Vehicle heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger for a vehicle, comprising a refrigerant line assembly for heat exchange with air, the assembly being arranged between two opposite end plates, without a shell in the region between the end plates. The refrigerant line assembly includes a connection point for supply and discharge of refrigerant and a fluid-tight line section. The heat exchanger is designed for safety critical refrigerants and comprises at least one sealing box which can be fluid-tight to the outside, the sealing box is connected to the refrigerant pipeline assembly at one end face and forms or comprises an end plate at the end face, and the refrigerant pipeline is guided into the interior of the sealing box through the end plate. Wherein only fluid-tight line sections of the refrigerant line assembly extend in a non-shell region between the end plates, and preferably all connection points are arranged inside the sealing box. The invention also relates to an air-conditioning system and a vehicle having a heat exchanger according to the invention, and to a method for producing a heat exchanger according to the invention.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle heat exchanger, in particular a rail vehicle heat exchanger, an air conditioning system, a vehicle having such a heat exchanger, and a method for producing such a heat exchanger. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants for air conditioning systems has become increasingly widespread. These hydrocarbons are environmentally friendly alternatives to previously used refrigerants, in particular climate-damaging fluorocarbons (CFCs) or partially halogenated chlorofluorohydrocarbons (HCFCs). Although these hydrocarbon-based refrigerants are generally non-toxic, they are highly flammable and therefore require special safety measures.

[0003] In particular, flammable refrigerants such as the above-mentioned hydrocarbon refrigerants are rarely used in air conditioning systems for rail vehicles, whether direct or indirect evaporation systems, due to the associated explosion and fire risks. One reason for this is the risk of flammable refrigerants leaking into areas accessible to persons, for example the passenger area or the driver's cab of a passenger train, and the generally increased safety relevance of mass transport vehicles. SUMMARY

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a heat exchanger which allows the safe operation of a direct evaporation system using a safety-relevant refrigerant and at the same time has a simple and compact design.

[0005] Refrigerants that are potentially dangerous or harmful to human health, in particular toxic refrigerants or flammable refrigerants, such as propane (R290), are referred to as safety-relevant refrigerants.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a heat exchanger according to one aspect of the invention and by a method for producing such a heat exchanger according to another aspect of the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the following description.

[0007] Therefore, a heat exchanger for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, is proposed, which comprises a refrigerant line assembly for exchanging heat with air in a passenger area of the vehicle. In the case of a rail vehicle, this can be, for example, a passenger train or a freight train. However, the invention is not limited to rail vehicles, but can relate, for example, to a heat exchanger for a transport vehicle, an engineering vehicle, such as a digger, or any other vehicle. The heat exchanger can be used as an evaporator in a single refrigeration circuit of an air conditioning system (direct evaporation), wherein an application as a condenser in a heat pump (or in a heat pump operation of a correspondingly designed air conditioning system) is also conceivable. The passenger area is defined here as an area in which people usually stay or can stay (e.g. passengers or drivers). Areas that can only be entered by personnel in specifically controlled situations, for example for maintenance work, are not referred to as passenger areas.

[0008] The refrigerant line assembly is arranged between two opposite end face end plates and without a housing in the area between the end plates. Therefore, the refrigerant lines of the refrigerant line assembly are exposed in the area between the end plates and are not surrounded by a housing or cover. This leads to a good heat exchange with the air flowing through the refrigerant line assembly and makes the design of the heat exchanger simpler and more lightweight. The refrigerant line assembly has fluid-tight line sections and connection points for the supply and discharge of refrigerant. The connection points can be connections of valves or other fluid-carrying components or can simply be connection points between two pipe sections.

[0009] According to the invention, the heat exchanger is designed for safety-relevant refrigerants, in particular for flammable refrigerants such as R290. For this purpose, the connection points of the refrigerant line assembly, at which a refrigerant leak can in principle occur, must be located outside the passenger area and thus sealed off from the area of the refrigerant line assembly located between the end plates and thus in effective contact with the air in the passenger area. For this purpose, the heat exchanger comprises at least one sealing box, which can be sealed in a fluid-tight manner to the outside, i.e. also to the part of the refrigerant line assembly that is free of the housing, and which is connected at one end face to the refrigerant line assembly. This means a physical connection or, in a broader sense, a "mechanical" connection.

[0010] In this case, the cross section of the refrigerant line assembly, i.e. neither its upper side nor its lower side, nor its front side and its rear side perpendicular to the air flow flowing through, is referred to as an end face. The connection points are arranged on these sides, wherein the connection points can also be arranged on only one side of the refrigerant line assembly.

[0011] The seal box forms or comprises an end plate on the relevant end face. The seal box can comprise a housing, in particular a metal housing, which forms or comprises the end plate in a section facing the refrigerant line assembly. It is thus conceivable that the end plate is part of the seal box housing. Alternatively, the end plate can be part of the refrigerant line assembly and is connected to the housing (e.g. housing wall) of the seal box in a fluid-tight manner. It is also conceivable that the end plate has a greater height and / or width than the rest of the seal box housing and that the seal box housing is attached to and connected to the end plate in a fluid-tight manner. In particular, however, the end plate can be considered part of the seal box, regardless of its size or the size of the rest of the seal box housing.

[0012] The refrigerant lines of the refrigerant line assembly are guided through the end plate into the interior of the seal box, wherein only the fluid-tight line sections of the refrigerant line assembly extend in the housing-free area between the end plates, and preferably all connection points of the refrigerant line assembly are arranged within at least one seal box, i.e. behind the respective seal end plate.

[0013] The term "capable of being sealed in a fluid-tight manner" includes that the seal box can optionally have at least one lid which can be opened but is fluid-tight when closed. The term "capable of being sealed in a fluid-tight manner" also includes that the seal box is preferably vented, or can be vented to an environment separate from the passenger area. The term "fluid-tight" means gas-tight, i.e. the prevention of the passage of gases and / or liquids.

[0014] The connection points of the refrigerant line assembly are separated from the parts of the refrigerant line assembly that do not comprise a housing and thus only comprise fluid-tight line sections via the end plates, in particular permanently fluid-tight. In particular, the refrigerant line assembly is enclosed or delimited by two end plates, wherein only a small part of the refrigerant line assembly comprising the connection points is located outside the part of the refrigerant line assembly between the end plates and not comprising a housing.

[0015] The at least one seal box thus fluid-tightly isolates the connection points of the refrigerant line assembly, which are at principle risk of a leak, from the passenger area, which can also be referred to as the air supply area. If a safety-relevant refrigerant escapes, which can be in liquid or gaseous form, it remains within the seal box or, if present, can only escape from the seal box and be discharged into the environment via the openings provided for this purpose, so that no health hazard (e.g. due to the formation of a flammable atmosphere) arises for the passenger area. In particular, the application can be used not only for the safe installation of underfloor and roof air conditioning systems, but also for the installation of corresponding devices in the roof or cab.

[0016] Thus, the sealing function is performed by at least one sealing box, while the area between the end plates, where the refrigerant line assembly is located, is in exchange with the air in the passenger area and exposed. This results in a compact and simple heat exchanger design, while still meeting the safety requirements of a direct expansion system using a safety-relevant refrigerant.

[0017] The sealing box can comprise a housing which is separate and completely contained within the housing of the vehicle. Alternatively, at least one wall of the sealing box housing can be formed by at least one inner or outer wall of the housing or the vehicle. In this case, the relevant wall of the vehicle forms part of the sealing box.

[0018] The term "sealing box" is to be interpreted broadly and is not limited to a specific shape or material. The sealing box can essentially be a fluid-tight housing or compartment which is sealed from the outside.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the refrigerant line assembly is cuboid in shape, wherein the end plates are preferably arranged on the smallest side surfaces of the refrigerant line assembly. In a normal, horizontal installation position, these end plates can be located on both sides, for example, while the front side and the rear side of the refrigerant line assembly (in the direction of the air flow) represent the largest side surfaces, and the top side and the bottom side of the refrigerant line assembly can be located between the front side and the rear side and the front side in terms of area. The end plates are aligned parallel to each other.

[0020] However, the refrigerant line assembly is not limited to a cuboid shape, but can generally have any shape. It is also conceivable that, in a cuboid design, the end faces are not the smallest sides of the refrigerant line assembly.

[0021] The at least one sealing box can have a height which essentially corresponds to the height of the refrigerant line assembly. This results in a compact and space-saving design of the heat exchanger.

[0022] In another possible embodiment, it is provided that the at least one sealing box is a support structure and forms a mount for the refrigerant line assembly. Thus, the at least one sealing box performs a dual function: on the one hand, the connection points are spatially isolated and sealed, and on the other hand, the refrigerant line assembly is fastened or held. In principle, the refrigerant line assembly can be attached at other points and supported on the floor, for example. However, it is preferably envisaged that the refrigerant line assembly is held only at the two end plates. Thus, the end plates and the at least one sealing box form the only holding or fastening structure for the refrigerant line assembly. The end plates can themselves be a load-bearing structure and part of the sealing box. Alternatively, the end plates can be attached in or on a load-bearing structure of the sealing box.

[0023] In another possible embodiment it is provided that the wall of the sealing box, which forms an end plate of the refrigerant line assembly, has a through- going portion through which the refrigerant line of the refrigerant line assembly is guided into the sealing box. In particular, the through-going portion is circular and adapted to the diameter of the refrigerant line. The through-going portion is sealed in a fluid-tight manner so that leaking refrigerant cannot enter the passenger area through the end plate. Preferably, the sealing is formed by a filling compound, in particular a fire- resistant casting compound, which fills the through-going portion and covers the refrigerant line portion that is passed through. Preferably, after the refrigerant line has been passed through, the filling compound is cast onto the side of the end plate that faces away from the refrigerant line assembly and, after drying, forms a fluid-tight barrier.

[0024] Further sealing in the sealing box can be produced by welding and / or gluing. This can in particular be done in wet conditions where rivet fixation is not possible.

[0025] In another possible embodiment it is provided that the refrigerant line assembly is a fin and tube assembly, wherein the fins are preferably arranged parallel to the end plates. Alternatively or additionally, fluid-tight line sections of the refrigerant line assembly can extend between the end plates and perpendicular to the fins.

[0026] In another possible embodiment it is provided that the sealing box comprises a lid which can be opened and closed in a fluid-tight manner in order to allow access to the connection points arranged within the sealing box, for example for maintenance or cleaning purposes. The lid can be a hinged lid flap. The lid can be arranged on a top wall or a side wall of the sealing box. Preferably, the lid has a locking mechanism to prevent accidental or unauthorised opening. An optical indicator can be provided to show whether the lid is properly closed, i.e. fluid-tight.

[0027] In another possible embodiment it is provided that the sealing box has at least one vent or vent connection via which the interior of the sealing box can be ventilated with the environment, i.e. in particular the outside of the vehicle, or at least with the outside of the air conditioning system comprising the heat exchanger separated from the passenger area. In the event of a refrigerant leak, the connection to the environment, in particular to the outside air, enables gas exchange and thus a reduction of the pressure away from the passenger compartment. The connection to the environment can be permanent (i.e. the sealing box is “ventilated”) or closed / open (i.e. the sealing box “can be ventilated”). Permanent ventilation is preferred here and can be provided, for example, by at least one grid and / or at least one fully open vent in the outer wall of the vehicle or the air conditioning system. In particular, these vents can be connected to the interior of the sealing box via at least one vent connection or at least one vent duct. The sealing box can have one or more vent connections on the underside, for example, which lead to vents formed in the vehicle.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment variant, at least one vent or vent connection can be closable and openable via a closure element, for example via a sealing flap or a valve. The closure element can be operated manually from the outside of the sealing box or can be operated with the aid of an actuator.

[0029] In another possible embodiment it is provided that a flammable refrigerant, in particular R290, is used and is therefore guided into the refrigerant line assembly.

[0030] In another possible embodiment it is provided that the sealing box comprises at least one penetration through which the refrigerant line is guided from the outside of the sealing box into the interior of the sealing box and is connected to at least one connection point of the refrigerant line assembly. The refrigerant is supplied to or discharged from the refrigerant line assembly via the at least one refrigerant line from the outside of the sealing box. Of course, the penetration of the at least one refrigerant line must also be sealed to the outside in order to ensure that leaking refrigerant does not escape from the sealing box. The penetration of the at least one refrigerant line is therefore sealed in a fluid-tight manner. This can be done, for example, by gluing or by filling a compound by casting, similar to the penetration in the end plate. Alternatively, the sealing can be provided with the aid of an adhesive sealing disc around the refrigerant line.

[0031] In another possible embodiment it is provided that the sealing box is arranged on only one side of the refrigerant line assembly. This means that all connection points of the refrigerant line assembly are located on one side only, wherein the sealing box is connected to the connection points of the refrigerant line assembly on this side. In this case, the opposite end plate can be a separate holding plate connected to the floor, which serves to support or hold the refrigerant line assembly. Alternatively, the opposite end plate can be a cover plate of the refrigerant line assembly, which is not connected to the floor and does not serve a holding or supporting function. In this case, the refrigerant line assembly can be held on one side only by the sealing box or by other supports or attached to the floor. Alternatively, the opposite end plate can be a housing wall of another component, an air conditioning unit or a region of a vehicle, for example a roof region of a rail vehicle, or a wall of a vehicle, for example an outer wall.

[0032] In another possible embodiment it is provided that the heat exchanger comprises two sealing boxes, which are connected to the refrigerant line assembly on two opposite end faces and form or comprise the end plates at the end faces. Preferably, the refrigerant line assembly is freely "hanging" between the two side sealing boxes. Alternatively, the refrigerant line assembly can be connected to the ground or anchored to a wall of the rail vehicle via another support, for example a holding plate. All connection points of the refrigerant line assembly are arranged within the two sealing boxes. The sealing boxes can be designed identically or differently.

[0033] In another possible embodiment it is provided that the heat exchanger has a support device, in particular a support plate, which is connected to the refrigerant line assembly in the region between the end plates and supports the assembly on the floor. This makes the structure more stable, especially when the refrigerant line assembly is relatively long, i.e. the distance between the two end plates is large.

[0034] The application also relates to an air conditioning system for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, which comprises at least one heat exchanger according to the application. This obviously produces the same properties and advantages as the heat exchanger according to the application, so a repeated description is dispensed with. The air conditioning system preferably comprises only a main circuit, in which the heat exchanger according to the application is arranged (i.e. no secondary circuit is provided, for example with brine as heat transfer medium), wherein the air conditioning system can also comprise a plurality of main circuits, each of which has a heat exchanger according to the application, or at least one heat exchanger is distributed between the main circuits. The direct evaporation of the refrigerant preferably takes place via at least one heat exchanger according to the application.

[0035] The air conditioning system preferably comprises at least one compressor, at least one further heat exchanger, in particular a condenser or an evaporator, and / or at least one blower. The heat exchanger according to the application can act as an evaporator and is connected via refrigerant lines to another heat exchanger, which acts as a condenser. The air conditioning system can optionally be designed as a heat pump (or can be operated as a heat pump in heat pump mode), wherein the heat exchanger according to the application acts as a condenser and is connected via refrigerant lines to another heat exchanger, which is operated as an evaporator.

[0036] The air conditioning system can comprise one or more sensors for detecting a leaking refrigerant. One or more such sensors can be arranged in the at least one sealing box.

[0037] The application also relates to a method for producing a heat exchanger according to the application. Here, the refrigerant lines of the refrigerant line assembly are guided through appropriately designed penetrations in the wall of the sealing box, wherein the wall forms an end plate of the refrigerant line assembly. A liquid, in particular a fire-resistant, filling compound is then applied or cast, in particular molded, into any remaining gap in the penetration between the end plate and the penetrated refrigerant line. Once the filling compound has hardened, the required fluid-tightness of the refrigerant line assembly is achieved.

[0038] Preferably, the filling compound covers the entire inner side of the end plate in the region where the refrigerant line penetrates, once applied, in order to ensure an ultra-clean seal. In order to facilitate the application, in particular the casting, of the filling compound, the refrigerant line assembly can preferably be oriented such that the end plate to be sealed is arranged horizontally during the application. If two sealing boxes are provided, the above-described process is carried out sequentially on both sides of the two end plates. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Further features, details and advantages of the present application result from the following exemplary embodiments explained with the aid of the drawings. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to exemplary embodiments of the present application; and

[0041] Figure 2 Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an end plate and connection point of a refrigerant line assembly according to exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a heat exchanger 10 according to the present application is shown in a perspective view. The heat exchanger 10 shown here comprises a box-shaped or cuboid refrigerant line assembly 12, which is preferably designed as a fin and tube assembly, having a plurality of parallel fins and refrigerant lines extending perpendicular thereto.

[0043] The heat exchanger 10 is designed for use with safety-critical refrigerants, for example flammable refrigerants such as R290, and therefore meets special safety requirements. This includes the fluid-tight isolation of those sections of the refrigerant lines of the heat exchanger 10 in which refrigerant leaks can occur.

[0044] To this end, Figure 1 The heat exchanger 10 shown has two sealed boxes 30, which are arranged transversely, i.e. on two transversely opposite end faces of the refrigerant line assembly 12, and are physically connected to the refrigerant line assembly 12, with their interior being sealed from the outside in a fluid-tight manner (except for the preferably provided ventilation openings, which will be discussed further below). The sealed boxes 30 preferably have a metal housing 32. The walls of the housing 32 facing the refrigerant line assembly 12 each form an end plate 14 of the refrigerant line assembly 12.

[0045] In this exemplary embodiment, the end plates 14 can represent a support structure to which the refrigerant line assembly 12 is held or attached. The remaining housing components of the sealed boxes 30 can be connected to the end plates 14 in a fluid-tight manner. The end plates 14 can be considered as part of the sealed boxes 30.

[0046] Between two end plates 14 aligned parallel to each other, the heat exchanger 10 or the refrigerant line assembly 12 has no housing, so that the fins and refrigerant lines are exposed in this area and ensure heat exchange with the air flow flowing through the refrigerant line assembly 12. The refrigerant line assembly 12 can be effectively connected to a passenger area or air supply area, since only the permanently fluid-tight refrigerant lines 16 are laid in the housing-free area between the end plates 14, the refrigerant cannot escape from this area.

[0047] All connection points 15, for example pipe connection points, valve connection points, etc., are arranged within the sealing boxes 30. Since these connection points are sealed in a fluid-tight manner both from the outside and from the parts of the refrigerant line assembly 12 which are not provided with a housing, escaping refrigerant cannot enter the passenger area but is retained within the sealing boxes 30.

[0048] In order to achieve pressure equalization and gas exchange, the sealing boxes 30 can be open to the outside air, i.e. to the surroundings of the vehicle. In Figure 1 exemplary embodiments, the sealing boxes 30 have a plurality of vent connections 36 or vent pipes on their lower side, which preferably lead to vents in the outer wall of the vehicle (or alternatively to areas of the vehicle which are sealed off from the passenger area).

[0049] Furthermore, the sealing boxes 30 can each have one or more fluid-tight covers 34 which can be opened and closed, in order to allow access to the internal components of the heat exchanger 10, for example for maintenance or cleaning. In Figure 1 exemplary embodiments, the sealing boxes 30 have removable cover flaps 34 on the upper side. These cover flaps can be fixed to the housing 32 by means of screws, but can be removed by loosening the screw connections.

[0050] The supply and discharge lines 18 of the refrigerant line assembly 12 preferably extend through the sealing boxes 30. These sealing boxes can therefore have corresponding penetrations for these refrigerant lines 18, which are sealed in a fluid-tight manner from the outside. This can be done by means of sealing discs, such as, for example, those which surround the refrigerant lines 18 and are glued to the housing of the sealing boxes 30 (see Figure 1 ), wherein other types of seals can also be employed.

[0051] In Figure 1 exemplary embodiments, the refrigerant line assembly 12 is held only at the two end plates 14 or sealing boxes 30. Alternatively, additional supports or fasteners can be provided, for example further holding plates arranged centrally in the refrigerant line assembly 12.

[0052] As an alternative to Figure 1 embodiments, only a single sealing box 30 can be provided on one side of the refrigerant line assembly 12. This is advantageous if the refrigerant line assembly 12 has connection points 15 only on one side.

[0053] In order to ensure that the interior of each sealing box 30 is sealed in a fluid-tight manner with respect to the parts of the refrigerant line assembly 12 which are not provided with a housing and thus with respect to the passenger area, the refrigerant lines must be guided in a fluid-tight manner through the end plates 14.

[0054] Figure 2 One possibility is shown here for this, which shows one side of the end plate 14, which is located in the sealing box 30, in which the connection points 16 are arranged. In the exemplary embodiment shown, these end plates are located on the U-shaped bent connection pipes 17 and on other fluid-carrying components.

[0055] In Figure 2 the exemplary embodiment, the wall of the sealing box housing 32, which forms the end plate 14 of the refrigerant line assembly 12, has a pipe penetration through which the refrigerant lines of the refrigerant line assembly 12 are laid. The section of the end plate 14 inside the sealing box 30 in the region of the refrigerant lines is sealed with the filling compound 20.

[0056] A fire-resistant casting compound can be used for casting, which preferably still absorbs vibrations when cured, i.e. when providing the sealing effect. This is applied to the surface of the end plate 14, which is preferably aligned horizontally, and flows into the gap between the refrigerant lines, which can be copper pipes, and the end plate 14 before it hardens. The casting compound forms a sealed connection between the refrigerant lines and the end plate 14. In order to prolong the service life of the connection, appropriate and known surface pretreatments can be carried out on the end plate 14 and / or the refrigerant lines.

[0057] The wall of the sealing box housing 32, which faces the refrigerant line assembly 12, can either integrally form and form the end plate 14 as a whole, or a suitable recess, for example a rectangular window, can be formed in the wall, and a suitable metal plate, which forms the end plate 14 of the refrigerant line assembly 12, can be inserted into the recess and connected to the housing wall 32 in a fluid-tight manner, as Figure 2 is shown.

[0058] If the heat exchanger 10 can be positioned in the vehicle in such a way that one of the end plates 14 is flush with an outer wall or with a wall that reliably separates the passenger area or the air supply area from other areas, it is possible to omit all other walls of the sealing box housing 32 on the side that seals the heat exchanger 10 on the corresponding side. In this case, the end plate 14 is mounted directly on the outer wall or the other wall of the vehicle, and there is no sealing box 30 on this side. Nevertheless, the end plate 14 separates the connection points 15 there from the passenger area in a fluid-tight manner. The mounting of the end plate 14 in the outer wall or the other wall of the vehicle can also be designed as Figure 2 is shown.

[0059] In the case of a heat exchanger 10 that can be placed between two outer walls or other walls that separate the air supply area from other areas of the vehicle in a fluid-tight manner, it is possible in principle to completely dispense with the sealing box 30, since the leaking refrigerant cannot enter the air supply area from either side. All connection points 15 are located in areas that are separated from the air supply area in a fluid-tight manner.

[0060] List of reference signs:

[0061] 10 heat exchanger

[0062] 12 refrigerant line assembly

[0063] 14 end plate

[0064] 15 connection point

[0065] 16 fluid-tight line section

[0066] 17 curved connecting tube

[0067] 18 refrigerant line

[0068] 20 filling compound

[0069] 30 seal cartridge

[0070] 32 housing

[0071] 34 cover

[0072] 36 ventilation connection

Claims

1. Heat exchanger (10) for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising: A refrigerant line assembly (12) for heat exchange with air in a passenger area of the vehicle, which is arranged between two opposite end face end plates (14) and without a housing in the region between the end plates (14), wherein the refrigerant line assembly (12) comprises connection points (15) for the supply and discharge of refrigerant and fluid-tight line sections (16), characterized in that the heat exchanger (10) is designed for a safety-relevant refrigerant and comprises at least one sealed box (30) which can be sealed to the outside in a fluid-tight manner, which is connected to the refrigerant line assembly (12) at one end face and forms or comprises the end plate (14) at the end face, through which the refrigerant lines of the refrigerant line assembly (12) are guided into the interior of the sealed box (30), wherein only the fluid-tight line sections (16) of the refrigerant line assembly (12) extend in the housing-free region between the end plates (14) and all connection points (15) of the refrigerant line assembly (12) are preferably arranged in the interior of the at least one sealed box (30).

2. Heat exchanger (10) according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant line assembly (12) is cuboid-shaped, wherein the end plates (14) are preferably arranged on the smallest side surfaces of the refrigerant line assembly (12) and are aligned parallel to one another.

3. Heat exchanger (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sealed box (30) is a support structure and forms a holder for the refrigerant line assembly (12), wherein the refrigerant line assembly (12) is preferably held only at the two end plates (14).

4. Heat exchanger (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wall of the sealed box (30) which forms the end plate (14) for the refrigerant line assembly (12) has a penetration through which a refrigerant line of the refrigerant line assembly (12) is guided into the sealed box (30), wherein the penetration is sealed in a fluid-tight manner, preferably by filling and covering the penetration and the portion of the refrigerant line which passes therethrough with a filling compound (20), in particular a fireproof casting compound.

5. Heat exchanger (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigerant line assembly (12) is a fin and tube assembly, wherein the fins are preferably arranged parallel to the end plates (14) and / or the fluid-tight line sections (16) of the refrigerant line assembly (12) extend between the end plates (14) and perpendicular to the fins.

6. Heat exchanger (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealed box (30) comprises a lid (34) which can be opened and closed in a fluid-tight manner to allow access to the connection points (15) arranged within the sealed box (30).

7. Heat exchanger (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing box (30) has at least one vent or vent connection (36) via which the interior of the sealing box (30) is vented or can be vented to the environment, wherein the sealing box (30) is preferably permanently vented via the at least one vent or vent connection (36).

8. Heat exchanger (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a flammable refrigerant, in particular R290, is guided inside the refrigerant line assembly (12).

9. Heat exchanger (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing box (30) comprises at least one penetration through which a refrigerant line (18) is guided from the outside of the sealing box (30) into the interior of the sealing box (30) and is connected to at least one connection point (15) of the refrigerant line assembly (12) inside the sealing box, wherein the at least one penetration is sealed in a fluid-tight manner with respect to the associated refrigerant line (18).

10. Heat exchanger (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a sealing box (30) is provided only on one side of the refrigerant line assembly (12), wherein preferably the opposite end plate (14) is a separate holding plate connected to a floor, a cover plate of the refrigerant line assembly (12) not connected to the floor, a housing wall of another component, a wall of a compartment of the vehicle or a wall, in particular an outer wall, of the vehicle.

11. Heat exchanger (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two sealing boxes (30) which are connected to the refrigerant line assembly (12) on two opposite end faces and form or comprise the end plates (14) at the two opposite end faces, wherein all connection points of the refrigerant line assembly (12) are arranged inside the two sealing boxes (30).

12. Heat exchanger (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support device, in particular a support plate, which is connected to the refrigerant line assembly (12) in the region between the end plates (14) and supports the refrigerant line assembly on a floor.

13. Air conditioning system for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising at least one heat exchanger (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air conditioning system preferably further comprises at least one compressor, at least one further heat exchanger, in particular a condenser or an evaporator, and / or at least one supply fan.

14. Vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising at least one air conditioning system according to claim 13.

15. A method for producing a heat exchanger (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the refrigerant line of the refrigerant line assembly (12) is guided through a penetration in a wall of an end plate (14) of at least one sealing box (30) forming the refrigerant line assembly (12), a liquid and in particular fire-resistant filling compound (20) is then applied, in particular cast, into the remaining gap in the penetration between the end plates (14) and through which the refrigerant line passes, wherein the refrigerant line assembly (12) is preferably oriented such that the end plates (14) to be sealed are arranged horizontally.

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