Heat exchanger

Abstract

The object of the invention is, inter alia, a heat exchanger (1) for exchanging heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, comprising: a first manifold (100) and a second manifold (200) spaced apart from the first manifold (100) wherein the second manifold (200) is substantially parallel with respect to the first manifold (100), a plurality of flat tubes (300) being stacked between the first manifold (100) and the second manifold (200), a heat exchanger (1) comprising a plurality of flat tubes (300) configured to provide fluid communication between a first manifold (100) and a second manifold (200), a bottle (400) fluidly connected to the first manifold (100), the bottle (400) comprising at least one passage (401) for fluid wherein the heat exchanger (1) comprises a first block (10) and a second block (20), both fluidly connected to the first manifold (100), and at least one third block (30) is fluidly connected to the first manifold (100) or the second manifold (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger. Specifically, the present invention relates to a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of heat exchangers, such as heat exchangers adapted to operate with a reversible air-conditioning circuit, which is particularly used for heating or cooling the passenger compartment of a vehicle. In a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, on the one hand, comfortable heat for heating requirements is ensured by utilizing the heat of the engine, and on the other hand, comfortable heat for cooling requirements is ensured by a system of conditioned air operated by a mechanical compressor.

[0003] On the other hand, for an electric vehicle, it is impossible to use the heat released by a heat engine, and the only available energy source inside the vehicle is electrical energy. Therefore, this electrical energy is used to meet the heating and cooling requirements in the passenger compartment.

[0004] Therefore, it is known to ensure thermal comfort in an electric vehicle through a conventional air-conditioning system, which operates with an electric compressor to meet the cooling requirements and through an electric radiator to meet the heating requirements. However, such a radiator consumes a large amount of electrical energy, and for the purpose of increasing the autonomy of an electric vehicle, it is advantageous to generate thermal energy for heating and cooling by means of a single air-conditioning system with higher efficiency.

[0005] Known heat exchangers can operate in two different modes, namely the heat pump mode and the condenser mode.

[0006] It is known to pass a fluid through a heat exchanger in both modes. In the condensation mode, the refrigerant can flow through the heat exchanger in the same direction as in the heat pump mode. In this case, the refrigerant inlet can be common for the condenser mode and the heat pump mode, and the refrigerant outlet can also be common for the condenser mode and the heat pump mode. Alternatively, in the condensation mode, the refrigerant can flow through the heat exchanger in a direction different from that in the heat pump mode. In this case, the refrigerant inlet in the condenser mode can be the refrigerant outlet in the heat pump mode, and the refrigerant inlet in the heat pump mode can be the refrigerant outlet in the condenser mode.

[0007] In all the above cases, in the heat pump mode, the refrigerant is forced to flow through the bottle of the heat exchanger. This is disadvantageous and thus undesirable in terms of the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger. In addition, the countercurrent or temperature gradient between the heat pump mode and the condenser mode can increase the damage to the components of the bottle.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a heat exchanger that can mitigate the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0009] In addition, it is desirable to provide a heat exchanger with a compact design that integrates two operating modes of the heat exchanger while improving its efficiency.

[0010] It is also desirable to mitigate the drawbacks that exist in the heat pump mode of the heat exchanger with a bottle. Summary of the Invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is in particular a heat exchanger for heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid, comprising: a first manifold and a second manifold spaced apart from the first manifold, wherein the second manifold is substantially parallel to the first manifold; a plurality of flat tubes stacked between the first manifold and the second manifold, the plurality of flat tubes being configured to provide fluid communication between the first manifold and the second manifold; a bottle fluidly connected to the first manifold, the bottle comprising at least one channel for the fluid, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a first block and a second block, both the first block and the second block being fluidly connected to the first manifold, and at least one third block fluidly connected to the first manifold or the second manifold.

[0012] Advantageously, the plurality of flat tubes further comprise a first passage, a second passage and at least one third passage, wherein the first passage is located between the second passage and the third passage.

[0013] Advantageously, the first manifold comprises a first section fluidly connected at least to the first passage, a second section fluidly connected at least to the second passage, and at least one third section fluidly connected to the third section.

[0014] Advantageously, the second manifold comprises a fourth section fluidly connected at least to the first passage, a fifth section fluidly connected at least to the second passage, and at least one sixth section fluidly connected to the third passage.

[0015] Advantageously, the heat exchanger further comprises: a first circuit for the first fluid, which comprises: the first block, the first section, the first passage, the fourth section, the fifth section, the second passage, the second section and the second block.

[0016] Advantageously, the heat exchanger is configured to operate in a heat pump mode, wherein the first fluid leaving the heat exchanger through the second block has the same phase as the first fluid entering the heat exchanger through the first block.

[0017] Advantageously, the bottle blocks the channel of the first fluid such that the first fluid flows directly to the second block.

[0018] Advantageously, the heat exchanger further comprises: a second circuit for the first fluid, which comprises: the first block, the first section, the first passage, the fourth section, the fifth section, the second passage, the bottle, the second section, the third passage, the sixth section and the third block.

[0019] Advantageously, the heat exchanger is configured to operate in a condenser mode, wherein the first fluid exiting the heat exchanger through the third piece has a different phase from the first fluid entering the heat exchanger through the first piece.

[0020] Advantageously, the second piece blocks the passage of the first fluid such that the first fluid flows directly towards the bottle.

[0021] Advantageously, the flat tube includes at least one heat insulation device located between the first passage and the third passage.

[0022] Advantageously, the first piece is located in the lower half of the first section.

[0023] Advantageously, the second piece is located at a higher height than the first piece, the height being measured along the elongation axis of the manifold.

[0024] Advantageously, the second piece is located in the lower half of the second section.

[0025] Advantageously, the third piece is substantially located in the middle of the sixth section, preferably in the lower half of the sixth section.

[0026] Advantageously, the third piece is located at a lower height than the first piece and the second piece, the height being measured along the elongation axis of the manifold.

[0027] Advantageously, one manifold includes a greater number of pieces than the other manifold.

[0028] Advantageously, at least one piece is fixed to the outermost part of the corresponding manifold such that the piece is substantially coplanar with the tube.

[0029] Advantageously, at least one piece is fixed to the corresponding manifold such that the piece is at an angle with respect to the total plane of the tube.

[0030] Advantageously, the bottle includes a substantially tubular body closed on both sides, at least one first bottle opening configured such that the first fluid can flow into the tubular body, and at least one second bottle opening configured such that the first fluid can exit the tubular body.

[0031] Advantageously, the bottle includes a first connector configured to provide fluid communication between the first opening and the first manifold, and a second connector configured to provide fluid communication between the second opening and the first manifold.

[0032] Advantageously, the drying device is integrated into the first manifold.

[0033] Advantageously, the size of the first passage is at least twice, preferably three times, the size of the third passage, the size being measured by the number of tubes forming each passage.

[0034] Advantageously, the second passage is 1.5 to 2.0 times the size of the first passage, the size being measured by the number of tubes forming each passage.

[0035] Advantageously, the first manifold further includes a seventh section, and the second manifold includes an eighth section fluidly connected to the sixth section, such that the tubes connecting the sections form a fourth passage for the first fluid.

[0036] Advantageously, the third passage includes a secondary third passage, the secondary third passage includes a seventh section, and the second manifold includes an eighth section fluidly connected to the sixth section.

[0037] Advantageously, the third piece is fluidly connected to the seventh section.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a system for a motor vehicle, the system including at least one heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is configured as an evaporator for a refrigerant. The present invention also relates to a system for a motor vehicle, the system including at least one heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is configured as a condenser for a refrigerant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] With reference to the accompanying drawings, examples of the present invention will become apparent and be described in detail, wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 A prior art heat exchanger is shown, wherein the fluid flows in the same direction in heat pump mode and condenser mode.

[0041] Figure 2 A prior art heat exchanger is shown, wherein the fluid in heat pump mode flows in a direction opposite to that in condenser mode.

[0042] Figure 3 A perspective view of an exemplary heat exchanger having three pieces is shown.

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic view of a separate heat exchanger having 3 pieces is shown, similar to Figure 3 the heat exchanger shown.

[0044] Figure 5 A schematic view of Figure 4 the heat exchanger is shown, wherein the heat exchanger operates in heat pump mode.

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic view of Figure 4 the heat exchanger is shown, wherein the heat exchanger operates in condenser mode.

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic view of a heat exchanger is shown, the heat exchanger including an additional passage for the fluid in the subcooling section of the heat exchanger.

[0047] Figure 8 A schematic view of a heat exchanger is shown, which includes an additional passage for the fluid in the second passage.

[0048] Figure 9 A perspective view of a heat exchanger including three blocks is shown, wherein the blocks and the connectors for the bottles are both in an angled configuration.

[0049] Figure 10 A perspective view of a heat exchanger including a jumper pipe is shown. Detailed Description

[0050] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger 1 for heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid. The first fluid may be, for example, a refrigerant, and the second fluid may be, for example, air. A ram air stream having a lower temperature flows through the heat exchanger 1, such that the refrigerant having a higher temperature and flowing through the heat exchanger transfers heat to the air.

[0051] Known heat exchangers are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 as shown.

[0052] Referring to Figure 1 , a known heat exchanger 2 may include only two blocks, wherein one block serves as an inlet for the first fluid and the second block serves as an outlet for the first fluid. The black arrows depict the expected fluid flow in the heat pump circuit 5 when the heat exchanger 2 operates in the heat pump mode, and the white arrows depict the expected fluid flow in the condenser circuit 4 when the heat exchanger 2 operates in the condenser mode. Both circuits 4 and 5 show the flow in the same direction. It should be noted that in the heat pump mode, the fluid must travel through the bottle.

[0053] Referring to Figure 2 , a known heat exchanger 3 may also include only two blocks, wherein one block is used for different purposes depending on the operating mode of the heat exchanger 3. The black arrows depict the expected fluid flow in the heat pump circuit 5 when the heat exchanger 2 operates in the heat pump mode, while the white arrows depict the expected fluid flow in the condenser circuit 4 when the heat exchanger 2 operates in the condenser mode. Circuits 4 and 5 are arranged in a so-called countercurrent. It should be noted that in the heat pump mode, the fluid must travel through the bottle.

[0054] Figures 3 - 6 A heat exchanger of substantially the same type is shown, Figure 3 and Figure 4 can show the structural features of the independent heat exchanger 1, while Figure 5 and Figure 6 can show the flow pattern of the first fluid according to the operating mode of the heat exchanger 1.

[0055] Figure 3 Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The heat exchanger 1 may be located at the front of the vehicle, where the expected air flow for a moving motor vehicle is the greatest. However, other locations within the vehicle for the heat exchanger 1 are also possible. In other words, as long as sufficient flow of the second fluid is provided, the heat exchanger 1 can be located anywhere in the vehicle.

[0057] The term "vehicle" may refer to any type of motor vehicle, for example, a vehicle with an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric vehicle (EV), and all types of hybrid vehicles.

[0058] As described in other paragraphs, the heat exchanger 1 may include at least two operating modes. The first is the heat pump mode. For example, in an electric vehicle, the heat pump mode can be used to heat the passenger compartment. Additionally, by operating the vapor compression cycle as a heat pump in winter, the energy efficiency can be significantly improved, thereby effectively and significantly increasing the driving range of the electric vehicle under cold ambient conditions.

[0059] In another operating mode, the heat exchanger 1 can be used as a condenser. In a condenser, the refrigerant changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state, making it possible to cool the passenger compartment in a hot environment.

[0060] The heat exchanger 1 may particularly include a first manifold 100 and a second manifold 200. The manifolds 100, 200 may be spaced apart from each other, wherein the second manifold 200 may be substantially parallel to the first manifold 100. It should be noted that the terms manifolds 100, 200 may refer to different configurations. In a first configuration, the manifolds 100, 200 may be in the form of integral elements. They may include flow deflectors within their structure for guiding the flow of the refrigerant within the heat exchanger. In a second configuration, the manifolds 100, 200 may be regarded as two sets of sub-components, each set including smaller manifold units that do not form an integral element. A group of such smaller manifolds arranged adjacent to each other are still respectively regarded as the first manifold 100 and / or the second manifold 200.

[0061] The manifolds 100, 200 may include a header having a plurality of grooves and a cover configured to be fixed to the header such that channels for the fluid are formed within the manifolds 100, 200. The open ends of the manifolds 100, 200 may be closed by a closing cap. However, other means for closing the manifolds 100, 200 are also conceivable. In the case where the first fluid has a high pressure, such as a supercritical fluid, the manifolds 100, 200 may be formed during an extrusion or metal casting process. This allows the manifolds 100, 200 to withstand the high operating pressure of the first fluid.

[0062] The heat exchanger 1 may further include a plurality of flat tubes 300 stacked between the first manifold 100 and the second manifold 200. The term "flat tube" mainly refers to the overall shape of the tube, where each tube includes two longer parallel walls that are connected by two shorter walls on their longer sides. It should be noted that the flat tube 300 can refer to either a folded tube or an extruded tube.

[0063] The plurality of flat tubes 300 (or simply referred to as: tubes 300) may be configured to provide fluid communication between the first manifold 100 and the second manifold 200. The tubes 300 are configured to be inserted into slots formed in the headers of the respective manifolds 100, 200.

[0064] The heat exchanger 1 may further include a bottle 400. The dryer (or simply referred to as: bottle 400) may be fixed to one of the manifolds 100, 200. If the heat exchanger 1 operates in the condenser mode, the bottle 400 is mainly required.

[0065] The bottle 400 may be fluidly connected to the first manifold 100, which means that the bottle 400 includes at least one passage 401 for the first fluid, such that the first fluid can be transferred from one area of the manifold 100 to another area.

[0066] Figure 4 Also shown is a schematic diagram of a stand-alone heat exchanger with 3 blocks similar to the heat exchanger depicted in Figure 3 the heat exchanger depicted in

[0067] As already discussed, the heat exchanger 1 may include the plurality of flat tubes 300. The heat exchanger may include one or more paths for the first fluid inside the tubes. The paths may differ in hydraulic diameter and the expected direction of flow of the first fluid. Thus, the tube 300 may include a first passage 310, a second passage 320, and at least one third passage 330. The term passage refers to one or more continuous tubes through which the first fluid can flow in the same direction.

[0068] In one example of the heat exchanger, the first passage 310 may be located between the second passage 320 and the third passage 330. However, other configurations of the passages can also be envisioned.

[0069] To provide sufficient flow of the first fluid through the respective passages 310, 320, 330, the first manifold 100 may include a first section 101 that is at least fluidly connected to the first passage 310. Similarly, the first manifold 100 may include a second section 102 that is at least fluidly connected to the second passage 320 and at least one third section 103 that is at least fluidly connected to the third section 303.

[0070] Similar to the first manifold 100, the second manifold 200 may include a fourth segment 201 fluidly connected to at least the first passage 310, a fifth segment 202 fluidly connected to at least the second passage 320, and at least one sixth segment 203 fluidly connected to at least the third passage 330. It should be noted that the segments 101, 102, 103 of the first manifold 100 may be directly fluidly connected to each other, as may the segments 201, 202, 203 of the second manifold 200.

[0071] The heat exchanger may comprise means for introducing the first fluid into the heat exchanger 1 and means for removing the first fluid from the heat exchanger 1 .

[0072] The heat exchanger 1 may include a first block 10, a second block 20, and a second block 30. The first block 10 may be fixed to the first manifold 100. The second block 200 may also be fixed to the first manifold 100. The third block 30 may be fixed to the second manifold 200. It should be noted that the term "block" refers to any device that allows fluid to flow into or out of the heat exchanger 1 via corresponding openings in the manifolds 100, 200. For example, the blocks 10, 20, 30 may be connector blocks as shown, and other variations of the blocks 10, 20, 30 may also be envisioned, such as tubes brazed directly to the manifolds 100, 200.

[0073] In a preferred configuration, the first block 10 and the second block 20 may be fluidly connected to the first manifold 100 , while the at least one third block 30 may be fluidly connected to the second manifold 200 .

[0074] This configuration allows operating the heat exchanger 1 in heat pump mode as well as in condenser mode. It should be noted that the inlets for heat pump mode and condenser mode are common, ie the first fluid flows from the first block 10 to the first manifold 100 in the same direction.

[0075] Integrating the operating modes into one heat exchanger 1 allows the overall costs of the heat exchanger to be reduced.

[0076] Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger 1 according to its operating mode. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Differently, there is no need to distinguish the modes by the color of the arrows, as they are shown in separate figures and indicated by reference numerals. Therefore, it should be noted that the medium flowing through the heat exchanger 1 in one mode may have different properties than the same medium flowing in other operating modes of the heat exchanger 1.

[0077] In view of the operating modes discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the heat exchanger 1 may also include a first circuit 1000 for the first fluid. The first circuit 1000 and the second circuit 2000 described in other paragraphs are indicated by corresponding arrows, which show the expected direction of flow of the first fluid within the heat exchanger 1.

[0078] The first circuit 1000 may in particular include a first piece 10, a first section 101, a first passage 310, a fourth section 201, a fifth section 202, a second passage 320, a second section 102 and a second piece 20. The order of fluid communication and the expected direction of flow of the first fluid may be considered the same as described in this paragraph.

[0079] In other words, the first circuit 1000 includes sub-components that allow the heat exchanger 1 to operate in heat pump mode. Since the heat exchanger 1 is configured to operate in heat pump mode, the first fluid leaving the heat exchanger 1 through the second piece 20 has the same phase as the first fluid entering the heat exchanger 1 through the first piece 10.

[0080] It is worth noting that although there is fluid communication between the second section 102 and the bottle 400, the bottle 400 does not form part of the first circuit 1000. The heat exchanger 1 operating in heat pump mode is configured to block the passage of the first fluid so that the first fluid flows directly towards the second piece 20. This can be achieved in several ways. One solution may include a valve (not shown) located between the dryer 400 and the second section 102. The valve can be closed to block the passage of the fluid, thus forcing the first fluid to flow directly towards the second piece 20.

[0081] Alternatively, the same valve can be located between the bottle 400 and the first section 101. The valve can be closed to block the passage of the first fluid, forcing it to fill the volume of the bottle, and as a result forcing the first fluid to flow directly towards the second piece 20. A valve located anywhere within the bottle 400 can also be envisaged, provided it does not interfere with the overall performance of the heat exchanger 1.

[0082] In the drawings, the areas of the heat exchanger 1 that block the flow of the first fluid have been marked with diagonal lines that cross each other in the middle. This indicates the absence of flow through these sub-assemblies.

[0083] Last but not least, the valve can be located after the first fluid leaves the heat exchanger 1, i.e., between the third piece 30 and the refrigerant circuit (not shown). The valve can be closed to block the passage of the first fluid, forcing it to fill the volume of the third piece 30, the volume of the third passage 330 and the volume of the bottle 400, and as a result forcing the first fluid to flow directly towards the second piece 20.

[0084] It should be noted that the blocks 10, 20, 30 may include valves integrated into their structure or, alternatively, the valves may be located between the blocks 10, 20, 30 and their respective sections 101, 102, 201. Other devices for blocking the flow of the first fluid that have the same effect as the above-mentioned valves are also conceivable.

[0085] In the second operating mode of the heat exchanger, i.e., when the heat exchanger 1 is intended to operate as a condenser, the heat exchanger 1 may include a second circuit 2000 for the first fluid.

[0086] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the second circuit 2000 may in particular include: a first block 10, a first section 101, a first passage 310, a fourth section 201, a fifth section 202, a second passage 320, a bottle 400, a second section 102, a third passage 330, a sixth section 203 and a third block 30. The order of fluid communication and the expected direction of flow of the first fluid can be considered the same as described in this paragraph.

[0087] Generally, if the heat exchanger 1 is configured to operate in the condenser mode, the first fluid leaving the heat exchanger 1 through the third block 30 has a different phase from the first fluid entering the heat exchanger 1 through the first block 10. This is not necessarily the case when the heat exchanger 1 is intended to operate in the heat pump mode. In the heat pump mode, the bottle 400 is not required. Therefore, the flow of the first fluid through the bottle generates an undesired pressure loss, which may affect the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger 1. Therefore, forcing the fluid to enter the second block 20 directly reduces this undesired effect in this mode.

[0088] Furthermore, the inlet for the first fluid, i.e., the first block 10, is common to the first circuit 1000 and the second circuit 2000. This further allows for the optimization of the flow within the heat exchanger 1.

[0089] In addition, since the first fluid can fill the volumes of the third passage 330 and the bottle 400, the heat exchanger 1 is ready when switching from the heat pump mode to the condenser mode, i.e., from the first circuit 1000 to the second circuit 2000.

[0090] Similarly, when the heat exchanger 1 is intended to operate in the condenser mode, the second piece 20 may block the passage of the first fluid such that the first fluid flows directly towards the bottle 400 and further towards the third passage 330 and the third piece 30. The means for blocking the fluid flow is the same as that already discussed, i.e., a valve (not shown) may be located after the first fluid exits the heat exchanger 1 through the second piece 20, i.e., between the second piece 20 and the refrigerant circuit (not shown). This valve may be closed to block the passage of the first fluid, forcing the first fluid towards the fluid connection between the second section 102 and the bottle 400.

[0091] In the case where the heat exchanger 1 is intended to operate in the condenser mode, the plurality of flat tubes 300 may include at least one heat insulation device 301. The heat insulation device 301 may be located between any of the tubes 300, however it is desirable for the heat insulation device to be located between the first passage 310 and the third passage 330. The third passage 330 in the condenser mode includes a first fluid whose temperature is significantly lower than the temperature of the first fluid that has just entered the heat exchanger 1 and flowed through the first passage 310. Therefore, blocking the heat transfer between these passages can significantly increase the overall efficiency of the heat exchanger 1. In other words, the third passage 330 may operate as a so-called subcooling section of the heat exchanger 1 operating in the condenser mode.

[0092] The heat insulation device 301 may be implemented in several ways. For example, the heat insulation device may be in the form of a heat insulating material located between the tubes 300, which partially blocks the heat transfer. However, this solution may have many disadvantages related to feasibility and cost.

[0093] A more feasible heat insulation device 301 may include at least one of the plurality of tubes 300 through which no fluid flows. This is achieved by blocking the fluid flow at the open ends of the tubes, or by implementing flow-blocking baffles located in the respective manifolds 100, 200. These tubes are commonly referred to as "dead tubes".

[0094] The orientation of the heat exchanger 1 may vary depending on its position in the motor vehicle. As already discussed, the usual position of the heat exchanger 1 is at the front of the vehicle, just behind the front bumper, where the front of the vehicle should be considered the side of the vehicle that guides the vehicle during forward movement. The orientation of the heat exchanger 1 shown in the drawings may be considered its nominal position, i.e., the most common position. Thus, directions such as up and down are orthogonal to the ground. Orientations of the heat exchanger 1 different from the nominal orientation may also be envisaged. The heat exchanger 1 may be tilted relative to its nominal orientation, provided that this does not impede its performance.

[0095] Thus, the first component 10 can be located in the lower half of the first section 101. This means that the first component 10 is located in the half of the first section 101 that is closer to the ground plane.

[0096] The second component 20 can be located at a height higher than that of the first component 10, which is measured along the elongation axis of the manifolds 100, 200.

[0097] The second component 20 can be located in the lower half of the second section 102. This means that the second component 20 can be located in the half of the first section 101 that is closer to the ground plane.

[0098] The third component 30 can be substantially located in the middle of the sixth section 203, preferably in the lower half of the sixth section 203. This means that the third component 30 can be located at the middle part of the sixth section 203, or at the lower half of the sixth section 203, closer to the ground plane.

[0099] In addition, the third component 30 can be located at a height lower than that of the first component 10 and the second component 20, which is measured along the elongation axis of the manifolds 100, 200. This means that the third component 30 can be located at the position closest to the ground plane.

[0100] It should be noted that if, for example, the heat exchanger 1 is inverted, the above relative orientation can be changed, so the relative orientation of the sub-components should not be regarded as restrictive.

[0101] Generally, one manifold 100 can include a larger number of components 10, 20, 30 than the other manifold 200. However, in one embodiment, the number of components in each manifold is equal, or the second manifold 200 includes a larger number of components 10, 20, 30 than the first manifold 100.

[0102] Figure 7 Regarding one embodiment, all components 10, 20, 30 are located on the same manifold 100. The third passage 330 can include a secondary third passage 330', which can also be referred to as the fourth passage 340. The first manifold 100 can further include a seventh section 104, and the second manifold 200 can further include an eighth section 204 that is fluidly connected to the sixth section 203, such that the pipe 300 connecting the sections 104, 204 forms the fourth passage 340 for the first fluid. It should be noted that the fourth passage 340 is achieved by dividing the third section 330. From a functional perspective, the fourth passage 340 should still be regarded as a part of the third section 330 because it belongs to the subcooling section of the heat exchanger 1. In this configuration, the heat exchanger 1 has an additional subcooling section, which can increase the heat exchanger efficiency. Therefore, in the case where it is necessary to improve the efficiency of the heat exchanger in the condenser mode, the secondary third passage 330' will be implemented.

[0103] In addition, the third piece is in fluid connection with the seventh section 104. As Figure 7 shown, this allows the third piece 30 to be on the same side of the heat exchanger 1 as the first piece 10 and the second piece 20, i.e., on the first manifold 100.

[0104] Referring Figure 8 , the heat exchanger may include an additional second passage 320 for the fluid. It should be noted that the additional passage may be created by dividing the second passage 320 into two parts. Thus, the heat exchanger may include a secondary second passage 320' that is in fluid connection with the seventh section 102' formed on the first manifold 100 and the eighth section 202' formed on the second manifold 200. Accordingly, the third piece 30 may be in fluid connection with the third section 103 such that the third piece 30 is on the same side as the first piece 10 and the second piece 20.

[0105] This also allows the third piece 30 to be on the same side of the heat exchanger 1 as the first piece 10 and the second piece 20, i.e., on the first manifold 100.

[0106] As Figures 1 - 9 shown, in one variant of the heat exchanger 1, at least one of the pieces 10, 20, 30 may be fixed to the outermost part of the respective manifold 100, 200 such that the pieces 10, 20, 30 are substantially coplanar with the tubes 300. The outermost part of the manifold should be considered the part or wall of the manifolds 100, 200 that is furthest from the central part of the plurality of flat tubes 300.

[0107] Alternatively, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the heat exchanger 1 may include at least one of the pieces 10, 20, 30 fixed to the respective manifold 100, 200 such that the pieces 10, 20, 30 are at an angle with respect to the total plane of the tubes 300. In such an embodiment, the pieces are not fixed to the outermost part of the manifolds 100, 200. The angular position of the pieces 10, 20, 30 may be measured with respect to the total plane formed by the stacked plurality of tubes 300. The pieces 10, 20, 30 may be aligned at an angle of 90 degrees to 180 degrees with respect to the total plane of the tubes 300, where at 180 degrees, the pieces are at the outermost part of the manifolds 100, 200.

[0108] Alternatively, the pieces 10, 20, 30 may be formed as L-shaped parts such that the bottle 400 is thus away from the total plane formed by the plurality of stacked tubes 300.

[0109] As Figures 3 - 9As shown, the bottle 400 may include a substantially tubular body 410 that is closed on both sides. Depending on preference, the closure may be removable or non-removable. Additionally, the bottle 400 may include at least one first bottle opening 402 and at least one second bottle opening 403, the at least one first bottle opening 402 being configured such that a first fluid can flow into the tubular body 410, and the at least one second bottle opening 403 being configured such that the first fluid can flow out of the tubular body 410. The bottle 400 may also be referred to as a flask.

[0110] The bottle 400 may be fixed to the respective connectors 411, 412 by screws or by brazing.

[0111] Thus, the bottle 400 may include a first connector 411 and a second connector 412, the first connector 411 being configured to provide fluid communication between the first opening 402 and the first manifold 100, and the second connector 412 being configured to provide fluid communication between the second opening 403 and the first manifold 100. It should be noted that the connectors 411, 412 may be fixed to the outermost portions of the manifolds 100, 200. However, angular positions of the connectors 411, 412 may also be envisioned, where the angles of the connectors 411, 412 should be measured similar to the angles of the blocks 10, 20, 30.

[0112] Figure 10 A perspective view of a heat exchanger including a jumper line 500 is shown.

[0113] The heat exchanger may include at least one jumper line 500 extending between the connectors 411, 412. The jumper line 500 may include a passage that is fluidly connected to the connectors 411, 412. The jumper line 500 allows the first fluid to at least partially bypass the bottle 400, thereby providing fluid communication between the second passage 320 and the third passage 330.

[0114] In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the dryer 400 is integrated into the first manifold 100. Integration means that it is difficult or impossible to distinguish between the bottle 400 and the manifold 100. In other words, the bottle 400 integrated into the manifold 100 may appear as a sub-component with no distinct differentiating features between them. Nevertheless, both the bottle 400 and the manifold 100 serve their intended purposes. However, due to the complexity of the integrated bottle, this embodiment is not a preferred embodiment.

[0115] The tube 300 may include passages 310, 320, 330. Each of the passages 310, 320, 330 may include an equal number of tubes. Alternatively, as shown, each passage may include a different number of tubes.

[0116] Therefore, the size of the first passage 310 can be at least twice that of the third passage 330. Preferably, the size of the first passage 310 is three times that of the third passage 330. The size can be measured as the number of tubes 300 forming each passage 310, 330.

[0117] Similarly, the size of the second passage 320 can be 1.5 to 2.0 times the size of the first passage 310, and the size is measured as the number of tubes 300 forming each passage 310, 320.

[0118] The heat exchanger 1 can be included in the refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle. A system 3000 (not shown) for a motor vehicle including such a heat exchanger can be configured as an evaporator for the refrigerant or as a condenser for the refrigerant. It should be noted that it is the same heat exchanger unit but operates in different ways depending on the actual mode.

[0119] By studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and realize other variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (1) for heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid, comprising: a first manifold (100) and a second manifold (200) spaced apart from the first manifold (100), wherein the second manifold (200) is substantially parallel to the first manifold (100); a plurality of flat tubes (300) stacked between the first manifold (100) and the second manifold (200), the plurality of flat tubes (300) being configured to provide fluid communication between the first manifold (100) and the second manifold (200); a bottle (400) fluidly connected to the first manifold (100), the bottle (400) including at least one channel (401) for the fluid, wherein the heat exchanger (1) includes a first block (10) and a second block (20), both the first block and the second block (10, 20) being fluidly connected to the first manifold (100), and at least one third block (30) being fluidly connected to the first manifold (100) or the second manifold (200).

2. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein, the plurality of flat tubes (300) further includes a first passage (310), at least one second passage (320) and at least one third passage (330), wherein the first passage (310) is located between the second passage (320) and the third passage (330).

3. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 2, wherein, the first manifold (100) includes a first section (101) fluidly connected at least to the first passage (310), at least one second section (102) fluidly connected at least to the second passage (320), and at least one third section (103) fluidly connected at least to the third section (303).

4. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein, the second manifold (200) includes a fourth section (201) fluidly connected at least to the first passage (310), at least one fifth section (202) fluidly connected at least to the second passage (320), and at least one sixth section (203) fluidly connected at least to the third passage (330).

5. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the heat exchanger (1) further includes: a first circuit (1000) for the first fluid, the first circuit (1000) including: the first block (10), the first section (101), the first passage (310), the fourth section (201), the fifth section (202), the second passage (320), the second section (102) and the second block (20).

6. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The heat exchanger (1) is configured to operate in a heat pump mode, wherein the first fluid leaving the heat exchanger (1) through the second block (20) has the same phase as the first fluid entering the heat exchanger (1) through the first block (10).

7. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein, the bottle (400) blocks the passage of the first fluid such that the first fluid flows directly to the second block (20).

8. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the heat exchanger (1) further comprises: a second circuit (2000) for the first fluid, the second circuit (2000) comprising: a first block (10), a first section (101), a first passage (310), the fourth section (201), the fifth section (202), the second passage (320), the bottle (400), the second section (102), the third passage (330), the sixth section (203) and the third block (30).

9. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 7, wherein, the heat exchanger (1) is configured to operate in a condenser mode, wherein the first fluid leaving the heat exchanger (1) through the third block (30) has a different phase from the first fluid entering the heat exchanger (1) through the first block (10).

10. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein, the second block (20) blocks the passage of the first fluid such that the first fluid flows directly to the bottle (400).

11. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the first manifold (100) further comprises a seventh section (104), and the second manifold (200) comprises an eighth section (204) fluidly connected to the sixth section (203) such that the pipe (300) connecting the sections (104, 204) forms a fourth passage (340) for the first fluid.

12. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a secondary third passage (330') fluidly connected to a seventh section (104) formed on the first manifold (100) and an eighth section (204) formed on the second manifold (200).

13. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a secondary second passage (320') fluidly connected to a seventh section (102') formed on the first manifold (100) and an eighth section (202') formed on the second manifold (200).

14. A system (3000) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one heat exchanger (1), wherein, the heat exchanger is configured as an evaporator for a refrigerant.

15. A system (3000) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one heat exchanger (1), wherein, The heat exchanger is configured as a condenser for a refrigerant.

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