Plate heat exchanger

Abstract

The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger (7) for a refrigerant circuit, specifically for a refrigerant circuit in a vehicle, comprising channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) with channel-forming recesses (3), of which at least two channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are arranged to form at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) in stacks of channel plates (1, 2), wherein first stacks of channel plates (1) for a first fluid and second stacks of channel plates (2) for a second fluid are stacked alternately between two cover plates (9.1, 9.2) with separating plates (8) arranged between them to separate opposing channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), of which at least one The cover plate (9.1, 9.2) has fluid connections for the first and / or the second fluid, wherein the channel-forming recess (3) has at least one channel plate (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) the first and second channel plate stacks (1, 2) have at least one stabilizing web (5) oriented transversely to the channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger for transferring heat between two fluids, in particular between a coolant and a refrigerant. The plate heat exchanger is intended for use in a refrigerant circuit, specifically in a refrigerant circuit in a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the plate heat exchanger as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor.

[0002] Plate heat exchangers are used for heat transfer in various fields of technology. Plate heat exchangers play an important role in air conditioning systems with refrigerant circuits, particularly in vehicle air conditioning systems, as they require comparatively little installation space. Their compact design enables efficient heat transfer between two fluids flowing through the plate heat exchanger in a materially separated manner. The individual plates, between which flow paths for the fluids are formed, can be made of different materials. The individual plates are connected or sealed using joining methods such as welding, soldering, or gluing. The selection of the plate and connecting material depends on the fluids used, the temperature ranges, the working pressures, and the predominant materials in the air conditioning system.When using the material of the plate heat exchanger, corrosion-critical compounds must be avoided with regard to the predominant materials in the fluid circuit of the air conditioning system as well as the brazing material used in order to ensure longevity.

[0003] Plate heat exchangers made of deep-drawn or embossed aluminum or steel sheets are known, with the individual plates having material thicknesses of less than 0.6 mm. The thin plate thicknesses of the channel plates are advantageous because the channel structures for the flow paths can be easily formed by embossing. However, excessively thin material thickness leads to low internal pressure resistance, so that the operation of plate heat exchangers with correspondingly thin plate thicknesses is only suitable for certain refrigerants. The stability and external pressure resistance of such plate heat exchangers are also limited by external forces, since the embossed or deep-drawn channels can be compressed under greater stress, thus reducing the volume flow through the channels.The possibilities for fastening, for example by screwing to the compressor, are therefore limited or can only be ensured by additional stabilizing elements.

[0004] The refrigerant R744 is expected to replace conventional refrigerants in the future, leading to increased demand for pressure-resistant plate heat exchangers for the automotive sector. Therefore, a plate heat exchanger that combines the advantages of low weight with the advantages of increased pressure resistance and can be integrated into a vehicle's refrigerant circuit is desirable.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a compact and stable plate heat exchanger that is lightweight and can withstand high operating pressures. The plate heat exchanger is designed in particular for use with the refrigerant R744 and for integration into a vehicle air conditioning system. Furthermore, the plate heat exchanger is intended to be applicable as an integrated gas cooler of a refrigerant compressor.

[0006] The problem is solved by a plate heat exchanger having the features according to claim 1. Further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a plate heat exchanger having channel plates with channel-forming recesses, of which at least two channel plates are arranged to form channel plate stacks to form at least one channel. These channel plate stacks are divided into first channel plate stacks for a first fluid and second channel plate stacks for a second fluid. The first channel plate stacks for the first fluid and the second channel plate stacks for the second fluid are stacked alternately between two cover plates with separating plates arranged therebetween to separate opposite channels. At least one of the cover plates has fluid connections for the first and / or the second fluid. According to the invention, the channel-forming recess of at least one channel plate of the first and second channel plate stacks has at least one stabilizing web oriented transversely to the channel.

[0008] In the plate heat exchanger according to the invention, the first channel plate stacks and the second channel plate stacks are alternately stacked between two cover plates with separating plates, fluidically separated from one another. Each channel plate stack has at least one channel, which is covered by the separating plates or one of the two cover plates. Furthermore, each of the first and second channel plate stacks has first and second openings. The first openings in the second channel plate stacks correspond to the first openings in the first channel plate stacks and thus to the channels in the first channel plate stacks, whereby the first channel plate stacks are connected to one another. The first openings thus form a distribution channel or collecting channel for the first fluid, such that the first fluid can reach the planes of the first channel plate stacks.The second openings in the first channel plate stacks correspond to the second openings in the second channel plate stacks and thus connect the channels of the second channel plate stacks, such that the second channel plate stacks are fluidically connected to one another. The second openings thus form a distribution channel or collection channel for the second fluid, such that the second fluid can reach the levels of the second channel plate stacks. The first channel plate stacks thus form a first flow path for the first fluid, with the second channel plate stacks forming a second flow path for the second fluid, separate from the first flow path. For each flow path, at least one fluid connection is provided as a fluid inlet and another fluid connection as a fluid outlet. The fluid connections can have threads or can be attached by soldering or welding.

[0009] According to the invention, the channel plate stacks are each formed from at least two stacked channel plates, each of which has channel-forming recesses for forming at least one channel. At least one channel plate has at least one stabilizing web oriented transversely to the channel along the length of the channel-forming recess, which web connects opposite flanks of the channel-forming recess to one another.

[0010] The term "channel-forming recess" in the context of the invention describes a mostly elongated, track-shaped, or circular-track-shaped opening in a channel plate. At least two stacked channel plates form a corresponding recess, which defines the at least one channel for the flow of the first or second fluid when the resulting channel plate stack is arranged between two separating plates or between a separating plate and a cover plate. Accordingly, the channels formed from the channel-forming recesses of the first channel plate stacks have a fluid connection with the first openings of the second channel plate stacks, wherein the channels formed from the channel-forming recesses of the second channel plate stacks have a fluid connection with the second openings of the first channel plate stacks. The separating plates also each have corresponding openings for the passage of the fluids.

[0011] The channel plates, the channel-forming recesses, and the first and second openings can be formed using manufacturing processes such as punching, laser cutting, or water jet cutting.

[0012] According to the invention, the channels for the flow of the first fluid and the second fluid separated therefrom are each formed in stacks of at least two channel plates, wherein at least one channel plate of a channel plate stack has at least one stabilizing web oriented transversely to the channel along a course of the channel-forming recess of the respective channel plate. This stabilizing web represents an interruption in the channel-forming recess of the respective channel plate. This interruption advantageously serves as a supporting structural element, which stabilizes the channel plate with the channel-forming recess formed therein and facilitates production, for example by punching. In this way, particularly delicate structures can be stabilized, which is particularly advantageous with thin material thicknesses.

[0013] The individual first and second channel plate stacks are each separated by the separating plates or covered in a fluid-tight manner by the cover plates, with the separating plates or the cover plates covering opposite outer sides of the channel plate stacks. As a result, at least one channel of a channel plate stack is also covered in a fluid-tight manner on both sides by separating plates or by a separating plate and a cover element.

[0014] The channel plates can be made of steel, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, with aluminum being the preferred material due to its lower weight. The use of thin aluminum channel plates advantageously contributes to weight reduction without sacrificing the required pressure resistance when appropriately dimensioned partition plates and cover plates are used. The partition plates and cover plates can also be made of aluminum and have a greater material thickness than a channel plate in the first and second channel plate stacks. This ensures improved pressure resistance within the plate heat exchanger because the material thickness of the partition plates and cover plates can be adapted to the required pressure resistance.The separating plates and the cover plates contain the first openings required for the fluidic connection of the first channel plate stacks and the second openings required for the fluidic connection of the second channel plate stacks. Each first channel plate stack thus has a second opening for the direct passage of the second fluid, with each second channel plate stack having a first opening for the direct passage of the first fluid. The totality of the first openings forms a distribution channel or a collection channel for the first fluid, with the totality of the second openings forming a distribution channel or a collection channel for the second fluid.

[0015] It has been shown that manufacturing the channel plates by punching is simplified from a manufacturing perspective if the sheet thickness from which the channel plates are punched is in the range of 1 mm to 0.6 mm. Accordingly, the individual channel plates of the first and second channel plate stacks can have a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0016] The individual channel plates can be connected to each other, as well as to the separating plates and / or the cover plates, using a joining method such as soldering, welding, or gluing. When soldering, care must be taken to use a suitable brazing alloy to avoid corrosion-prone joints.

[0017] The individual channel plates, the separating plates, the cover plates and the connection between the plates can be dimensioned so that the plate heat exchanger can withstand an operating pressure of 200 bar.

[0018] The channel height of the at least one channel of the first and second channel plate stacks is defined by the number of channel plates and the material thickness of the channel plates. The channel height is limited by two separating plates or one separating plate and a cover plate. The channel height is only influenced at those positions where a channel-forming recess of one of the channel plates of the respective channel plate stack has a stabilizing rib. The stabilizing ribs present along the at least one channel locally reduce the flow cross-section of the formed channel, thereby advantageously increasing the flow velocity and turbulence and thus improving heat transfer.In the case of several individual channels running parallel, the distribution of the fluid flowing through can be advantageously influenced by the number of stabilizing webs and the length of the individual stabilizing webs in order to ensure improved heat transfer.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the plate heat exchanger, in which the first and second channel plate stacks are each formed from a plurality of stacked channel plates, it can be provided that each second channel plate has at least one stabilizing web oriented transversely to the channel. Channel plates with a stabilizing web and those channel plates that do not have a stabilizing web in their channel-forming recess can be arranged alternately. Channel plates A with a stabilizing web can be arranged with channel plates B, which do not have a stabilizing web, in the stacking order ABAB.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the plate heat exchanger, each channel plate of the first channel plate stack and the second channel plate stack can have a stabilizing web oriented transversely to the at least one channel, wherein the stabilizing webs of channel plates stacked one above the other are arranged offset along the course of the at least one channel. In other words, the stabilizing webs are arranged offset such that fluid flow through the formed channel is not blocked. Channel plates A with a stabilizing web can be arranged in the stacking sequence ACAC with channel plates C, in which the stabilizing web is formed at a different position in the channel-forming recess. Furthermore, combined stacking sequences with channel plates B, which do not have a stabilizing web, are possible. This can result in stacking sequences such as ABCABC and other combinations.

[0021] According to the invention, the channel-forming recess of a channel plate is stabilized by the at least one stabilizing web, wherein a channel-forming recess, which leads to the formation of a long channel within the channel plate stack, has more than one stabilizing web. This means: the longer the channel, the greater the number of stabilizing webs in a channel-forming recess can be. Thus, a channel-forming recess of a channel plate can have several of the stabilizing webs.

[0022] The dimensioning of the at least one stabilizing web of the channel-forming recess of a channel plate can be based on the width of the channel formed by the channel-forming recess. Thus, the at least one stabilizing web can have a width that corresponds at least to the width of the at least one formed channel. As already mentioned above, however, the stabilizing web can also be significantly wider than the width of the channel in order to influence the flow through the respective channel.

[0023] The channel plates can each have a plurality of channel-forming recesses, each forming a channel structure with a plurality of individual channels, wherein each individual channel has at least one stabilizing web oriented transversely to the individual channel. The plurality of individual channels can be arranged regularly or irregularly. Preferably, the individual channels of the channel structure are arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another. The individual channels of the channel structure can originate from a common channel stack inlet and open into a common channel stack outlet. The channel stack inlet and the channel stack outlet of a channel plate stack correspond to openings formed in the separating plates, i.e., to the respective first and second openings.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the channel plates, it can be provided that a plurality of the channel-forming recesses are arranged concentrically in a ring, so that the stacked channel plates form a plurality of spaced-apart annular individual channels. The stabilizing webs of adjacent annular channel-forming recesses can be radially offset. It has been shown that production is simplified by the radially offset arrangement of the stabilizing webs. The radially offset arrangement of the stabilizing webs is also advantageous for the stability of the filigree structure of the channel-forming recesses. In this embodiment, too, the stabilizing webs of the channel-forming recesses are offset along a formed channel of stacked channel plates in such a way that fluid flow is ensured.The channel plates formed in this way can be arranged as first channel plate stacks and / or as second channel plate stacks. The annular individual channels can have a common inlet and a common outlet, wherein the common inlet and the common outlet are each formed with first openings and second openings, respectively. Furthermore, with this configuration of the channel plates, it can be provided that a width of the annular channel-forming recesses decreases from the outside to the inside. This means that the plurality of concentric rings forming the annular recesses have different widths, wherein the width of the annular recesses decreases from the outer ring to the inner ring. The annular individual channels then formed when the channel plates are stacked thus have a flow cross-section that decreases from the outer annular individual channel to the inner annular individual channel.The resulting individual channels then each have different widths and cross-sections. This measure has been shown to achieve improved distribution of the flowing fluid, resulting in even better heat transfer performance.

[0025] The surface contact of the individual channel plates, the separating plates, and the cover plates enables a particularly compact and stable design of the plate heat exchanger. The improved stability enables screw connections to components of a refrigerant circuit, in particular to a refrigerant compressor of a refrigerant circuit, without the need for additional stabilizing elements. The channel plates, separating plates, and cover plates can therefore each have several corresponding openings for screws or bolts. These screw or bolt openings are provided to screw the plate heat exchanger directly to the refrigerant compressor, for example. The openings for the screws or bolts are preferably arranged at the edges and distributed as evenly as possible to achieve even force distribution during screwing.Due to the compact design of the plate heat exchanger, the formed channels remain tight and dimensionally stable even when subjected to external forces, such as those that can occur when screwing.

[0026] The channel-forming recesses can have a shape that forms at least one channel with a meandering course, at least in sections. In this regard, a channel structure can also be provided in which several individual channels running alongside one another have a meandering course, at least in sections.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the plate heat exchanger according to the invention, the cover plates, the first and second channel plate stacks and the separating plates arranged therebetween can have a substantially circular basic shape, wherein the fluid connections for the first fluid and / or for the second fluid are formed on the radial circumference of the plate heat exchanger. In this embodiment, the plate heat exchanger has a cylindrical shape, wherein the fluid connections for a first fluid are formed on a projection protruding from the circumference of the cylindrical shape. The fluid connections for a second fluid can be formed in the cover plates. A first fluid connection can be formed as a fluid inlet for the first fluid in a first cover element, wherein a second fluid connection is formed as a fluid outlet for the first fluid in a second cover element.This design of the plate heat exchanger is particularly suitable for integration into a refrigerant compressor in a refrigerant circuit.

[0028] The plate heat exchanger according to the invention enables an arrangement for parallel or serial flow of fluids through multiple channel plate stacks. Thus, the first channel plate stacks and, fluidically separated from them, the second channel plate stacks can be fluidically connected in series or in parallel.

[0029] The invention provides a high-pressure-resistant, compact, and lightweight plate heat exchanger. Delicate channel structures in robust, punch-ready channel plates, arranged in channel plate stacks, enable high heat transfer performance while maintaining low production costs.

[0030] A further aspect of the invention is the use of the plate heat exchanger described above in a refrigerant circuit with the refrigerant R744.

[0031] Yet another aspect of the invention is the use of the plate heat exchanger as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, especially in a refrigerant compressor of a vehicle. The plate heat exchanger can assume the function of an internal heat exchanger in a multi-stage compression process. According to this use of the plate heat exchanger, the plate heat exchanger can be arranged after a compression stage and bolted to the refrigerant compressor, so that the plate heat exchanger is located on the refrigerant outlet side of the refrigerant compressor.

[0032] The plate heat exchanger according to the invention has further advantages. For example, the additional internal volume of the plate heat exchanger after the compression stage in a refrigerant compressor dampens the pulsations on the refrigerant outlet side of the refrigerant compressor, thereby reducing noise emissions from the refrigerant compressor in the vehicle. In addition to the pulsation dampening provided by the internal volume of the plate heat exchanger, the internal structure of the channel-forming recesses with the stabilizing webs is designed such that the pulsations in the parallel individual channels interfere destructively due to the different channel lengths, thus reducing the pulsations generated by the refrigerant compressor. This also leads to a reduction in noise emissions from the refrigerant compressor. The plate heat exchanger according to the invention can therefore also be used as a muffler.Thus, when the plate heat exchanger is used in a refrigerant circuit, for example, as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, especially in a vehicle's refrigerant compressor, an additional muffler is not required, as the plate heat exchanger ensures dampening and reduces noise emissions. The plate heat exchanger can therefore be used as a muffler in air conditioning systems with refrigerant compressors.

[0033] Further details, features, and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figs. 1a - 1d: schematic representations of an embodiment of channel plates of a plate heat exchanger according to the invention, Figs. 2a - 2d: schematic representations of an embodiment of a plate heat exchanger according to the invention, Figs. 3a - 3d: schematic representations of channel plates of an embodiment of the plate heat exchanger, Fig. 3e: a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a channel plate of the plate heat exchanger, Figs. 4a - 4d: schematic detailed representations of channel plate stacks of the plate heat exchanger, Fig. 4e: schematic detailed representation of an embodiment of the plate heat exchanger with a view of a separating plate, Figs. 5a and 5b: schematic representations of an embodiment of the plate heat exchanger in an assembled form and Fig. 6: an exploded view of an embodiment of the plate heat exchanger according to the invention.

[0034] Recurring features are marked with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0035] The Figures 1a to 1d show schematic representations of an embodiment of channel plates of a plate heat exchanger according to the invention. Figure 1aa perspective view of two channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 made of aluminum, which are stacked one above the other to form a first channel plate stack 1. Both channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 have corresponding channel-forming recesses 3, which form three individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3, spaced apart from one another, running in a meandering manner within the first channel plate stack 1. In the plane, the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 correspond to first openings 4. The channel-forming recesses 3 of both channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 have stabilizing webs 5 oriented along the course of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3, each transverse to the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. Three stabilizing webs 5 are formed along the course of a recess 3 of the channel plate 1.1 forming a channel, wherein two stabilizing webs 5 are formed along the course of a recess 3 of the channel plate 1.2 forming a channel.The stabilizing webs 5 of corresponding channel-forming recesses 3 of channel plate 1.1 and channel plate 1.2 are arranged offset along the course of the formed individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. By arranging the stabilizing webs 5 of the stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 offset, fluid flow through the formed individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 is ensured. The stabilizing webs 5 each represent an interruption in the course of the channel-forming recesses 3 of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2.

[0036] The channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 further have corresponding second openings 6, which serve for the fluidic connection of second channel plate stacks 2, which are not shown in the illustration.

[0037] The Figure 1b shows a detailed section of the Figure 1a. The detailed section shows that the stabilizing webs 5 of the stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2, which stabilize the recesses 3 forming the channels, are arranged at different positions along the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. The stabilizing webs 5 are thus arranged offset along the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. At the positions at which the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 have a stabilizing web 5, the channel height of the respective individual channel 3.1, 3.2 or 3.3 is equal to the thickness of the aluminum channel plate 1.1 or 1.2. In the example shown, the channel plates have a thickness of 0.8 mm, so that the channel height in areas where there is no stabilizing web 5 is 1.6 mm. At the positions where the channel-forming recesses 3 have a stabilizing web 5, the channel height is therefore 0.8 mm.The width of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 is 3 mm, with the stabilizing webs 5 oriented transversely to the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 also having a width of 3 mm. According to one embodiment, the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 can have different widths. The stabilizing webs 5 can also be adapted to the width of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 and thus have a different width from neighboring individual channels.

[0038] The Figure 1c shows the channel plate 1.1 made of aluminum of the first channel plate stack ( Figure 1a) separately with the channel-forming recesses 3 formed therein, the first openings 4, and the second openings 6. The three channel-forming recesses 3 have an elongated, evenly spaced, meandering geometry, which is interrupted at three positions by the stabilizing webs 5. Due to the stabilizing webs 5, the filigree structures of the channel-forming recesses 3 can be punched more easily. Furthermore, the stabilizing webs 5 impart improved stability to the entire channel-forming structure, thereby improving the handling of the channel plate 1.1.

[0039] The Figure 1d shows the channel plate 1.2 made of aluminum of the first channel plate stack ( Figure 1a) separately with the channel-forming recesses 3 formed therein, the first openings 4 and the second openings 6, which correspond to the first openings 4 and second openings 6 formed in the channel plate 1.1. The first openings 4 serve as channel stack inlet and channel stack outlet for the first fluid.

[0040] The Figures 2a to 2d show schematic representations of an embodiment example of a plate heat exchanger 7 according to the invention. Figures 2a to 2d each a perspective top view.

[0041] The Figure 2ashows the plate heat exchanger 7 in the assembled state, wherein first channel plate stacks 1 for a first fluid and second channel plate stacks 2 for a second fluid are stacked alternately with separating plates 8 arranged therebetween to separate opposite channels between two cover plates 9.1 and 9.2. The first channel plate stacks 1, the second channel plate stacks 2, the separating plates 8 and the cover plates 9.1 and 9.2 are made of aluminum and soldered to one another in a fluid-tight manner. The upper cover plate 9.1 has first openings 4 which correspond to the first openings 4 formed in the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. Furthermore, the cover plate 9.1 has two second openings 6 which correspond to the second openings 6 formed in the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2.The first openings 4 serve as fluid connections for the first fluid, with the second openings 6 forming fluid connections for the second fluid. Due to the stacked arrangement, the first openings 4 form a distribution channel for the first fluid into the plate planes of the first channel plate stacks 1, so that the first fluid can reach the respective individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 before flowing into a collecting channel formed by the first openings 4 on the diagonally opposite side of the plate heat exchanger 7. In the stacked arrangement, the first channel plate stacks 1 are thus connected to one another by the corresponding first openings 4, so that a first flow path for the first fluid is formed.The corresponding second openings 6 connect the second channel plate stacks 2 to one another, forming a second flow path for the second fluid that is separate from the first flow path for the first fluid. The second openings 6 form a distribution channel for the second fluid into the plate planes of the second channel plate stacks 2 (see ). Figure 2d ), so that the second fluid can enter the respective individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 of the second channel plate stack 2 before flowing into a collecting channel formed by the second openings 6 on the diagonally opposite side of the plate heat exchanger 7. In the example, the plate heat exchanger 7 has a substantially rectangular basic shape.

[0042] The Figure 2b shows the Figure 2aillustrated plate heat exchanger 7, wherein the upper cover plate 9.1 is omitted, allowing a view of one of the first channel plate stacks 1. The first channel plate stack 1 shown corresponds to the design of the Figure 1a shown channel plate stack 1, which consists of the two stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 (see Figures 1a to 1d). While the omitted upper cover plate 9.1 forms the upper boundary of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 or covers the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3, the lower boundary or covering of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 is ensured by the separating plate 8. The separating plate 8 separates successive first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. The channel height within the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 reduced by the stabilizing webs 5 advantageously contributes to a local acceleration of the fluid flowing through, thereby generating turbulence which promotes heat transfer. The fluid distribution in the parallel individual channels can be influenced by the number and length of the stabilizing webs 5.

[0043] The Figure 2c shows the Figure 2billustrated plate heat exchanger 7. This illustration provides a view of a separating plate 8 separating the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. In the illustration shown, the separating plate 8 covers a second channel plate stack 2. The separating plate 8, made of aluminum, has the corresponding first openings 4 and second openings 6.

[0044] The Figure 2d also shows the Figures 2a to 2cillustrated plate heat exchanger 7, allowing a view of the second channel plate stack 2. The second channel plate stack 2 also consists of channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 stacked on top of one another. The channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 of the second channel plate stack 2 are mirror images of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 of the first channel plate stack 1. The channel-forming recesses 3 of both channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 have stabilizing webs 5, wherein the formed individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 correspond to the second openings 6. The formed individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 serve to conduct the second fluid. Furthermore, the second channel plate stack 2 has first openings 4, which enable the first fluid to conduct. The channel plate stack 2 rests with the channel plate 1.2 on a separating plate 8, which forms the lower boundary for the individual channels 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.

[0045] The Figures 3a to 3d show schematic representations of channel plates 1.1, 1.2 as well as 2.1 and 2.2 of a further embodiment of the plate heat exchanger 7 according to the invention, which is provided as an integrated gas cooler for screwing to a compressor. Figures 3a to 3d The channel plates 1.1, 1.2 and 2.1 and 2.2 shown are made of aluminum and each have a substantially circular shape, on the outer circumference of which a projection 9 is formed, wherein inwardly facing second openings 6 for the passage of the second fluid are formed in the projection 9. The Figure 3a shows a channel plate 1.1 of a first channel plate stack 1, wherein the Figure 3banother channel plate 1.2 of a first channel plate stack 1. Both channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 have corresponding channel-forming recesses 3. The channel-forming recesses 3 of both channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 each have transversely oriented stabilizing webs 5 along their length. The positions of the stabilizing webs 5 in the otherwise corresponding channel-forming recesses 3 of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 are unequal, so that the stabilizing webs 5 of the stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 in the resulting individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 (see Figures 4a and 4c) are arranged offset. In the center of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 are a central first opening 4.1 and several smaller, radially spaced, further first openings 4.2. The first openings 4.1 and 4.2 serve to conduct the first fluid. The channel-forming recesses 3 have a section with a meandering shape.

[0046] The Figure 3c shows a channel plate 2.1 of a second channel plate stack 2 (see Figure 5 ), where the Figure 3dshows a further channel plate 2.2 of a second channel plate stack 2. Both channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 have corresponding channel-forming recesses 3. The channel-forming recesses 3 are geometrically designed differently than the channel-forming recesses 3 of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2. The channel-forming recesses 3 of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are arranged at a distance from one another in a ring-shaped manner, with each ring-shaped channel-forming recess 3 having a plurality of transversely oriented stabilizing webs 5 along its length. The stabilizing webs 5 each lie on a radial line. Due to the stabilizing webs 5, the ring-shaped channel-forming recesses 3 of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are interrupted, so that the channel-forming recesses 3 are each formed from a plurality of circular ring sections which are arranged concentrically around the first opening 4.1.The positions of the stabilizing webs 5 in the recesses 3 of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 forming the channel are unequal, so that the stabilizing webs 5 of the stacked channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 in the resulting individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 (see . Figures 4a and 4c ) for the second fluid are arranged offset, which allows the flow of the second fluid. In the center of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 there is a central first opening 4.1 and several smaller, radially spaced further first openings 4.2. These first openings 4.1 and 4.2 correspond to the first openings 4.1 and 4.2 of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2, respectively, and serve to conduct the first fluid.

[0047] The individual channel plates 1.1, 1.2 as well as 2.1 and 2.2 of the Figures 3a to 3deach have fourteen passages 13 for screws or bolts, which correspond to each other in the stacked state so that the assembled plate heat exchanger 7 (see Figures 5a and 5b) can be screwed to a refrigerant compressor by means of screws or bolts passing through the openings 13. The openings 13 are each arranged at the same distance from the first opening 4.2 formed in the center. Accordingly, the separating plates 8 and the cover plates 9.1 and 9.2 also have corresponding openings 13, as shown in the Figures 5a, 5b and 6 is evident.

[0048] The Figure 3eshows a schematic representation of a preferred alternative embodiment of a channel plate for forming a first channel plate stack 1 or a second channel plate stack 2. According to this preferred conception of the channel plate, several of the channel-forming recesses 3 are formed in a concentric ring shape, wherein the stabilizing webs 5 are radially offset from adjacent ring-shaped channel-forming recesses 3 of this channel plate design. Unlike in the Figures 3c and 3dIn the configurations of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 shown, the stabilizing webs 5 of adjacent annular channel-forming recesses 3 are therefore not radially aligned. The positions of the stabilizing webs 5 in the annular channel-forming recesses 3 of stacked channel plates of this configuration are also unequal, so that the stabilizing webs 5 of the stacked channel plates are arranged offset in the resulting individual channels, which allows the flow of a fluid. Furthermore, in contrast to the Figures 3c and 3dIn the embodiments shown, two crescent-shaped first openings 4.1 and 4.2 are located in the center of the channel plate 2.1, which are separated from one another by a web 4.3. According to the concept of the invention, these channel plates can also be stacked to form first channel plate stacks 1 and second channel plate stacks 2 with separating plates 8 arranged therebetween, wherein the crescent-shaped openings 4.1 and 4.2 each correspond to one another in such a way that the first openings 4.1 form a distribution channel for distributing the first fluid into the individual plate levels of the first channel plate stacks 1 of the plate heat exchanger 7, wherein the first openings 4.2 form a collecting channel for the first fluid flowing back from the individual first channel plate stacks 1 of the plate heat exchanger 7. This embodiment also has fourteen passages 13 for screws or bolts to enable screwing.

[0049] The Figures 4a to 4d show schematic detailed representations of channel plate stacks 1 and 2 of the plate heat exchanger 7. The Figure 4a several alternately stacked first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2, which are fluidically separated from each other by separating plates 8. The representation of the Figure 4a allows a view of a first channel plate stack 1, which is provided with a channel plate 1.1 ( Figure 3a ) and a channel plate 1.2 ( Figure 3b ) is trained. The Figure 4bshows a detailed view of the first channel plate stack 1 formed from the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2, in which the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 for the first fluid are formed. The arrows 10 indicate the flow path of the first fluid through the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 formed by the channel-forming openings 3 between the first openings 4.1 and 4.2. The resulting stack of the plate heat exchanger has a plurality of passages 13 for screws or bolts. The passages 13 are also identified with the same reference numerals in the following figures.

[0050] The Figure 4c shows several alternately stacked first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2, which are fluidically separated from each other by separating plates 8. The representation of the Figure 4c allows a view of a second channel plate stack 2, which is connected to a channel plate 2.1 ( Figure 3c ) and a channel plate 2.2 ( Figure 3d) is trained. The Figure 4d shows a detailed representation of the second channel plate stack 2 formed from the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2. The arrows 11 indicate the flow path of the second fluid through the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 formed by the channel-forming openings 3 between the second openings 6.

[0051] The Figure 4eshows a schematic detailed representation of an embodiment of the plate heat exchanger 7 with a view of a separating plate 8, several of which are arranged in a stack with first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2, each between first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. The separating plate 8 has first openings 4.1 and 4.2 and second openings 6. The first openings 4.1 and 4.2 and the second openings 6 correspond to the first openings 4.1 and 4.2 and the second openings 6 formed in the channel plate stacks 1 and 2, or to the first openings 4.1 and 4.2 and the second openings 6 formed in the respective channel plates 1.1, 1.2, and 2.1 and 2.2.

[0052] The Figures 5a and 5b show schematic representations of an embodiment of the plate heat exchanger 7 in a composite form, wherein the individual plates are soldered together. Figure 5aa view of the cover plate 9.1 of the plate heat exchanger 7 is shown. The channel plate stacks 1 and 2 are stacked alternately on top of one another with separating plates 8 arranged between them. The separating plates 8 each have first openings 4.1 and 4.2 and second openings 6 (hidden), which correspond to the first openings 4.1 and 4.2 and second openings 6 formed in the first and second channel stacks 1 and 2. The stacked arrangement of the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2 is delimited by the cover plates 9.1 and 9.2. The cover plate 9.1 has a plurality of first openings 4.2, which serve as fluid outlets for the first fluid. The second openings 6, which are formed in the projection 9 of the cover plate 9.1, have fluid connections 12.1 and 12.2 for the second fluid. The fluid connection 12.1 serves as the fluid inlet and the fluid connection 12.2 as the fluid outlet for the second fluid.This design of the plate heat exchanger 7 is suitable for use as an integrated fluid-cooled gas cooler of a refrigerant compressor. In such an application, the first fluid is a refrigerant, for example, R744, while the second fluid is a coolant, such as a water-glycol mixture.

[0053] With the Figure 5b is the underside of the Figure 5a The plate heat exchanger 7 shown is shown, providing a view of the cover plate 9.2. In the center of the cover plate 9.2 is a central first opening 4.1, which corresponds to the central first openings 4.1 formed in the channel plates 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, and 2.2 of the channel plate stacks 1 and 2. This central first opening 4.1 serves as a fluid inlet for the first fluid, which may be the refrigerant R744.

[0054] The Figure 6shows an exploded view to explain in more detail the design of a Figures 4 and 5 A plate heat exchanger 7 of this design is particularly suitable for integration as an internal heat exchanger or integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor. According to this design, two channel plates 1.1 are arranged according to Figure 3a and 1.2 according to the Figure 3b to a first channel plate stack 1, wherein two further channel plates 2.1 according to Figure 3c and 2.2 according to Figure 3dto form a second channel plate stack 2. The first channel plate stack 1 and the second channel plate stack 2 are arranged between two cover plates 9.1 and 9.2, separated by a separating plate 8, such that the opposing channels formed in the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2 are separated from one another and covered. A central first opening 4.1 is formed in the cover plate 9.2 and is provided as a fluid inlet for the first fluid, wherein the opposite cover plate 9.1 has seven first openings 4.2 provided as fluid outlets for the first fluid. The fluid connections 12.1 and 12.2, which are inserted into the projection 9 and soldered, are assigned to the second openings 6 for the second fluid. List of reference symbols

[0055] 1First channel plate stack 1.1Channel plate 1.2Channel plate 2Second channel plate stack 2.1Channel plate 2.2Channel plate 3Channel-forming recess 3.1 - 3.7Channel / single channel 4, 4.1, 4.2First opening 4.3Web 5Stabilizing web 6Second openings 7Plate heat exchanger 8Separator plates 9Protrusion 9.1Cover plate 9.2Cover plate 10Arrows 11Arrows 12.1Fluid connection 12.2Fluid connection 13Perforations

Claims

1. Plate heat exchanger (7) for a refrigerant circuit, especially for a refrigerant circuit in a vehicle, comprising channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) with channel-forming recesses (3), of which at least two channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are arranged to form channel plate stacks (1, 2) to form at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), wherein first channel plate stacks (1) for a first fluid and second channel plate stacks (2) for a second fluid are stacked alternately with separating plates (8) arranged therebetween for separating opposite channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) between two cover plates (9.1, 9.2), of which at least a cover plate (9.1, 9.2) has fluid connections for the first and / or the second fluid, wherein the channel-forming recess (3) of at least one channel plate (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) of the first and second channel plate stacks (1, 2) has at least one opening transverse to the channel (3.1, 3.2).2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) oriented stabilizing bar (5).

2. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are made of aluminum.

3. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating plates (8) and / or the cover plates (9.1, 9.2) have a greater material thickness than the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) of the first and second channel plate stacks (1, 2).

4. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second channel plate stacks (1, 2) are each formed with a plurality of stacked channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2), wherein each second channel plate (1.2, 2.2) has at least one stabilizing web (5) oriented transversely to the channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

5. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thateach channel plate (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) of the first channel plate stack (1) and the second channel plate stack (2) has a stabilizing web (5) oriented transversely to the at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), wherein the stabilizing webs (5) of channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) stacked one above the other are arranged offset along the course of the at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

6. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one stabilizing web (5) of the channel-forming recess (3) of a channel plate (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) has a width which corresponds at least to the width of the formed channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

7. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatthe channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) each have a plurality of channel-forming recesses (3), which each form a channel structure with a plurality of individual channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), wherein each individual channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) has at least one stabilizing web (5) oriented transversely to the individual channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

8. Plate heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that the individual channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) of the channel structure are spaced parallel.

9. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that several of the channel-forming recesses (3) are arranged concentrically in a ring shape, wherein the stabilizing webs (5) are radially offset from adjacent annular channel-forming recesses (3).

10. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 9, characterized in thata width of the annular channel-forming recesses (3) decreases from the outside to the inside.

11. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2), the partition plates (8) and the cover plates (9.1, 9.2) each have several corresponding passages (13) for screws or bolts.

12. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the channel-forming recesses (3) have a shape which forms at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) with a meandering course at least in sections.

13. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the cover plates (9.1, 9.2), the first and second channel plate stacks (1, 2) and the separating plates (8) arranged therebetween have a substantially circular basic shape.

14. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a first opening (4.1) is designed as a fluid inlet for the first fluid in the cover element (9.2), wherein a further first opening (4.2) is designed as a fluid outlet for the first fluid in the cover element (9.1).

15. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the channel-forming recesses (3) of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are formed by punching.

16. Plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first channel plate stacks (1) and the second channel plate stacks (2) fluidically separated therefrom are fluidically connected in series or in parallel.

17. Use of the plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 16 in a refrigerant circuit with the refrigerant R744.

18. Use of the plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 1 to 16 as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, especially in a refrigerant compressor of a vehicle.

19. Use of the plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 18, wherein the plate heat exchanger (7) is arranged after a compression stage and is screwed to the refrigerant compressor.

20. Use of the plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the plate heat exchanger (7) serves as a muffler.

Images