U.S. patent application number 12/517227 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for casing for holding a fluid for a heat exchanger, method for producing a casing of this type and heat exchanger.
This patent application is currently assigned to BEHR GMBH & CO. KG. Invention is credited to Joerg Bergschneider, Haymo Broeder, Helmut Dobler, Klaus Hassdenteufel, Joachim Kopp, Wolfgang Kramer, Oliver Liedtke, Florian Moldovan, Wolfgang Reier, Karl-Heinz Staffa.
Application Number | 20100051241 12/517227 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39272119 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100051241 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kopp; Joachim ; et
al. |
March 4, 2010 |
CASING FOR HOLDING A FLUID FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER, METHOD FOR
PRODUCING A CASING OF THIS TYPE AND HEAT EXCHANGER
Abstract
The invention relates to a casing for holding a coolant for heat
exchanger (1) for motor vehicles, said casing having two side walls
(22, 24 and 22a, 24a) two front walls (26, 28, and 26a, 28a), a
cover (18 and 18a) and a base (20 and 20a) lying opposite the cover
(18 and 18a), said base being provided with one or more openings
(60) for receiving tubes, in particular connecting tubes such as
flat tubes. According to the invention, the base (20 and 20a) and
at least one of the two side walls (26, 28 and 26a, 28a) consist of
a one-piece shaped part, produced in a forming method.
Inventors: |
Kopp; Joachim; (Stuttgart,
DE) ; Kramer; Wolfgang; (Marburg-Michelbach, DE)
; Staffa; Karl-Heinz; (Stuttgart, DE) ; Moldovan;
Florian; (Stuttgart, DE) ; Broeder; Haymo;
(Leonberg, DE) ; Bergschneider; Joerg; (Stuttgart,
DE) ; Hassdenteufel; Klaus; (Gerlingen, DE) ;
Dobler; Helmut; (Hemmingen, DE) ; Liedtke;
Oliver; (Karlsruhe, DE) ; Reier; Wolfgang;
(Schwaikheim, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYDIG VOIT & MAYER, LTD
700 THIRTEENTH ST. NW, SUITE 300
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-3960
US
|
Assignee: |
BEHR GMBH & CO. KG
Stuttgart
DE
|
Family ID: |
39272119 |
Appl. No.: |
12/517227 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
December 3, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2007/010480 |
371 Date: |
August 12, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/104.31 ;
165/173; 29/890.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 2255/08 20130101;
Y10T 29/4935 20150115; F28F 9/0212 20130101; F28F 21/084 20130101;
F28D 2021/0094 20130101; F28F 9/0224 20130101; F28D 1/05366
20130101; F28F 2275/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/104.31 ;
165/173; 29/890.03 |
International
Class: |
F28D 15/00 20060101
F28D015/00; F28F 9/00 20060101 F28F009/00; F28F 9/02 20060101
F28F009/02; B21D 53/02 20060101 B21D053/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 4, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 057 028.6 |
Claims
1. A casing for holding a coolant for a heat exchanger for motor
vehicles comprising four walls, consisting of two side walls and
two end walls, a cover, and a base arranged opposite the cover, in
which one or more openings are provided for holding connecting
tubes, wherein the base and at least one of the two end walls are
components of a one-piece molded part formed by a shaping
method.
2. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the base and the two
end walls are components of a one-piece molded part formed by the
shaping method.
3. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the base, the two end
walls and at least one of the side walls are components of a
one-piece molded part formed by the shaping method.
4. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the shaping method is a
drawing method.
5. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the molded part is
drawn and/or hydro-shaped, and/or mold-pressed molded part.
6. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the one or more end
walls have a folding or bending line along which the one or more
end walls can be folded or bent.
7. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the folding or bending
line runs at a given height of the one or more end walls transverse
to a longitudinal direction of the base.
8. The casing according to claim 7, wherein the given height lies
at or close to a plane defined by lower edges of the side parts
9. The casing according to claim 6, wherein a first region of the
one or more end walls underneath the folding or bending line is
drawn, and a second region of the one or more end walls above the
folding or bending line is folded or bent about this line.
10. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the one or more end
walls are drawn all together.
11. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the one or more end
walls have at least one bracket and/or assembly that is arranged on
the side and/or that can be angled.
12. The casing according to claim 11, wherein the one or more
brackets and/or assemblies are angled so that they are arranged
essentially parallel to one of the side walls and/or are connected
by a solder connection with one of the side walls.
13. The casing according to claim 1, wherein at least one
essentially triangular recess is formed in the molded part in a
transition region between the base and the one or more end
walls.
14. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the cover has at least
one first recess in which a first of the end walls is held, but,
the first recess and a second recess that is different from the
first recess and in which a second end wall spaced apart relative
to the first end wall is held.
15. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the molded part is
made from a one-piece, pre-punched sheet metal part.
16. A heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, comprising a tube-rib
block and a casing comprising four walls, consisting of two side
walls and two end walls, a cover, and a base arranged opposite the
cover, in which one or more openings are provided for holding
connecting tubes, wherein the base and at least one of the two end
walls are components of a one-piece molded part formed by a shaping
method, wherein the tubes of the tube-rib block open, in the region
of the base of the casing into the casing.
17. A method for producing a casing for holding a coolant, for a
heat exchanger wherein an inner space of the casing is defined by
walls that are, two side walls, and two end walls, the casing
comprising a cover, and a base arranged opposite the cover, and a
one-piece part that has the base and at least one of the two end
walls comprising producing the one-piece part by a drawing method,
further processing the one-piece part by a shaping method including
drawing, and/or hydro-shaping, and/or mold pressing, wherein the
one or more end walls are formed at least partially, and connecting
the one-piece part by solder-plating, to another part or additional
parts that form the other wall or walls defining the inner space of
the casing for forming the casing.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the one or more end
walls are formed all together by the shaping method.
19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the one or more end
walls are formed only up to a partial height by the shaping method
and for a remaining height by folding or bending.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a casing for holding a fluid for a
heat exchanger, to a method for producing such a casing, and also
to a heat exchanger.
[0002] From EP 1 139 054 B1, a casing is known for holding a fluid
for a heat exchanger.
[0003] This known casing has a base with receptacle slots for
connecting tubes or flat tubes and a cover arranged opposite this
base. This cover is formed in one piece with the two end walls.
[0004] The invention is based on the problem of devising an
economical and easy-to-produce fluid casing for a heat
exchanger.
[0005] This problem is solved by a casing for holding a fluid for a
heat exchanger by a method for producing such a casing for holding
a fluid, and also by a heat exchanger with the features of the
corresponding independent claims.
[0006] Advantageous embodiments and refinements are the subject
matter of the subordinate claims. The subject matter of the
subordinate claims relates both to casings according to the
invention for holding a fluid for a heat exchanger, to the method
according to the invention for producing such a casing, and also to
the heat exchanger according to the invention.
[0007] According to the invention, in particular, a casing for
holding a fluid is proposed, wherein the fluid is preferably a
coolant, which is why, without its representing a limitation, it is
also designated below as a coolant casing.
[0008] The cooling casing that is advantageously designed for a
heat exchanger, in particular, for a heat exchanger of a motor
vehicle, has two side walls, two end walls, a cover, and also a
base.
[0009] It is provided, in particular, that the mentioned end walls,
the mentioned side walls, the base, and the cover define an inner
space of the coolant casing.
[0010] According to the invention, for the coolant casing, the base
and at least one of the two end walls, in particular, both end
walls are formed by a one-piece molded part formed by a shaping
method.
[0011] In addition, one of the side walls, in particular, both end
walls could be additional components of the one-piece molded part
formed by the shaping method.
[0012] It can also be provided that, for the coolant casing, the
side walls are arranged at a distance from each other and,
advantageously, parallel to each other, especially perpendicular to
a longitudinal direction of the casing or coolant casing. A
corresponding situation applies for the side walls that are then
arranged, in particular, in the longitudinal direction of the
coolant casing. The cover and the base are also arranged, in
particular, spaced apart relative to each other.
[0013] In an especially preferred way, the shaping method is a
drawing method, in particular, a deep-drawing method, and/or
hydro-shaping, and/or mold pressing.
[0014] The base advantageously has a bulged configuration.
[0015] In the base, one or more receptacle openings for tubes could
be provided, in particular, for connecting tubes. The tubes could
be shaped, for example, as flat tubes and could be a component of a
tube-rib block. It can be further provided that for each separate
tube, a separate opening is provided in the base. However, a large
area opening for holding all of the tubes of the tube-rib block
could also be provided.
[0016] In an especially preferred way, it could be provided that
the one or more end walls have a flap or bending line along which
the one or more end walls can be folded or bent.
[0017] The flap or bending line could here run at a given height of
the one or more end walls, in particular, perpendicular to a
longitudinal direction of the base.
[0018] Preferably, the given height lies in or close to a plane
that is defined by the lower edges of the side parts.
[0019] In one especially preferred implementation, a first region
of the one or more end walls is drawn, in particular, deep-drawn,
wherein this first region is arranged underneath the flap or
bending line, and/or a second region of the one or more end walls
is folded or bent about this flap or bending line, wherein this
second region is arranged above the flap or bending line.
[0020] Alternatively, it could be provided to fill the remaining
height by cover parts.
[0021] In another alternative implementation, the one or more end
walls are drawn all together or completely, in particular,
deep-drawn.
[0022] Preferably, it could also be provided that the one or more
end walls have a bracket and/or assembly that is arranged, in
particular, on the side and/or that can be angled. The one or more
brackets and/or assemblies can be angled such that they are
arranged essentially parallel to one of the side walls and/or they
are connected to one of the side walls, in particular, by a solder
connection.
[0023] Also, in the molded part, at least one, in particular, two
essentially triangular recesses could be formed in a transition
region between the base and the one or more end walls. This could
be provided, in particular, for simplifying processing of the
one-piece molded part, in particular, bending or folding or
flapping.
[0024] In the cover, a recess could be provided, advantageously
like a type of bead or formed as a bead or as a groove that
extends, in particular, perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction
of the cover and in which extends a wall, in particular, one of the
two end walls of the coolant casing.
[0025] In an especially preferred way, it is provided that several
such recesses are provided. It could be provided, for example, in
an especially preferred way, that such a recess is provided in the
cover for each of the two end walls. The recess(es) of the cover
are formed, in particular, free from break-outs.
[0026] Furthermore, it could be provided that alternatively, or
additionally, a recess is provided in the cover in which extends a
separating wall that divides the inner space of the coolant casing
into sub-chambers. In the following, for simplification, the term
recess is used, wherein it is to be noted that in a preferred
construction, several recesses are provided, that is, in
particular, one or more recesses for the end walls of the coolant
casing.
[0027] In a preferred construction, the cover has a U-shaped form
in cross section, so that two spaced-apart flanges are formed that
are connected to a cover base by means of a connection section
lying in between. This U-shape could be formed, for example, from
vertical or approximately vertical sections. Rounded shapes are
also preferred.
[0028] The cover could be inserted in the coolant casing so that
the flanges grip over the side walls of the coolant casing from the
outside.
[0029] In an especially preferred construction, brackets that have,
in an especially preferred way, an arc-shaped form extend from the
flanges of the U-shape that are also designated as legs. These
brackets advantageously grip over the side walls of the coolant
casing. Here it can be preferably provided that the cover is
inserted in the coolant casing so that the flanges project from the
connection section in the direction away from the base of the
coolant casing and the brackets that are then bent outward connect
to the ends located in this direction, so that they grip over the
side walls of the coolant casing from the outside. It is especially
provided that--viewed in the longitudinal direction of the coolant
casing--several such brackets spaced apart from each other are
provided on the cover.
[0030] In the method according to the invention for producing a
casing for holding a fluid, such as a coolant, for a heat
exchanger, in particular, for producing the coolant casing
according to the invention, an inner space of the casing is defined
by walls, in particular by two side walls, two end walls, a cover,
and a base arranged opposite the cover.
[0031] For producing the casing, a one-piece part that has the base
and at least one of the two end walls is produced by a separating
method, in particular, by punching.
[0032] It can be preferably provided that this one-piece part has
the base and also the two end walls, in particular, in another
improvement, also the two side walls.
[0033] According to the invention, for producing the coolant
casing, the one-piece part is further processed by a shaping
method, in particular,
[0034] drawing, especially deep-drawing, and/or hydro-shaping,
and/or mold pressing, wherein the one or more end walls, in
particular--in the case that the one-piece part has two end
walls--the two end walls is or are at least partially formed.
[0035] The one-piece part is then connected to another part or
other parts that forms or form the other walls defining the inner
space of the casing for forming the coolant casing, in particular,
by solder-plating.
[0036] For production, it can be preferably provided to form the
one or more end walls, in particular, the two end walls all
together or completely by the shaping method. However, it could
also be provided to further form at least one end wall, in
particular, the two end walls only up to a partial height by the
shaping method and then for a remaining height by folding or
bending.
[0037] The heat exchanger, in particular, a cooler for a motor
vehicle, has a tube-rib block and a casing or coolant casing
according to the invention, wherein tubes of the tube-rib block in
the region of the base of the casing open into this region.
[0038] Embodiments of the invention will be explained below with
reference to the figures. Shown are:
[0039] FIG. 1a, an example heat exchanger according to the
invention that is formed as a cooler with an example casing
according to the invention for holding a fluid, wherein the casing
is here a coolant casing;
[0040] FIG. 1b, the heat exchanger according to FIG. 1 in a view
from above:
[0041] FIG. 1c, a side view of the heat exchanger according to FIG.
1;
[0042] FIG. 2a, a unit of a coolant casing of the heat exchanger
according to FIG. 1, which has two side walls, two end walls, and a
base in a top view onto one of the two side walls;
[0043] FIG. 2b, the unit according to FIG. 2a in a top view onto
the base;
[0044] FIG. 2c, the unit according to FIG. 2a in a top view onto
the other of the two side walls;
[0045] FIG. 2d, a partial section view along line A-A from FIG.
2b;
[0046] FIG. 2e, a (section) view of the construction according to
FIG. 2a from the right;
[0047] FIG. 2f, a section view along line B-B from FIG. 2b;
[0048] FIG. 3a, an example construction of a cover of a casing
according to the invention in side view, wherein this construction
of the cover is given, in particular, for the construction
according to FIGS. 1a to 3k;
[0049] FIG. 3b, the cover according to FIG. 3a in top view;
[0050] FIG. 3c, the cover according to FIG. 3a in a
three-dimensional, perspective view from below;
[0051] FIG. 3d, a section along line C-C from FIG. 3a;
[0052] FIG. 3e, a section along line D-D from FIG. 3b in partial
view;
[0053] FIG. 3f, a section along line E-E from FIG. 3b;
[0054] FIG. 3g, a section along line F-F from FIG. 3a;
[0055] FIG. 3h, a section along line G-G from FIG. 3a;
[0056] FIG. 3i, a perspective view onto a section of the cover
provided with brackets according to FIG. 3a from above;
[0057] FIG. 3k, an enlarged cutout from FIG. 3a;
[0058] FIG. 4, a cutout of an example casing according to the
invention, wherein the construction according to FIG. 4 could also
be given, in particular, in the construction according to FIGS. 1a
to 3k;
[0059] FIG. 5, a top view onto the construction according to FIG.
4:
[0060] FIG. 6, a cutout shown in perspective of an example coolant
casing according to the invention, wherein the construction
according to FIG. 6 could also be given in the construction
according to FIGS. 1a to 3k;
[0061] FIGS. 7a to 7d, a view of a detail of a cover-casing
connection;
[0062] FIGS. 8a to 8d, a view of a detail of a cover-casing
connection;
[0063] FIG. 9, a view of a detail of a cover-casing connection;
[0064] FIG. 10, a view of a detail of a cover-casing
connection;
[0065] FIG. 11, a view of a detail of a cover-casing
connection;
[0066] FIG. 12, a view of a detail of a cover-casing
connection;
[0067] FIGS. 13a to 13c, a view of a casing;
[0068] FIGS. 14a to 14c, a view of a cover; and
[0069] FIG. 15, a view of a heat exchanger.
[0070] FIGS. 1a to 5 show an example embodiment of a heat exchanger
1 according to the invention with a casing according to the
invention for holding a fluid. This casing for holding a fluid is,
in particular, a coolant casing, so that, for simplification, the
term coolant casing is used below.
[0071] The heat exchanger 1 has a first coolant casing 10 and a
second coolant casing 12 spaced apart from this first casing, and
also a tube-rib block 14 that is arranged between these coolant
casings 10, 12.
[0072] The tube-rib block 14 has a plurality of connecting tubes
that are oriented in parallel and that are shaped, in this example,
as flat tubes. Between these connecting tubes, tube intermediate
spaces are formed--perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of
these connecting tubes--in which ribs are arranged in a known way,
such that the tube-rib block can carry a flow of air perpendicular
to the plane formed by the tube arrangement.
[0073] The connecting tubes of the tube-rib block 14 each open with
a first end into the first coolant casing 10 and with their second
end into the second coolant casing 12.
[0074] The cooling casings 10, 12 have first units 16 and 16a,
respectively, and also covers 18 and 18a, respectively.
[0075] The first unit 16 or 16a has a base 20 or 20a on the side
opposite the cover 18 or 18a. Furthermore, the unit 16, 16a has a
first side wall 22 or 22a, a second side wall 24, 24a opposite this
first side wall 22, 22a, a first end wall 26 or 26a defining the
inner space of the coolant casing 10 or 12 in a first orientation
of its longitudinal direction (indicated by the double arrow 30),
and also a second end wall 28 or 28a defining this inner space of
the first 10 or second coolant casing in the opposite orientation
(this longitudinal direction 30). The side walls 22, 24 or 22a, 24a
and also the base 20 or 20a also define the inner space of the
coolant casing 10 or 12.
[0076] Furthermore, the inner space of the coolant casing 10 or 12
is defined by the cover 18 or 18a.
[0077] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1a to 5, which could
also be realized differently, the heat exchanger 1 that is also
designated or could be formed as a cooler is divided functionally
into two (sub) coolers or (sub) heat exchangers. For this purpose,
viewed in the longitudinal direction 30, a separating wall 32 or 34
is provided at the same height in the two coolant casings 10, 12,
each perpendicular to this longitudinal direction 30. Additional
separating walls arranged in the coolant casings 10, 12 at
different heights in the longitudinal direction 30 could also be
provided (that are not shown in the figure) that cause a
serpentine-like deflection of the coolant.
[0078] It could be provided, for example, that the upper sub-cooler
in FIG. 1a is a component of a high-temperature cooling circuit and
the lower sub-cooler 38 is a component of a low-temperature
circuit.
[0079] A main port 40 or 42 opens into the first coolant casing 10
and also into the second coolant casing 12, wherein coolant can
flow into the upper sub-cooler 36 via one of these main ports 40,
42 and wherein the coolant can flow out from the upper sub-cooler
36 again via the other of the these ports 40, 42.
[0080] Accordingly, the lower sub-cooler 38 has a port 44 opening
into the first coolant casing 10 and also a port 46 opening into
the second coolant casing 12, wherein here coolant can also flow
through one of these ports 44, 46 into the lower sub-cooler 38 and
can flow out from this lower sub-cooler 38 through the other of
these ports 46, 44.
[0081] In the region of the first coolant casing 10 there is
furthermore a drain plug 48 for draining coolant. Furthermore, in
the region of the first coolant casing 10, here in the region of
the upper end, there is a port 50 for filling with coolant and/or
venting.
[0082] FIG. 1b shows a top view onto the construction according to
FIG. 1a from above.
[0083] FIG. 1c shows a side view of the construction according to
FIG. 1a from the left.
[0084] FIGS. 2a to 2f show different views of the first coolant
casing 10 or the first unit 16 of this first coolant casing 10.
[0085] FIGS. 2a and 2c here show a top view onto the side walls 22
or 24 from the outside. FIG. 2b shows a top view onto the base 20
from the outside.
[0086] In FIGS. 2a and 2c, it can be easily inferred that the base
20 has an undulating structure.
[0087] FIG. 2b clearly shows that there are slot-shaped openings
for holding the flat tubes of the tube-rib block 14 in the
base.
[0088] From FIGS. 2a and 2c it can also be easily inferred--just as
from FIG. 1a--that the end of the side walls 22, 24 facing away
from the tube-rib block 14 has, to a large extent, an essentially
straight structure and has an indentation in the region in which
the main port is arranged.
[0089] This indentation is provided, in particular, because the
main port 40 here has correspondingly large dimensions.
[0090] From FIGS. 2a and 2c it can be inferred that the separating
wall 32 does not extend up to the end of the side walls 22, 24
facing away from the tube-rib block. Nevertheless, this separating
wall 32 divides the inner space 62 of the coolant casing 10 into
two sub-chambers 64, 66.
[0091] This is enabled because the cover (not shown in FIGS. 2a to
2f) is pushed so far into the first unit 16 that it essentially
contacts this separating wall 32.
[0092] FIG. 2d shows a section view along line A-A from FIG. 2b in
a partial view. FIG. 2e shows a side view or a corresponding
section view of the construction according to FIG. 2a from the
right. FIG. 2f shows a section view along line B-B from FIG. 2b.
There it is to be easily seen that the base 20 has a bulged
structure.
[0093] In FIG. 2d it is to be easily seen that the base with an
undulating structure in the longitudinal direction 30 and with a
bulged structure between the side walls 22, 24 forms insertion
beveling for the flat tubes of the tube-rib block 14 through its
undulating profile. The slots 60 are here arranged essentially in
the region of the deeper positions of the undulating profile, as
seen from the outside.
[0094] Furthermore, through the undulating structure, a certain
reinforcement effect is achieved in the region of the base.
[0095] In FIG. 2d it is to be seen that the transition region 68
between the base 20 and the end wall 26 or 28 has a one-piece
structure and transitions in one piece into a lower part 26-2 or
28-2 of the end wall 26 or 28.
[0096] The lower part 26-2 or 28-2 of the end wall 26 or 28 is
separated from the upper part 26-1 or 28-1 of the end walls 26 or
28 by a bending or folding line 26-3 or 28-3 shown with dashed
lines in FIGS. 2e and 2f.
[0097] By the dashed region 70 it is indicated schematically that,
in the scope of the completion, the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the
end walls 26, 28 are folded up or bent up along the bending/folding
line 26-3, 28-3.
[0098] The upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 could
here be bent, for example, against a stop or against an end side,
in particular, an end side of the side walls 22, 24.
[0099] Furthermore, from FIGS. 2c and 2d it can be easily inferred
that the end walls 26, 28 or the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end
walls 26, 28 have lateral brackets or assemblies 72 in each of
their end regions facing the side walls 22, 24.
[0100] These brackets 72 project in the longitudinal direction 30
or in the direction of the side walls 22, 24 away from the end wall
26, 28 or from the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28
and are soldered, for example, by means of solder-plating, to the
side walls 22 or 24 on the outside or inside.
[0101] Alternatively, it could also be provided that such brackets
72 are provided on the side walls 22 and 24 at corresponding
positions and these brackets are bent so that they run in the
direction of the end wall plane and are soldered to the
corresponding upper part 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28,
particularly by means of solder-plating.
[0102] FIGS. 3a to 3k show an example cover of the coolant casing
10.
[0103] Here, FIG. 3a shows a side view of the cover 18, FIG. 3b a
top view of the cover 18, FIG. 3c a three-dimensional view of the
cover 18 from below, FIG. 3d a section view along line C-C from
FIG. 3a. FIG. 3e a partial section view along line D-D from FIG.
3b. FIG. 3f a section view along line E-E from FIG. 3b, FIG. 3g a
section view along line F-F from FIG. 3a, and FIG. 3h a section
view along line G-G from FIG. 3a.
[0104] FIG. 3i shows a perspective top view onto the cover
according to FIG. 3a in the region of the brackets arranged on the
end side of the legs. FIG. 3k shows an enlarged cutout in region 80
from FIG. 3a.
[0105] The cover 18 has, viewed in the longitudinal direction 30,
an essentially U-shaped cross section, which is easily seen in
FIGS. 3c, 3d, 3f, 3g, 3h, and 3i.
[0106] This U-shape has an approximately rectangular structure and
is formed by two spaced-apart legs 82. 84 that could also be
designated as flanges and a connection section 86 connecting these
two legs.
[0107] This cover 18 is inserted on the side of the first unit 16
facing away from the base 20 so that the connection section 86
faces this base and the legs 82, 84 project away from the
connection section 16 in the direction facing away from the
base.
[0108] Several brackets 88 extend from the legs 82, 84 of the
U-shaped profile.
[0109] These brackets 88 have an arc-shaped form in the embodiment.
The brackets 88 extend outward from the ends of the legs 82, 84
facing away from the connection region 86, i.e., specifically, they
are bent. However, these brackets 88 could also have a bent profile
instead of an arc-shaped profile.
[0110] End sections of the side walls 22, 24 are held in the
brackets 88. The side walls 22, 24 can be soldered with the cover
18 in the region of these brackets, that is, in particular, through
solder-plating. The cover is soldered, in particular, to the first
unit, so that a tight connection is produced, wherein, in
particular, the method of solder-plating could be used.
[0111] The brackets 88 are spaced apart from each other viewed in
the longitudinal direction 30, so that, bracket-free regions are
formed on the legs 82, 84 between adjacent brackets 88 in this
longitudinal direction 30. The brackets 88 continue onto the legs
82. 84, so that the cover could be made from sheet metal.
[0112] Based on the size of the opening 40, the cover has a bulge
that is adapted essentially to the profile of the side walls 22,
24.
[0113] Furthermore, the cover has recesses 90, 92, 94. These
recesses run transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction 30 approximately through the entire cover.
[0114] The recesses 90, 92 are used for holding the end walls 26,
28 or the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28. These
recesses 90, 92 have run-on beveling that eases the insertion of
the end walls 26, 28 and/or allows centering.
[0115] The recesses 90, 92 support the end walls 26, 28 in the
longitudinal direction 30, that is, in particular, on both sides or
in both orientations.
[0116] The recess 94 that here has an essentially rectangular cross
section that could also be provided, however, with run-on beveling
or that has a bulged structure is used for holding the separating
wall 32.
[0117] The recesses 90, 92, 94 also simplify, in particular, the
soldering process in that the corresponding end walls or separating
walls can be inserted there and can then be soldered. The soldering
can be performed, in particular, by means of solder-plating.
[0118] As can be easily inferred from FIG. 3k, the recesses 90, 92
in this embodiment run in a bracket-like section 96 that
encompasses the end walls 26, 28 or the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of
the end walls 26, 28 from the outside. This bracket-like section 96
is formed so that it initially contacts essentially the
corresponding end wall 26, 28 or the corresponding upper part 26-1,
28-1 of the end wall 26, 28, and then the free end projects away
from this end wall at an angle, so that an intermediate space is
given between the free end and the corresponding end wall, which
eases the soldering.
[0119] The recesses 90, 92 or 94, which are, in particular, beads
or beads with insertion beveling, could be used, in particular, for
fixing and/or for compensating for play in the end walls.
[0120] FIGS. 4 and 5 show detailed cutouts of the first, one-piece
unit 16, 16a of the coolant casing 10 or 12 according to the
invention from FIGS. 1a to 3k.
[0121] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a partially completed, first
one-piece unit 16 or 16a. There, in particular, the opposing side
walls 22 and 24 are shown, and also the base 20 that here has a
bulged structure.
[0122] This one-piece unit 16, 16a is formed from sheet metal that
was initially punched and in which the side walls 22. 24 were then
bent.
[0123] Before the bending of the side walls or after the bending of
the side walls, the base 20 was shaped with the deep-drawing
method. In this way, a closed section 110 of the end wall 26, 28,
i.e., the lower part 26-2, 28-2 of the end wall 26, 28 is
formed.
[0124] In this completed state, in the region of the bending edge
112 or 26-3, 28-3, a section projects outwardly from the plane of
the picture, i.e., the upper part 26-1, 28-1 of the end wall 26, 28
that forms the complete end wall 26, 28 when bent or folded about
the bending/folding line 26-3, 28-3.
[0125] This is also easy to see in FIG. 5 that shows a top view
onto the structure according to FIG. 4. The end wall 26 shown there
does not yet have its completely assembled position there.
[0126] To bring the end wall 26 into its position, it or its upper
part 26-1, 28-1 is bent, in FIG. 5, upwardly during the course of
the production process about the folding or bending edge 112 or
26-3, 28-3 after the deep drawing, so that it or its upper part
26-1, 28-1 contacts the end of the side walls 22, 24 with its
lateral brackets 112, 114.
[0127] These brackets 112, 114 are then also bent, that is, so that
they are arranged essentially parallel to the side walls 22, 24 and
thus form regions for a solder connection with the side walls 2,
24.
[0128] As is easy to infer from FIG. 5, triangular recesses are
given in the regions 116, 118 that are, for example, punched and
that allow, in certain applications, simplified bending.
[0129] FIG. 6 shows a cutout shown in perspective for an example
coolant casing 10 or 12 according to the invention, wherein it is
to be noted that the structure according to FIG. 6 could also be
given in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1a to 3k.
[0130] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative first,
one-piece unit 16b that also has the base 20, the side parts 22,
24, and also the end parts 26, 28 (not shown), but differs in the
production of the first one-piece unit 16 or 16a in the structure
according to FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0131] In the view according to FIG. 6, in particular, the opposing
side walls 22 and 24 and the end wall 26 are shown, and also the
base 20 that here could also have a bulged structure.
[0132] This alternative one-piece unit 16b is also shaped from
sheet metal that was initially punched according to the given
shape. Through subsequent deep drawing of the punched sheet metal,
the base 20, the side parts 22, 24, and also the end parts 26, 28
are formed, wherein, in the alternative first one-piece unit 16b, a
casing is formed that is closed on the sides and bottom and that is
open toward the top.
[0133] In this way, an essential component of the coolant casing 10
or 12 is already formed advantageously in this one step.
[0134] In the scope of the further production process, the cover 18
is inserted into this casing or unit 16b and soldered to this
casing or unit, in particular, by means of solder-plating.
[0135] Preferably, the casing 10, 12 is made from metal, in
particular, from aluminum.
[0136] FIGS. 7a to 7d show an embodiment of a casing-cover
connection in which the casing 100 is connected to the cover 101.
Here, the casing 100 has a tube base 102 in which openings 103 or
passages for holding tubes are provided. Furthermore, the casing
100 has side walls 104, 105 that are bent upward essentially at a
right angle starting from the tube base and are placed upward. By
means of the side walls 104, 105, the casing 100 forms a casing 100
that is open essentially on one side with four side walls 104, 105
that contact each other on their narrow sides or narrow-side end
regions and that are connected to each other in a sealed way. The
cover 101 has edge regions 106, 107 placed on its four edges,
wherein these edge regions contact the insides and optionally the
upper narrow sides of the side walls 104. 105 and can be connected
to these sides in a sealing way. On the long sides of the cover 101
there are edge regions 106 that are positioned essentially at a
right angle to the plane of the cover and that have flaps 108 that
are bent into an approximately U-shaped form such that they grip
over the upper end regions or narrow sides of the side walls 104.
On the short sides of the cover 101 there are additional assemblies
or edge regions 107 that have a structure rising at an angle in a
first region and that have, in another region, an essentially
U-shaped form or flaps that grip over the end region of the side
wall 105. In this way, the upright region 107 contacts the side
wall 105 on the outside of the side wall with its inside.
[0137] FIGS. 8a to 8d show another embodiment example of a
casing-cover connection in which the casing 200 is connected to the
cover 201. The casing 200 here has a tube base 202 in which there
are openings 203 or passages for holding tubes. Furthermore, the
casing 200 has side walls 204, 205 that are bent upward essentially
at a right angle starting from the tube base and that are
positioned upright. By means of the side walls 204, 205, the casing
200 forms a nearly right-angle casing 200 that is essentially open
on one side with four side walls 204, 205 that contact each other
on their narrow sides or narrow-side end regions and that are
connected in a sealed way, for example, they are soldered to each
other.
[0138] The cover 201 has edge regions 206, 207 that are positioned
at its four edges and that contact the insides and optionally the
upper narrow sides of the side walls 204, 205 and that can be
connected to these sides in a sealing way. On the long sides of the
cover 201 there are edge regions 206 that are positioned
essentially at a right angle to the plane of the cover and that
have flaps 208 that are bent in an approximately U-shaped form such
that they grip over the upper end regions or narrow sides of the
side walls 204. In this way, the two inner surfaces of the flaps
208 contact the side wall on both sides. Furthermore, on the short
sides of the cover 201 there are assemblies or edge regions 207
that have an essentially U-shaped form or corresponding U-shaped
flaps 209 that grip over the end region of the side wall 205. In
this way, the one or more upright regions 207 or the flaps 209
contact a region of the side wall 205 on both sides with their two
inner surfaces on the corresponding outer surface of the side wall
205. Through the construction of the joint surfaces as sharp-edged
impressions, for example, through deep drawing, a larger area joint
surface is generated, so that the solder available for tight
soldering of the casing and cover is improved. The assembly is also
significantly improved because the joint surfaces advantageously
contact each other essentially without gaps. Advantageously, the
flaps or side walls have insertion beveling, in order to achieve
gap-free joining to each other. The cover is advantageously
connected to the side walls of the casing in the corners of the
cover by the sharp-edged construction. For this purpose, the
corners of the cover and/or the casing could also be advantageously
embossed. By depositing an additional solder supply, such as a
solder paste, the solder supply is increased, thereby improving the
tight soldering.
[0139] FIGS. 9 and 10 show embodiments of the invention in which
the flaps 250 that have an essentially U-shaped form have, in their
comb region 251, an opening 252 through which a flap 253 of the
side wall 254 of the casing passes. In this way, the flaps 253
could be bent to the side as shown in FIG. 9 or could be deformed
by a tool as shown in FIG. 10, so that loosening of the cover by
pulling the flap 250 away from the flap 253 is prevented.
[0140] FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment example of the
invention in which the casing 300 can be connected to the cover
301, wherein, in FIG. 11, the casing 300 is still constructed
separately from the cover 301 and, in FIG. 12, the cover 301 is
positioned on the casing 300. The casing has four walls of which
only three 302, 303, 304 are shown that are connected to each other
at the sides, for example, by means of soldering. In a modified
embodiment, the casing could also be produced with the side walls
in one piece through deep drawing, so that the joint regions at the
side edges or side end regions of the walls would be
eliminated.
[0141] The cover 301 has a peripheral, upright edge 305 that, with
its outer surface 306, can be brought into contact with the inner
surface 307 of the side walls 302, 303, 304 of the casing 300, in
order to generate a sealed joint connection between the casing 300
and the cover 301. Preferably, the cover is constructed in one
piece with the peripheral edge 305. The cover can be produced with
the edge, for example, through deep drawing. As is to be
recognized, the corner 308 of the edge 305 has a relatively sharp
edge, so that the cover fits well in the similarly relatively
sharp-edged corner 309 of the casing and the joint connection is
also soldered with a good seal in the corner region.
[0142] Furthermore, it is to be recognized that the edge 305 of the
cover 301 is beveled at its lower region connecting to the base of
the cover (see 310), so that this bevel is used as insertion
beveling 310 for the assembly of the cover 301 in the casing
300.
[0143] Furthermore, the cover 301 has projections or flaps 311
that, starting from the edge 305, have an approximately U-shaped
form considered together with this edge and that are open downward,
in order to form, between the edge 305 and the flap 311, a
receptacle in which the upper edge region of the side wall 302 to
304 of the casing 300 could engage. For better insertion of the
edge of the casing, the flaps 311 could be beveled at the bottom
and on the outside, in order to form insertion beveling.
[0144] As is to be recognized in FIGS. 11 and 12, the corners of
the cover fit easily into the corners of the side walls of the
casing, so that secure soldering of the cover and casing can be
achieved.
[0145] FIGS. 13a to 13c and 14a to 14c show another embodiment of a
casing 400 with a cover 401. The cover 401 is deep-drawn and has an
essentially flat, central region 402 but that could definitely have
beads 403 for reinforcement. Furthermore, the cover 401 has
connection possibilities with openings 404 for feeding and/or
discharging a fluid and advantageously optionally for the
attachment or arrangement of connection flanges or connection tubes
405. In addition, the cover 401 has connection possibilities for
holding elements 406 that can be connected to the cover. These can
be, for example, riveted, soldered, or mechanically joined to the
cover.
[0146] The cover 401 has a peripheral edge 407 that is upright and
has an approximately U-shaped or rectangular cross section, in
order to be able to hold the upper ends of the side walls of the
casing 400. In this way, the cross section of the edge of the cover
401 could definitely have a comparable shape as in FIG. 8c, 11, or
12. In addition, slots 408 or openings could be formed in the comb
region in the U-shaped or rectangular, upright edge, wherein
through these slots, flaps 409 of the edge of the casing 400 could
be passed for the secure connection of the cover 401 and casing 400
before soldering. Such flaps 409 are already shown, for example, by
FIG. 9 or 10.
[0147] In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14 it is advantageous that
the corner region 410 of the cover 401 and the casing has a rounded
structure, so that the question of the exact fit of the cover 401
and casing 400 in the corner region could be more easily
guaranteed.
[0148] For example, in the center of the cover 401 there is a
receptacle 411 for a separating wall that is arranged within the
casing and that could be inserted, if needed, so that it could
separate the casing into two regions. If the separating wall is not
needed, then it could also be left out.
[0149] The casing 400 has four walls 413, 414, 415, and 416,
wherein, of these four, two are short end walls 415 and 416 and two
are long side walls 413 and 414. These are advantageously
deep-drawn with the base 412 of the casing 400 in one piece. In the
base 412 there are openings or passages for holding tubes.
Furthermore, in the casing 400 there are side receptacles 417 for a
separating wall, wherein these side receptacles interact with the
receptacles in the cover, in order to hold or fix, if needed, a
separating wall.
[0150] FIG. 15 shows a heat exchanger 500 that has a network on
parallel tubes 501 and ribs 502 advantageously arranged in between.
The tubes 501 are inserted in their end regions into casings 503,
504 in a sealed way, wherein the casings 503, 504 have openings or
passages in a tube base for this purpose. Furthermore, the casings
have the structure of the cover and casing shown in FIGS. 13 and
14, wherein connection ports 505 are provided on a casing for
feeding and discharging a fluid. Furthermore, holding means 506 can
be recognized.
* * * * *