HEAT EXCHANGER PLATE WITH FLUID FLOW DISRUPTING ELEMENTS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of heat exchangers, and more particularly those heat exchangers that are equipped with fluid-flow-disturbing elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

These heat exchangers can for example equip a vehicle. They are then arranged within this vehicle to allow the thermal regulation of a first fluid circulating in a first space by virtue of the circulation of a second fluid in a second space separate from the first space, such that the two fluids do not mix. The fluids can notably be a refrigerant fluid circulating within an air-conditioning loop of the vehicle or a cooling liquid intended to regulate the temperature of a combustion engine.

Within the heat exchangers and thermodynamic circuits to which they are connected, the fluids circulate while dissipating or absorbing thermal energy. The effectiveness of the heat exchangers and of the thermodynamic circuits is mainly determined by the exchanges of heat between the fluids that flow through them. It is therefore sought to design heat exchangers in which the exchanges of heat between the fluids that circulate within them are optimized. To this end, it is known to equip the heat exchangers with fluid-flow-disturbing devices, so as to increase the exchanges of heat between the fluids.

One type of heat exchanger used in the field of cars is a plate exchanger, made up of a stack of plates secured to one another by brazing, in which stack the spaces remaining between two contiguous plates after brazing define fluid circulation zones. These circulation zones are normally adapted to the fluids that flow through them, thereby implying the existence of several different types of plates. A technical problem is that the means for producing and storing these plates are different, and this makes the logistical management during the manufacture of these plate heat exchangers more complex.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing a heat exchanger plate of which the fluid-flow-disturbing devices are configured to optimize the fluid circulation disturbance for the one part, while at the same time offering improved mechanical strength within the heat exchanger that is equipped with the plate, the dimensioning of these plates being configured such that the plate adapts, notably by deformation, to the height of the fluid circulation space, which is notably defined by the disturbance devices.

The main subject of the present invention is therefore a plate of a heat exchanger having a tub-like form with two opposite longitudinal edges connected to one another by two lateral edges, these longitudinal edges and lateral edges surrounding a bottom wall of the plate, an angle measured between this bottom wall and any one of the edges ranging between 103.5° and 109.5°, a thickness of the bottom wall ranging between 0.20 mm and 0.45 mm, the bottom wall being equipped with fluid-flow-disturbing elements, at least one of these fluid-flow-disturbing elements having a vertical dimension measured inside a volume delimited by the bottom wall and the edges that ranges between 0.75 mm and 1.15 mm.

The heat exchanger plate according to the invention is configured for the circulation of fluid, such circulation making it possible to optimize the exchanges of heat via the fluid-flow-disturbing elements. The fluid-flow-disturbing elements are deformations of the bottom wall. The fluid circulates within a volume of the heat exchanger plate that is delimited both by a bottom wall, from which the fluid-flow-disturbing elements project, and by longitudinal and lateral edges which extend in planes intersecting the bottom wall. These intersecting planes are not necessarily perpendicular to the bottom wall, and this gives the heat exchanger plate its tub-like form.

More particularly, an angle measured between the bottom wall and any one of the edges, which is to say either a longitudinal edge or a lateral edge, ranges between 103.5° and 109.5°; preferably, this angle ranges between 105° and 108°; more preferentially still, this angle ranges between 105.5° and 107.5°.

The bottom wall has a determined thickness, this thickness corresponding to its vertical dimension measured between a first face of the plate and a second face of the plate. Such a dimension is measured along a vertical direction which extends perpendicularly to a plane in which the bottom wall mainly extends. Preferentially, the thickness of the plate ranges between 0.20 mm and 0.45 mm, and it ideally ranges between 0.27 mm and 0.35 mm.

A vertical dimension of the fluid-flow-disturbing elements, which corresponds to their size measured in the vertical direction, is also predetermined. It thus ranges between 0.75 mm and 1.15 mm. It will be understood that the fluid-flow-disturbing elements project from a plane in which the bottom wall extends and extend into a space delimited between the longitudinal and lateral edges, which is to say into the volume of the heat exchanger plate.

According to one feature of the invention, the vertical dimension of the fluid-flow-disturbing elements is a first vertical dimension ranging between 0.75 mm and 0.85 mm.

According to another feature of the invention, the vertical dimension of the fluid-flow-disturbing elements is a second vertical dimension ranging between 1.05 mm and 1.15 mm.

Thus, the fluid-flow-disturbing elements can have either a first vertical dimension, ranging between 0.75 and 0.85 mm, or a second vertical dimension, ranging between 1.05 and 1.15 mm; it will be understood that these two separate vertical dimensions, which correspond to the heights of the fluid-flow-disturbing elements, relate to two possible embodiments of the heat exchanger plate.

According to one feature, the bottom wall is equipped with at least four fluid distribution openings, each of these fluid distribution openings being disposed in the vicinity of a junction between a longitudinal edge and a lateral edge.

The role of these fluid distribution openings is to convey or discharge the fluid to/from the volume of the heat exchanger plate. These fluid distribution openings are disposed on the plate such that there is a fluid distribution opening at each corner of this plate.

According to one feature of the invention, the fluid-flow-disturbing elements comprise at least one truncated dome extending between a base and a top.

Such a truncated-dome shape is defined in a sectional view, which in this case corresponds to a vertical section plane. These truncated domes extend between a base and a top, their base corresponding to their portion which is joined to the bottom wall whereas their top is the portion farthest away from this plane, the top forming a free end of the truncated dome, before the heat exchanger is brazed. The top of the truncated dome is a flat part, extending preferably parallel to the bottom wall.

The fluid-flow-disturbing elements are deformations, for example made by stamping, of the bottom wall. The mechanical strength of the heat exchanger plate notably depends on the thinning of material obtained during the deformation of the bottom wall to obtain these fluid-flow-disturbing elements.

According to one feature, a maximum diameter of the truncated dome measured at its base is 4.5 mm.

According to another feature of the invention, a minimum diameter of the truncated dome measured at its top is 2 mm.

It will be understood here that the base of the truncated domes, which is to say their bottom, is circular and potentially has a greater diameter than their top, which is also circular.

According to one feature, the bottom wall is equipped with a separating strip which extends from one of the lateral edges toward the other lateral edge, without however being in contact with the latter.

According to one feature, the separating strip has a sinusoidal shape.

Like the fluid-flow-disturbing elements, the effect of the separating strip is to optimize the exchanges of heat within the heat exchanger plate by lengthening the path taken by the fluid in the volume of this plate.

The invention moreover relates to, according to a first embodiment, a heat exchanger configured to bring about an exchange of heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, this heat exchanger comprising first plates as set out above, which is to say having the first vertical dimension, and second plates as set out above, which is to say having the second vertical dimension.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the first and second fluids that bring about an exchange of heat can respectively be a heat-transfer fluid, of the dielectric type, a cooling fluid such as water or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or a refrigerant fluid, such as R134a, R1234yf or R744.

The first plates and second plates then make up a heating body within the heat exchanger, this heating body corresponding to its portion where the fluids circulate and therefore where the exchanges of heat take place. Within the heat exchanger according to this first embodiment, a first fluid and a different second fluid circulate respectively between two adjacent plates, for example so as to have the first-fluid circulation zone and the second-fluid circulation zone alternate, these circulation zones being vertically delimited by the bottom walls of the adjacent plates. Such a heat exchanger in this case has first plates of which the height of the fluid-flow-disturbing elements ranges between 0.75 and 0.85 mm, and second plates of which the height of the fluid-flow-disturbing elements ranges between 1.05 and 1.15 mm, installed alternately. Within one and the same heat exchanger, spaces between the plates that make it up therefore have varying vertical dimensions. Such a combination of first and second plates provides the heat exchanger with dimensional flexibility as regards its circulation zones. It is thus possible, by way of example, to obtain a first-fluid circulation zone larger than a second-fluid circulation zone, or vice versa.

According to this first embodiment, the angle measured between the bottom wall and any one of the edges ranges between 105° and 108°. Preferentially, this angle ranges between 105.5° and 107.5°. Such an angle provides a flexibility which makes it possible to deform the edge of the plates having the first vertical dimension or the second vertical dimension, while still ensuring the leaktightness between these plates at least at their edge.

As an alternative and according to a second embodiment, the invention relates to a heat exchanger configured to bring about an exchange of heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, this heat exchanger comprising a heating body solely made up of plates as set out above, which is to say having the first vertical dimension.

In this case, the heat exchanger has a heating body, which is to say a portion dedicated to the exchanges of heat, made up exclusively of first plates, which is to say plates of which the fluid-flow-disturbing elements have a vertical dimension ranging between 0.75 and 0.85 mm.

According to this second embodiment, the angle measured between the bottom wall and any one of the edges ranges between 106.5° and 109.5°. This angle is particularly suitable for ensuring the stacking of the plates having the first vertical dimension, and also the leaktightness between two plates, at least at their edges.

According to a third embodiment, the invention is understood to cover a heat exchanger configured to bring about an exchange of heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, this heat exchanger comprising a heating body solely made up of plates as set out above, which is to say having the second vertical dimension.

In this case, the heat exchanger has a heating body, which is to say a portion dedicated to the exchanges of heat, made up exclusively of second plates, which is to say plates of which the fluid-flow-disturbing elements have a vertical dimension ranging between 1.05 and 1.15 mm.

According to this third embodiment, the angle measured between the bottom wall and any one of the edges ranges between 103.5° and 106.5°. This angle is particularly suitable for ensuring the stacking of the plates having the second vertical dimension, and also the leaktightness between two plates, at least at their edges.

According to another feature, the plates are assembled by brazing.

The brazing notably ensures the leaktightness of the heat exchanger, since the first fluid and the second fluid thus have separate circulation zones which are not in communication, these zones furthermore being leaktight with respect to the external environment of the heat exchanger.

According to one feature, the plates are stacked in a stacking direction, the fluid-flow-disturbing elements of two plates that are adjacent in the stacking direction being disposed in staggered fashion.

The stacking direction corresponds to the vertical direction; it is the direction in which the plates are superposed with one another such that their respective longitudinal and lateral edges are in contact. “Disposed in staggered fashion” is understood in this case to mean that the fluid-flow-disturbing elements of a given plate are not vertically aligned with the fluid-flow-disturbing elements of the one or more plates that are adjacent to it, notably when these plates are viewed in a vertical section passing through three fluid-flow-disturbing elements. In other words, the fluid-flow-disturbing elements of a plate do not overlap the fluid-flow-disturbing elements of the adjacent plate when these plates are viewed from above.

According to another feature, the tops of the fluid-flow-disturbing elements of a plate are in contact with the bottom wall of the plate that is adjacent to it in the stacking direction.

The fluid-flow-disturbing elements are thus points of contact between two adjacent plates. Such a connection moreover contributes to delimiting a circulation pathway for the fluid within the circulation zone of the heat exchanger plate, and therefore disturbs the flow of this fluid in the volume of the plate. Furthermore, the contact between the fluid-flow-disturbing elements of a first plate and the bottom wall of a plate superposed with it contributes to the mechanical reinforcement of the heat exchanger, serving to secure the two plates and allowing a distribution of the forces among all of the contact points formed by the fluid-flow-disturbing elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent on reading the following description, and from exemplary embodiments given by way of nonlimiting indication, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in section of the exchanger in FIG. 1, according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two plates of the heat exchanger in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a close-up view in section of the exchanger in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a close-up view in section of the exchanger in FIG. 1 according to a second embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a close-up view in section of the exchanger in FIG. 1 according to a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various combinations, provided that they are not mutually incompatible or exclusive. It will be possible, in particular, to imagine variants of the invention that comprise only a selection of the features described below, in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and/or to distinguish the invention from the prior art.

In the figures, elements that are common to several figures have the same reference.

In the following detailed description, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse” and “vertical” refer to the orientation of the heat exchanger plate according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a main direction of extent of this plate, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a coordinate system L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A vertical direction corresponds to a direction measured in line with a plane in which the bottom wall of the heat exchanger plate mainly extends, this vertical direction being parallel to a vertical axis V of the coordinate system L, V, T, and this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Lastly, a transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a transverse axis T of the coordinate system L, V, T, this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the vertical axis V.

FIGS. 1 and 2 thus illustrate a heat exchanger 1 according to the invention, this heat exchanger 1 being intended to equip a motor vehicle. FIG. 1 is a perspective view, whereas FIG. 2 is a view in section along the section A-A in FIG. 1. The heat exchanger 1 contributes to the heating or cooling of at least one element of the motor vehicle that it equips. To that end, it is configured to bring about an exchange of heat, which is to say an exchange of heat energy, between a first fluid and a second fluid, both of which flow through it. This other fluid can for example be a heat-transfer liquid such as glycol water or oil.

The heat exchanger 1 extends mainly in a longitudinal direction L. It comprises a plurality of plates 10 which extend primarily in a plane including the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. More particularly, the heat exchanger 1 is formed by a stack of plates 10, which are superposed with one another in a stacking direction E, which is perpendicular to a plane in which the longitudinal direction L is inscribed and which corresponds to a vertical direction V.

As FIG. 2 particularly shows, the stack of plates 10 is covered by a cover plate 2, which constitutes an end plate of the heat exchanger 1. This cover plate 2 is not shown in FIG. 1. It has a rectangular shape and its surface is smooth. Apart from the cover plate 2 and a possible other cover plate situated opposite it in the stacking direction E, the set of plates 10 makes up a heating body of the heat exchanger 1, which is to say a portion within which the exchanges of heat between the first fluid and the second fluid take place.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 1 comprises two connecting pipes 4, 6 at a first one of its longitudinal ends and a connection block 8 at a second one of its longitudinal ends. These connecting pipes and connection block 4, 6, 8 make it possible to convey fluids to the fluid distribution openings of the heat exchanger 1 and to discharge them through these fluid distribution openings.

Two of the plates 10 of the heat exchanger 1 according to the invention are shown separately in FIG. 3, in a perspective view. These two plates 10 are adjacent and superposed in the stacking direction E, one of the plates 10 having been pivoted by a half-turn relative to the other. The stacking of the plates 10 within the heat exchanger 1 is such that the first fluid circulates between two directly adjacent plates 10, the second fluid for its part circulating between each of these two plates 10 and other plates that are directly adjacent to them. Each plate 10 of the heat exchanger 1 is intended to be joined to the plates 10 adjacent to it in the stacking direction E and/or to the cover plate 2 by brazing, in order to ensure the leaktightness of the heat exchanger 1.

One of the plates 10 of the heat exchanger 1 will now be described in more detail, the features of this plate 10 being applicable to each of the plates 10 forming the heating body of the heat exchanger 1.

The plate 10 has a substantially rectangular shape and four rounded corners. The plate 10 is delimited by two oppositely situated longitudinal edges 12, 14 extending in the longitudinal direction L, and two oppositely situated lateral edges 16, 18 perpendicular to these longitudinal edges 12, 14. One of the lateral edges 16, 18 is thus disposed at a first longitudinal end 20 of the plate 10, the other of these lateral edges 16, 18 being disposed at a second longitudinal end 22 thereof. It will be understood here that the longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18 make up a raised edge or perimeter of the plate 10.

The longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18 delimit a volume of the plate 10 between them. The volume of the plate 10 is moreover delimited notably by a bottom wall 24, which extends mainly in a longitudinal-transverse plane. This bottom wall 24 is connected to each of the longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18. More specifically, the bottom wall 24 is connected to these longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18 such that an angle α measured between this bottom wall 24 and any one of the edges 12, 14, 16, 18 ranges between 103.5° and 109.5°. Preferentially, such an angle α ranges between 105° and 108°. The longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18 thus extend in planes which intersect but are not perpendicular to the longitudinal-transverse plane in which the bottom wall 24 extends, thereby giving the plate 10 a tub-like form.

The plate 10 furthermore has a determined thickness, such a thickness corresponding to its dimension which is measured along the vertical direction V taken at the bottom wall 24. According to the invention, the thickness of this bottom wall 24 of the plate 10 ranges between 0.20 mm and 0.45 mm, preferably between 0.27 mm and 0.35 mm.

As set out above, the fluids are conveyed to the fluid distribution openings of the heat exchanger 1. These fluid distribution openings are in this case disposed in the vicinity of each of the four corners of the plate 10, which is to say on the bottom wall 24 at the junction between their longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18. It will thus be understood that in this case there are four fluid distribution openings, with a first fluid distribution opening 26, a second fluid distribution opening 28, a third fluid distribution opening 30 and a fourth fluid distribution opening 32, i.e. two fluid distribution openings 26, 28 at the first longitudinal end 20 and two fluid distribution openings at the second longitudinal end 22. These fluid distribution openings 26, 28, 30, 32 are intended to supply or discharge fluid to/from each of the zones delimited by two adjacent plates 10 of the heat exchanger 1. They notably extend in the continuation of the connecting pipes 4, 6 or of the connection block 8. The two fluid distribution openings 30, 32 which are disposed in the vicinity of the second longitudinal end 22 have a collar 33, which corresponds to a deformation of the constituent material of the bottom wall 24 around the contour of these fluid distribution openings 30, 32 by stamping. Conversely, the two fluid distribution openings 26, 28 disposed at the first longitudinal end 20 do not have such a collar 33.

Between two adjacent plates 10 or between an end plate 10 and the cover plate 2, there is a circulation zone 34 dedicated to the circulation of the first fluid or of the second fluid. When this circulation zone 34 is defined by two adjacent plates 10, it is delimited for the one part between the longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18 of one of the two adjacent plates 10 and vertically for the other part between the bottom walls 24 of each of these two adjacent plates 10. When the circulation zone 34 is comprised between a plate 10 and the cover plate 2, it is vertically delimited by the bottom wall 24 of the plate 10 and by the cover plate 2. This circulation zone 34 is in fluidic communication with the fluid distribution openings 26, 28, 30, 32. The fluid circulation zones 34 are therefore spaces between two plates 10 that are adjacent in the stacking direction E where the fluid circulates.

Each plate 10 can comprise a separating strip 38 which extends from the first longitudinal end 20 toward the second longitudinal end 22. This separating strip 38 projects from the bottom wall 24 of the plate 10 substantially equidistantly from its longitudinal edges 12, 14. The separating strip 38 has for example a sinusoidal shape which contributes to disturbing a flow of the fluid within the fluid circulation zone 34. The separating strip 38 thus makes it possible to lengthen the path taken by the fluid, which circulates in a U shape within this fluid circulation zone 34.

The plate 10 has fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40, which are shown particularly in FIGS. 3 to 6, with FIGS. 4 to 6 being views, in section A-A, of the heat exchanger 1. The fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 are protuberances or roughnesses which are deformations of the bottom wall 24 of the plate 10. Such deformations can notably be obtained by stamping of the bottom wall 24, toward the inside of the volume of the plate 10 delimited by its longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18. By contrast to the cover plate 2, the surface of which is flat, the plates 10 therefore have an uneven surface which avoids a laminar flow of the fluid in question within the circulation zone 34.

A fluid-flow-disturbing element 40 is in this case a truncated dome 41 which projects from a plate 10. If there are multiple truncated domes 41, they are distributed in a regular pattern and at a predefined pitch.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 4 to 6, these truncated domes 41 extend between a base 42, closest to the longitudinal-transverse plane in which the bottom wall 24 mainly extends, and a top 44 at a distance therefrom. The top 44 of each of the truncated domes 41 is a flat part, preferably extending parallel to the bottom wall 24.

According to the invention, the fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 have a vertical dimension D, i.e. their dimension measured between their base 42 and their top 44, ranging between 0.75 mm and 1.15 mm. Such a vertical dimension corresponds to a height of the truncated domes 41. In addition, a maximum diameter of the truncated domes 41 measured at their base 42 is 4.5 mm, whereas a minimum diameter of these truncated domes 41 measured at their top 44 is 2 mm. The truncated dome 41 has a circular profile, seen from above, just like the top 44 and/or the base 42.

When two plates 10 that are adjacent in the stacking direction E are assembled in order to form a heat exchanger 1, the tops 44 of the fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of one of these plates 10 are in contact with the bottom wall 24 of the other plate 10. Since each plate 10 is equipped with multiple fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40, it will therefore be understood that there are multiple contact points between two adjacent plates 10 when they are stacked. Such contact points are shown particularly in FIGS. 4 to 6.

Owing to these contact points, the fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 constitute a retaining device when the plates 10 are pressed together in order to assemble the heat exchanger 1. During this assembly, the plates 10 are specifically stacked in the stacking direction E before being pressed together and then brazed, thereby contributing to ensuring the leaktightness of the heat exchanger 1. The retention is particularly ensured by the tops 44 of the truncated domes 41 which, as set out above, come into contact with the bottom wall 24 of the adjacent plate 10. Furthermore, pressing the plates 10 together causes them to deform, for example incline, at their longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18. Such deformation, as will be explained below, depends on the angle α measured between these longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18 and the bottom wall 24.

FIGS. 4 to 6 also illustrate that the fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of two plates 10 that are adjacent in the stacking direction E are disposed in staggered fashion. In other words, there is an offset between the respective fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of two adjacent plates 10, such an offset being observed in a view in section along a longitudinal-vertical plane.

FIGS. 4 to 6, which correspond to three separate embodiments of the heat exchanger 1 according to the invention, will now be described in succession. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to a first embodiment of the heat exchanger 1 according to the invention. The plates 10 stacked underneath the cover 2 in the stacking direction E, which correspond to the heating body, are in this case first plates 10A with interposed second plates 10B. First plates 10A and second plates 10B notably differ in terms of the vertical dimension D of their respective fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40; thus, the fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of the first plates 10A have a vertical dimension D ranging between 0.75 mm and 0.85 mm, i.e. a first vertical dimension D1, whereas the fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of the second plates 10B have a vertical dimension D ranging between 1.05 and 1.15 mm, i.e. a second vertical dimension D2. In other words, the heat exchanger 1 according to the first embodiment is realized by repeating a sequence alternating between a first plate 10A of the first vertical dimension D1 and a second plate 10B of the second vertical dimension D2. It will be understood in this case that this heat exchanger 1 has fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of dimensions that vary from one plate 10 to the next. As a result, the fluid circulation zone 34 defined between two given adjacent plates 10 will be able to have a greater extent than the fluid circulation zone 34 delimited by one of these two plates 10 and another plate 10 adjacent thereto.

In addition, in this first embodiment, the angle α measured between any one, advantageously all, of the longitudinal edges 12, 14 or lateral edges 16, 18 for the one part and the bottom wall 24 for the other part is in this case a first angle α1 which ranges between 105° and 108°. Such a first angle α1 is selected to ensure, during the assembly of the heat exchanger 1 and more particularly during the deformation of the plates 10 forming it, a capacity of the longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18 to deform such that the tops 44 of each of the fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of a given plate 10 come into contact with the bottom wall 24 of the plate 10 that is adjacent to it. The first angle α1 furthermore contributes to ensuring leaktightness between the longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18 of two adjacent plates 10, even when they have fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of varying dimensions, which is to say both of the first dimension D1 and of the second dimension D2.

By contrast to the heat exchanger 1 according to the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 1 according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 comprises a heating body made up solely of first plates 10A. It will thus be understood that, according to this second embodiment, the heat exchanger 1 has a stack of plates 10 all having fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of the first dimension D1. In other words, the heat exchanger 1 in this case comprises exclusively fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of which the vertical dimension D ranges between 0.75 and 0.85 mm.

In this second embodiment, the angle α is a second angle α2, which ranges between 106.5° and 109.5°. This second angle α2 is suitable for the assembly of plates 10 that all have fluid-disturbing elements 40 of the first dimension D1. It will be understood here that this angle α2 allows the first plates 10A to be deformed in order to ensure both contact between the fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of a first plate 10A and the bottom wall 24 of the first plate 10A that is adjacent to it, and also the leaktightness of the heat exchanger 1 comprising solely such first plates 10A.

In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the heating body of the heat exchanger 1 comprises solely second plates 10B; all the fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of this heat exchanger 1 therefore have the second vertical dimension D2, which is to say ranging between 1.05 and 1.15 mm. For this third embodiment, the angle α between the bottom wall 24 and either one of the longitudinal edges 12, 14 or one of the lateral edges 16, 18 is a third angle α3 ranging between 103.5° and 106.5°. The third angle α3 allows adequate deformation of the second plates 10B such that their fluid-flow-disturbing elements 40 of the second dimension D2 come into contact with the bottom walls 24 of the adjacent second plates 10B during the assembly of the heat exchanger 1 according to the third embodiment. Such an angle α3 moreover contributes to the leaktightness of the second plates 10B after they have been stacked and brazed, notably at their longitudinal edges 12, 14 and lateral edges 16, 18.

The present invention thus proposes a heat exchanger plate and an associated heat exchanger comprising a plurality of these plates, their fluid-flow-disturbing devices being configured to optimize the disturbance of the circulation of the fluids within the heat exchanger and provide the heat exchanger with improved mechanical strength, the plate being able to deform to absorb the dimensional deviations when the heating body is exclusively made up of plates of the first vertical dimension, of alternating plates of the first vertical dimension and of the second vertical dimension, or of plates of the second vertical dimension.

The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here, however, and also extends to all equivalent means and configurations and to any technically operational combination of such means.