U.S. patent application number 13/807646 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-04 for heat exchanger.
This patent application is currently assigned to MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is Wilhelm Grauer, Volker Velte. Invention is credited to Wilhelm Grauer, Volker Velte.
Application Number | 20130168048 13/807646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44627421 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130168048 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Velte; Volker ; et
al. |
July 4, 2013 |
HEAT EXCHANGER
Abstract
A heat exchanger may include a plurality of layers arranged on
top of each other, each of the layers having a first cavity for the
passage of a medium and a second cavity for the passage of a
coolant. Each layer may define a through hole for the passage of
the medium and each layer may include a frame in which a turbulence
insert may be inserted. Each frame may have an end region
configured to define at least one channel closure and the through
holds for the passage of the medium. The frame may have a guide
opening for receiving an assembly aid and the guide opening may be
formed between the through holes and the channel closure.
Inventors: |
Velte; Volker; (Oetisheim,
DE) ; Grauer; Wilhelm; (Gerlingen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Velte; Volker
Grauer; Wilhelm |
Oetisheim
Gerlingen |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GmbH
Stuttgart
DE
|
Family ID: |
44627421 |
Appl. No.: |
13/807646 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
June 24, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2011/060639 |
371 Date: |
March 18, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/104.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 9/0075 20130101;
F28D 7/0008 20130101; F28F 2280/04 20130101; F28F 2275/04
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/104.13 |
International
Class: |
F28D 7/00 20060101
F28D007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 29, 2010 |
DE |
10 2010 025 576.9 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger, comprising: a plurality of layers arranged on
top of each other, wherein each of the layers has a first cavity
for the passage of a medium to be cooled and a second cavity for
the passage of a coolant, wherein each layer has a through hole for
the passage of the medium to be cooled, wherein each layer includes
a frame in which a turbulence insert is inserted, wherein each
frame has an end region and each end region defines at least one
channel closure and the through hole for the passage of the medium
to be cooled, wherein the frame has a guide opening for receiving
an assembly aid, and wherein the guide opening is formed between
the through hole and the channel closure.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the channel
closure is provided with a rib.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the frame
completely encloses the turbulence insert and has an approximately
rectangular shape.
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a separating
arrangement is inserted between at least two of the layers, each
layer including the frame and the turbulence insert.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein the separating
arrangement is formed in a plate-like manner and has a solder layer
on both sides.
6. heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first through
hole is fluidly connected to an inlet of the medium to be cooled
and the second through hole is fluidly connected to an outlet of
the medium to be cooled and further wherein the first through hole
and the second through hole are formed in the frame and arranged
diagonally opposite each other.
7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein two of the
frames are in a first predetermined position, and at least one
other of the frames is arranged between the two frames and is in a
second predetermined position at least one of turned or rotated
relative to the first position.
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the frame has
at least one marking pin on its outer edge.
9. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the frame
completely encloses the turbulence insert and has an approximately
rectangular shape.
10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein a separating
arrangement is inserted between at least two of the layers, each
layer including the frame and the turbulence insert.
11. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein the
separating arrangement is formed in a plate-like manner and has a
solder layer on both sides.
12. The heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein the first
through hole is fluidly connected to an inlet of the medium to be
cooled and the second through hole is fluidly connected to an
outlet of the medium to be cooled and further wherein the first
through hole and the second through hole are formed in the frame
and arranged diagonally opposite each other.
13. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein two of the
frames are in a first predetermined position, and at least one
other of the frames is arranged between the two frames and is in a
second predetermined position at least one of turned or rotated
relative to the first position.
14. The heat exchanger according to claim 13, wherein the frame has
at least one marking pin on its outer edge.
15. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein a separating
arrangement is inserted between at least two of the layers, each
layer including the frame and the turbulence insert.
16. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the separating
arrangement is formed in a plate-like manner and has a solder layer
on both sides.
17. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the first
through hole is fluidly connected to an inlet of the medium to be
cooled and the second through hole is fluidly connected to an
outlet of the medium to be cooled and further wherein the first
through hole and the second through hole are formed in the frame
and arranged diagonally opposite each other.
18. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein two of the
frames are in a first predetermined position, and at least one
other of the frames is arranged between the two frames and is in a
second predetermined position at least one of turned or rotated
relative to the first position.
19. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the frame has
at least one marking pin on its outer edge.
20. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the frame has
at least one marking pin on its outer edge.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to German Patent
Application 10 2010 025 576.9 filed on Jun. 29, 2010, and
International Patent Application PCT/EP2011/060639 filed on Jun.
24, 2011, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to a heat exchanger, consisting of a
plurality of layers arranged on top of each other, which layers
have in each case a cavity for the passage of a medium to be cooled
and delimit a further cavity for the passage of a coolant, wherein
in each layer a through hole is formed for the passage of the
medium to be cooled.
BACKGROUND
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a stacked plate heat exchanger which
consists of different plates 2 which are arranged on top of each
other and which have in each case one turbulence insert. The
turbulence insert 3 is lasered and stamped and is adapted in this
manner to the shape of the plate 2. The plates 2 mounted on top of
each other are arranged on a base plate 4. At the end regions of
each plate 2, there are through holes 5 which are used for guiding
the medium to be cooled or for guiding the coolant. Above the
plates 2, the stacked plate heat exchanger 1 is closed with a
flange F which represents the interface to the internal combustion
engine and to the coolant supply system. Here, the plates 2 are
stamped or deep-drawn shaped parts. For producing such shaped
parts, tools have to be prepared, wherein a plurality of tools is
required for the different sizes of the plates 2. The multiplicity
of tools increases the investment costs because the tools are not
variable and for each plate size, a separate tool has to be
prepared. Depending on the type of heat exchanger, up to four
different tools for each plate size may be required. In particular
in the case of prototype production in which likewise a tool for
each new size has to be prepared, long production times for the
tools are to be expected. Due to the small quantities of plates 2
for prototypes and small series, the investment in tools cannot be
amortized.
SUMMARY
[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a heat
exchanger which can be produced in a variable manner and for which
the investment costs for tools, in particular, for prototypes or
small series can be reduced.
[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved in that
a layer consists of a frame into which a turbulence insert is
inserted. This has the advantage that the frame can be cut out in a
simple manner from sheet metal by means of laser beams or water
jets, wherein the path of the laser beams or the water jets is
controlled by a computer. In particular in case of high quantities,
stamping is also conceivable for producing the frame. Thus, any
computer-controlled laser beam tool or water jet tool can be used
with a special shape-generating computer program for the
fabrication of the frame. Producing an expensive tool is completely
eliminated so that investment costs are reduced or are completely
eliminated. Such a computer program can be varied in a simple
manner so that frames in many different sizes and quantities can be
produced without a significant increase of costs. Furthermore, the
development times for a heat exchanger are reduced. Since due to
the invention, the heat exchangers can adopt any possible outer
contour, optimal utilization of installation space or adaptation to
existing installation space in the motor vehicle is possible.
[0006] Advantageously, the frame completely encloses the turbulence
insert and has in particular an approximately rectangular shape.
The turbulence insert is held in place by the frame, wherein the
height of the frame is adapted to the height of the turbulence
insert. The turbulence insert simply has to be stamped out of a
larger piece. Cutting the turbulence insert for adapting it to the
shape of the frame is eliminated so that the production costs for
the heat exchanger are further reduced.
[0007] In one configuration, a separating arrangement is inserted
between two layers, which layers each consist of the frame and the
turbulence insert. This separating arrangement separates the flows
of media of the medium to be cooled and the coolant. Since the
separating arrangement can be produced in a simple manner from a
film or thin sheet metal, this also results in a reduction of the
production costs for the heat exchanger.
[0008] In one refinement, the separating arrangement that is formed
in a plate-like has a solder layer on both sides. This solder layer
ensures that during soldering the pre-assembled heat exchanger in a
solder furnace, the frames and the turbulence inserts are firmly
connected to each other via the separating arrangement, thereby
achieving high stability of the heat exchanger.
[0009] In one variant, in each case one through hole for guiding
the medium to be cooled and one channel closure are formed in an
end region of the frame. Due to this configuration, the heat
exchanger based on frames corresponds in terms of its geometry to a
stacked plate heat exchanger so that the corresponding flanges
which, after assembly of the heat exchanger, are attached as a
closure onto the heat exchanger, can also be used for the heat
exchanger implemented as frame-type construction. This eliminates
the need of fabricating new flanges for the heat exchanger produced
as a frame-type construction.
[0010] In order to ensure that the medium to be cooled is guided
through the turbulence insert, the first through hole to the inlet
of the medium to be cooled and the second through hole to the
outlet of the medium to be cooled are formed in the frame so as to
oppose each other diagonally or simply oppose each other.
[0011] Furthermore, for receiving an assembly aid, the frame has a
guide opening. This guide opening ensures that the frames arranged
on top of each other match exactly so that the through holes to the
inlet or, respectively, to the outlet of the medium to be cooled or
the coolant are reliably positioned on top of each other.
[0012] In a particularly space-saving variant, the guide opening is
formed between the through hole and the energy closure.
[0013] In one refinement, between two frames positioned in a first
predetermined position to each other, in each case one further
frame is mounted in a second predetermined position which is turned
or rotated relative to the first position. Through this alternating
positioning of the frames relative to each other, the cavities for
the passage of a medium to be cooled and for the coolant are
created so that the medium and the coolant are always conveyed
alternately to each other, and the coolant can dissipate the heat
of the medium to be cooled in a sufficient manner.
[0014] In one configuration, the frame has on its outer edge at
least one marking pin. This marking pin has the advantage that
after the assembly of the heat exchanger, said marking pin leaves a
symmetrical pattern on the outside of the heat exchanger so that
the person carrying out the stacking can immediately identify if
the individual frames are in the correct position relative to each
other.
[0015] The invention allows numerous embodiments. Some of them
shall be illustrated in more detail by means of the figures
illustrated in the drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] In the figures:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a stacked plate heat exchanger according to the
prior art,
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a frame of a heat exchanger,
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a separating plate of a heat exchanger,
[0020] FIG. 4 shows an exploded illustration for the arrangement of
the frame according to FIG. 2 and the separating plate according to
FIG. 3,
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a top view of a first positioning of the frame
in the heat exchanger,
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a top view of a second positioning of the frame
in the heat exchanger,
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a section through an oil heat exchanger,
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a section through an intercooler,
[0025] FIG. 9 shows a soldering device with the heat exchanger,
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a changeable soldering device,
[0027] FIG. 11 shows the manufacture of a frame from an extruded
profile,
[0028] FIG. 12 shows possible designs of the heat exchanger.
[0029] Identical features are designated by identical reference
numbers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a frame as it is cut out by a
computer-controlled laser beam tool or water jet tool. Here, the
frame 6 has an approximately rectangular shape and has in its
longitudinal extension two rib-shaped longitudinal edges 7 and 8,
while on the narrow side, the end regions 9 and 10 are widened. The
end region 9 comprises an inlet 11 for a liquid medium, a channel
closure 13 for a liquid medium, and a guide opening 14 for an
assembly aid. Diagonally opposite to the channel closure 13 of the
end region 9, there is also a channel closure 13 that is formed in
the end region 10. Also, the outlet 12 for the liquid medium in the
end region 10 is arranged diagonally opposite to the inlet 11 in
the end region 9. Between the channel closure 13 and the inlet 11
of the end region 9 and the outlet 12 and the channel closure 13 in
the end region 10, guide openings 14 are arranged so that they
oppose each other symmetrically when forming the frame 6.
[0031] In FIG. 3, a separating arrangement is illustrated which is
formed as a separating plate 15 and the outer contours of which are
adapted to the outer contours of the frame 6. The separating plate
15 is formed planarly and has openings 16 and 17, respectively, at
its narrow ends, which openings are formed approximately ovally and
span over the channel closure 13 and, respectively, the inlet 11 or
the outlet 12 of the frame 6. The opening 18 which is arranged in
the centre and which is formed on both sides of the separating
plate 15 is situated exactly under the guide opening 14.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows how the frame 6 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3
and the separating plate 15 are mounted on top of each other. Here,
the frame 6 rests on the separating plate 15, wherein the inside of
the frame 6 is filled with a turbulence insert 19. This turbulence
insert 19 is simply inserted into the frame 6 and has only to be
stamped for this reason. Cutting the turbulence insert 19 into a
particular shape is eliminated. In addition to the already
mentioned openings such as inlet 11 or outlet 12 or guide opening
14, and the channel closure 13, the frame 6 has a marking pin 20 on
an end region 10. Moreover, the channel closure 13 is provided with
a rib 21 which enables an exceptional stability of the frame 6.
With said rib 21 it is ensured that the frame 6 cannot bulge in the
end region 9, 10.
[0033] In FIG. 5, the separating plate 15 and the frame 6 are
layered alternately one above the other and are positioned on a
base plate 22. Here, the frame 6 does not include the turbulence
inserts. In this top view, the position of a frame 6a is shown. The
end region 9 of the frame 6a is positioned on the left side of the
base plate 22 while the end region 10 of the frame 6a is arranged
on the right side of the base plate 22. The inlet 11 of the end
region 9 for a liquid medium is arranged diagonally opposite to the
outlet 12 for the liquid medium in the end region 10 of the frame
6a. Here, the guide openings 14 are arranged opposite to each
other. Also, the channel closure 13 of the end region 9 and the end
region 10 are arranged diagonally opposite to each other in this
positioning of the frame 6a.
[0034] In FIG. 6, a second position of a further frame 6b is shown
which is positioned above the frame 6a illustrated in connection
with FIG. 5. In comparison to the frame 6a of FIG. 5, the frame 6b
is rotated about its longitudinal axis by 180.degree.. This results
in that the channel closure 13 of the end region 9 is now
positioned at the position where the inlet 11 of the frame 6a
placed therebelow is positioned. With regard to the end region 10,
the channel closure 13 and the outlet 12 are also interchanged. In
this position, the turbulence insert 19 is inserted in the frame
6b. Thus, the medium to be cooled can discharge from the inlet 11
and flows in the longitudinal direction of the frame 6b through the
turbulence insert 19 so as to flow out again through the outlet 12
and out of the frame 6b.
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a completely fabricated oil heat
exchanger in which a plurality of frames 6a, 6b are layered on top
of each other, wherein the frames 6a, 6b are separated by a
separating plate 15. The turbulence inserts 19 are only indicated
in this example. The frames 6a, 6b are alternately mounted,
separated by a separating plate 15, on the base plate 22 and are
closed by a flange 23. Prior to the assembly, the separating plates
15 are coated on both sides with solder which effects that in a
solder process, the frames 6a, 6b and the turbulence insert 19 are
firmly connected to each other.
[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates an intercooler having the explained
frame-type construction, wherein here too, the frames 6a, 6b are
arranged alternately on a base plate 22, wherein the frames 6a, 6b
are separated in each case by a separating plate 15. The different
channels for the passage of air used as coolant or for the passage
of the medium to be cooled are particularly clearly shown in this
section. The arrow 24 indicates the profile on the air side, while
the arrow 25 illustrates the profile on the coolant side. The
intercooler is also covered with a flange 23.
[0037] In FIG. 9, a heat exchanger 27 built as frame-type
construction is inserted in a soldering device 26. Here, the heat
exchanger 27 is mounted on a first plate 28 which is guided by
means of four guide bolts 32, wherein between the first plate 28
and a second plate 29, a plurality of springs 30 is arranged. In
order to be able to securely position the frames 6a, 6b and the
separating plates 15, in each case one bolt 31a, 31b is inserted
through the guide openings 14 of the heat exchanger 27. The cover
plate 33 covers the heat exchanger 27. The cover plate 33 is set at
the openings 34 of the guide bolts 32 in such a manner that the
heat exchanger 27 is preloaded against the springs 30. As already
explained, in the preassembled heat exchanger 27, the separating
plates 15 are provided on both sides with a solder layer. The heat
exchanger 27 clamped in such a manner in the soldering device 26 is
slid into a solder furnace, where the heat exchanger with its
individual parts is soldered together during a soldering
process.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a variable soldering device 26 which can
be adjusted for different sizes of the heat exchangers 27. The
bolts 31a, 31b which engage in the guide openings 14 of the frame 6
of the heat exchanger 27 can be adjusted vertically as well as
horizontally. In addition, they are secured on a stacking aid 35
which can be removed again after clamping. Thus, a soldering device
26 can be used for each shape of the heat exchangers 27 fabricated
as a frame-type construction.
[0039] As already explained, the frame 6 of the heat exchanger 27
is cut out or stamped by means of a laser beam or a water jet,
wherein the tool is controlled by a computer program.
Alternatively, the frames 6 can also be produced as extruded
profiles 36, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The drawn extruded profile
36 generated in a single work process is subsequently divided to
form the frames 6.
[0040] However, the invention is not limited to a heat exchanger
having an approximately rectangular footprint. By means of the
frame-type construction it is possible that all conceivable shapes
of heat exchangers 37 can be formed, as illustrated in FIG. 12. In
particular, by using a computer program which controls a laser beam
tool or a water jet tool, annular contours as well as S-shaped or
circular-segment-shaped shapes can be produced. Thus, the shape of
the heat exchanger 37 can always be adapted to the installation
position in the motor vehicle.
* * * * *