CASING FOR HOLDING A FLUID FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER, METHOD FOR PRODUCING A CASING OF THIS TYPE AND HEAT EXCHANGER

Abstract

The invention relates to a casing for holding a coolant for heat exchanger (1) for motor vehicles, said casing having two side walls (22, 24 and 22a, 24a) two front walls (26, 28, and 26a, 28a), a cover (18 and 18a) and a base (20 and 20a) lying opposite the cover (18 and 18a), said base being provided with one or more openings (60) for receiving tubes, in particular connecting tubes such as flat tubes. According to the invention, the base (20 and 20a) and at least one of the two side walls (26, 28 and 26a, 28a) consist of a one-piece shaped part, produced in a forming method.

Description

The invention relates to a casing for holding a fluid for a heat exchanger, to a method for producing such a casing, and also to a heat exchanger.

From EP 1 139 054 B1, a casing is known for holding a fluid for a heat exchanger.

This known casing has a base with receptacle slots for connecting tubes or flat tubes and a cover arranged opposite this base. This cover is formed in one piece with the two end walls.

The invention is based on the problem of devising an economical and easy-to-produce fluid casing for a heat exchanger.

This problem is solved by a casing for holding a fluid for a heat exchanger by a method for producing such a casing for holding a fluid, and also by a heat exchanger with the features of the corresponding independent claims.

Advantageous embodiments and refinements are the subject matter of the subordinate claims. The subject matter of the subordinate claims relates both to casings according to the invention for holding a fluid for a heat exchanger, to the method according to the invention for producing such a casing, and also to the heat exchanger according to the invention.

According to the invention, in particular, a casing for holding a fluid is proposed, wherein the fluid is preferably a coolant, which is why, without its representing a limitation, it is also designated below as a coolant casing.

The cooling casing that is advantageously designed for a heat exchanger, in particular, for a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle, has two side walls, two end walls, a cover, and also a base.

It is provided, in particular, that the mentioned end walls, the mentioned side walls, the base, and the cover define an inner space of the coolant casing.

According to the invention, for the coolant casing, the base and at least one of the two end walls, in particular, both end walls are formed by a one-piece molded part formed by a shaping method.

In addition, one of the side walls, in particular, both end walls could be additional components of the one-piece molded part formed by the shaping method.

It can also be provided that, for the coolant casing, the side walls are arranged at a distance from each other and, advantageously, parallel to each other, especially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the casing or coolant casing. A corresponding situation applies for the side walls that are then arranged, in particular, in the longitudinal direction of the coolant casing. The cover and the base are also arranged, in particular, spaced apart relative to each other.

In an especially preferred way, the shaping method is a drawing method, in particular, a deep-drawing method, and/or hydro-shaping, and/or mold pressing.

The base advantageously has a bulged configuration.

In the base, one or more receptacle openings for tubes could be provided, in particular, for connecting tubes. The tubes could be shaped, for example, as flat tubes and could be a component of a tube-rib block. It can be further provided that for each separate tube, a separate opening is provided in the base. However, a large area opening for holding all of the tubes of the tube-rib block could also be provided.

In an especially preferred way, it could be provided that the one or more end walls have a flap or bending line along which the one or more end walls can be folded or bent.

The flap or bending line could here run at a given height of the one or more end walls, in particular, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the base.

Preferably, the given height lies in or close to a plane that is defined by the lower edges of the side parts.

In one especially preferred implementation, a first region of the one or more end walls is drawn, in particular, deep-drawn, wherein this first region is arranged underneath the flap or bending line, and/or a second region of the one or more end walls is folded or bent about this flap or bending line, wherein this second region is arranged above the flap or bending line.

Alternatively, it could be provided to fill the remaining height by cover parts.

In another alternative implementation, the one or more end walls are drawn all together or completely, in particular, deep-drawn.

Preferably, it could also be provided that the one or more end walls have a bracket and/or assembly that is arranged, in particular, on the side and/or that can be angled. The one or more brackets and/or assemblies can be angled such that they are arranged essentially parallel to one of the side walls and/or they are connected to one of the side walls, in particular, by a solder connection.

Also, in the molded part, at least one, in particular, two essentially triangular recesses could be formed in a transition region between the base and the one or more end walls. This could be provided, in particular, for simplifying processing of the one-piece molded part, in particular, bending or folding or flapping.

In the cover, a recess could be provided, advantageously like a type of bead or formed as a bead or as a groove that extends, in particular, perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the cover and in which extends a wall, in particular, one of the two end walls of the coolant casing.

In an especially preferred way, it is provided that several such recesses are provided. It could be provided, for example, in an especially preferred way, that such a recess is provided in the cover for each of the two end walls. The recess(es) of the cover are formed, in particular, free from break-outs.

Furthermore, it could be provided that alternatively, or additionally, a recess is provided in the cover in which extends a separating wall that divides the inner space of the coolant casing into sub-chambers. In the following, for simplification, the term recess is used, wherein it is to be noted that in a preferred construction, several recesses are provided, that is, in particular, one or more recesses for the end walls of the coolant casing.

In a preferred construction, the cover has a U-shaped form in cross section, so that two spaced-apart flanges are formed that are connected to a cover base by means of a connection section lying in between. This U-shape could be formed, for example, from vertical or approximately vertical sections. Rounded shapes are also preferred.

The cover could be inserted in the coolant casing so that the flanges grip over the side walls of the coolant casing from the outside.

In an especially preferred construction, brackets that have, in an especially preferred way, an arc-shaped form extend from the flanges of the U-shape that are also designated as legs. These brackets advantageously grip over the side walls of the coolant casing. Here it can be preferably provided that the cover is inserted in the coolant casing so that the flanges project from the connection section in the direction away from the base of the coolant casing and the brackets that are then bent outward connect to the ends located in this direction, so that they grip over the side walls of the coolant casing from the outside. It is especially provided that—viewed in the longitudinal direction of the coolant casing—several such brackets spaced apart from each other are provided on the cover.

In the method according to the invention for producing a casing for holding a fluid, such as a coolant, for a heat exchanger, in particular, for producing the coolant casing according to the invention, an inner space of the casing is defined by walls, in particular by two side walls, two end walls, a cover, and a base arranged opposite the cover.

For producing the casing, a one-piece part that has the base and at least one of the two end walls is produced by a separating method, in particular, by punching.

It can be preferably provided that this one-piece part has the base and also the two end walls, in particular, in another improvement, also the two side walls.

According to the invention, for producing the coolant casing, the one-piece part is further processed by a shaping method, in particular,

drawing, especially deep-drawing, and/or hydro-shaping, and/or mold pressing, wherein the one or more end walls, in particular—in the case that the one-piece part has two end walls—the two end walls is or are at least partially formed.

The one-piece part is then connected to another part or other parts that forms or form the other walls defining the inner space of the casing for forming the coolant casing, in particular, by solder-plating.

For production, it can be preferably provided to form the one or more end walls, in particular, the two end walls all together or completely by the shaping method. However, it could also be provided to further form at least one end wall, in particular, the two end walls only up to a partial height by the shaping method and then for a remaining height by folding or bending.

The heat exchanger, in particular, a cooler for a motor vehicle, has a tube-rib block and a casing or coolant casing according to the invention, wherein tubes of the tube-rib block in the region of the base of the casing open into this region.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained below with reference to the figures. Shown are:

FIG. 1a, an example heat exchanger according to the invention that is formed as a cooler with an example casing according to the invention for holding a fluid, wherein the casing is here a coolant casing;

FIG. 1b, the heat exchanger according to FIG. 1 in a view from above:

FIG. 1c, a side view of the heat exchanger according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 2a, a unit of a coolant casing of the heat exchanger according to FIG. 1, which has two side walls, two end walls, and a base in a top view onto one of the two side walls;

FIG. 2b, the unit according to FIG. 2a in a top view onto the base;

FIG. 2c, the unit according to FIG. 2a in a top view onto the other of the two side walls;

FIG. 2d, a partial section view along line A-A from FIG. 2b;

FIG. 2e, a (section) view of the construction according to FIG. 2a from the right;

FIG. 2f, a section view along line B-B from FIG. 2b;

FIG. 3a, an example construction of a cover of a casing according to the invention in side view, wherein this construction of the cover is given, in particular, for the construction according to FIGS. 1a to 3k;

FIG. 3b, the cover according to FIG. 3a in top view;

FIG. 3c, the cover according to FIG. 3a in a three-dimensional, perspective view from below;

FIG. 3d, a section along line C-C from FIG. 3a;

FIG. 3e, a section along line D-D from FIG. 3b in partial view;

FIG. 3f, a section along line E-E from FIG. 3b;

FIG. 3g, a section along line F-F from FIG. 3a;

FIG. 3h, a section along line G-G from FIG. 3a;

FIG. 3i, a perspective view onto a section of the cover provided with brackets according to FIG. 3a from above;

FIG. 3k, an enlarged cutout from FIG. 3a;

FIG. 4, a cutout of an example casing according to the invention, wherein the construction according to FIG. 4 could also be given, in particular, in the construction according to FIGS. 1a to 3k;

FIG. 5, a top view onto the construction according to FIG. 4:

FIG. 6, a cutout shown in perspective of an example coolant casing according to the invention, wherein the construction according to FIG. 6 could also be given in the construction according to FIGS. 1a to 3k;

FIGS. 7a to 7d, a view of a detail of a cover-casing connection;

FIGS. 8a to 8d, a view of a detail of a cover-casing connection;

FIG. 9, a view of a detail of a cover-casing connection;

FIG. 10, a view of a detail of a cover-casing connection;

FIG. 11, a view of a detail of a cover-casing connection;

FIG. 12, a view of a detail of a cover-casing connection;

FIGS. 13a to 13c, a view of a casing;

FIGS. 14a to 14c, a view of a cover; and

FIG. 15, a view of a heat exchanger.

FIGS. 1a to 5 show an example embodiment of a heat exchanger 1 according to the invention with a casing according to the invention for holding a fluid. This casing for holding a fluid is, in particular, a coolant casing, so that, for simplification, the term coolant casing is used below.

The heat exchanger 1 has a first coolant casing 10 and a second coolant casing 12 spaced apart from this first casing, and also a tube-rib block 14 that is arranged between these coolant casings 10, 12.

The tube-rib block 14 has a plurality of connecting tubes that are oriented in parallel and that are shaped, in this example, as flat tubes. Between these connecting tubes, tube intermediate spaces are formed—perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of these connecting tubes—in which ribs are arranged in a known way, such that the tube-rib block can carry a flow of air perpendicular to the plane formed by the tube arrangement.

The connecting tubes of the tube-rib block 14 each open with a first end into the first coolant casing 10 and with their second end into the second coolant casing 12.

The cooling casings 10, 12 have first units 16 and 16a, respectively, and also covers 18 and 18a, respectively.

The first unit 16 or 16a has a base 20 or 20a on the side opposite the cover 18 or 18a. Furthermore, the unit 16, 16a has a first side wall 22 or 22a, a second side wall 24, 24a opposite this first side wall 22, 22a, a first end wall 26 or 26a defining the inner space of the coolant casing 10 or 12 in a first orientation of its longitudinal direction (indicated by the double arrow 30), and also a second end wall 28 or 28a defining this inner space of the first 10 or second coolant casing in the opposite orientation (this longitudinal direction 30). The side walls 22, 24 or 22a, 24a and also the base 20 or 20a also define the inner space of the coolant casing 10 or 12.

Furthermore, the inner space of the coolant casing 10 or 12 is defined by the cover 18 or 18a.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1a to 5, which could also be realized differently, the heat exchanger 1 that is also designated or could be formed as a cooler is divided functionally into two (sub) coolers or (sub) heat exchangers. For this purpose, viewed in the longitudinal direction 30, a separating wall 32 or 34 is provided at the same height in the two coolant casings 10, 12, each perpendicular to this longitudinal direction 30. Additional separating walls arranged in the coolant casings 10, 12 at different heights in the longitudinal direction 30 could also be provided (that are not shown in the figure) that cause a serpentine-like deflection of the coolant.

It could be provided, for example, that the upper sub-cooler in FIG. 1a is a component of a high-temperature cooling circuit and the lower sub-cooler 38 is a component of a low-temperature circuit.

A main port 40 or 42 opens into the first coolant casing 10 and also into the second coolant casing 12, wherein coolant can flow into the upper sub-cooler 36 via one of these main ports 40, 42 and wherein the coolant can flow out from the upper sub-cooler 36 again via the other of the these ports 40, 42.

Accordingly, the lower sub-cooler 38 has a port 44 opening into the first coolant casing 10 and also a port 46 opening into the second coolant casing 12, wherein here coolant can also flow through one of these ports 44, 46 into the lower sub-cooler 38 and can flow out from this lower sub-cooler 38 through the other of these ports 46, 44.

In the region of the first coolant casing 10 there is furthermore a drain plug 48 for draining coolant. Furthermore, in the region of the first coolant casing 10, here in the region of the upper end, there is a port 50 for filling with coolant and/or venting.

FIG. 1b shows a top view onto the construction according to FIG. 1a from above.

FIG. 1c shows a side view of the construction according to FIG. 1a from the left.

FIGS. 2a to 2f show different views of the first coolant casing 10 or the first unit 16 of this first coolant casing 10.

FIGS. 2a and 2c here show a top view onto the side walls 22 or 24 from the outside. FIG. 2b shows a top view onto the base 20 from the outside.

In FIGS. 2a and 2c, it can be easily inferred that the base 20 has an undulating structure.

FIG. 2b clearly shows that there are slot-shaped openings for holding the flat tubes of the tube-rib block 14 in the base.

From FIGS. 2a and 2c it can also be easily inferred—just as from FIG. 1a—that the end of the side walls 22, 24 facing away from the tube-rib block 14 has, to a large extent, an essentially straight structure and has an indentation in the region in which the main port is arranged.

This indentation is provided, in particular, because the main port 40 here has correspondingly large dimensions.

From FIGS. 2a and 2c it can be inferred that the separating wall 32 does not extend up to the end of the side walls 22, 24 facing away from the tube-rib block. Nevertheless, this separating wall 32 divides the inner space 62 of the coolant casing 10 into two sub-chambers 64, 66.

This is enabled because the cover (not shown in FIGS. 2a to 2f) is pushed so far into the first unit 16 that it essentially contacts this separating wall 32.

FIG. 2d shows a section view along line A-A from FIG. 2b in a partial view. FIG. 2e shows a side view or a corresponding section view of the construction according to FIG. 2a from the right. FIG. 2f shows a section view along line B-B from FIG. 2b. There it is to be easily seen that the base 20 has a bulged structure.

In FIG. 2d it is to be easily seen that the base with an undulating structure in the longitudinal direction 30 and with a bulged structure between the side walls 22, 24 forms insertion beveling for the flat tubes of the tube-rib block 14 through its undulating profile. The slots 60 are here arranged essentially in the region of the deeper positions of the undulating profile, as seen from the outside.

Furthermore, through the undulating structure, a certain reinforcement effect is achieved in the region of the base.

In FIG. 2d it is to be seen that the transition region 68 between the base 20 and the end wall 26 or 28 has a one-piece structure and transitions in one piece into a lower part 26-2 or 28-2 of the end wall 26 or 28.

The lower part 26-2 or 28-2 of the end wall 26 or 28 is separated from the upper part 26-1 or 28-1 of the end walls 26 or 28 by a bending or folding line 26-3 or 28-3 shown with dashed lines in FIGS. 2e and 2f.

By the dashed region 70 it is indicated schematically that, in the scope of the completion, the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 are folded up or bent up along the bending/folding line 26-3, 28-3.

The upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 could here be bent, for example, against a stop or against an end side, in particular, an end side of the side walls 22, 24.

Furthermore, from FIGS. 2c and 2d it can be easily inferred that the end walls 26, 28 or the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 have lateral brackets or assemblies 72 in each of their end regions facing the side walls 22, 24.

These brackets 72 project in the longitudinal direction 30 or in the direction of the side walls 22, 24 away from the end wall 26, 28 or from the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 and are soldered, for example, by means of solder-plating, to the side walls 22 or 24 on the outside or inside.

Alternatively, it could also be provided that such brackets 72 are provided on the side walls 22 and 24 at corresponding positions and these brackets are bent so that they run in the direction of the end wall plane and are soldered to the corresponding upper part 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28, particularly by means of solder-plating.

FIGS. 3a to 3k show an example cover of the coolant casing 10.

Here, FIG. 3a shows a side view of the cover 18, FIG. 3b a top view of the cover 18, FIG. 3c a three-dimensional view of the cover 18 from below, FIG. 3d a section view along line C-C from FIG. 3a. FIG. 3e a partial section view along line D-D from FIG. 3b. FIG. 3f a section view along line E-E from FIG. 3b, FIG. 3g a section view along line F-F from FIG. 3a, and FIG. 3h a section view along line G-G from FIG. 3a.

FIG. 3i shows a perspective top view onto the cover according to FIG. 3a in the region of the brackets arranged on the end side of the legs. FIG. 3k shows an enlarged cutout in region 80 from FIG. 3a.

The cover 18 has, viewed in the longitudinal direction 30, an essentially U-shaped cross section, which is easily seen in FIGS. 3c, 3d, 3f, 3g, 3h, and 3i.

This U-shape has an approximately rectangular structure and is formed by two spaced-apart legs 82. 84 that could also be designated as flanges and a connection section 86 connecting these two legs.

This cover 18 is inserted on the side of the first unit 16 facing away from the base 20 so that the connection section 86 faces this base and the legs 82, 84 project away from the connection section 16 in the direction facing away from the base.

Several brackets 88 extend from the legs 82, 84 of the U-shaped profile.

These brackets 88 have an arc-shaped form in the embodiment. The brackets 88 extend outward from the ends of the legs 82, 84 facing away from the connection region 86, i.e., specifically, they are bent. However, these brackets 88 could also have a bent profile instead of an arc-shaped profile.

End sections of the side walls 22, 24 are held in the brackets 88. The side walls 22, 24 can be soldered with the cover 18 in the region of these brackets, that is, in particular, through solder-plating. The cover is soldered, in particular, to the first unit, so that a tight connection is produced, wherein, in particular, the method of solder-plating could be used.

The brackets 88 are spaced apart from each other viewed in the longitudinal direction 30, so that, bracket-free regions are formed on the legs 82, 84 between adjacent brackets 88 in this longitudinal direction 30. The brackets 88 continue onto the legs 82. 84, so that the cover could be made from sheet metal.

Based on the size of the opening 40, the cover has a bulge that is adapted essentially to the profile of the side walls 22, 24.

Furthermore, the cover has recesses 90, 92, 94. These recesses run transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 30 approximately through the entire cover.

The recesses 90, 92 are used for holding the end walls 26, 28 or the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28. These recesses 90, 92 have run-on beveling that eases the insertion of the end walls 26, 28 and/or allows centering.

The recesses 90, 92 support the end walls 26, 28 in the longitudinal direction 30, that is, in particular, on both sides or in both orientations.

The recess 94 that here has an essentially rectangular cross section that could also be provided, however, with run-on beveling or that has a bulged structure is used for holding the separating wall 32.

The recesses 90, 92, 94 also simplify, in particular, the soldering process in that the corresponding end walls or separating walls can be inserted there and can then be soldered. The soldering can be performed, in particular, by means of solder-plating.

As can be easily inferred from FIG. 3k, the recesses 90, 92 in this embodiment run in a bracket-like section 96 that encompasses the end walls 26, 28 or the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 from the outside. This bracket-like section 96 is formed so that it initially contacts essentially the corresponding end wall 26, 28 or the corresponding upper part 26-1, 28-1 of the end wall 26, 28, and then the free end projects away from this end wall at an angle, so that an intermediate space is given between the free end and the corresponding end wall, which eases the soldering.

The recesses 90, 92 or 94, which are, in particular, beads or beads with insertion beveling, could be used, in particular, for fixing and/or for compensating for play in the end walls.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show detailed cutouts of the first, one-piece unit 16, 16a of the coolant casing 10 or 12 according to the invention from FIGS. 1a to 3k.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a partially completed, first one-piece unit 16 or 16a. There, in particular, the opposing side walls 22 and 24 are shown, and also the base 20 that here has a bulged structure.

This one-piece unit 16, 16a is formed from sheet metal that was initially punched and in which the side walls 22. 24 were then bent.

Before the bending of the side walls or after the bending of the side walls, the base 20 was shaped with the deep-drawing method. In this way, a closed section 110 of the end wall 26, 28, i.e., the lower part 26-2, 28-2 of the end wall 26, 28 is formed.

In this completed state, in the region of the bending edge 112 or 26-3, 28-3, a section projects outwardly from the plane of the picture, i.e., the upper part 26-1, 28-1 of the end wall 26, 28 that forms the complete end wall 26, 28 when bent or folded about the bending/folding line 26-3, 28-3.

This is also easy to see in FIG. 5 that shows a top view onto the structure according to FIG. 4. The end wall 26 shown there does not yet have its completely assembled position there.

To bring the end wall 26 into its position, it or its upper part 26-1, 28-1 is bent, in FIG. 5, upwardly during the course of the production process about the folding or bending edge 112 or 26-3, 28-3 after the deep drawing, so that it or its upper part 26-1, 28-1 contacts the end of the side walls 22, 24 with its lateral brackets 112, 114.

These brackets 112, 114 are then also bent, that is, so that they are arranged essentially parallel to the side walls 22, 24 and thus form regions for a solder connection with the side walls 2, 24.

As is easy to infer from FIG. 5, triangular recesses are given in the regions 116, 118 that are, for example, punched and that allow, in certain applications, simplified bending.

FIG. 6 shows a cutout shown in perspective for an example coolant casing 10 or 12 according to the invention, wherein it is to be noted that the structure according to FIG. 6 could also be given in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1a to 3k.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative first, one-piece unit 16b that also has the base 20, the side parts 22, 24, and also the end parts 26, 28 (not shown), but differs in the production of the first one-piece unit 16 or 16a in the structure according to FIGS. 4 and 5.

In the view according to FIG. 6, in particular, the opposing side walls 22 and 24 and the end wall 26 are shown, and also the base 20 that here could also have a bulged structure.

This alternative one-piece unit 16b is also shaped from sheet metal that was initially punched according to the given shape. Through subsequent deep drawing of the punched sheet metal, the base 20, the side parts 22, 24, and also the end parts 26, 28 are formed, wherein, in the alternative first one-piece unit 16b, a casing is formed that is closed on the sides and bottom and that is open toward the top.

In this way, an essential component of the coolant casing 10 or 12 is already formed advantageously in this one step.

In the scope of the further production process, the cover 18 is inserted into this casing or unit 16b and soldered to this casing or unit, in particular, by means of solder-plating.

Preferably, the casing 10, 12 is made from metal, in particular, from aluminum.

FIGS. 7a to 7d show an embodiment of a casing-cover connection in which the casing 100 is connected to the cover 101. Here, the casing 100 has a tube base 102 in which openings 103 or passages for holding tubes are provided. Furthermore, the casing 100 has side walls 104, 105 that are bent upward essentially at a right angle starting from the tube base and are placed upward. By means of the side walls 104, 105, the casing 100 forms a casing 100 that is open essentially on one side with four side walls 104, 105 that contact each other on their narrow sides or narrow-side end regions and that are connected to each other in a sealed way. The cover 101 has edge regions 106, 107 placed on its four edges, wherein these edge regions contact the insides and optionally the upper narrow sides of the side walls 104. 105 and can be connected to these sides in a sealing way. On the long sides of the cover 101 there are edge regions 106 that are positioned essentially at a right angle to the plane of the cover and that have flaps 108 that are bent into an approximately U-shaped form such that they grip over the upper end regions or narrow sides of the side walls 104. On the short sides of the cover 101 there are additional assemblies or edge regions 107 that have a structure rising at an angle in a first region and that have, in another region, an essentially U-shaped form or flaps that grip over the end region of the side wall 105. In this way, the upright region 107 contacts the side wall 105 on the outside of the side wall with its inside.

FIGS. 8a to 8d show another embodiment example of a casing-cover connection in which the casing 200 is connected to the cover 201. The casing 200 here has a tube base 202 in which there are openings 203 or passages for holding tubes. Furthermore, the casing 200 has side walls 204, 205 that are bent upward essentially at a right angle starting from the tube base and that are positioned upright. By means of the side walls 204, 205, the casing 200 forms a nearly right-angle casing 200 that is essentially open on one side with four side walls 204, 205 that contact each other on their narrow sides or narrow-side end regions and that are connected in a sealed way, for example, they are soldered to each other.

The cover 201 has edge regions 206, 207 that are positioned at its four edges and that contact the insides and optionally the upper narrow sides of the side walls 204, 205 and that can be connected to these sides in a sealing way. On the long sides of the cover 201 there are edge regions 206 that are positioned essentially at a right angle to the plane of the cover and that have flaps 208 that are bent in an approximately U-shaped form such that they grip over the upper end regions or narrow sides of the side walls 204. In this way, the two inner surfaces of the flaps 208 contact the side wall on both sides. Furthermore, on the short sides of the cover 201 there are assemblies or edge regions 207 that have an essentially U-shaped form or corresponding U-shaped flaps 209 that grip over the end region of the side wall 205. In this way, the one or more upright regions 207 or the flaps 209 contact a region of the side wall 205 on both sides with their two inner surfaces on the corresponding outer surface of the side wall 205. Through the construction of the joint surfaces as sharp-edged impressions, for example, through deep drawing, a larger area joint surface is generated, so that the solder available for tight soldering of the casing and cover is improved. The assembly is also significantly improved because the joint surfaces advantageously contact each other essentially without gaps. Advantageously, the flaps or side walls have insertion beveling, in order to achieve gap-free joining to each other. The cover is advantageously connected to the side walls of the casing in the corners of the cover by the sharp-edged construction. For this purpose, the corners of the cover and/or the casing could also be advantageously embossed. By depositing an additional solder supply, such as a solder paste, the solder supply is increased, thereby improving the tight soldering.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show embodiments of the invention in which the flaps 250 that have an essentially U-shaped form have, in their comb region 251, an opening 252 through which a flap 253 of the side wall 254 of the casing passes. In this way, the flaps 253 could be bent to the side as shown in FIG. 9 or could be deformed by a tool as shown in FIG. 10, so that loosening of the cover by pulling the flap 250 away from the flap 253 is prevented.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment example of the invention in which the casing 300 can be connected to the cover 301, wherein, in FIG. 11, the casing 300 is still constructed separately from the cover 301 and, in FIG. 12, the cover 301 is positioned on the casing 300. The casing has four walls of which only three 302, 303, 304 are shown that are connected to each other at the sides, for example, by means of soldering. In a modified embodiment, the casing could also be produced with the side walls in one piece through deep drawing, so that the joint regions at the side edges or side end regions of the walls would be eliminated.

The cover 301 has a peripheral, upright edge 305 that, with its outer surface 306, can be brought into contact with the inner surface 307 of the side walls 302, 303, 304 of the casing 300, in order to generate a sealed joint connection between the casing 300 and the cover 301. Preferably, the cover is constructed in one piece with the peripheral edge 305. The cover can be produced with the edge, for example, through deep drawing. As is to be recognized, the corner 308 of the edge 305 has a relatively sharp edge, so that the cover fits well in the similarly relatively sharp-edged corner 309 of the casing and the joint connection is also soldered with a good seal in the corner region.

Furthermore, it is to be recognized that the edge 305 of the cover 301 is beveled at its lower region connecting to the base of the cover (see 310), so that this bevel is used as insertion beveling 310 for the assembly of the cover 301 in the casing 300.

Furthermore, the cover 301 has projections or flaps 311 that, starting from the edge 305, have an approximately U-shaped form considered together with this edge and that are open downward, in order to form, between the edge 305 and the flap 311, a receptacle in which the upper edge region of the side wall 302 to 304 of the casing 300 could engage. For better insertion of the edge of the casing, the flaps 311 could be beveled at the bottom and on the outside, in order to form insertion beveling.

As is to be recognized in FIGS. 11 and 12, the corners of the cover fit easily into the corners of the side walls of the casing, so that secure soldering of the cover and casing can be achieved.

FIGS. 13a to 13c and 14a to 14c show another embodiment of a casing 400 with a cover 401. The cover 401 is deep-drawn and has an essentially flat, central region 402 but that could definitely have beads 403 for reinforcement. Furthermore, the cover 401 has connection possibilities with openings 404 for feeding and/or discharging a fluid and advantageously optionally for the attachment or arrangement of connection flanges or connection tubes 405. In addition, the cover 401 has connection possibilities for holding elements 406 that can be connected to the cover. These can be, for example, riveted, soldered, or mechanically joined to the cover.

The cover 401 has a peripheral edge 407 that is upright and has an approximately U-shaped or rectangular cross section, in order to be able to hold the upper ends of the side walls of the casing 400. In this way, the cross section of the edge of the cover 401 could definitely have a comparable shape as in FIG. 8c, 11, or 12. In addition, slots 408 or openings could be formed in the comb region in the U-shaped or rectangular, upright edge, wherein through these slots, flaps 409 of the edge of the casing 400 could be passed for the secure connection of the cover 401 and casing 400 before soldering. Such flaps 409 are already shown, for example, by FIG. 9 or 10.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14 it is advantageous that the corner region 410 of the cover 401 and the casing has a rounded structure, so that the question of the exact fit of the cover 401 and casing 400 in the corner region could be more easily guaranteed.

For example, in the center of the cover 401 there is a receptacle 411 for a separating wall that is arranged within the casing and that could be inserted, if needed, so that it could separate the casing into two regions. If the separating wall is not needed, then it could also be left out.

The casing 400 has four walls 413, 414, 415, and 416, wherein, of these four, two are short end walls 415 and 416 and two are long side walls 413 and 414. These are advantageously deep-drawn with the base 412 of the casing 400 in one piece. In the base 412 there are openings or passages for holding tubes. Furthermore, in the casing 400 there are side receptacles 417 for a separating wall, wherein these side receptacles interact with the receptacles in the cover, in order to hold or fix, if needed, a separating wall.

FIG. 15 shows a heat exchanger 500 that has a network on parallel tubes 501 and ribs 502 advantageously arranged in between. The tubes 501 are inserted in their end regions into casings 503, 504 in a sealed way, wherein the casings 503, 504 have openings or passages in a tube base for this purpose. Furthermore, the casings have the structure of the cover and casing shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, wherein connection ports 505 are provided on a casing for feeding and discharging a fluid. Furthermore, holding means 506 can be recognized.

Claims

1. A casing for holding a coolant for a heat exchanger for motor vehicles comprising four walls, consisting of two side walls and two end walls, a cover, and a base arranged opposite the cover, in which one or more openings are provided for holding connecting tubes, wherein the base and at least one of the two end walls are components of a one-piece molded part formed by a shaping method.

2. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the base and the two end walls are components of a one-piece molded part formed by the shaping method.

3. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the base, the two end walls and at least one of the side walls are components of a one-piece molded part formed by the shaping method.

4. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the shaping method is a drawing method.

5. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the molded part is drawn and/or hydro-shaped, and/or mold-pressed molded part.

6. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the one or more end walls have a folding or bending line along which the one or more end walls can be folded or bent.

7. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the folding or bending line runs at a given height of the one or more end walls transverse to a longitudinal direction of the base.

8. The casing according to claim 7, wherein the given height lies at or close to a plane defined by lower edges of the side parts

9. The casing according to claim 6, wherein a first region of the one or more end walls underneath the folding or bending line is drawn, and a second region of the one or more end walls above the folding or bending line is folded or bent about this line.

10. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the one or more end walls are drawn all together.

11. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the one or more end walls have at least one bracket and/or assembly that is arranged on the side and/or that can be angled.

12. The casing according to claim 11, wherein the one or more brackets and/or assemblies are angled so that they are arranged essentially parallel to one of the side walls and/or are connected by a solder connection with one of the side walls.

13. The casing according to claim 1, wherein at least one essentially triangular recess is formed in the molded part in a transition region between the base and the one or more end walls.

14. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the cover has at least one first recess in which a first of the end walls is held, but, the first recess and a second recess that is different from the first recess and in which a second end wall spaced apart relative to the first end wall is held.

15. The casing according to claim 1, wherein the molded part is made from a one-piece, pre-punched sheet metal part.

16. A heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, comprising a tube-rib block and a casing comprising four walls, consisting of two side walls and two end walls, a cover, and a base arranged opposite the cover, in which one or more openings are provided for holding connecting tubes, wherein the base and at least one of the two end walls are components of a one-piece molded part formed by a shaping method, wherein the tubes of the tube-rib block open, in the region of the base of the casing into the casing.

17. A method for producing a casing for holding a coolant, for a heat exchanger wherein an inner space of the casing is defined by walls that are, two side walls, and two end walls, the casing comprising a cover, and a base arranged opposite the cover, and a one-piece part that has the base and at least one of the two end walls comprising producing the one-piece part by a drawing method, further processing the one-piece part by a shaping method including drawing, and/or hydro-shaping, and/or mold pressing, wherein the one or more end walls are formed at least partially, and connecting the one-piece part by solder-plating, to another part or additional parts that form the other wall or walls defining the inner space of the casing for forming the casing.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the one or more end walls are formed all together by the shaping method.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the one or more end walls are formed only up to a partial height by the shaping method and for a remaining height by folding or bending.