WO2008021162A2 - Heat exchanger and header for a heat exchanger - Google Patents

Heat exchanger and header for a heat exchanger Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008021162A2
WO2008021162A2 PCT/US2007/017689 US2007017689W WO2008021162A2 WO 2008021162 A2 WO2008021162 A2 WO 2008021162A2 US 2007017689 W US2007017689 W US 2007017689W WO 2008021162 A2 WO2008021162 A2 WO 2008021162A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
header
axis
curvature
curved
heat exchanger
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/017689
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008021162A3 (en
Inventor
Klaus Kalbacher
Original Assignee
Modine Manufacturing Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=38694948&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=WO2008021162(A2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Modine Manufacturing Company filed Critical Modine Manufacturing Company
Publication of WO2008021162A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008021162A2/en
Publication of WO2008021162A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008021162A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28DHEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/04Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
    • F28D1/053Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
    • F28D1/0535Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
    • F28D1/05366Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28FDETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F9/00Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
    • F28F9/02Header boxes; End plates
    • F28F9/0219Arrangements for sealing end plates into casing or header box; Header box sub-elements
    • F28F9/0224Header boxes formed by sealing end plates into covers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28FDETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F9/00Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
    • F28F9/02Header boxes; End plates
    • F28F9/04Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates
    • F28F9/16Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates by permanent joints, e.g. by rolling
    • F28F9/18Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates by permanent joints, e.g. by rolling by welding
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28FDETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F2225/00Reinforcing means
    • F28F2225/08Reinforcing means for header boxes

Definitions

  • the applications of such heat exchangers result in high pressure and thermal stresses, such as in locations at and adjacent to the connections of the flat tubes to the collection tank.
  • this capability should extend to the interface between the collection tank parts.
  • heat exchangers having collection tanks and collection tank-to-flat tube joints adapted to withstand thermal and/or pressure stresses and cycling are welcome additions to the industry, as are heat exchangers that are relatively light weight and that can be produced more efficiently and at a lower cost.
  • Some embodiments of the present invention provide a header for a collection tank of an oil cooler or other heat exchanger.
  • the header can provide an increased level of strength to the heat exchanger and to connections between the header and tubes fastened thereto.
  • the header can have a convex shape configured to reduce thermal mechanical stresses at tube-to-header joints, and to reduce pressure stresses.
  • the header of the collection tank has a central portion that is curved to resemble a rounded cap (e.g., a cap having a semi-circular or otherwise arcuate cross-sectional shape presenting a generally convex shape toward the flat tubes and a generally concave shape toward an interior of the collection tank).
  • the header can be curved in this manner both in a longitudinal direction (i.e., along the longitudinal length of the collection tank) and a lateral direction perpendicular thereto.
  • the header can have a generally spherical shape or a bowl shape, and in some cases can have an elongated bowl shape.
  • the header can have an elongated bowl shape in which the ends of the elongated bowl shape are shallower than a central area of the bowl shape.
  • such shapes do not necessarily indicate or imply that the shape is symmetrical about a rotational axis.
  • the terms "spherical” or “bowl-shaped” are used synonymously, encompass shapes that are not necessarily defined by portions of a perfect sphere, and encompass any generally rotund or rounded shape having generally arcuate cross-sectional shapes in mutually perpendicular directions.
  • the header by virtue of the generally bowl-shaped header as described above, it is possible in some embodiments to load the header in a manner converting otherwise prevailing bending stresses into tensile stresses, thereby providing increased strength of the header and of the connections between the header and tubes. Since the strength of the header and the tube-to-header connections often decreases from the periphery of the header toward the center of the header, the above-described header curvature in a central region of the header significantly increases the strength of the header in the central region. As a result of the increased strength, it is possible to achieve weight and cost savings by reduction of the thickness of the material from which the header and/or tubes is constructed. The increased mechanical strength also increases the service life of a collection tank and heat exchanger having such a header.
  • Fig- 1 is a perspective view of a header for a collection tank of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the header shown in Fig. 1, taken along line H-II of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the header shown in Fig. 1 , taken along the line III-III of Fig. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of part of a heat exchanger having the header shown in Figs. 1-3.
  • Figs. 1 -4 illustrate a header 10 adapted for a collection tank of a heat exchanger 24 (not shown).
  • the heat exchanger 24 is suitable for any application in which heat exchange takes place with fluid passing through the collection tank.
  • Such applications exist in vehicle systems, such as those used in conjunction with internal combustion engines, hi some applications, the heat exchanger 24 can function as a cooler (e.g., an oil cooler), or instead as a condenser or as an evaporator.
  • the heat exchanger 24 can be connected to exchange heat in a refrigerant circuit by way of example only.
  • the header 10 illustrated in Figs. 1-4 is composed of an at least partially planar flat body 11 with a side 12 which faces the interior of the collection tank (not shown) when assembled. More specifically, when one or more other pieces of the collection tank are attached to the header 10 to define an interior space of the collection tank, the side 12 and surfaces of the other pieces of the collection tank face the collection tank interior.
  • the other piece(s) of the collection tank can be coupled to the body 11 in any suitable manner, such as by brazing, soldering, welding, and the like.
  • the body 11 comprises openings 13 adapted to receive tubes 14. As shown in Fig. 4, tubes 14 are insertable into the openings 13.
  • the body 11 has a generally curved central portion 15. As best shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the central portion 15 of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 -4 is curved to have an approximately spherical shape. By virtue of this spherical shape, deformation of the body 1 1 is anticipated. It will be appreciated that under moderate collection tank pressures, deformation of a body having no curvature is likely. However, due to the spherical shape of the central portion 15, when the central portion 15 is under pressure loading, the body 11 experiences a considerably reduced degree of deformation.
  • the body 11 is generally rectangular in shape, with a longitudinal side 18 and a transverse side 19 oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal side 18.
  • the longitudinal axis 16 runs approximately parallel to and centrally between the longitudinal sides 18 of the body 11, which has a radius of curvature rl defined about the longitudinal axis 16 to define a transverse curvature of the body 11.
  • the second or transverse axis 17 runs approximately parallel to the transverse side 19 of the body 11, which has a radius of curvature r2 defined about the transverse axis 17 to define a transverse (i.e., longitudinally-extending) curvature of the body 11.
  • a radius of curvature r2 defined about the transverse axis 17 to define a transverse (i.e., longitudinally-extending) curvature of the body 11.
  • the radii of curvature r 1 , r2 are not necessarily shown to scale in Figs. 1-4 (in relation to the illustrated body 11), since the transverse radius of curvature r2 can be considerably larger than that illustrated in Fig. 2.
  • the radius of curvature rl about the first axis 16 can differ from the radius of curvature r2 about the second axis 17, resulting in a curved central portion 15 having a curvature deviating slightly from a perfectly spherical section (only approximately corresponds to a perfectly spherical section in some embodiments, or deviating significantly from a perfectly spherical section in other embodiments).
  • the radius of curvature rl about the first axis 16 can be the same as the radius of curvature r2 about the second axis 17, whereby the resulting curvature of the central portion 15 has the form of a spherical cap.
  • the transverse curvature of the curved central portion 15 is greatest approximately in the center region of the longitudinal side 18, as a result of the longitudinal body curvature described above, whereby the magnitude of the transverse curvature decreases from this center region to both sides (i.e., ends of the body 11) in the longitudinal direction.
  • the curved central portion 15 is bordered by a substantially planar edge region 20 on the longitudinal and transverse sides 18, 19 of the body 11.
  • the illustrated planar edge region 20 can have substantially planar fastening faces 21 adapted for fastening a cover other collection tank portion (not shown) thereto.
  • At least the majority of the openings 13 adapted to receive the tubes 14 are located in the curved central portion 15 of the body 11 such that (for example) only the outermost edges 22 of the two outermost openings 13 (in the longitudinal direction of the body 11) adjacent the planar edge region 20 has no transverse curvature about the first axis 16.
  • the tubes 14 are embodied as flat tubes, while the openings 13 are formed as correspondingly shaped slots. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the slot shape of each opening 13 is aligned transversely with respect to the longitudinal side 18 of the body 11 and with respect to the first axis 16 of the curved central portion 15. At least some of the slot-shaped openings 13 can each be delimited by a rim 23 having enlarged contact faces on the inner sides facing the respective tube 14. In this manner, the strength and the assurance of a sealed connection between the body 11 and the individual tubes 14 are increased.
  • the rims 23 can be located on (i.e., point toward) the side 12 of the body 11 to which the cover part or other collection tank portion is fastened. Furthermore, the rims 23 can point toward the interior of the collection tank when the collection tank is assembled. In some alternative embodiments (not shown), rims 23 can also or instead be located on (i.e., point toward) the side of the body 11 opposite the side 12 described above.
  • the rims 23 can all have substantially the same height, such that all project to the same extent beyond the surrounding regions of the central portion 15.
  • the rims 23 can be higher in the center of the central portion 15 than in the adjoining regions, or the height of the rims 23 can decrease from the center of the central portion 15 toward both ends of the body 11 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction 18).
  • the illustrated body 11 constitutes a single-part component, and can be formed from aluminum. Alternatively, any other metal or other suitable material can be used. Production of the header 10 can be carried out by injection molding or deep-drawing. In some embodiments, the body 11 has a cross-sectional thickness of about 2 to 4 mm.
  • the header 10 is suitable for constructing a collection tank for a heat exchanger (e.g., an oil cooler), whereby the cover part or other portion of the collection tank can be fastened in a pressure-tight manner to the planar, non-curved edge region 20 of the body 11.
  • the cover part can be fastened to the planar fastening faces 21 of the body 11 by welding, soldering or in any other suitable manner.
  • the cover part can be formed from aluminum (or other metals or suitable materials), and can be composed of a deep-drawn part.
  • Fig. 4 shows a portion of a heat exchanger 24 having at least one header 10 to which a cover part or other collection tank portion can be fastened in order to form a collection tank, wherein the heat exchanger 24 has flat tubes 14 received in slot-shaped openings 13 in the header 10, and wherein the flat tubes 14 are fastened therein in a pressure- tight manner by means of soldering, welding and the like.
  • the tubes 14 are fastened within the openings 13 and rims 23.
  • the tubes 14 all have the same length, despite the approximately spherical shape of the curved central portion 15.
  • the tubes 14 can be of varying lengths.
  • the tubes 14 can be held in the openings 13, and can protrude to different extents beyond the body 11 into the interior of the collection tank. In such cases, the tubes 14 correspondingly project to different extents into the interior of the collection tank, (i.e., have different amounts of tube exposure within the interior of the collection tank).
  • the ends of the tubes 14 located in the center of the central portion 15 can protrude further beyond the header 10 than other tubes 14 adjoining them (i.e., further than the tubes 14 located at and closer to the longitudinal ends of the header 10).
  • the ends of tubes 14 which follow to each side of the center-most tubes 14 therefore protrude beyond the header 10 less than the tubes 14 in the center of the header 10.
  • This structure can also increase strength of the heat exchanger, since the strength of the body 11 and of the connections between the body 11 and the tubes 14 is greater in the region of the longitudinal ends of the header 10 than in the central region of the header 10 (such strength decreasing from the outside to the center of the header 10). Since, in some embodiments, the tubes 14 of the heat exchanger 24 having equal or substantially equal lengths protrude further in the center region of the header 10 than to each side of the header 10 along the longitudinal direction, the center region can have an increased resistance moment, thereby increasing the strength of the resulting heat exchanger structure.
  • the design of the header 10 of a collection tank for a heat exchanger can provide an increase in strength - both of the header 10 and also of the connections between the header 10 and the tubes 14. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the cross-sectional thickness of the individual heat exchanger components to achieve weight and cost savings.
  • the service life of a collection tank which is produced using the header 10 (and of a correspondingly configured heat exchanger 24) can be increased, without any additional expenditure required with regard to the heat exchanger material, the number of heat exchanger components, and the number of individual production steps. It is also advantageous that reproducible and permanently sealed connections between the header 10 and the tubes 14 can be obtained with low production tolerances..

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
  • Details Of Heat-Exchange And Heat-Transfer (AREA)

Abstract

A heat exchanger tank and header for a heat exchanger tank are described and illustrated. In some embodiments, headers having portions that are curved in longitudinal and lateral directions of the header are provided. Such portions can be curved about mutually perpendicular axes of the header, and in some cases can define a substantially spherical cap. In some embodiments, one or more apertures of the header into which heat exchanger tubes are inserted include rims.

Description

HEAT EXCHANGER AND HEADER FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Priority is hereby claimed to German Patent App. No. DE 10 2006 037 192.5 filed on August 9, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A variety of heat exchangers exist in which a number of flat tubes are connected to and in fluid communication with a collection tank for introducing and/or removing fluid from the flat tubes. In many cases, the applications of such heat exchangers result in high pressure and thermal stresses, such as in locations at and adjacent to the connections of the flat tubes to the collection tank. Also, it is desirable for such collection tanks and the connections of the flat tubes thereto to withstand significant pressure without excessive deformation or damage — despite the desire to construct collection tanks from increasingly thinner and lighter materials. Particularly in cases in which the collection tanks are constructed of multiple parts (e.g., a header plate and a structure defining the remainder of the collection tank), this capability should extend to the interface between the collection tank parts.
[0003] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that heat exchangers having collection tanks and collection tank-to-flat tube joints adapted to withstand thermal and/or pressure stresses and cycling are welcome additions to the industry, as are heat exchangers that are relatively light weight and that can be produced more efficiently and at a lower cost.
SUMMARY
[0004] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a header for a collection tank of an oil cooler or other heat exchanger. The header can provide an increased level of strength to the heat exchanger and to connections between the header and tubes fastened thereto. The header can have a convex shape configured to reduce thermal mechanical stresses at tube-to-header joints, and to reduce pressure stresses.
[0005] In some embodiments, the header of the collection tank has a central portion that is curved to resemble a rounded cap (e.g., a cap having a semi-circular or otherwise arcuate cross-sectional shape presenting a generally convex shape toward the flat tubes and a generally concave shape toward an interior of the collection tank). The header can be curved in this manner both in a longitudinal direction (i.e., along the longitudinal length of the collection tank) and a lateral direction perpendicular thereto. In such cases, the header can have a generally spherical shape or a bowl shape, and in some cases can have an elongated bowl shape. In particular, the header can have an elongated bowl shape in which the ends of the elongated bowl shape are shallower than a central area of the bowl shape. Unless otherwise specified herein, such shapes do not necessarily indicate or imply that the shape is symmetrical about a rotational axis. Accordingly, as used herein and in the appended claims, the terms "spherical" or "bowl-shaped" are used synonymously, encompass shapes that are not necessarily defined by portions of a perfect sphere, and encompass any generally rotund or rounded shape having generally arcuate cross-sectional shapes in mutually perpendicular directions.
[0006] With the above-described bowl-shaped header curvatures according to some embodiments of the present invention, later internal pressures of the collection tank that could otherwise generate significant header deformation (when the collection tank is connected to the header as part of a collection tank and is pressurized) are accounted for. Internal collection tank pressures often urge the header and walls of the collection tank toward a generally spherical or ball shape. However, under pressure loading of the bowl-shaped header described above, there is a considerably reduced degree of header deformation. In some embodiments, such deformation can even be eliminated. As a result, the mechanical load experienced by connections between the header and tubes fastened thereto is considerably reduced.
10007] Additionally, by virtue of the generally bowl-shaped header as described above, it is possible in some embodiments to load the header in a manner converting otherwise prevailing bending stresses into tensile stresses, thereby providing increased strength of the header and of the connections between the header and tubes. Since the strength of the header and the tube-to-header connections often decreases from the periphery of the header toward the center of the header, the above-described header curvature in a central region of the header significantly increases the strength of the header in the central region. As a result of the increased strength, it is possible to achieve weight and cost savings by reduction of the thickness of the material from which the header and/or tubes is constructed. The increased mechanical strength also increases the service life of a collection tank and heat exchanger having such a header. Such advantages do not necessarily require any additional expenditure with regard to the header and collection tank material, the number of header and collection tank components, and the individual production stages of the header and collection tank. Also, reproducible and permanently sealed connections between the header and individual tubes are possible using the bowl-shaped header described above and relatively low production tolerances.
[0008] Still other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00091 Fig- 1 is a perspective view of a header for a collection tank of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the header shown in Fig. 1, taken along line H-II of Fig. 1.
[0011] Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the header shown in Fig. 1 , taken along the line III-III of Fig. 2.
[0012] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of part of a heat exchanger having the header shown in Figs. 1-3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
[0014] Figs. 1 -4 illustrate a header 10 adapted for a collection tank of a heat exchanger 24 (not shown). The heat exchanger 24 is suitable for any application in which heat exchange takes place with fluid passing through the collection tank. Such applications exist in vehicle systems, such as those used in conjunction with internal combustion engines, hi some applications, the heat exchanger 24 can function as a cooler (e.g., an oil cooler), or instead as a condenser or as an evaporator. Also, in some applications, the heat exchanger 24 can be connected to exchange heat in a refrigerant circuit by way of example only.
[0015] The header 10 illustrated in Figs. 1-4 is composed of an at least partially planar flat body 11 with a side 12 which faces the interior of the collection tank (not shown) when assembled. More specifically, when one or more other pieces of the collection tank are attached to the header 10 to define an interior space of the collection tank, the side 12 and surfaces of the other pieces of the collection tank face the collection tank interior. The other piece(s) of the collection tank can be coupled to the body 11 in any suitable manner, such as by brazing, soldering, welding, and the like.
[0016] The body 11 comprises openings 13 adapted to receive tubes 14. As shown in Fig. 4, tubes 14 are insertable into the openings 13. The body 11 has a generally curved central portion 15. As best shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the central portion 15 of the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 -4 is curved to have an approximately spherical shape. By virtue of this spherical shape, deformation of the body 1 1 is anticipated. It will be appreciated that under moderate collection tank pressures, deformation of a body having no curvature is likely. However, due to the spherical shape of the central portion 15, when the central portion 15 is under pressure loading, the body 11 experiences a considerably reduced degree of deformation. As a result, mechanical load on the connections between the inserted tubes 14 and the body 11 is reduced. Also, by virtue of the spherical shape of the central portion 15, bending stress upon the body 11 (e.g., due to internal pressures of the collection tank) are converted into tensile stresses, thereby providing increased strength of the body 11 and the body-to-tube connections. Since the strength of the body 11 and/or of the body-to-tube connections decreases toward the center of the body 11 , in many embodiments, the curvature of the central portion 15 increases the strength of the body 1 1 in the center of the body 11. (0017] The central portion 15 of the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1-4 is curved about a longitudinally running first axis 16 and about a transverse second axis 17 at a right angle with respect to the first axis 16. In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1-4, the body 11 is generally rectangular in shape, with a longitudinal side 18 and a transverse side 19 oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal side 18. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the longitudinal axis 16 runs approximately parallel to and centrally between the longitudinal sides 18 of the body 11, which has a radius of curvature rl defined about the longitudinal axis 16 to define a transverse curvature of the body 11.
[0018] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the second or transverse axis 17 runs approximately parallel to the transverse side 19 of the body 11, which has a radius of curvature r2 defined about the transverse axis 17 to define a transverse (i.e., longitudinally-extending) curvature of the body 11. It should be noted that the radii of curvature r 1 , r2 are not necessarily shown to scale in Figs. 1-4 (in relation to the illustrated body 11), since the transverse radius of curvature r2 can be considerably larger than that illustrated in Fig. 2.
[0019] The radius of curvature rl about the first axis 16 can differ from the radius of curvature r2 about the second axis 17, resulting in a curved central portion 15 having a curvature deviating slightly from a perfectly spherical section (only approximately corresponds to a perfectly spherical section in some embodiments, or deviating significantly from a perfectly spherical section in other embodiments). Alternatively, the radius of curvature rl about the first axis 16 can be the same as the radius of curvature r2 about the second axis 17, whereby the resulting curvature of the central portion 15 has the form of a spherical cap.
[0020] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the transverse curvature of the curved central portion 15 is greatest approximately in the center region of the longitudinal side 18, as a result of the longitudinal body curvature described above, whereby the magnitude of the transverse curvature decreases from this center region to both sides (i.e., ends of the body 11) in the longitudinal direction.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1-4, the curved central portion 15 is bordered by a substantially planar edge region 20 on the longitudinal and transverse sides 18, 19 of the body 11. On at least one side of the body 11 (e.g., on side 12 in the illustrated embodiment), the illustrated planar edge region 20 can have substantially planar fastening faces 21 adapted for fastening a cover other collection tank portion (not shown) thereto. Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least the majority of the openings 13 adapted to receive the tubes 14 are located in the curved central portion 15 of the body 11 such that (for example) only the outermost edges 22 of the two outermost openings 13 (in the longitudinal direction of the body 11) adjacent the planar edge region 20 has no transverse curvature about the first axis 16.
[0022] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4, the tubes 14 are embodied as flat tubes, while the openings 13 are formed as correspondingly shaped slots. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the slot shape of each opening 13 is aligned transversely with respect to the longitudinal side 18 of the body 11 and with respect to the first axis 16 of the curved central portion 15. At least some of the slot-shaped openings 13 can each be delimited by a rim 23 having enlarged contact faces on the inner sides facing the respective tube 14. In this manner, the strength and the assurance of a sealed connection between the body 11 and the individual tubes 14 are increased. In those embodiments having rims 23 for the openings 13, the rims 23 can be located on (i.e., point toward) the side 12 of the body 11 to which the cover part or other collection tank portion is fastened. Furthermore, the rims 23 can point toward the interior of the collection tank when the collection tank is assembled. In some alternative embodiments (not shown), rims 23 can also or instead be located on (i.e., point toward) the side of the body 11 opposite the side 12 described above.
[0023] If employed, the rims 23 can all have substantially the same height, such that all project to the same extent beyond the surrounding regions of the central portion 15. Alternatively, the rims 23 can be higher in the center of the central portion 15 than in the adjoining regions, or the height of the rims 23 can decrease from the center of the central portion 15 toward both ends of the body 11 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction 18).
[0024] The illustrated body 11 constitutes a single-part component, and can be formed from aluminum. Alternatively, any other metal or other suitable material can be used. Production of the header 10 can be carried out by injection molding or deep-drawing. In some embodiments, the body 11 has a cross-sectional thickness of about 2 to 4 mm.
[0025] In some embodiments, the header 10 is suitable for constructing a collection tank for a heat exchanger (e.g., an oil cooler), whereby the cover part or other portion of the collection tank can be fastened in a pressure-tight manner to the planar, non-curved edge region 20 of the body 11. In this regard, the cover part can be fastened to the planar fastening faces 21 of the body 11 by welding, soldering or in any other suitable manner. The cover part can be formed from aluminum (or other metals or suitable materials), and can be composed of a deep-drawn part.
[0026] Fig. 4 shows a portion of a heat exchanger 24 having at least one header 10 to which a cover part or other collection tank portion can be fastened in order to form a collection tank, wherein the heat exchanger 24 has flat tubes 14 received in slot-shaped openings 13 in the header 10, and wherein the flat tubes 14 are fastened therein in a pressure- tight manner by means of soldering, welding and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubes 14 are fastened within the openings 13 and rims 23. In some embodiments, the tubes 14 all have the same length, despite the approximately spherical shape of the curved central portion 15. hi other embodiments, the tubes 14 can be of varying lengths. The tubes 14 can be held in the openings 13, and can protrude to different extents beyond the body 11 into the interior of the collection tank. In such cases, the tubes 14 correspondingly project to different extents into the interior of the collection tank, (i.e., have different amounts of tube exposure within the interior of the collection tank). The ends of the tubes 14 located in the center of the central portion 15 can protrude further beyond the header 10 than other tubes 14 adjoining them (i.e., further than the tubes 14 located at and closer to the longitudinal ends of the header 10). The ends of tubes 14 which follow to each side of the center-most tubes 14 therefore protrude beyond the header 10 less than the tubes 14 in the center of the header 10. This structure can also increase strength of the heat exchanger, since the strength of the body 11 and of the connections between the body 11 and the tubes 14 is greater in the region of the longitudinal ends of the header 10 than in the central region of the header 10 (such strength decreasing from the outside to the center of the header 10). Since, in some embodiments, the tubes 14 of the heat exchanger 24 having equal or substantially equal lengths protrude further in the center region of the header 10 than to each side of the header 10 along the longitudinal direction, the center region can have an increased resistance moment, thereby increasing the strength of the resulting heat exchanger structure.
[0027] The design of the header 10 of a collection tank for a heat exchanger according to the various embodiments described and illustrated herein can provide an increase in strength - both of the header 10 and also of the connections between the header 10 and the tubes 14. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the cross-sectional thickness of the individual heat exchanger components to achieve weight and cost savings. As a result of increase in mechanical strength, the service life of a collection tank which is produced using the header 10 (and of a correspondingly configured heat exchanger 24) can be increased, without any additional expenditure required with regard to the heat exchanger material, the number of heat exchanger components, and the number of individual production steps. It is also advantageous that reproducible and permanently sealed connections between the header 10 and the tubes 14 can be obtained with low production tolerances..
[0028] The embodiments described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures are presented by way of example only, and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A header for a collection tank of a heat exchanger, comprising: a body to which a cover can be fastened, the body having first and second sides facing in substantially opposite directions; a plurality of openings defined through the sides of the body, each opening adapted to receive a respective tube inserted therein; and wherein the first side is curved about two mutually perpendicular axes.
2. The header of claim 1, wherein: the first and second sides are substantially elongated in shape to define longitudinal and transverse directions of the body; the first axis is a longitudinally running axis; and the second axis is a transversely running axis.
3. The header of claim 1, wherein the body is curved about the first axis at a first radius of curvature, and is curved about the second axis at a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature.
4. The header of claim 1, wherein the body is curved about the first axis at a first radius of curvature, and is curved about the second axis at a second radius of curvature substantially the same as the first radius of curvature.
5. The header of claim 1, wherein at least a majority of the plurality of openings is defined in a curved portion of the first side.
6. The header of claim 1, wherein the first side comprises a substantially planar border.
7. The header of claim 6, wherein the substantially planar border has substantially planar fastening faces adapted for connection to a cover of the heat exchanger.
8. The header of claim 1 , wherein the body is substantially rectangular in shape.
9. The header of claim 1 , wherein the first side is curved in a substantially rectangular region of the body.
10. The header of claim 2, wherein the longitudinally running axis defines an transverse axis of curvature of the body.
11. The header of claim 2, wherein the transversely running axis defines a longitudinal axis of curvature of the body.
12. The header of claim 2, wherein the first side has a transverse axis of curvature increasing toward a center location of the body.
13. The header of claim 2, wherein each of the openings is substantially elongated in a transverse direction of the body.
14. The header of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the openings are at least partially defined by rims.
15. The header of claim 14, wherein the rims are located on the first side of the body configured to face an interior of the collection tank.
16. The header of claim 14, wherein the rims have a substantially common height.
17. The header of claim 14, wherein the body comprises aluminum.
18. The header of claim 1 , wherein the body has a cross sectional thickness of at least about 2mm and no greater than about 4mm.
PCT/US2007/017689 2006-08-09 2007-08-09 Heat exchanger and header for a heat exchanger WO2008021162A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006037192.5 2006-08-09
DE200610037192 DE102006037192A1 (en) 2006-08-09 2006-08-09 Floor part for a collecting box of a heat exchanger

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008021162A2 true WO2008021162A2 (en) 2008-02-21
WO2008021162A3 WO2008021162A3 (en) 2008-07-03

Family

ID=38694948

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/017689 WO2008021162A2 (en) 2006-08-09 2007-08-09 Heat exchanger and header for a heat exchanger

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1890102B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102006037192A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008021162A2 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2020128865A (en) * 2013-12-13 2020-08-27 ヴァレオ システム テルミク Recovery box and heat exchanger corresponding thereto

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008011579A1 (en) * 2008-02-28 2009-09-03 Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg Base plate of a collecting tank for cooling water and heat exchanger for motor vehicles
DE102012202886A1 (en) * 2012-02-24 2013-08-29 Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg Heat exchanger for motor vehicles, has pipe, block with ribs, pipe base and collecting box, where base area of pipe base is formed in curved shape with low point that is deeply arranged opposite to outer areas
DE102019209222A1 (en) * 2019-06-26 2020-12-31 Krones Ag Tubular heat exchanger

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5758721A (en) * 1995-12-13 1998-06-02 Valeo Thermique Moteur Heat exchanger header plate, a method for making it, and a heat exchanger having such a header plate
US20060137870A1 (en) * 2004-12-24 2006-06-29 Showa Denko K.K. Heat exchanger
US20060162376A1 (en) * 2003-07-08 2006-07-27 Showa Denko K.K. Evaporator

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1016251A (en) * 1960-09-22 1966-01-05 Richardsons Westgarth & Co Improvements in or relating to heat exchangers
US4207944A (en) * 1978-02-15 1980-06-17 Joseph Oat Corporation Heat exchanger for withstanding cyclic changes in temperature
FR2484071B1 (en) * 1980-06-05 1985-12-13 Valeo HOLE PLATE FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER WITH FLUID CIRCULATION TUBES
US4615385B1 (en) * 1985-04-12 1994-12-20 Modine Mfg Co Heat exchanger
JPH02109184U (en) * 1989-02-17 1990-08-30
JP2005308366A (en) * 2004-04-26 2005-11-04 T Rad Co Ltd Heat exchanger

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5758721A (en) * 1995-12-13 1998-06-02 Valeo Thermique Moteur Heat exchanger header plate, a method for making it, and a heat exchanger having such a header plate
US20060162376A1 (en) * 2003-07-08 2006-07-27 Showa Denko K.K. Evaporator
US20060137870A1 (en) * 2004-12-24 2006-06-29 Showa Denko K.K. Heat exchanger

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2020128865A (en) * 2013-12-13 2020-08-27 ヴァレオ システム テルミク Recovery box and heat exchanger corresponding thereto

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1890102B1 (en) 2013-04-03
WO2008021162A3 (en) 2008-07-03
DE102006037192A1 (en) 2008-02-14
EP1890102A1 (en) 2008-02-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9328966B2 (en) Heat exchanger with a baffle reinforcement member
US9470461B2 (en) Heat exchanger with a tank reinforcement member
US11162743B2 (en) Heat exchanger tank
US9897396B2 (en) Heat exchanger
EP0845650A2 (en) Heat exchanger assembled without brazing in which adhesive is used to seal tube end portions and an end plate
US7237605B2 (en) Heat exchanger
US20100300664A1 (en) Heat exchanger
EP3161403B1 (en) Heat exchanger with reinforced header plate
US7255158B2 (en) Heat exchanger
EP1702191B1 (en) Collar rib for heat exchanger tanks
CN112105515B (en) High pressure tolerant liquid-to-refrigerant heat exchanger
US20050230089A1 (en) Heat exchanger capable of preventing heat stress
JPS61235698A (en) Heat exchanger
US9644897B2 (en) Heater core with dual plate pipe connector
US8069911B2 (en) Radiator with built-in oil cooler
US10401095B2 (en) Heat exchanger
WO2008021162A2 (en) Heat exchanger and header for a heat exchanger
US20050126764A1 (en) Condenser for vehicles and integrated radiator-condenser body including said condenser
EP2469211A2 (en) Multitubular heat exchanger
JP2009216151A (en) Sealing structure and heat exchanger using the same
JP2946840B2 (en) Heat exchanger
JP2015206507A (en) heat exchanger
CN107980092B (en) Fin, in particular for a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle, and corresponding heat exchanger
EP2336698B1 (en) Plate-type heat exchanger with reinforcement insert piece
JP4430482B2 (en) Heat exchanger

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07836646

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: DE

NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: RU

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07836646

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2