Radiator for an air conditioner

Abstract

Radiator for an air conditioning system, comprising an upper collector box (2) and a lower collector box (3), a plurality of heat exchanger tubes arranged between the upper collector box (2) and the lower collector box (3), through which coolant flows in one direction, and with at least one inlet nozzle (9) and one outlet nozzle (8) for supplying and discharging the coolant, characterized in that at least one side part (5) designed as a hollow body is arranged between the upper collector box (2) and the lower collector box (3), wherein the inlet nozzle (9) is arranged in the side part (5), and wherein the inlet nozzle (9) is arranged directly next to the outlet nozzle (8) in the area of ​​the upper collector box (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heating element for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such heat exchangers are known from the prior art.

[0003] For example, EP 0 564 761 B1 discloses a heat exchanger, in particular a cooler, e.g. an oil cooler, with two approximately tubular collectors arranged at a transverse distance from each other and pipes running between the collectors, the opposite ends of which are each connected to an associated collector, so that the inside of the pipe is in contact with the inside of each collector and a medium supplied to one collector can flow through the inside of that collector, the inside of the pipe and the inside of the other collector in a single or multiple flow, wherein the collectors are closed as required in the region of at least one end by means of closing elements, and wherein the respective closing element is formed from a partition wall which is inserted into the collector through a slot transverse to the longitudinal direction of the collector and is fastened therein.

[0004] US Patent 5,042,577 A discloses a plate heat exchanger with a plurality of stacked plates, wherein two collars are provided on an end plate into which two connecting pipes are inserted.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a heating element for an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle in which a particularly space-optimized arrangement of connections is enabled.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention for a radiator mentioned at the outset, with the characterizing features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] By arranging at least one hollow side panel between the upper and lower manifolds, with the inlet nozzle located within this side panel and positioned directly next to the outlet nozzle in the area of ​​the upper manifold, it is possible to position the connections (inlet and outlet nozzles) as close together as possible. This eliminates the need for complex, bent pipes to join the connections. In single-flow heat exchangers (radiators), the coolant inlet must always be routed to the outlet side via complex, bent pipes. A hollow side panel allows for a more space-saving and cost-effective solution. In particular, on the connection side, the last pipe is designed as a hollow side panel for the coolant.This results in a small installation space in the Y-direction, as both connecting pipes can be routed compactly from the firewall around the air conditioner to the connection points on the radiator. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the connecting pipes do not affect the cold air path within the air conditioner. In particular, this allows for a very compact design within the heating and air conditioning system, for example in the footwell area, since both the outlet and inlet connections are located in the upper part of the radiator.

[0008] Preferably, the inlet and outlet nozzles can be arranged essentially parallel to each other with respect to their flow direction, resulting in a particularly simple connection situation.

[0009] For example, the side panel can have a square, particularly rectangular, cross-section with respect to its longitudinal extent. For instance, the hollow body can be used as a throttling element, in which case an adaptation to the respective engine circuit can be provided. Furthermore, it is conceivable to design the side panel with a cross-sectional geometry that deviates from a square one, for example, circular or oval.

[0010] One embodiment provides that the side panel can have a length of 130 mm to 1500 mm, preferably a length between 135 mm and 1000 mm. These values ​​have proven to be particularly advantageous within the scope of the present invention.

[0011] For example, the side panel can have a width of 10 mm to 150 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 60 mm. In particular, the side panel can be designed with a width that allows for a reliable arrangement of the inlet nozzle.

[0012] For example, the side panel can have a depth of 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 30 mm. These values ​​have also proven to be particularly advantageous within the scope of the present invention.

[0013] For example, the side panel can have a wall thickness between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.0 mm. These values ​​allow for a simple manufacturing process of the side panel and have therefore proven to be particularly advantageous within the scope of the present invention.

[0014] Another embodiment provides that, to increase the pressure fluctuation stability of the heat exchanger, a profiled side part or a flat tube without flow can be used on the side opposite the connection situation.

[0015] Another preferred embodiment provides that the side panel can be provided with solder plating on at least one longitudinal side. Preferably, but by no means necessarily, the solder plating is provided on both longitudinal broad sides of the side panel. This allows the solder plating to be applied to the inside of the side panel, i.e., the side in contact with the coolant, to increase corrosion resistance to more aggressive coolants. The solder plating provided on the outside of the side panel enables soldering to the inlet nozzle to be installed in the side panel.

[0016] Another particularly preferred embodiment provides that the side part may have a substantially circular through-opening forming a collar, with the inlet nozzle being arranged in this opening. The substantially circular collar extends at least partially out of the side part, thus forming an additional contact surface for connection to a corresponding contact area on the inlet nozzle. The geometry of the through-opening or the collar can be determined by the geometry of the inlet nozzle. After insertion into the through-opening, the inlet nozzle is, for example, soldered to it, which is why the areas of the through-opening or the collar can also be provided with a solder plating.

[0017] For example, the side panel can be designed as a welded, extruded or folded hollow profile, which makes it possible to create a heat exchanger with a compact design and which is inexpensive to manufacture.

[0018] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which an embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0019] They show: Fig. 1 the schematic partial sectional view of a heat exchanger according to the invention in side view; Fig. 2 the schematic front view of the heat exchanger acc. Fig. 1; Fig. 3 the schematic sectional view of a connection stub.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a heat exchanger 1 with an upper manifold 2 and a lower manifold 3. A plurality of heat exchanger tubes / corrugated fins 4 are arranged between the upper manifold 2 and the lower manifold 3, with coolant flowing through the heat exchanger tubes in one direction. Furthermore, a side part 5 designed as a hollow profile is arranged between the upper manifold 2 and the lower manifold 3. The side part 5 is inserted through the lower manifold 3, and in the upper manifold 2, the side part 5 is arranged in a recess 6 and soldered to it.

[0021] The side section 5 is formed as the last tube on the connection side. The corrugated fin 7 is soldered to the side section 5, which is why the side section 5 is provided with a solder plating on the side facing the corrugated fin 7. An outlet nozzle 8 for discharging the coolant is arranged in the upper collector box 2. An inlet nozzle 9 is arranged in the upper region of the side section 5. The outlet nozzle 8 and the inlet nozzle 9 are arranged essentially parallel to each other with respect to their flow direction and essentially next to each other. The outlet nozzle 8 and the inlet nozzle 9 are arranged as close together as possible, taking into account the diameters of the outlet nozzle 8 and the inlet nozzle 9.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 shows the heat exchanger 1 in a front view. The upper manifold 2 and the lower manifold 3 are slightly wider than the side panel 5 and the heat exchanger tubes / corrugated fins 4, respectively. The outlet 8 and the inlet 9 are arranged side by side, with the inlet 9 located in the upper region of the side panel 5. The upper manifold 2 and the lower manifold 3 are essentially straight in the connection area to the heat exchanger tubes / corrugated fins 4 and to the side panel 5, respectively, and essentially curved in the opposite region.

[0023] Fig. Figure 3 shows the inlet nozzle 9 according to... Fig. 1 in an enlarged sectional view. The inlet nozzle 9 is arranged in a collar-forming opening 10 in the side part 5.

[0024] The side panel 5 is provided with a solder plating on its side facing the inlet 9. In the illustrated version, the collar 11 is designed to face inwards. It is also conceivable to design the collar to face outwards. In this case, the side panel 5 and / or the inlet 9 would additionally need to be solder-plated on the inner side 12.

[0025] The inlet nozzle 9 has a circular connecting flange 13, which is solder-plated to the collar 11. The connecting flange 13 can also be held in the side part 5 by an interference fit.

Claims

[1] Radiator for an air conditioning system, comprising an upper manifold (2) and a lower manifold (3), a plurality of heat exchanger tubes arranged between the upper manifold (2) and the lower manifold (3) through which coolant flows in one direction, and comprising at least one inlet nozzle (9) and one outlet nozzle (8) for supplying and discharging the coolant, characterized by , that at least one side part (5) designed as a hollow body is arranged between the upper collection box (2) and the lower collection box (3), wherein the inlet nozzle (9) is arranged in the side part (5), and wherein the inlet nozzle (9) is arranged directly next to the outlet nozzle (8) in the area of ​​the upper collection box (2). [2] Radiator according to claim 1, characterized by , that the inlet nozzle (9) and the outlet nozzle (8) are arranged essentially parallel to each other with respect to their flow direction. [3] Radiator according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the side part (5) has a square, in particular rectangular, cross-section. [4] Radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the side part (5) has a length of 130 mm to 1500 mm, preferably between 135 mm and 1000 mm. [5] Radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the side part (5) has a width of 10 mm to 150 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 60 mm. [6] Radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the side part (5) has a depth of 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 30 mm. [7] Radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the side part (5) has a wall thickness between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.0 mm. [8] Radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the side part (5) is provided with a solder plating on at least one long side. [9] Radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that in the side part (5) a substantially circular opening (10) forming a collar (11) is provided, wherein the inlet nozzle (9) is arranged in the opening (10). [10] Radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the side part (5) is designed as a welded, extruded or folded hollow profile.

Images