Heat exchanger assembly

Abstract

A heat exchanger assembly, comprising: a heat exchanger having a main pipe, the main pipe comprising a first fluid channel for a heat exchange fluid; a first heat source module having a plurality of first heat sources; and an attachment portion having a plurality of contact portions exposed to the plurality of first heat sources, the attachment portion being mounted on the main pipe adjacent to the first fluid passage.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] It is known that 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 on a small surface. 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. A known way to solve 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 electronic control units in various forms and configurations are used to perform functions such as controlling the vehicle's battery system, operating 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 for electronic control units in vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is in particular a heat exchanger assembly, comprising: a heat exchanger having a main pipe, the main pipe including a first fluid passage for a heat exchange fluid; a first heat source module having a plurality of first heat sources; an attachment portion having a plurality of contact portions exposed to the plurality of first heat sources, the attachment portion being mounted on the main pipe, adjacent to the first fluid passage.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first heat source module is a PCB board and the first heat source 401 is an integrated circuit.

[0007] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly further includes a chassis to which the heat exchanger and the first heat source module are attached.

[0008] In one embodiment, the chassis includes a housing defining an internal volume, and the first heat source module is located in the internal volume.

[0009] In one embodiment, the main pipe is located outside the housing 501.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing has a main groove for the main pipe, and the main groove at least partially wraps the main pipe.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing has a main partition wall between the main pipe and the first heat source module, wherein the main partition wall includes a main attachment opening through which the attachment portion protrudes.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly further includes a second heat source module having a second heat source, the second heat source module being in contact with the main pipe, wherein the main pipe is sandwiched between the first heat source module and the second heat source module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the main pipe includes a first flat plate and a first formed plate connected to each other to form a first fluid channel, wherein the second heat source module is adjacent to the first flat plate.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second heat source module is in the form of a box encapsulating the second heat source.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second heat source is an integrated circuit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second heat source module is externally attached to the chassis relative to the housing.

[0017] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger includes an end pipe, the end pipe including a second fluid channel for a heat exchange fluid, the end pipe being fluidly connected to the main pipe.

[0018] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly further includes a third heat source module having a plurality of third heat sources.

[0019] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly further includes a fourth heat source module having a fourth heat source, the fourth heat source module being in contact with the end pipe, wherein the end pipe is sandwiched between the third heat source module and the fourth heat source module.

[0020] In one embodiment, the end pipe is positioned externally relative to the housing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the housing has an end slot for the end pipe, the end slot at least partially covering the end pipe.

[0022] In one embodiment, the end pipe includes an attachment portion having a plurality of contact portions exposed to the plurality of third heat sources, the attachment portion being mounted on the end pipe, adjacent to the second fluid channel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the housing has an end partition wall between the end pipe and the third heat source module, wherein the end partition wall includes an end attachment opening through which the attachment portion of the end pipe projects.

[0024] In one embodiment, wherein the main pipe and the end pipe are connected by an interconnecter enabling fluid to flow therebetween, wherein the housing has an interconnecter cutout at least partially covering the interconnecter. Description of the Drawings

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

[0026] Figure 1 Shows a perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly having a heat source module;

[0027] Figure 2 Schematically shows an extended plane of selected heat exchanger assembly components;

[0028] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 an exploded view of the heat exchanger assembly;

[0029] Figure 4 Shows a perspective view of the heat exchanger assembly;

[0030] Figure 5 Shows a perspective view of a chassis having a heat exchanger;

[0031] Figure 6 Shows a top perspective view of the chassis;

[0032] Figure 7 Shows a bottom perspective view of the chassis;

[0033] Figure 8 Shows a bottom perspective view of the heat source module in the form of a box;

[0034] Figure 9 Shows an exploded view of the heat exchanger and the heat source module;

[0035] Figure 10 Shows a top perspective view of the heat exchanger;

[0036] Figure 11 Shows a bottom perspective view of the heat exchanger;

[0037] Figure 12 Shows a top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger;

[0038] Figure 13 Shows a top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger;

[0039] Figure 14 Shows a top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger;

[0040] Figure 15 Shows a bottom perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger;

[0041] Figure 16 Shows a bottom perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger;

[0042] Figure 17 Shows a side view of the heat exchanger;

[0043] Figure 18 Shows an example of the main pipe;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0054] Figure 29 Shows Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the main pipe. Detailed Description

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

[0056] Figure 1 A perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly 100 having a heat exchanger 200 and a plurality of heat source modules 410, 420, 430, 440 is shown. The heat exchanger 200 includes a main pipe 210 for 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 can be a refrigerant (e.g., R134A, R-1234YF or R744) or a coolant (e.g., ethylene glycol-water mixture).

[0057] The heat exchanger 200 may further include end tubes 220 for heat-exchanging fluid, which are fluidly connected to the main tube 210. The main tube 210 and the end tubes 220 may be connected by one or more interconnects 260 such that fluid can flow between them.

[0058] The heat exchanger assembly 100 includes at least a first heat source module 410. In Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, 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 tube 210 such that heat from the first heat source module 410 can dissipate into the main tube 210.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the first heat source module 410 and the second heat source module 420 are adjacent to the main tube 210. The third heat source module 430 and the fourth heat source module 440 are adjacent to the end tubes 220. In other words, the main tube 210 is sandwiched between the first heat source module 410 and the second heat source module 420, while the end tubes 220 are sandwiched between the third heat source module 430 and the fourth heat source module 440. The term "sandwiched between" means that the main tube 210 and the end tubes 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 2 An example of an extended plane of selected components of the heat exchanger assembly 100 is schematically shown. The main tube 210 extends within the main tube extended plane A. The end tubes 220 extend within the end tube extended plane B. The first heat source module 410 extends within the first heat source module extended plane C. The second heat source module 420 extends within the second heat source module extended plane D. The third heat source module 430 extends within the third heat source module extended plane E. The fourth heat source module 440 extends within the fourth heat source module extended plane F. Here, "extending within the extended plane" means that two dimensions of a three-dimensional component are significantly greater than the third dimension, where the two dimensions are measured within the said extended plane. The third dimension is measured perpendicular to the extended plane. In other words, a component extending within the extended plane is a substantially flat component whose height is relatively small compared to its width and length. Preferably, all the extended planes A, B, C, D, E, and F extend parallel to each other.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the main tube 210 and the end tubes 220 mainly extend along axis X and to a lesser extent along axis Z, which means 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 are similarly mainly extended along the axis X and to a lesser extent along the axis Z, 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 are mainly extended along the axis Y and to a lesser extent along the axis Z, 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 there can be multiple second heat source modules 420 arranged along the main pipe 210, and multiple fourth heat source modules 440 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 210 and the end pipe 220.

[0066] Figure 3 Is shown in exploded view Figure 1 of the heat exchanger assembly 100. 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 the 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 PCB board. The first heat source 411 can be a separate 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 box 422, which will be shown in detail in Figure 8 In one embodiment, the second heat source module 420 is in the form of a box 422, and a PCB board having at least one integrated circuit is located in the box 422.

[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 pipe 220, so that the single end pipe 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 PCB 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 box 422, and a PCB board having at least one integrated circuit is located in the box 422.

[0071] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Perspective views of the heat exchanger assembly 100 and the chassis 500 having the heat exchanger 200 are shown respectively. The heat exchanger assembly 100 may include a chassis 500, which 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 bracket or a vehicle structure.

[0072] The chassis 500 preferably includes a housing 501, which may define an internal volume 502. The first heat source module 410 may be located within the internal volume 502. Preferably, the third heat source module 430 is also located within the internal volume 502. The chassis 500 having the housing 501 allows the first heat source module 410 and the third heat source module 430 in the form of a PCB without other protective devices, because the housing 501 can be configured to form an independent enclosure to protect the internal components from external harmful factors such as moisture, debris, or moving elements of the vehicle. The housing 501 may include a housing orifice 511 such that the connectors (not shown) of the first heat source module 410 and the third heat source module 430 can be exposed so that they can be connected to external signals and / or power lines, as well as the connections between the second heat source module 420 and the fourth heat source module 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 may also be located outside the housing 501. Therefore, 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 may be externally attached to the chassis 500 relative to the housing 501. Similarly, the fourth heat source module 440 may be externally attached to the chassis 500 relative to the housing 501.

[0074] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Top and bottom perspective views of the chassis 500 without the heat exchanger 200 are shown respectively. The housing 501 of the chassis 500 may include a main groove 503 for the main pipe 210. The main groove 503 may at least partially wrap the main pipe 210. In other words, the main groove 503 constitutes a depression within the housing 501 where the main pipe 210 can be placed. The top of the main pipe 210 can thus 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 as shown above.

[0075] The housing 501 may have a main partition wall 504 between the main pipe 210 and the first heat source module 410. As will be explained in detail with respect to other figures, the heat exchanger 200 may include attachment portions 300 attached to the main pipe 210 and / or the end pipes 220 and protruding substantially perpendicular to the main pipe 210 and / or the end pipes 220. In this case, the main partition wall 504 may include at least one main attachment opening 505 through which such attachment portions 300 protrude. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two attachment portions 300 placed on the main pipe 210. Accordingly, there are also two main attachment openings 505. The two main attachment openings 505 may have different sizes to accommodate attachment portions 300 of different sizes.

[0076] In one embodiment, the housing 501 has an interconnect notch 510 that at least partially encloses one or more interconnects 260 extending between the main pipe 210 and the end pipes 220. In other words, the interconnect notch 510 forms a recess within the housing 501 in which the one or more interconnects 260 may be placed. This allows for increased component compactness.

[0077] As Figure 7 shown, the housing 501 may have an end slot 506 for the end pipe 220, which may at least partially enclose the end pipe 220 relative to the main pipe 210 similar to the main slot 503.

[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 portions 300 of the end pipe 220 may protrude. The end attachment openings 508 may have different sizes to accommodate attachment portions 300 of different sizes.

[0079] The housing 501 may include housing attachment points 512 to be able to directly secure the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 when needed. For example, the housing attachment points 512 may be in the form of a base having an opening for a screw, while the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 may also have corresponding pipe attachment tabs 202 having openings (as Figure 18 and Figure 19 shown), such that the components may be secured together by screws.

[0080] Figure 8Shows a bottom perspective view of a heat source module in the form of a box 422, in this case the second heat source module 420. 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 can be a housing that defines an enclosed volume, and the second heat source 421 is located inside it. A box orifice 423 can be provided to enable connection of the second heat source module 420 to other components of the chassis 500 or to external signal or power lines.

[0081] Figure 9 Shows a bottom exploded view of the heat exchanger 200 and the heat source module, 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 can be made of a heat exchange plate 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the main pipe 210 includes a first flat plate 211 (as Figure 10 better seen in) and a first formed plate 212, which are connected to each other to form a first fluid channel 213 for the heat exchange fluid. Generally speaking, a flat plate refers to a plate that is usually flat and contributes to the formation of any fluid channel through its flat part. Since the main pipe 210 includes an attachment portion 300 having a contact portion 305 for ensuring direct contact with the first heat source 411, effective heat exchange can be provided. The second heat source module 420 can be adjacent to the first flat plate 211 so that the heat dissipated from it can be received by the main pipe 210.

[0082] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Show a top and a bottom perspective view of the heat exchanger 200 respectively. The end pipe 220 can be made of a heat exchange plate 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the end pipe 220 includes a second flat plate 221 and a second formed plate 222 that are connected to each other to form a second fluid channel 223.

[0083] The first flat plate 211 and the second flat plate 221, as well as the first formed plate 212 and the second formed plate 222, include fluid openings 250 (as in Figure 18 , 19 better seen in) to enable fluid to flow to and from the main pipe and the end pipe 220. In this case, the interconnecter 260 can connect the corresponding openings 250.

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

[0085] Preferably, the end tube 220 includes one or more attachment portions 300 having a plurality of contact portions 305 exposed to a plurality of third heat sources 431. The attachment portion may be mounted on the end tube 220 adjacent to the second fluid passage 223.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the first forming plate 212 and the second forming 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 forming plate 212 faces away from the second forming plate 222. Any one of the first flat plate 211, the first forming plate 212, the second flat plate 221, and the second forming plate 222 may have one or more attachment portions 300 fixed thereto, depending on the heat exchange requirements and the placement of the specific heat source. In this case, the first flat plate 211 and the second forming plate 222 are provided with attachment portions 300 to facilitate heat exchange with the respective heat sources located between the main tube 210 and the end tube 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. Any one of the first flat plate 211, the first forming plate 212, the second flat plate 221, and the second forming plate 222 may have one or more attachment portions 300 fixed thereto, depending on the heat exchange requirements and the placement of the specific heat source.

[0089] Figure 14 and 15 Top and bottom perspective views of another example of the heat exchanger 200 are shown, respectively. The heat exchanger 200 may include an intermediate tube 230 disposed between the main tube 210 and the end tube 220, and the intermediate tube 230 is connected to the main tube 210 and the end tube 220 through an interconnector 260. The intermediate tube 230 may include a third flat plate 231 and a third forming plate 232 connected to each other to form a third fluid passage 233, wherein the third flat plate 231 and the third forming plate 232 include fluid openings 250 to enable fluid to flow to and from the intermediate tube 230. The attachment portion 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 a plurality of intermediate tubes 230 between the main tube 210 and the end tube 220.

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

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

[0092] Figure 17 is shown in a side view Figure 10 and Figure 11 of the heat exchanger 200. The main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 can be connected by an interconnector 260 to mechanically fix one to the other and enable the heat exchange fluid to travel therebetween. In particular, the fluid openings 250 of the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 (as shown in Figure 18 and 19 ) are connected by the interconnector 260 to enable fluid to flow between them. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two interconnectors 260. One of the interconnectors 260 can be associated with introducing the heat exchange fluid into the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220, while the other interconnector 260 can be associated with discharging the heat exchange fluid from the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220. The inlet sleeve 251 can be attached to the main pipe 210 and communicate with the interconnector 260 for introducing the heat exchange fluid into the main pipe 210. The outlet sleeve 252 can be attached to the main pipe 210 and communicate with the interconnector 260 for discharging the heat exchange fluid from the main pipe 210.

[0093] The main pipe 210 can include collars for receiving the inlet sleeve 251 and the outlet sleeve 252, in particular a flat pipe collar 261 located on the first flat pipe 210, in which case it will face the inlet sleeve 251 and the outlet sleeve 252.

[0094] The main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 can include collars for receiving the interconnector 260, in particular the first forming plate 211 and the second forming plate 221 can include forming plate collars 262, in which case they will face the interconnector 260.

[0095] As shown in Figure 17 , the first forming plate 212 and the second forming plate 222 include an attachment portion 300 having a contact portion 305 thereof. In this embodiment, when the first forming plate 212 and the second forming plate 222 face each other, their respective attachment portions 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 passage 213 to guide the heat exchange fluid through the main pipe 210. The main pipe 210 includes fluid openings 250 for introducing and discharging the heat exchange fluid from the main pipe 210.

[0097] Preferably, one end of the first fluid passage 213 has two fluid openings 250 for enabling fluid to flow into the main pipe 210, and the other end of the first fluid passage 213 has two fluid openings 250 for enabling 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 formed plate 212.

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

[0099] Regarding Figure 19 and the end pipe 220, the second fluid passage 223 may be formed with a U-shaped flow path having a first arm 214 and a second arm 215. The fluid openings 250 may be disposed at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path. The U-shaped flow path of the main pipe 210 may have a different length from 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 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-conduits 216. The second arm 215 may be formed by a single conduit 217. The splitting can be used to help balance the flow in the plate. It can also concentrate the flow to specific key points to obtain a better heat transfer coefficient.

[0101] The first arm 214 may be separated from the second arm 215 by a first wall 253 extending away from the end of the U-shaped flow path. The at least two sub-conduits 216 may 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 may extend further away from the end of the U-shaped flow path than the second wall 254. As described above, this also helps in the management of heat exchange. Preferably, the at least two parallel sub-channels 216 terminate at a common fluid opening 250.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the first formed plate 212 may include a stamping depression 218 which, together with the surface of the first flat plate 211, forms the first fluid passage 213. The stamping depression 218 may have a flat surface at the bottom, which is positioned away from the first flat plate 211.

[0103] Figure 19 An example of the end pipe 220 is shown. The end pipe 220 includes a second fluid passage 223 for guiding the heat exchange fluid through the end pipe 220. The end pipe 220 includes fluid openings 250 for introducing and discharging the heat exchange fluid from the end pipe 220.

[0104] Preferably, one end of the second fluid passage 223 has two fluid openings 250 for enabling fluid to flow towards the end tube 220, while the other end of the second fluid passage 223 has two fluid openings 250 for enabling 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 formed plate 222.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the second fluid passage 223 is formed with a U-shaped flow path having a first arm 214 and a second arm 215. The fluid openings 250 may be disposed at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path.

[0106] The second fluid passage 223 may be formed with a U-shaped flow path having a first arm 214 and a second arm 215. The fluid openings 250 may be disposed at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path.

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

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

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

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the second formed plate 222 includes fluid openings 250 for fluid to enable fluid to flow to and from the end tube 220, while the second flat plate 221 does not have any fluid openings 250 for fluid.

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

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

[0113] The attachment portion 300 may have a single contact portion 305 or a plurality of contact portions 305 extending away from the top side 303, preferably independent of each other. The contact portion 305 is herein understood as a dedicated portion of the attachment portion 300, which is intended to contact a specific heat source so that heat can be exchanged between them in a convenient manner. Contrary to the section of the attachment portion 300 without the contact portion 305, the contact portion 305 is intended to receive most of the energy from the heat source.

[0114] As Figure 20 - 28 shown, the attachment portion 300 has an attachment substrate 301 extending within 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 have a rectangular elongated profile extending along the longitudinal axis L1 and the transverse axis L2 of the attachment portion, and the extension along the longitudinal axis L1 of the attachment portion is the main one.

[0115] Figure 21 An example of an attachment portion 300 with two contact portions 305 is shown. The contact portions 305 extend away 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 part. Optionally, 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 portion 300 is made of a material with a high thermal conductivity. Preferably, the attachment portion 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 is a spacer section 304 between the contact portions 305. Here, the spacer section 304 is an area of the substrate 301, particularly of its top side 303, where no contact portions 305 are present. The spacer section 304 may allow for a reduction in the amount of material required for the attachment portion 300 in an area further away from the heat source than the contact portions 305. However, the spacer section 304, particularly the area of the attachment substrate 301 on its bottom side 302, may contribute to a firm connection of the attachment portion 300 with 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 surfaces between the attachment portion 300 and the heat exchange plate 201 are ensured.

[0118] In any case, it is preferred that the contact portions 305 have contact surfaces adapted to the intermediate surface of the heat source, and the contact portions 305 are intended to face the heat source to maximize the heat exchange efficiency. Preferably, the contact portions 305 have contact surfaces 306 with flat tops, particularly when they are matched with integrated circuits, which themselves tend to have flat surfaces.

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

[0120] Figure 22 Another example of the attachment portion 300 is shown. In this case, the two contact portions 305 are identical to each other and are separated by the spacer section 304. It is noteworthy that the spacer section 304 may be present between any contact portion 305 and the edge of the attachment substrate 301, not only strictly between the contact portions 305.

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

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

[0123] Figure 26 is schematically shown in detail Figure 24 A partial side view of the attachment portion 300. The top side 303 may have an interval section 304 between adjacent contact portions 305, and the interval section 304 maintains a thickness T.

[0124] In one embodiment, at least one contact portion 305 extends further from the attachment substrate 301 than another contact portion 305. In other words, one contact portion 305 may have a different height from another contact portion 305.

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

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

[0127] Figure 27 is schematically shown in detail Figure 24 Another side view of the attachment portion 300. At least one contact portion 305 may have a different transverse length Lt from another contact portion 305, and the transverse length Lt is measured along the attachment portion transverse axis L2.

[0128] Figure 28An example of a partial cross-sectional view of a heat exchange plate 201 with an attachment portion 300 is schematically shown. The attachment substrate 301 may have a connection section 308 adapted for riveting. As described above, 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 riveted 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 riveting connection 309. Such a riveting connection 309 may be an intermediate step for connecting the attachment portion 300 to any heat exchange plate 201, which may then be finally fixed by soldering. In this case, the riveting connection 309 is used to position the components relative to each other so that the soldering process can be effectively performed.

[0129] Figure 29 A cross-sectional view of the main pipe 210 is shown. Figure 20 A turbulator 270 for improving heat exchange efficiency may be placed in the first fluid channel 213. It may be present in the selection arm 214 or the conduit 217 or the sub-conduit 216 of the first fluid channel 213, or may fill them simultaneously. The same applies to the end pipe 220 or other pipes (if any).

[0130] By studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement 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 assembly, comprising: a heat exchanger having a main pipe, the main pipe including a first fluid passage for a heat exchange fluid; a first heat source module having a plurality of first heat sources; and an attachment portion having a plurality of contact portions exposed to the plurality of first heat sources, the attachment portion being mounted on the main pipe adjacent to the first fluid passage.

2. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first heat source module is a PCB board and the first heat source is an integrated circuit.

3. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a chassis to which the heat exchanger and the first heat source module are attached.

4. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The chassis includes a housing defining an internal volume, and the first heat source module is located in the internal volume.

5. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The main pipe is located externally relative to the housing.

6. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The housing has a main groove for the main pipe, and the main groove at least partially wraps the main pipe.

7. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The housing has a main partition wall between the main pipe and the first heat source module, wherein the main partition wall includes a main attachment opening through which the attachment portion projects.

8. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 4 further includes a second heat source module having a second heat source, and the second heat source module is in contact with the main pipe, wherein, The main pipe is sandwiched between the first heat source module and the second heat source module.

9. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The main pipe includes a first flat plate and a first formed plate connected to each other to form a first fluid passage, wherein the second heat source module abuts against the first flat plate.

10. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The second heat source module is in the form of a box encapsulating the second heat source.

11. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The second heat source is an integrated circuit.

12. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The second heat source module is externally attached to the chassis relative to the housing.

13. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The heat exchanger includes an end pipe including a second fluid passage for a heat exchange fluid, the end pipe being fluidly connected to the main pipe 210.

14. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 13, further comprising a third heat source module having a plurality of third heat sources.

15. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 14 further includes a fourth heat source module having a fourth heat source, and the fourth heat source module is in contact with the end tube, wherein, The end pipe is sandwiched between the third heat source module and the fourth heat source module.

16. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The end pipe is located externally relative to the housing.

17. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The housing has an end groove for the end pipe, and the end groove at least partially wraps the end pipe.

18. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The end pipe includes an attachment portion having a plurality of contact portions exposed to the plurality of third heat sources, the attachment portion being mounted on the end pipe adjacent to the second fluid passage.

19. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 18, wherein, The housing has an end partition wall between the end pipe and the third heat source module, wherein the end partition wall includes an end attachment opening through which the attachment portion of the end pipe projects.

20. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The main pipe and the end pipe are connected by an interconnector that enables fluid to flow between them, wherein the housing has an interconnector cutout that at least partially wraps the interconnector.

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