RADIATORS WITH IMPROVED GEOMETRY

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a radiator with a collector and radiant elements connected to the collector.

[0002] We know of radiator configurations which include two cylindrical collectors and radiant elements in the form of tubes which are each connected mechanically and fluidically to the collectors.

[0003] The tubes are arranged outside the manifolds and are perpendicular to said manifolds. Each tube is mechanically connected to the external surface of the manifolds by two zones separated from the external surface of each tube, with the fluid entering the tube and exiting through these two zones respectively.

[0004] This connection geometry, however, presents certain drawbacks, as welding the tubes to the external surface of the cylindrical manifolds in the areas where they are in contact with each other is not easy. Indeed, the contact areas between the two cylindrical surfaces are difficult to access.

[0005] Furthermore, when painting the radiator, applying paint in these hard-to-reach areas also proves problematic.

[0006] Furthermore, cleaning the radiators thus created by the end users of these radiators is not an easy task.

[0007] It would therefore be interesting to design a new radiator geometry with collector(s) and radiant elements connected to the collector(s) that would overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] Other radiator or heat exchanger configurations comprising a tube assembly are also known in documents EP2015015 A2, EP1087196 A2, DE10340304 A1, GB2088036 A, DE102006044739 A1 and EP0641986 A1.

[0009] The invention thus relates to a radiator according to claim 1.

[0010] The interlocking or embedding of the radiant elements in the collector(s) offers a surface / contact zone between radiant element(s) and collector(s) that is larger than in the prior art and therefore much more accessible for carrying out interventions or operations.

[0011] In particular, the operations of attaching the radiant elements to the manifold(s), painting the radiator, and cleaning it are greatly facilitated. Furthermore, this new geometry / configuration of the connection / joining between the radiant element and the manifold reduces, or even eliminates, the corrosion phenomena that occurred in the prior art near the interface between the radiant element and the manifold.

[0012] The internal flow area available to the fluid between the manifold and the radiant element can thus be increased compared to prior art, thereby increasing the flow rate and promoting internal fluid circulation. This can improve the efficiency of heat exchange in certain configurations. Furthermore, pressure losses can be reduced. When radiators are connected in series in a circuit, this can be advantageous as it avoids oversizing the circuit's pump.

[0013] Furthermore, this new geometry / connection / connection configuration between radiant element and collector offers greater flexibility in the choice of radiator geometries and architectures.

[0014] Note that the radiant elements are completely embedded / embedded in the collector(s) when a=Ht. However, the radiant elements penetrating the collector(s) remain flush with the external upper surface of the collector(s).

[0015] Depending on other possible characteristics: Each radiant element is fitted inside said at least one collector over at least a part a of the height Ht, with 0.55Ht ≤ a ≤ Ht so as to mechanically lock the radiant element inside said at least one collector; this new connection or connection configuration between the radiant elements and one or more collectors makes it possible to obtain a mechanical locking of the radiant elements in the collector(s) due to the depth of fitting which exceeds half of the height Ht; the radiant elements remain however visible (for example at the extreme limit by an edge) according to a plan view (front view of the radiator) taken perpendicular to the height of the radiant elements and showing the latter in their entire length, assembled to the collector(s);Each radiating element is fitted inside said at least one collector along its entire height Ht when the height of said at least one collector is greater than or equal to 1.2Ht; said at least one collector has a generally elongated shape and the radiating elements each fit over a fraction of the length of said at least one collector; said at least one collector has a height perpendicular to its length and the radiating elements each penetrate a part of the height of said at least one collector; each radiating element is fluidically connected to said at least one collector by one or more internal openings; the opening(s) have a total passage area offered to the fluid that is greater than the passage area offered to the fluid in a configuration where the radiating element is connected to said at least one collector without penetrating inside the latter;The radiating elements are mechanically connected to at least one manifold by brazing or welding; the cross-section of the radiating elements is chosen from among the following shapes: circular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, semi-oval, flattened oval, rhombus; generally, the cross-section of a radiating element may have any polygonal shape; said at least one manifold has a cross-section having a shape chosen from among the following shapes: circular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval; generally, the cross-section of a manifold may have any polygonal shape; the radiating elements are arranged parallel or non-parallel to each other; the radiating elements are arranged perpendicular or obliquely to said at least one manifold; the radiating elements are not all arranged in the same plane;in a plane containing a longitudinal section of said at least one collector and a cross-section of the radiating elements, the cross-section of each of the radiating elements is capable of adopting any angular geometric orientation (in the plane) around a longitudinal axis of the radiating element (this axis is perpendicular to the aforementioned plane); said radiating elements having cross-sections of non-circular shapes; it will be noted that this characteristic applies to cross-sections of non-circular shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, oval, semi-oval, flattened oval, rhombus; in general, the cross-section of a radiating element can have any polygonal shape) insofar as it is not relevant to speak of the geometric orientation of a circle in a plane;according to this geometric orientation characteristic, the face(s) of the radiating elements (these faces extend perpendicularly to the cross-section) can adopt any possible angular orientation in the aforementioned plane relative to the adjacent surface or face of the collector (for example, the horizontal surface / top face when the collector is arranged horizontally and the radiating elements are located on the side of the surface / top face of the collector); the angular orientation of the cross-section is fixed for a given radiating element but it can take any value and may not be identical from one radiating element to another;the cross-section can thus be rotated by any angle (the angle depends on the shape of the cross-section and can therefore be between 0 and 90° for a square shape because after rotating the square by 90° we return to a position already obtained) with respect to a reference position or neutral position (such a position generally corresponds to the position in which geometric shapes are represented in a plane; for example, a triangle is represented with its base horizontal and its vertex oriented upwards and a rectangle is represented with its long sides horizontal); here the radiating elements are generally arranged perpendicular to the collector(s) but they could alternatively form an angle other than 90° with the collector(s);In addition to the characteristic relating to angular orientation, the radiant elements can be more or less embedded / nested in the manifold and, for example, be sufficiently embedded / nested to obtain a mechanical lock as explained above; radiant elements are connected to said manifold at least on either side of it; thus, the radiator can have radiant elements arranged on two opposite sides of the manifold(s);said at least one collector is chosen from one of the following configurations: a single collector, two parallel collectors side by side (the collectors may be arranged near one of the two opposite ends of at least some of the radiating elements or in the central part of at least some of the radiating elements), two parallel collectors spaced in such a way that the elongated radiating elements fit into the two collectors with at least one of the two opposite ends of said radiating elements being located outside or inside a collector. ;

[0016] The invention also relates to a radiator element comprising at least one manifold and at least one elongated radiant element mechanically and fluidically connected to said at least one manifold. This radiant element extends over a length, has a cross-section defined by a height Ht and a width, and comprises at least a portion of its length that fits inside said at least one manifold over at least a portion a of the height Ht, with 0.05H ≤ a ≤ Ht. Preferably, the fit / interlocking can be configured such that 0.55H ≤ a ≤ Ht, in order to mechanically lock the radiant element inside said at least one manifold.

[0017] The radiator element has the same advantages and characteristics as those stated above regarding the radiator and will not be repeated here.

[0018] The invention also relates to a radiator comprising such a radiator element in which several radiant elements are each connected to at least one manifold. The characteristics described above in relation to the radiator can also be applied here to this new way of defining the radiator based on a radiator element (a unit element with at least one manifold and one radiant element) which comprises several radiant elements.

[0019] Other features and advantages will become apparent in the following description, given solely as a non-limiting example and with reference to the attached drawings, on which: THE figures 1a et 1b represent different forms of radiant elements partially nested in a collector, the configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention; the figure 1c represents a radiator configuration in which radiant elements are partially nested on two opposite sides of a manifold; the configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention; the figure 2 is a top perspective view of a portion of a radiator according to an embodiment of the invention; the figures 3a-d, 4a-c et 5a-e , represents different possible assembly configurations of radiant elements and radiator manifolds with various shapes and depths of insertion, the configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention; the figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a radiant element partially penetrating two side-by-side collectors; the figure 7 illustrates schematically and generally changes in geometric orientation or angular position of a radiating element of arbitrary cross-section in a plane P not belonging to the invention; figures 8a-e illustrate different geometric orientations or angular positions of radiating elements of different cross-sections and different embedding depths in a collector, the configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention; the figure 8f schematically represents the type of geometric orientation of the radiating elements relative to the collector(s) as illustrated in figures 8a-e ; there figure 9a schematically represents another possible type of geometric orientation of the radiating elements relative to the collector(s); the figures 9b-g illustrate, for radiating elements of different cross-sections, different geometric orientations or angular positions relative to a collector depending on the type of geometric orientation of the figure 9a ; there figure 9h represents another possible type of geometric orientation of radiating elements relative to the collector(s); the figures 10a-k illustrate different possible radiator configurations or architectures according to different embodiments of the invention; figures 11a-c schematically represents examples of assembling radiating elements with one or more collectors by welding / brazing, according to an embodiment of the invention; figure 12 is a comparative view of a conventional radiator part and a radiator part according to an embodiment of the invention, a configuration not belonging to the invention also being illustrated in which a < 0.55Ht.

[0020] THE Figures 1a et 1b schematically illustrate the principle of connecting elongated radiant elements to a manifold in a radiator according to an embodiment of the invention; the configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention. On the figures 1a-b The cross-section of different types of radiating elements is shown, not their longitudinal extension perpendicular to the plane of the figures. The manifold, on the other hand, is shown in its length (here truncated) in cross-section. Various possible cross-sectional shapes of radiating elements (non-exhaustive) are shown here, but this does not mean that in a radiator according to the invention the radiating elements necessarily have different shapes. The radiating elements may, in fact, all have the same cross-section or, at least for one or more of them, have a different cross-section.

[0021] For the sake of simplicity, the radiant elements will be referred to as tubes in the rest of this discussion, but it should be noted that their cross-section is not limited to the circular cross-section of a tube. Indeed, the elongated radiant elements or tubes of the radiator can adopt any other cross-sectional geometry: square, rhombus, rectangle, semi-oval, oval, flattened oval, triangular, etc.

[0022] Only one manifold is shown here. This may be a single manifold for the radiator. Alternatively, another manifold may be present in the radiator but arranged parallel to the first one. figures 1a-b and therefore not visible in these figures. The following description applies equally to one or two collectors unless the description of an embodiment or variant explicitly specifies the number of collectors.

[0023] The elongated tubes are connected / joined fluidically and mechanically to the manifold(s), although the fluid passage(s) between the tube and manifold(s) are not shown on the diagrams. figures 1a-b .

[0024] The tubes are shown here perpendicular to the manifold(s). However, in other, unshown embodiments, the tubes may have different geometric orientations relative to the manifold(s), as will be seen later. For example, they may have an inclination other than 90° to the manifold(s) when viewed from the front or plan view of the radiator (the longitudinal axis of the tubes is no longer perpendicular but oblique to that of the manifold(s)). The tubes may also have (or instead of the aforementioned inclination) a different orientation from that of the figures 1a-b , namely that the cross-section of the tubes is not included in the plane of these figures but oriented with respect to this plane and the longitudinal axis of the tubes remains perpendicular to that of the collector(s).

[0025] Furthermore, when the radiator has two manifolds, they can be positioned in different ways relative to the tubes. In particular, in the following description, when a figure is described as having one end of a tube located near or within a manifold, the other manifold can be positioned anywhere, i.e., next to the first manifold, near or within the second manifold.

[0026] As represented in a very schematic and partial way in figures 1a-b , tubes of different shapes are partially fitted or embedded inside a collector 10 over part of their cross-section and, in a way not shown in these figures perpendicular to the plane of these figures, over a portion of their length.

[0027] The fitted part of tubes 12 (flattened oval section), 14 (square or diamond section), 16 (circular section), 18 (oval section), 20 (rectangular section), 22 (triangular section) is identified by the letter a, while the non-fitted or protruding part (outside the collector) is identified by the letter b.

[0028] More specifically, the cross-section of the tubes is defined, on the one hand, by a dimension (a+b) called height Ht which is taken in a direction perpendicular to the length of the collector (this direction is also perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the tubes) and, on the other hand, by a dimension c called width and which is parallel to the length of the collector.

[0029] The term "height" was used to designate a dimension of the pipes (the dimension that corresponds to the height or depth of embedment) because the pipes are arranged above the manifold on the figures 1a-b but this does not mean that this vertical arrangement is retained when the radiator is installed in situ in service position, especially against a vertical wall.

[0030] The distance or depth of insertion or penetration a is defined by the following formula 0.05Ht ≤ a ≤ Ht, the configuration(s) in which a<0.55Ht does not belong to the invention, which guarantees a larger contact and connection area between tube and collector(s) than in the prior art.

[0031] In the configuration where a=0.05Ht, the tube is inserted only 5% deep into the collector(s), while with a=Ht the tube is completely inserted into the collector(s) while remaining flush with the external surface (here, the upper surface) of the collector(s). The latter configuration is only possible if the height of the collector(s) Hc is greater than or equal to 1.2 Ht ( figs. 1a-b ).

[0032] In one particular embodiment, the insertion depth or distance a is greater than or equal to 0.55Ht. This dimensional condition guarantees the mechanical locking of the tube within the manifold and thus a mechanical locking of the tube-manifold assembly (axial withdrawal of the tube from the manifold in a direction parallel to the insertion depth a is prevented or, at the very least, made more difficult). Indeed, in such a configuration, the connection zone between the manifold and the tube extends above the widest part of the tube (the part defined by the width c on the figs. 1a-b which is located inside the manifold. In this configuration, the assembled unit is easier to handle without the risk of disassembling the manifold tubes in a direction parallel to the depth of insertion / insertion (perpendicular to the tubes and manifold(s)). This is particularly useful when the radiator is being manufactured and the various parts (tubes and manifold(s)) are not yet permanently joined. For example, the parts may be mechanically joined but not yet fully assembled, for instance, because the welding or brazing operation has not yet taken place.It should be noted that the fitting of the tubes into the collector, in such an embodiment, is carried out in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubes (axis of the sliding connection between tube and collector) whereas, when a is less than 0.55Ht, the tube-collector fitting can be carried out over the collector, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0033] As depicted on the figures 1a-b Each tube 12 to 22 fits into a portion of the length of the manifold(s) corresponding at most to the width c of the tube. Indeed, the penetration depth a may be such that the width c of the tube is always outside the manifold(s). It should be noted that each tube is also fitted into a manifold along a portion of its length, as illustrated in the following figures, particularly the figure 2 .

[0034] There Figure 2 Figure 1 represents, in a perspective view from above, a portion of a radiator (the radiator is laid flat) comprising a plurality of parallel tubes 14, fitted into two parallel manifolds 30, 32, spaced apart so that each is positioned near one of the two opposite ends of each tube. In this embodiment, the opposite ends of the tubes are free and extend longitudinally beyond the manifolds, but this is not mandatory, and these ends (or only the ends of some tubes) could be fixed to both manifolds or to only one of them (asymmetrical radiator configuration).

[0035] Each tube 14 fits into each collector in two distinct zones, each located far apart. Each tube is connected to a collector by a contact zone located near the end of the tube closest to the collector. A portion of the length of each tube (located near one of its ends) is thus inserted into each of the two collectors 30, 32. In this configuration, the distance or depth of insertion of the tubes 14 into the collectors is greater than or equal to 0.55Ht in order to ensure mechanical locking as explained above.

[0036] As depicted on the figure 2 The area of ​​the manifold Zc that is in contact with the tube 14 for their connection extends above the width c of the tube located inside the manifold 30. The same applies here for each tube and each manifold. The upper edges of the area Zc thus form returns or mechanical elements for axial retention of the tubes, along the axis A of the figure 2 .

[0037] It should be noted that the distance Dcc between the longitudinal central axes of the collectors 30 and 32 (center distance) is at least equal to the largest transverse dimension of the collectors taken perpendicular to the axis A. If this distance is equal to the largest transverse dimension of the collectors the two collectors are joined by their respective external surfaces.

[0038] The minimum longitudinal dimension of the Lt tubes must allow for the creation of a fluidic link between the collectors 30 and 32.

[0039] The distance Dtt between the longitudinal central axes of two consecutive tubes (center distance) arranged in the same plane is at least equal to the largest transverse dimension of the tubes, taken parallel to the direction or longitudinal axis of the collectors.

[0040] Although this is not shown on the figure 2 Each tube is fluidically connected to each manifold by one or more internal openings located within the mechanical connection / joining zone Zc. The opening(s) have, for example, a total passage area offered to the fluid that is greater than the passage area offered to the fluid in a configuration where each tube is connected to each manifold without penetrating inside the latter (prior art configuration).

[0041] One of the manifolds 30 or 32 carries the hot fluid and distributes it to the connected tubes 14. In one possible embodiment, one of the heating elements for heating the fluid is activated, on command, for example, via a control interface located outside the radiator. These elements are generally positioned in the lower part of the radiator (not shown here) along with the control interface when the manifolds are vertical. The other, distant manifold recovers the fluid that has cooled by heat exchange with the tube walls during its circulation between the two manifolds. The same principle applies when the manifolds are close together, even arranged side by side, or when there is only one manifold comprising an internal compartment for the hot fluid and, adjacent to it, a compartment for the cooled fluid.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, there are no heating elements in the radiator and the fluid (e.g. water) enters a manifold already hot.

[0043] The 14 tubes are parallel to each other and, for example, grouped together (any number of tubes and groups of tubes can be used, and in an extreme case, the tubes form a single group). The number of tubes generally depends on the heating requirements of the radiator. Grouping the tubes creates spaces between the groups of tubes, particularly to allow for easy placement of towels when the radiator is a towel warmer, as in the example shown. figure 2 .

[0044] The fluid used is, for example, water, but other fluids such as oil can be used alternatively.

[0045] On the figure 2 The tubes are shown perpendicular to the manifolds. However, in other, unshown embodiments, the tubes may have different geometric orientations, for example, an inclination other than 90° to the manifolds. The tubes may also be arranged in a plane that is not parallel to the plane in which the manifolds are arranged (e.g., obliquely to this plane; the tubes may not all have the same orientation), whether or not they are perpendicular to the manifolds. Furthermore, groups of tubes may have different orientations from one group of tubes to another.

[0046] In the radiator representations illustrated in the various attached figures, the tubes are arranged on the same side of the manifold(s) relative to the external surface of the manifold(s).

[0047] However, in other configurations, tubes can be arranged on either side of the manifold(s), on two diametrically opposite sides of the manifold(s), or even alternately on one side and the other with an axial offset along the manifold(s).

[0048] There figure 1c illustrates such a configuration in which tubes 14 are arranged on either side of a collector 10, respectively on two opposing surfaces Sa and Sb of the collector. The center-to-center distance Dtt between the two central longitudinal axes of two consecutive or adjacent tubes (Dtta for tubes located on surface Sa and Dttb for tubes located on surface Sb) can be less than the width c or largest transverse dimension of the cross-section of the tubes when these tubes are not arranged in the same plane, one being nested in the collector to a greater depth than the other.In the configuration shown, the tubes are arranged one below the other vertically, but in an alternative configuration not shown, the tubes embedded in surface Sb can be offset to the right or left of the vertical, thus presenting an axial offset along the manifold relative to the tubes embedded in surface Sa. Note that the... figure 1c concerns all types of tubes and all types of collectors regardless of their number, shape and position / orientation relative to each other.

[0049] The preceding description of the arrangement of the radiator section of the figure 2 This applies to any other embodiment where the tubes and / or manifolds have a different cross-section, or even a different geometric orientation. The tubes may also not all have the same insertion depth into the manifolds. The manifolds may have a variety of cross-sections, such as square, diamond-shaped, circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc.

[0050] Figures 3a-d, 4a-c and 5a-e illustrate different possible configurations of tube and radiator manifold assembly with various shapes, the configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention.

[0051] The above remarks concerning the geometric orientation of the tubes relative to each other (parallelism, tube grouping, etc.) and to the manifold(s), as well as the insertion depth, also apply here. Similarly, the manifolds can be arranged differently relative to each other, and alternatively, a single manifold is possible.

[0052] There figure 3a illustrates different nesting positions (depths) of the 14 tubes of the figure 2 In manifold 30: P1 is the fully inserted position, P2 is the inserted position with a=0.6Ht, and P3 is the inserted position with a=0.05Ht (not locked). In positions P1 and P2, the tubes are mechanically locked inside the manifold as explained above. The insertion is identical, for example, with the other manifold if the radiator has two manifolds. Note that other intermediate insertion positions are of course possible, and the same applies to all the figures described below. Similarly, the tubes do not necessarily all have the same insertion position, and the same applies to all the figures described below.

[0053] There figure 3b illustrates different nesting positions (depths) of the 16 tubes of the figure 1a in a manifold 34 with a circular cross-section. The same insertion positions or depths P1, P2 and P3 as on the figure 3a are illustrated for tubes 16. The fitting can be identical with the other manifold if the radiator has two manifolds.

[0054] There figure 3c illustrates different nesting positions (depths) of the 16 tubes of the figure 1a in the collector 30 with a square or diamond-shaped cross-section. The same insertion positions or depths P1, P2 and P3 as on the figures 3a-b are illustrated for tubes 16. The fitting can be identical with the other manifold if the radiator has two manifolds.

[0055] There figure 3d illustrates different nesting positions (depths) of the 14 tubes of the figure 1a in the circular cross-section collector 34. The same insertion positions or depths P1, P2 and P3 as on the figures 3a-c are illustrated for tubes 14. The fitting can be identical with the other manifold if the radiator has two manifolds.

[0056] THE figures 4a, 4b et 4c illustrate different positions (depths) of tube insertion in a manifold such as those P1, P2 and P3 mentioned above: for the 18 oval cross-section tubes of the figure 1a in collector 30 ( fig. 4a ) ; for the 18 tubes with oval cross-section of the figure 1a in collector 34 ( fig. 4b ) ; for the 22 tubes with a triangular cross-section (base of the triangle inside the collector) of the figure 1b in collector 34 ( fig. 4c ).

[0057] THE figures 5a et 5b illustrate different positions (depths) of tube insertion in a manifold such as those P1, P2 and P3 mentioned above: for the 12 tubes with a flattened oval cross-section of the figure 1a in a collector 36 with a square cross-section and an orientation offset by 45° relative to collectors 30 and 32 ( fig. 5a ) ; for tubes 12 of the figure 1a in collector 34 ( fig. 5b ).

[0058] There Figure 5c illustrates the fitting of several tubes of different cross-sections 14, 16 and 12 into a rectangular cross-section manifold 38, each with a locking fitting position. These tubes are identified by reference P1, 2, 3 on the... figure 5c As shown in the following figures, any position for inserting a tube into a manifold is represented, including extreme positions as well as any intermediate position. Unlike the other figures where the tube ends are free and extend beyond the manifold after the tube-manifold contact zone, here the tube ends are inserted / embedded into the manifold by a face or edge 38a (and not a portion of their length located upstream of the free end) and open into the manifold. Alternatively, one end of a tube may be inserted into a manifold and the opposite end of that tube may be located beyond the other manifold when the radiator has two manifolds.

[0059] There Figure 5d represents, from a view opposite to that of the figure 5c tubes 16, 14 and 12 in a shallower nesting position.

[0060] There Figure 5e represents, according to a cross-section of the manifold 38, the tube-manifold assembly with a tube of any cross-section, for example of type 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 or 22 of the figures 1a-b This assembly illustrates the presence of an internal opening O for the fluid connection between the tube and the manifold. The same type of internal opening can be created with other tube-manifold assembly configurations. However, the shape and / or position of the opening may vary.

[0061] Furthermore, this arrangement shows that the length I of the embedded end of the tube must at least allow the internal opening O to be housed inside the collector.

[0062] The tube-collector joint shown on the figures 4a à 5e may, for example, be identical with the other manifold if the radiator has two manifolds or, on the contrary, the length I may be different between the two manifolds or one end of the tube may open outside of a manifold (these last two configurations are not symmetrical).

[0063] There Figure 6 illustrates a radiator configuration in which a tube such as tube 16 of the figures 1a-b (however, any other tube may be used) partially penetrates two adjacent collectors 34 (collector carrying a hot fluid), 35 (collector carrying a fluid cooled after its passage through the tube 16), here of circular section (other collector sections are conceivable), the configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention.

[0064] The tube 16 has two opposite ends 16a, 16b and includes, between the two, two tube portions (depending on its length) 16c, 16d which each fit inside one of the two collectors 34, 35. This configuration shows the presence of enlarged internal openings O1, O2 for the inlet and outlet of fluid for the fluidic connection between tube and collectors.

[0065] The penetration depth of the tube into the collectors can vary within the limits set out above.

[0066] The radiator obviously includes other tubes not shown here.

[0067] The description of figures 7 à 9h concerns the geometric orientation of the tubes relative to a collector in a radiator according to the invention, the configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention.

[0068] On the figure 7 A tube (radiant element) t of arbitrary cross-section is represented here as a polygon (it could, however, be a shape that is not a polygon and therefore does not have several faces, in particular beveled faces, but a single face such as an oblong, elliptical shape, etc.). The configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention. The tube is partially embedded in a collector 10 (it could be more deeply embedded, in particular to obtain mechanical locking of the tube in the collector, or even completely embedded), and different angular positions or geometric orientations (a), (b), and (c) of the tube relative to the collector are illustrated in a plane P containing the cross-sections of the tubes and the longitudinal section of the collector.

[0069] We define: two points A and B which are located at the two ends of the longest edge of the polygon; an axis A1 which is the axis passing through the external surface of the collector which is adjacent to the tube (e.g., upper surface on the figure 7 ); an axis A2 which is the axis passing through the centroid g of the polygon and which is parallel to the axis A1; an axis Z passing through the centroid g of the polygon and which is perpendicular to the axes A1 and A2; an angle α which is the angle formed between the axis Z and the segment [gA] such that when this angle is equal to zero the segment [gA] is parallel to the axis Z. The segment [gA] is an extension of an external face of the tube, just like the other segments of the polygon. It is thus understood that the different angular orientations that the segment [gA] can take with respect to the adjacent external surface of the collector (axis A1) correspond to different angular orientations of the corresponding external face of the tube, and therefore of the other external faces of said tube.

[0070] When the shape of any cross-section (not necessarily polygonal) has only one face (and not several as in the case of a polygon) the maximum angle α is equal to 360°.

[0071] For simpler cross-sectional shapes such as a square, the different possible angular positions obtained by rotation through an angle between 0 and 90 degrees.

[0072] In the continuation of the presentation relating to the figure 7 We consider that the shape of any cross-section has at least two faces which both have edges or segments of equal length.

[0073] If the faces have edges or segments of unequal lengths, the maximum angle is assumed to be 360°.

[0074] If the shape of any cross-section has only two faces, then the maximum angle is equal to 180°.

[0075] If f is the function of the number of faces of the shape of the cross section with a minimum number of three faces, then the maximum value of the angle α is given by the following formula: αmax = 360 / f.

[0076] If f is equal to three, then αmax = 120°.

[0077] The position (a) of the figure 7 (a) corresponds to α = 0, (b) corresponds to a non-zero positive angle α (the shape of the tube's cross-section has changed its angular orientation relative to position (a) by rotation around its center of gravity), and (c) corresponds to a maximum angle. The tube can assume any angular orientation (geometric orientation) around its central longitudinal axis between positions (a) and (c). Beyond position (c), the other positions are identical to those obtained between positions (a) and (c).

[0078] As mentioned earlier, the tube can adopt any geometry, including one of those identified in the previously described figures. The same applies to the geometry of the manifold(s) of this radiator.

[0079] Considering a radiator comprising at least one manifold and several tubes, in a given configuration of this radiator: The angle α can be the same for all tubes; the angle α can be different for all tubes; the angle α can be the same for a given group of tubes and different for another group of tubes...

[0080] THE figures 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d And 8e illustrate, for tubes of different cross-sections fitted into a collector 10, different angular positions or angular (geometric) orientations obtained according to the explanations provided with reference to the figure 7 with a different angle α, more or less large, and a different position and / or depth of tube-collector insertion, the configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention. The plane P illustrated on the figure 8a is a plane containing cross-sections of the tubes and a longitudinal section of the manifold (here the manifold is horizontal, but it could, for example, be vertical) and in which changes in the geometric orientation / angular position of the tubes relative to the manifold occur. In each figure, several angular positions of a tube are illustrated by considering the angle α formed between a dashed axis passing through the tube's center of gravity (the axis lies within the plane) and the adjacent external surface (here, the upper horizontal surface) of the manifold (the reasoning is the same with a vertical manifold). This axis is generally contained within one or more of the tube's planes of symmetry when such a plane of symmetry exists (such a plane of symmetry generally extends perpendicularly to the plane containing the longitudinal section of the manifold and the cross-sections of the tubes).Furthermore, in addition to the different geometric orientations, the tubes penetrate more or less deeply into the manifold 10, allowing or preventing mechanical locking of the tubes within the manifold depending on the depth of penetration. The tubes 14, 12, 18, 20 and 22 described with reference to the preceding figures are illustrated in the figures. figures 8a-e The different possible angular orientations of a tube's cross-section are obtained by rotating the tube's cross-section around its longitudinal axis in the aforementioned plane by a chosen angle (for example, between 0 and 90°, between 0 and 180°, or between 0 and 360°, depending on the shapes of the cross-sections considered). figures 8a-e (the longitudinal axis is the axis of extension of the tubes in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned plane) from a reference position or neutral position and which generally corresponds to the position in which a geometric shape is represented in a plane: for example, a square is represented with two of its opposite sides horizontal and the other two adjacent sides in a vertical position; a rectangle is represented with its two long opposite sides horizontal and its two short adjacent sides in a vertical position; an oblong or elliptical shape is represented with the long length arranged horizontally and a triangle is generally represented with its base arranged horizontally.

[0081] We represented at the figure 8f Schematically, a first possible type of change in the geometric orientation / angular position of tubes relative to a manifold, as illustrated in the figures 8a-e described above.

[0082] More specifically, the figure 8f represents a front (or flat) view of the tube-manifold assembly of a radiator according to an embodiment of the invention which represents, in projection onto a plane P', the tubes t1 along their length connected to a manifold 10. The plane P' is perpendicular to the plane P. During this type of change in geometric orientation, the longitudinal axis a1 of the tubes (this axis passes through the center of gravity of the tubes) remains perpendicular to the axis of the manifold 10, and it is the cross-section of the tubes that pivots around the axis a1, as illustrated in the figures. figures 7 à 8e .

[0083] There figure 9a schematically illustrates a second possible type of change in the geometric orientation / angular position of tubes relative to a manifold. More specifically, this change in orientation results in a pivoting of the longitudinal axis a2 of the tubes t2 in the plane P' relative to the axis a1 of the figure 8f The tubes are thus oriented obliquely relative to the manifold. It should be noted that such a change in geometric orientation / angular position can be combined with that of the figure 8f .

[0084] Furthermore, in a radiator, depending on the embodiment, the tubes may not all have the same geometric orientation (angular orientation) of the figure 8f and / or of the figure 9a .

[0085] THE figures 9b-g They show different possible tube shapes (partially represented according to their length), with, for each shape, a position in which the tube axis is perpendicular to the collector axis and a position in which the tube axis has rotated relative to its previous position. In this latter position, the tube axis can form an angle X with the longitudinal axis of the collector (or with the adjacent outer surface of the collector) such that 0 < X ​​< 180°. The position in which the tube axis is perpendicular to the collector axis corresponds to an angle of 90°.

[0086] THE figures 9b-c, 9d-e, 9f-g illustrate these two positions respectively for tubes 16, 14 and 12.

[0087] There figure 9h shows, on an example of a square section tube 14 and a square section collector 30, a change in geometric orientation or angular position which takes place perpendicular to the plane P' of the figure 9a (Here too, the tubes are oriented obliquely relative to the collector). Simultaneously, the geometric orientation or spatial position of the tube can be modified in this plane as indicated on the figure 8f and / or 9a.

[0088] It should be noted that the preceding description, concerning the change in geometric orientation or spatial position of the tubes relative to a manifold in a radiator according to the invention, applies to any shape of tubes and manifold(s), regardless of their number (the aforementioned change may apply only to some tubes and / or not be the same for all tubes), their possible grouping, and the degree or depth of the tubes' insertion into the manifold(s). The insertion may not be identical for all the tubes in a radiator, and / or the geometric orientation may not be identical for all the tubes in a radiator, and / or the tubes may not necessarily all have the same shape within the same radiator, and / or the ends of the tubes may not necessarily have the same arrangement relative to the two manifolds when the radiator has two manifolds.

[0089] There figure 10a The figure shows a perspective view of a towel radiator R1 according to an embodiment of the invention comprising two manifolds C11 and C12 arranged side by side, vertically in the figure, and in which a plurality of tubes 16 are partially inserted (other tube shapes are of course possible). The tubes are grouped here, for example, in sets of four (a different number of tubes can of course be considered), and several groups G (here five) are thus spaced vertically along the manifolds. However, grouping the tubes is not mandatory.

[0090] More specifically, collectors C11 and C12 have a circular cross-section, like collector 34 of the figures 3b, 3d , 4b et 4c but can alternatively adopt other forms. Alternatively, a single manifold can replace both manifolds.

[0091] There figure 10bThe figure represents, in perspective, the upper part of a towel radiator R2 according to an embodiment of the invention comprising two manifolds C21 and C22, spaced apart and positioned vertically in the figure, and in which a plurality of tubes 16 are partially inserted (other tube shapes are of course conceivable). More particularly, the manifolds C21 and C22 are each arranged near one of the two opposite ends of each of the tubes.

[0092] The tubes can also be grouped together, as in the manner of the figure 10a (here the tubes are grouped in fives) although this is not mandatory.

[0093] More specifically, collectors C21 and C22 have a circular cross-section, like collector 34 of the figures 3b, 3d , 4b et 4c but can alternatively adopt other forms.

[0094] There figure 10c represents in perspective the upper part of an R3 towel radiator according to an embodiment of the invention which comprises two manifolds C31 and C32 spaced apart, in a vertical position in the figure as in the figure 10b , and in which a plurality of tubes 14 are partially nested (other tube shapes are of course conceivable). More specifically, the collectors C31 and C32 have a square cross-section like the collector 36 of the figure 5a but can alternatively adopt other forms.

[0095] There figure 10d represents in perspective the upper part of an R4 towel radiator according to an embodiment of the invention which comprises two manifolds C41 and C42 arranged side by side, in a vertical position in the figure as in the figure 10a (but on the other side), and in which are partially fitted a plurality of tubes with a flattened cross-section 12 (other tube shapes are of course conceivable). More specifically, the manifolds C41 and C42 have a square cross-section like the manifold 36 of the figure 5a but can alternatively adopt other forms. Alternatively, a single collector can be used.

[0096] The tubes can also be grouped together, as in the manner of the figure 10a (here the tubes are grouped in threes) although this is not mandatory.

[0097] There figure 10e represents in perspective the upper part of a towel radiator R5 according to an embodiment of the invention which comprises a single vertical manifold C5 into which a plurality of tubes with a flattened cross-section 12 are partially inserted (other tube shapes are of course conceivable). More particularly, the manifold has a rectangular cross-section like the manifold 38 of the figures 5c-d but can alternatively adopt other forms.

[0098] The tubes can also be grouped together, as in the manner of the figure 10a (here the tubes are grouped in threes) although this is not mandatory.

[0099] There figure 10f represents in perspective the upper part of an R6 towel radiator according to an embodiment of the invention which comprises two manifolds C61 and C62 spaced apart, in a vertical position in the figure as in the figure 10b , and in which are partially fitted a plurality of tubes with a flattened cross-section 12 (other tube shapes are of course conceivable). More specifically, the manifolds C61 and C62 have a circular cross-section like the manifold 34 of the figures 3b-d but can alternatively adopt other forms.

[0100] The tubes can also be grouped together, as in the manner of the figure 10a (here the tubes are grouped in threes) although this is not mandatory.

[0101] There figure 10g represents in perspective the upper part of a towel radiator R7 according to an embodiment of the invention which comprises two manifolds C71 and C72 arranged side by side, in a vertical position in the figure as in the figure 10a (but on the other side), and in which are partially fitted a plurality of tubes with a flattened cross-section (other tube shapes are of course conceivable).

[0102] Here, the tubes 12 are connected and fitted into the collectors C71 and C72. Elements I1 and I2 serve to stiffen the free ends of the tubes and can take the form of a single connecting element, for example a metal rod.

[0103] More specifically, the C71 and C72 collectors have a circular cross-section, like collector 34 of the figures 3b-d but can alternatively adopt other forms. Alternatively, a single collector can be used.

[0104] The tubes can also be grouped together, as in the manner of the figure 10a (here the tubes are grouped in threes) although this is not mandatory.

[0105] There figure 10h illustrates a variant of the radiator design of the figure 10d The R8 radiator includes C81 and C82 manifolds with a circular cross-section, not square or rectangular as on the figure 10d Apart from this difference, all other aspects are identical.

[0106] There figure 10i The figure shows in perspective the upper part of a towel radiator R9 according to an embodiment of the invention which comprises a single vertical manifold C9 in the figure, and in which a plurality of tubes 16 are partially inserted (other tube shapes are of course possible). The tubes are grouped here, for example, in sets of nine (a different number of tubes can of course be used). However, grouping the tubes is not mandatory.

[0107] More specifically, the C9 collector has a rectangular cross-section like the 38 collector of the figures 5c-d but can alternatively adopt other forms.

[0108] Here, the ends 16a of the tubes, which are those located closest to the collector relative to the opposite ends 16b (the ends 16b are separated from the ends 16a by the length of the tubes), partially penetrate the collector C9 and are fixed to it, unlike the embodiment of the figure 10j in which the ends 16a of the R10 radiator open beyond the C10 manifold and constitute free ends.

[0109] There figure 10k This illustrates another embodiment of an R11 towel radiator, positioned, for example, vertically, comprising two manifolds C111 and C112 side by side and a plurality of tubes partially inserted into the manifolds. Here, the tubes are positioned asymmetrically with respect to the manifolds. The tubes are arranged in groups. One group is positioned relative to the manifolds so that the longest tube protrudes on one side, while the group immediately below it is positioned relative to the manifolds so that the longest tube protrudes on the opposite side. Thus, as shown, the groups are arranged in a staggered or alternating pattern, and the manifolds are positioned approximately in the middle of the radiator.

[0110] Any other geometric arrangement of the collectors and tubes, grouped or not, can be considered, for example with an alternating positioning between two consecutive tubes.

[0111] The tubes are for example 14 square section tubes although other sections are possible.

[0112] The manifolds are, for example, square or rectangular in cross-section, like manifolds 30, 36, or 38 in the previous figures, although other cross-sections are possible. A single manifold can alternatively be used.

[0113] In general, compared to the description of figures 10a à 10k , the collectors are shown in a vertical position and the tubes in a horizontal position but other spatial orientations are possible and, for example, the collectors can be arranged horizontally and the tubes or radiating elements vertically.

[0114] In one example of an embodiment, the tubes are partially inserted into two collectors in one of the possible configurations described above in order to form a mechanical assembly of the tubes and collectors (in this provisional assembly the tubes and collectors have their desired final functional position).

[0115] There figure 11a This illustrates the assembly operation by fitting tubes 16 with two manifolds 34: the tubes 16 are inserted into a first manifold in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubes, into notches E1 that have been previously made (for example, by drilling, machining, etc.) in each of the manifolds 34. These notches are generally arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the manifolds, and their contour is adapted to the external shape of the tubes and the desired insertion depth. The tubes have also been drilled to create internal openings O3 (here oriented downwards) for the fluid connection between the tube and the manifold. The second manifold 34 is then brought in from the rear to fit into the opposite ends of the tubes 16, as illustrated in the figure. figure 11a by the arrows.

[0116] The resulting assembly is temporary and must then be permanently fixed, for example by welding / brazing the tubes to the manifolds. Here, the insertion depth is such that the tubes are mechanically locked to the manifolds. In this configuration, a temporary (optional) welding operation is not necessary to ensure the mechanical strength of the assembled unit.

[0117] The temporary assembly is placed flat on a support which will then allow it to be easily handled for introduction into an oven.

[0118] A device D (e.g., a tube or injector) for depositing the paste necessary for the subsequent brazing operation is then used. This device allows for the deposition of several lead pads or a bead or segments of copper paste in sufficient quantity at appropriate locations within the connection zone between each tube and each manifold. This operation is performed around the entire outer perimeter of each tube-manifold connection zone.

[0119] The assembly formed from the tubes and the collectors is then introduced into a furnace via the support to carry out a brazing operation (known in itself) by melting the pads or cords or segments of copper Pb cord distributed on the external periphery of each tube-collector connection area in order to obtain a definitive bonding of the tubes to the collectors.

[0120] Other types of welding are possible (resistance welding, etc.) to achieve the final fixing of the assembly.

[0121] For configurations where the depth of insertion of the tubes into the manifolds is not sufficient to ensure mechanical locking (a is less than 0.55 Ht), temporary fixing of the tubes to the manifolds, for example by welding, is necessary.

[0122] There figure 11c This illustrates various welding techniques, namely laser welding using a DI laser welding device (the head of which is shown), a Dt MIG or TIG welding device, and the D device described above which, when used with a heat source, allows for brazing the deposited paste. These techniques allow for temporary welding, particularly the first two.

[0123] There figure 12 compares a conventional radiator configuration (to the left of the vertical line) with a radiator configuration according to the invention (to the right of the vertical line), the configuration(s) in which a < 0.55Ht do not belong to the invention.

[0124] In the conventional configuration, the tube ta is welded to a collector Ca at the external contact areas of the two elements, on either side of an opening Oa which passes through these two elements.

[0125] The weld, indicated by reference S1, is for example performed using a resistance welding or spray welding technique. When the tube and the manifold are made of metallic material, a Faraday cage forms in the hard-to-reach area where the metallic bodies are very close to each other.

[0126] Here, the area where the tube approaches the manifold to join it and be welded to it (S1) is represented by the arrow marked F1 and forms a Faraday cage with respect to the two adjacent metal surfaces.

[0127] Therefore, when paint is applied to the radiator, for example by an electrostatic painting technique, the Faraday cage F1 prevents the charged powder from penetrating this area and thus protects the adjacent metal surfaces and the weld from corrosion.

[0128] In the configuration according to the invention (to the right of the vertical line on the figure 12 The tube t1 is fitted inside the manifold 10 and welded / brazed there using any welding / brazing technique (resistance welding, spray welding, brazing, oxi-acetylene welding, laser welding, etc.). The F2 zone, where the metal surfaces of the tube and the manifold are close together and difficult to access, is significantly reduced compared to the F1 zone. The resulting Faraday cage F2 is smaller, which greatly reduces the unpainted area and therefore the risk of corrosion to the resulting radiator.

[0129] The t2 tube is, in turn, more deeply inserted inside the manifold, and the hard-to-reach area between the tube and the manifold, which led to the formation of a Faraday cage, has been eliminated. Only weld S3 is shown and is easily accessible for painting, thus eliminating the risk of corrosion associated with the presence of a Faraday cage.

[0130] The corrosion phenomena explained above thus decrease greatly when the tubes are fitted into the manifold(s) and disappear completely from a certain depth of fitting (generally when the depth of fitting exceeds half the height of the tube for most tube and manifold configurations).

[0131] Note on the figure 12 that the internal opening(s) of tubes t1 and t2 could be enlarged (although this is not mandatory) due to the new geometry of connection between tube and manifold.

[0132] Everything that has just been said about the figures 11a-c et 12 applies to any radiator configuration according to the invention as described above.

[0133] The above explanation helps to understand that, even when the radiators are not painted (for example, they are not made of metal), the geometry of the connection between tube and manifold of the prior art makes the F1 area difficult to access, especially for cleaning, which is much less the case, or not at all the case, with the geometry of the invention.

Claims

1. Radiator comprising at least one manifold (10) and at least one elongate radiating element (12; 14; 16; 18; 20; 22) that is mechanically and fluidically connected to said at least one manifold, said at least one radiating element extending over a length, having a cross section defined by a height Ht and a width and characterized in that said at least one radiating element comprises a portion of its length that is nested inside said at least one manifold over at least a part a of the height Ht, with 0.55Ht ≤ a ≤ Ht so as to mechanically lock said at least one radiating element inside said at least one manifold, said at least one radiating element being flush with an external upper surface of said at least one manifold when a=Ht.

2. Radiator according to Claim 1, characterized in that said at least one radiating element is nested inside said at least one manifold over all of its height Ht when the height of said at least one manifold is greater than or equal to 1.2Ht.

3. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one manifold (10) has an elongate general shape and said at least one radiating element (12; 14; 16; 18; 20; 22) is nested over a fraction of the length of said at least one manifold.

4. Radiator according to Claim 3, characterized in that said at least one manifold (10) has a height perpendicular to its length and said at least one radiating element (12; 14; 16; 18; 20; 22) penetrates over a part of the height of said at least one manifold.

5. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one radiating element (12; 14; 16; 18; 20; 22) is fluidically connected to said at least one manifold via one or more openings.

6. Radiator according to Claim 5, characterized in that the one or more openings (01, O2) have a total passage section offered to the fluid that is greater than the passage section offered to the fluid in a configuration in which the radiating element is connected to said at least one manifold without penetrating inside the latter.

7. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one radiating element (12; 14; 16; 18; 20; 22) is mechanically connected to said at least one manifold by brazing or by welding.

8. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section of said at least one radiating element (12; 14; 16; 18; 20; 22) is chosen in particular from one of the following shapes: circular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, semi-oval, flattened oval, lozenge.

9. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one manifold (30; 34; 36; 38) has a cross section having a shape chosen in particular from one of the following shapes: circular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval.

10. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of radiating elements, the radiating elements being arranged parallel or not parallel to each other.

11. Radiator according to Claim 10, characterized in that the radiating elements are arranged perpendicularly or obliquely relative to said at least one manifold.

12. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a plane containing a longitudinal section of said at least one manifold and a cross section of said at least one radiating element, the cross section of said at least one radiating element is able to adopt any angular orientation about a longitudinal axis of the radiating element, said at least one radiating element having a cross section of non-circular shape.

13. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of radiating elements, radiating elements being connected to said at least one manifold on either side of the latter.

14. Radiator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one manifold is chosen from one of the following configurations: a single manifold, two parallel manifolds side by side, two parallel manifolds spaced such that said at least one elongate radiating element is nested in the two manifolds with at least one of the two opposite ends of said at least one radiating element that is situated outside or inside a manifold.