DE10220533B4 - heat exchangers - Google Patents

Abstract

Heat exchanger with a plurality of disc elements (4), in particular for an air conditioner in a motor vehicle, the disc elements (4) are stacked to form a heat exchanger block (10) and each consist of two interconnected sheet metal elements (2, 32), the inclusion of a Forming cavity tubular elements which are fluidically interconnected for the passage of a refrigerant, wherein the discs (4) in the heat exchanger block (10) spaced to form spaces for the passage of air to be cooled in the direction of the depth (20) of the heat exchanger block (10) are arranged, wherein, based on the depth of the heat exchanger block (10), the sheet metal elements (2, 32) comprise at least two contiguous basic elements (3, 34), so that the panes (4) as disc modules (2 / II, 2 / III, 2 / IV) are formed, which in the depth of the heat exchanger block (10) an integer multiple of the basic elements (3, 34), wherein the basic elements ( 3, 34) of a sheet metal element (2, 32) by webs (14, 15, 16) are interconnected, characterized in that in at least one of the webs (14, 15, 16) between the base elements (3, 34) an overflow (17, 18) is formed, which fluidly connects the cavities of the sheet metal elements (2, 32).

Description

The invention relates to a heat exchanger with a plurality of disc elements, in particular a disc evaporator for an air conditioner in a motor vehicle, the specified in the preamble of claim 1. genus.

In the vehicle air conditioning known disc evaporator consist of several stacked composite discs, which are each joined together from two sheet metal elements. In this case, the sheet metal elements enclose a cavity, whereby they form disk tube elements which are fluidically connected to one another for the passage of a refrigerant of the disk evaporator.

The DE 198 38 215 A1 discloses a generic evaporator for an air conditioner in a motor vehicle, wherein the discs are arranged in a disc stack spaced to form gaps for the passage of air to be cooled from the vehicle interior. In the interstices of the disks, cooling fins are arranged in the known disk evaporators in order to improve the cooling effect on the air flowing through the disk evaporator in the direction of the depth. The cooling effect of the discs on the stream of hot air flowing through the interstices of the discs is significantly influenced by the depth of the discs in the direction of air flow. A higher demand for cooling power can therefore be achieved, for example, by a greater depth of the disks, ie widening of the individual sheet metal elements.

The US 5,855,240 describes a disc heat exchanger, wherein the discs each have a U-shaped cavity for refrigerant. The sheet metal elements, which are joined in pairs to the discs are each made connected by webs and brought under the overlap of the webs in overlap.

Furthermore, flat tube heat exchangers are known in which partial flow blocks arranged one after the other are provided in the flow direction of the air, wherein the air emerging from a first sub-block of the heat exchanger enters into the intermediate spaces of the flat tubes of the next sub-block lying in alignment. The EP 0 838 641 A2 discloses such a flat tube heat exchanger, in which two sub-blocks are aligned parallel to each other and spatially arranged one behind the other, wherein the sub-blocks are connected in series in the flow direction of the air.

In particular, in air conditioning systems for motor vehicles is usually only a very limited space for installation of air conditioning and the associated evaporator available. When designing the evaporator for an air conditioner, therefore, the possible size should be considered. In order to achieve the optimum cooling capacity for the space available in different vehicle models and correspondingly different dimensions of the air conditioning system, different dimensions of the evaporator in its length, d. h., the number of slices in a slice stack, and the depth. In order to produce evaporators with different depths, various tools have hitherto been required in order to produce the corresponding sheet metal elements with the desired pane width. In this way, high costs are incurred in the production of evaporators with different dimensions. Also requires a change of the evaporator model, which is associated with a change in the disc width, a conversion of the machine tool with the required tool. The resulting reduced production speed due to longer changeover times also increase the production costs.

The DE 100 11 172 A1 discloses a stacked multi-flow heat exchanger of stacked disks, each forming two parallel fluid channels which are separate from one another. The JP 2000-105093 A also discloses a disc heat exchange.

The present invention has for its object to provide a heat exchanger which is in terms of its production in a simple manner with different dimensions in the direction of the depth of the heat exchanger block executable.

This object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

According to the invention sheet metal elements are provided, each consisting of two or more similar basic elements. The depth of the heat exchanger thus results as an integer multiple of the depth of a single primitive. In this way, a modular disk system is available, wherein the intended depth of an evaporator is structurally decoupled from the manufacture of the sheet metal elements. For example, metal strips can be made with a plurality of integrally connected sheet metal elements and after determining the desired depth of an evaporator to be made from the sheet metal strip, the sheet metal elements of the corresponding number of basic elements are separated. The strip-like sheet metal elements are preferably produced by stamping.

With the modular construction of the disk evaporator according to the invention, heat exchangers can be produced with, if required, the most varied depths without having to use different tools for producing the sheet metal elements. Also, a cost-effective production of evaporators with different dimensions is possible because compared to the conventional manufacturing technology significantly lower setup costs incurred in a conversion of production to a different depth of the evaporator. Furthermore, the assembly of the evaporator, in particular the joining of the discs is simplified compared to the conventional series connection of several disc stacks, since due to the one-piece design of several basic elements in the common plate member fewer connecting parts must be used. Another advantage of the module system according to the invention is the fact that at the same height and width of a disk block, the cooling capacity according to the requirement and the application of the evaporator by varying the depth according to the multiple of the depth of the individual base element is variable.

Advantageously, the basic elements are interconnected by webs, whereby, for example, the separation of a sheet metal element from a stamped sheet metal strip with a variety of basic elements is possible, possibly even without additional cutting tools. The sheet metal elements are expediently elongated, wherein the webs are provided adjacent to the ends of the basic elements. The two sheet metal elements of a disc are joined at their peripheral edges, including cavities in the interior of the discs, wherein the individual discs are interconnected by means of connecting pieces, which are formed at the free ends of the base elements. Advantageously, at least the connections of the disks of a disk stack, a fluidic connection of the disks is provided, which is formed by a respective transfer opening for refrigerant in a region defined by the respective connection piece of the sheet metal elements. The connecting pieces can be expediently attached to the individual sheet-metal elements by forming processes, with the exposed openings of the connecting pieces protruding from the sheet-metal elements being connected to one another. The connection of all sheet metal parts of the evaporator can be done mechanically or under the action of heat, for example by soldering.

In the modular system according to the invention, a connecting piece is preferably provided on the sheet metal elements at both ends of the basic elements. In a particularly advantageous manner sheet metal elements are provided with shape-similar, but with respect to the coolant line different sheet metal elements, wherein one type of the basic elements at both ends have transfer openings for refrigerant in the adjacent disc, while in other sheet metal elements no transfer opening is provided. At the installation point of such a sheet metal module such a closure in the flow path of the refrigerant can be installed in the evaporator. In this way, the flow path within the disk evaporator can also be forced into the disks with multiple flooding. Particularly advantageously, basic elements without a transfer opening are provided at the ends in a disk stack at predetermined intervals. If the basic elements without transfer openings are arranged in alternating sequence of the respective transfer openings at opposite ends of the disks, then the flow path of the refrigerant in the respectively following disk in a disk stack is reversed. With the production of only two different sheet metal elements, namely on the one with basic elements with arranged on both sides crossing openings and those with basic elements without transfer openings on each of the sides of the disc can be varied as desired in the construction of a heat exchanger, the flow path of the refrigerant.

A particular advantage of the module system according to the invention is seen in that a fluidic connection between the cavities in the basic elements of a disc can be achieved by forming overflow channels in the webs between the basic elements. In this way, it may be possible to dispense with the previously required connection of a plurality of disk stacks by pipes or the like outside the evaporator block consisting of a plurality of disk stacks. An overflow channel is provided in at least one of the webs between the basic elements. In an advantageous embodiment of an evaporator, in each case one of the webs is provided with an overflow channel as a result of basic elements in the respective sheet metal element, with respective overflow channels of successive basic elements being provided on opposite sides. In this way, the flow direction of the incoming refrigerant is reversed in the overflow of refrigerant in the respectively adjacent base element. In another advantageous embodiment, in the sequence of the basic elements in a sheet metal element on each second base element in both webs adjacent to the disk ends an overflow channel can be provided, while an overflow channel is formed in each intermediate base elements in a lying approximately centrally between the disk ends web , The outer webs are not provided at these web joints with overflow channels, whereby in successive slices each Flow directions are reached from the outside to the center and opposite.

Advantageously, the modular structure also affects in terms of water drainage behavior, since the water between the modules can drain better down.

The overflow channels in the respective webs of the respectively assembled sheet metal elements are preferably embossed during manufacture, for example by a forming tool.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained below with reference to the drawing. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of the end face of a disk evaporator with outer ribs,

2 a view of a metal strip with a variety of basic elements,

3 a view of a metal strip with division into sheet metal elements,

4 a view of a sheet metal element for an evaporator disk with flow of the refrigerant in the direction of the depth of the heat exchanger block,

5 a view of an alternative design of a sheet metal element with overflow channels,

6 a schematic view of a disk evaporator in modular design,

7 an alternative design of a disk evaporator in modular design.

8th a variant to 1 without outer ribs,

9 a view of a sheet metal element to form an evaporator according to 8th ,

The in 1 shown disc evaporator 1 is part of a not shown here air conditioning for a motor vehicle. The disk evaporator 1 has a variety of slices 4 on that to a block 10 are stacked and each composed of two interconnected sheet metal elements 2 consist. The disks 4 form under inclusion of a cavity pipe elements for the passage of a refrigerant. The disks 4 are longitudinally formed and fluidly connected to each other such that the refrigerant in the direction of arrow 21 the disk evaporator 1 flows through. At the free ends 8th . 9 the discs 4 is at each of the discs 4 forming sheet metal elements 2 a connecting piece 6 formed, which with the connecting piece 6 each adjacent disc 4 connected is. The disks 4 lie in overlap each other in the disc block 10 evenly spaced, whereby spaces for the passage of air to be cooled in the direction of the depth 20 the evaporator block are formed. The depth direction 20 is the direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, ie, the extension of the evaporator block in the vertical direction to its front.

In the spaces between the discs 4 are corrugated ribs 5 arranged, which determines the heat transfer capacity of the evaporator 1 increase by enlarging the heat transferring surface.

The refrigerant leading cavities of the discs 4 are for the passage of the refrigerant in the region of the connecting piece 6 fluidly interconnected, with a passage on both end sides 8th . 9 the discs 4 is provided.

For the passage of the refrigerant is in the sheet metal elements 2 one crossing opening each 7 (please refer 2 ), which are within the connecting piece 6 lies. To a deflection of the flow direction 21 through the discs 4 and thus an extension of the flow path through the stacked heat exchanger block 10 To reach, a partition wall is periodically 19 between two slices 4 intended. In the present embodiment, in each case a plurality of adjacent discs are flowed through in the same directions, wherein the number of disks acted upon in parallel 4 can be sized according to the requirements. The partition 19 can be like in 1 indicated by an aperture or the like between the connecting piece 6 two slices 4 be provided. However, particularly useful for the formation of the partition 19 the sheet metal elements 2 on the side of each adjacent discs 4 without crossing opening 7 ( 2 ), so that no additional components for the partition wall are required.

The disk evaporator 1 includes depending on the desired heat transfer capacity and the corresponding depth of the disc block 10 slices 4 with several basic elements, of which in the present drawing figure the stack of leading elements is visible and others, in the depth direction 20 concealed stacks hidden in flight. The disks 4 the disc evaporator 1 can be stacked so that the stack of basic elements are successively flowed through by the refrigerant of the air conditioner, according to arrow 30 the refrigerant is supplied to the next following stack of primitives.

2 shows a metal strip 3 ' made of a variety by means of webs 14 . 15 related basic elements 3 consists. When mounting the disc evaporator, the sheet metal elements 2 consisting of a number of basic elements corresponding to the desired depth of the evaporator block 3 exist, in the area of their edges 13 paired tightly together, including the cavity for the passage of the refrigerant. The discs can be designed as disc modules with variable depth, each with several basic elements 3 include. The metal strip 3 ' becomes according to the length of the semi-finished product with a variety of basic elements 3 for example, produced by punching. The basic elements 3 hang in one piece by means of the webs 14 . 15 together, with the bars 14 . 15 preferably adjacent to the ends 8th . 9 the elongated basic elements 3 are provided. In the area of the ends 8th . 9 are on both sides of the basic elements 3 Transfer openings 7 recessed, which with a correspondingly large cross-section together with the connecting the discs connecting pieces 6 ( 1 ) extending over the length of the disc block collection tank 29 for refrigerant form.

By forming, such as embossing or the like. In every basic element 3 a sink 25 created, which after joining two sheet metal elements 2 forming the coolant leading cavity. This rise from the bottom of the depression 25 burl 26 , which with the pimples 26 the opposite sheet metal element 2 come in the stacked state of the sheet metal elements to the plant. From the metal strip 3 ' be solved according to the present invention sheet metal elements with a certain number of contiguous primitives by separating the webs at the appropriate location, the number of in the sheet metal elements 2 related basic elements 3 corresponds to the desired depth of the evaporator. In the manufacture of a disk evaporator according to the invention, the required depth of the evaporator block can be determined from disk modules with an integer multiple of the depth of a single primitive at a given space to accommodate the evaporator.

3 illustrates the modular construction of the disc evaporator according to the invention. From the present as stamped sheet metal strip 3 with a large number of individual basic elements 3 are for a construction of a disk evaporator with a required depth of two basic elements according to the dashed line sheet metal elements, each with two integrally related basic elements of the metal strip 3 ' solved and in pairs to discs with disc modules 2 / II together. If, with the same end face of the heat exchanger block and thus the same number of disks, higher demands are placed on the cooling capacity of the evaporator, then also disk modules can be used 2 / III each with three integrally connected basic elements 3 be compiled. For this disc module 2 / III are the basic elements with 3.1 . 3.2 and 3.3 designated. Similarly, in the modular design of the invention, disk modules may be used 2 / IV each with four related basic elements 3 or a correspondingly higher number of basic elements. The total depth of the evaporator is equal to the number of integer multiples of the depth of a primitive 3 variable and tunable to the desired performance.

4 shows a sheet metal element 2 for a disc module 2 / III in which are three basic elements 3 are formed in one piece, wherein in the connecting webs 14 . 15 the basic elements 3 overflow 17 are provided, which allow a transfer of refrigerant from a first base element in a disc module to the next base element of the same disc module. The overflow channels 17 are expedient alternately on opposite sides of the sheet metal elements 2 in the respective webs 14 . 15 provided so that an opposite flow 21 through the overflow channels 17 is given connected disk modules. By this arrangement of the overflow 17 countercurrent flows through the discs with respect to the depth direction of the evaporator can be achieved. In addition, a Mehrflutigkeit of lying at the same height in the discs modules by appropriate arrangement of closures of the collection tanks 29 ( 2 ). In this case, when punching the metal strip at appropriate intervals the transfer openings 7 in the area of the connecting piece for individual basic elements 3 not punched out.

5 shows an alternative embodiment of a disc with overflow channels 17 in the connecting bridges 14 . 15 . 16 the basic elements 3 , wherein the sheet metal elements of this disc at a distance of two basic elements with third, approximately centrally between the two outer webs 14 . 15 arranged webs 16 are connected. In this embodiment of the modular disks according to the invention, the centrally arranged webs are each provided with an overflow channel 18 provided while the outboard webs 14 . 15 between these respective primitives 3 be executed without overflow. In the regular row of stamped-out basic elements respectively following web connection, which thus consists only of the two outer webs, has, however, in these outer webs 14 . 15 overflow 17 on. In this way, refrigerant in the disk evaporator initially flows from the outer collecting tanks 29 to the center of the foremost basic element of a disc module and there passes through the overflow channel 18 in the middle jetty 16 in the following in the flow direction primitive over. There, the refrigerant flows from the mute to the outer collecting tanks of this basic element and occurs there via the overflow channels 17 in the jetties 14 . 15 into the collection tank of the next basic element of the disc.

In 6 is schematically a disk evaporator 1 with disc modules of three basic elements 3.1 . 3.2 . 3.3 shown, which respectively in the direction of the arrows 21 flowed through by the refrigerant. The refrigerant is via a pipe connection 28 in the evaporator 1 introduced and flows over the pipe connection 28 ' Finally, from the evaporator again. The flow connection between the individual basic elements 3.1 . 3.2 . 3.3 is through a deflection box 23 and a deflection box 29 provided on the opposite end faces of the disk stack. Optionally, on the deflection box 29 a lid 24 intended. In order to force an opposite and thus uniform flow through the individual stack of basic elements is in the deflection box 29 at the appropriate height in the depth direction of the evaporator 1 a partition 27 arranged, which separates the openings of the respective outer disc adjacent basic elements.

7 shows an alternative embodiment of an evaporator with a disk stack of three basic elements, wherein instead of the in 6 provided deflection box 29 with fluidic separation in the form of the partition 27 a simple deflection box 23 or a deflecting tube 22 is provided, which creates the necessary for enforcing the flow changes within the disk stack line.

In 8th is a variant of the disc evaporator 1 shown, its slices 4 from sheet metal elements 32 exist, which are shaped so that they outwardly projecting cooling webs 33 in the form of nubs, ribs or the like. These cooling bars 33 are in contact with the mirror image arranged cooling webs of each adjacent disc 4 and soldered to these. It results in this way not only an increase in the surface of the discs, but also a higher strength of the disc evaporator 1 , In addition to the outward manifestations of the sheet metal elements 32 are also inwardly directed pimples 26 provided as they already did 2 are described. Moreover, the reference numerals for the same parts with those of 1 match.

The 9 shows a metal strip 34 ' made up of a variety of basic elements 34 that exists over jetties 14 . 15 related. By reshaping becomes in each basic element 34 a sink 25 generated, which forms the flow channel for the refrigerant after joining the sheet metal elements. From the level of the depression 25 rise in one direction cooling webs 33 and in the other direction the pimples 26 , The cooling bars 33 are in the embodiment of 9 as inclined to the longitudinal direction of the base element 34 running ribs formed. Moreover, for the same parts, the reference numerals with those of 2 match.

The number of basic elements of the embodiments described above is freely selectable depending on the requirement, but it is considered preferable if a sheet metal element comprises two to four basic elements.

Claims (16)

Heat exchanger with a plurality of disc elements ( 4 ), in particular for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle, wherein the disk elements ( 4 ) to a heat exchanger block ( 10 ) are stacked and made of two mutually joined sheet metal elements ( 2 . 32 ), which form under the inclusion of a cavity pipe elements which are fluidically interconnected for the passage of a refrigerant, wherein the discs ( 4 ) in the heat exchanger block ( 10 ) spaced to form spaces for the passage of air to be cooled in the direction of the depth ( 20 ) of the heat exchanger block ( 10 ) are arranged, wherein based on the depth of the heat exchanger block ( 10 ) the sheet metal elements ( 2 . 32 ) at least two related primitives ( 3 . 34 ), so that the discs ( 4 ) as disk modules ( 2 / II . 2 / III . 2 / IV ) are formed in the depth of the heat exchanger block ( 10 ) an integer multiple of the basic elements ( 3 . 34 ), the basic elements ( 3 . 34 ) of a sheet metal element ( 2 . 32 ) by webs ( 14 . 15 . 16 ) are interconnected, characterized in that in at least one of the webs ( 14 . 15 . 16 ) between the basic elements ( 3 . 34 ) an overflow channel ( 17 . 18 ) is formed, which the cavities of the sheet metal elements ( 2 . 32 ) fluidly connects. Heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that the basic elements ( 3 . 34 ) of a sheet metal element ( 2 . 32 ) are integrally connected. Heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that the basic elements ( 3 . 34 ) are formed longitudinally and adjacent to the ends ( 8th . 9 ) of the basic elements ( 3 . 34 ) each of the webs ( 14 . 15 ) are provided. Heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the discs ( 4 ) by means of at the ends ( 8th . 9 ) of the basic elements ( 3 . 34 ) formed connecting piece ( 6 ) are interconnected. Heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the connections of the discs ( 4 ) a fluidic connection of adjacent discs ( 4 ) provided by a respective transfer opening ( 7 ) for refrigerant in one of the respective connecting piece ( 6 ) defined area of the sheet metal elements ( 2 . 32 ) is formed. Heat exchanger according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at both ends ( 8th . 9 ) of the discs ( 4 ) Transfer openings ( 7 ) in the basic elements ( 3 . 34 ) are provided. Heat exchanger according to claim 6, characterized in that in a disk stack at predetermined intervals partitions ( 19 ) one of the flow connections of the respective discs ( 4 ) are provided. Heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that as a partition ( 19 ) Sheet metal elements ( 2 . 32 ) without crossing opening ( 7 ) are used at the location to be closed. Heat exchanger according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the partitions ( 19 ) in alternating sequence adjacent the opposite ends ( 8th . 9 ) of the discs ( 4 ) are arranged. Heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sheet metal elements ( 2 . 32 ) Stamped parts are. Heat exchanger according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overflow channels ( 17 . 18 ) in alternating sequence in the opposite webs ( 14 . 15 ) to the ends ( 8th . 9 ) of the discs ( 4 ) are arranged. Heat exchanger according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the sequence of the basic elements ( 3 . 34 ) at each second web connection both outer webs ( 14 . 15 ) each with an overflow channel ( 17 ) are provided and the respective intermediate web connections approximately midway between the outer webs ( 14 . 15 ) arranged web ( 16 ), which with an overflow channel ( 18 ) is provided. Heat exchanger according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overflow channels ( 17 . 18 ) in the corresponding webs ( 14 . 15 . 16 ) of the sheet metal elements ( 2 . 32 ), in particular stamped. Heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the sheet metal elements ( 2 . 32 ) a maximum of four basic elements ( 3 . 34 ). Heat exchanger according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the basic elements ( 3 . 34 ) Characteristics ( 26 . 33 ) protruding on at least one side of the plane of the primitives. Heat exchanger according to claim 15, characterized in that the forms take the form of cooling fins ( 33 ) and / or pimples ( 26 ) exhibit.

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