EP3548822A1

EP3548822A1 - Device for homogenising the distribution of a refrigerant inside tubes of a heat exchanger constituting a refrigerant circuit

Info

Publication number: EP3548822A1
Application number: EP17816945.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jérémy BLANDIN; Julien Tissot; Kamel Azzouz; Patrick LEBLAY
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
Current assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques SAS
Priority date: 2016-11-30
Filing date: 2017-11-30
Publication date: 2019-10-09
Also published as: WO2018100299A1; FR3061950A1; CN110177989A; FR3061950B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for homogenising the distribution (18) of the refrigerant (FR) inside tubes of a heat exchanger. The device for homogenising the distribution (18) comprises at least one duct (19) provided with at least one window (29) through which the refrigerant can enter into the duct (19) and at least one opening (22) through which the refrigerant can exit the duct (19). The duct (19) accommodates at least one partition (25) defining a first inside space (26) and a second inside space (27) inside the duct (19). The partition (25) comprises at least one opening (28) establishing fluid communication between the first inside space (26) and the second inside space (27).

Description

The field of the present invention is that of the heat exchangers constituting a refrigerant circuit. Homogenization device for the distribution of a refrigerant inside tubes of a heat exchanger constituting a refrigerant circuit. refrigerant fluid equipping a motor vehicle. The subject of the invention is a device for homogenizing the distribution of a refrigerant fluid inside tubes of such a heat exchanger. A motor vehicle is commonly equipped with a ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning system for heat treating the air present or sent inside a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. To do this, such an installation is associated with a closed circuit inside which circulates a refrigerant fluid. The refrigerant circuit comprises successively a compressor, a condenser or gas cooler, an expansion member and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is housed inside the ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning system to allow a heat exchange between the refrigerant and a flow of air circulating inside said installation, previously a delivery of the air flow inside the passenger compartment.

According to a mode of operation of the refrigerant circuit, heat exchanger is used as an evaporator to cool the air flow. In this case, the refrigerant is compressed inside the compressor, then the cooling fluid is cooled inside the condenser or gas cooler, then the refrigerant is expanded within the expansion device and finally the refrigerant captures calories to the airflow inside the heat exchanger. The refrigerant fluid, at the outlet of the expansion member and at the inlet of the heat exchanger, is in the two-phase state and is present in a liquid phase and a gaseous phase. The heat exchanger comprises a header and a return box between which a bundle of tubes or plates is interposed. During operation of the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant is admitted inside the heat exchanger through an inlet mouth that includes the manifold. Then, the fluid refrigerant flows between the header and the return box through the tubes of the bundle.

A general problem posed lies in the difficulty of feeding the tubes of the bundle homogeneously with respect to the different phases, liquid and gaseous, of the refrigerant fluid.

In fact, a heterogeneity of supply of refrigerant fluid tubes of the beam generates a heterogeneity of the temperature of the air flow through the heat exchanger. This heterogeneity is likely to induce untimely and undesired temperature differences between zones of the passenger compartment, which is detrimental.

The document US2015 / 0121950 proposes to house, inside the manifold, a device for homogenizing the distribution of the refrigerant fluid inside the tubes of the bundle. This device comprises a conduit provided with a plurality of orifices. The conduit has a first end portion which is in connection with a first inlet mouth of the refrigerant fluid inside the heat exchanger. The conduit is arranged in a cylindrical tube delimiting an internal volume in one piece within which circulates the refrigerant fluid. The coolant in the liquid phase is projected through the orifices formed through the conduit in the form of droplets.

Such an organization is not optimal from the point of view of the homogenization of the coolant distribution inside the heat exchanger. More particularly, the tubes of the beam farthest from the first end portion are frequently underfed with refrigerant fluid.

This results in a heterogeneity of the temperature of the air flow at the outlet of the heat exchanger, which is unsatisfactory. An object of the invention is to perfect the homogeneity of the coolant distribution inside the heat exchanger, in order to improve its efficiency and efficiency, in order to deliver inside the passenger compartment. a flow of air at the desired temperature. Another object is to propose a device for distributing a refrigerant fluid inside the tubes of the bundle which provides an equivalent supply of refrigerant fluid to the tubes of the bundle, including those furthest away from the first end portion. duct, which receives the first coolant.

A device of the present invention is a device for homogenizing the distribution of the refrigerant fluid inside tubes of a heat exchanger. The homogenization device of the distribution comprises at least one duct provided with at least one window through which the refrigerant fluid is able to enter the duct and at least one orifice through which the refrigerant fluid is able to exit the duct. leads.

According to the present invention, the duct houses at least one partition delimiting a first internal volume and a second internal volume inside the duct, the partition comprising at least one opening putting in fluid communication the first internal volume and the second internal volume.

The homogenization device of the distribution advantageously comprises at least one of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination:

the window borders only the first internal volume. The window is an access only to the first volume.

the window is formed at a first end portion of the duct.

the first end portion comprises a first end wall which is provided with the window. The first end wall is for example from a cover of a heat exchanger collector box.

the first internal volume is delimited at least by the partition, the first end wall provided with the window and a second end wall. The second end wall is for example from the cover of the header box of the heat exchanger.

the first internal volume is delimited by a peripheral wall of the duct.

the orifice is formed through the peripheral wall.

the orifices are in plurality and arranged along an alignment axis.

the second internal volume is closed at each of its longitudinal ends.

the second internal volume is delimited by the partition, the first end wall, the second end wall and the peripheral wall.

the partition extends between the first end wall and the second end wall.

- the partition is flat.

the partition is of circular cross section.

the second internal volume at least partially surrounds the first internal volume. According to one option, the second internal volume completely surrounds the first internal volume.

the partition is arranged around an axis of revolution which is parallel to an axis of symmetry of the duct.

the axis of revolution coincides with the axis of symmetry.

the axis of revolution is distinct from the axis of symmetry.

- the partition and the duct are in contact.

the duct is shaped in a cylinder.

the openings are in plurality.

the openings are of circular section.

the openings are distributed through the partition along the axis of symmetry.

- The openings are formed in at least one generatrix forming a non-zero angle with the axis of symmetry of the conduit.

the openings are made close to any one of the first end portion and the second end portion.

- The openings are of a larger and larger section from the first end portion to the second end portion.

- The openings are divided into a group of openings, the openings of the same group having a same refrigerant passage section, the average individual passage section of the openings of a group to another contiguous group being increasing since the first terminal part to the second terminal part.

the openings are equidistant from one another.

the openings are spaced apart from one another by a variable spacing.

- Each opening is formed of a superposition of two holes.

- the openings are of distinct section.

- The partition and at least the peripheral wall are from the same strip.

The invention also relates to a collector box defining a first chamber at least partially housing at least one such homogenization device of the distribution.

The invention also relates to a heat exchanger comprising such a header and a return box between which is interposed a bundle of tubes.

The heat exchanger advantageously comprises at least one of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

- The manifold is provided with a first mouth.

the first mouth is in fluidic correspondence with the window of the homogenization device of the distribution.

the first mouth at least partially houses the device for homogenizing the distribution. The invention also relates to a refrigerant fluid circuit comprising at least one such heat exchanger.

The invention also relates to a use of such a heat exchanger as an evaporator housed inside a housing of a ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning system equipping a motor vehicle.

The invention also relates to a method for producing such a distribution homogenizer, wherein the duct and the partition are obtained at least by folding and / or rolling a strip.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the detailed description given below as an indication in relation to the drawings of the attached plates, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a refrigerant circuit comprising a heat exchanger of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a first variant embodiment of the heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a second variant embodiment of the heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4a is a schematic perspective view of a first variant of FIG. producing a device for homogenizing the distribution of refrigerant fluid equipping the heat exchanger illustrated in FIGS. 2 or 3,

FIG. 4b is a sectional view along a transverse plane of the homogenization device of the distribution shown in FIG. 4a,

FIG. 5a is a schematic perspective view of a second variant embodiment of a device for homogenizing the refrigerant distribution equipping the heat exchanger illustrated in FIGS. 2 or 3,

FIG. 5b is a sectional view along a transverse plane of the homogenization device of the distribution shown in FIG. 5a,

FIG. 6a is a schematic perspective view of a third variant embodiment of a device for homogenizing the refrigerant distribution equipping the heat exchanger illustrated in FIGS. 2 or 3,

FIG. 6b is a sectional view along a transverse plane of the homogenization device of the distribution shown in FIG. 6a;

FIG. 7a is a schematic perspective view of a fourth variant embodiment of a device for homogenizing the refrigerant distribution equipping the heat exchanger illustrated in FIGS. 2 or 3,

FIG. 7b is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a fifth variant embodiment of a device for homogenizing the refrigerant distribution equipping the heat exchanger illustrated in FIGS. 2 or 3,

FIG. 8a is a diagrammatic front view of a first variant of a strip used for producing the homogenization device for the refrigerant distribution illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b or 7b;

FIG. 8b is a schematic view of a cross section of the strip illustrated in FIG. 8a shaped to form the homogenization device for the refrigerant distribution illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b or 7b;

FIG. 9a is a diagrammatic front view of a first variant of a strip used for the production of the homogenization device for the refrigerant distribution illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b and 7b,

FIG. 9b is a schematic view of a cross-section of the strip illustrated in FIG. 8a shaped to form the homogenization device for the refrigerant distribution illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b and 7b. The figures and their description set forth the invention in detail and according to particular methods of its implementation. They can be used to better define the invention, if necessary. In Figure 1, there is shown a closed circuit 1 inside which circulates a refrigerant fluid FR. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the refrigerant circuit 1 successively comprises, in a direction SI of circulation of the refrigerant fluid FR inside the refrigerant circuit 1, a compressor 2 for compressing the refrigerant fluid FR, a condenser or a gas cooler 3 for cooling the refrigerant FR, an expansion member 4 within which the cooling fluid FR undergoes expansion and a heat exchanger 5. The heat exchanger 5 is housed inside a housing 6 of a ventilation system 7, heating and / or air conditioning inside which circulates a flow of air. The heat exchanger 5 allows a heat transfer between the refrigerating fluid FR and the airflow FA coming into contact with it and / or passing through it, as illustrated in FIG. 2. According to the operating mode of the fluid circuit 1 described above, the heat exchanger 5 is used as an evaporator to cool the air flow FA, during the passage of the air flow FA to the contact and / or from one side of the heat exchanger 5. In Figures 2 and 3, the heat exchanger 5 comprises a manifold 8 and a gearbox 9 between which a tube bundle 10, 10a, 10b is interposed. In its generality, the heat exchanger 5 extends parallel to a first plane PI containing the manifold 8, the bundle of tubes 10, 10a, 10b and the return box 9. The manifold 8 overhangs the bundle of tubes 10, 10a, 10b, which are themselves located above the return box 9, in particular in the position of use of the heat exchanger 5 mounted inside the housing 6. In other words, according to this position in use, the manifold 8 is an upper box of the heat exchanger 5 while the return box 9 is a lower box of the heat exchanger 5. The airflow FA flows through the heat exchanger 5 in a direction preferably orthogonal to the first plane P 1.

The tubes 10, 10a, 10b are for example rectilinear and extend along a first axis of general extension Al between the manifold 8 and the return box 9. The box manifold 8 extends along a second axis of general extension A2 and the gearbox 9 extends along a third axis of general extension A3. Preferably, the second axis of general extension A2 and the third axis of general extension A3 are mutually parallel, being orthogonal to the first axis of general extension Al.

The bundle of tubes 10, 10a, 10b is provided with fins 15 which are interposed between two successive tubes 10, 10a, 10b, to promote a heat exchange between the air flow FA and the tubes 10, 10a, 10b, when a passage of the air flow FA through the heat exchanger 5, the airflow FA flowing in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first plane P 1.

The heat exchanger 5 comprises a first mouth 16 through which the refrigerant fluid FR enters the interior of the heat exchanger 5. The first mouth 16 constitutes an intake port of the refrigerant fluid FR in a first chamber 13 , which is delimited inside the manifold 8. The heat exchanger 5 comprises a second mouth 17 through which the coolant FR is discharged out of the heat exchanger 5.

In FIG. 2, the heat exchanger 5 is a heat exchanger inside which the refrigerating fluid FR flows in a path arranged in "I". The tubes 10 are arranged parallel to each other and are aligned inside the first plane Pl. The tubes 10 extend between a first end 101 which is in fluid communication with the deflection box 9 and a second end 102 which is in In other words, the gearbox 9 forms the base of the "I" while the manifold 8 forms the top of the "I". According to this first variant, the second mouth 17 equips the return box 9.

During an implementation of the refrigerant circuit 1, the refrigerant fluid FR enters the interior of the heat exchanger 5 through the first mouth 16 that includes the manifold 8. Then, the refrigerant fluid FR is distributed along the manifold 8 along the second extension axis A2 by a homogenization device of the distribution 18. Then, the refrigerant fluid FR flows between the manifold 8 and the 9 finally by borrowing the tubes 10. Finally, the refrigerant FR is discharged from the heat exchanger 5 through the second mouth 17 of the return box 9.

In Figure 3, the heat exchanger is a heat exchanger inside which the refrigerant fluid FR flows in a path arranged in "U". The tubes 10a, 10b are arranged parallel to each other by being distributed in two plies 11, 12, including a first ply 11 of first tubes 10a and a second ply 12 of second tubes 10b. The first ply 11 and the second ply 12 are formed inside respective planes which are parallel to each other and parallel to the first plane Pl.

The first tubes 10a of the first ply 11 extend between a first end 101 which is in fluid communication with the return box 9 and a second end 102 which is in fluid communication with the first chamber 13. The second tubes 10b of the second ply 12 extend between a third end 103 which is in fluid communication with the deflection box 9 and a fourth end 104 which is in fluid communication with a second chamber 14, also delimited inside the manifold 8. The first chamber 13 and the second chamber 14 are contiguous and sealed with each other. The first chamber 13 extends along a fourth axis of general extension A4 and the second chamber 14 extends along a fifth axis of general extension A5. Preferably, the fourth axis of general extension A4 and the fifth axis of general extension A5 are parallel to each other and parallel to the second axis of general extension A2. The fourth axis of general extension A4 and the fifth axis of general extension A5 together define a second plane P2, which is preferably orthogonal to the first plane P1. In other words, the reference box 9 forms the base of the "U" whereas that the first ply 11 and the second ply 12 of tubes 10a, 10b form the branches of the "U", the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 14 forming the ends of the "U". According to this second variant, the second mouth 17 equips the second chamber 14 of the header box 8. During an implementation of the refrigerant circuit 1, the refrigerant fluid FR enters the inside of the heat exchanger 5 through the first mouth 16 of the first chamber 13, being distributed along the manifold 8 according to the second axis of general extension A2 by the homogenization device of the distribution 18. Then, the refrigerating fluid FR flows between the first chamber 13 of the manifold 8 and the return box 9 by borrowing the first tubes 10a of the first ply 11. Then, the refrigerant FR flows between the return box 9 and the second chamber 14 by taking the second tubes 10b of the second ply 12. Finally, the refrigerant FR is discharged out of the heat exchanger 5 through the second mouth 17, after having passed through the second chamber 14.

Preferably, a first tube 10a of the first ply 11 is aligned with a second tube 10b of the second ply 12 inside a third plane P3 which is perpendicular to the first plane P1 and which is parallel to the first axis of general extension Al.

Whatever the embodiment of the heat exchanger 5 presented above, the manifold 8 houses the homogenization device of the distribution 18 of the refrigerant FR inside the tubes 10, 10a, 10b. Such a homogenization device of the distribution 18 is intended to homogeneously distribute the refrigerant fluid FR, in the two-phase liquid-gas state, along the manifold 8 and ultimately within the set of tubes 10, 10a, 10b. In FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b, the homogenization device of the distribution 18 comprises, for example, a duct 19 extending along a sixth axis of general extension A6, parallel, or even confused, with the second axis of general extension A2 and / or the fourth axis of general extension A4, between a first end portion 20 and a second end portion 21 of the duct 19.

It will be noted that any element extending along the sixth axis of general extension A6 is defined as longitudinal, which is defined by the largest dimension of the duct 19. The term transversal is understood to mean any element that extends inside the duct. a transverse plane Pt which is orthogonal to the general extension axis A6.

The first end portion 20 is formed of one end of the conduit 19, while the second end portion 21 is formed of the other end of the conduit 19, longitudinally opposite the first end portion 20. According to an alternative embodiment, the first end portion 20 is intended to be placed in fluid communication with the first mouth 16 of the heat exchanger 5. According to another embodiment, the first mouth 16 houses the conduit 19, the first end portion 20 is placed in fluid communication with a pipe of the refrigerant circuit 1. According to these two variants, the second end portion 21 is blind and forms a cul-de-sac with regard to the circulation of the refrigerant fluid FR to the 19. The duct 19 is for example formed in a cylinder, or in a parallelepiped or in any other form having an axis of symmetry A7, which is preferably parallel to or even coincident with the sixth axis of general extension A6. The orifices 22 are formed through a peripheral wall 23 of the duct 19 and are preferably aligned along an alignment axis A8 which is parallel to the sixth axis of general extension A6 and / or to the axis of symmetry A7.

The peripheral wall 23 is the one that gives the overall shape of the duct 19, the peripheral wall 23 is of cylindrical cross section when the duct 19 is shaped into a cylinder of parallelepipedal cross section when the duct 19 is a parallelepiped. According to one variant, the orifices 22 are equidistant from one another.

According to another variant, the orifices 22 are spaced from each other by a variable distance. The orifices 22 are for example orifices of circular section, but are likely to be of any conformation, rectangular, elliptical, oblong in particular.

The conduit 19 constitutes an envelope which delimits an internal space 24 around which the conduit 19 is formed. In other words, the duct 19 borders the internal space 24 that the duct 19 surrounds. Depending on the shape of the conduit 19, the internal space 24 is for example cylindrical or parallelepipedic, or of any other shape formed around the axis of symmetry A7.

According to the present invention, the duct 19 houses at least one partition 25 which separates the internal space 24 into at least two internal volumes referenced 26, 27. variants shown, the partition 25 defines a first internal volume 26 and a second internal volume 27. In other words, the partition 25 divides the internal space 24 into at least two separate internal volumes 26, 27 and for example contiguous. The partition 25 extends inside the duct 19, in particular longitudinally along the axis of symmetry A7 of the duct 19 from the first end portion 20 to the second end portion 21 of the duct 19. According to a variant of FIG. As illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b, 7a and 7b, the first internal volume 26 and the second internal volume 27 are of identical shape. In this case, the partition 25 is formed in the middle of the internal space 24, and the first internal volume 26 and the second internal volume 27 are of equal capacity. According to another embodiment, the first internal volume 26 and the second internal volume 27 are homothetic. In this case, the first internal volume 26 and the second internal volume 27 are similar. According to another variant embodiment, the first internal volume 26 and the second internal volume 27 are dissimilar and of respective distinct conformation. In the latter case, the partition 25 is then shifted so as to provide a first internal volume 26 and a second internal volume 27 of distinct volume capacity.

The partition 25 is provided with at least one opening 28 formed therethrough to allow a passage of the refrigerant fluid FR from the first internal volume 26 to the second internal volume 27. Preferably, the partition 25 is provided with a plurality of openings 28 which are for example arranged in orifices of circular section, but are likely to be of any conformation, rectangular, elliptical, oblong in particular. The openings 28 are for example equally distributed through the partition 25, along the axis of symmetry A7. The openings 28 are for example concentrated close to the first end portion 20 or the openings 28 are concentrated close to the second end portion 21. The openings 28 are for example of a section of increasing importance since the first part terminal 28 to the second end portion 21. The openings 28 are for example divided into a group of openings, the openings 28 of the same group having a same refrigerant flow section FR, the average individual passage section of the openings a group to another contiguous group being increasing from the first end portion 20 to the second end portion 21. According to one variant, the openings 28 are equidistant from one another. According to another variant, the openings 28 are spaced apart from one another by a variable spacing. The openings 28 are in particular adapted as a function of a refrigerant flow FR that is desired through the conduit 19 and / or the heat exchanger 5.

The duct 19 is equipped with a window 29 which is in fluid relation with the first mouth 16 to admit the refrigerant fluid FR inside the heat exchanger 5 via the duct 19. More particularly, the window 29 allows the refrigerant fluid FR from the first mouth 16 to access the first internal volume 26. In other words, the refrigerant fluid FR is admitted inside the heat exchanger 5 via the conduit 19 , more particularly via the first internal volume 26 and from a setting in fluid communication of the first mouth 16 and the window 29.

More particularly, and as illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 5a, 6a and 7a, the duct 19 comprises the peripheral wall 23, tubular of circular cross-section, and two end walls 31, 32. A first end wall 31 equips the first end portion. 20 of the duct 19 and is provided with the window 29. A second end wall 32 equips the second end portion 21 and is formed of a solid wall without window. The first end wall 31 and the second end wall 32 are for example flat and arranged along the transverse plane Pt orthogonal to the sixth axis of general extension A6 and / or the axis of symmetry A7. According to an alternative embodiment of the heat exchanger 5, the first end wall 31 and the second end wall 32 constitute a cover of the header box 8 which at least partially covers the first chamber 13 and the second chamber 14 More particularly, the first end wall 31 comprises a first end portion 31a partially delimiting the first internal volume 26 and a second end portion 31b partially delimiting the second internal volume 27. The window 29 equips the first end portion 31a. In other words, the second terminal portion 31b is free of passage for the refrigerant fluid FR, in contrast to the first end portion 31a which is provided with the window 29. In other words, when the refrigerant fluid FR enters the inside of the conduit 19, the refrigerant fluid FR enters only inside the first volume 26 and can not penetrate directly inside the second volume 27.

It follows from these provisions that the refrigerating fluid FR penetrating inside the heat exchanger 5 via the first mouth 16, penetrates inside the first volume 26 through the window 29 formed through the first end portion 31a of the first end wall 31. Then the coolant FR spreads inside the first internal volume 26. Then, the refrigerant FR borrows at least one opening 28 to flow from the first internal volume 26 to the second internal volume 27. Then, the coolant FR spreads inside the second internal volume 27. Then, the refrigerant FR borrows at least one orifice 22 to flow out of the conduit 19 to the first chamber 13 Then, the refrigerant FR flows through the bundle of tubes 10, 10a, 10b, as described above, to the return box 9, to be discharged out of the heat exchanger 5 through the second mouth 17. It follows from these provisions that during the transit of the refrigerant FR through the conduit 19 thus formed, the refrigerant fluid FR encounters multiple obstacles that promote a mixture between its liquid and gas phases. In addition, such a duct 19 promotes a homogenization of the distribution of the refrigerant fluid FR along the duct 19, and ultimately within the tubes 10, 10a, 10b.

It will be noted in particular that the liquid phase of the refrigerating fluid FR is retained inside the first internal volume 26 before reaching the second internal volume 27. The first internal volume 26 thus forms a reserve for storing the refrigerant fluid FR in the state liquid flowing by gravity within the first internal volume 26 to at least partially fill the first internal volume 26 homogeneously along the axis of symmetry A7 of the conduit 19. It will also be noted that the refrigerant FR is then sprayed during its passage through the openings 28 and / or the passage of the orifices 22 to then feed homogeneously the bundle of tubes 10, 10a, 10b. In other words, the first internal volume 26 allows a longitudinal distribution of the refrigerant fluid FR that is homogeneous along the axis of symmetry A7, the spraying of the refrigerant fluid FR through the openings 28 and / or the orifices 22 occurring in a second time, after homogenization in the first internal volume, which guarantees a better distribution of the refrigerant fluid FR at the outlet of the conduit 19.

Note also that the partition 25 may be made of a porous material such that the openings 28 are inherent to the nature of the material constituting the partition 25. Finally, according to various alternative embodiments, the partition 25 is extended example parallel to the sixth axis of general extension A6 and / or the axis of symmetry A7 or the partition 25 is intersecting the sixth axis of general extension A6.

Referring to FIGS. 4a, 4b, 7a and 7b, the partition 25 is a median partition formed along a plane of symmetry P4 of the duct 19. The plane of symmetry P4 is a sagittal and longitudinal plane of the duct 19 housing the axis symmetry A7 of the duct 19. The partition 25 extends between the first end wall 31 and the second end wall 32. The partition 25 also extends between two diametrically opposite edges 23a of the peripheral wall 23. The first internal volume 26 and the second internal volume 27 are shaped as half-cylinders, the second internal volume 27 overhanging the first internal volume 26, in the position of use of the heat exchanger 5. The window 29 is in turn shaped in half circle. The openings 28 are for example made vis-à-vis the orifices 22 or the openings 28 are offset longitudinally relative to the orifices 22. Referring to Figures 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b, the partition 25 is shaped in a tubular partition, preferably cylindrical. In this case, the partition 25 is formed around an axis of revolution A9 which is parallel to the sixth axis of general extension A6 and / or the axis of symmetry A7 of the conduit 19. The conduit 19 and the partition 25 being both tubular and cylindrical, a diameter of the duct 19 is strictly greater than a diameter of the partition 25. For example, the diameter of the duct 19 is twice the diameter of the partition 25. The window 29 is as for it conformed in a circle. The openings 28 are for example formed vis-à-vis the orifices 22, for example being coaxial, or the openings 28 are offset longitudinally with respect to the orifices 22.

Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the axis of revolution A9 and the axis of symmetry A7 are merged. The partition 25 and the duct 19 are coaxial, the duct 19 surrounding the partition 25. In this case, the second internal volume 27 encloses and envelopes the first internal volume 26. The only points of contact between the duct 19 and the partition 25 belong to the first end wall 31 and the second end wall 32.

Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the axis of revolution A9 and the axis of symmetry A7 are distinct and distant from a distance D which is non-zero. The axis of revolution A9 of the partition 25 is offset relative to the axis of symmetry A7 of the duct 19. The partition 25 and the duct 19 are for example tangent, the duct 19 surrounding the partition 25. In this case , the second internal volume 27 surrounds and envelopes the first internal volume 26. The second volume 27 has a cross section in the form of a half-moon or lunula.

In Figure 7a, the openings 28 are formed in a plurality of generatrices 43 which are parallel to each other, each generatrix 43 forming an angle with the axis of symmetry A7 of the duct 19. According to the illustrated variant, each generator 43 is the support of three openings 28. According to other variants, the number of openings 28 by generatrix 43 is likely to be greater than three.

In FIG. 7b, the first internal volume 26 houses a mixer 33 which is intended to break a laminar flow of the refrigerant fluid FR inside the first internal volume 26, so as to promote mixing between the liquid phase and the gaseous phase of the refrigerant fluid FR. The mixing member 33 is capable of being helicoidal or of different shape, to prevent the laminar flow of the refrigerant fluid FR inside the first internal volume 26.

It will be noted that the mixing member 33 is capable of being installed inside the first internal volume 26 of any of the ducts 19 described in its generality above with respect to FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and 7a.

FIGS. 8a and 9a show a strip 34 used to make the duct 19 illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b, from the implementation of a method of the present invention. The strip 34 is in particular a strip of metal material, aluminum or the like, for example, of small thickness, for example between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm. The strip 34 is preferably rectangular and has two transverse edges 35a, 35b and two longitudinal edges 36a, 36b. The transverse edges 35a, 35b are preferably parallel to each other and orthogonal to the longitudinal edges 36a, 36b, the latter being parallel to each other. The longitudinal edges 36a, 36b have a length which is greater than that of the transverse edges 35a, 35b. The strip 34 is provided with the orifices 22 which are formed along the alignment axis A8, the latter being for example parallel to the longitudinal edges 36a, 36b. The strip 34 is also provided with at least one first bore 37a, which may be an embodiment of the orifices 22. Preferably, the strip 34 is provided with a plurality of first openings 37a which are aligned along a first line L1. The first line L1 is parallel to the alignment axis A8. The diameter of the first holes 37a is preferably equal to the diameter of the orifices 22.

In FIG. 8a, the strip 34 is also provided with at least one second piercing 37b. Preferably, the strip 34 is also provided with a plurality of second holes 37b which are aligned along a second line L2. The second line L2 is parallel to the first line L1 and to the alignment axis A8. According to the illustrated variant, the diameter of the second openings 37b is greater than the diameter of the first openings 37a. According to another variant, the diameter of the second openings 37b is smaller than the diameter of the first openings 37a.

In its generality, the duct 19 illustrated in FIGS. 8b or 9b is obtained from one or the other of the strips 34 illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 9a, by folding and / or rolling thereof, in FIG. forming at least a first flat 39a, a first bent zone 40a and a second bent zone 40b. The first flat 39a is intended to at least partially form the partition 25. The first curved zone 40a and the second curved zone 40b are intended to form the peripheral wall 23.

More particularly, the duct 19 illustrated in FIG. 8b is obtained from the strip 34 illustrated in Figure 8a, by folding and / or rolling, forming the first flat 39a and a second flat 39b and the first bent zone 40a and the second bent zone 40b. The first flat 39a and the second flat 39b are intended to jointly form the partition 25.

More particularly, the duct 19 illustrated in FIG. 9b is obtained from the strip 34 illustrated in FIG. 9a, by folding and / or rolling, forming the first flat portion 39a and the first curved zone 40a and the second curved zone. 40b. The first flat 39a is intended to form the partition 25.

The duct 19 illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b and 8b is obtained from the strip illustrated in FIG. 8a by bringing the longitudinal edges 36a, 36b closer to a median zone 41 of the strip 34, to fold the longitudinal edges 36a, 36b and forming tabs 38a, 38b. Such tongues 38a, 38b promote the brazing of the wall 25 on an inner face 23b of the peripheral wall 23. The central zone 41 extends longitudinally halfway between the two longitudinal edges 36a, 36b. The tongues 38a, 38b are abutted against the central zone 41 of the strip 34. The tongues 38a, 38b are extended with respective flats 39a, 39b which are planar. The two flats 39a, 39b are affixed against each other to overlap each other. The first flat 39a is provided with the first holes 37a and the second flat 39b is provided with the second openings 37b, the contacting of the first flat 39a and the second flat 39b being operated by ensuring a superposition of the first holes 37a and the second openings 37b for example by positioning them coaxially. The first flat 39a and the second flat 39b together form the partition 25. A first piercing 37a and a second piercing 37b superimposed on each other cooperate to define the opening 28. According to the illustrated variant, the piercing comprising the most small diameter, namely the first piercing 37a, forms the opening 28. In another variant in which the piercing having the smallest diameter is the second piercing 37b, the opening 28 is constituted by the second piercing 37b. The second internal volume 27 is formed between the first flat 39a and the first bent zone 40a of the strip 34. The first internal volume 26 is formed between the second flat 39b and the second bent zone 40b of the strip 34. Then, the flats 39a, 39b are brazed together, the tongues 38a, 38b are themselves brazed with the median area 41 of the strip 34 against which the tabs 38a, 38b are brought into contact. In this embodiment of the conduit 19, the partition 25 is formed by the combination of the first flat 39a and the second flat 39b. The duct 19 illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b and 9b is obtained from the strip illustrated in FIG. 9a by bringing the first longitudinal edge 36a closer to a first intermediate zone 42a of the strip 34, to form a first tongue 38a which is placed abutting against the first intermediate zone 42a of the strip 34 and forming the first flat 39a. The first tongue 38a promotes the brazing of the wall 25 on the inner face 23b of the peripheral wall 23. The first intermediate zone 42a extends longitudinally from the first longitudinal edge 36a to a third of the distance between the longitudinal edges 36a, 36b. The first flat 39a is provided with the first openings 37a and the first flat 39a forms the partition 25, the first openings 37a forming the openings 28. The second internal volume 27 is formed between the first flat 39a and the first arcuate zone 40a of the strip 34 The first internal volume 26 is formed between the first flat 39a and a second bent zone 40b of the strip. Then, the first tongue 38a is brazed with the first intermediate zone 42a of the strip 34 while the second longitudinal edge 36b externally covers a second intermediate zone 42b with which the second longitudinal edge 36b is brazed. The second intermediate zone 42a extends longitudinally from the first longitudinal edge 36a to two thirds of the distance between the longitudinal edges 36a, 36b. In this embodiment of the conduit 19, the partition 25 is formed by a single flat 39a. These arrangements are such that the refrigerating fluid FR penetrating inside the homogenization device of the distribution 18 is distributed homogeneously to all the tubes 10, 10a, 10b, including those supplied by the orifices 22 the most close to the second terminal part 21.

Claims

1. Device for homogenizing the distribution (18) of the refrigerant fluid (FR) inside tubes (10, 10a, 10b) of a heat exchanger (5), the homogenization device of the distribution ( 18) comprising at least one duct (19) provided with at least one window (29) through which the refrigerant fluid (FR) is able to enter the duct (19) and at least one orifice (22) through wherein the refrigerant fluid (FR) is adapted to exit the conduit (19), characterized in that the conduit (19) houses at least one partition (25) delimiting a first internal volume (26) and a second internal volume (27) inside the conduit (19), the partition (25) comprising at least one opening (28) in fluid communication with the first internal volume (26) and the second internal volume (27).

The distribution homogenizer (18) of claim 1, wherein the window (29) borders only the first internal volume (26).

3. homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window (29) is formed at a first end portion (20) of the conduit (19).

The distribution homogenizer (18) according to claim 3, wherein the first end portion (20) comprises a first end wall (31) which is provided with the window (29).

5. A homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to claim 4, wherein the first internal volume (26) is delimited at least by the partition (25), the first end wall (31) provided with the window (29). ) and a second end wall (32).

6. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first internal volume (26) is delimited by a peripheral wall (23) of the conduit (19).

7. A homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to claim 6, wherein the orifice (22) is formed through the peripheral wall (23).

The dispensing homogenizer (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the orifices (22) are in plurality and disposed along an alignment axis (A8).

9. Homogenizing device of the distribution (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second internal volume (27) is closed at each of its longitudinal ends.

10. homogenizing device of the distribution (18) according to claims 4, 5 and 6, wherein the second internal volume (27) is delimited by the partition (25), the first end wall (31), the second wall; terminal (32) and the peripheral wall (23).

11. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the partition (25) extends between the first end wall (31) and the second end wall (32).

12. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the partition (25) is flat.

13. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the partition (25) is of circular cross section.

The distribution homogenizer (18) of claim 13, wherein the second internal volume (27) at least partially surrounds the first internal volume (26).

15. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein the partition (25) is formed around an axis of revolution (A9) which is parallel to an axis of symmetry (A7) of the conduit (19).

16. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to claim 15, wherein the axis of revolution (A9) coincides with the axis of symmetry (A7).

17. Device for homogenizing the distribution (18) according to claim 15, wherein the axis of revolution (A9) is distinct from the axis of symmetry (A7).

18. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to claim 17, wherein the partition (25) and the conduit (19) are in contact.

19. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conduit (19) is shaped into a cylinder.

20. The dispenser homogenizer (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the openings (28) are in plurality.

The distribution homogenizer (18) according to claim 20, wherein the openings (28) are of circular section.

The distribution homogenizer (18) according to claim 16 and any one of claims 20 and 21, wherein the openings (28) are distributed through the partition (25) along the axis. of symmetry (A7).

23. A homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to claim 16 and any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the openings (28) are formed in at least one generatrix (43) forming an angle (a) not zero with the axis of symmetry of the duct (A7).

The distribution homogenizer (18) according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the openings (28) are provided near any one of the first end portion (20) and the second terminal part (21).

25. A device for homogenizing the distribution (18) according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the openings (28) are of a section of increasing importance since the first end portion (20) to the second terminal part (21).

The distribution homogenizer (18) according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the openings (28) are divided into a group of openings, the openings (28) of the same group having a same refrigerant passage section (FR), the average individual passage section of the openings (28) from one group to another contiguous group being increasing since the first end portion (20) to the second end portion (21).

The distribution homogenizer (18) according to any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the openings (28) are equidistant from each other.

The distribution homogenizer (18) according to any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the openings (28) are spaced from each other by a variable spacing.

29. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein each opening (28) is formed of a superposition of two openings (37a, 37b).

30. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to claim 29, wherein the openings (37a, 37b) are of distinct section.

31. Homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to any one of claims 6 to 29, wherein the partition (25) and at least the peripheral wall (23) are from the same strip (34).

32. A header (8) defining a first chamber (13) housing at least partially at least one distribution homogenizer (18) according to any one of the preceding claims.

33. Heat exchanger (5) comprising a manifold (8) according to claim 32 and a return box (9) between which is interposed a bundle of tubes (10, 10a, 10b).

34. Heat exchanger (5) according to claim 33, wherein the manifold (8) is provided with a first mouth (16).

35. Heat exchanger (5) according to claim 34, wherein the first mouth (16) is in fluid connection with the window (29) of the homogenizer of the distribution (18).

36. Heat exchanger (5) according to claim 34, wherein the first mouth (16) at least partially houses the homogenization device of the distribution (18).

37. Refrigerant circuit (1) comprising at least one heat exchanger (5) according to any one of claims 33 to 36.

38. Use of a heat exchanger (5) according to any one of claims 33 to 36 as an evaporator housed inside a housing (6) of a ventilation installation (7), heating and / or air conditioning equipping a motor vehicle.

39. A method of producing a homogenization device of the distribution (18) according to claim 31, wherein the conduit (19) and the partition (25) are obtained at least by folding and / or rolling of a strapping (34).