Collector box, sealing means and corresponding heat exchanger

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a collector box for a heat exchanger, particularly for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a sealing means for use in such a collector box. The invention further relates to a corresponding heat exchanger.

[0002] We already know of heat exchangers used in motor vehicles, such as radiators for example to cool the engine coolant.

[0003] Generally, such a heat exchanger comprises a bundle of tubes with fins interposed between the tubes, and a collector box. This collector box includes at least two parts: a collector plate receiving the ends of the tubes and a cover that attaches to the collector plate to close the collector box, ensuring compression of a sealing medium.

[0004] According to a known solution, the collector plate has a groove or channel designed to facilitate the positioning and securing of the sealing element. The cover is then positioned over the sealing element and subsequently fixed to the collector plate to close the collector box.

[0005] Alternatively, there are flat collector plates that lack grooves or channels, particularly around their perimeter. The term "flat collector plate" refers to a plate that extends along a single flat surface, except for the typically protruding flanges that receive the ends of the tubes. The cover compresses and holds the sealing element in place on the bottom of the flat collector plate.

[0006] According to these known solutions, the sealing element comes into contact with the ends of the heat exchange tubes opening into the collector box. However, when the sealing element is compressed by the installation of the cover, it in turn exerts pressure, particularly against the ends of the first and last heat exchange tubes in the heat exchange bundle. Specifically, in the case of a brazed heat exchanger, the heat exchange tubes are thin, and the ends of the tubes, especially the first and last tubes, which are in contact with the sealing element, can deform under the pressure exerted by the sealing element.

[0007] DE 102011005168 shows a heat exchanger having collars whose height is less than that of the tubes and a gasket whose height is less than that of the collars.

[0008] DE 102011005168 shows a collector box according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0009] The invention aims to at least partially overcome these prior art problems by proposing a collection box comprising a sealing means whose arrangement is optimized to reduce the risk of deformation of the ends of the heat exchange tubes opening into the collection box.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a collection box for a heat exchanger comprising: a collecting plate having a plurality of orifices respectively bordered by collars for the passage of the ends of a plurality of heat exchange tubes, a compressible sealing means disposed on the peripheral contour of the collecting plate, and a cover closing the collecting box by compressing the sealing means.

[0011] According to the invention, the sealing means comprises at least one bearing surface and is arranged on the collector plate such that: said at least one bearing surface is arranged to bear against one of said collars when the sealing means is assembled with the collector plate, the sealing means being further shaped to be in tension on the collector plate via the bearing surface, and the sealing means in the compressed state of the sealing means is kept away from the ends of the heat exchange tubes by interposition of the collars between the sealing means and the ends of said tubes.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, said at least one bearing surface is configured to bear only against said collar and the sealing means is configured to be free from any contact with the ends of the heat exchange tubes.

[0013] This prevents deformation of the ends of the heat exchange tubes by pressure from the sealing means when the heat exchange tubes are introduced into the collection box and during the assembly of the cover to the collection plate.

[0014] In addition, the sealing means being under tension on the collars via at least one bearing surface, this makes it possible to maintain the positioning of the sealing means with the collector plate during the assembly of the collector box and thus prevent the sealing means from easily separating from the collector plate, or from getting into a bad position (for example by twisting, turning over, creeping, twisting or other).

[0015] The collection box may also include one or more of the following features, taken separately or in combination: at least one bearing surface is arranged against an end collar; the collars are protruding on the collector plate and extend towards the inside of the collector box, and the sealing means has a maximum height before compression less than or equal to the height at which collars are arranged on the collector plate.Thus, the sealing means does not extend beyond the collars, so that it does not come into contact with the ends of the heat exchange tubes when they pass through the collector plate; the collars are protruding on the collector plate and extend towards the inside of the collector box, and the sealing means before compression has a maximum height greater than the height at which collars are arranged on the collector plate, the upper maximum height being determined so that the sealing means in the compressed state is kept away from the ends of the heat exchange tubes by means of the collars.In this way, the sealing means does not come into contact with the ends of the heat exchange tubes when the sealing means is compressed; the collars are aligned at the same height, for example in the case of a flat collector plate; collars are arranged on the collector plate at different heights and the sealing means before compression has a maximum height less than or equal to the height of the lowest collar; the sealing means has a peripheral part of substantially rectangular shape, and includes at least one retaining portion extending in the transverse direction and having said at least one bearing surface.The retaining portions prevent the sealing means from moving or creeping during the different thermal cycles of the heat exchanger; at least one retaining portion having said at least one bearing surface, the retaining portion being arranged between two successive collars and having a width substantially equal to the gap between the two collars, for example on the order of 2.5 mm to 5 mm; said at least one retaining portion is made in one piece with the peripheral part of the sealing means.The sealing means is therefore of simple and inexpensive design; at least one retaining portion extends transversely so as to join the two long sides of the sealing means; at least one retaining portion is made in the form of a lug; said at least one retaining portion has a flat on its upper face opposite the cover; the collecting plate extends along a substantially flat surface except for the collars; the collecting plate includes a peripheral groove to receive at least partially the sealing means; the cover includes a cover foot; the cover foot has a predefined number of protrusions projecting from the inner wall of the cover foot and extending towards the sealing means on the collecting plate, so as to bear against the sealing means when the collecting plate is assembled with the cover.The protrusions on the base of the cover contribute to maintaining the position of the sealing means and prevent the sealing means from moving or flowing during the various thermal cycles; at least one protrusion of the base of the cover is arranged to bear against said at least one portion of the sealing means.

[0016] The invention also relates to a sealing means for a collection box as defined above. The sealing means comprises a peripheral portion of substantially rectangular shape and further comprises at least one retaining portion extending in the transverse direction and having at least one bearing surface configured to bear against a collar of a collection plate of the collection box when the sealing means is assembled with the collection plate. The sealing means is further elastic so as to be tensioned on the collection plate via the bearing surface, and said at least one retaining portion has, before compression, a predefined maximum height such as to be less than or equal to the height at which said collar is disposed on the collection plate.

[0017] Such a sealing means is therefore compressible and is intended to be arranged in a collection box so as to come to rest against one or more collars of the collection plate of this collection box without coming into contact with the ends of heat exchange tubes at the assembly of the heat exchanger.

[0018] The sealing means may also include one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in combination: The sealing means is made in the form of a sealing joint; the sealing means is elastic; said at least one retaining portion has a width of approximately 2.5mm to 5mm; said at least one retaining portion is made in one piece with the peripheral part of the sealing means; at least one retaining portion extends transversely so as to join the two long sides of the sealing means; at least one retaining portion is made in the form of a lug; said at least one retaining portion has a flat on its upper face opposite the cover.

[0019] The invention further relates to a heat exchanger, particularly for motor vehicles, comprising a bundle of heat exchange tubes. According to the invention, the heat exchanger further comprises at least one collector box as described above, and such that the sealing means comprises at least one bearing surface arranged to bear against one of said collars when the sealing means is assembled with the collector plate and is shaped to be under tension on the collector plate via the bearing surface, and in the compressed state of the sealing means, is arranged at a distance from the ends of said tubes passing through the collector plate by interposing the collars.

[0020] A collar is therefore always present between the sealing means and one end of the heat exchange tube opening into the collector box.

[0021] This simple method, without requiring any additional parts, ensures that the sealing element does not transmit force against the ends of the heat exchange tubes, particularly the outermost tubes, when the cover is assembled onto the collector plate, which compresses the sealing element. This prevents the ends of the heat exchange tubes from being deformed.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the ends of the heat exchange tubes are respectively fixed to two collection boxes.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, said beam comprises an alternating stack of heat exchange tubes and heat exchange fins.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger is assembled by brazing.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which: there figure 1 is a partial exploded view of a heat exchanger comprising a collector box according to a first embodiment, the figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional and exploded view of a heat exchanger comprising a collector box according to a second embodiment, the figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger of the figure 2 in its assembled state, the figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing a collector plate of the collector box according to the first embodiment, the figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a collector plate housing a sealing means, the figure 6a is a partial cross-sectional view of a sealing joint according to a first embodiment, the figure 6b is a partial cross-sectional view of a sealing joint according to a second embodiment, the figure 6c is a partial cross-sectional view of a sealing joint according to a variant of the second embodiment, the figure 7 is a partial perspective view showing a cover of the collector box of the figure 1 ou 2 , and the figure 8 is a partial view showing the inside of the collector box of the figure 2 in its assembled state.

[0026] In these figures, identical elements bear the same references.

[0027] The following are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features from different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0028] In some figures, a coordinate system L, T has been represented corresponding to a horizontal plane, the axis L corresponding to a longitudinal axis and the axis T corresponding to a transverse axis.

[0029] In this description, the terms vertical / horizontal or upper / lower are designated with reference to the arrangement of the elements in the figures, which generally corresponds to the arrangement of the elements in the mounted state in the motor vehicle.

[0030] With reference to figures 1 à 3 The invention relates to a heat exchanger 1 for a motor vehicle, particularly for cooling the engine coolant. Advantageously, the invention applies to a brazed heat exchanger 1, that is to say, one whose various elements are assembled by brazing.

[0031] The heat exchanger 1 comprises at least one, and generally two, collection boxes 3, each of which collects and distributes a first fluid such as coolant. More particularly, the invention relates to such a collection box 3.

[0032] The heat exchanger 1 further comprises a bundle 5 formed by a multitude of heat exchange tubes 7, for example made of aluminum, arranged in one or more rows. The heat exchange tubes 7 each define one or more channels for the flow of a first fluid, for example, the coolant. By way of non-limiting example, the heat exchange tubes 7 are flat tubes. In addition, the heat exchange tubes 7 extend along a longitudinal axis A. In this example, the longitudinal axis A is substantially vertical with respect to the arrangement of the elements on the figures 1 à 3 .

[0033] Only one end of the heat exchange tubes 7 is visible on the figures 1 à 3 According to one embodiment, the ends of the heat exchange tubes 7 are respectively fixed to two collection boxes 3.

[0034] The beam 5 may further include a plurality of heat exchange fins 9, schematically represented on the figures 1 à 3 arranged alternately with the heat exchange tubes 7. The heat exchange fins 9 are advantageously provided so as to disturb the flow of a second fluid such as an air flow between the heat exchange tubes 7, so as to increase the heat exchange surface between the two fluids.

[0035] In this example, the bundle 5 still includes two side cheeks 10 arranged on either side of the stack of heat exchange tubes 7 and heat exchange fins 9. These side cheeks 10 are assembled by brazing to the rest of the bundle 5 in the case of a brazed heat exchanger 1.

[0036] With regard to collector box 3 in particular, it includes: a collector plate 11, a sealing means such as a sealing gasket 13, and a cover 15 closing the collector box 3 by compressing the sealing gasket 13.

[0037] The collector plate 11 is more visible on the figures 4 And 5 For example, it is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0038] The collector plate 11 extends longitudinally along the direction L. The direction T is perpendicular to the direction L, globally in the plane of extension of the collector plate 11.

[0039] The collector plate 11 may be fitted with fixing means such as crimping tabs 16 intended to be crimped onto the edges of the cover 15.

[0040] In addition, the collector plate 11 has a plurality of orifices 17 for the passage of the ends of the heat exchange tubes 7. These orifices 17 are respectively bordered by collars 19.

[0041] According to the embodiments shown, the collars 19 protrude from the collector plate 11, and extend towards the inside of the collector box 3, when the cover 15 is assembled to the collector plate 11.

[0042] According to the first embodiment illustrated on the figures 1 , 4 And 5 The collector plate 11 can be substantially flat, except for the collars 19, i.e., without a groove. The collector plate 11 has, for example, a base 11a, also called the core, which is substantially rectangular in shape, and edges or rims 11b. According to the illustrated example, the edges 11b extend substantially perpendicularly to the base 11a. These are, for example, folded edges 11b. Fastening means such as crimping tabs 16 are, for example, provided on the edges 11b.

[0043] The openings 17 are provided on the bottom 11a of the collector plate 11. Furthermore, the edges 11b define a recess for the sealing gasket 13 in the same plane as the openings 17. In addition, according to this embodiment, the collars 19 are, for example, all at the same height. h (see figure 4 ).

[0044] According to the second embodiment on the figures 2 And 3 The collector plate 11 may include a peripheral groove 21 for receiving at least part of the sealing gasket 13. The collector plate 11 also includes in this second embodiment edges or rims, for example folded 11b, which may have fixing means such as crimping tabs 16.

[0045] This peripheral groove 21 has a bottom 22 and two lateral walls 23, 24 connected by the bottom 22. One of the lateral walls, also called the inner wall 23, is closest to the orifices 17 and the collars 19. The opposite lateral wall 24 or outer lateral wall 24, that is to say the one furthest from the orifices 17 and the collars 19, is formed on the edges 11b of the collector plate 11. The bottom 22 of the peripheral groove 21 extends, for example, in a plane substantially perpendicular to the edges 11b of the collector plate 11.

[0046] Furthermore, the collector plate 11 includes at least one upper bearing 25 protruding from the bottom 22 of the peripheral groove 21. The upper bearing 25 extends, for example, over a height corresponding to the extension height of the edges 11b of the collector plate 11. The upper bearing 25 therefore extends along a different plane and above the plane along which the bottom 22 of the peripheral groove 21 extends, with reference to the arrangement of the elements on the figures 2 And 3 In other words, the upper bearing 25 is raised relative to the bottom 22 of the peripheral groove 21. In particular, the upper bearing 25 extends along a plane parallel to the plane along which the bottom 22 of the peripheral groove 21 extends. The upper bearing 25 is also called a medallion.

[0047] At at least one longitudinal end of the collector plate 11, preferably at each longitudinal end, the collector plate 11 may further include an intermediate portion 27 connecting the upper bearing 25 to the peripheral groove 21. In particular, the intermediate portion 27 may be inclined with respect to the plane defined by the upper bearing 25. The intermediate portion 27 also extends in this example over a height that varies with respect to the bottom 22 of the peripheral groove 21.

[0048] Furthermore, according to a particular embodiment, at one or both longitudinal ends of the collector plate 11, the side wall 23 between the bottom 22 of the peripheral groove 21 and the end collar 19, i.e., bordering the first or last orifice 17, has a slope. The slope of the side wall 23 is therefore inclined with respect to the plane of the opposite side wall 24 and also with respect to the plane along which the bottom 22 of the peripheral groove 21 extends. According to the illustrated example, the plane of the side wall 24 is a vertical plane and the plane of the bottom 22 is a horizontal plane with reference to the arrangement of the elements on the figure 1 The slope of the lateral wall 23 of the peripheral groove 21 extends in the illustrated example in a different direction from the direction of extension of the intermediate portion 27. These are in particular concurrent directions.

[0049] According to this second embodiment, the orifices 17 bordered by collars 19 are provided on the upper bearing 25 and the intermediate portion 27. For example, two or three collars 19 are provided on the intermediate portion 27. As a result, the collars 19 are not all at the same height along the intermediate portion 27. The core of the collector plate 11 comprises the upper bearing 25 and the intermediate portion 27. In particular, at at least one longitudinal end of the collector plate 11, the end collar 19 is arranged on the intermediate portion 27.

[0050] By referring to figures 5 à 6c The sealing means, such as a sealing gasket 13, is described in more detail. This is a compressible sealing gasket 13 disposed on the peripheral contour of the collector plate 11. The sealing gasket 13 has a shape complementary to the periphery of the collector plate 11. In particular, the sealing gasket 13 has a peripheral portion that is substantially rectangular in shape with two opposing long sides 13a and two opposing short sides 13b. This peripheral portion may, by way of non-limiting example, have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0051] This sealing gasket 13 is arranged either on the bottom 11a of the collector plate 11 ( figure 5 ), either in the throat 21 ( figure 2 ) when provided. In the assembled state of the collector box 3, the sealing gasket 13 is arranged between the cover 15 and the collector plate 11, the cover 15 compressing the sealing gasket 13 in order to close the collector box 3 while ensuring the sealing of the collector box 3.

[0052] Advantageously, the sealing gasket 13 is elastic and is put under tension when arranged on the collector plate 11.

[0053] In addition, the sealing joint 13 has at least one bearing surface 29, more clearly visible on the figures 5 à 6c , configured to bear against one of the collars 19 when the sealing gasket 13 is assembled with the collector plate 11. In particular, at least one bearing surface 29 is arranged against an end collar 19 bordering the first or last orifice 17.

[0054] In particular, the sealing gasket 13, when compressed, bears only against a collar 19, specifically via its bearing surfaces 29, and not against an end of a heat exchange tube 7 opening into the collector box 3. The sealing gasket 13 lacks a surface configured to bear against the ends of the heat exchange tubes 7. To this end, the sealing gasket 13 is kept away from the ends of the heat exchange tubes 7 by the interposition of the collars 19 between the sealing gasket 13 and the ends of the heat exchange tubes 7. In other words, a collar 19 is always present between the sealing gasket 13, and more precisely the bearing surfaces 29, and an end of a heat exchange tube 7.

[0055] Thus, in the assembled state of the heat exchanger 1, the sealing gasket 13 compressed by the cover 15 is free from any contact with the ends of the heat exchange tubes 7 opening into the inside of the collector box 3.

[0056] According to the described embodiments, the sealing joint 13 comprises at least one retaining portion 31, 33 extending along the transverse direction T, i.e., along the width of the sealing joint 13, or in other words, here along the direction of the short sides 13b of the sealing joint 13. In particular, at least one retaining portion 31 extends along the transverse direction T between a short side 13b of the sealing joint 13 and an end collar 19. The bearing surface(s) 29 of the sealing joint 13 abutting a collar 19 are formed on these retaining portions 31 and / or 33, more precisely on one or both sides of the retaining portions 31, 33.

[0057] According to a first embodiment shown on the figures 1 , 5 et 6a The retaining portions 31 extend substantially in the same plane as the peripheral part 13a, 13b of the sealing joint 13. Furthermore, according to the illustrated example, before compression of the sealing joint 13, the retaining portions 31 extend over the same height. hmax that the peripheral part of the sealing joint 13 which here corresponds to the thickness of the sealing joint 13.

[0058] The number of retaining portions 31, 33 and their location can be adapted as needed. Preferably, at least one retaining portion 31 is provided so that its bearing surface 29 bears against an end collar 19.

[0059] For example, at least one retaining portion 31 may be contiguous to a small side 13b of the sealing joint 13. According to the illustrated example, a reduction in thickness can be provided at the junction 37 between the small side 13b and the retaining portion 31.

[0060] One or more retaining portions 31 may be transverse portions or cross braces 31 extending to meet the two opposite long sides 13a of the sealing joint 13, the sealing means then having a general ladder-like shape whose rungs are formed by the transverse braces. The width of a transverse brace 31 is approximately equal to the width between two successive collars 19. By way of non-limiting example, the width of a transverse brace 31 is on the order of 2.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0061] These retaining portions 31 have for example a flat 35 on their upper face arranged opposite the cover 15 in the assembled state of the collector box 3.

[0062] As an alternative or in addition, one or more lugs can also be provided extending from a long side 13a towards the opposite long side 13a without joining it.

[0063] Only one longitudinal end of the sealing gasket 13 is visible in the figures. Of course, the sealing gasket 13 can be shaped similarly to its other longitudinal end with one or more transverse retaining portions 31. In particular, the sealing gasket 13 can be symmetrical with respect to a median plane.

[0064] The sealing gasket 13 according to this first embodiment is adapted to be arranged on the substantially flat collector plate 11 according to the first embodiment described with reference to figures 1 ,4 And 5 .

[0065] According to a second embodiment shown on the figures 2 , 6b et 6c , the retaining portions 31, 33 are raised relative to the peripheral part 13a, 13b of the sealing joint 13. In this case, connecting parts 39 link the retaining portion(s) 31, 33 to the peripheral part 13a, 13b of the sealing joint 13.

[0066] Similar to the first embodiment, one or more retaining portions 31 may be transverse portions 31, also called transverse straps. In this case, the transverse portions 31 extend to join the connecting parts 39 respectively connected to a long side 13a of the sealing joint 13.

[0067] Alternatively or in addition, one or more retaining portions 33 may be made in the form of a lug 33 extending from a connecting portion 39 attached to one long side 13a towards the opposite connecting portion 39 attached to the other long side 13a, without joining it, as illustrated in the figure 6c .

[0068] In particular, at least one retaining portion 31 is contiguous to a small side 13b of the sealing joint. According to the examples illustrated on the figures 6b et 6c , it is a portion or transverse strap 31 having one or more recesses 41 to cooperate with the cover 15 as will be described in more detail later.

[0069] Similar to the first embodiment, the retaining portions 31 and / or 33 may also have a flat 35 on their upper face arranged opposite the cover 15 in the assembled state of the collection box 3.

[0070] As before, only one longitudinal end of the sealing gasket 13 is visible in the figures. Of course, it can be envisaged that the sealing gasket 13 may be shaped similarly to its other longitudinal end with one or more retaining portions 31 and / or 33, and in particular the sealing gasket 13 according to this second embodiment may be symmetrical with respect to a median plane.

[0071] The sealing gasket 13 according to this second embodiment is adapted to be arranged at least partially in the peripheral groove 21 of the collector plate 11 according to the second embodiment described with reference to figures 2 , 3 , 6b et 6c .

[0072] According to the first or second embodiment, the retaining portions 31 and / or 33 are advantageously made in one piece with the peripheral part 13a, 13b of the sealing joint 13. In order to further simplify the production of such a part, the peripheral part 13a, 13b and the retaining portions 31 and / or 33 can be made of a single material.

[0073] Furthermore, preferably, the sealing joint 13, according to either embodiment, and in particular each retaining portion 31, 33, has a maximum height before compression. hmax ( figures 6a à 6c ) less than or equal to the height h to which of the collars 19 ( figure 4 ) are arranged on the collector plate 11, which height h is generally virtually identical for all the collars of a flat collector plate. The maximum height hmax corresponds in particular to the maximum height of the retaining portions 31, 33 (which may be raised relative to the peripheral part 13a, 13b) relative to the bottom 11a of the collector plate 11. According to the first embodiment, this maximum height hmax corresponds to the height of the peripheral part 13a, 13b of the sealing joint 13 which corresponds to the height of the retaining portions 31.

[0074] In the case where the collars 19 are not all of the same height as in the second embodiment, the sealing joint 13 may have a maximum height before compression hmax less than or equal to the height hmin of the collar 19 the lowest (see figure 2 ). According to the second illustrated embodiment, the maximum height hmax corresponds to the maximum height, relative to the bottom 22 of the collector plate 11, of the retaining portions 31, 33 (which are raised relative to the peripheral part 13a, 13b). The lowest collar 19, meanwhile, is the end collar 19 arranged at the beginning of the intermediate portion 27, that is to say, closest to the peripheral groove 21.

[0075] According to another possible embodiment (not shown in the figures), the sealing means may have a maximum height before compression. hmax greater than the height at which collars are arranged on the collector plate, the maximum height hmax the upper dimension being determined so that the sealing means in the compressed state is kept away from the ends of the heat exchange tubes via the collars.

[0076] Finally, with reference to figures 1, 2 And 7, we describe in more detail the cover 15. It can be a cover 15 made of plastic or aluminum alloy.

[0077] The cover 15 may have a general shape that is substantially arched. In particular, the cover 15 includes a peripheral cover foot 43 closing the collector box 3 by compressing the sealing gasket 13. The term "cover foot" refers to the lower part of the cover 15 that presses against the sealing gasket 13 and cooperates with the collector plate 11 to be fixed, for example by means of crimping tabs 16 located on the periphery or the edge of the collector plate 11 and which are folded down, during crimping, onto the cover 15.

[0078] As this is more visible on the figures 2 And 7The cover foot 43 has a predefined number of protrusions 45 projecting from the inner wall of the cover foot 43 and extending towards the sealing gasket 13 on the collector plate 11, so as to bear against the sealing gasket 13. In particular, the protrusions 45 project over a thickness e from the inner wall of the cover foot 43. The protrusions 45 are therefore made inside the volume defined by the cover 15.

[0079] The thickness e is for example chosen to be large enough so that at least one protrusion 45 of the foot of the cover 43 comes to rest against a retaining portion 31 and / or 33 of the sealing means 13, in the assembled state of the collector box 3.

[0080] Furthermore, each protrusion 45 has a lower part 47 which presses against the sealing means 13 as schematically shown on the figure 8 The protrusions 45 are advantageously formed in one piece with the cover 15, for example by injection molding. In this example, the protrusions 45 extend substantially parallel to axis A.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the illustrated example, the lid foot 43 is offset from the arched shape of the lid 15. In other words, the lid foot 43 defines a lip, as can be seen on the figure 1 The protrusions 45 are in this example aligned with, or in other words arranged in continuity with, the inner wall of this vaulted form of the lid 15, as is more clearly visible on the figures 2 And 7 .

[0082] The cover foot 43 has a shape complementary to the shape of the peripheral contour of the collector plate 11, which is here substantially rectangular. The protrusions 45 can be provided on one or both of the opposite short sides of the cover foot 43. Alternatively or in addition, the protrusions 45 can be provided on one or both of the opposite long sides of the cover foot 43. In particular, a protrusion 45 can be arranged between the end collar 19 and the corner of the collector box 3 (see figure 8 ).

[0083] Furthermore, in the case of a sealing joint 13 according to the second embodiment, one or more protrusions 45 can come to rest on the retaining portion 31 contiguous to the small side 13b of the sealing joint 13 by engaging over a given height, in a recess 41 provided for this purpose on the retaining portion 31.

[0084] These protrusions 45 hold the sealing gasket 13 in position and prevent it from moving or deforming during assembly and also during the various thermal cycles of the heat exchanger 1. Thus, the protrusions 45 help to keep the sealing gasket 13 away from the ends of the heat exchange tubes 7. In addition, the protrusions 45 may respectively have a contour reducing the risk of damaging the sealing gasket 13 during the assembly of the collector box 3, for example the corners or edges may be substantially rounded.

[0085] Finally, the lid foot 43 may have a counter-form 49, visible on the figures 2 And 3such as a rib extending axially towards the base of the lid 43, so as to press against the thinned portion 37 of the sealing gasket 13 according to the first embodiment. Alternatively, for a sealing gasket 13 according to the second embodiment, the counter-form 49 presses between a small side 13b and the adjacent retaining portion 31.

[0086] Thus, during the assembly of the heat exchanger 1, the bundle 5 of heat exchange tubes 7 and the collector plate 11 are brazed together. The sealing gasket 13 is placed on the bottom 11a or in the peripheral groove 21 of the collector plate 11, and then the cover 15 is crimped onto the collector plate 11, notably using the crimping tabs 16, with the sealing gasket 13 interposed between the base of the cover 43 and the collector plate 11. The sealing gasket 13, and in particular its peripheral portion 13a, 13b, ensures a seal between the collector plate 11 and the cover 15. The sealing gasket 13 rests on the collars 19 and is positioned at a distance from the ends of the heat exchange tubes 7 passing through the collector plate 11 by means of the interposition of the collars 19. In particular, at least one surface support 29 of the sealing joint 13 is arranged to rest against a collar 19.The sealing gasket 13 is therefore not likely to transmit the force exerted by the cover 15 on the sealing gasket 13 to the ends of the heat exchange tubes 7 opening into the collection box 3.

[0087] In addition, the retaining portions 31, 33 allow a force recovery keeping the sealing gasket 13 taut, particularly during the assembly of the cover 15. Furthermore, the sealing gasket 13 remains taut in the long term to ensure sealing throughout the life of the heat exchanger 1.

[0088] The protrusions 45 of the cover 15 contribute to maintaining the sealing gasket 13 in position without contact with the ends of the heat exchange tubes 7.

Claims

1. Collector box (3) for a heat exchanger comprising: - a collector plate (11) having a plurality of orifices (17) respectively bordered by collars (19) for the passage of ends of a plurality of heat exchange tubes (7), - a compressible sealing means (13), arranged on the peripheral contour of the collector plate (11), and - a cover (15) closing the collector box (3) by compressing the sealing means (13), the sealing means (13) comprising at least one bearing surface (29) and being arranged on the collector plate (11) such that: - said at least one bearing surface (29) is arranged bearing against one of said collars (19) when the sealing means (13) is assembled with the collector plate (11), the sealing means (13) being further shaped to be in tension on the collector plate (11) via the bearing surface (29), and - the sealing means (13) in the compressed state of the sealing means (13) is maintained at a distance from the ends of the heat exchange tubes (7) by interposition of the collars (19) between the sealing means (13) and the ends of said tubes (7), wherein the sealing means (13) has a peripheral part (13a, 13b) of substantially rectangular shape with two opposite long sides (13a) and two opposite short sides (13b), and comprises at least one retaining portion (31, 33) extending in the transverse direction (T) and having said at least one bearing surface (29), at least one retaining portion (31) being a transverse portion extending so as to join the two opposite long sides (13a) of the sealing gasket (13), characterized in that the sealing means (13) has a general ladder shape whose rungs are formed by the at least one retaining portion (31), the at least one retaining portion (31) having said at least one bearing surface (29), the retaining portion (31) being arranged between two successive collars (19) and having a width substantially equal to the gap between the two collars (19).

2. Collector box (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one retaining portion (31, 33) having said at least one bearing surface (29), the retaining portion (31, 33) being arranged between two successive collars (19) and having a width substantially equal to the gap between the two collars (19), for example in the order of 2.5 mm to 5 mm.

3. Collector box (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one retaining portion (31, 33) is made in one piece with the peripheral part (13a, 13b) of the sealing means (13).

4. Collector box (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one retaining portion (31) extends transversely so as to join the two long sides (13a) of the sealing means (13).

5. Collector box (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one retaining portion (33) is made in the form of a lug.

6. Collector box (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one retaining portion (31, 33) has a flat surface (35) on its upper face facing the cover (15).

7. Collector box (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the collector plate (11) extends along a substantially flat surface except for the collars (19).

8. Collector box (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the collector plate (11) comprises a peripheral groove (21) for at least partially receiving the sealing means (13).

9. Collector box (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (15) comprises a peripheral cover foot (43), and wherein the cover foot (43) has a predefined number of protrusions (45) projecting from the inner wall of the cover foot (43) and extending toward the sealing means (13) on the collector plate (11), so as to come into contact with the sealing means (13) when the collector plate (11) is assembled with the cover (15).

10. Collector box (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in combination with claim 9, wherein at least one protrusion (45) of the cover foot (43) is arranged bearing against said at least one retaining portion (31, 33) of the sealing means (13).

11. Sealing means (13) for a collector box (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, the sealing means (13) comprising a peripheral part (13a, 13b) of substantially rectangular shape, characterized in that: - the sealing means (13) further comprises at least one retaining portion (31, 33) extending in the transverse direction (T) and having at least one bearing surface (29) configured to be arranged in contact against a collar (19) of a collector plate (11) of the collector box when the sealing means (13) is assembled with the collector plate (11), - the sealing means (13) is elastic to be put in tension on the collector plate (11) via the bearing surface (29), and in that - said at least one retaining portion (31, 33) has before compression a predefined maximum height so as to be less than or equal to the height (h; hmin) at which said collar (19) is arranged on the collector plate (11).

12. Heat exchanger (1), particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a bundle (5) of heat exchange tubes (7), characterized in that it further comprises at least one collector box (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and in that the sealing means (13): - comprises at least one bearing surface (29) arranged bearing against one of said collars (19) when the sealing means (13) is assembled with the collector plate (11), - is shaped to be in tension on the collector plate (11) via the bearing surface (29) and - in the compressed state of the sealing means (13), is arranged at a distance from the ends of said tubes (7) passing through the collector plate (11) by interposition of the collars (19).

13. Exchanger (1) according to the preceding claim, assembled by brazing.