FR2863041A1 - VERTICAL CIRCULATION CONDENSER OF REFRIGERATING FLUID, IN PARTICULAR FOR AUTOMOBILE VEHICLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The condenser of the invention comprises a bundle (10) of generally vertical tubes (12) mounted between two generally horizontal collecting boxes (16, 18), the bundle consisting of a condensation part (PC) formed of several passes of condensation (PC1, PC2, PC3) and a subcooling portion having at least one subcooling pass (PSR) which is located next to the first condensation pass (PC1). This arrangement makes it possible to bring the inlet (64) and the outlet (66) of the condenser closer together and to facilitate its connection to a refrigerant circuit. Application in particular to air conditioning condensers of motor vehicles.

Description

2863041 VTM1499.FRD

  The invention relates to a clean condenser to be part of a refrigeration circuit, for example a motor vehicle air conditioning system.

  It relates more particularly to a condenser for a refrigerant circuit traversed by a refrigerant, comprising a bundle of generally vertical tubes mounted between two generally horizontal manifolds, wherein the bundle consists of a condensing part, in which the refrigerant from the inlet of the condenser flows successively from a first pass to a last pass, and a subcooling portion in which the condensed refrigerant from the last condensation pass circulates in at least one pass of subcooling to gain the condenser outlet.

  In a refrigeration circuit of the aforementioned type, the refrigerant set in motion by a compressor is sent, in the superheated vapor phase, to the condenser where it is successively cooled or "desuperheated", condensed in a hot liquid phase, then "undercooled" in a cold liquid phase.

  The condensed and cooled refrigerant is then sent, via a pressure reducer, to an evaporator where it exchanges heat with a flow of air to be sent into the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. In the evaporator, the refrigerant is transformed into a vapor phase, while the air stream is cooled to provide conditioned air. The vapor phase refrigerant leaves the evaporator to gain the compressor, and so on.

  In a condenser of the aforementioned type, cooling and condensing of the refrigerant are carried out in the condensation part by passing the fluid in several passes, while the subcooling of the condensed refrigerant takes place in the condensing part. subcooling, by passing through one or more subcooling passes.

  Generally, the condenser further comprises a reservoir, also called "bottle", which is traversed by the refrigerant and which is interposed between the last condensation pass and the subcooling pass. The condenser reservoir has a particular function of separating the liquid and gaseous phases of the refrigerant and a filtration / dewatering function. It is crossed by the condensed refrigerant from the last pass of condensation, the fluid then gaining the subcooling pass. This therefore forces the tank to interpose between the last condensation pass and the subcooling pass.

  The tubes of a condenser of this type are arranged in a substantially vertical direction and the circulation of the fluid in the beam takes place in a generally vertical direction according to a so-called "down flow" (Anglo-Saxon term).

  In known condensers of this type (see for example publication JP 2001-174 103 in the name of Denso), the tubes of the condensation part are followed by the tubes of the subcooling part, which are themselves followed by the reservoir, the latter being implanted in a vertical general direction.

  This architecture requires creating a bypass to connect the last condensation pass to the tank inlet, which complicates the manufacture of the condenser. In addition, in this known solution, the inlet and outlet of the condenser are placed respectively at the two ends of one of the manifolds, generally the manifold box placed in the upper part. However, in automotive vehicles, it is desirable that the inlet and outlet be arranged as close as possible to facilitate connections with the air conditioning circuit.

  Another known solution (patent JP 2000-274 881 in the name of Denso) consists in integrating the tank, in a generally vertical position, between the last condensation pass and the undercooling pass.

  This known solution avoids the use of a bypass, as in the known solution mentioned above, but complicates the manufacture of the condenser, because the tank must be integrated in the beam between the two manifolds.

  In addition, in this known solution, the inlet and outlet of the condenser are effected at both ends of a header, which has the same disadvantages as the known solution mentioned above.

  The object of the invention is in particular to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

  It proposes for this purpose a condenser of the type defined in introduction, wherein the subcooling pass is located next to the first condensation pass.

  This arrangement makes it possible to bring the inlet and the outlet of the condenser closer together and to facilitate the connection of the condenser to a refrigerant circuit.

  Preferably, the condenser further comprises a reservoir which is traversed by the refrigerant and which is interposed between the last condensation pass and the subcooling pass. Because the last condensation pass is no longer in the middle of the beam, but in the end, this facilitates its connection with the tank.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the inlet and the outlet of the condenser are grouped together on one of the manifolds. This grouping is facilitated by the proximity of the undercooling pass and the first condensation pass. The inlet and the outlet of the condenser can be grouped, for example, on the upper manifold.

  According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the undercooling pass is connected to the last condensation pass by a return duct along the other header.

  In a preferred embodiment, the undercooling pass and the last condensation pass are located respectively at two ends of the beam.

  Advantageously, the manifold that groups the inlet and the outlet of the condenser is placed in the upper part of the beam, while the other manifold, which is lined by the return duct, is placed in the lower part of the beam.

  This produces a simplified manufacturing condenser, since only one of the manifolds is modified. The manifold that groups the inlet and the outlet of the condenser is not modified, while the manifold that is lined by the return duct is modified.

  In a first general embodiment of the invention, the reservoir is implanted in a generally vertical direction next to the last condensation pass and is mounted on one of the manifolds.

  Advantageously, the header, on which the reservoir is mounted, comprises: a first end chamber which communicates on the one hand with the subcooling pass and on the other hand with a first end of the return duct; an intermediate chamber which communicates on the one hand with the last condensation passage and on the other hand with an inlet of the reservoir, and a second end chamber which communicates on the one hand with an outlet of the tank and on the other hand with a second end of the return duct.

  In this first embodiment, the reservoir is advantageously mounted on an extension of a header, which extends beyond the last condensation pass and which comprises a part of the intermediate chamber and the second chamber of end.

  In a second general embodiment of the invention, the reservoir is implanted in a generally horizontal direction and is incorporated in the return conduit which runs along one of the manifolds.

  It is advantageous, in this case, for the collecting box, which is bordered by the return duct, to comprise a first end chamber which communicates, on the one hand, with the subcooling pass and, on the other hand, with a first end of the return duct; and a second end chamber which communicates, on the one hand, with the last condensation pass and, on the other hand, with a second end of the return duct.

  In a third general embodiment of the invention, the reservoir is implanted in a direction that is both vertical and horizontal.

  In the case where the header is lined by a return duct, it is advantageous that this manifold comprises a first end chamber which communicates with a first end of the return duct via a first connector and a second end chamber which communicates with a second end of the return duct via a second connector. These connections can be made in different ways. of

  A convenient way is to make the first connection and the second connection in the form of two collars emerging laterally from the manifold and introduced respectively into two lateral openings in the return duct.

  Preferably, the manifold is formed by the assembly of two half-shells, namely a first half-shell having openings for receiving the tubes of the bundle and a second half-shell which carries the first coupling and the second coupling .

  The collars can be made in different ways.

  According to a conventional method, the two collars are formed beforehand and then introduced into the lateral openings of the return duct and then assembled by crimping. This ensures a temporary fixing of the header and the return duct, the latter can then be assembled definitively by soldering.

  Another more original method, which constitutes a particular feature of the invention, consists in the fact that the two collars are simultaneously formed by punching, introduced into the lateral openings of the return duct and assembled by crimping.

  In other words, during a single punching operation, the collars are formed in situ, introduced into the openings of the return duct and crimped. This also results in a temporary assembly before final assembly by soldering.

  In the following description, which is given by way of example only, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 schematically represents a condenser according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which 2863041 7 reservoir is implanted in a generally vertical direction at one end of the beam; Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of the upper header box of the condenser of Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of the lower manifold and the return tube of the condenser of Figure 1; - Figures 4A, 4B and 4C schematically illustrate three successive operations for the temporary assembly of a collar of the lower manifold with the return tube; FIGS. 5A and 5B are views similar to FIGS. 4A and 4B for another embodiment in which the collar is formed in situ by punching; Figs. 6A and 6B are views similar to Figs. 5A and 5B; Figure 7 is a sectional view of a manifold and a return conduit in another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a header box and a return conduit in yet another embodiment of the invention; - Figure 9 is a schematic view of a condenser according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the reservoir is implanted in a generally vertical direction by being incorporated in the return tube; Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a condenser according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the reservoir is implanted in a both vertical and horizontal direction; and FIGS. 11 and 12 show two alternative embodiments of the reservoir according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.

  The condenser shown in Figure 1 comprises a beam 10 formed of a plurality of flat tubes 12 between which are placed spacers 14, of generally wavy shape, forming heat exchange fins. The flat tubes 12 are generally vertical and mounted between two manifolds 16 and 18 of tubular shape and parallel axes. The manifold 16 is generally horizontal and placed in the upper part of the bundle, while the manifold 18 is generally horizontal and placed in the lower part of the bundle.

  The manifold 16 comprises successively (from left to right in FIG. 1) an end plug 20, a transverse partition 22, another transverse partition 24 and an end plug 26. This enables the inside to be defined. of the manifold 16, an end chamber 28 (or exit chamber), an intermediate chamber 30 (inlet chamber) and an end chamber 32.

  The manifold 18 comprises an extension 34 which extends beyond the bundle 10, on the right-hand side in FIG. 1, and on which is implanted a tank 35 (also called a "bottle") which contains a filtering and desiccating cartridge ( not shown). The manifold 18 comprises (from left to right in FIG. 1) an end cap 36, transverse bulkheads 38, 40 and 42 and another end cap 44. This makes it possible to delimit, within the manifold 18, successively an end chamber 46, two intermediate chambers 48 and 50 and an end chamber 52.

  Below the manifold 18, is placed a return tube 54 having two ends 56 and 58, respectively closed by plugs 57 and 59, which communicate laterally respectively with the end chambers 46 and 52 of the manifold 18. The communication is effected by respective connectors 60 and 62 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1. The return tube 54 is advantageously cylindrical in shape with a circular section.

  The manifold 16 is provided with an inlet 64 which communicates with the intermediate chamber 30 (or inlet chamber) and an outlet 66 which communicates with the end chamber 28 (or outlet chamber). Note that the inlet 64 and the outlet 66 are made in the form of a flange connected to the manifold 16.

  The beam 10 consists essentially of two parts, namely a PC condensation part whose tubes open at the top in the chambers 30 and 32 of the manifold 16 and in the lower part in the chambers 48 and 50 of the manifold 18 , and a subcooling portion PSR whose tubes open at the top into the end chamber 28 of the manifold 16 and at the bottom into the end chamber 46 of the manifold 18.

  The PC condensation part is itself divided into several passes (of which there are three in the example), namely a first pass PC1 which communicates with the chambers 30 and 48, a second pass PC2 which communicates with the chamber 48 and the chamber 32, and a third and last pass PC3 which communicates with the chamber 32 and the chamber 50.

  The condenser of FIG. 1 operates in the following manner. The gas-phase refrigerant enters the inlet chamber 30 of the manifold 16 via the inlet 64. From there, it flows vertically up and down (arrow F1) in the first pass PC1 to reach the chamber 48. He then leaves room 48 to reach room 32 by a vertical circulation from bottom to top (arrow F2) following the pass PC2. The refrigerant then leaves the chamber 32 to reach the chamber 50 by a vertical flow from top to bottom (arrow F3) following the pass PC3. During this circulation in alternating directions, the refrigerant is successively cooled and condensed in the liquid phase.

  At the outlet of the chamber 50, the condensed fluid circulates in the tank 35 where it is filtered and dehydrated to reach the end chamber 52 of the header box 18. Then the refrigerant flows in the return tube 54 to to gain the end chamber 46 of the manifold 18 and flow vertically upwards into the PSR subcooling portion to be subcooled, as indicated by the arrow F4. The subcooled fluid then gains the end chamber 28 and the outlet 66.

  The structure of the condenser of FIG. 1 is particularly advantageous because the first condensation pass PCi is located next to the PCR subcooling pass, and the circulation of the fluid in these two passes is counter-controlled. -current. This makes it possible to group the inlet 64 and the outlet 66 of the condenser, close to each other, on the manifold 16. Furthermore, this structure makes it possible to arrange the reservoir in the immediate vicinity of the last condensation pass. PC3, since the extension 34 is beyond the pass PC3. The return of the fluid, from the reservoir to the subcooling part, is done by a simple return tube.

  It will be noted that, in comparison with a conventional condenser, this structure simply requires modifying the manifold 18 by attaching it to the return tube 54.

  FIG. 2 represents a detail of the header box 16. It will be noted that the inlet 64 and the outlet 66 are made in the form of two pipes that open laterally into the manifold 16, respectively on either side of the partition 22.

  FIG. 3 shows a detail of the lower manifold 18 and of the return tube 54. In particular, the structure of the connectors 60 and 62 which, in the example, are made in the form of flanges issuing laterally from the flange, is particularly noteworthy. manifold 18 and introduced into corresponding openings 68 and 70 of the return tube 54.

  In FIG. 3, it can also be seen that the tank 35 is mounted on the extension 34 of the manifold box via a base 72. This base comprises an inlet 74 and an outlet 76 opening respectively into the chambers 50 and 52. of the manifold 18.

  Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A to 4C. In this embodiment, the manifold 18 is formed by the assembly of two half-shells: a first half-shell 78 having openings 80 for receiving the tubes 12 of the bundle and a second half-shell 82 which carries the first 60 and the second connector 62. Only the first connector 60 is shown in Figures 4A to 4C. This first connector 60 is intended to engage in the corresponding opening 68 of the return tube 54.

  In this embodiment, the connectors 60 and 62 are made beforehand in the form of collars. These two connections are then introduced simultaneously into the corresponding openings 68 and 70 of the return tube 54. In a following operation (FIG. 4B), the two flanges are flared to effect crimping and to provide a temporary assembly of the half-shell 82 with the return tube 54. In a following operation (FIG. 4C), the half-shell 78 is assembled with the half-shell 82. The assembly of the exchanger can then be assembled definitively by brazing, preferably by baking. in a single operation. The manifold 16, placed in the upper part, is advantageously also made from two half-shells according to the same general technology. at

  Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B which show another way of assembling the manifold 18 and the return tube 54. Communication between these two elements is also effected by cooperating connectors 60 and 62. with openings 68 and 70. Unlike the previous embodiment, the collars are not formed beforehand. In a single operation, a punch 84 (FIG. 5A) is moved vertically. Its end 86 is shaped to deform and pierce the wall of the half-shell 82 and thus form a collar 60, respectively 62, which at the same time crimps itself by radial deformation.

  By a suitable choice of the punch, it is possible to realize, in a single operation, the collar and the crimping of the collar in the corresponding openings of the return tube. Then, the assembly of the other half-cup is performed in the same way as in the case of Figure 4C. Figures 6A and 6B are views similar to Figures 5A and 5B which also illustrate this punching.

  Referring now to Figure 7 which shows another embodiment of the manifold and the return tube.

  In this embodiment, an intermediate profile 88 having substantially an X-shaped section is used to define a U-shaped groove 90 facing upwards and a groove 92, also in U-shaped, facing downwards. These two grooves are closed by two respective covers, namely a cover 94 which is provided with openings 95 for receiving tubes 12 of the bundle and a cover 96. This allows delimiting the manifold and the return tube. The grooves 90 and 92 communicate in two places by passages 98 which ensure the passage of the fluid respectively at both ends of the collector / return tube assembly.

  In the embodiment of Figure 8, the manifold 18 is formed of a lower half-shell 100 and a top half-shell 102, which forms a lid, which fits on the bottom half-cup 100. The latter comprises two connections 60 and 62, similar to those described above, which are directed downwards and arranged to engage in respective openings 68 and 70 of the return tube 54. Here, the return tube 54 has a flat part. 104 at the openings 68 and 70, which facilitates the fitting of the connectors 60 and 62 and thus the communication between the manifold 18 and the return tube 54.

  Referring now to Figure 9 which shows schematically a condenser according to another embodiment of the invention. The general structure of the condenser of Figure 9 is similar to that of the condenser of Figure 1 and the common parts are designated by the same references. The main difference here lies in the fact that the reservoir 45 is implanted in a generally horizonal direction by being integrated in the return tube 54 which, therefore, has a greater cross section than the return tube 44 of the previous realization.

  The manifold 18, which is bordered by the return duct 54, comprises a first end chamber 46 which communicates on the one hand with the sub-cooling pass PSR and, on the other hand, with a first end 56 of the return duct 54 and a second end chamber 52 which communicates firstly with the last condensation passage PC3 and, secondly, with a second end 58 of the return tube 54.

  Otherwise, the operation of the condenser of Figure 9 is similar to that of the condenser of Figure 1. It has the same advantages, namely to group the inlet and the outlet of the condenser and facilitate the connection of the tank to the output of the last PC3 condensation pass.

  Referring now to Figure 10 which schematically shows a condenser according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The general structure of the condenser of FIG. 10 is similar to that of the condensers of FIGS. 1 and 9, the common parts being designated by the same references. The condensing part has a fourth PC4 condensation pass which is connected to the third PC3 condensation pass and in which the refrigerant flows from bottom to top to reach an end chamber 106 of the header box 16. The condensation pass PC4 is the last condensation run of the condenser.

  The reservoir 35 is interposed between the last condensation pass PC4 and the subcooling pass PSR and is implanted both in a vertical and horizontal direction in the return tube 54. The tube 54 has a vertical portion 108 which opens at the top in the end chamber 106 of the manifold 16 and at the bottom in a horizontal part 110 which in turn opens into the end chamber 46 of the manifold 18. The tank 35 comprises a filtering and desiccating cartridge 112 which is arranged here in the vertical part 108.

  In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the return tube 54 housing the reservoir 35 is made in one piece, its parts 108 and 110 being joined by a bend 114.

  It advantageously comprises (FIG. 11) two end connectors 116 and 118 arranged to be respectively connected to the manifolds 16 and 18.

  In contrast, in the embodiment of Figure 12, the portions 108 and 110 are distinct. The vertical portion 108 has a top fitting 116 similar to that of FIG. 11 and a stopper 120 at the bottom. The horizontal part 110 comprises on the one hand a connection 118 similar to that of FIG. 11 and on the other hand an end 122 which is introduced laterally into the portion 108, above the plug 120.

  Of course, the condenser of the invention is capable of many alternative embodiments, particularly as regards the manner of producing the return duct and the associated collecting box, as well as their communication.

  The condenser of the invention finds particular application to motor vehicles. It can be used either as a separate condenser or as a condenser integrated in a module comprising in particular a cooling radiator. In the latter case, there is an assembly, also called "multi-exchanger" which includes the air conditioning condenser and the engine cooling radiator.

Claims (17)

claims   Condenser for a refrigerant circuit traversed by a refrigerant, comprising a bundle (10) of generally vertical tubes (12) mounted between two generally horizontal manifolds (16, 18), wherein the bundle consists of a part condenser (PC), wherein the refrigerant from the condenser inlet (64) flows successively from a first pass (PC1) to a last pass (PC3; PC4), and a subcooling portion (PSR) in which the condensed refrigerant from the last condensation pass (PC3; PC4) flows in at least one subcooling pass (PSR) to gain the condenser outlet (66), characterized in that the pass Subcooling (PSR) is located next to the first condensation pass (PC1).   2. Condenser according to claim 1, characterized in that a reservoir (35) traversed by the refrigerant is interposed between the last condensation pass (PC3; PC4) and the subcooling pass (PSR).   3. Condenser according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the inlet (64) and the outlet (66) of the condenser are grouped on one (16) of the collector boxes.   4. Condenser according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the subcooling pass (PSR) is connected to the last condensation pass (PC3; PC4) by a return duct (54) along the other manifold (18).   5. Condenser according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the subcooling pass (PSR) and the last condensation pass (PC3, PC4) are respectively located at two ends of the beam (10).   6. Condenser according to claims 3 and 4, taken in combination, characterized in that the header (16) which groups the inlet (64) and the outlet (66) of the condenser is placed in the upper part of the beam (10) , while the other manifold (18), which is lined by the return duct (54), is placed in the lower part of the beam (10).   7. Condenser according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the reservoir (35) is located in a generally vertical direction next to the last condensation pass (PC3) and is mounted on one (18) collector boxes.   8. Condenser according to claims 4 and 7, taken in combination, characterized in that the manifold (18), on which is mounted the reservoir (35), comprises: a first end chamber (46) which communicates partly with the subcooling pass (PSR) and secondly with a first end (56) of the return duct (54); an intermediate chamber (50) which communicates, on the one hand, with the last condensation pass (PC3) and, on the other hand, with an inlet (74) of the tank (35); and a second end chamber (52) which communicates, on the one hand, with an outlet (76) of the reservoir (45) and, on the other hand, with a second end (58) of the return conduit (54) .   9. Condenser according to claim 8, characterized in that the reservoir (35) is mounted on an extension (34) of a header (18) which extends beyond the last condensation pass (PC3) and which comprises a portion of the intermediate chamber (50) and the second end chamber (52).   10. Condenser according to claims 2 and 4, taken in combination, characterized in that the reservoir (35) is implanted in a generally horizontal direction and is incorporated in the return duct (54) which runs along one (18) of the collector boxes. ol   2863041 18 11. Condenser according to claim 10, characterized in that the manifold (18), which is bordered by the return duct (54), comprises: a first end chamber (46) which communicates, on the one hand, with the subcooling pass (PSR) and, on the other hand, with a first end (56) of the return duct (54); and a second end chamber (52) which communicates, on the one hand, with the last condensation pass (PC3) and, on the other hand, with a second end (58) of the return duct (54).   12. Condenser according to claims 2 and 4, taken in combination, characterized in that the reservoir (35) is implanted in a direction both vertical and horizontal-tale (108, 110).   13. Condenser according to one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the manifold (18), which is lined by the return duct (54), comprises a first end chamber (46) which communicates with a first end (56) of the return duct (54) through a first connector (60) and a second end chamber (52) which communicates with a second end (58) of the return duct (54) via a second connector (62).   14. Condenser according to claim 13, characterized in that the first connection (60) and the second connection (62) are in the form of two collars coming laterally from the manifold (18) and introduced into two lateral openings ( 68, 70) arranged in the return duct (54).   15. Condenser according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the manifold (18) is formed by the assembly of two half-cups, namely a first half-shells (78) having openings for receiving the tubes. beam and a second half-cup (82) which carries the first connector (60) and the second connector (62).   16. Condenser according to one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the two collars (60, 62) are formed beforehand and introduced into the side openings (68, 70) of the return duct and then assembled by crimping.   17. Condenser according to one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the two flanges (60, 62) are simultaneously punched into the lateral openings (68, 70) of the return duct (54). and assembled by crimping. \ o " Q CA IiV NET'TER