EP1557629B1 - Heat exchange device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for exchanging heat, in particular for motor vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to distributing and / or collecting means for fluids of an apparatus for exchanging heat.

Collection and distribution device represent essential components of a heat exchanger. Usually, they have at least one inflow and / or outflow device and are fluidly connected to at least one flow-through device.

In such heat exchangers, a first fluid to be heated or cooled is supplied to a distributor via at least one inlet device and distributed to a plurality of throughflow devices of a heat exchanger. The flow devices are largely surrounded by the medium with which the heat exchange is to take place and preferably have interposed lamellae, corrugated fins or the like in order to facilitate the heat transfer. A collector collects the first fluid from a plurality of flow devices and discharges it via a drain device. It is possible that a single device fulfills a plurality of these functions, ie in particular feeding, distribution, collection and discharge at the same time.

From the prior art (see, eg GB-A-1471734 ) are known collection and / or distribution facilities. These often have more than one component, since it is possible to implement certain design and / or functional features in different materials more advantageously as a result of material-specific manufacturing and / or processing techniques.

In the prior art solutions are known in which collection and / or distribution devices have at least two components. A component is made of a suitable plastic, since plastic allows, inter alia, the simple integration of supply and / or drainage devices. In addition, plastic processing techniques such as injection molding allow the simple production of bulky components, so that a plastic component solves the task of collection and / or distribution device in a simple way to include a specific fluid volume for collection and / or distribution.

As a further component of the collection and / or distribution device according to the prior art often acts a substantially flat sheet with a plurality of openings for distribution of the fluid, or collection of a corresponding number of flow devices.

Disadvantage of the prior art is that high material costs arise from the design of the collecting and / or distribution device with bulky plastic components, because of the high demands on the mechanical properties and on the temperature and pressure resistance of these components, for example, expensive special plastics such as polyphthalamide (PPA) can be used.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for exchanging heat and a process for their preparation, which reduce the cost of plastic components of distribution and / or collection facilities, especially in terms of the amount of plastic.

The object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. The method according to the invention is subject matter of claim 20. Preferred process supplements, embodiments, developments and uses are the subject matter of the subclaims.

The device according to the invention is particularly advantageous in that complex design elements such as inlet and / or outlet devices, specially designed separators and the like are integrated easily and integrally into the collection and / or distribution device while minimizing the expense for plastic components, in particular the amount of plastic can.

The inventive device for exchanging heat has at least one collecting and / or distributing device, which is composed of at least two components. According to the invention, at least one first component made of metal and at least one second component made of plastic are produced; wherein the components are at least substantially gas- and liquid-tight composable, that they form at least one cavity for receiving a fluid, wherein the first component is designed so that it forms the larger part of the space bounded by the components cavity.

For the purposes of the invention, fluids are understood to mean liquid and / or gaseous media of any viscosity, such as, but not limited to, water, oils, liquids, in particular high heat of vaporization, air or gases, and refrigerants which can evaporate or condense. The fluids may also contain additives for example for corrosion inhibition.

In the context of the invention, distribution and / or collection means are understood in the cavities into which fluids can flow in and out and in which they are collected. At the same time, these distribution and / or collection facilities can also serve to the respective Distribute fluids to several flow devices or to collect again from different flow devices.

For the purposes of the invention, a flow-through device is understood to mean a device through which a liquid or gaseous medium can flow or flow and which is substantially gas- and liquid-tight in relation to other flow devices or the space adjacent to it.

In the context of the invention, fluid-connected devices are understood to mean devices between which at least one fluid can flow or flow, in particular flow-through devices, distribution and / or collection devices and / or supply and / or discharge devices.

Particularly preferably, the first component is designed as a trough-shaped bottom of the collecting and / or distribution device. Particularly preferably, the first component forms the bottom of a channel box.

In a preferred embodiment, the first component has at least one circumferential side wall whose height is substantially greater or at least equal to the height of the second component.

In a preferred development of the device according to the invention, at least the first component of the collecting and / or distributing device has a multiplicity of openings for receiving throughflow devices.

In a preferred development of the device according to the invention, at least one first component of the collecting and / or distributing device is made of light metal, preferably of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

In a preferred embodiment, the second component of the collection and / or distribution device is substantially flat or slightly curved Cover of the collecting and / or distribution device designed. Particularly preferably, the second component forms the lid of a water box.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one second component of the collecting and / or distributing device is made of a heat-resistant plastic of high mechanical stability and compressive strength, more preferably of polyphthalamide (PPA).

The collecting and / or distributing device has at least two subspaces which are separated from one another substantially in gas and / or liquid-tight fashion. In this case, at least one separating device is provided, which delimits the at least two subspaces of the collecting and / or distributing device against each other substantially gas and liquid-tight.

The separating device is designed as a partition, which integrally integrated into the second component of the collecting and / or distribution device, and projects beyond a peripheral edge of the second component.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one component of the collecting and / or distributing device has at least one inflow and / or outflow device. In this case, the inflow device, in particular by a suitably arranged separating device, with one of the at least two subspaces of the collecting and / or distribution device fluidly connected and the drainage device with another subspace. In a preferred embodiment, at least the inflow and / or outflow device is integrally integrated into the second component of the collecting and / or distributing device.

The height of the second component is understood in the context of the invention, the height of the second component without integrated supply and / or drainage device and without integrated separator, ie the average vertical distance from the bottom of the second component to the top. In preferred embodiments, this is the underside of the second component defined by the peripheral edge, the top by a substantially flat or slightly curved wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the height of the separating device is matched to the height of the circumferential side wall of the first component. Particularly preferably, the height of the integrally connected to the second component separating device with respect to the height of the circumferential side wall of the first component, substantially equal or increased by the height of the second component and / or the depth of the first receiving means, whereby the separating device on the peripheral edge protrudes the second component. As a result, the separating device is suitable for subdividing the cavity formed by the first component, with the end section of the separating device preferably engaging in the first component at least in sections.

In a preferred refinement of the device according to the invention, at least one component of the collecting and / or distributing device has at least one suitably designed first receiving section for at least partially positive reception of the separating device. Preferably, the first receiving portion, geometrically matched to a free end portion of the separating device, that this is at least partially positively received by the first receiving portion during assembly of the components of the collecting and / or distribution device.

In the context of the invention, geometric matching or adaptation is understood to mean that at least two geometric surfaces are adapted to one another in such a way that, when these surfaces are joined, contact takes place not only at individual points but at least in a region of at least one surface segment.

In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the cross-section of the separator is taken from a group of molds containing sinusoidal, rectangular, triangular, semi-ellipsoidal, semi-circular, sawtooth or arcuate meanders and straight shapes, and hybrids thereof.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first receiving portion is taken from a group of sections which include grooves, grooves, recesses, recesses, clamping brackets, clamping sockets, eyelets, bores, bolts and the like. Preferably, the shape of the cross section of the separating device is geometrically matched to the shape of the first receiving section for substantially positive reception of a free end portion of the separating device by the first receiving portion. Particularly preferably, the received end portion of the separating device and / or the first receiving portion is designed such that at least two partial spaces are substantially gas- and liquid-tight against each other delimited by the inclusion of the end portion of the separator by the first receiving portion. The essentially gas- and liquid-tight delimitation can likewise be effected by a sealing device provided on the first receiving section and / or on the free end section of the separating device.

In a preferred development of the device according to the invention, at least one sealing device is provided, which is arranged substantially gas-tight and liquid-tight between the boundary surfaces of the components of the collecting and / or distributing device. Preferably, the sealing device is designed as a sealing frame or sealing ring. Particularly preferably, the sealing device is chemically and physically resistant to the fluid used and has a significant adhesion to the first and / or second component, in particular aluminum.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one component of the collecting and / or distributing device has at least one suitably designed second receiving section for at least partially positive and / or non-positive reception of the sealing device. The first component preferably has the second receiving section.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second receiving section is taken from a group of sections, which grooves, grooves, Wells, recesses, clamp brackets, clamps, bolts and the like contains.

In a preferred refinement of the device according to the invention, at least one component of the collecting and / or distributing device has at least one fastening device which cooperates with at least one fastening section of at least one further component of the collecting and / or distributing device for positive and / or non-positive connection of the components , The first component preferably has at least one fastening device which engages in at least one fastening section of the second component, wherein the engagement is suitable for withstanding the forces acting on the fastening devices and sections by the pressure of the fluid in the collecting and / or distributing device.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastening device is taken from a group of fastening devices which comprise bending tabs, hooks, eyes, slots, clamping strips.

Preferably, a connecting device is provided at the free end of the supply and / or discharge device, which is preferably designed as a pipe flange. Particularly preferably, the connection device has fastening devices, such as in the case of the pipe flanges flange holes for screwing to the connection flange of a connection pipe, in the flange of which corresponding flange holes are provided.

The inventive method for producing a device for exchanging heat, in particular for motor vehicles, comprises at least the following steps: Production of a first component of a collection and / or distribution device made of metal, production of a second component of the collection and / or distribution device made of plastic and at least partially positive fit joining of the first and second component, wherein the connecting portions between the first and the second component are substantially gas and / or liquid-tight and wherein the Assembly takes place in such a way that the first component forms the larger part of the at least one cavity bounded by the components.

In a preferred development of the method according to the invention, the production of the first component of the collecting and / or distributing device takes place by punching out of a metal sheet and deep drawing in the form of a trough.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the production of the second component of the collecting and / or distribution device made of a heat-resistant plastic high mechanical stability and compressive strength, preferably made of polyphthalamide (PPA), more preferably by injection molding.

Preferably, the device according to the invention is used to exchange heat in an air conditioning system for a motor vehicle.

Further advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that not all advantages are necessarily achieved by the same embodiment.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform der Sammel- und Verteileinrichtung von rechts oben;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform des zweiten Bauteils der Sammel- und Verteileinrichtung von rechts unten;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform des ersten Bauteils der Sammel- und Verteileinrichtung von links oben;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Schrägansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform des zweiten Bauteils der Sammel- und Verteileinrichtung von rechts unten;

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform der Dichtungseinrichtung.

In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

an oblique perspective view of an embodiment of the collecting and distributing device according to the invention from the top right;

Fig. 2

an oblique perspective view of an embodiment according to the invention of the second component of the collecting and distributing device from the bottom right;

Fig. 3

an oblique perspective view of an embodiment according to the invention of the first component of the collecting and distributing device from top left;

Fig. 4

an oblique perspective view of an embodiment according to the invention of the second component of the collecting and distributing device from the bottom right;

Fig. 5

a plan view of an embodiment of the sealing device according to the invention.

In Fig. 1, the perspective oblique view of a water tank 5 is shown as an inventive embodiment of the collecting and distributing device for a (not shown) according to the invention heat exchanger.

The water tank 5 is composed of two components substantially gas and liquid-tight. The first component is formed by a substantially rectangular aluminum tub with rounded corners as a water tank bottom 10. From the water tank bottom 10 only parts of the front and right side wall 15 of the water tank bottom can be seen.

The second component of the water box 5 is formed by the Wasserkastendekkel 20, wherein the underside of the water box lid 20 (as seen in Fig. 2) is open and corresponds to the shape of the open bottom of the water box lid 20 with the rectangular shape of the water box bottom 10 such that the Wasserkastendeckel 20 can be placed with its open bottom substantially form-fitting manner on the water tank bottom 10.

For firm cohesion of the two components of the water box 5 10 rectangular fastening tabs 70 are provided at the edge of the water tank bottom, which are circumferentially distributed over the upper edge of the water tank bottom 10. Corresponding to the mounting tabs 70 of the water tank bottom 10 25 corresponding slots 75 are provided at appropriate intervals surrounding the Wasserkastendeckelrands 25 as fastening sections, which upon assembly of the underside of the water box lid 20 with the top of the water tank bottom 10 receive the corresponding fastening tabs 70. Subsequently, the fastening tabs 70 are at least partially bent inwardly, whereby the Wasserkastendeckel 20 is fixed relative to the water tank bottom 10.

For essentially gas- and liquid-tight connection a (not shown in Fig. 1) sealing ring is provided as a sealing device at the interface between the water tank bottom and water box lid.

Fig. 1 further reveals that the water box lid 20 is formed in particular approximately to the right third relatively flat in terms of length and width. From the first third further to the left, the water box lid top 27 continues to bulge upward to integrate the opening in the left front half of the water box lid 20 connecting piece 80.

The connecting pieces 80 are formed by two, substantially perpendicular to the front edge of the Wasserkastendeckels 20 arranged on the left front Wasserkastendeckelseite, tubular projections with a substantially circular cross-section, the rear ends merge seamlessly into the Wasserkastendekkel 20. The respective free ends of the two connecting pieces 80 each have enlarged flat connecting flanges 85 in diameter relative to the pipe diameter of the connecting pieces. The connecting flanges 85 are connected continuously in the upper middle region between the connecting piece 80.

For attachment of connection tubes, not shown, to the connecting piece 80, the connecting flanges 85 are widened in between in such a way that a through-bore 88 can be provided in the connecting region. In addition, the left-side flange connection flange 85 is widened on the lower left side for another through-hole 88, and the right-side flange connection flange 85 is widened for still another through-hole 88.

In this case, the connection stubs 80 in conjunction with the connection flanges 85 supply or discharge devices according to a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

The Wasserkastendeckel 20 of FIG. 1 is preferably made by injection molding of suitable plastic because of its complex shape design.

To increase the rigidity of the water box lid 20, this has a plurality of uniformly distributed over the length or over the width, outwardly oriented, narrow stabilizing webs 29.

In Fig. 2 is a perspective oblique view of the Wasserkastendekkels 20 according to the water tank 5 in Fig. 1 from the bottom right. At the front right side, the cross sections of the substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal side of the Wasserkastendeckels 20 extending stabilizing webs 29 can be seen. At the lower back of the water box lid 20, the mounting slots 75 can be seen, which receive the mounting tabs 70 of the water tank bottom 10. Further, Fig. 2 shows the substantially parallel in the middle of the narrow side extending parallel to the longitudinal side of the water box lid 20 dividing wall 100, which is integrally connected to the Wasserkastendeckel 20 and extends from the lower Wasserkastendeckeloberseite 27 downward.

The free end portion 101 of the partition wall 100 is substantially sinusoidal in cross section, whereas the integrated into the lower Wasserkastendekkeloberseite 27 side of the partition 100 is adapted to the respective different curvature of the Wasserkastendeckeloberseite 27.

Fig. 3 shows a substantially rectangular water tank bottom 10 with the circumferential side wall 15 as inventive first component of the water box 5. It can be seen in the perspective oblique view from top left both distributed over the circumference substantially Rechtekkigen mounting tabs 70, as well as in the substantially parallel to the longitudinal side extending receiving portion 50 which is tuned in this embodiment geometrically on the end portion 101 of the partition 100 of FIG. 2 and thus is also formed substantially sinusoidal. As a result, the free end section 101 of the dividing wall 100 engages, at least partially, in a form-fitting manner into the receptacle cut-out 50 when the water box bottom 10 and the water box lid 20 are put together.

The reference numeral 60, the around the upper edge of the water tank bottom 10 encircling substantially rectangular recess which acts as a second receiving portion according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is adapted to receive a sealing ring 30 of FIG essential gas and liquid-tight connection between the water tank bottom 10 and water box lid 20 allowed.

The bottom of the water box bottom 10 has four rows of uniformly offset from each other, circular openings 40 which are adapted to distribute the fluid within the water box assembly 5 on (not shown) flow devices or to collect from a corresponding plurality of flow devices. For this purpose, the flow devices are fluidly connected to the openings, i. For example, with a suitably shaped end each plugged into an opening 40.

FIG. 4 shows a further perspective oblique view of the water box lid 20 from the bottom right according to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the sealing ring 30 for the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4.

Claims (23)

1. A heat exchange device, in particular for motor vehicles, having at least one collection and/or distribution device (5) which has at least two components, at least one first component (10) being made of metal and at least one second component (20) being made of plastic, it being possible to join the two components together in a gas- and fluid-proof manner such that they form at least one space for receiving a fluid, and the collection and/or distribution device (5) having at least two parts which are separated from one another in an essentially gas- and fluid-proof manner, at least one separating device (100) being provided which separates the at least two parts of the collection and/or distribution device (5) from one another, the separating device (100) being designed as a separating wall which is integrated in one piece in the second component of the collection and/or distribution device (5),
   characterised in that
   the separating wall projects beyond a peripheral edge of the second component (20) and the first component (10) forms the larger part of the space delimited by the components (10, 20).
2. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the first component (10) is designed as the pan-shaped base of the collection and/or distribution device (5).
3. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the first component (10) has at least one peripheral lateral wall which is essentially greater in height than or at least equal in height to the second component (20).
4. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   at least the first component (10) has a plurality of openings (40) for receiving flow devices.
5. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the first component (10) is made of a light metal, preferably of aluminium or an aluminium alloy.
6. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the second component (20) of the collection and/or distribution device (5) is designed as the essentially flat or slightly curved cover of the collection and/or distribution device (5).
7. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the second component (20) is made of a heat-resistant plastic of high mechanical stability and pressure resistance, preferably of polyphthalamide (PPA).
8. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the height of the separating device (100) is matched to the height of a peripheral lateral wall (15) of the first component (10).
9. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the height of the separating device (100) is essentially identical to or greater by the height of the second component (20) and/or the depth of a first receiving section (50) than the height of a peripheral lateral wall (15) of the first component (10).
10. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one component, preferably the first component (10) of the collection and/or distribution device (5), has at least one appropriately designed first receiving section (50) to receive the separating device (100) in an at least partially positive fit.
11. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the shape of the cross section of the separating device (100) is taken from a group of shapes which includes sinusoidal, rectangular, triangular, hemi-ellipsoidal, circular, saw-toothed or curved meanders and straight shapes and mixtures thereof.
12. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the first receiving section (50) is taken from a group of sections which includes channels, grooves, indentations, recesses, clamp fixings, clamp holders, eyes, holes, bolts and similar devices.
13. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one sealing device (30) is provided positioned essentially between the boundary surfaces of the components of the collection and/or distribution device (5) in a gas- and fluid-proof manner.
14. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one component, preferably the first component (10) of the collection and/or distribution device (5), has at least one appropriately designed second receiving section (60) for receiving a sealing device in an at least partially positive or non-positive fit.
15. A device in accordance with claim 14,
    characterised in that
    the second receiving section (60) is taken from a group of sections which includes channels, grooves, indentations, recesses, clamp fixings, clamp holders, eyes, holes, bolts and similar devices.
16. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one component of the collection and/or distribution device (5) has at least one fixing device (70) which co-operates with at least one fixing section (75) of at least one further component of the collection and/or distribution device (5) to connect the components in a positive or non-positive fit.
17. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the fixing device (70) is taken from a group of fixing devices which include flexible brackets, hooks, eyes, slits and clamping strips.
18. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one component of the collection and/or distribution device (5) has at least one in- and/or outflow device (80).
19. A device in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    at least the in- and/or outflow device (80) is integrated in the second component (20) in one piece.
20. A process for the manufacture of a heat exchange device, in particular for motor vehicles, having the following steps:

    - the manufacture of a first component (10) of a collection and/or distribution device (5) from metal;

    - the manufacture of a second component (20) of the collection and/or distribution device (5) from plastic, a separating device (100) designed as a separating wall being integrated in the second component of the collection and/or distribution device (5) in one piece,

    - the joining together in at least a partial positive fit of the first (10) and the second components (20), the connection areas being essentially gas- and/or liquid-proof between the first component (10) and the second component (20), the join being effected in such a manner that the separating device (100) separates at least two parts of the collection and/or distribution device (5) from one another in an essentially gas- and/or fluid-proof manner,

    characterised in that the separating wall projects beyond a peripheral edge of the second component (20), and the first component (10) forms the larger part of the at least one space delimited by the components (10, 20).
21. A device in accordance with claim 20,
    characterised in that
    the first component (10) of a collection and/or distribution device (5) is produced by stamping it out of a metal plate and deep drawing it into a pan shape.
22. A device in accordance with claims 20 or 21,
    characterised in that
    the first component (20) of a collection and/or distribution device (5) is made of a heat-resistant plastic of high mechanical stability and pressure resistance, preferably polyphthalmide (PPA).
23. An air conditioning device for a motor vehicle having at least one heat exchange device,
    characterised in that
    the air conditioning has at least one heat exchange device in accordance with at least one of claims 1 to 19.

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