EP0521489A1 - Collector for a flat tube condenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a collector/accumulator (2) for a flat-tube condenser consisting of two structural elements (4,6) of which the first (4) has accommodating slots (8) for the flat tubes (10) on a tube plate (3), and the second (6) completes the collector/accumulator circumference, the two structural elements (4,6) adjoining one another in two overlap zones (12), which extend along the collector/accumulator (2) and seal off the two structural elements (4,6) with respect to one another, and a soldered joint (14) being provided in the respective overlap zone (12). When it is provided in these two overlap zones (12) that in each case the first structural element (4) is arranged on the outside and the second structural element (6) on the inside, it is provided that the first structural element (4) embraces the second structural element (6) towards the inside and/or that the second structural element (6) is arranged completely inside the outside width dimension B of the first structural element (4). Furthermore, it is possible to construct in the tube plate on both sides of the respective accommodating slot on the side averted from the camber of the tube plate beads which terminate in the end regions of the camber of the tube plate and are pressed, in conjunction with material deformation of the circumference of the accommodating slots, against the respective inserted flat tube in the direction of camber of the tube plate. …<IMAGE>…

Description

The invention relates to a collector according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a collector is known, for example, from the applicant's own German utility model G 90 15 090.2. This collector is already based on the objective of dimensioning the external width dimension of the collector as little as possible beyond the longitudinal extent of the cross section of the flat tubes inserted in the collector. For this purpose, the first component provided with the tube sheet for the flat tubes is surrounded by the second component in the form of a fork, whereby the possibility is created to be able to form the outer arm of the respective fork-shaped enclosure with a relatively small wall thickness. Thus, compared to the applicant's own EP-A2-0 374 896 - and comparable other prior art - a reduction in the overall depth of the condenser, consisting of collector, flat tubes and their ribbing, was obtained. In EP-A2-0 374 896, the first component is arranged on the inside and the second component on the outside in the two overlap zones of the first and second component, and the free edges of the second component are encompassed by the first component. A comparable arrangement of the first component provided with the tube sheet on the inside with respect to the second component which complements the collector also shows other constructions of the prior art with the task of the collector of two components which complement one another and overlap. With regard to the overall depth of the flat tube condenser, there is generally a design difficulty in comparison with such collectors composed of two parts with EP-B1-0 255 313, where the collector is formed from a one-piece round tube and therefore does not know increases in depth due to overlapping wall thicknesses from the outset. On the other hand, however, such an integral collector has the disadvantage that it is not possible to widen the flat tubes from the inside of the collector against the receiving slots, which is desirable for reliable soldering; for soldering under vacuum conditions, it is even a practical requirement. Another difficulty with the use of slotted integral pipes is that it is extremely difficult to subsequently insert receiving slots for flat pipes in a clean enough manner. In the practical implementation of EP-B1-0 255 313 which has now been carried out, the technically difficult and complex detour is to first punch the receiving slots into sheet metal which is still flat and then to form this sheet metal into a round tube and to weld it at an oblique joint. In the case of collectors composed of two parts, such as those to which the invention relates, on the other hand, one can easily work from the inside of the collector against the first component forming the tube sheet, and also for punching out the receiving slots for the flat tubes, and then also using the collector close the second component tightly. However, one can also punch out the receiving slots in the flat sheet metal state without having to subsequently form this sheet metal part into a single tube under the complicated butt welding, as in the case of EP-B1-0 255 313.

Both in the collector of EP-A2-0 374 896 and in the collector of the German utility model G 90 15 090.2 according to the preamble of claim 1, the connection between the two components is realized by a fork-shaped pocket into which a wall of the other component is inserted becomes. In the case of EP-A2-0 374 896, sheet metal walls of both components are pressed together after they have been plugged together. For the collector according to the German utility model G 90 15 090.2, in which the supplementary second component is an extruded profile is, you have to work with even lower insertion tolerances from the outset, because subsequent pressing is out of the question. Difficulties have to be overcome not only due to the narrow tolerances available, but also the interacting material roughness when plugging together. In none of the two known collectors according to EP-A2-0 374 896 or the German utility model G 90 15 090.2 is there any noteworthy positive locking which secures the two components against sliding apart during the soldering process when the mechanical tension previously carried out is released.

Compared to the state of the art that has become known, the invention is based on the consideration that, due to the advantages mentioned, the structural principle of constructing a collector from components that are at least complementary in the circumferential direction is maintained, but with respect to the structural depth of the flat tube condenser, conditions comparable to those in the case of EP-B1-0 255 313, according to which the collector is of single-walled design from the outset in comparison to the at least double-walled design with an overlap connection between two components which complement one another in the circumferential direction.

In this sense, the invention is based on the object of being able to achieve a structural depth of the flat tube condenser in a structurally simple manner, even in the case of such a collector, in which two components which complement one another in the circumferential direction form an overlap connection, as in the case of EP-B1-0 255 313 . Despite various attempts, this task has never been solved before.

The invention is also based on the objective of securing the overlapping connection of the two components of the collector, which complement one another in the circumferential direction, against sliding apart during the soldering process.

The part of this task related to the structural depth is fulfilled both by the collector according to claim 1 and by the collector according to claim 17, which is to secure the solder joint against sliding apart related part of the task is also solved by the features of claim 1.

The invention is based on the consideration that when, as in the case of EP-A2-0 374 896, the first component forming the tube sheet is arranged inside in the overlap zone and the second component supplementing the collector is arranged outside in the overlap zone, this overlap zone is on the side must be arranged from the end faces of the flat tubes in the flat tube condenser and in this respect the construction depth of the collector increases considerably beyond the construction depth caused solely by the flat tubes. This statement applies in any case if you want to use the tube sheet completely for receiving slots for the flat tubes and also want to make use of the possibility of a two-part construction of the collector to expand the flat tubes inserted into the receiving slots from the inside of the collector. The latter prevents the free edge of the first component provided with the tube sheet from springing back.

Rather, the invention makes new use of the construction already given in German utility model G 90 15 090.2, that in the two overlap zones between two components of the collector which complement one another in the circumferential direction, the first component, which forms the tube sheet, is on the outside and the second component is on the inside are arranged. However, while in the case of the German utility model G 90 15 090.2 there is an additional overall depth due to the fork-shaped design of the overlap zone, the outer fork arm of the connection is completely dispensed with in the context of the invention. Both in the case of claim 1 and in the case of claim 17, the principle already proven in other known collectors is used in the context of the invention to make do in the overlap zone with a two-layer overlap with a fork-shaped overlap, i.e. a three-layer connection. By positively gripping the second component by the first component, you get, in contrast to the encompassing one, in the end, however only a fork-shaped pocket forming embodiment according to EP-A2-0 374 986 also according to claim 1 securing the soldered connection against sliding apart during the soldering process.

The two components forming the collector according to the invention can be mass-produced just as easily as is already the case with known two-part collectors. There are even certain simplifications, e.g. during installation. The simplification in production is particularly important in that the two components of the collector can be manufactured to an indefinite length and can easily be cut to specific lengths.

It seems conceivable to implement the invention according to claim 1 by simply gripping the body of the second component. If one wants to accept a reduction in the clear cross section of the second component, one could also encompass side flanges or webs of the second component by means of the first component. However, the solution according to claim 2 appears optimal, according to which the second component engages around free edges formed on the outside of the second component facing away from the tube sheet of the first component. Since a fork-shaped wrap-around as in the case of EP-A2-0 374 896 can also be used, a partial wrap-around as defined in claim 3 is sufficient to ensure the aforementioned positive connection of the overlap zones during the soldering process.

The measure according to claim 4 makes it possible to produce a particularly favorable clamp connection during the manufacturing process of the collector, namely when a protrusion of the first component is bent around the second component.

The claims 5 to 7 are concerned with the fact that the desired security of the soldered connection is also ensured if the overlap condition is only ensured during the soldering by folded-over partial areas of the first component without bending the first component along its entire length in a manner that is also possible per se to have to. Thereby in Appropriately, at least some of the folded areas locally adapted to existing partitions in the collector that they can serve as an abutment when folding.

So far, it has been common to insert partition walls of the collector - such as end and partition walls - through their own insertion slots in the tube sheet (EP-B1-0 255 313) or at least to hold them in holding slots in the tube sheet (EP-A2-0 374 896). The measure according to claim 8 makes it possible to arrange such partition walls without any slitting of the collector. By means of a rhythmic indentation of the tube sheet, an inserted partition wall can be held in the inner groove of the indentation, which is designed as an outer bead in the tube sheet, while compensating for tolerances, and can be held in a form-fitting manner on the inside of the first component. The rhythmic indentation of the tube sheet makes it possible to choose the position of the partition wall largely freely. In addition, the outer beads act as additional stiffening of the first component, so that its wall thickness can be kept to a minimum. Claim 9 represents a design of the partition walls that is particularly suitable for this case. As shown in claim 10, it is sufficient to pre-coat the first component forming the tube sheet and the partition walls on both sides with solder.

Claims 11 to 14 deal with the additional design and arrangement of mounting brackets, by means of which the collector can be fastened at its place of use, for example in a motor vehicle in the unit of an air conditioning system. The attachment of holding plates for pipes, fans, etc. is also an option.

Claim 15 is concerned with the possibility of making the positive connection between the two components in the area of a web attached to the second component only over a fraction of the wall thickness of the second component, which, taking into account the material deformation to be expediently carried out when connecting the two components, is particularly favorable in the area of the transfer is.

The features of claim 16 further promote the assembly of the flat tubes in the tube sheet while optimizing the formation of a solder fillet.

It has already been explained in detail that claim 17 has independent patentable meaning in addition to claim 1, since for the first time the condition which is already known in the preamble of claim 1 is that the first component forming the tube sheet is external in the respective overlap zone and the additional second component is internal are trained, is consistently used. According to claim 18, the overall depth of the collector, which is given by the outer width dimension of the second component, is even further minimized by now only using the interface between the two overlapping zones as a distance measure.

Finally, claim 19 clarifies that all of the measures according to the invention can be carried out without having to graduate the transition of the inner contour of the cross section of the one component into the other component. You can even provide a constant connection. This makes it possible, for example, to either select the entire inner contour of the inner cross section of the collector in a circular shape - a condition that is known to be optimal in terms of flow, both in terms of pressure resistance and the required amount of material - or to be able to freely select other configurations, such as the configuration of the tube sheet as a so-called lace bottom.

The invention also relates to a further development and further development of the subject matter of claims 1 to 19. In this respect, reference is made in full to the overall description of this subject in this regard and the subject matter of which also serves as the basis for the description of the subject matter of claims 20 to 27. In particular, the present invention even relates to a generalizing inventive idea in two alternatives according to the subordinate claims 20, which are preferably to be implemented in combination and 25, each based on a collector for a flat tube condenser made of two components, the first of which has receiving slots for the flat tubes on a tube plate, which is made of solder-coated material, in particular with a hard solder coating, and the second supplements the scope of the collector, the two of which Connect components in two overlapping zones extending along the collector, sealing the two components against one another, and a solder connection, in particular made of hard solder, is provided in the respective overlap zone.

Such collectors - and in particular those according to claims 1 to 19 - are large series products in the manner of mass products with annual quantities of the fifth order of magnitude and more depending on the type of construction.

In this sense, the subject matter of claims 1 to 19 is based on a small overall depth with a simple construction. However, it has been shown that the compensation of structural tolerances and the quality of solder connections of the components to be soldered to one another have not yet been optimally solved. The subject matter of claims 20 to 27 represents a solution to this problem, and as mentioned even with generalized meaning.

Tolerance problems and soldering problems arise on the one hand where components, such as, in particular, the flat tubes of the flat tube heat exchanger, have to be inserted into the tube sheet of one component and soldered there. On the other hand, such problems occur in the area of the soldered overlap zone between the two components of the collector of the flat tube heat exchanger. Accordingly, claims 20 to 27 deal with these two separate problem groups. The two solutions of claims 20 and 25 of these two separate problem groups are based on the same solution principle.

In both problem groups, a firm mechanical system of the components to be connected to one another should first take place, with compensation for tolerances, following the a funnel-shaped solder connection, which runs out in a capillary in the direction of the fixed connection, should follow. In the area of the funnel shape, flux is first introduced for the solder. Flux is generally applied in water suspension and in this state does not penetrate the capillary continuation of the funnel shape. When heating in the area of the solder connection to be produced and evaporating the suspension water, the flux can then first penetrate into the capillary area and is followed by the solder which is flowable at a higher temperature. You can get a reliable solder connection. The firm mechanical connection at the end of the capillary area ensures that no flux gets into the interior of the collector and there, for example, reacts negatively with internal heat exchange fluid. In the case of solder connections which are not reliable in this regard, the inside of the collector must otherwise be laboriously cleaned of the ingress of flux.

In the case of the subject matter of claims 1 to 19, such a desired configuration has already been implemented between the tube sheet and flat tubes inserted into the receiving slots in the tube sheet. However, the implementation requires a very difficult to implement manufacturing technology, which also leads to weakening of the flat tubes in the insertion area in the collector against the effects of burst pressure. It is namely provided in accordance with claims 1 to 19 that the flat tubes inserted into the receiving slots of the tube plate of the header are first separated on the inner partitions of the flat tubes and then opened. The slitting leads to the mentioned reduction in the burst pressure limit. The bulging requires complicated tools, especially in view of the fact that the flat tubes have a small free internal cross-section that is still divided by the partition walls.

The inventive idea according to claim 20 avoids these difficulties. Without any impairment of the solder connection geometry, the possibility is created of completely separating the inner walls of the flat tube and tapping it to avoid. This does not rule out the possibility of also carrying out these measures, possibly weakened, in combination with the inventive idea according to claim 20. According to the inventive idea of claim 20, the tolerance compensation no longer takes place on the part of the flat tube, but now on the part of the tube sheet. For this purpose, beads are arranged in the tube sheet on both sides of the receiving slots, which protrude outwards inside the tube sheet when the tube sheet is curved (in the case of reverse curvature, these beads are raised on the outside of the tube sheet). If these preformed beads are pressed in the direction of the curvature of the tube sheet, there is a material deformation in the tube sheet. The geometry of the beads running down into the end regions of the curvature of the tube sheet leads to the longitudinal sides of the receiving slots coming closer under pressure and the end faces of the receiving slots under tensile action, so that the receiving slots approach the flat tubes all around. Depending on the play between flat tubes and receiving slots that originally existed after inserting the flat tubes into the receiving slots, the beads are reduced to a greater or lesser extent, which, however, remain more or less pronounced even with the final pressing in order to be full until the final phase of the pressing Keep control of tolerance compensation. It can be accepted that in the area of the fixed contact between the peripheral edge of the receiving slots and the outer circumference of the flat tubes, these are slightly dented in their circumference. It may also happen that during the pressing process, flattening beads are even pushed through to the other side of the tube sheet; however, this is not the normal case and requires excessive deformation forces. However, such suppressed configurations should also be included as a possibility within the scope of claim 20.

Claim 21 is concerned with the already mentioned preferred possibility of completely refraining from tulping and, accordingly, trimming the inner walls of the flat tube.

The claims 22 to 24 then deal with the possibility of making the principle arranged for optimum tolerance-compensating fastening of the flat tubes in the tube sheet also analogous for tolerance-compensating holding and soldering of partition walls in the collector.

The claims 22 to 24 deal with three alternative ways to keep at least one partition in the collector.

Claim 22 makes use of the teaching of the subject matter of Claims 1 to 19, in which the partitions are held against tilting along the collector by being received in a groove or groove in the tube sheet. The pressing of the beads can also be used according to claim 22 for an annular arrangement of the side walls of such a groove or groove on the two outer surfaces and end faces of the partition.

The claims 23 and 24 then provide alternative ways of holding the respective partition against tilting to the groove or fillet.

Thus, according to claim 23, the groove or fillet is replaced by a holding slot in the tube sheet. However, this has only such a length as is necessary to secure the partition against tipping in the longitudinal direction of the collector, and does not allow the partition to be inserted from the outside into the collector. Rather, as in the case of the groove or fillet, the partition must be preassembled using the at least two-part construction of the collector within the component having the tube sheet.

Finally, according to claim 24, it is also considered to be able to insert a partition from the outside into the tube plate of a collector, as is known per se from EP-A1-0 360 362 for circular integral collectors. Claim 24 transfers this idea of the invention to the collectors on which the invention is based, which are composed of a plurality of components which complement one another in the circumferential direction.

Both in the case of the new holding slots according to claim 23 and in the case of the transmitted insertion slots according to claim 24, the production of a mechanical system between the tube sheet and the partition wall is made usable in a completely new way by the pressing of the beads already provided for the functioning according to claim 20 .

In the case of the connection of the two components of the collector in the overlap area, the solution of the subject matter of claims 1 to 19 is satisfactory with regard to the mechanical properties, but not with regard to the flux application in the area of the solder connection on the overlap section. There, an undercut ensures that a defined, fixed mechanical contact between the overlapping components is ensured in the area of the overlap section. However, in the sense of the optimal soldering method discussed above, it is not possible to produce optimal soldering conditions with a funnel-shaped or wedge-shaped widening first zone, subsequent capillary zone and subsequent mechanical fixed connection. These are ensured according to claim 25. To the extent that, according to the subject matter of claims 1 to 19, the retaining tabs of one component, generally the component provided with the tube sheet, are distributed over the length of the collector and encompass the other component, claim 26 provides that these retaining tabs are arranged such that also after mechanical connection of the two components, flux can be added between the retaining tabs to produce the solder connection. This flux is added according to claim 25 or 26 in the receiving channel according to claim 25, in which the solder resulting from precoating of the components then collects together with the flux during the production of the solder connection, completely analogously to the process already involved in the connection of the tube sheet was described with the flat tubes.

In the case of the production of the solder connection according to claim 25 or 26, they are in engagement with one another standing surfaces are already provided with a solder pre-coating on at least one surface of the overlap zone (generally on the part connected to the tube sheet, but not on the cover). But even if, as in the case of claims 20, 21, 23 and 24, the tube sheet is slotted and no solder pre-coating is provided on the edges of the slits, a soldered connection that is reliable even in continuous operation is finally obtained in the three zones of the funnel-shaped or wedge-shaped feeder, then the capillary continuation and finally the mechanically applied solder connection termination.

• Fig. 1, 2 und 3 jeweils einen Querschnitt von drei verschiedenen Ausführungsformen eines erfindungsgemäßen Sammlers;
• Fig. 4a und 4b eine Ansicht in Strömungsrichtung von Luft als äußerem Wärmetauschmedium bei einem Flachrohrverflüssiger mit erfindungsgemäßem Sammler, wobei Fig. 4b eine unter 90° zu Fig. 4a gesehene Stirnansicht auf die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 4a darstellt;
• Fig. 5 einen Längsschnitt durch einen Abschnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Sammlers mit zwei Trennwänden und zwei Flachrohren, wobei der Sammler im Querschnitt beispielsweise gemäß Fig. 1 oder Fig. 3 gestaltet sein kann;
• Fig. 6 einen Schnitt in Längsrichtung durch einen Wandabschnitt des Sammlers einschließlich einer eingesetzten Trennwand;
• Fig. 7 in teilweise geschnittener Seitenansicht den Verbindungsbereich zwischen einem Flachrohr und dem Rohrboden eines Bauteils des Sammlers;
• Fig. 8 eine Draufsicht auf den Rohrboden gemäß Fig. 7 von der Innenseite des Sammlers;
• Fig. 9 einen axialen Längsschnitt durch den Sammler und zwei eingesteckte Flachrohre bei der Konfiguration gemäß den Fig. 7 und 8 in ausschnittsweiser Darstellung;
• Fig. 10 in vergrößertem Maßstab den Verbindungsbereich zwischen einem Flachrohr und dem Rohrboden gemäß Fig. 9;
• Fig. 11 einen Querschnitt in Bautiefenrichtung durch den Sammler gemäß den Fig. 7 bis 10 mit Draufsicht auf ein Flachrohr;
• Fig. 12 eine Seitenansicht in äußerer Durchströmungsrichtung des Flachrohrwärmetauschers gemäß Fig. 11;
• Fig. 13, 14 und 15 drei alternative, gegebenenfalls auch in Kombination an einem Sammler vorsehbare Montageweisen einer Trennwand in einem Sammler mit Schnittführung und Ausschnittswahl entsprechend Fig. 12 in verkleinertem Maßstab;
• Fig. 14a eine Seitenansicht zu Fig. 14 sowie
• Fig. 15a einen Schnitt nach der Linie C-C in Fig. 15.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of schematic drawings using several exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• Figures 1, 2 and 3 each show a cross section of three different embodiments of a collector according to the invention;
• 4a and 4b show a view in the direction of flow of air as an external heat exchange medium in a flat tube condenser with a collector according to the invention, FIG. 4b showing an end view of the arrangement according to FIG. 4a seen at 90 ° to FIG. 4a;
• 5 shows a longitudinal section through a section of a collector according to the invention with two partition walls and two flat tubes, the collector in cross section, for example, according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 3;
• 6 shows a section in the longitudinal direction through a wall section of the collector including an inserted partition;
• 7 shows a partially sectioned side view of the connection area between a flat tube and the tube sheet of a component of the collector;
• FIG. 8 is a top view of the tube sheet according to FIG. 7 from the inside of the collector;
• Fig. 9 is an axial longitudinal section through the collector and two inserted flat tubes in the configuration according to 7 and 8 in a fragmentary representation;
• 10 on an enlarged scale the connection area between a flat tube and the tube sheet according to FIG. 9;
• 11 shows a cross section in the depth direction through the collector according to FIGS. 7 to 10 with a plan view of a flat tube;
• FIG. 12 is a side view in the outer flow direction of the flat tube heat exchanger according to FIG. 11;
• 13, 14 and 15 three alternative ways of mounting a partition wall in a collector with a cut and selection of cutouts corresponding to FIG. 12, optionally also provided in combination on a collector, on a reduced scale;
• 14a is a side view of FIG. 14 and
• 15a shows a section along the line CC in Fig. 15th

The peripheral wall of the collector 2 for a flat tube condenser is composed of two components 4 and 6. The first component 4 has, on a tube plate 3 formed on it, receiving slots 8 for flat tubes 10, which are inserted through the receiving slots 8 into the collector. The second component 6 complements the scope of the collector. The first component 4 is deformed from a sheet metal coated on both sides with solder, while the second component 6 is an extruded profile that is not coated with solder. Both components 4 and 6 consist of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, preferably AlMn1.

The two components 4 and 6 adjoin each other in two overlapping zones 12 which extend along the collector 2 and seal the two components 4 and 6 against one another. In both overlap zones 12, a solder connection 14, in particular made of hard solder, is provided, which occupies an annular zone around the annular inner connecting joint 16 of the interface 18 in the overlap zone 12. The outwardly adjoining annular region of the interface 18 is designed as a circumferential undercut 20 of the component 6.

The tube sheet 3 of the first component 4 is provided with the receiving slots 8 running transversely to the collector, in FIG which enter the flat tubes 10 with little play. The flat tubes 10 can take up the entire inner width dimension of the collector 2 or its tube sheet 3 except for a small residual tolerance. The curvature of the tube sheet can be chosen in a known manner. In Fig. 1 the tube sheet 3 is shown as a flattened so-called dished end, while the tube sheet in Fig. 3 describes a semicircle. In both cases, an inner contour of the collector is selected in which the supplementary second component 6 also describes a semicircle without restricting the generality, which in the case of FIG. 2 complements the semicircle in the first component 4 to form a full circle. The slight rounding of the second component 6 in the connection area at the connection joint 16, which is due to the production as an extruded profile, is not particularly emphasized in the drawing.

In both embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the tube sheet 3 of component 4 with two mutually substantially parallel side walls 22 then extends over the entire area of overlap zone 12 with second component 6 outside of the first component 4 facing away from the collector 24 and two webs 26 parallel to one another away from the collector and run parallel to the side walls 22 to form the overlap zone 12 therewith. The undercuts 20 are essentially formed on the outside of these webs 26. The respective end face 28 is formed with a step 30 that is raised towards the outside. This forms in each case a free edge of the second component 6, around which a protrusion 32 of the side wall 22 of the first component 4 is wrapped around a little more than 90 °, but less than 180 °. The protrusion 32 is bent around the step 30 from the starting position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1, in which it extends the side wall 22 in a straight line. This step 30 previously had a rectangular cross section, which in the final state is rounded according to the drawing. The level can be used both for tolerance compensation as well as a means for the transferred Protrusion by more than 90 °, so that it can undercut the free edge on the end face 28.

The undercut 20 serves to obtain a defined folding edge 21 of the projection of the side walls 22 over the solder connection areas 14 of the overlap zone 12. The soldering zone 14 generally has a greater extension length along the respective overlap zone 12 than the material wall thickness of the component 6.

The two side walls 22 are designed to be closed on the component 4 up to approximately the height of the respective end face 28 of the component 6. These two end faces are arranged at the same distance from the outer surface 24 of the component 6, but could also be graduated in height from one another. The free edges of the side walls 22 are then divided into equidistant mounting brackets 34 - each with a fastening hole 36 - and in each case nested holding tabs 38. Only these retaining tabs 38 form the protrusion which is wrapped around the respective free edge 30 or its step, while the protrusion formed by the mounting tabs 34 extends the side walls 22 in a straight line.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4 a, the mounting tabs 34 are arranged along the collector in the area of a flat tube 10 or its receiving slot 8 in the first component 4. 4a, the heat-transferring ribbing 11 of the flat tubes 10 can also be seen incidentally, this ribbing preferably being designed in the form indicated in the illustration as zigzag fins soldered to the flat tubes 10, which, like the flat tubes, are also made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, preferably also AlMn1. In the end region of the flat tube condenser provided with the collector 2, an end plate 9 is then also provided on the respective ribs 11.

The free internal cross section of the collector 2 is usually divided by partitions. One type of these partition walls (also called partition caps) are end walls (or end caps) 42, which can be manufactured to an indefinite length Complete the collector for a specific design of a flat tube condenser on both ends. If you do not want to use 10 elbow connections on one side of the flat tubes, you will arrange a collector on both ends of the parallel flat tubes. One collector 2 is provided in the area of its own end with an inlet 40 and in the area of its other end (not shown) with a corresponding outlet, the intermediate space of the collector between the inlet and outlet being partitioned off from one another by an intermediate wall 44. The other header, which only needs to connect the ends of the flat tubes to one another, only requires two end walls 42. If the flow is divided into a plurality of reciprocating passages, intermediate walls can then also be provided in both headers, generally in the same way Inlet and outlet provided collector one partition more than in the other collector.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 3, 4a, 5 and 6, in the collector described, the partition walls, namely the end walls 42 and the intermediate walls 44, are disks made of the same material as the first component, which have a small projection on the side of the component 4 are adapted to the free cross section of the collector 2, in the case of the configuration of FIG. 2, from which the design according to FIG. 3 is derived, that is to say have essentially circular disc shape, otherwise rounded in the case of the arrangement according to FIG. 1 Shape. For this purpose, the end walls 42 and intermediate walls 44 are of identical design, specifically with a circumferential annular groove 46, the two side walls 48 of which each run out on the circumference in a circumferential cutting edge 50. The cutting edges 50 engage sealingly in the inner surface of the component 6. The tube sheet 3 of the component 4, on the other hand, is formed with a constant division along the collector 2 with an outer bead 52 which forms a groove 54 on the inside of the collector 2, into which the respective partition wall 42 or 44 extends more or less far with tolerance compensation. The final fixation in the collector is then done by soldering. The partitions 42 and 44 are for this purpose coated on both sides, as already mentioned the first component 4.

The arrangement of the outer beads 52 and the grooves 54 formed by them also defines the pitch of the mounting brackets 34 and the holding tabs 38 arranged therebetween on the second component. In this case, a retaining tab 38 is to be locally related to an existing partition 42 or 44, based on the longitudinal direction of the collector 2. The dividing walls can be freely inserted into the respective fillet 54 along the collector within the predetermined division.

Finally, it can be seen from FIG. 5 that the receiving slots 8 in the tube sheet 3 of the first component 4 are drawn in funnel-shaped at least on their longitudinal edges 56. If, as shown in FIG. 5, the ends of the flat tubes 10 inserted into the tube sheet 3 are provided with a tamping 58 for mechanical fastening before the second component 6 is put on, a solderable circumferential soldering fillet 60 is formed on the outside of the collector.

This design with the outer component 12 in the overlap zone 12 and the internal second component 6 enables the second component 6 to be arranged not only completely within the outer width dimension B of the first component 4, but even completely within the distance dimension A between the two boundary surfaces 18 of both overlap zones 12. The outer width dimension B of the first component 4 also describes the outer width dimension of the entire collector 2. This stands on its two long sides, that is to say on the outer surfaces of the side walls 22, in each case only slightly more than one wall thickness of the side wall 22 in question over the longitudinal extent of the cross section of the flat tube 10, the slight additional overhang being caused by slight oversize between the ends of the receiving slots 8 and the respective projected inner surface of the side walls 22 due to manufacturing reasons i st. In this respect, the installation conditions of the flat tubes in the collector are identical as in the case of EP-B1-0 255 313, where the collector forms an integral cylindrical tube without having to accept the disadvantages of this integral embodiment.

In a collector for a flat tube condenser according to FIGS. 7 to 15, the peripheral wall of the collector 2 for a flat tube condenser is composed of two components 4 and 6. The first component 4 has, on a tube plate 3 formed on it, receiving slots 8 for flat tubes 10, which are inserted through the receiving slots 8 into the collector. The second component 6 complements the scope of the collector. The first component 4 is deformed from a sheet metal coated on both sides with solder, while the second component 6 is an extruded profile that is not coated with solder. Both components 4 and 6 consist of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, preferably AlMn1.

The two components 4 and 6 adjoin each other in two overlapping zones 12 which extend along the collector 2 and seal the two components 4 and 6 against one another. A solder connection 14, in particular made of hard solder, is provided in each of the two overlap zones 12, the design of which is described in detail below.

The tube sheet 3 of the first component 4 is provided with the receiving slots 8, which run transversely to the collector 2 and into which the flat tubes 10 enter with only little play. The flat tubes 10 can take up the entire inner width dimension of the collector 2 or its tube sheet 3 except for a small residual tolerance. The curvature or outer curvature of the tube sheet 3 can be chosen in a known manner. In FIGS. 7 and 11, the tube sheet 3 describes a semicircle; however, it can also be a flattened, so-called dished bottom. In both cases, an inner contour of the collector 2 is selected, in which the supplementary second component 6 also describes a semicircle without restriction of generality, which complements the semicircle in the first component 4 to form a full circle. The slight rounding of the second component 6 in the connection area on the connection joint 16, which by Production as an extruded profile is conditional, is not particularly emphasized in the drawing.

The tube sheet 3 of the component 4 extends with two mutually parallel side walls 22 over the entire area of the overlap zone 12 with the second component 6. On this component 6, two webs 26 extend from the outside 24 facing away from the tube sheet 3 of the first component 4 parallel to each other away from the collector 2 and run parallel to the side walls 22 to form the overlap zone 12 therewith. The respective end face 28 of the webs 26 is formed with an outwardly raised step 30, which slopes inwards at an incline 62. The step 30 forms in each case a free edge of the second component 6, around which a protrusion 32 (ie the retaining tabs 38 described later) of the side wall 22 of the first component 4 is in contact with the slope by a little more than 90 °, but less than 180 ° 62 of level 30 is put around. The protrusion 32 is bent around the step 30 from the starting position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 11, in which it extends the side wall 22 in a straight line.

The two side walls 22 are initially formed closed on the component 4. The free edges of the side walls 22 are then divided into equidistant holding tabs 38. These retaining tabs 38 form the protrusion 32 which is placed around the respective step 30.

FIGS. 9 and 12 also show in passing the heat-transferring ribbing 11 of the flat tubes 10, these ribs preferably being designed in the form indicated in the illustration as zigzag fins soldered to the flat tubes 10, which, like the flat tubes, are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, preferably also AlMn1. In the end region of the flat tube condenser provided with the collector 2, an end plate 9 is then also provided on the respective ribs 11.

The free inner cross section of the collector 2 is usually divided by partitions 42. One type of these partition walls 42 (also called partition caps) are end walls (or end caps) which close the collector 2, which can be produced in an indefinite length, for a specific construction of a flat tube condenser on its two end faces. If you do not want to use 10 elbow connections on one side of the flat tubes, you will arrange a collector 2 at both ends of the parallel flat tubes. One collector 2 is provided with an inlet in the region of its own end and with a corresponding outlet in the region of its other end, the space between the collector 2 between inlet and outlet also being partitioned off by a partition 42. The other header 2, which only needs to connect the ends of the flat tubes 10, only requires two end walls. When dividing the flow into multiple outgoing and return passages, two partitions 42 can then also be provided in both collectors, generally one partition 42 more in the collector 2 provided with inlet and outlet than in the other collector 2.

The partitions 42 are disks made of the same material as the first component 4, which are adapted to the free cross-section of the collector 2 with a slight overhang on the side of the component 4, in this case essentially circular disk shape, have a rounded shape when using a dished bottom. Here, the end walls and partitions are designed as the same partition walls 42. In the one embodiment according to FIGS. 15 and 15a, the tube sheet 3 of the component 4 is formed with a constant division along the collector 2, each with a groove 52 designed as an outer bead, which forms a fillet on the inside of the collector 2, into which the respective partition wall 42 extends more or less far into tolerance compensation. The final fixation in collector 2 is then carried out by soldering. For this purpose, the partition walls 42 are coated on both sides, as was the first component 4, as already mentioned.

The arrangement of the grooves 52 and the fillets formed by them also defines the pitch of the retaining tabs 38 on the second component 6. In this case, a retaining tab 38 is to be locally related to an existing partition wall 42 in relation to the longitudinal direction of the collector 2. The partition walls 42 can be freely inserted into the respective groove 54 along the header 2 within the framework of the predetermined division.

This design with the outer component 12 in the overlap zone 12 and the internal second component 6 enables the second component 6 to be arranged not only completely within the outer width dimension B of the first component 4, but even completely within the distance dimension A between the two boundary surfaces 18 of both overlap zones 12. The outer width dimension B of the first component 4 also describes the outer width dimension of the entire collector 2. This stands on its two long sides, that is to say on the outer surfaces of the side walls 22, in each case only slightly more than one wall thickness of the side wall 22 in question over the longitudinal extent of the cross section of the flat tube 10, the slight additional overhang being caused by slight oversize between the ends of the receiving slots 8 and the respective projected inner surface of the side walls 22 due to manufacturing reasons i with the exception of slope 62.

In this respect, the collector 2 according to FIGS. 7 to 15 corresponds to the collector 2 according to FIGS. 1 to 6 using the same reference number as in the main patent for corresponding components.

As can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 11 and 13 to 15, the design of FIGS. 7 to 15 is explained in terms of a design of the tube sheet with a curvature towards the outside, as is also provided in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 6.

Contrary to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the flat tube 10 extends according to FIG. 10 without any tulip through the receiving slot 8 in the tube sheet 3 of the component 4. This is made possible in that, according to FIGS. 7 to 10, a bead 64 is formed in the tube sheet on both sides of each receiving slot 8, the bead 64 facing the collector 2 and thus the curvature of the tube sheet opposite side is arranged. The bead 64 extends over the entire curvature area of the curvature of the tube sheet 3 and ends in the end areas of the curvature. This can be seen particularly well in side view in FIG. 7 and in top view in FIG. 8, where an elongated acute-angled oval image results from the expiring configuration in top view.

The two beads 64 are arranged on both sides of the respective receiving slot 8 equidistantly parallel to its longitudinal extent, so that two beads 64 are arranged between two receiving slots and one bead 64 is arranged in the respective end regions.

From Fig. 7 it can be seen that the beads 64 have the shape of the beginning of the moon phase in side view. The same applies analogously if a flattened shape, not shown, in the manner of a dished bottom is selected instead of an arcuate design of the tube sheet.

In Fig. 9, the crescent-shaped extension of the beads up to the tapered area of the curvature at D is drawn in view. The view according to FIG. 7, the sectional representations in FIG. 9 and in the left side of FIG. 10 correspond to the preformed shape of the beads with slope steepness with respect to the horizontal in the angular range from 45 to 60 °. The right-hand representation of FIG. 10 already shows the pressed state in which there has been a firm mechanical contact between the flat tube 10 and the inner edge of the receiving slot 8 after the beads 64 have been pressed. The beads 64 are pressed in the axial direction of the flat tubes, with an orientation from the inside of the collector 2 to the outside. This corresponds to the orientation of the arch of the tube sheet according to FIG. 7.

11 and 12, the mechanical connection of the flat tubes 10 in the receiving slots 8 according to the arrangement described in FIGS. 7 to 10 is also realized. In combination with this, the solder connection between the two components 4 and 6 is also designed in a new way.

First, a fixed mechanical system is obtained between the components 4 and 6 in the region of the overlap zone 12 by means of a bead 66 which extends continuously on both sides of the collector 2 on the outside of the web 26 and around which the retaining tabs 38 together when the step 30 is folded over Sloping 62 can be placed in dense plant. In order to compensate for tolerances, the bead 66 can be deformed more or less strongly in the depth direction of the header 2. Accordingly, it is a bead element with such a small cross-section that this tolerance-compensating effect is possible, but on the other hand the bead can also be molded onto the component 6 manufactured as an extruded profile.

A wedge-shaped receiving groove 68 extending along the collector 2 is formed below the respective bead 66 between the unbroken parallel side wall 22 of the component 4 on the one hand and the curved outer surface of the component 6 on the other hand. The respective side wall 22 extends to a medium height between the bottom of the receiving groove 68 and the bead 66, so that 38 spaces 70 remain between the subsequent retaining tabs, through which even after the retaining tabs 38 have been flipped around the step 30, including incline 62, flux can be introduced into the receiving groove 66. With the given configuration, this results in a wedge-shaped or funnel-shaped drawing-in space for flux and solder in the actual cross-sectional area of the receiving channel 68, which then merges at its base capillary into the area of solid material contact at the overlap section 22.

15, the idea from the type of training of FIGS. 1 to 6 is finally taken up and developed, a partition 42 of the free inner cross section of the collector 2 in a groove or groove 52 in the tube sheet so that the partition 42 is held against tilting in the axial direction of the collector 2. The compression of the beads 64 already described in connection with the fixed attachment of the flat tubes 10 in the receiving slots 8 on the basis of FIGS. 7 to 10 can be used in a novel manner in this case, in order also in the case of the arrangement of FIG. 15, the partition wall 42 in solid material Put an end to the groove 52. 15a shows their engagement in the groove of the type of construction of FIGS. 1 to 6, specifically with cutting edges arranged in the extension of the two flat sides of the dividing wall 42, which engage the two corners at the bottom of the groove which is chamfered on the outside.

Instead of a groove 52, FIG. 13 provides a holding slot 72, which is also shown in FIG. 8. It has a smaller extension length than the structural depth of the partition wall 42, so that the partition wall 42 can only be mounted in the holding slot 72 from the inside of the collector, which has not yet been completely expanded. It can be seen from FIG. 8 that such a slot can be at least substantially rectangular in plan view. It can also be seen from FIG. 13 that in this case the partition 42 has an extension 74 which in turn passes completely through the holding slot 72 and has an extension 76 with insertion bevels 78 which extends beyond the bottom of the tube sheet. The form-fitting mounting of this extension 76 in the holding slot 72 is carried out analogously, as was previously described in connection with the mounting of the partition 42 in the groove 52.

While FIGS. 13 and 14 show possibilities in which the partition can only be installed from the inside of the collector, FIG. 15 shows the opposite. In this case, the dividing wall 42 is inserted from the outside into the inner region of the collector 2 by an insertion slot 80 which extends essentially over the entire circumference of the curvature of the tube sheet 3 on the component 4 and is then fastened in the insertion slot. This is for collectors who are circumferentially oriented add from several components, new and is further developed within the scope of the invention in that the seat of the partition 42 in the insertion slot 80 again, as has already been described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, when pressing the beads 64 in the sense of fastening the Flat tubes 10 in the tube sheet 3 according to FIGS. 7 to 10 are also reached.

Claims (27)

Collector (2) for a flat tube condenser consisting of two components (4, 6), of which the first (4) has slots (8) for the flat tubes (10) on a tube plate (3) and the second (6) complements the scope of the collector,
the two components (4, 6) adjoining one another in two overlap zones (12) extending along the collector (2) and sealing the two components (4, 6) against one another and a solder connection (14) in the respective overlap zone (12), in particular made of hard solder,
and wherein in these two overlap zones (12) the first component (4) is arranged on the outside and the second component (6) is arranged on the inside,
characterized in that the first component (4) engages around the second component (6) inwards. A collector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first component (4) projects beyond the overlap zone (12) and with its projection (32) is placed around such a free edge (30) of the second component (6), which on the outside (24) facing away from the tube sheet (3) of the first component (4). Collector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first component (4) encompasses the second component (6) by less than 180 °. Collector according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the second component (6) in the overlap zone (12) is provided with an undercut (20) in an area before it is encompassed by the first component (4). Collector according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the protruding areas of the first component (4) encompassing the second component (6) are divided into individual holding tabs (38) distributed along the collector (2). A collector according to claim 5, characterized in that the holding tabs (38) are distributed along the collector (2) with the same division. A collector according to claim 5 or 6, in which end walls (42), and optionally at least one intermediate wall (44), divide the interior of the collector (2), characterized in that each end wall (42) and optionally intermediate wall (44) have an inside the same length range of the collector (2) arranged holding tab (38) is assigned. Collector according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tube sheet (3) of the first component (4) between the receiving slots (8) is each formed with an outer bead, in the inner groove (54) of which an end or intermediate wall (42, 44) is used or can be used. Collector according to claim 8, characterized in that the end and possibly intermediate walls (42, 44) are designed with the same circumferential annular groove (46), the two side walls (48) of which each run out on the circumference in a circumferential cutting edge (50). A collector according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the first component (4) and the end and optionally intermediate walls (42, 44) are provided on both sides with a prefabricated solder coating (dashed line in Fig. 6), the second component (6) but is free of a prefabricated solder coating. Collector according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one row of mounting brackets (34) is arranged along the outside (24) of the second component (6). A collector according to claim 11, characterized in that the mounting tabs (34) are arranged opposite the receiving slots (8) of the first component (4) for the flat tubes (10). Collector according to one of claims 5 to 11 and claim 12, characterized in that the retaining tabs (38) alternate with the mounting tabs (34). Collector according to one of claims 11 to 13 and one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that the mounting brackets (34) are formed at least on a projection (32) of the first component (4) over the overlap zones (12). Collector according to one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that the respectively encompassed free edge (30) of the second component (6) on a web (26) projecting from the outside (24) of the second component (6) with stepped, outside elevated end face (28) is provided. Collector according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the receiving slots (8) in the tube sheet (3) of the first component (4) are drawn in at least on their longitudinal edges (56) in a funnel shape. Collector (2) for a flat tube condenser consisting of two components (4, 6), of which the first (4) has slots (8) for the flat tubes (10) on a tube plate (3) and the second (6) complements the scope of the collector,
the two components (4, 6) adjoining one another in two overlap zones (12) extending along the collector (2) and sealing the two components (4, 6) against one another and a solder connection (14) in the respective overlap zone (12), in particular made of hard solder,
and wherein in these two overlap zones (12) the first component (4) is arranged on the outside and the second component (6) is arranged on the inside,
in particular according to one of claims 1 to 16,
characterized in that the second component (6) is arranged entirely within the outer width dimension B of the first component (4). Collector according to claim 17, characterized in that the second component (6) is arranged completely within the distance dimension A between the two boundary surfaces (18) of both overlap zones (12). Collector according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the inner contours of the first and the second component (4, 6) merge directly into one another, preferably with a continuous transition. Collector (2) for a flat tube liquefier from two components (4, 6), of which the first (4) on a tube sheet (3) has receiving slots (8) with solder connection, in particular made of hard solder, for the flat tubes (10) and the second (6) supplements the scope of the collector, the two components (4, 6) connecting to one another in two overlapping zones (12) extending along the collector (2) and sealing the two components (4, 6) against each other and in the respective overlapping zone (12 ) a solder connection (14), in particular made of hard solder, is provided, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that in the tube sheet (3) on both sides of the respective receiving slot (8) on the curvature of the tube sheet (3) facing side beads (64) are formed, which run out in the end regions of the curvature of the tube sheet (3) and deform the material of the circumference of the receiving slots (8) against the respectively inserted flat tube in the direction of curvature of the Tube bottom (3) are pressed. Collector (2) according to claim 20, characterized in that the outer circumference of the flat tubes (10) in their receiving slots (8) and inside the collector (2) is at most equal to the outer circumference of the flat tubes (10) outside the collector (2). Collector (2) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that at least one partition (42) of the collector (2) with solder connection, in particular made of hard solder, in a groove (52) is held on the inside of the tube sheet (3), and that the side wall of the respective groove (52) is deformed during the pressing of the beads (64) against the outer circumference of the respective partition wall (42). A collector (2) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that at least one partition (42) of the collector (2) with solder connection, in particular made of hard solder, in a holding slot (72) in the tube sheet which is shorter than the structural depth of the partition (42) (3) is held, and that the side wall of the respective holding slot is deformed when the beads (64) are pressed against the received outer circumference of the respective partition (42). Collector (2) according to Claim 20 or 21, characterized in that at least one partition (42) from the outside inserted into the collector (2) through an insertion slot (80) and held in the insertion slot (80) with solder connection, in particular made of hard solder Collector (2) is provided, and that the side wall of the respective insertion slot (80) is deformed during the pressing of the beads (64) against the outer circumference of the respective partition wall (42). Collector (2) for a flat tube liquefier from two components (4, 6), of which the first (4) on a tube sheet (3) has receiving slots (8) with solder connection, in particular made of hard solder, for the flat tubes (10) and the second (6) supplements the scope of the collector, the two components (4, 6) connecting to one another in two overlapping zones (12) extending along the collector (2) and sealing the two components (4, 6) against each other and in the respective overlapping zone (12 ) a solder connection (14), in particular made of hard solder, is provided, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 19 and / or in particular according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at an edge of the respective overlap zone (12) between the two overlapping components (4, 6) a receiving groove (68) for flux and solder of the solder connection is formed. Collector (2) according to Claim 25, characterized in that holding tabs (38) of one component (4) distributed over the length of the collector (2) encompass the other component (6), and in that the holding tabs (38) leave gaps (70) over the respective receiving groove (68). A collector (2) according to claim 26, characterized in that the retaining tabs (38) on the side remote from the respective receiving groove (68) are pressed against a bead (66) which runs along the collector (2) and compensates for tolerances.

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