U.S. patent application number 17/279909 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for plate forming part of a heat exchanger, and heat exchanger comprising at least one such plate.
This patent application is currently assigned to Valeo Systemes Thermiques. The applicant listed for this patent is Valeo Systemes Thermiques. Invention is credited to Kamel Azzouz, Cedric De Vaulx, Sebastien Garnier, Patrick Leblay, Michael Lissner, Julien Tissot.
Application Number | 20210341228 17/279909 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005765948 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210341228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tissot; Julien ; et
al. |
November 4, 2021 |
PLATE FORMING PART OF A HEAT EXCHANGER, AND HEAT EXCHANGER
COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SUCH PLATE
Abstract
The invention relates to a plate (105) forming part of a heat
exchanger and intended to delimit at least one channel (111a, 111b)
for circulation of a fluid. The plate (105) comprises a bottom
(106), and at least one raised edge (107) which surrounds the
bottom (106). The plate (105) comprises at least one opening (110)
configured to supply the channel (111a, 111b) with fluid. The
opening (110) is shaped according to an opening profile (X1). The
plate (105) is equipped with a fluid distribution means (300)
shaped according to a distribution means profile (X2) which is
homothetic with the opening profile (X1) of the opening (110).
Inventors: |
Tissot; Julien; (Le Mesnil
Saint Denis, FR) ; Azzouz; Kamel; (Le Mesnil Saint
Denis, FR) ; Lissner; Michael; (Le Mesnil Saint
Denis, FR) ; De Vaulx; Cedric; (Le Mesnil Saint
Denis, FR) ; Leblay; Patrick; (Le Mesnil Saint Denis,
FR) ; Garnier; Sebastien; (Le Mesnil Saint Denis
Cedex, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Valeo Systemes Thermiques |
Le Mesnil-Saint-Denis Cedex |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Le Mesnil-Saint-Denis Cedex
FR
|
Family ID: |
1000005765948 |
Appl. No.: |
17/279909 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
September 25, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2019/052268 |
371 Date: |
March 25, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 13/08 20130101;
F28D 9/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28D 9/00 20060101
F28D009/00; F28F 13/08 20060101 F28F013/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 25, 2018 |
FR |
1858763 |
Claims
1. A plate forming part of a heat exchanger and configured to
delimit at least one channel for circulation of a fluid, the plate
comprising: a bottom; at least one raised edge which surrounds the
bottom; and, at least one opening configured to supply the channel
with fluid, the opening being shaped according to an opening
profile, wherein the plate is equipped with a fluid distribution
means shaped according to a distribution means profile which is
homothetic with the opening profile of the opening.
2. The plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distribution means
is formed integrally with the plate.
3. The plate as claimed in claim 2, wherein the distribution means
comprises at least one protrusion which emerges from the bottom
toward a first channel.
4. The plate as claimed in claim 1, the opening being shaped as a
first circle formed around a first center, wherein the distribution
means is shaped as an arc of a circle formed partially around a
second center, the second center being coincident with the first
center.
5. The plate as claimed in claim 3, wherein the protrusions are in
a plurality, two immediately adjacent protrusions being separated
by a circulation passage.
6. The plate as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a collar
formed around the opening, the distribution means comprising a ring
which is in abutment against the collar.
7. The plate as claimed in claim 6, wherein the ring comprises an
annulus which is in abutment against the collar, the annulus being
provided with at least one crest which extends from the ring toward
a first channel (111a, 211a) for the fluid (4, 6).
8. A tube formed of at least two plates joined together, of which
at least one plate configured to delimit at least one channel for
circulation of a fluid, the at least one plate comprising: a
bottom; at least one raised edge which surrounds the bottom; at
least one opening configured to supply the channel with fluid, the
opening being shaped according to an opening profile, the plate is
equipped with a fluid distribution means shaped according to a
distribution means profile which is homothetic with the opening
profile of the opening.
9. A heat exchanger comprising at least one tube as claimed in
claim 8.
10. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 9, the at least one
plate comprising a collar formed around the opening, the
distribution means comprising a ring which is in abutment against
the collar, wherein the ring comprises a first annular surface (S1)
formed by an axial edge of the ring, and a second annular surface
formed by a terminal edge of each of the crests, the first annular
surface being in contact with the collar of the first plate, while
the second annular surface is in contact with the bottom of the
second plate.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to plates forming part of a
heat exchanger. The subject matter concerns such a plate, a tube
comprising such a plate, and a heat exchanger having at least one
such tube.
[0002] In the automotive sector, it is common to have to modify a
temperature of an element such as an electric motor, a battery, a
heat and/or cold storage device or similar. To this end, the motor
vehicle is equipped with an installation which comprises a
refrigerant circuit within which a refrigerant circulates, and a
heat-transfer liquid circuit within which a heat-transfer liquid
circulates. The refrigerant circuit comprises a compressor for
compressing the refrigerant, a thermal exchanger for cooling the
refrigerant at constant pressure, an expansion member to permit
expansion of the refrigerant, and a heat exchanger which is
arranged to permit a thermal transfer between the refrigerant and
the heat-transfer liquid.
[0003] The heat exchanger is an exchanger formed of plates that are
stacked and joined together in order to form tubes delimiting a
circulation channel for the refrigerant or for the heat-transfer
liquid and inlet and outlet manifolds for the refrigerant or for
the heat-transfer liquid. The plate comprises openings for
supplying the circulation channel with heat-transfer liquid or
refrigerant. The plate also comprises openings arranged to form the
manifolds. The circulation channel provides the heat-transfer
liquid or the refrigerant with a passage section which is a surface
taken perpendicularly to a plane in which the plate extends and
perpendicularly to an axis of longitudinal extent of the plate.
[0004] The tubes are parallel to one another and extend in a
horizontal direction orthogonal to the direction of the manifolds.
In the position of use of the heat exchanger, the manifolds are
preferably aligned according to a vertical, parallel to a direction
of gravity. Thus, the heat exchanger comprises upper circulation
channels which overhang lower circulation channels.
[0005] A first problem lies in a poor distribution of the
refrigerant and/or of the heat-transfer liquid inside the
circulation channel. Poor distribution of this kind lessens the
efficacy of the thermal transfer between the refrigerant and the
heat-transfer liquid.
[0006] A second problem lies in too great a speed of circulation of
the refrigerant and/or of the heat-transfer liquid inside the
circulation channel, which also minimizes the thermal transfer
between the refrigerant and the heat-transfer liquid.
[0007] A third problem lies in the fact that, in the position of
use of the exchanger, the refrigerant and/or the heat-transfer
liquid flows into the manifolds in such a way as to supply the
lower circulation channels with more refrigerant and/or
heat-transfer liquid than the upper circulation channels, because
of the gravitational attraction of the refrigerant and/or of the
heat-transfer liquid.
[0008] It is known to form protuberances inside the circulation
channel in order to disturb a flow of the refrigerant and/or of the
heat-transfer liquid inside the circulation channel.
[0009] However, there is still a poor distribution of the
refrigerant and/or of the heat-transfer liquid inside the
circulation channel and/or the manifold, and also too great a speed
of circulation of the refrigerant and/or of the heat-transfer
liquid inside the circulation channel and/or the manifold,
especially at least inside a peripheral portion of the circulation
channel that at least partially surrounds the openings of the
plate. It is observed that a central zone of the heat exchanger
and/or of the passage section sees its temperature modified to a
lesser extent than peripheral zones of the heat exchanger and/or of
the passage section, and this needs to be improved.
[0010] An object of the present invention is to make available a
plate forming part of a heat exchanger which permits optimization
of a distribution of the refrigerant and/or of the heat-transfer
liquid inside the circulation channel that the plate partially
delimits.
[0011] An object of the present invention is to make available a
plate forming part of a heat exchanger which permits optimization
of a supply of refrigerant and/or of heat-transfer liquid to the
inside of the circulation channel that the plate partially
delimits.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to make available
a plate forming part of a heat exchanger which reduces a speed of
circulation of the refrigerant and/or of the heat-transfer liquid
inside the circulation channel, in a particular zone where the
distribution is usually non-uniform and/or inside the manifold.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to make available
a plate which is arranged to homogenize a circulation of the
refrigerant and/or of the heat-transfer liquid in all of the
channels, whether lower or upper, of the heat exchanger.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to make available
a particular arrangement of the plate, the latter being either part
of a heat exchanger of which a circulation path is arranged in a U
shape, either for a heat exchanger between a refrigerant and a
heat-transfer liquid and for a heat exchanger between a refrigerant
and an air flow, or else a heat exchanger of which a circulation
path is arranged in an I shape, in particular for a heat exchanger
between a refrigerant and an air flow.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to make available
a heat exchanger comprising at least one such plate, the heat
exchanger being either a heat exchanger between a refrigerant and a
heat-transfer liquid, such as a heat exchanger interposed between a
refrigerant circuit and a heat-transfer liquid circuit, or a heat
exchanger between a refrigerant and an air flow.
[0016] A plate of the present invention is a plate forming part of
a heat exchanger and intended to delimit at least one channel for
circulation of a fluid. The plate comprises a bottom, and at least
one raised edge which surrounds the bottom. The plate comprises at
least one opening configured to supply the channel with fluid. The
opening is shaped according to an opening profile.
[0017] According to the present invention, the plate is equipped
with a fluid distribution means shaped according to a distribution
means profile which is homothetic with the opening profile of the
opening.
[0018] The plate advantageously comprises any one at least of the
following technical features, alone or in combination: [0019] the
opening profile is circular, the profile being seen in a plane
parallel to a bottom plane in which the bottom is inscribed, [0020]
the plate extending longitudinally and comprising longitudinal
ends, the plate comprises at least two openings, which are
distributed at each of the longitudinal ends of the plate, [0021]
the plate comprises at least four openings, which are distributed
in pairs at each longitudinal end of the plate. Two of these
openings are configured to communicate with a branch of a first
channel formed at one side of the bottom, and the two other
openings are configured to communicate with a branch of a second
channel formed at another side of the bottom, [0022] the
distribution means is formed integrally with the plate, [0023] the
distribution means is formed by a deformation of the plate, in
particular obtained by stamping of the plate, [0024] the
distribution means and the plate form a one-piece assembly and are
separable from each other only upon destruction of one and/or the
other of the distribution means and the plate, [0025] the
distribution means comprises at least one protrusion which emerges
from the bottom toward a first channel, [0026] the opening being
shaped as a first circle formed around a first center, the
distribution means is shaped as an arc of a circle formed partially
around a second center, the second center being coincident with the
first center, [0027] in the bottom plane, the second center is
offset with respect to the first center by between 5% and 25% of a
first radius of the first circle, [0028] the protrusions being in a
plurality, two immediately adjacent protrusions are separated by a
circulation passage, [0029] the circulation passage is a passage
formed in order to permit a circulation of the refrigerant or of
the heat-transfer liquid, [0030] the protrusions are distributed at
uniform angles around the second center, [0031] it will be
understood that the protrusions are distributed on the are of a
circle in such a way that, on the are of a circle, the protrusions
are formed in pairs at an equal distance from each other, the
distance being taken between two respective planes of symmetry of
the two protrusions, [0032] the protrusions are of a respective
protrusion length taken between two radial ends of the protrusions
in a plane parallel to the bottom plane, [0033] the protrusion
lengths are equal to each other, [0034] at least two protrusion
lengths are different from each other, [0035] two consecutive
protrusions are spaced apart by an angular sector that varies from
a first couple of consecutive protrusions to a second couple of
consecutive protrusions, [0036] the protrusions are identical in
shape and in volume, [0037] at least two protrusions are different
from each other, [0038] the protrusions are different from each
other in shape and/or in volume, [0039] the protrusions are
different from each other in height, the height of one protrusion
being taken between a protrusion base, which is formed in the
bottom plane of the plate, and a protrusion summit, which is formed
opposite the protrusion base, [0040] the protrusion summit is
formed within a plane which is parallel to the bottom plane in
which the bottom is inscribed, [0041] the plate comprising a collar
formed around the opening, the distribution means comprises a ring
which is in abutment against the collar, [0042] the ring is
circular, [0043] the ring is an add-on component which is placed so
as to bear against the plate, [0044] the ring and the plate are
connected by a solder, [0045] the ring comprises an annulus which
is in abutment against the collar, the annulus being provided with
at least one crest which extends from the ring toward a first
channel for the fluid, [0046] the annulus is circular, seen in a
plane parallel to the bottom plane, [0047] the annulus is provided
with a plurality of crests, two immediately adjacent crests being
separated by a circulation corridor, [0048] the crests are
distributed at uniform angles around a third center, [0049] in the
bottom plane, the third center is offset with respect to the first
center by between 5% and 25% of the first radius of the first
circle, [0050] the third center and the first center are
coincident, [0051] two consecutive crests are spaced apart by an
angular section that varies from a first couple of consecutive
crests to a second couple of consecutive crests, [0052] the
circulation passage is a passage formed in order to permit a
circulation of the refrigerant or of the htl, [0053] the crests are
identical in shape and in volume, [0054] at least two crests are
different from each other, [0055] the crests are different from
each other in shape and/or in volume, [0056] the crests are
different from each other in length, the length of a crest being
taken between two radial ends of the crest, [0057] the crests are
different from each other in height, the height of the crest being
taken between a crest base, which is formed integrally with the
ring, and a crest summit, which is formed opposite the crest base,
[0058] the crest summit is formed within a plane which is parallel
to the bottom plane in which the bottom is inscribed, [0059] the
ring is made of a synthetic material, [0060] the ring is arranged
to be placed in abutment against the collar, [0061] the ring is
made of a metallic material, [0062] the metallic material is chosen
from among the thermally conductive metallic materials, in
particular aluminum or aluminum alloy, [0063] the ring is intended
to be joined by soldering to the collar, [0064] the bottom
comprises a rib which is arranged such that the first channel has a
U-shaped profile, [0065] the rib is parallel to a direction of
extent of the longitudinal raised edges, [0066] the rib extends
between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the
first longitudinal end being in contact with the raised edge, and
preferably in contact with a first lateral raised edge that the
raised edge comprises, the second longitudinal end being situated
at a first non-zero distance from the raised edge, [0067] the
channel is shaped as a U whose branches are parallel to the
longitudinal raised edges of the plate and whose base lies next to
a second lateral raised edge which is formed longitudinally
opposite the first lateral raised edge, [0068] the first branch of
the channel and the second branch of the channel are separated by
the rib, [0069] the rib is formed at an equal distance from the two
longitudinal raised edges of the plate, [0070] the rib is offset by
a second non-zero distance with respect to a median plane of the
plate, the median plane being orthogonal to the bottom and parallel
to the axis of longitudinal extent of the plate, [0071] the plate
is provided with at least one protuberance, the distribution means
being interposed between the opening and the protuberance, [0072]
the protuberance has a profile of frustoconical shape, [0073] the
plate comprises at least two protuberances which are aligned along
an axis of lateral extent of the plate orthogonal to an axis of
longitudinal extent of the plate.
[0074] The present invention also relates to a tube formed of at
least two plates that are joined together, of which at least one
plate is as described.
[0075] The tube advantageously comprises any one at least of the
following features, alone or in combination: [0076] two plates are
engaged one inside the other, and between them a space is provided
which forms the channel for circulation of the fluid, [0077] the
heat exchanger comprises at least one such tube, [0078] the ring
comprises a first annular surface formed by an axial edge of the
ring, and a second annular surface formed by a terminal edge of
each of the crests, the first annular surface being in contact with
the collar of the first plate, while the second annular surface is
in contact with the bottom of the second plate, [0079] the heat
exchanger comprises at least one first tube provided with the
distribution means and a second tube free of the distribution
means, [0080] in the position of use of the heat exchanger, the
second tube is an upper tube which overhangs the first tube, [0081]
according to a design variant, at least three plates are engaged
one inside another and delimit in pairs a first channel and a
second channel, the first channel being configured to be used by a
heat-transfer liquid while the second channel is configured to be
used by a refrigerant, [0082] the heat exchanger comprises a first
circulation path participating in a refrigerant circuit inside
which a refrigerant circulates, and a second circulation path
inside which a heat-transfer liquid circulates, the first
circulation path and the second circulation path being arranged to
permit a heat exchange between the refrigerant and the
heat-transfer liquid. To this end, the bottom comprises a first
face bordering the first circulation path and a second face
bordering the second circulation path, [0083] the first circulation
path and the second circulation path are arranged in an I shape,
[0084] the first circulation path and the second circulation path
are arranged in a U shape, [0085] the heat-transfer liquid circuit
comprises a thermal exchanger able to exchange heat energy with an
element that is to be cooled and/or heated, such as an electric
motor, a battery, a heat and/or cold storage device or similar.
[0086] Further features, details and advantages of the invention
will become more clearly apparent from reading the following
description, which is provided by way of illustration and in which
reference is made to the drawings, in which:
[0087] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an installation comprising at
least one heat exchanger according to the invention,
[0088] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a first heat exchanger
participating in the installation shown in FIG. 1,
[0089] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a plate forming part of
the first heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 2, in a first design
variant of the plate,
[0090] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of a plate forming part of
the first heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 2, in a second design
variant of the plate,
[0091] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a distribution means
with which plate illustrated in FIG. 3 is equipped, in a first
embodiment of the distribution means,
[0092] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a distribution means
with which the plate illustrated in FIG. 3 is equipped, in a second
embodiment of the distribution means,
[0093] FIG. 7 is a schematic view, along a curvilinear section, of
the distribution means illustrated in FIG. 5 or 6, in a particular
design variant of the distribution means,
[0094] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of a distribution means
with which the plate illustrated in FIG. 4 is equipped,
[0095] FIG. 9 is a schematic view, in partial cross section, of the
first heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 2,
[0096] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a second heat exchanger
participating in the installation shown in FIG. 1,
[0097] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a plate forming part of
the second heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 10, in a first design
variant of the plate,
[0098] FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of a plate forming part of
the second heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 10, in a second
design variant of the plate.
[0099] It should first of all be noted that the figures set out the
invention in a detailed manner in order to implement the invention,
it being, of course, possible for said figures to serve to better
define the invention if necessary.
[0100] In FIG. 1, a motor vehicle is equipped with an element 1
which has to be cooled or heated, for example in order to optimize
its functioning. Such an element 1 is in particular an electric
motor or combustion engine intended to at least partially propel
the motor vehicle, a battery provided to store electrical energy, a
heat and/or cold storage device, or similar. To this end, the motor
vehicle is equipped with an installation 2 which comprises a
refrigerant circuit 3 within which a refrigerant 4 circulates, for
example carbon dioxide or the like, and a heat-transfer liquid
circuit within which a heat-transfer liquid 6 circulates, in
particular glycol water or the like. The installation 2 comprises
at least one heat exchanger 11, 12 according to the present
invention. The installation 2 is described below in order to better
understand the present invention, but the features of the described
installation 2 are not limiting for the heat exchanger 11, 12 of
the present invention. In other words, the installation 2 is able
to have distinct structural features and/or operating modes
different than those described, without the heat exchanger 11, 12
departing from the rules of the present invention.
[0101] The refrigerant circuit 3 comprises a compressor 7 for
compressing the refrigerant 4, a refrigerant/external air exchanger
8 for cooling the refrigerant 4 at constant pressure, for example
placed at the front of the motor vehicle, an expansion member 9 to
permit expansion of the refrigerant 4, and a first heat exchanger
11 which is arranged to permit thermal transfer between the
refrigerant 4 and the heat-transfer liquid 6. The refrigerant
circuit 3 comprises a second heat exchanger 12 which is arranged to
permit a thermal transfer between the refrigerant 4 and an air flow
10, the air flow 10 circulating for example inside a conduit 13 of
a ventilating, heating and/or air-conditioning system, before being
delivered to the interior of a passenger compartment of the motor
vehicle.
[0102] To this end, the element 1 is in communication with a
thermal exchanger 14, the thermal exchanger 14 being able to modify
a temperature of the element 1, in particular by direct contact
between the element 1 and the thermal exchanger 14, the thermal
exchanger 14 being part of the heat-transfer liquid circuit 5.
[0103] The heat-transfer liquid circuit 5 comprises a pump 15 for
making the heat-transfer liquid 6 circulate within the
heat-transfer liquid circuit 5. The heat-transfer liquid circuit 5
comprises the first heat exchanger 11, which is also part of the
refrigerant circuit 3. The first heat exchanger 11 comprises at
least one first circulation path 21 for the refrigerant 4 and at
least one second circulation path 22 for the heat-transfer liquid
6, the first circulation path 21 and the second circulation path 22
being arranged to permit a heat exchange between the refrigerant 4
present inside the first circulation path 21 and the heat-transfer
liquid 6 present inside the second circulation path 22. Preferably,
the first heat exchanger 11 has several first circulation paths 21
and several second circulation paths 22. A first circulation path
21 is interposed between two second circulation paths 22, and a
second circulation path 22 is interposed between two first
circulation paths 21. The first heat exchanger 11 thus has an
alternating arrangement of first circulation paths 21 and second
circulation paths 22.
[0104] Inside the heat-transfer liquid circuit 5, the heat-transfer
liquid 6 flows from the pump 15 to the first heat exchanger 11,
then flows inside the first heat exchanger 11, using the second
circulation paths 22 to exchange heat energy with the refrigerant 4
present inside the first circulation paths 21, then returns to the
pump 15.
[0105] Inside the refrigerant circuit 3, the refrigerant 4 flows
from the compressor 7 to the refrigerant/external air exchanger 8,
then to the expansion member 9.
[0106] According to a first operating mode of the refrigerant
circuit 3, the refrigerant 4 then flows inside the first heat
exchanger 11, using the first circulation paths 21 inside which the
refrigerant 4 exchanges heat energy with the heat-transfer liquid 6
present inside the second circulation paths 22, then returns to the
compressor 7.
[0107] According to a second operating mode of the refrigerant
circuit 3, the refrigerant 4 flows inside the second heat exchanger
12, using circulation paths inside which the refrigerant 4
exchanges heat energy with the air flow 10, then returns to the
compressor 7.
[0108] In FIG. 2, the first heat exchanger 11 is parallelepipedal
overall and comprises an end-plate 100 which is provided with a
heat-transfer liquid admission 101 by way of which the
heat-transfer liquid 6 accesses the interior of the first heat
exchanger 11. The end-plate 100 is also provided with a
heat-transfer liquid evacuation point 102 by way of which the
heat-transfer liquid 6 is evacuated from the first heat exchanger
11. The second circulation paths 22 extend between the
heat-transfer liquid admission point 101 and the heat-transfer
liquid evacuation point 102. The end-plate 100 also has a
refrigerant admission point 103 by way of which the refrigerant 4
accesses the interior of the first heat exchanger 11, and a
refrigerant evacuation point 104 by way of which the refrigerant 4
is evacuated from the first heat exchanger 11. The first
circulation paths 21 extend between the refrigerant admission point
103 and the refrigerant evacuation point 104.
[0109] The first heat exchanger 11 is a plate-type exchanger which
comprises a plurality of plates 105, such as the plate 105
illustrated in FIG. 3 or 4. The plate 105 extends principally along
an axis of longitudinal extent A1. The plate 105 comprises a bottom
106, and at least one raised edge 107 which surrounds the bottom
106. In other words, the raised edge 107 is formed at the periphery
of the bottom 106, and the raised edge 107 surrounds the bottom
106. It will be understood that the plate 105 is arranged in a
generally rectangular tub, the bottom of the tub being formed by
the bottom 106, and the edges of the tub being formed by the raised
edge 107. More particularly, the raised edge 107 comprises two
longitudinal raised edges 108a,108b which are formed opposite each
other, and two lateral raised edges 109a, 109b which are formed
opposite each other.
[0110] The plate 105 comprises four openings 110, especially
circular openings, which are distributed in pairs at each
longitudinal end of the plate 105, more particularly at each of the
corners of the bottom 106 of the plate 105. Two of these openings
110 are configured to communicate with one of the first circulation
paths 21 formed at one side of the bottom 106, and the two other
openings 110 are configured to communicate with one of the second
circulation paths 22 formed at another side of the bottom 106.
[0111] Two of the openings 110 formed at the same longitudinal end
of the plate 105 are each surrounded by a collar 120, such that
these openings 110, encircled by this collar 120, extend in a plane
that is offset with respect to a bottom plane P4 in which the
bottom 106 is inscribed. The two other openings 110, situated at
the other longitudinal end of the plate 105, extend in the bottom
plane P4.
[0112] Two plates 105 are engaged one inside the other and are in
contact with each other at least by way of their raised edges 107.
In other words, two plates 105 are stacked one above the other and
provide between them a space which forms a channel 111a, 111b for
circulation of the refrigerant 4 or of the heat-transfer liquid 6.
More particularly, the plate 105 borders, by way of one of its
faces, called the first face 118a, a first channel ilia for
circulation of one of the refrigerant 4 and the heat-transfer
liquid 6, and it borders, by way of the other of its faces, called
the second face 118b, a second channel nib for circulation of the
other of the refrigerant 4 and of heat-transfer liquid 6.
[0113] The bottom 106 is provided with a plurality of protuberances
112 which are, for example, of frustoconical shape.
[0114] The bottom 106 comprises a rib 113, which is arranged such
that the channel in has a U-shaped profile. The rib 113 is parallel
to a direction D of extent of the longitudinal raised edges 108,
the direction D of extent of the longitudinal raised edges 108
being preferably parallel to the axis of longitudinal extent A1 of
the plate 105. The rib 113 extends between a first longitudinal end
114 and a second longitudinal end 115, the first longitudinal end
114 being in contact with the raised edge 107, and preferably in
contact with a first lateral raised edge 109a that the raised edge
107 comprises. The second longitudinal end 115 is situated at a
first non-zero distance D1 from the raised edge 107, the first
distance D1 being taken between the second longitudinal end 115 and
the raised edge 107, measured along the axis of longitudinal extent
A1 of the plate 105.
[0115] These arrangements are such that the channel 111a, 111b is
shaped as a U whose branches are parallel to the longitudinal
raised edges 108a, 108b of the plate 105 and are separated by the
rib 113, while the base of the U lies next to a second lateral
raised edge 109 which is formed longitudinally opposite the first
lateral raised edge 109a. The rib 113 is formed at an equal second
distance D2 from the two longitudinal edges 108 of the plate 105,
the second distance D2 being measured between the rib 113, taken at
its center, and one of the longitudinal raised edges 108a, 108b,
perpendicularly to the axis of longitudinal extent A1 of the plate
105.
[0116] According to one design variant, the rib 113 is offset by a
non-zero distance with respect to a median plane P1 of the plate
105, the median plane P1 being orthogonal to the bottom 106 and
parallel to the axis of longitudinal extent A1 of the plate 105,
the distance being measured between the rib 113, taken at its
center, and the median plane P1, perpendicularly to the latter.
[0117] The raised edge 107 extends in an edge plane P3 which is
transverse to the bottom plane P4 in which the bottom 106 extends.
The lateral raised edges 109a, 109b and the longitudinal raised
edges 108a, 108b extend within respective edge planes P3 which each
form, with the bottom plane P4, an angle of between 91.degree. and
140.degree., preferably of between 910 and 95.degree..
[0118] The plate 105 is made of a metallic material able to be
stamped in order to form in particular the protuberances 112 and
the rib 113 by stamping of the plate 105, the metallic material
being chosen from among the thermally conductive metallic
materials, in particular aluminum or aluminum alloy.
[0119] The openings 110 are shaped according to an opening profile
X1 which is circular, seen in a plane parallel to the bottom plane
P4. Thus, the opening 110 is arranged according to a first circle
T1 formed around a first center C1 and of first radius R1.
[0120] The plate 105 is advantageously equipped with a distribution
means 300, 400 for distributing the refrigerant 4 and/or the
heat-transfer liquid 6. The distribution means 300, 400 is shaped
according to a distribution means profile X2 which is homothetic
with the opening profile X1 of the opening 110.
[0121] The distribution means 300, 400 is intended to disturb a
flow of the refrigerant 4 and/or of the heat-transfer liquid 6
inside channels 111a, 111b that are occupied by the refrigerant 4
and the heat-transfer liquid 6, respectively. The distribution
means is also intended to form an obstacle to the flow of the
refrigerant 4 and/or of the heat-transfer liquid 6 directly at the
outlet of the opening, in particular inside lower channels 111a,
111b of the first heat exchanger 11 with respect to upper channels
111a, 111b of the first heat exchanger 11, in the position of use
of the latter.
[0122] In FIG. 3, the distribution means 300 is formed integrally
with the plate. It will be understood that the distribution means
300 is formed by at least one deformation of the plate 105,
obtained in particular by stamping of the plate, for example formed
simultaneously with the protuberances 112 and with the rib 113.
[0123] The distribution means 300 comprises at least one protrusion
301 which emerges from the bottom 106 toward the first channel 111a
and which is formed on an arc of a circle Y1.
[0124] In FIGS. 5 and 6, the are of a circle Y1 is formed around a
second center C2 which is for example coincident with the first
center C1 around which the opening 110 is formed. The are of a
circle Y1 is of a second radius R2.
[0125] The protrusions 301 are in a plurality, two immediately
adjacent protrusions 301 being separated by a circulation passage
302. The circulation passage 302 is a passage formed in order to
permit a circulation of the refrigerant 4 or of the heat-transfer
liquid 6 between two protrusions 301.
[0126] In FIG. 5, the protrusions 301 are distributed at uniform
angles around the second center C2. The protrusions 301 are
distributed on the are of a circle Y1 in such a way that, on the
are of a circle Y1, the protrusions 301 are formed in pairs with
the same angular sector V from each other, the angular sector V
being taken between two respective planes of symmetry Z of the two
protrusions 301.
[0127] The protrusions 301 are of a respective protrusion length W
taken between two radial ends 303 of protrusions 301 in a plane
parallel to the bottom plane P4, the protrusion lengths W being
equal to each other.
[0128] In FIG. 6, the protrusions 301 are distributed on the are of
a circle Y1 in such a way that, on the are of a circle Y1, the
protrusions 301 are formed in pairs with a variable distance V
between each couple of protrusions 301, the distance V being taken
between two respective planes of symmetry Z of the two protrusions
301.
[0129] The protrusions 301 are of a respective protrusion length W
taken between two radial ends 303 of protrusions 301 in a plane
parallel to the bottom plane P4, at least two protrusion lengths W
being different from each other.
[0130] In FIG. 7, taken along the are of a circle Y1, the
protrusions 301 are different from each other in height. A height
H1, H2 of a protrusion 301 is taken between a protrusion base 304,
which is formed in the bottom plane P4 of the plate 105, and a
protrusion summit 305, which is formed opposite the protrusion base
304. The protrusion summit 305 is formed within a plane which is
parallel to the bottom plane P4 in which the bottom 106 is
inscribed. Thus, the first height H1 of a protrusion 301 is less
than a second height H2 of another protrusion 301.
[0131] In FIGS. 8 and 9, the distribution means 400 comprises a
ring 401 which is intended to come into abutment against the collar
102 arranged around the opening 110. The ring 401 is an add-on
component which is intended to be interposed axially between two
couples of successive plates 105, each couple of successive plates
105 comprising a plate 105 provided with a collar 120 and a plate
105 free of a collar, in line with the same opening. The ring 401
and the plate 105 are connected by a solder.
[0132] The ring 401 is circular, seen in a plane parallel to the
bottom plane P4, and is arranged along a second circle T2 formed
around a third center C3 and of third radius R3.
[0133] The ring 401 comprises an annulus 402 which is arranged
along the second circle T2. The annulus 402 is intended to come
into abutment against the collar 120 of a plate 105.
[0134] The annulus 402 is provided with a plurality of crests 404
which extend from the annulus 402 toward the channel 111a, 111b and
preferably from the annulus 402 toward the bottom 106 of the
immediately succeeding plate, by bearing against this bottom 106.
Two immediately adjacent crests 404 are separated by a circulation
corridor 405 for the refrigerant 4 or for the heat-transfer liquid
6. The circulation corridor 405 is a passage formed in order to
permit a circulation of the refrigerant 4 or of the heat-transfer
liquid 6 between two crests 404.
[0135] The crests 404 are distributed at uniform angles around the
third center C3. The crests 404 are distributed on the second
circle T2 in such a way that, on the second circle T2, the crests
404 are formed in pairs with the same angular sector V from each
other, the angular sector V being taken between two respective
planes of symmetry Z of the two crests 404.
[0136] The crests 404 are of a respective crest length W taken
between two radial ends 406 of crests 404 in a plane parallel to an
annulus plane P5 in which the annulus is inscribed, the crest
lengths W being equal to each other.
[0137] According to another embodiment, the crests are distributed
on the second circle in such a way that, on the second circle, the
crests are formed in pairs with a variable distance between each
couple of crests, the distance being taken between two respective
planes of symmetry of the two crests. The crests being of a
respective length taken between two radial ends of crests in a
plane parallel to the bottom plane, at least two crest lengths are
different from each other.
[0138] The crests 404 are of identical height. A height H of a
crest 404 is taken between a crest base 407, integral with the
annulus 402, and a crest summit 408 formed opposite the crest base
407. The crest summit 408 is formed within a plane which is
parallel to the annulus plane P5.
[0139] The ring 401 comprises a first annular surface S1 formed by
an axial edge 409 of the ring 401, and a second annular surface S2
formed by a terminal edge 410 of each of the crests 404.
[0140] In FIG. 9, the collar 120 delimits a seat which receives the
annulus 402 of the ring 401, the ring 401 being intended to be
joined to the plate 105 by soldering the annulus 402 to the collar
120. More particularly, the first annular surface S1 is in contact
with the collar 120 of the first plate 105, while the second
annular surface S2 is in contact with the bottom 106 of the second
plate 105.
[0141] In FIG. 9, the first heat exchanger 11 is represented
partially and in the position of use in which a manifold 30, formed
by the openings 110 provided one above the other, extends
vertically along an axis of extent A2 of the manifold 30. In other
words, the manifold 30 is formed parallel to an axis of gravity G.
In the position of use of the rings 401 with which the plates 105
are equipped, the third center C3 of each of the rings 401 and the
first center C1 of each of the openings 110 provided with a ring
401 are aligned along the axis of extent A3 of the manifold 30.
[0142] The first heat exchanger 11 here comprises, as shown
schematically, four first tubes 123a which are provided with the
distribution means 400 and four second tubes 123b which have no
distribution means 400. The second tubes 123b are upper tubes which
overhang the first, lower tubes 123a. It will be understood that
the distribution means 400 form a plug countering a rapid flow of
the refrigerant 4 or of the heat-transfer liquid 6 inside the
manifold 3, then inside the first tubes 123a which are preferably
supplied with refrigerant 4 or with heat-transfer liquid 6 in a
first heat exchanger of the prior art.
[0143] This results in an optimization of the distribution of the
refrigerant or of the heat-transfer liquid inside all of the tubes
123a, 123b of the first heat exchanger, which optimizes a thermal
exchange between the refrigerant and the heat-transfer liquid.
[0144] In FIG. 10, the second heat exchanger 12 is parallelepipedal
overall and comprises an end-plate 100 which is provided with a
refrigerant admission point 103 by way of which the refrigerant 4
accesses the interior of the second heat exchanger 12, and a
refrigerant evacuation point 104 by way of which the refrigerant 4
is evacuated from the second heat exchanger 12. The circulation
paths extend between the refrigerant admission point 103 and the
refrigerant evacuation point 104. The second heat exchanger 12 is
intended to modify a temperature of the air flow 10.
[0145] The second heat exchanger 12 is a plate-type exchanger which
comprises a plurality of plates 205, such as the plate 205
illustrated in FIG. 11 or 12. The plate 205 extends principally
along an axis of longitudinal extent A1. The plate 205 comprises a
bottom 206, and at least one raised edge 207 which surrounds the
bottom 206. In other words, the raised edge 207 is formed at the
periphery of the bottom 206, and the raised edge 207 surrounds the
bottom 206. It will be understood that the plate 205 is arranged in
a generally rectangular tub, the bottom of the tub being formed by
the bottom 206, and the edges of the tub being formed by the raised
edge 207. More particularly, the raised edge 207 comprises two
longitudinal raised edges 208a, 208b which are formed opposite each
other, and two lateral raised edges 209a, 209b which are formed
opposite each other.
[0146] The plate 205 comprises two openings 210, especially
circular openings, which are distributed at each longitudinal end
of the plate 205. One of these openings 110 is configured to
communicate with a first circulation path provided at one side of
the bottom 206.
[0147] One of these openings 210 is surrounded by a collar 220,
such that this opening 210, encircled by this collar 220, extends
in a plane that is offset with respect to a bottom plane P4 in
which the bottom 206 is inscribed. The other opening 210, situated
at the other longitudinal end of the plate 205, extends in the
bottom plane P4.
[0148] Two plates 205 are engaged one inside the other and are in
contact with each other at least by way of their raised edges 207.
In other words, two plates 205 are stacked one inside the other and
provide between them a space which forms a first channel 111a for
circulation of the refrigerant 4. More particularly, the plate 205
borders, by way of one of its faces, called the first face 218a, a
first channel 211a for circulation of the refrigerant 4, and it
borders, by way of the other of its faces, called the second face
218b, a second channel 111b inside which the air flow 10
circulates.
[0149] The bottom 206 is provided with a plurality of protuberances
212 which are, for example, of frustoconical shape.
[0150] The raised edge 207 extends in an edge plane P3 which is
transverse to the bottom plane P4 in which the bottom 206 extends.
The lateral raised edges 209a, 209b and the longitudinal raised
edges 208a, 208b extend within respective edge planes P3 which each
form, with the bottom plane P4, an angle of between 91.degree. and
140.degree., preferably of between 91.degree. and 95.degree..
[0151] The plate 205 is made of a metallic material able to be
stamped in order to form in particular the protuberances 212 by
stamping of the plate 205, the metallic material being chosen from
among the thermally conductive metallic materials, in particular
aluminum or aluminum alloy.
[0152] The openings 210 are shaped according to an opening profile
X1 which is circular, seen in a plane parallel to the bottom plane
P4. Thus, the opening 210 is arranged according to a first circle
T1 formed around a first center C1 and of first radius R1.
[0153] The plate 205 is advantageously equipped with a distribution
means 300, 400 for distributing the refrigerant 4. The distribution
means 300, 400 is shaped according to a distribution means profile
X2 which is homothetic with the opening profile X1 of the opening
210.
[0154] The distribution means 300, 400 is intended to disturb a
flow of the refrigerant 4 inside the first channel 211a that is
occupied by the refrigerant 4. The distribution means 300, 400 is
also intended to form an obstacle to the flow of the refrigerant 4
directly at the outlet of the opening 210, in particular inside
first lower channels 211a of the second heat exchanger 12 with
respect to first upper channels 211a of the second heat exchanger
12, in the position of use of the latter.
[0155] In FIG. 11, the distribution means 300 is formed integrally
with the plate. It will be understood that the distribution means
300 is formed by at least one deformation of the plate 205,
obtained in particular by stamping of the plate 205, for example
formed simultaneously with the protuberances 112.
[0156] The distribution means 300 illustrated in FIG. 11 comprises
the same features as the distribution means in FIGS. 5 to 7. It
will be understood that the features and advantages of the
distribution means 300 with which the plate 105 shown in FIG. 3 is
equipped are entirely transferable to the distribution means 300
with which the plate 205 shown in FIG. 11 is equipped, and they
provide the same effects.
[0157] In FIG. 12, the distribution means 400 comprises a ring 401
which is intended to come into contact with the collar 102 arranged
around the opening 210. The ring 401 is an add-on component which
is interposed axially between two couples of successive plates 205,
each couple of successive plates 205 comprising a plate 205
provided with a collar 220 and a plate 205 free of a collar, along
one and the same manifold. The ring 401 and the plate 205 are
connected by a solder.
[0158] The distribution means 400 illustrated in FIG. 12 comprises
the same features as the distribution means in FIGS. 8 and 9. It
will be understood that the features and advantages of the
distribution means 400 with which the plate 105 shown in FIG. 4 is
equipped are entirely transferable to the distribution means 400
with which the plate 205 shown in FIG. 12 is equipped, and they
provide the same effects.
[0159] The invention as has just been described does indeed achieve
its set objectives, making it possible to homogenize the exchanges
of heat along the entire length of the plate, thereby avoiding the
zones of lesser exchange, for example at least inside a peripheral
portion of the circulation channel 111, 211 surrounding at least
partially the openings 110, 210 of the plate 105, 205.
[0160] The invention is not limited to the means and configurations
exclusively described and illustrated, however, and also applies to
all equivalent means or configurations and to any combination of
such means or configurations. In particular, whilst the invention
has been described here in its application to a heat exchanger
involving refrigerant/heat-transfer liquid or air, it goes without
saying that it applies to any shape and/or size of plate or to any
type of fluid circulating along the plate according to the
invention.
* * * * *