EP2220451B1 - Fluid distribution element for a fluid-conducting device, especially for multichannel-type fluid-conducting appliances nested in each other - Google Patents

Abstract

The fluid distribution element according to the invention has a very low spatial requirement and simplifies the interlinked connection of multichannel pipes for the purpose of construction of a compact assembly for heat exchange. In particular the fluid distribution element according to the invention can be produced in a constructionally simple manner thus without, as in the state of the art, an increased risk of leakage arising at the interpenetration points. In order to prevent in addition possible pressure losses, the construction of the fluid-conducting device can be effected advantageously by means of the fluid distribution elements such that bionic attachments are followed in the line of the channel.

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid distribution element for fluid-carrying devices, in particular for devices having multi-channel tubes. Such an element is out DE 4426097 A known, and corresponds to the general concept of the claim1. The fluid distribution element according to the invention is alternatively referred to below as distributor connection piece, fluid distribution device or fluid collection device. The present invention also relates to an arrangement of such fluid distribution elements and to manufacturing processes for producing such fluid distribution elements.

Fluid distribution elements are of particular interest when heat or mass transfer between multiple carriers (fluids) is to take place at the same time. An example is tube-in-tube heat exchangers Air conditioning systems in the automotive industry, which serve as internal heat transfer for the refrigeration circuit. Essential here is in particular the fulfillment of requirements in terms of space requirements and weight reduction and as to the cost reduction. Another example in which fluid distribution elements can be used are so-called combination evaporators (also abbreviated to Kombiverdampfer) for heat pumps, as described for example in the patent WO 2004/094921 A1 to be discribed.

In this case, production methods for pipe-in-pipe arrangements, for example of metal or plastic are known, where the connection to the supply line or to the collecting strand via a penetration of the projecting channel takes place (see, eg DD 269205 A1 ). However, such a manufacturing process is multi-level and not fully automated: It requires, inter alia, the sealing of the penetrated channel, usually by a solder whose thermal expansion behavior is different from that of the channel material. At high thermal stress, this can lead to cracking. This creates the need for a more comprehensive, time and personnel-consuming leak test.

In addition, design principles for heat exchangers for cooling or heating liquids or gases formed from a plurality of metal plates rolled together with each other are known from the prior art, wherein channels are inflated. In this case, plates are used to separate the fluids (for example DE 30 03 137 A1 ). In this case, a so-called. Roll bonding or English roll-bonding is carried out, whereby a compound of two or more relatively thin webs, sheets or panels, what happens through roller pressure. If necessary, such a connection can also be realized by heating or by gluing. Intermediate plates can in this case have waves to intensify the heat transfer.

1. 1. Zwei Rohre unterschiedlichen Durchmessers werden ineinander angeordnet und das Volumen des Ringspalts und das des Innenrohrs werden mit Sand verpresst. In diesem Zustand lässt sich eine typische mäanderförmige Rohranordnung (Rohrregister im Lamellenkörper) realisieren. Dieses Verfahren ist technisch sehr aufwendig und nicht voll automatisierbar.
2. 2. Das Außenrohr wird bereits vorgeformt mit Lamellen bezogen. Das Rohrregister ist dann bereits in dem Lamellenkörper angeordnet. In dieses Rohrregister wird nun das Innenrohr eingebracht, wobei dieses das Rohrregister im Bereich der Rohrkrümmer außerhalb des Lamellenkörpers durchdringt. Hierdurch ergeben sich insbesondere Problemstellen bei einer automatisierten Fertigung aufgrund der komplexen Geometrie der durchdrungenen Bereiche der Rohrwandung in den Rohrkrümmern.

Heat exchangers or heat exchangers are subdivided into their basic form into tube bundle, plate, coaxial and spiral heat exchangers. A plate heat exchanger can be very compact in relation to the other embodiments. As a result, due to its material requirements and the total volume, it is generally preferable wherever the demands for low material costs and compactness for small systems outweigh the corrosion and pressure resistance. This is the case, for example, for evaporators used in the field of refrigeration technology. In the field of heat pumps, in addition to the costs for the system itself, increased initial costs result from the necessary development of a heat source. For this reason, outdoor air heat pumps are economically advantageous. Usually lamellae heat exchangers are used in refrigeration circuits of these systems for this purpose. However, the efficiency of such a heat pump is lower because the heat source is subject to much higher seasonal temperature fluctuations. By supporting this primary heat source by a secondary heat source, gains in evaporator performance and less frost formation on the evaporator of an outdoor air heat pump can be realized. For this purpose, for example, Kombiverdampfersysteme have been developed (see WO 2004/094921 A1 ). In all such systems mentioned fluid distribution element of the invention can be used as a component: As follows described in detail, this offers the advantage that, for example, the combination steamer, arrangements concentrically nested tubes in which the geometry leads with penetrations can be avoided. Such feedthroughs with penetrations are necessary in the prior art when fluids are to be in direct thermal contact with each other. For this purpose, the two following implementation possibilities are known from the prior art:

1. 1. Two tubes of different diameters are arranged inside each other and the volume of the annular gap and that of the inner tube are pressed with sand. In this state, a typical meander-shaped pipe arrangement (pipe register in the disk body) can be realized. This method is technically very complicated and not fully automated.
2. 2. The outer tube is already preformed with lamellae. The pipe register is then already arranged in the disk body. In this pipe register, the inner tube is now introduced, which penetrates the pipe register in the region of the pipe bend outside of the disk body. This results in particular problem areas in an automated production due to the complex geometry of the penetrated areas of the pipe wall in the elbows.

Based on the prior art, it is thus the object of the present invention to provide a fluid distribution element (or an arrangement of fluid distribution elements) with which structurally simple and inexpensive manner and seen over a long service life reliable manner, a fluid distribution within a fluid-conducting device, in particular within a heat exchanger or within a device for exchanging substances between fluid streams, can be realized. It is also an object of the present invention to provide corresponding production methods.

The present invention is achieved by a fluid distribution element according to claim 1 and by an arrangement of such fluid distribution elements according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments of the fluid distribution elements or arrangements according to the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Inventive methods can be found in claims 13 and 14. Uses according to the invention are described by claim 15.

Hereinafter, a fluid distribution element according to the invention (and a corresponding arrangement) will first be described generally. This is followed by concrete embodiments. The individual concrete design features, as can be inferred both from the general description and from the subsequent specific exemplary embodiments, can, of course, be constructively modified within the scope of the present invention by the person skilled in the art by means of his specialist knowledge or in any other, not shown Combination can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is given solely by the claims.

According to the invention, a fluid distribution element or a fluid distribution device / fluid collection device, in particular of metal or plastic, is provided, which is suitable in particular for connection to interleaved or overlapping multichannel-type lines (multiple channel tubes). The purpose of such multi-channel pipes is to carry one or more different fluids separately in a space-saving manner independently of each other and to utilize the possibility of controlled heat transfer or controlled mass transfer. In this case, for example, multi-channel pipe heat exchangers offer the advantage that they allow the heat exchange between different heat transfer media (for example, from two different heat sources with different temperature levels and with different heat transfer composition and a heat sink) in a reduced space. Multi-channel pipes offer, inter alia, the advantage that they allow the controlled mass transfer between more than two fluids in a reduced space, for example by means of the diffusion, osmosis or sieving principle. The present invention provides a fluid distribution element or manifold connector, the purpose of which is to connect, on the one hand, monotube leads to, on the other hand, a multichannel tube, without having to penetrate the channels. The inventive approach is that the individual supply channels open in sub-channels and these sub-channels intersect and overlap, so that a contact surface for the purpose of heat and / or mass transfer arises. The fluid distribution element or connector can advantageously made of metal or plastic and with different cost-effective methods (for example, pressure welding, gluing and / or soldering) are produced.

The fluid distribution element according to the invention has a very small space requirement and simplifies the concatenated connection of multi-channel tubes for the purpose of constructing a compact unit for heat transfer. In particular, the fluid distribution element according to the invention can be produced in a structurally simple manner, without there being an increased risk of leakage, as in the prior art at the penetration points. In order to additionally prevent possible pressure losses, the structure of the fluid-carrying device by means of the fluid distribution elements can advantageously be such that bionic approaches are tracked in the route of the channel.

As will be described in more detail below with reference to the specific embodiments, the fluid distribution element according to the invention has a plurality of individual layers stacked one above the other (for example, flat metal layers or plastic layers), which are connected to each other with parts of their surfaces. Between such connection areas, bulges or elevations are realized (for example, by swelling of partial areas of the surfaces which were provided with a release agent or also by preforming) perpendicular to the layer plane, which then form spaces between the individual layers, by means of which fluid guide channels are realized. Advantageously, it is a stack arrangement of three, for example, pressure-pressed material layers, particularly advantageous (see also the following embodiment) are four layers of material used.

Here, as already mentioned, along certain paths on the separating surfaces between two individual layers, for example by the attachment of a release agent, these areas are not joined, but expanded by a pressurized fluid (this can be done using the known roll-bonding method for channeling, see. DE 30 03 137 A1 ). This results in channels between the various layers, which are guided so that they form separate connections for single-pipe supply lines in the edge regions of the body on one end face, approach each other in the course of the body until they intersect and overlap, so that nested or overlapping channels are formed, to which then a multi-channel tube can be connected on the other end face of the body.

In addition to the cost-effective production by means of the described roll-bonding method with metal sheets, such a fluid distribution element according to the invention can also be produced cost-effectively and fully automatically by bonding preformed plastic or metal parts in which half channels are already preformed.

A fluid distribution element according to the invention is therefore in the simplest case a structure with substantially circular or semicircular flow cross sections (tubes) which are pre-embossed into flat bodies (the individual layers) which in this variant are glued or soldered to other flat bodies. In the edge regions or at the end faces of these flat body, the connecting pipe pieces, which are connected to the leads conclusively become. In the area of the connection of the individual pipelines, the channels do not overlap in or between the individual layers.

Single layers of metal are used for the above-described roll-bonding process (or autogenous rolling welding). It is applied a suitable release agent at the locations of the channels to be formed and the sheets are cold-welded together by rolling. The release agent leaves unconverted areas exist, which can be expanded with a fluid, in particular air, pressurized into tubes. According to the invention, there are several possibilities for the sequence of expansion of the regions which are not disposed of. For example, the space between the inner, centrally located individual layers or individual layers is first widened, and then the space between individual layers lying further outside. In order to preserve the channel structure of already inflated channels, it is possible to leave them under pressure as more channels are inflated. The individual layers of the fluid distribution element or distributor connection piece can easily be connected to one another and then individual fluid distribution elements or distributor connection pieces stacked perpendicular to the layer plane and connected to supply lines, so that a stack (arrangement) of distributed, piled and provided with fluid guide channels fluid distribution elements. The design of such an arrangement of fluid distribution elements according to the invention can then be designed similar to a lamella heat exchanger, in which the tubes form a closed body with the lamellae. In this way, according to the invention an arrangement of fluid distribution elements or a mehrzügiges fluid supply unit using multiple fluids can be formed, between the individual (coated from individual layers) fluid distribution elements or around the stack spaced apart individual fluid distribution elements, which now serve as fins, an example gaseous fluid can flow. Spacers can be arranged between adjacent individual fluid distribution elements or plate bodies, which can be selected such that sufficient fluid can flow or flow past between individual fluid distribution elements. In this case, surface structures, such as ridges or ribs, which have a turbulence-increasing effect, can be applied to the outer surfaces of the fluid distribution elements according to the invention. This leads to an improved heat transfer between a fluid flowing in a fluid distribution element according to the invention and the fluid flowing between it and an adjacent fluid distribution element.

The above-described type of preparation for the individual fluid distribution elements or the entire, the arrangement of fluid distribution elements having fluid guide unit brings in addition to the advantage that no soldering or welding are necessary, also the advantage that they or it with the same conventional inexpensive metals or plastics, as the multi-channel pipes to be connected can be generated itself. The connections on the front side of the Eizelrohrzuleitungen are advantageously formed with a circular cross-section and selected with a standardized inner width, so that a connection with conventional lines and Überwurfstücken can be done easily. The cross-section of the channels can remain constant along the route, so that pressure or flow is constant remain, or be varied, so that physical phenomena, such as evaporation or compression can be specifically favored. The distributor connection piece or fluid distribution element according to the invention is thus characterized by a simple structure and a simple production and by low material costs. The shape of the plates can be arbitrary (seen in the layer plane), for example in a rectangular or polygonal shape.

In this case, the entire combi-steamer is not conventionally manufactured as a lamellar tube heat exchanger made of aluminum fins and tube registers made of copper, but it is a multilayer body of at least four individual layers realized (for example, with the above-described rolling bonding method). Depending on the manufacturing process (soldering, roll-bonding or rolling, welding or gluing), certain areas in the intermediate layers or between the individual layers may be excluded from a joining compound which will expand at the disposal of the other areas or are already pre-embossed when in use and thus form areas between the individual layers for the flow of fluids (ie channels). An exception here is the production by extrusion, whereby structures without branches and returns can be made in one piece. In the other manufacturing processes, the flow-through areas in the intermediate layers may also include more complex structures, such as branches and returns.

As already described above, is also used of the fluid distribution element according to the invention in Kombiverdampfer the structure simplified so that leads are no longer complex shapes with penetrations, but that the problem of penetration is shifted to the multilayer body. On the side of the multilayered body, the bodies through which it flows are then tubular channels or channel-like tubes. The multilayer panels are shaped to achieve functionality analogous to the combination steamer, which is accomplished by cold welding a body having advantageously four layers of panels, for example, in the roll bond technique. This results in a total of three intermediate layers or areas between two adjacent individual layers, which are available either by release agents or by the use of pre-stamped structures for the fluid guide available. However, the individual layers can also be soldered or glued, in which case channel guides represent recessed areas. The upper and lower layers of this multi-layered body can then be used to make a channel system overlying the flow filaments. These outer channel systems can in this case be separated from each other by two further plates, which may be necessary because during the later continuation of these channels, the channel in the middle intermediate layer laterally penetrates into the outer channels. This process of lateral penetration corresponds to the penetration in the previous production of supply lines or distribution lines.

According to the same principle as described above, Y-shaped branches can also be produced. Such a Y-shaped branch piece, which in combination can be used with a fluid distribution element according to the invention or can be connected to this, applies, for example, if a multi-channel pipe must be divided into two parallel multi-channel pipes (for example, for the purpose of reducing pressure drop in the same transfer area in Kombiverdampfern). For example, to prepare such a Y-shaped member, a release medium may be applied to the ply planes according to the shape and arrangement of the branch. As in the case of the connecting piece according to the invention, it is then possible, for example, to roll-press the four individual layers and then to inflate the channels.

The present invention thus provides a metal or plastic manifold connector for nested multi-channel fluid routing apparatus consisting essentially of separate leads on one side (first face) and interleaved channels on the other face (second, first face) Front side opposite end), wherein the channels do not penetrate, but in separate sub-channels (closing the multi-channel tube) open, with these sub-channels intersect and partially or completely overlap, so that a contact surface for heat or mass transfer via an intermediate Canal wall is created. In this case, the supply or removal of fluids to or from the heat exchanger in separate, not superimposed channels so that the supply line can be connected on one side with conventional Einrohrleitungen. The element according to the invention can be produced by roll bonding or pressure welding from a plurality of individual layers (advantageously at least three or four individual layers). The channel-like Structures can be created by puffing. However, the channel-like structures can alternatively also be provided by pre-stamped channel structures in the individual layers. The individual layers can also be cast or bonded together by gluing. A plurality of fluid distribution elements according to the invention can be stacked on top of one another and at a distance from each other, preferably perpendicular to the layer plane, whereby a heat exchanger with a plurality of multiple-channel tubes or several flights within the fluid-guiding unit is formed. Between each individual fluid distribution element of such a fluid-guiding unit, a further fluid can then flow through corresponding fluid-carrying structures. In the determination of the channel path of the individual channels in the fluid management unit then bionic approaches (such as harp shape) can be realized for the purpose of pressure loss reduction. With the described manufacturing process can also pipe branches (eg Y-shaped branches) realize. In the case of a phase change, the cross sections of channels which are guided into one another can be adapted to one another for the purpose of a constant volume flow.

Hereinafter, the present invention will now be described with reference to individual embodiments.

Figur 1

ein erstes erfindungsgemäßes Fluidverteilungselement in Aufsicht auf die Lagenebene L (Figur 1a) und in Schnittansicht senkrecht zur Lagenebene L (Figur 1b).

Figur 2

eine isometrische Ansicht des in Figur 1 dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Fluidverteilungselements.

Figur 3

ein zweites erfindungsgemäßes Fluidverteilungselement, welches analog zu dem in Figur 1 gezeigten aufgebaut ist, jedoch einen verzweigten Innenkanal ausbildet.

Figur 4

eine Anordnung von mehreren übereinander gestapelten erfindungsgemäßen Fluidverteilungselementen.

Figur 5

ein Y-förmiges Fluidverteilungsstück, welches an ein erfindungsgemäßes Fluidverteilungselement angeschlossen werden kann.

Show it

FIG. 1

a first fluid distribution element according to the invention in a plan view of the layer plane L (FIG. FIG. 1a ) and in a sectional view perpendicular to the layer plane L ( FIG. 1b ).

FIG. 2

an isometric view of the in FIG. 1 shown fluid distribution element according to the invention.

FIG. 3

a second fluid distribution element according to the invention, which analogous to that in FIG. 1 is shown, but forms a branched inner channel.

FIG. 4

an arrangement of a plurality of stacked fluid distribution elements according to the invention.

FIG. 5

a Y-shaped fluid distribution piece, which can be connected to a fluid distribution element according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a fluid distribution element according to the invention. FIG. 1a shows a plan view of the layer plane L of the fluid distribution element, FIG. 1b shows various sectional views perpendicular to the layer plane and substantially perpendicular to the channel longitudinal direction K (see. FIG. 2 ). The channel longitudinal axis direction here is that direction in the layer plane L which essentially corresponds to the flow direction of the fluid through the inner channel I or the outer channel A.

The fluid distribution element consists of four individual layers or individual layers 1 to 4, which each consist of flat metal bodies, here zinc sheets or aluminum sheets. The individual aluminum plates or zinc sheet layers 1 to 4 are stacked one above the other perpendicular to the layer plane L. Parts of the surfaces or the upper sides and / or lower sides of the individual Layers 1 to 4 are each pressure-tightly connected by the above-described roll-bonding method or roll pressing with parts of the opposite surfaces of adjacent individual layers. As will be described in more detail below, non-bonded regions are formed between these connected partial area regions of two layers, in which cavities are created by bulging one or both of the adjacent individual layers, which then serve as fluid guide channels (inner channel I and outer channels A, A _SP , see below). are formed.

As FIG. 1 shows, in the uppermost single layer 1, a first in the direction perpendicular to the layer plane L upwards (see. FIG. 1b ) Ducted channel structure 1S formed. In the first intermediate layer (upper intermediate layer 2) arranged adjacent to the uppermost layer 1, a further channel structure bulged upwards perpendicular to the layer plane L is formed, the second channel structure 2S. Seen in the direction of the channel longitudinal direction K (in FIG. 1a the direction from bottom to top, cf. FIG. 2 ) are now the two channel structures 1S and 2S in different areas of the individual layers, as described in more detail below, designed so that initially two separately extending channels, the inner channel I and the outer channel A, form, which increasingly seen in channel longitudinal direction K approach , finally intersect and partially overlap and finally extend substantially parallel to each other and completely overlapping one another.

FIG. 1a bottom left shows the connection area AB, on its outside front side (the in FIG. 1a shown below) of the inner channel I and the outer channel A completely separate from each other and laterally offset from one another, so that two separate individual tubes can be connected to the fluid distributor according to the invention at this end face. Like the sectional view AA '( FIG. 1b bottom right), the channel structure 1S of the uppermost layer 1 in the form of two bulges formed laterally offset from one another is formed on the outside end face of the connection region AB. In the area of a bulge (the in FIG. 1b the underlying single layer 2 also has a bulge (which forms the channel structure 2S), which is designed and arranged such that it snugly fits into the bulge 1S of the first layer 1. In the region of the second bulge portion of the channel structure 1S ( FIG. 1b at the bottom right), the underlying single layer 2, however, no bulge, but is formed as a flat surface: This is formed between the individual layers 1 and 2 in the cross section shown trapezoidal, upwardly tapering cavity, which is the first outer channel section A1 for fluid transport formed outer channel A is formed.

The adjacent to the second single layer 2 and below the same arranged third single layer 3 is now seen in relation to the layer plane L mirror-symmetrical to the second single layer 2 formed. The fourth single layer, which is arranged adjacent to this third individual layer 3 and below it, is mirror-symmetrically shaped (seen with respect to the layer plane L) to the uppermost single layer 1. Due to this mirror-symmetrical shape (and a corresponding mirror-symmetrical arrangement) arises in the connection area AB through the arched channel structure 2S of the second single layer 2 and through their likeness in the third single layer 3 a cross-section approximately doppelrapezförmiger cavity between the second single layer 2 and the third single layer 3, which is also designed as an inner channel I (in the area AB as the first inner channel section I1) for fluid guidance. Due to the above-described symmetrical configuration also results in relation to the layer plane L seen opposite the first outer channel section A1 of the outer channel A between the fourth layer and the third layer also in cross-section approximate trapezoidal cavity, which as a further outer channel A _SP (SP stands for mirror-symmetrical) is formed.

As now seen the further cross-sections BB 'and C-C', which were seen spaced from the cross-section AA 'seen in the channel longitudinal direction K, as shown in channel longitudinal direction K reduces the distance between the channel centers of the first inner channel section I1 and the first outer channel section A1 of the inner channel I. or the outer channel A successively, so that the two channels I and A (or A _SP ) gradually approach until they begin in the adjoining the connection area AB in the channel longitudinal direction K crossing area KB to intersect.

The first channel structure 1S of the uppermost layer 2 and the second channel structure 2S of the upper middle layer 2 are thus formed in the crossing region KB (this also applies to the third channel structures 3S and 4S of the lower middle layer 3 and the lower layer 4) facing each other mirror-symmetrically the overlap area between the first channel structure 1S and the second channel structure 2S is increasingly increased, until (due to the larger Width of the channel structure 1S compared to the channel structure 2S; the width here is the extension perpendicular to the direction K in the layer plane L), the first channel structure 1S completely overlaps the second channel structure 2S. In the crossing region KB, K thus slides upwards in the longitudinal direction of the channel K (cf. FIG. 1a ) seen the first channel structure 1S successively on the second channel structure 2S, so that successively übereinanderschiebende second channel sections (section A2 of the outer channel A and portion 12 of the inner channel) form. At the upper edge of the crossing area KB, the first channel structure 1S completely covers the second channel structure 2S. A section in the area of a still partial overlap shows the sectional view D-D '.

At the upper end of the crossing region KB, the overlapping region UB then adjoins, in which third channel sections (third inner channel section I3 and third outer channel section A3) are formed such that the inner channel I or the second channel structure 2S is completely separated from the outer channel A and from the first Channel structure 1S is overlapped or covered. At the upper edge of the overlapping area UB (upper end side of the fluid distribution element), the first channel structure 1S overlaps the second channel structure 2S symmetrically on both sides, so that the inner channel I, I3 runs centrally below the outer channel A, A3 or is enclosed by it on one side. The same applies, of course, accordingly for the symmetrically arranged further outer channel A _SP .

At the upper end side, the fluid distribution element shown thus has a substantially concentric within two outer channels A, A _SP running inside channel I, so that in a simple manner at this upper connection side a suitably trained multiple channel pipe can be connected (see also sectional view F-F ').

As is clear to the person skilled in the art, the illustrated embodiment of a fluid distribution element can be varied in a variety of ways in the context of the present invention: Thus, in the region of the upper connection side, instead of forming a connection piece for a multi-channel tube, the fluid distribution element can be integrated with such a multi-channel tube be continued. Various fluid control structures can additionally be integrated into the fluid distribution element shown, for example a Y-shaped branching element (cf. FIG. 5 ), in which the inner channel I guided concentrically within the two outer channels A, A _SP branches, together with the outer channels surrounding it, into two separate strands.

Likewise, it is also possible to design the fluid distribution element according to the invention from only three individual layers 1 to 3, so that only one outer channel A and one inner channel I result (omission of the second outer channel A _SP ). The further layer elements 3 and 4 need not be formed symmetrically to the sheet elements 1 and 2, but may also be designed as a flat flat plates. In this case, then only one here in the example simply trapezoidal (but there are also other forms possible in general) inner channel I and an outer channel A.

As an alternative to the formation of a plurality of originally separate elements, the individual layers (for example by an extrusion method) can also be the same be formed integrally. This does not have to concern all individual layers, but may also relate only to individual layers shown (for example, waiving the single layer 4, the two individual layers 2 and 3 could be made as a one-piece, extruded molded body, which superimposed another layer (top layer 1) becomes).

In the example shown thus forms the underside of the top layer 1 and the top of the upper middle layer 2, the wall of the outer channel A, the underside of the layer element 2 and the top of the layer element 3, the outer wall of the inner channel I and the bottom of the layer element 3 and the top of the Layer element 4, the wall of the lower outer channel A _SP .

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the in FIG. 1 shown fluid distribution element. In the front section shown below, the two separate outer channels A and A _SP (semicircular) and the inner channel I (circular) can be clearly seen.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of an inventive fluid distribution element (shown here only the top view on the layer plane L). This is basically the same structure as the layer element shown in Figure 1, so that only the differences will be described here. Im in FIG. 3 In the example shown, the two channel structures 1S and 2S are designed such that the inner channel I separates into two separate inner channel sections in the connection region AB and in the crossing region KB. In the connection region AB, two separate, offset from one another and offset from the outer channel A, A1 are formed first inner channel sections I1a and I1b formed, which allow the connection of two separate single-pipe supply lines for the inner channel I on the outside end face. The two separate inner channel sections intersect in the crossing area KB thus on both sides of the outer channel A and below the same in this one, which by a corresponding construction, as already to FIG. 1 has been described, can be realized. As in FIG. 1 In the case shown, the inner channel I, I3 and the outer channel A, A3 overlap each other in the overlapping area ÜB.

FIG. 4 shows an inventive arrangement of several (here three) fluid distribution elements F1 to F3. The three fluid distribution elements F1 to F3 are in this case perpendicular to the layer plane or in the stacking direction S spaced from each other and arranged one above the other. The layer planes L of the individual fluid distribution elements in this case run parallel to each other. The individual fluid distribution elements are kept spaced apart by spacers Abs. Front in FIG. 4 the connection side for the single-pipe feed lines for the fluid distribution elements is shown. The individual pipe feed lines are here realized in such a way that branch off from a first, arranged in the stacking direction S connection line 3 at the level of the individual fluid distribution elements single pipe channels, which are then respectively connected to an inner channel I of a fluid distribution element. Parallel to the first connection line 3 and laterally offset therefrom, a second connection line 4 is likewise arranged in the stacking direction S, from which individual tube channels likewise branch off at the level of the individual fluid distribution elements, which then each with the individual individual tube connections the outer channels A of the fluid distribution elements are connected.

The arrangement shown here is realized here due to the spacing of the individual fluid distribution elements F1 to F3 realized by the spacers Abs so that a volume arises between two adjacent fluid distribution elements, which also flows through a fluid (third fluid outside the inner channels I and the outer channels A) can. In order to ensure optimum heat transfer between this third fluid and the fluids flowing through the inner and outer channels, the outer surface (upper side of the individual layers 1 and lower side of the individual layers 4) is provided with a plurality of individual, parallel to each other and offset from one another Rib structures 5 provided. These rib structures are arranged both laterally next to the channel structures 1S and 4S, as well as on the outside on these and provide a turbulence of the flowing through the gaps between the fluid distribution elements through the third fluid, whereby the heat exchange is optimized.

FIG. 5 finally outlines a Y-branch piece made of the individual layers 1 to 4, for example by roll bonding, which can be used in combination with a fluid distribution element according to the invention to split the fluid flow of the inner channel I and the outer channel A into two separate fluid streams (the Y-branch piece shown) For example, at the upper end of the overlap area UB of in FIG. 1 shown fluid distribution element, see there sectional view F-F ') are docked.

Claims (15)

1. Fluid distribution element for a fluid-conducting device, in particular for a heat exchanger or a device for exchanging materials between fluid flows,
   having a plurality of individual layers disposed in a stack one above the other, at least one partial region of the surface of each of the plurality of individual layers being disposed abutting against at least one partial region of the surface of another individual layer of the plurality of individual layers and there being configured, at least in a first individual layer (1) of the plurality of individual layers, a first channel structure (1S) which is curved perpendicular to the layer plane (L) and, in a second individual layer (2) of the plurality of individual layers, adjacent to the first individual layer, a second channel structure (2S) which is curved perpendicular to the layer plane, characterized in that
   the two channel structures (1S, 2S), viewed in the channel longitudinal direction (K)

   • firstly forming, in a connection region (A - A', B - B', C - C', AB), two first channel partial pieces (first inner channel partial piece 11, first outer channel partial piece A1) of an inner channel (I) configured for fluid transport and an outer channel (A) configured for fluid transport, which first channel partial pieces extend separately in the layer plane offset laterally relative to each other and at a spacing from each other,

   • subsequently forming, in an intersection region (D - D', KB) abutting against the connection region, two second channel partial pieces (second inner channel partial piece I2, second outer channel partial piece A2) of the inner channel (I) and of the outer channel (A), which two second channel partial pieces intersect in the layer plane and are displaced increasingly one over the other and connected to the first channel partial pieces and

   • finally forming, in an overlapping region (E - E', F - F', ÜB) abutting against the intersection region, two third channel partial pieces (third inner channel partial piece I3, third outer channel partial piece A3) of the inner channel (I) and of the outer channel (A), which two third channel partial pieces extend essentially parallel to each other in the layer plane and are connected to the second channel partial pieces, the third inner channel partial piece (I3) being covered in an overlapping manner in the overlapping region by the third outer channel partial piece (A3).
2. Fluid distribution element according to the preceding claim,
   characterised in that
   the first channel structure (1S) forms a part of the wall of the outer channel (A) and a section surrounding a part of the wall of the inner channel (I) in at least a part of the connection region
   and/or
   in that the second channel structure (2S) forms a part of the wall of the inner channel (I) in at least a part of the connection region.
3. Fluid distribution element according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the first channel structure (1S) forms a part of the wall of the outer channel (A) and a section surrounding a part of the wall of the inner channel (I) in at least a part of the intersection region
   and/or
   in that the second channel structure (2S) forms a part of the wall of the inner channel (I) and a part of the wall of the outer channel (A) in at least a part of the intersection region.
4. Fluid distribution element according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the first channel structure (1S) forms a part of the wall of the outer channel (A) in at least a part of the overlapping region
   and/or
   in that the second channel structure (2S) forms a part of the wall of the inner channel (I) and a part of the wall of the outer channel (A) in at least a part of the overlapping region.
5. Fluid distribution element according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised by
   at least three, preferably precisely three individual layers disposed one above the other: the first individual layer (1) as uppermost layer, the second individual layer (2) as central layer which is disposed abutting thereon at least partially and a third individual layer (3) which is disposed on the oppositely situated side of the uppermost layer abutting at least partially against the central layer as lower layer, preferably as lowermost layer, in which third individual layer preferably a third channel structure (3S) which is curved perpendicular to the layer plane is configured,
   wherein preferably the third individual layer (3), viewed with respect to a plane parallel to the layer plane, is formed and/or disposed essentially mirror-symmetrically relative to the second individual layer (2).
6. Fluid distribution element according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised by
   at least four, preferably precisely four individual layers: the first individual layer (1) as uppermost layer, the second individual layer (2) as first central layer which is disposed abutting thereon at least partially, a third individual layer (3) which is disposed on the oppositely situated side of the uppermost layer abutting at least partially against the first central layer as second central layer and a fourth individual layer (4) which is disposed on the oppositely situated side of the first central layer (2) abutting at least partially against the second central layer (3) as lower layer, preferably as lowermost layer, in which fourth individual layer preferably a fourth channel structure (4S) which is curved perpendicular to the layer plane is configured,
   wherein preferably the fourth individual layer (4), viewed with respect to a plane parallel to the layer plane, is formed and/or is disposed essentially mirror-symmetrically relative to the first individual layer (1).
7. Fluid distribution element according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the two channel structures (1S, 2S) form, in the connection region, a plurality of first inner channel partial pieces (I1a, I1b) of the inner channel (I) which extend separately in the layer plane offset laterally relative to each other and relative to the first outer channel partial piece (A1) of the outer channel (A) and at a spacing from each other and from the first outer channel partial piece (A1) of the outer channel (A), the plurality of first inner channel partial pieces (I1a, I1b) uniting in the abutting intersection region into the second inner channel partial piece (I2) and/or
   that at least a partial portion of a wall configured by the first and/or the second channel structure (1S, 2S) is configured to be selectively permeable for material exchange between the inner and the outer channel and/or for material exchange between the inner and/or the outer channel and the surroundings.
8. Fluid distribution element according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   several or all of the individual layers are configured in one piece, in particular as a one-piece moulded article and/or that
   at least one of the individual layers is configured at least partially from metal or has this
   and/or
   in that at least one of the individual layers is configured at least partially from plastic material or has this.
9. Arrangement comprising a plurality of fluid distribution elements (F1, F2, ...) which are in a stack one above the other essentially perpendicular to the layer plane, according to one of the preceding claims.
10. Arrangement according to the preceding claim,
    characterised by
    a first connection line (3) which is connected respectively in the connection region to a plurality of first inner channel partial pieces of inner channels of different fluid distribution elements (F1, F2, ...)
    and/or
    a second connection line (4) which is connected respectively in the connection region to a plurality of first outer channel partial pieces of outer channels of different fluid distribution elements (F1, F2, ...).
11. Arrangement according to one of the preceding arrangement claims,
    characterised by
    at least one multichannel pipe which is connected in the overlapping region of at least one fluid distribution element (F1, F2, ...) to the outer channel thereof and the inner channel thereof.
12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding arrangement claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one outer surface of at least one of the fluid distribution elements (F1, F2, ...) has a surface structure (5) at least in portions which has preferably a rib-shaped and/or burr-shaped configuration.
13. Method for producing a fluid distribution element, wherein a plurality of individual layers of the fluid distribution element to be stacked one above the other being such welded to each other by pressure-pressing by means of rollers (roll-bonding), and
    wherein either at least one inner channel (I) and at least one outer channel (A) of the fluid distribution element is such inflated by application of pressure, in particular by means of compressed air,
    or wherein at least one inner channel (I) of the fluid distribution element is such inflated by application of pressure, in particular by means of compressed air, and wherein, in order to form at least one outer channel (A), at least one individual layer provided with a prefabricated channel structure is such used that the fluid distribution element has the configuration as described in the following:

    fluid distribution element for a fluid-conducting device, in particular for a heat exchanger or a device for exchanging materials between fluid flows,

    having a plurality of individual layers disposed in a stack one above the other, at least one partial region of the surface of each of the plurality of individual layers being disposed abutting against at least one partial region of the surface of another individual layer of the plurality of individual layers and there being configured, at least in a first individual layer (1) of the plurality of individual layers, a first channel structure (1S) which is curved perpendicular to the layer plane (L) and, in a second individual layer (2) of the plurality of individual layers, adjacent to the first individual layer, a second channel structure (2S) which is curved perpendicular to the layer plane, and

    the two channel structures (1S, 2S), viewed in the channel longitudinal direction (K)

    • firstly forming, in a connection region (A - A', B - B', C - C', AB), two first channel partial pieces (first inner channel partial piece I1, first outer channel partial piece A1) of an inner channel (I) configured for fluid transport and an outer channel (A) configured for fluid transport, which first channel partial pieces extend separately in the layer plane offset laterally relative to each other and at a spacing from each other,

    • subsequently forming, in an intersection region (D - D', KB) abutting against the connection region, two second channel partial pieces (second inner channel partial piece I2, second outer channel partial piece A2) of the inner channel (I) and of the outer channel (A), which two second channel partial pieces intersect in the layer plane and are displaced increasingly one over the other and connected to the first channel partial pieces and

    finally forming, in an overlapping region (E - E', F - F', ÜB) abutting against the intersection region, two third channel partial pieces (third inner channel partial piece I3, third outer channel partial piece A3) of the inner channel (I) and of the outer channel (A), which two third channel partial pieces extend essentially parallel to each other in the layer plane and are connected to the second channel partial pieces, the third inner channel partial piece (I3) being covered in an overlapping manner in the overlapping region by the third outer channel partial piece (A3).
14. Method according to the preceding claim,
    characterised in that
    firstly at least one inner channel is inflated before subsequently at least one outer channel is inflated or vice versa and/or that
    an already inflated inner channel and/or an already inflated outer channel is left under pressure, whilst a further inner channel and/or outer channel is inflated.
15. Use of a fluid distribution element or of an arrangement comprising a plurality of fluid distribution elements according to one of the preceding device claims in a heat exchanger or in a device for exchanging materials between fluid flows.

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