Heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger includes a main tube including a first flat plate and a first shaped plate connected to each other to form a first fluid passage. The first flat plate and the first shaped plate include fluid openings to enable fluid to flow into and out of the main tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly to a heat exchanger for an electronic control unit, which is applicable to the automotive field. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, electronic control units require thermal management. Integrated circuits or other electronic or electrical components generate heat during operation. In the case of integrated circuits, power is dissipated over a small area. The heat generated in this way needs to be effectively removed, especially when the components are operating under high loads. High-performance units require dedicated cooling devices to ensure their effective operation. One known method of solving this problem is to directly cool the heat source with air.

[0003] The automotive industry is increasingly relying on high-performance electronic control units to ensure the safe and effective operation of vehicles. More and more different forms and configurations of electronic control units are being used to perform tasks such as controlling vehicle battery systems, processing driver assistance systems, or performing autonomous driving functions.

[0004] There is a need to provide an effective heat exchange solution that can be used for the thermal management of electronic control units (especially those used in vehicles). Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger including a main pipe, the main pipe including a first flat plate and a first formed plate connected to each other to form a first fluid passage, wherein the first flat plate and the first formed plate include fluid openings to enable fluid to flow into and out of the main pipe.

[0006] In one embodiment, one end of the first fluid passage has two fluid openings for enabling fluid to flow into the main pipe, while the other end of the first fluid passage has two fluid openings for enabling fluid to flow out of the main pipe.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first fluid passage forms a U-shaped flow path having a first arm and a second arm, and the fluid openings are arranged at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first arm is divided into at least two parallel sub-pipes, while the second arm is formed by a single pipe.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first arm and the second arm are separated by a first wall extending from an end of the U-shaped flow path, and at least two sub-pipes are separated from each other by a second wall extending from an end of the U-shaped flow path, and the first wall extends farther from the end of the U-shaped flow path than the second wall.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least two parallel sub-channels terminate at a common fluid opening.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first forming plate includes a stamping recess that, together with the surface of the first flat plate, forms a first fluid channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the stamping recess has a flat surface at the bottom away from the first flat plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger further includes an end tube fluidly connected to the main tube, the end tube having a second flat plate and a second forming plate that are interconnected to form a second fluid channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second forming plate includes fluid openings for the fluid to enable the fluid to flow into and out of the main tube, while the second flat plate does not have any fluid openings for the fluid.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger further includes an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle for the fluid, which are connected to the openings of the main tube.

[0016] In one embodiment, the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle are attached to the first flat plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle are attached to the first forming plate.

[0018] In one embodiment, the fluid openings of the main tube and the end tube are connected by an interconnecting member to enable fluid flow between them.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first forming plate and the second forming plate face each other.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first flat plate and the second flat plate face each other.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first flat plate faces away from the second forming plate.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second fluid channel forms a U-shaped flow path having a first arm and a second arm, and the fluid openings are provided at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path, wherein the length of the U-shaped flow path of the main tube is different from the length of the U-shaped flow path of the end tube.

[0023] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger includes an intermediate tube disposed between the main tube and the end tube, the intermediate tube including a third flat plate and a third forming plate that are connected to each other to form a third fluid channel, wherein the third flat plate and the third forming plate include fluid openings to enable fluid flow into and out of the intermediate tube.

[0024] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger further includes an intermediate tube disposed between the main tube and the end tube. The intermediate tube includes two third formed plates connected to each other to form a third fluid passage, wherein both of the two third formed plates include fluid openings to enable the flow of fluid into and out of the intermediate tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A heat exchanger assembly with a heat source module is shown in a perspective view;

[0027] Figure 2 An extended plane of a selected heat exchanger assembly is schematically shown;

[0028] Figure 3 is shown Figure 1 An exploded view of the shown heat exchanger assembly;

[0029] Figure 4 A perspective view of the heat exchanger assembly is shown;

[0030] Figure 5 A perspective view of a chassis with a heat exchanger is shown;

[0031] Figure 6 A top perspective view of the chassis is shown;

[0032] Figure 7 A bottom perspective view of the chassis is shown;

[0033] Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of the cartridge heat source module is shown;

[0034] Figure 9 An exploded view of the heat exchanger and the heat source module is shown;

[0035] Figure 10 A top perspective view of the heat exchanger is shown;

[0036] Figure 11 A bottom perspective view of the heat exchanger is shown;

[0037] Figure 12 A top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger is shown;

[0038] Figure 13 A top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger is shown;

[0039] Figure 14 A top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger is shown;

[0040] Figure 15An upward perspective view showing another example of a heat exchanger;

[0041] Figure 16 An upward perspective view showing another example of a heat exchanger;

[0042] Figure 17 A side view showing the heat exchanger;

[0043] Figure 18 An example of a main pipe is shown;

[0044] Figure 19 An example of an end pipe is shown;

[0045] Figure 20 An example of a main pipe with an attachment is shown;

[0046] Figure 21 An example of an attachment is shown;

[0047] Figure 22 Another example of an attachment is shown;

[0048] Figure 23 An example of an end pipe with an attachment is shown;

[0049] Figure 24 Another example of an attachment is shown;

[0050] Figure 25 Another example of an attachment is shown;

[0051] Figure 26 A partial side view of the attachment is shown in detail;

[0052] Figure 27 Another side view of the attachment is shown in detail;

[0053] Figure 28 An example of a partial cross-sectional view of a formed plate with an attachment is shown; and

[0054] Figure 29 Shows Figure 20 The cross-sectional view of the main pipe in Detailed Description of the Invention

[0055] To simplify the description of the present invention, a Cartesian coordinate system (o, x, y, z) is formed, and as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the o-x direction is defined as the length direction, o-y as the height direction, and o-z as the width direction.

[0056] Figure 1The heat exchanger assembly 100 is shown in perspective view and includes a heat exchanger 200 and a plurality of heat source modules 410, 420, 430, 440. The heat exchanger 200 includes a main pipe 210 for a heat exchange fluid. The heat exchange fluid flows through the heat exchanger 200, particularly through the main pipe 210, and enables heat exchange between the heat exchanger 200 and any heat source in contact therewith. The heat exchange fluid may be a refrigerant (such as R134A, R-1234YF or R744) or a coolant (such as an ethylene glycol-water mixture).

[0057] The heat exchanger 200 may further include end pipes 220 for the heat exchange fluid, which are fluidly connected to the main pipe 210. The main pipe 210 and the end pipes 220 may be connected by one or more interconnects 260 to enable fluid flow therebetween.

[0058] The heat exchanger assembly 100 includes at least a first heat source module 410. In Figure 1 the embodiment shown, the heat exchanger assembly 100 includes a first heat source module 410, a second heat source module 420, a third heat source module 430 and a fourth heat source module 440.

[0059] The first heat source module 410 is adjacent to the main pipe 210, so that the heat of the first heat source module 410 can be dissipated to the main pipe 210.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, the first and second heat source modules 410, 420 are adjacent to the main pipe 210. The third and fourth heat source modules 430, 440 are adjacent to the end pipes 220. In other words, the main pipe 210 is sandwiched between the first and second heat source modules 410, 420, while the end pipes 220 are sandwiched between the third heat source module 430 and the fourth heat source module 440. The term "sandwiched" means that the main pipe 210 and the end pipes 220 are in contact with and located between the corresponding heat source modules, taking into account the presence of any thermal paste that may be used between their surfaces to improve heat exchange.

[0061] Figure 2An example of an extended plane showing selected components of the heat exchanger assembly 100 is schematically illustrated. The main pipe 210 extends within the main pipe extension plane A. The end pipe 220 extends within the end pipe extension plane B. The first heat source module 410 extends within the first heat source module extension plane C. The second heat source module 420 extends within the second heat source module extension plane D. The third heat source module 430 extends within the third heat source module extension plane E. The fourth heat source module 440 extends within the fourth heat source module extension plane F. Here, "extending within the extension plane" means that two dimensions of a three-dimensional component are significantly greater than the third dimension, where these two dimensions are measured within the said extension plane. The third dimension is measured perpendicular to the extension plane. In other words, a component extending within the extension plane is typically a flat component with a height that is small relative to its width and length. Preferably, all the extension planes A, B, C, D, E, and F extend parallel to each other.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 mainly extend along the X-axis and to a lesser extent along the Z-axis, which means that their length is greater than their width. Their height is significantly less than the other two dimensions.

[0063] The first heat source module 410 and the third heat source module 430 similarly mainly extend along the X-axis and to a lesser extent along the Z-axis, which means that their length is greater than their width. Their height is significantly less than the other two dimensions.

[0064] The second heat source module 420 and the fourth heat source module 440 mainly extend along the Y-axis and to a lesser extent along the Z-axis, which means that their width is greater than their length (the opposite arrangement can also be envisaged). Their height is significantly less than the other two dimensions.

[0065] It should be noted that multiple second heat source modules 420 can be arranged along the main pipe 210, and multiple fourth heat source modules 440 can be arranged along the end pipe 220. Similarly, depending on the configuration of the unit, multiple first heat source modules 410 and third heat source modules 430 can be arranged along the main pipe and the end pipes 210, 220.

[0066] Figure 3 Is shown in an exploded view Figure 1 the heat exchanger assembly 100 in. The first heat source module 410 includes at least one first heat source 411. In the illustrated embodiment, the first heat source module 410 includes a plurality of first heat sources 411. Preferably, the plurality of first heat sources 411 extend parallel to the main extension axis of the main pipe 210 so that this single main pipe 210 can meet the heat exchange requirements of the entire first heat source module 410. In one embodiment, the first heat source module 410 is a printed circuit board (PCB). The first heat source 411 can be a single integrated circuit.

[0067] The second heat source module 420 includes at least one second heat source 421.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the second heat source module 420 is in the form of a housing 422, as Figure 8 will be shown in detail below. In one embodiment, the second heat source module 420 is in the form of a housing 422 in which a PCB board with at least one integrated circuit is placed.

[0069] The third heat source module 430 includes at least one third heat source 431. In the illustrated embodiment, the third heat source module 430 includes a plurality of third heat sources 431. Preferably, the plurality of third heat sources 411 extend parallel to the main extension axis of the end tube 220 so that this single end tube 220 can meet the heat exchange requirements of the entire third heat source module 430. In one embodiment, the third heat source module 430 is a printed circuit board. The third heat source 431 can be an integrated circuit.

[0070] The fourth heat source module 440 includes at least one fourth heat source 441. In one embodiment, the fourth heat source module 440 is in the form of a housing 422 in which a PCB board with at least one integrated circuit is placed.

[0071] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Perspective views show the heat exchanger assembly 100 and the chassis 500 with the heat exchanger 200, respectively. The heat exchanger assembly 100 can include a chassis 500 that serves as a mounting point for all components and enables the integration of the heat exchanger assembly 100 into other structures, such as a dedicated rack or a vehicle structure.

[0072] The chassis 500 preferably includes a housing 501 that can define an internal space 502. The first heat source module 410 can be located within the internal space 502. Preferably, the third heat source module 430 is also located within the internal space 502. The chassis 500 with the housing 501 allows the first and third heat source modules 410, 430 to be in the form of PCBs without additional protection devices because the housing 501 can be configured to form an independent enclosed space to protect the internal components from external harmful factors such as moisture, debris, or moving parts of the vehicle. The housing 501 can include housing holes 511 that expose the connectors (not shown) of the first and third heat source modules 410, 430 so that they can be connected to external signal and / or power lines and to enable the connection between the second and fourth heat source modules 420, 440 and the components located inside the housing 501.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the main pipe 210 is located outside the housing 501. The end pipe 220 can also be located outside the housing 501. Accordingly, any heat source module outside the housing 501 can also be cooled by the heat exchanger 200 of the heat exchanger assembly 100. In particular, the second heat source module 420 can be attached to the chassis 500 from the outside relative to the housing 501. Similarly, the fourth heat source module 440 can be attached to the chassis 500 from the outside relative to the housing 501.

[0074] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Perspectives from above and below respectively show the chassis 500 without the heat exchanger 200. The housing 501 of the chassis 500 can include a main groove 503 for the main pipe 210. The main groove 503 can at least partially surround the main pipe 210. In other words, the main groove 503 constitutes a recess within the housing 501 in which the main pipe 210 can be placed. Accordingly, the top of the main pipe 210 can be flush with the housing 501. The main groove 503 allows for a compact assembly, especially when the second heat source 420 is also attached to the housing 501 of the chassis 500 as shown above.

[0075] The housing 501 can have a main partition wall 504 between the main pipe 210 and the first heat source module 410. As will be described in detail in connection with other figures, the heat exchanger 200 can include an attachment 300 that attaches to the main pipe 210 and / or the end pipe 220 and projects substantially vertically from the main pipe 210 and / or the end pipe 220. In this case, the main partition wall 504 can include at least one main attachment opening 505 through which the attachment 300 projects. In the illustrated embodiment, two attachments 300 are provided on the main pipe 210. Accordingly, there are also two main attachment openings 505. The two main attachment openings 505 can have different sizes to accommodate different sized attachments 300.

[0076] In one embodiment, the housing 501 has an interconnect cutout 510 that at least partially surrounds one or more interconnects 260 extending between the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220. In other words, the interconnect cutout 510 constitutes a recess within the housing 501 in which the one or more interconnects 260 can be placed. This helps to improve the compactness of the assembly.

[0077] As Figure 7 shown, the housing 501 can have an end groove 506 for the end pipe 220 that can at least partially surround the end pipe 220, similar to the way the main groove 503 surrounds the main pipe 210.

[0078] The housing 501 may have an end partition wall 507 between the end pipe 220 and the third heat source module 430. The end partition wall 507 may include one or more end attachment openings 508 through which any attachment 300 of the end pipe 220 may project. The end attachment openings 508 may have different sizes to accommodate different sizes of attachments 300.

[0079] The housing 501 may include housing attachment points 512 to enable direct fixation of the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 when needed. For example, the housing attachment points 512 may be in the form of bases with screw holes, and the main pipe and the end pipes 210, 220 may have corresponding pipe tabs 202 with holes (as Figure 18 , 19 shown) to fix these components together with screws.

[0080] Figure 8 The heat source module is shown in a perspective view from the bottom, in this case the second heat source module 420, which is in the form of a box 422. The second heat source module 420 includes a second heat source 421, such as a PCB board having one or more integrated circuits. In the illustrated embodiment, the second heat source module 420 encapsulates the second heat source 421. The box 422 may be an outer shell defining an enclosed space within which the second heat source 421 is located. Box holes 423 may be provided to enable the second heat source module 420 to connect to other components of the chassis 500 or to external signal or power lines.

[0081] Figure 9 The heat exchanger 200 and the heat source module are shown in an exploded view from below, in this case the first heat source module 410. The first heat source module 410 having a plurality of first heat sources 411 is placed between the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 and is in contact with the main pipe 210. The main pipe 210 may be made of a heat exchange plate 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the main pipe 210 includes a first flat plate 211 (seen more clearly in Figure 10 ) and a first formed plate 212 connected to each other to form a first fluid channel 213 for the heat exchange fluid. Generally, a flat plate refers to a plate that is usually planar and whose planar portion helps to form any fluid channel. Since the main pipe 210 includes an attachment 300 with a contact portion 305 to ensure direct contact with the first heat sources 411, effective heat exchange can be achieved. The second heat source module 420 may be adjacent to the first flat plate 211 so that the heat dissipated therefrom can be received by the main pipe 210.

[0082] Figure 10 and Figure 11The heat exchanger 200 is shown in perspective views from above and from below, respectively. The end tubes 220 may be made of heat exchange plates 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the end tubes 220 include a second flat plate 221 and a second formed plate 222 connected to each other to form a second fluid passage 223.

[0083] The first and second flat plates 211, 221 and the first and second formed plates 212, 222 include fluid openings 250 (as Figure 18 , 19 seen more clearly in), to enable fluid to flow into and out of the main tube and the end tubes 220. In this case, the interconnects 260 may connect the corresponding openings 250.

[0084] The heat exchanger 200 may include an inlet nozzle 251 and an outlet nozzle 252. Preferably, the inlet nozzle 251 and the outlet nozzle 252 are connected to the first flat plate 211.

[0085] Preferably, the end tubes 220 include one or more attachments 300 with a plurality of contact portions 305 that are exposed to a plurality of third heat sources 431. These attachments may be mounted on the end tubes 220 adjacent to the second fluid passage 223.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the first formed plate 212 and the second formed plate 222 face each other.

[0087] Figure 12 A top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger 200 is shown, in which the first formed plate 212 faces away from the second formed plate 222. One or more attachments 300 may be fixed to any of the first flat plate 211, the first formed plate 212, the second flat plate 221, and the second formed plate 222, depending on the heat exchange requirements and the location of the specific heat source. In this case, the first flat plate 211 and the second formed plate 222 are equipped with attachments 300 for heat exchange with the respective heat sources located between the main tube 210 and the end tubes 220.

[0088] Figure 13 A top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger 200 is shown, in which the first flat plate 211 and the second flat plate 221 face each other. One or more attachments 300 may be fixed to any of the first flat plate 211, the first formed plate 212, the second flat plate 221, and the second formed plate 222, depending on the heat exchange requirements and the location of the specific heat source.

[0089] Figure 14 and Figure 15Top and bottom perspective views of the heat exchanger 200 are shown respectively. The heat exchanger 200 may include an intermediate tube 230 disposed between a main tube 210 and an end tube 220, and the intermediate tube 230 is connected to them through interconnects 260. The intermediate tube 230 may include a third flat plate 231 and a third formed plate 232 connected to each other to form a third fluid passage 233, wherein the third flat plate 231 and the third formed plate 232 include fluid openings 250 to enable fluid to flow into and out of the intermediate tube 230. The accessory 300 may be used for the intermediate tube 230 in the same manner as for the main tube 210 and the end tube 220. In any case, the intermediate tube 230 may have a structure similar to that of the main tube 210 and / or the end tube 220. There may also be multiple intermediate tubes 230 between the main tube 210 and the end tube 220.

[0090] In the illustrated example, the third formed plate 232 faces the first formed plate 212 and backs away from the second formed plate 222.

[0091] Figure 16 A bottom perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger 200 is shown. Compared with the example of the heat exchanger 200 in Figure 14 and Figure 15 here, the third formed plate 232 faces the second formed plate 222 and backs away from the first formed plate 212.

[0092] Figure 17 Shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 A side view of the heat exchanger 200 in Figure 18 and Figure 19 is shown. The main tube 210 and the end tube 220 may be connected through the interconnects 260 to mechanically fix them together and enable the heat exchange fluid to flow between them. Specifically, the fluid openings 250 of the main tube 210 and the end tube 220 (as shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19 ) are connected through the interconnects 260 to enable the fluid to flow between them. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two interconnects 260. One of the interconnects 260 may be used to introduce the heat exchange fluid into the main tube 210 and the end tube 220, while the other interconnect 260 may be used to let the heat exchange fluid flow out of the main tube 210 and the end tube 220. The inlet nozzle 251 may be attached to the main tube 210 and communicate with the interconnect 260 for introducing the heat exchange fluid into the main tube 210. The outlet nozzle 252 may be attached to the main tube 210 and communicate with the interconnect 260 for letting the heat exchange fluid flow out of the main tube 210.

[0093] The main tube 210 may include collars for receiving the inlet and outlet nozzles 251, 252, particularly the flat tube collar 261 located on the first flat tube 210. In this case, the flat tube collar 261 will face the inlet and outlet nozzles 251, 252.

[0094] The main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 may include collars for receiving the interconnect 260. In particular, the first and second forming plates 211, 221 may include forming plate collars 262. In this case, the forming plate collars 262 will face the interconnect 260.

[0095] As Figure 17 shown, the first and second forming plates 212, 222 include attachments 300 with contact portions 305. In this embodiment, since the first and second forming plates 212, 222 face each other, their respective attachments 300 do so as well.

[0096] Figure 18 An example of the main pipe 210 is shown. The main pipe 210 includes a first fluid channel 213 for guiding the heat exchange fluid through the main pipe 210. The main pipe 210 includes fluid openings 250 for allowing the heat exchange fluid to flow into and out of the main pipe 210.

[0097] Preferably, one end of the first fluid channel 213 has two fluid openings 250 for allowing fluid to flow into the main pipe 210, while the other end of the first fluid channel 213 has two fluid openings 250 for allowing fluid to flow out of the main pipe 210 (on both sides of the main pipe 210). In this case, each pair of fluid openings 250 includes one fluid opening 250 in the first flat plate 211 and one fluid opening 250 in the first forming plate 212.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the first fluid channel 213 forms a U-shaped flow path having a first arm 214 and a second arm 215. The fluid openings 250 may be provided at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path.

[0099] Regarding Figure 19 the end pipe 220, the second fluid channel 223 may form a U-shaped flow path having a first arm 214 and a second arm 215. The fluid openings 250 may be provided at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path. The length of the U-shaped flow path of the main pipe 210 may be different from the length of the U-shaped flow path of the end pipe 220. Generally, the main pipe 210 may be shorter than the end pipe 220. The main pipe 210 may also be longer than the end pipe 220. The main pipe 210 may also have the same length as the end pipe 220.

[0100] The first arm 214 may be divided into at least two parallel sub-pipes 216. The second arm 215 may be formed by a single pipe 217. This division can be used to help balance the fluid flow in the plate. It can also concentrate the fluid flow to specific hot spots to achieve a better heat transfer coefficient.

[0101] The first arm 214 can be separated from the second arm 215 by a first wall 253 extending from the end of the U-shaped flow path. At least two sub-conduits 216 can be separated from each other by a second wall 254 extending from the end of the U-shaped flow path. The first wall 253 can extend further from the end of the U-shaped flow path than the second wall 254. This also contributes to heat exchange management as described above. Preferably, at least two parallel sub-channels 216 terminate at a common fluid opening 250.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the first forming plate 212 can include a stamping recess 218 that, together with the surface of the first flat plate 211, forms a first fluid channel 213. The bottom of the stamping recess 218 can have a flat surface that is away from the first flat plate 211.

[0103] Figure 19 An example of an end tube 220 is shown. The end tube 220 includes a second fluid channel 223 for guiding a heat exchange fluid through the entire end tube 220. The end tube 220 includes a fluid opening 250 for allowing the heat exchange fluid to flow into and out of the end tube 220.

[0104] Preferably, one end of the second fluid channel 223 has two fluid openings 250 for allowing fluid to flow into the end tube 220, while the other end of the second fluid channel 223 has two fluid openings 250 for allowing fluid to flow out of the end tube 220. In this case, each pair of fluid openings 250 includes one fluid opening 250 in the second flat plate 221 and one fluid opening 250 in the second forming plate 222.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the second fluid channel 223 forms a U-shaped flow path having a first arm 214 and a second arm 215. The fluid openings 250 can be provided at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path.

[0106] The second fluid channel 223 can form a U-shaped flow path having a first arm 214 and a second arm 215. The fluid openings 250 can be arranged at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path.

[0107] The first arm 214 can be divided into at least two parallel sub-conduits 216. The second arm 215 can be formed by a single conduit 217.

[0108] The first arm 214 can be separated from the second arm 215 by a first wall 253 extending away from the end of the U-shaped flow path. At least two sub-conduits 216 can be separated from each other by a second wall 254 extending away from the end of the U-shaped flow path. The first wall 253 can extend further from the end of the U-shaped flow path than the second wall 254. Preferably, at least two parallel sub-channels 216 terminate at a common fluid opening 250.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the second forming plate 222 may include a stamping recess 218 that, together with the surface of the second flat plate 221, forms a second fluid passage 223. The stamping recess 218 may have a flat surface at the bottom away from the second flat plate 221.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the second forming plate 222 includes a fluid opening 250 for fluid to enable fluid to flow into and out of the end tube 220, while the second flat plate 221 does not have any fluid opening 250 for fluid.

[0111] As described above, an inlet nozzle 251 and an outlet nozzle 252 for the heat exchange fluid may be attached to the opening 250 of the main tube 210.

[0112] Figure 20 An example of the main tube 210 with an attachment 300 is shown. The main tube 210 includes a first forming plate 212 that allows, together with the first flat plate 211, to define a first fluid passage 213. Generally, the first fluid passage 213 may have a channel wall 219 formed by any heat exchange plate 201, in this case the first forming plate 212. One or more attachments 300 may be attached to the channel wall 219. The attachment 300 generally has a bottom side 302 and a top side 303 (as Figure 22 shown). The attachment 300 may be connected to the channel wall 219 through the bottom side 302.

[0113] The attachment 300 may have a single contact portion 305 or multiple contact portions 305 extending from the top side 303, preferably these contact portions are independent of each other. The contact portion 305 mentioned here refers to a specific part of the attachment 300 that is intended to contact a specific heat source so that heat exchange can be carried out between them in a convenient manner. The contact portion 305 is intended to receive most of the energy from the heat source, rather than the part of the attachment 300 without the contact portion 305.

[0114] As Figure 20 - 28 shown, the attachment 300 has an attachment substrate 301 extending in a base plane BP. The thickness T is defined as extending between the bottom side 302 and the top side 303 of the attachment substrate 301. The attachment substrate 301 may be a rectangular, elongated profile extending along an attachment longitudinal axis L1 and an attachment transverse axis L2, with the extension along the attachment longitudinal axis L1 being dominant.

[0115] Figure 21 An example of the attachment 300 with two contact portions 305 is shown. The contact portions 305 extend from the top side 303 perpendicular to the base plane BP.

[0116] In one embodiment, the attachment substrate 301 and the contact portion 305 are a single machined piece. Alternatively, the contact portion 305 can be connected to the attachment substrate 301 by an adhesive. Preferably, the plurality of contact portions 305 are made of a solid material. Preferably, the attachment 300 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity. Preferably, the attachment 300 and the contact portion 305 are made of metal. In this case, the contact portion 305 can be connected to the attachment substrate 301 by brazing.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, there are spacer segments 304 between the contact portions 305. Here, the spacer segment 304 is an area of the substrate 301, particularly an area on its top side 303 where the contact portion 305 is absent. The spacer segment 304 can reduce the amount of material required for the attachment 300 in areas farther from the heat source than the contact portion 305. However, the spacer segment 304, particularly the area at the bottom side 302 of the attachment substrate 301, can help to firmly connect the attachment 300 to any heat exchange plate 201 (in these cases, the first flat plate 211, the first formed plate 212, the second flat plate 221, the second formed plate 222), as sufficient contact surface between the attachment 300 and the heat exchange plate 201 is ensured.

[0118] In any case, the contact portion 305 preferably has a contact surface adapted to the intermediate surface of the heat source it is to face, to maximize the heat exchange efficiency. Preferably, the contact portion 305 has a flat top contact surface 306, particularly when they are matched with integrated circuits that often have flat surfaces.

[0119] Any contact portion 305 can have a rectangular profile, such as a square profile (as shown in Figure 21 , 22 ), or a circular profile, such as an oval or a circle (as shown in Figure 25 ), which extends in its width and length dimensions.

[0120] Figure 22 Another example of the attachment 300 is shown. In this case, the two contact portions 305 are identical to each other and are separated by a spacer segment 304. It is worth noting that the spacer segment 304 can exist between any contact portion 305 and the edge of the attachment substrate 301, not only strictly between the contact portions 305.

[0121] Figure 23An example of an end tube 220 with an attachment 300 is shown. The end tube 220 includes a second formed plate 222 which, together with a second flat plate 221, defines a second fluid passage 223. Generally, the second fluid passage 223 may have a passage wall 219 formed by any heat exchange plate 201, in this case the second formed plate 222. One or more attachments 300 may be attached to the passage wall 219, for example in a manner similar to that described previously with respect to the main tube 210.

[0122] Figure 24 Another example of the attachment 300 is shown. In this case, an attachment 300 for the end tube 220 is shown which includes a plurality of contact portions 305. The shown contact portions 305 may differ from each other in size and shape to accommodate heat sources of different shapes and sizes, in this case a third heat source 431. The nature of the expected differences will be explained in connection with the following drawings.

[0123] Figure 26 Is schematically shown in detail Figure 24 A partial side view of the attachment 300 in. The top side 303 may have spaced segments 304 between adjacent contact portions 305 which maintain a thickness T.

[0124] In one embodiment, at least one contact portion 305 extends a greater distance from the attachment substrate 301 than another contact portion 305. In other words, the height of one contact portion 305 may be different from that of another contact portion 305.

[0125] In one embodiment, the longitudinal length Lg of at least one contact portion 305 measured along the attachment longitudinal axis L1 is different from that of another contact portion 305.

[0126] The top side 303 of the attachment substrate 301 and the flat top contact surface 306 of the contact portion 305 may be connected by a side wall 307 of the contact portion 305 which is perpendicular to the top side 303 and the flat top contact surface 306. Alternatively, the side wall 307 may be inclined with respect to the top side 303 and / or the flat top contact surface 306.

[0127] Figure 27 Is schematically shown in detail Figure 24 Another side view of the attachment 300 in. The transverse length Lt of at least one contact portion 305 may be different from that of another contact portion 305, the transverse length Lt being measured along the attachment transverse axis L2.

[0128] Figure 28An example of a partial cross-sectional view of a heat exchange plate 201 with an attachment 300 is schematically shown. The attachment substrate 301 may have a connecting section 308 adapted for crimping. As previously described, the top side 303 of the attachment substrate 301 may have a spacer section 304 between the contact portions 305, and the spacer section 304 maintains the thickness T of the attachment substrate 301. The attachment substrate 301 may be crimped to the channel wall 219 of any heat exchange plate 201 (e.g., the first flat plate 211, the first formed plate 212, the second flat plate 221, the second formed plate 222) at the spacer section 304 by a crimp connection 309. Such a crimp connection 309 may be an intermediate step for connecting the attachment 300 to any heat exchange plate 201, and may subsequently be finally fixed by soldering. In this case, the crimp connection 309 is used to position the components relative to each other so that the soldering process can be effectively performed.

[0129] Figure 29 shows Figure 20 a cross-sectional view of the main pipe 210 therein. A turbulator 270 for improving the heat exchange efficiency may be placed within the first fluid channel 213. It may be present in the selected arms 214, ducts 217, or sub-ducts 216 of the first fluid channel 213, or may fill all of these portions simultaneously. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to end pipes 220 or other pipes if present.

[0130] Those skilled in the art can understand and achieve other variations of the disclosed embodiments by studying the drawings, this disclosure, and the appended claims when practicing the claimed invention. Just because certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that the combination of these measures cannot bring benefits.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, comprising a main pipe, comprising a first flat plate and a first formed plate that are interconnected to form a first fluid passage, wherein the first flat plate and the first formed plate comprise fluid openings to enable fluid to flow into and out of the main pipe.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein one end of the first fluid passage has two fluid openings for enabling fluid to flow into the main pipe, and the other end of the first fluid passage has two fluid openings for enabling fluid to flow out of the main pipe.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid passage forms a U-shaped flow path having a first arm and a second arm, and the fluid openings are arranged at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the first arm is divided into at least two parallel sub-pipes, and the second arm is formed by a single pipe.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein the first arm and the second arm are separated by a first wall extending from the end of the U-shaped flow path, and at least two sub-pipes are separated from each other by a second wall extending from the end of the U-shaped flow path, and the first wall extends further from the end of the U-shaped flow path than the second wall.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein at least two parallel sub-channels terminate at a common fluid opening.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first formed plate comprises a stamping depression, and the stamping depression and the surface of the first flat plate together form the first fluid passage.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, wherein the stamping depression has a flat surface at the bottom away from the first flat plate.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising an end pipe fluidly connected to the main pipe, the end pipe having a second flat plate and a second formed plate that are connected to each other to form a second fluid passage.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the second formed plate comprises fluid openings for the fluid to enable the fluid to flow into and out of the main pipe, and the second flat plate has no fluid openings for the fluid.

11. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the fluid openings of the main pipe and the end pipe are connected by an interconnecting member to enable fluid to flow between them.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the first formed plate and the second formed plate face each other.

13. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the first flat plate and the second flat plate face each other.

14. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the first formed plate faces away from the second formed plate.

15. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein the second fluid passage forms a U-shaped flow path having a first arm and a second arm, and the fluid openings are arranged at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path, wherein the length of the U-shaped flow path of the main pipe is different from the length of the U-shaped flow path of the end pipe.

16. The heat exchanger according to claim 9 further includes an intermediate pipe disposed between the main pipe and the end pipe, the intermediate pipe including a third flat plate and a third formed plate connected to each other to form a third fluid passage, wherein the third flat plate and the third formed plate include fluid openings to enable fluid to flow into and out of the intermediate pipe.

17. The heat exchanger according to claim 9 further includes an intermediate pipe disposed between the main pipe and the end pipe, the intermediate pipe including two third formed plates connected to each other to form a third fluid passage, wherein both of the two third formed plates include fluid openings to enable fluid to flow into and out of the intermediate pipe.

18. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 further includes an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle for the fluid, the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle being attached to the opening of the main pipe.

19. The heat exchanger according to claim 18, wherein the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle are attached to the first flat plate.

20. The heat exchanger according to claim 18, wherein the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle are attached to the first formed plate.

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