FR3077127A1 - THERMAL EXCHANGER, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE THERMAL REGULATION OF BATTERIES - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) in particular for a motor vehicle, the heat exchanger (1) comprising at least one conduit (5) for circulating a coolant, and at least one manifold (7) defining a volume (V) for circulating the coolant in which an end of said at least one duct (5) opens out. According to the invention, the heat exchanger (1) further comprises: - at least one seal (9) having an orifice for the passage of said at least one duct (5) and assembled to the manifold (7) , so that said at least one conduit (5) and the manifold (7) are mechanically assembled with the interposition of said at least one seal (9), and - at least one mechanical retaining member (11) of the end of said at least one conduit (5) in the corresponding header (7).

Description

Heat exchanger, especially for thermal regulation of batteries

The field of the invention is that of heat exchangers, in particular for motor vehicles. The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of thermal regulation devices for batteries of motor vehicles with electric and / or hybrid motorization.

The electrical energy of electrically powered and / or hybrid vehicles is supplied by one or more batteries.

One problem is that during their operation, the batteries heat up and can therefore be damaged. In addition, if the temperature is too low, the battery life may decrease considerably. The thermal regulation of the battery is therefore an important point.

In order to regulate the temperature of the batteries and maintain the battery at an acceptable temperature, in particular between 20 ° C and 40 ° C, and thus ensure the reliability, autonomy, and performance of the vehicle, while optimizing the service life of the battery, it is known to use heat exchangers. Such heat exchangers comprise a bundle of conduits or tubes connecting together at least two manifolds. The ends of the tubes or conduits are connected, in a fixed and sealed manner, in these manifolds. A heat transfer fluid, such as a coolant, can therefore flow through the conduits and the manifolds in order to exchange heat with the batteries.

Each of the manifolds into which the bundle conduits open includes a manifold plate having orifices for passage of the ends of the conduits. The collector plate is also called a "collector". This collector plate is capped by a cover or cover, also called a “fluid box”, so as to define a common volume into which the corresponding ends of the conduits open.

The cover is, for example provided with connections to pipes for the intake and collection of the heat transfer fluid.

Such a heat exchanger, and in particular in the application of battery cooling, is generally assembled by brazing, that is to say that all of the elements of the heat exchanger are passed through a brazing furnace allowing a filler metal to achieve both the joining of the various elements (in particular the collector plate, the cover, the bundle) and their sealing. In particular, the conduits are secured to the collector plate by brazing at the orifices for passage of the conduits.

However, it has been found that the brazing of the elements of the heat exchanger tends to degrade the mechanical resistance of the conduits, their resistance to pressure and their resistance to internal and external corrosion. This deterioration in mechanical strength can lead to deformation of the conduits when the latter are traversed by a pressurized heat transfer fluid.

In addition, when the conduits have a flat surface oriented towards the batteries (which is the case with conduits of oblong section, for example), so as to have a large heat exchange surface, defects have been observed. flatness of this flat surface. Due to these brazing faults, the heat transfer between the batteries and the heat exchanger may not be homogeneous, so that the heat exchanger does not provide optimal regulation of the temperature of the batteries.

The object of the invention is to improve the mechanical resistance of the conduits of a heat exchanger with the aim of optimizing, in a particular application, the thermal regulation, in particular the cooling of the battery or batteries of a motorized motor vehicle. electric and / or hybrid.

The object of the present invention thus relates to a heat exchanger, in particular for a motor vehicle, the heat exchanger comprising at least one conduit for circulation of a heat-transfer fluid, and at least one manifold defining a circulation volume of the heat-transfer fluid. wherein one end of said at least one conduit opens.

According to the invention, the heat exchanger further comprises:

- At least one seal having at least one orifice for the passage of said at least one conduit and assembled to the manifold, so that said at least one conduit and the manifold are mechanically assembled with interposition of said at least one joint sealing, and

- at least one mechanical retaining member at the end of said at least one duct in the corresponding manifold.

The elements of the heat exchanger are mechanically secured and sealed. Thanks to this mechanical assembly, the mechanical resistance of the tubes is not degraded (unlike an assembly by brazing) and the possible flatness of the conduits is limited.

In addition, the retaining member makes it possible to prevent the conduits from sliding during operation of the heat exchanger.

The heat exchanger may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in combination.

According to an alternative, the retaining member is mounted outside the circulation volume of the heat-transfer fluid defined by the manifold, on the one hand being assembled to the manifold and on the other hand arranged in abutment against at least a portion of said at least one conduit.

According to another alternative, the retaining member is arranged inside the circulation volume of the heat transfer fluid defined by the manifold.

Alternatively, the retaining member is attached to the heat exchanger.

According to another variant, the retaining member is formed on an existing element of the heat exchanger.

According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining member comprises at least one elastically deformable element arranged so as to come into elastic abutment on the end of said at least one conduit.

According to another aspect of the invention, the retaining member is assembled by form cooperation with said at least one conduit.

The retaining member can be assembled by elastic interlocking with said at least one conduit. The retaining member is for example assembled by clipping or snap-fastening with said at least one conduit.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the retaining member is arranged so as to come into abutment against the seal.

The retaining member is for example produced by tearing the wall of said at least one conduit so as to bear against the seal around said at least one conduit.

According to another embodiment, the retaining member is arranged in the heat exchanger in an area devoid of a seal.

According to a first embodiment, the manifold comprises a manifold plate having at least one orifice for the passage of said at least one conduit, and a cover covering the manifold plate so as to define the circulation volume of the heat transfer fluid. Said at least one seal is arranged on the one hand between the collector plate and said at least one duct, and on the other hand between the collector plate and the cover.

Mechanical assembly between the cover and the collector plate can be achieved by crimping two opposite edges of the collector plate on a foot of the cover cover.

According to a second embodiment, the manifold includes a cover defining the volume of circulation of the heat transfer fluid and having a passage opening for said at least one conduit. Said at least one seal is disposed between the cover and said at least one duct. The heat exchanger may further comprise a header plate assembled to the cover with interposition of said at least one seal. Said at least one seal is thus arranged on the other hand between the cover and the collector plate.

According to one solution, the retaining member is assembled on the one hand with the collector plate and on the other hand with said at least one duct.

According to another solution, the retaining member is integral with the cover and extends in the direction of said at least one conduit.

The retaining member may include at least one element from among a retaining pin, a retaining tab, a retaining tab, a retaining lug.

The retaining member is for example integral with the cover comprises at least one retaining tab extending in the direction of said at least one duct and cooperating with at least one complementary groove on said at least one duct.

According to another example, the retaining member integral with the cover comprises at least one retaining lug extending in the direction of said at least one duct and cooperating with at least one complementary orifice on said at least one duct.

According to yet another solution, the retaining member comprises a retaining pin having at least one deformation configured to bear against said at least one conduit.

As a variant or in addition, the retaining member comprises a retaining pin having at least one deformation configured to bear against the collector plate.

For example, the deformations each have the shape of a hemisphere.

The collector plate may include at least one pin passage and at least one pin holding member.

The pin passage can be formed on the pin holder.

The collector plate may include a collar delimiting a orifice for the passage of said at least one conduit and having orifices for the passage of the pin.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, said at least one conduit comprises a plurality of channels for circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, and of the appended drawings among which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view at the level of a manifold according to a first embodiment of a heat exchanger,

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view at the level of a manifold according to a second embodiment of a heat exchanger,

FIG. 3 schematically and partially represents a multichannel duct for a heat exchanger of FIG. 1 or 2,

FIG. 4 schematically represents a heat exchanger of FIG. 1 comprising a pin for retaining conduits opening into the manifold,

FIG. 5 is a view in longitudinal and partial section at the level of the manifold of the heat exchanger of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 schematically represents a heat exchanger of FIG. 2 comprising a pin for retaining conduits opening into the manifold,

FIG. 7 is a view in longitudinal and partial section at the level of the manifold of the heat exchanger of FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 partially shows a perspective view of a deformed conduit for cooperating with a retaining pin of FIG. 4 or 6,

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger in FIG. 1 comprising conduits having lugs for retaining the conduits in the manifold,

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 partially shows a perspective view of a duct having the retaining lugs of FIGS. 9 and 10,

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger in FIG. 2 comprising conduits having lugs for retaining the conduits in the manifold,

FIG. 13 schematically represents a heat exchanger of FIG. 1 comprising tabs for retaining the conduits arranged in the cover of the manifold,

FIG. 14 partially shows a perspective view of a duct having a groove for cooperating with the retaining tabs in FIG. 13,

FIG. 15 is a side view of the conduit of FIG. 14,

FIG. 16 schematically represents a heat exchanger of FIG. 2 comprising tabs for retaining the conduits formed on the cover of the manifold,

FIG. 17 schematically and partially represents a heat exchanger according to the second embodiment comprising pins for retaining the conduits arranged in the cover of the manifold,

FIG. 18a partially shows a duct having a first example of an orifice for cooperating with a retaining lug of FIG. 17,

FIG. 18b partially shows a duct having a second example of an orifice for cooperating with a retaining lug of FIG. 17, and

FIG. 18c partially shows a duct having several orifices according to the second example for cooperating with a corresponding retaining lug of FIG. 17.

In these figures, identical elements have the same references.

The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the characteristics apply to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

In the description, it is possible to index certain elements, such as for example first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name similar but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and one can easily interchange such names without departing from the scope of this description. This indexing does not imply an order in time either.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to a heat exchanger 1, 1 'intended to equip a motor vehicle, in particular of the hybrid or electric type.

This heat exchanger 1, 1 ’is in particular provided for regulating the temperature, for example for cooling, one or more batteries, forming a source of energy for driving the motor vehicle. The heat exchanger 1, 1 ′ is for example intended to be positioned directly in contact with the battery or batteries at the bottom of a protective housing and traversed by a heat transfer fluid, or indirectly in contact with the battery or batteries in the case a heat exchanger placed outside the battery protection box.

In particular, it may be a heat exchanger 1,1 'forming a battery cooler, for so-called indirect cooling, that is to say in which the heat transfer fluid intended to circulate is a cooling liquid, such than brine. Such a coolant generally circulates in a separate loop from the air conditioning loop of the motor vehicle. The operating pressure of the heat exchanger of the invention is, for example, of the order of lbar, but can be lower or higher than this value.

To do this, the 1.1 ’heat exchanger includes:

a bundle 3 of tubes or conduits 5, partially visible in FIGS. 1 to 3, in which the heat transfer fluid, such as glycol water, can circulate, and at least one, generally two manifolds 7, 7 ′, in which open from the corresponding ends of the conduits 5.

A single manifold 7 or 7 'is shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each manifold 7, 7' being intended to collect and distribute the heat transfer fluid.

The heat exchanger 1,1 ’further comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet (not shown) arranged on at least one manifold 7, 7’.

The two manifolds 7, 7 ’are generally similar. Two embodiments of manifold 7 or 7 ′ are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. According to one or other of the embodiments, each manifold 7, 7 ′ defines a circulation volume V of the heat transfer fluid in which opens (s) the duct (s) 5. It is therefore an interior volume V. Each manifold 7, 7 ′ is thus in fluid communication with the conduits 5.

As will be seen in more detail below, the manifold 7 or 7 ′ and the conduits 5 of the heat exchanger 1, 1 ′ are joined together mechanically and in leaktight fashion by interposing at least one gasket. sealing 9, 9 '.

In addition, the heat exchanger 1, 1 ′ comprises one or more retaining members 11, not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, ensuring the blocking or maintaining of the ends of the conduits 5 in the manifolds 7, 7 ’. Different solutions for retaining the conduits 5 in the manifold 7 or 7 ’applying to the first or second embodiment of this manifold 7, 7’ are illustrated in Figures 4 to 18c.

Beam

As regards more precisely the bundle 3 of conduits 5, it has two opposite ends, only one end of the bundle 3 being illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each end of the bundle 3 of conduits 5 is intended to be assembled with a box collector 7, 7 '.

The conduits 5 of the bundle 3 are placed parallel to each other and are aligned so as to form at least one row in which the heat transfer fluid, in particular the coolant, such as glycol water, is intended to circulate.

The conduits 5 are advantageously of the same length.

The conduits 5 can be straight or substantially straight. The conduits 5 extend mainly in an extension direction D, shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Each conduit 5 has two opposite ends. The conduits 5 open at each end, inside the circulation volume V defined by a corresponding manifold 7 or 7 ’.

The conduits 5 are intended to be in mechanical contact or not with at least one vehicle battery (not shown). The conduits 5 are advantageously made of a thermal conductive material, such as a metallic material, for example aluminum or aluminum alloy.

The conduits 5 are for example produced in the form of flat tubes. As an example, it is possible to provide conduits 5 with a width between 15mm and 120mm, with a height between 2mm and 5mm. The conduits 5 have for example a cross section of generally oblong shape.

These are in particular extruded conduits 5. Advantageously, these are multichannel conduits 5 (see FIG. 3). In other words, each duct 5 has a plurality of juxtaposed channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid. The channels 51 of a conduit 5 can be separated by reinforcing legs 53 which ensure the mechanical behavior of the conduits 5 under pressure (that is to say which minimize the deformation of the conduits 5 under pressure). Of course, the shape of the conduits 5 is not limited to the representation of FIG. 3 and other variants can be envisaged.

Finally, the ends of the conduits 5 are intended to be received in the gasket 9 or 9 ’of a corresponding manifold 7 or 7’, when assembling the heat exchanger 1 or 1 ’.

Collector box

First embodiment

With reference to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the manifold box 7 is described in more detail.

According to this first embodiment, the manifold 7 is made in two separate parts 13 and 15 assembled to each other so as to define the interior volume V of circulation of heat transfer fluid into which the conduits 5 of the bundle 3 open. .

More specifically, the manifold 7 includes a manifold plate 13 and a cover 15 covering the manifold plate 13 to close the manifold box 7. The manifold plate 13, the cover 15 and the conduits 5, of the heat exchanger 1 are secured together mechanically and sealingly by interposing the seal 9 ensuring the seal between on the one hand the collecting plate 13 and the conduits 5, and on the other hand between the collecting plate 13 and the cover 15.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cover 15 can have a general shape of a vault, that is to say a domed shape. In cross section, the cover 15 has for example a general shape of a "U".

In addition, the cover 15 has a free peripheral edge, for example an enlarged one, forming a cover foot 51.

Such a cover 15 can be produced by stamping. Alternatively, the cover 15 can be extruded or even molded.

The cover 15 can be made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, or alternatively of plastic.

As regards more particularly the collector plate 13, it may be a metal plate, for example made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, or steel.

The collector plate 13 can extend in a general transverse direction T relative to the extension direction D of the conduits 5.

The conduits 5 open at one end through the collector plate 13. Although this is not illustrated, the same is true of the opposite end of the conduits 5 through another similar collector plate 13.

Each collector plate 13 brings together the corresponding ends of the conduits 5 of the bundle 3. For this, each collector plate 13 comprises one or more orifices 130 for introducing and passing the corresponding conduits 5 (better visible in FIG. 4) which have a contour corresponding to that of a cross section of the conduits 5. In other words, in the example of FIG. 1, these orifices 130 are of generally oblong shape.

The collector plate 13 has, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a central part 131, which is planar or substantially planar, and a peripheral flange 133, which is folded in this example. The collecting plate 13 is tightly connected to the cover 15 by its peripheral rim 133, for example by crimping. The collecting plate 13 has for this purpose on its peripheral edge 133 a plurality of lugs, teeth, tongues or crimping lugs 135 intended to be crimped for example on the cover base 151 during assembly, in particular on a upper face of the cover base 151. Each collector plate 13 therefore maintains the corresponding cover 15 in position on the seal 9 and the collector plate 13 after crimping the tabs 135 of the collector plate 13 on the cover 15.

The orifices 130 for the introduction and passage of the conduits 5 are formed at the level of the central part 131 of the collector plate 133. The orifices 130 may each be delimited by a curved edge forming a collar 137.

A groove 139, capable of receiving the seal 9 and the cover base 151, can be formed in the collecting plate 13. The groove 139 is preferably peripheral.

The seal 9 is advantageously made of elastomeric material. It can thus be made of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer known under the acronym EPDM.

The seal 9 is compressible at the orifices 130 for the introduction and passage of the conduits 5.

For its arrangement in a manifold 7 according to the first embodiment, the seal 9 is in the form of a ply 91 of substantially rectangular shape which comprises a bead 93 of peripheral seal. The bead 93 can extend into the groove 139 of the collecting plate 13.

The seal 9 has one or more orifices 95 (see FIGS. 1 and 4), for the passage of the conduits 5 provided at a central zone of the ply 91. These orifices 95 are of complementary shape at the ends of the conduits 5, for example oblong. Each conduit 5 can be mounted clamped in a corresponding orifice 95 of the seal 9. The orifices 95 are delimited by collars, hereinafter called "teats" 97. Each teat 97 of the seal 9 is forced through a collar 137 of the collector plate 13 during assembly.

In the assembled state of the conduits 5 on the corresponding manifold 7, the seal 9 is compressed in the space between the outer wall of a conduit 5 and the collar 137 of an orifice 130 of the plate manifold 13 (see Figure 4). The seal 9 thus seals the connection between each of the conduits 5 and the collector plate 13 to prevent leaks of heat transfer fluid.

On the other hand, the peripheral sealing bead 93 of the sealing gasket 9 is compressed between the cover base 151 and the collecting plate 13 so as to seal between the cover 15 and the collecting plate 13. The bead 93 is sandwiched and compressed between the bottom of the groove 139 and the cover base 151.

Second embodiment

A second embodiment of the manifold 7 ′ is described with reference to FIG. 2, which differs from the first embodiment in that, in addition to the seal 9 ′, the interior volume V of circulation of heat transfer fluid into which open the conduits 5 of the bundle 3 is no longer defined by the assembly of two parts but by a single part.

In the following, only the differences of the elements of the manifold 7 ’compared to the first embodiment are detailed.

According to the second embodiment, the manifold 7 ’has a part 15’, into which the ends of the conduits 5 open. By analogy with the first embodiment, this part is designated below by a 15 ’cover. The seal 9 ’is arranged so as to be compressed between the cover 15’ and the ends of the conduit (s) 5 of the bundle 3.

According to the variant illustrated in Figure 2, the manifold 7 'can further include an additional part 13' intended to be traversed by the duct (s) 5 and which is fixed to the cover 15 '. By analogy, in the first embodiment, this additional part is hereinafter referred to as a 13 ′ collecting plate. In this case, the same seal 9 ', or alternatively another seal, is arranged between the cover 15' and the collector plate 13 ', so that the collector plate 13' compresses this seal d 'seal 9' on cover 15 '.

As regards the cover 15 ′, it has at least one orifice 150, for example of generally oblong shape, for the passage of the duct (s) 5. The cover 15 ′ has a general shape whose outline is closed or almost closed at the exception of the orifice (s) 150 for the passage of the conduits 5. This is a generally tubular shape.

In this example, the cover 15 ′ comprises a chamber 152 having a contour, for example of circular shape defining the interior volume V of circulation of heat transfer fluid, and a base 154 comprising two feet 156 separated by a central recess 158. The opening 150 opens on the one hand into the chamber 152 and on the other hand at the level of the recess 158 of the base 154.

According to the variant illustrated in FIG. 2, the collecting plate 13 ’comprises a central wall 132, two opposite edges of which are extended by curved wings 134. Thus, the collecting plate 13 ’has a section substantially in the shape of a“ U ”. In this example, each wing 134 carries on its opposite lateral edges means for assembly to the cover 15 ′, such as crimping lugs 135 ′, which protrude towards the space between the two wings 134, being arranged opposite, so as to be folded down on the feet 156 of the cover 15 '.

In addition, a collar 136 extends from one side of the central wall 132 opposite the cover 15 ′, delimiting an orifice 130 for introducing and passing the conduit 5. The orifice 130 and the collar 136 are for example of oblong shape.

The shape of the seal 9 ’differs from the shape of the seal 9 according to the first embodiment. The seal 9 'configured to be arranged in a manifold 7' according to the second embodiment, comprises a base 92 from which extends perpendicularly or almost perpendicularly, a sealing nipple 94. The base 92 is of complementary shape to the recess 158 of the cover 15 ’, for example is substantially rectangular. The sealing nipple 94 is of complementary shape to the opening 150 of the cover 15 ’. The seal 9 has an orifice 95 'for the passage of the conduit 5, which is of shape complementary to the conduit 5. The orifice 95' is formed in the base 92 and the teat 94.

When assembling a conduit 5, for example by force, on the manifold 7 ’according to the second embodiment, the seal is ensured by compression of the seal 9’. More precisely, according to the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the base 92 of the seal 9 'is pressed on the one hand against the central wall 132 of the collector plate 13' and on the other hand against the interior surface of the recess 158 of the cover 15 ', so that it is kept compressed between the cover 15' and the collector plate 13 '.

The nipple 94 of the seal 9 ’is forcibly housed in the opening 150 of the cover 15’ and partly protrudes from the opening 150 so as to partially extend in the chamber 152 of the cover 15 ’. The conduit 5 passes through the orifice 130 of the collar 136 of the collecting plate 13 ’and the orifice 95’ of the gasket 9 ’, opening into the chamber 152 of the cover 15’. The seal 9 ’is compressed by the conduit 5 at the opening 150 of the cover 15’. The passage of the conduit 5 in the seal 9 'makes it possible to radially compress the external wall of the nipple 94 against the internal wall of the orifice 150 of the cover 15', guaranteeing the tightness of the connection between the conduit 5 and the cover 15 . In other words, the conduit 5 is pre-stressed in the nipple 94 of the seal 9 ’.

The seal 9 'is therefore compressed on the one hand between the duct 5 and the cover 15' and on the other hand between the collector plate 13 and the cover 15 ', at the level of the interior surface of the recess 158, ensuring at the same time the tightness of the connections conduit 5 / cover 15 'and cover 15' / manifold plate 13 '.

The sealing connections are therefore not in the same places with respect to the first embodiment.

Retainer

To prevent sliding of the duct (s) 5 relative to the manifold 7, 7 'according to one or the other of the embodiments, different retention solutions or holding by means of one or more retaining members 11 are described below. These are in particular mechanical retaining elements 11. These different solutions can be applied to a heat exchanger 1, 1 ’whose manifold 7, 7’ is according to the first or second embodiment.

First solution

Referring to Figures 4 to 8, a first retaining member solution 11 is described which can be applied for a manifold 7 according to the first embodiment (Figures 4 and 5) or 7 'according to the second embodiment. (Figures 6 and 7).

According to this first solution, the retaining member 11 is assembled on the one hand to the manifold 7, 7 'and on the other hand arranged to bear against at least a portion of the duct 5. More specifically, the retaining member 11 is configured or shaped to cooperate with both the conduit 5 and the manifold plate 13 or 13 '. The retaining member 11 is in particular an additional member which is attached to the elements of the heat exchanger 1 or 1 ’.

In the examples described of this first solution, the retaining member 11 does not interact with the seal 9 or 9 ’. The mechanical connections between the retaining member 11 and the duct 5 and the manifold 7 or 7 ’are advantageously separated from the sealing zone. In other words, the retaining member 11 is arranged in the heat exchanger 1, 1 ’in an area devoid of seal 9, 9’.

In particular, the retaining member 11 according to the first solution, is mounted outside the volume V of circulation of the heat transfer fluid defined by the manifold 7 or 7 ’.

The retaining member 11 is also made of an elastic material, that is to say elastically deformable. The retaining member 11 is arranged so as to elastically urge the conduit 5 in position in the manifold 7 or 7 ’, and thus ensures the retaining function.

According to the examples illustrated, the retaining member 11 comprises a pin 17 or 17 ’. This pin 17 or 17 'has for example two lateral branches 170 connected by a base 171.

In a complementary manner, the conduit 5 has, as is better visible in FIG. 8, two housings 55 such as notches or recesses, for the passage of the pin 17 or 17 ', in particular for the passage of the two lateral branches 170. The housings 55 are provided at each end of the duct 5, and on each side. In the illustrated case, the housings 55 are provided at the level of the small rounded edges of the duct 5 of oblong or substantially oblong cross section. The cooperation of the pin 17 or 17 ′ with these housings 55 makes it possible to block in translation, in the direction D, the conduit 5.

Each housing 55 can be a recess obtained by deformation of the wall of the last channel 51 (not visible in Figure 5). As a variant, it is possible to envisage a conduit whose external lateral walls are thicker, each housing 55 can then be a notch obtained by removal of material, which does not impact the passage of the fluid in the end channels of the conduit 5 .

The pin 17 or 17 'is adapted according to the embodiment of the manifold 13 or 13'.

Also, the manifold 7 or 7 ′, in particular, at the level of the collector plate 13 or 13 ′, is arranged in certain places to allow the passage and the retention of the corresponding pin 17 or 17 ′, in order to ensure a rigid connection between the pin 17 or 17 'and the collector plate 13 or 13' once the assembly is in place. Without limitation, the pin passages in the collecting plate 13, 13 ’can be round, oblong, of open or closed contour.

One or more means or means can be provided for maintaining this pin 17 or 17 ’. By way of nonlimiting example, provision may be made for bonding, crimping the pin 17 or 17 ’or one or more retaining tabs or retaining tabs. Such additional holding means or members are also adapted according to the embodiment.

Applied to the first embodiment

For a heat exchanger 1 comprising a manifold 7 according to the first embodiment, the cooperation between the pin 17 and the conduit 5 on the one hand and the manifold plate 13 on the other hand, can be carried out at different portions of pin 17 (figure 4).

In particular, the pin 17 is deformed at its lateral branches 170. The deformations 172 of the pin 17 provide the mechanical strength of the conduit 5, at the level of the housings 55. The deformations 172 may be central. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housings 55, such as recesses or notches, are formed at a portion of the duct 5 which is not received in the seal 9 or in the manifold plate 13. The pin 17 directly clamps the conduit 5.

In addition, the manifold 7 includes means or members 19 for holding the pin 17. The holding members 19 allow the passage and retention of the pin in the manifold 13. The holding members 19 therefore each have a pin passage 20 which can be of open or closed outline, and have any suitable shape, for example round or oblong.

In particular, these holding members 19 are provided on the collecting plate 13, on the external side, that is to say on the side opposite to the interior volume V defined by the collecting box 7, for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid. In other words, the pin 17 cooperates with the manifold 7, in particular with the manifold plate 13, to ensure the retention of the conduit 5 in the manifold 7.

The holding members 19 may be formed by holding tabs, also designated by the reference 19. These holding tabs 19, for example produced by cutting, extend from the collecting plate 13 in the direction of the rest of the bundle 3, from the side opposite to the volume V for circulation of the heat transfer fluid into which the duct 5 opens. The retaining tabs 19 may have a hook shape. The holding tabs 19 are arranged so as to cooperate with the pin 17 at locations different from the deformations 172. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the holding tabs 19 cooperate with end portions, at the top and at the bottom according to the arrangement in FIG. 4, lateral branches 170 of the pin 17. The holding tabs 19 are shaped so as to prevent the pin 17 from rotating, to the left or to the right with reference at the disposal of the elements in FIG. 4, when the pin 17 comes to tighten the conduit 5. A rigid connection is ensured between the pin 17 and the collector plate 13.

In addition, one or more bonding points can be provided, for example at the level of the portions of the pin 17 cooperating with the retaining tabs 19, to guarantee the retention of the pin 17 ensuring the retention of the conduit 5 in the manifold 7.

Applied to the second embodiment

For a heat exchanger 1 ′ comprising a manifold 7 ′ according to the second embodiment, the cooperation between the pin 17 ′ and the conduit 5 can take place at a portion of the conduit 5 received in the manifold plate 13 ′ , more particularly in the collar 136 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

To do this, passages are provided on the collar 136 for the pin 17 ’. These are, for example, holes 21, visible in FIG. 6. Without limitation, the pin passages, such as the holes 21, can be round, oblong. The orifices 21 are here at the level of the small rounded edges for a collar 136 of oblong shape. The pin 17 ’can slide into the corresponding passages, here the orifices 21, and come to wedge at the notches 55, the conduit 5 opening into the manifold 7’.

These are in particular the lateral branches 170 which are inserted through the collar 136 of the collector plate 13 'to come to bear in the notches 55 of the conduit 5 (Figure 8). In this case, the lateral branches 170 of the pin 17 ’are straight so that they can pass into the collar 136 of the collecting plate 13’.

In addition, referring again to FIG. 6, the pin 17 ’also bears against the collecting plate 13’ at a location separate from the orifices 21 for the passage of the pin 17 ’. More specifically, the pin 17 'comes to bear on the external face of a longitudinal side of the collar 136. To do this, the pin 17' can comprise one or more contact portions 173, for example in the form of half spheres, coming to rest on the collar 136 of the collector plate 13 '. In the example illustrated, only two contact portions 173 in hemispheres are shown. Of course, this is not limiting. The number of contact portions 173 can be adapted according to the dimensions of the conduit

5. In particular, depending on the width of the duct 5, the length of the pin 17 ′, here from its base 170, is adapted, as well as the number of contact portions 173.

The elastic pin 17 'comes in force on the collector plate 13', and in order to prevent the pin 17 'from rising, with reference to the arrangement of the elements in FIG. 6, it is possible to provide that the collector box 7 'comprises at least one holding member 23 of the pin 17, in particular at the level of the collecting plate 13', on the external side, that is to say on the side opposite to the interior volume V, for the circulation of the heat-transfer fluid, defined by the manifold 7 ', also referring to FIG. 7. According to this embodiment also, the pin 17' cooperates with the manifold 7 ', in particular with the manifold plate 13', to ensure retention of the conduit 5 in the manifold 7 '.

According to the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the holding member 21 can be produced in the form of a tongue or clip, arranged to come into abutment against a portion of the pin 17 'to lock it in position once inserted in the orifices 21 while bearing against the duct 5.

In the example illustrated, only a retaining tab 21 is illustrated, of course more than one retaining tab 21 can be provided, for example two or three retaining tabs 21 can ensure the retention of the pin 17 ', by example in the center and at each end.

The pin 17 'adapted for a manifold 7' according to the second embodiment is deformed no longer at the level of the portion bearing against the conduit 5 as for the first embodiment, but at the level of the portions 173 bearing against the collecting plate 13 '. The mechanical strength of the pin 17 or 17 'in place is not ensured in the same place between the two embodiments.

In addition, provision can also be made for deformation, in particular punching 138, also with reference to FIG. 2, in one or more places, on the outer wall of the collar 136 of the collector plate 13 'to immobilize the pin 17 . The punching 138, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, is directed towards the conduit 5. According to the example described, such a punching 138 is carried out at the level of the small rounded edges of the collar 136 having the orifices 21 for the insertion of the pin 17 '. The punching 138 is provided deep enough to deform the inner wall of the collar 136 and the pin 17 ’. The width of the orifice 130 is thus reduced from time to time at the level of the collar 136, thus blocking the movement of the pin 17 ’bearing against the external wall of the duct 5.

Second solution

With reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, a second solution is described to ensure the retention of the conduit 5 in the manifold 7 or 7 ’. Unlike the first solution, the retaining member 11 is not an additional part added to the heat exchanger 1 or 1 'but is formed directly by or on one of the components of the heat exchanger 1, 1' , in particular through the conduit 5 itself.

According to the second solution, the retaining member 11 is arranged inside the volume V of circulation of the heat transfer fluid defined by the manifold 7, 7 ’.

More precisely, according to this second solution, the retention is achieved by tearing, in one or more places, the wall of the end of each multichannel conduit 5 which opens into the corresponding manifold 7, 7 ’. In particular, the wall is torn at one or more channels 51 of each conduit 5. Clearly, these channels 51 are open.

The end of a duct 5 having several torn walls to form the retaining tabs 25 is better visible in FIG. 11. At each location, the wall is torn completely until it abuts against the seal 9 or 9 '(Figures 9, 10, 12), so as to form a retaining tab 25.

Applied to the first embodiment

For a heat exchanger 1 comprising a manifold 7 according to the first embodiment (Figures 9, 10), the end of the conduits 5 can be torn after the insertion of the conduits 5 into the seal 9 and into the plate manifold 13 of the manifold 7. In particular, during assembly, the conduit 5 is inserted, for example by force fitting, into the seal 9 and into the manifold plate 13. Then, by means of a tool, the wall of the duct 5 is torn at one or more channels 51, so as to completely open these channels 51 and fold down the torn walls forming retaining tabs 25, so as to block the duct 5.

Applied to the second embodiment

For a heat exchanger 1 ′ comprising a manifold 7 ′ according to the second embodiment (FIG. 12), the end of the conduits 5 can be torn after the insertion of the conduits 5 into the seal 9 ′ and into the 'orifice 150 of the cover 15'. In particular, during assembly, the conduit 5 is inserted into the seal 9 ’. The cover 15 'can be assembled on the seal 9' receiving the end of the conduit 5. Then, as before, by means of a tool, the wall of the conduit 5 is torn at one or more channels 51, so as to completely open these channels 51 and fold down the torn walls forming retaining tabs 25, so as to block the conduit 5.

As a variant, it could be envisaged that the torn walls also come to bear on the cover 15 ’. In this case, it is necessary to adapt the shape of the cover 15 ′ at the level of the reception of the joint / duct assembly, in particular by providing a flat, that is to say a flat or almost flat surface, more large, larger, around the orifice 150, so that the torn walls forming retaining lugs 25 can come to bear on it.

Third solution

With reference to FIGS. 13 to 16, a third retaining member solution 11 is described which can be applied for a manifold 7 according to the first embodiment (FIG. 13) or 7 ′ according to the second embodiment (FIG. 16).

According to this third solution, the retention of the conduit 5 in the manifold 7, 7 'is achieved by form cooperation. In other words, the retaining member 11 is assembled by form cooperation with the conduit 5.

More particularly, the retention of the conduit 5 in the manifold 7, 7 'is carried out by elastic fitting, in particular by clipping or snap-fastening. The retaining member 11 therefore comprises at least one clipping member, or a latching or spring fixing member, made of an elastic material, that is to say elastically deformable.

To do this, the retaining member 11 can be formed on at least one additional part or insert 27 (FIG. 13) which is attached to an element of the heat exchanger 1 or 1 ′, in particular on the cover 15 or 15 'or alternatively, can be formed directly on one of the components of the heat exchanger 1, Γ, in particular the cover 15 or 15'.

The need for the additional part 27 is notably linked to the process for obtaining the cover 15 or 15 ’. Namely, in the case of a stamping, an additional part 27 is attached to the cover, as illustrated on the cover 15 of FIG. 13. On the other hand, for a process of obtaining by extrusion or molding, the member retainer 11 can be more easily formed directly on the cover, as illustrated on the cover 15 ′ in FIG. 16.

In the examples of the third solution, the retaining member 11 is integral with the cover 15, 15 'and extends in the direction of the conduit 5. The retaining member 11 is configured or shaped to extend from the cover 15 or 15 'or from the additional piece 27 fitted in the cover 15 or 15' and come to exert a force on the conduit 5.

In the examples described of this third solution, the retaining member 11 does not interact with the seal 9 or 9 ’. The mechanical connections between the retaining member 11 and the conduit 5 are dissociated from the sealing zone. In other words, the retaining member 11 is arranged in the heat exchanger 1, 1 ’in an area devoid of seal 9, 9’.

According to the examples illustrated, the retaining member 11 comprises at least one retaining tab 29 forming the clipping member or more simply a clip. It is possible to provide a single retaining tab 29 extending in the direction of the length of the cover 15, 15 ’, which corresponds to the direction of the width of the duct 5. Alternatively, it is possible to provide several discontinuous retaining tabs 29. This latter variant is in particular more easily achievable on one or more additional parts 27. The retaining tabs 29 are advantageously provided to cooperate with the two sides of the duct 5.

In addition, the conduit 5 has at its end, at least one groove 57. In the example of FIG. 14, the groove 57 is produced over the entire width of the conduit 5. As can be seen in FIG. 15, such a groove 57 is advantageously provided on two sides of the duct 5, these are in particular the two opposite long sides for a duct 5 produced by a flat tube as described above.

Applied to the first embodiment

For a manifold 7 according to the first embodiment (Figure 13), the cover 15 is generally made by stamping.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, an additional part 27 for ensuring the clipping is secured to the cover 15. This attachment can be done by force adjustment. This additional part 27 is adjusted to match the internal shape of the cover 15, on the side of the interior volume V.

The additional part 27 carries one or more retaining tabs 29. The additional part 27 is therefore configured to cooperate both with the cover 15 and the end of the conduit 5 opening into the manifold 7.

As a variant, several additional parts 27 can be attached to the cover 15. In particular, with such a variant, separate retaining tabs 29 can be produced discontinuously on the internal side of the additional parts 27 opening into the volume V of circulation of the coolant.

When the duct 5 is assembled with the manifold 7, the end of the duct 5 pushes the retaining tabs 29, until they snap into the corresponding groove 57. The retaining tabs 29 must therefore resist the deformation generated during the passage of the conduit 5, so as not to deform permanently. When the collector plate 13 is crimped onto the cover 15, the assembly is blocked.

According to an alternative not shown, one can envisage a cover which is produced by extrusion or molding. In this case, provision may be made for the retaining tab or tabs 29 to be produced directly on such a cover.

Applied to the second embodiment

In the example illustrated in Figure 16, the retaining tabs 29 are formed in one piece with the cover 15 '.

For a manifold 7 ’according to the second embodiment, the cover 15 can be produced by extrusion or by molding. This offers the possibility of making the retaining tabs 29 directly on the cover 15 ’.

According to a variant not shown, the retaining tabs 29 may possibly be discontinuous. Such a variant is more easily achievable in the case of a molded cover 15 ’.

As before, when the duct 5 is assembled with the manifold 7 ', the end of the duct 5 pushes the retaining tabs 29, until they snap into the corresponding groove 57 (see FIGS. 14, 15). The retaining tabs 29 must therefore resist the deformation generated during the passage of the conduit 5, so as not to deform permanently.

The third solution no longer requires the use of a tool to make the retaining member 11, as in the second solution. The third solution therefore does not require access to the ends of the conduits 5 opening into the manifold 7, 7 ', which is particularly advantageous for a manifold 7' produced according to the second embodiment, the cover 15 'of which has a almost completely closed outline.

Fourth solution

A fourth solution is illustrated in Figures 17 to 18c. Only the differences of this fourth solution compared to the third solution are explained below.

In the example of Figure 17, a manifold 7 'according to the second embodiment is shown. One could envisage a similar variant with a manifold 7 according to the first embodiment.

According to this fourth solution, the retention of the conduit 5 in the manifold 7 ’is achieved by snap-fastening of a retaining member 11 in at least one orifice 59 of the conduit

5.

To do this, the retaining member 11 can be formed on at least one additional piece or insert 270 (FIG. 17) which is attached to the cover 15 ’. This additional piece 270 can be produced by a clip or a spring ring. The additional part 270 can be made of metallic material, for example aluminum, or plastic.

According to the example illustrated, the retaining member 11 comprises at least one retaining lug 290 forming a latching member or more simply a clip. In the example of FIG. 17, a retaining lug 290 is provided at each end of the additional piece 270 or clip. One or more retaining pins 290 may be provided on each side in order to cooperate with the two sides of the duct 5. This latter variant is in particular more easily achievable on one or more additional parts 270.

Alternatively, the retaining member 11 could be formed directly on the cover 15 ’. The retaining pins 290 can therefore be an integral part of the cover 15 ’, for example by being molded at the same time as the cover 15’ and in the same material, for example plastic. The retaining pins 290 can also be overmolded, it is then an insert in the cover mold 15 ’and submerged when the plastic is injected.

In a complementary manner, the conduit 5 has at its end, one or more orifices 59 (see FIGS. 18a to 18c) in which a corresponding retaining lug 290 engages in the assembly of the conduit 5 to the manifold 7 ’. The orifice (s) 59 are provided at the end of the two large opposite sides for a conduit 5 produced by a flat tube as described above. Of course, the shape of the orifices 59 can be adapted and is complementary to the shape of the retaining pins 290.

When the duct 5 is assembled with the manifold 7 ’, the end of the duct 5 pushes the retaining lugs 290, until the orifices 59 exceed the lugs 290 which each engage in a corresponding orifice 59. The retaining pins 290 must therefore resist the deformation generated during the passage of the conduit 5, so as not to deform permanently. There is no additional operation to ensure the retention of the conduits 5, this is done at the same time as the assembly and the sealing. Such an assembly is very fast while offering effective retention. In particular, after assembly, the assembly is no longer removable.

Thus, to prevent the conduits 5 from coming out of the manifold 7 ', under the effect of the pressure, the conduits 5 are not deformed, as in the previous solutions, but holes 59 made on the sides of the conduits 5.

Of course, the embodiments which are described above are in no way limiting. Any other variant can be envisaged, in particular the characteristics described in the embodiments can be isolated, combined or interchanged.

It is therefore understood that whatever the embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical assembly of the heat exchanger 1 or 1 ′, in particular intended for the thermal regulation of batteries, in particular of a motor vehicle, is relatively easy and makes it possible to guarantee the seal inside the manifolds 7, 7 ', where the heat transfer fluid circulates.

In addition, one or other of the mechanical retaining solutions complementary to the conduits 5 in the manifolds 7, 7 'ensures the mechanical resistance to pressure of the conduits 5, preventing their separation from the manifolds 7, 7' and guaranteeing thus the sealing of the heat exchanger 1, Γ. In other words, the retaining member or members 11 according to one or other of the solutions described above, ensure the blocking of the conduits 5 during assembly, so that the latter withstand the pressure of use which tends to bring them out of the seal 9, 9 '.

It is therefore not necessary to resort to soldering, which in particular guarantees the flatness of the flat surfaces of the conduits 5, for example for mechanical contact with a battery. Consequently, the heat exchanges between the tubes of the heat exchanger and the battery, when the heat exchanger is intended to thermally regulate one or more batteries, are optimized.

Claims (10)

1. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') in particular for a motor vehicle, the heat exchanger (1, 1') comprising at least one duct (5) for circulation of a heat-transfer fluid, and at least one manifold (7 , 7 ') defining a volume (V) for circulation of the heat transfer fluid into which one end of said at least one duct (5) opens, characterized in that the heat exchanger (1, 1') further comprises: at least one seal (9, 9 ') having at least one orifice (95, 95') for the passage of said at least one conduit (5) and assembled to the manifold (7, 7 '), so that said at least one conduit (5) and the manifold (7, 7 ') are mechanically assembled with the interposition of said at least one seal (9, 9'), and at least one mechanical retaining member (11) of the end of said at least one conduit (5) in the corresponding manifold (7, 7 '). 2. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to claim 1, wherein the retaining member (11) is mounted outside the volume (V) of circulation of the heat transfer fluid defined by the manifold (7, 7 '), being firstly assembled to the manifold (7, 7') and secondly arranged to bear against at least a portion of said at least one conduit (5). 3. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to claim 1, wherein the retaining member (11) is arranged inside the volume (V) of circulation of the heat transfer fluid defined by the manifold (7, 7 '). 4. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining member (11) comprises at least one elastically deformable element (17, 17', 29, 290) arranged so as to come into resilient abutment on the end of said at least one conduit (5). 5. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ’) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the retaining member (11) is assembled by shape cooperation with said at least one duct (5). 6. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to claim 3, wherein the retaining member (11) is produced by tearing the wall of said at least one conduit (5), so as to bear against the seal sealing (9, 9 ') around said at least one conduit (5). 7. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the retaining member (11) is arranged in the heat exchanger (1, 1') in an area without seal. seal (9, 9 '). 8. Heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which: the manifold (7) comprises a manifold plate (13) having at least one orifice (130) for the passage of said at least one conduit (5), and a cover (15) covering the manifold plate (13) so as to define the volume (V) of circulation of the heat transfer fluid, and said at least one seal (9) is disposed on the one hand between the collector plate (13) and said at least one conduit (5), and on the other hand between the collector plate (13) and the cover (15). 9. Heat exchanger (1 ’) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which: the manifold (7 ') has a cover (15') defining the circulation volume of the heat transfer fluid and having an orifice (150) for the passage of said at least one duct (5), and said at least one seal ( 9 ') is arranged between the cover (15') and said at least one conduit (5). 10. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the retaining member (11) comprises at least one element from a retaining pin (17, 17'), a retaining tab (25), a retaining tab (29), a retaining lug (290).