) having a fluid connector for the first fluid and / or the second fluid, wherein the channel-forming cutout (3) of at least one channel plate (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) of the first channel plate stack (1) and the second channel plate stack (2) in each case has at least one stabilizing bridge (5) oriented transversely to the channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are formed from aluminum.

3. A plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The separation plate (8) and / or the cover plate (9.1, 9.2) has a greater material thickness than the channel plates (1.1, 1.2) of the first channel plate stack (1) and the channel plates (2.1, 2.2) of the second channel plate stack (2).

4. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The first channel plate stack (1) and the second channel plate stack (2) are each formed by a plurality of stacked channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2), wherein each second channel plate (1.2, 2.2) has at least one stabilizing bridge (5) oriented transversely to the channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

5. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that Each channel plate (1.1, 1.2) of the first channel plate stack (1) and each channel plate (2.1, 2.2) of the second channel plate stack (2) has a stabilizing bridge (5) oriented transversely to at least one of the channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), wherein the stabilizing bridges (5) of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) stacked on top of each other are offset along the course of at least one of the channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

6. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that The width of at least one stabilizing bridge (5) of the channel-forming cutout (3) of a channel plate (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) corresponds at least to the width of the formed channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

7. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that The channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) each have a plurality of channel-forming cutouts (3), each of which forms a channel structure with a plurality of individual channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), wherein each individual channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) has at least one stabilizing bridge (5) oriented transversely to the individual channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

8. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The individual channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) of the channel structure are spaced apart in parallel.

9. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 7 or 8, It is characterized in that A plurality of channel-forming cutouts (3) are concentrically arranged in a ring, wherein the stabilizing bridges (5) of adjacent annular channel-forming cutouts (3) are offset in the radial direction.

10. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The width of the annular channel-forming cutout (3) decreases from the outside to the inside.

11. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 10, It is characterized in that The channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2), the partition plates (8) and the cover plates (9.1, 9.2) each have a plurality of corresponding bushings (13) for screws or bolts.

12. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 11, It is characterized in that The shape of the channel-forming cutout (3) forms at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) having an at least partially serpentine course.

13. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 12, It is characterized in that The cover plates (9.1, 9.2), the first channel plate stack (1) and the second channel plate stack (2) as well as the separator plate (8) arranged between the first channel plate stack (1) and the second channel plate stack (2) have a substantially circular basic shape.

14. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 13, It is characterized in that A first through hole (4.1) is formed in the cover element (9.2) as a fluid inlet for the first fluid, wherein a further first through hole (4.2) is formed in the cover element (9.1) as a fluid outlet for the first fluid.

15. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 14, It is characterized in that The channel-forming cutouts (3) of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are formed by punching.

16. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 15, It is characterized in that The first channel plate stack (1) and the second channel plate stack (2) fluidically separated from the first channel plate stack (1) are fluidically connected in series or in parallel.

17. Use of a plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 16 in a refrigerant circuit with the refrigerant R744.

18. Use of a plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 16 as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, in particular in a refrigerant compressor of a vehicle.

19. Use of the plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 18, in, The plate heat exchanger (7) is arranged downstream of the compression stage and is screw-fastened to the refrigerant compressor.

20. Use of a plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 17 to 19, in, The plate heat exchanger (7) acts as a silencer.

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