EP2307840B1 - Atmospheric exchanger with locking - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an atmospheric exchanger (1) having an exchanger inlet (2) and outlet (3) to be respectively connected to a coolant supply duct and discharge duct, that comprises a plurality of identical unitary exchanger modules (10-21) made of a plastic material and each in the form of a panel including at least one coil-shaped inner tubular passage (10h-10i) for the coolant flow. The coil-shaped inner tubular passage (10h-10i) has ends connected to inlet (2) and outlet (3) structures which are in turn connected to inlet and outlet structures of adjacent unitary exchanger modules. A locking means is provided for connecting and attaching the unitary exchanger modules (10-21) together.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an atmospheric exchanger, and more particularly to an atmospheric exchanger intended to be used in particular with a heat pump device for space heating or air conditioning.

The document FR 2 566 107 describes an atmospheric exchanger according to the preamble of claim 1, with an inlet and a heat exchanger outlet respectively connected to a supply pipe and to a pipe for discharging a heat transfer fluid, comprising several identical unitary exchanger units which are each in the form of a panel having at least one internal serpentine tubular passage for the circulation of the coolant, said serpentine inner tubular passage having projecting end pieces sealingly connected by welding to the respective end tips of the serpentine internal tubular passages of the adjacent panels.

Atmospheric exchangers are intended to be placed outdoors. In order to better withstand the external weather conditions to which they are exposed, the unitary heat exchanger modules are made of plastics material and are molded by extrusion blow molding. The different unitary heat exchangers are then assembled to each other in the workshop, by welding by means of a heating mirror device.

Once assembled, the exchanger of the document FR 2 566 107 is packaged and transported to its installation site.

Such an assembled exchanger is relatively fragile and bulky, which makes its transport delicate so as not to damage it. And any damage suffered by one of the exchanger unit modules renders the exchanger inoperable in its entirety.

In addition, the adaptability and the capacity of evolution of this exchanger to the particular energetic needs of each of the sites to be equipped are very limited, the exchanger being manufactured in one piece without the possibility of subsequently varying the number of unit modules exchangers according to customer request during installation or over time.

In addition, during use, the exchanger inevitably undergoes dimensional variations by expansion and shrinkage depending on the external temperature to which it is subjected. It can then occur mechanical stress concentrations at the level of the links between the different unitary modules exchangers, causing breaks and the appearance of leaks, and making unusable the exchanger in its entirety. In this respect, it has been found that the solder joint does not provide sufficient reliability to guarantee satisfactory operation in the long term.

The documents FR 1 190 414 and GB 1 305 464 describe a central heating radiator constituted by a stack of elements each comprising tubular structures of male and female connection. The connection of two adjacent elements is done by interlocking and then respectively solder or solder tubular structures male and female connection.

The document GB 2,275,005 describes an end-to-end connection of two tubular structures by crimping.

The document FR 2 918 165 describes a connection of tubular structures of male and female connection by simple interlocking or snap-fastening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first problem proposed by the invention is to design an atmospheric exchanger for heat transfer liquid, able to withstand more effectively the thermal and mechanical stresses due to the variations of the external temperature and in particular to the successive expansion and withdrawal phenomena caused by these variations in temperature. temperature, inexpensive, having a large exchange surface, easy to manufacture and transport, and can be easily and quickly adapted to lower energy requirements of each site to equip.

According to another aspect, the invention aims to design an atmospheric exchanger comprising a plurality of identical exchanger unit modules assembled and connected to each other in a simple, removable and interchangeable manner, limiting or eliminating any risk of heat transfer fluid leakage.

• chaque module unitaire échangeur comprend une structure d'entrée et une structure de sortie ayant chacune une structure tubulaire de raccordement mâle et une structure tubulaire de raccordement femelle, dont une partie saillante dépasse respectivement de part et d'autre du corps de module,
• les structures tubulaires de raccordement mâle et femelle sont conformées de façon que, en une position de raccordement, les structures tubulaires de raccordement mâles s'engagent par emboîtement axial réversible dans les structures tubulaires de raccordement femelles des modules unitaires échangeurs adjacents,
• les parties saillantes des structures tubulaires de raccordement comportent des excroissances radiales de verrouillage,
• en position de raccordement, des pièces de verrouillage rapportées et amovibles viennent en prise sur les excroissances radiales des parties saillantes de structures tubulaires de raccordement adjacentes pour s'opposer à leur déboîtement.

To achieve these objects as well as others, the invention proposes an atmospheric exchanger, with an inlet and an outlet of exchanger to be connected respectively to a supply line and to a discharge pipe of a coolant, comprising a plurality of plastic exchanger unit modules each having a module body in the form of a panel comprising at least one internal serpentine tubular passage for the circulation of the coolant, said internal serpentine tubular passage of a unit exchanger module having ends connected in leaktight manner to the respective ends of the internal serpentine tubular passages of the adjacent exchanger unit modules in the exchanger, with means for connection and fixing which ensure the connection and the fixing of the unitary modules exchangers to each other, in which:

• each unit exchanger module comprises an input structure and an output structure each having a male connection tubular structure and a female connection tubular structure, a protruding portion of which respectively projects on either side of the module body,
• the tubular male and female connection structures are shaped such that, in a connection position, the male tubular connecting structures engage by reversible axial engagement in the tubular female connection structures of the adjacent exchanger unit modules,
• the projecting parts of the tubular connection structures comprise radial locking protuberances,
• in the connection position, the insert and releasable locking pieces engage the radial protuberances of the protruding parts of adjacent tubular connection structures to oppose their dislocation.

Such an atmospheric exchanger is easy to pack and transport to an installation site without risk of damage because it can be brought in spare parts packaged and protected individually.

In addition, such an exchanger is easily adaptable to the particular energy needs of each site to be filled, since the unitary modules exchangers can be assembled on site and their number can easily vary. It is indeed quite possible, thanks to the presence of connection and fixing means ensuring the connection and the fixing of the unitary modules exchangers to each other, to add or remove a number of unitary modules exchangers according to the needs of the site to be filled.

A great saving of storage costs is also achieved, a single type of exchanger unit module for making exchangers of various sizes as needed.

The plastic constitution of this exchanger makes it insensitive to the risk of rupture resulting from expansion and removal, thanks to the deformation capacity of the material.

In addition, the particular structure of the locking connection means guarantees a satisfactory seal, thanks to a sufficient resistance to internal overpressures. The experiment has proved withstand at pressures of the order of 2500 hPa, much higher than the holding of a mirror weld (of the order of 500 hPa).

When connecting two exchanger unit modules, the tubular male and female connection structures can be connected to each other by interlocking and then locked by the reported locking pieces. Such a connection method is simple, fast and easy to perform by a technician at the installation site itself.

The connection means ensure the connection and attachment of the unitary modules exchangers to each other detachably.

This facilitates the maintenance of the heat exchanger, allowing a technician to remove one or more unit modules exchangers damaged or to maintain.

According to a first embodiment, the tubular connection structures can be in one piece with the corresponding module body.

In this case, there is no mirror weld to assemble a module body with inserts forming the tubular connection structures. The mechanical strength of the assembly is thus satisfactory, and can withstand large internal pressures of the order of 3000 hPa, without degradation.

A disadvantage may be that the module body is then of complex shape, more difficult to mold.

According to a preferred embodiment, the tubular connection structures are each constituted by a male or female plastic connection element, with an external connection section having radial locking projections and forming the projecting portion of the tubular structure of connection, and with an internal fixing section with anchoring asperities and overmolded in the corresponding module body.

In this case, the overmoulding ensures a satisfactory mechanical strength, without risk of separation of the connecting element, and without the risk of occurrence of a leak. At the same time, the connecting elements constitute separate parts that can each be easily made by plastic molding, whereas the module body itself, of greater volume, can be produced by extrusion blow molding of plastic material, the connecting elements constituting inserts placed in the mold before extrusion of the plastic material to achieve the exchanger unit module body. After constitution, the assembly can withstand without degradation the necessary mechanical stresses, in particular the internal overpressures of the order of 3000 hPa.

The embodiment of an exchanger according to this embodiment is thus simplified, and the exchanger thus obtained has all guarantees of reliability.

• la structure tubulaire de raccordement mâle présente, dans sa partie saillante, une excroissance axiale annulaire dépassant axialement au-delà des excroissances radiales de verrouillage selon un dépassement,
• la structure tubulaire de raccordement femelle présente, dans sa partie saillante, un évidement frontal à fond plat, en retrait des excroissances radiales selon une distance un peu inférieure audit dépassement,
• une gorge annulaire frontale prévue sur le bord frontal de l'excroissance axiale annulaire reçoit un joint annulaire d'étanchéité.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the male and female connection structures have easily feasible shapes that guarantee a good seal. For example :

• the tubular male connection structure has, in its projecting part, an annular axial protrusion projecting axially beyond the radial protrusions of locking according to an overtaking,
• the tubular female connection structure has, in its projecting part, a flat-bottomed front recess, set back from the radial protrusions by a distance a little smaller than said overshoot,
• a front annular groove provided on the front edge of the annular axial protrusion receives an annular seal.

• les structures tubulaires de raccordement mâle et femelle comportent chacune un même nombre d'excroissances radiales aptes à se plaquer les unes contre les autres selon une face d'appui en position de raccordement,
• les excroissances radiales comportent, à l'opposé de la face d'appui, une face de verrouillage à rampes de serrage,
• le verrouillage est assuré par une bague de verrouillage, engagée autour des parties saillantes des structures tubulaires de raccordement, comportant des logements intérieurs d'introduction aptes à autoriser, dans une position angulaire d'introduction, l'engagement axial de la bague de verrouillage sur les parties saillantes des structures tubulaires au-delà des excroissances radiales de verrouillage, et comportant des logements intérieurs de verrouillage assurant, par rotation de la bague de verrouillage vers une position angulaire de verrouillage, l'engagement de parois latérales de la bague de verrouillage derrière les rampes de serrage et les faces de verrouillage des excroissances radiales.

In practice, the tubular male and female connection structures comprise means for ensuring axial clamping during locking. For example :

• the tubular male and female connection structures each comprise the same number of radial excrescences able to be pressed against each other in a bearing face in the connection position,
• the radial protuberances comprise, opposite the bearing face, a locking face with clamping ramps,
• the locking is ensured by a locking ring, engaged around the projecting portions of the tubular connection structures, comprising inner insertion housings able to allow, in an angular insertion position, the axial engagement of the locking ring on the protrusions of the tubular structures beyond the radial locking projections, and having interlocking inner housings providing, by rotation of the locking ring to an angular locking position, the engagement of side walls of the locking ring behind the clamping ramps and the locking faces of the radial protuberances.

The axial clamping ensures a good sealing of the connection after mounting, by compressing the annular sealing gasket, which makes it possible to hold the internal overpressures that can occur during use, without the appearance of leaks.

During assembly, the exchanger unit modules must be held together, away from the ground or support plane. In practice, it is advantageous to provide that the exchanger comprises support means comprising two support posts with feet and on which rests at least one spar on which are threaded and rest several connected exchange unit modules. One advantage is that the same support means can receive a variable number of exchanger unit modules, which facilitates the modularity.

For the conduction of fluids, it is necessary to close some end ports. For this, one can advantageously provide a shutter with radial protuberances, adapted to close the orifice of a male connection structure being locked by the locking piece reported.

Similarly, to facilitate the connection to external pipes, it is advantageous to provide a connection piece with radial protrusions, adapted to be locked on a tubular male connection structure being locked by a locking piece reported.

• la structure d'entrée comportant une structure tubulaire de raccordement femelle et une structure tubulaire de raccordement mâle opposées l'une à l'autre et dont une partie saillante dépasse respectivement sur une première face de panneau et sur une seconde face de panneau,
• la structure de sortie comportant une structure tubulaire de raccordement femelle et une structure tubulaire de raccordement mâle opposées l'une à l'autre et dont une partie saillante dépasse respectivement sur la première face de panneau et sur la seconde face de panneau,
• les parties saillantes des structures tubulaires de raccordement comportent des excroissances radiales de verrouillage.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a unit exchanger unit to form an exchanger as defined above, the unitary exchanger module comprising a module body, plastic, panel-shaped, with two internal tubular passages and with an input structure and an output structure, wherein:

• the input structure having a tubular female connecting structure and a male connecting tubular structure opposite to each other and having a protruding portion projecting respectively over a first panel face and a second panel face,
• the output structure having a tubular female connecting structure and a male connecting tubular structure opposite to each other and having a protruding portion protruding respectively on the first panel face and the second panel face,
• the projecting parts of the tubular connection structures comprise radial locking projections.

According to a preferred embodiment, the exchanger comprises a locking piece comprising a ring body with insertion recesses and interlocking inner housings.

The attached nature of the tubular female or male connection elements makes it possible to simplify the molds, enabling the production by extrusion blow-molding unit modules exchangers, avoiding forms with undercuts complicated to achieve.

Preferably, it can be provided that the annular sealing gasket engaged between the tubular inserts male and female connection is preferably an O-ring. The latter can be housed in a front groove of the tubular insert element female connection, or in a front groove of the tubular insert male connection element.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un échangeur atmosphérique selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'un module unitaire échangeur selon une première face ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective du module unitaire échangeur de la figure 2, vue selon sa face opposée ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de face d'un élément de raccordement mâle destiné à constituer une structure tubulaire de raccordement mâle selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de côté de l'élément de raccordement mâle selon la figure 4;
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe A-A de la figure 4 ;
• les figures 7 et 8 illustrent, en perspective, les deux faces de l'élément de raccordement mâle des figures 4 à 6 ;
• la figure 9 est une vue de face d'un élément de raccordement femelle destiné à constituer une structure tubulaire de raccordement femelle selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la figure 10 est une vue de côté de l'élément de raccordement femelle selon la figure 9 ;
• la figure 11 est une vue en coupe B-B de la figure 9 ;
• les figures 12 et 13 illustrent en perspective les deux faces de l'élément de raccordement femelle des figures 9 à 11 ;
• la figure 14 est une vue de face d'une bague de verrouillage selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la figure 15 est une coupe C-C de la bague de la figure 14 ;
• la figure 16 est une coupe D-D de la bague de la figure 14 ;
• la figure 17 est une coupe E-E de la bague de la figure 15 ;
• la figure 18 est une vue en perspective de la bague des figures précédentes ;
• les figures 19 et 20 illustrent en perspective les deux faces principales d'un obturateur selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• les figures 21 et 22 illustrent en perspective un embout de raccordement selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
• la figure 23 est une vue en perspective d'un échangeur atmosphérique selon un mode de réalisation à flasques d'extrémités.

The following description of particular embodiments is made in connection with the appended figures, among which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of an atmospheric exchanger according to one embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of a unitary exchanger module according to a first face;
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of the unitary unit exchanger of the figure 2 seen from opposite side;
• the figure 4 is a front view of a male connecting member for constituting a tubular male connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• the figure 5 is a side view of the male connection element according to the figure 4 ;
• the figure 6 is a sectional AA view of the figure 4 ;
• the Figures 7 and 8 illustrate, in perspective, the two faces of the male connection element of Figures 4 to 6 ;
• the figure 9 is a front view of a female connecting member for constituting a tubular female connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• the figure 10 is a side view of the female connection element according to the figure 9 ;
• the figure 11 is a sectional view BB of the figure 9 ;
• the Figures 12 and 13 illustrate in perspective the two faces of the female connection element of the Figures 9 to 11 ;
• the figure 14 is a front view of a locking ring according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• the figure 15 is a section CC of the ring of the figure 14 ;
• the figure 16 is a section DD of the ring of the figure 14 ;
• the figure 17 is an EE cut of the ring of the figure 15 ;
• the figure 18 is a perspective view of the ring of the preceding figures;
• the Figures 19 and 20 illustrate in perspective the two main faces of a shutter according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• the Figures 21 and 22 illustrate in perspective a connection piece according to one embodiment of the invention; and
• the figure 23 is a perspective view of an atmospheric exchanger according to an embodiment with end flanges.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the embodiment illustrated on the figure 1 , an atmospheric exchanger 1 is formed of the assembly of several exchanger unit modules, designated respectively by the references 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21, stacked at following the others, and hydraulically connected with each other between an inlet 2 and an outlet 3. The inlet 2 is intended to be connected to an inlet supply pipe, while the outlet 3 is intended to be connected to an exhaust pipe. The "input" and "output" designations are only intended to distinguish the two fluid passage structures from one another. In fact, during use, it will be possible to introduce the heat transfer fluid either through the inlet 2 or the outlet 3.

In the illustrated embodiment, the exchanger unit modules 10-21 are identical and each have a module body 111 in the form of a panel as illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 and 3 in relation to the exchanger unit module 11. The figure 2 illustrates a first face 11a of the exchanger unit module 11, while the figure 3 illustrates the second face 11b of this same exchanger unit module 11.

The exchanger unit module 11 is a generally rectangular panel, with its large dimension intended to be positioned vertically. The exchanger unit module 11 comprises a module body 111, with an input structure 11c arranged substantially in the middle of the small upper side, and with an output structure 11d arranged along the lower short side and in a position slightly offset relative to in the middle of the small side.

Vertical stiffening reinforcements 11e, 11f and 11g are made along the long vertical sides and in the middle position, on both faces 11a and 11b. According to one possibility, the stiffening reinforcements are made by blowing the plastic material to give it a tubular shape. According to another possibility, it engages in this plastic tubular structure an aluminum reinforcing tube, giving greater rectitude and rigidity to the unitary exchanger unit 11.

The inlet structure 11c and the outlet structure 11d are hydraulically connected to each other by two internal tubular passages in parallel, namely a first internal tubular passage 11h and a second internal tubular passage 11i, formed both in coils on either side of the vertical stiffening reinforcement 11 f.

An assembly light 11j, with a square section, is arranged in a median position below the input structure 11c, and allows the passage of a spar 87 ( figure 1 ) for supporting all the exchanger unit modules 10-21 to form the exchanger 1.

The input structure 11c is formed of two tubular connection structures, respectively 111c on the figure 2 and 211c on the figure 3 , placed in opposition to each other, hydraulically connected to each other and to the two internal tubular passages 11 h and 11 i, and each having a protruding portion which protrudes from one or other of the faces 11a and 11b.

Similarly, the outlet structure 11 d is formed of two tubular connecting structures, respectively 111d and 211d, placed in opposition to each other, hydraulically connected to each other and to the two internal tubular passages 11 h and 11i, and each having a projecting portion protruding from one or other of the faces 11a and 11b of the panel.

The two tubular connection structures 111c and 111d that partially extend beyond the first face 11a of the panel are female-type connection structures, while the two tubular connection structures 211c and 211d that partially extend beyond the second face 11b of the panel panel are tubular connection structures of the male type.

Preferably, all the exchanger unit modules 10-21 have the same shape. For example, on the figure 1 it is understood that the first visible panel 10 comprises stiffening reinforcements, and two internal tubular passages 10h and 10i.

We now consider Figures 4 to 8 , which illustrate a male connection element 30 for constituting the male connection structures 211c and 211d.

The male connecting element 30, illustrated in the figures, is a generally tubular element with a central passage 31 crossing along an axis II for the passage of the heat transfer fluid, and with a peripheral structure of fixing and connection-locking . On the figures 5 and 6 , we distinguish, along of the axis II, an external connection section 32 and an internal fixing section 33.

The inner fixing section 33 is shaped to ensure a mechanically resistant attachment to the body of the corresponding exchanger unit module. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal fastening section 33 comprises an intermediate flange 34, an annular groove 35, and a retaining flange 36 intended to be overmoulded in the material forming the module body 111. The retaining flange 36 preferably has a diameter less than the diameter of the intermediate flange 34, and is ribbed on its end face to facilitate the realization of the male connecting member 30 and to achieve anti-rotation anchoring in the material of the module body 111.

In the external connection-locking section 32, four radial protuberances 37a, 37b, 37c and 37d are uniformly distributed at the periphery of the external connection-locking section 32, and developing radially as illustrated in the figures.

Between the intermediate flange 34 and the radial protuberances 37a-37d, the connecting element 30 comprises an annular groove 38, with stiffening ribs for stiffening the radial protuberances 37a-37d.

As we see on the figures 5 and 6 , the male connection element 30 has, in its external connection-locking section 32, an annular axial protrusion 39 which protrudes axially beyond the radial locking projections 37a-37d according to an overflow DM.

In addition, the annular axial protrusion 39 has a front annular groove 39a on its front edge for receiving an annular seal 130.

We now consider Figures 9 to 13 , which illustrate a female connection element 40 for making the female connection structures 111c and 111d.

The female connection element 40 has a generally tubular shape with an axial passage 41. Its external structure is similar to that of the male connection element 30, and there is again an external connection-locking section 42, an internal fixation section 43, an intermediate flange 44, a retaining flange 46 and an annular groove 45.

The inner fixing section 43 is intended to be overmoulded in the material constituting the body of the exchanger unit module, ensuring a mechanically resistant attachment.

The external connection-locking section 42 comprises radial locking protuberances 47a, 47b, 47c and 47d, shaped to correspond to the radial locking projections 37a-37d of the male connecting element 30.

The female connection element 40 has, in its external connection-locking section 42, a front recess 49 with a flat bottom, set back from the radial protuberances 47a-47d by a distance DF slightly less than the overshoot DM.

The radial protuberances 37a-37d of the male connecting element and the radial protuberances 47a-47d of the female connection element have substantially the same shapes, with respective bearing faces that are generally flat and resting on one end. against the other in the assembly position, and each having, opposite the bearing face, a locking face with clamping ramps.

In this respect, for example, the radial growths 37b and 47b on the figures 5 and 10 , where one distinguishes the bearing surface 137b or 147b, and the opposite locking face 237b or 247b with lateral clamping ramps 337b and 437b, or respectively 347b and 447b.

We now consider Figures 14 to 18 , which illustrate a locking piece 50 in the general shape of a ring which makes it possible to ensure the locking of the tubular structures of male and female connection, two by two. The locking piece 50, or more particularly the locking ring 50, is intended to be engaged around the projecting portions 37a-37d and 47a-47d of two coupled tubular connection structures, and for this purpose comprises insertion recesses 51. , 51b, 51c and 51d able to allow, in an angular position of introduction of the locking ring 50, the axial engagement of the locking ring 50 on the projecting parts of the tubular connection structures, beyond latching radial excrescences 37a-37d or 47a-47d. In other words, the housings 51a-51d are shaped so as to allow the passage of the radial locking protrusions 37a-37d and 47a-47d during the axial displacement of the locking ring 50 on one or the other of the tubular structures of FIG. male or female connection.

The locking ring 50 further comprises interlocking interlocking inner housing 52a, 52b, 52c and 52d shaped to allow rotation of the locking ring 50 about the radial locking protrusions 37a-37d or 47a-47d. , which enter dwellings 52a-52d. When the locking ring 50 is in the locking angular position, the radial locking protuberances 37a-37d or 47a-47d are engaged in the locking housings 52a-52d, the side walls of which bear against the locking faces of said radial locking protuberances.

If we consider for example housing 52b on the figure 18 it comprises two lateral walls 152b and 252b, the axial spacing of which is chosen to be substantially equal to the cumulative thickness of a radial protrusion of male connection element locking and a radial protrusion of locking of a female element. In this way, when a male connection element and a female connection element are pressed against each other with a locking ring 50 engaged, the lateral faces 152b and 252b force the corresponding radial locking protuberances to bear against each other. against each other, to ensure a mechanically resistant maintenance of the two tubular male and female connection structures.

The locking is obtained simply by a pivoting of the locking ring 50 in the direction illustrated by the arrow 53 ( figure 18 ), while the unlocking can be obtained by a reverse rotation of the locking ring 50.

The closure of a tubular male connection structure can be obtained by the adaptation of a shutter 60 as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 19 and 20 .

The shutter 60 is a solid flange, with four radial locking projections 67a-67d, shaped to cooperate with corresponding radial protuberances of the tubular male connection structure and with a locking ring 50.

As can be seen in the figures, positioning pins 70 are also provided on the shutter 60, which protrude axially from the end face of the connection part to engage in a corresponding recess of the opposite connecting element and block the axial rotations of the shutter 60 during locking.

The male and female connection members 40 may advantageously be made by molding high density polyethylene, preferably with a fiberglass load.

The module body 111 can, for its part, be produced by polyethylene injection blow molding, guaranteeing compatibility with the material of the connecting elements 30 and 40 to achieve a good weld. The locking ring can be made by molding a plastic material such as polyoxymethylene, guaranteeing good mechanical properties and good sliding capacity.

Alternatively, one can consider using other plastics, chosen according to their molding properties, extrusion blow molding, deformability, resistance to mechanical stresses and external aggression.

It is understood that the assembly of an exchanger 1 according to the invention does not require any particular tool, the drive of the locking ring can be provided by hand or with a claw key.

Globally, the heat exchanger 1 may comprise support means comprising two carrying uprights 81 and 82, each having a foot 83 or 84, and connected by a spar 87 with a square section on which the unitary heat exchangers 10-21 are threaded. , the spar crossing the lights square section 11j.

As shown on the figure 23 , the heat exchanger 1 may also comprise the end covers 85 and 86, fixed to the respective uprights 81 and 82, and which obscure the main external faces of the extreme unitary heat exchanger units 10 and 21, with respective side flaps 85a, 85b, 86a and 86b.

The locking means can also be adapted for fixing a connecting piece 90 as illustrated on the Figures 21 and 22 the connecting end 90 comprises an outer tubular portion 91 and a connecting portion 92 with radial protuberances 92a-92d. The connecting part is shaped like that of the male connection elements 30, and can thus cooperate with the female connection elements and with a locking ring 50 for its attachment. The outer connecting portion 91 is suitably shaped to receive an inlet or outlet pipe.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but it includes the various variants and generalizations thereof within the scope of the claims below.

Claims (10)

1. Atmospheric exchanger (1) with an exchanger inlet (2) and outlet (3) to be linked respectively to a supply duct and to a discharge duct for a heat transfer fluid, comprising a number of individual exchanger modules (10-21) made of plastic material, each of which has a module body (111) in the form of a panel comprising at least one coiled internal tubular passage (11h, 11i) for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, said coiled internal tubular passage (11h, 11i) of an individual exchanger module (11) having ends connected in a seal-tight manger to the respective ends of the coiled internal tubular passages of the adjacent individual exchanger modules (10, 12) in the exchanger (1), with coupling and fastening means which ensure the coupling and the fastening of the individual exchanger modules (10-21) to one another, characterised in that:

   - each individual exchanger module (10-21) comprises an inlet structure (11c) and an outlet structure (11d) each having a male coupling tubular structure (211c, 211d) and a female coupling tubular structure (111c, 111d), of which a protruding part extends respectively on either side of the module body (111),

   - the male (211c, 211d) and female (111c, 111d) coupling tubular structures are shaped so that, in a coupling position, the male (211c, 211d) coupling tubular structures engage by reversible axial fitting in the female coupling tubular structures (111c, 111d) of the adjacent individual exchanger modules,

   - the protruding parts of the coupling tubular structures (111c, 211c, 111d, 211d) include radial locking protuberances (37a-37d; 47a-47d),

   - in the coupling position, added-on and removable locking pieces (50) engage on the radial protuberances (37a-37d; 47a-47d) of the protruding parts of adjacent coupling tubular structures to oppose their disconnection.
2. Exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the coupling tubular structures (111c, 111d, 211c, 211d) are of a single piece with the corresponding module body (111).
3. Exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the coupling tubular structures (111c, 111d, 211c, 211d) each consist of a male (30) or female (40) coupling element made of plastic material, with an external coupling section (32, 42) having radial locking protuberances (37a-37d; 47a-47d) and forming the protruding part of the coupling tubular structure (111c, 111d, 211c, 211d), and with an internal fastening section (33, 43) with anchoring roughnesses and overmoulded in the corresponding module body (111).
4. Exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that:

   - the male coupling tubular structure (211c, 211d) has, in its protruding part, an annular axial protuberance (39) extending axially beyond the radial locking protuberances (37a-37d) by an excess length (DM),

   - the female coupling tubular structure (111c, 111d) has, in its protruding part, a flat-bottomed frontal void (49), set back from the radial protuberances (47a-47d) by a distance (DF) a little less than said excess length (DM),

   - a frontal annular groove (39a) provided on the frontal edge of the annular axial protuberance (39) receives a sealing annular seal (130).
5. Exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that:

   - the male (211c, 211d) and female (111c, 111d) coupling tubular structures each have the same number of radial protuberances (37a-37d, 47a-47d) suitable for pressing against one another on a bearing face (137b) in the coupling position,

   - the radial protuberances (37a-37d; 47a-47d) have, opposite the bearing face (137b), a locking face (237b) with tightening ramps (337b, 437b),

   - the locking is ensured by a locking ring (50), engaged around protruding parts of the coupling tubular structures, including insertion internal recesses (51a-51d) suitable for allowing, in an angular position of insertion, the axial engagement of the locking ring (50) on the protruding parts of the tubular structures beyond the radial locking protuberances, and including internal locking recesses (52a-52d) ensuring, by rotation of the locking ring (50) to a locking angular position, the engagement of lateral walls (152b, 252b) of the locking ring (50) behind the tightening ramps and the locking faces (237b) of the radial protuberances (37a-37d; 47a-47d).
6. Exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it comprises support means having two supporting uprights (81, 82) with feet and on which rests at least one spar (87) onto which a number of connected individual exchanger modules (10-21) are threaded and rest.
7. Exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it includes a stopper (60) with radial protuberances (67a-67d), capable of blocking the orifice of a male coupling tubular structure (211c, 211d) by being locked by the added-on locking piece (50).
8. Exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it includes a coupling end piece (90) with radial protuberances (92a-92d), capable of being locked on a male coupling tubular structure (211c, 211d) by being locked by an added-on locking piece (50).
9. Exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it includes at least one locking piece (50) comprising a body with insertion voids (51a-51d) and internal locking recesses (52a-52d).
10. Individual exchanger module for constructing an exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it comprises a module body (111) made of plastic material, in the form of a panel, with two internal tubular passages (11h, 11i) and with an inlet structure (11c) and an outlet structure (11d), in which:

    - the inlet structure (11c) including a female coupling tubular structure (111c) and a male coupling tubular structure (211c) opposite one another and of which a protruding part extends respectively over a first panel face (11a) and over a second panel face (11b),

    - the outlet structure (11d) including a female coupling tubular structure (111d) and a male coupling tubular structure (211d) opposite one another and of which a protruding part extends respectively over the first panel face (11a) and over the second panel face (11b),

    - the protruding parts of the coupling tubular structures (111c, 211c, 111d, 211d) include radial locking protuberances (37a-37d; 47a-47d).

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