FR2844586A1 - Heat exchange module especially for motor vehicle engine has manifold housing of main heat exchanger made with projecting comb to fasten fins - Google Patents

Abstract

The heat exchange module consists of a main (1) and secondary (2) heat exchanger with housings equipped with fluid circulation tubes (22, 23), at least one manifold housing (5, 8) with a plate (35) having holes for the tubes, and cooling fins (11) common to both heat exchangers. The manifold housing of the main heat exchanger has at least one projecting comb (28) with cut-outs to receive the tubes of the secondary heat exchanger. The comb also locks the portions of fins projecting from the body of the main heat exchanger. In addition, the outer surface of the main heat exchanger manifold plate is equipped with a seal (33).

Description

Heat exchange module, in particular for motor vehicles,

  comprising means for retaining the fins

  The invention relates to a heat exchange module consisting of a main exchanger and at least one secondary heat exchanger mounted parallel to the main exchanger so as to constitute a single assembly whose exchangers are crossed by the same air flow.

  More particularly, the invention relates to a heat exchange module consisting of a main exchanger and at least one secondary heat exchanger, the main heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger comprising a body provided with fluid circulation tubes and at least one manifold provided with a manifold perforated with holes for receiving the tubes of the body of the exchanger, the module comprising cooling fins common to the main exchanger and to at least one exchanger secondary, these fins

  being mounted on the tubes of the main exchanger and projecting from the latter substantially perpendicular to its plane, the parts of the fins projecting from the main exchanger comprising cutouts for receiving the secondary exchanger.

  A heat exchange module of the type described above may consist of a vehicle engine cooling radiator and one or more secondary exchangers, generally a condenser forming part of the air conditioning circuit.

  of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle or an oil radiator.

  During the assembly of the module, the tubes of the secondary exchanger (or secondary exchangers) are force-fitted into the cutouts of the common fins. These tend to deviate. This is why it is necessary to maintain them by means of a comb-shaped tool inserted between the tubes of the main exchanger. This operation leaves a clearance of several millimeters between the manifold of the main exchanger and the first fin. This results in several drawbacks. On the one hand, part of the tubes is devoid of fins, which reduces the heat exchange capacity and therefore the efficiency of the exchanger. On the other hand, the clearance left between the external face of the manifold and the first fin can be a source of corrosion of the tubes. The subject of the invention is precisely a module for exchanging

  heat which overcomes these drawbacks.

  These objects are achieved, in accordance with the invention, by the fact that the manifold of the main exchanger comprises at least one protruding comb comprising cutouts for receiving the tubes of the secondary exchanger (or secondary exchangers, as the case may be) where appropriate) this comb being able to hold tight the parts of the fins projecting from the body of the main exchanger. Thanks to this characteristic, it is not necessary to use a shaped tool, conventionally used until now. The function of holding the fins, during the forceful insertion of the tubes of the secondary exchanger in the cutouts of the common fins is ensured by the comb provided on the manifold of the main exchanger. As a result, it is possible to have cooling fins over the entire length of the tubes of the main exchanger, which increases its heat exchange capacity and consequently its efficiency. In addition, the risks of corrosion of the tubes

  are eliminated or in any case greatly reduced.

  If the heat exchange module has only one

  secondary exchanger, the manifold will have only one comb. If the heat exchange module comprises a secondary heat exchanger on either side of the main exchanger, the manifold of the main exchanger 35 may have a comb on each of its faces.

  The comb can advantageously be provided over the entire length of the manifold of the main exchanger. However, this characteristic is not imperative. The comb may only be provided over part of the length of the box

  main exchanger manifold.

  The comb is preferably made in one piece with the manifold of the main exchanger, in particular by

  molding of a plastic material. However, the comb could, as a variant, be produced separately from the manifold and be made integral with the latter by any appropriate means.

  Finally, the exchangers of the heat exchange module may have only one manifold, for example if it is equipped with U-shaped tubes. However, in most cases, the tubes are straight and each exchanger has a manifold at each end of the tubes. In this conventional case, each manifold of the heat exchanger

  main has a fin retaining comb.

  Advantageously, the comb is supported on the manifolds of the secondary exchanger (or secondary exchangers, if there are several). Thus, the manifolds of the secondary exchangers constitute stops which stop the movement of the comb and consequently retain the manifold of the main exchanger. The comb thus makes it possible to ensure the retention of the manifold of the main exchanger by means of the boxes of the secondary exchanger (or of the secondary exchangers, if applicable). This design avoids having to flare the tubes of the main heat exchanger by means of a flaring punch, an operation conventionally carried out in the prior art to avoid tearing of the manifolds under the effect of the fluid pressure of the cooling system and mechanical stresses

  to which the manifolds are subjected.

  Since it is not necessary to flare the tubes to retain the manifolds of the main exchanger, the tubes can be straight along their entire length and have a constant section over their entire length. It is thus possible to use new alloys and states

  harder metallurgical materials with better corrosion resistance.

  It will also be noted that this characteristic advantageously applies to a heat exchange module comprising 5 fins common to two or more of two exchangers of the module.

  However, it could also apply to a heat exchange module in which the fins are not

  common to the different exchangers of the module.

  Advantageously, a seal is placed outside the manifold of the manifold. Thus, the seal is supported on the first fin of the main exchanger, so that it effectively protects the tubes of the latter against the risks of corrosion in this generally critical zone 15 on exchangers mechanically assembled, using a seal made of elastomer. In a conventional type exchanger, it would not be possible to mount the seal on the outside of the collector because the tubular part of the seal which seals the tube would risk being cut by the collar 20 formed in the collector. The seal mounted on the outside of the

  manifold does not have this drawback.

  Advantageously, the manifold has a shoulder which provides space for the seal. 25 Thanks to this characteristic the seal is not compressed between

  the fins and the external face of the manifold.

  Advantageously, the collector is made of plastic. 30

  Several designs of the manifold are possible.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the manifold has a tubular shape of closed section made in one piece. The manifold is closed at both ends by plugs. These plugs can be, in particular, welded by

  friction or any other suitable technique.

  According to another embodiment, the manifold comprises a lateral opening closed by a cover. The cover can be welded to the manifold by any technique

  suitable, especially by friction.

  This design allows the demoulding of pipes flattened at the base with a connection radius favorable to the flow of the exchanger fluid and in addition a box height.

reduced collector.

  Finally, the manifold preferably comprises forms capable of receiving and fixing the nozzle of a motor-ventilator group.

  Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description of exemplary embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to

attached figures.

  In these figures: - Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a heat exchange module of the prior art consisting of a cooling radiator and a secondary exchanger, namely an air conditioning condenser; - Figure 2 shows the common fins of the heat exchange module of Figure 1; - Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the manifold of the main exchanger of a heat exchange module according to the invention; - Figure 4 is a bottom view of the manifold 35 shown in Figure 3; - Figure 5 shows on an enlarged scale a pair of teeth of the comb of the heat exchange module shown in Figures 3 and 4; - Figure 6 is a partial sectional view on an enlarged scale of the manifold of the main exchanger and the secondary exchanger of the heat exchange module shown in Figures 3 and 4; - Figures 7 to 9 are three partial perspective views which illustrate different stages of assembly of a second embodiment of a heat exchange module according to the present invention; and - Figure 10 is a sectional view of the exchange module

  heat of Figure 9, passing through the axis of the tubing.

  The prior art heat exchange module, shown in FIG. 1, is composed of a radiator 1 for cooling a motor vehicle engine and a condenser 2 for air conditioning, these two exchangers generally being plans. The radiator 1 and the condenser 2 respectively constitute a main exchanger and a secondary exchanger. The radiator 1 consists in a known manner of a body 3 produced from a bundle of vertical fluid circulation tubes and mounted between two manifolds 4 and 5. The manifolds are arranged along two parallel sides 25 of the body and provided with inlet pipe 6 and outlet (not shown) of the cooling fluid. The condenser 2 also consists of a body 7 produced from a bundle of vertical fluid circulation tubes 23 mounted between two manifolds 8 and 9. The manifolds 30 8 and 9 are arranged along two parallel sides of the body 7. They are provided with two tubes

  inlet and outlet of the refrigerant.

  The heat exchange module comprises fins 11 common 35 to the cooling radiator 1 and to the condenser 2. These

  fins 11 are shown in more detail in FIG. 2.

  They are conventionally mounted on the tubes 22 of the body 3 of the heat exchanger 1. They have projecting extensions 12, perpendicular to the plane of the exchangers, on the side of the secondary heat exchanger 2. The extensions 12 comprise cutouts 13 open in the direction of the exchanger 2. These cutouts have a shape corresponding to the cross section of the tubes 23 of the condenser 2, 5 which are here flat tubes, and at the same step as these tubes, so as to receive them . The tubes 23 of the secondary exchanger 2 are forcibly assembled in the cutouts 13 of the fins. This ensures friction locking between the walls of the tubes 23 and

the edges of the cutouts 13.

  The assembly of the exchanger 1 provided with its fins 11 with the exchanger 2 devoid of fins is carried out as follows. The exchanger 2 is simply pressed against the exchanger 1 by forcibly engaging the tubes 23 of the exchanger 2 in the 15 cutouts 13 of the extensions 12 of the fins, which ensures the

blocking of the exchanger.

  The manifold 5 of the main radiator 1 consists of a manifold or manifold plate (not visible in FIG. 20 1) made of metal and comprising holes for receiving the tubes 22 of the exchanger 1. The manifold 5 has d on the other hand a cover 14, generally made of plastic. The assembly of the cover 14 on the collector is generally done by means of crimping lugs folded over a peripheral rim of the cover 9. The peripheral rim which surrounds the manifold 9 and which is intended to receive the lugs which allow the crimping of the cover 9 on the manifold increases the size of the cooling radiator 1 and consequently the overall size of the module by imposing the presence of a space between the main exchanger and

the secondary exchanger.

  Furthermore, a rubber or elastomer seal is placed inside the manifold 5. This seal has tubular parts which engage in the

  holes for receiving the tubes 22 of the main exchanger 1.

  Furthermore, as already explained, the fins 11 must be maintained during the introduction of the tubes 23 of the conden-

  sor 2 by an appropriate tool inserted between the last fin of the harness and the external face of the manifold. This operation leaves a clearance of several millimeters between the manifold and the first fin. This results in a reduction 5 of the exchange surface between the air flow which passes through

the exchanger and the fins.

  In addition, the tubes 22 of the main exchanger remain bare because the tubular part of the seal cannot extend over the entire length for reasons of demolding.

  There are shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6 various views which show a first embodiment of the manifold of the main exchanger 1 of a heat exchange module 15 according to the invention. In Figures 3, 4 and 6, the parts

  identical to those of the heat exchange module shown in Figure 1 have been designated by identical references.

  The manifold 5 of the main exchanger 1 includes a comb 28 which, in the illustrated embodiment, extends over the entire length of the manifold 5. However, the comb 28 could only extend over only part of the length of the manifold. In the example, the comb 28 is made in one piece with the manifold 5, 25 advantageously by molding a plastic material. However, the comb could be produced separately and made integral with the manifold. The comb 28 consists of teeth 29 arranged in pairs and which delimit between them a cutout 30 (see FIG. 5) whose function is to maintain the first 30 fins when the tubes 23 are assembled. In other words, the cutouts 30 are intended to receive the tubes 23 of the secondary exchanger 2 when the main exchanger and the secondary exchanger are assembled (see FIG. 6). As can be seen, in particular in FIG. 6, the comb 28 has a face 31 directed towards the fins 11 and on which the latter come to bear. Thus, the comb 28 fulfills the function which, in the prior art, is held by a special auxiliary tool introduced temporarily during the mounting of the tubes 23 of the condenser 2 between the fins 11 and the manifold 5, and more particularly between the fins 11 and the external face of the collector. Since the use of this tool is no longer necessary, it is no longer useful to leave a play of several millimeters between the first fin and the manifold so that the tubes

  22 may have fins over their entire length.

  In addition, as can be seen in particular in Figure 6, the seal 33 can be arranged outside of the manifold 5, on the face of the manifold 35 facing the fin bundle 11. This this arrangement is advantageous because the seal 33 protects the part of the tube situated between the first fin and the external face of the manifold 35 against corrosion. Advantageously, a shoulder 37 constitutes a stop for the set of fins 11 so as to avoid compression of the

attached 33.

  Furthermore, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 6, the comb 28 has a face 39 directed towards the manifold 8 of the exchanger 2 which bears on this manifold 8. The teeth 29 of the comb 28 thus take up the breakout forces of the manifold 5 under the effect of the pressure of the circulating coolant

in the tubes 22.

  According to the prior art, the tubes of the main exchanger 1, such as 22, have a part flared mechanically by the introduction of a flaring punch. The purpose of this flaring is to prevent tearing of the manifolds. Given the fact that these efforts are taken up by the manifolds 8 and 9 of the secondary exchanger 2, the flaring of the tubes 22 is no longer justified. Consequently, these tubes can be straight and have a constant cross section over their entire length. They may, however, include a constriction or chamfer 41 at their end in order to favor their introduction into the joint 33 (FIG. 6). The fact that the tubes are not flared allows greater freedom of choice

  of the alloy in which these tubes are made. It is thus possible to use new alloys and harder metallurgical states which confer better resistance of the tube to corrosion.

  Various designs of the manifold 5 can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. In Figures 3, 4 and 6, the manifold is constituted by a tubular shape of closed section. It is made in one piece. In other words, the collector and the cover which, according to the prior art, are made in two pieces of different materials (steel manifold and plastic cover), are, in this embodiment, made in one piece molded in plastic. The manifold is closed at its two ends by plugs 43 (Figures 3 and 15 4). These plugs can be friction welded to the manifold. Since the manifold is made of plastic, it can easily include fixing lugs 20 such as 45 which allow it to be fixed to the chassis of the vehicle. It can also include forms 47 capable of receiving and fixing the nozzle of a motor-fan unit (not shown). There is shown in Figures 7 to 10 a second embodiment of the manifold of a module according to the invention. The manifold 5, also made of molded plastic, consists of a box 51 comprising the inlet and outlet pipes 6 of the fluid. The box 51 also includes the holes intended for the reception of the tubes 22 of

  the main exchanger 1. The comb 28 is also formed on the box 31. The latter is closed laterally by a cover 53, which may optionally be flat. The cover 53 is fixed to the box 51 by any suitable means, in particular by friction welding.

  As an alternative embodiment, the comb 28 could also be

provided on the cover 53.

he

  This design allows the demoulding of tubes flattened at the base with a connection radius favorable to the flow of the liquid and in addition a reduced manifold height.

Claims (9)

claims   1 - Heat exchange module consisting of a main heat exchanger (1) and at least one secondary heat exchanger (2); the main heat exchanger (1) and the secondary heat exchanger (2) comprising a body (3, 7) provided with fluid circulation tubes (22, 23) and at least one manifold (5, 8) provided with a manifold (35) perforated 10 with holes for receiving the tubes (22) of the body (3), the module comprising cooling fins (11) common to the main exchanger (1) and to at least one exchanger secondary (2), the fins (11) being mounted on the tubes of the main exchanger and projecting from the latter substantially perpendicular to the plane of the latter, the parts (12) of the fins (11) projecting from the main exchanger (1) comprising cutouts (13) for receiving the tubes (23) of the secondary exchanger (2), characterized in that the manifold (5) of the main exchanger comprises at least one comb (28) protruding comprising cutouts (30) for receiving the tubes (23) of the secondary exchanger, this comb (28) being apt e to keep the parts (12) of the fins (11) tight   projecting from the body (3) of the main exchanger.   2 - heat exchange module according to claim 1, characterized in that the comb (28) is made in one piece with the manifold (5) of the main exchanger (2).   3 - heat exchange module according to one of claims   1 and 2, characterized in that the comb (28) bears on the   manifolds (8, 9) of the secondary exchanger (2).   4 - heat exchange module according to one of claims 35 1 to 3, characterized in that the tubes (22) the exchanger   main (1) have a constant section over their entire length.   - Heat exchange module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the seal (33) is arranged outside the manifold (35) of the manifold (5).   6 - heat exchange module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the manifold (35) has a shoulder (37) which provides a space for the seal (33).   7 - Heat exchange module including one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the collector (35) is made of material plastic.   8 - heat exchange module according to one of claims   1 to 7, characterized in that the manifold (5) has   a tubular shape of closed section in one piece.   9 - heat exchange module according to claim 8, 20 characterized in that the manifold (5) is closed at its   two ends by plugs (43).   - Heat exchange module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the manifold (5) has a lateral opening closed by a cover (53).   11 - Heat exchange module according to claim 10, characterized in that the cover (53) is friction welded on a box (51).   12. Heat exchange module according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the manifold (5) has forms (47) capable of receiving and fixing the nozzle of a group fan motor.