MXPA00007020A - Flat plate heat exchanger and flat plate therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A flat plate heat exchanger (17100) comprising a support member (S), a base plate (17102), a moveable pressure plate (17104), locking members (1706, 1708) and a support member engagement portion (1710).

Description

THERMOINTERCAMBIADOR OF PLATE PLATE AND PLATE FLAT FOR THE SAME BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to flat plate heat exchangers in general, and in particular, to flat plates and flat plate steps employed therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Flat plate heat exchangers are well known, and in general include a staggered diversity of flat metal heat exchangers in general. The plates are supported in a generally parallel vertical orientation between a base plate and a pressure plate by a lower elongate support element, and an upper elongate guide element. The plates generally have U-shaped openings formed in the upper and lower outer edges, through which the elongate elements extend, in a horizontal direction usually to support the plates in the middle thereof. It will be appreciated that the openings are formed to allow the assembly thereof between the elongated elements, and so as not to be dislodged therefrom, during the assembly of the staggering or during the separation thereof. Another consideration in securing a staggering of heat exchanger plates in a flat plate heat exchanger is that the staging, for convenience, must be fixed to a support structure, so that no movement is possible, not even between the plates, or between the plates. plates and support structure. This is because no such movement can cause undesired forces to be applied to ducts for liquids that extend in contact with them, through the heat exchanger, causing them damage and perhaps mechanical failure of the same. In the art there are various solutions to ensure the secure attachment of the plates with the guide element, once they have been joined thereto. Among known attempts to solve the above problem is that described in U.S. Patent No. 4,804,040 to Berqvist et al. Berqvist et al disclose a plate heat exchanger, illustrated in Figure 1A, having a variety of heat exchanger plates (i), which are placed between a base plate (ii) and a pressure plate (iii) and which are supported by a lower support bar (iv). The lower support bar (v), and an upper guide bar (v) extends through the open-shaped recesses (not shown) in the respective lower and upper portions (vi) and (vii) of the plates ( i).

At least, the upper edge of each heat exchanger plate (i) has at least one transverse projection that is in the same plane with the rest of the plate, and that extends in the transverse direction in the recess to form a partial constriction of the same, so it helps to retain the heat exchanger plate (i) attached to the guide bar (v). It is described that the projection has sufficient flexibility to bend, transversely to the plane of the plate, by which it allows the insertion of the guide bar (v) through the constriction and into the recess, and spring back after having inserted the bar (v). Among the inherent disadvantages in the heat exchanger plates already described, it is necessary to maneuver each plate to force it into the guide bar with a force that is sufficient to bend the projections. This not only requires the use of a large force, but the projections can be bent too much so that they do not "spring back" into position, in case of exerting too much force. Furthermore, the nature of the connection of the plates is such that the support bar and the guide bar are absolutely necessary to immobilize the plates in a staggered manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide a heat exchanger plate for use in a flat plate heat exchanger, wherein the minimum force is required to assemble the individual plates, and wherein the plates can be "pressed" in predetermined positions so that they are not substantially dislodged during assembly or disassembly. Another object of the invention is that the heat exchanger plates can be closed together, thereby minimizing the number of support elements that need to be provided. Accordingly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a flat plate heat exchanger and a heat exchanger plate for use therein, wherein the heat exchanger r includes a support structure that almost always has a base element; a moving pressure element positioned to select a space relative to the base element; and an elongate support apparatus between the base member and the pressure element. A variety of heat exchanger plates are also provided, each of which includes: a flat plate portion generally formed of a heat-conducting material; and one or more support joint portions formed together with the flat plate to allow pressure coupling between the plate member and the elongate support apparatus, such that the flat plate member is supported thereon, wherein Supporting joint portions include one or more elastic elements positioned to flex in a direction that is lateral to the mating direction and substantially parallel to the plane of said plate member. Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support apparatus has a known width and the support attachment apparatus has a recess formed in a predetermined edge portion of the plate member and ending in an opening located in the edge, wherein the recess is configured to at least partially adjust the cross section of the support apparatus and, wherein the support attaching apparatus also includes one or more lateral protuberances extending partially to the sides through the recess, by which, in the absence of at least one predetermined lateral bending force, they prevent coupling or separation of the plate element from the support apparatus. Also, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support apparatus has an aperture of known width, and a predetermined edge portion of the plate member is configured to enter the aperture, and wherein the attachment apparatus of Support also includes a pair of side protuberances; the distance between them is greater than the width of the opening in the support apparatus, by which, in the absence of at least a predetermined lateral bending force, coupling or separation of the plate member from the support apparatus. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein one or more of the side protuberances is formed in one or more of the elastic elements. Also in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plate member is formed from a folded coating, and has formed therein, adjacent to one or more elastic elements, an opening that is surrounded by a pair of walls. laterals extending at predetermined angles that are not perpendicular, outwardly from the plane of the plate element, so that the plate elements can be engaged. Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fixing element is also provided for inserting into the formed opening, the fixing element is configured in such a way that, when the diversity of the plate elements is placed in a stepped staggering, whereby the side walls of the formed opening of each plate member are positioned within the formed opening of an adjacent plate member; the insertion of the fixing element in the formed opening of the plate element located at the end of the step causes a lateral flexion of all the elastic elements to join them forcefully to the support apparatus, and in addition, to make the side walls of the openings formed of the plate elements are attached to the side walls of the formed opening of the plate member adjacent thereto. Further in accordance with the present invention, the plate member is formed from a folded coating, and the plate member has therein, adjacent to one or more elastic elements, an aperture formed which is configured in such a manner, when the diversity of plate elements is placed in a stagger, the formed opening of all the plate elements is aligned in a mutual register. In addition, the heat exchanger also includes one or more interlocking elements that can be inserted transversely through the formed openings of the step; one or more of the interlocking elements and formed openings are configured so that, the insertion of the locking element in the aligned openings causes a lateral flexion of all the elastic elements to join them forcefully to the support apparatus. Preferably, two elastic elements are provided, and a pair of interlocking elements that can be transversely inserted through the aligned formed openings of the step. More preferably, the two elements are placed symmetrically in the gap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description along with the drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a general view of a flat plate heat exchanger of the prior art, described in the U.S. patent. No. 4,804,040; Figure 1 B is a perspective view of a flat plate useful in a plate heat exchanger, constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, and having attachment portions for support elements that are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the plate; Figure 1C is a perspective view of a flat plate similar to that of Figure 1 B, except that it has attachment portions for support elements located at the corners of the plate; Figure 2A is an enlarged perspective view of a central joining portion of the flat plate illustrated in Figure 1 B, having a shape-fitting attachment gap, configured to fit the support element of a heat exchanger assembly by joining totally with it, which is observed in partial union; Fig. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of a central joining portion of the flat plate illustrated in Fig. 1B, having a fitting recess that is shaped to fit the support element of an assembly. heat exchanger by joining therewith completely, which is observed in partial union, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figures 3-7 are perspective views of a central joining portion of a flat plate, which also has a shape-fitting attachment gap, constructed in accordance with further embodiments of the invention; Figures 8 and 9 are enlarged perspective views of dual joining portions of flat heat exchanger plates, configured to join a pair of support elements of the heat exchanger assembly when fully bonded thereto, which is constructed in accordance with two alternative embodiments of the invention; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a flat plate useful in a plate heat exchanger, having three corner attachment portions, which is constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; Figures 11, 12 and 13 are illustrations of joint portions at the corners formed in accordance with three different embodiments of the invention and as may be employed in plates for mounting on dual or triple support element placements; Figure 14 is a partial isometric view of a heat-exchangeable plate that can be embossed and is formed from a folded metal coating, in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention; Figure 15A is a perspective illustration illustrating the initial assembly on a support of a staggering plate pattern, as illustrated in Figure 14, where the plates are viewed in alternating placement; Figure 15B is a view similar to that of Figure 15A, but illustrating the initial embedding of the plates; Fig. 15C is an enlarged view of the portion of Fig. 15B indicated therein by arrow 15C; Figure 15D is a view of the staggering of Figures 15A and 15B in a full embossing position; Figure 15E is an enlarged schematic end view of the joining portions of the embossed plates as illustrated in Figure 15D; Figure 16 is a view of a staggered diversity of plates that can be embossed as illustrated in Figure 14, but where the plates are staggered in a non-alternating arrangement, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the placement; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a portion of a flat plate heat exchanger having a staggered diversity of heat exchanger plates generally formed as illustrated in Figure 5, but including additional locking means for locking the plates on the heat element. support, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 is an enlarged view of the joint portion of a single plate illustrated in Figure 17; Figures 19A and 19B are schematic views of a portion of the step of Figure 17 showing partial and complete interlocking of the plates with the support member, respectively; Figure 20 is a perspective view of a flat plate useful in a plate heat exchanger, similar to the plate illustrated in Figure 1B, but having a pair of joint portions for support elements that are placed to allow an expansion thermal plate default; and Figure 21 is a perspective view of a flat plate similar to that illustrated in Figure 20, but showing use with a pair of support elements, one of which has a prismatic cross section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the construction of useful flat plates together with a flat plate heat exchanger. With the exception of the plates themselves, the support apparatus therefor, and means for locking the plates to the support apparatus, the complete heat exchanger is generally known in the art, and as illustrated and described in conjunction with the accompanying figure. 1A in relation to the US patent No. 4,804,040 to Berqvist et al., The content of which is incorporated herein by reference. During the following full description, the plate elements of the invention having portions for joining one or more support elements are described. The isolated support elements are distinguished in the drawings by the letter S, while the multiple support elements are distinguished by S ', S, "and S'", as appropriate. These support elements correspond, as appropriate, to horizontal supports or guides that extend between a base plate (ii) and a pressure plate r (iii) (Fig. 1A), and are not intended to limit specifically the use of any of the plate modes described not even to a support bar (iv) or an upper guide bar (v) (figure 1A), or to any alternative support means to which it may be desirable to join the plate elements of the invention. These may include, for example, elongated screw elements (not shown) which may extend through a staggering of plate members, by which the fastening of the plates is provided and also act as guides for the same. There may also be additional structure elements extending between a base plate (ii) and a pressure plate (iii); these, however, are outside the scope of the present invention and therefore are not described herein.

Referring to Figure 1B, a flat plate element, generally marked 100, is illustrated for assembling with a variety of similar plate elements in a step, as is known in the art, for use in a flat plate heat exchanger. . The plate member 100 is preferably rectangular, and has parallel edges 102 and 104, which, when the plate member 100 is assembled in a vertical position, are oriented at the top and bottom of the plate member, respectively. The plate member 100 preferably also has parallel side edges 106 and 108, which extend between the upper and lower edges 102 and 104. Briefly, with respect to Figure 1 C, a plate member 100 ', which is identical, is illustrated. to the plate member 100 (Fig. 1B), except that it has attachment portions for support elements that are located at the corners of the plate instead of the center position, as in Fig. 1 B. All portions of the plate member 100 'are denoted by reference numbers employed in conjunction with the description of Figure 1 B, and therefore, a further description of Figure 1C is not provided specifically. Referring also to Figure 2A, a joint portion for support elements 110 is located centrally with respect to the upper edge 102, and is formed to join the support member S by making it face against in a generally normal direction, and subsequently , retaining it in union with it. The connecting portion 110 is constituted by a recess 112 formed in the upper edge 102, which is formed to join and at least partially contain the support element S. As seen in the drawings, a finger retainer 114 is provided which protrudes inwardly in the recess 112, by which a constriction is defined at the exit of the recess, with reference numeral 116. As seen in Figure 1B, the width W1 of the constriction is smaller than the diameter D1 of the recess element. support S, so that the support element S can not normally pass through the constriction in a lateral direction, indicated by the double-ended arrow 118 (FIG. 2A). To allow a pressure coupling and the spacing between the plate member 100 and the support member S, the nail retainer 114 is placed on a flexible arm 120 which receives its flexibility by virtue of the placement of an elongated opening 121 located generally in a tangential position to the recess 112. The finger retainer 114, by virtue of being formed on the arm 120, can operate to apply a force-resistant component to support the element S when the finger retainer 114 comes into contact with the member. same. As seen in Figure 2A, however, in the presence of a greater and opposing force, the flexible arm 120 operates to flex outwards in the plane of the plate member 100, in the direction indicated by the arrow 122. This causes a momentary widening of the normally contracted opening, and thus allows entry or exit of the support member S in the recess 112, depending on whether the opposing force is a joining or separating force. Another feature of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1B is that the recess 112 conforms to the shape, so that its rounded inner portion 124 has a radius of curvature that is similar to the outer radius of the curvature of the support member S. , the finger retainer 114 is preferably positioned to remain substantially in connection with the support element S, even when it is in full connection with the rounded inner portion 124. This substantially reduces the potential for accidental dislodging of the plate elements. 100, during the assembly of a staggering thereof and during the separation thereof. With further reference to FIG. 1B, it is noted that the lower edge 104 can also be formed with a connecting portion 110 'for joining with a support member S'. The joint portion 110 'may be identical to the joint portion 110, and is therefore not described again in detail herein. It will be appreciated that, in the case where the plate member 100 has lower and upper connecting portions 110 and 110 ', it can be clamped to support the elements S and S', placing them diagonally between these two elements, and carrying the plate element to a vertical position, to rotate the recesses 112 and 112 'in full union with the support members S and S', respectively.

However, it will be appreciated that in many placements, a staggering of plates will be adequately supported only by virtue of the joining of the upper edge with the supporting element S, and that each plate element 100 can be placed only by a pressure coupling. substantially lateral with respect to the support element. Referring to Figure 20, a flat plate element, numbered 1100, is illustrated for assembling with a variety of similar plate elements in a step, as is known in the art, for use in a flat plate heat exchanger. The plate member 1100 is generally similar to the flat plate 100 (Fig. 1 B), and is therefore described herein only with respect to the differences concerning it. Plate portions 1100 having similar counterpart portions in plate 100 are indicated herein by like reference numbers but with the addition of a prefix "1". It is noted that the plate member 1100 has first and second attachment portions for support members 1110a and 1110b located at the edges that are generally similar to the attachment portions for support members 110 of the plate member 100 (FIG. 1). B), except that each has a pair of inward facing finger seals 1114. However, the present embodiment of the invention is particularly characterized by the separation of the first and second attachment portions 1110a and 1110b along the Y axis illustrated, to be more separated than the space between the support elements S1 and S2. Although the first and second joint portions 1110a and 1110b are located along the Y axis, it will be appreciated that one or both do not need to be located along this axis, and that more than two illustrated joint portions can be provided. The separation results described in a space, identified as "e", which facilitates the insertion of the plates at an angle, as well as allows the thermal expansion of the plate element 1100 without applying substantial tension to the support structure of which the support elements S1 and S2 are part. Almost always, the space e does not need to be greater than 1-2 mm, although it can be of any predetermined magnitude. It will also be appreciated that the spacing between the staging support elements r can be changed in any given stagger to provide a space e, preferably only with respect to a support joint portion located at the edge. In this way it is noted that, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the first joining portion 1110a is attached to the related support S1 in a tightly matching joint, which substantially prevents movement of the plate member 1100 along the Y axis or along the axis X1 illustrated perpendicular to the axis Y. However, the second connection portion 1110b, joins its related support S2 to substantially prevent movement of the plate member 1100 along the axis X2 illustrated, perpendicular to the Y axis, thus allowing the expansion of the plate relative to it along the Y axis.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustrated plate element 1100 can be oriented in any desired direction, by which the first and second joining portions 1110a and 1110b, respectively, can be in ascending or descending orientations respectively, or vice versa, or in any other desired plane. Briefly with respect to Figure 21, it is observed that the flat plate element 1100 can be used together with a support S3 that is not round, but prismatic, in the illustrated case having a generally square cross section, as long as its section shape The cross section has surfaces or other portions that can be joined with the finger retainers 1114 and / or an inner portion 1124. Briefly, with respect to Figure 2B, a joint portion for support elements 110a is observed, which is generally similar to that of Figures 1B, 1C and 2A and which has the reference numbers indicating the portions corresponding to those shown in Figure 2A by similar reference numbers, except with the addition of suffix "a" or "b". In addition, the attachment portion 110a is specifically described only with respect to the differences between it and the attachment portion 110 of Figure 2A. Therefore it is noted that the attachment portion for support elements 110a of the present embodiment includes a flexible arm 120a, which has with it a projection 119 that generally moves away from the recess 112a. The flat depression of the ledge 119, away from the support element S, and with the use of the thumb of the user, as illustrated, widens the constriction defined between the finger seal 114a formed on the flexible element 120a, and another finger retainer 114b, formed in the side wall of the gap 112a, where the finger seals 114a and 114b lie laterally inward through the opening of the recess 112a. Referring to Figures 3-7, the attachment portions for support elements are illustrated which are generally similar to those of Figures 1 B, 1 C and 2A, and each of. which is described herein only with respect to the particular characteristics for them. Briefly, with respect to Figure 3, the functions of the finger retainer 114 and the flexible arm 120 of Figures 1 B and 2A are provided by the formation of an adjustment gap to the generally 3112 shape, which presents constriction by the positioning of an element similar to rubber or elastomeric 3113 that is attached to plate member 3100, so that a final nail-shaped finger portion thereof, numbered 3114, extends inwardly into hole 3112. In the figure 4, there is a joint portion for support elements 4110 which is different from the placement of figures 1 B and 2A, both with respect to the positioning of the integrally formed nail retainer 4114 which is located on an interior edge 4115 of the hollow 4112, while in the present example, the flexible arm 4120 is provided without a finger retainer, and also with respect to the depth of the recess 4112 which, in the present embodiment, is deeper than the recess 112 of FIGS. B and 2A.

With respect to Figure 5, the joint portion of the illustrated support element 5110 has a recess 5112 which is formed between a pair of flexible arms having finger retainers 5120, to be in symmetrical position. With respect to Figure 6, there is observed a joint portion for support elements 6110 having a pair of flexible arms with finger retainers 6120, but between which a flattened gap 6112 is defined. It is noted that this gap is configured for conform to the shape of a support element S having a profile with a broad flattened base, such as a triangle. In Figure 7, the attachment portion for support elements illustrated 7110 is an asymmetric dual arm placement. The connecting portion 7110 has a first flexible arm 7120a and a second flexible arm 7120b. The first arm 7120a is generally similar to the flexible arm 120 (FIGS. 1B and 2A), and has therein a first finger retainer 7114a that faces inwardly and is insulated. The second arm 7120b is longer is longer and therefore more flexible than the first arm 7120a, and has therein a pair of finger retainers 7114b and 7114b '; the upper nail retainer 7114b is generally located opposite the first nail retainer 7114a, and the lower nail retainer 7114b 'is located below it. This positioning allows the attachment of the support element S in a position of adjustment to the lower form or, as illustrated by way of example, in a superior position between the three finger retainers 7114a, 7114b and 7114b '.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable combination of any of the features of the various attachment portions for support elements that are illustrated and described above together with any of Figures 1 B-7, as well as any of the variations thereof which also provide the type already described for the pressure coupling of the plate elements with a support element, are included within the scope of the invention. Referring to Figure 8, the upper edge portion 202 of a flat plate element 200 is illustrated, to be assembled with a variety of similar plate elements in a step, as is known in the art, for use in a heat exchanger. of flat plate. Upper edge portion 202 has attachment portions for dual support elements 210 that are spaced apart, almost always to be positioned adjacent to the upper corners of the plate member 200, which are formed to join the support members S and S 'by placing them against themselves in a generally normal direction, and subsequently, retaining them in conjunction therewith. . Each joint portion 210 is generally similar to the joint portion 110, illustrated and described above together with Figures 1 B and 2A, except that in the present embodiment, the recesses 212 do not necessarily have an adjustment to the shape, and flexible arms 220 receive their flexibility by virtue of being formed along side edges 106 and 108, respectively.

It will be appreciated that, to press fit the plate with the support elements S and S ', the finger retainers 214 disposed inwardly and mounted on the flexible arms 220, are separated by a space or width W2 that is less than the dimension D2 which is the distance between the two outermost points of the support elements S and S 'as illustrated in figure 8. It will be appreciated that the dimensions W2 and D2 correspond functionally to the. dimensions W1 and D1 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 B and 2A, and these allow the coupling and the release of the support elements S and S 'when pushing or pulling the plate relative to the supporting elements on the same plane. In Figure 9 the upper edge portion 9202 of a flat plate 9200 is illustrated, for assembling with a variety of similar plates and forming a step or block, as is known in the art, for use in a flat plate heat exchanger. . The upper edge portion 9202 has connecting portions with two support elements 9210 that are spaced apart, such that they are located adjacent to the upper corners 9203 of the plate 9200, shaped to hold the support elements S and S 'when these are pushed against them in a normal direction, to subsequently remain coupled. Each joint portion 9210 is generally similar to the joint portion 110, illustrated and described above with reference to Figures 1 E and 2A, except that in the present embodiment the cavities 9212 do not necessarily conform to the shape and the first and second Nail seals 9214 and 9214 'are arranged in such a way that they face outwards. It can also be seen that while the first finger retainer 9214 has a flexible arm 9220, the second finger retainer 9214 'is formed on a fixed outward facing edge portion 9220', which is rigidly attached to the rest of the plate 9200 by means of a shaped portion 9121 '. The purpose of the profiled cavity 9121 'is to allow. that several heat exchange plates may be fitted, as described below with reference to the embodiments of Figures 14-15E. It will be appreciated that, in order to press fit the plate with r the support elements S and S ', the finger seals 9214 and 9214' are spaced apart by a width W3 which, in the present embodiment, is greater than the dimension D3 , which is the distance between the two closest or innermost points of the support elements S and S ', as illustrated in Figure 9. It will be appreciated that the dimensions W3 and D3 correspond functionally to the dimensions W1 and D1 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 B and 2A, and allow the support elements S and S 'to be joined and separated when the plate is pushed or pulled on the same plane in relation to the support elements. In figure 10 there is illustrated a plate 300, having a first, a second and a third joint portions of the support element, 310, 310 'and 310"respectively, arranged to press fit with the support elements S, S 'and S "respectively. The joint portions 310, 310 'and 310"may have any convenient pressure-coupling type structure, and are illustrated by a perspective view of the configuration described below and shown in Figure 13. In this However, it will be appreciated that, in order to mount the plate 300 on the three supporting elements, it is necessary that, in the first instance, the connecting portion 310 be at least partially coupled with the support element S. Subsequently, the plate 300 generally rotates around the support element S, in the direction of the arrow 313, in order to be able to couple the second and third joining portions 310 'and 310"with the respective support elements S' and S". , 12 and 13, three examples of details of the corner of the plate are illustrated, which may be useful together with any arrangement of double or triple support elements, as those that can be seen in figures 8, 9 or 10. With reference to figures 1 B-13, it will be appreciated that it is possible to form any of the configurations illustrated and described in relation thereto, starting from a completely flat metallic coating or a folded metal coating. In Figure 14 the upper edge portion 1402 of a spliceable plate 1400 is illustrated, which may be assembled with several similar plates to form a step, as is known in the art, for use in a flat plate heat exchanger. The upper edge portion 1402 has a connecting portion with a single support member 1410 which is centrally positioned with respect to the upper edge 1402, and is shaped to engage with the support member S (not shown) by pushing it against the latter. normal direction, and then remain coupled. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 B and 2A, the connecting portion 1410 is constituted by a cavity 1412 formed on the upper edge 1402, shaped to receive and contain at least in part the support element S. The cavity 1412 it is sifted by the first and second finger detents 1414 and 1414 'respectively, whose function is to create a constriction 1416 similar to the constriction 116 illustrated and described above with reference to Figures 1 B and 2A. It is also possible to appreciate that, while the first nail retainer 1414 forms part of a flexible arm 1420, the second nail retainer 1414 'is formed in a fixed inwardly facing portion 1420', separated from the rest of the plate 1400 by means of a shaped cavity 1421 '. The plates 1400 are arranged to be joined and separated from the support member S by means of a pressure coupling mechanism described above with reference to figures 1 B and 2A, and that will therefore not be described at this time. It can be seen that the opening 1421 preferably has a pair of side walls 1423a and 1423b extending and away from the flat sheet portion 1401 in a slightly angled shape through the opening 1421. The profiled cavity 1421 'is preferably sized similar to that of opening 1421 and has side walls also similarly 1423 '; these side walls 1423 'are, however, rigidly separated by a continuous section 1425' of metal cladding. Accordingly, the inner wall 1423a can be displaced towards the outer wall 1423b, in order to narrow the width of the opening 1421 and fix the width of the opening 1421 '. It will thus be appreciated that the opening 1421 and the profiled cavity 1421 'can be used to allow the correct splicing of a plate stagger 1400, either by alternating the openings 1421 and cavities 1421' in the adjacent plates 1400, as illustrated and described below with reference to Figures 15A-15E; or by aligning the plates 1400 with a single and uniform orientation, as described with reference to Figure 16. Figures 15A-15B illustrate a series of steps by which the plates 1400 are mounted on the support member S, in an alternative arrangement, such that they are elastically held or retained in the cavities 1421. In Fig. 15A, a plurality of plates 1400 press-fitted to the support member S is illustrated, such that each aperture 1421 is aligned with and disposed between a pair of cavities 1421 '. The plates 1400 are joined to the slides along the support element S, so that they are initially spliced, but are not yet compacted to form a step. As can be seen in Figure 15B and in the enlarged view of Figure 15C, before the compaction of the plates 1400, in view of the compressive holding force applied by the flexible arms 1420, the alternating plates 1400 are slightly displaced in lateral shape, in relation to the support element. In this way, it can be seen that the tips of the finger seals 1414a and 141 'a are arranged in a wavy or stepped configuration. With reference to Figures 15D and 15E, once the plates have been compacted together to form a step 1450, the flexible arms 1420 of the plates 1400 are fixed inward against the support member S, by virtue of which the cavities rigid profiles 1421 'are inserted into the openings 1421 (Figure 15E), so that, as can be seen in particular in Figure 15E, all the tips of the finger retainers 1414a and 1414'a are firmly fixed against the support element. This serves to interlock each plate with the adjacent plate, as well as all the plates with each other, and therefore fix all the staggering with respect to the support element in a predetermined position, thus eliminating the need for additional support or interlocking means. . One skilled in the art will appreciate that this feature is of particular importance, since it ensures that there is no movement of the staggering with respect to the conduits through which the operating fluid circulates (not illustrated) which extend through the heat exchanger. If this movement occurs, it would cause, as in previous systems, an impairment caused by mechanical agents and possibly the failure of these conduits. The perfect fixing of the plates and the staggering with respect to the rest of the structure of the heat exchanger essentially prevents any deterioration produced by mechanical agents. In Figure 16 a variety of plates 1400 arranged in such a way that all openings 1421 thereof coincide with each other are observed. It will be appreciated that, due to the conical arrangement of the side walls 1423a and 1423b, the compaction of the plates causes these side walls 1423a and 1423b of the adjacent plates to abut one another. The subsequent insertion in the opening 1421 of the terminal or end plate 4200, of a conveniently shaped fixing element, illustrated with a trapezoidal shape and represented by the number 1452, causes the side walls 1423a and 1423b of all the plates 1400 to expand, thus fixing the plates 1400 to each other, and fixing them also with respect to the support element S. In figure 17 can be seen a flat plate heat exchanger 17100, which includes a base plate or base plate 17102, a mobile pressure plate 17104, a support element S extending between them, and a step 1750 of flat heat exchange plates 1700, mounted on the support element S, between the base plate 17102 and the pressure plate 17104. It can be seen that the base plate 17102, the pressure plate 17104 and the plates 1700, are configured in such a way as to allow the insertion therethrough of, preferably, a pair of elongated locking elements 1706 and 1708. Each interlocking element 1706 and 1708 has a first width L1 which is relatively thin and a second width L2 which is relatively thick, as well as a waistband or central portion L3 of progressive shunting from the follow width to the first width. In Figure 18 it can be seen that each plate 1700 has a connecting portion of the support member located in the center and that conforms to the shape 1710, generally simulating the joint portion 5110 illustrated and described above with reference to the figure 5. Accordingly, the joint portion 1710 of the present embodiment is specifically described only with respect to the modifications with respect to the joint portion 5110 of Figure 5. It can be seen that each opening 1721 which serves to define the flexible arms 1720 and 1720 'also has side edges 1723a, 1723b, 1723'a and 1723'b thereof, two pairs of opposite rounded notches 1725, and each pair forms two opposite arcs of a circle. Specifically, two pairs of notches 1725 are formed to allow insertion therethrough of interlocking elements 1706 and 1708, which have attachment portions whose diameter 'd' exceeds the diameter of the circle formed by the notches when the arms flexible 1720 and 1720 'are in resting position. It should be noted that, although a pair of flexible arms 1720 and 1720 'are disclosed, along with their related openings 1721, and two locking or latching elements 1706 and 1708 are used, it is also possible in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention to use a single flexible arm together with a single opening 1721 and a single interlocking element 1706 or 1708. With reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the assembly of the step 1750 is described below. Initially, once the plates 1700 have been fixed To the support member S in accordance with the technique described above in relation to FIGS. 1 B and 2A, the first width L1 of the locking element 1706 is inserted through a convenient opening located in the base plate 17102, and inserted into the the notches 1725 formed in a selected opening 1721. As can be seen in Figure 19A, the diameter of the circle defined by the pair of coupled notches 1725 is smaller than the diameter of the thickest width L2 of the first locking or fixing element. By continuing to insert the locking element 1706 it is possible to insert the thickest width L2 between the notches 1725, causing the flexible arm 1720 'to bend towards the support element S. The subsequent insertion of the second locking element 1708 in a similar manner, to Through the notches 1725 of the other openings 1721 of the plate stagger, it causes a similar bending of the other flexible arm 1720 'towards the support element S. The connecting portion 1710 conforms to the shape, whereby the cavity 1712 and the support element S have equivalent bending radii and the locking elements extend, as illustrated, through the base plate 17102 and the pressure plate 17104, and the complete insertion of both interlocking elements 1706 and 1708 that the staggering of plates 1750 is firmly fixed and in position on the heat exchanger 17100 (FIG. 17). It will be appreciated that in this modality, although it is preferable that the joining portions 1710 conform to the shape, it is also possible to use plates whose structure does not conform to the shape, achieving in any way the desired fixing. It will also be appreciated that any of the features illustrated in connection with any of the embodiments described above with reference to any of Figures 1 B-19B may be combined or modified without thereby losing the novel features described above of the present invention. . Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the description and illustration of the foregoing embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is limited solely to the following claims.

Claims (20)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A flat plate heat exchanger that includes: a support structure that has elongated support elements; and a plurality of generally flat plates formed of a heat conductive material, and arranged to be fixed to the aforementioned support elements, to be supported by them. Each plate includes at least one portion of connection or coupling with the support element r to allow snap-fitting between the plate and this elongate support element, characterized in that the connection portion with the support element includes at least one elastic element. formed integrally together with the plate, arranged to be bent in a direction that is both lateral to the coupling direction and substantially parallel to the plane of the aforementioned plate.

2. A flat plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, further characterized in that the aforementioned support element has a known width, and each connection portion with the support element includes: a cavity formed in a portion of the edge of the plate previously determined and ending in an opening located on that edge, characterized in that this cavity is configured to house at least partially the cross section of the aforementioned support element, and at least one lateral projection that extends partially in lateral form through this cavity, operative, in the absence of at least a predetermined lateral bending force thereon, to prevent coupling or detachment of the plate with the support element.

3. A flat plate heat exchanger according to claim 2, further characterized in that one of the aforementioned lateral projections is formed on at least one elastic element described above.

4. A flat plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, further characterized in that the support element has an opening of known width, and a previously determined portion of the aforementioned plate edge is configured to penetrate that opening, and characterized in that at least one joint portion is constituted by a pair of lateral projections disposed outwards, and the distance between them is greater than the width of the opening in the support element, thus avoiding, in the absence of the less a predetermined lateral bending force, the joining or separation of the plate with respect to the support element.

5. A flat plate heat exchanger according to claim 2, further characterized in that the plate is formed by a folded coating having, adjacent to at least one elastic element mentioned above, a profiled opening delimited by a pair of side walls that they extend at predetermined non-perpendicular angles, relative to the plane of the plate, such that these plates are connectable.

6. A flat plate heat exchanger according to claim 5, further characterized in that it includes a fixing element that is inserted in the aforesaid profiled opening, and the aforementioned locking element is configured in such a way that, when the diversity of The plates are disposed in a stepped splice in such a way that the side walls of the profiled opening of each plate are disposed within the profiled opening of one of the adjacent plates, the insertion of the fixing element in the profiled opening of the end plate located in the end of the aforesaid stepping causes a lateral bending of all the elastic elements, such that they are forcedly coupled to the support element, further causing the side walls of the profiled openings of the plates to engage with the side walls of the elements. contoured openings of the other adjacent plates.

7. A flat plate heat exchanger according to claim 2, further characterized in that the plate is formed by a folded coating, and this plate has, adjacent to the elastic element, a profiled opening configured in such a way that when a plurality of plates constitutes a staggering, the profiled openings of all the plates are mutual alignment, and characterized in that the heat exchanger also includes at least one locking element that can be inserted transversely through the profiled openings of the step, and characterized in that at least one locking element and the profiled openings are configured in such a way that, by inserting the locking element into the aligned openings, a lateral flexing of all the elastic elements is caused in such a way that they are forcedly coupled with the support element.

8. A flat plate heat exchanger according to claim 7, further characterized in that at least one elastic element includes a pair of elastic elements and at least one locking element includes a pair of interlocking elements that can be transversally inserted through of the aligned profiled openings of the aforementioned step.

9. A flat plate heat exchanger according to claim 8, further characterized in that the pair of elastic elements is arranged symmetrically around the cavity described above.

10. A flat plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, further characterized in that the elongated support element includes a pair of elongated and generally spaced support elements, and each planar plate has a pair of edge portions generally parallel and each of these has a connection or coupling portion for coupling them with a selected support element, and characterized in that the flat plate is configured in such a way that when a first connection portion is coupled with a first elongated support element , the other joint portion engages with the other support element to define a space in a direction generally parallel to an axis extending between the pair of elongate support elements.

11. A flat plate for use in a flat plate heat exchanger that has a staggering of similar elements supported on a support structure with a support element, characterized in that the flat plate includes: a portion of plate r generally formed flat a heat conducting material; and at least one portion of connection or coupling formed together with the flat plate to be able to press fit this plate with the elongated support element, in such a way that the plate is supported by it, and characterized in that at least one connection portion it includes at least one elastic element arranged to bend both laterally to the direction of the coupling and substantially parallel to the plane of the plate.

12. A flat plate according to claim 11, further characterized in that the support element has a known width, and the joining portion further includes: a cavity formed in a portion of the predetermined edge of the plate and ending in a opening located on that edge, and the aforementioned cavity is configured to at least partially accommodate the cross-section of the support element, and at least one lateral projection extending laterally through the cavity, operatively, in the absence of the less a predetermined lateral bending force applied thereon, to prevent attachment or separation of the plate and the support element.

13. A flat plate according to claim 12, further characterized in that at least one of the lateral projections is formed on at least one elastic element.

14. A flat plate according to claim 11, further characterized in that the support element has an opening of known width, and a predetermined edge portion of the plate is configured to penetrate that opening, and characterized in that at least a joint portion is formed by a pair of lateral projections that are facing outwards, and the distance between them is greater than the width of the opening in the support element, thus avoiding, in the absence of at least one bending force side panel, join or separate the plate and the support element.

15. A plate according to claim 12, further characterized in that the portion of the flat plate is formed by a folded coating, and has, adjacent to at least one elastic element, a profiled opening surrounded by a pair of side walls that they extend at predetermined non-perpendicular angles, relative to the plane of the plate, in such a way that it is possible to splice a variety of these plates.

16. The flat plate according to claim 15, further characterized in that the flat plate heat exchanger also includes a fixing element that is inserted in the profiled opening, and the aforementioned plate is configured in such a way that, when a variety of these plates is arranged in a spliced staggering such that the side walls of the profiled opening of each plate are disposed within the profiled opening of an adjacent plate, the insertion of the fixing element in this profiled aperture of the plate located at the end end of the step causes a flexion of all the elastic elements of each plate such that they are forcedly coupled to the support element, and also causes the side walls of the profiled opening of each plate to be coupled with the side walls of the openings profiled from the adjacent plates.

17. A flat plate according to claim 12, further characterized in that the portion of the flat plate is formed of a folded coating, and this plate has, adjacent to at least one elastic element, a profiled opening that is configured of such that, when a plurality of plates is arranged in a stagger, the profiled openings of all the plates are aligned with each other, and wherein the heat exchanger also includes at least one interlock element that can be inserted transversely through the openings of the staggering of plates, and wherein the profiled openings of each plate are configured in such a way that when inserting the locking element therein, a lateral flexing of all the elastic elements is caused in such a way that they are forcefully coupled with the support element.

18. A flat plate according to claim 17, further characterized in that at least one elastic element includes a pair of elastic elements, and wherein the heat exchanger has a pair of interlocking elements that can be inserted transversely through the aligned profiled openings of the aforementioned step.

19. A flat plate according to claim 18, further characterized in that the pair of elastic elements is arranged symmetrically around a cavity described above.

20. A flat plate according to claim 12, further characterized in that the support element includes a pair of elongated support elements generally parallel and spaced apart on an axis, and each plate has a pair of generally parallel edge portions, and each of these portions has a joining portion for coupling with a selected support element, and wherein the flat plate is configured in such a way that, when at least one of these joining portions is coupled with a first support element elongated, the other joint portion is coupled with the other support element in such a way that a space is defined along the axis, thus allowing to accommodate the thermal expansion of the flat plate.