Heat exchanger with collector, in particular for a

Abstract

A heat exchanger with a collector, in particular for a thermal management module, has: a plurality of plates; a first coolant flow path; a second refrigerant flow path; the collector is used for collecting and storing the refrigerant; the plates are arranged on top of each other or side by side so as to form a channel between the plates adjacent to each other, and the second flow path has a first region in which the vaporous refrigerant is cooled and condensed, and a second region in which the condensed refrigerant is supercooled. Refrigerant flows from the first region into the second region via the collector. The plates each have at least six openings, at least four coupling elements forming a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the second flow path are arranged at the same end region of the stack of plates of the heat exchanger, at the opposite end regions of which guide channels of the second flow path are arranged, a further coupling element as a collector fluid inlet is fluidically connected to the first region, and a further coupling element as a collector fluid outlet is fluidically connected to the second region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger with a collector, particularly for use in thermal management modules, the heat exchanger comprising a plate and two flow paths. Background Technology

[0002] A heat exchanger (condenser) is disclosed in printed document DE 10 2012 217 090 A1, which is suitable for condensing, storing, and subcooling a refrigerant. The disclosed heat exchanger (condenser) has plates (in the form of stacked plates), a first flow channel for the refrigerant, and a second flow channel for the coolant. Multiple plates (plate elements) are arranged stacked vertically to form adjacent channels between them. A first portion of the channels belongs to a first flow path (flow channel), while a second portion belongs to a second flow path (flow channel). The first flow path (flow channel) has a first region for cooling and condensing the vaporized refrigerant and a second region for subcooling the condensed refrigerant. The heat exchanger also has a collector for storing the refrigerant, through which the refrigerant is transferred from the first region to the second region. According to the invention, a collector is in fluid communication with a first region via a first connecting element forming a fluid inlet to the collector, and a second connecting element is in fluid communication with a second region as a fluid outlet to the collector. The first or second connecting element is a submerged tube (pipe) that passes through a number of plates (plate elements) through openings in the plates (plate elements). A second flow path is allowed to flow through serially, and the fluid inlet and outlet of the second flow path (flow path) are respectively arranged at the same end of the plate stack (plate stack). The collector is connected to the disclosed heat exchanger. The collector is brazed to one end of the plate stack. The collector has a cylinder. Connecting elements for the fluid inlet and outlet of the two flow paths for the coolant and refrigerant are located at different ends of the plate stack. The vehicle body defines the available structural space for all systems and components of the vehicle. Due to the increasing number of systems and components, the available structural space for the disclosed heat exchanger with a collector is becoming increasingly smaller. The disclosed heat exchanger with a collector may, in an unfavorable manner, be unable to fit into the available structural space as an associated component. Typically, the disclosed heat exchanger with collector is still combined with other components such as expansion valves and compressors to form a thermal management module. If, unfavorably, there is insufficient structural space available for the disclosed heat exchanger with collector, the heat exchanger and collector must be arranged separately. This necessitates higher costs due to additional, necessary refrigerant and coolant lines. This unfavorably increases the weight and space required for the heat exchanger, collector, and connecting lines. Additionally, since the fluid inlet and outlet connection elements are unfavorably arranged at both ends of the plate stack, complex routing of the connected lines is required, or unfavorably, more than one immersed tube is used. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Correspondingly, the device according to the invention, which has the features of the independent patent claims, has the advantage that the heat exchanger and collector are separate, and at least four connecting elements for the fluid inlet and fluid outlet for the two flow paths are arranged at one end of the plate stack.

[0004] The starting point of this invention is a heat exchanger with a collector, which has plates stacked vertically or arranged side by side. The heat exchanger or thermal management module according to the invention can be used in the refrigerant circuit and / or coolant circuit of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may have a drive device that is at least partially electric. In particular, the heat exchanger according to the invention for a thermal management module of a motor vehicle has: multiple plates, a first flow path for the coolant, a second flow path for the refrigerant, a collector for separating the gaseous and liquid components of the refrigerant and / or for collecting and storing the refrigerant. The two flow paths are fluidically separated and enable heat transfer between the coolant and the refrigerant. For example, a medium containing ethylene glycol can be used as the coolant, and for example, R1234yf, carbon dioxide (R744), or propane (R290) can be used as the refrigerant. The multiple plates of the heat exchanger according to the invention have the same rectangular shape. These plates may each have a long side and a short side, or sides of equal length. Only the outer cover plate of the plate stack and the plates inside the plate stack that cause additional functions (such as redirecting or blocking fluid in the flow path) have different geometries. It is possible that the plates are made of metallic materials, such as aluminum alloys. These plates may each have surrounding raised edges. The plates are stacked vertically or side-by-side, thus forming channels between adjacent plates. A hollow space is created between two adjacent plates. The plates may each have structures. These structures increase the surface area of ​​the plates available for heat transfer and divide the hollow space created between the two plates into channels. The flow of fluid in the channels may have turbulence and eddies to increase heat transfer between the two fluids. When the plates are stacked vertically or side-by-side, connection points appear at the structures and at the edges. At these connection points, the plates are connected to each other, for example, by material locking. The plates are stacked vertically or side-by-side, thus forming channels between adjacent plates. The first portion of the channel belongs to a first flow path. The second portion of the channel belongs to a second flow path. The second flow path includes a first region for cooling and condensing the vaporized refrigerant. It also includes a second region for subcooling the condensed refrigerant. The refrigerant flows from the first region into the second region via a collector. According to the invention, each plate has at least six openings, and at least four connecting elements forming the fluid inlet and outlet of the second flow path are respectively arranged at the same end regions of the plate stack of the heat exchanger. Guide channels for the second flow path are arranged at opposite end regions of the plate stack. Further connecting elements serving as fluid inlets of the collector are fluidly connected to the first region, and further connecting elements serving as fluid outlets of the collector are fluidly connected to the second region.The heat exchanger plates according to the invention can have openings surrounded by edges, rolled edges, or arches, and openings without edges, rolled edges, or arches. In this way, the hollow spaces and channels between two adjacent plates, the two hollow spaces, and the two flow paths can be fluid-technically separated or connected. When adjacent plates both have openings surrounded by edges, rolled edges, or arches, fluid flows into the next hollow space or the hollow space that can represent a channel, so that fluid is guided through that region of the heat exchanger according to the invention. Fluid-technically separated is understood as no fluid or only a negligible amount of fluid passing through the connection. A plate stack is understood as plates stacked vertically or arranged side-by-side when the heat exchanger according to the invention is assembled.

[0005] For example, a refrigerant circuit for a motor vehicle may have the following components: a heat exchanger with a collector according to the invention, which serves as an indirect condenser for condensing the refrigerant; an expansion valve for depressurizing the refrigerant; an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant; a compressor for compressing the refrigerant; and connecting wiring. The refrigerant circuit may be part of an air conditioner or a heat pump. The refrigerant circuit is traversed by refrigerant. It is conceivable that the refrigerant circuit may be traversed, for example, by R1234yf. Alternatively, the refrigerant circuit may be traversed by carbon dioxide (R744), propane (R290), or R134a. The heat exchanger with a collector, the expansion valve, and the compressor according to the invention may be combined in a thermal management module. Heat can be extracted from the interior space of the motor vehicle, for example, by means of the evaporator, and discharged to the refrigerant via the heat exchanger according to the invention, i.e., by liquefying and cooling the refrigerant in the heat exchanger according to the invention. The collector is used to advantageously improve the efficiency of the refrigerant circuit under different environmental conditions by storing the refrigerant in the collector according to the invention and releasing it again when needed. The collector can be designed in which phase separation of the refrigerant, having a gaseous and a liquid component, can occur, particularly by gravity. Different environmental conditions can be understood, for example, as different seasons. Since the refrigerant circuit is closed and has at most one collector, the refrigerant circuit can function self-regulatingly by means of the collector. The refrigerant circuit can have a high-pressure section having a heat exchanger according to the invention as an indirect condenser, and a low-pressure section having an evaporator. In the high-pressure section, the refrigerant has a pressure significantly higher than in the low-pressure section. The collector can be arranged in the high-pressure section such that the refrigerant flowing through the first part of the heat exchanger according to the invention flows through the collector. It is possible that in the first part of the heat exchanger according to the invention, the gaseous refrigerant is not completely liquefied under pressure by cooling (cooling down) and therefore still contains an additional gaseous component. By arranging the collector after the first part of the heat exchanger according to the invention, it can be ensured that only saturated liquid refrigerant leaves the collector. The refrigerant leaving the collector is further subcooled in the second part of the heat exchanger according to the invention. Subcooling prevents vaporization before the expansion valve, thus ensuring that the expansion valve is not damaged and that the refrigerant circuit operates safely. The degree of subcooling required for operational safety depends on the structural design, pressure losses in the refrigerant circuit, and the height difference between the condenser and evaporator. Further subcooling of the refrigerant can also improve the energy efficiency of the refrigerant circuit.

[0006] The coolant is distributed into the hollow space and channels and collected again via two of the at least six openings in the plate. The refrigerant is guided through the heat exchanger according to the invention via the remaining openings in the plate. Dividing the second flow path into a first region (in which gaseous refrigerant is condensed) and a second region (in which the condensed refrigerant is subcooled) results in the refrigerant always exiting the heat exchanger according to the invention being fully subcooled. The heat exchanger according to the invention must have at least six connecting elements: two connecting elements for the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the coolant; two connecting elements for the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the refrigerant; and two connecting elements for fluidically connecting the collector to the second flow path of the refrigerant. The second region for subcooling the refrigerant is arranged in the plate stack above the first region for condensing the refrigerant. The plate must have at least one opening. Therefore, it is necessary to guide the refrigerant flowing through the first region and subsequently through the collector through the second region. This is achieved using two of the at least six openings. The coolant or refrigerant is distributed into the hollow space and channels of the second region and collected again via the remaining four of the at least six openings. For simplified manufacturability, a plate with at least six openings is used. Unwanted openings in the plate stack can be blocked, for example, so that the fluid guides formed by these openings in the two flow paths are not used in the plate stack. In this way, a heat exchanger according to the invention with two regions can be advantageously represented, having connecting elements for a fluid inlet and outlet for the refrigerant at one end of the plate stack, and connecting elements for a fluid inlet and outlet for the coolant at the opposite end of the plate stack. The heat exchanger according to the invention has fluid guiding channels that are part of a second flow path for the refrigerant. In this way, the refrigerant can be turned at least once, preferably twice, along the block height in the first region and return along one side of the heat exchanger according to the invention. Thus, a U-shaped flow of the refrigerant along the block height can be exhibited. The end regions of the plate stack can each include at least one plate and a cover plate.

[0007] According to the invention, the collector and the heat exchanger are separated from each other and / or spaced apart. In this way, the structural height of the heat exchanger with the collector according to the invention along the plate stack can be advantageously reduced. This structural height is determined substantially by the height of the plate stack and / or by the diameter of the collector.

[0008] In a first embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the invention, the heat exchanger and the collector can be arranged separately from each other and are arranged independently. For example, the heat exchanger and the collector can be connected to a mounting plate or a distribution plate, respectively. The distribution plate can have channels required for guiding the fluid.

[0009] In a second embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger and the collector may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the heat exchanger and the collector may be connected to a distribution plate, respectively. The distribution plate may have channels required for guiding the fluid.

[0010] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that two additional connecting elements forming the fluid inlet and outlet of the first flow path and four connecting elements forming the fluid inlet and outlet of the second flow path are respectively arranged at the same end regions of the plate stack of the heat exchanger according to the invention. In this way, three geometrically different guidance methods for the coolant and refrigerant in the two flow paths can be demonstrated: First, the coolant and refrigerant can be guided through the flow paths in a counter-current manner, so that they flow past each other head-on. Ideally, the fluid temperatures are exchanged, that is, the originally cold fluid reaches the temperature of the originally hot fluid, and vice versa. Furthermore, the coolant and refrigerant can be guided through the flow paths in a co-current manner, so that they flow side-by-side in the same direction. Ideally, the temperatures of the two fluids are equalized and always remain between their initial temperatures. Additionally, the coolant and refrigerant can flow in a cross-current manner, so that their directions intersect. The result of this form is between counter-current and co-current flow. Combinations of the basic forms are also conceivable, as this allows their advantages to be complementary.

[0011] According to a particularly advantageous improvement of the invention, two additional connecting elements forming the fluid inlet and outlet of the first flow path, and four connecting elements forming the fluid inlet and outlet of the second flow path, are respectively arranged at opposite end regions of the heat exchanger's plate stack. The guide channel can be arranged in the same end region as the two connecting elements forming the fluid inlet and outlet of the first flow path. In this way, the routing of the coolant circuit or refrigerant circuit can be simplified.

[0012] A particularly advantageous improvement according to the invention can be configured such that the guide channel is in fluid communication with only one of the four connecting elements forming the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the second flow path. In this way, the refrigerant can be guided from the second region through the first region to the collector via the guide channel. Therefore, the performance of the heat exchanger with a collector according to the invention can be further improved in an advantageous manner. It is possible that the plates each have six openings, and at least two of these six openings are each surrounded by an arch. The arches separate the two flow paths from each other.

[0013] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the refrigerant is turned at least once along the block height of the heat exchanger in the first region. This results in a U-shaped turn of the refrigerant. Therefore, the performance of the heat exchanger according to the invention can be advantageously further improved, and a larger amount of refrigerant can be cooled and condensed in the first region. It is possible that the refrigerant is turned multiple times along the block height in the first region, and thus the performance of the heat exchanger according to the invention can be further improved.

[0014] A particularly advantageous improvement according to the invention is that the heat exchanger has at least one partition plate or partition plane. The at least one partition plate may have one fewer opening than the plate. For example, when the plate has six openings respectively, the at least one partition plane has five openings. It is possible to first emboss the plate and then punch out the openings. Thus, the partition plate can be manufactured such that one fewer opening is punched out. With at least one partition plate having one fewer opening, the fluid can be diverted, for example, along the height of the block, or the first and second regions can be separated from each other. Alternatively, partition planes can be provided in the openings. With at least one partition plate or partition plane, channels in two flow paths can be blocked or diverted. The main advantage of a heat exchanger structure consisting of plates stacked vertically or arranged side-by-side is that the plates are largely identical in geometry, and only the cover plate and partition plates differ from the plates in geometry. This enables simple and inexpensive manufacturing.

[0015] Furthermore, it may be advantageous that the second flow path can be traversed serially and / or in parallel. The second flow path is through which refrigerant flows. A further advantage can be achieved when the first flow path can be traversed serially or in parallel with coolant. In this way, heat transfer between the refrigerant and coolant can be further improved.

[0016] Furthermore, preferably, the flow path has a first channel and a final channel, wherein the coolant flows against the refrigerant flow direction in the first channel and the final channel, respectively. In this manner, heat transfer between the coolant and refrigerant can be further improved, and thus the performance of the heat exchanger according to the invention can be further improved.

[0017] Particularly preferred is that the heat exchanger according to the invention is an indirect condenser. In an indirect condenser, heat can be transferred to a fluid, such as a coolant, in such a way that the refrigerant condenses at the coolant. For example, an indirect condenser can be used in the thermal management module of an air conditioning system for motor vehicles to condense the refrigerant. The structure of the indirect condenser, consisting of plates stacked vertically or arranged side-by-side (plate heat exchangers), allows the heat exchanger to have high performance and be manufactured inexpensively.

[0018] Preferably, the collector has at least two cylinders. These at least two cylinders are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The at least two cylinders can be in the form of tubes and are closed at their respective ends by means of caps. By separating the gaseous and liquid portions of the refrigerant and / or distributing the volume required for collecting and storing the refrigerant into the two cylinders, the structural height of the collector can be advantageously reduced, and thus the structural space required for the heat exchanger with the collector according to the invention can be reduced. The collector can be made of a metallic material such as aluminum. The two cylinders can be manufactured, for example, by extrusion molding, and the caps are respectively locked to the material of the at least two cylinders. The at least two cylinders are fluidically connected to each other. The collector has two connecting elements for a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, through which the collector is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger. The collector is used to advantageously improve the efficiency of the refrigerant circuit under different environmental conditions by storing the refrigerant in the collector and releasing it again when needed. Different environmental conditions can be, for example, different seasons. The term “basically” is understood to mean an angular deviation of ±10° and / or a length deviation of ±1mm.

[0019] According to a particularly advantageous improvement, the collector can have a cylinder. This cylinder can be represented, for example, by a pipe and closed at both ends by means of caps. The gaseous and liquid portions of the refrigerant can be separated from each other in the collector, and / or the refrigerant can be collected and stored. The collector can be made of a metallic material such as aluminum. The cylinder can be manufactured, for example, by extrusion molding, and the caps can be fitted into the cylinder material respectively. The collector has two connecting elements for a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, via which the collector is fluidly connected to a heat exchanger. The collector is used to advantageously improve the efficiency of the refrigerant circuit under different environmental conditions by storing the refrigerant in the collector and releasing it again when needed. Different environmental conditions can be, for example, different seasons.

[0020] According to the invention, a thermal management module for a motor vehicle may include at least one compressor or at least one pump, at least one expansion valve, and at least one heat exchanger with a collector according to the invention. The heat exchanger with a collector according to the invention is clearly illustrated according to one of the other embodiments described above. The heat exchanger according to the invention may be an indirect condenser. The heat exchanger and collector according to the invention are arranged separately from each other. The thermal management module according to the invention can be used in motor vehicles with at least partially electric drive units. The vehicle body defines a structural space for all systems and components of the motor vehicle. In the thermal management module according to the invention, different thermal circuits of a motor vehicle with at least partially electric drive units can be combined. These thermal circuits may, for example, be: a coolant circuit for the battery, a coolant circuit for the electric drive unit, a refrigerant circuit for temperature regulation of the interior space, and a refrigerant circuit for the heat pump. By combining these thermal circuits in the thermal management module according to the invention, the efficiency of a motor vehicle with at least partially electric drive units can be improved by reducing the energy otherwise required for heating and cooling, which would otherwise have to be drawn from the battery. This can be achieved, for example, by combining a coolant circuit for the battery and a refrigerant circuit for the heat pump. Furthermore, by integrating the components into the thermal management module according to the invention, the wiring required for refrigerant and / or coolant can be reduced. This advantageously reduces the structural space required for the module and lightens its weight. The amount of coolant and / or refrigerant required can also be reduced. The heat exchanger and collector according to the invention are separate from each other, thus further reducing the structural space required for the module. Integration reduces the costs associated with assembling the thermal management module according to the invention. It is possible that the thermal management module according to the invention also includes additional components, such as two-way reversing valves, three-way reversing valves, additional heat exchangers (e.g., coolers), and control units. The thermal management module according to the invention can be used in refrigerant circuits and / or coolant circuits.

[0021] In a first embodiment, the thermal management module according to the invention may include a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger with a collector according to the invention.

[0022] In a second embodiment, the thermal management module according to the invention may include a compressor, an expansion valve, a heat exchanger with a collector according to the invention, a pump, and additional heat exchangers.

[0023] According to the invention, the refrigerant circuit and / or coolant circuit has at least one thermal management module according to the invention. In a first application according to the invention, the thermal management module according to the invention can be used in the coolant circuit of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may have at least a partially electric drive. The coolant circuit according to the invention may have at least one heat source, such as a battery, through which coolant flows. A pump, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger according to the invention are integrated into the thermal management module according to the invention. The heat exchanger according to the invention can be used as an indirect condenser. The coolant can be condensed at another fluid in the heat exchanger according to the invention, and thus heat can be dissipated. For example, carbon dioxide (R744) can be used as the coolant, and a mixture of water and ethylene glycol can be used as the other fluid. The pump allows the coolant to move through the coolant circuit. The pump generates pressure to transport the coolant from the heat source to the heat exchanger according to the invention and back. The expansion valve regulates the pressure and temperature of the coolant circulating through the coolant circuit according to the invention. By integrating the pump, expansion valve, and heat exchanger according to the invention into the thermal management module according to the invention, wiring in the coolant circuit for the coolant can be saved in an advantageous manner, and the requirement for structural space can be reduced by integrating these components into the module.

[0024] In a second application according to the invention, the thermal management module according to the invention can be used in a refrigerant circuit within a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may have a drive unit that is at least partially electric. The refrigerant circuit according to the invention can be part of a heat pump system. In a motor vehicle with a drive unit that is at least partially electric, the energy required for, for example, heating the interior space is extracted from the battery, and this energy extraction reduces the possible driving range of the motor vehicle. With the aid of a heat pump system, the heat required for heating the interior space can be obtained from the surrounding environment, thus increasing the driving range of a motor vehicle with a drive unit that is at least partially electric. The heat pump system may consist of at least three parts: a heat source for extracting heat from the environment, at least one heat pump having a refrigerant circuit according to the invention, and at least one heat consumer for, for example, distributing heat to the motor vehicle to heat the interior space or the battery. Air may be used as a heat source, for example. The refrigerant circuit may be traversed by a refrigerant such as carbon dioxide (R744) or propane (R245). Heat can be extracted from the air by means of a heat exchanger that acts as a direct evaporator, i.e., by causing the refrigerant to evaporate. The thermal management module according to the invention may have a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger with a collector according to the invention. In the heat exchanger according to the invention, the refrigerant can be condensed and heat can be discharged to another fluid. Therefore, the heat exchanger according to the invention can operate as an indirect condenser. In the compressor, the refrigerant can be compressed, thus increasing its pressure, while in the expansion valve, the pressure is reduced. The gaseous refrigerant can be further superheated in the second region of the first flow path of the heat exchanger according to the invention, thus also causing any liquid fraction present to evaporate. Therefore, the liquid fraction of the refrigerant can be prevented from entering the compressor, thus improving the performance of the refrigerant circuit according to the invention. This is because more power can be transferred. The liquid refrigerant can be further subcooled, thus liquefying any remaining gaseous fraction. Therefore, the gaseous fraction of the refrigerant can be prevented from entering the expansion valve. By integrating the compressor, expansion valve, and heat exchanger according to the invention into the thermal management module according to the invention, wiring in the refrigerant circuit according to the invention can be advantageously saved, and the requirement for structural space is reduced by integrating these components into the module.

[0025] In a third application according to the invention, the thermal management module according to the invention can be used in the coolant and refrigerant circuits of a motor vehicle having at least a partially electrically powered drive system. The coolant circuit according to the invention can have at least one heat source, such as a battery, through which coolant flows. A pump, expansion valve, and heat exchanger according to the invention are integrated into the thermal management module according to the invention. In a motor vehicle having at least a partially electrically powered drive system, the battery and electric drive motor should always be maintained at a constant temperature level to achieve the longest possible service life and maintain full power. In cases where ambient temperatures are high, the performance of the cooler (indirect condenser) in the coolant circuit may be insufficient. In such cases, an additional heat exchanger can be integrated into the thermal management module according to the invention. A first flow path of the heat exchanger according to the invention can be connected to the coolant circuit, while a second flow path can be connected to the refrigerant circuit. Because the refrigerant is colder, the coolant can thus be cooled to maintain the battery and electric drive motor at a constant temperature level. The additional heat exchanger is therefore used as a cooler. By integrating the pump, expansion valve, heat exchanger according to the invention, and other heat exchangers into the thermal management module according to the invention, wiring in the coolant circuit for the coolant and wiring in the refrigerant circuit for the refrigerant can be advantageously saved, and the requirement for structural space is reduced by integrating these components into the module. The coolant circuit according to the invention can be circulated by a coolant consisting of a mixture of water and ethylene glycol. The refrigerant circuit according to the invention can be circulated by a refrigerant. Carbon dioxide (R744) or propane (R245) can be used as the refrigerant. Attached Figure Description

[0026] In the attached diagram:

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic view of a heat exchanger with a collector according to the invention is shown, which is suitable for condensing, storing and subcooling a refrigerant, wherein the collector and the heat exchanger are arranged separately from each other.

[0028] Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2 Top views of the plate are shown in two embodiments according to the invention.

[0029] Figure 3 A top view of the thermal management module in the first embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figure 1The diagram shows a schematic view of a heat exchanger WT with a collector S according to the invention, in a first embodiment of the invention. The heat exchanger WT with a collector S according to the invention can be used in a thermal management module (not shown) for a refrigerant circuit and / or coolant circuit in a motor vehicle. The heat exchanger WT according to the invention is formed by a plurality of plates P stacked vertically in a plate stack. The plates P are mostly identical in geometry, and only the cover plates AP1, AP2, respectively arranged at the ends of the plate stack, and the partition plates (not shown) arranged in the plate stack differ in geometry from the plates P. The plates P of the heat exchanger according to the invention are each made of a metallic material, such as aluminum alloy, and the materials are interlocked together by brazing. This enables simple and inexpensive production.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In this work, the heat exchanger WT with collector S according to the present invention is shown only by means of a schematic diagram. The various regions of the heat exchanger WT, such as the first region EK and the second region UK, are... Figure 1The diagram is represented only as a cuboid element. In reality, each cuboid element consists of multiple plates P. Each plate P has at least six openings O. A special arrangement of openings with arched bases creates a channel (not shown) between two adjacent plates P. The first portion of the channel corresponds to a first flow path SP1, and the second portion corresponds to a second flow path SP2. It is possible that the first and second portions of the channel are always arranged alternately, stacked one on top of the other in the plate stack. The first flow path SP1 is through which a coolant flows and is shown only schematically as a dashed line. For example, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol can be used as the coolant. The second flow path SP2 is through which a refrigerant flows and is shown only schematically as a solid line. The refrigerant can be, for example, R1234yf or carbon dioxide (R744). This diagram is intended to illustrate the principle of flow through a heat exchanger WT with a collector S according to the invention. The second flow path SP2 of the heat exchanger WT according to the invention consists of a first region EK and a second region UK. The first region EK is used to cool the refrigerant, causing it to change from a vapor phase to a liquid phase. The refrigerant is cooled by heat transfer from the refrigerant to the coolant. The coolant also flows through the first region EK along the first flow path SP1. The refrigerant is redirected once in the first region EK along the block height of the heat exchanger WT according to the invention. Above the first region EK is the second region UK. In the second region UK, the liquid refrigerant is further cooled by further heat transfer with the coolant. The coolant also flows through the second region along the first flow path SP1. The collector S is arranged separately from the heat exchanger WT and adjacent to it. The refrigerant first flows through the first region EK and then through the second region UK. In the first region EK, the refrigerant is redirected along the block height (in a U-shape). In this way, the performance of the heat exchanger WT according to the invention is improved. The collector S is also schematically shown and has a cylinder Z1. The collector S can be made of a metallic material, such as an aluminum alloy. The cylinder Z1 can be manufactured, for example, by extrusion molding. The collector S is through which the refrigerant flows. It is possible that a filter element is arranged in the collector S to filter the refrigerant, and / or a desiccant, such as a desiccant bag, is arranged in the collector S to remove moisture from the refrigerant. The task of the collector is to separate the gaseous and liquid components of the refrigerant, and / or to collect and store the refrigerant. Two fluid inlets WE2, WE3 and two fluid outlets WA2, WA3 are respectively arranged at one end (upper end) of the plate stack of the heat exchanger WT according to the invention. A fluid inlet WE1 and a fluid outlet WA1 for the coolant are respectively arranged at the opposite end of the plate stack. A guide channel FK for a second fluid path is arranged at this end of the plate stack, i.e., at the lower end. The guide channel FK allows the refrigerant to undergo two detours along the block height of the heat exchanger according to the invention.Thus, a compact structure with a small bulk height is achieved through the separate arrangement of the heat exchanger WT and the collector S. The coolant is supplied and discharged via the first fluid inlet WE1 and the first fluid outlet WA1, flowing in parallel through the first region EK and the second region UK. The coolant is supplied to the first region EK via the second fluid inlet WE2, discharged via the third fluid outlet WA3, and guided into the collector S via the fluid inlet SE. For example, the coolant can be guided through the second region UK into the first region EK via two openings surrounded by arches. The coolant is discharged from the collector S via the fluid outlet SA and supplied to the second region UK of the heat exchanger WT via the fluid inlet WE3. The coolant is discharged again from the second region UK via the second fluid outlet WA2.

[0032] exist Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2 The diagram shows a plate P according to a first embodiment or a second embodiment of the invention. Plate P has a rectangular shape with a short side and a long side. Raised, surrounding edges define the surface of plate P. Plate P may have a structure (not shown) to increase the surface area available for heat transfer. The structure (not shown) allows for the formation of a first portion of a channel belonging to a first flow path (not shown) between the plates, and a structure (not shown) allows for the formation of a second portion of a channel belonging to a second flow path (not shown) between the plates. Plate P has at least six openings O. A portion of these openings O may be surrounded by an arch DO. Four of the at least six openings O are arranged along the short side.

[0033] exist Figure 2.1 The diagram shows a top view of plate P according to a first embodiment of the invention. Plate P has six openings O. Four openings O are arranged along the short side, and two openings O are arranged opposite to it.

[0034] exist Figure 2.2 The diagram shows a top view of a plate according to a second embodiment of the invention. The plate P has eight openings O. Four openings O are arranged along each of the short sides. This arrangement of the openings O results in a symmetrical arrangement of the plate. At least two of the openings O are surrounded by arches DO.

[0035] exist Figure 3The diagram illustrates a thermal management module 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The thermal management module includes a heat exchanger WT with a collector S according to the invention (e.g., a first embodiment), a compressor KP, and an expansion valve EV. The collector S is arranged separately from the heat exchanger WT. The collector S is spaced apart from the heat exchanger WT. The compressor KP, expansion valve EV, heat exchanger WT, and collector are connected to a distribution plate VP. The distribution plate VP has necessary channels (not shown) for fluid-technically connecting these components. Figure 3 The thermal management module 100 shown can be part of a refrigerant circuit (not shown) for a motor vehicle. A refrigerant (not shown) can be condensed in the heat exchanger WT and its heat discharged to another fluid (not shown). The heat exchanger WT can therefore operate as an indirect condenser. In the compressor, the refrigerant (not shown) can be compressed, thus increasing its pressure, and in the expansion valve, its pressure can be decreased. The refrigerant (not shown) can be stored and stocked in the collector S, which is essentially formed by cylinder Z1. By integrating the compressor KP, expansion valve EV, and the heat exchanger WT with collector S according to the invention into the thermal management module 100 according to the invention, wiring in the refrigerant circuit (both not shown) can be advantageously saved, and the structural space requirements can be reduced by integrating these components into the module. Since the collector S and the heat exchanger WT are separate, the structural height of the thermal management module 100 can be advantageously reduced, and the available structural space inside the motor vehicle body can be better utilized.

[0036] List of reference numerals

[0037] WT heat exchanger according to the present invention

[0038] P The plate of the heat exchanger according to the present invention

[0039] O-plate opening

[0040] DO (do) arch surrounding the opening

[0041] VP Distribution Board

[0042] TP separator

[0043] TE dividing plane

[0044] FK is used as a guide channel for fluid.

[0045] SP1 and SP2 are used for the flow paths of coolant and refrigerant.

[0046] AP1 and AP2 are the cover plates of the heat exchanger according to the present invention.

[0047] EK is the first zone used to cool and condense the gaseous refrigerant.

[0048] UK Second Zone for Subcooling Condensed Refrigerant

[0049] WE1, WE2, WE3 Flow paths / Fluid inlets of the heat exchanger according to the present invention

[0050] WA1, WA2, WA3 flow paths / fluid outlet of the heat exchanger according to the present invention

[0051] S is a collector used to separate the gaseous and liquid portions of refrigerant and / or for collecting and storing refrigerant.

[0052] The fluid inlet of the SE collector

[0053] The fluid outlet of the SA collector

[0054] Cylinders of collectors Z1 and Z2

[0055] 100 Thermal management module according to the present invention

[0056] KP compressor

[0057] P pump

[0058] EV expansion valve

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (WT) particularly for a thermal management module (100) of a motor vehicle, the heat exchanger having: - Multiple boards (P); - First flow path for coolant (SP1); -Second flow path for refrigerant (SP2); - A collector (S) for separating the gaseous and liquid portions of refrigerant from each other and / or for collecting and storing refrigerant. -in, The plates (P) are stacked one on top of the other or arranged side by side, thereby forming a channel between adjacent plates (P); -The channel in the first part of the channel belongs to the first flow path (SP1). -The channel in the second part of the channel belongs to the second flow path (SP2); -The second flow path (SP2) has a first region (EK) for cooling and condensing the vaporized refrigerant. -The second flow path (SP2) has a second region (UK) for subcooling the condensed refrigerant. - wherein, refrigerant flows from the first region (EK) into the second region (UK) via the collector (S), The plate (P) is characterized in that it has at least six openings (O), wherein at least four connecting elements forming the fluid inlet (WE2, WE3) and fluid outlet (WA2, WA3) of the second flow path (SP2) are respectively arranged at the same end region of the plate stack of the heat exchanger (WT), and a guide channel (FK) of the second flow path (SP2) is arranged at the opposite end region of the plate stack, wherein another connecting element serving as the fluid inlet (SE) of the collector (S) is fluidly connected to the first region (EK), and another connecting element serving as the fluid outlet (SA) of the collector (S) is fluidly connected to the second region (UK).

2. The heat exchanger (WT) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collector (S) and the heat exchanger (WT) are separated from each other and / or spaced apart from each other.

3. The heat exchanger (WT) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Two additional connecting elements forming the fluid inlet (WE1) and fluid outlet (WA1) of the first flow path (SP1) and four connecting elements forming the fluid inlet (WE2, WE3) and fluid outlet (WA2, WA3) of the second flow path (SP2) are respectively arranged at the same end regions of the plate stack of the heat exchanger (WT).

4. The heat exchanger (WT) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Two additional connecting elements forming the fluid inlet (WE1) and fluid outlet (WA1) of the first flow path (SP1) and four connecting elements forming the fluid inlet (WE2, WE3) and fluid outlet (WA2, WA3) of the second flow path (SP2) are respectively arranged at opposite end regions of the plate stack of the heat exchanger (WT).

5. The heat exchanger (WT) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The guide channel (FK) is in fluid communication with only one of the four connecting elements that form the fluid inlet (WE2, WE3) and fluid outlet (WA2, WA3) of the second flow path (SP2).

6. The heat exchanger (WT) according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that, The refrigerant is turned at least once along the block height of the heat exchanger (WT) in the first zone (EK).

7. The heat exchanger (WT) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (WT) has at least one partition plate (TP) or partition plane (TE).

8. The heat exchanger (WT) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second flow path (SP2) can be flowed serially.

9. The heat exchanger (WT) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (WT) is an indirect condenser.

10. The heat exchanger (WT) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The collector (S) has at least two cylinders (Z1, Z2), wherein the at least two cylinders (Z1, Z2) are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the at least two cylinders (Z1, Z2) are fluidically connected to each other.

11. The heat exchanger (WT) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The collector (S) has a cylinder (Z1).

12. A thermal management module (100) for a motor vehicle, the thermal management module having at least one compressor (KP) or pump (P), at least one expansion valve (EV), and at least one heat exchanger (WT) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, the heat exchanger including a collector (S).

13. A refrigerant circuit and / or coolant circuit for a motor vehicle, said refrigerant circuit and / or coolant circuit having at least one thermal management module (100) according to claim 12.

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