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 technical applications. They play a crucial role in air conditioning systems with refrigerant circuits, particularly in vehicle air conditioning systems, due to their relatively small installation space. Their compact design enables efficient heat transfer between two fluids, which flow through the 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 connection or sealing of the individual plates is achieved, for example, through joining processes such as welding, brazing, or bonding. The selection of the plate and connecting material depends on the fluids used, the temperature ranges, the operating pressures, and the predominant materials in the air conditioning system.When using the material of the plate heat exchanger, corrosion-critical connections with the predominant materials in the fluid circuit of the air conditioning system and the solder material used must be avoided in order to ensure a long service life.

[0003] Plate heat exchangers made of deep-drawn or embossed aluminum or steel sheets are well-known, with individual plates sometimes having a material thickness of less than 0.6 mm. The thinness of the channel plates is advantageous because the channel structures for the flow paths can be easily formed by embossing. However, insufficient material thickness results in low internal pressure resistance, meaning that plate heat exchangers with such thin plates are only suitable for certain refrigerants. Furthermore, the stability and external pressure resistance of such plate heat exchangers are limited by external forces, as the embossed or deep-drawn channels can be compressed under increased stress, thus preventing proper flow through the channels.The options for fastening, for example by bolting to the compressor, are therefore limited or can only be ensured by additional stabilizing elements. Document US 6,959,492 B1, which is considered the closest prior art, shows a stack of plates with separating plates and punched plates to form the channels for each fluid.

[0004] It is expected that the refrigerant R744 will replace conventional refrigerants in the future, leading to increased demand for pressure-resistant plate heat exchangers for the automotive sector. A desirable plate heat exchanger, therefore, combines the advantages of low weight and increased pressure resistance while being integrable into a vehicle's refrigerant circuit.

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

[0006] The problem is solved by a plate heat exchanger with 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 comprising channel plates with channel-forming recesses, of which at least two channel plates are arranged in stacks to form at least one channel. These stacks of channel plates are divided into first stacks for a first fluid and second stacks for a second fluid. The first stacks for the first fluid and the second stacks for the second fluid are stacked alternately between two cover plates, with separating plates arranged between them to separate opposing 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 in each of the first and second stacks of channel plates has at least one stabilizing rib oriented transversely to the channel.

[0008] In the plate heat exchanger according to the invention, the first and second stacks of channel plates are alternately stacked between two cover plates with baffles, fluidically separated from one another. Each stack of channel plates has at least one channel, which is covered by the baffles or one of the two cover plates. Furthermore, each of the first and second stacks of channel plates has first and second openings. The first openings of the second stack of channel plates correspond to the first openings of the first stack of channel plates and thus to the channels of the first stack of channel plates, thereby connecting the first stacks of channel plates. The first openings thus form a distribution channel or collection channel for the first fluid, allowing the first fluid to enter the planes of the first stack of channel plates.The second openings of the first stack of channel plates correspond to the second openings of the second stack of channel plates, thus connecting the channels of the second stack, so that the second stack of channel plates is fluidically connected. The second openings therefore form a distribution channel or collection channel for the second fluid, allowing the second fluid to enter the levels of the second stack of channel plates. Thus, the first stack of channel plates forms a first flow path for the first fluid, while the second stack of channel plates forms a second flow path for the second fluid, separate from the first. Each flow path has at least one fluid connection as a fluid inlet and another as a fluid outlet. The fluid connections can be threaded or 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 the formation of at least one channel. In each case, at least one channel plate has at least one stabilizing rib oriented transversely to the channel along one of the course of the channel-forming recess, which connects opposite flanks of the channel-forming recess.

[0010] The term "channel-forming recess" as used in the invention describes a usually elongated, linear, or circular opening in a channel plate. At least two stacked channel plates form a corresponding recess, which constitutes the at least one channel for the flow of the first or the second fluid when the resulting stack of channel plates is arranged between two separating plates or between a separating plate and a cover plate. Accordingly, the channels formed by the channel-forming recesses of the first stack of channel plates have a fluid connection with the first openings of the second stack of channel plates, and the channels formed by the channel-forming recesses of the second stack of channel plates have a fluid connection with the second openings of the first stack of channel plates. 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 waterjet cutting.

[0012] According to the invention, the channels for the flow of the first fluid and the separate second fluid 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 rib oriented transversely to the channel along a portion of the channel-forming recess of the respective channel plate. This stabilizing rib represents an interruption of the channel-forming recess of the respective channel plate. Advantageously, this interruption serves as a supporting structural element that stabilizes the channel plate with the channel-forming recess formed therein and facilitates manufacturing, for example, by stamping. In this way, particularly delicate structures can be stabilized, which is especially advantageous with small material thicknesses.

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

[0014] The channel plates can be made of steel or 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 compromising the required pressure resistance when using appropriately dimensioned baffle and end plates. These baffle and end plates can also be made of aluminum and have a greater material thickness than the channel plates of the first and second stacks. This allows for improved pressure resistance within the plate heat exchanger, as the material thickness of the baffle and end 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 stack of channel plates and the second openings required for the fluidic connection of the second stack of channel plates. Each first stack of channel plates thus has a second opening for the direct passage of the second fluid, and each second stack of channel plates has a first opening for the direct passage of the first fluid. The entirety of the first openings forms a distribution channel or a collection channel for the first fluid, and the entirety of the second openings forms a distribution channel or a collection channel for the second fluid.

[0015] It has been shown that manufacturing the channel plates by stamping is technically simplified when the sheet thickness from which the channel plates are stamped is in the range of 1 mm to 0.6 mm. Consequently, the individual channel plates of the first and second stacks can have a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0016] The connection between the individual channel plates, as well as to the separating plates and / or the cover plates, can be achieved by a joining process such as soldering, welding, or gluing. When soldering, care must be taken to use a suitable hard solder 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 at least one channel in the first and second channel plate stacks is defined by the number of channel plates and their material thickness. The channel height is limited by two separating plates or by one separating plate and one cover plate. The channel height is only affected at positions where a channel-forming recess in one of the channel plates of the respective 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 parallel individual channels, the distribution of the flowing fluid can be advantageously influenced by the number of stabilizing ribs and the length of the individual stabilizing ribs in order to ensure improved heat transfer.

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

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

[0021] According to the invention, the channel-forming recess of a channel plate is stabilized by at least one stabilizing rib, wherein a channel-forming recess that leads to the formation of a long channel within the stack of channel plates has more than one stabilizing rib. This means that the longer the channel, the greater the number of stabilizing ribs a channel-forming recess can have. Thus, a channel-forming recess of a channel plate can have several of these stabilizing ribs.

[0022] The dimensioning of the at least one stabilizing rib of the channel-forming recess in a channel plate can be based on the width of the channel formed by the recess. Thus, the at least one stabilizing rib can have a width that is at least equal to the width of the channel formed. However, as mentioned above, the stabilizing rib can also be significantly wider than the width of the channel in order to influence the flow through the channel in question.

[0023] The channel plates can each have several channel-forming recesses, each of which forms a channel structure with multiple individual channels, each individual channel having at least one stabilizing rib oriented transversely to the individual channel. The multiple individual channels can be arranged regularly or irregularly. Preferably, the individual channels of the channel structure are arranged parallel to one another at a distance. 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, that is, to the respective first and second openings.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the channel plates, several of the channel-forming recesses can be arranged concentrically in a ring, so that the stacked channel plates form several spaced-apart, annular individual channels. The stabilizing ribs of adjacent annular channel-forming recesses can be radially offset. It has been shown that the manufacturing process is simplified by the radially offset arrangement of the stabilizing ribs. Furthermore, the radially offset arrangement of the stabilizing ribs is advantageous for the stability of the delicate structure of the channel-forming recesses. In this embodiment as well, the stabilizing ribs of the channel-forming recesses along a channel formed by stacked channel plates are offset to ensure fluid flow.The channel plates thus formed can be arranged as first stacks of channel plates and / or as second stacks of channel plates. The annular individual channels can have a common inlet and a common outlet, with the common inlet and the common outlet each having first and second openings, respectively. Furthermore, in this configuration of the channel plates, the width of the annular channel-forming recesses can decrease from the outside to the inside. This means that the several concentric rings forming the annular recesses have different widths, with the width of the annular recesses decreasing from the outer ring to the inner ring. The annular individual channels formed when the channel plates are stacked thus have a flow cross-section that decreases from the outer to the inner annular individual channel.The individual channels formed then each have different widths and cross-sections. It has been shown that this measure achieves an improved distribution of the flowing fluid, resulting in even better heat transfer performance.

[0025] The continuous contact between the individual channel plates, baffles, and cover plates enables a particularly compact and stable design for the plate heat exchanger. This improved stability allows for bolted connections to components of a refrigerant circuit, especially a refrigerant compressor, without the need for additional stabilizing elements. The channel plates, baffles, and cover plates can each feature multiple corresponding threaded holes for screws or bolts. These threaded holes allow the plate heat exchanger to be bolted directly to the refrigerant compressor, for example. The threaded holes are preferably located at the edges and distributed as evenly as possible to ensure uniform force distribution during tightening.Due to the compact design of the plate heat exchanger, the channels formed remain tight and dimensionally stable even under external forces, such as those that can occur during screwing.

[0026] The channel-forming recesses can have a shape that creates 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 parallel individual channels 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 stacks of channel plates, and the intermediate partition plates can have a substantially circular basic shape, with the fluid connections for the first fluid and / or for the second fluid being formed on the radial circumference of the plate heat exchanger. In this embodiment, the plate heat exchanger has a cylindrical shape, with the fluid connections for a first fluid being formed on a projection extending 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 designed as a fluid inlet for the first fluid in a first cover element, with a second fluid connection being designed 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 the parallel or series flow of fluids through several stacks of channel plates. Thus, the first stacks of channel plates and the second stacks of channel plates, fluidically separated from them, can be connected in series or in parallel.

[0029] The invention provides a high-pressure-resistant and compact plate heat exchanger with low weight. Delicate channel structures in robust, stampable channel plates, arranged in stacks, enable high heat transfer rates while simultaneously keeping production costs low.

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

[0031] A further aspect of the invention is the use of the plate heat exchanger as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, specifically in a vehicle refrigerant compressor. In this application, the plate heat exchanger can function as an internal heat exchanger in a multi-stage compression process. According to this use, the plate heat exchanger can be positioned downstream of 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 offers further advantages. The additional internal volume of the plate heat exchanger downstream of the compression stage in a refrigerant compressor dampens pulsations on the refrigerant outlet side of the compressor, thereby reducing the noise emission of the refrigerant compressor in the vehicle. In addition to the existing pulsation damping provided by the internal volume of the plate heat exchanger, the internal structure of the channel-forming recesses with stabilizing ribs is designed such that the pulsations in the parallel individual channels interfere destructively due to their different lengths, thus reducing pulsations generated by the refrigerant compressor. This also leads to a reduction in the noise emission of the refrigerant compressor. The plate heat exchanger according to the invention can therefore also be used as a muffler.Therefore, when using a plate heat exchanger 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 itself provides damping and reduces noise emissions. The plate heat exchanger can thus 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. These 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 detail representations of channel plate stacks of the plate heat exchanger, Fig. 4e: schematic detail representation of an embodiment of the plate heat exchanger with a view of a partition plate, Figs. 5a and 5b: schematic representations of an embodiment of the plate heat exchanger in a composite form and Fig. 6: an exploded view of an embodiment of the plate heat exchanger according to the invention.

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

[0035] The Figures 1a to 1d The figures show schematic representations of an embodiment of channel plates of a plate heat exchanger according to the invention. The figures show... Figure 1aA perspective view of two aluminum channel plates 1.1 and 1.2, stacked on top of each other to form a first stack of channel plates 1. Both channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 have corresponding channel-forming recesses 3, which, within the first stack of channel plates 1, form three meandering individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 spaced apart. 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 each have stabilizing ribs 5 oriented transversely to the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 along their respective paths. Three stabilizing webs 5 are formed along the course of a channel-forming recess 3 of the channel plate 1.1, wherein two stabilizing webs 5 are formed along the course of a channel-forming recess 3 of the channel plate 1.2.The stabilizing ribs 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 individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. This offset arrangement of the stabilizing ribs 5 of the stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 ensures fluid flow through the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. The stabilizing ribs 5 each interrupt the course of the channel-forming recesses 3 of channel plates 1.1 and 1.2.

[0036] The channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 also 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 1aThe detailed view shows that the channel-forming recesses 3 and stabilizing ribs 5 of the stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 are arranged at different positions along the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. Thus, the stabilizing ribs 5 are staggered along the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. At the positions where the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 have a stabilizing rib 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 the channel height in areas where there is no stabilizing rib 5 is 1.6 mm. At the positions where the channel-forming recesses 3 have a stabilizing rib 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 may have different widths. In this case, the stabilizing webs 5 may also be adapted to the width of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 and thus have a different width than adjacent individual channels.

[0038] The Figure 1c shows the aluminum channel plate 1.1 of the first stack of channel plates ( 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, uniformly spaced, meandering geometry, which is interrupted at three positions by the stabilizing ribs 5. Due to the stabilizing ribs 5, the delicate structures of the channel-forming recesses 3 can be punched more easily. Furthermore, the stabilizing ribs 5 give the entire channel-forming structure improved stability, thereby improving the handling of the channel plate 1.1.

[0039] The Figure 1d shows the aluminum channel plate 1.2 of the first stack of channel plates ( 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 the channel stack inlet and outlet for the first fluid.

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

[0041] The Figure 2aFigure 1 shows the plate heat exchanger 7 in its assembled state, 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 with separating plates 8 arranged between them to separate opposing channels between two cover plates 9.1 and 9.2. The first stacks of channel plates 1, the second stacks of channel plates 2, the separating plates 8, and the cover plates 9.1 and 9.2 are made of aluminum and are soldered together 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 stacks of channel plates 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 stacks of channel plates 1 and 2.The first openings 4 serve as fluid connections for the first fluid, while the second openings 6 form 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 stack of channel plates 1, so that the first fluid can enter 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 stack of channel plates 1 are thus connected to each other by the corresponding first openings 4, forming a first flow path for the first fluid.The corresponding second openings 6 connect the second channel plate stacks 2 to each other, so that a second flow path for the second fluid is formed, 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 ). 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 it flows 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 in Figure 2aThe plate heat exchanger 7 shown, with the upper cover plate 9.1 omitted, allowing a view of one of the first channel plate stacks 1. The first channel plate stack 1 visible corresponds to the design of the one shown in 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) is formed. 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 them, the lower boundary or cover of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 is ensured by the partition plate 8. The partition plate 8 separates successive first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. The reduced channel height within the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3, achieved by the stabilizing ribs 5, advantageously contributes to a local acceleration of the flowing fluid, thereby generating turbulence that promotes heat transfer. The fluid distribution in the parallel individual channels can be influenced by the number and length of the stabilizing ribs 5.

[0043] The Figure 2c shows the in Figure 2bThe illustrated plate heat exchanger 7. This illustration allows a view of a separating plate 8 that divides the first and second stacks of channel plates 1 and 2. In the illustration shown, the separating plate 8 covers a second stack of channel plates 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 in Figures 2a to 2cThe plate heat exchanger 7 is shown, providing a view of the second channel plate stack 2. The second channel plate stack 2 also consists of stacked channel plates 2.1 and 2.2. Channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 of the second channel plate stack 2 are mirror images of 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 ribs 5, with the resulting individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 corresponding to the second openings 6. The resulting individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 serve to guide the second fluid. Furthermore, the second channel plate stack 2 has first openings 4, which allow the first fluid to pass through. 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 The schematic representations of channel plates 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, and 2.2 of a further embodiment of the plate heat exchanger 7 according to the invention, which is designed as an integrated gas cooler for screw connection to a compressor, are shown. Figures 3a to 3d The channel plates 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, and 2.2 shown are made of aluminum and each has a substantially circular shape, with a projection 9 on its outer circumference, wherein the projection 9 has inwardly facing second openings 6 for the passage of the second fluid. Figure 3a shows a channel plate 1.1 of a first channel plate stack 1, wherein the Figure 3bFigure 1 shows another channel plate 1.2 of a first stack of channel plates 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 Figure 1) are not equal. Figures 4a and 4cThe channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 are arranged in a staggered pattern. At the center of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 is 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 guide the first fluid. The channel-forming recesses 3 have a section with a meandering course.

[0046] The Figure 3c shows a channel plate 2.1 of a second channel plate stack 2 (see Figure 5 ), whereby the 3D figureFigure 2 shows another channel plate 2.2 of a second stack of channel plates 2. Both channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 have corresponding channel-forming recesses 3. The channel-forming recesses 3 are geometrically different from the channel-forming recesses 3 of channel plates 1.1 and 1.2. Specifically, the channel-forming recesses 3 of channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are arranged ring-shaped and spaced apart from one another, with each ring-shaped channel-forming recess 3 having several transversely oriented stabilizing ribs 5 along its length. The stabilizing ribs 5 each lie on a radial axis. Due to the stabilizing ribs 5, the ring-shaped channel-forming recesses 3 of channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are interrupted, so that the channel-forming recesses 3 are each formed from several circular segments 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 The openings for the second fluid are arranged offset, allowing the flow of the second fluid. In the center of channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are 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 channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 and serve to guide the first fluid through.

[0047] The individual channel plates 1.1, 1.2 as well as 2.1 and 2.2 of the Figures 3a to 3dEach has fourteen feedthroughs 13 for screws or bolts, which in the stacked state correspond to each other in such a way that the assembled plate heat exchanger 7 (see Figures 5a 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 middle. 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 as is evident.

[0048] The Figure 3eFigure 1 shows a schematic representation of a preferred alternative embodiment of a channel plate for forming a first stack of channel plates 1 or a second stack of channel plates 2. According to this preferred design of the channel plate, several of the channel-forming recesses 3 are arranged concentrically in an annular shape, with the stabilizing webs 5 of adjacent annular channel-forming recesses 3 of this channel plate configuration being radially offset. Unlike the designs described in the Figures 3c and 3dIn the embodiments 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 embodiment are also unequal, so that the stabilizing webs 5 of the stacked channel plates are offset in the resulting individual channels, which allows the flow of a fluid. Furthermore, in contrast to the embodiments shown in the Figures 3c and 3dIn the illustrated embodiments, two crescent-shaped openings 4.1 and 4.2 are located in the center of the channel plate 2.1, separated from each other 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 between them. The crescent-shaped openings 4.1 and 4.2 correspond to each other such 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, while the first openings 4.2 form a collection 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 through-holes 13 for screws or bolts to allow for bolted connections.

[0049] The Figures 4a to 4d The figures show schematic detail representations of channel plate stacks 1 and 2 of the plate heat exchanger 7. The figures show... Figure 4a Several alternating stacks of first and second channel plates 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 stack of channel plates 1, which is connected to a channel plate 1.1 ( Figure 3a ) and a channel plate 1.2 ( Figure 3b ) is trained. Figure 4bFigure 1 shows a detailed view of the first stack of channel plates 1, formed from channel plates 1.1 and 1.2, in which individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 are formed for the first fluid. Arrows 10 indicate the flow path of the first fluid through the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 formed by the openings 3 between the first openings 4.1 and 4.2. The stack of plate heat exchangers has several feedthroughs 13 for screws or bolts. The feedthroughs 13 are also identified by the same reference numeral in the following figures.

[0050] The Figure 4c The diagram 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 stack of channel plates 2, which is connected to a channel plate 2.1 ( Figure 3c ) and a channel plate 2.2 ( 3D figure) is trained. Figure 4d Figure 1 shows a detailed representation of the second stack of channel plates 2 formed from channel plates 2.1 and 2.2. Arrows 11 indicate the flow path of the second fluid through the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 formed between the second openings 6 by the openings 3 forming the channel.

[0051] The Figure 4eFigure 1 shows a schematic detail of an embodiment of the plate heat exchanger 7 with a view to a partition plate 8, several of which are arranged in a stack with first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2, respectively between the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. The partition 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 second openings 6 formed in the channel plate stacks 1 and 2, respectively, and to the first openings 4.1 and 4.2 and second openings 6 formed in the respective channel plates 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, and 2.2.

[0052] The Figures 5a and 5b The schematic representations show one embodiment of the plate heat exchanger 7 in a composite form, where the individual plates are soldered together. With the Figure 5aFigure 1 shows a view of the cover plate 9.1 of the plate heat exchanger 7. The channel plate stacks 1 and 2 are stacked alternately with partition plates 8 arranged between them. The partition plates 8 each have first openings 4.1 and 4.2 and second openings 6 (concealed), which correspond to the first openings 4.1 and 4.2 and second openings 6 formed in the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. The stacked arrangement of the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2 is bounded by the cover plates 9.1 and 9.2. The cover plate 9.1 has several 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. Fluid connection 12.1 serves as the fluid inlet and fluid connection 12.2 as the fluid outlet for the second fluid.This configuration of the plate heat exchanger 7 is suitable for use as an integrated fluid-cooled gas cooler for 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 in Figure 5a The plate heat exchanger 7 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 the fluid inlet for the first fluid, which may be the refrigerant R744.

[0054] The Figure 6shows an exploded view to further explain the design of a model as described in the Figures 4 and 5 The described plate heat exchanger 7. 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 the Figure 3a and 1.2 according to the Figure 3b arranged in a first stack of channel plates 1, wherein two further channel plates 2.1 according to Figure 3c and 2.2 according to 3D figureare arranged in a second channel plate stack 2. The first channel plate stack 1 and the second channel plate stack 2 are separated by a partition plate 8 between two cover plates 9.1 and 9.2 such that the opposing channels formed in the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2 are separated from each other and covered. A central first opening 4.1, intended as a fluid inlet for the first fluid, is formed in the cover plate 9.2, while the opposing cover plate 9.1 has seven first openings 4.2, intended 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. Reference symbol list

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

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger (7) for a refrigerant circuit, specifically for a refrigerant circuit in a vehicle, having channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) with channel-forming cut-outs (3), of which at least two channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are in each case arranged into channel plate stacks (1, 2), forming 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 alternatingly between two cover plates (9.1, 9.2) with separating plates (8) arranged therebetween to separate opposing channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), at least one of which cover plates (9.1, 9.2) has fluid connections for the first and / or the second fluid, characterised in that the channel-forming cut-out (3) of in each case 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 stabilising bridge (5) oriented transversely to the channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are formed from aluminium.

3. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterised 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. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first and the second channel plate stacks (1, 2) are each formed with multiple stacked channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2), wherein each second channel plate (1.2, 2.2) has at least one stabilising bridge (5) oriented transversely to the channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

5. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that each channel plate (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) of the first channel plate stacks (1) and the second channel plate stacks (2) has a stabilising bridge (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 stabilising bridges (5) of channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) stacked on top of one another are 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. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the at least one stabilising bridge (5) of the channel-forming cut-out (3) of a channel plate (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) has a width that corresponds at least to the width of the channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) formed.

7. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) each have multiple channel-forming cut-outs (3), which each form a channel structure with multiple 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 stabilising bridge (5) oriented transversely to the individual channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

8. The plate heat exchanger according to Claim 7, characterised 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 in parallel.

9. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 7 or 8, characterised in that a plurality of the channel-forming cut-outs (3) are arranged concentrically in rings, wherein the stabilising bridges (5) of adjacent ring-shaped channel-forming cut-outs (3) are radially offset.

10. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to Claim 9, characterised in that a width of the ring-shaped channel-forming cut-outs (3) decreases from the outside inwards.

11. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2), the separating plates (8), and the cover plates (9.1, 9.2) each have multiple corresponding bushings (13) for screws or bolts.

12. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the channel-forming cut-outs (3) have a shape that forms at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) with an at least partially serpentine course.

13. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised 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. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterised in that a first through-hole (4.1) is formed in the cover element (9.2) as a fluid inlet for the first fluid, wherein a further first through-hole (4.2) is formed in the cover element (9.1) as a fluid outlet for the first fluid.

15. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the channel-forming cut-outs (3) of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are formed by punching.

16. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the first channel plate stacks (1) and, fluidically separate therefrom, the second channel plate stacks (2) are fluidically connected in series or in parallel.

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

18. A use of the plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 1 to 16 as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, specifically in a refrigerant compressor of a vehicle.

19. The use of the plate heat exchanger (7) according to Claim 18, wherein the plate heat exchanger (7) is arranged downstream of a compression stage and screw-fastened to the refrigerant compressor.

20. The use of the plate heat exchanger (7) according to one of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the plate heat exchanger (7) is used as a muffler.

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