EP4172547A1

EP4172547A1 - Heat exchanger

Info

Publication number: EP4172547A1
Application number: EP21733970.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christophe Denoual
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
Current assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
Priority date: 2020-06-24
Filing date: 2021-06-17
Publication date: 2023-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-17
Also published as: WO2021259762A1; FR3111976A1; EP4172547B1; US20230228497A1; CN115803577A; FR3111976B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a heat exchange bundle (2), at least one fluid connection block (4) for entry and/or exit of at least one fluid in the heat exchange bundle (2) and an end plate (20) configured to interact with the at least one fluid connection block (4) by means of an opening (32, 34), characterised in that at least one part (48) of the fluid connection block (4) is laterally offset with respect to a circulation wall (16) of the end plate (20).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title of the invention: Heat exchanger.

The present invention relates to the field of heat exchangers, in particular intended to equip air conditioning systems and / or cooling systems of motor vehicles.

In the automotive field, it is common to have to modify a temperature of a component, such as an electric motor, a battery, a calorie and / or frigory storage device or the like. To this end, the motor vehicle is equipped with a heat exchanger which comprises a heat exchange bundle within which circulates a refrigerant fluid and a heat transfer fluid. Specifically, the heat exchange bundle comprises a plurality of plates stacked on top of each other. The plurality of plates then participate in delimiting a plurality of channels in which circulate the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant fluid so that they are able to perform a heat exchange with one another within the heat exchange bundle. heat. In order to convey the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant fluid within the heat exchange bundle, at least one connection block is secured to the heat exchange bundle, so that it is in fluid communication with the plurality of heat exchange bundle channels.

It will be understood from the above that the connection between the connection block and the heat exchange bundle needs to be sealed so that the supply to the channels of the heat exchange bundle is optimal. To do this, at least one filler material is installed between the connection block and the heat exchange bundle so that it melts during a brazing operation to create an adhesion between the two parts and that 'it thus ensures the seal between the connection block and the bundle. During the manufacture of this type of heat exchanger, the installation of the filler material must be particularly careful, because it is understood on the one hand that the absence of filler material, for example by forgetting a operator, prevents the fixing of parts during brazing, and on the other hand that such a lack of precision installation can generate during brazing poor adhesion of the parts to each other. In either case, it can result in sealing problems of the heat exchanger.

The object of the present invention is therefore to remedy the problems mentioned above by allowing a simple means to check the tightness between the connection block and the heat exchange bundle. In this way, the reliability of the heat exchanger and its service life in a motor vehicle are optimized.

The invention therefore relates to a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle comprising a heat exchange bundle and at least one fluid connection block allowing the entry and / or exit of at least one fluid in the heat exchanger bundle. heat exchange, the heat exchange bundle comprising a plurality of plates stacked one on top of the other such that they define between them a plurality of channels for the circulation of the at least one fluid, each plate comprising a wall circulation surrounded by a falling peripheral edge which extends the circulation wall opposite the fluid connection block, an end plate disposed at the top of the stack being configured to cooperate with the at least one fluid connection block , the end plate comprising at least one opening for fluid communication between the heat exchange bundle and the fluidic connection block arranged in covering of the at least one opening, said at least one opening being delimited by a collar which projects from the end plate opposite the heat exchange bundle, the fluidic connection block comprising a groove intended to receive the collet of the end plate, characterized in that the at least one opening delimited by a collar is formed in a corner of the end plate such that a part of the fluidic connection block, comprising at least a first part angular groove, is offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall of the end plate.

The heat exchanger can be a heat exchanger configured for cooling at least one component of a motor vehicle, such as an electrical storage device and can also equip an air conditioning system of said motor vehicle.

The plurality of channels formed by the stack of heat exchange bundle plates circulates heat transfer fluid and coolant within said heat exchange bundle. More specifically, the channels are formed in the heat exchange bundle in such a way that they allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant fluid alternately, in order to allow heat exchanges between these two fluids. It is therefore understood that part of the channels is arranged for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid and that another part of the channels is arranged for the circulation of the refrigerant fluid.

The fluid connection block then allows the entry or exit of heat transfer fluid or refrigerant fluid in the heat exchange bundle. To this end, the end plate of the heat exchange bundle comprises the opening delimited by the collar which participates in a tight connection and an optimal positioning of the connection block on the end plate during the manufacture of the 'heat exchanger. More precisely, the opening surrounded by the collar is made in one of the corners of the end plate so that the part of the connection block is offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall of the end plate. .

In other words, the groove formed in the fluidic connection block is not completely covered by the circulation wall of the end plate and said groove is partially open to the outside of the heat exchange bundle, at the level of its first angular part.

Advantage is taken of such a configuration of the opening and of the connection block, in particular in that it facilitates the verification of the tightness between said connection block on the one hand and the opening and the associated collar of on the other hand, at the level of the first angular part of the groove which is in communication with the external environment of the heat exchanger.

According to one example of the invention, at least part of the connection block is opposite a portion of the peripheral edge falling from the end plate. The part of the fluidic connection block that is not not covered by the circulation wall of the end plate is however arranged so as not to extend laterally beyond the overall envelope defined by the heat exchanger.

According to an example of the invention, at least a part of the connection block and a portion of the peripheral edge falling from the end plate are arranged with respect to each other so that their respective projections on a main extension plane of the circulation wall of the end plate are substantially coincident.

According to an example of the invention, the connection block comprises at least one channel which allows the passage of the fluid through the connection block from or to the heat exchange bundle, the groove of the connection block being formed concentrically around of said channel.

It is understood that the channel of the connection block allows the passage of heat transfer fluid or refrigerant through the connection block for the supply of fluid within the channels of the heat exchange bundle.

According to an example of the invention, the groove of the connection block is delimited laterally by an internal peripheral wall and an external peripheral wall having between them a distance of value greater than the value of the thickness of the collar of the opening.

It is understood from this structural characteristic that the collar is not inserted by force within the groove of the connection block during the manufacture of the heat exchanger. This makes it possible in particular to ensure that the collar is inserted far enough into the groove so that the connection can be sealed.

The collar is in contact at least with the internal peripheral wall of the groove of the connection block, at least at the level of the first angular part of the groove. In this way, the first angular part of the groove is allowed to be in communication with the external environment of the heat exchanger. According to an example of the invention, the internal peripheral wall of the connection block participates in laterally delimiting the groove and the channel of said connection block.

According to an example of the invention, the inner peripheral wall of the groove is at least partially in contact with the neck of the opening and the outer peripheral wall of the groove is at a non-zero radial distance from the neck of the opening.

According to an example of the invention, the internal peripheral wall of the groove is entirely in contact with the neck of the opening and the external peripheral wall of the groove comprises a first angular portion in contact with the circulation wall of the plate. end and a second angular portion, forming the part of the fluidic connection block offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall of the end plate, one end face of which facing the heat exchange bundle is free of any contact. It is then understood that an internal diameter of the collar and an external diameter of the internal peripheral wall are substantially identical, so that the entire collar is in contact with the internal peripheral wall of the groove.

It should be noted that the second angular portion of the outer peripheral wall corresponds to the first angular portion of the groove which communicates with the exterior of the heat exchanger.

According to one example of the invention, the internal peripheral wall of the groove and the external peripheral wall of the groove define between them a space in communication with the external environment of the heat exchanger. It will then be understood that the space of the groove, at the level of the first angular part of this groove and therefore in communication with the external environment of the heat exchanger, makes it easier to verify, on the one hand, the presence of a filler material in the groove of the connection block and on the other hand for the sealing of the connection between the connection block and the opening of the end plate after brazing the housed filler material in the groove of the terminal block. According to an example of the invention, at least one filler material is placed in the groove of the connection block.

The function of the filler material is to participate in the sealing between the connection block and the opening of the end plate, by deformation by fusion and adhesion during a brazing operation of the heat exchanger.

According to an example of the invention, the groove comprises a bottom wall connecting the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, at least one input material being disposed near the bottom wall.

According to an example of the invention, the filler material is in contact with the collar. In this way, an optimum seal is ensured between the connection block and the opening of the end plate of the heat exchange bundle after the heat exchanger brazing operation is completed. The filler material can in particular be interposed between the collar and the bottom wall.

According to an example of the invention, the at least one fluidic connection block is configured to cover two openings formed in the end plate each in a corner of the end plate of the heat exchange bundle, this block of connection comprising two distinct channels with a groove formed concentrically around each of the channels and able to cooperate with a collar arranged around one of the openings.

It is understood here that the end plate includes at least a first opening and a second opening, each provided at a corner of the end plate. More specifically, the first opening and the second opening are both delimited by a collar and are each formed in a corner of the end plate such that a first part and a second part of the connection block fluidic, each comprising a first angular portion respectively of a first groove and of a second groove, are laterally offset with respect to the circulation wall of said end plate.

According to an example of the invention, four fluid connection blocks allowing the entry and / or the exit of the fluid in the heat exchange bundle are arranged at each of the corners of the end plate of said heat exchange bundle, each of the connection blocks covering at least one opening delimited by a collar of the end plate and each of the connection blocks comprising a part offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall of the end plate.

According to an example of the invention, the part of each of the connection blocks which is offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall of the end plate of the heat exchange bundle is opposite the falling peripheral edge of said plate end.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding characteristics, comprising at least one preliminary assembly step during which the connection block is fixed on the end plate. of the heat exchange bundle so that at least part of the connection block is offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall of the end plate, a brazing step during which the brazing of the heat exchange bundle and of each connection block, and a subsequent sealing control step in which the first angular part of the groove offset laterally from the circulation wall of the end plate is used in order to stress at least one filler material provided between the connection block and the end plate.

It is understood that the subsequent step of checking the tightness is implemented due to the particular structure of the heat exchanger described above, and in particular of the part of the connection block, comprising the first angular part of the groove , which is laterally offset and therefore accessible from outside the heat exchanger.

According to an example of the method, during the assembly step, a crimping operation is carried out to fix the position of each connection block covering the at least one opening formed in the end plate. According to an example of the method, a brazing ring is placed in the groove of the connection block before mounting the collar of the end plate in this groove during the preliminary assembly step.

According to an alternative of the method, a liquid filler material is distributed, for example by injection, in the groove of the connection block after the mounting of the collar of the end plate in this groove during the preliminary assembly step. .

According to an example of the method, between the preliminary assembly step and the brazing step, the plates intended to form the heat exchange bundle are stacked on top of each other, the end plate being disposed at the top. of the stack of plates.

According to an example of the method, the subsequent leakage control step consists of a first sub-step of injecting a flow for example of compressed air or helium via the first angular part of the groove offset laterally for stress the area in which the filler material was originally present before the brazing operation.

It is understood from this first sub-step that the use of the flow of compressed air makes it possible to stress the area in which the filler material must be fused, in order to test the reliability of the seal. In other words, the flow of compressed air is sent to the area in which the filler material, solder ring or injected liquid filler material, was present before the brazing operation, in order to ensure that it this has fused well with the collar of the opening of the end plate and at least the internal peripheral wall of the groove and possibly with the bottom wall of said groove. In this first sub-step, it is thus ensured in particular that the filler material has indeed been fused and that it is not only glued to the connection block and to the collar, which would present an unreliable fixing in the time and presenting the risk of loss of tightness in the medium term.

According to an example of the method, the subsequent leakage control step comprises a second sub-step carried out following the first sub-step. step and during which a fluid is circulated through the fluidic connection block and the heat exchange bundle.

In this way, it is ensured that the seal between the connection block and the opening of the end plate, implemented by the brazed filler material, has been correctly carried out during the manufacture of the exchanger. heat. In other words, it is checked that the fluid does not escape from the heat exchanger at the level of the groove of the connection block, by means of the part of the connection block which comprises the first angular part of the groove which is accessible. from the external environment of said heat exchanger.

The invention also relates to a thermal system of a motor vehicle comprising at least one heat exchanger according to any one of the preceding characteristics.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows on the one hand, and from several exemplary embodiments given by way of indication and not by way of limitation with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which :

[fig î] is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to the invention;

[fig 2] is a schematic sectional view along a vertical and longitudinal plane of the heat exchanger of figure i;

[Fig 3] is a sectional view along a vertical and longitudinal plane partially showing the heat exchanger of Figure 1, and making visible in particular a fluid connection block and part of a stack of plates forming the body of the heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[Fig 4] is a perspective view, from below, of the fluidic connection block of FIG. 3 showing a part of said connection block which is laterally offset with respect to a stack of plates forming the body of the heat exchanger; [fig 5] is a partial representation of the heat exchanger, seen from below, showing the fluid connection block arranged to cover an opening of an end plate of the heat exchanger, the plate d 'end here being transparent and shown in dotted lines;

[Fig 6] is an exploded view of the heat exchanger of Figure 1 showing the fluid connection block, together with the end plate and a plurality of plates forming the body of the heat exchanger;

[fig y] is a schematic perspective view of the heat exchanger comprising a fluid connection block according to a second embodiment of the invention.

First, it should be noted that while the figures set out the invention in detail for its implementation, they can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. It should also be noted that, in all the figures, elements that are similar and / or perform the same function are indicated by the same numbering.

In the following description, a direction of a longitudinal axis L, a direction of a transverse axis T, and a direction of a vertical axis V are represented by a trihedron (L, V, T) in the figures. A horizontal plane is defined as a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis, a longitudinal plane as a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis, and a transverse plane as a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

FIG. 1 shows in perspective a heat exchanger 1 according to the invention which is configured to implement an exchange of calories between a heat transfer fluid and a refrigerant fluid. More particularly, the heat exchanger consists of a plate exchanger comprising a stack of plates one on top of the other, and between which the coolant and the refrigerant circulate alternately. The heat transfer fluid can in particular consist of glycol water. The refrigerant is for example carbon dioxide or a refrigerant known by the acronym R134A or 1234YF. Such a heat exchanger 1 is arranged at the intersection of two fluid circulation loops, at least one of which is also intended for the thermal regulation of a vehicle interior, or for the thermal regulation of a component of the vehicle. vehicle, that it consists, for example and without this being limiting, of an electrical or electronic component, or else of an element for the motorization of the vehicle.

Referring to Figure 1, the heat exchanger 1 comprises a heat exchange bundle 2 and at least one fluidic connection block 4, said heat exchange bundle being intended to be connected, if necessary by this connection block, to fluid inlet and outlet pipes not shown here.

The heat exchange bundle 2 is formed by a stack of plates 6, stacked one on top of the other along a stacking direction E, parallel to the vertical axis V. The heat exchanger 1, and therefore the bundle 2 comprises a first longitudinal end 8 and a second longitudinal end 10 opposite to the first longitudinal end 8 along the longitudinal axis L. The heat exchanger 1, and therefore the bundle 2, comprises a first transverse end 12 and a second transverse end 14 opposite to the first transverse end 12 along the transverse axis T.

The bundle 2 comprises a first end plate 20 and a second end plate 22 which are distinguished from the other plates of the stack of plates 6 in that they delimit this stack, and therefore the bundle 2, along the stacking direction E. The first end plate 20 is defined as the plate comprising inlet openings 32 and outlet openings 34 for the coolant and the coolant, which will be described in more detail hereinafter .

All the plates 6 of the bundle 2 thus stacked in the stacking direction E are brazed with each other in order to ensure the tightness of said bundle 2. More precisely, the plates 6 of the bundle 2 are brazed between they in order to ensure the sealing of the heat transfer fluid path and of the refrigerant fluid path, both provided in the bundle 2 by means of a plurality of channels 26. In the same operation brazing, the at least one connection block 4 is also brazed to the bundle 2, and more precisely to the first end plate 20 comprising the inlet openings 32 and the outlet openings 34. More precisely, the at least one connection block 4 is brazed in line with one of the openings 32, 34 of the first end plate 20, with a filler material 64, visible in FIG. 2 in its configuration before brazing, which is intended to be merged between said connection block 4 and said first end plate 20 to ensure the fixing of the parts to one another and in particular to ensure the seal between these parts. As visible in Figures 1 and 2, each plate 6 of the heat exchange bundle 2 comprises a circulation wall 16, substantially planar and extending in the horizontal plane defined arbitrarily previously, surrounded by a falling peripheral edge 18 which extends the circulation wall 16 opposite the first end plate 20, and the at least one fluidic connection block 4 that this first end plate carries.

The plates 6 are arranged between these two end plates 20, 22 forming a beam body 24 and delimiting the plurality of channels 26. More precisely, the plates 6 of the beam body 24 define at least a plurality of first channels 26a and a plurality of second channels 26b configured to be traversed respectively by the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant fluid.

As can be seen in FIG. 2 showing a sectional view along the longitudinal plane AA visible in FIG. 1, two immediately adjacent plates 6 define a first channel 26a, in which the heat transfer fluid can circulate, or a second channel 26b, in which the refrigerant can circulate.

In the stack, from the first end plate 20 to the second end plate 22, the first channels 26a, arranged for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, alternate with the second channels 26b arranged for the circulation of the refrigerant fluid. Thus, a first plate 6 participates in delimiting the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in collaboration with a second adjacent plate 6, and participates in delimiting the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in collaboration with a third adjacent plate 6. The same plate 6 is thus on one side in contact with the heat transfer fluid and on the other in contact with the refrigerant fluid. It will then be understood that such a structure of the first channels 26a and of the second channels 26b of the heat exchange bundle 2 allows heat exchanges between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant fluid as mentioned above.

In order to circulate the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant fluid respectively in each of the first channels 26a and in each of the second channels 26b, collectors 28, shown schematically in FIG. 1 in dotted lines, are provided in the volume of the bundle 2 of heat exchange. More particularly, the collectors 28 are made in the heat exchange bundle 2 by the stacking, along the stacking direction E, of openings 30 formed in each of the plates 6 of the bundle body 24 and partly visible from the outside. Figure 2. In the example illustrated, each of the plates 6 of the beam body 24 comprises four openings 30 each formed at each of the corners of the circulation wall 16 of said plates 6. The alignment of the openings 30 formed in a corresponding corner of each of the plates 6 then defines a volume forming a collector whose main direction of elongation is parallel to the stacking direction E of the plates 6.

The heat exchange bundle 2 then includes two inlet manifolds and two outlet manifolds to allow the passage of each of the fluids through the heat exchanger.

In the example illustrated, the heat exchange bundle comprises a first inlet manifold 28a and a first outlet manifold 28b arranged at the level of the first longitudinal end 8 of the heat exchanger 1. More precisely, the first inlet manifold 28a is arranged in the corner corresponding to the angle of the first longitudinal end 8 and of the first transverse end 12 and this first inlet manifold 28a allows the entry of the heat transfer fluid in each of the first channels 26a of the heat exchange bundle 2. The first outlet manifold 28b is arranged in the corner corresponding to the angle of the first longitudinal end 8 and the second transverse end 14 of the heat exchanger 1 and this first outlet manifold 28b allows the exit of the coolant from each of the first channels 26a of the heat exchange bundle 2. It is then understood that the heat transfer fluid has a U-shaped circulation in each of the first channels 26a in order to connect the first inlet manifold 28a and the first outlet manifold 28b, that is to say a circulation going in a first direction towards the second longitudinal end 10 of the bundle, along the first transverse end 12, then in a second direction by returning towards the first longitudinal end 8 and the outlet manifold, this time along the second transverse end 14.

Likewise, the heat exchange bundle 2 comprises a second inlet manifold 28c and a second outlet manifold 28d arranged at the level of the second longitudinal end 10. More precisely, the second inlet manifold 28c is arranged at the angle of the second longitudinal end 10 and of the first transverse end 12 and allows the entry of the refrigerant fluid into each of the second channels 26b of the heat exchange bundle 2. The second outlet manifold 28d is arranged at the corner of the second longitudinal end 10 and the second transverse end 14 and allows the exit of the refrigerant fluid from each of the second channels 26b of the heat exchange bundle 2. It is then understood that, by analogy to what has been described for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, the refrigerant has a U-shaped circulation within each of the second channels 26b of the heat bundle 2 in order to connect the second inlet manifold 28c and the second outlet manifold 28d.

As is particularly visible in Figures 1 and 2, the first end plate 20 comprises inlet openings 32 and outlet openings 34 for the coolant and the coolant. A first inlet opening 32a, visible in FIG. 2, is formed in the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20, so that it is in line with the first inlet manifold 28a and forms l 'inlet port of heat transfer fluid in the first inlet manifold 28a and therefore in the first channels 26a of the heat exchange bundle 2.

A first outlet opening, not visible, is formed in the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20, so that it is in line with the first outlet manifold 28b and forms the outlet for the fluid. coolant from the first outlet manifold 28b and therefore from the first channels 26a of the heat exchange bundle.

A second inlet opening 32b, particularly visible in FIG. 1, is formed in the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20, so that it is in line with the second inlet manifold 28c and forms the inlet of the coolant in the second inlet manifold 28c and therefore in the second channels 26b of the heat exchange bundle 2.

A second outlet opening 34b, visible in FIG. 1, is formed in the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20 so that it is in line with the second outlet manifold 28d and forms the orifice of outlet of the refrigerant fluid from the second outlet manifold 28d and from the second channels 26b of the heat exchange bundle 2.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least one of the inlet 32 and / or outlet 34 openings is delimited by a collar 36. According to the illustrated embodiment, all of the inlet openings 32 and outlet openings 34 of the first end plate 20 are delimited by a collar 36. More precisely, each of the collars 36 protrudes from the first end plate 20 opposite the bundle 2 d heat exchange. The collar 36 allows in particular the connection of the inlet openings 32 and the outlet openings 34 of the first end plate 20 with a fluid inlet and outlet pipe, here not shown, where appropriate via the at least a fluidic connection block 4.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 1 comprises a first connection block 4a and a second connection block 4b arranged in overlapping respectively of the first inlet opening 32a and the first outlet opening. The first connection block 4a and the second connection block 4b each comprise a channel 38 which extends in the vertical direction V of the heat exchanger 1 and passes through on either side of the connection blocks 4 along said vertical direction V so that it allows the passage of the fluid, here the heat transfer fluid through the connection blocks 4 from or to the heat exchange bundle 2. The first connection block 4a then has the function of connecting the first channels 26a with an inlet pipe, not visible, ensuring the supply of coolant to the first channels 26a by means of the channel 38. The second connection block 4b has the function of allowing the evacuation of the heat transfer fluid outside the heat exchange bundle 2, via a non-visible outlet pipe, once it has circulated in the first channels 26a, by means of the channel 38.

It will be understood that, without departing from the context of the invention, the second inlet opening 32b and the second outlet opening 34b can be connected directly to the inlet and outlet pipes for refrigerant fluid, or else be fluidly connected to connection blocks, not shown, similar or different to what has just been described for the first connection block 4a and the second connection block 4b.

The fluidic connection between the first connection block 4a and the first inlet opening 32a will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 to 5. It should be considered that the structural and functional characteristics of the first connection block 4a and of the first inlet opening 32a also apply to the second connection block 4b and to the first outlet opening. To this end, in the remainder of the description, the term connection block 4 will be used to designate the first connection block 4a and the second connection block 4b when the characteristics apply to both of said connection block 4. Likewise, the term first opening 32a will be used in the remainder of the description to denote the first inlet opening 32a and the first outlet opening when the characteristics apply to one or other of said first openings

32a.

Each connection block 4 has the shape of a parallelepiped, substantially rectangle, in which a first end face 52 and a second end face 54 are defined, opposite to each other in the vertical direction V le along which extends the channel 38 formed in the connection block. The first end face 52 is then the face of the connection block 4 turned towards the heat exchange bundle 2, brought into contact with the first end plate 20, while the second end face 54 is the face facing away from the heat exchange bundle 2. The channel 38 extends over the entire vertical dimension of the connection block, opening out both on the first end face and on the second end face.

According to the invention, the connection block 4 comprises at least one groove 40 intended to receive the collar 36 associated with the first opening 32a of the first end plate 20. The groove 40 of the connection block 4 is formed in the volume. of said connection block 4 from its first end face 52, that is to say that the groove 40 faces towards the first end plate 20. The groove 40 is delimited laterally by an internal peripheral wall 42 and a outer peripheral wall 44 connected to each other by a bottom wall 46. The groove 40 is formed concentrically around the channel 38 of the connection block 4, so that the inner peripheral wall 42 participates in delimiting laterally to the both the groove 40 and the channel 38 of said connection block 4.

According to the invention and as is particularly visible in FIG. 4, the connection block 4 is arranged to cover the first opening 32a of the first end plate 20 such that part 48 of said connection block 4, comprising a first angular portion 50 of the groove 40, is offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall 16 of said first end plate 20.

The collar 36 of the first opening 32a is arranged in one of the corners of the first end plate 20 sufficiently close to the edge. peripheral 18 of said first end plate 20, so that the connection block 4 partially protrudes from the circulation wall 16 and so that the groove 40 of the connection block 4 is partially open, at its first angular part 50, on an environment outside of the heat exchanger 1.

Advantage is taken of such an arrangement in that it makes it possible to facilitate verification by an operator of the presence in the groove 40 of a filler material 64, before the brazing operation of the heat exchanger 1, and on the other hand the seal between the connection block 4 and the first end plate 20 at the end of the brazing step, as will be detailed below.

Thus, it should be understood that the structural characteristics of the connection block 4 and of the first opening 32a which will follow allow the implementation of the invention, that is to say the advantageous positioning of the connection block 4 as an overlap. of the first opening 32a with the first angular part 50 of the groove 40 which is open to the outside of the heat exchanger, and therefore visible to an operator.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a spacing D is defined between the inner peripheral wall 42 and the outer peripheral wall 44 of the groove 40, the spacing D then being of a non-zero value. In other words, this spacing D corresponds to the width of the groove measured in the horizontal plane. We also define a thickness P of the collar 36 associated with the first opening, also measured in a horizontal plane, that is to say along a straight line perpendicular to the stacking direction E of the plates 6 of the heat exchange bundle 2. According to the invention, the value of the spacing D is strictly greater than the value of the thickness P of the collar 36.

It will be understood from this characteristic that, when the heat exchanger is assembled, the collar 36 is received in the groove 40 of the connection block 4 such that it is in contact with the internal peripheral wall 42 at least at the level of the first angular part 50 of the groove 40 which is open to the outside of the heat exchanger. Thus and as visible in FIG. 3, the internal peripheral wall 42 which extends at the level of the first angular part 50 of the groove 40 is in contact with the collar 36 of the first opening 32a while the external peripheral wall 44 of the groove 40 is at a non-zero radial distance R from the collar 36 of the first opening 32a. It will be understood that in this way, a clearance is provided between the collar 36 and the outer peripheral wall 44 of the groove at least at the level of the first angular part 50 of the groove 40. In this way, the first angular part 50 of the groove 40 is in communication with the external environment of the heat exchanger. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, an internal diameter of the collar 36 and an external diameter of the internal peripheral wall 42 of the groove 40 are substantially identical. In this way, the entire collar 36 is in contact with the internal peripheral wall 42 of the groove 40.

There is a first angular portion 56 of the outer peripheral wall 44 of the groove 40 and a second angular portion 58 of the outer peripheral wall 44 of the groove 40.

The first angular portion 56 of the outer peripheral wall 44 is in contact with the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20, and this first angular portion 56 then corresponds to the part of the connection block 4, the first face of which d end 52 is in contact with the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20.

The second angular portion 58 of the outer peripheral wall 44 is free of any contact with the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20 and therefore corresponds to the part 48 of the connection block 4, comprising the first angular part 50 of the groove 40, which is laterally offset with respect to the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20. The first end face 52 of the part 48 of the connection block 4 which is offset laterally with respect to the wall 16 of the first end plate 20 is free from any contact with any element of the heat exchanger 1.

Thus, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the part 48 of the connection block 4 comprising the first angular part 50 of the groove 40 is not in contact with the circulation wall 16 but is opposite a portion of the peripheral edge 18 falling from the first end plate 20. More particularly, the part 48 of the connection block 4 comprising the first angular part 50 of the groove 40 and the peripheral edge 18 falling from the first end plate 20 are arranged relative to each other such that their respective projections on the horizontal plane are substantially coincident.

It will be understood from the above that the part 48 of the connection block 4, in which the first end face 52 is free of any contact with the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20, is both clear laterally from the circulation wall and is also included in a cylindrical casing with a vertical axis delimiting the heat exchanger 1. In other words, this part 48 of the connection block 4 is laterally offset at most to the right from a free end 60 of the peripheral edge 18 falling from the first end plate 20.

Advantage is taken of all the preceding characteristics in that a space 62 formed by the distance D between the outer peripheral wall 44 and the inner peripheral wall 42 of the groove 40, is in communication with the external environment of the. 'heat exchanger 1. In this way, it facilitates access to the contact zone between the collar 36 associated with the first opening 32a and the internal peripheral wall 42 of the groove 40 of the connection block 4. The verification of the manufacture of the connection block 4 on the first opening 32a of the first end plate 20, and in particular the quality and the tightness of the brazing of the connection block 4 on the first end plate 20, can thus be facilitated by this access to the contact zone via the first part of the groove 50.

The filler material 64 is placed in the groove 40 of the connection block 4, and in particular in the space 62 of said groove 40. It should be understood, as mentioned above, that the filler material 64 is visible on Figures 2 and 3 in an original configuration, here in the form brazing ring, before it is fused to secure the connection block 4 on the first end plate 20.

The filler material 64 is provided near the bottom wall 46 of the groove 40, so that it is interposed between the collar 36 of the first opening 32a and the bottom wall 46 of the groove 40. The filler material 64 is at least in contact with the collar 36 associated with the first opening 32a and the internal peripheral wall 42 of the groove 40. This allows, during the deformation of the filler material 64 during the operation of brazing of the heat exchanger 1, to merge together the connection block 4 and the end plate of the heat exchange bundle via the collar, and to ensure optimum sealing between these two components. The filler material 64 can be without limitation a brazing ring 64a, visible in Figures 2 and 3, positioned in the groove prior to the assembly of the connection block 4 on the first end plate 20, or again a liquid filler material 64b, intended to be injected, via the first part 50 of the groove 40, into this groove 40 once the connection block 4 is in position on the first end plate 20.

It is then understood that the space 62 between the internal peripheral wall 42 and the external peripheral wall 44 of the groove 40 which is in communication with the external environment of the heat exchanger 1 allows access at least in part to the material. input 64 by an operator. This makes it possible to verify the presence and / or the correct position of the filler material 64 within the groove 40 of the connection block 4. In other words, a visual check of the presence and / or the correct position of the filler material. the brazing ring 64a or the liquid filler material 64b can be carried out by an operator prior to the brazing operation of the heat exchanger 1.

In a complementary manner, the space 62 between the internal peripheral wall 42 and the external peripheral wall 44 of the groove makes it possible to check the tightness between the connection block 4 and the first end plate 20, after the operation of brazing the latter, in particular by injecting a fluid into the heat exchanger. This ensures that the fluid injected into the heat exchanger does not escape from bundle 2, by more particularly checking whether no leak occurs at the level of the first angular part 50 of the groove 40.

A method of manufacturing the heat exchanger 1 will now be described in connection with Figure 6, which schematically illustrates an exploded view of the main steps of said manufacture. In the remainder of the description, two examples of the manufacturing process will be described, each of the examples being distinct from the other depending on the type of filler material 64 used during said manufacturing.

According to a first example of a manufacturing process, the brazing ring is placed in the groove of the connection block 4 according to the characteristics mentioned above. More specifically, the brazing ring is disposed in the groove of the connection block 4 so that it is at least close to the bottom wall and in contact with the inner peripheral wall of said groove.

Following this step, a preliminary step of the manufacturing process is carried out during which the connection block 4, comprising the brazing ring, is fixed on the first end plate 20 of the beam 2 of heat exchange. heat and such that said connection block 4 is offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20 according to the characteristics described above. In other words, during the preliminary step, the collar 36 associated with the first inlet opening 32a or with the first outlet opening of the first end plate 20 is inserted into the groove of the connection block 4 in such a way that the latter is laterally offset from the circulation wall 16 of said first end plate 20 and that the collar 36 is at least partly in contact with the brazing ring. In this preliminary step, it is ensured that, at the level of the part 48 of the connection block 4 comprising the first angular part 50 of the groove 40, the collar 36 is at least in contact with the internal peripheral wall 42 in order to generate a lateral offset of this part 48 of the connection block 4 with respect to the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20. It will then be understood that the preliminary manufacturing step allows the positioning of the connection block 4 to cover the first inlet opening 32a of the first end plate 20, so that the part 48 of the connection block 4 which comprises the second angular portion of the outer peripheral wall of the groove is offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall 16 of said first end plate 20. It is understood that following this preliminary step, the brazing ring is interposed between the collar 36 of the first inlet opening 32a or of the first outlet opening and the bottom wall of the groove of the connection block 4.

In order to secure the connection block 4 on the first end plate 20, and to keep it in position during the remainder of the manufacturing process, a crimping operation of said connection block 4 with said first end plate 20 is carried out. .

Following the preliminary assembly step and the crimping of the connection block 4, each of the plates 6 of the beam body 24 is stacked on top of each other in the stacking direction E. Subsequently, it is assembled. the first end plate 20 carrying the connection block 4 on the bundle body 24 of the heat exchanger 1, at one of its ends, while the second end plate 22 is assembled with the bundle body 24 at one end of said bundle 2, opposite the first end plate 20.

At this stage of the method and advantageously according to the invention, a step is carried out of visually checking the presence and / or the correct position of the brazing ring within the groove of the connection block 4, by means of the 'space of the groove in communication with the external environment of the heat exchanger, formed in part 48 of the connection block 4 offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20, such as 'previously mentioned.

A brazing step is then carried out in the process for manufacturing the heat exchanger 1, during which the plates are simultaneously brazed together to form the heat exchange bundle 2 and each connection block 4 to said heat exchange bundle and in particular the first end plate. It will then be understood that during this brazing step, the brazing ring positioned previously in the groove of the connection block 4 merges with on the one hand the connection block and on the other hand the collar, so as to ensure the fixing. and sealing the heat exchanger 1 at the junction of the connection block 4 and the first end plate 20.

Following the brazing step, a subsequent step of checking the tightness between the connection block 4 and the first end plate 20 is carried out. To do this, the first angular part of the groove is used. is laterally offset from the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20 in order to urge the filler material provided between the collar and the groove. In other words, during the subsequent step of the method, the space provided between the internal peripheral wall and the external peripheral wall of the groove, which is in communication with the external environment of the heat exchanger 1, is used to check the seal between the connection block 4 and the first inlet opening 32a or the first outlet opening.

The subsequent sealing control step can then consist of a first sub-step during which a flow of compressed air is injected, via the first angular part of the groove offset laterally and therefore via the space of the groove. in communication with the external environment of the heat exchanger 1 as previously mentioned. The function of the compressed air flow is then to ensure that the filler material is indeed integral with the internal peripheral wall of the groove of the connection block 4 and of the collar 36 of the first inlet opening 32a or the first exit opening. In other words, during the first sub-step it is verified that the filler material, here the brazing ring, has been fused with the collar 36 and at least the internal peripheral wall of the groove. This ensures that the brazing ring is not only glued by adhesion to the collar, which would present a risk of separation over time as well as a loss of seal between the connection block 4 and the first plate. end 20. Following the first sub-step, a second sub-step is carried out during which a fluid is circulated through the fluidic connection block 4 and the heat exchange bundle 2. It will then be understood that the purpose of this second sub-step of the method is to test the heat exchanger 1 under normal conditions of use. In particular, it is ensured that the fluidic seal between the connection block 4 and the first inlet opening 32a or the first outlet opening has been correctly achieved by the melting of the filler material during the brazing operation. More precisely, it is ensured that the fluid does not flow outside the bundle 2 via the groove of the connection block 4, by a visual inspection at the level of the first angular part 50 of the groove 40 offset laterally by relative to the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20.

A second example of a manufacturing process will now be described. It should be considered that only the characteristics different from the first example will be described. For the common characteristics it will be advisable to refer to the first example.

According to the second example of a manufacturing process, following the preliminary assembly step, the crimping of the connection block 4 and the assembly of the plates 6 and the end plates 20, 22 according to the previously mentioned characteristics. , a liquid filler material is injected into the groove of the connection block 4 via the first angular part of the groove which is laterally offset from the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20, and which is therefore accessible from the outside of the heat exchanger 1. The liquid filler material is distributed in the groove so that it fills the groove, so as to ensure that the filler material is at least in contact with the inner peripheral wall and of the collar 36 of the first inlet opening 32a or of the first outlet opening. In this manufacturing example, the lateral offset of part of the groove allows the operator, in addition to being able to visually check the presence of the filler material and the quality of the seal after brazing as previously mentioned, to 'inject the liquid filler material after the connection block is assembled on the first end plate.

The other steps of the second exemplary embodiment are common with the first exemplary embodiment of the manufacturing process.

A second embodiment of the invention will now be described in connection with Figure y. It should be considered that in the remainder of the description, only the characteristics different from the first embodiment will be described. For the common characteristics, please refer to figures 2 to 5.

As shown in Figure 7, the connection block 4 is configured such that it covers the first inlet opening and the first outlet opening. It is therefore understood that the connection block 4 of this second embodiment comprises a first channel 38a and a second channel 38b respectively to the right of the first inlet opening and to the right of the first outlet opening of the first plate. end 20.

Each of the first channel 38a and of the second channel 38b then comprises respectively a first groove and a second groove, not visible, arranged concentrically around each of said channels 38a, 38b. The first groove is then able to cooperate with the collar, visible in FIG. 2, associated with the first inlet opening while the second groove is able to cooperate with the collar associated with the first outlet opening according to the characteristics mentioned above. .

In a manner identical to the first embodiment, the connection block 4 comprises at least one part 48 which is offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20. More precisely, the connection block 4 according to the second embodiment comprises a first part 48a, which is laterally offset with respect to the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20 and which is located at the level of the angle between the first longitudinal end 8 and the first transverse end 12 of the heat exchanger 1, and a second part 48b, which is offset laterally from the circulation wall 16 of the first end plate 20 and which is located at the angle of the first longitudinal end 8 and the second transverse end 14 of the heat exchanger 1. Advantage is taken of the method particular construction of the heat exchanger, as well as the particular structure of said heat exchanger, in that the part of the connection block which is laterally offset from the circulation wall of the first end plate allows a double check the seal between the connection block and the inlet opening as detailed above, produced by a filler material. This optimizes the reliability of the heat exchanger as well as its service life.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Heat exchanger (î) for a motor vehicle comprising a heat exchange bundle (2) and at least one fluid connection block (4) allowing the entry and / or exit of at least one fluid in the heat exchange bundle (2), the heat exchange bundle (2) comprising a plurality of plates (6) stacked one on top of the other so that they delimit a plurality of channels (26) between them ) circulation of the at least one fluid, each plate (6) comprising a circulation wall (16) surrounded by a falling peripheral edge (18) which extends the circulation wall (16) opposite the connection block (4) fluidic, an end plate (20) disposed at the top of the stack being configured to cooperate with the at least one fluidic connection block (4), the end plate (20) comprising at least one opening (32, 34) for fluid communication between the heat exchange bundle (2) and the connection block (4) fluidic disposed overlapping the at least one opening (32, 34), said at least one opening (32, 34) being delimited by a collar (36) which projects from the end plate (20) opposite the heat exchange bundle (2), the fluid connection block (4) comprising a groove (40) intended to receive the collar (36) of the end plate (20), characterized in that the at least one opening (32, 34) delimited by the collar (36) is formed in a corner of the end plate (20) such that a part (48) of the connection block (4) fluidic, comprising at least a first angular portion (50) of the groove (40), is laterally offset with respect to the circulation wall (16) of the end plate (20).

2. Heat exchanger (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least a part (48) of the connection block (4) and a portion of the peripheral edge (18) falling from the end plate (20) are arranged with respect to each other so that their respective projection on a main elongation plane of the circulation wall (16) of the end plate (20) are substantially coincident.

3. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection block (4) comprises at least one channel (38) which allows the passage of fluid through the connection block (4) from or towards the heat exchange bundle (2), the groove (40) of the connection block (4) being formed concentrically around said channel (38).

4. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groove (40) of the connection block (4) is delimited laterally by an internal peripheral wall (42) and an external peripheral wall (44). having between them a distance (D) greater than the value of a thickness (P) of the collar (36) of the opening (32, 34)

5. Heat exchanger (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the inner peripheral wall (42) of the groove (40) is at least partly in contact with the collar (36) of the opening (32, 34) and the outer peripheral wall (44) of the groove (40) is at a non-zero radial distance (R) from the collar (36) of the opening (32, 34).

6. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the inner peripheral wall (42) of the groove (40) is entirely in contact with the collar (36) of the opening (32, 34) and in which the outer peripheral wall (44) of the groove (40) comprises a first angular portion (56) in contact with the circulation wall (16) of the end plate (20) and a second angular portion (58), forming the part (48) of the fluidic connection block (4) offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall (16) of the end plate (20), one end face (52) of which is turned towards the heat exchange bundle (2) is free of any contact.

7. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the inner peripheral wall (42) of the groove (40) and the outer peripheral wall (44) of the groove (40) delimit between they a space (62) in communication with the external environment of the heat exchanger (1).

8. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connection block (4) fluidic is configured to cover two openings (32, 34) formed in the end plate (20) each in a corner of the end plate (20) of the heat exchange harness (2), this connection block ( 4) comprising two separate channels (38a, 38b) with a groove (40) formed concentrically around each of the channels (38a, 38b) and able to cooperate with a collar (36) arranged around one of the openings (32, 34).

9. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one preliminary assembly step during which the connection block (4) is fixed on the plate. end (20) of the heat exchange bundle (2) so that at least a part (48) of the connection block (4) is offset laterally with respect to the circulation wall (16) of the end plate (20), a brazing step during which the brazing of the heat exchange bundle (2) and of each connection block (4) is carried out, and a subsequent sealing control step at the during which the first angular portion (50) of the groove (40) offset laterally from the circulation wall (16) of the end plate (20) is used in order to urge at least one filler material (64) provided between the connection block (4) and the end plate (20).

10. Thermal system of a motor vehicle comprising at least one heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.