U.S. patent application number 17/170332 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-12 for evaporator.
This patent application is currently assigned to MAHLE International GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is MAHLE International GmbH. Invention is credited to Martin FIEGER.
Application Number | 20210247111 17/170332 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005443613 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210247111 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FIEGER; Martin |
August 12, 2021 |
EVAPORATOR
Abstract
An evaporator with a heat transfer core having a number of pipes
and fins, wherein a first fluid can flow through the pipes and a
second fluid can flow around the pipes and the fins for heat
transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid, with at
least one collecting tank which is in fluid connection with the
pipes, wherein at least two collecting chambers are formed by means
of the at least one collecting tank, wherein one of the collecting
chambers is equipped with a first fluid connection pipe which
serves as an injection line for supplying the first fluid and the
other collecting chamber is equipped with a second fluid connection
pipe which serves as a suction line for discharging the first
fluid, wherein for mounting an expansion valve on at least one of
the fluid connection pipes a retaining element is fastened to at
least one of the fluid connection pipes.
Inventors: |
FIEGER; Martin; (Tamm,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAHLE International GmbH |
Stuttgart |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
MAHLE International GmbH
Stuttgart
DE
|
Family ID: |
1000005443613 |
Appl. No.: |
17/170332 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 41/40 20210101;
F25B 39/00 20130101; F25B 39/02 20130101; F25B 41/31 20210101 |
International
Class: |
F25B 39/00 20060101
F25B039/00; F25B 41/31 20060101 F25B041/31; F25B 41/40 20060101
F25B041/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 7, 2020 |
DE |
10 2020 201 557.0 |
Claims
1. An evaporator with a heat transfer core comprising: a plurality
of pipes and fins, wherein a first fluid is adapted to flow through
the pipes and a second fluid is adapted to flow around the pipes
and the fins for the heat transfer between the first fluid and the
second fluid; at least one collecting tank that is in fluid
connection with the pipes; at least two collecting chambers formed
by the at least one collecting tank, wherein one of the collecting
chambers is equipped with a first fluid connection pipe which
serves as an injection line for supplying the first fluid and the
other collecting chamber is equipped with a second fluid connection
pipe which serves as suction line for discharging the first fluid;
and a retaining element fixed to at least one of the connection
pipes for mounting an expansion valve on at least one of the fluid
connection pipes.
2. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein for mounting an
expansion valve to the two fluid connection pipes, the retaining
element being fixed to the two fluid connection pipes.
3. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the retaining
element is positively fixed to the two fluid connection pipes and
is frictionally fixed to at least one of the fluid connection
pipes.
4. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the retaining
element is frictionally connected on one of the fluid connection
pipes by an elastic element.
5. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element
is arranged as an open or closed ring element and is compressed
between the retaining element and a projection of the one fluid
connection pipe.
6. The evaporator according to claim 5, wherein the fluid
connection pipe has two projections, wherein the retaining element
is arrangeable between the two projections in such a way that it
bears against one of the two projections and such that the elastic
element is compressed between the retaining element and the other
projection so that it bears against the retaining element and the
other projection.
7. The evaporator according to claim 4, wherein the elastic element
has a flat design, which can be placed at least partially around
the fluid connection pipe.
8. The evaporator according to claim 7, wherein the elastic element
has a flat body and protruding elements, which protrude from the
flat body.
9. The evaporator according to claim 8, wherein the protruding
elements are formed as point-like and/or line-like elements.
10. The evaporator according to claim 9, wherein the line-like
elements are formed as straight or bent line elements, specifically
as straight line elements, sinusoidal line elements, serpentine
line elements, etc.
11. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the retaining
element comprises two open receptacles, wherein one receptacle
receives the one fluid connection pipe and the other receptacle
receives the other fluid connection pipe.
12. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the elastic
element, which is arranged adjacent to one of the projections, is
arranged adjacent to one of the receptacles.
13. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the elastic
element, which is at least partially placed around the fluid
connection pipe, is adapted to be received by the retaining element
in the receptacle and is adapted to be accessed by the retaining
element.
Description
[0001] This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(a) to German Patent Application No. 10 2020 201
557.0, which was filed in Germany on Feb. 7, 2020 and which is
herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an evaporator for a
refrigerant circuit, in particular for a refrigerant circuit of a
motor vehicle.
Description of the Background Art
[0003] Evaporators of air conditioning systems with a refrigerant
circuit are typically configured such that the evaporator has two
evaporator connection pipes, the injection line and the suction
line. The injection line is used to supply the refrigerant and the
suction line is used to discharge the refrigerant.
[0004] An expansion valve is attached to the evaporator in order to
expand the refrigerant, which is to be injected, upstream of the
evaporator inlet. Accordingly, the expansion valve is mounted on
the injection line and on the suction line and is fluidly connected
at least to the injection line. The mounting is usually carried out
by means of a retaining plate, which is fixed to the injection line
and the suction line. If the expansion valve is mounted on the
injection line and optionally on the suction line, the expansion
valve can be connected by means of the retaining plate and thus be
securely fixed and held on the injection line and on the suction
line.
[0005] In this case, the retaining plate is only loosely arranged
on the two evaporator connection pipes, the injection line and the
suction line, because the expansion valve can be fastened at the
evaporator manufacturer's facility immediately after the retaining
plate has been arranged and there is no need for cumbersome
handling of the evaporator with the loose retaining plate.
[0006] However, in some cases there is also a wish for the
expansion valve not to be mounted by the evaporator manufacturer,
but instead by the vehicle manufacturer on the assembly line,
because the vehicle manufacturer wants to be able to react more
flexibly to the utilized refrigerants, so that, for example, the
expansion valve can be selected to match the refrigerant and can
therefore be selected and mounted on site on the assembly line.
However, it is the vehicle manufacturer's wish that the retaining
plate be already mounted, because this step is considered too
time-consuming on the assembly line and thus makes the assembly
process unnecessarily expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an evaporator which, on the one hand, can be manufactured
inexpensively and, on the other hand, allows for safe and simple
assembly of the expansion valve, also for example by a third
party.
[0008] An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an
evaporator with a heat transfer core with a number of pipes and
fins, wherein a first fluid can flow through the pipes and a second
fluid can flow around the pipes and the fins for heat transfer
between the first fluid and the second fluid, with at least one
collecting tank, which is in fluid connection with the pipes,
wherein at least two collecting chambers are formed by means of the
at least one collecting tank, wherein one of the collecting
chambers is equipped with a first fluid connection pipe which
serves as an injection line for supplying the first fluid and the
other collecting chamber is equipped with a second fluid connection
pipe which serves as suction line for discharging the first fluid,
wherein for mounting an expansion valve on at least one of the
fluid connection pipes, a retaining element is fastened to the at
least one fluid connection pipe. This ensures that the retaining
element, which is designed as a retaining plate, for example, can
be pre-assembled quickly and easily and yet does not fall off
during transport of the evaporator. Accordingly, an expansion valve
can be properly mounted, for example, in the assembly line of a
motor vehicle or elsewhere by a third party.
[0009] It is also advantageous if, for mounting an expansion valve
on the two fluid connection pipes, the retaining element is
attached to the two fluid connection pipes. This ensures a stable
arrangement and fastening, because the retaining element can be
supported on both fluid connection pipes at the same time, for
example as a retaining plate. This ensures that the retaining
element does not shift or fall off during transport, for
example.
[0010] It is also expedient if the retaining element is positively
attached to the two fluid connection pipes and frictionally
attached to at least one of the fluid connection pipes. This also
achieves a stable fastening, in particular because the latter are
fitted in multiple locations, especially by means of positive
and/or frictional connection.
[0011] It is also beneficial if the retaining element is
frictionally held on one of the fluid connection pipes by means of
an elastic element. This enables a secure frictional connection to
be made to the positive connection.
[0012] It is particularly advantageous if the elastic element is
arranged as an open or closed ring element and is compressed
between the retaining element and a projection of the one fluid
connection pipe. Thus, the retaining element can be used to clamp
the retaining element due to its elastic properties.
[0013] It is also beneficial if the fluid connection pipe has two
projections, wherein the retaining element is arrangeable between
the two projections in such a way that, on the one hand, it bears
against one of the two projections and, on the other hand, the
elastic element is compressed between the retaining element and the
other projection so that it bears against the retaining element and
the other projection. This also achieves a secure arrangement and
fastening.
[0014] It is advantageous if the elastic element is more of a flat
design and can be placed at least partially around the fluid
connection pipe. The elastic element can be pre-bent so that it is
easier to place around the fluid connection pipe and is also held
there, for example, due to its own preload.
[0015] It is also beneficial if the elastic element has a flat body
and protruding elements which project from the flat body. These
protruding elements serve to improve the frictional connection of
the retaining element on the fluid connection pipe.
[0016] It is also particularly advantageous if the protruding
elements are designed as point-like and/or line-like elements. This
produces a locally improved friction, wherein the varied
arrangement of the protruding elements allows for a wider strip
width for a secure position of the retaining element.
[0017] It is also advantageous if the line-like elements are
designed to be straight or bent line elements, particularly as
straight line elements, sinusoidal line elements, serpentine line
elements, etc. This also provides an improved strip width for a
secure position of the retaining element.
[0018] It is also preferred if the retaining element has two open
receptacles, wherein one receptacle receives one fluid connection
pipe and the other receptacle receives the other fluid connection
pipe. The open receptacles allow for the retaining element to be
easily placed and secured. Preferably, the two open receptacles are
open at an angle of about 90.degree., which prevents the retaining
element from slipping out of position.
[0019] Further, in an example, it is advantageous if the elastic
element, which is arranged adjacent to one of the projections, is
arranged adjacent to one of the receptacles. This allows for it to
be pressed against one of the projections of the fluid connection
pipe for frictional connection of the retaining element.
[0020] It is also beneficial if the elastic element, which is at
least partially wrapped around the fluid connection pipe, can be
received by the retaining element in the receptacle and can be
encompassed by the retaining element. Also by these means, it can
be pressed against one of the projections of the fluid connection
pipe for the frictional connection of the retaining element.
[0021] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.
However, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various
changes, combinations, and modifications within the spirit and
scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are
not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of fluid connection
pipes of an evaporator with a retaining element for an expansion
valve,
[0024] FIG. 2 is a representation of the fluid connection pipes
with the retaining element,
[0025] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a fluid connection pipe with
an elastic element for support of the retaining element,
[0026] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a fluid connection pipe with
an elastic element for support of the retaining element,
[0027] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a fluid connection pipe with
an elastic element for support of the retaining element,
[0028] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a pattern of protruding
elements of the elastic element,
[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another pattern of protruding
elements of the elastic element,
[0030] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a further pattern of
protruding elements of the elastic element, and
[0031] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an evaporator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The invention relates to an evaporator 1 as shown
schematically in FIG. 9. The evaporator 1 shown comprises a heat
transfer core 2 with a number of pipes 3 and fins 4. The pipes 3
and fins 4 are preferably arranged alternately, but they may also
be arranged in a different arrangement.
[0033] A first fluid 5 flows through the pipes 3, wherein a second
fluid 6 flows around the pipes 3 and the fins 4 for heat transfer
between the first fluid 5 and the second fluid 6.
[0034] The evaporator 1 comprises at least one collecting tank 7,
which is in fluid connection with the pipes 3, wherein at least two
collecting chambers 8 are formed by means of the at least one
collecting tank 7. The embodiment example of FIG. 9 comprises two
collecting tanks 7, wherein one of the two collecting tanks 7 is
divided into at least two collecting chambers 8 by means of at
least one internal partition wall, which is not pictured. The other
collecting tank 7 can comprise only one collecting chamber 8 or can
also be divided into several collecting chambers 8 by means of at
least one partition wall.
[0035] One of the collecting chambers 8 of the first collecting
tank 7 is equipped with a first fluid connection pipe 9 as an
injection line for supplying the first fluid 5. Furthermore, the
other collecting chamber 8 of the same collecting tank 7 is
equipped with a second fluid connection pipe 10 as a suction line
for discharging the first fluid 5.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a portion of the fluid connection pipes 9, 10
at their respective pipe ends 11,12.
[0037] It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the fluid connection pipes 9,
10 comprise a circumferential flange 13 near the pipe end 11, 12
and an O-ring 14 is slid over each pipe end 11, 12 and rests
against the flange 13. The flange 13 and the O-ring 14 serve as the
sealed connection of the fluid connection pipes 9, 10 to an
expansion valve for connection to a refrigerant circuit, not
shown.
[0038] In order to be able to connect and fasten the expansion
valve to the fluid connection pipes 9, 10, a retaining element 15
is arranged on the two fluid connection pipes 9, 10, which is
fastened to at least one of the fluid connection pipes 9, 10.
[0039] Preferably, the retaining element 15 is attached to the two
fluid connection pipes 9, 10.
[0040] In FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the retaining
element 15 is positively fixed to the two fluid connection pipes 9,
10, and the retaining element 15 is also frictionally fixed to at
least one of the fluid connection pipes 9, 10, in this case to the
fluid connection pipe 9.
[0041] For this purpose, the retaining element 15, which can
preferably be designed as a retaining plate, is arranged between
two flanges 13, 16, which are arranged at a distance from one
another on the fluid connection pipe 9. Furthermore, an elastic
element 17 is arranged between the retaining element 15 and one of
the two flanges 13, 16, which produces a frictional connection
between the first flange 13 and the retaining element 15. Thereby,
the elastic element 17 presses the retaining element 15 against the
flange 16 and it is itself elastically braced between the retaining
element 15 and the flange 13.
[0042] Alternatively, the elastic element 17 may be used to create
a frictional connection between the retaining element 15 and the
flange 16 or with the fluid connection pipe 9 itself.
[0043] Accordingly, the retaining element 15 is frictionally held
to one of the fluid connection pipes 9, 10 by means of the elastic
element 17.
[0044] In the embodiment example of FIG. 1, the elastic element 17
is designed and arranged as an open or closed ring element, so that
it can be compressed between the retaining element 15 and a
projection of fluid connection pipe 9 or 10. The projection is
thereby the flange 13 or alternatively the flange 16.
[0045] According to FIG. 1, the fluid connection pipe 9 comprises
two projections as flanges 13, 16, wherein the retaining element 15
can be arranged between the two projections, such as flanges 13,
16, in such a way that, on the one hand, it bears against one of
the two projections, flanges 13, 16, and, on the other hand, the
elastic element 17 can be arranged compressed between the retaining
element 15 and the other projection, such as flanges 13, 16, so
that it bears against the retaining element 15 and the other
projection.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows once again the arrangement of the fluid
connection pipe 9 with the flanges 13, 16 and the elastic element
17 prior to the retaining element 15 being arranged.
[0047] FIG. 2 shows that the retaining element 15 has two open
receptacles 18, 19, wherein one receptacle 18 receives one fluid
connection pipe 9 and the other receptacle 19 receives the other
fluid connection pipe 10. In this regard, the receptacles 18, 19
are oriented such that they are open laterally as open receptacles
18, 19 in order to be able to push the respective fluid connection
pipe 9, 10 into the receptacle 18, 19 or in order to be able to
push the retaining element 15 over the fluid connection pipes 9,
10. In this case, the receptacles 18, 19 are open, rotated by
90.degree.. The receptacle 18 is open towards a longitudinal side
20 of the retaining element 15, while the receptacle 19 is open
towards a transverse side 21 of the retaining element 15.
[0048] According to FIG. 1, the elastic element 17, which is
arranged adjacent to one of the projections 13, 16, is also
arranged adjacent to one of the receptacles 18, 19 of the retaining
element 15.
[0049] As an alternative to the design of FIGS. 1 to 3, FIGS. 4 and
5 show two further alternative designs in which the elastic element
17 has more of a flat design, which can be placed at least
partially around the fluid connection pipe 9. In this case, the
elastic element 17 can be flat or also pre-bent.
[0050] According to FIGS. 4 and 5, the elastic element 17 is formed
with a flat body 22 and with protruding elements 23, which protrude
from the flat body 22.
[0051] According to FIGS. 4 and 5, as well as 6 to 8, the
protruding elements 23 may be formed as point-like and/or line-like
elements.
[0052] FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 show that the projecting elements 23 are
formed as line-like elements. They can be formed as straight
line-like elements 23 according to FIG. 6 or as curved line-like
elements 23 according to FIG. 7, i.e. as curved line elements. The
curved line elements 23 can be formed, for example, as sinusoidal
line elements or as serpentine line elements.
[0053] FIG. 8 shows an arrangement of point-like elements 23. These
may be round, rectangular, etc. in shape. They may also be arranged
in a square or hexagonal or octagonal configuration, or in some
other way.
[0054] When the retaining element 15 is inserted into the
arrangement of FIG. 4 or 5, the elastic element 17, which is at
least partially wrapped around the fluid connection pipe 9, is
received by the retaining element 15 in the receptacle 18 and is
encompassed by the retaining element 15.
[0055] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *