Abstract:
A fin-type heat transfer device ( 1 ), in particular for vehicle applications, has fins ( 2 ) stacked onto one another spaced in a stack direction ( 5 ), which form a fin stack. The fins each form a plurality of openings ( 4 ) surrounded by collars ( 3 ), and the collars of adjacent fins are coupled to one another. In the region of the coupled collars, a channel ( 6 ), each of a channel system ( 7 ) for a first flow path ( 8 ) of a first fluid, is formed and between adjacent fins a second flow path ( 9 ) of a second fluid is formed, and with end plates ( 10 ) on ends of the fin stack that are distant from one another in the stack direction. The channels are fluidically connected to one another within the end plates. The fin-type heat transfer device ( 1 ) makes possible a cost-effective and simple production and assembly through a tubeless construction.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a United States National Phase Application of International Application PCT/EP2012/059144 filed May 16, 2012 and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Patent Application DE 10 2011 076 172.1 filed May 20, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a fin-type (fin) heat transfer device, in particular for vehicle applications. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Heat transfer devices serve for transferring thermal energy from one fluid to another fluid. During the heat transfer, in particular heat is thus exchanged, i.e. the temperatures of the fluids are equalized. Thus, the first warm fluid is cooled down by the colder second fluid via the heat transfer device, wherein the second fluid is heated up or the first fluid is the colder one and is heated up through the second warmer fluid, wherein the second fluid is cooled down. Heat transfer devices are therefore employed in numerous applications. In vehicles for example, as charge air cooler, they serve for cooling down the charge air to be fed to an internal combustion engine, or as exhaust gas heat transfer device or as heating transfer device for extracting heat generated by the internal combustion engine for further use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention therefore deals with the problem of stating an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a heat transfer device of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in particular by a simplified production. 
         [0005]    The present invention is based on the general idea of forming a heat transfer device as a fin-type (fin) heat transfer device. To this end, the fin-type heat transfer device comprises a plurality of fins stacked onto one another in a stack direction, which form a fin stack. In this case, the respective fins have openings which are surrounded by collars, wherein the collars of adjacent fins are coupled to one another so that in the region of the coupled collars a channel each of a channel system for a first flow path of a first fluid is formed. Stacking the fins and thus the collars thus forms these channels of the channel system, which runs through the openings of the respective fins and the associated collar. Furthermore, a second flow path of a second fluid is formed between adjacent fins through the stacking of the fins. The second flow path is thus created through the fins being stacked spaced from one another. The fin-type heat transfer device furthermore comprises end plates on ends of the fin stack which in the stacking direction are distant from one another. The end plates are thus arranged with respect to the stack direction on opposite ends of the fin-type heat transfer device. The end plates are furthermore formed or equipped in such a manner that the channels within the end plates are fluidically connected to one another. Such a heat transfer device is characterized in particular in that the deflections of the first fluid between the respective channels run within the fin-type heat transfer device and in that the fin-type heat transfer device is configured tubeless in its interior. 
         [0006]    In an advantageous embodiment, the rims of the respective fins are formed on at least one side of the fin-type heat transfer device, i.e. the rims in a direction that is perpendicular to the stack direction, in such a manner that they form a closed side wall of the fin stack on this side. To this end, the corresponding rims of the fins have a shape angled off the fin plane, wherein adjacent rims of the fins contact one another. The rims forming the side wall are thus angled off the associated fin by the same angle and in the same direction. In this case, two sides of the fin-type heat transfer device located opposite one another, in a preferred embodiment, each form a closed side wall through the forming of the corresponding rims of the fins. 
         [0007]    Embodiments are also conceivable, in which adjacent sides of the fin-type heat transfer device through the corresponding forming of the rims of the associated fins each form a closed side wall of the fin stack, wherein in the case the common corner of the adjacent side walls optionally allow a circulation from one of the side walls to the adjacent side wall through a corresponding shape of the respective fins or rims in this region. The side walls, which are created through a forming of the rims of the fins as described here, have the advantage in particular that the use or assembly of further components can be omitted. 
         [0008]    Alternatively, by contrast, an embodiment is preferred in which a housing of the fin-type heat transfer device in its transverse direction orientated transversely to the stack direction is limited through the two side walls located opposite one another and in the stack direction through the end plates of the second flow path and thus tunnel-like encloses the latter in the circumferential direction, while in its longitudinal direction it is penetrated by the second flow path and comprises two open longitudinal ends, so that the one longitudinal end forms an inlet for the second fluid, while the other longitudinal end then forms an outlet for the second fluid. 
         [0009]    Practically, the channels are arranged within the second flow path, as a result of which the channels are circulated by the second fluid on all sides, which leads to a particularly intensive heat exchange between the fluids of the two flow paths through the walls of the channels and through the fins. In a preferred further embodiment, it can be provided that the channels extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the fin-type heat transfer device through the second flow path and are arranged parallel next to one another both in the longitudinal direction as well as also in the transverse direction of the fin-type heat transfer device. Because of this, a compact construction can be realized. 
         [0010]    In a further advantageous embodiment, the individual fins are stacked in such a manner that the respective coupled collars abut one another. Thus, the directly adjacent and coupled collars in particular are in contact. The coupling of the respective collars abutting one another in this case is optionally realized by way of joints, for example welded joints and soldered joints. 
         [0011]    The collars of the respective fins can be formed in any shape and size. Advantageous however are collars which are formed conical in shape. These lead in particular to a simplified stacking of the respective fins, to a simple coupling of the adjacent collars or the associated openings and additionally ensure the spacing between the individual fins. As a further example for the shape of the collars, cylindrical, ellipsoid, hyperboloid and paraboloid collars are mentioned here. Embodiments are also conceivable, in which different shapes of collars are used. In this case, not all collars of the fin-type heat transfer device have the same orientation. In particular, not all collars of a fin thus project from the associated fin in the same direction. In particular, the collars can also be formed in such a manner that they project from the fin in the flow direction of the first fluid or against this flow direction or along the stack direction of the fins or against the stack direction. To this end, adjacent collars of the fins, which form adjacent channels of the channel system, are for example formed in opposite directions. Such a forming of the collars serves in particular the purpose of reducing or intensifying a braking of the flow generated for example through the rims of the collars. Thus, a certain influence over a flow speed of the first fluid flowing through the channels is possible, by means of which the time of the heat exchange within the fin-type heat transfer device is variable. 
         [0012]    It is pointed out that the individual collars need not necessarily comprise an individual opening of the associated fin. Collars are also conceivable, which simultaneously comprise a plurality of openings of the associated fin. 
         [0013]    In a further embodiment, the end plates each have one or a plurality of openings, which each serve for feeding or discharging the first or second fluid to the fin-type heat transfer device. Such a feed or discharge of the first fluid is arranged for example in a region of the associated end plate, in which two channels of the channel system are fluidically connected to one another. In this case, the feed is preferentially located on one of the end plates and the discharge on the other end plate located opposite. Other embodiments, in which the feed and the discharge take place on the same end plate, however are likewise conceivable, as are embodiments in which the end plates comprise a plurality of feeds and/or discharges. 
         [0014]    According to a further embodiment, the end plates of the fin-type heat transfer device are formed in such a manner that they each contact the directly adjacent fins outside the openings or collars of these fins. In this case, these contacts are linear or areal and optionally serve for connecting the end plates to the respective directly adjacent fin. In this case, this connection is realized for example through a joining method. The contacts between the end plates and the adjacent fins now establish a fluidic connection between the channels and ensure a separation between the two flow paths of the first and of the second fluid. To this end, the end plates comprise for example plate hollow spaces, wherein the individual plate hollow spaces at their respective ends touch and thus contact the adjacent fin in a region outside the openings of these fins. The hollow spaces of the end plates in this case preferentially have an orderly, in particular periodical arrangement. 
         [0015]    In an advantageous embodiment, the plate hollow spaces of at least one of the end plates are formed in such a manner that they each connect an outlet end of a single channel with an inlet end of a single other channel. The plate hollow spaces thus form connecting channels, which connect the respective channels of the first fluid with one another. The respective outlet ends or inlet ends of the channels in this case are defined with respect to the first flow path of the first fluid, which is also determined through the connecting channels of the end plates and thus the plate hollow spaces. Alternatively, the plate hollow spaces are formed in such a manner that they each connect outlet ends of a plurality of channels with inlet ends of a plurality of other channels. The plate hollow spaces thus form connecting chambers, which influence the flow path and thus the mentioned outlet ends and inlet ends. Furthermore, other embodiments are also conceivable in which the end plates comprise both one or a plurality of connecting channels as well as one or a plurality of connecting chambers as well as any combination of connecting channels and connecting chambers. 
         [0016]    In a further advantageous embodiment, the collars or openings of the individual fins are formed in such a manner that the channels of the channel system run parallel to one another. To this end, the collars of the fins of the fin-type heat transfer device for example face in the same direction or in opposite directions. Additionally or alternatively, the channels run in lines which run next to one another transversely to the flow direction of the second fluid. In this case, these lines can have a parallel arrangement. However, arrangements of the lines are also conceivable, in which the lines follow one another in the flow direction of the second fluid, are in alignment with one another or arranged offset transversely to the flow direction of the second fluid. 
         [0017]    According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one sleeve runs through at least one of the channels formed through the collars. The sleeve now in particular serves the purpose of making possible a connection of the individual fins, for example through soldering. Furthermore, the sleeve increases in particular the stability of the fin-type heat transfer device through a supporting function. 
         [0018]    The fins of the fin-type heat transfer device and the end plates are preferentially produced of thermo-resistant materials with suitable heat transfer because of the thermal conditions during the operation of the fin-type heat transfer device and the required heat conductivity capabilities. Reference is made in particular to metals and metal alloys, such as for example aluminium, sheet metal and nickel-based alloy as well as aluminum alloys. A particularly simple and thus cost-effective production of the individual fins and of the fin-type heat transfer device as well as the associated collars and openings in this case is possible in particular through punching-out or internal high-pressure forming (hydro-forming). Such a production method is preferred in particular with the individual fins from a continuous material, in particular metal or metal alloys. However, further forms of openings, for example elliptical or oval as well as angular shapes are also conceivable. 
         [0019]    It is pointed out, furthermore, that the fin-type heat transfer device permits a simple assembly and an easy variation of the size. Thus, for changing the size of the fin-type heat transfer device merely the number of fins of the fin-type heat transfer device has to be varied. Producing other components, for example tubes, in different sizes, is thus omitted. Consequently, fin-type heat transfer devices are employable in numerous applications. Possible examples for this are exhaust gas heat transfer devices, evaporators, exhaust gas recirculation coolers, charge air coolers, condensers, heating transfer devices, air-conditioning devices and waste heat utilization devices. 
         [0020]    It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and still to be explained in the following cannot only be used in the respective combination stated but also in other combinations or by themselves without leaving the scope of the present invention. 
         [0021]    Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein same reference characters relate to same or similar or functionally same components. 
         [0022]    The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    In the drawings: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a schematic lateral view of a detail of a fin-type heat transfer device; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional view through a fin-type heat transfer device; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view of a fin-type heat transfer device, showing one of different embodiments; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of a fin-type heat transfer device, showing another of different embodiments; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view through a detail of a fin-type heat transfer device showing one of different embodiments; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a schematic cross-sectional view through a detail of a fin-type heat transfer device showing another of different embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    According to  FIGS. 1 to 6 , a fin-type heat transfer device  1  comprises fins  2  which are stacked onto one another in a stack direction  5 , each of which comprises openings  4  surrounded by collars  3 . In this case, the stacked fins  2  are spaced from the directly adjacent fin  2 . Furthermore, the collars  3  of adjacent fins  2  are connected to one another in the stack direction  5 . Through these connections, the collars  3  which are adjacent in the stack direction  5  each form a channel  6  of a channel system  7 . The channels  6  of the channel system  7  furthermore form a first flow path  8  for a first fluid. In addition, in particular through the spacing of the adjacent fins  2  and the collars  3 , a second flow path  9  for a second fluid is created between adjacent fins  2 . As is shown furthermore in  FIGS. 2 to 4 , a fin-type heat transfer device  1  additionally comprises two end plates  10 , wherein a fluidic connection of the channels  6  of the first fluid is established within these end plates  10 . 
         [0031]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the collars  3  of the respective fins  2  are formed conical in shape. In addition, all collars  3  of the fins  2  have the same size and are orientated in the same direction, i.e. all collars  3  project from the associated fin  2  in the stack direction  5 . Two rims  11  of the individual fins  2  each located opposite one another are angled off the associated fin  2  in stack direction  5 . Because of this, the rims  11  of the directly adjacent fins  2  which are adjacent in stack direction  5  areally contact one another, wherein the angling of the rims  11  determines the spacing of the respective fin  2  from the adjacent fin  2 . Through the same size and shape of all rims  11 , and the same angling of all rims  11  which are adjacent in stack direction  5  on the respective sides of the fins  2 , the same spacing is thus obtained in each case between directly adjacent fins  2 . Through this spacing, the conically shaped collars  3  sink into the opening  4  or into the collar  3  which is directly adjacent in stack direction  5  of the directly adjacent fin  2 . Because of this, parallel channels  6  of the channel system  7  are formed, which run parallel to the stack direction  5 . The areal contact of the rims  11  of the respective fins  2  which are directly adjacent in stack direction furthermore form a closed sidewall  12  of the fin stack each on the respective side. In this case, the rims  11  which areally contact one another are connected to one another in the respective contact areas  13  via joints  14 . 
         [0032]    In the fin-type heat transfer device  1  shown in  FIG. 2 , the collars  3  of the fins  2  have a cone shape. The fins  2  are stacked in such a manner that the coupled collars  3  each abut one another and are coupled to one another through joints  14  via contact areas  13  created thereby. The end plates  10  of this fin-type heat transfer device  1  comprise hollow spaces  15 , which have the same size and shape and are each separated through separating sections  16 , each of which likewise have the same size and shape. One of the end plates  10 , which in stack direction  5  is arranged at the top on the fin-type heat transfer device  1 , connects to channels  6  which in a direction  17  that is perpendicular to the stack direction  5  are directly adjacent through one of the hollow spaces  15  each and separates the connection between one of the channels  6  connected through the hollow space  15  and a further channel  6  which is directly adjacent in the direction  17  through the separation section  16 . The hollow spaces  15  of the end plate  10  are thus formed as connecting channels. The connection between the two last mentioned channels  6  which are separated through the separation section  16  of the upper end plate  10  is realized through a hollow space  15  of the other, with respect to the stack direction  5 , lower end plate  10 , which has the same shape and size of hollow spaces  15  and separating section  16  as the upper plate  10 . To this end, the hollow spaces  15  of the lower plate  10  are offset relative to the upper end plate  10  by half the width of one of the hollow spaces  15  along the direction  17 . The respective end plates furthermore contact the respective directly adjacent fin  2  via their separating sections  16  in a flat region of these fins  2  outside the collars  3  and the openings  4 . In this case, the end plates  10  are formed in such a manner that the spacing between two directly adjacent separating sections  16  of the respective end plates  10  corresponds to double the spacing of two channels  6  which are directly adjacent in the direction  17 . Furthermore, the end plates  10  via their separating section  16  areally contact the respective adjacent fin  2 . In the region of this areal contact, the end plates  10  are connected to the adjacent fins  2  via joints  14 . 
         [0033]    The fin-type heat transfer devices  1  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  additionally comprise an opening  18  on the in stack direction  5  upper end plate  10 , which via a tube  19  makes possible the feeding or discharging of the first fluid into the channel system  8 . In this case, the opening  18  of the end plate  10  is arranged on a hollow space  15  of the end plate  10 , which connects a channel row  22  of the fin-type heat transfer device in a direction  20  transversely to the stack direction  5  and one which along a direction  21  transversely to the stack direction  5  is the outermost channel row  22  of the fin-type heat transfer device  1  with one another. This hollow space  15  is thus designed as a connecting chamber. The embodiments of the fin-type heat transfer device  1  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  furthermore show upper end plates  10  with different hollow spaces. 
         [0034]    The upper end plate  10  of the fin-type heat transfer device  1  shown in  FIG. 3  comprises hollow spaces  15 , which each connect channels  6  which are directly adjacent along the direction  21  with one another. Between these hollow spaces  15 , the end plate  10  has separating sections  16 , which do not allow any connection between channels  6  which are adjacent in the direction  20 . These hollow spaces  15  are thus formed as connecting channels. 
         [0035]    The hollow spaces  15  of the upper end plate  10  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  have a length which corresponds to the length of the heat transfer device  1  along the direction  20 , and a width which corresponds to the spacing of two channels  6  which are directly adjacent in the direction  21 . Because of this, these hollow spaces  15  each connect to channel rows  22  which are directly adjacent in the direction  21  and extend in the direction  20 . These hollow spaces  15  are thus formed as connecting chambers. 
         [0036]    According to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a housing  25  of the fin-type heat transfer device  1  limits the second flow path  9  in the circumferential direction in its transverse direction  20  orientated transversely to the stack direction  5  through the two side walls  12  located opposite one another and in the stack direction  5  through the two end plates  10 . The housing  25  is additionally penetrated by the second flow path  9  in its longitudinal direction  21  and on its longitudinal ends comprises an inlet  26  and an outlet  27  for the second fluid. 
         [0037]    The fin-type heat transfer device  1  is additionally configured so that the channels  6  are arranged within the housing  25  and within the second flow path  9 . It is provided, furthermore, that the channels  6  extend transversely to the longitudinal direction  21  of the fin-type heat transfer device  1  or the housing  25  through the second flow path  9  and both in the longitudinal direction  21  as well as in the transverse direction  20  of the fin-type heat transfer device  1  or of the housing  25  are arranged parallel next to one another. 
         [0038]    Although in  FIGS. 3 and 4  the channels  6  have been represented simplified, they can also comprise the collars  3  and the construction analogously to the representations of  FIGS. 1 and 2  and  FIGS. 5 and 6  respectively with these embodiments. 
         [0039]    In the detail of a fin stack of a fin-type heat transfer device  1  shown in  FIG. 4 , a sleeve  23  in the respective shown channels  6  is arranged coaxially to these channels  6  and contacts these. The respective sleeves  23  are furthermore connected to the associated channels  6  via contact locations. The sleeves  23  thus serve in particular for connecting the fins  2  and additionally stabilise the fin-type heat transfer device  1 . Preferred, however, is an embodiment without such sleeves  23 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  shows stacked fins  2  of a fin-type heat transfer device  1 . In this case, all collars  3  are formed conical in shape. In addition, two collars  3  of the individual fins  2  which in direction  17  are directly adjacent each have opposing orientations. The collars  3  are thus formed in such a manner that during while a collar  3  projects from the associated fin  2  in stack direction  5 , the collar  3  which in the direction  17  is directly adjacent to this collar  3  projects from the associated fin  2  against the stack direction  5 . In addition, the collars  3  of the fin stack are formed in such a manner that the collars  3  of the same channels  6  each project from the associated fins  2  in the same direction, i.e. all in stack direction  5  or all against the stack direction  5 . Because of this, in particular through the edges  24  of the collars  3 , and a suitable selection of the flow direction or of the flow path  8  through the channels  6 , influencing the flow speed of the first fluid or of the flow resistance and the heat transfer is possible. 
         [0041]    While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.