A MANIFOLD

Abstract

 The object of the invention is, among others, a manifold (1) for distribution of a fluid in a heat exchanger (100), the manifold (1) elongating along a longitudinal axis (L1) and comprising a first longer side (101) and a second longer side (102) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L1), a first short side (103) and a second short side (104) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L1), wherein the manifold 100) further comprises: a cover (10) extending along the axis of elongation of the manifold (10), wherein the cover (10) comprises at least one channel (10a, 10b) for the fluid, and a header (20) configured to close the channel for the fluid within the manifold (1), wherein the header (20) is configured to be fixed to the cover (10), characterized in that at least one channel (10a, 10b) comprises at least a first channel section (11) and a second channel section (12), wherein the first channel section (11) is different than the second channel section (12).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a manifold. In particular, the invention relates to the manifold for the heat exchanger for a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of heat exchanger and in particular to heat exchangers intended to be traversed by a fluid under high pressure. In this respect, the invention relates more particularly to air conditioning gas coolers, inner gas coolers or evaporators capable of being traversed by a refrigerant fluid in the supercritical state, as is the case for natural gases such as carbon dioxide, also known as CO2 or R744. Such heat exchangers find particular application in motor vehicles.

[0003] A known fluid refrigerant circuit forms a closed loop in which the refrigerant fluid flows in order to dissipate or collect calories through heat exchangers. The heat exchanger comprises the manifold to connect said heat exchanger to the fluid refrigerant circuit, said manifold linking pipes from the fluid refrigerant circuit to the heat exchanger core, in order for the refrigerant fluid to flow through heat exchanger tubes.

[0004] In a fluid refrigerant circuit traversed by a refrigerant fluid in the supercritical state, this refrigerant fluid remains essentially in the gaseous state and under a very high pressure, which is usually around 100 bar. As a result, heat exchangers must be able to withstand such high pressure, the recommended burst pressure being generally three times the value of the nominal operating pressure, burst pressure thus reaching around 300 bars.

[0005] A known heat exchangers comprise the manifolds and the heat exchange tubes allowing the refrigerant fluid to migrate between the manifolds. The heat exchange tubes also allow a thermal exchange between the refrigerant fluid, flowing inside said heat exchange tubes, and an air flowing outside the heat exchanger, thus capturing calories from the air flowing across the heat exchanger core.

[0006] The manifold comprises a cover plate a header plate and a distribution plate localized between the tank and the header plate. The tank plate of the manifold is configured to delimit said manifold. The header plate of the manifold is designed to allow the refrigerant fluid to flow between the first manifold or the second manifold and the heat exchange tubes.

[0007] The cover, the distribution plate and the header are brazed together to ensure the sealing of the manifold, avoiding leaks of the refrigerant fluid. The header plate comprises teeth configured to secure the assembly of the header plate, the distribution plate and the tank plate together, in order to help the brazed manifold to withstand the very high pressure generated into the fluid refrigerating circuit.

[0008] In known heat exchangers, the distribution plate redirects part of the fluid feeding the intake manifold in order to feed the tubes. However, the existence of the distribution plate itself does not guarantee the proper distribution of the fluid. In other words, it is difficult to provide a homogenous distribution of the fluid across the entire heat exchange surface, i.e. the tubes. The additional components, such as distribution plates, also impact the overall weight of the heat exchanger and they are another part to be assembled during the process.

[0009] The above-mentioned tube may be improved so that the homogeneity of the fluid distribution across the heat exchanger is provided. Moreover, the invention aims to reduce the number of components of the heat exchanger while increasing the overall performance thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of the invention is, among others, a manifold for distribution of a fluid in a heat exchanger, the manifold elongating along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first longer side and a second longer side parallel to the longitudinal axis, a first short side and a second short side substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the manifold further comprises: a cover extending along the axis of elongation of the manifold, wherein the cover comprises at least one channel for the fluid, and a header configured to close the channel for the fluid within the manifold, wherein the header is configured to be fixed to the cover, characterized in that at least one channel comprises at least a first channel section and a second channel section, wherein the first channel section is different than the second channel section.

[0011] Advantageously, at least one channel for the fluid comprises at least one first channel section being slanted with respect to the longitudinal axis so that the first channel section extends towards the first longer side and at least one second channel section being slanted with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the second channel section extends towards the second longer side.

[0012] Advantageously, the second channel section is fluidly connected with the first channel section.

[0013] Advantageously, wherein the second channel section is arranged downstream the first channel section, with respect to intended flow direction of the fluid.

[0014] Advantageously, the second channel section extends in an opposite direction with respect to the first channel section.

[0015] Advantageously, the cover further comprises a third channel section arranged between the first channel section and the second channel section, the third channel section having a rounded shape to facilitate the transfer of the fluid between the first channel section and the second channel section.

[0016] Advantageously, each of the first channel section and the second channel section comprise a first channel walls, wherein the channel walls are straight.

[0017] Advantageously, each of the first channel section and the second channel section comprise a second channel walls, wherein the channel walls comprise a curvature.

[0018] Advantageously, the subsequent first and second channel sections are fluidly connected together to form a zig-zag pattern.

[0019] Advantageously, the subsequent first and second channel sections are fluidly connected together to form a sinusoidal pattern.

[0020] Advantageously, the cover comprises a fourth channel, wherein the fourth channel is straight and arranged in parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis, and any of the channels arranged along said fourth channel.

[0021] Advantageously, the cover comprises at least two channels, wherein the channels are so arranged next to each other, that their first channel sections and their second channel sections being at the same level relatively to the longitudinal axis are facing the same direction.

[0022] Advantageously, the cover comprises at least two channels, wherein the channels are so arranged next to each other, that their first channel sections and their second channel sections being at the same level relatively to the longitudinal axis are facing opposite direction.

[0023] Advantageously, the first channel and the second channel comprise at least a first capillary section, and at least one second capillary section, wherein the second capillary section is smaller than the first capillary section.

[0024] The invention also concerns a heat exchanger comprising at least one manifold.

[0025] Advantageously, the heat exchanger comprises the plurality of tubes comprising open ends, the tubes being arranged in a first stack and a second stack along a stacking direction being parallel the longitudinal axis of the manifold, at least one first manifold group comprising at least a manifold configured to receive one open end of the stacks and a second manifold group configured to receive the other open end of the stacks.

[0026] Advantageously, the tubes further comprise a first tube, a second tube, a third tube and a fourth tube, wherein the first tubes form a first pass for a fluid, the second tubes form a second pass for the fluid, the third tubes form a third pass for the fluid, and the fourth tubes form a fourth pass for the for the fluid, the first tubes being fluidly connected together by at least a first channel in the first manifold group, the second tubes being fluidly connected with respective first tubes by the second manifold group, the third tubes being fluidly connected with the second tubes by the first manifold group, and the fourth tubes are fluidly connected with the third tubes first manifold group.

BRIEF DESCRITPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Examples of the invention will be apparent from and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the heat exchanger comprising a manifold and a single stack of tubes.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the heat exchanger comprising a manifold and two stacks of tubes.

Fig. 3 shows a manifold group with a manifold in one embodiment and a detailed section thereof.

Fig. 4 shows a manifold group with a manifold in other embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows the heat exchanger of Fig.2 with the passes arrangement in the first stack of tubes.

Fig. 6 shows the heat exchanger of Fig. 5 with the passes arrangement in the second stack of tubes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The subject-matter of an invention is, among others, a manifold 1 for distribution of a fluid in a heat exchanger 100. The term "manifold" may refer to any structure configured to convey the fluid, for example a refrigerant, there-through. The manifold may be assembled out of several sub-components which after processing, for example brazing, are joined together.

[0029] The manifold 1 may elongate along a longitudinal axis L1. The longitudinal axis L1 may also be referred to as axis of elongation or simply, the axis.

[0030] The manifold 1 may comprise a first longer side 91 and a second longer side 92 which are parallel to the longitudinal axis L1, a first short side 93 and a second short side 94 which may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1.The term "substantially parallel/ perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1" may refer to the manifolds, in which, for example, one short side is bigger than the other. Thus, the axis L1 should be regarded as an axis running through the median portion of the manifold 1. The terms referring to short sides 93, 94 and/or the longer sides 91, 92, may automatically refer to the sub-components described in further paragraphs, such as a cover, a header, etc.

[0031] The manifold 100 may further comprise a cover 10 extending along the axis of elongation of the manifold 10. The cover 10 may be assembled with a header 20 to form together the conduit for the fluid, which may be distributed among the tubes of the heat exchanger 1.

[0032] The header 20 may be configured to close the channel for the fluid within the manifold 1. The header 20 may be configured to be fixed to the cover 10. It may comprise a plurality of tabs which can be crimped to the cover 10 in order to provide tight connection between the components before the brazing process.

[0033] In order to provide a homogenous distribution of the fluid within the heat exchanger 1, the cover 10 may comprise at least one channel 10a, 10b for the fluid. The term "channel" is not limited to a closed channel, for example extruded in the cover 10. As shown in figures, the channel 10a, 10b may be in form of a depletion or incision in the surface of the cover 10 which faces the header 20. The channel 10a, 10b may extend from the first short side 103 to the second short side 104. In other words, the channel 10a, 10b may extend along the length of the cover 10, wherein the length of the cover 10 is parallel to the longitudinal axis L1.

[0034] At least one channel 10a, 10b for the fluid may comprise at least one first channel section 11, also referred to as the "first section". It means, that either one channel 10a or the other channel 10b may comprise such a section. It is also envisaged that both channels 10a, 10b comprise the first channel section 11 or any further sections described in further paragraphs. The first section 11 may be slanted with respect to the longitudinal axis L1. The term "slanted" should be understood as at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis L1. In other words, the first section may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the first channel section 11 extends towards the first longer side 102. The cover 10 may also comprise at least one second channel section 12 being slanted with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 so that the second channel section 12 extends towards the second longer side 103. It is to be noted, that any directions given to the first, second or any subsequent channel section refer to the extension direction of said channels between the sides 101, 102, 103, 104 of the cover and relatively to the longitudinal axis L1, not upward or downward direction.

[0035] As shown in the figures, the second channel section 12 may be fluidly connected with the first channel section 11. The sections 11, 12 may be technically the same, i.e. they may comprise the same dimensions, shape, etc., so that the only difference between the two is the direction they are facing. The second channel section 12 may thus extend in an opposite direction with respect to the first channel section 11.

[0036] Alternatively, the first section 11 may comprise different properties than the second section 12, for example, the second section may comprise different shape or/and dimensions as the second section 12. the second channel section 12 extends in an opposite direction with respect to the first channel section 11.

[0037] The second channel section 12 may be arranged downstream the first channel section 11 with respect to intended flow direction of the fluid. It means that depending on the fluid flow within the heat exchanger, it is assumed that the second section 12 is subsequent with respect to the first section 11. Naturally, the reversed arrangement is also envisaged.

[0038] The cover 10 may further comprise a third channel section 13, also referred to as a third section 13. The third section 13 may be arranged between the first channel section 11 and the second channel section 12. The third section 13 is configured to provide a smooth transition for the fluid between the second section and the first section which intended fluid flow direction is substantially opposite. Therefore, it is preferred that the shape of the third section 13 promotes the laminar flow therein. In order to provide such a flow of the fluid, the third channel section 13 may comprise a rounded shape to facilitate the transfer of the fluid between the first channel section 11 and the second channel section 12.

[0039] As shown in the figures, the first channel section 11 and/or the second channel section 12 may comprise at least first channel walls 11a, 12a. The first channel walls 11a, 12a may be configured to delimit the sections 11, 12. In this embodiment, the channel walls 11a, 12a may be straight, i.e. at least at some level being arranged in parallel with respect to each other. It is to be noted, that despite the channel walls 11a 12a are parallel with respect to each other, each of them 11a 12a is still slanted with respect to the longitudinal axis L1.

[0040] As shown in a detailed section of Fig. 3, the walls 11a, 12a may thus be arranged in a zig-zag pattern. It is to be noted, that the presence of such pattern is possible when the second section 12 is arranged directly and subsequently with respect to the first section 11, as well as the second section 12 is fluidly connected with the first section 11 via the third section 13. Thus, the subsequent first and second channel sections 11,12 may be fluidly connected together to form a zig-zag pattern.

[0041] The first channel section 11 and/or the second channel section 12 may comprise a second channel walls 11b, 12b, wherein the channel walls 11b, 12b comprise a curvature. The "curvature" means, that the second channel walls 11b, 12b do not comprise the straight (or linear) section of the walls.

[0042] Similarly to the first walls 11a, 12, the subsequent first and second channel sections 11,12 are fluidly connected together to form a sinusoidal pattern by having the second walls 11b, 12b. The term sinusoidal refers mainly to the meandering shape, rather that strict geometrical properties of the sinusoid itself.

[0043] Naturally, the cover 10 may also comprise a fourth channel (not shown). The fourth channel may be straight and arranged in parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis L1. Simultaneously, the fourth channel may be arranged substantially in parallel with respect to any of the sections 11, 12, 13 arranged along said fourth channel.

[0044] The cover 10 may also comprise at least two channels 10a, 10b, wherein the channels 10a, 10b are so arranged next to each other, that their first channel sections 11 and their second channel sections 12 being at the same level relatively to the longitudinal axis L1 are facing the same direction. In other words, the pattern of one channel 10b may a copy of the neighboring other channel 10a.

[0045] Alternatively, the cover 10 may comprise at least two channels 10a, 10b, wherein the channels 10a, 10b are so arranged next to each other, that their first channel sections 11 and their second channel sections 12 being at the same level relatively to the longitudinal axis L1 are facing opposite direction. In this configuration, the one channel 10b may be regarded as an mirror image of the other channel 10a.

[0046] As shown in Fig.4, the cover 10 may comprise the first channel section 11 and the second channel section 12 which are of gradually decreasing size with respect to the intended first fluid flow direction. The first channel 10a and the second channel 10b may comprise at least a first capillary section 11c, 12c, and at least one second capillary section 11d, 12d, wherein the second capillary section 11d, 12d is smaller than the first capillary section 11c, 12c. Term "smaller" means that at least the width of the second capillary section 11d ,12d, measured in perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis L1, is smaller than the width of the first capillary section 11c, 12c. The cover 10 may also comprise a third capillary section 11e, 12e. The third capillary section 11e, 12e, may be located between the first capillary section 11c, 12c and the second capillary section 11d, 12d. Further the third capillary section 11e, 12e, may be located between two subsequent second capillary sections 11d, 12d, wherein one second capillary section 11d, 12d is smaller than the other with respect to the intended first fluid flow direction. In the aforementioned examples, the intended fluid flow direction is from the part of the cover 10 having bigger hydraulic diameter of the channel to the part of the cover 10 having smaller hydraulic diameter of the channel. The cover 10 comprising such features facilitates the distribution of the fluid across the first stack 3a of tubes 3, and as a consequence, improves the overall performance of the heat exchanger 100.

[0047] As already mentioned, the manifold 1 for distribution of a fluid may be implemented in a heat exchanger 100.

[0048] The heat exchanger 100 may thus comprise a second manifold 2 which is spaced apart from the first manifold 1. The manifolds 1,2 are usually arranged in parallel with respect to each other.

[0049] The plurality of tubes 3 may be stacked between the manifolds in order to provide a fluidal communication between the manifolds 1.

[0050] In one of the embodiments, the tubes 3 may be arranged only in a first stack 3a. This provides, for example, so-called I-flow through the heat exchanger 100. This embodiment however is not very efficient, so it should be used only for special applications.

[0051] In order to improve the efficiency and overall performance of the heat exchanger 100, said heat exchanger 100 may comprise multiple passes. Thus, the heat exchanger 100 may further comprise a first stack 3a of tubes and at least one second stack 3b of tubes. The stacks 3a, 3b may be arranged in parallel and next to each other.

[0052] The plurality of tubes 3 may comprise open ends on both sides of each individual tube 3. The tubes 3 may be arranged in a first stack 3a and a second stack 3b along a stacking direction being parallel the longitudinal axis L1 of the manifold 1. In other words, the stacking direction of the stacks 3a may be perpendicular the axis of elongation of the tubes 3.

[0053] Each of the tubes 3 may comprise a set of micro channels extending between the open ends, in parallel to the main axis of elongation of the tube. The tubes 3 may be of the same size, i.e. their external dimensions such as: width, measured as the distance between the outer faces of the shorter walls 93, 94; the length- measured along the longer walls 91, 92, as the distance between the open ends of the tube; or as the height, measured as the distance between the outer faces of the longer walls of the same tube 3. Even if the tubes 3 are of the same size, they may comprise the same or different number of micro channels formed therein. Other types of tubes 3, for example, folded tubes 3 are also envisaged.

[0054] The heat exchanger 100 may further comprise at least one first manifold group 101. The term "manifold group" should be understood as one or more manifolds being located on the same side of the heat exchanger 100, relatively to the tubes 3. In other words, all manifolds receiving open ends of the tubes 3 which are arranged on the same side of said tubes may form the manifold group.

[0055] The manifolds forming a first manifold group 101 or the second manifold group 201 may be in contact with each other by, for example, sharing the same components such as header or distribution plate. Alternatively, the manifolds forming each manifold group 101, 201 may be remote, i.e. they are not in contact with each other.

[0056] The first manifold group 101 may comprise at least a manifold 1 configured to receive one open end of the stacks 3a, 3b and a second manifold group 201 configured to receive the other open end of the stacks 3a, 3b.

[0057] In the preferred embodiment, the first manifold group 101 comprises a manifold 1 and a third manifold 3. The second manifold group 201 may comprise the second manifold 2 and a fourth manifold 4. The manifold 1 may be configured to receive the fluid from the refrigerant loop through an inlet. The manifold may further be fluidly connected with the second manifold by the first stack 3a. The second manifold group 201 may comprise at least one bypass section 300 in order to provide a fluidal communication between the second manifold 2 and the fourth manifold 4. The fourth manifold 4 may further be fluidly connected with the second manifold 2 by means of the second stack 3b. The fluid may flow and be collected in the second manifold 2 and it can be directed towards an outlet of the heat exchanger 100. Other flow configurations are also envisaged.

[0058] Fig. 5 and Fig.6 show the intended flow of the fluid through the first stack 3a and the second stack 3b, respectively. It is to be noted that figs 5 and 6 refer to the same heat exchanger 100, yet the flow patterns are presented in separate figures for the sake of clarity of the drawings.

[0059] The stacks 3a, 3b may comprise one or more passes. The term "pass" should be understood as a portion of the tubes 3 of the stack 3a, 3b in which the fluid flows in the same direction and in the same sense. In the present example, the heat exchanger 100 may comprise a plurality of passes for the fluid. The number of passes and size of each pass is not limiting and it may be changed according to the needs and desired effect. In the figures, each pass is depicted as an arrow showing the direction of the fluid in each of them.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment, the first stack 3a comprises the first pass P1 only, as shown in Fig. 5, wherein the first pass P1 is located between the manifold 1 an the second manifold 2. Right after the fluid is transferred from the second manifold 2 to the fourth manifold 4 via the bypass means, the fluid enters the second pass P2. The second pass P2, and any consecutive passes are formed within the second stack 3b of tubes 3. It is to be noted that at this point, the third manifold 3 may be fluidly connected with the outlet, yet in order to increase the performance of the heat exchanger 100, another passes are added, so that the first stack 3a comprises only the first pass P1 and the second stack 3b comprises only the second pass P4.

[0061] As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, it is advantageous that the heat exchanger 100 comprises multiple passes. Thus, the second pass P2 may be fluidly connected with the third pass P3 via the channel within the third manifold 3. The third pass P3 provides the fluidal communication between the third manifold 3 and the fourth manifold 4. Further, the third pass P3 may be fluidly connected with the fourth pass P4 via the channel within the fourth manifold 4. The fourth pass P4 provides the fluidal communication between the fourth manifold 4 and the third manifold 3. Further, the fourth pass P4 may be fluidly connected with the fifth pass P5 via the channel within the third manifold 3. The fifth pass P5 provides the fluidal communication between the third manifold 3 and the fourth manifold 4. Further, the fifth pass P5 may be fluidly connected with the sixth pass P6 via the channel within the fourth manifold 4. The sixth pass P6 provides the fluidal communication between the fourth manifold 4 and the third manifold 3. Further, the sixth pass P6 may be fluidly connected with the seventh pass P7 via the channel within the third manifold 3. Finally, the seventh pass P7 may be fluidly connected with the eighth pass P8 via the channel within the fourth manifold 4. The eighth pass P8 is also fluidly connected with the third manifold 3, which may be fluidly connected with the outlet of the heat exchanger 100. Such architecture of the heat exchanger 100 provides improved efficiency within the first stack 3a which comprises only one stack, and in the second stack 3b which comprises multiple passes for the fluid. It is to be noted that other arrangement of the passes or the direction of flow within the heat exchanger 100 are also envisaged.

[0062] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to the advantage.

Claims

1. A manifold (1) for distribution of a fluid in a heat exchanger (100), the manifold (1) elongating along a longitudinal axis (L1), a first longer side (101) and a second longer side (102) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L1), a first short side (103) and a second short side (104) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L1), wherein the manifold (1) further comprises: a cover (10) extending along the axis of elongation of the manifold (10), wherein the cover (10) comprises at least one channel (10a, 10b) for the fluid, and a header (20) configured to close the channel for the fluid within the manifold (1), wherein the header (20) is configured to be fixed to the cover (10), characterized in that at least one channel (10a, 10b) comprises at least a first channel section (11) and a second channel section (12), wherein the first channel section (11) is different than the second channel section (12).

2. A manifold (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one channel (10a, 10b) for the fluid comprises at least one first channel section (11) being slanted with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1) so that the first channel section (11) extends towards the first longer side (102) and at least one second channel section (12) being slanted with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1) so that the second channel section (12) extends towards the second longer side (103).

3. The manifold (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second channel section (12) is fluidly connected with the first channel section (11).

4. The manifold (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second channel section (12) is arranged downstream the first channel section (11), with respect to intended flow direction of the fluid.

5. The manifold (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second channel section (12) extends in an opposite direction with respect to the first channel section (11).

6. The manifold (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (10) further comprises a third channel section (13) arranged between the first channel section (11) and the second channel section (12), the third channel section (13) having a rounded shape to facilitate the transfer of the fluid between the first channel section (11) and the second channel section (12).

7. The manifold (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first channel section (11) and the second channel section (12) comprise a first channel walls (11a, 12a), wherein the channel walls (11a, 12a) are straight.

8. The manifold (1) according to claim 7, wherein the subsequent first and second channel sections (11,12) are fluidly connected together to form a zig-zag pattern.

9. The manifold (1) according to claim 6, wherein the subsequent first and second channel sections (11,12) are fluidly connected together to form a sinusoidal pattern.

10. The manifold (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (10) comprises a fourth channel (10d), wherein the fourth channel (10d) is straight and arranged in parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1), and any of the channels (10a, 10b) arranged along said fourth channel (10d).

11. The manifold (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover comprises at least two channels (10a, 10b), wherein the channels (10a, 10b) are so arranged next to each other, that their first channel sections (11) and their second channel sections (12) being at the same level relatively to the longitudinal axis (L1) are facing the same direction.

12. The manifold (1) according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the cover comprises at least two channels (10a, 10b), wherein the channels (10a, 10b) are so arranged next to each other, that their first channel sections (11) and their second channel sections (12) being at the same level relatively to the longitudinal axis (L1) are facing opposite direction.

13. The manifold (1) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the first channel (10a) and the second channel (10b) comprise at least a first capillary section (11c, 12c), and at least one second capillary section (11d, 12d), wherein the second capillary section (11d, 12d) is smaller than the first capillary section (11c, 12c).

14. The heat exchanger (100) comprising at least one manifold (1) according to any of claims 1-12.

15. A heat exchanger (100) according to claim 14 comprising: the plurality of tubes (3) comprising open ends, the tubes (3) being arranged in a first stack (3a) and a second stack (3b) along a stacking direction being parallel the longitudinal axis (L1) of the manifold (1), at least one first manifold group (101) comprising at least a manifold (1) configured to receive one open end of the stacks (3a, 3b) and a second manifold group (201) configured to receive the other open end of the stacks (3a, 3b).

16. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 15, wherein the tubes (3) further comprise a first tube (11), a second tube (12), a third tube (30) and a fourth tube (40), wherein the first tubes (11) form a first pass (P1) for a fluid, the second tubes (12) form a second pass (P2) for the fluid, the third tubes (30) form a third pass (P3) for the fluid, and the fourth tubes (40) form a fourth pass (P4) for the for the fluid, the first tubes (11) being fluidly connected together by at least a first channel (10a) in the first manifold group (101), the second tubes (12) being fluidly connected with respective first tubes (11) by the second manifold group (201), the third tubes (30) being fluidly connected with the second tubes (12) by the first manifold group (101), and the fourth tubes (40) are fluidly connected with the third tubes (30) first manifold group (100).

Drawing