Heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger for an electrochemical energy store, comprising: at least one multi-cavity flat tube (2) having a plurality of fluid channels (21, 22); and at least two collecting containers (3) which are fluidically connected to the multi-chamber flat tube (2) and which have a respective collecting chamber (31) and a respective connecting piece (6) which opens into the collecting chamber (31), the fluid channels (21, 22) and the collecting containers (3) being fluidically connected to one another via openings (23, 33) in the flat side (24) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2) and in the collecting containers (3), hook-like solder-coated fastening elements (4, 5) are arranged on opposite end faces (34) of the collecting container (3), said fastening elements having first sections (41, 51) which lie on the respective end faces (34) and second sections (42, 52) which overlap the upper or lower edges (25, 26) of the multi-cavity flat tube (2) and which are curved in a hook-like manner.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger for an electrochemical energy storage device. Background Art

[0002] Heat exchangers for electrochemical energy storage devices are known, for example, from DE 20 2007 017 390 U1 or DE 10 2020 124 230 A1, which are used in particular to cool the energy storage device, which is, for example, in the form of a high-power battery, especially for use in the hybrid drive or electric drive of a motor vehicle.

[0003] The heat exchanger preferably has one or more multi-chamber flat tubes, which have a plurality of cooling channels through which a cooling fluid flows, and the input and output of the cooling fluid are effected via collecting containers connected to the multi-chamber flat tubes.

[0004] Herein, the input of the cooling fluid is effected via a first collecting container, and the cooling fluid flows through the fluid channels. A second collecting container is connected in a second region of the multi-chamber flat tube, and the second collecting container receives and discharges the cooling fluid after it has flowed through the fluid channels of the multi-chamber flat tube.

[0005] Such collecting containers are arranged at the end sides of the multi-chamber flat tubes in many heat exchangers, and it is also known, for example, from DE 19824026A1, to provide openings in the flat sides of the multi-chamber flat tubes and to connect the collecting containers to these openings.

[0006] The plate used as a collecting container in DE 198 24 026A1 is clamped between the flat tubes to be fixed inside the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger for an electrochemical energy storage device, which is also simple in structure and enables the collecting container to be reliably fixed to the multi-chamber flat tube in an alternative manner.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a heat exchanger for an electrochemical energy storage device, comprising: at least one multi-chamber flat tube having a plurality of fluid channels; at least two collecting containers fluidly connected to the multi-chamber flat tube, the collecting containers having respective collecting chambers and respective connection members leading into the collecting chambers; the fluid channels and the collecting containers being fluidly connected to each other via openings in the flat sides of the multi-chamber flat tube and in the collecting containers, wherein hook-shaped fixing elements coated with solder are provided on the mutually opposite end faces of the collecting containers, and the fixing elements have a first section disposed on the respective end faces and a hook-shaped second section that overlaps the upper or lower edge of the multi-chamber flat tube.

[0009] The heat exchanger according to the present invention comprises at least one multi-chamber flat tube with a plurality of fluid channels and at least two collecting containers fluidly joined to the multi-chamber flat tube, these collecting containers having respective collecting chambers and respective connection elements leading into the collecting chambers.

[0010] Each fluid channel and each collecting container are fluidly connected to each other through openings in the flat sides of the multi-chamber flat tube and in the collecting containers.

[0011] Hook-shaped fixing elements coated with solder are mounted on the opposite end faces of the collecting containers, these fixing elements having a first section arranged on the respective end face (which is in particular lying flat against the respective end face) and a hook-shaped curved second section that overlaps the upper or lower edge of the multi-chamber flat tube.

[0012] The heat exchanger constructed according to the present invention is characterized in that it has a simple structure and also in that the fixing of the collecting containers on the multi-chamber flat tube is simple and reliable.

[0013] The present invention further proposes some advantageous embodiments.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the collecting containers have flat sides each with an opening.

[0015] The flat sides of the collecting containers enable reliable fixing of the collecting containers on the multi-chamber flat tube by providing a suitable soldering surface or bonding surface.

[0016] In addition, the geometry of the openings in the flat sides of the collecting containers can also be simply matched to the dimensions of the openings in the multi-chamber flat tube.

[0017] In another preferred design of the heat exchanger according to the present invention, an intermediate plate coated with solder - especially electroplated solder - is provided between at least one flat side of the multi-chamber flat tube and the flat side of the collecting container (arranged on this at least one flat side), this intermediate plate having at least one opening, wherein this opening corresponds to an opening in the flat side of the multi-chamber flat tube and is aligned with this opening.

[0018] Such an intermediate plate can simply cover or close the respective openings of the multi-chamber flat tube. In addition, using such an electroplated solder intermediate plate can also provide solder for soldering the multi-chamber flat tube and the collecting container together.

[0019] According to another advantageous design, at least one of the fixing elements is positively fixed to the collecting container in the plane of the end face of the collecting container. This positive fixing can achieve reliable and permanent positioning of the collecting container.

[0020] In an advantageous refinement, a plug is provided on a first section of the first fixing element of the fixing element, which plug projects into the collecting chamber of the collecting container.

[0021] The plug can be formed on the first section of the first fixing element of the fixing element.

[0022] It is also conceivable that the first section of the first fixing element of the fixing element has a window-shaped cutout, and the plug is held in this window-shaped cutout.

[0023] The provision of such a plug enables, on the one hand, the simple covering of a collecting container with an open end face, and one of the end faces can be simply closed by means of the plug.

[0024] In another advantageous design of the heat exchanger according to the invention, the first section of the second fixing element of the fixing element has a window-shaped cutout that matches the diameter of the first neck part of the connection piece, and the first neck part projects into the collecting chamber of the collecting container through this window-shaped cutout.

[0025] By making the neck part of the connection piece project into the collecting chamber of the collecting container through the window-shaped cutout, while the second fixing element is fixed in position, the assembly of the connection piece onto the collecting container can be simply achieved.

[0026] The collecting container is preferably configured as an extruded member, which enables the simple manufacture of the collecting container.

[0027] According to another advantageous design, a container housing part that is U-shaped in cross-section and parallel to the end face when viewed laterally is connected at the lateral edge of the flat side of each collecting container that is provided with a through-opening.

[0028] In one embodiment, the through-opening in the flat side of each collecting container extends over all the fluid channels of the multi-chamber flat tube.

[0029] This enables a single embodiment of the collecting container itself to be applied to the case where the through-openings of the multi-chamber flat tube extend over different numbers of fluid channels.

[0030] In a preferred refinement, such intermediate plates are provided on both sides of the multi-chamber flat tube.

[0031] According to a preferred refinement, the through-opening of the intermediate plate has a surrounding edge, and this surrounding edge is configured as a flange that extends into the through-opening in the flat side of the multi-chamber flat tube.

[0032] Thereby, the pre-positioning of the intermediate plate on the multi-chamber flat tube in the plane of the flat side of the multi-chamber flat tube can be simply achieved.

[0033] In another advantageous design, the intermediate plate extends over the entire flat side of the multi-chamber flat tube.

[0034] It is also conceivable that the intermediate plate is designed such that it only covers the area of the openings of the multi-chamber flat tube.

[0035] In another alternative design of the heat exchanger according to the invention, each opening of the multi-chamber flat tube is only open towards one of the flat sides of the multi-chamber flat tube. Description of the Drawings

[0036] The preferred embodiments will be described in detail below with the aid of the drawings. The drawings show:

[0037] Figure 1 A partial side view of an embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the invention is shown,

[0038] Figure 2 showing Figure 1 a view from above of the heat exchanger shown,

[0039] Figure 3 showing Figure 1 of the heat exchanger according to Figure 1 a cross-sectional view along the cutting plane indicated by III in

[0040] Figure 4 showing Figure 1 an exploded isometric view of the heat exchanger shown. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0041] In the following description of the drawings, concepts such as "upper, lower, left, right, front, rear" etc. are only with respect to the exemplary illustrations and positions selected in the corresponding drawings for the heat exchanger, multi-chamber flat tube, collection container, fixing element, intermediate plate, etc. These concepts should not be understood as restrictive, that is, these relationships may change due to different working orientations or mirror-symmetric layout designs, etc.

[0042] In Figures 1 to 4 a partial of an embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 with the aid of the drawings.

[0043] The heat exchanger 1 is used here in particular for cooling an electrochemical energy storage device, such as the battery of a motor vehicle.

[0044] The heat exchanger 1 includes at least one multi-chamber flat tube 2 which has a plurality of fluid channels 21, 22, as can be seen in Figure 3 and Figure 4 as shown.

[0045] The heat exchanger 1 further includes at least two collection containers 3 that are fluidly joined to the multi-chamber flat tube 2, and each of these collection containers has a respective collection chamber 31 and respective connector parts 6 that open into the collection chamber 31.

[0046] Herein, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the fluid channels 21, 22 and the collection containers 3 are fluidly connected to each other via openings 23, 33 in the flat sides 24 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2 and in the collection containers 3.

[0047] To pre-fix the above components of the heat exchanger 1, hook-shaped fixing elements 4, 5 coated with solder - in particular (electro)plated solder - are provided on the mutually opposite end faces 34 of the collection containers 3, which have first sections 41, 51 arranged on the respective end faces 34 (the first sections are in particular laid flat against the respective end faces) and second sections 42, 52 that are hook-shaped and bent to overlap the upper edge 25 or the lower edge 26 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2.

[0048] After the individual components of the heat exchanger 1 are assembled, these components can then be simply welded (such as brazed) to form a liquid-tight heat exchanger 1.

[0049] The brazing of the collection containers 3 and the multi-chamber flat tube 2 can be achieved in this case, by appropriately selecting materials, through the solder coating of the multi-chamber flat tube 2 or the collection containers 3.

[0050] To provide sufficient brazing surfaces, the collection containers 3 - as can be seen from Figure 4 - respectively have flat sides 35 each with an opening 33. Herein, the openings 33 in the collection containers 3 are configured to match the corresponding openings 23 in the flat side 24 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2 in terms of their area and arrangement.

[0051] The openings 23 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2 preferably extend perpendicular to the running direction or the flow direction S over the entire range of all the first fluid channels 21 or 22 (the cooling fluid is either introduced into or discharged from these fluid channels).

[0052] For the multi-chamber flat tube 2, only the partial regions important for the present invention are shown here, with the end faces being cut off. The multi-chamber flat tube 2 extends in principle further in the flow direction S beyond the illustrated region of the multi-chamber flat tube 2, beyond the cut-off end faces.

[0053] In the lateral end regions of the multi-chamber flat tube 2, the upper fluid channel 22 and the lower fluid channel 21 are fluidly joined here, for example, by a cap fitted onto the end region of the multi-chamber flat tube 2 or a hollow chamber (integrally) formed on the end region of the multi-chamber flat tube 2.

[0054] Thus, the cooling fluid input through one of the collecting containers 3 via the through-port 23 in the multi-chamber flat tube 2 can flow along the fluid channel 22 until it enters the end region of the multi-chamber flat tube 2, where it is diverted into the fluid channel 21 and can then flow out of the multi-chamber flat tube 2 again via the lower through-port 23 in the multi-chamber flat tube 2 and into another collecting container 3. Of course, the opposite flow direction can also be envisaged.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, an interposer 7 coated with solder, in particular electroplated solder, is provided between at least one flat side 24 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2 and the flat side 35 of the collecting container 3 arranged on this at least one flat side. The interposer has at least one through-port 71 in its plate surface (viewed in the plane of the flat side 24 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2) corresponding to and aligned with the through-port 23 in the flat side 24 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2.

[0056] Such an electroplated solder interposer 7 is particularly suitable when using a collecting container 3 constructed as an extruded component, since the extruded material can only be poorly solder-coated or at a significant (cost) expense.

[0057] The multi-chamber flat tube 2, the collecting container 3, the fixing elements 4, 5 and the interposer 7 are preferably all made of aluminum.

[0058] As Figure 4 shown, the plate surface of the interposer 7 is preferably limited to the region of the connection between the multi-chamber flat tube 2 and the collecting container 3.

[0059] Preferably, in the region of the multi-chamber flat tube 2 where no through-port 23 is constructed, a second notch 73, in particular a second notch constructed in the form of a window, is provided in the interposer 7, whereby an unnecessary amount of solder for fixing the interposer 7 to the multi-chamber flat tube 2 can be saved.

[0060] As can be seen further in Figure 3 and Figure 4 it can be clearly seen that preferably at least one of the fixing elements 4, 5 is positively fixed to the collecting container 3 in the plane of the end face 34 of the collecting container 3.

[0061] As can be clearly seen in Figure 4 a plug 43 protruding into the collecting chamber 31 of the collecting container 3 is provided in a first section 41 of a first fixing element 4 of the fixing elements. The first fixing element lies flat against the end face 34 (here the lower end face 34) of the collecting container 3.

[0062] In one embodiment, the plug 43 is integrally formed on the first section 41 of the first fixing element 4 of the fixing elements.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment, the plug 43 is held within a window-shaped cutout provided in a first section 41 of the fixing element 4.

[0064] By means of the plug 43, the preferably cylindrical end region of the collection container 3 is reliably closed.

[0065] The second fixing element 5 (which in the Figure 4 illustrated embodiment is arranged on the upper end face 34 of the respective collection container 3) is constructed with a window-shaped cutout 53 that matches the diameter of the first neck part 61 of the connector piece 6, and this first neck part 61 of the connector piece 6 projects through the window-shaped cutout into the collection chamber 31 of the collection container 3, as can be clearly seen in Figure 3 as shown.

[0066] By means of this plug connection, both the connector piece 6 and the second fixing element 5 of the fixing element can be pre-positioned in a form-fitting manner.

[0067] By applying a solder coating to the fixing elements 4, 5, a brazing for the precise positioning of the fixing elements 4, 5 with respect to the collection container 3 can be achieved.

[0068] For the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4 a container housing part 36 that is U-shaped in cross-section and parallel to the end face 34 when viewed is connected at the lateral edge of the flat side 35 of each collection container 3 that is constructed with a through-opening 33.

[0069] Other configurations of the container housing part 36 can also be envisaged here, for example having a cross-section that is rectangular or square in a cross-section parallel to the end face 34 and a cylindrical through-hole, which forms the collection chamber 31 of the collection container 3.

[0070] As further shown by Figure 2 Figure 3 and Figure 4 it is preferred to provide intermediate plates 7 on both sides of the multi-chamber flat tube 2.

[0071] Here, as Figure 1 shown, the intermediate plate 7 preferably extends on a partial surface (i.e., a part of the surface) of the flat side 24 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2.

[0072] In order to precisely position the intermediate plate 7 on the flat side of the multi-chamber flat tube 2, the peripheral edge of the through-opening 71 of the intermediate plate 7 is configured as a flange 74 that extends into the through-opening 23 within the flat side 24 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2, such that a simple and position-fixed pre-positioning can be achieved in the plane of the respective flat side of the multi-chamber flat tube 2.

[0073] After the intermediate plate 7 is pre-positioned on the multi-chamber flat tube 2, the notch 72 on the edge side of the intermediate plate 7 can be used to pre-position the overall unit including the multi-chamber flat tube 2, the intermediate plate 7, the collection container 3 and the fixing elements 4, 5.

[0074] Here, the notch 72 on the edge side of the intermediate plate 7 is used to receive and position the first sections 41, 51 of the fixing elements 4, 5.

[0075] In addition to Figure 4 the exemplary embodiment shown herein (according to this embodiment, one of the openings 23 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2 is sealed by the closing area of the intermediate plate 7 towards one of the flat sides of the multi-chamber flat tube 2), it is also conceivable to configure the opening 23 in the multi-chamber flat tube 2 such that only one of the flat sides 24 of the multi-chamber flat tube 2 is opened through the opening 23, whereby a more compact structural form of the intermediate plate 7 can be achieved.

[0076] List of reference numerals

[0077] 1 Heat exchanger

[0078] 2 Multi-chamber flat tube

[0079] 21 Fluid channel

[0080] 22 Fluid channel

[0081] 23 Opening

[0082] 24 Flat side

[0083] 25 Upper edge

[0084] 26 Lower edge

[0085] 3 Collection container

[0086] 31 Collection chamber

[0087] 32 Inlet

[0088] 33 Opening

[0089] 34 End face

[0090] 35 Flat side

[0091] 36 Container housing part

[0092] 4 Fixing element

[0093] 41 First section

[0094] 42 Second section

[0095] 43 Plug

[0096] 5 Fixing element

[0097] 51 First section

[0098] 52 Second section

[0099] 53 Window-shaped incision

[0100] 6 Connector

[0101] 61 First neck component

[0102] 62 Second neck component

[0103] 7 Intermediate plate

[0104] 71 Through opening

[0105] 72 First notch

[0106] 73 Second notch

[0107] 74 Flange

[0108] x Longitudinal

[0109] y Transverse

[0110] z Vertical

[0111] S Flow direction

Claims

1. Heat exchanger for an electrochemical energy storage device, comprising: at least one multi-chamber flat tube (2) having a plurality of fluid channels (21, 22), at least two collecting containers (3) fluidically connected to the multi-chamber flat tube (2), the collecting containers having respective collecting chambers (31) and respective connection elements (6) leading into the collecting chambers (31), wherein the fluid channels (21, 22) and the collecting containers (3) are fluidically connected to each other via openings (23, 33) in the flat sides (24) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2) and in the collecting containers (3), characterized in that hook-shaped fixing elements (4, 5) coated with solder are provided on the mutually opposite end faces (34) of the collecting containers (3), the fixing elements having a first section (41, 51) arranged on the respective end face (34) and a hook-shaped bent second section (42, 52) overlapping the upper or lower edge (25, 26) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2).

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collecting containers (3) have flat sides (35) each with an opening (33).

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The collecting containers (3) are arranged on at least one flat side (24) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2), and a solder-coated intermediate plate (7), in particular a solder-plated intermediate plate, is provided between the at least one flat side (24) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2) and the flat side (35) of the collecting container, the intermediate plate having at least one opening (71) which corresponds to and is aligned with an opening (23) in the flat side (24) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2).

4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one of the fixing elements (4, 5) is form-locked to the collecting container (3) in the plane of the end face (34) of the collecting container (3).

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, A plug (43) protruding into the collecting chamber (31) of the collecting container (3) is provided on the first section (41) of the first fixing element (4) of the fixing element.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein The plug (43) is formed on the first section (41) of the first fixing element (4) of the fixing element.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first section (41) of the first fixing element (4) of the fixing element has a window-shaped cutout in which the plug (43) is held.

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The first section (51) of the second fixing element (5) of the fixing element has a window-shaped cutout (53) matching the diameter of the first neck part (61) of the connection element (6), and the first neck part (61) protrudes into the collecting chamber (31) of the collecting container (3) through the window-shaped cutout.

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The collecting container (3) is configured as an extruded member.

10. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, A container housing part (36) is connected to the lateral edge of the flat side (35) of each collecting container (3) having an opening (33), the container housing part being configured to be U-shaped when viewed in cross-section and parallel to the end face (34).

11. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The openings (33) in the flat sides (35) of each collecting container (3) extend over all the fluid channels (21, 22) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2).

12. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that, Intermediate plates (7) are provided on both sides of the multi-chamber flat tube (2).

13. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that, The through-opening (71) of the intermediate plate (7) has a frame surrounding edge which is configured as a flange (74) extending into the through-opening (23) within the flat side (24) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2).

14. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that, The intermediate plate (7) extends at least over a partial surface of the flat side (24) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2).

15. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 3 to 14, characterized in that, The intermediate plate (7) has a notch (72) on the edge side for receiving and positioning the first sections (41, 51) of the fixing elements (4, 5).

16. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, Each through-opening (23) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2) is only open towards one of the flat sides (24) of the multi-chamber flat tube (2).

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