EP0864838A2 - Heat exchanger for automotive vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The heat exchanger has a block assembled from flat tubes and corrugated ribs. All the tube ends are widened so they can be combined in a stack. There are two collecting boxes, each at opposite sides of the block at the tube ends, plus two side parts which extend at least over the length of the block and are joined on opposite sides to the block. Each collecting box (1,2) is designed to be open towards its side regions relative to its longitudinal axis and the side parts (7) have closing sections (9) on the ends opposite the collecting boxes which seal the open side regions of the latter.

Description

The invention relates to a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle with one composed of flat tubes and corrugated fins Ribs / tube block, with all tube ends of the flat tubes expanded for a flat and flush abutment are, with two collection boxes, each to the opposite End faces of the fins / tube block on the tube ends are placed, the collecting boxes flush the pipe ends finally overlap, as well as with two side parts that extend at least over the length of the fins / tube block and on opposite sides on the fins / tube block connect.

Such a heat exchanger is in the unpublished DE 195 43 986.4. The heat exchanger has a fin / tube block made up of a variety of Flat tubes and corrugated fins arranged between them is. The tube ends of the flat tubes are on both End faces of the fins / tube block on a rectangular free cross section expanded so that the respectively formed Long sides of the tube ends of adjacent flat tubes and lie flush with each other, so that both End faces of the fins / tube block each have a tube end package results. This tube end package is on both faces of each overlapped a collection box that is dimensioned in this way is that it is flush with the narrow sides the pipe ends can be put on. On the sides of the fins / tube block are arranged side panels that either outside or inside the closed side areas of the collection boxes are attachable.

The object of the invention is to provide a heat exchanger at the beginning mentioned type to create a simplified structure and consequently has a simplified production.

This object is achieved in that each collection box too its - in relation to the longitudinal axis - side areas open is designed, and that the side parts on their opposite End faces to the header boxes which have the open side areas of the collection boxes close. By the solution according to the invention it is possible to make the collection boxes considerably simplified, because they no longer have closed side areas have to. Rather, the side areas are closed the end sections of the side parts. The invention Solution creates the conditions for a machine Assembling the heat exchanger, creating a significant cost-effective production is achieved. Also through the simple construction of the collection boxes with open forehead areas the manufacturing effort for the heat exchanger is reduced. By attaching the side parts to the ribs / tube block becomes the functional one in a simple way Closing the side areas of the collection boxes achieved. Thereby is a simple positioning and alignment of the individual components of the heat exchanger possible. It can either first placing the collection boxes on the fins / tube block and then attaching the side panels or first adding the side parts and then placing the collection boxes on the pre-assembled unit Side panels and fins / tube block are made.

In an embodiment of the invention, each open side area the collection boxes one at least over a certain one axial length - related to a longitudinal axis of each collection box - identical inner contour, and each end section the side parts is provided with a final contour, the in this way to the inner contour of the assigned side area is adapted that the end sections in the side areas can be inserted flush. This configuration is special advantageous if the collection boxes like the fins / pipe block and the side parts are also made of metal and in a joint soldering process with the fins / tube block and the side parts are soldered. Preferably the collection boxes, the side parts and the ribs / tube block at least solder-plated in their areas to be joined together. The collection boxes, the side parts and the ribs / pipe block are put together before the actual soldering process, the side parts using straps or other clamping devices on the sides of the fins / tube block are held. In this merged, however not yet soldered assembly close the end sections of the side parts already the side areas of the collection boxes. The fact that the inner contour of the collection boxes over a certain axial length is identical the side parts and thus also the end sections of the side parts by a certain amount during the soldering process Axial amount towards the center of the fins / tube block move without the flush closure in the area of the collection boxes get lost. This is particularly advantageous because during of the soldering process through the flow of the solder layers Setting movement of the fins / tube block and the side parts parallel to the axis to the longitudinal axes of the collection boxes to the middle of the Ribs / tube block is carried out by a suitable Tensioning device, in particular through the tensioning straps, a axial adjustment of the side parts takes place. So is one Extremely accurate and reliable manufacture of the heat exchanger achieved. In addition, despite simple manufacture a good tightness of the soldered connections is guaranteed.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the side areas each collecting box securing elements for axial support - related to the longitudinal axis of each collection box - des inserted end section assigned to each side part. These securing elements are particularly advantageous to hold the individual components of the heat exchanger assembly together before a fixed connection by a corresponding one Soldering process. The securing elements thus serve a cohesion of the structural unit from the collecting boxes, the fins / tube block and the side parts in a pre-assembly stage and especially before the actual soldering process to achieve.

In a further embodiment of the invention are as security elements in one piece on the side areas of each collection box molded support tabs provided by a deformation force from one with the inner contour of the side area aligned release position in a respective End section axially engaging securing position are transferable. This is a particularly simple and reliable Design by the molding of the Support tabs on the collection box does not require any additional components.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the end sections of the side parts at the level of the safety elements Corresponding guide parts provided, the securing elements and the guide parts in the securing position interlock. The securing elements and the guide parts are coordinated so that in addition to an axial securing of the side parts on the collecting boxes the collection boxes themselves against loosening in the longitudinal direction of the Ribs / tube block and thus in the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes are secured, which ensures a correct positioning all components of the heat exchanger to each other.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the side parts from side profiles and rigidly connected end profiles composed, the final profiles the Form end sections and in extension of the front ends the side profiles are attached to them. That’s it possible to use the side profiles as simple longitudinal profiles in one To produce extrusion or a bending process, whereby the manufacturing costs for the side parts can be reduced.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Wärmeübertragers im Bereich seiner gegenüberliegenden Sammelkästen,

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf den Wärmeübertrager nach Fig. 1 in Richtung des Pfeiles II in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht eines Seitenteiles des Wärmeübertragers nach den Fig. 1 und 2 in Pfeilrichtung III nach Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

eine weitere Ansicht des Seitenteiles nach Fig. 3 in Richtung des Pfeiles IV in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf einen Seitenbereich eines Sammelkastens des Wärmeübertragers nach Fig. 1,

Fig. 6

eine Ansicht des Seitenbereiches in Richtung des Pfeiles VI in Fig. 5, und

Fig. 7

eine Ansicht des Seitenbereiches nach Fig. 6 in Richtung des Pfeiles VII in Fig. 6, wobei Stützlaschen in ihre Sicherungsposition umgebogen sind.

Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the subclaims and from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated with the aid of the drawings.

Fig. 1

shows an embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the invention in the region of its opposite header boxes,

Fig. 2

2 shows a plan view of the heat exchanger according to FIG. 1 in the direction of arrow II in FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

2 shows a view of a side part of the heat exchanger according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in the direction of arrow III according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 4

3 shows a further view of the side part according to FIG. 3 in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 3,

Fig. 5

2 shows a plan view of a side region of a header tank of the heat exchanger according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 6

a view of the side region in the direction of arrow VI in Fig. 5, and

Fig. 7

a view of the side region of FIG. 6 in the direction of arrow VII in Fig. 6, wherein the support tabs are bent into their securing position.

A heat exchanger according to FIGS. 1 to 7, which is shown in the Embodiment as a water cooler for a motor vehicle 1 has a collection box serving upper water tank 1 as well as one serving as a collecting box lower water box 2. Between The two water boxes 1, 2 extend a fins / tube block 3, made up of a variety of parallel to each other extending flat tubes 5 and arranged between them Corrugated ribs 4 is composed. Both the water boxes 1, 2 and the fins / tube block are made of solder-plated Made of aluminum sheet.

In the area of water boxes 1, 2, all pipe ends are Flat tubes 5 expanded so that there are identical, rectangular free cross sections result, the long sides in each case adjacent pipe ends lie flat against each other and the Narrow sides of all pipe ends 6 on one end face of the fins / tube block 3 on opposite sides with each other swear. The fins / tube block 3 including the Pipe ends 6 is in accordance with the unpublished DE 195 43 986.4 designed.

The two water boxes 1, 2 are each as simple, U-like Profiles designed (Fig. 7), being both to the Tube ends 6 of the fins / tube block 3 towards them axial end faces - on a longitudinal axis L of each water tank 1, 2 related - are open. The open ones End faces of each water box 1, 2 form side areas 10, the end profiles serving as end sections 9 are closed by side parts 7. The side parts 7 as well their insertion into the side areas 10 of the water boxes 1 and 2 are described in more detail below.

The upper water tank 1 has an inlet connection 11 and one - in relation to the longitudinal axis L - axially offset Outlet port 12 provided laterally to corresponding Openings of the water box 1 are tightly attached. To one Separation between the inlet and outlet area of the water tank 1 is to be obtained in a separation area 19 Partition unspecified inside the water tank 1 provided. As can be seen from Fig. 7, the Separation area 19 by arch-like, rib-shaped impressions formed on which there is a partition inside the water tank 1 can support. The lower water tank 2 is also provided with a separation area 20, the analog rib-shaped Has impressions, but in the illustrated embodiment for the water box 2 no further function exhibit.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 7, the side regions have 10 of each water box 1, 2 starting from its front edge to the middle of each water box 1 - in axial Seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis L - a constant inner contour on, with one leg of the U-like profile each side area 10 with a greater curvature to one Head side of the profile connects as the other leg. The two end sections 9 of each side part 7 have a serving as the final contour on the outer contour that exactly to the Inner contour of the associated side area 10 of each water box 1, 2 is adapted. Each end section 9 is as tongue-like sheet metal part made of aluminum, the symmetrical is angled to widen the pipe ends (Fig. 1). At the outer edge of each end section 9 is a circumferential Provided flange 17 which is perpendicular to the End section 9 protrudes and the to the inner contour of the Side area 10 of each water box 1, 2 adapted final contour 12 of each end section 9 defined. Of the Contact flange 17 also serves to stiffen the end section 9. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the end sections 9 positioned on the two water boxes 1, 2 in such a way that they have the outer corrugated fin 4 on each side limit the fins / tube block 3 and at the respective Tube end 6 of the corresponding outer flat tube 5 abut. The plate-like runs from the respective pipe end 6 Bottom of each end section 9 in parallel Extension of the flat tubes 5 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L each water box 1 to the top of the side area 10 of each water tank 1. The contact flange 17 projects in each case outwards to the front edge of the respective side area 10 and closes with its front edge with the front edge of the respective side area 10. The outside of the contact flange 17 lies all around on the inner contour of the Side area 10 of each water box 1.

Each side part 7 is made of a U-shaped side profile 8 as well as the attached to the extension of the side profile 8 Final sections 9 composed. The final sections 9 are a perfect fit in the opposite End faces of the U-shaped side profile 8 used and by means of a rivet connection 13 and with the help of two soldering points 14 connected to the side profile 8. In the side profiles 8 are connected to the end sections 9 each two mutually opposite punch-outs 15 are provided, those for fixing fasteners to the bracket serve the heat exchanger in the motor vehicle.

Around the water boxes 1, 2 and the side parts 7 in their position relative to each other and in their common position relative to the fins / tube block 3 before soldering the whole Securing unity are on the front edges of each Side area 10 on opposite sides and on punched out the same height two support tabs 18 with the Side walls of each water box 1 and thus also with the Align inner contour of the assigned side area 10. On the same height, each receiving section 9 has two in their Dimensions of grooves 16 matched to the support tabs 18 on the same level on two opposite sides are punched out in the contact flange 17 (in particular Fig. 4).

To mount the heat exchanger, the water boxes 1, 2 on the respective tube ends 6 in the longitudinal direction of the fins / tube block 3 and thus in the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes 5 pushed on and the side parts 7 from opposite Sides attached to the ribs / tube block 3. In doing so the end sections 9 of the side parts 7 axially - on the Longitudinal axis L of each water tank 1, 2 referred - in the open Side areas 10 of the water boxes 1, 2 inserted until the end edges of the contact flanges 17 and the side areas 10 flush with each other. Now the support tabs 18 around the bottom edges of the associated receiving grooves 16 pressed around inward, causing it to contact the flange 17 reach behind each end section 9 and claw around. Since the support tabs 18 fit snugly into the Engagement grooves 16 engage, the support tabs 16 securing claws represents, on the one hand, the end sections 9 of the side parts 7 - based on the longitudinal axis L - axially to Load the middle of each water tank 1, 2 and the other a positive locking of the water tanks 1, 2 in Longitudinal direction of the fins / tube block 3 and thus in the longitudinal direction the flat tubes 5 offer, so that the individual components even without the subsequent soldering process compact unit are assembled. With the help of a tensioning device are the side parts 7 now in particular the use of straps across the length of the fins / tube block 3 loaded, causing the entire fins / tube block 3 is loaded on pressure in the transverse direction. In the following Soldering process begin the solder layers of the different Solder plating to flow, causing a setting movement of the entire unit, which is a pushing together, i.e. a Tracking the side parts and the ribs / tube block 3 in Transverse direction of the fins / tube block 3 to its center. Since the inner contours of the side areas 10 and the contact contours 12 of the end sections 9 of the side parts 7 are coordinated, the tight conclusion of the Side areas 10 of the water boxes 1, 2 by means of the end sections 9 also obtained during the soldering process. Consequently becomes a simple and mechanically feasible production and soldering the heat exchanger achieved.

Wasser" mit dem Wissen eines Fachmannes verstanden werden, so daß das Wasser entweder mit bestimmten Zusätzen versetzt sein kann oder aber anstelle von Wasser andere Kühlflüssigkeiten vorgesehen sein können.The heat exchanger illustrated with the aid of the previously described exemplary embodiment can also be used for other transfer media besides water and air, as is the case in the present exemplary embodiment. Air / air heat exchangers are particularly worth mentioning for this. Of course, the term used for the cooling liquid must be used in the illustrated embodiment

Water "can be understood with the knowledge of a person skilled in the art, so that the water can either be mixed with certain additives or other cooling liquids can be provided instead of water.

Claims (9)

Heat exchanger for a motor vehicle with a fins / tube block composed of flat tubes and corrugated fins, all tube ends of the flat tubes being widened for flat and flush abutment, with two header boxes, each of which is placed on the tube ends on opposite ends of the fins / tube block, the Collection boxes finally overlap the pipe ends, as well as with two side parts that extend at least over the length of the fins / pipe block and connect to the fins / pipe block on opposite sides,
characterized,
that each collecting box (1, 2) is designed to be open towards its side regions (10) with respect to its longitudinal axis (L), and that the side parts (7) have end sections (9) at their opposite ends to the collecting boxes (10) which close the open side areas (10) of the collecting boxes (1, 2). Heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that each open side area (10) of the collecting boxes (1, 2) at least over a certain axial length - to one Longitudinal axis (L) of each collection box (1, 2) related - identical Has inner contour, and that each end section (9) of the side parts (7) with an end contour (12) is in such a way to the inner contour of the associated side area (10) is adapted so that the end sections (9) can be inserted flush into the side areas (10). Heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that the collecting boxes (10) with the pipe ends (6) of the Ribs / tube block (3) and the end sections (9) of the Side parts (7) can be soldered tightly. Heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that the side areas (10) of each collection box (1, 2) Securing elements (18) for at least axial support related to the longitudinal axis of each collection box (1, 2) - the inserted End section (9) assigned to each side part (7) are. Heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that as securing elements in one piece on the side areas (10) each collecting box (1, 2) molded support tabs (18) are provided by a deformation force from one aligned with the inner contour of the side area (10) Release position in the respective final section (9) axially engaging locking position can be transferred are. Heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that the end contour (12) of each end section (9) by one - on the longitudinal axis (L) of each collection box (1, 2) related - axially extending contact flange (17) is formed, which is flat with the inner contour of the respective Side area (10) completes. Heat exchanger according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that that the end sections (9) of the side parts (7) at the level of the securing elements (18) with corresponding Guide parts (16) are provided, the securing elements (18) and the guide parts (16) in the securing position interlock. Heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that the contact flanges (17) of the end sections (9) with receiving grooves (16) serving as guide parts are for an engagement of the support tabs (18) to the dimensions the support tabs (18) are adapted. Heat exchanger according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the side parts (7) from side profiles (8) and rigidly connected to them End profiles (9) are composed, the end profiles the final sections form and in extension the ends of the side profiles (8) attached to them are.

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