EP3824237A1 - Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates - Google Patents

Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates

Info

Publication number
EP3824237A1
EP3824237A1 EP19740533.5A EP19740533A EP3824237A1 EP 3824237 A1 EP3824237 A1 EP 3824237A1 EP 19740533 A EP19740533 A EP 19740533A EP 3824237 A1 EP3824237 A1 EP 3824237A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plate
heat exchanger
plates
reinforcing elements
fixation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19740533.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Dario PENA SANCHEZ
Daniel SEBASTIAN
Pedro BRUNA
Jose ESCOS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Termico SA
Original Assignee
Valeo Termico SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Termico SA filed Critical Valeo Termico SA
Publication of EP3824237A1 publication Critical patent/EP3824237A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
    • F28F9/007—Auxiliary supports for elements
    • F28F9/0075—Supports for plates or plate assemblies
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D9/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D9/0031—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by paired plates touching each other
    • F28D9/0043—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having openings therein for circulation of at least one heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another
    • F28D9/005—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one heat-exchange medium being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having openings therein for circulation of at least one heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another the plates having openings therein for both heat-exchange media
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
    • F28D2021/0019—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for
    • F28D2021/008—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for vehicles
    • F28D2021/0089—Oil coolers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F2225/00—Reinforcing means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F2225/00—Reinforcing means
    • F28F2225/02—Reinforcing means for casings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F2280/00—Mounting arrangements; Arrangements for facilitating assembling or disassembling of heat exchanger parts
    • F28F2280/06—Adapter frames, e.g. for mounting heat exchanger cores on other structure and for allowing fluidic connections

Definitions

  • heat exchangers comprising stack of plates for the circulation of two fluids alternately between the adjacent pairs of plates.
  • Such heat exchangers are used for example as oil coolers for the oil of the engine.
  • the oil and coolant circulate along respective sides of each intermediate plate of the stack of plates.
  • the heat exchanger may also comprise a fixation plate for fixation of the stack of plates into the automotive vehicle.
  • the stack of plates is for example soldered to the fixation plate which is itself fastened to the vehicle, for example with screws.
  • a reinforcement plate between the fixation plate and the stack of plates is also known from US2007084809-A and EP2267390-A.
  • An aspect of the invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates comprising a lower plate onto which the other plates are stacked, and the heat exchanger also comprises a fixation plate and a reinforcement plate between the fixation plate and the lower plate, wherein the fixation plate has reinforcing elements obtained from a cut and fold of the reinforcement plate material.
  • the reinforcing elements thus obtained bring reinforcement while still allowing flexibility. Also, the process allows controlled position and shape of the reinforcing elements, with a reasonable cost.
  • the heat exchanger may comprise one, several or any combination of the following technical features:
  • the reinforcing elements are only one or more corners of the lower plate. Having reinforcing elements only in one of more of the comers bring reinforcement to the corners while also providing more elasticity to the rest of the lower plate. It is thus possible for the lower plate to follow slight deformations where constraints are not critical, thereby relieving constraints in the interface between the reinforcement plate and the lower plate.
  • the reinforcing elements are only around two comers of the lower plate
  • the reinforcing elements are in contact with the lower plate
  • the reinforcing elements have a shape complementary to the shape of the lower plate
  • the height h of the reinforcing element, measured from the top planar surface of the fixation plate is preferably at least half the height h’ of the peripheral edge of the lower plate, measured from the top main planar surface of the reinforcement plate;
  • the reinforcing elements have their internal surface following the external surface of the lower plate
  • the reinforcing elements are continuous around the respective comers of the lower plate;
  • the reinforcement plate has only two reinforcing elements
  • the reinforcement plate is a substantially planar plate
  • the reinforcement plate is a planar plate, except in the regions of the reinforcing elements;
  • the plate has two holes for the circulation of fluid, the reinforcing elements being at proximity of the two holes;
  • the two holes are respectively for the inlet and outlet of a fluid, in particular oil;
  • the lower plate has corresponding holes in regards of the two holes for the circulation of fluid of the reinforcement plate, the two holes of the lower plate being respectively in the two corners of the lower plate that are reinforced by the reinforcing elements;
  • the fixation plate has a planar surface receiving the fixation plate and a protrusion around the reinforcement plate;
  • the protmsion is a peripheral edge of the fixation plate; the peripheral edge is present along at least 50% of the contour of the reinforcement plate;
  • the fixation plate has two holes for the circulation of fluid in regards of the corresponding holes of the reinforcement plate;
  • the fixation plate has holes for fixation of the heat exchanger into an automotive vehicle
  • the reinforcement plate has holes for fixation in regards of the corresponding holes of the reinforcement plate;
  • the stack of plates define two circuits for two respective fluids, the circuits being configured so that the two fluids circulate alternately between the adjacent pairs of plates;
  • each circuit flows along a respective side of each intermediate plate of the stack of plates
  • each intermediate plate of the stack of plates has holes for the circulation of two fluids through each intermediate plate
  • the lower plate has two holes respectively for the inlet and outlet of one of the two fluids, in particular oil;
  • the end plate opposite to the lower plate has two holes respectively for the inlet and outlet of the second of the two fluids, in particular coolant;
  • the heat exchanger is an oil cooler.
  • Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for making a heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates comprising a lower plate onto which the other plates are stacked, the heat exchanger also comprising a fixation plate, and a reinforcement plate between the fixation plate and the lower plate, the fixation plate having reinforcing elements and wherein the process comprises actions of cutting and folding the reinforcing elements from the material of the reinforcement plate.
  • the process may comprise one, several or any combination of the following characteristics:
  • the cutting and folding of a reinforcing element are made in a single movement of a tool, in particular a cutting dye; the cutting and folding are made in a single step;
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a stack of plates, a fixation plate and a reinforcement plate between the fixation plate and the stack of plates;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the reinforcement plate present in the heat exchanger of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the fixation plate, the reinforcement plate and the lower plate of the stack of plates present in the heat exchanger of Figure 1, as well as on top of the lower plate, the first base plate of the stack of base plates;
  • Figure 4 is a section view of the fixation plate, reinforcement plate and lower plate shown in Figure 3.
  • FIG. 1 shows a heat exchanger 2 typically used for oil cooling.
  • the heat exchanger comprises a stack of plates 4, a fixation plate 6 and a reinforcement plate 8 between the fixation plate 6 and the stack of plates 4.
  • the heat exchanger comprises a coolant inlet 10 and coolant outlet 12 going through the top end plate 14 of the stack of plates.
  • the coolant is for example a water and glycol based liquid commonly used for engine cooling.
  • an oil inlet 16 and an oil outlet 18 can also be seen through the lower plate 20 of the stack of plates 4, through the reinforcement plate 8 and through the fixation plate 6.
  • the heat exchanger is thus intended to be used as an oil cooler, for example for cooling the oil of the engine of the automotive vehicle.
  • the heat exchanger could also be used for heat exchange between other fluids, such as for example between water and glycol based liquid and a refrigerant such as for example l234yf.
  • the stack of plates 4 of the heat exchanger is designed so that the two fluids circulate alternately between the adjacent pairs of plates. That is to say, each fluid circulates along respective sides of each intermediate plate 22 (also called“base plates”) of the stack of plates 4.
  • the base plates 22 have holes for the circulation of the two fluids through each plate.
  • the reinforcement plate 8 shown more specifically on Figures 2 a 3, is a substantially planar plate having two reinforcing elements 24 around two corners 26 of the lower plate 20. These two reinforcing elements 24 shown more closely on Figure 4 are obtained by cutting and folding material from the reinforcement plate.
  • the internal surface 28 of the reinforcing elements 24 contact the external surface 30 of the peripheral edge 32 of the lower plate 20.
  • the internal surface 28 of the reinforcing elements 24 have a shape that is complementary of the shape of the external surface 30 and thus in contact along the whole corner 26.
  • the height h of the reinforcing element 24, measured from the top planar surface 34 of the fixation plate 6 is preferably at least half the height h’ of the peripheral edge 32 of the lower plate 20, measured from the top main planar surface 36 of the reinforcement plate 8.
  • the cutting and folding of a reinforcing element 24 are made preferably in a single movement of a cutting dye or any other adapted tool. Alternatively though, it is possible to make it in two steps with two different tools / apparatus. All reinforcing elements 24 of the reinforcement plate 8 made by cutting and folding are preferably made in a single step.
  • reinforcing elements 24 there are reinforcing elements 24 around only two comers 26 of the lower plate 20, as can be seen on the figures.
  • the reinforcing elements 24 are in one part (or“continuous”) around their respective corners 26. That is to say that each corner 26 is reinforced by only one reinforcing element. It was found a more reliable reinforcement compared to having several reinforcing elements around a specific corner.
  • the reinforced corners are the one at proximity of the holes for fluid communication 16 and 18 for oil. If the inlet and outlet of water and glycol based coolant were also designed through the reinforcement plate 8 and fixation plate 6, which is also a possible alternative, then the reinforcing elements would be at proximity of the inlet & outlet for oil, and there would be no reinforcing elements at proximity of the inlet & outlet for water & glycol based coolant.
  • the reinforcement plate 8 has fixation holes 38 in regards of corresponding fixation holes of the fixation plate 6, in order to receive for example fixation screws intended to fasten the heat exchanger into the automotive vehicle.
  • the reinforcement plate has no fixation hole and the fixation plate 6 is fastened to the automotive by holes that are external to the reinforcement plate.
  • the reinforcement plate 8 also has positioning protrusions 42, or more generally positioning elements, that cooperate with corresponding positioning elements 42 of the lower plate 20.
  • the positioning elements 42 of the lower plate 20, the reinforcement plate 8 and the fixation plate 6, are protruding plots, the protruding plots of each of the plates 20, 6 and 8 being respectively identical.
  • fixation plate 6 shown on figures 2, 3 & 4 is intended to receive the reinforcement plate and to fasten the heat exchanger 2 to the automotive vehicle thanks to fixation holes 44 in regards of the fixation holes 38 of the reinforcement plate 8. Fixation can be done with fixation screws or any other adapted fixation element such as bolts.
  • the fixation plate 6 has a top planar surface 34 ( Figure 4) receiving the bottom planar surface 46 of the reinforcement plate, the two surfaces being in contact with each other.
  • the fixation plate 6 and reinforcement plate 8 could have any other adapted geometry.
  • the fixation plate 6 has a peripheral edge 48 around the reinforcement plate 8 for reinforcement of the fixation plate 6.
  • the peripheral edge 48 extends along substantially the whole contour of the reinforcement plate 6. In the figures, there are only two regions 52 where the peripheral edge 48 is not present, but the peripheral edge 48 is still present around at least 50% of the contour of the reinforcement plate 6.
  • the stack of plates 4 is made of identical base plates, an upper plate (not shown) and of the top end plate 14, as commonly known.
  • the lower plate 20 has two holes 54 & 56. There holes are inactive for the lower plate 20 because these holes do not have corresponding holes in the reinforcement plate 8 and in the fixation plate 6.
  • the lower plate 20 also has holes 58 & 60 for the circulation of oil.
  • the base plates 22 are all identical. They have holes 62 for the circulation of oil and holes 64 for the circulation of coolant.
  • each base plate is turned 180 degrees in respect of the adjacent base plates. In this way, it is not necessary to make two different kinds of plates, as commonly known.
  • a first group of base plates are intended for the circulation of oil above the base plates 22.
  • the holes 62 for the circulation of oil are in the same plane as the main planar surfaces of these plates and the holes 66 for the circulation of coolant are elevated so that they make a tight contact with the bottom planar surface of the base plate above, which is turned 180 degrees.
  • the second half of the base plates 22 of the stack of plates have holes 64 for coolant in the plane of the main planar surfaces of these base plates 22 and the holes for the circulation of oil 62 are elevated so that they make a tight contact with the bottom surface of the plates above. Coolant will circulate on the top side of this second type of base plate.
  • each base plate 22 of the stack of plates 4, the lower plate 22 and the upper plate having a peripheral edge 32 of an identical shape.
  • the peripheral edge 32 of each plate receives the external surface of the peripheral edge 32 of the plate above in a tight manner.
  • This design is also called a“tub” design wherein each tub plate receives the tub plate above in a tight manner along the peripheral edges 32.
  • the top end plate only has holes 66 & 68 for receiving the inlet & outlet of coolant.
  • the inlet & outlet of coolant could also be on the side of the fixation plate 6, in which case, there would be not circulation holes in the top end plate 14.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)

Abstract

The heat exchanger (2) comprises a stack of plates (4) comprising a lower plate (20) onto which the other plates (22) are stacked. The heat exchanger (2) also comprises a fixation plate (6) and a reinforcement plate (8) between the fixation plate (6) and the lower plate (20). The reinforcement plate (8) has reinforcing elements (24) obtained from a cut and fold of the reinforcement plate (8) material.

Description

REINFORCED HEAT EXCHANGER COMPRISING A STACK OF PLATES
In the field of heat exchangers for automotive vehicles, it is known to use heat exchangers comprising stack of plates for the circulation of two fluids alternately between the adjacent pairs of plates. Such heat exchangers are used for example as oil coolers for the oil of the engine. The oil and coolant circulate along respective sides of each intermediate plate of the stack of plates.
The heat exchanger may also comprise a fixation plate for fixation of the stack of plates into the automotive vehicle. The stack of plates is for example soldered to the fixation plate which is itself fastened to the vehicle, for example with screws.
A reinforcement plate between the fixation plate and the stack of plates is also known from US2007084809-A and EP2267390-A.
However, these designs are costly and may still be improved in terms of mechanical resistance.
An aspect of the invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates comprising a lower plate onto which the other plates are stacked, and the heat exchanger also comprises a fixation plate and a reinforcement plate between the fixation plate and the lower plate, wherein the fixation plate has reinforcing elements obtained from a cut and fold of the reinforcement plate material.
The reinforcing elements thus obtained bring reinforcement while still allowing flexibility. Also, the process allows controlled position and shape of the reinforcing elements, with a reasonable cost.
It was also found that having reinforcing elements around only two corners is optimal.
In particular embodiments, the heat exchanger may comprise one, several or any combination of the following technical features:
the reinforcing elements are only one or more corners of the lower plate. Having reinforcing elements only in one of more of the comers bring reinforcement to the corners while also providing more elasticity to the rest of the lower plate. It is thus possible for the lower plate to follow slight deformations where constraints are not critical, thereby relieving constraints in the interface between the reinforcement plate and the lower plate.
the reinforcing elements are only around two comers of the lower plate;
for each reinforced corner, there is only one reinforcing element;
the reinforcing elements are in contact with the lower plate;
the reinforcing elements have a shape complementary to the shape of the lower plate;
the height h of the reinforcing element, measured from the top planar surface of the fixation plate is preferably at least half the height h’ of the peripheral edge of the lower plate, measured from the top main planar surface of the reinforcement plate;
the reinforcing elements have their internal surface following the external surface of the lower plate;
the reinforcing elements are continuous around the respective comers of the lower plate;
the reinforcement plate has only two reinforcing elements;
the reinforcement plate is a substantially planar plate;
the reinforcement plate is a planar plate, except in the regions of the reinforcing elements;
the plate has two holes for the circulation of fluid, the reinforcing elements being at proximity of the two holes;
the two holes are respectively for the inlet and outlet of a fluid, in particular oil; the lower plate has corresponding holes in regards of the two holes for the circulation of fluid of the reinforcement plate, the two holes of the lower plate being respectively in the two corners of the lower plate that are reinforced by the reinforcing elements;
the fixation plate has a planar surface receiving the fixation plate and a protrusion around the reinforcement plate;
the protmsion is a peripheral edge of the fixation plate; the peripheral edge is present along at least 50% of the contour of the reinforcement plate;
the fixation plate has two holes for the circulation of fluid in regards of the corresponding holes of the reinforcement plate;
the fixation plate has holes for fixation of the heat exchanger into an automotive vehicle;
the reinforcement plate has holes for fixation in regards of the corresponding holes of the reinforcement plate;
the stack of plates define two circuits for two respective fluids, the circuits being configured so that the two fluids circulate alternately between the adjacent pairs of plates;
each circuit flows along a respective side of each intermediate plate of the stack of plates;
each intermediate plate of the stack of plates has holes for the circulation of two fluids through each intermediate plate;
the lower plate has two holes respectively for the inlet and outlet of one of the two fluids, in particular oil;
the end plate opposite to the lower plate has two holes respectively for the inlet and outlet of the second of the two fluids, in particular coolant;
the heat exchanger is an oil cooler.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for making a heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates comprising a lower plate onto which the other plates are stacked, the heat exchanger also comprising a fixation plate, and a reinforcement plate between the fixation plate and the lower plate, the fixation plate having reinforcing elements and wherein the process comprises actions of cutting and folding the reinforcing elements from the material of the reinforcement plate.
In particular embodiments, the process may comprise one, several or any combination of the following characteristics:
the cutting and folding of a reinforcing element are made in a single movement of a tool, in particular a cutting dye; the cutting and folding are made in a single step;
all reinforcing elements made of the reinforcement plate made by cutting and folding are made in a single step.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a stack of plates, a fixation plate and a reinforcement plate between the fixation plate and the stack of plates;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the reinforcement plate present in the heat exchanger of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the fixation plate, the reinforcement plate and the lower plate of the stack of plates present in the heat exchanger of Figure 1, as well as on top of the lower plate, the first base plate of the stack of base plates;
Figure 4 is a section view of the fixation plate, reinforcement plate and lower plate shown in Figure 3.
Figure 1 shows a heat exchanger 2 typically used for oil cooling. The heat exchanger comprises a stack of plates 4, a fixation plate 6 and a reinforcement plate 8 between the fixation plate 6 and the stack of plates 4.
The heat exchanger comprises a coolant inlet 10 and coolant outlet 12 going through the top end plate 14 of the stack of plates. The coolant is for example a water and glycol based liquid commonly used for engine cooling. On figures 2 & 3, an oil inlet 16 and an oil outlet 18 can also be seen through the lower plate 20 of the stack of plates 4, through the reinforcement plate 8 and through the fixation plate 6. The heat exchanger is thus intended to be used as an oil cooler, for example for cooling the oil of the engine of the automotive vehicle. However, the heat exchanger could also be used for heat exchange between other fluids, such as for example between water and glycol based liquid and a refrigerant such as for example l234yf. The stack of plates 4 of the heat exchanger is designed so that the two fluids circulate alternately between the adjacent pairs of plates. That is to say, each fluid circulates along respective sides of each intermediate plate 22 (also called“base plates”) of the stack of plates 4. The base plates 22 have holes for the circulation of the two fluids through each plate.
This type of stack of plates 4 is commonly used and known to the person skilled in the art.
The reinforcement plate 8 shown more specifically on Figures 2 a 3, is a substantially planar plate having two reinforcing elements 24 around two corners 26 of the lower plate 20. These two reinforcing elements 24 shown more closely on Figure 4 are obtained by cutting and folding material from the reinforcement plate.
As show on Figure 4, the internal surface 28 of the reinforcing elements 24 contact the external surface 30 of the peripheral edge 32 of the lower plate 20. Preferably, the internal surface 28 of the reinforcing elements 24 have a shape that is complementary of the shape of the external surface 30 and thus in contact along the whole corner 26.
The height h of the reinforcing element 24, measured from the top planar surface 34 of the fixation plate 6 is preferably at least half the height h’ of the peripheral edge 32 of the lower plate 20, measured from the top main planar surface 36 of the reinforcement plate 8.
The cutting and folding of a reinforcing element 24 are made preferably in a single movement of a cutting dye or any other adapted tool. Alternatively though, it is possible to make it in two steps with two different tools / apparatus. All reinforcing elements 24 of the reinforcement plate 8 made by cutting and folding are preferably made in a single step.
Preferably, there are reinforcing elements 24 around only two comers 26 of the lower plate 20, as can be seen on the figures. Alternatively, there could be four reinforcing elements 24 around each corner 26 of the lower plate 20 but this is a less preferred solution. Preferably also, the reinforcing elements 24 are in one part (or“continuous”) around their respective corners 26. That is to say that each corner 26 is reinforced by only one reinforcing element. It was found a more reliable reinforcement compared to having several reinforcing elements around a specific corner.
Preferably again, the reinforced corners are the one at proximity of the holes for fluid communication 16 and 18 for oil. If the inlet and outlet of water and glycol based coolant were also designed through the reinforcement plate 8 and fixation plate 6, which is also a possible alternative, then the reinforcing elements would be at proximity of the inlet & outlet for oil, and there would be no reinforcing elements at proximity of the inlet & outlet for water & glycol based coolant.
The reinforcement plate 8 has fixation holes 38 in regards of corresponding fixation holes of the fixation plate 6, in order to receive for example fixation screws intended to fasten the heat exchanger into the automotive vehicle. Alternatively, the reinforcement plate has no fixation hole and the fixation plate 6 is fastened to the automotive by holes that are external to the reinforcement plate.
The reinforcement plate 8 also has positioning protrusions 42, or more generally positioning elements, that cooperate with corresponding positioning elements 42 of the lower plate 20. In this specific example, the positioning elements 42 of the lower plate 20, the reinforcement plate 8 and the fixation plate 6, are protruding plots, the protruding plots of each of the plates 20, 6 and 8 being respectively identical.
The fixation plate 6 shown on figures 2, 3 & 4 is intended to receive the reinforcement plate and to fasten the heat exchanger 2 to the automotive vehicle thanks to fixation holes 44 in regards of the fixation holes 38 of the reinforcement plate 8. Fixation can be done with fixation screws or any other adapted fixation element such as bolts.
The fixation plate 6 has a top planar surface 34 (Figure 4) receiving the bottom planar surface 46 of the reinforcement plate, the two surfaces being in contact with each other. Alternatively, the fixation plate 6 and reinforcement plate 8 could have any other adapted geometry. The fixation plate 6 has a peripheral edge 48 around the reinforcement plate 8 for reinforcement of the fixation plate 6.
Preferably, the peripheral edge 48 extends along substantially the whole contour of the reinforcement plate 6. In the figures, there are only two regions 52 where the peripheral edge 48 is not present, but the peripheral edge 48 is still present around at least 50% of the contour of the reinforcement plate 6.
At last, the stack of plates 4 is made of identical base plates, an upper plate (not shown) and of the top end plate 14, as commonly known.
As shown on Figure 3, the lower plate 20, has two holes 54 & 56. There holes are inactive for the lower plate 20 because these holes do not have corresponding holes in the reinforcement plate 8 and in the fixation plate 6.
The lower plate 20 also has holes 58 & 60 for the circulation of oil.
The base plates 22 are all identical. They have holes 62 for the circulation of oil and holes 64 for the circulation of coolant.
Also, each base plate is turned 180 degrees in respect of the adjacent base plates. In this way, it is not necessary to make two different kinds of plates, as commonly known.
A first group of base plates are intended for the circulation of oil above the base plates 22. The holes 62 for the circulation of oil are in the same plane as the main planar surfaces of these plates and the holes 66 for the circulation of coolant are elevated so that they make a tight contact with the bottom planar surface of the base plate above, which is turned 180 degrees.
The second half of the base plates 22 of the stack of plates have holes 64 for coolant in the plane of the main planar surfaces of these base plates 22 and the holes for the circulation of oil 62 are elevated so that they make a tight contact with the bottom surface of the plates above. Coolant will circulate on the top side of this second type of base plate.
Importantly, each base plate 22 of the stack of plates 4, the lower plate 22 and the upper plate (not shown) having a peripheral edge 32 of an identical shape. The peripheral edge 32 of each plate receives the external surface of the peripheral edge 32 of the plate above in a tight manner. This design is also called a“tub” design wherein each tub plate receives the tub plate above in a tight manner along the peripheral edges 32.
The top end plate only has holes 66 & 68 for receiving the inlet & outlet of coolant. Alternatively, as explained above, the inlet & outlet of coolant could also be on the side of the fixation plate 6, in which case, there would be not circulation holes in the top end plate 14.

Claims

1. Heat exchanger (2) comprising a stack of plates (4) comprising a lower plate (20) onto which the other plates (22) are stacked, and the heat exchanger (2) comprises a fixation plate (6), and a reinforcement plate (8) between the fixation plate (6) and the lower plate (20), wherein the reinforcement plate (8) has reinforcing elements (24) obtained from a cut and fold of the reinforcement plate (8) material.
2. Heat exchanger (2) according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing elements (24)vare only around one or more corners of the lower plate (20).
3. Heat exchanger (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing elements (24) are only around two corners of the lower plate (20).
4. Heat exchanger (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing elements (24) are in contact with the lower plate (20).
5. Heat exchanger (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing elements (24) have a shape complementary to the shape of the lower plate(20).
6. Heat exchanger (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement plate (8) is a substantially planar plate.
7. Heat exchanger (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement plate (8) has two holes (16, 18) for the circulation of fluid, the reinforcing elements (24) being at proximity of the two holes (16, 18).
8. Heat exchanger (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the lower plate (20) has corresponding holes (58, 60) in regards of the two holes (16, 18) for the circulation of fluid of the reinforcement plate (8), the two holes (58, 60) of the lower plate (20) being respectively in the two comers (26) of the lower plate (20) that are reinforced by the reinforcing elements (24).
9. Heat exchanger (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixation plate (6) has a planar surface (34) receiving the reinforcement plate (8) and a protrusion (48) around the reinforcement plate (8).
10. Heat exchanger (2) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the protrusion (48) is a peripheral edge of the fixation plate (6).
11. Heat exchanger (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stack of plates (4) define two circuits for two respective fluids, the circuits being configured so that the two fluids circulate alternately between the adjacent pairs of plates (22).
12. Heat exchanger (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger (2) is an oil cooler.
13. Process for making a heat exchanger (2) comprising a stack of plates (4) comprising a lower plate (20) onto which the other plates (22) are stacked, the heat exchanger (2) also comprising a fixation plate (6), and a reinforcement plate (8) between the fixation plate (6) and the lower plate (20), the fixation plate (6) having reinforcing elements (24) and wherein the process comprises actions of cutting and folding the reinforcing elements (24) from the material of the reinforcement plate (8).
14. Process according to claim 1, wherein the cutting and folding of a reinforcing element (24) are made in a single movement of a tool.
EP19740533.5A 2018-07-19 2019-07-12 Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates Withdrawn EP3824237A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18184518.1A EP3598049B1 (en) 2018-07-19 2018-07-19 Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates
PCT/EP2019/068841 WO2020016132A1 (en) 2018-07-19 2019-07-12 Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3824237A1 true EP3824237A1 (en) 2021-05-26

Family

ID=63012927

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18184518.1A Active EP3598049B1 (en) 2018-07-19 2018-07-19 Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates
EP19740533.5A Withdrawn EP3824237A1 (en) 2018-07-19 2019-07-12 Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18184518.1A Active EP3598049B1 (en) 2018-07-19 2018-07-19 Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20210302111A1 (en)
EP (2) EP3598049B1 (en)
CN (1) CN112805526B (en)
WO (1) WO2020016132A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FI100209B (en) * 1994-09-27 1997-10-15 Hadwaco Tech Oy Heat
JP2005083623A (en) * 2003-09-05 2005-03-31 Calsonic Kansei Corp Heat exchange unit and multilayer heat exchanger
US8181695B2 (en) 2005-10-05 2012-05-22 Dana Canada Corporation Reinforcement for dish plate heat exchangers
DE102006022445A1 (en) * 2006-05-13 2007-11-15 Modine Manufacturing Co., Racine Heat exchangers, in particular oil coolers
DE102009030095A1 (en) 2009-06-22 2010-12-23 Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg The stacked-plate cooler
DE102009034752A1 (en) * 2009-07-25 2011-02-10 Modine Europe Gmbh Heat exchanger i.e. oil cooler, has baseplate comprising bypass channel that corresponds with collecting duct and distributor channel, and tie rod extending into bypass channel of baseplate for fastening tie rod in baseplate
DE102014212942A1 (en) * 2014-07-03 2016-01-07 Mahle International Gmbh The stacked-plate cooler

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3598049B1 (en) 2022-08-10
WO2020016132A1 (en) 2020-01-23
CN112805526A (en) 2021-05-14
US20210302111A1 (en) 2021-09-30
EP3598049A1 (en) 2020-01-22
CN112805526B (en) 2024-03-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN111316057B (en) Multi-fluid heat exchanger
US11254236B2 (en) High performance uniform temperature cold plate
EP3124832B1 (en) Heat exchanger for vehicle
CN102466420B (en) Vehicle heat exchanger
JP5298100B2 (en) Vehicle heat exchanger
US10876802B2 (en) Stacked plate heat exchanger
CN107924898A (en) Cascade type radiator
CN116793121A (en) Oil cooler
US10240515B2 (en) Heat exchanger, particularly motor vehicle engine charge air cooler
EP3193102A1 (en) Heat exchange device
US9856778B2 (en) Vehicle heat exchanger
EP2485005A2 (en) Heat exchanger assembly with fin locating structure
EP3598051B1 (en) Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates
JP4999146B2 (en) Inner fin and heat sink equipped with the inner fin
EP3598049B1 (en) Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates
EP3598050B1 (en) Reinforced heat exchanger comprising a stack of plates
WO2019176620A1 (en) Cooler, power conversion device unit, and cooling system
EP3546257B1 (en) Air conditioning system for buses
JP6563161B1 (en) Cooler, power converter unit and cooling system
WO2017195588A1 (en) Stack type heat exchanger
KR20170121756A (en) Cooling water waste heat recovering heat exchanger manufacturing method thereof
JP2006317026A (en) Stacked heat exchanger and its manufacturing method
CN221404021U (en) Radiating fin, core body assembly and heat exchanger
EP3872434B1 (en) A plate assembly
US20230304744A1 (en) Heat exchanger

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20201215

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20210909