Multi-Circuit Heat Exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exchanger comprising at least two circuits, this exchanger comprising: a series of tubes for the circulation of fluid of one or other of the two circuits, at least two collector rings, each connected to the opposite ends of the tubes, said tubes opening respectively into said collector rings, a partition provided in each of said collector rings defining at least one separation in order to isolate the first circuit from the second circuit of fluid, a mechanical connection means connecting the structure of the inlet chamber to the collection chamber is designed to reduce significantly the structural mechanical stresses existing in the separation between the two circuits, characterized in that the mechanical means consists in a total or partial closing off of at least one tube situated next to the partitions.

1 . An exchanger ( 1 ) comprising at least two circuits (A) and (B), said exchanger ( 1 ) comprising:
 a series of tubes for the circulation of fluid of one or other of the two circuits (A) or (B),   at least two collector rings, each connected to the opposite ends of said tubes, said tubes opening respectively into said collector rings,   a partition (P 1  and P 2 ) provided in each of said collector rings defining at least one separation in order to isolate the first circuit (A) from the second circuit (B) of fluid,   a mechanical connection means (S) connecting the structure of an inlet chamber to a collection chamber which reduces the structural mechanical stresses existing in the separation between the two circuits (A and B),   characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) totally or partially closes off of at least one tube situated next to said partitions (P 1 ) and (P 2 ).   
     
     
         2 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) comprises a brace. 
     
     
         3 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) is immediately next to a tube that is closest to the separation. 
     
     
         4 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) mechanically connecting said two collector rings is placed between two adjacent tubes of the two circuits (A and B). 
     
     
         5 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) mechanically connecting said two collector rings is placed in a region of said exchanger ( 1 ) in which the temperature and therefore expansion is at an intermediate level between those of the two circuits (A and B). 
     
     
         6 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) mechanically connecting said two collector rings comprises at least two solid or hollow bars or braces placed on each side of said partition existing between said chambers. 
     
     
         7 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) comprises an extension of said partitions separating said chambers. 
     
     
         8 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to claims  claim 1 , characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) comprises a tube identical to said other tubes but in which no fluid circulates. 
     
     
         9 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) comprises at least one tube identical to said other tubes but having a fluid inlet and/or outlet orifice that is restricted in order to limit the flow rate of fluid. 
     
     
         10 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) comprises at least one tube identical to said other tubes but having a wall thickness that is greater at least in one zone situated close to a fluid inlet and/or outlet orifice in order to limit the flow rate of fluid and to mechanically reinforce at least locally said mechanical connection means (S). 
     
     
         11 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said mechanical connection means (S) comprises several tubes identical to said other tubes but in which no fluid circulates, said several tubes being placed on either side of said partition separating the two circuits (A and B). 
     
     
         12 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said exchanger ( 1 ) is completely mechanically assembled by crimping with no braising. 
     
     
         13 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said partition separating the two circuits (A and B) comprises an orifice allowing the fluid to travel from one circuit to the other. 
     
     
         14 . An exchanger ( 1 ) according to  claim 2 , characterized in that said brace is immediately next to a tube that is closest to the separation.