U.S. patent application number 16/085093 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-28 for full-area connection of heat-transfer blocks by hydraulic widening of pipes between profiles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Linde Aktiengesellschaft. The applicant listed for this patent is Linde Aktiengesellschaft. Invention is credited to Reinhold HOLZL.
Application Number | 20190063844 16/085093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55642204 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190063844 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOLZL; Reinhold |
February 28, 2019 |
FULL-AREA CONNECTION OF HEAT-TRANSFER BLOCKS BY HYDRAULIC WIDENING
OF PIPES BETWEEN PROFILES
Abstract
The invention relates to a plate-type heat exchanger having at
least a first and second heat-transfer block, wherein each block
has multiple separating plates, which are arranged parallel to one
another, which form a multiplicity of heat-transfer passages for
fluids taking part in the heat transfer. The heat-transfer blocks
are outwardly bounded by cover plates. A first cover plate of the
first heat-transfer block is secured to an opposite second cover
plate of the second heat-transfer block. At least one elongate
first profile is secured to the first cover plate. At least one
elongate second profile running parallel to the at least one first
profile is secured to the second cover plate such that the two
profiles are opposite one another in a direction parallel to the
cover plates. Between the two profiles there is an interspace in
which an elongate element is arranged in an interference fit with
the two profiles, such that the two cover plates and thus the two
heat-transfer blocks are secured to one another. The elongate
element is designed as a hollow profile.
Inventors: |
HOLZL; Reinhold;
(Geretsried, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Linde Aktiengesellschaft |
Munich |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Linde Aktiengesellschaft
Munich
DE
|
Family ID: |
55642204 |
Appl. No.: |
16/085093 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
March 8, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2017/025042 |
371 Date: |
September 14, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 9/26 20130101; F28F
2275/125 20130101; F28F 2275/00 20130101; F28D 9/0062 20130101;
F28F 2275/12 20130101; F28F 2275/14 20130101; F28F 2275/10
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28D 9/00 20060101
F28D009/00; F28F 9/26 20060101 F28F009/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 16, 2016 |
EP |
16000630.0 |
Claims
1. A plate-type heat exchanger (100) with at least one first and
one second heat exchanger block (10a, 10b), wherein each heat
exchanger block (10a, 10b) has multiple separating plates (4) which
are arranged parallel to one another and form a multiplicity of
heat exchange passages (1) for fluids involved in the heat
exchange, and wherein the heat exchanger blocks (10a, 10b) are
outwardly delimited by cover plates (5a, 5b), wherein a first cover
plate (5a) of the first heat exchanger block (10a) is fixed to an
opposite second cover plate (5b) of the second heat exchanger block
(10b), characterized in that at least one elongate first profile
(11) is fixed to the first cover plate (5a), and in that at least
one elongate second profile (12), which runs parallel to the at
least one first profile (11), is fixed to the second cover plate
(5b) such that the two profiles (11, 12) are opposite one another
in a direction (R) which runs parallel to the cover plates (5a,
5b), wherein, between the two profiles, one intermediate space (15)
is present, in which space an elongate element (13) is arranged in
a frictionally engaging manner with the two profiles (11, 12) such
that the two cover plates (5a, 5b) and thus the two heat exchanger
blocks (10a, 10b) are fixed to one another, wherein the elongate
element (13) is formed as a hollow profile.
2. The plate-type heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the elongate element (13) engages both into a
recess (110) of the first profile (11) and into a recess (120) of
the second profile (12), wherein the two recesses (110, 120) each
form a region of the intermediate space (15) and are opposite one
another in said direction (R) and face one another.
3. The plate-type heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the elongate element (13) is arranged in a
frictionally engaging and form-fitting manner in the two
recesses.
4. The plate-type heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the recesses (110, 120) are formed as
depressions which are concave in cross section, in particular as
depressions which are semicircular in cross section, or in that the
recesses (110, 120) are formed as depressions which are triangular
in cross section.
5. The plate-type heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that, for the purpose of producing the frictional
engagement or the frictional engagement and form fit, the cross
section of the elongate element (13) arranged in the intermediate
space (15) is widened by deformation of the elongate element
(13).
6. The plate-type heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the at least one first profile (11) is brazed
fixedly or welded fixedly to the first cover plate (5a), and/or in
that the at least one second profile (12) is brazed fixedly or
welded fixedly to the second cover plate (5b).
7. A method for producing a plate-type heat exchanger (100) from at
least one first and one second heat exchanger block (10a, 10b),
wherein each heat exchanger block (10a, 10b) has multiple
separating plates (4) which are arranged parallel to one another
and form a multiplicity of heat exchange passages (1) for fluids
involved in the heat exchange, and wherein the heat exchanger
blocks (10a, 10b) are outwardly delimited by cover plates (5a, 5b),
wherein at least one elongate first profile (11) is fixed to a
first cover plate (5a) of the first heat exchanger block, and
wherein at least one second profile (12) is fixed to a second cover
plate (5b) of the second heat exchanger block (10b), wherein the
two cover plates (5a, 5b) are arranged opposite one another in such
a way that the two profiles (11, 12) are opposite one another in a
direction which runs parallel to the two cover plates (5a, 5b),
wherein, between the two profiles (11, 12), an intermediate space
(15) is present, in which space an elongate element (13) is
arranged in a frictionally engaging manner with the two profiles
(11, 12) such that the two cover plates (5a, 5b) and thus the two
heat exchanger blocks (10a, 10b) are fixed to one another, wherein
the elongate element (13) is formed as a hollow profile.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the
elongate element is arranged in the intermediate space (15) such
that it engages into a recess (110) of the first profile (11) and
into a recess (120) of the second profile (12), wherein the two
recesses are opposite one another along said direction (R) and face
one another.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the
elongate element (13) is arranged in a frictionally engaging and
form-fitting manner in the two recesses (110, 120).
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the
recesses (110, 120) are formed as depressions which are concave in
cross section, in particular as depressions which are semicircular
in cross section, or in that the recesses (110, 120) are formed as
depressions which are triangular in cross section.
11. The method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the
elongate element (13) is arranged in the intermediate space (15)
and subsequently its cross section (D) is widened by deformation
for the purpose of producing the frictional engagement or the
frictional engagement and form fit.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the
elongate element (13) is widened in cross section
hydraulically.
13. The method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the
first profile (11) is brazed fixedly or welded fixedly to the first
cover plate (5a), and/or in that the second profile (12) is brazed
fixedly or welded fixedly to the second cover plate (5b).
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a plate-type heat exchanger, and to
a method for producing such a plate-type heat exchanger.
[0002] In the production of plate-type heat exchangers, in
particular brazed plate-type heat exchangers composed of aluminum,
the modular form of construction is often selected in order thus to
obtain larger units with tubing and to save effort and costs for
the tubing. For this purpose, two or more heat exchanger blocks
(modules) are connected for example with the aid of a connecting
layer to form a larger unit, the plate-type heat exchanger to be
produced. By inserting a sheet strip at the edge between two blocks
and welding the sheet strip to the blocks, the blocks are connected
to one another. The weld seams then run along the outer edge of the
blocks. Consequently, the blocks or modules are in fact also
connected to one another only at the outer edge. In this case, the
connection may be formed peripherally at the edge, but may also
have interruptions in the connection along the edge.
[0003] From a mechanical standpoint, the modular connection
constitutes a geometric discontinuity because it exists only at the
outer edge and often also has interruptions. In the past, damage
has been observed in some individual cases, which forms precisely
at said positions because the modular connection constitutes a
stress concentration. Thermal deformations are imparted as a result
of the temperature response of the plate-type heat exchanger. The
modular connection constitutes an obstruction to deformation and a
thermal barrier between adjacent modules or blocks. This gives rise
to mechanical constraint stresses, which are intensified even
further by the discontinuity at the modular connection.
[0004] Taking this as a starting point, the present invention is
based on the object of specifying a plate-type heat exchanger and a
method for the production thereof, which heat exchanger and method
alleviate the aforementioned problems.
[0005] This object is achieved by a plate-type heat exchanger
having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features
of claim 7. Advantageous configurations of the invention are
specified in the corresponding dependent claims and are described
below.
[0006] As per claim 1, a plate-type heat exchanger with at least
one first and one second heat exchanger block is disclosed, wherein
each heat exchanger block has multiple separating plates which are
arranged parallel to one another and form a multiplicity of heat
exchange passages for fluids involved in the heat exchange, wherein
the heat exchanger blocks are outwardly delimited by cover plates,
wherein a first cover plate of the first heat exchanger block is
fixed to an opposite second cover plate of the second heat
exchanger block, wherein according to the invention, at least one
elongate first profile is fixed to the first cover plate, and
wherein at least one elongate second profile, which runs parallel
to the at least one first profile, is fixed to the second cover
plate such that the two profiles are opposite one another in a
direction which runs parallel to the two cover plates, and wherein,
between the two profiles, one intermediate space is present, in
which space an elongate element is arranged in a frictionally
engaging manner such that the two cover plates and thus the two
heat exchanger blocks are fixed to one another, wherein in
particular the elongate element is formed as a hollow profile.
[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the plate-type heat
exchanger according to the invention, it is provided that the
elongate element engages both into a recess of the first profile
and into a recess of the second profile, wherein the two recesses
each form a region of the intermediate space and are opposite one
another in said direction and face one another.
[0008] Recesses of said type, however, are not absolutely necessary
for producing said frictional engagement. Thus, the two profiles
may also have planar sides which face one another and consequently
form no recess at all, wherein here, the elongate element is
arranged in a frictionally engaging manner with the sides, facing
one another, of the profiles in the intermediate space delimited by
the two sides.
[0009] According to a further preferred embodiment of the
plate-type heat exchanger according to the invention, it is
provided that the elongate element is arranged in a frictionally
engaging and form-fitting manner in the two recesses or in the
intermediate space.
[0010] The invention thus advantageously allows a full-area
connection between the two cover plates or heat exchanger blocks,
said connection ensuring a particularly good thermally
heat-conducting contact between the blocks, with the result that
temperature differences between the blocks can easily be reduced.
Furthermore, a mechanical connection between the modules is
achieved, and a stress concentration is mitigated or reduced.
[0011] The at least one first profile and the at least one second
profile and also the elongate element may each extend along an
entire side length of the two cover plates, with the result that
the entire surface of the cover plates can be used for the
mechanical connection of the two blocks. In this case, the profiles
and the elongate element may extend for example along the vertical
or along the horizontal.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided
with particular preference that, for the purpose of producing the
frictional engagement or the frictional engagement and form fit,
the cross section of the elongate element arranged in the
intermediate space is widened by deformation of the elongate
element. This is preferably performed hydraulically in that a
probe, for example, is introduced into an inner space of the
elongate element (for example hollow profile), and the cross
section or outer diameter of the respective elongate element is
increased by being acted on by a fluid (for example water or oil),
which is supplied via the probe, such that the elongate element is
situated in the recesses and/or in the intermediate space in each
case in a frictionally engaging manner or frictionally engaging and
form-fitting manner.
[0013] The advantage of the (in particular hydraulic) widening is
in this case that production inaccuracies (for example warpage of
the modules or blocks in the course of the brazing process) can be
compensated. In this way, a frictional engagement or frictional
engagement and form fit is/are achieved, which can transmit forces
between the blocks. Furthermore, a heat-conducting contact between
the modules is established. This results in the achievement of a
uniform and in particular planar joint, which is also able to
transmit mechanical and thermal loads. Thus, temperature
differences between modules or blocks are compensated or reduced,
and mechanical discontinuities are mitigated by reduction of the
notch effect. This allows larger units to be produced without the
risk of local mechanical overloading. The stress concentrations at
the beginning/end of the modular connection, which arise with the
existing embodiment of the modular connection and which are also
often the cause of damage, are eliminated by the invention because
the joint of the modules thereby becomes planar and the local
stress concentration is removed. The operational reliability and
failure safety or the lifetime of the heat exchanger is thus
increased.
[0014] In principle, the connection is even releasable again by
pulling the elongate element (for example hollow profile) out of
the intermediate space.
[0015] It is provided with particular preference that the elongate
element has at least one portion which is formed in a manner
complementary to the recesses of the recesses adjoining on both
sides or complementary to the intermediate space into which the
elongate element is to be introduced. Here, the elongate element is
preferably introducible with play into the intermediate space along
its longitudinal axis such that said portion is positionable in the
recesses. Thereafter, the frictional engagement or frictional
engagement and form fit can be established in that the elongate
element is correspondingly deformed (see also below).
[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided
that the intermediate spaces are of circular or at least
approximately circular form in cross section. The intermediate
space may also be of different form in cross section, however.
[0017] In this case (as below), the corresponding cross-sectional
plane of the aforementioned cross sections extends perpendicularly
with respect to the longitudinal axis or the direction of
longitudinal extent of the parallel profiles and of the elongate
element.
[0018] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the invention,
the elongate element is preferably formed as a hollow profile which
may have for example a circular cross section.
[0019] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the invention,
it is provided that the two outer sides, averted from one another,
of the respective first or second profile are of concave form in
cross section. The two outer sides of a profile thus preferably
define in each case a recess, or depression, which is concave,
preferably semicircular, in cross section.
[0020] However, the recesses may also be of triangular form in
cross section.
[0021] In the case of an intermediate space which is circular or
approximately circular in cross section, the elongate element is
preferably a hollow profile which is correspondingly circular in
cross section. The hollow profile can then advantageously be
introduced with a small amount of play into the intermediate space
or the recesses formed as concave depressions. Wherein, owing to
the formation of the elongate element in a manner complementary to
the intermediate space or the recesses, only a relatively small
deformation of the tube is necessary to produce said frictional
engagement or frictional engagement and form fit.
[0022] In the case of recesses which are triangular in cross
section, the elongate element may, for the aforementioned reasons,
be for example a quadrangular hollow profile which is
correspondingly formed in cross section.
[0023] Other complementary pairings of elongate elements and
corresponding intermediate spaces or recesses are likewise
conceivable.
[0024] Preferably, the recesses or depressions in each case extend
over the entire respective profile in the direction of longitudinal
extent or in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the
respective profile.
[0025] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the invention,
it is provided that the first profile is brazed fixedly or welded
fixedly to the first cover plate, and/or that the second profile is
brazed fixedly or welded fixedly to the second cover plate.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is
furthermore provided that a plurality of elongate first profiles,
which run parallel to one another, is fixed to the first cover
plate, and that a plurality of elongate second profiles, which run
parallel to one another, is fixed to the second cover plate, such
that a second profile is arranged between in each case two adjacent
first profiles in said direction, wherein, between every second
profile and the first profiles adjacent on both sides, in each case
one intermediate space is present, in which space in each case one
elongate element is arranged in a frictionally engaging manner with
the adjacent first profile and the adjacent second profile such
that the two cover plates and thus the two heat exchanger blocks
are fixed to one another.
[0027] According to one embodiment, it is preferably provided that
the respective elongate element engages both into a recess of the
adjoining first profile and into a recess of the adjoining second
profile, wherein the two recesses each form a region of the
respective intermediate space and are opposite one another in said
direction and face one another.
[0028] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the invention,
it is provided that the respective elongate element is arranged in
a frictionally engaging and form-fitting manner in the two
associated recesses or in the intermediate space.
[0029] The respective elongate element and the associated recesses
or the associated intermediate space may in turn be formed
according to one of the above-described embodiments.
[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for
producing a plate-type heat exchanger or for connecting at least
two heat exchanger blocks to form such a plate-type heat exchanger
is proposed.
[0031] The method according to the invention provides that each
heat exchanger block has multiple separating plates which are
arranged parallel to one another and form a multiplicity of heat
exchange passages for fluids involved in the heat exchange, and
that the heat exchanger blocks are outwardly delimited by cover
plates, wherein at least one elongate first profile is fixed to a
first cover plate of the first heat exchanger block, and wherein at
least one elongate second profile is fixed to a second cover plate
of the second heat exchanger block, wherein the two cover plates
are arranged opposite one another in such a way that the two
profiles are opposite one another in a direction which runs
parallel to the two cover plates, wherein, between the two
profiles, an intermediate space is present, in which space an
elongate element is arranged in a frictionally engaging manner with
the two profiles such that the two cover plates and thus the two
heat exchanger blocks are fixed to one another, wherein in
particular, the elongate element is formed as a hollow profile.
[0032] According to one preferred embodiment of the method
according to the invention, it is provided that the elongate
element is arranged in the associated intermediate space such that
it engages into a recess of the adjoining first profile and into a
recess of the adjoining second profile.
[0033] Preferably, the elongate element is arranged in a
frictionally engaging and form-fitting manner in the two associated
recesses.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the method according to the
invention, it is provided that the intermediate spaces are of
circular or substantially circular form in cross section. According
to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the
elongate elements are correspondingly formed as hollow profiles, or
tubes, which are circular in cross section (see also above). Other
cross-sectional shapes of the intermediate spaces or recesses, and
of the tubes, are likewise conceivable.
[0035] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the
method according to the invention, said outer sides of the profiles
(see above) or the recesses defined by the outer sides are of
concave form in cross section, specifically preferably formed as
depressions which are semicircular or substantially semicircular in
cross section. The recesses may also be formed as depressions which
are triangular in cross section. Further cross-sectional shapes of
the recesses are likewise conceivable (see also above).
[0036] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the
invention, it is provided that the elongate element is arranged for
example with play in the associated intermediate space and
subsequently widened in cross section by deformation such that the
elongate element is arranged in a frictionally engaging or
frictionally engaging and form-fitting manner in the associated
recesses of in the associated intermediate space.
[0037] Particularly preferably, the elongate element is widened in
cross section as soon as it has been arranged in the associated
intermediate space. In this way, an inner form fit with the two
adjoining (first and second) profiles is preferably produced.
Preferably, the elongate element or hollow profile is widened
hydraulically, for example in that a probe is introduced into the
inner space of the hollow profile, wherein the inner space is acted
on by a fluid (for example water or oil) via the probe such that
said widening or enlargement of the outer diameter of the hollow
profile is effected. The action by the fluid is in particular
performed such that the hollow profile flows plastically in order
to achieve the best possible form fit with the surrounding
profiles.
[0038] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the method
according to the invention, it is provided that the at least one
first profile is brazed fixedly or welded fixedly to the first
cover plate, and/or that the at least one second profile is brazed
fixedly or welded fixedly to the second cover plate.
[0039] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the method
according to invention, it is provided that a plurality of elongate
first profiles, which run parallel to one another, is fixed to the
first cover plate, and that a plurality of elongate second
profiles, which run parallel to one another, is fixed to the second
cover plate, wherein the two cover plates are arranged opposite one
another such that a second profile is arranged between in each case
two adjacent first profiles in said direction, wherein, between
every second profile and the first profiles adjacent on both sides,
in each case one intermediate space is present, in which space in
each case one elongate element is arranged in a frictionally
engaging manner with the adjacent first profile and the adjacent
second profile such that the two cover plates and thus the two heat
exchanger blocks are fixed to one another.
[0040] According to one embodiment of the method according to the
invention, it is preferably furthermore provided that the
respective elongate element engages both into a recess of the
adjoining first profile and into a recess of the adjoining second
profile, wherein the two recesses each form a region of the
respective intermediate space and are opposite one another in said
direction and face one another.
[0041] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the method
according to the invention, it is provided that the respective
elongate element is arranged in a frictionally engaging and
form-fitting manner in the two in each case associated recesses or
in the in each case associated intermediate space.
[0042] The respective elongate element and the associated recesses
or the associated intermediate space may in turn be formed
according to one of the above-described embodiments.
[0043] Further features and advantages of the invention will be
discussed in more detail below on the basis of the figure
description of exemplary embodiments in which:
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, in the form of a detail, of
a plate-type heat exchanger according to the invention with a first
heat exchanger block having first profiles for connecting the first
block to a further, second block to which second profiles are
fixed;
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view, in the form of a
detail, of the connection of two blocks by means of first and
second profiles, and elongate elements held therein;
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a probe for
widening tubes, arranged between profiles, for the purpose of
producing a form-fitting connection between two cover plates of two
heat exchanger blocks; and
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a detail of a plate-type heat exchanger
according to the invention having first and second profiles which
have triangular recesses; and
[0048] FIG. 5 shows a detail of a plate-type heat exchanger
according to the invention having first and second profiles with
planar side surfaces.
[0049] FIG. 1 shows, in connection with FIG. 2, a plate-type heat
exchanger 100 according to the invention which has at least two
heat exchanger blocks 10a, 10b, wherein, for the sake of clarity,
merely one block 10a is shown in FIG. 1. The second block 10b is
indicated merely schematically on the basis of a cover plate 5b
illustrated in the form of a detail. The second block 10b may be
formed for example in the manner of the first block 10a.
[0050] The two heat exchanger blocks 10a, 10b are preferably
plate-type heat exchangers, preferably brazed plate-type heat
exchangers composed of aluminum. Such heat exchangers are used in
numerous installations under a wide variety of pressures and
temperatures. For example, they are used for the separation of air,
the liquefaction of natural gas or in installations for producing
ethylene. Such plate-type heat exchangers are shown and described
for example on page 5 in "The standards of the brazed aluminium
plate-fin heat exchanger manufacturers' association" ALPEMA, third
edition, 2010.
[0051] The two heat exchanger blocks 10a, 10b each have multiple
separating plates 4 (for example in the form of separating sheets),
which are arranged parallel to one another and form a multiplicity
of heat exchange passages 1 for the media to be brought into heat
exchange with one another. The heat exchange passages 1 are closed
off outwardly by edge bars 8 (for example sheet strips),
hereinafter also referred to as side bars 8, fitted flush on the
edge of the separating plates 4. Arranged within the heat exchange
passages 1 are for example corrugated heat-conducting structures 3
(for example in the form of sheets), which are also referred to as
fins 3. The separating plates 4, fins 3 and side bars 8 are
connected fixedly to one another and thus form a compact heat
exchanger block 10a or 10b. Outwardly, the two heat exchanger
blocks 10a, 10b are each outwardly delimited by cover plates 5a or
5b (for example in the form of cover sheets).
[0052] For supplying and discharging the heat-exchanging media,
semi-cylindrical collectors 7 with connecting pieces 6 which serve
for the connection of supplying and discharging pipelines are
fitted via inlet and outlet openings 9 of the heat exchange
passages 1. The collectors 7 are also referred to hereinafter as
headers 7. The inlet and outlet openings 9 of the heat exchange
passages 1 are formed by so-called distributor lamellae or
distributor fins 2, which provide a uniform distribution of the
media within the individual heat exchange passages 1. The media
flow through the heat exchange passages 1 in the channels formed by
the fins 3 and the separating plates 4. It is possible already to
fit the collectors 7 and connecting pieces 6 to the individual
block 10a or 10b. According to one embodiment, it is alternatively
also possible for all or individual collectors 7 to be fixed to the
two blocks 10a, 10b only after the latter have been fixed to one
another according to invention. Here, it is possible for example
for a header 7 to extend over both blocks 10a, 10b, or to be fixed
to both blocks 10a, 10b, in order to charge said blocks with a
medium or to draw off a medium from both blocks 10a, 10b (this
being indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1).
[0053] The fins 3 are, at their points of contact, brazed to the
separating sheets 4, as a result of which an intensive
heat-conductive contact between the fins 3 and the separating
sheets 4 is established. This improves the heat exchange between
the different media, which flow alternately in adjacent heat
exchange passages 1.
[0054] The blocks 10a, 10b are preferably formed from aluminum,
wherein the components are connected to one another by way of
brazing. As material, however, high-grade steel may also be used.
The fins, separating sheets, distributor fins, cover plates and
side bars, provided with brazing material, are stacked one on top
of the other and subsequently brazed in a furnace to form a heat
exchanger block 10a or 10b. The headers 7 with connecting pieces 6
are then welded onto the heat exchanger blocks 10a, 10b.
[0055] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one first
profile 11 is fixed to a first cover plate 5a of the first heat
exchanger block 10a, wherein preferably a plurality of elongate
first profiles 11, which run parallel to one another, is fixed to
the first cover plate 5a, said profiles each extending in the
vertical direction here. Likewise, at least one second profile 12
is fixed to a second cover plate 5b of the second heat exchanger
block 10b, wherein here too, preferably a plurality of elongate
second profiles 12, which run parallel to one another, is fixed to
the second cover plate 5b, said profiles likewise each running in
the vertical direction.
[0056] For the connection of the two heat exchanger blocks 10a,
10b, these are arranged such that the first and the second cover
plates 5a, 5b face one another and run parallel to one another in
such a way that the at least one first profile and the at least one
second profile are opposite one another in a direction R, which
runs parallel to the two cover plates (and, here, perpendicular to
the vertical), such that at least one intermediate space 15 in
which an elongate element 13 is arranged in a frictionally engaging
manner and preferably also form-fitting manner with the adjoining
profiles 11, 12 is created.
[0057] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of first and
second profiles 11, 12 is provided, wherein in this case, it is
preferably provided that one second profile 12 is arranged between
in each case two adjacent first profiles 11 such that, between the
respective second profile 12 and the first profiles 11 adjacent (in
the direction R) on both sides, in each case one intermediate space
15 is present, in which space in each case one elongate element 13
is arranged in a frictionally engaging and preferably also
form-fitting manner with the adjacent profiles 11, 12 and at the
same time engages in a frictionally engaging and in particular also
form-fitting manner into a recess 110 of the in each case adjoining
first profile 11 and into a recess 120 of the respective second
profile 12 such that the two cover plates 5a, 5b and thus the two
heat exchanger blocks 10a, 10b are fixed to one another. In this
way, it is achieved in particular that the two blocks cannot be
moved away from one another in a direction normal to the two cover
plates 5a, 5b.
[0058] As per FIG. 2, the elongate elements 13 may be hollow
profiles which have a hollow cylindrical wall and correspondingly
in each case delimit an inner space. Correspondingly, the recesses
110, 120 are formed as depressions which are concave (for example
substantially semicircular) in cross section (in this case
perpendicular to the vertical or longitudinal axis of the elements
13). Other cross-sectional pairings are likewise conceivable. In
this regard, as shown in FIG. 4, the recesses 110, 120 may also be
of triangular form in cross section, wherein the hollow profiles 13
are, in cross section, then correspondingly of quadrangular (for
example square or rectangular) form. Furthermore, it is also
possible to dispense with the recesses in the profiles 11, 12.
Thus, the profiles 11, 12 may have planar sides 11a, 12a, for
example, between which the elongate elements are then anchored (for
example by widening of their cross section) in a purely
frictionally engaging manner, as is indicated in FIG. 5 in which
the widened state of the hollow profile 13 is indicated by a dashed
line.
[0059] If the two cover plates 5a, 5b as per FIG. 2 are, as
described above, arranged opposite one another, the elements 13 are
preferably introduced with play into said intermediate spaces,
wherein, for the purpose of producing a frictional engagement and
preferably also a form fit between the respective element 13 and
the two adjoining profiles 11, 12, the respective element 13 is
deformed. FIG. 2 schematically shows this transition from an
arrangement of the elements 13 in the associated intermediate
spaces 15 with play (FIG. 2, top) to a play-free frictionally
engaging and form-fitting arrangement of the elements 13 in the
associated intermediate spaces 15 (FIG. 2, bottom). In this case,
the outer diameter D of the tubes 13 increases to a larger outer
diameter D'.
[0060] Finally, FIG. 3 shows a possibility for widening the hollow
profiles (for example tubes) or elements 13 for the purpose of
producing the respective frictional engagement or frictional
engagement and form fit. In this case, a probe 20 is introduced
into the inner space 13a of the respective hollow profile 13, which
profile is arranged with play in the associated intermediate space
15, and in particular bears with a circumferential flange 20a on
the profiles 11, 12 on the end sides, wherein a portion 20b of the
probe projecting from the flange 20a extends into the inner space
13a of the hollow profile 13 in question. Said portion 20b of the
probe 20 is, at its two ends, sealed off with respect to the inner
space 13a of the respective hollow profile 13 by in each case one
circumferential seal 23 (for example in the form of an O-ring).
[0061] A hydraulic fluid F, for example water or oil, is then
introduced via a supply line 24 into a channel 21 formed by the
probe, which channel opens into lateral openings 22 of the portion
20b of the probe 20 such that the fluid F is able to act on the
inner wall of the respective hollow profile 13. This causes the
respective hollow profile 13 to widen to a larger outer diameter
D', which anchors the respective hollow profile 13 in the
associated intermediate space 15 or in the recesses 110 and 120 in
a form-fitting manner. The action by the fluid F is preferably
performed such that the respective hollow profile 13 flows
plastically in order to achieve the best possible form fit with the
surrounding profiles 11, 12.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
TABLE-US-00001 [0062] Heat exchange passage 1 Distributor fin 2
Lamella, fin 3 Separating plate 4 Cover plate 5a, 5b Connecting
piece 6 Collector, header 7 Side bar 8 Inlet or outlet opening 9
Heat exchanger block 10a, 10b First profiles 11 Outer side 11a, 12a
End side 11b, 12b Second profiles 12 Elongate elements 13 Inner
space 13a Recesses 110, 120 Intermediate space 15 Probe 20 Portion
20a Flange 20b Channel 21 Lateral opening 22 Seals 23 Line 24
Plate-type heat exchanger 100 Outer diameter .sup. D, D' Liquid
(for example water) F Direction R
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