FR3082929A1 - COLLECTOR BOX AND CORRESPONDING HEAT EXCHANGER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a manifold for a heat exchanger comprising a bundle of tubes respectively having at least two circulation channels for a heat transfer fluid delimited by a partition, the manifold comprising: - a manifold plate comprising a plurality of openings configured for to be traversed by the tubes, and - at least one compressible seal (11) disposed on the collector plate and comprising at least one collar (13) inserted through an opening in the collector plate and configured to be arranged around an associated tube end. According to the invention, said at least one collar (13) has an external wall (131) of shape complementary to the shape of the opening of the collector plate and an internal wall (133) having a contour delimiting an orifice (15) with at least one extra thickness (135) extending towards the inside of the orifice (15) and intended to be at the level of the partition of the associated tube end (5). The invention also relates to a heat exchanger comprising such a manifold.

Description

-1 Collector box and corresponding heat exchanger

The invention relates to the field of heat exchangers, in particular for motor vehicles. The invention relates in particular to manifolds for such heat exchangers.

Heat exchangers can in particular be used for thermal management of combustion engines, electric batteries, supply air loops.

Heat exchangers conventionally comprise a heat exchange bundle and at least one, generally two manifolds of a heat transfer fluid.

The heat exchange bundle comprises a plurality of tubes through which is intended to flow a heat transfer fluid. Dividers or fins can also be provided between the tubes to improve heat exchange.

In known manner, each manifold comprises a manifold plate receiving the ends of the tubes and a cover which covers the manifold plate to at least partially close the manifold.

According to a known solution, the various elements of such a heat exchanger are metallic, for example made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and can be assembled and then brazed by passing through a brazing oven, to ensure the assembly of the assembly. elements.

Such a heat exchanger, the different elements of which are permanently fixed to one another by a brazing operation, is called a brazed heat exchanger.

Advantageously, the tubes of the heat exchange bundle can define several internal channels for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid circulation channels are juxtaposed and are separated by partitions which ensure the mechanical resistance to pressure and allow the profile of the tubes to be maintained without it deforming under internal pressure. Such tubes are called multichannel tubes. These tubes are generally flat, quite long and narrow. These are in particular extruded tubes.

-2However, the heat exchangers are subject to many stresses and thermal variations during the different operating cycles. In particular, expansion and retraction phenomena linked to temperature variations can occur, in particular at the level of the connections between the collector plate and the tubes. These connections being rigid in a brazed heat exchanger, this does not make it possible to compensate for such phenomena of expansion and retraction. Over time these bonds weaken and ruptures and as a result leakage of the fluid can appear.

Another known technology is a technology for mechanical assembly of the elements of the heat exchanger, namely at room temperature, for example by crimping, expansion, clipping or other mechanical connection. The mechanical assembly does not include a step of brazing the elements forming the heat exchanger. The tubes can be expanded to make contact with fins of the heat exchange bundle, using a tool such as an "olive" that moves inside each tube. This mechanical assembly is therefore carried out with single-channel tubes.

In addition, for such heat exchangers with mechanical assembly, a seal is placed on the collector plate in order to ensure sealing between the cover and the collector plate but also between the ends of the tubes and the collector plate. Such a seal makes it possible to compensate for the phenomena of expansion and retraction that may occur. In particular, each collector plate can cooperate with a cover which is fixed on the collector plate while ensuring the compression of the seal. In addition, the ends of the tubes are assembled to each header plate by expanding the ends of the tubes so as to compress the gasket between the ends of the tubes and the header plate. This flexible connection between the tubes and the collector plates improves resistance to the effects of thermal shock.

It has been envisaged to combine the advantage of a brazed heat exchange bundle having tubes with a tight pitch, with the advantage of mechanical assembly between the manifold and the heat exchange bundle ensuring good resistance thermal shock. To do this, a compressible seal is placed on the collector plate and is intended to come around the ends of the tubes of a brazed heat exchange bundle, so as to ensure the seal both between

-3the cover and the collector plate and between the collector plate and the ends of the brazed tubes.

However, this mechanical assembly can be complex to produce for multichannel tubes, for example from extrusion.

A collector plate is known for example having collars delimiting openings for receiving the seal surrounding the ends of multichannel tubes whose edges are locally deformed so as to act as a counter-form complementary to the shape of the ends of the tubes after expansion. The seal is equipped with a collar or a chimney of constant thickness, for example of the order of 0.9mm to 1mm, which is compressed in a homothetic manner to the shape of the collar. of the collector plate, by internal flaring of the tube.

However, the flaring of the ends of the tubes allowing the compression of the seal cannot be carried out at the partitions separating the circulation channels of the heat transfer fluid from the tubes which are rigid to ensure mechanical strength. It can be difficult to control the compression of the seal necessary to achieve the seal, especially at these partitions.

In addition, the collector plate is complex to produce and this in particular requires expensive tools with complex punches to produce this counterform.

The invention aims to at least partially overcome these problems of the prior art by providing a manifold adapted for mechanical assembly between the manifold and a bundle of multichannel tubes, and whose manifold plate is simple and easily achievable without requiring complex tools.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a manifold for a heat exchanger, in particular for a motor vehicle, said exchanger comprising a heat exchange bundle comprising a plurality of tubes respectively having at least two channels for circulation of a heat transfer fluid delimited by a partition, the manifold comprising a manifold plate comprising a plurality of openings configured to be traversed by the tubes of the heat exchange bundle, and at least one compressible seal disposed on the collector plate, said at least one seal '' sealing comprising at least one collar

-4 inserted through an opening in the manifold plate and configured to be arranged around an end of the associated tube intended to open into the manifold in the assembled state of said exchanger.

According to the invention, said at least one collar has an outer wall and an inner wall of different shapes. The outer wall is of complementary shape to the shape of the opening of the collector plate. The internal wall has a contour delimiting an orifice to receive an associated tube end, with at least one additional thickness extending towards the interior of the orifice, the additional thickness being intended to be at the level of the partition between two circulation channels fluid from the associated tube end.

The tubes are for example intended to be deformed, for example by flaring, except at the level of the partition or partitions.

The hybrid shape of the collar of the different gasket inside and outside makes it possible to make the connection between the collector plate and the ends of the tubes of the exchange bundle during assembly.

The shape of the openings of the collector plate can be simple and therefore easily achievable.

The shape of the internal wall is further adapted to fill the lack of compression at the partitions of the tube where it is not possible to deform. The extra thickness at the partitions ensures mounting with compression of the seal.

The manifold can further include one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in combination.

The manifold is for example configured to be mechanically assembled to the plurality of tubes of the heat exchange bundle of said exchanger.

According to one aspect of the invention, the orifice has a shape similar to the shape of the associated tube end after deformation, for example by flaring.

The contour of the internal wall of said at least one collar can be corrugated and said at least one additional thickness is arranged between two corrugations.

The shape of the openings of the collector plate can be of constant width.

The openings of the collector plate are for example of generally oblong shape and the external wall of said at least one collar is of generally oblong shape.

-5According to an exemplary embodiment, said at least one seal comprises a common base from which extend several collars, the collars extending respectively through an associated opening of the collector plate.

The common base is advantageously of general shape complementary to the shape of the collector plate.

A single seal can be provided with as many collars as openings on the collector plate.

As a variant, the manifold can include a plurality of separate seals, respectively comprising a collar inserted through an associated opening of the manifold plate. Each seal may have a base from which a collar extends.

The collector plate has a core having the plurality of openings. The soul can be flat and devoid of collars.

Alternatively, the core may have collars bordering the openings.

The collector plate may be substantially flat and devoid of a peripheral groove.

Alternatively, the collector plate may have a peripheral groove.

The manifold further includes a cover assembled to the manifold so as to close the manifold, with interposition of said at least one seal between the manifold and the cover.

It can be a peripheral part of the seal arranged between the collector plate and the cover. The peripheral part can be made in one piece with the part of the seal having said at least one collar, so as to form a layer of seal.

Alternatively, it may be a peripheral seal arranged between the collector plate and the cover which may be separate from the part of the seal having said at least one collar.

The invention also relates to a heat exchanger, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a heat exchange bundle comprising a plurality of tubes respectively having at least two channels for circulation of a heat transfer fluid delimited by a partition. Said exchanger comprises at least one manifold as defined above. The tubes are assembled

-6mechanically to the manifold by flaring the ends of the tubes so as to compress said at least collar of said at least one seal between each end of tube and the manifold plate.

The heat exchange bundle is for example assembled by brazing.

The tubes can be extruded tubes.

The ends of at least some of the tubes may have an additional flare for retaining said at least one seal.

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:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view partially showing a heat exchanger comprising a heat exchange bundle assembled to a collector plate,

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a seal surrounding the tube ends of the heat exchange bundle of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3b is a view in longitudinal section of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of part of the manifold plate before assembly in the heat exchanger of FIGS. 1, 3a, 3b, and

- Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a collar of the seal before assembly in the heat exchanger of Figures 1, 3a, 3b.

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 only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

In the description, we can index certain elements, such as for example

-7first 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.

FIG. 1 shows partially a heat exchanger 1 for a motor vehicle. It can include a radiator or a condenser. Such a heat exchanger 1 comprises a heat exchange bundle 3 comprising a plurality of tubes 5.

The heat exchange bundle 3 can be assembled by brazing, that is to say that the different elements are assembled together and then brazed by passing through a brazing furnace, to ensure the joining of all of the elements of the bundle heat exchange 3. For this purpose, the various elements of the heat exchanger heat exchange bundle 3 are metallic, preferably aluminum or aluminum alloy.

The tubes 5 are intended to be traversed by a heat transfer fluid. The tubes 5 can extend longitudinally along a longitudinal axis L. They are in particular flat tubes 5. Each tube 5 has at least two fluid circulation channels 51 juxtaposed and separated by at least one partition 53 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). We are talking about multi-channel tubes. The advantage of multichannel tubes is that it is possible to use flat tubes, long enough and narrow, which promote thermal performance. The partitions 53 of these tubes 5 make it possible to maintain the profile without it deforming under internal pressure. It can be 5 extradited tubes.

In the example illustrated, the tubes 5 have four juxtaposed fluid circulation channels 51 and three partitions 53. This is only an illustrative example, it is possible to provide less or, on the contrary, more fluid circulation channels 51 .

Furthermore, the heat exchange bundle 3 may further include spacers 7, shown schematically in FIG. 1, separating the tubes 5 from one another, and intended to be crossed by another fluid for heat exchange with the heat transfer fluid intended to pass through the tubes 5. These inserts 7 are well known to those skilled in the art and are not described in more detail herein.

The heat exchanger 1 also generally comprises at least one manifold disposed at one end of the tubes 5, generally two manifolds, each comprising a manifold plate 9 configured to be traversed by the ends of the tubes 5, at least one gasket. compressible seal 11 and a cover (not shown) intended to be fixed on the collecting plate 9 to at least partially close the collecting box.

The manifold (s) make it possible to distribute a heat transfer fluid to the tubes 5 or to collect the heat transfer fluid that has passed through these tubes 5.

The heat exchange bundle 3 is intended to be mechanically assembled to the or each manifold. When the heat exchange bundle 3 is brazed, the heat exchanger 1 is in this case called a mechanically brazed exchanger.

To do this, the tubes 5 are mechanically assembled to each manifold. More specifically, the tubes 5 are assembled to the manifold so as to pass through the manifold plate 9 and the gasket 11. The ends of the tubes 5 opening into the manifold are then deformed plastic. According to the embodiment described, this mechanical assembly is done by expansion or flaring of the ends of the tubes 5. For this purpose, the ends of the tubes 5 are flared so as to bear on the gasket 11 of the manifold to the assembled state of the heat exchange bundle 3 to the collector plate 9.

The flaring of the ends of tubes 5 is for example carried out by punching these ends. Flaring is carried out locally. By localized flaring is meant that the flaring is not carried out over the entire periphery of the end of a tube 5 but on one or more portions of the end of the tube 5 except at the partitions 53 separating the channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid. More precisely, we just flare the edges delimiting the channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid but not at the level of the partitions 53. The latter are rigid and form zones of non-deformation, that is to say where we do not come flare.

In particular in the case of flat tubes 5 having before flaring, in cross section a substantially oblong shape with one or more partitions 53 connecting the large opposite sides, the ends of the tubes 5 are flared at the large

-9 sides but not at the level of the partitions 53 separating the channels 51, as is better visible in FIGS. 2 or 3a, 3b. Each tube end 5 therefore has flares 55, 57 at which the width of the end of the tube 5 increases. The width of the ends of the tubes 5 means the dimension joining the two large opposite sides of the oblong shape in this example. The flares 55, 57 provide a substantially corrugated profile at the ends of the tubes 5. The flares 55, 57 on the peripheries of the ends of the tubes 5 form bearing zones on the seal 11.

The local flares 55, 57 make it possible to compress the seal 11 in order to guarantee the seal between the collecting plate 9 and the tubes 5.

A single flare 55 can be provided on the periphery of the ends of the tubes 5, as shown in FIG. 2.

Alternatively, in addition to the first flares 55, provision can be made to at least partially flare the ends of the tubes 5 again, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3a, 3b. The edges are again flared delimiting at least one or certain channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid. In this case, the ends of the tubes 5 may have at least one second additional flare 57.

The width of the ends of the tubes 5 at the level of these second additional flares 57 is greater than the width of the ends of the tubes 5 at the level of the first flares 55.

The second additional flares 57 provide a mechanical retaining function for the seal 11 ensuring the retention and compression of the seal 11.

The second flares 57 also have a funneling effect which improves the distribution of the heat transfer fluid in the channels 51 for circulation of the corresponding heat transfer fluid.

A second flare 57 can be produced only at the edges of a few channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid and not for all of the channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid of the same tube 5. The number of second flares 57 is chosen depending on the desired mechanical strength.

Preferably, the second flare (s) 57 are produced symmetrically, to balance the forces when the ends of the

-10 tubes 5 and not to generate imbalance, constraints which are asymmetrical in the heat exchange bundle 3.

By way of example, these second flares 57 can be made on the edges of the channels 51 for circulation of the end heat transfer fluid or, on the contrary, those of the middle as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3a and 3b.

For each tube 5, it is also possible to envisage making a second flare 57 at the level of a single channel 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid. In this case, for the juxtaposed tube 5, the second flare 57 can be produced at the level of the channel 51 for circulation of the opposite heat transfer fluid. It is thus possible to make the second flares 57 in staggered rows on the set of tubes 5 to balance the forces.

The partial retaining flaring thus produced allows less stress on the tubes 5 and simplifies the shapes of the tools, such as flaring punches. By making these second flares 57 only at the level of some of the channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid of the tubes 5, the forces or stresses are limited when the tubes 5 which are propagated inside the beam are deformed. heat exchange 3. This reduces the risk of tearing or bursting of the tubes 5 or any other damage to the tubes 5. The more these forces are limited the more the risk of bending of the heat exchange bundle 3 during assembly is reduced. .

The elements of the manifold are described in more detail below, in particular the manifold 9 and the seal 11.

The collector plate 9 is intended to be arranged transversely with respect to the tubes 5, along a transverse axis T.

A plurality of openings 91 (see FIGS. 3a and 4) are provided on the collecting plate 9 for the passage of the ends of the tubes 5 of the heat exchange bundle 3. In the example illustrated, the shape of these openings 91 is complementary to the shape of the ends of the tubes 5 before flaring. For example, the openings 91 are substantially oblong. The openings 91 extend longitudinally in the width direction of the collector plate 9, transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the tubes 5 in the assembled state of the heat exchanger 1. The width of the openings 91 can be constant.

The collector plate 9 may furthermore comprise means of attachment 93 (see FIGS. 1 and 3a) to the cover (not shown). It is a question here of mechanical fixing means 93, such as crimping lugs capable of being folded over the cover (not shown). For example, the collector plate 9 can be folded over its periphery having these fixing means 93.

Referring to Figures 3a and 4, the manifold plate 9 has a core 95 on which are formed the openings 91. It can be substantially flat and devoid of collars. Alternatively, it is possible to provide collars bordering these openings 91. Such collars are then of simple shape similar to that of the openings 91, for example of generally oblong shape.

The collector plate 9 may include a peripheral groove 97, better visible in FIG. 3a, to accommodate at least part of the seal 11 serving to seal between the cover (not shown) and the collector plate 9. In in this case, the core 95 of the collector plate can be raised relative to the bottom of the peripheral groove 97.

As a variant, the collector plate 9 can be flat and not have a groove, groove or the like to accommodate at least part of the seal 11.

The compressible seal 11 is intended to be arranged on the collector plate 9. The seal 11 is for example made of elastomer.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the seal 11 comprises at least two parts, namely a first part 11a intended to be placed on the collecting plate 9 and configured to come and surround the ends of tubes 5 opening into the collecting box at the 'assembly of the heat exchanger 1, and a second peripheral part 11b shaped to follow the periphery of the collector plate 9 intended to ensure a sealed connection between the cover (not shown) and the collector plate 9.

The first part 11a to surround the ends of tubes 5 and the second peripheral part 11b can be made in one piece, thus forming a layer of seal 11. This variant makes it possible to limit the number of pieces while allowing '' speed up the assembly of the heat exchanger 1.

As an alternative, the first part 11a and the second peripheral part 11b can be produced by separate parts. In this case, a joint is provided

-12d peripheral sealing 11b separate from the sealing joint 11a intended to come to surround the ends of the tubes 5.

One can also provide that the first part 11a of the seal 11 is made in one piece or on the contrary by a plurality of seals.

The seal 11, in particular the first part 11a comprises at least one collar 13 or chimney, which is inserted through an opening 91 of the collector plate 9, as can be seen in FIG. 3a, when the seal d the seal 11 is arranged on the collector plate 9.

According to the embodiment with a single seal 11, the first part 11a of this seal 11 is provided with a plurality of collars 13, more precisely with as many collars 13 as openings 91 on the manifold plate 9.

As a variant, the manifold can include a plurality of separate seals, forming the first part 11a, respectively comprising a collar 13 which is inserted through an opening 91 associated with the manifold plate 9.

The collars 13 define orifices 15 for the passage of the tubes 5. The collars 13 may be continuous over the entire periphery of the orifices 15.

Each collar 13 is configured to be arranged around an associated tube end 5 which opens into the manifold in the assembled state of the heat exchanger 1.

The collars 13 of the seal 11 help to facilitate the insertion of the tubes 5 and also contribute to ensuring the seal between the tubes 5 and the collector plate

9. Thus, the seal 11, in particular its collars 13, provides a flexible connection between the collector plate 9 and the tubes 5, which makes it possible to absorb the deformation stresses linked to thermal expansion.

The collars 13 are configured to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the tubes 5 in the assembled state of the heat exchanger 1. More precisely, the collars 13 extend in the direction of the exchange bundle thermal 3 in the assembled state of the heat exchanger 1, as can be seen in FIG. 3a. The collars 13 can extend in the opposite direction to the direction of insertion of the tubes 5 in the collector plate 9.

The collars 13 are intended to be compressed during the expansion of the ends of the tubes 5. The tightness between the tubes 5 and the collector plate 9 is ensured by this compression of the collars 13 between the ends of the tubes 5 and the collector plate 9.

In addition, the shape of the collars 13 is complementary on the one hand to that of the openings 91 of the collector plate 9 and on the other hand to that of the ends of the tubes 5.

To do this, with reference to Figures 3 a and 5, each collar 13 has an outer wall 131 and an inner wall 133 of different shapes. The collars 13 therefore have a hybrid shape to make the connection between the collector plate 9 and the ends of the tubes 5.

In particular, the outer wall 131 is of shape complementary to the shape of the opening 91 of the collector plate 9 to allow the collar 13 to be housed in this opening 91. The shape of the outer wall 131 of the collars 13 can be adapted to a simple shape of the openings 91 possibly bordered with collars of the collector plate 9. In this example, the external wall 131 of each collar 13 is of generally oblong shape. The external width of each collar 13 can be constant.

The internal wall 133 of each collar 13 has a contour delimiting the orifice 15 to receive the associated tube end 5. The orifice 15 has a shape similar to the shape of the tube end 5 associated after deformation, in particular after the first flaring. In this example, the orifice 15 has several oral parts communicating with each other and with a narrowing between two oval parts.

The shape of the collars 13, in particular of the internal wall 133 of each collar 13, is suitable for multichannel tubes 5, for example from extrusion, defining several channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid, separated by partitions 13. More precisely , the shape of the collars 13 is adapted to the periphery of the ends of the multichannel tubes 5, flared at the center of the channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid and not deformed at the level of the partitions 53. To do this, the internal wall 133 of each collar 13 has at least one extra thickness 135 extending towards the inside of the orifice 15 (FIG. 5). This additional thickness 135 is intended to be at the level of a partition 53 between two channels 51 for circulation of fluid from the associated tube end 5 (as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2). Each collar 13 has on each side of its internal wall 133 as many extra thicknesses 135 as the tubes 5 have partitions 53 separating the

-14 channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid. Each partition 53 is surrounded by extra thicknesses 135 on each side of the internal wall 133 of the collar 13.

Between the extra thicknesses 135, the collars 13 define bearing zones on which the flares 55, 57 of the tubes 5 are intended to come to bear after expansion to compress the seal 11 (see FIGS. 2 to 3b).

In the assembled state of the heat exchange bundle 3 with the collector plate 9, the extra thicknesses 135 located at the partitions 53 make it possible to compensate for the fact that the tubes 5 are not deformed at the level of these partitions 53 , during Γ flaring of the tubes 5.

In fact, when the end of a tube 5 is deformed at the edges delimiting the channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid to compress the collar 13, the zones of the internal wall 133 which form bearing zones flares 55, 57 are compressed, for example of the order of 30%, and this ensures a finishing of material towards the extra thicknesses 135 which are around the partitions 53 where there is no deformation of the tubes 5. serves as the creep of the seal 11 and local extra thicknesses 135 to ensure compression of the seal 11 and a seal. A compression is obtained in these areas, for example of the order of 20%, which is sufficient to ensure sealing.

The compression of the collar 13 of the seal 11 can therefore be variable, for example of the order of 30%, at the bearing zones of the flares 55, 57 of the flared tube 5, and, for example of the order of 20% at the extra thicknesses 135, where the tube 5 is mounted by prestressing during assembly.

Referring again to Figures 2 and 5, the outline of the inner wall 133 of each collar 13 is for example wavy. This is advantageous for the illustrated embodiment in which the flares 55, 57 confer a substantially wavy profile at the ends of the tubes 5. The outline of the internal wall 133 therefore has undulations or waves 137, and between two undulations 137 an excess thickness 135. Any other shape of the internal wall 133 of the collars 13 can be provided which is complementary to that of the ends of the tubes 5 after deformation.

The wavy or wavy shape of the inner wall 133 and the generally oblong shape of the outer wall 131 of the collars 13 compensate for the difference

-15de shapes between the collector plate 5 and that which the ends of the tubes 5 are intended to have after deformation for the mechanical assembly.

The seal 11, in particular the first part 11a, further comprises in this example at least one base 17, better visible in FIG. 5. One or more collars 13 may extend from the base 17. The or each base 17 rests on the collecting plate 9, in particular on the core 95 (see FIG. 3a).

The first part 11a of the seal 11 may comprise a common base 17 from which several collars 13 extend, the collars 13 extending respectively through an opening 91 associated with the collector plate 9. When the seal d the seal 11 is made in one piece, that is to say that the first part 11a and second part 11b are in one piece, the common base 17 can also connect the peripheral part 11b to the collars 13.

The common base 17 is of general shape complementary to the shape of the collector plate 9, more precisely of the core 95. The base 17 has for example a generally substantially parallelepiped shape.

According to the variant with a plurality of separate seals, forming the first part 11a, each of these seals comprises a base 17 from which extends a collar 13.

Thus, during the assembly of the tubes 5 to the manifold plate 9, the ends of the tubes 5 are force-fitted into the collars 13 of the seal 11, in particular of the first part 11a or of the plurality of seals. seal.

The ends of the tubes 5 are flared so as to conform to the shape of the internal wall 133 delimiting the orifices 15 bordered by collars 13.

The extra thicknesses 135 which are found at the level of the partitions 53 between the channels 51 for circulation of the heat transfer fluid make it possible to assemble with compression of the seal 11, due to the thinning of the seal 11. In fact, when the end of the tube 5 is deformed inside the collar 13 of the seal 11, the collar 13 is compressed for example at the level of the corrugations 137 and this compression pushes a little material towards the extra thicknesses 135. L tightness is therefore ensured, in the partition zones 53 of the tubes 5, by this suitable additional thickness and the force fitting of the end of the tube 5 in the collar 13 of the seal 11.

The seal 11 provides both a mechanical connection function between the brazed heat exchange bundle 3 and the manifold, but also a sealing function between the tubes 5 and the manifold plate 9.

Furthermore, due to the presence of the collars 13 of the seal 11 acting as a counter-form to the flared tubes 5, the collector plate 9 can be simplified and be made with openings 91 possibly bordered with collars of simple shape, for example a general oblong shape of constant width. The collector plate 9 is therefore easily achievable and does not have, as in certain solutions of the prior art, collars of complex shape along the periphery of the multichannel tube narrower at the level of the partitions than in the hollow parts defining the circulation channels of the heat transfer fluid which will be flared to achieve compression of the seals.

Finally, when the exchange bundle 3 is brazed, optimized thermal performance of the heat exchange bundle 3 is brazed with tubes 5 having a tight pitch, with resistance to thermal shocks on the side of the collector plate 9 thanks to the mechanical assembly between the multichannel tubes 5, for example extruded, and the collector plate 9.

Claims (10)

1. Collector box for heat exchanger (1) in particular for a motor vehicle, said exchanger (1) comprising a heat exchange bundle (3) comprising a plurality of tubes (5) respectively having at least two channels (51) for circulation d '' a heat transfer fluid delimited by a partition (53), the manifold comprising: a collecting plate (9) comprising a plurality of openings (91) configured to be traversed by the tubes (5) of the heat exchange bundle (3), and at least one compressible seal (11) disposed on the manifold plate (9), said at least one seal (11) having at least one collar (13) inserted through an opening (91) of the manifold plate (9) and configured to be arranged around one end associated tube (5) intended to open into the manifold in the assembled state of said exchanger (1), characterized in that said at least one collar (13) has an external wall (131) and an internal wall (133) in different forms, such as: the outer wall (131) is of complementary shape to the shape of the opening (91) of the collector plate (9) and the inner wall (133) has a contour delimiting an orifice (15) to receive one end of the tube ( 5) associated, with at least one additional thickness (135) extending towards the interior of the orifice (15), the additional thickness (135) being intended to be at the level of the partition (53) between two channels (51) fluid circulation of the associated tube end (5). 2. Collector box according to the preceding claim, in which the contour of the internal wall (133) of said at least one collar (13) is corrugated and said at least one additional thickness (135) is arranged between two corrugations (137). 3. Collector box according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the openings (91) of the collector plate (9) are of generally oblong shape and the external wall (131) of said at least one collar (13) is of shape general oblong. 4. A manifold according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one seal (11) comprises a base (17) common from which extend several collars (13), the collars (13 ) extending respectively through an opening (91) associated with the collector plate (9). 5. Collector box according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the collector plate (9) comprises a core (95) having the plurality of openings (91), the core being plane and devoid of collars. 6. Collector box according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a cover assembled to the collector plate (9) so as to close the collector box, with interposition of said at least one seal (11, 11b) between the manifold plate (9) and the cover. 7. Heat exchanger (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a heat exchange bundle (3) comprising a plurality of tubes (5) respectively having at least two channels (51) for circulation of a heat transfer fluid delimited by a partition (53), characterized in that: said exchanger (1) comprises at least one manifold according to any one of the preceding claims, and in that the tubes (5) are mechanically assembled to the manifold by flaring the ends of the tubes (5) so as to compress said at least collar (13) of said at least one seal (11) between each end of the tube (5) and the collector plate (9). 8. Heat exchanger according to the preceding claim, wherein the heat exchange bundle (3) is assembled by brazing. 9. Heat exchanger according to the preceding claim, wherein the tubes (5) are extruded tubes. 10. Heat exchanger according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in which The ends of at least some of the tubes (5) have an additional flare (57) for retaining said at least one seal (11).