TUBE FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The invention relates to a field of heat exchangers for a heat exchange fluid. In particular, the invention relates to a field of heat exchangers for cooling of heat exchange fluids in automotive and/or electric devices fields.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Oil coolers are devices used to reduce the temperature of engine oil, transmission oil, or hydraulic fluids in automotive systems. They are essential for maintaining optimal fluid temperatures, thereby protecting engine and transmission components from overheating and wear.

[0003]In some cases, oil coolers include inner fins to improve its cooling performance. They work by increasing the surface area available for heat exchange, allowing for more efficient dissipation of heat from the oil to the surrounding air or coolant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004]An object of the invention is a tube for a heat exchanger, comprising: a first plate with two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges and a first inlet and a first outlet for a heat exchange fluid, a second plate with two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges, the first plate and the second plate being connected to each other so that the respective longitudinal edges and lateral edges of the plates are adjacent to each other and so that a channel for the heat exchange fluid is formed between the first inlet and the outlet, wherein each of the first and the second plates includes first dimples and second dimples, wherein the first dimples are arranged in first rows extending between the longitudinal edges, wherein the second dimples are arranged in pairs extending between the longitudinal edges of the first plate and the second plate and in singularities arranged in between the longitudinal edges of the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate have an identical arrangement of the first and second dimples, wherein the first plate and the second plate are stacked so that the first dimples of the first plate extend towards the second plate and the first dimples of the second plate extend towards the first plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate are rotated with respect to each other 180 degrees within their respective planes defined by the longitudinal and lateral edges.

[0005]Preferably, a portion of first rows includes neighboring first dimples arranged adjacent to each other.

[0006]Preferably, a portion of first rows includes at least one second dimple between neighboring first dimples.

[0007]Preferably, a portion of pairs or the second dimples includes at least one first dimple between neighboring second dimples.

[0008]Preferably, a portion of first rows includes a non-dimpled plate section between neighboring first dimples.

[0009]Preferably, a portion of first rows includes a non-dimpled plate section between neighboring first dimples, wherein the non-dimpled plate section is at least as long as the first dimple when measured along the lateral edges.

[0010]Preferably, a portion of the first dimples of the first plate is in contact with a portion of the first dimples of the second plate.

[0011]Preferably, a portion of the first dimples of the first plate is not in contact with any of the first dimples of the second plate.

[0012]Preferably, a portion of the first dimples of the second plate is not in contact with any of the first dimples of the first plate.

[0013]Preferably, the second dimples of the first plate extend away from the second plate and the second dimples of the second plate extend away from the first plate.

[0014]Preferably, the second dimples of the first plate overlap the second dimples of the second plate.

[0015]Preferably, the longitudinal edges are longer than lateral edges.

[0016]Preferably, the first dimples are smaller than the second dimples.

[0017]Preferably, the first dimples are of stadium shape.

[0018]Preferably, each first dimples includes a flat, top portion.

[0019]Preferably, the second dimples are of round shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022]The present invention will be described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0023]FIG. 1 shows a heat exchanger for a heat exchange fluid;

[0024]FIG. 2 shows a tube in perspective view;

[0025]FIG. 3 shows the outer side of a first plate of the tube in top view;

[0026]FIG. 4 shows the outer side of a second plate of the tube in top view;

[0027]FIG. 5 shows a portion of the first plate in a perspective view;

[0028]FIG. 6 shows a portion of the inner side of the first plate in a perspective view;

[0029]FIG. 7 shows a portion of the outer side of the second plate in a perspective view;

[0030]FIG. 8 shows a partial cross-section of the tube in a perspective view;

[0031]FIG. 9 shows an insert in a perspective view;

[0032]FIG. 10 shows another example of the tube in a perspective view; and

[0033]FIG. 11 shows another example of the second plate in a perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034]FIG. 1 shows a heat exchanger 40 for a heat exchange fluid. The heat exchanger 40 can be for example an oil cooler. The heat exchanger 40 can include a plurality of tubes 1. Each tube 1 includes at least one first inlet 4 and at least one outlet 5, connected to each by a channel 6 for the heat exchange fluid. The heat exchanger 40 includes a heat exchanger inlet 41 for the heat exchange fluid and a heat exchanger outlet 42 for the heat exchange fluid. The tubes 1 are stacked on top of each other and connected fluidically so as to enable flow of the heat exchange fluid between the heat exchanger inlet 41 and the heat exchanger outlet 42 through all the tubes 1. The air can be enabled to travel in-between the tubes 1 so that it can cool the liquid travelling there through.

[0035]FIG. 2 shows an example of the tube 1 in perspective view, with FIG. 3 showing the outer side of a first plate 2 of the tube 1 in top view, and FIG. 4 showing the outer side of a second plate 3 of the tube 1 in top view.

[0036]The first plate 2 can have two longitudinal edges A and two lateral edges B. Similarly, the second plate 3 can have two longitudinal edges A and two lateral edges B. Longitudinal edges A and later edges B of the first plate 2 define a first plane P2. Longitudinal edges A and later edges B of the second plate 3 define a second plane P3.

[0037]In particular, the first plate 2 is designed with a rectangular shape, and has two types of edges. It features two longer sides, described as the longitudinal edges A, which run parallel to each other and extend along the length of the plate 2. Additionally, it has two shorter sides, referred to as the lateral edges B, which are also parallel to each other and span the width of the first plate 2.

[0038]Similarly, the second plate 3 mirrors the design of the first plate 2. It has a rectangular form with two distinct types of edges. The two longer sides of this second plate are the longitudinal edges A, running along its length, while two shorter sides are lateral edges B, spanning its width. Thus both plates 2, 3 share the same basic geometric structure, each defined by a pair of longitudinal edges A and a pair of lateral edges B.

[0039]The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 can be connected to each other so that the respective longitudinal edges A and lateral edges B of the plates 2, 3 are adjacent to each other and so that the channel 6 for the heat exchange fluid is formed between the first inlet 4 and the outlet 5. In particular, each plate 2, 3 includes a raised portion 31 and a general portion 32. The raised portion 31 follows the outline of a respective plate 2, 3 and is shifted towards the other plate 2, 3 compared to the general portion 32. Consequently, the plates 2, 3 can be connected at their raised portions 31 and form the channel 6.

[0040]The second plate 3 can include a second inlet 44 and a second outlet 45 for the heat exchange fluid connected fluidically with the first inlet 4 and the first outlet 5. Consequently, the second inlet 44 and the second outlet 45 can be connected with the channel 6. In other words, the fluid can have an extended path through the heat exchanger 40 where the inlets 4, 44 are interconnected and together enable fluid flow through all the tubes 1, with the fluid travelling in parallel in the direction from the inlets 4, 44 to the outlets 5, 45 though respective channels 6.

[0041]Each of the first and the second plates 2, 3 includes first dimples 10 and second dimples 20.

[0042]The purpose of the first dimples 10 is to increase heat exchange surface within the channel 6 and to introduce turbulent flow of the heat exchange fluid. The first dimples 10 can be arranged in first rows 11 extending between the longitudinal edges A.

[0043]The second dimples 20 are arranged in pairs extending between the longitudinal edges A of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 and in singularities arranged in between the longitudinal edges A of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3.

[0044]Each pair consists of two second dimples 20, positioned opposite each other across the width of the plate 2, 3. By being paired and symmetrically aligned, these second dimples 20 provide balanced structural reinforcement and can help in evenly distributing stress. The paired second dimples 20 can be positioned in symmetrical pairs across the width of each plate 2, 3, e.g. with respect to a center line going through the middle of the plate 2, 3.

[0045]Unlike the paired second dimples 20, the singular second dimples 20 are not paired with another second dimple 20 directly across the plate 2, 3. They are distributed individually and are situated between the longitudinal edges A of the first and second plates 2, 3. They can be placed strategically to provide localized reinforcement.

[0046]The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 can have an identical arrangement of the first and second dimples 10, 20. This means that the design, positioning, and pattern of the first dimples 10 and the second dimples 20 can be the same on both plates 2, 3. In other words, on the first plate 2, the first dimples 10 and the second dimples 20 are arranged in a particular pattern or configuration. The second plate 3 can mirror this arrangement exactly. This means that if the first plate 2 is overlaid on top of the second plate 3, the first dimples 10 and the second dimples 20 of the first plate 2 align perfectly with their counterparts on the second plate 3.

[0047]The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 can then be rotated with respect to each other 180 degrees within their respective planes P2, P3 defined by the longitudinal and lateral edges A, B. The same tool can be used to produce both plates 2, 3, thus saving manufacturing costs, while still enabling provision of asymmetrically arranged dimples.

[0048]In one example, the first dimples 10 are arranged asymmetrically on the first plate 2 and the second plate 3, for example with reference to their longitudinal or lateral centerlines.

[0049]In one example, the second dimples 20 are arranged symmetrically on the first plate 2 and the second plate 3, for example with reference to their longitudinal or lateral centerlines.

[0050]The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 can be stacked so that the first dimples 10 of the first plate 2 extend towards the second plate 3 and the first dimples 10 of the second plate 3 extend towards the first plate 2. Consequently, the first dimples 10 can enforce turbulent flow within the channel 6. In addition, at least a portion of the first dimples 10 can be utilized for connecting with the first dimples 10 of the other plate 2, 3. This will improve rigidity of the tube 1.

[0051]A portion of first rows 11 can include neighboring first dimples 10 arranged adjacent to each other. In other words, a portion of the first rows 11 can include neighboring first dimples 10 that are not substantially distanced from each other, e.g. by a distance equal to a width of one first dimple 10.

[0052]A portion of first rows 11 can include at least one second dimple 20 between neighboring first dimples 10.

[0053]A portion of pairs of the second dimples 20 can include at least one first dimple 10 between neighboring second dimples 20.

[0054]The second dimples 20 of the first plate 2 can overlap the second dimples 20 of the second plate 3, in particular when viewed perpendicularly to the planes P2, P3.

[0055]The longitudinal edges A can be longer than lateral edges B. Alternatively, the longitudinal edges A can be shorter than lateral edges B. In one example, the longitudinal edges A can be equal in length to the lateral edges B.

[0056]The first dimples 10 can be smaller than the second dimples 20. In other words, their outline measured within respective plane P2, P3 can define a smaller area.

[0057]FIG. 5 shows a portion of the first plate 2 in a perspective view. The first plate 2 can include crimping tabs 7. The crimping tabs 7 can be small, protruding pieces of material integrated into a portion of the longitudinal and lateral edges A, B. The crimping tabs 7 can be designed to be bent or folded over during the assembly process to secure the plates 2, 3 to each other. The crimping tabs 7 can extend from the body of the plates 2, 3, for example within planes P2, P3, and be flat. They can have prescored lines or grooves to make folding easier and more precise. The primary purpose of the crimping tabs 7 can be to provide means of attaching the plates 2, 3 together without the need for additional fasteners before the assembly is brazed in the brazing furnace. This way, the position of the plates 2, 3 with respect to each other is stabilized, reducing the likelihood of movement or disassembly during handling. Similarly, the second plate 3 can include crimping tabs 7.

[0058]The first plate 2 can include a raised portion 8 for connecting with another tube 1. Similarly, the second plate 3 can include a raised portion 8 for connecting with another tube 1. This can particularly be the case when a particular tube 1 is arranged between two other tubes 1. The raised portion 8 then serves for aligning and connecting the tubes 1 together so that their inlets 4 and outlets 5 are correctly aligned for fluid flow.

[0059]FIG. 6 shows a portion of the inner side of the first plate 2 in a perspective view, while FIG. 7 shows a portion of the outer side of the second plate 3 in a perspective view.

[0060]The second dimples 20 of the first plate 2 can extend away from the second plate 3. The second dimples 20 of the second plate 3 can extend away from the first plate 2.

[0061]Outwardly extending second dimples 20 can be utilized for connecting neighboring tubes 1 to each other. In other words, the second dimples 20 of one tube 1 can be connected (e.g. brazed) to the second dimples 20 of another tube 1.

[0062]In one example, the second dimples 20 of one tube 1 can rest on the second dimple 20 of another tube 1 without being fixedly connected.

[0063]The first dimples 10 can be of stadium shape. The stadium shape resembles a rectangle with semicircular ends. The stadium shape first dimple 10 has two parallel straight edges connected by two semicircular ends. The length of the straight sides defines the elongated part, while the radius of the semicircular ends determined the curvature. The stadium shape first dimple 10 is symmetrical along both its length and width. The smooth transitions from straight sides to the rounded ends can help distribute stress more evenly across the first dimple 10, reducing the likelihood of cracks or weaknesses forming at the edges.

[0064]Each of the first dimples 10 includes a flat, top portion 12.

[0065]Each of the second dimples 20 includes a flat, top portion 12.

[0066]In general, flat top portions 12 create a convenient and reliable connection surface for connecting adjacent respective dimples 10, 20 to each other.

[0067]FIG. 8 shows a partial cross-section of the tube 1 in a perspective view.

[0068]A portion of first rows 11 can include a non-dimpled plate section 30 between neighboring first dimples 10.

[0069]A portion of first rows 11 can include a non-dimpled plate section 30 between neighboring first dimples 10, wherein the non-dimpled plate section 30 is at least as long as the first dimple 10 when measured along the lateral edges B.

[0070]A portion of the first dimples 10 of the first plate 2 is in contact with a portion of the first dimples 10 of the second plate 3. For example, a portion of the first dimples 10 of the first plate 2 is brazed to a portion of the first dimples 10 of the second plate 3.

[0071]A portion of the first dimples 10 of the first plate 2 can be without contact with any of the first dimples 10 of the second plate 3.

[0072]In one example, shown in FIG. 10, the second plate 3 can include inserts 46 (shown in FIG. 9) for closing the second inlet 44 and the second outlet 45. The insert 46 can be inserted during stamping and fixedly attached to the second plate 3, forming a sealed barrier for the fluid. In this manner, the last tube 1 of the heat exchanger 40 can be formed to have just first inlet 4 and first outlet 5 and consequently force the fluid to return towards heat exchanger outlet 42.

[0073]The inserts 46 can be placed inside the raised portions 8. The inserts 46 can have a shape corresponding to the raised portions 8.

[0074]In another example, as shown in FIG. 11, the second plate 3 does not have any inlets 4, 44 or outlets 5, 45, so that after connecting with the first plate 2 a tube 1 with just the first inlet 4 and the first outlet 5 is created. Then however the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 cannot be made with identical tool.