EP1754014B1 - Collector tank for a multi-row heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

A collector tank for a heat exchanger of an automotive cooling system includes a one-piece tank element comprising a first collecting region and a second collecting region, wherein at least one of the first collecting region and the second collecting region comprises a projection; a base that closes off the collecting regions of the tank element, the base comprising at least one channel; a sealing element disposed within the at least one channel; and a stress generating means located adjacent to the channel and clamping at least a portion of the one-piece tank element to the base such that the sealing element is compressed between the projection and the base within the channel. The stress generating means is a means selected from the group consisting of a tensile stress generating means, a compressive stress generating means, and a combination thereof.

Description

The invention relates to a collection box for a multi-row heat exchanger according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a collection box is eg from the GB-A-2082312 known.

In conventional manifolds for multi-row radiator, especially for motor vehicle cooling systems, consisting of a box member having at least two integrally formed with each other and fluid receiving areas, hereinafter referred to as collection areas, and a substantially planar trained, these collecting areas occlusive floor, occur in particular at low cost , Made of plastic collection boxes on leakage problems between the individual adjacent collection areas of the collection boxes on. However, leakage is particularly undesirable in the collection box adjacent arranged different circuits, which optionally operate with different media or temperatures. Due to the leakage problems, die-cast aluminum headers are used, which are significantly more expensive.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved collection box for a multi-row heat exchanger available. This should preferably be inexpensive to produce.

This object is achieved by a collecting box with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a collecting box is provided, which has at least one tension generating means and / or a correspondingly acting pressure-voltage generating means, which ensures that the sealing arrangement arranged between the box element and the floor, which is preferably formed by a flat or cord seal, is pressed in sufficiently between them and thus even at high pressures their function is fulfilled, that is, a leakage from a collection area in the adjacent collection area safely prevented.

Preferably, the tension generating means or the pressure-generating means is at least two parts, preferably three-part, preferably comprising at least one threaded connection for adjusting the applied tension or a clip connection for easy and quick connection of floor and box element.

According to one embodiment, a part of the tension generating means may be fixedly connected to the bottom or the box member and penetrate the box member or the floor in the region of an opening, wherein it at least in a part of the outwardly projecting portion has a thread on the outside as a second Part of the tension generating means is provided with a co-operating threaded element, in particular a nut, is screwed. In this case, to simplify the production of the part of the tension generating means which is fixedly connected to the bottom or the box member, formed like a strip and has a plurality of openings in which screws or threaded bolts are secured against rotation.

According to an alternative embodiment, a part of the tension generating means may be firmly connected to the floor or the box member which has an internal thread and the box member or the bottom has an opening which is penetrated by an externally threaded member which is screwed into the internal thread. Also in this case, preferably, the part of the tensile stress generating means which is fixedly connected to the bottom or the box member, formed like a strip and has a plurality of openings with an internal thread.

The tensile stress generating means, which may be arranged in an edge region of a collecting region with a corresponding configuration, has at least one sealing element for the purpose of sealing against the environment.

In the case of an embodiment of the tension generating means as a clip connection, preferably as a plurality of arranged in a row clip connections, preferably at least one spring arm is formed or provided on the box member or on the ground, in particular injected into the part which engages in an opening on the bottom or on the box member. This allows a simple and very fast installation. The plurality of openings preferably have a circular or slot-like shape.

If the tension generating means or the pressure-voltage generating means is arranged centrally between two collecting areas, a sealing arrangement is preferably provided on both sides thereof.

The sealing arrangement preferably has a sealing element which corresponds to the sealing elements used on the outer sides of the collecting box, so that no confusion problems occur during assembly and, as a result of the larger number of pieces, the production costs and, as a result of the smaller number of different parts, the storage costs can be reduced. In this case, a plurality of sealing elements can be provided.

Preferably, a groove is formed in the bottom, in which the sealing element is inserted, and provided on the box element an approximately the width of the groove corresponding surface which at least partially rests on the sealing element, so that on the sealing element sufficient compressive stress can be exerted without the same to damage. Alternatively, a groove may be formed in the box member, in which the sealing element is inserted, and at the bottom of an approximately the width of the groove corresponding surface may be provided which rests at least partially on the sealing element. The surface is preferably designed as a projection extending in the longitudinal direction of the collecting box in the direction of the bottom or of the box element.

The collecting box is preferably used as a heat exchanger, in particular radiator, a motor vehicle cooling system.

It is understood that the invention relates not only to plastic headers, but also to headers made of other materials, such as aluminum in particular. By providing a tension generating means or compressive stress generating means according to the invention plastic or metal collecting boxes can be formed, for example, with a slightly reduced wall thickness or can be used for higher pressures. In this case, in place of a bonding by means of gluing in particular also a soldering or optionally welded connection may be provided. The selected compound depends on the materials to be joined, the expected loads, in particular the expected temperatures and voltages, and the cost of the connection.

Fig. 1

einen Schnitt quer durch einen Sammelkasten gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt quer durch einen Sammelkasten gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt quer durch einen Sammelkasten gemäß dem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt quer durch einen Sammelkasten gemäß dem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt quer durch einen Sammelkasten gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 6a

einen Schnitt quer durch einen Sammelkasten gemäß dem sechsten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 6b

eine Draufsicht auf einen Teil des Bodens des Sammelka- stens von Fig. 6a,

Fig. 7a

einen Schnitt quer durch einen Sammelkasten gemäß dem siebten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 7b

eine Draufsicht auf einen Teil des Bodens des Sammelka- stens von Fig. 7a,

Fig. 8

eine Ansicht eines Kühlers mit zwei Sammelkästen,

Fig. 9

eine Seitenansicht des Kühlers von Fig. 8, und

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht auf den Kühler von Fig. 8.

In the following, the invention will be explained with reference to a plurality of embodiments with reference to the drawings in detail. In the drawing show:

Fig. 1

a section across a collection box according to the first embodiment,

Fig. 2

a section across a collection box according to the second embodiment,

Fig. 3

a section across a collecting box according to the third embodiment,

Fig. 4

a section across a collection box according to the fourth embodiment,

Fig. 5

a section across a collecting box according to the fifth embodiment,

Fig. 6a

a section across a collection box according to the sixth embodiment,

Fig. 6b

a plan view of a part of the bottom of the collecting box of Fig. 6a .

Fig. 7a

a section across a collection box according to the seventh embodiment,

Fig. 7b

a plan view of a part of the bottom of the collecting box of Fig. 7a .

Fig. 8

a view of a radiator with two collection boxes,

Fig. 9

a side view of the radiator of Fig. 8 , and

Fig. 10

a plan view of the radiator of Fig. 8 ,

A motor vehicle cooling system has as a heat exchanger 1, a double-row radiator with two laterally arranged header boxes 2 and extending between flat tubes (schematically indicated in the drawing by rectangles) and corrugated fins, as in the FIGS. 8 to 10 is shown. Here, the individual rows of the heat exchanger 1 part of different circuits, so that the media located in them differ, at least in their operating conditions, which is why it must be ensured that no leakage between the circuits takes place in the headers 2.

Each collection box 2 consists of a box member 3 with two integrally formed and each receiving a medium collection areas 4 and a substantially planar formed, these collecting areas 4 occlusive bottom 5. In the bottom 5 a plurality of openings are formed in two rows, which in their Cross section substantially correspond to the cross section of the flat tubes, which project through them easily into the collection area 4.

To avoid leakage of the collection areas 4 to the outside, that is to the environment, the outer edges of the bottom 5 are formed in known manner according to the drawing, with a slightly elastic sealing element between the reinforced ends of the box member 3 and the groove-like design outer edges of the bottom 5 is arranged.

To avoid leakage between the individual collecting areas 4, a sealing arrangement 6 is provided in each collecting box 2, which is arranged between the box element 3 and the bottom 5 between the collecting areas 4. The sealing arrangement 6 has a slightly elastic sealing element 7, which is pressed together by the box element 3 and the bottom 5.

Since there is a risk, especially at high pressures in the collecting areas 4, that the collecting box 2 is deformed by the high internal pressure is, to ensure the sealing effect between the two collection areas 4 following measures are taken:

First, in the bottom 5, which is formed substantially plate-like, a running in the longitudinal direction of the seal assembly 6 groove 8 is provided, in which the sealing element 7 is placed. The box element 3 has a projection 9 extending in the longitudinal direction thereof with an outwardly facing surface which fits at least into the outer region of the channel 8. Due to the usually prevailing stresses due to the attachment of the bottom 5 on the box element 3, the sealing element 7 is under a sufficient in most cases compressive stress.

To increase safety, secondly, adjacent to the seal assembly 6, a tension generating means 10 is provided, which will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the individual embodiments and the accompanying figures of the drawing. Since the basic structure of the collecting tank 2, as described above, remains unchanged, the aforementioned reference numerals are used for all embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment, which relates to a plastic collecting box 2, according to which the tension generating means 10 has a plurality of arranged in a row screws 11 and cooperating with these nuts 12. The screws 11 are with their heads together with a longitudinally parallel to the channel 8 extending element 13, in which the screws 11 inserted and with which they are secured against rotation, glued according to the first embodiment, are fixed to the bottom 5 of the collecting tank 2 glued and protrude with their end portions through openings in the box element 3. The nuts 12 are arranged on the opposite side of the bottom 5 of the box element 3. Furthermore, a sealing element 14 is arranged on each screw 11 on the bottom side of the box element 3 and projecting into the region of the opening. The element 13 serves in addition to the positioning and additional support of the screws 11 as a flat contact surface for the Sealing element 14, so that this is correctly positioned during installation and evenly loaded during operation.

In the area in which the heads of the screws 11 are connected to the bottom 5, the bottom 5 has a second channel 15, which runs parallel to the channel 8. This second channel 15 ensures a good and changing pressures and associated elastic deformations of the header 2 permanent connection reliable. The box member 3 is in its area between the two collecting areas 4, at least viewed from the bottom 5 opposite side, flat and sufficiently wide, so that the nut 12 can be easily tightened with the required torque. By tightening the nuts 12 of the tension generating means 10, the box member 3 is moved in its central region over its entire length on the floor 5 and braced with this. The bias affects the adjacently extending seal assembly 6 in such a way that the sealing element 7 is pressed more strongly between the box member 3 and the bottom 5.

According to the in Fig. 2 illustrated second embodiment, the geometric dimensions of the box member 3 and the bottom 5 correspond to those of the first embodiment, in turn, a formed on the bottom 5 is parallel to the first groove 8 extending second groove 25.vorgesehen. In the area of the second groove 25, however, according to the tension generating means 10 of the second embodiment, a member 26 provided with a plurality of internal threads is bonded, into which screws 27 are screwed through openings in the box member 3, so that the same function as in the first embodiment is satisfied. For sealing in turn sealing elements 24 are provided, which correspond in their function to those of the first embodiment.

When in Fig. 3 illustrated third embodiment corresponds to the geometry of the box member 3 of the box member 3 of the first and second embodiments. At the bottom 5, however, no second channel is provided, so that it runs substantially flat up to the channel 8 and, in principle, forms part of one of the collecting regions 4. On the box side Side of the bottom 5, according to the first embodiment, a longitudinally, parallel to the groove 8 extending member 33 adhered, which comprises a plurality of screws 31 which are inserted through openings in the element 33 and bonded to the box member 3. On the projecting through openings in the box member 3 ends of the screws 31 nuts 32 are screwed. Also, according to the embodiments described above, sealing elements 34 are provided for sealing the openings.

Fig. 4 shows the fourth embodiment, which corresponds in principle to a combination of the geometry of the third embodiment with the tension generating means 10 of the second embodiment. Due to the omission of the second channel, the element 46 provided with a plurality of internal threads is strip-like and bonded with its one surface to the box-side planar surface of the bottom 5. In the element 46 inserted through openings in the box member 3 screws 47 are screwed. Furthermore, sealing elements 44 are provided for sealing the openings.

According to the fifth in Fig. 5 illustrated embodiment, a geometry of the box member 3 and the bottom 5 is provided according to the third embodiment described above. On the box-side side of the bottom 5, according to the third embodiment, a longitudinally parallel to the groove 8 extending U-shaped member 53 is adhered, which comprises a plurality of threaded bolts 51 which inserted with its one end through openings in the element 53 and are pressed with the element 53. On the projecting through openings in the box member 3 ends of the threaded bolt 51 nuts 52 are screwed. Also, according to the embodiments described above, sealing elements 54 are provided for sealing the openings.

The. FIGS. 6a . 6b . 7a and 7b show a sixth and seventh embodiment of a collecting tank 62 and 72, which in each case in its construction substantially from the previously described construction differs in that instead of a seal assembly 6 on both sides of the tension generating means each have a seal assembly 66 and 76 is arranged, so that the tension generating means 10 is centrally located between two collecting areas 64 and 74, and that instead of screws or threaded bolts as part of the tension generating means 10 a row are used by clip connections 60 and 70, but also the use of screws, etc. is possible.

For the seal assemblies 66 and 76 respectively two mutually parallel grooves 68 and 78 are provided in the bottom 65 and 75, in each of which a sealing element 67 and 77 is placed, which rests on its other side with a flat surface of the box member 63 and 73.

According to the sixth embodiment, each clip connection 60 is formed by a member injected into the box member 63 having two spring arms with hook-like ends, and a cooperating undercut formed in the bottom 65 in the form of a plurality of apertures in the form of elongated holes. As a certain pressure is exerted during the assembly for snapping the clip connection 60, the bottom 65 is always pulled in the direction of the box element 63, so that sufficient compression of the two parts in the region of the sealing arrangements 66 is ensured.

In the seventh embodiment, the part with the spring arms is formed integrally with the box member 73 and corresponds in its shape and operation to that of the sixth embodiment. In contrast to the sixth embodiment, a hollow profile formed separately from the bottom 75 is attached to the bottom 75, in which openings are formed in the direction of the box element 73 in the form of oblong holes. In these openings, the spring arms engage with their hook-like ends and ensure a sufficient bias.

It is obvious that in place of tensile stress generating means, compressive stress generating means acting on both outer sides of the box member and the bottom may be provided, for which, in particular, aligned openings are provided in both the box member and the floor through which the compressive stress generating means projects, for example a screw with one Nut, with the head of the screw on one side and the nut on the other side. Optionally, both voltage generating means can be combined with each other.

It is also to be understood that in all the embodiments described above, the arrangement of the openings and the elements can be reversed, that is, the openings can be provided in the bottom and the elements can be attached to the box element.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

heat exchangers

2, 62, 72

collection box

3, 63, 73

box member

4, 64, 74

collecting area

5, 65, 75

ground

6, 66, 76

sealing arrangement

7, 67, 77

Sealing element.

8, 68, 78

gutter

9

head Start

10

tensile stress

11, 31

screw

12, 32, 52

mother

13, 33, 53

Element with screws

14, 24, 34, 44, 54

sealing element

15, 25

second gutter

26, 46

Element with internal threads

27, 47

screw

51

threaded bolt

60, 70

clip connection

Claims (16)

1. A collecting tank, in particular for a heat exchanger (1) of a motor vehicle cooling system, having a tank element (3) which comprises at least two collecting regions (4) which are connected to one another in one piece and hold fluid, and having a base (5) which closes off said collecting regions (4) of the tank element (3), with a sealing arrangement (6) being provided, between two adjacent collecting regions, between the tank element (3) and the base (5), wherein at least one tensile stress generating means (10) and/or a compressive stress generating means is provided between the base (5) and the tank element (3) in the region between two adjacent collecting regions (4), characterized in that the tensile generating means 810) and/or the compressive stress generating means is/are provided adjacent to the sealing arrangement (6).
2. The collecting tank as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the tensile stress generating means (10) or the compressive stress generating means is formed in at least two parts and comprises at least one threaded connection for adjusting the applied tensile stress.
3. The collecting tank as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a part of the tensile stress generating means (10) is fixedly connected to the base (5) or to the tank element, and extends through the tank element (3) or through the base in the region of an opening, said part having a thread at least in one part of the outwardly protruding region, with an element (12), which is provided with a thread which interacts with said thread, being screwed onto said thread from the outside as a second part of the tensile stress generating means (10).
4. The collecting tank as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that that part of the tensile stress generating means (10) which is fixedly connected to the base (5) or to the tank element is formed as a strip and has a plurality of openings in which screws or threaded bolts are fastened so as to be rotationally fixed.
5. The collecting tank as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a part, which has an inner thread, of the tensile stress generating means (10) is fixedly connected to the base (5) or to the tank element, and the tank element (3) or the base has an opening through which an element which has an outer thread (27) extends, said element being screwed into the inner thread.
6. The collecting tank as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that that part of the tensile stress generating means (10) which is fixedly connected to the base (5) or to the tank element is formed as a strip and has a plurality of openings having an inner thread.
7. The collecting tank as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tensile stress generating means (10) has at least one sealing element (14; 24; 34; 44; 54).
8. The collecting tank as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tensile stress generating means (10) and/or compressive stress generating means has at least one clip-type connection (60; 70).
9. The collecting tank as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one resilient arm is formed or provided on the tank element (63; 73) or on the base, said resilient arm engaging in an opening in the base (65; 75) or in the tank element.
10. The collecting tank as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that a plurality of openings is provided, said openings being circular or slot-shaped.
11. The collecting tank as claimed in one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that one sealing arrangement (66; 76) is provided at each side of the tensile stress generating means (10) and/or compressive stress generating means.
12. The collecting tank as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing arrangement (6; 66; 76) has a flat seal and/or cord seal as a sealing element.
13. The collecting tank as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing arrangement (6; 66; 76) has a sealing element (7; 67; 77) which corresponds to the sealing element used on the outside of the collecting tank (2; 62; 72).
14. The collecting tank as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a channel is formed in the base (5; 65; 75), with the sealing element (7; 67; 77) being inserted in said channel, and in that a face which corresponds approximately to the width of the channel is provided on the tank element (3; 63; 73), said face bearing at least partially against the sealing element (7; 67; 77), or in that a channel is formed in the tank element, with the sealing element being placed in said channel, and in that a face which corresponds approximately to the width of the channel is provided on the base, said face bearing at least partially against the sealing element.
15. The collecting tank as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the face is embodied as a projection (9) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the collecting tank (2) in the direction of the base (5) or of the tank element.
16. The use of a collecting tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 15 as a heat exchanger (1), in particular cooler, of a motor vehicle cooling system.

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