Patent Publication Number: US-2019186837-A1

Title: Locating mechanism for heat exchanger assembly

Description:
FIELD 
     The invention relates to a heat exchanger assembly and a method for positioning components on the heat exchanger assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In forming a heat exchanger assembly, different components, such as a heat exchanger and parts that may have one or more pieces, which co-operate with the heat exchanger are coupled to a frame or base plate to form the heat exchanger assembly. The heat exchanger core, formed of heat exchanger plates, is typically brazed to couple the heat exchanger plates together, and which provide the fluid paths for flow of fluids for heat exchange. The heat exchanger core used and described in the application should be known a person of skill in the art, and can be varied depending upon application and design requirements. The heat exchanger core and other parts that co-operate with the heat exchanger can be coupled to the base plate by brazing, welding, affixing or bolting. However, proper positioning and alignment of the parts (that co-operate with the heat exchanger core) to attain precision on the frame or base plate prior to brazing can be challenging, leading to non-functional devices or devices having lower precision than required. 
     US Patent Publication No. US2013/0319634 A1 relates to various ways in which to integrate control valves into the structure of a heat exchanger. Accordingly, there is provided a heat exchanger assembly comprising a heat exchanger and a valve integration unit. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of alternating first and second fluid passages in heat exchange relation, and at least one inlet manifold and one outlet manifold interconnected by one of the plurality of first or second fluid passages, the valve integration unit being fixedly attached to heat exchanger and comprising a fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet and outlet manifolds. A valve mechanism is mounted within the valve integration unit in fluid communication with the fluid passage, the valve mechanism controlling the flow of a heat exchange fluid through said fluid passage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,442 B2 relates to plate heat exchanger for cooling a first fluid by a second fluid, including a plurality of stacked heat exchanger plates forming separate flow channels therebetween with a cover plate on one side and a base plate on the other side of the stacked plates. The plates have a plurality of aligned openings defining inlet and outlet channels each communicating with selected ones of connected flow channels. In one form, the cover plate includes a conveying channel guiding one of the fluids to a desired position along the length of the heat exchanger, and the base plate includes a conveying channel guiding the other of the fluids to a desired position along the length of the heat exchanger. In another form, the conveying channels for both of the fluids are in the same one of the cover or base plate. When such conveying channels are formed by structures separately coupled to the cover or base plate, their positioning can be challenging, and misalignment can affect device efficiency. 
     There is a need in the art on a method for properly aligning parts in a heat exchanger assembly to avoid loss of efficiency, while helping to attain maximum accuracy and efficiency. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the specification relates to a heat exchanger assembly having: 
     a heat exchanger having at least a plate pair, the plate pair defining a fluid passage for flow of fluid for heat exchange, and optionally coupled a base plate of the heat exchanger assembly; and 
     a component coupled to the heat exchanger or the base plate of the heat exchanger assembly, where the base plate is coupled to a bottom plate of the heat exchanger; the component having a plurality of parts, where one part of the plurality of parts has one or more protuberances, the one or more protuberances engaging a slit or cut-out for coupling the component. 
     In another aspect, the specification relates to a method for forming a heat exchanger assembly, the method containing the steps of: 
     coupling at least a plate pair for forming the heat exchanger, the plate pair defining a fluid passage for flow of fluid for heat exchange, the heat exchanger optionally having a base plate; and 
     coupling a component to the heat exchanger or the base plate of the heat exchanger assembly, where the base plate is coupled to a bottom plate of the heat exchanger; the component having a plurality of parts, where one part of the plurality of parts has one or more protuberances, the one or more protuberances engaging a slit or cut-out for coupling the component. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded front side plan view of a heat exchanger assembly according to a first embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded top perspective view from the front side of a heat exchanger assembly according to the first embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded top perspective view from a first side of a heat exchanger assembly according to the first embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded top perspective view from a second side of a heat exchanger assembly according to the first embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly according to the first embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly according to a second embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded bottom perspective view from the front side of a heat exchanger assembly according to the second embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded top perspective view from the front side of a heat exchanger assembly according to the second embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded side plan view from the front side of a heat exchanger assembly according to the second embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly according to the third embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly according to the third embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded side perspective view a heat exchanger assembly according to the third embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly according to the fourth embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 14  shows an exploded perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly according to the fourth embodiment disclosed in the specification; 
         FIG. 15  shows an exploded top perspective view from one side of a heat exchanger assembly according to the fourth embodiment disclosed in the specification; and 
         FIG. 16  shows an exploded top perspective view from second side of a heat exchanger assembly according to the fourth embodiment disclosed in the specification. 
     
    
    
     Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1-5  disclose a first embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly  2 . 
     The heat exchanger assembly  2  is made up of at least three components to form the heat exchanger assembly  2 , and include a base plate  6  that provides the framework for coupling to a heat exchanger  4  and a valve integration unit  8 . Although, the figures show exploded views of the three components (heat exchanger  4 , a valve integration unit  8  and base plate  6 ), when assembled to form the heat exchanger assembly  2 , the heat exchanger  4  and the valve integration unit  8  can be affixed to the base plate  6 , as described herein. 
     The type of heat exchanger  4  used is not particularly limited and can vary depending upon the design and application requirements. In one embodiment, as shown in the figures, a dish-type heat exchanger is attached to the base plate  6 , however, as should be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art, other types of heat exchangers, such as, for example and without limitation, a plate-type heat exchanger can also be used. 
     The heat exchanger  4  is formed using a plurality of heat exchanger plates  10 , which may or may not be identical, and form the heat exchanger core by providing the surface of heat exchange for the fluids flowing therein. In the embodiment disclosed, the plurality of heat exchanger plates  10  are sandwiched between a top plate  48  and a bottom plate  50  of the heat exchanger core. As should be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, the plurality of heat exchanger plates  10  together define a first fluid passage (not shown) and a second fluid passage (not shown) for flow of a first fluid and a second fluid, respectively. The first fluid passage and the second fluid passage are thermally coupled, such that the first fluid flowing through the first fluid passage can undergo heat exchange with the second fluid flowing through the second fluid passage, and vice versa; hence, permitting heat exchange between the first and second fluids. 
     The heat exchanger  4  also has a first fluid inlet manifold (not shown) that is coupled to the first fluid passage. The first fluid inlet manifold is also provided with a first fluid inlet  12  to allow a first fluid to flow into the heat exchanger core. A first fluid outlet manifold (not shown) is also provided and is also coupled to the first fluid passage. The first fluid outlet manifold is also provided with a first fluid outlet  14 , to allow the first fluid from the first fluid inlet manifold that enters through the first fluid inlet  12  to pass through the first fluid passage and then flow into the first fluid outlet manifold before passing out through the first fluid outlet  14 . 
     Similar to the above for flow of a first fluid, a second fluid inlet manifold (not shown) having a second fluid inlet is coupled to the second fluid passage at one end. While a second fluid outlet manifold (not shown) having a second fluid outlet is coupled to the second fluid passage at a second end of the second fluid passage. The second fluid passage being in fluid communication with the second fluid inlet manifold and the second fluid outlet manifold permitting second fluid flow from the second fluid inlet, passing through the second fluid inlet manifold to the second fluid outlet manifold before exiting through the second fluid outlet. 
     The base plate  6  in the heat exchanger assembly  2  provides the framework for attachment and coupling of the heat exchanger  4  and the valve integration unit  8 . To form the heat exchanger assembly  2 , the bottom plate  50  of heat exchanger (after properly positioning the components of the heat exchanger, as described above) is placed on the base plate  6  before coupling the heat exchanger  4  to the base plate  6 . The method of coupling is not particularly limited, and can vary depending upon the design and application requirements. In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the bottom plate  50  of the heat exchanger  4  is brazed to the base plate  6 , for coupling the heat exchanger  4  and base plate  6 . 
     The shape and design of the base plate  6  is not particularly limited and can vary depending upon the design and application requirements. The base plate  6  is designed or structured to have sufficient footprint and strength for affixing the heat exchanger  4  and the valve integration unit  8  to the base plate  6 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the heat exchanger  4  is positioned adjacent to the valve integration unit  8 , and on the same side of the base plate  6 . 
     In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base plate  6  is provided with a pair of openings  20  and one or more slits  22 . In the embodiment shown, one of openings of the pair of openings  16  has the valve assembly  42  positioned on it for control of flow. The pair of openings  20  allows fluid communication with the valve integration unit  8  as described below, while the slit  22  is utilized for coupling the valve integration unit  8  to the base plate  6 , as described below. 
     Although the embodiment disclosed in the figures relating to the base plate  6  can provided with a plurality of openings, depending upon the design and application requirements, some of the openings may or may not be present. For instance, in one embodiment, where a different type of heat exchanger is used, additional pairs of openings can be provided that are in fluid communication with the first fluid and/or second fluid flowing through the heat exchanger core. 
     The valve integration unit  8  contains a brazing sheet  24 , a valve housing  32  and a valve assembly  42 ; with the valve assembly  42  generally positioned within the valve housing  32  and in between the valve housing  32  and brazing sheet  24 . In coupling the valve integration unit  8  to the base plate  6 , the brazing sheet  24  is sandwiched between the valve housing  32  and the base plate  6 . 
     In the embodiment shown in the figures, the brazing sheet  24  is formed by a piece of strip having a first aperture  26  at the first end  52  of the brazing sheet  24 , a second aperture  28  at the second end  54  of the brazing sheet and one or more slots  30 . The first aperture  26  at the first end  52  of the brazing sheet  24  being formed so that it is fluidly aligned with the one of the pair of openings  20  in the base plate  6 , to allow a fluid to flow through the first aperture  26  to the opening  20  in the base plate, or vice versa. In a preferred embodiment, the edge of the brazing sheet  24  defining the first aperture  26  is aligned with the edge of the base plate  6  defining one of the openings  20  in the base plate  6 . Similar to the first aperture  26 , the second aperture  28  at the second end of the brazing sheet  24  allows fluid communication between the second aperture  28  and the other opening of the pair of openings  20  in the base plate  6 . Moreover, the slot  30  formed in the brazing sheet  24  is in alignment with the slit  22  formed in the base plate  6 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in the figures, the valve housing  32  has a first end  34 , a second end  36  and a channel  38  formed from near the first end  34  to the second  36  to permit fluid flow from the first end  34  to the second end  36 . The length of the channel  38  formed permits fluid flow from the first aperture  26  in the brazing sheet  24  to flow along the length of the channel  38  to the second aperture  28  in the brazing sheet  24 . The channel  38  can enclosed on one side by a cover plate  16 , to control and encase the fluid flow in the channel  38 . The cover plate  16  can have one or more cut-outs  18 , which can be used for proper alignment and positioning of the cover-plate  16  on the channel  38 . 
     The first end  34  of the valve housing  32  has an orifice  40  that permits fluid entering the orifice to flow into the channel  38  or flow through the first aperture  26  in the brazing sheet  24 , and also through one of the pair of openings  20  formed in the base plate  6  that is in fluid alignment with the first aperture  26  in the brazing sheet  24 . 
     In an embodiment as shown in the figures, the valve housing  32  has a generally tubular body with the first end  34  being cylindrical that has a cavity, which is in fluid communication with the channel  38  and the orifice  40 . The cavity is formed for positioning a valve assembly  42  within the valve housing  32 , where the valve assembly  42  helps to control fluid flow to the channel  38  or permit fluid flow to the first aperture  26  in the brazing sheet  24 . In addition, the first end  34  of the valve housing  32  having the orifice  40  can be adapted for coupling to other features or components to allow fluid flow to or from the heat exchanger assembly  2 . 
     Along the length of the valve housing  32 , one or more protuberances  44  are formed on a first side  56  of the channel  38 , which during assembly or coupling of the valve integration unit  8  pass through the slot  30  in the brazing sheet  24  and engage the slit  22  in the base plate. During coupling of the valve integration unit  8  to the base plate  6 , cladding material can be used for brazing the valve integration unit  8  to the base plate  6  and form the heat exchanger assembly  2 . The brazing method is not particularly limited and should be known to a person of skill in the art. 
     Additional protuberances  44  can also be provided on a second side  58  of the channel  38 , which during assembly can engage the cut-outs  18  in the cover plate  16  to ensure proper positioning and alignment of the cover plate  16  on the channel  38 . Cladding material can be used for brazing the cover plate  16  to the channel  38 . Again, the brazing method is not particularly limited and should be known to a person of skill in the art. 
     The valve assembly  42  used herein is not particularly limited and can varied depending upon design and application requirements. The valve assembly  42  disclosed in the figures can be provided with actuation means to actuate the valve from a first position to a second position, as should be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Biasing means, such as spring, can also be provided to bias the valve back from the second position to the first position. 
       FIGS. 6-9  relate to a second embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly  2  having a locating mechanism for positioning components on the heat exchanger assembly  2 , other than the heat exchanger core  4 . Although the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6-9  relates to a dish-type plate heat exchanger, the features disclosed herein can be used with other types of heat exchangers as should be recognized a person of skill in the art. 
     Similar to the first embodiment,  FIG. 6  shows a heat exchanger assembly  2  of the second embodiment that has a heat exchanger core formed by a plurality of heat exchanger plates  10 , which may be identical or different. The plurality of heat exchanger plates  10  are coupled together to provide fluid passages (not shown) for a first heat exchanger fluid and a second heat exchanger fluid, and permit heat exchange between the first and second heat exchanger fluids, as should be known to a person of skill in the art. The heat exchanger  4  is coupled to a base plate  6  by welding, brazing or other means known to persons of skill in the art. 
     In addition, the heat exchanger assembly  2  has a fitting assembly  86 , where the fitting assembly  86  has a structural plate  62  sandwiched between a brazing sheet  48  and an inlet fitting  60 . The brazing sheet  48  is coupled to the top of the plurality of heat exchanger plates  10 . The brazing sheet  48  can be provided with apertures  46  (one shown in  FIG. 6 ) that permit a first fluid to flow into a fluid first manifold (not shown) of the heat exchanger  4 , and from there the first fluid flows in a first fluid channel (not shown) formed by the plurality of heat exchanger plates  10 . 
     The heat exchanger assembly  2  is provided with one or more fittings  60  coupled to the structural plate  62  and the brazing sheet  48  of the heat exchanger  4 . In the second embodiment shown, for purposes of understanding, only a single fitting  60  has been shown. However, as should be recognized by a person of skill in the art, additional fittings  60  can be present. The fitting  60 , in the second embodiment, has an inlet  12  for flow of the first fluid into the heat exchanger through the opening  46  in the brazing sheet  48 , coupled to the heat exchanger  4 . In addition, in a particular embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the fitting  60  is coupled to a structural plate  62  that can be affixed to the brazing sheet  48  of the heat exchanger  4 , for coupling the fitting  60  to the heat exchanger  4 . 
     As noted above, and shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the brazing sheet  48  coupled to the top plate of the heat exchanger  4  has one or more apertures  46  formed to permit fluid to flow from the inlet  12  of the fitting  60  to the first fluid manifold defined by the plurality of heat exchanger plates  10 . The shape of the opening  46  formed in the brazing sheet  48  is not particularly limited and can be varied based on design and application requirements. For instance, the aperture  46  can have a circular shape as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , however, other shapes, such as, oblong is also possible. 
     In addition, the edges of the brazing sheet  48  of the fitting assembly  86  defining the aperture  46  has one or more cut-outs  64  (also noted herein as ‘brazing sheet cut-out’), which can be used for alignment of the fitting  60  on the brazing sheet  48  as described herein. The shape of the brazing sheet cut-out  64  is not particularly limited and can be varied depending upon the design and application requirements, and so long as it can receive the protuberances  44  extending from a surface  66  of the structural plate  62  and help with proper alignment of the fitting  60  on the brazing sheet  48 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the brazing sheet cut-out  64  is generally rectangular in shape. 
     The structural plate  62  of the fitting  60  has a contact surface  66  that contacts the brazing sheet  48  positioned on the heat exchanger  4  upon positioning the structural plate  62  or fitting  60  to the heat exchanger  4 . In the second embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the contact surface  66  of the structural plate  62  is provided with one or more protuberances  44  that extend from the contact surface  66  of the structural plate  62  towards the brazing sheet  48  of the fitting assembly  86  during assembly, and when the fitting  60  is being positioned on the brazing sheet  48 . In addition, the protuberances  44  are positioned on the contact surface  66  to be aligned with the brazing sheet cut-outs  64 , such that upon proper alignment of the fitting  60  on the brazing sheet  48 , the protuberances  44  engage and align with the brazing sheet cut-outs  64 . 
     If the fitting  60  is misaligned, the protuberances  44  should contact the brazing sheet  48  and can prevent the fitting  60  from being positioned on the heat exchanger  4 , and which should be recognized during assembly and corrected ensure proper alignment of the fitting  60  on the brazing sheet  48 . The shape of the one or more protuberances  44  is not particularly limited and can be varied depending upon design and application requirements. In the second embodiment disclosed herein, the protuberances  44  have a rectangular shape. In addition, although not shown, the protuberances  44  can extend directly from the fitting  60 , rather than structural plate  62  of the fitting  60 . Such features can help proper alignment and positioning of features in a heat exchanger assembly  2 . 
     In another embodiment (not shown), the protuberances  44  can extend from a surface of the fitting  60 , extending towards the structural plate  62  and brazing sheet  48 . The structural plate  62  can be provided with one or more structural plate cut-outs and/or one or more structural plate slits to receive the protuberances. In addition, the brazing sheet  48  can be provided with one or more brazing sheet cut-outs and/or one or more brazing sheet slits to receive the protuberances extending from the fitting. When assembling, the protuberances from the fitting would engage the one or more structural plate cut-outs and/or one or more structural plate slits before engaging the one or more brazing sheet cut-outs and/or one or more brazing sheet slits to align and affix the fitting assembly to the heat exchanger  4 . 
       FIGS. 10-12  relate to a third embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly  2  disclosed herein. In particular, the third embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly  2  relates to a charge air cooler (CAC), however, the disclosure of the third embodiment can be applied to other types of heat exchanger assemblies  2  as well, as should be recognized by a person of skill in the art. 
     The heat exchanger assembly  2  according to the third embodiment has a heat exchanger core  4  formed by a plurality of heat exchanger plates  10 . In a typical charge air cooler (CAC), the heat exchanger core  4  contains a plurality of plate pairs that together define a passages for a first fluid and second fluid, and permit heat exchanger between the first and second fluids, as should be known to a person of skill in the art. In addition, the heat exchanger  4  is provided with an inlet  12  and outlet  14  for flow of a first fluid to enter and exit the heat exchanger  4 . At an opposing end from the inlet  12  and outlet  14 , the heat exchanger  4  can be coupled to a bracket  68  to hold the heat exchanger  4  together. The heat exchanger  4  used in the description should be known to a person of skill in the art and is not particularly limited, and can be varied depending upon design and application requirements. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the plurality of heat exchanger plates  10  together defines a first fluid inlet manifold  70  and a first fluid outlet manifold  72 . Fluid entering the inlet  12  travels into the first fluid inlet manifold  70 , and then enters a first fluid passage (not shown) to the opposing end (as shown by arrows in  FIG. 11 ) towards the bracket  68 , before turning and travelling back towards the end having the inlet  12  and outlet  14 . Upon returning, fluid collects in the first fluid outlet manifold  14 , before exiting the heat exchanger  4  from the outlet  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the heat exchanger assembly  2  is provided with a top heat exchanger cover plate  74  and a bottom heat exchanger cover plate  76 , which are coupled to the heat exchanger  4  on opposing sides. The top heat exchanger cover plate  74  and bottom heat exchanger cover plate  76  are sized to be similar to the size and dimensions of the plurality of heat exchanger plates  10 . Once the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  are positioned on the heat exchanger  4 , the edges of the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  align with edges of the plurality of heat exchanger plates  10 , and can be brazed or welded to couple the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  to the heat exchanger  4 , using means that should be known to a person of skill in the art. This can help to ensure to ensure that openings in the heat exchanger plates  10 , such as those that help form the first fluid inlet and outlet manifolds  70 ,  72  is covered by the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76 . In addition, coupling the heat exchanger  4  to the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  can provide structural stability to the heat exchanger  4 . 
     The top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  can be provided with one or more protuberances  44 , extending from the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  and away from the heat exchanger  4 . The number, size, shape and position of the protuberances is not particularly limited, and can be varied depending upon design and application requirements. However, the number, size, shape and position of the protuberances  44  should be such that the coupling and proper sealing of the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  to the heat exchanger  4  is not compromised. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a single protuberance  44  extends from the planar surface of the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  and a pair of protuberances  44  extend from the edges of the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76 . However, as should be recognized by a person of skill in the art, the number of protuberances from the planar surface or edges is exemplary only, and can be one or more, depending upon design and application requirements. 
     In one embodiment, the protuberance  44  extending from the planar surface can be formed by creating a cut in the planar surface and bending the planar surface to form the protuberance  44 . While, for example and without limitation, the protuberances  44  extending from edges can be formed in the manufacture of the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76 , by having a lip, which can be bent to form the protuberance  44 . 
     Once the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  are coupled to the heat exchanger  4 , the heat exchanger assembly  2  can be coupled to a frame or other supporting structure  78 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , the frame or supporting structure  78  has a slit  22  and cut-outs  18  to receive the protuberances  44  from the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  to ensure proper alignment and positioning of the heat exchanger  4  with the frame or supporting structure  78 . The protuberance  44  from the planar surface of the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  can be inserted into the slit  22  formed in the frame  78  to engage the frame, while the protuberances  44  extending from the edges of the top and bottom heat exchanger cover plates  74 ,  76  are received in the cut-outs formed in the edges of the frame or supporting structure  78  to clip the heat exchanger assembly  4  to the frame or supporting structure  78 . Once in place, the heat exchanger assembly  4  can be welded or brazed, or coupled to the frame  78  using means that should be known to a person of skill in the art. 
       FIGS. 13-16  relate to a fourth embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly  2  disclosed herein. The fourth embodiment of the heat exchanger assembly  2  relates to a battery cell cooler type heat exchanger assembly  2 , however, as should be recognized by a person of skill in the art, the teachings of the battery cell cooler and the features disclosed herein for locating and affixing the different parts of the battery cell cooler type heat exchanger assembly  2  can be used with other types of heat exchanger assemblies. 
       FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly  2 , where the heat exchanger  4  is formed by a plate pair, with one of the plates (first plate  82 ) of the plate pair having undulations to define a flow path for flow of a heat exchange fluid. The second plate  84  of the plate pair can be a flat plate and provides a surface for placing a battery cell, and from where heat exchange can take place between the battery cell and the fluid flowing between the plate pair of the heat exchanger  4 . The heat exchanger assembly  2  is also provided with a manifold plate  80  having a first fluid inlet manifold  70  and a first fluid outlet manifold  72 . The first fluid inlet manifold  70  has an aperture which is in fluid communication with an inlet  12 . Similarly, the first fluid outlet manifold  72  has an aperture which is in fluid communication with an outlet  14 . Hence, fluid entering the inlet  12  can pass into the first fluid inlet manifold  70  before flowing in the passage between the plate pairs  82 ,  84  of the heat exchanger  4 . The fluid then flows from the passage of the heat exchanger  4  to the first fluid outlet manifold  72  before exiting through the outlet  14 . It should be noted that battery cell cooler type heat exchanger assemblies are known by a person of skill in the art should. 
     To ensure proper alignment and positioning of the different components of the heat exchanger assembly  2 , the manifold plate  80  can be provided with one or more protuberances  44 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , the manifold plate  80  is provided with three protuberances  44  positioned proximate to the peripheral edge of the first and second plates  82 ,  84 . However, as should be recognized by a person of skill in the art, the number and position of protuberances can be varied depending upon design and application requirements. Further, the protuberances  44  extend from the manifold plate  80  towards the first and second plates  82 ,  84 , when the manifold plate  80  is brought close to the first and second plates  82 ,  84  for assembly. 
     To form the heat exchanger assembly  2 , the second plate  84  of the heat exchanger  4  is provided with one or more slots  30  and one or more cut-outs  18  to receive the protuberances  44  on the manifold plate  80 . The number of slots  30  and cut-outs  18  correspond to the number of protuberances  44 . In addition, the slots  30  and cut-outs  18  are positioned on the second plate  84  such that when the manifold plate  80  is properly positioned on the second plate  84 , the protuberances  44  can engage and be received within the slots  30  and cut-outs  18 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , the second plate  84  has two slots  30  positioned near the peripheral edges of the second plate  84 . Although, the slots  30  are formed near peripheral edges of the second plate  84  that are perpendicular to each other, as should be recognized by a person of skill in the art, the slots  30  can be formed near opposing edges of the second plate  84 . Further, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , a cut-out  18  is formed at one of the edges of the second plate  84 . Although a single cut-out  18  has been shown, as should be recognized by a person of skill in the art, the second plate  84  can be provided with multiple cut-outs  18  shaped and positioned to receive and engage with the protrusions  44  of the manifold plate  80 . 
     The first plate  82  of the heat exchanger  4  is provided with corresponding slits  22  and cut-outs  18 ′ (also noted as ‘first plate cut-outs’). The number of slits  22  and first-plate cut-outs  18 ′ correspond to the number of protuberances  44  in the manifold plate  80 . In addition, the slits  22  and first plate cut-outs  18 ′ are positioned on the first plate  82  such that when the manifold plate  80  is properly positioned on the second plate  84 , the protuberances  44  pass through the slots  30  and slits  22  in the second plate  84  and first plate  82 , respectively, while engaging and clipping with the cut-outs  18 ,  18 ′ in the second and first plate  84 ,  82  to ensure proper positioning and assembly of the heat exchanger assembly  2 . 
     The features disclosed herein can help to ensure proper positioning and alignment of the different components of the heat exchanger assembly  2 , other than the heat exchanger  4  (formed by the plurality of heat exchanger plates  10 ). Once properly aligned and positioned, the different components of the heat exchanger assemblies  2  can brazed or welded to affix the components in place and ensure that the components are properly positioned. 
     Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. 
     PARTS LIST 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
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                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 2 
                 Heat exchanger (HX) assembly 
               
               
                 4 
                 Heat exchanger 
               
               
                 6 
                 Base plate (BP) 
               
               
                 8 
                 Valve integration unit 
               
               
                 10 
                 Heat exchanger plates 
               
               
                 12 
                 Heat exchanger inlet 
               
               
                 14 
                 Heat exchanger outlet 
               
               
                 16 
                 Cover plate 
               
               
                 18 
                 Cut-out in cover plate 
               
               
                 20 
                 pair of opening in BP 
               
               
                 22 
                 Slit 
               
               
                 24 
                 Brazing sheet 
               
               
                 26 
                 1 st  aperture 
               
               
                 28 
                 2 nd  aperture 
               
               
                 30 
                 Slot 
               
               
                 32 
                 Valve housing 
               
               
                 34 
                 1 st  end of valve housing 
               
               
                 36 
                 2 nd  end of valve housing 
               
               
                 38 
                 Channel 
               
               
                 40 
                 Orifice at 1 st  end of valve 
               
               
                   
                 housing 
               
               
                 42 
                 Valve assembly 
               
               
                 44 
                 Protuberance 
               
               
                 46 
                 Opening on top plate of HX 
               
               
                 48 
                 brazing sheet of 86 
               
               
                 50 
                 Bottom plate of heat 
               
               
                   
                 exchanger 
               
               
                 52 
                 1 st  end of brazing sheet 
               
               
                 54 
                 2 nd  end of brazing sheet 
               
               
                 56 
                 First side of channel 
               
               
                 58 
                 Second side of channel 
               
               
                 60 
                 Fitting 
               
               
                 62 
                 Structural plate 
               
               
                 64 
                 Cut-out in brazing sheet 
               
               
                 66 
                 Contact surface 
               
               
                 68 
                 Bracket 
               
               
                 70 
                 First fluid inlet manifold 
               
               
                 72 
                 Second fluid inlet manifold 
               
               
                 74 
                 top heat exchanger cover plate 
               
               
                 76 
                 Bottom HX cover plate 
               
               
                 78 
                 Frame 
               
               
                 80 
                 Manifold plate 
               
               
                 82 
                 First plate 
               
               
                 84 
                 Second plate 
               
               
                 86 
                 Fitting assembly