Heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger (1), in particular oil-air cooler, for exchanging heat between a first fluid, in particular hydraulic oil, and a second fluid, in particular air, having: a heat exchanger block (10) forming two transverse sites (5), two longitudinal sides (6), a front side (3) and a rear side (4) with first fluid-guiding elements (7) for the first fluid and with second fluid-guiding elements (8) for the second fluid, wherein the second fluid-guiding elements (8) are enclosed at the transverse sides (5) by closure strips (9), two fluid-receiving containers (10) along the transverse sides (5) of the heat exchanger block (2) for distributing the first fluid to the first fluid-guiding elements (7) and for collecting the first fluid emerging from the first fluid-guiding elements (7), wherein the fluid-receiving containers (10) are each closed laterally by fluid-receiving container end pieces (11), a mounting holder (13) for mounting of the heat exchanger (1) on a carrier body, a mounting and closure part (14) on which i. the mounting holder (13) and ii. the fluid-receiving container end piece (11) and / or iii. one of the closure strips (9) for the second fluid-guiding elements (8) are formed.

Description

[0001] heat exchanger

[0002] The invention relates to a heat exchanger, preferably a liquid-gas cooler, in particular an oil-air cooler, for heat exchange between a first fluid, preferably a liquid, in particular hydraulic oil, and a second fluid, preferably a gas, in particular air, comprising: a heat exchanger block forming two transverse sides, two longitudinal sides, a front side and a rear side, with first fluid guide elements for the first fluid and with second fluid guide elements for the second fluid, wherein the second fluid guide elements are enclosed on the transverse sides by end strips, two fluid receiving containers along the transverse sides of the heat exchanger block for distributing the first fluid to the first fluid guide elements or.for collecting the first fluid emerging from the first fluid guide elements, wherein the fluid receiving containers are each laterally closed off with fluid receiving container end pieces, and a mounting bracket for mounting the heat exchanger on a carrier body.

[0003] Such a heat exchanger, which is designed as a liquid cooler, is known from WO 2016 / 172741. The liquid cooler has two distribution boxes on either side of a plate pack for heat exchange between the fluids. The distribution boxes are formed by extruded profiles which are closed off at the sides with end pieces. Guide grooves are provided on the distribution boxes to which platforms for the liquid supply and discharge can be connected. The mechanical connection points, however, are provided on the plate pack. For this purpose, in the prior art, two U-shaped mounting profiles with laterally protruding mounting flanges are attached along the long sides; mounting holes are formed on these flanges for mounting the liquid cooler at the point of use. In practice, the U-shaped mounting profiles are connected to the plate pack using a soldering process.The end pieces, however, are welded to the distribution boxes. The complicated design of the known liquid cooler, with its many individual parts that require complex assembly, is disadvantageous. A particular disadvantage is that the assembly forces caused by the weight of the heat exchanger or vibrations at the installation site are applied to the plate pack along the lengths via the U-shaped mounting profiles. When designed as a liquid cooler, however, the cooler can contain delicate air fins. In order for the plate pack to be able to absorb the assembly forces, it is disadvantageously necessary to provide elongated U-shaped mounting profiles, which in the known cooler essentially cover the entire length of the cooler. Finally, it would be desirable to be able to reduce the installation width of the liquid cooler.

[0004] The general state of the art is further illustrated by JP2005337530A, JPH11142084A, W02016036190A1 and US 6470961B1 .

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to alleviate or eliminate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. Accordingly, a heat exchanger of this type is to be created in which the assembly forces can be absorbed more effectively and with a simplified structure.

[0006] This object is achieved by a heat exchanger according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, the heat exchanger has a mounting and end part on which i . the mounting bracket and ii . the fluid receiving container end piece and / or iii . one of the end strips for the second fluid guide elements are formed.

[0008] In the heat exchanger according to the invention, the mounting bracket is combined either with the fluid receiving container end piece or with one of the end strips for the second fluid guide elements (or with the fluid receiving container end piece and the end strip) to form the mounting and end part. In the prior art, these components were each separate from the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be fixed to the carrier body by means of a connecting device in order to mount the heat exchanger at the location of use on the carrier body, for example a frame structure of a vehicle. In the mounted state, the mounting forces, in particular the weight of the heat exchanger, but also vibrations of the carrier body, are introduced into the heat exchanger at the mounting bracket.According to the invention, the mounting bracket can be connected in a force-dissipating manner to the fluid receptacle end piece, which in turn is firmly connected to the respective fluid receptacle, in particular via a welded connection. Alternatively or additionally, the mounting bracket can be connected in a force-dissipating manner to the respective end strip, which can also be firmly connected to the fluid receptacle, in particular via a further welded connection. Both the fluid receptacle and the end strip are stable, in particular in comparison to the first fluid guide elements, which preferably have turbulators, or the second fluid guide elements, which preferably have gas fins.Advantageously, the mounting bracket can be provided on one of the opposite long sides of the heat exchanger, as in the prior art, although the forces are now diverted in a particularly favorable manner into the fluid receiving container or into the end strip. This makes it possible to reduce the load on the heat exchanger block, in particular on the sensitive gas fins of the heat exchanger block. Furthermore, the mounting bracket can be made smaller than in the prior art without having to accept any loss of stability. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket therefore extends over less than half the longitudinal extent, in particular over less than a quarter of the longitudinal extent, for example over less than a tenth of the longitudinal extent, of the long side of the heat exchanger block on which the mounting and end part is located.The design according to the invention also offers further advantages. The fluid holding container end pieces of the prior art are delicate and have a small surface area in order to cover the lateral openings of the fluid holding containers, which openings in particular are formed adjacent to the long sides and which in particular have extruded profiles. This makes connecting, in particular joining, preferably welding the end piece to the fluid holding container difficult. By integrating the end piece and mounting bracket on the mounting and end part, the connection to the fluid holding container is made considerably easier. On the other hand, the mounting bracket can be combined with one of the end strips with which the second fluid guiding elements, which in particular have gas, preferably air, fins, are enclosed at their end faces.The end strips are necessary in this heat exchanger in order to close off the second fluid guide elements at their end faces towards the fluid holding containers. This can prevent mixing of the first and second fluids. The end strips, also called “short bars” in English, can be formed by cuboid-shaped end bars, and depending on the design, also with a triangular projection on the cuboid-shaped end bar, for example. It is particularly advantageous if one of these end strips, in particular one of the two lateral end strips adjacent to one of the long sides of the heat exchanger block, is formed on the assembly and end part. This can improve force dissipation and also result in a material-saving design.A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the fluid reservoir end piece, the mounting bracket, and the end strip are implemented on the mounting and end piece. Advantageously, the mounting and end piece can be arranged in a corner area of ​​the heat exchanger block. During assembly, the arrangement of the mounting and end piece allows the fluid reservoir end piece, the mounting bracket, and the end strip to be positioned in their final assembly position relative to one another on the heat exchanger block.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the assembly and termination part is connected to the fluid receiving container and / or the heat exchanger block via at least one joining connection, in particular a welded, soldered or adhesive connection.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fluid holding container end piece and / or the mounting bracket and / or the end strip are formed as one piece on the mounting and end part. In this embodiment, the mounting and end part is preferably formed from a single piece, at which the fluid holding container end piece, the mounting bracket and preferably also the end strip merge continuously into one another. For a one-piece design, the mounting and end part can be formed from aluminum, for example in the form of a cast part. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid holding container end piece and / or the mounting bracket and / or the end strip are connected to one another by joints, for example welded joints.It is essential, however, that the joint is so rigid that the assembly forces absorbed by the mounting bracket are diverted into the end piece on the fluid reservoir or into the end strip.

[0011] To form the mounting bracket, the mounting and end part in a preferred embodiment has a mounting rail, in particular with an undercut, wherein the mounting rail preferably extends substantially over the entire depth of the heat exchanger block, i.e. substantially over the entire extent of the heat exchanger block from its back to the front. This embodiment offers particularly high variability because, depending on the application, the mounting rail can be used to connect different versions of a connecting device for the connection to the carrier body. The connecting device preferably has a mounting screw, in particular also a nut, which can be tightened on the mounting rail.Furthermore, the connecting device can have a connector, in particular a support bracket or a support rail, wherein the connector can be fixed to the mounting rail via the mounting screw. The connector can be connected to the support body via a further mounting means, in particular with at least one further mounting screw. Advantageously, the heat exchanger is kept particularly compact, since mounting parts protruding laterally from the heat exchanger block can be reduced or eliminated entirely. In a design with an undercut, the connecting device can be held particularly securely on the mounting rail. Preferably, the mounting rail is elongated in the depth direction of the heat exchanger block, wherein the mounting rail preferably extends substantially over the entire depth of the heat exchanger block.Preferably, the respective second fluid guide element is cut out in the region of the mounting and closing part to create space for the mounting and closing part. Thus, this second fluid guide element has a smaller longitudinal extension than adjacent second fluid guide elements.

[0012] The mounting rail preferably has a rail base and two side walls protruding from the rail base, in particular at right angles. The mounting rail preferably also has two rail tongues directed towards one another, in particular running perpendicular to the side walls, at the ends of the side walls facing away from the rail base, with an elongated mounting opening being left free between the rail tongues. The undercut for the positive arrangement of part of the connecting device in the mounting rail is formed by the rail tongues. The mounting rail can be shaped as a T in cross-section, perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the mounting rail.

[0013] Advantageously, the mounting rail forms the basic module of a mounting system that can be combined with a variety of different connecting devices.

[0014] As is usual in the prior art, the heat exchanger block can have an end plate on each of its two long sides. The end plates extend over more than half the longitudinal extent of the heat exchanger block. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket of the mounting and closing part is at least partially, preferably substantially completely, recessed inwards relative to the adjacent end plate of the heat exchanger block. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket, which is designed in particular as a mounting rail, does not protrude laterally outwards beyond the end plate. The mounting bracket is arranged perpendicular to the main plane of the second fluid guide element, at least overlapping, in particular in the plane of the second fluid guide element. As a result, the width of the heat exchanger, i.e.its extension in the longitudinal direction of the transverse sides of the heat exchanger block , can be minimized, thus facilitating the transport and installation of the heat exchanger .

[0015] In order to be able to fasten the heat exchanger to the support body by arranging a connecting device in the mounting rail, the mounting rail preferably has an elongated mounting opening on the mounting and end part, in particular elongated in the depth direction of the heat exchanger block, which is arranged essentially flush with an outer side of the end plate of the heat exchanger block. Furthermore, the mounting rail can have a lateral mounting opening on at least one of its longitudinal ends, in particular on both longitudinal ends, which extends along the front or rear of the heat exchanger block.During assembly, an element, in particular a mounting screw, of the connecting device can be inserted through the lateral mounting opening and moved along the mounting rail and fixed in the intended mounting position, wherein the element, in particular the mounting screw, of the connecting device protrudes laterally outwards through the elongated mounting opening in order to be able to establish the connection to the carrier body at the mounting location. In this embodiment, the elongated mounting opening runs in the plane of the outer side of the end plate on the long side of the heat exchanger block.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if the end strip adjoins a side wall of the mounting rail. This embodiment is particularly simple in design and is also characterized by low material requirements. The mounting rail has a rail base and two side walls projecting therefrom, wherein the end strip adjoins the side wall facing the second fluid guide element in particular in one piece, so that the end strip faces the second fluid guide element. Depending on the embodiment, the end strip can, for example, have a cuboid base body on which a projection with, for example, a substantially triangular cross-section, viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail, can be provided.In order to achieve a uniform outer surface on the long side of the heat exchanger, the assembly and end part, in a preferred embodiment, has an end flange which laterally encloses an end region of the second fluid guide element. The end flange is preferably arranged parallel to the end plate on the same long side, in particular in the same plane as the end plate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a thermal joint is formed between the end flange and the end plate. This advantageously makes it possible to dispense with the need for thermal joints in the end plate.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, at least two assembly and end parts are provided at two corner areas of the heat exchanger block, preferably four assembly and end parts are provided at four corner areas of the heat exchanger block.

[0018] The invention is further explained below using a preferred embodiment in the drawings.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a heat exchanger according to the invention with a heat exchanger block and a fan.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows another view of the heat exchanger of Fig. 1.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows the heat exchanger block of the heat exchanger of Figs. 1 and 2.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a front view of the heat exchanger block of Figs. 1 to 3, with a detail A highlighted.

[0023] Fig . 5 shows detail A of Fig . 4 on a larger scale .

[0024] Fig. 6 shows an assembly and termination part which is mounted on a corner area of ​​the heat exchanger block of Figs. 1 to 5.

[0025] Fig. 7 shows a view of the heat exchanger corresponding to Fig. 2, wherein various connecting devices for mounting the heat exchanger on a support body (not shown) are shown in an exploded view.

[0026] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a heat exchanger 1 which, in the embodiment shown, is designed as a "plate and bar" cooler for heat exchange between a first fluid, here a liquid, in particular hydraulic oil, and a second fluid, here a gas, in particular air. The heat exchanger can be mounted in any desired position at the site of use, with the heat exchanger 1 being arranged vertically in the embodiment shown. In the case of a different mounting position, the location and direction information, such as "top" and "bottom", must be transmitted accordingly. The heat exchanger 1 has a cuboid heat exchanger block 2 (cf. also Fig. 3 and Fig.4 ) with a front side 3, an opposite rear side 4 arranged parallel thereto, two opposite transverse sides 5, which in the exemplary embodiment shown are designed as a top side and a bottom side, and two opposite longitudinal sides 6 which are arranged essentially perpendicular to the transverse sides 5. The heat exchanger block 2 has a transverse extension along, i.e. in the longitudinal direction, of the transverse sides 5, a longitudinal extension along the long sides 6 and a depth perpendicular to the front side 3 and rear side 4 respectively. The transverse and longitudinal extension of the heat exchanger block 2 is in the embodiment shown each several times greater than the depth of the heat exchanger block 2. The transverse extension can essentially correspond to the longitudinal extension of the heat exchanger block 2, i.e. the front side 3 and the rear side 4 of the heat exchanger block 2 can be essentially square.However, the heat exchanger block 2 can also have a rectangular front 3 or rear 4. The heat exchanger block 2 is formed from first fluid guide elements 7 for the first fluid, which preferably have turbulators, and second fluid guide elements 8, here gas, in particular air fins, for the second fluid, which preferably alternate with one another in the longitudinal direction of the transverse sides 5. The second fluid guide elements 8 are bordered on the transverse sides, i.e. in the illustrated assembly position of the heat exchanger, at the top and bottom, by end strips 9 (so-called "short bars"), which preferably extend over the entire depth of the second fluid guide elements 8. Accordingly, the first fluid guide elements 7 can be bordered longitudinally by side strips (so-called "side bars"), which preferably extend over the entire longitudinal extent of the heat exchanger block 2 (not shown).

[0027] The heat exchanger 1 also has two fluid holding tanks 10, which in the embodiment shown are formed by a distribution tank 10A on one transverse side of the heat exchanger block, here the underside, and a collecting tank 10B on the other transverse side of the heat exchanger block, here the top. Guide grooves 23 are provided on the fluid holding tanks 10, to which platforms for the fluid supply and the fluid discharge can be connected (cf.

[0028] WO2016172741A1). A liquid supply opening 10C is provided on the distribution tank 10A, which can be connected to the liquid supply line. At least one, here two, liquid discharge openings 10D are formed on the collecting tank 10B, which can be connected to the liquid discharge line.

[0029] The two fluid receiving containers 10 extend along the transverse sides of the heat exchanger block 2, so that first fluid channels formed by the first fluid guide elements 7 are each connected to the distributor container 10A and the collecting container 10B. The fluid receiving containers 10 are formed by downwardly open, elongated profile parts, in particular extruded profiles, which are placed on the transverse sides of the heat exchanger block 2. At the longitudinal ends of the fluid receiving containers 10, adjacent to the longitudinal sides 6 of the heat exchanger block 2, lateral openings are formed which are closed with fluid receiving container end pieces 11. End plates with a constant wall thickness are provided here as end pieces 11. The first fluid flows from the distributor container 10A via the first fluid channels into the collecting container 10B, wherein the first fluid gives off heat to the second fluid during this time.For this purpose, the heat exchanger 1 in the embodiment shown has a fan 12 with a fan housing 12A and a fan wheel 12B, with which the second fluid, here air, is conveyed through second fluid channels of the second fluid guide elements 8. In the embodiment shown, the main flow direction of the second fluid runs essentially perpendicular to the front 3 and rear 4 of the heat exchanger block 2 and thus perpendicular to the main flow direction of the first fluid along the first fluid channels.

[0030] In order to be able to mount the heat exchanger 1 on a support body at the installation site, the heat exchanger 1 has mounting brackets 13 for mounting the heat exchanger 1 on the support body. In the embodiment shown, the mounting bracket 13 is also used to connect the fan housing 12A of the fan 12 to the heat exchanger block 2.

[0031] In the embodiment shown, four assembly and end parts 14 are provided at the four corner regions of the heat exchanger block 2, on each of which one of the fluid receiving container end pieces 11, one of the mounting brackets 13, and one of the end strips 9 for one of the two second fluid guide elements 8 are formed adjacent to the longitudinal sides (referred to in the drawing as the lateral second fluid guide element 8A). Thus, one end piece 11, one mounting bracket 13, and one end strip 9 are formed on each assembly and end part.

[0032] 1 to 4 in overview and from FIGS. 5 and 6 in detail, the mounting and end part 14 for forming the mounting bracket 13 has a mounting rail 15 which is elongated in the depth direction of the heat exchanger block 2. The mounting rail 15 has a front mounting opening 16 which, in the embodiment shown, extends over the entire depth of the heat exchanger block 2. In addition, the mounting rail 15 has a lateral mounting opening 17 at each of the longitudinal ends of the mounting rail 15 which, in the mounted state, extends to the front 3 and the rear 4 of the heat exchanger block 2.

[0033] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the heat exchanger block 2 has an end plate 18 on each of the two opposite long sides of the heat exchanger block 2, wherein the mounting bracket 13 of the mounting and end part 14 is countersunk completely inwards, i.e. in the direction of the center of the heat exchanger block 2, relative to the respectively adjacent end plate 18 of the heat exchanger block 2. In this embodiment, the elongated mounting opening 16 on the long side of the heat exchanger block 2 is arranged substantially flush with an outer side of the respective end plate 18 of the heat exchanger block 2. In addition, a brazing plate 18A can be arranged between the end plate 18 and the adjacent second fluid guide element 8. However, the end plate 18 and the brazing plate 18A can also be formed as one piece.

[0034] As can be seen in detail in Fig. 6, the mounting rail 15 has a rail base 19, two side walls 20 projecting at right angles thereto, and two rail tongues 21 projecting at right angles from the outer ends of the side walls 2 and leaving the elongated mounting opening 16 free. The end strip 9 projects from one of the side walls 20 of the mounting rail 15 in the direction of the adjacent end or narrow side of the second fluid guide element. Finally, the mounting and end part 14 has an end flange 22 which laterally encloses one of the two end regions of the second fluid guide element 8, i.e. the upper or lower end region in the embodiment shown, from the outside.

[0035] Fig. 7 shows a view of the heat exchanger 1 corresponding to Fig. 2, wherein various connecting devices 24 to 27 are illustrated. Depending on the application, one of these connecting devices 24 to 27 can be mounted on the mounting rail 15. With the respective connecting device, the heat exchanger 1 is mounted on a support body (not shown).

[0036] Reference number for the long-distance list:

[0037] 1 heat exchanger

[0038] 2 heat exchanger block

[0039] 3 Front

[0040] 4 Back

[0041] 5 landscape pages

[0042] 6 long sides

[0043] 7 first fluid guide elements

[0044] 8 second fluid guide elements

[0045] 8A lateral second fluid guide element

[0046] 9 end strips

[0047] 10 fluid storage containers

[0048] 10A distribution tank

[0049] 10B Collection container

[0050] I OC Liquid supply opening

[0051] 10D Liquid drainage openings

[0052] 11 Fluid container end pieces

[0053] 12 fans

[0054] 12A fan housing

[0055] 13 Mounting bracket

[0056] 14 Assembly and final part

[0057] 15 Mounting rail

[0058] 16 elongated mounting opening

[0059] 17 side mounting opening

[0060] 18 End plate

[0061] 18A soldering iron

[0062] 19 Rail floor

[0063] 20 side walls

[0064] 21 rail tongues

[0065] 22 End flange

[0066] 23 guide grooves

[0067] 24-27 Connecting devices

Claims

Claims:

1. Heat exchanger (1), in particular an oil-air cooler, for heat exchange between a first fluid, in particular hydraulic oil, and a second fluid, in particular air, comprising: a heat exchanger block (2) forming two transverse sides (5), two longitudinal sides (6), a front side (3) and a rear side (4), with first fluid guide elements (7) for the first fluid and with second fluid guide elements (8) for the second fluid, wherein the second fluid guide elements (8) are enclosed on the transverse sides (5) by end strips (9), two fluid receiving containers (10) along the transverse sides (5) of the heat exchanger block (2) for distributing the first fluid to the first fluid guide elements (7) andfor collecting the first fluid emerging from the first fluid guide elements (7), wherein the fluid receiving containers (10) are each laterally closed off by fluid receiving container end pieces (11), a mounting bracket (13) for mounting the heat exchanger (1) on a carrier body, characterized by a mounting and closing part (14) on which i. the mounting bracket (13) and ii. the fluid receiving container end piece (11) and / or iii. one of the closing strips (9) for the second fluid guide elements (8) are formed.

2. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid receiving container end piece (11), the mounting bracket (13) and / or the end strip (9) are formed in one piece on the mounting and end part (14).

3. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting and closing part (14) for forming the mounting bracket (13) has a mounting rail (15), in particular with an undercut, which preferably extends substantially over the entire depth of the heat exchanger block (2).

4. Heat exchanger (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized characterized in that the heat exchanger block (2) has an end plate (18) on each of the longitudinal sides (6), wherein the mounting bracket (13) of the mounting and closing part (14) is at least partially, preferably completely, countersunk inwards relative to the adjacent end plate (18) of the heat exchanger block (2).

5. Heat exchanger (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the mounting rail (15) on the mounting and end part (14) has an elongated mounting opening (16) which is arranged substantially flush with an outer side of the end plate (18) of the heat exchanger block (2).

6. Heat exchanger (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the end strip (9) adjoins a side wall (20) of the mounting rail (15).

7. Heat exchanger (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the mounting and closing part (14) has a closing flange (22) which is arranged substantially in the same plane as an end plate (18) of the heat exchanger block (2), wherein preferably a thermal joint is formed between the closing flange (22) and the end plate (18).

8. Heat exchanger (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least two assembly and end parts (14) are provided at two corner regions of the heat exchanger block (2), preferably four assembly and end parts (14) are provided at four corner regions of the heat exchanger block (2).

9. Cooling system, comprising a carrier body, a heat exchanger (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, a connecting device (24, 25, 26, 27) which is fastened on the one hand to the carrier body and on the other hand to the mounting bracket (13) of the heat exchanger (1).

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