heat exchanger

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) comprising a core (2) having a plurality of tubes (4) through which a first fluid can flow and around which a second fluid can flow, and a container (3) having a container body (7) with at least one chamber (8) through which the first fluid can flow, and a container base (9) which projects outwardly from the container body (7) on a container side facing the core (2) and which at least partially surrounds a container opening (10) open to the respective chamber (8). The core (2) has a closure plate (11) which is attached to the container (3) to close the container opening (10). The closure plate (11) has a plate base (13) on which the container (3) is supported and through which end sections (12) of the tubes (4) opening into the chamber (8) pass, and a plurality of holding elements (15) which are supported on the container base (9) on an upper side (16) of the base facing away from the core (2). The fatigue strength of the heat exchanger (1) can be improved by forming a stop (17) on the top side (16) of the container base (9) for at least one of the holding elements (15), which stop protrudes from the top side (16) of the base on a side of the respective holding element (15) facing away from the container body (7).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger for media-separated heat transfer between a first fluid flowing through the heat exchanger inside and a second fluid flowing through the heat exchanger outside according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a heat exchanger is known, for example, from KR 10 2013 0008763 A and comprises a core which has a plurality of tubes through which the first fluid can flow and around which the second fluid can flow, and at least one container which has a container body with at least one chamber through which the first fluid can flow and a container base which, on a container side facing the core, projects outwards from the container body, i.e. away from the container body, and which at least partially runs around a container opening open to the respective chamber. The core has at least one closure plate which is attached to the container to close the container opening and which is penetrated by end sections of the tubes which open into the respective chamber. The closure plate has a plate base on which the container is supported and which is penetrated by the end sections of the tubes.Furthermore, the closure plate has a plurality of retaining elements that rest on the container base on an upper side of the base facing away from the core, so that the container base is arranged between the plate base and the retaining elements. This creates a mechanical, positive connection between the container and the closure plate, and thus between the container and the core, that is relatively easy to adjust in series production. In the known heat exchanger, the container base is formed by a plurality of base sections that are distributed along the container body at a distance from one another along the container opening.

[0003] It has been shown that the connection between the closure plate and the vessel can become leaky due to changing loads during heat exchanger operation, resulting in leaks. This is explained by creep effects that can occur under changing loads and cause the respective retaining element to move relative to the vessel. Such creep movements increase particularly with decreasing wall thicknesses and / or softer materials.

[0004] Other heat exchangers in which the closure plate is supported on the vessel base via holding elements are known, for example, from EP 0 779 490 A1, from DE 11 2019 005 438 T5, from KR 10 2015 0078723 A, from DE 10 2018 109 233 A1 and from DE 10 2008 028 263 A1.

[0005] Other heat exchangers are known from DE 10 2019 210 477 A1 and EP 1 846 718 B2, in which the closure plate has a collar in which a plurality of locking openings are formed, into which locking lugs engage, which are formed on the container body.

[0006] From US 2 073 778 A it is known to glue the closure plate to the container body.

[0007] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least a different embodiment for a generic heat exchanger, which is characterized in particular by increased fatigue strength of the connection between the core and the respective container. This should apply in particular when reduced wall thicknesses and / or softer materials are used.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention is based on the general idea of securing the retaining elements to the container with a positive fit. This positive fit prevents the retaining elements from detaching from the container base due to creep, thus ensuring a permanently secure connection between the core or closure plate and the container. By securing the retaining elements to the container base with a positive fit, a permanently strong connection can be achieved even when thinner walls and / or softer materials are used, for example, to make the heat exchanger lighter and / or more cost-effective to manufacture. The heat exchanger according to the invention can be used in a coolant circuit of a motor vehicle.

[0010] In detail, the invention proposes that a stop is formed on the top side of the container base for at least one of the holding elements, which stop protrudes from the top side of the base on a side of the respective holding element facing away from the container body, such that the respective holding element is arranged between the container body and the stop. The stop creates a positive locking of the respective holding element on the container base, which prevents the respective holding element from becoming detached from the container base during creeping processes. If there were no stop, the respective holding element would move outwards along the container base due to creeping processes until it is released. The stop prevents the holding element from moving in this way, so that it remains on the container base.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the retaining elements and the container base or the respective stop can be coordinated with one another in such a way that the respective retaining element rests against the respective stop. This prevents any outward creeping movement of the respective retaining element.

[0012] It can be expedient to provide such a stop for several retaining elements or for all retaining elements. A separate stop is then assigned to each retaining element. In this way, several or all retaining elements can be positively secured to the container base via the respective stop.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the retaining elements can be configured to press the container base against the plate base. In other words, the retaining elements are configured to press the container base against the plate base with a preload. This allows for increased tightness of the connection between the closure plate and the container.

[0014] In the present context, a ‘configuration’ is synonymous with a ‘design’ and / or ‘arrangement’, so that the phrase ‘configured so that’ is synonymous with the phrase ‘designed and / or arranged so that’.

[0015] A seal can be arranged between the container and the closure plate. The seal can be positioned, in particular, between the container base and the plate base. If the retaining elements press the container base against the plate base, this can simultaneously increase the appeal of the seal and thus improve the sealing effect.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the closure plate and the retaining elements formed thereon can be made of metal, preferably of light metal. Metallic materials are characterized by a comparatively high thermal conductivity coefficient. In contrast, the container can be made of plastic. The use of a plastic container enables a particularly lightweight and cost-effective design for the heat exchanger. This makes the heat exchanger presented here particularly suitable for use in a battery-electric vehicle.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment, the respective stop on the container base can be integrally formed. Particularly when the container is manufactured from plastic, the respective stop on the container base can be particularly easily incorporated into a mold for injection molding the container. In particular, this allows the respective stop to be implemented on the container base without additional costs.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the respective stop can be shaped complementarily to the respective holding element on its side facing the respective holding element. This design creates a flat contact between the stop and the holding element, making the positive locking particularly effective. For example, the respective holding element can have a flat contour on its side facing the respective stop. The stop then expediently also has a flat contour on its side facing the respective holding element.

[0019] It can be expediently provided that the respective retaining element is supported flatly on the container base, in particular to avoid a notch effect, which is advantageous when using plastic for the container. In particular, it can be provided that, at least in the region of the respective stop, the respective retaining element is continuously supported flatly on the container base on its underside facing the container base, from a front edge facing the respective stop to an inner edge facing the container body.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment, the closure plate can have a collar that projects from the plate base and runs at least partially along the plate base, and a retaining strap that runs at least partially along the plate base and is connected to the collar via a plurality of webs. Such a design is particularly easy to implement for series production. A configuration in which one of the retaining elements is formed on the retaining strap between each two adjacent webs is particularly expedient. In this case, the respective retaining element projects inwards from the retaining strap with respect to the webs, i.e. towards the container body, and can therefore engage inwards over the container base. The design of the retaining elements on the retaining strap is particularly easy to implement for series production.For example, sections between two adjacent webs are only plastically formed after the container has been attached in order to form the holding elements.

[0021] In a further development, it can be provided that several outwardly projecting projections are formed on the container body. It can then be expediently provided that the retaining strap is supported on these projections in the region of the webs. In particular, a separate projection can be provided for each web, or a separate web can be provided for each projection. The projections on the container body form abutments for the retaining strap and thus simplify the deformation of the retaining strap between adjacent webs to form the retaining elements.

[0022] According to another refinement, the respective stop can be formed between two adjacent projections on the container base. As an option, it can be particularly expedient to provide the respective stop at a distance from the adjacent projections. This allows the projections and the stops to be formed separately from one another on the container.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the projections can be provided directly adjacent to the container base and thus flush with the outside. This can, in particular, ensure that it is not necessary to reshape the retaining strap in the area of the webs to support the webs and / or the retaining strap in the area of the webs. This simplifies production.

[0024] In another embodiment, it can be provided that the holding elements are formed by arcuate sections of the holding band that are curved towards the container body. Such arcuate sections can be realized particularly easily by plastically deforming the holding band between adjacent webs. In particular, the curvature can be realized with respect to an axis that runs parallel to an assembly direction in which the container is attached to the closure plate. As a result of the deformation, an underside of the respective holding element facing the container base remains largely flat, whereby a flat support between the holding element and the container base can be realized. In particular, this makes it possible to avoid linear support along an edge on the underside of the holding element. Flat support is particularly advantageous when the container is made of plastic.

[0025] In another embodiment, the respective retaining element can be concavely curved on its side facing the respective stop, while the respective stop can be convexly curved on its side facing the respective retaining element. In particular, the convex curvature of the stop can be selected to match the concave curvature of the retaining element, resulting in a flat support between the retaining element and the stop. This flat support improves the positive locking.

[0026] In another embodiment, the closure plate, including the plate base, collar, webs, retaining strap, and retaining elements, can be configured as a sheet metal part produced from a single sheet metal body by forming. This allows the closure plate to be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively.

[0027] In a first use according to the invention, the heat exchanger according to the invention can be used in a coolant circuit for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can have an internal combustion engine. In motor vehicles, the internal combustion engine should always be kept at a constant temperature level in order to achieve the longest possible service life and maintain full performance. The coolant circuit according to the invention has a heat source (for example an internal combustion engine), at least one heat exchanger according to the invention, a pump, a coolant, a thermostat, and at least one fan. A coolant that is a mixture of water and glycol can flow through the coolant circuit according to the invention.The pump can move the coolant through the coolant circuit according to the invention, and when a desired operating temperature of the internal combustion engine is reached, the thermostat opens the connection to the heat exchanger according to the invention. The coolant can be the first fluid that flows through the heat exchanger according to the invention. Air flows around the heat exchanger according to the invention as the second fluid, and the air is moved by the fan. In this way, heat can be dissipated to the environment. The coolant circuit according to the invention can have a further heat exchanger according to the invention, via which heat can be dissipated to the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0028] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

[0029] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Components mentioned above and to be mentioned below of a higher-level unit, such as a device, an apparatus, or an arrangement, which are designated separately, may form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is shown differently in the drawings.

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0031] They show, schematically, Fig. 1 an isometric view of a heat exchanger in the area of a holding element, Fig. 2 a sectional view of the heat exchanger in the area of the holding element.

[0032] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a heat exchanger 1, only partially shown here, comprises a core 2 and at least one container 3. The core 2 has a plurality of tubes 4 that run parallel to one another and are arranged such that there are distances or gaps 5 between adjacent tubes 4. A first fluid can flow through the tubes 4. A second fluid can flow through the gaps 5. The second fluid then flows around the tubes 4. Fins 6 can be arranged in the gaps 5. The container 3 has a container body 7 in which a chamber 8 is formed, which is fluidically connected to the tubes 4.Depending on the configuration, the chamber 8 can be a distribution chamber which distributes the fluid from a supply connection (not shown) to the tubes 4, or a collection chamber which collects the first fluid coming from the tubes 4 and supplies it to a discharge connection (not shown), or a deflection chamber which deflects the first fluid coming from a first group of tubes 4 to a second group of tubes 4.

[0033] The container 3 also has a container foot 9, which projects outwards from the container body 7 on a container side facing the core 2. The container foot 9 runs at least partially around a Fig. 2 recognizable container opening 10, which is open to chamber 8.

[0034] The heat exchanger 1 is used for media-separated heat transfer between the first fluid, which flows through the heat exchanger 1 inside, i.e. from the inside, and the second fluid, which flows through the heat exchanger outside, i.e. from the outside.

[0035] The core 2 has, at least on its side facing the container 3, a closure plate 11 which is attached to the container 3 in such a way that the closure plate 11 closes the container opening 10. The closure plate 11 is penetrated by end sections 12 of the tubes 4, which open into the chamber 8. In Fig. 2 shows, purely by way of example, such an end section 12, which penetrates the closure plate 11. It is clear that the tubes 4 are sealed in a corresponding manner with respect to the closure plate 11. Typically, the tubes 4 are soldered to the closure plate 11.

[0036] The closure plate 11 has a plate base 13, against which the container 3 rests via its container base 9. This plate base 13 is penetrated by the tubes 4 or their end sections 12. In principle, a seal (not shown here) can be provided between the container 3 and the closure plate 11.

[0037] The closure plate 11 may also have a plurality of holding elements 15, of which Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, only one of each is shown in full. The respective holding element 13 is supported on the container base 9 at a base top 16 facing away from the core 2. The container base 9 is thus arranged between the plate base 13 and the respective holding element 15.

[0038] On the container base 9, a stop 17 is formed on the upper side 16 of the base for at least one of the holding elements 15. The respective stop 17 protrudes from the upper side 16 of the base on a side of the respective holding element 15 facing away from the container body 7. The respective holding element 15 is thus arranged between the container body 7 and the stop 17. As a result, the respective holding element 15 is positively secured against creeping movements relative to the container base 9 by means of the stop 17. Thus, the holding element 15 cannot detach from the container base 9 during normal operation of the heat exchanger 1. A direction of the relative movement of the respective holding element 15 relative to the container base 9, which movement is prevented or at least hindered by means of the respective stop 17, is shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is indicated by an arrow 14.

[0039] In the example shown here, the respective retaining element 15 rests directly against the associated stop 17. This prevents an outward creeping movement of the retaining element 15 relative to the container base 9. Preferably, one such stop 17 is formed on the container base 9 for several, in particular for all, retaining elements 15.

[0040] The holding elements 15 can be configured such that they press the container base 9 against the plate base 13. This promotes a secure and tight connection between the container 3 and the closure plate 11. In particular, the closure plate 11 with the holding elements 15 is made of metal, preferably of a light metal, in particular of an aluminum alloy. The tubes 4 and the fins 6 are also expediently made of metal or light metal or aluminum alloy. In particular, the metallic components of the heat exchanger 1 can be soldered to one another. For a particularly lightweight and cost-effective heat exchanger 1, the container 3 can be made of plastic. The respective stop 17 can be integrally formed on the container base 9. In particular, the container 3 with the container base 9 and the stops 17 can be manufactured in one piece as an injection-molded part.

[0041] For particularly secure support and positive locking of the respective holding element 15 on the respective stop 17, it can be provided that the respective stop 17 is shaped complementarily to the respective holding element 15 on its side facing the respective holding element 15. Fig. 1 shows that the stop 17 is curved outward on its side facing the holding element 15, while the holding element 15 is complementarily curved inward on its side facing the stop 17. This results in a flat contact between the holding element 15 and the stop 17.

[0042] In the example shown here, the closure plate 11 can have a collar 18 and a retaining band 19, which is connected to the collar 18 via several webs 20. The collar 18 protrudes from the plate base 13 on a side facing away from the core 2 and runs at least partially along the plate base 13. The retaining band 19 also runs at least partially along the plate base 9. In Fig. 1, two adjacent webs 20 are visible. Furthermore, Fig. 1 that the retaining element 15 is formed between the two adjacent webs 20 on the retaining band 19. The respective retaining element 15 protrudes inward from the retaining band 19 with respect to the webs 20, i.e., in the direction of the container body 7, whereby it overlaps the container base 9.

[0043] Several outwardly projecting projections 21 can be formed on the container body 7. In Fig. 1 shows two such projections 21 by way of example. The retaining strap 19 is supported on these projections 21 in the region of the webs 20. The retaining element 15 is thus located between the two adjacent projections 21. Likewise, the stop 17 is located between the two adjacent projections 21 and is also spaced apart from both projections 21. The projections 21 can directly adjoin the container base 9 or begin directly at the container base 9. Furthermore, the projections 21 can be flush with the container base 9 towards the outside. As a result, the contact contour provided by the projections 21 is extended by the container base 9 in the direction of the core 2. This results in particularly extensive and stable support for the retaining strap 19 in the region of the webs 20.

[0044] In the example shown here, the holding elements 15 are each formed by arcuate sections of the holding band 19. The holding elements 15 are curved towards the container body 7. The curvature is selected in particular such that the respective holding element 15 extends flat on its underside 22 facing the container base 9 in order to achieve the largest possible contact area between the holding element 15 and the container base 9. In this case, according to Fig. 2, it can be provided in particular that the holding element 15 is supported in the region of the stop 17 on its underside 22 from an outer edge 23 facing the stop 17 to an inner edge 24 facing the container body 7, continuously in a flat manner on the container base 9.

[0045] In the example of Fig.1, the respective holding element 15 is concavely curved on its side facing the respective stop 17. Complementarily, the stop 17 is convexly curved on its side facing the respective holding element 15, such that a flat support is provided between the holding element 15 and the stop 17. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10 2013 0008763 A

[0002] EP 0 779 490 A1

[0004] DE 11 2019 005 438 T5

[0004] KR 10 2015 0078723 A

[0004] DE 10 2018 109 233 A1

[0004] DE 10 2008 028 263 A1

[0004] DE 10 2019 210 477 A1

[0005] EP 1 846 718 B2

[0005] US 2 073 778 A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Heat exchanger (1), preferably for a motor vehicle, for media-separated heat transfer between a first fluid flowing through the heat exchanger (1) inside and a second fluid flowing through the heat exchanger (1) outside, - with a core (2) which has a plurality of tubes (4) through which the first fluid can flow and around which the second fluid can flow, - with at least one container (3) which has a container body (7) with at least one chamber (8) through which the first fluid can flow and a container foot (9) which projects outwards from the container body (7) on a container side facing the core (2) and which at least partially surrounds a container opening (10) open to the respective chamber (8), - wherein the core (2) has at least one closure plate (11) which is attached to the container (3) for closing the container opening (10), - wherein the closure plate (11) has a plate base (13) on which the container (3) is supported and which is penetrated by end sections (12) of the tubes (4) opening into the chamber (8), - wherein the closure plate (11) has a plurality of holding elements (15) which are supported on the container base (9) on a top side (16) facing away from the core (2), so that the container base (9) is arranged between the plate base (13) and the holding elements (15), characterized by , - that a stop (17) is formed on the upper side (16) of the base of the container base (9) for at least one of the holding elements (15), which stop protrudes from the upper side (16) of the base on a side of the respective holding element (15) facing away from the container body (7), so that the respective holding element (15) is arranged between the container body (7) and the stop (17). [2] Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the respective holding element (15) rests against the respective stop (17). [3] Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , - that one such stop (17) is provided for several holding elements (15) or for all holding elements (15). [4] Heat exchanger (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the holding elements (15) press the container base (9) against the plate base (13). [5] Heat exchanger (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the closure plate (11) and the retaining elements (15) formed thereon are made of metal, - that the container (3) is made of plastic. [6] Heat exchanger (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the respective stop (17) is integrally formed on the container base (9). [7] Heat exchanger (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the respective stop (17) is shaped complementarily to the respective holding element (15) on its side facing the respective holding element (15). [8] Heat exchanger (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the respective holding element (15) rests flat against the container base (9). [9] Heat exchanger (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the closure plate (11) has a collar (18) projecting from the plate base (13) and extending at least partially along the plate base (13) and a retaining band (19) extending at least partially along the plate base (13) and connected to the collar (18) via a plurality of webs (20), - that between two adjacent webs (20) one of the holding elements (15) is formed on the holding band (19), - that the respective holding element (15) projects inwards from the holding band (19) with respect to the webs (20) and thereby engages over the container base (9). [10] Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , - that a plurality of outwardly projecting projections (21) are formed on the container body (7), - that the retaining strap (19) is supported on the projections (21) in the area of the webs (20). [11] Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 10, characterized by , - that the respective stop (17) is formed between two adjacent projections (21) on the container base (9) and is spaced from the adjacent projections (21). [12] Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , - that the projections (21) are directly connected to the container base (9) and thus flush with the outside. [13] Heat exchanger (1) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by , - that the holding elements (15) are formed by arcuate sections of the holding band (19) which are curved towards the container body (7). [14] Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 13, characterized by , - that the respective holding element (15) is concavely curved on its side facing the respective stop (17), - that the respective stop (17) is convexly curved on its side facing the respective holding element (15). [15] Coolant circuit for a motor vehicle comprising at least one heat exchanger (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 14.

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