Plate Heat Exchanger

Abstract

To provide a compact and stable plate type heat exchanger that withstands high operating pressures.SOLUTION: A plate type heat exchanger of the present invention for a refrigerant circuit has channel plates with channel-forming cut-outs, and at least two channel plates of them are in each case arranged into channel plate stacks to form at least one channel. First channel plate stacks for a first fluid and second channel plate stacks for a second fluid are stacked alternatingly between two cover plates with separating plates arranged therebetween to separate opposing channels, and at least one of the cover plates has fluid connections for the first fluid and / or the second fluid. The channel-forming cut-out of in each case at least one channel plate has at least one stabilizing bridge oriented transversely with respect to the channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present 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 provided for use in a refrigerant circuit, in particular in a vehicle refrigerant circuit. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the plate heat exchanger as an integrated gas cooler for a refrigerant compressor. [Background technology]

[0002] Plate heat exchangers are used for heat exchange in a variety of technical fields. They play an important role in air conditioning systems with refrigerant circuits, especially vehicle air conditioning systems, due to their relatively small space requirements. Their compact design allows for efficient heat transfer between two fluids that are physically separated and flow through the plate heat exchanger. The individual plates, through which the fluid channels are formed, can be constructed of different materials. The individual plates are connected and sealed by joining methods such as welding, brazing, and adhesive bonding. The choice of plate and connection materials depends on the fluid used, the temperature range, the operating pressure, and the main materials in the air conditioning system. When using plate heat exchanger materials, corrosion-critical connections should be avoided with respect to the main materials of the air conditioning system's fluid circuits and the brazing materials used to ensure a long service life.

[0003] Plate heat exchangers made of deep-drawn or pressed aluminum or steel plates are known, with individual plates having a material thickness of less than 0.6 mm. A small channel plate thickness is advantageous because the channel structure can be easily formed by pressing. However, a too-thick plate results in low internal pressure resistance, making plate heat exchangers suitable only for certain refrigerants. The stability and resistance to external pressure of such plate heat exchangers are also limited by external forces. This is because the pressed or deep-drawn channels compress under higher loads, preventing the volume flow through the channels. Therefore, screw fastening to compressors, for example, is limited or can only be achieved by additional stabilizing plates.

[0004] As the refrigerant R744 is expected to replace conventional refrigerants in the future, it is thought that the demand for pressure-resistant plate heat exchangers for the automotive industry will increase. Therefore, there is a demand for plate heat exchangers that combine the advantages of light weight and improved pressure resistance, and that can be incorporated into automotive refrigerant circuits. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-63870 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to propose a compact and stable plate heat exchanger that is lightweight and can withstand high operating pressures. This plate heat exchanger is designed specifically for use with the refrigerant R744 and is intended for integration into vehicle air conditioning systems. Furthermore, this plate heat exchanger can also be used as an integrated gas cooler for refrigerant compressors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This object is achieved by a plate heat exchanger having the features of claim 1. Developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger having channel plates with channel-forming cuts, at least two of which are arranged in a channel plate stack to form at least one channel. These channel plate stacks are divided into a first channel plate stack for a first fluid and a second channel plate stack for a second fluid. The first channel plate stack for the first fluid and the second channel plate stack for the second fluid are alternately stacked between two cover plates with a separator plate disposed therebetween to separate the opposing channels. At least one of the cover plates has fluid connections for the first fluid and / or the second fluid. According to the present invention, the channel-forming cuts in each of at least one channel plate of the first and second channel plate stacks have at least one stabilizing bridge oriented transversely to the channel.

[0009] In the plate heat exchanger according to the present invention, first and second channel plate stacks are alternately stacked, fluidly separated from each other, with a separator plate sandwiched between two cover plates. Each channel plate stack has at least one channel, which is covered by either the separator plate or one of the two cover plates. Furthermore, each of the first and second channel plate stacks has a first and second through hole. The first through hole of the second channel plate stack corresponds to the first through hole of the first channel plate stack, and thus corresponds to the channel of the first channel plate stack, thereby connecting the first channel plate stacks to each other. In this way, the first through hole forms a distribution channel or a collection channel for the first fluid, allowing the first fluid to pass through the plane of the first channel plate stack.

[0010] The second through-holes of the first channel plate stack correspond to the second through-holes of the second channel plate stack, thus connecting the channels of the second channel plate stack so that the second channel plate stacks are fluidly connected to each other. In this way, the second through-holes form distribution or collection channels for the second fluid, allowing the second fluid to pass through the plane of the second channel plate stack. In this way, the first channel plate stack forms a first channel for the first fluid, and the second channel plate stack forms a second channel, separate from the first channel, for the second fluid. In both cases, at least one fluid connection for the fluid inlet and an additional fluid connection for the fluid outlet are provided for each channel. The fluid connections can be threaded or attached by brazing or welding.

[0011] According to the invention, the channel plate stack is formed from at least two channel plates stacked on top of each other, each having a channel-forming notch for forming at least one channel, in each case at least one channel plate having at least one stabilizing bridge oriented along the course of the channel-forming notch, transverse to the channel, and connecting opposite sides of the channel-forming notch to each other.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term "channel-forming cutouts" refers to typically elongated, track-like or raceway-like through-holes provided in a channel plate. At least two channel plates stacked on top of each other have corresponding cutouts that form at least one channel for the throughflow of a first or second fluid when the resulting channel plate stack is placed between two separation plates or between a separation plate and a cover plate. Thus, the channel formed by the channel-forming cutouts in a first channel plate stack is fluidly connected to the first through-holes in a second channel plate stack, and the channel formed by the channel-forming cutouts in the second channel plate stack is fluidly connected to the second through-holes in the first channel plate stack. The separation plates also have corresponding through-holes for conducting the fluids.

[0013] The channel plate, the channel-forming cutouts, and the first and second through-holes can be formed using manufacturing methods such as punching, laser cutting, and water jet cutting.

[0014] According to the invention, the channels for the throughflow of a first fluid and a second fluid separated therefrom are respectively formed in a stack of at least two channel plates, in which at least one channel plate of the stack of channel plates has at least one stabilizing bridge oriented transversely to the channel along the course of the channel-forming cuts in the channel plate. This stabilizing bridge forms an interruption in the channel-forming cuts in the channel plate. Advantageously, this interruption acts as a supporting structural plate that stabilizes the channel plate with the channel-forming cuts formed therein and facilitates manufacturing, for example, by stamping. In this way, particularly delicate structures can be stabilized, which is advantageous in particular when the material thickness is small.

[0015] Each of the first and second channel plate stacks is separated by a separator plate or fluid-tightly covered by a cover plate, and the separator plate or cover plate covers opposite outer sides of the channel plate stack, so that at least one channel of the channel plate stack is fluid-tightly covered on both sides by the separator plate or by the separator plate and the cover element.

[0016] The channel plates can be made of steel, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, with aluminum being the preferred material due to its lower weight. Advantageously, the use of thin aluminum channel plates helps reduce the weight of correspondingly sized separator plates and cover plates without requiring the necessary pressure resistance. The separator plates and cover plates can also be made of aluminum and have a greater material thickness than the channel plates of the first and second channel plate stacks. The separator plates and cover plates can be tailored to the required pressure resistance, thereby improving the pressure resistance within the plate heat exchanger. The separator plates and cover plates are provided with first through-holes required for fluid connection with the first channel plate stack and second through-holes required for fluid connection with the second channel plate stack. Thus, each first channel plate stack has a second through-hole for directly conducting the second fluid, and each second channel plate stack has a first through-hole for directly conducting the first fluid. The entire set of first through-holes forms a distribution or collection channel for a first fluid, and the entire set of second through-holes forms a distribution or collection channel for a second fluid.

[0017] It has been found that manufacturing channel plates by stamping is simplified when the thickness of the sheet from which the channel plates are stamped is in the range of 1 mm to 0.6 mm. Thus, the individual channel plates of the first and second channel plate stacks can have thicknesses in the range of 1 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0018] The channel plates can be connected to each other and to the separator plates and / or cover plates by brazing, welding, adhesive bonding, etc. In the case of brazing, a suitable brazing material must be used to avoid connections that are susceptible to corrosion.

[0019] The individual channel plates, separator plates, cover plates, and connections between the plates may be dimensioned to enable the plate heat exchanger to withstand an operating pressure of 200 bar.

[0020] 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 the material thickness of the channel plates. The channel height is limited by two separate plates or a separate plate and a cover plate. The channel height is affected only by the location of a stabilizing bridge in one of the channel plate cutouts in the channel plate stack. The presence of a stabilizing bridge along at least one channel locally reduces the channel cross-section of the formed channel, resulting in an advantageous increase in flow velocity and turbulence, and consequently improved heat transfer. In the case of multiple parallel individual channels, the distribution of the flowing fluid can be advantageously influenced by the number of stabilizing bridges and the length of each individual stabilizing bridge to ensure improved heat transfer.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the plate heat exchanger, first and second channel plate stacks may each be formed from a plurality of stacked channel plates, each second channel plate having at least one stabilizing bridge oriented transversely to the channels. In this case, channel plates with stabilizing bridges and channel plates without stabilizing bridges may be arranged alternately in the channel-forming cutouts. Channel plates A with stabilizing bridges and channel plates B without stabilizing bridges may be arranged in an ABAB stacking order.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the plate heat exchanger, each channel plate of the first channel plate stack and each channel plate of the second channel plate stack have a stabilizing bridge oriented transversely to at least one channel, where the stabilizing bridges of stacked channel plates are offset along the course of at least one channel. In other words, the stabilizing bridges are offset so that the fluid flow through the formed channel is not obstructed. Channel plate A having a stabilizing bridge and channel plate C having a stabilizing bridge formed at a different position of the channel-forming notch can be arranged in a stacking order of ACAC. A combined stacking with channel plate B without a stabilizing bridge is also possible. Stacking orders such as ABCABC and further combinations are also possible.

[0023] According to the invention, the channel-forming cutouts in the channel plates are stabilized by at least one stabilizing bridge, and a channel-forming cutout that forms a long channel in a stack of channel plates has one or more stabilizing bridges. This means: the longer the channel, the more stabilizing bridges the channel-forming cutout has. Thus, a channel-forming cutout in a channel plate can have multiple stabilizing bridges.

[0024] The dimensions of the at least one stabilizing bridge of the channel-forming cutout in the channel plate can depend on the width of the channel formed by the channel-forming cutout. Thus, the at least one stabilizing bridge can have a width corresponding to the width of the at least one formed channel. However, as already mentioned above, the stabilizing bridge can also be much wider than the width of the channel in order to influence the flow through that channel.

[0025] Each channel plate may have a plurality of channel-forming cuts, each of which forms a channel structure having a plurality of individual channels, each of which has at least one stabilizing bridge oriented transversely relative to the individual channel. The plurality of individual channels may be arranged regularly or irregularly. Preferably, the individual channels of the channel structure are arranged adjacent to and parallel to each other at a distance from each other. The individual channels of the channel structure may originate from a common channel stack inlet and lead to a common channel stack outlet. The channel stack inlet and channel stack outlet of the channel plate stack correspond to the through holes, i.e., the respective first and second through holes, formed in the separator plates.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the channel plate, multiple channel-forming cutouts can be formed concentrically, so that stacked channel plates form multiple spaced-apart ring-shaped individual channels. In this case, the stabilizing bridges of adjacent ring-shaped channel-forming cutouts can be radially offset. This radially offset arrangement of the stabilizing bridges has been found to simplify manufacturing. This radially offset arrangement of the stabilizing bridges is also advantageous for the stability of the delicate structure of the channel-forming cutouts. In this embodiment, the stabilizing bridges of the channel-forming cutouts are also offset along the formed channels of the stacked channel plates to ensure fluid flow through them. The channel plates formed in this manner can be arranged as a first channel plate stack and / or a second channel plate stack. The ring-shaped individual channels can have a common inlet and a common outlet, and the common inlet and common outlet are formed with first and second through-holes, respectively.

[0027] In addition, in the channel plate of this embodiment, the width of the ring-shaped channel-forming cutouts can be reduced from the outside to the inside. This means that the multiple concentric rings formed by the ring-shaped cutouts have different widths, and the width of the ring-shaped cutouts decreases from the outer ring to the inner ring. Therefore, when the channel plates are stacked, the individual ring-shaped channels formed have channel cross-sections that decrease from the individual channels in the outer ring to the individual channels in the inner ring. The individual channels formed have different widths and cross-sections. It has been found that this measure improves the distribution of the flowing fluid and further enhances heat transfer performance.

[0028] The surface contact between the individual channel plates, separator plates, and cover plates allows for a particularly compact and stable design of the plate heat exchanger. This improved stability allows for screwing to refrigerant circuit components, particularly the refrigerant compressor of the refrigerant circuit, without the need for additional stabilizing plates. The channel plates, separator plates, and cover plates can each have multiple corresponding bushings for screws or bolts. These screw bushings or bolt bushings are provided, for example, for directly screwing the plate heat exchanger into the refrigerant compressor. The screw or bolt bushings are preferably located at the ends and as evenly spaced as possible to achieve uniform force distribution during screwing. Thanks to the compact design of the plate heat exchanger, the formed channels remain leak-tight and dimensionally stable, even under the influence of external forces that may occur during screwing.

[0029] The channel-forming incisions may be shaped to form at least one channel having an at least partially serpentine course. In this regard, a channel structure may also be provided in which a plurality of individual channels running adjacent to one another have at least partially serpentine courses.

[0030] In one embodiment of the plate heat exchanger according to the invention, the cover plate, the first and second channel plate stacks, and the separator plate arranged therebetween can have a substantially circular basic shape, and the fluid connections for the first fluid and / or 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, and the fluid connections for the first fluid are formed on protrusions protruding from the circumference of the cylindrical shape. The fluid connections for the second fluid can be formed on the cover plates. The first fluid connection can be designed as a fluid inlet for the first fluid on the first cover plate, and the second fluid connection can be designed as a fluid outlet for the first fluid on the second cover plate. This embodiment of the plate heat exchanger is particularly suitable for integration into a refrigerant compressor of a refrigerant circuit.

[0031] The plate heat exchanger according to the present invention allows for parallel or serial flow arrangement of fluids through multiple channel plate stacks, where a first channel plate stack and a second channel plate stack fluidly separated therefrom can be fluidly connected in series or in parallel.

[0032] The present invention provides a compact plate heat exchanger with high pressure resistance. The delicate channel structure of the robust channel plates, which are suitable for stamping and arranged to form a channel plate stack, allows high heat transfer performance to be obtained while keeping manufacturing costs low. A further aspect of the present invention is the use of the above-mentioned plate heat exchanger in a refrigerant circuit with refrigerant R744.

[0033] A further aspect of the present invention is the use of a plate heat exchanger as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, particularly a vehicle refrigerant compressor. The plate heat exchanger can take on the function of an internal heat exchanger in the case of multi-stage compression. In this application, the plate heat exchanger can be arranged downstream of the compression stage and screwed onto the refrigerant compressor so that the plate heat exchanger is located on the refrigerant outlet side of the refrigerant compressor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] The plate heat exchanger according to the present invention has many further advantages. For example, pulsations at the refrigerant outlet side of the refrigerant compressor are damped by the additional internal volume of the plate heat exchanger downstream of the compression stage of the refrigerant compressor, resulting in a reduction in the noise emissions of the refrigerant compressor in a vehicle. In addition to the pulsation damping provided by the internal volume of the plate heat exchanger, the internal structure of the channel-forming recesses with stabilizing bridges is designed so that pulsations in the parallel individual channels destructively interfere due to the different channel lengths, resulting in a reduction in the pulsations generated by the refrigerant compressor. This also reduces the noise of the refrigerant compressor. Therefore, the plate heat exchanger according to the present invention can additionally be used as a muffler. Therefore, when the plate heat exchanger is used as an integrated gas cooler for a refrigerant circuit, for example, a refrigerant compressor, specifically a refrigerant compressor in a vehicle, no additional muffler is required, since the plate heat exchanger ensures the damping and reduction of noise emissions. Therefore, the plate heat exchanger can be used as a muffler in an air conditioning system with a refrigerant compressor.

[0035] Further details, features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be found in the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the associated drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1a] 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a channel plate of a plate heat exchanger according to the present invention; [Figure 1b] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a channel plate of a plate heat exchanger according to the present invention; [Figure 1c] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a channel plate of a plate heat exchanger according to the present invention; [Figure 1d] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a channel plate of a plate heat exchanger according to the present invention; [Figure 2a] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a plate heat exchanger according to the present invention; [Figure 2b] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a plate heat exchanger according to the present invention; [Figure 2c] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a plate heat exchanger according to the present invention; [Figure 2d] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a plate heat exchanger according to the present invention; [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a channel plate of one embodiment of a plate heat exchanger. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a channel plate of one embodiment of a plate heat exchanger. [Figure 3c] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a channel plate of one embodiment of a plate heat exchanger. [Figure 3d] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a channel plate of one embodiment of a plate heat exchanger. [Figure 3e] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a channel plate of a plate heat exchanger. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of a channel plate stack of a plate heat exchanger. [Figure 4b] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of a channel plate stack of a plate heat exchanger. [Figure 4c] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of a channel plate stack of a plate heat exchanger. [Figure 4d] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of a channel plate stack of a plate heat exchanger. [Figure 4e] 1 shows a schematic detail view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate heat exchanger with a view of the separator plates; [Figure 5a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a plate heat exchanger in an assembled state. [Figure 5b] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a plate heat exchanger in an assembled state. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a plate heat exchanger according to the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] In the figures, repeating features are given the same reference numerals.

[0038] 1a to 1d are schematic diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a channel plate for a plate heat exchanger according to the present invention. Fig. 1a is a perspective view of two channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 made of aluminum and stacked together to form a first channel plate stack 1. Both channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 have corresponding channel-forming notches 3 that form three separate channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 that run adjacently and at a distance from one another in a serpentine manner through the first channel plate stack 1. In plan view, the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 correspond to the first through holes 4. Each of the channel-forming notches 3 of the two channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 has a stabilizing bridge 5 oriented transversely to the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 along their course. Three stabilizing bridges 5 are formed along the course of the channel-forming cuts 3 in channel plate 1.1, and two stabilizing bridges 5 are formed along the course of the channel-forming cuts 3 in channel plate 1.2. The stabilizing bridges 5 of corresponding channel-forming cuts 3 in channel plate 1.1 and channel plate 1.2 are offset along the course of the individual formed channels 3.1, 3.2, 3.3. The offset of the stabilizing bridges 5 of stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 ensures fluid flow through the individual formed channels 3.1, 3.2, 3.3. The stabilizing bridges 5 form interruptions in the course of the channel-forming cuts 3 in channel plates 1.1 and 1.2, respectively.

[0039] The channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 also have corresponding second through holes 6, which serve for the fluid connection of a second channel plate stack 2, not shown.

[0040] FIG. 1b shows a detail of FIG. 1a. This detail shows that the stabilizing bridges 5, which stabilize the channel-forming cutouts 3 of stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2, are positioned at different positions during the formation of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. Therefore, the stabilizing bridges 5 are offset during the formation of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. At the locations where the individual formed channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 have stabilizing bridges 5, the channel height of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 is equal to the thickness of the aluminum channel plate 1.1 or 1.2. In the illustrated example, the channel plate thickness is 0.8 mm, and therefore the channel height in the areas without the stabilizing bridges 5 is 1.6 mm. At the locations where the channel-forming cutouts 3 have stabilizing bridges 5, the channel height is correspondingly 0.8 mm. Each channel 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 has a width of 3 mm, and the stabilizing bridge 5, which is oriented transversely to each channel 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, also has a width of 3 mm. In one embodiment, the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 can be provided with different widths. In this case, the stabilizing bridge 5 can also be adapted to the width of each channel 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and therefore have a width different from that of the adjacent individual channels.

[0041] FIG. 1c shows a channel plate 1.1 formed from aluminum, where the channel plate 1.1 of the first channel plate stack (FIG. 1a) has a channel-forming cutout 3, a first through-hole 4, and a second through-hole 6 formed therein. The three channel-forming cutouts 3 have adjacent, equally spaced, serpentine elongated shapes and are interrupted at three locations by stabilizing bridges 5. The stabilizing bridges 5 allow the delicate structure of the channel-forming cutouts 3 to be easily punched. Furthermore, the stabilizing bridges 5 improve the stability of the entire channel-forming structure, thereby improving handling of the channel plate 1.1.

[0042] Figure 1d shows the channel plate 1.2 of the first channel plate stack (Figure 1a), formed from aluminum, separately with the channel-forming cuts 3, first through-holes 4, and second through-holes 6 formed therein, which correspond to the first through-holes 4 and second through-holes 6 formed in channel plate 1.1. The first through-holes 4 function as channel stack inlets or channel stack outlets for the first fluid.

[0043] Figures 2a to 2d are schematic diagrams of exemplary embodiments of a plate heat exchanger 7 according to the invention, each of which is a perspective view from above.

[0044] FIG. 2a shows an assembled plate heat exchanger 7, in which a first channel plate stack 1 for a first fluid and a second channel plate stack 2 for a second fluid are alternately stacked between two cover plates 9.1 and 9.2, with a separator plate 8 disposed between them to separate opposing channels. The first channel plate stack 1, the second channel plate stack 2, the separator plate 8, and the cover plates 9.1 and 9.2 are made of aluminum and are brazed together in a liquid-tight manner. The upper cover plate 9.1 has a first through-hole 4 corresponding to the first through-holes 4 formed in the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. The cover plate 9.1 also has two second through-holes 6 corresponding to the second through-holes 6 formed in the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. The first through-hole 4 serves as a fluid connection for the first fluid, and the second through-hole 6 provides a fluid connection for the second fluid. Due to the stacked arrangement, the first through holes 4 form distribution channels for the first fluid on the plate face of the first channel plate stack 1, and the first fluid can pass through each individual channel 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 before reaching the collection channels formed by the first through holes 4 on the obliquely opposite face of the plate heat exchanger 7.

[0045] In the stacked arrangement, the first channel plate stacks 1 are connected to one another by corresponding first through-holes 4 so as to form first channels for a first fluid. Corresponding second through-holes 6 connect the second channel plate stacks 2 to one another so as to form second channels for a second fluid that are separate from the first channels for the first fluid. The second through-holes 6 form distribution channels for the second fluid in the plate plane of the second first channel plate stack 2 (see FIG. 2d) and allow the second fluid to pass through the respective individual channels 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 of the second channel plate stack 2 before reaching the collection channels formed by the second through-holes 6 at the diagonally opposite corner of the plate heat exchanger 7. In this embodiment, the plate heat exchanger 7 has a substantially rectangular basic shape.

[0046] FIG. 2b shows the plate heat exchanger 7 shown in FIG. 2a, with the upper cover plate 9.1 omitted to reveal one of the first channel plate stacks 1. The visible first channel plate stack 1 corresponds to the embodiment of the channel plate stack 1 shown in FIG. 1a and is formed from two stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 (see FIGS. 1a-1d). The omitted upper cover plate 9.1 forms the upper boundary or covers the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3, while the lower boundary or cover of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 is ensured by a separator plate 8. The separator plate 8 separates the successive first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. The reduced channel height due to the stabilizing bridges 5 within the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 advantageously serves to locally accelerate the flowing fluid, thereby generating turbulence and enhancing heat transfer. The fluid distribution within the individual parallel channels is influenced by the number and length of the stabilizing bridges 5 .

[0047] Figure 2c shows the plate heat exchanger 7 shown in Figure 2b. In this view, the separator plate 8 separating the first and second channel plate stacks 1, 2 can be seen. In the illustrated view, the separator plate 8 covers the second channel plate stack 2. The separator plate 8 is made of aluminum and has corresponding first and second through holes 4, 6.

[0048] Figure 2d also shows the plate heat exchanger 7 shown in Figures 2a-2c, but with the second channel plate stack 2 visible. The second channel plate stack 2 is similarly composed of channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 stacked on top of each other. 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 notches 3 of both channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 have stabilizer bridges 5, and the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 formed correspond to the second through-holes 6. The individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 are used to pass the second fluid. The second channel plate stack 2 also has first through-holes 4, allowing the first fluid to pass through. The channel plate stack 2, together with channel plate 1.2, rests on a separator plate 8, which forms the lower boundary of the individual channels 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3.

[0049] 3a to 3d are schematic views of channel plates 1.1, 1.2, and 2.1, 2.2 of a further embodiment of a plate heat exchanger 7 according to the present invention, which serves as a one-piece gas cooler for screwing to a compressor. Channel plates 1.1, 1.1.2, and 2.1.2.2 shown in FIGS. 3a to 3d are made of aluminum and each have a substantially circular shape with a protrusion 9 formed on its periphery, which has inwardly directed second through-holes 6 for conducting a second fluid. FIG. 3a shows a channel plate 1.1 of a first channel plate stack 1, and FIG. 3b shows a further channel plate 1.2 of the first channel plate stack 1. Both channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 have corresponding channel-forming cutouts 3. Each of the channel-forming cutouts 3 of both channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 has a stabilizing bridge 5 oriented transversely along its course. The positions of the stabilizing bridges 5 in the corresponding channel-forming openings 3 of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 are different, so that the stabilizing bridges 5 of the stacked channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 are offset in the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 (see Figures 4a and 4c). The center of the channel plates 1.1 and 1.2 contains a central first through-hole 4.1 and a number of radially spaced smaller first through-holes 4.2. The first through-holes 4.1 and 4.2 are used to guide the first fluid. The channel-forming openings 3 have a serpentine portion.

[0050] FIG. 3c shows a channel plate 2.1 of a second channel plate stack 2 (see FIG. 5), and FIG. 3d shows a further channel plate 2.2 of the second channel plate stack 2. Both channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 have corresponding channel-forming cutouts 3. The channel-forming cutouts 3 have a geometrically different shape than the channel-forming cutouts 3 of channel plates 1.1 and 1.2. The channel-forming cutouts 3 of channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are thus spaced apart in a ring-like fashion, with each ring-shaped channel-forming cutout 3 having a number of transverse stabilizing bridges 5 along its course. The stabilizing bridges 5 are each radially arranged. Thanks to the stabilizing bridges 5, the ring-shaped channel-forming cutouts 3 of channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are interrupted, and each channel-forming cutout 3 is formed from a number of circular ring segments arranged concentrically around the first through-hole 4.1. The positions of the stabilizing bridges 5 in the channel-forming cutouts 3 of the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are different, so that the stabilizing bridges 5 of the stacked channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 are offset in the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 (see Figures 4a and 4c) for the second fluid, thereby allowing the second fluid to flow. The channel plates 2.1 and 2.2 have a central first through-hole 4.1 and a number of smaller, radially spaced first through-holes 4.2 in the center. These first through-holes 4.1 and 4.2 correspond to the first through-holes 4.1 and 4.2 in the channel plates 2.1 and 2.2, respectively, and are used to pass the first fluid.

[0051] Each of the individual channel plates 1.1, 1.2, and 2.1, 2.2 in Figures 3a to 3d has fourteen bushings 13 for screws or bolts, which correspond to one another when stacked so that the assembled plate heat exchanger 7 (see Figures 5a and 5b) can be screwed to the refrigerant compressor with screws or bolts fed through the bushings 13. The bushings 13 are each positioned at an equal distance from the centrally formed first through-hole 4.2. Therefore, as can be seen in Figures 5a, 5b, and 6, the separator plate 8 and cover plates 9.1, 9.2 also have corresponding bushings 13.

[0052] FIG. 3e is a schematic diagram of an alternative preferred embodiment of a channel plate for forming the first channel plate stack 1 or the second channel plate stack 2. According to this preferred channel plate design, multiple channel-forming cutouts 3 are formed in concentric rings, and the stabilizing bridges 5 of adjacent ring-shaped channel-forming cutouts 3 in this channel plate embodiment are radially offset. Unlike the channel plate embodiments 2.1 and 2.2 shown in FIGS. 3c and 3d, the stabilizing bridges 5 of adjacent ring-shaped channel-forming cutouts 3 are not radially aligned. The positions of the stabilizing bridges 5 in the ring-shaped channel-forming cutouts 3 of stacked channel plates in this embodiment are similarly different, resulting in the stabilizing bridges 5 of the stacked channel plates being offset within their respective channels, allowing fluid flow. Also, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3c and 3d, two half-moon-shaped first through-holes 4.1 and 4.2, separated from each other by a bridge 4.3, are located in the center of the channel plate 2.1. According to the concept of the present invention, these channel plates can also be stacked to form a first channel plate stack 1 and a second channel plate stack 2 with a separator plate 8 arranged between them, with the half-moon shaped through-holes 4.1 and 4.2 respectively forming distribution channels for distributing the first fluid to the individual plate faces of the first channel plate stack 1 of the plate heat exchanger 7 and forming recovery channels for the first fluid to flow back from the individual first channel plate stack 1 of the plate heat exchanger 7. Again in this embodiment, 14 bushings 13 for screws or bolts are provided to enable screw fastening.

[0053] 4a to 4d are schematic detailed views of channel plate stacks 1 and 2 of a plate heat exchanger 7. FIG. 4a shows a plurality of alternating first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2, which are fluidly separated from each other by a separator plate 8. In FIG. 4a, the first channel plate stack 1 is visible, formed by channel plate 1.1 (FIG. 3s) and channel plate 1.2 (FIG. 3b). FIG. 4b shows a detailed view of the first channel plate stack 1, formed by channel plates 1.1 and 1.2, in which individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 for a first fluid are formed. Arrows 10 indicate the flow path of the first fluid through the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 formed by the channel-forming through-holes 3 between the first through-holes 4.1 and 4.2. The resulting plate heat exchanger stack is equipped with a plurality of bushings 13 for screws or bolts. The bushings 13 are designated by the same reference numerals in the following figures.

[0054] FIG. 4c shows a plurality of alternating first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2, which are fluidly separated from one another by a separation plate 8. The view of FIG. 4c allows for a view of a second channel plate stack 2 formed by channel plate 2.1 (FIG. 3c) and channel plate 2.2 (FIG. 3d). FIG. 4d is a detailed view of the second channel plate stack 2 formed from channel plates 2.1 and 2.2. Arrows 11 indicate the progression of the flow of the second fluid through the individual channels 3.1 to 3.7 formed by the channel-forming through-holes 3 between the second through-holes 6.

[0055] 4e is a schematic detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a plate heat exchanger 7, showing a separator plate 8, which is arranged in a stack between the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2, in each case together with the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2. The separator plate 8 has first through-holes 4.1, 4.2 and second through-holes 6. The first through-holes 4.1, 4.2 and second through-holes 6 correspond to the first through-holes 4.1, 4.2 and second through-holes 6 formed in the channel plate stacks 1, 2 and the respective channel plates 1.1, 1.2 and 2.1, 2.2.

[0056] 5a and 5b are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of a plate heat exchanger 7 in assembled form, in which the individual plates are brazed to one another. FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a cover plate 9.1 of the plate heat exchanger 7. The channel plate stacks 1 and 2 are stacked alternately with a separator plate 8 disposed therebetween. The separator plate 8 has first through-holes 4.1, 4.2 and second through-holes 6 (covered) corresponding to the first through-holes 4.1, 4.2 and second through-holes 6 formed in the first and second channel stacks 1, 2, respectively. The stacked arrangement of the first and second channel plate stacks 1, 2 is separated by cover plates 9.1, 9.2. The cover plate 9.1 has a plurality of first through-holes 4.2 that serve as fluid outlets for the first fluid. The second through-holes 6 formed in the protrusions 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 a fluid inlet, and the fluid connection 12.2 serves as a fluid outlet for a second fluid. The plate heat exchanger 7 of this embodiment is suitable for use as an integrated fluid-cooled gas cooler for a refrigerant compressor. In a corresponding use, the first fluid is a refrigerant, for example R744, and a coolant such as a water-glycol mixture is used as the second fluid.

[0057] Figure 5b shows the underside of the plate heat exchanger 7 shown in Figure 5a, so that the cover plate 9.2 can be seen. In the center of the cover plate 9.2 there is a central first through-hole 4.1, which corresponds to the central first through-holes 4.1 formed in the channel plates 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2 of the channel plate stack 1, 2. This central first through-hole 4.1 serves as a fluid inlet for the first fluid, which may be the refrigerant R744.

[0058] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating in more detail the embodiment of the plate heat exchanger 7 described in FIGS. 4 and 5. This embodiment of the plate heat exchanger 7 is particularly suitable for integration as an internal heat exchanger or an integrated gas cooler for a refrigerant compressor. According to this embodiment, two channel plates 1.1 according to FIG. 3a and 1.2 according to FIG. 3b are arranged to form a first channel plate stack 1, and two further channel plates 2.1 according to FIG. 3c and 2.2 according to FIG. 3d are arranged to form a second channel plate stack 2. The first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2 are arranged between two cover plates 9.1 and 9.2 and are separated by a separator plate 8, so that the opposing channels formed in the first and second channel plate stacks 1 and 2 are separated and covered from each other. The cover plate 9.2 has a central first through-hole 4.1 for the fluid inlet for the first fluid, and the opposite cover plate 9.1 has seven first through-holes 4.2 for the fluid outlet for the first fluid. Fluid connections 12.1 and 12.2 inserted and brazed to the projections 9 are assigned to the second through-holes 6 for the second fluid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1. First channel plate stack 1.1 Channel Plate 1.2 Channel Plate 2 Second channel plate stack 2.1 Channel Plate 2.2 Channel Plate 3 Channel forming notch 3.1~3.7 channels / individual channels 4, 4.1, 4.2 First through hole 4.3 Bridge 5 Stabilizing Bridge 6 Second through hole 7 Plate heat exchanger 8 Separation Plate 9 protrusion 9.1 Cover Plate 9.2 Cover Plate 10 Arrows 11 Arrows 12.1 Fluid Connections 12.2 Fluid Connections 13 Bushing

Claims

1. Plate heat exchanger (7) for a refrigerant circuit, a plate heat exchanger (7) for a refrigerant circuit of a vehicle, comprising channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) having channel-forming notches (3), at least two of which (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are arranged in each case in a channel plate stack (1, 2) to form at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), and a first channel plate stack (1) for a first fluid and a second channel plate stack (2) for a second fluid are arranged in two stacks. the cover plates (9.1, 9.2) of which have a separation plate (8) arranged therebetween to separate the opposing channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), at least one of said cover plates (9.1, 9.2) having fluid connections for the first fluid and / or the second fluid, and in each case the channel-forming cutout (3) of at least one channel plate (1.1, 2, 2, 2.1, 2.2) having at least one stabilizing bridge (5) oriented transversely to the channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), 1. A plate heat exchanger (7), characterized in that each of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) has a plurality of channel-forming notches (3), each of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) has a plurality of individual channels (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), and each individual channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) has at least one stabilizing bridge (5) oriented transversely to the individual channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7).

2. 2. The 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. 3. A plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, wherein the separator plates (8) and / or cover plates (9.1, 9.2) have a material thickness greater than that of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) of the first and second channel plate stacks (1, 2).

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

5. 2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) of the first channel plate stack (1) and the second channel plate stack (2) has the stabilizing bridges (5) oriented transversely with respect to the at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7), and the stabilizing bridges (5) of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) stacked on top of each other 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. 2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one stabilizing bridge (5) of the channel-forming notch (3) of the channel plate (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) has a width that at least corresponds to the width of the channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) to be formed.

7. A plate heat exchanger (7) as described in claim 1, 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 arranged parallel and spaced apart.

8. 2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel-forming notches (3) are arranged concentrically in a ring shape, and the stabilizing bridges (5) of adjacent ring-shaped channel-forming notches (3) are radially offset.

9. 9. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 8, characterized in that the width of the ring-shaped channel-forming notch (3) decreases from the outside to the inside.

10. 2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2), the separator plates (8) and the cover plates (9.1, 9.2) each have a plurality of bushings (13) for screws or bolts.

11. 2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel-forming notches (3) have a shape that forms at least one channel (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7) having an at least partially serpentine course.

12. 2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover plates (9.1, 9.2), the first and second channel plate stacks (1, 2) and the separator plate (8) arranged therebetween have a substantially circular basic shape.

13. 2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that first through-holes (4.1) are formed in the cover plate (9.2) as fluid inlets for a first fluid, and further first through-holes (4.2) are formed in the cover plate (9.1) as fluid outlets for the first fluid.

14. 2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel-forming notches (3) of the channel plates (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2) are formed by stamping.

15. 2. The plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, wherein the first channel plate stack (1) and the second channel plate stack (2) fluidly separated therefrom are fluidly connected in series or in parallel.

16. 2. Use of a plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is R744.

17. 10. Use of the plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 1 as an integrated gas cooler in a refrigerant compressor, a vehicle refrigerant compressor.

18. 18. Use of a plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 17, characterized in that the plate heat exchanger (7) is arranged downstream of a compression stage and is screwed to a refrigerant compressor.

19. 17. Use of a plate heat exchanger (7) according to claim 16, characterized in that the plate heat exchanger (7) is used as a muffler.

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