Tool mold for sealing an edge area of ​​a temperature exchanger body, method for manufacturing a temperature exchanger and temperature exchanger

Abstract

Tool form (20) for sealing an edge region (28) of a temperature exchange body (10) which has a fluid-permeable base layer (12) arranged between an upper and lower fluid-tight layer (14, 16), wherein the tool form (20) has an upper part (22) and a lower part (24) which together form a receptacle (26) for at least one edge region section of the temperature exchange body (10), wherein the receptacle (26) has at least one projection (30, 32) for partially compressing the edge region (28) at a distance from the edge (34) of the temperature exchange body (10), characterized in that a channel (38) is provided for supplying sealing material (40) to the receptacle (26).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mold for sealing an edge region of a temperature exchanger body having a fluid-permeable base layer arranged between an upper and lower fluid-tight layer. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a temperature exchanger, a temperature exchanger, and the use of a temperature exchanger.

[0002] US 2016 / 0 290 727 A1 discloses a temperature exchanger in which an upper layer is deformed by means of a stamp and is connected to a lower layer at the deformed point.

[0003] For example, from WO 2022 / 255861 A1, it is known to use heating and / or cooling modules to regulate the temperature of a photovoltaic panel. The modules comprise a three-dimensional textile core consisting of an upper layer and a lower layer, between which a volume is enclosed. Furthermore, the module has an inlet and an outlet so that liquid can flow through the volume. The upper and lower layers are bonded together by melting the upper or lower layer to achieve edge sealing of the modules.

[0004] This process is relatively complex and not particularly reliable. Alternatively, an upper and lower layer made of plastic can be joined using high-frequency or ultrasonic welding. Adhesive bonding is also conceivable. High-frequency and ultrasonic welding require no additional materials. However, these processes are relatively slow. Furthermore, there is a risk that the bond will not be complete, leading to leaks. High scrap rates occur. Adhesive bonding is not suitable for industrial mass production.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a possibility to seal the edge area of ​​a temperature exchange body simply and quickly.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention in a first aspect by a tool mold having the features of patent claim 1. The at least one projection allows the temperature exchange body to be slightly reduced in height. When sealing material is subsequently poured into the base layer in the edge region, the height reduction prevents the sealing material from penetrating further into the temperature exchange body. A dynamic pressure is created. The projection of the tool mold thus essentially creates a seal around the temperature exchange body during filling with a sealing material, without crushing the temperature exchange body or causing damage to the temperature exchange body.

[0007] In particular, the temperature exchanger body is not completely compressed by the protrusion. The distance between the upper and lower fluid-tight layers at the edge of the temperature exchanger body is at least largely maintained, thus providing a large opening area for filling with sealing material. In particular, the temperature exchanger body can be filled with sealing material from the front.

[0008] The upper and lower parts of the mold can each have at least one projection in the region of the receptacle. This results in more reliable compression, in particular a kind of constriction of the temperature exchange body in the region of the projections. The projections of the upper and lower parts, in particular at least one projection on the upper part and one projection on the lower part, can be arranged opposite one another or offset from one another.

[0009] The height of the receptacle can be between 5% and 75% in the area of ​​the projection(s), and particularly between 15% and 40% of the height of the receptacle outside the projection area. This height difference is sufficient to achieve a seal and prevent the sealing material from penetrating too far into the temperature exchanger body.

[0010] The projection can be rounded or square. The projection should be designed to prevent damage to the upper and lower fluid-tight layers.

[0011] Several projections can be arranged next to each other on at least one of the upper and lower parts. It is also conceivable to arrange several projections next to each other on both the upper and lower parts. Arranging several projections next to each other can achieve a more reliable sealing effect.

[0012] It is particularly advantageous if the projection is wider than it is high. This allows for particularly gentle compression of the temperature exchange body. The projection can, for example, have a width in the range of 0.2 mm to 2 mm. If several projections are arranged next to each other, each projection can have a width in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide a type of sealing ridge as the projection, which has a width in the range of 2 mm to 50 mm.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the projection can be designed as a slider movable relative to the upper or lower part. This slider can thereby modify a cavity in the mold.

[0014] A channel is provided for supplying sealing material to the receptacle. This is particularly advantageous when the tool mold is designed as an injection mold.

[0015] Further advantages arise when the channel is heated. This ensures that the sealing material has sufficient viscosity to reliably fill and seal the edge area of ​​the temperature exchanger body.

[0016] The tool mold can be made of aluminum, iron, or plastic. The tool mold can be manufactured using machining or additive manufacturing.

[0017] The temperature exchanger body can be pre-inserted and positioned in the mold. By closing the upper and lower sections, and thus the mold, the projections can be pressed into the temperature exchanger body. This narrows or constricts the body in certain areas, but does not completely compress and seal it. Alternatively, a slider can be inserted to achieve the appropriate compression of the temperature exchanger body at the desired location.

[0018] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the tool mold is only attached to the edge area of ​​the temperature exchange body or to a location that is to be sealed fluid-tight.

[0019] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a temperature exchanger having the features of patent claim 9.

[0020] The back pressure at the compression point causes the sealing material to back up and come to a standstill. In doing so, it begins to harden, or rather, its viscosity decreases. At least in its hardened state, the sealing material is fluid-tight, i.e. impermeable to liquids and gases. This makes it possible to easily seal the edge area of ​​the temperature exchanger without damaging the temperature exchanger. For example, a temperature exchanger with a height of around 5 mm can be reduced / compressed to around 1.8 mm to prevent mechanical damage from squeezing. The flow behavior of the sealing material can be adjusted so that it flows up to the constriction or reduction in thickness, but the back pressure is then so high that the sealing material does not penetrate any further into the temperature exchanger.

[0021] It should be noted here that the edge area of ​​the temperature exchange body does not necessarily have to be an outer edge area. It is equally conceivable that the edge area defines a recess in the temperature exchange body.

[0022] The edge area is filled using a casting process, particularly an injection molding process, or a 3D printing process. These processes allow the edge area to be filled particularly reliably, especially with a plastic.

[0023] A plastic, particularly a thermoplastic or thermoset, a silicone casting resin, a two-component casting resin, or a polyurethane foam can be used as the sealing material. Such sealing materials can be particularly well supplied via channels and stored at the compression point.

[0024] In a single-step injection molding process, sealing can be achieved directly via a form fit. In a two-step injection molding process, another component can be injected or molded onto it, for example a connection, a supply line, a cable, or a pipe. The additional component can be a metal part, a plastic part, or the like. It is particularly advantageous if the sealing material has comparable expansion and shrinkage behavior to that of the temperature exchanger. This can prevent stresses and the resulting leaks. An elastomer, particularly a thermoplastic elastomer, can be used as the plastic. Polyurethane, silicone, or casting resin can also be used as the sealing material. Such materials are particularly easy to manufacture and have very good processing properties.

[0025] According to one variant, the sealing material can be applied exclusively between the fluid-tight layers in the base layer. In particular, it can be flush with the edge of the fluid-tight layers and not enclose them. The advantage of this design is that there is no butt joint, which could lead to damage during use. Additionally, the sealing line is extended. This results in a more stable seal.

[0026] Furthermore, the sealing material can be inserted in such a way that it protrudes laterally beyond the edge of the temperature exchanger. This creates a kind of frame. This allows for a direct mounting / retaining clip or fastening through the frame.

[0027] According to a further process variant, the sealing material can be applied in such a way that it encloses the edge of the upper and / or lower fluid-tight layer. Overmolding / enclosing can further improve the seal and resistance to aging, as the sealing layer is enclosed from the outside.

[0028] As mentioned above, it may be possible to mold another component onto the temperature exchanger body or temperature exchanger. This can be done in a subsequent injection molding step. The sealing material or another material can be used.

[0029] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a temperature exchanger having a temperature exchange body which has a fluid-permeable base layer arranged between an upper and lower fluid-tight layer and is sealed in its edge region by a fluid-tight sealing material, wherein the temperature exchange body has a height reduction at a distance from its edge, and the region between the height reduction and the edge is filled with the sealing material. Such a temperature exchanger can be produced in particular according to the method according to the invention. Such a temperature exchanger has a fluid-tight edge which can have a substantially constant width, which is determined, among other things, by the location of the height reduction. Thus, similar temperature exchangers can be produced with a high degree of repeatability.The temperature exchange body can have a height in the range of 0.5 mm to 30 mm, in particular in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm or in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm. The temperature exchange body can be square, in particular rectangular. However, free shapes are also conceivable. The size and shape of the temperature exchange body and thus of the temperature exchanger can be selected to suit the area of ​​application of the temperature exchanger. For example, the temperature exchanger can have a base area of ​​10 x 10 cm, 10 x 100 cm or 100 x 150 cm. The temperature exchanger can have one or more recesses, in particular openings, the edge areas of which are also sealed with a sealing material. The temperature exchange body can be provided as a sheet or roll product. It is also conceivable to provide the temperature exchange body as a cut-to-size piece.

[0030] The temperature exchanger can be used as a heat exchanger for heating or cooling. It can also be used as an insulation material.

[0031] The sealing material can be flush with the edge of the upper or lower fluid-tight layer.

[0032] Alternatively, the sealing material can extend laterally beyond the edge of the upper and / or lower layer.

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sealing material encloses the edge of the upper and / or lower fluid-tight layer.

[0034] Another component can be molded onto the temperature exchanger.

[0035] The base material can be formed as a spacer fabric, a porous sheet material, or a fiber-containing layer. In particular, the base material can be formed as a spacer fabric, a spacer knit, a spacer woven fabric, a nonwoven, a foam, or a laminate. The upper and / or lower fluid-tight layer can be formed in multiple layers. The upper and / or lower fluid-tight layer can be made of plastic. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the upper and / or lower fluid-tight layer to be made of aluminum. The fluid-tight layers can be formed as, or comprise, a film or lamination.

[0036] The sealing material can be made of plastic or silicone casting resin. These sealing materials are particularly easy to process.

[0037] The temperature exchanger can have a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, allowing a fluid to flow through the temperature exchanger. In particular, a fluid can flow through the base layer. Furthermore, the temperature exchanger can be provided with a valve. If the temperature exchanger is used, for example, to control the temperature of a battery, in particular a vehicle battery, an extinguishing fluid can be supplied through the valve in the event of a fire. This extinguishes the burning battery cell directly.

[0038] It is also conceivable to use the temperature exchanger as an adjustable insulation panel for insulating building facades. Air can be extracted from the base layer via the valve, thus creating a vacuum. This increases the insulation value of the temperature exchanger. However, if the valve is opened and the base layer is refilled with air, the insulation value deteriorates.

[0039] The scope of the invention also includes the use of a temperature exchanger with a temperature exchange body which has a fluid-permeable base layer arranged between an upper and lower fluid-tight layer and is sealed in its edge region by a fluid-tight sealing material, in particular a temperature exchanger according to the invention, for tempering a battery or an accumulator, in particular of a vehicle.

[0040] According to a further development, the temperature exchanger can be used to extinguish a battery fire. This can be achieved, in particular, by supplying an extinguishing agent to the temperature exchanger.

[0041] Furthermore, the scope of the invention includes the use of a temperature exchanger with a temperature exchange body that has a fluid-permeable base layer arranged between an upper and lower fluid-tight layer and is sealed in its edge region by a fluid-tight sealing material, in particular a temperature exchanger according to the invention, for insulating a building facade. For example, the temperature exchanger can be vacuumed at low outside temperatures so that it has good insulation performance. When the sun shines during the day in winter, the temperature exchanger can be filled with a fluid, in particular air, so that the insulation performance decreases and heat can be collected in the building. In summer, a reverse effect can be provided.

[0042] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures of the drawing, which illustrate details essential to the invention, as well as from the claims. The features shown therein are not necessarily to scale and are presented in such a way that the special features of the invention can be clearly seen. The various features can be implemented individually or in groups in any combination in variants of the invention.

[0043] The schematic drawing shows embodiments of the invention in various stages of use and is explained in more detail in the following description.

[0044] They show: Fig. 1 a view of a temperature exchange body; Fig. 2 a first embodiment of a tool mold; Fig. 3 a second embodiment of a tool mold; Fig. 4 a further embodiment of a tool shape; Fig. 5 a temperature exchanger with sealing material projecting laterally; Fig. 6 a temperature exchanger with sealing material enclosing the edges of fluid-tight layers; Fig. 7 a temperature exchanger with sealing material enclosing an edge of a fluid-tight layer on one side; Fig. 8 a temperature exchanger with sealing material arranged exclusively in a base layer; Fig. 9 a temperature exchanger with a molded component; Fig. 10 an upper part of a tool mold; Fig. 11 a lower part of a tool mold; Fig. 12 a temperature exchanger.

[0045] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an end view of a temperature exchange body 10 having a base layer 12 that is permeable to fluid. The base layer 12 is bounded at the top and bottom by an upper fluid-tight layer 14 and a lower fluid-tight layer 16. The fluid-tight layers 14, 16 can be made of plastic or aluminum, or comprise one or both of these materials. The fluid-tight layers 14, 16 can comprise multiple layers.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the base layer 12 is formed as a spacer fabric. Pile threads 18 are indicated accordingly. Alternatively, the base layer 12 can be formed as a porous layer, for example, a foam layer. It is also conceivable to form the base layer 12 as a fiber-containing layer, for example, a nonwoven.

[0047] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of a mold 20 designed to seal an edge region 28 of a temperature exchange body 10 with a sealing material. The mold 20 has an upper part 22 and a lower part 24. The upper part 22 and the lower part 24 together form a receptacle 26 for the edge region 28 of the temperature exchange body 10, particularly when the mold 20 is closed. To better identify the receptacle 26, a distance between the temperature exchange body 10 and the upper part 22 and the lower part 24 is shown in this and the following figures. In fact, when the mold is closed, the textile exchange body 10 rests against the upper part 22 and the lower part 24.

[0048] In the area of ​​the receptacle 26, projections 30, 32 are provided, which result in the edge region 28 of the temperature exchange body 10 being reduced in height at a distance from the edge 34, particularly in the area of ​​the projections 30, 32. In the illustrated embodiment, two opposing projections 30, 32 are shown. In principle, it is conceivable to provide only one of the projections 30, 32. By reducing the height of the temperature exchange body 10, a constriction 36 is realized (also called compression), which prevents sealing material, which is supplied via a channel 38, from penetrating further into the temperature exchange body 10. Sealing material is thus introduced exclusively into the edge region 28.

[0049] The Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment. The difference is that the projections 30, 32 are wider. In particular, the width B is significantly greater than the height H of the projections 30, 32. This creates a kind of web-like projection 30, 32.

[0050] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 4, the upper part 22 and the lower part 24 each have two projections 30 and 32, respectively. This allows for an even more reliable sealing effect. The projections 30, 32 are arranged opposite one another. More than two projections 30, 32, in particular three or four projections 30, 32, can also be provided on the upper part 22 and / or the lower part 24.

[0051] In the Fig. 5, based on the finished temperature exchanger 60, shows that the sealing material 40, in particular a liquid one, has penetrated into the edge region 28 and is flush with the edges 42, 44 of the layers 14, 16. Furthermore, it can be seen that the sealing material 40 protrudes laterally by the distance d beyond the edges 42, 44 and thus the edge 34 of the heat exchanger body 10.

[0052] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 6 it can be seen that the sealing material 40 encloses the edges 42, 44.

[0053] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 7 shows that the sealing material 40 is flush with the edge 42 of the layer 14 and encloses the edge 44 of the layer 16. Furthermore, the sealing material 40 protrudes laterally beyond the edges 42, 44.

[0054] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 8, the sealing material 40 is arranged exclusively between the layers 14, 16.

[0055] In the Fig. 9 it is indicated that a further component 50 is injection-molded onto the temperature exchanger 60, in particular the sealing material 40.

[0056] The Fig. Figure 10 shows a top view of the upper part 22. Here, it can be seen that the projection 30 delimits the receptacle 26. Sealing material can be introduced via the feed opening 62.

[0057] The Fig. Figure 11 shows the lower part 24 of the mold 20. Here, the projection 32 can be seen, which defines the lower part of the receptacle 26. Heatable feed channels 38 can also be seen here, through which sealing material can be supplied to fill the edge area 26. By heating the feed channels, the viscosity of the sealing material can be adjusted.

[0058] The Fig.Figure 12 shows a temperature exchanger 60 manufactured using the mold 20, wherein the sealing material 40, after curing, completely encloses the edges 42, 44 of the layers 14, 16. The temperature exchanger body 10 is thus completely enclosed by the sealing material 40.

Claims

[1] Tool mold (20) for sealing an edge region (28) of a temperature exchange body (10) having a fluid-permeable base layer (12) arranged between an upper and lower fluid-tight layer (14, 16), wherein the tool mold (20) has an upper part (22) and a lower part (24) which together form a receptacle (26) for at least one edge region section of the temperature exchange body (10), wherein the receptacle (26) has at least one projection (30, 32) for partially compressing the edge region (28) at a distance from the edge (34) of the temperature exchange body (10), characterized by that a channel (38) is provided for supplying sealing material (40) to the receptacle (26). [2] Tool mold according to claim 1, characterized by that the upper part (22) and the lower part (24) each have at least one projection (30, 32) in the region of the receptacle (26). [3] Tool mold according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the height of the receptacle (26) in the region of the projection (30, 32) or projections is between 5% and 75%, in particular between 15% and 40%, of the height of the receptacle (26) outside the projection region. [4] Tool mold according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the projection (30, 32) is rounded or square. [5] Tool mold according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that several projections (30, 32) are arranged next to one another on at least one of the upper part (22) and the lower part (24). [6] Tool mold according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the projection (30, 32) is wider than it is high. [7] Tool mold according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the projection (30, 32) is designed as a slider movable relative to the upper part or lower part. [8] Tool mold according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the channel (38) is heated. [9] Method for producing a temperature exchanger (60) comprising the following process steps: a. Providing a temperature exchange body (10) having a fluid-permeable base layer (12) arranged between an upper and lower fluid-tight layer (14, 16), b. compressing an edge region (28) of the temperature exchange body (10) at a distance from the edge (34) of the temperature exchange body (10), c. filling the base layer (12) in the edge region (28) of the temperature exchange body (10) with a fluid-tight sealing material (40), characterized by , that d. the filling is carried out using a casting process, in particular an injection moulding process, or a 3D printing process. [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized bythat a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic, a silicone casting resin, a two-component casting resin or a polyurethane foam is used as the sealing material (40). [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims 9 or 10, characterized by that the sealing material (40) is introduced into the base layer (12) exclusively between the fluid-tight layers (14, 16). [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, characterized by that the sealing material (40) is introduced in such a way that it projects laterally beyond the edge (34) of the temperature exchange body (10). [13] Method according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 12, characterized by that the sealing material (40) is introduced so that it encloses the edge (42, 44) of the upper and / or lower fluid-tight layer (12, 14). [14] Method according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 13, characterized bythat a further component (50) is injection-molded onto the temperature exchange body (10). [15] Temperature exchanger (60) with a temperature exchange body (10) which has a fluid-permeable base layer (12) arranged between an upper and lower fluid-tight layer (14, 16) and is sealed in its edge region (28) by a fluid-tight sealing material (40), wherein the temperature exchange body (10) has a height reduction at a distance from its edge (34), characterized by that the area between the height reduction and the edge (34) is filled with the sealing material (40). [16] Temperature exchanger according to claim 15, characterized by that the sealing material (40) is flush with the edge (42, 44) of the upper and / or lower fluid-tight layer (12, 14). [17] Temperature exchanger according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by that the sealing material (40) projects laterally beyond the edge (42, 44) of the upper and / or lower layer (12, 14). [18] Temperature exchanger according to one of the preceding claims 15 to 17, characterized by that the sealing material (40) encloses the edge (42, 44) of the upper and / or lower fluid-tight layer (12, 14). [19] Temperature exchanger according to one of the preceding claims 15 to 18, characterized by that a further component (50) is injection-molded onto the temperature exchanger (60). [20] Temperature exchanger according to one of the preceding claims 15 to 19, characterized by that the base material (12) is designed as a spacer fabric, porous sheet material or as a layer containing fibers. [21] Temperature exchanger according to one of the preceding claims 15 to 20, characterized by that the sealing material (40) is made of plastic or silicone casting resin. [22] Temperature exchanger according to one of the preceding claims 15 to 21, characterized by that the temperature exchanger (60) has a valve. [23] Use of a temperature exchanger (60) according to one of claims 15 to 22, for tempering a battery or an accumulator. [24] Use according to claim 23, characterized by that the temperature exchanger (60) is used to extinguish a battery fire by supplying an extinguishing agent to the temperature exchanger (60). [25] Use of a temperature exchanger (60) according to one of claims 15 to 22 for insulating a building facade.

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