Accessory for heat exchanger

Abstract

An accessory for a heat exchange plate has an accessory substrate extending in a base plane, the accessory substrate having a bottom side and a top side, a thickness of the accessory substrate extending between the bottom side and the top side, and having a plurality of contact portions extending from the top side independently of one another. The accessory base plate has a rectangular elongate profile, extends along an accessory longitudinal axis and an accessory transverse axis, and the extension along the accessory longitudinal axis is dominant. A longitudinal length of at least one contact portion differs from a longitudinal length of the other contact portion, the longitudinal length being measured along a longitudinal axis of the accessory.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory for a heat exchanger, and more particularly to a heat exchanger assembly 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 electronic control units in different forms and configurations 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 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 an accessory for a heat exchange plate, which includes an accessory substrate extending in a base plane, the accessory substrate having a bottom side and a top side, the thickness of the accessory substrate extending between the bottom side and the top side, and having a plurality of contact portions extending independently from the top side, wherein the accessory substrate has a rectangular and elongated shape, extending along an accessory longitudinal axis and an accessory transverse axis, and the extension along the accessory longitudinal axis is dominant, wherein the longitudinal length of at least one contact portion is different from that of another contact portion, and the longitudinal length is measured along the accessory longitudinal axis.

[0006] In one embodiment, the plurality of contact portions are made of solid material.

[0007] In one embodiment, the accessory is made of a high thermal conductivity material.

[0008] In one embodiment, the plurality of contact portions extend perpendicularly from the top side to the base plane.

[0009] In one embodiment, the top side has spacer segments between adjacent contact portions, and the spacer segments maintain the thickness.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least one contact portion extends further from the accessory substrate than another contact portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the contact portions are connected to the accessory substrate by an adhesive.

[0012] In one embodiment, the attachment substrate and the contact portion are a single machined piece.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lateral length of at least one contact portion is different from that of another contact portion, and the lateral length is measured along the attachment lateral axis.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one contact portion has a rectangular profile.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one contact portion has a circular profile.

[0016] In one embodiment, the attachment is made of metal.

[0017] In one embodiment, the contact portion is connected to the attachment substrate by brazing.

[0018] In one embodiment, the contact portion has a flat top contact surface.

[0019] In one embodiment, the top side of the attachment substrate and the flat top contact surface of the contact portion are connected by side walls of the contact portion, and these side walls are perpendicular to the top side and the flat top contact surface.

[0020] In one embodiment, the attachment substrate has a connection section adapted for crimping.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger, which includes a first fluid passage for a heat exchange fluid, the first fluid passage having a passage wall formed by a heat exchange plate; an attachment, including an attachment substrate extending in a base plane, the attachment substrate having a bottom side and a top side, the thickness of the attachment substrate extending between the bottom side and the top side, a plurality of contact portions extending independently from the top side, wherein the attachment is attached to the passage wall through the bottom side, wherein the attachment substrate has a rectangular and elongated shape, extending along the attachment longitudinal axis and the attachment lateral axis, and the extension along the attachment longitudinal axis is the dominant direction, wherein the longitudinal length of at least one contact portion is different from the longitudinal length of another contact portion, and the longitudinal length is measured along the attachment longitudinal axis.

[0022] In one embodiment, the top side of the attachment substrate has a spacer section between the contact portions, the spacer section maintaining the thickness of the attachment substrate, wherein the attachment substrate is crimped to the passage wall at the spacer section. Description of the Drawings

[0023] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 A heat exchanger assembly with a heat source module is shown in perspective view;

[0025] Figure 2 Schematically shows an extended plane of a selected heat exchanger assembly;

[0026] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the heat exchanger assembly shown;

[0027] Figure 4 Shows a perspective view of the heat exchanger assembly;

[0028] Figure 5 Shows a perspective view of a chassis with a heat exchanger;

[0029] Figure 6 Shows a top perspective view of the chassis;

[0030] Figure 7 Shows a bottom perspective view of the chassis;

[0031] Figure 8 Shows a bottom perspective view of the cartridge heat source module;

[0032] Figure 9 Shows an exploded view of the heat exchanger and the heat source module;

[0033] Figure 10 Shows a top perspective view of the heat exchanger;

[0034] Figure 11 Shows a bottom perspective view of the heat exchanger;

[0035] Figure 12 Shows a top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger;

[0036] Figure 13 Shows a top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger;

[0037] Figure 14 Shows a top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger;

[0038] Figure 15 Shows a bottom perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger;

[0039] Figure 16 Shows a bottom perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger;

[0040] Figure 17 Shows a side view of the heat exchanger;

[0041] Figure 18 Shows an example of a main pipe;

[0042] Figure 19 Shows an example of an end pipe;

[0043] Figure 20 Shows an example of a main pipe with an attachment;

[0044] Figure 21 Shows an example of an attachment;

[0045] Figure 22 Shows another example of an attachment;

[0046] Figure 23 Shows an example of an end pipe with an attachment;

[0047] Figure 24 Shows another example of an attachment;

[0048] Figure 25 Shows another example of an attachment;

[0049] Figure 26 Shows a partial side view of the attachment in detail;

[0050] Figure 27 Shows another side view of the attachment in detail;

[0051] Figure 28 Shows an example of a partial cross-sectional view of a formed plate with an attachment; and

[0052] Figure 29 Shows Figure 20 a cross-sectional view of the main pipe in Detailed Description of the Invention

[0053] 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.

[0054] Figure 1 A heat exchanger assembly 100 is shown in perspective view, which 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 can be a refrigerant (such as R134A, R-1234YF, or R744) or a coolant (such as an ethylene glycol-water mixture).

[0055] The heat exchanger 200 may further include end pipes 220 for the heat exchange fluid, which are in fluid communication with the main pipe 210. The main pipe 210 and the end pipes 220 can be connected by one or more interconnects 260 to enable fluid flow therebetween.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, 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 pipe 220. In other words, the main pipe 210 is sandwiched between the first and second heat source modules 410, 420, while the end pipe 220 is sandwiched between the third heat source module 430 and the fourth heat source module 440. The term "sandwiched" means that considering the presence of any thermal paste that may be used between their surfaces to improve heat exchange, the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 are in contact with and located between the corresponding heat source modules.

[0059] Figure 2 An example of an extended plane of selected components of the heat exchanger assembly 100 is schematically shown. The main pipe 210 extends within the main pipe extended plane A. The end pipe 220 extends within the end pipe 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 these 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 generally a flat component with a height that is small relative to its width and length. Preferably, all the extended planes A, B, C, D, E, and F extend parallel to each other.

[0060] 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 their length is greater than their width. Their height is significantly less than the other two dimensions.

[0061] The first heat source module 410 and the third heat source module 430 also mainly extend along the X-axis and to a lesser extent along the Z-axis, which means their length is greater than their width. Their height is significantly less than the other two dimensions.

[0062] 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 smaller than the other two dimensions.

[0063] 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 pipe 210, 220.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The second heat source module 420 includes at least one second heat source 421.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the second heat source module 420 is in the form of a box 422, as Figure 8 will be shown in detail. In one embodiment, the second heat source module 420 is in the form of a box 422 in which a PCB board with at least one integrated circuit is placed.

[0067] 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 this 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 printed circuit board. The third heat source 431 can be an integrated circuit.

[0068] 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 in which a PCB board with at least one integrated circuit is placed.

[0069] Figure 4 and Figure 5The heat exchanger assembly 100 and the chassis 500 with the heat exchanger 200 are shown in perspective views respectively. The heat exchanger assembly 100 may include the chassis 500, which serves as a mounting point for all components and is capable of integrating the heat exchanger assembly 100 into other structures, such as a dedicated rack or a vehicle structure.

[0070] The chassis 500 preferably includes a housing 501, which may define an internal space 502. The first heat source module 410 may 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 may include housing holes 511, which 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 also enable the connection between the second and fourth heat source modules 420, 440 and the components located inside the housing 501.

[0071] 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 attached to the chassis 500 from the outside with respect to the housing 501. Similarly, the fourth heat source module 440 may be attached to the chassis 500 from the outside with respect to the housing 501.

[0072] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The chassis 500 without the heat exchanger 200 is shown in perspective views from above and below 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 surround the main pipe 210. In other words, the main groove 503 forms a depression within the housing 501 where the main pipe 210 can be placed. Thus, 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.

[0073] 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 described in detail in connection with other figures, the heat exchanger 200 may include an attachment 300 that is attached to the main pipe 210 and / or the end pipes 220 and projects substantially vertically from 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 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 may have different sizes to accommodate attachments 300 of different sizes.

[0074] 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 pipes 220. In other words, the interconnect cutout 510 forms 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.

[0075] As Figure 7 shown, the housing 501 may have an end slot 506 for the end pipe 220 that at least partially surrounds the end pipe 220, similar to the way the main slot 503 surrounds the main pipe 210.

[0076] 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 can project. The end attachment openings 508 may have different sizes to accommodate attachments 300 of different sizes.

[0077] The housing 501 may include housing attachment points 512 so that the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 can be directly fixed when needed. For example, the housing attachment points 512 may be in the form of bases with screw holes, and the main pipe and end pipes 210, 220 may have corresponding pipe tabs 202 with holes (as Figure 18 , 19 shown) so that these components can be fixed together by screws.

[0078] Figure 8The heat source module, in this case the second heat source module 420, is shown in a perspective view from the bottom and is in the form of a housing 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 housing 422 can be an outer shell that defines an enclosed space within which the second heat source 421 is located. A housing hole 423 can be provided to enable the second heat source module 420 to be connected to other components of the chassis 500 or external signal or power lines.

[0079] Figure 9 The heat exchanger 200 and the heat source module, in this case the first heat source module 410, are shown in an exploded view from below. 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 seen more clearly) and a first formed plate 212 that are connected to each other to form a first fluid passage 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 passage. Since the main pipe 210 includes an attachment 300 with a contact portion 305 to ensure direct contact with the first heat source 411, effective heat exchange can be achieved. 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.

[0080] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The heat exchanger 200 is shown in perspective views from above and from below, 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 passage 223.

[0081] 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) to enable fluid to flow into and out of the main pipe and the end pipe 220. In this case, the interconnect 260 can connect the corresponding openings 250.

[0082] The heat exchanger 200 can 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.

[0083] Preferably, the end tube 220 includes 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 can be mounted on the end tube 220 adjacent to the second fluid passage 223.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the first forming plate 212 and the second forming plate 222 face each other.

[0085] Figure 12 A top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger 200 is shown, where the first forming plate 212 faces away from the second forming plate 222. One or more attachments 300 can be fixed to any of the first flat plate 211, the first forming plate 212, the second flat plate 221, and the second forming 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 forming plate 222 are equipped with attachments 300 for heat exchange with respective heat sources located between the main tube 210 and the end tube 220.

[0086] Figure 13 A top perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger 200 is shown, where the first flat plate 211 and the second flat plate 221 face each other. One or more attachments 300 can be fixed to any of the first flat plate 211, the first forming plate 212, the second flat plate 221, and the second forming plate 222, depending on the heat exchange requirements and the location of the specific heat source.

[0087] Figure 14 and Figure 15 Top and bottom perspective views of the heat exchanger 200 are shown, respectively. The heat exchanger 200 can include an intermediate tube 230 disposed between the main tube 210 and the end tube 220, and the intermediate tube 230 is connected to them through interconnects 260. The intermediate tube 230 can include a third flat plate 231 and a third forming plate 232 that are connected to each other to form a third fluid passage 233, where the third flat plate 231 and the third forming plate 232 include fluid openings 250 to enable fluid to flow into and out of the intermediate tube 230. The attachments 300 can 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 can have a structure similar to that of the main tube 210 and / or the end tube 220. There can also be multiple intermediate tubes 230 between the main tube 210 and the end tube 220.

[0088] In the illustrated example, the third forming plate 232 faces the first forming plate 212 and faces away from the second forming plate 222.

[0089] Figure 16 A bottom perspective view of another example of the heat exchanger 200 is shown. Compared with Figure 14 and Figure 15Compared with the example of the heat exchanger 200 in [reference], here the third forming plate 232 faces the second forming plate 222 and faces away from the first forming plate 212.

[0090] Figure 17 shows Figure 10 and Figure 11 a side view of the heat exchanger 200 in [reference]. The main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 can be connected by an interconnecting member 260 to mechanically fix them together and enable heat exchange fluid to flow between them. Specifically, the fluid openings 250 of the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 (as shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19 ) are connected by the interconnecting member 260 to enable fluid to flow between them. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two interconnecting members 260. One of the interconnecting members 260 can be used to introduce heat exchange fluid into the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220, while the other interconnecting member 260 can be used to allow heat exchange fluid to flow out of the main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220. The inlet nozzle 251 can be attached to the main pipe 210 and communicate with the interconnecting member 260 for introducing heat exchange fluid into the main pipe 210. The outlet nozzle 252 can be attached to the main pipe 210 and communicate with the interconnecting member 260 for allowing heat exchange fluid to flow out of the main pipe 210.

[0091] The main pipe 210 can include collars for receiving the inlet and outlet nozzles 251, 252, in particular a flat pipe collar 261 located on the first flat pipe 210. In this case, the flat pipe collar 261 will face the inlet and outlet nozzles 251, 252.

[0092] The main pipe 210 and the end pipe 220 can include collars for receiving the interconnecting member 260. In particular, the first and second forming plates 211, 221 can include forming plate collars 262. In this case, the forming plate collars 262 will face the interconnecting member 260.

[0093] As shown in Figure 17 , the first and second forming plates 212, 222 include an attachment 300 with a contact portion 305. In this embodiment, since the first and second forming plates 212, 222 are opposite each other, their respective attachments 300 are also so.

[0094] Figure 18 shows an example of the main pipe 210. The main pipe 210 includes a first fluid channel 213 for guiding heat exchange fluid through the main pipe 210. The main pipe 210 includes fluid openings 250 for allowing heat exchange fluid to flow into and out of the main pipe 210.

[0095] Preferably, one end of the first fluid passage 213 has two fluid openings 250 for allowing fluid to flow into the main pipe 210, and the other end of the first fluid passage 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.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the first fluid passage 213 is formed to have a U-shaped flow path with 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.

[0097] Regarding Figure 19 and the end pipe 220, the second fluid passage 223 may be formed to have a U-shaped flow path with 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.

[0098] 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 a specific hot spot to achieve a better heat transfer coefficient.

[0099] The first arm 214 may 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-pipes 216 may be separated from each other by a second wall 254 extending from the end of the U-shaped flow path. The first wall 253 may extend further from the end of the U-shaped flow path than the second wall 254. This also helps with heat exchange management as described above. Preferably, at least two parallel sub-channels 216 terminate at a common fluid opening 250.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the first forming plate 212 may include a stamping depression 218, and the stamping depression together with the surface of the first flat plate 211 forms the first fluid passage 213. The bottom of the stamping depression 218 may have a flat surface that is away from the first flat plate 211.

[0101] 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 entire end pipe 220. The end pipe 220 includes fluid openings 250 for allowing the heat exchange fluid to flow into and out of the end pipe 220.

[0102] Preferably, one end of the second fluid passage 223 has two fluid openings 250 for allowing fluid to flow into the end tube 220, and the other end of the second fluid passage 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.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the second fluid passage 223 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.

[0104] The second fluid passage 223 may form a U-shaped flow path having a first arm 214 and a second arm 215. The fluid openings 250 may be arranged at opposite ends of the U-shaped flow path.

[0105] 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.

[0106] The first arm 214 may be separated from the second arm 215 by a first wall 253 extending 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 from the end of the U-shaped flow path. The first wall 253 may extend further 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.

[0107] In the illustrated embodiment, the second forming plate 222 may include a stamping recess 218 which, together with the surface of the second flat plate 221, forms the second fluid passage 223. The stamping recess 218 may have a flat surface at the bottom away from the second flat plate 221.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the second forming plate 222 includes fluid openings 250 for fluid to allow fluid to flow into and out of the end tube 220, while the second flat plate 221 does not have any fluid openings 250 for fluid.

[0109] As described above, the inlet nozzle 251 and the outlet nozzle 252 for the heat exchange fluid may be attached to the opening 250 of the main pipe 210.

[0110] Figure 20An example of a header 210 with an attachment 300 is shown. The header 210 includes a first formed plate 212, and the first formed plate 212 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 attachments 300 may be attached to the passage 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 passage wall 219 through the bottom side 302.

[0111] 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 referred to here means 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.

[0112] As Figure 20 - 28 shown, the attachment 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 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.

[0113] Figure 21 An example of an attachment 300 having two contact portions 305 is shown. The contact portions 305 extend perpendicularly from the top side 303 to the base plane BP.

[0114] In one embodiment, the attachment substrate 301 and the contact portions 305 are a single machined part. Alternatively, the contact portions 305 may be connected to the attachment substrate 301 by an adhesive. Preferably, the multiple contact portions 305 are made of a solid material. Preferably, the attachment 300 is made of a high thermal conductivity material. Preferably, the attachment 300 and the contact portions 305 are made of metal. In this case, the contact portions 305 may be connected to the attachment substrate 301 by brazing.

[0115] 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 an area on its top side 303 where the contact portions 305 are absent. The spacer section 304 can reduce the amount of material required for the attachment 300 in areas further from the heat source than the contact portions 305. However, the spacer section 304, particularly the area at the bottom side 302 of the attachment substrate 301, can contribute to firmly connecting 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.

[0116] In any case, the contact portions 305 preferably have a contact surface adapted to the intermediate surface of the heat source they are to face to maximize heat exchange efficiency. Preferably, the contact portions 305 have a flat top contact surface 306, particularly when they are matched with integrated circuits which tend to have flat surfaces.

[0117] Any contact portion 305 can have a rectangular profile, such as a square profile (as Figure 21 , 22 shown) or a circular profile, such as an oval or a circle (as Figure 25 shown), which extends in its width and length dimensions.

[0118] 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 section 304. It is noted that the spacer section 304 can be present between any contact portion 305 and the edge of the attachment substrate 301, not only strictly between the contact portions 305.

[0119] Figure 23 An example of an end tube 220 with the attachment 300 is shown. The end tube 220 includes a second formed plate 222 which, together with the second flat plate 221, defines a second fluid channel 223. Generally, the second fluid channel 223 can have channel walls 219 formed by any heat exchange plate 201, in this case the second formed plate 222. One or more attachments 300 can be attached to the channel wall 219, for example in a manner similar to that described previously with respect to the main tube 210.

[0120] Figure 24Another example of the attachment 300 is shown. In this case, the attachment 300 for the end tube 220 is shown, which includes a plurality of contact portions 305. The shown contact portions 305 can differ from each other in terms of size and shape to accommodate heat sources of different shapes and sizes, which in this case is the third heat source 431. The nature of the expected differences will be explained in conjunction with the following drawings.

[0121] Figure 26 is schematically shown in detail Figure 24 a partial side view of the attachment 300 in. The top side 303 can have a spacer section 304 between adjacent contact portions 305, and the spacer section 304 maintains a thickness T.

[0122] 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 can be different from that of another contact portion 305.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The top side 303 of the attachment substrate 301 and the flat top contact surface 306 of the contact portion 305 can 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 flat top contact surface 306. Alternatively, the side wall 307 can be inclined with respect to the top side 303 and / or the flat top contact surface 306.

[0125] 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 can be different from that of another contact portion 305, and the transverse length Lt is measured along the attachment transverse axis L2.

[0126] 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 mentioned, 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 crimping connection 309. Such a crimping connection 309 may be an intermediate step of connecting the attachment 300 to any heat exchange plate 201, and may subsequently be finally fixed by soldering. In this case, the crimping connection 309 is used to position the components relative to each other so that the soldering process can be effectively performed.

[0127] Figure 29 shows Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the main pipe 210 is shown. A turbulator 270 for improving the heat exchange efficiency may be placed in 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 these parts simultaneously. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to end pipes 220 or other pipes if present.

[0128] Those skilled in the art can understand and realize 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. An accessory for a heat exchange plate, comprising an accessory substrate extending in a base plane, the accessory substrate having a bottom side and a top side, the thickness of the accessory substrate extending between the bottom side and the top side, and having a plurality of contact portions extending independently from the top side, wherein the accessory substrate has a rectangular, elongated profile, extending along an accessory longitudinal axis and an accessory transverse axis, the extension along the accessory longitudinal axis being the dominant extension, wherein the longitudinal length of at least one contact portion is different from that of another contact portion, the longitudinal length being measured along the accessory longitudinal axis.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of contact portions are made of solid material.

3. The accessory according to claim 1, the accessory being made of a high thermal conductivity material.

4. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of contact portions extend perpendicularly to the base plane from the top side.

5. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the top side has spaced segments between adjacent contact portions, the spaced segments maintaining a certain thickness.

6. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein at least one contact portion extends a greater distance from the accessory substrate than another contact portion.

7. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the contact portions are connected to the accessory substrate by an adhesive.

8. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the accessory substrate and the contact portions are a single machined piece.

9. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the transverse length of at least one contact portion is different from that of another contact portion, the transverse length being measured along the accessory transverse axis.

10. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein at least one contact portion has a rectangular profile.

11. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein at least one contact portion has a circular profile.

12. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the accessory is made of metal.

13. The accessory according to claim 12, wherein the contact portions are connected to the accessory substrate by brazing.

14. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the contact portions have flat top contact surfaces.

15. The accessory according to claim 14, wherein the top side of the accessory substrate and the flat top contact surfaces of the contact portions are connected by side walls of the contact portions, the side walls being perpendicular to the top side and the flat top contact surfaces.

16. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the accessory substrate has connection segments adapted for crimping.

17. A heat exchanger, comprising a first fluid passage for a heat exchange fluid, having a passage wall formed by a heat exchange plate, an accessory, comprising an accessory substrate extending in a base plane, having a bottom side and a top side, the thickness of the accessory substrate extending between the bottom side and the top side, a plurality of contact portions extending independently from the top side, wherein the accessory substrate has a rectangular elongated profile, extending along an accessory longitudinal axis and an accessory transverse axis, and the extension along the accessory longitudinal axis is the dominant extension. The longitudinal length of at least one of the contact portions is different from the longitudinal length of the other contact portion, and the longitudinal length is measured along the longitudinal axis of the attachment. Wherein the attachment is attached to the channel wall through the bottom side.

18. The heat exchanger according to claim 17, wherein a spacer section is provided between the contact portions on the top side of the attachment substrate, the spacer section maintaining the thickness of the attachment substrate, and wherein the attachment substrate is crimped to the channel wall at the spacer section.

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