U.S. patent application number 13/876754 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-14 for heat exchanger for a motor vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to VALEO SYSTEMS THEMIQUES. The applicant listed for this patent is Fabienne Bedon, Aurelie Bellenfant, Eric Goyet, Alain Pourmarin, Jean Christophe Prevost, Virginie Vincent. Invention is credited to Fabienne Bedon, Aurelie Bellenfant, Eric Goyet, Alain Pourmarin, Jean Christophe Prevost, Virginie Vincent.
Application Number | 20130299150 13/876754 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43982160 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130299150 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bellenfant; Aurelie ; et
al. |
November 14, 2013 |
Heat Exchanger For A Motor Vehicle
Abstract
A heat exchanger comprises: a plurality of tubes for the
circulation of a coolant which are arranged as a core bundle of
tubes having a width in a longitudinal direction, a depth in a
transverse direction, and a height in a vertical direction; a first
header and a second header into which the tubes of the core bundle
open; and a first partition arranged respectively in the first and
second headers. The first partition respectively divides the first
header and the second header, at least partially, into a first
compartment and a second compartment which are adjacent in the
transverse direction. The heat exchanger further comprises at least
one second partition dividing the first compartment and the second
compartment of the first header into a first chamber, a fourth
chamber, and at least one return compartment which is adjacent, in
the longitudinal direction, to the first and fourth chambers.
Inventors: |
Bellenfant; Aurelie; (Roeze
sur Sarthe, FR) ; Pourmarin; Alain; (La Suze sur
Sarthe, FR) ; Bedon; Fabienne; (Le Mans, FR) ;
Goyet; Eric; (Arnage, FR) ; Prevost; Jean
Christophe; (Ligron, FR) ; Vincent; Virginie;
(Le Mans, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bellenfant; Aurelie
Pourmarin; Alain
Bedon; Fabienne
Goyet; Eric
Prevost; Jean Christophe
Vincent; Virginie |
Roeze sur Sarthe
La Suze sur Sarthe
Le Mans
Arnage
Ligron
Le Mans |
|
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
VALEO SYSTEMS THEMIQUES
Le Mesnil Saint Denis
FR
|
Family ID: |
43982160 |
Appl. No.: |
13/876754 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
September 7, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP11/04492 |
371 Date: |
August 2, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/175 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 9/0224 20130101;
F28F 9/0202 20130101; F28D 1/05391 20130101; F28F 9/0204 20130101;
F25B 39/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/175 |
International
Class: |
F28F 9/02 20060101
F28F009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2010 |
FR |
1003887 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of tubes arranged in a
core bundle of tubes which has a width in a longitudinal direction,
a depth in a transverse direction and a height in a vertical
direction and which allows for a circulation of a coolant; a first
header and a second header into which the tubes of the core bundle
of tubes open; and a first partition arranged respectively in the
first header and in the second header, with the first partition
respectively dividing the first header and the second header, at
least partially, into a first compartment and a second compartment
which are adjacent in the transverse direction; wherein the heat
exchanger comprises at least one second partition dividing the
first compartment and the second compartment of the first header
into a first chamber, a fourth chamber, and at least one return
compartment which is adjacent, in the longitudinal direction, to
the first chamber and to the fourth chamber.
2. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality
of tubes is arranged in a first row and in a second row, and
wherein some of the tubes of the first row open into the first
chamber of the first header and into the first compartment of the
second header, some of the tubes of the second row open into the
fourth chamber of the first header and into the second compartment
of the second header, and some of the tubes of the first row and of
the second row open into the return compartment of the first
header.
3. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
first pipe and a second pipe opening respectively into the first
chamber and the fourth chamber of the first header.
4. The heat exchanger has claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
partition divides the return compartment into a second chamber and
a third chamber.
5. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first
partition is a dividing partition separating the second chamber
from the third chamber and is pierced with at least one
through-passage.
6. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at
least one baseplate and at least one cover, which are assembled one
with the other to form the first header and/or the second
header.
7. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first
partition is formed by a projection of the cover and/or of the
baseplate toward the baseplate and/or the cover and in contact with
the baseplate and/or with the cover.
8. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second
partition comprises an additional partitioning element interposed
between the baseplate and the cover.
9. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 8, wherein the additional
partitioning element is configured to conform in terms of shape to
the first header and/or the second header.
10. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cover is
formed of a pressed metal plate defining at least one first
longitudinal cavity and one second longitudinal cavity.
11. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first
partition is formed of a non-pressed region of the metal plate.
12. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second
partition is formed of a non-pressed region of the metal plate.
13. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 10, wherein the pressed
metal plate that forms the cover comprises at least one transverse
cavity delimited by two second partitions forming the return
compartment.
14. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first
partition divides the return compartment into a second chamber and
a third chamber.
15. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first
partition is a dividing partition separating the second chamber
from the third chamber and is pierced with at least one
through-passage.
16. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first
partition divides the return compartment into a second chamber and
a third chamber.
17. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first
partition is a dividing partition separating the second chamber
from the third chamber and is pierced with at least one
through-passage.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a heat exchanger and, more
particularly, to a condenser, of a heating, ventilation and/or
air-conditioning installation for the interior of a motor
vehicle.
[0002] A conventional design of such a condenser is known, for
example, from EP 1 223 391 A1 and comprises a core bundle of tubes,
through each of which there are formed one or more canals through
which a coolant can circulate. The tubes are aligned in a single
row, and their ends are housed in common headers, which provide
mutual fluidic communication between the canals of various
tubes.
[0003] The coolant enters the condenser in the gaseous phase and,
as it gradually passes through the canals of the various tubes,
exchanges heat with the air passing externally through the
condenser, causing progressive condensation to the liquid
phase.
[0004] However, such a condenser of conventional design is of
relatively large size. The size essentially corresponds to the
"height" of the condenser which, by convention, corresponds to the
height of the tubes used, plus the height of the headers, and the
width of the condenser which, by convention, corresponds to the
distance between the end tubes of the bundle.
[0005] It should however be understood that the use of the terms
"height" and "width" does not in any way create a precedent as to
how the condenser is laid out on board the vehicle, it being
possible for the layout to be such that the tubes are generally
laid vertically, horizontally, or at any angle, the vehicle being
considered generally to be horizontal.
[0006] In certain applications, however, it is inconceivable to
position the condenser along the front face of the vehicle. This is
the case in particular when the condenser is to be made to operate
as an internal condenser. The internal condenser has therefore to
be housed actually within a housing of a heating, ventilation
and/or air conditioning installation, generally located near the
vehicle interior. The available volume in which to house the
internal condenser is therefore greatly reduced, to the point that
the width of the condenser has, in certain configurations, to be
reduced, notably by a factor of four.
[0007] It is also known practice, from document EP 1 460 364 A1, to
create a core bundle that has two rows of tubes. For each row of
tubes, one of the ends of the tubes is housed in a header, while
the opposite end is connected in fluidic communication with one or
more tubes of the other row. This fluidic connection may be
achieved either by the use of an additional header common to the
two rows of tubes or by bending over the tubular elements in each
instance so as to create two tubes, which ultimately belong to
different rows.
[0008] Now, for a set size, bending over the tubes appreciably
reduces the "useful height" of the core bundle, which means the
height of the tube available for exchanging heat. Part of the
height of the tubes is therefore "sacrificed" to the bending.
Moreover, the use of a return header entails additional components,
which increase the cost and complexity of the condenser.
[0009] According to another embodiment taught by document EP 0 414
433, it is known practice to create a condenser in two parts,
respectively comprising a core bundle with a single row of tubes
and two headers into which the tubes open. The headers are placed
in mutual fluidic communication by one or more connecting
pipes.
[0010] This arrangement entails increasing the number of mechanical
components, making such a condenser particularly complicated to
produce and difficult to do so on an industrial scale.
[0011] Moreover, the connecting pipes increase the width of the
condenser and lead to significant pressure drops because of their
bore section which narrows in relation to the size of the headers
that they connect.
[0012] It is therefore evident that the known heat exchangers are
not satisfactory in meeting the needs of a specific application
such as an internal condenser.
[0013] The present invention proposes a heat exchanger that
exhibits good thermal performance, minimal pressure drops, and
dimensions compatible with integration into a housing of a heating,
ventilation and/or air conditioning installation.
[0014] To this end, the present invention proposes a heat exchanger
comprising: [0015] a plurality of tubes arranged in a core bundle
of tubes which has a width in a longitudinal direction, a depth in
a transverse direction and a height in a vertical direction and
allows for a circulation of a coolant; [0016] a first header and a
second header into which the tubes of the core bundle of tubes
open; [0017] a first partition arranged respectively in the first
header and in the second header, and [0018] the first partition
respectively dividing the first header and the second header, at
least partially, into a first compartment and a second compartment
which are adjacent in the transverse direction.
[0019] More specifically, the heat exchanger comprises at least one
second partition dividing the first compartment and the second
compartment of the first header into a first chamber, a fourth
chamber and at least one return compartment which is adjacent, in
the longitudinal direction, to the first chamber and to the fourth
chamber.
[0020] Advantageously, the plurality of tubes is arranged in a
first row and in a second row such that: [0021] some of the tubes
of the first row open into the first chamber of the first header
and into the first compartment of the second header, [0022] some of
the tubes of the second row open into the fourth chamber of the
first header and into the second compartment of the second header,
and [0023] some of the tubes of the first row and of the second row
open into the return compartment of the first header.
[0024] According to the present invention, the heat exchanger is
connected to a coolant circuit circuit by a first pipe and a second
pipe opening respectively into the first chamber and the fourth
chamber of the first header.
[0025] According to an alternative form of embodiment, the first
partition divides the return compartment into a second chamber and
a third chamber.
[0026] Advantageously, the first partition is a dividing partition
separating the second chamber from the third chamber and pierced
with at least one through-passage.
[0027] In the context of the present invention, the heat exchanger
comprises at least one baseplate and at least one cover, which are
assembled one with the other to form the first header and/or the
second header.
[0028] To complement this, the first partition is formed by a
projection of the cover and/or of the baseplate toward the
baseplate and/or the cover and in contact with the baseplate and/or
with the cover.
[0029] Alternatively, the second partition comprises an additional
partitioning element interposed between the baseplate and the
cover.
[0030] In this alternative, the additional partitioning element is
configured to conform in terms of shape to the first header and/or
the second header.
[0031] In addition, the cover is formed of a pressed metal plate
defining at least one first longitudinal cavity and one second
longitudinal cavity.
[0032] According to this embodiment, the first partition is formed
of a non-pressed region of the metal plate. To complement this, the
second partition is formed of a non-pressed region of the metal
plate.
[0033] Finally, the pressed metal plate that forms the cover
comprises at least one transverse cavity delimited by two second
partitions forming the return compartment.
[0034] The proposed heat exchanger comprises two rows of tubes,
organized into two layers of tubes and, in particular, four passes.
This optimizes the thermal performance of the heat exchanger in
relation to a size dictated in particular when the heat exchanger
has to be incorporated into a heating, ventilation and/or air
conditioning housing.
[0035] Advantageously, the first and the second pass on the one
hand, and the third and fourth pass on the other, are connected via
tubes of the same row.
[0036] The use of two headers, each one common to the tubes of the
two rows, reduces the number of heat exchanger components. This
arrangement makes the core bundle easier to assemble. This is
because the two rows can be assembled at the same time,
particularly during the same brazing operation.
[0037] Moreover, according to the present invention, the tubes of
one row are placed in communication with the tubes of the other row
within one of the headers, without additional components.
[0038] The cost of such a heat exchanger is therefore reduced and
it becomes easier to assemble.
[0039] Finally, the communication between the two layers of tubes
may be sized in such a way that the bore section of the
communication means is greater than or equal to the combined
section of the tubes opening into the communication chambers. That
avoids the creation of additional pressure drops.
[0040] What is more, the communication means are distributed over
the entire length of the partitioning between the communication
chambers, at several locations. This then improves the distribution
of the rows of tubes and, therefore, the efficiency of the heat
exchanger, the distribution of heat across the heat exchanger and
the internal pressure drops experienced by the moving fluid.
[0041] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from examining the description which follows with
reference to the attached drawings, given by way of nonlimiting
examples, which may serve to supplement the understanding of the
present invention and the description of how it is embodied but may
also, as appropriate, contribute to defining the invention, and in
which:
[0042] FIG. 1 depicts a heat exchanger according to a first
embodiment of the invention, in the assembled state, viewed in
perspective,
[0043] FIG. 2 depicts the heat exchanger of FIG. 1, in an exploded
perspective view,
[0044] FIG. 3 depicts a detail of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1,
showing a first header, in an exploded perspective view,
[0045] FIG. 4 depicts a detail of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1,
showing a second header, in an exploded perspective view,
[0046] FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 1, showing one path of the coolant
through the heat exchanger,
[0047] FIG. 6 is detail VI of FIG. 5,
[0048] FIG. 7 depicts a heat exchanger according to a second
embodiment of the invention, in a view similar to FIG. 1,
[0049] FIG. 8 depicts the heat exchanger of FIG. 7 in a view
similar to FIG. 2,
[0050] FIG. 9 depicts a first header for the heat exchanger
according to FIG. 7, in a view similar to FIG. 3,
[0051] FIG. 10 depicts a second header for the heat exchanger
according to FIG. 7, in a view similar to FIG. 4, and
[0052] FIG. 11 depicts the heat exchanger according to FIG. 7 in a
view similar to FIG. 5.
[0053] Reference is made first of all to FIGS. 1 to 4, which at
least partially depict a heat exchanger 1, or first heat exchanger
1, particularly intended for use as a condenser, particularly as an
internal condenser to be incorporated into a motor vehicle heating,
ventilation and/or air conditioning housing. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict
the heat exchanger 1 according to a first embodiment of the
invention, respectively in the assembled state and in an exploded
perspective view. More particularly, FIGS. 3 and 4 depict a detail
of the heat exchanger 1, respectively showing a first header and a
second header, in an exploded and perspective view.
[0054] The heat exchanger 1 comprises a core bundle 3 of tubes made
up of a plurality of tubes 5 suited to the circulation of a fluid,
particularly a coolant flowing through an air conditioning loop of
a heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning installation for the
interior of a motor vehicle.
[0055] The heat exchanger 1 extends over a width "I" in a first
direction "x" referred to as the longitudinal direction, and over a
depth "p" in a second direction "y" referred to as the transverse
direction, and over a height "h" in a third direction "z" referred
to as the vertical direction.
[0056] According to the present invention, the heat exchanger 1 is
arranged in such a way that the tubes 5 are distributed as a first
row 7A and a second row 7B. For preference, the first row 7A and
the second row 7B are mutually parallel and are arranged one behind
the other in the transverse direction.
[0057] Thus, the first row 7A is made up of a plurality of tubes 5
arranged parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction.
Likewise, the second row 7B is made up of a plurality of tubes 5
arranged parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction.
[0058] Each tube 5 extends over a depth "pt" in the transverse
direction and over a height "ht" in the vertical direction. A first
end of the tube 5 is housed in a first header 9 and a second end of
the tube 5, which is the opposite end to the first end, is housed
in a second header 11. The first header 9 and the second header 11
are of elongate shape.
[0059] The first header 9 and the second header 11 essentially
extend in the longitudinal direction and are arranged with respect
to the core bundle 3 of tubes in such a way that the longitudinal
direction of the first header 9 and of the second header 11
corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the core bundle 3 of
tubes.
[0060] The heat exchanger 1 comprises a first pipe 13 and a second
pipe 15 for connecting the heat exchanger 1 to a coolant circuit.
The first pipe 13 and the second pipe 15 are arranged at a first
end of the first header 9 and open into this first header. The
first pipe 13 and the second pipe 15 may be arranged differently,
notably the first pipe 13 and the second pipe 15 may be arranged at
one end of the second header 11 or may be arranged respectively at
one end of the first header 9 and at one end of the second header
11.
[0061] The first header 9 comprises a profile shaped as a header
baseplate 17, or first baseplate 17, and a profile shaped as a
header cover 19, or first cover 19. The first baseplate 17 and the
first cover 19 are fixed to one another to create an interior
volume defining the first header 9.
[0062] The first baseplate 17 is pierced with a plurality of first
orifices 21. The plurality of first orifices 21 is distributed
between two rows so that the first orifices 21 of each of the rows
are aligned in the longitudinal direction. The cross section of
each first orifice 21 is configured in such a way that it conforms
to the contour of the cross section of the tubes 5. In this
instance, nonlimitingly, the tubes 5 are in the form of flat
tubes.
[0063] The first baseplate 17 and the first cover 19 have a cross
section configured as two portions of a circle joined together. The
first baseplate 17 and the first cover 19 have complementary cross
sections which, when joined together, correspond to the cross
section of the first header 9. Thus, when the first baseplate 17
and the first cover 19 are assembled with one another the first
header 9 is formed in the manner of two cylindrical portions of
circular cross section, joined together along a common
generatrix.
[0064] The first header 9 further comprises a first closure
partition 22. The first closure partition 22 is of a shape that
corresponds to the cross section of the first header 9. The first
closure partition 22 is interposed between the first baseplate 17
and the first cover 19. According to the first embodiment of the
invention, the first closure partition 22 is positioned at a second
end of the first header 9 which is the opposite end to the first
end at which the first pipe 13 and the second pipe 15 are
arranged.
[0065] The first header 9 also comprises a second closure partition
23, of an overall shape similar to the first closure partition 22
and interposed between the first baseplate 17 and the first cover
19, at the first end of the first header 9.
[0066] The second closure partition 23 differs from the first
closure partition 22 in that it is pierced with two openings suited
respectively to accepting the end portions of the first pipe 13 and
of the second pipe 15.
[0067] Advantageously, the openings in the second closure partition
23 are arranged, respectively, more or less at the center of each
of the two circular portions that make up the second closure
partition 23.
[0068] The first closure partition 22 and the second closure
partition 23 are fixed in a fluid tight manner to the first
baseplate 17 and to the first cover 19, for example using
brazing.
[0069] According to one particular embodiment of the first
embodiment of the invention, the first pipe 13 and the second pipe
15 are attached to a mounting plate 24. The mounting plate 24
comprises a first connection orifice 25 and a second connection
orifice 26 which are designed to accept end portions of the first
pipe 13 and of the second pipe 15. The mounting plate 24 also has
end portions (unreferenced) received in the openings of the second
closure partition 23. According to an alternative embodiment, the
first pipe 13, the second pipe 15, the mounting plate 24, the first
connection orifice 25 and the second connection orifice 26 are made
as a one-piece component.
[0070] Thus defined, the first header 9 has a closed interior space
into which the tubes 5 of the core bundle 3 of tubes open.
[0071] In cross section, the first cover 19 has, where the two
portions of a circle meet, a first partition 27 produced, in
particular, in the form of a projection 27 extending, in the
longitudinal direction, toward the first baseplate 17, over the
entire length of the first cover 19.
[0072] The projection 27 forms a first divider which, in
collaboration with the first baseplate 17, divides the interior
space of the first header 9 into a first compartment 28 and a
second compartment 29 respectively extending in the longitudinal
direction over all or part of the length of the first header 9. The
first compartment 28 and the second compartment 29 are adjacent to
one another in the transverse direction.
[0073] A first row of the first orifices 21 of the first baseplate
17 is housed in the first compartment 28, while the second row of
first orifices 21 is housed in the second compartment 29.
[0074] The first header box 9 further comprises a second partition
30 produced, in particular, in the form of an additional
partitioning element 30. The additional partitioning element 30 is
produced in the form of a flat component of a shape similar to the
first closure partition 22, interposed between the first baseplate
17 and the first cover 19. The additional partitioning element 30
is arranged in the second direction "y". According to one
embodiment, the additional partitioning element 30 occupies a
median position with respect to the first and second ends of the
first header 9.
[0075] According to the embodiment depicted, as an option, the
additional partitioning element 30 has a slot through which the
projection 27 can pass. As an additional alternative, the
projection 27 also has a similar slot intended to collaborate with
the slot of the additional partitioning element 30.
[0076] The additional partitioning element 30 acts as a dividing
partition which divides the first compartment 28 into a first
chamber 31 and a second chamber 33. The second chamber 33 is
therefore adjacent to the first chamber 31 in the longitudinal
direction. According to the embodiment depicted, the first pipe 13
opens into the first chamber 31 of the first compartment 28.
[0077] Likewise, the additional partitioning element 30 divides the
second compartment 29 into a third chamber 35 and a fourth chamber
37. The third chamber 35 is adjacent to the second chamber 33 in
the transverse direction. Moreover, the fourth chamber 37 is
adjacent to the third chamber 35 in the longitudinal direction.
According to the embodiment depicted, the second pipe 15 opens into
the fourth chamber 37.
[0078] The first orifices 21 of the first baseplate 17 housed in
the first compartment 28 and the second compartment 29 are
distributed, more or less evenly, between the first chamber 31 and
the second chamber 33 on the one hand, and between the third
chamber 35 and the fourth chamber 37 on the other.
[0079] According to the present invention, the projection 27 is
pierced with at least one through-passage 38, advantageously with a
plurality of through-passages 38. The through-passage 38 or the
plurality of through-passages 38, opens into the second chamber 33
and into the third chamber 35. The through-passage 38 or the
plurality of through-passages 38 therefore places the second
chamber 33 and the third chamber 35 in communication. In one
particular embodiment that incorporates a plurality of
through-passages 38, the through-passages 38 are evenly distributed
over the entire length of the projection 27 separating the second
chamber 33 and the third chamber 35. Defined in this way, the
second chamber 33 and the third chamber 35 together define a return
compartment.
[0080] The second header 11 is configured in a similar way to the
first header 9. However, the second header 11 comprises structural
differences by comparison with the first header 9 and these are:
[0081] the additional partitioning element 30 is replaced by a
stiffening element 51, produced in the form of a flat component of
outline similar to the additional partitioning element 30; [0082]
the second closure partition 23 is replaced by a partition element
similar to the first closure partition 22; and [0083] the
projection 27 of the second header 11 has no through-passage 38 or
plurality of through-passages 38.
[0084] The stiffening element 51 is pierced with two passages 53.
Advantageously, the two passages 53 of the stiffening element 51
are respectively located more or less at the center of each of the
two circular portions that make up the stiffening element 51.
According to the embodiment depicted, the stiffening element 51 is
arranged in the second direction "y" and is in a median position in
relation to the first and second stiffening ends of the second
header 11.
[0085] The stiffening element 51 and the projection 27 of the
second header 11 together form a second set of partitions which
divides the first compartment 28 of the second header 11 into a
first chamber 55 and a second chamber 57. The first chamber 55 and
the second chamber 57 are respectively elongate in the longitudinal
direction. Thus, the first chamber 55 is therefore adjacent to the
second chamber 57 in the longitudinal direction, or first direction
"x".
[0086] Likewise, the stiffening element 51 and the projection 27 of
the second header 11 divide the second compartment 29 of the second
header 11 into a third chamber 59 and a fourth chamber 61. The
third chamber 59 and the fourth chamber 61 are respectively
elongate in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the third chamber 59
is therefore adjacent to the fourth chamber 61 in the longitudinal
direction, or first direction "x".
[0087] Moreover, the third chamber 59 is adjacent to the second
chamber 57 in the transverse direction, and the fourth chamber 61
is adjacent to the first chamber 55 in the transverse
direction.
[0088] The heat exchanger 1 also comprises a plurality of heat
exchange fins 63. Each heat exchange fin 63 is positioned between
two tubes 5 that are adjacent and belong to the first row 7A and
between two tubes 5 belonging to the second row 7B. To facilitate
exchange of heat, each heat exchange fin 63 is in contact with the
two adjacent tubes 5 between which it is positioned.
[0089] As an exception, the heat exchange fins 63 positioned at the
ends of the core bundle 3 of tubes are in contact with a tube 5 of
the first row 7A and of the second row 7B and with an end plate 65.
In particular, the end plate 65 stiffens the heat exchanger 1
assembly.
[0090] According to an alternative form of embodiment that has not
been depicted, the heat exchange fin 63 is disjointed so as to
create a space between the first row 7A and the second row 7B of
tubes 5 of the heat exchanger 1.
[0091] According to the embodiment depicted, the additional
partitioning element 30 and the stiffening element 51 are in a
median position in relation to the first and second ends,
respectively, of the first header 9 and of the second header 11.
Nonetheless, depending on the configurations for the circulation of
coolant through the heat exchanger 1, the additional partitioning
element 30 and the stiffening element 51 may be positioned in
various positions, in relation to the first and second ends,
respectively, of the first header 9 and of the second header 11, in
the longitudinal direction.
[0092] FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 1 showing one path of the coolant
through the heat exchanger 1. FIG. 6 is a detail of FIG. 5.
[0093] The coolant enters the first chamber 31 of the first header
9 through the first pipe 13 (arrow 67). It takes the tubes 5 of the
first row 7A opening into the first chamber 31 to reach the first
chamber 55 of the second header 11 (arrow 69). From the first
chamber 55, the coolant passes through the passage 53 of the
stiffening element 51 to reach the second chamber 57 of the second
header 11 (arrow 71).
[0094] Thereafter, the coolant passes through the tubes 5 of the
first row 7A to reach the second chamber 33 of the first header 9
(arrow 73).
[0095] From the second chamber 33 of the first header 9, the
coolant passes through the through-passages 38 to reach the third
chamber 35 of the first header 9 (arrow 75).
[0096] From the third chamber 35 of the first header 9, the coolant
takes the tubes 5 of the second row 7B to reach the third chamber
59 of the second header 11 (arrow 77). From the third chamber 59 of
the second header 11, the coolant reaches the fourth chamber 61 of
the second header 11 by passing through the passage 53 of the
stiffening element 51 (arrow 79).
[0097] Finally, coolant takes the tubes 5 of the second row 7B to
reach the fourth chamber 37 of the first header 9 (arrow 81) before
leaving the heat exchanger 1 via the second pipe 15 (arrow 83).
[0098] In the first header 9, the through-passages 38 place the
second chamber 33 and the third chamber 35 in fluidic
communication.
[0099] The bore section of the through-passages 38 is determined in
such a way that the pressure drops experienced by the fluid passing
through the heat exchanger 1 are minimized. This notably entails
the combined bore section of the through-passages 38 being greater
than or equal to the combined cross section of the tubes 5 opening
into the second chamber 33.
[0100] FIG. 7 depicts a heat exchanger 85 according to a second
embodiment of the invention, in a view similar to FIG. 1. FIG. 8
depicts the heat exchanger 85 of FIG. 7 in a view similar to FIG.
2.
[0101] Moreover, FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively depict a first header
and a second header of the heat exchanger 85 according to the
second embodiment of the invention, in views similar to FIGS. 3 and
4 respectively.
[0102] The heat exchanger 85 differs through the design of a first
header 87 and of a second header 89 which are different from the
first header 9 and the second header 11 of the heat exchanger 1
according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0103] The other components already detailed in conjunction with
the first embodiment of the invention are the same. They will not
be described further in detail. For these, reference may be made to
the description given hereinabove.
[0104] The first header 87 of the heat exchanger 85 according to
the second embodiment of the invention comprises a profile
configured as a header baseplate 91 or second baseplate 91, and a
profile configured as a header cover 93, or second cover 93. The
second baseplate 91 and the second cover 93 are fixed together in
such a way as to create an interior volume defining the first
header 87.
[0105] More specifically, the second baseplate 91 comprises a first
large contact face 94 and the second cover 93 comprises a second
large contact face 94. Arranged in this way, the second baseplate
91 and the second cover 93 are assembled with the large contact
face 94 of the second baseplate 91 and the large contact face 94 of
the second cover 93 pressed against one another.
[0106] The second baseplate 91 is pierced with a plurality of
second orifices 95 similar in shape and layout to the first
orifices 21 of the heat exchanger 1 according to the first
embodiment of the invention.
[0107] The second baseplate 91 is equipped on its longitudinal
edges with a plurality of catching tabs 97 intended to be folded
over on top of the second cover 93, on an exterior face, which is
opposite to the large contact face 94 of the second cover 93.
[0108] The second cover 93 has a first longitudinal cavity 99 and a
second longitudinal cavity 101. The first longitudinal cavity 99
and the second longitudinal cavity 101 are elongate in the
longitudinal direction and are mutually adjacent in the transverse
direction. For preference, the first longitudinal cavity 99 and the
second longitudinal cavity 101 have cross sections of substantially
semicircular shape.
[0109] According to one particular embodiment, the first
longitudinal cavity 99 and the second longitudinal cavity 101 are
produced by pressing a metal plate in order to obtain the second
cover 93.
[0110] The first longitudinal cavity 99 is separated from the
second longitudinal cavity 101 by a first partition 103 created, in
particular, in the form of a longitudinal dividing wall 103. The
longitudinal dividing wall 103 is obtained, in particular, by an
absence of pressing of a corresponding part of the second cover
93.
[0111] The first longitudinal cavity 99 and the second longitudinal
cavity 101 respectively have a longitudinal end open onto a
longitudinal end of the second cover 93.
[0112] In addition, the first longitudinal cavity 99 and the second
longitudinal cavity 101 have a closed opposite longitudinal end
made up of a second partition 105 produced, in particular, in the
form of a transverse dividing wall 105 of the second cover 93. In a
similar way to the longitudinal dividing wall 103, the transverse
dividing wall 105 of the second cover 93 is obtained notably by an
absence of pressing of a corresponding part of the second cover
93.
[0113] The transverse dividing wall 105 of the second cover 93 is,
in the particular embodiment depicted, positioned in a median
position with respect to the second cover 93 in the longitudinal
direction.
[0114] When the heat exchanger 85 according to the second
embodiment of the invention is in the assembled state, the
longitudinal dividing wall 103 and the transverse dividing wall 105
act as partitions which create within the first header 87 a first
chamber 117 and a second chamber 118.
[0115] The first chamber 117 and the second chamber 118 have their
relative positions corresponding to the relative positions of the
first cavity 99 and of the second cavity 101, and in which some of
the second orifices 95 of a first row 7A and some of the second
orifices 95 of the second row 7B are respectively housed.
[0116] On the opposite side of the transverse dividing wall 105
from the first cavity 99 and the second cavity 101, the second
cover 93 has a plurality of transverse cavities 107. The transverse
cavities 107 are of elongate shape in the transverse direction. In
particular, the transverse cavities 107 are produced by
pressing.
[0117] The transverse cavities 107 are adjacent to one another in
the longitudinal direction. Two adjacent transverse cavities 107
are separated by a second partition 109 produced, in particular, in
the form of an additional dividing wall 109. Each additional
dividing wall 109 is notably obtained by an absence of pressing of
a corresponding part of the second cover 93.
[0118] When the second baseplate 91 and the second cover 93 are
assembled with one another, the transverse dividing wall 105 and
the additional dividing walls 109 act like partitions. The
transverse dividing wall 105 and the additional dividing walls 109
create, within the interior space of the first header 87, third
chambers 111. The third chambers 111 are adjacent to one another in
the longitudinal direction.
[0119] According to the alternative form presented given by way of
nonlimiting example, each third chamber 111 houses two second
orifices 95 of the first row and the second row of second orifices
95.
[0120] Thus defined, each third chamber 111 individually or in
combination defines a return compartment.
[0121] Alternatively or in addition, one of the third chambers 111
houses a single second orifice 95 of the first row 7A and the
second row 7B of second orifices 95.
[0122] Quite clearly, the number of second orifices 95 of the first
row 7A and the second row 7B of second orifices 95 opening into
each third chamber 111 may be greater than or less than three.
[0123] Each third chamber 111 places one or more tubes 5 of the
first row 7A in fluidic communication with a corresponding number
of tubes 5 of the second row 7B.
[0124] The second baseplate 91 has, facing the open longitudinal
end of the first longitudinal cavity 99 and of the second
longitudinal cavity 101, two supports 110. The supports 110 are of
semicircular cross section produced, in particular, by the pressing
of the second baseplate 91.
[0125] When the second baseplate 91 and the second cover 93 are
assembled with one another, the supports 110, in combination with
the first longitudinal cavity 99 and the second longitudinal cavity
101, delimit orifices of circular cross section suited to accepting
the first pipe 13 and the second pipe 15, which here are produced
in the form of cylindrical components of circular cross
section.
[0126] The second header 89 has a second baseplate 112 similar to
the second baseplate 91 of the first header 87, except that it has
no supports 110.
[0127] The second header 89 also has a second cover 113, having two
longitudinal cavities 115. The two longitudinal cavities 115 of the
second cover 113 of the second header 89 are adjacent to one
another in the transverse direction. Advantageously, the two
longitudinal cavities 115 are produced by pressing and are
separated from one another by a first partition 116 produced, in
particular, in the form of a longitudinal dividing wall 116. The
longitudinal dividing wall 116 is notably obtained by an absence of
pressing of a corresponding part of the second cover 113.
[0128] When the second cover 113 and the second baseplate 112 are
assembled, the longitudinal dividing wall 116 of the second cover
113 acts like a partition and divides the interior of the second
header 89 into two longitudinal chambers which place in mutual
fluidic communication on the one hand, all of the tubes 5 of the
first row 7A and, on the other hand, all of the tubes 5 of the
second row 7B.
[0129] FIG. 11 depicts the heat exchanger 85 according to FIG. 7 in
a view similar to FIG. 5. As FIG. 11 shows, the circulation of
coolant through the heat exchanger 85 is similar to the circulation
of coolant through the heat exchanger 1 according to the first
embodiment of the invention, except that the through-passages 38
for coolant between the second chamber and the third chamber are
replaced by the plurality of third chambers 111.
[0130] Advantageously, the heat exchanger 1 according to the first
embodiment and the heat exchanger 85 according to the second
embodiment further comprise fixing means designed in such a way
that the heat exchanger according to the present invention when on
board a motor vehicle occupies a position such that the tubes 5
extend heightwise in a vertical direction when the vehicle is
positioned substantially horizontally.
[0131] Such positioning, advantageously combined with the four-pass
circulation of coolant, means that differences in temperature of
the air leaving the heat exchanger can be reduced as far as
possible.
[0132] What is more, according to the first embodiment, it is
conceivable to fit a plurality of additional partitioning elements
30 and a plurality of stiffening elements 51 in the first header 9
and/or the second header 11. Likewise, according to the second
embodiment, it is conceivable to have at least one transverse
dividing wall similar to the transverse dividing wall 105, in the
second header 89 of the heat exchanger 85. Likewise, it is possible
to have a plurality of transverse dividing walls 105 in the first
header 87 of the heat exchanger 85.
[0133] These alternative embodiments make it possible to obtain
heat exchangers which have a number of passes higher than four.
[0134] One particular application of the present invention is as an
internal condenser in a motor vehicle air conditioning circuit
operating at least in a heat pump mode, the internal condenser
being positioned in a housing of the vehicle heating, ventilation
and/or air conditioning installation.
[0135] Quite clearly, the invention is not restricted to the
embodiments previously described and given solely by way of
example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms
and other variants that a person skilled in the art might imagine
within the scope of the present invention and notably all
combinations of the various embodiments described hereinabove.
* * * * *