HEAT EXCHANGER FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a heat exchanger for an internal combustion engine, according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Further aspects of the invention relate to a fluid channel device for such a heat exchanger and a method for producing such a fluid channel device.

[0002] Such heat exchangers, also called heat exchangers, are used to transfer heat between fluids. For example, the use of oil-to-coolant heat exchangers is common for cooling the engine oil of an internal combustion engine. During a cold start of the internal combustion engine, these oil-to-coolant heat exchangers can also be used to heat the engine oil, thereby accelerating the warm-up process of the internal combustion engine. Heat exchangers for internal combustion engines can also directly contribute to low-emission operation of the internal combustion engine.One example of this is cooled exhaust gas recirculation, also abbreviated as EGR, in which a portion of the exhaust gas emitted during operation of the internal combustion engine is taken from the engine's exhaust tract, cooled by a heat exchanger designed as an EGR cooler, and then fed into the engine's intake tract. This cooled portion of the exhaust gas then enters the respective combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine and serves as a so-called ballast gas during the combustion of an air-fuel mixture, which can significantly reduce raw NOx emissions.

[0003] DE 10 2016 210 261 A1 discloses a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, wherein the heat exchanger allows flow of the first fluid from a first end face to a second end face. The heat exchanger has at least two separating plates that separate separate flow areas for the first fluid and the second fluid within the heat exchanger. At least two adjacent separating plates each have a connecting area on at least one of the end faces of the heat exchanger, in which they are connected to one another via a connection. The connection has at least one recess on the end face.

[0004] EP 3 726 176 A1 discloses a heat exchanger according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a flexibly usable heat exchanger which has a permanently high efficiency, a fluid channel device for such a heat exchanger, and a method of the type mentioned above.

[0006] This object is achieved by a heat exchanger having the features of patent claim 1, by a fluid channel device having the features of patent claim 10, and by a method having the features of patent claim 11. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a heat exchanger for an internal combustion engine, for transferring heat between at least two fluids, with at least one housing which has at least one housing wall and a housing interior which is at least partially delimited by the housing wall and which has a fluid inlet region for introducing a first fluid of the at least two fluids into the housing interior and a fluid outlet region for discharging the first fluid from the housing interior, and with at least one fluid channel device which is arranged in an interior partial region of the housing interior and which has a fluid channel device wall which is designed to delimit the first fluid from a second fluid and which at least partially delimits a plurality of fluid channels of the fluid channel device for guiding the first fluid between the fluid inlet region and the fluid outlet region, wherein at least one of the fluid channels has a wave-shaped course at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel device.

[0008] The fluid inlet region, like the fluid outlet region, can be assigned to both the heat exchanger and the fluid channel device. The fluid channel device wall can prevent unwanted mixing of the first fluid with the second fluid. In other words, the fluid channel device wall can be designed to keep the first fluid separate from the second fluid, particularly within the housing interior.

[0009] The first fluid can preferably be exhaust gas. The second fluid can preferably be cooling water. The second fluid can be conducted separately from the first fluid between the fluid channel device wall and the housing wall. The cooling water can preferably be a mixture of antifreeze and water, for example a water-glycol mixture. The second fluid can therefore be conducted in a partial region of the housing interior that is different from the interior partial region. Heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid can take place via the fluid channel device wall, on the one hand in the form of heat conduction, for example through the fluid channel device wall, and on the other hand by forced convection on the fluid channel device wall surfaces facing the respective fluids and opposite one another.

[0010] The heat exchanger can generally be particularly preferably designed as an exhaust gas heat exchanger, in particular as an EGR cooler, i.e., as an exhaust gas cooler that can be used for cooled exhaust gas recirculation. Due to the at least partially undulating course of the at least one fluid channel, preferably all of the fluid channels of the plurality of fluid channels, a flow through the fluid channels with exhaust gas as the first fluid is possible, while the exhaust gas is cooled by the second fluid, wherein the undulating course reduces the tendency of the fluid channels to soot.In other words, the wave-shaped profile, which preferably extends, for example, over more than 90% of the fluid channel length, particularly preferably over the entire fluid channel length, causes particularly small proportions of particles and / or hydrocarbons contained in the exhaust gas to permanently deposit in the fluid channels, forming an undesirable insulating layer, and thereby significantly impairing the efficiency of the heat exchanger over time. Although deposits of particles, in particular soot particles, and / or condensation of hydrocarbons in the fluid channels cannot be completely prevented, it has been shown that contamination of the fluid channels can be permanently kept at a low level due to the wave-shaped contour, for example, compared to tube bundle coolers with circular tube cross-sections of the exhaust gas-carrying tubes.

[0011] According to the invention, the fluid channel device comprises at least one support element which is arranged between a first fluid channel wall, which at least partially has the undulating profile and delimits a first outer fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels, and the fluid channel device wall, and has a first support element region which is supported against the first fluid channel wall and which is shaped at least partially complementary to the undulating profile, wherein the at least one support element is provided for sealing the first outer fluid channel against the passage of the first fluid. The term "complementary" in the context of the invention is to be understood as a uniform, preferably identical, configuration. The first support element region, like the first fluid channel wall, can therefore be undulating at least partially.As a result, the first support element region and the first fluid channel wall can abut one another at least partially along a contact region that is at least partially undulating. The first support element region and the first fluid channel wall can abut one another via the undulating contact region, forming a partially undulating positive connection. This minimizes unwanted fluid flow of the first fluid through the undulating contact region, i.e., between the first fluid channel wall and the first support element region, and ensures simple positional securing of the support element in the longitudinal direction, since the undulating course can prevent unwanted slipping of the at least one support element in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The respective fluid channels of the plurality of fluid channels can preferably be arranged one above the other, in particular in the vertical direction of the fluid channel device and thus also of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, several fluid channel devices for heat transfer can be arranged next to one another, in particular in the transverse direction of the fluid channel device and thus also of the heat exchanger. This advantageously enables a simple design of the heat exchanger.

[0013] The term "outer fluid channel" refers to one of the fluid channels of the fluid channel device that is not arranged between two other fluid channels of the plurality of fluid channels of the fluid channel device, but rather borders only one fluid channel of this fluid channel device. The plurality of fluid channels of the fluid channel device can, for example, comprise ten fluid channels, namely two outer fluid channels and eight inner fluid channels arranged between the outer fluid channels. Accordingly, the term "inner fluid channels" refers to those fluid channels arranged between the outer fluid channels.

[0014] The invention is based on the finding that external fluid channels, such as the first outer fluid channel, can have a greater tendency to become dirty than inner fluid channels. This can be attributed, on the one hand, to an uneven flow distribution in the region of the outer fluid channels and, on the other hand, to the shape of the outer fluid channels. While the inner fluid channels can be delimited, for example in the vertical direction of the fluid channel device (or of the heat exchanger), on opposite fluid channel sides by fluid channel walls which have the wave-shaped contour at least in regions, so that the first fluid can be guided through the inner fluid channels on both sides along the wave contour, outer fluid channels can have a different flow cross-section, which can, for example, be less favorable than the inner fluid channels with regard to a tendency to become dirty.For example, outer fluid channels can be guided along the waveform on only one side by means of the (first) fluid channel wall, whereas further channel walls of the first outer fluid channel can be formed by the waveform-free fluid channel device wall. In other words, the inner fluid channels can be delimited at least on opposite channel sides by two fluid channel walls, each of which can be wave-shaped at least in some regions, whereas the outer fluid channel or the outer fluid channels can be delimited only on one side by a (single) fluid channel wall and otherwise by the waveform-free, i.e., not provided with the wave-shaped contour, fluid channel device wall.

[0015] The invention addresses this issue because the outer fluid channel is effectively sealed by the support element, and the support element is also secured in position in the longitudinal direction due to the shape of the first support element region. This allows the heat exchanger, which has the at least one fluid channel device, to be used flexibly, because the heat exchanger can be used not only for cooling particle-free fluids, but above all also as an EGR cooler, i.e., for cooling particle-containing and hydrocarbon-containing exhaust gas as the first fluid, while permanently maintaining a high level of efficiency (heat exchanger efficiency). The use of the support element at least largely prevents the (particle-containing) first fluid from flowing through the contamination-prone outer fluid channel, thus effectively counteracting excessive contamination (sooting) of the heat exchanger.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the wave-shaped profile has at least two different curvatures, each with a different direction of curvature. The wave-shaped profile can thus preferably be curved to the left in some areas and curved to the right in some areas. This ensures particularly reliable positional securing of the support element against undesired slipping (offset) in the longitudinal direction. Additionally or alternatively, the wave-shaped profile can preferably have at least one extreme point. The term "extreme point" is to be understood in the mathematical sense that the first derivative of a mathematical function describing the wave-shaped profile has the value 0. In other words, the extreme point can be designed as a high point or a low point in the sense of a curve discussion.If the wave-shaped course has at least one extreme point, a particularly advantageous positional securing and sealing can be achieved by effective positive locking, since in this way the first outer fluid channel can be encompassed in a form-fitting manner at least in some areas.

[0017] In an advantageous development of the invention, the at least one support element has at least one second support element region connected to the first support element region, which second support element region is at least substantially in contact with the fluid channel device wall, sealing the first outer fluid channel against the passage of the first fluid through the first outer fluid channel. This is advantageous because the second support element region thus contributes, on the one hand, to securing the position of the support element and, on the other hand, to effectively sealing the first outer fluid channel. The second support element region thus advantageously assumes a dual function. The first support element region and the second support element region can preferably be formed in one piece. In particular, the at least one support element can be formed as a sheet metal component, whereby the support element is, on the one hand, inexpensive to manufacture and, on the other hand, particularly temperature-resistant.This makes the support element particularly suitable for use of the heat exchanger as an exhaust gas cooler, especially an EGR cooler.

[0018] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one second support element region is designed in a tab-shaped manner. This is advantageous because a tab-shaped second support element region enables a particularly simple and thus inexpensive seal to be produced. The term "tab-shaped" is to be understood as meaning that the second support element region is flat and plate-shaped. The support element and thus also the second support element region can be formed, for example, from sheet metal, wherein the second support element region has a support element region surface that at least substantially closes and thereby seals a flow cross-section of the first outer fluid channel.The term "essentially sealing" is to be understood as meaning that, due to manufacturing reasons, there may not be a complete seal between the second support element region and the first outer fluid channel, but rather a (light) gap may be present between the second support element region and the first outer fluid channel, through which the first fluid can pass in small quantities during the intended use of the heat exchanger.

[0019] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one first support element region and the at least one second support element region enclose an angle with one another that is different from a right angle. This is advantageous because the angle that is different from the right angle enables elastic deformation of a connecting region between the first support element region and the second support element region in a simple manner, so that in particular a resilient and thus reversible deformation of the support element can be enabled. Preferably, the second support element region can be inclined counter to a flow direction of the first fluid that exists during the intended use of the heat exchanger, whereby a fluid pressure of the first fluid can reinforce a sealing effect of the second support element region in that the second support element region can be pressed against the fluid channel device wall by the fluid pressure.

[0020] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one support element comprises an additional support element region connected to the first support element region, wherein the additional support element region and the second support element region are configured at least substantially uniformly. The additional support element region and the second support element region can thus each be designed, for example, in the shape of a tab. Additionally or alternatively, the second support element region and the additional support element region can be arranged at least substantially parallel to one another. In the context of the present invention, the term "substantially parallel" is to be understood as meaning that the second support element region and the additional support element region are either arranged (exactly) parallel to one another and thus enclose an intermediate angle of 0° between one another, or enclose an intermediate angle of up to 20° between one another.The second support element region and / or the additional support element region can preferably be designed as a bulkhead plate.

[0021] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one first support element region has a curvature oriented in the direction of the at least one second support element region. This is advantageous because it allows for a particularly advantageous positional securing of the support element, since the first support element region can at least partially encompass the first fluid channel wall at the curvature.

[0022] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the first support element region rests at least partially against the first fluid channel wall in a form-fitting manner and is pressed against the first fluid channel wall as a result of the support element being braced between the fluid channel device wall and the first fluid channel wall. This allows, on the one hand, a particularly reliable seal of the first outer fluid channel to be achieved and, on the other hand, a low-effort positional securing of the support element to be ensured, so that, in particular, undesirable offset of the support element in the longitudinal direction can be prevented.

[0023] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the fluid channel device comprises at least one additional support element, which is arranged opposite the at least one support element in the vertical extension direction of the fluid channel device and is arranged between a second fluid channel wall of a second outer fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels, which is opposite the first outer fluid channel in the vertical extension direction, and the fluid channel device wall, and is shaped at least partially complementary to the wave-shaped profile. This is advantageous because the additional support element enables improved support of the plurality of fluid channels on the fluid channel device wall and improved sealing. The plurality of fluid channels can thus be clamped between the support element and the additional support element, in particular in the vertical extension direction of the fluid channel device, and can thus be precisely positioned.

[0024] In a further advantageous development of the invention, the support element and the additional support element are connected to one another by means of a connecting element extending in the vertical direction. This is advantageous because the connecting element allows for improved positional security of the support element and the additional support element. The support element, the additional support element, and the connecting element can preferably be connected to one another as one piece, i.e., formed as a single piece, thus eliminating the need for complex subsequent connection. The support element, the additional support element, and the connecting element can preferably be formed as sheet metal components.

[0025] A second aspect of the invention relates to a fluid channel device for a heat exchanger according to the first aspect of the invention. The fluid channel device has a fluid channel device wall designed to delimit the first fluid from the second fluid, which wall at least partially delimits a plurality of fluid channels of the fluid channel device for guiding the first fluid between a fluid inlet region of the heat exchanger and a fluid outlet region of the heat exchanger, wherein at least one of the fluid channels has a wave-shaped profile at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel device.According to the invention, the fluid channel device comprises at least one support element, which is arranged between a first fluid channel wall, which at least partially has the undulating profile and delimits a first outer fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels, and the fluid channel device wall, and has a first support element region supported against the first fluid channel wall, which is shaped at least partially complementary to the undulating profile, wherein the at least one support element is provided for sealing the first outer fluid channel against the passage of the first fluid. The fluid channel device allows the heat exchanger to be used particularly flexibly.

[0026] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fluid channel device according to the second aspect of the invention. The method comprises at least the following steps: Providing the fluid channel device wall, which surrounds an interior of the fluid channel device; jointly introducing the plurality of interconnected fluid channels, as well as the at least one support element, whereby the at least one support element is arranged and clamped between the first fluid channel wall of the first outer fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels and the fluid channel device wall and is pressed against the first fluid channel wall via the first support element region, which is shaped at least partially complementary to the wave-shaped profile, forming a positive connection at least between the first support element region and the first fluid channel wall and sealing the first outer fluid channel against the passage of the first fluid.

[0027] The fluid channel device produced by this process enables particularly flexible use of the heat exchanger.

[0028] The fluid channel device wall can surround, in particular enclose, the interior of the fluid channel device at least in some areas. The interior can have an interior cross-section oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e., lying in a plane oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal direction), which can preferably be designed in the shape of an elongated hole. Such an interior cross-section, in particular an elongated hole, enables the simple accommodation and fitting of the plurality of fluid channels in the interior such that the fluid channels are at least partially surrounded by the fluid channel device wall.

[0029] The preferred embodiments and their advantages presented with respect to one of the aspects apply accordingly to the other aspects of the invention and vice versa.

[0030] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures 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.

[0031] Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

[0032] The invention is explained once again below using a specific embodiment. This shows: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fluid channel device for a heat exchanger; Fig. 2 is a front view of the Fig. 1 shown fluid channel device; Fig. 3 a sectional view of the fluid channel device according to a Fig. 2 shown section line DD; Fig. 4 a perspective view of two individually shown support elements of the fluid channel device; Fig. 5 a schematic perspective view of a variant of the fluid channel device for the heat exchanger; Fig. 6 a front view of the Fig. 5 shown variant of the fluid channel device; Fig. 7 a sectional view of the variant of the fluid channel device according to a Fig. 6 shown section line CC; and Fig. 8 a perspective view of two support elements of the variant of the fluid channel device, wherein the support elements are integrally connected to one another by means of a connecting element.

[0033] Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 show a fluid channel device 40 for a, for example, in Fig. 3 partially shown heat exchanger 10. In Fig. 5 und Fig. 6 A further variant of the fluid channel device 40 is shown, which is also designed for the heat exchanger 10. The heat exchanger 10 can be used to cool various fluids 12, 14 of an internal combustion engine (not shown here). The fluids 12, 14 are symbolized by respective arrows and can, for example, be guided parallel to one another, opposite to one another, or forming a cross flow through the heat exchanger 10, to name just a few examples. Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 Two coordinate systems are shown as examples, which illustrate a longitudinal extension direction x, a transverse extension direction y and a vertical extension direction z of the fluid channel device 40 and of the entire heat exchanger 10.

[0034] The heat exchanger 10 can generally be designed as a so-called EGR cooler and operated (used) as such. A first fluid 12 of the fluids 12, 14 can be designed as exhaust gas, which is emitted by the internal combustion engine during operation. The second fluid 14 of the two fluids 12, 14 can be designed as cooling water. The heat exchanger 10 has a plurality of cooling water coolers arranged in an interior sub-region 25 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 7 ) of a housing interior 24 of a housing 20 of the heat exchanger 10, which are arranged next to one another in the transverse direction y of the heat exchanger 10 (and thus also of the fluid channel devices 40) and are accommodated in the housing interior 24. The arrangement of the fluid channel devices 40 of the heat exchanger 10 next to one another in the transverse direction y is not shown in more detail here. The housing interior 24 is surrounded by a housing wall 22 of the housing 20.

[0035] For reasons of clarity, the housing 20 is only shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 7 shown in sections.

[0036] The first fluid 12 can be Fig. 3 and Fig. 7 recognizable fluid inlet region 26 into the respective fluid channel devices 40 and exit at a fluid outlet region 28 opposite the fluid inlet region 26 in the longitudinal direction x of the heat exchanger 10 (and thus also of the fluid channel devices 40). During proper use of the heat exchanger 10, heat is transferred between the first fluid 12 and the second fluid 14 between the fluid inlet region 26 and the fluid outlet region 28. Thus, the second fluid 14 (here: cooling water) can flow around the respective fluid channel devices 40 within the housing 20 and, in doing so, exchange heat with the first fluid 12 (here: exhaust gas) via respective fluid channel device walls 42 which border the fluid channel devices 40 in certain regions. The fluid channel device walls 42 can also be referred to as fluid channel device walls.The fluid channel device walls 42 can preferably be formed from sheet metal and have an interior space 44 through which the first fluid 12 can flow, which interior space 44 has a, in . Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 which can have a particularly clearly recognizable, slot-shaped interior cross-section.

[0037] The respective fluid channel device walls 42 each define a plurality of fluid channels 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 of the fluid channel device 40, wherein these fluid channels 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 serve to guide the first fluid 12 between the fluid inlet region 26 and the fluid outlet region 28.

[0038] The fluid channels 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 are each provided with a wave-shaped course 110 in the longitudinal direction x of the fluid channel device 40. The wave-shaped course 110 results in the present case from respective fluid channel walls 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67 which delimit the fluid channels 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 in the vertical extension direction z and also have the wave-shaped course 110 at least in some regions. In the present case, the fluid channel walls 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67 have the wave-shaped course 110 over their respective entire length (in the longitudinal extension direction x).

[0039] Each of the fluid channel devices 40 comprises a support element 80 which is arranged between a first fluid channel wall 51 of the fluid channel walls 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, which has the wave-shaped profile 110 and which partially delimits a first outer fluid channel 50 of the plurality of fluid channels 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, and the fluid channel device wall 42 and has a first support element region 82 supported against the first fluid channel wall 51.

[0040] The respective support element region 82 is shaped at least partially complementary to the wave-shaped course 110 and the respective support elements 80 are provided for sealing the respective first outer fluid channel 50 against the passage of the first fluid 12.

[0041] For sealing, each support element 80 has a second support element region 86 integrally connected to the first support element region 82. The respective tab-shaped second support element region 86 is at least substantially in contact with the fluid channel device wall 42, sealing the first outer fluid channel 50 against the passage of the first fluid 12 through the first outer fluid channel 50.

[0042] The respective first support element region 82 and the respective second support element region 86 form an angle α with each other that differs from a right angle. In this case, the first support element region 86 bears positively against the first fluid channel wall 51 and is pressed against the first fluid channel wall 51 as a result of the bracing of the support element 80 between the fluid channel device wall 42 and the first fluid channel wall 51.

[0043] Based on Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 It can be seen that the support elements 80 can comprise an additional support element region 88, which is in particular connected in one piece to the first support element region 82. The additional support element region 88 and the second support element region 86 are hereby uniformly designed and oriented parallel to one another.

[0044] Based on Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 It can be clearly seen that the first support element region 82 can have a curvature 81 oriented in the direction of the second support element region 86 and thus also in the direction of the additional support element region 88.

[0045] Also based on Fig. 3, Fig. 4 , Fig. 7 und Fig. 8 It can be seen particularly clearly that each fluid channel device 40 can comprise at least one additional support element 90, which is arranged opposite the respective support element 80 in the vertical extension direction z of the fluid channel device 40 and is arranged between a second fluid channel wall 67 of the fluid channel walls 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67 of a second outer fluid channel 68 of the plurality of fluid channels 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, which second outer fluid channel 68 is opposite the first outer fluid channel 50 in the vertical extension direction z, and the fluid channel device wall 42 and is shaped at least partially complementary to the wave-shaped profile 110. Just like the first support element 80, the additional support element 90 is also designed for sealing.Thus, while the first support element 80 seals the first outer fluid channel 50 against passage of the first fluid 12, the additional support element 90 serves to seal the second outer fluid channel 68 against passage of the first fluid 12.

[0046] Based on Fig. 7 und Fig. 8 It can be seen that the support element 80 and the additional support element 90 can be connected to one another by means of a connecting element 100 extending in the vertical extension direction z.

[0047] The wave-shaped profile 110 on the first support element region 82 is shaped such that the latter has a curvature 81. This curvature 81 can have at least one extreme point. The properties described with reference to the support element 80 also apply directly to the additional support element 90, which has a corresponding curvature 91, a corresponding first support element region 92, a second support element region 96, and an additional support element region 98. While in the support element 80 the second support element region 86 and the additional support element region 88 are each connected to the first support element region 82 at a flexibly deformable connecting region 84, in the additional support element 90 the second support element region 96 and the additional support element region 98 are each connected to the first support element region 92 at a flexibly deformable connecting region 94.

[0048] In summary, the fluid channel devices 40, through the respective support elements 80, 90, enable the fluid channels 50, 68 to be closed, whereby, when the heat exchanger 10 is used as an EGR cooler, sooting of the fluid channels 50, 68 during operation of the internal combustion engine and the resulting flow of the first fluid 12 through the heat exchanger 10 can be at least largely prevented. Due to their special shape (wave-shaped profile 110), the support elements 80, 90 can be held in the respective fluid channel 50, 68 in a form-fitting manner against the fluid channel walls 51, 67. The fluid channel walls 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67 can also generally be referred to as heat exchanger fins. By means of the described method for producing the fluid channel devices 40, a single insertion of the individual support elements 80, 90, which particularly lengthens the cycle time, can be avoided.Instead, according to the method, the support elements 80, 90 can be introduced together with the fluid channels 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 into the interior space 44 surrounded by the respective fluid channel device wall 42 and supported on the fluid channel device wall 42.

[0049] Due to the positive positioning of the support elements 80, 90, which can also be referred to as closure components or sealing elements, the support elements 80, 90 are held in position by the existing cooler fin (here fluid channel wall 51 and 67).

[0050] Overall, the closure components 80, 90 (support elements 80, 90) are also inserted together with the cooler fins (fluid channel walls 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67) into the fluid channel device wall 42, also referred to as the heat exchanger tube or cooler tube, so that no additional insertion of the closure components 80, 90 in a separate process is required. Furthermore, the cooler fins 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67 are positioned by the positive positioning of the closure components 80, 90 in the cooler tube (fluid channel device wall 42). In addition, by inserting the closure components 80, 90 together with the cooler fins 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, closer tolerances of the closure components 80, 90 to the cooler tube 42 can be realized than is usual with previous, conventional heat exchangers. List of reference symbols

[0051] 10 Heat exchanger 12 First fluid 14 Second fluid 20 Housing 22 Housing wall 24 Housing interior 25 Interior sub-area 26 Fluid inlet area 28 Fluid outlet area 40 Fluid channel device 42 Fluid channel device wall 44 Interior 50 Fluid channel 51 First fluid channel wall 52 Fluid channel 53 Fluid channel wall 54 Fluid channel 55 Fluid channel wall 56 Fluid channel 57 Fluid channel wall 58 Fluid channel 59 Fluid channel wall 60 Fluid channel 61 Fluid channel wall 62 Fluid channel 63 Fluid channel wall 64 Fluid channel 65 Fluid channel wall 66 Fluid channel 67 Second fluid channel wall 68 Fluid channel 80 Support element 81 Curvature 82 First support element area 84 Connection area 86Second support element area 88Additional support element area 90Additional support element 91Curvature 92First support element area 94Connecting area 96Second support element area 98Additional support element area 100Connecting element 110Wavy course αAngle x yLongitudinal extension direction Transverse extension direction zVertical extension direction

Claims

1. Heat exchanger (10) for an internal combustion engine, for the transfer of heat between at least two fluids (12, 14), - with at least one housing (20) which has at least one housing wall (22) and a housing interior space (24) which is delimited at least in regions by means of the housing wall (22) and has a fluid inlet region (26) for introducing a first fluid (12) of the at least two fluids (12, 14) into the housing interior space (24) and a fluid outlet region (28) for discharging the first fluid (12) from the housing interior space (24), and - with at least one fluid duct apparatus (40) which is arranged in an interior space part region (25) of the housing interior space (24) and has a fluid duct apparatus wall (42) which is configured to separate the first fluid (12) from a second fluid (14) and, at least in regions, delimits a plurality of fluid ducts (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) of the fluid duct apparatus (40) for conducting the first fluid (12) between the fluid inlet region (26) and the fluid outlet region (28), at least one of the fluid ducts (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) having an undulating course (110) at least in regions in the longitudinal extent direction (x) of the fluid duct apparatus (40), wherein the fluid duct apparatus (40) comprises at least one supporting element (80) which is arranged between a first fluid duct wall (51), which has the undulating course (110) at least in regions and delimits a first outer fluid duct (50) of the plurality of fluid ducts (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) at least in regions, and the fluid duct apparatus wall (42), and has a first supporting element region (82) which is supported against the first fluid duct wall (51), wherein the at least one supporting element (80) is provided to seal the first outer fluid duct (50) with respect to a passage of the first fluid (12), characterized in that the supporting element has a first supporting element region (82), which is of complementary shape at least in regions with respect to the undulating course (110).

2. Heat exchanger (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one supporting element (80) has at least one second supporting element region (86) which is connected to the first supporting element region (82) and is at least substantially in contact with the fluid duct apparatus wall (42) in a manner which seals the first outer fluid duct (50) with respect to a passage of the first fluid (12) through the first outer fluid duct (50).

3. Heat exchanger (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the at least one second supporting element region (86) is of tab-shaped configuration.

4. Heat exchanger (10) according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one first supporting element region (82) and the at least one second supporting element region (86) enclose an angle (α) with one another which is different than a right angle.

5. Heat exchanger (10) according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the at least one supporting element (80) comprises an additional supporting element region (88) which is connected to the first supporting element region (82), the additional supporting element region (88) and the second supporting element region (86) being of at least substantially uniform configuration.

6. Heat exchanger (10) according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the at least one first supporting element region (82) has a bulge (81) which is oriented in the direction of the at least one second supporting element region (86).

7. Heat exchanger (10) according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the first supporting element region (86) bears at least in regions against the first fluid duct wall (51) in a positively locking manner and, as a consequence of bracing of the supporting element (80) between the fluid duct apparatus wall (42) and the first fluid duct wall (51), is pressed onto the first fluid duct wall (51).

8. Heat exchanger (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid duct apparatus (40) comprises at least one additional supporting element (90) which is arranged so as to lie opposite the at least one supporting element (80) in the vertical extent direction (z) of the fluid duct apparatus (40), is arranged between a second fluid duct wall (67) of a second outer fluid duct (68), lying opposite the first outer fluid duct (50) in the vertical extent direction (z), of the plurality of fluid ducts (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) and the fluid duct apparatus wall (42), and is of complementary shape at least in regions with respect to the undulating course (110).

9. Heat exchanger (10) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the supporting element (80) and the additional supporting element (90) are connected to one another by means of a connecting element (100) which extends in the vertical extent direction (z).

10. Fluid duct apparatus (40) for a heat exchanger (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, which fluid duct apparatus (40) has a fluid duct apparatus wall (42) which is configured to separate the first fluid (12) from the second fluid (14) and, at least in regions, delimits a plurality of fluid ducts (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) of the fluid duct apparatus (40) for conducting the first fluid (12) between a fluid inlet region (26) of the heat exchanger (10) and a fluid outlet region (28) of the heat exchanger (10), at least one of the fluid ducts (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) having an undulating course (110) at least in regions in the longitudinal extent direction (x) of the fluid duct apparatus (40), characterized in that the fluid duct apparatus (40) comprises at least one supporting element (80) which is arranged between a first fluid duct wall (51), which has the undulating course (110) at least in regions and delimits a first outer fluid duct (50) of the plurality of fluid ducts (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) at least in regions, and the fluid duct apparatus wall (42), and has a first supporting element region (82) which is supported against the first fluid duct wall (51) and is of complementary shape at least in regions with respect to the undulating course (110), the at least one supporting element (80) being provided to seal the first outer fluid duct (50) with respect to a passage of the first fluid (12).

11. Method for producing a fluid duct apparatus (40) according to Claim 10, comprising at least the following steps: - providing the fluid duct apparatus wall (42) which surrounds an interior space (44) of the fluid duct apparatus (40); - collectively introducing the plurality of fluid ducts (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68), which are connected to one another, and the at least one supporting element (80), as a result of which the at least one supporting element (80) is arranged and braced between the first fluid duct wall (51) of the first outer fluid duct (50) of the plurality of fluid ducts (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68) and the fluid duct apparatus wall (42), and is pressed against the first fluid duct wall (51) via the first supporting element region (82), which is of complementary shape at least in regions with respect to the undulating course (110), with the configuration of a positively locking connection at least between the first supporting element region (82) and the first fluid duct wall (51), and with sealing of the first outer fluid duct (50) with respect to a passage of the first fluid (12).