FR3030709A1 - HEAT EXCHANGER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising a bundle of tubes, said bundle being adapted to allow a heat exchange between a first fluid flowing in the tubes (20) and a second fluid flowing between the tubes (20), the exchanger heat pump further comprising a collector (7), through which said tubes (20) open, and at least one wall (3), said first side wall, guiding said second fluid between the tubes (20), said collector comprising a groove (28), adapted to receive a lid for forming a collecting box, a side edge (70) of said wall (3) being sandwiched between a lateral face (50) of said groove (28) and said tubes (20); ).

Description

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, such as a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a heat exchanger adapted to be used during cooling of charge air or recirculated exhaust gas. The internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle can be combined with a turbocharger to improve the performance of said engine. Thus, the internal combustion engine is powered with compressed air also called "supercharging air". The use of the turbocharger induces a high temperature of said charge air introduced into the internal combustion engine. It is known to associate said turbocharger, a heat exchanger to cool the charge air prior to its introduction into the internal combustion engine. According to a first variant, the most used, it is known exchangers located on the front of the vehicle and allowing a heat exchange between the supercharging air, hot, and a flow of air, at room temperature, from the outside through the calender of the vehicle. According to another variant, it is also known exchangers in which the cooling fluid consists of a liquid. The heat exchanger comprises a housing, consisting of walls, and an exchange beam disposed inside the housing. The exchange beam comprises an assembly of tubes positioned parallel to each other. The tubes form conduits for guiding the supercharging air, from a first inlet to a first outlet. The housing is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet for the coolant. The housing is adapted to guide the coolant from the second inlet to the second outlet. Said heat exchanger also comprises two collectors, each collector being adapted to receive the tubes of the exchange bundle. It is also known to use these collectors to close the housing at each end of the beam.

To facilitate assembly, it may be advantageous for the housing to be made of several parts. It is then necessary to assemble the walls between them and with the collectors, this sealingly. According to a first solution, the walls of the housing cover the collectors and there are then triple junction points where two of the housing walls and one of the collectors must be in contact. To control in a reliable and repetitive manner the realization of such a triple junction point is complex and the presence of vanishing zones is too frequently observed.

According to another solution, the housing walls are located between the beam and the collectors. However, in the heat exchangers exploiting this solution, the collectors have a complex shape and they are difficult to make and assemble, which again leads to risks in terms of sealing.

The invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and proposes in this sense a heat exchanger comprising a bundle of tubes, said bundle being adapted to allow a heat exchange between a first fluid flowing in the tubes and a second fluid flowing between the tubes. , the heat exchanger further comprising a collector, through which said tubes open, and at least one wall, said first side wall, guiding said second fluid between the tubes, said collector comprising a groove, adapted to receive a cover for form a collection box. According to the invention, a lateral edge of said wall is sandwiched between a lateral face of said groove and said tubes. Thus, according to the invention, the throat of the collector and the tubes of the bundle are used to assemble the wall or walls for guiding the second fluid, without specific modification of any of these parts. According to additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately: said collector comprises tube introduction orifices situated at a central zone of the collector; said collector comprises a radius connecting said lateral face; of the groove and said central zone, - said central zone is substantially flat, - said central zone is provided with collars surrounding the insertion orifices of the tubes, - said edge comprises a locking lug adapted to cooperate with said collector in order to assembling said collector on said first side wall, according to a determined position, - said locking pin abuts said spoke, - said groove is configured to receive a cover foot, - said groove is configured to receive a seal intended to be compressed between a bottom of said groove and said foot of cover, - said groove is configured to allow crimping said cover, - said exchanger comprises a first protective wall in contact with one of said tubes forming a transverse face of the beam, - said first side wall and said first protective wall form a housing element, said first housing element - said first side wall is located at a side face of the beam, - said exchanger comprises a second side wall guiding the second fluid between the tubes, said second side wall being located at an opposite side of the beam relative to the first side wall, - said exchanger comprises a second protective wall in contact with one of the tubes forming a transverse face of the beam, opposite to the transverse face of the beam at which said first protective wall is located, - said second wall side and said second protective wall form another housing element, said second housing element. said first side wall has a free edge transverse to said lateral edge, said free edge being located along said tube at which said second protective wall is located, said free edge being located at a distance from said second protective wall; the first and second housing elements are symmetrical.

The objects, objects and features of the present invention as well as its advantages will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, of the preferred embodiments of a heat exchanger according to the invention, with reference to the drawings in which FIG. 1 schematically shows, in an exploded view, a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 shows, in detail and in a perspective view, the walls of elements of In a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 shows, in detail and in perspective view, the walls of housing elements of an exchanger according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows, in detail, and in a perspective view, walls of the same housing element according to one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 5 shows, in detail, and according to a sectional view, the c ooperation of the collector, the exchange beam and one of the walls for guiding the second fluid according to one embodiment of the invention, Figure 6 shows Figure 5 in a perspective view.

The purpose of the following detailed description is to explain the invention in a sufficiently clear and complete manner, particularly by way of examples, but should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection to particular embodiments. and the examples presented. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the invention relates to a heat exchanger 1. It is intended, for example, to be used within a motor vehicle for cooling charge air and / or exhaust gases. recirculated. Figure 1 shows, schematically, the heat exchanger 1, in an exploded view. The heat exchanger 1 comprises an exchange beam 2 adapted for a heat exchange between a first fluid, such as the charge air, and a second fluid, such as a coolant. The exchange beam 2 here comprises a first end 5 and a second end 6. As shown in FIG. 1, the first end 5 of the exchange bundle 2 is intended to be assembled with a first collector 7 and the second end 6 exchange beam 2 is intended to be assembled with a second collector 8. Said beam 2 here has a substantially parallelepipedal configuration rectangle. The exchanger 1 may further comprise one or more covers 9, 10 respectively associated with the collectors 7, 8 to form a manifold 30, 32 for the first fluid. In other words, here, said first fluid enters through one of the manifolds, runs longitudinally through the bundle 2 and exits through the opposite outlet box 32.

As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 2 to 4, said bundle 2 comprises tubes 20. The exchanger 1 is adapted to allow the circulation of the first fluid in the tubes 20 and the circulation of the second fluid between the tubes 20. Said tubes 20 are, for example, bent tubes, that is to say, formed from a sheet wound on itself. They are here provided with turbulators 22 intended to improve the heat exchange and / or to increase the resistance to the internal pressure of said tubes. Alternatively, said tubes may be formed of plates, for example stamped plates, assembled in pairs to define one or channels of circulation of the first fluid. Said tubes 20 are here flat tubes, that is to say tubes having two large opposite planar faces 21, 23, connected by short sides 25. A straight section of said tubes 20 is, for example, substantially rectangular. Said beam 2 may also include spacers, not shown, located between the tubes to improve the heat exchange with the second fluid. Referring again to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the heat exchanger further comprises at least one wall, here two, 3, 4, respectively called first and second lateral walls, guiding said second fluid in the beam between the tubes. Said first and second side walls are located at side faces of the beam 2. Said side walls 3, 4 advantageously comprise an inlet / outlet manifold of the second fluid, for example formed by stamping. Here, an inlet manifold 32 is located on the first side wall 3 and an outlet manifold 34 is located on the second side wall. In other words, said second fluid enters through the inlet manifold 32, traverses the beam transversely and exits through the outlet manifold 34.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, said tubes 3 open through the first manifold 7. Although this is not illustrated, the same is true of their opposite end through the second manifold 8. For this, said manifolds 7, 8 advantageously comprise orifices 24 for introducing tubes 20. Said introduction orifices 24 have a contour corresponding to that of a cross section of the tubes. In other words, here they are elongated, substantially rectangular.

According to the invention, said collectors 7, 8 comprise a groove 28, able to receive the corresponding covers. Said groove 28 comprises a lateral face 50, oriented substantially parallel to the tubes 20. It may further comprise a bottom 52, connected to said lateral face and oriented substantially perpendicular to the latter, and an outer face 54, oriented substantially parallel to said face Lateral 50. Said groove 28 is preferably peripheral. In other words, the groove 28 goes around the said collector or 7, 8 corresponding.

Advantageously, said groove 28 is configured to accommodate a cover foot, that is to say, a free edge, widened, covers, not detailed in the figures. Said groove 28 is further configured to accommodate a seal, not shown, intended to be compressed between the bottom 52 of said groove 28 and said cover foot. Said collectors 7, 8 may also be configured to allow crimping of said cover foot 9, 10 in said groove 28. For this, said outer face of the groove 54 comprises an edge 56, intended to be folded, as shown, on an upper face of said lid base. Such an assembly makes it possible to obtain a good level of tightness inside the manifolds where the first fluid circulates. Alternatively, an attachment of the covers 9, 10 on the collectors 7, 8 by welding is possible. Said openings 24 for introducing the tubes 20 are advantageously located at a central zone 26 of the collector 7. Said central zone 26 is, for example, substantially flat, said central zone 26 being provided with collars surrounding the orifices 24 of introduction of tubes 20.

Advantageously, the one or more collectors comprise a radius 60 connecting said lateral face 50 of the groove 28 and said central zone 26. According to the invention, a lateral edge 70 of said first lateral wall 3 is sandwiched between the lateral face 50 of said groove 28 and said tubes 20. In other words, according to the invention, the collector 7, more particularly the lateral face 50 of its groove 28, on the one hand, and the beam, more particularly of said tubes 20, are used, and even more particularly their short side, to form a slot, located on the other side of the groove 28 relative to its side wall 50, said slot serving to accommodate said lateral edge 70 of the first side wall 3. We close and a circulation volume of the second fluid at the collector 7, this a first side of the beam.

It may be the same on the other side of the beam using the second side wall 4. It may also be the same with each of the side plates 3, 4 at the other collector 8. As for 20, they define between them as many channels of circulation of the second fluid, to the nearest unit.

The slot formed between the side wall 50 of the groove 28 and the tubes 20 is preferably configured to allow, before soldering, an assembly of said first side wall 3 by force-fitting or a very slight clearance.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, it can be seen that said exchanger may further comprise a first protective wall 3 'in contact with one of the tubes 20 forming a transverse face of the beam 2.

At the collectors 7, 8, a lateral edge 71 of said protective wall 3 'can be sandwiched between the lateral face 70 of the groove 28 and said tube 20. In a variant, the lateral face 70 of the groove 28 can to be directly in contact with said tube 20. Said first side wall 3 and said first protective wall 3 'here form a housing element, said first housing element. They are advantageously for this continuity of material being formed, for example, from a folded sheet. They present here an L-shaped configuration. They come into contact with the respective lateral and transverse faces of the beam.

Said exchanger may also comprise a second protective wall 4 'in contact with the tube 20 forming the transverse face of the beam, opposite to the transverse face of the beam at which said first protective wall 3'. Said second side wall 4 and said second protective wall 4 'form a housing element, said second housing element, here symmetrical to said first housing element and of identical constitution. As illustrated in FIG. 6, said first lateral wall 3 has a free edge 80, transverse to said lateral edge 70, said free edge 80 being situated along said tube 20 at the level of which is said second protective wall 4 ', more particularly along on the short side of this tube. Advantageously, said free edge 80 is located at a distance from said second protective wall 4 '. Symmetrically, it may be the same between a free edge of the second side wall and the first protective wall 3 '. Such a configuration makes it easy to assemble the exchanger without affecting its sealing. Indeed, it uses the first and last tube 20 of the beam to close longitudinally the first and last flow channel of the second fluid. According to this aspect of the invention, it is not necessary to seek to achieve a precise fit of the housing elements together.

As illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, according to another aspect of the invention, said edge 70 of the first and / or second side walls comprises one or more locking lugs 13, 14, 16, 42 adapted to cooperate with the collector or collectors. 7, 8 in order to assemble said collectors on said first side wall 3, according to a determined position, in particular by locking against the bottom of the slot formed between the side wall 50 of the groove 28 and the tubes 20. particularly illustrated in the figure, said locking pin 13 abuts against said spoke 60.

Here, the one or more locking lugs are close to a corner of said first or second side wall 3, 4. They can also be provided with such lugs at one or both of the protective walls 3 ', 4 or at the junction of said side wall and protection.

Said pins are in the form of protuberances made in continuity of material of the rest of the plates. These are, in particular, tabs with rounded contour, as in Figures 3, 5 and 6 or right, optionally chamfered at their free edge, as in Figures 2 and 4.

Said tubes 20, turbulators 22, spacers, housing elements and / or collectors 7, 8 are, for example, aluminum and / or aluminum alloy. They are advantageously brazed together after being pre-assembled.

The thickness of the side walls 3, 4 and / or protection 3 ', 4' is in particular between about 0.5 and 1.5 millimeters (mm). Alternatively, said exchanger may be provided, instead of the protective walls 3 ', 4' of simple returns allowing the side walls 3, 4, at the time of preassembly to bear on the first and last tubes 20 so as to position relative to the beam in the direction perpendicular to the planar faces of said tubes.

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. Heat exchanger (1) comprising a bundle (2) of tubes (20), said bundle (2) being adapted to allow a heat exchange between a first fluid flowing in the tubes (20) and a second fluid circulating between the tubes (20), the heat exchanger (1) further comprising a collector (7, 8), through which said tubes (20) open, and at least one wall (3), said first side wall, guiding said second fluid between the tubes (20), said manifold comprising a groove (28), adapted to receive a cover (9, 10) to form a header (30, 32), a lateral edge (70) of said wall (3) being sandwiched between a side face (50) of said groove (28) and said tubes (20). 2. Exchanger according to claim 1 wherein said manifold (7, 8) comprises orifices (24) for introducing the tubes (20), located at a central zone (26) of the manifold (7, 8), said manifold (7, 8) including a spoke (60) connecting said side face (50) of the groove (28) and said central area (26). 3. Exchanger according to the preceding claim wherein said edge (70) comprises a locking pin (16) adapted to cooperate with said collector (7, 8) for assembling said collector on said first side wall (3), according to a determined position. 4. Exchanger according to the preceding claim wherein said locking pin (16) abuts against said radius (60). 5. Exchanger according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a first protective wall (3 ') in contact with one of said tubes (20), forming a transverse face of the beam, said first paroilateral (3) and said first wall of protection element (3 ') forming a housing element, said first housing element. 6. Exchanger according to the preceding claim wherein said first side wall (3) is located at a side face of the beam. 7. Exchanger according to the preceding claim comprising a second side wall (4) guiding the second fluid between the tubes, said second side wall (4) being located at an opposite face of the beam relative to the first side wall (3). ). 8. Exchanger according to the preceding claim wherein said exchanger comprises a second protective wall (4 ') in contact with one of the tubes (20) forming a transverse face of the beam, opposite to the transverse face of the beam at which locating said first protective wall (3 '), said second side wall (4) and said second protective wall (4') forming another housing element, said second housing element. 9. Exchanger according to the preceding claim wherein said first side wall (3) has a free edge (80) transverse to said side edge (70), said free edge (80) being located along the tube (20) at which there is said second protective wall (4 '). 10. Exchanger according to the preceding claim wherein said free edge (80) is located at a distance from said second protection plate (4 ').