Cooling assembly

Abstract

A cooling assembly (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: a primary heat exchanger (10) comprising a pair of primary collector boxes (11, 12) having primary header plates (13, 14) which are substantially rectangular; a plurality of primary tubes (15) stacked between the primary header plates (13, 14); a secondary heat exchanger (20) comprising a pair of secondary collector boxes (21, 22) having secondary header plates (23, 24) which are substantially rectangular; a plurality of secondary tubes (25) stacked between the secondary collector boxes (21, 22), characterized in that the primary heat exchanger (10) and the secondary heat exchanger (20) are arranged in parallel, perpendicular to each other, such that the secondary header plates (23, 24) of the secondary heat exchanger (20) at least partially overlap the stack of primary tubes (15) of the primary heat exchanger (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to cooling components, and more particularly to cooling components for motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Heat exchangers in motor vehicles are typically responsible for the thermal management of the drivetrain, air conditioning system, power steering system, and so on. This applies to both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles, where thermal management can affect emissions levels, fuel or energy consumption, driving range, and more.

[0003] Today, heat exchangers can be assembled from metal components (e.g., aluminum) and composite components (e.g., plastic). Sub-components responsible for heat exchange (e.g., heat exchanger cores including pipes fitted with manifolds) are typically made of metal, while sub-components responsible for transporting or collecting the medium (e.g., tanks) can be made of composite materials.

[0004] There is growing interest in reducing the size of specific sub-components in motor vehicles. On the other hand, reducing the size of, for example, heat exchangers can affect the overall thermal performance of a motor vehicle.

[0005] The size of heat exchangers can be reduced by implementing specific architectures that provide the same or better efficiency while using less space. As a result, packaging in motor vehicles can be increased.

[0006] Existing solutions primarily focus on reducing the size of specific sub-components or the distance between heat exchangers. Typically, the manifolds of at least two heat exchangers are tightly assembled together to reduce the overall size of the resulting module. However, parallel-arranged manifolds may collide with each other or with themselves. Therefore, placing heat exchangers too close together can lead to collisions, potentially causing noise, vibration, or even system malfunction.

[0007] Given the problems with existing technologies, there is a need to create a module that includes at least two heat exchangers, which would mitigate the risk of collisions between them, significantly reduce the size of the module, and be easy to apply. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is a cooling assembly, particularly for motor vehicles, comprising: a main heat exchanger including a pair of main collector boxes having main manifolds that are substantially rectangular; a plurality of main pipes stacked between the main manifolds; an auxiliary heat exchanger including a pair of auxiliary collector boxes having auxiliary manifolds that are substantially rectangular; and a plurality of auxiliary pipes stacked between the auxiliary collector boxes, wherein the main heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger are arranged in parallel and perpendicular to each other, such that the auxiliary manifolds of the auxiliary heat exchangers at least partially overlap the stack of the main pipes of the main heat exchangers.

[0009] Preferably, the width of the main manifold is greater than the width of the secondary manifold.

[0010] Preferably, the width of the secondary manifold is equal to the width of the primary manifold.

[0011] Preferably, the width of the secondary manifold is greater than the width of the primary manifold.

[0012] Preferably, starting from the side facing the main pipe, the distance between the main pipe stack and the secondary pipe stack of adjacent heat exchangers is less than the distance between the longer side of the secondary manifold box and the longer side of the secondary pipe.

[0013] Preferably, the secondary collector box includes a plurality of protruding clips, and the primary collector box includes a plurality of slots configured to receive the clips, such that the heat exchangers are fixed relative to each other.

[0014] Preferably, the clips and slots are deployed on the corner portions of the heat exchanger.

[0015] Preferably, the collector box includes a shoulder projecting longitudinally from its end, configured to accommodate a clip and a slot, respectively.

[0016] Preferably, the cooling assembly includes a frame configured to support at least one heat exchanger.

[0017] Preferably, the frame forms a barrier for protecting the collector box and manifold, the barrier being in the form of at least one wall parallel to the plane defined by the tube stack and overlapping at least one box of any heat exchanger.

[0018] Preferably, the cooling assembly further includes a third heat exchanger, which includes a third manifold sheet parallel to the main manifold sheet. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Referring to the accompanying drawings, examples of the invention will become apparent and will be described in detail, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of the cooling components is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the cooling assembly is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A perspective view of the removable locking device of the cooling assembly is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 A perspective view of the cooling assembly, including the frame, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Heat exchangers are typically mounted at the front of a vehicle, not only as standalone heat exchange units but also as assemblies of two or more heat exchangers. Installing assemblies containing multiple heat exchangers, rather than one after another, offers advantages in terms of production feasibility, cost reduction, and packaging.

[0025] The heat exchanger assembly can be further referred to as cooling assembly 1. This invention can relate to various types of heat exchangers, such as radiators, condensers, booster air coolers, etc.

[0026] Figure 1 A cooling assembly 1 is shown, which includes a main heat exchanger 10 equipped with a secondary heat exchanger 20. For example, the main heat exchanger may be adapted to a coolant circuit, and the secondary heat exchanger 20 may be adapted to a refrigerant circuit.

[0027] The main heat exchanger 10 includes a pair of main collector boxes 11, 12, which are assembled with main manifolds 13, 14 to form a main manifold for the main fluid (e.g., coolant).

[0028] The main collector boxes 11, 12 may be in the form of elongated containers made of synthetic materials, configured to distribute or collect heat exchange fluids. Depending on the type of the main heat exchanger 10, other materials may also be envisioned. The two collector boxes 11, 12 typically include openings with a generally rectangular cross-section for receiving the main manifold sheets 13, 14, and main pipes 15 stacked one after another for heat exchange. Figure 1 The shapes of the main collector boxes 11 and 12 shown ensure a uniform distribution of the heat exchange fluid, but other shapes of the main collector boxes 11 and 12 that provide similar or better performance are also conceivable. Alternatively, reverse flow through the main heat exchanger 10 is also conceivable.

[0029] The main manifolds 13 and 14 may be of a basic rectangular shape. The term "basic rectangle" means that the manifolds 13 and 14 include at least two long sides parallel to each other and two short sides also parallel to each other, with a flat top and bottom edge between them. The main manifolds 13 and 14 may be made of a lightweight metal alloy, such as aluminum. The shape of the main manifolds 13 and 14 corresponds to the shape of the openings in the collector tanks 11 and 12 to provide a fluid-tight connection. The main manifolds 13 and 14 may be made of a different material than the main collector tanks 11 and 12, so that the two sub-components can be joined together by pressing them against each other.

[0030] The main heat exchanger 10 also includes a plurality of main pipes 15 arranged in parallel to each other between the main manifolds 13 and 14. The pipes 30 include open ends received in the main manifolds 13 and 14.

[0031] The main tube 15 can be made of folded metal sheets. Alternatively, the main tube 15 can be extruded. The tube 15 can be interlaced with heat dissipation sections commonly referred to as fins.

[0032] The secondary heat exchanger 20 includes a pair of secondary collector boxes 21, 22, which are assembled with secondary manifolds 23, 24 to form a secondary manifold for a secondary medium (e.g., refrigerant).

[0033] The secondary collector boxes 21 and 22 can be in the form of elongated containers made of metal, configured to dispense or collect the secondary medium. Depending on the type of secondary heat exchanger 20, other materials may also be contemplated. Alternatively, reverse flow through the secondary heat exchanger 20 may be permitted. Both collector boxes 21 and 22 are configured to be fixed to the secondary manifold plates 22 and 23, for example, by brazing them together. Figure 1 The shapes of the secondary collector boxes 21 and 22 shown ensure a uniform distribution of the secondary medium, but other shapes of the secondary collector boxes 21 and 22 that provide similar or better performance are also conceivable.

[0034] The secondary manifolds 22 and 23 may be of a basic rectangular shape. The term "basic rectangle" should be defined similarly to that of the primary manifolds 13 and 14. The secondary manifolds 22 and 23 may be made of a lightweight metal alloy, such as aluminum. The secondary manifolds 22 and 23 may include protrusions configured to facilitate assembly with the secondary collector boxes 21 and 22. The secondary manifolds 23 and 24 may be made of the same material as the secondary collector boxes 21 and 22, so the two sub-components are typically brazed to provide a fluid-tight connection.

[0035] The secondary heat exchanger 20 also includes a plurality of secondary tubes 25 arranged parallel to each other between secondary manifolds 23 and 24. Each secondary tube 25 includes an open end housed within the secondary manifolds 23 and 24. The secondary tubes 25 may be made of the same material and using the same process as the primary tubes 15; however, their shape and dimensions may differ. Similar to the primary tubes 15, the secondary tubes 25 may be staggered with fins.

[0036] Depending on the architecture, the secondary heat exchanger 20 may further include a bottle (not shown) fixed to one of the collector tanks 21 and 22. The bottle is typically connected to one of the collector tanks 21 and 22.

[0037] The heat exchangers form a cooling assembly 1, wherein the main heat exchanger 10 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 20 are arranged in parallel and perpendicular to each other, such that when viewed along the main axis of the auxiliary tube 25, the auxiliary manifolds 23, 24 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 20 at least partially overlap the stack of the main tubes 15 of the main heat exchanger 10, as shown. Figure 1As shown. The term "vertical" here means that the main axes of the tubes of each adjacent heat exchanger are perpendicular to each other, and so are their manifolds. In this way, the space of the entire assembly can be reduced because the distance between the heat exchangers is minimized.

[0038] Figure 2 The detailed arrangement of the secondary heat exchanger 20 relative to the primary heat exchanger 10 is shown. A partial cross-section shows the primary manifold 13 arranged perpendicularly to the secondary manifold 23. Therefore, the primary collector box 11 is arranged perpendicularly to the secondary collector box 21. Regarding the tubes 15 and 25, the stack of secondary tubes 25 is also arranged perpendicularly to the stack of primary tubes 15. In other words, at least two heat exchangers 10 and 20 are substantially rotated 90 degrees relative to each other.

[0039] According to the architecture of heat exchanger assembly 1, the secondary heat exchanger 20 may include a secondary manifold 23, which is shorter than the main pipe 15 of the primary heat exchanger 10. As a result, the secondary manifold 23 may at least partially overlap the stack of the main pipe 15. Specifically, when viewed along the axis of the secondary pipe 25, the outlines of the secondary manifolds 23, 24 overlap with the outlines of the stack of the main pipe 15. Similar to the previous example, the outlines that at least partially overlap with the stack of the secondary pipe 25 may be defined by the faces of the primary manifolds 13, 14 facing the secondary pipe 25. Therefore, the primary manifolds 13, 14 may at least partially overlap with the stack of the secondary pipe 25. Each heat exchanger 10, 20 may include at least a portion of its manifolds 13, 14, 23, 24 that overlaps with the stacked portion of the pipes 15, 25 of another heat exchanger. The degree of overlap between one manifold and / or the other manifold may vary depending on the width of the manifolds 13, 14, 23, 24, i.e., the length of their shorter sides. Figure 2 As shown, the width of the main heat exchanger 10 is further referred to as (A), and the width of the auxiliary heat exchanger 20 is further referred to as (B).

[0040] like Figure 2 As further shown, the degree of overlap between manifolds 13, 14, 23, and 24 and pipes 15 and 25 can vary. The secondary manifold 23 overlaps with the primary manifold 15 such that the overlapping area lies between the edge of the primary manifold 15 facing the secondary manifold 23 and its main axis. The main axes of pipes 15 and 25 can be defined as the centerlines of the fluid conduits. Of course, further overlap is also possible. The primary manifold 13 similarly overlaps with the secondary manifold 25.

[0041] As previously stated, the widths of manifolds 13, 14, 23, and 24 can vary depending on the type of heat exchanger and the architecture of heat exchange assembly 1. For example, the width (A) of the main manifolds 13 and 14 can be greater than the width (B) of the secondary manifolds 23 and 24. Alternatively, the width (A) of the secondary manifolds 21 and 22 can be equal to the width (B) of the main manifolds 11 and 12. Alternatively, the width (B) of the secondary manifolds 21 and 22 can be greater than the width (A) of the main manifolds 11 and 12.

[0042] Furthermore, viewed from the side facing the main pipe 15, the distance between the stack of the main pipe 15 and the stack of the secondary pipe 25 of the adjacent heat exchangers 10 and 20 can be less than the distance between the longer side of the secondary manifold boxes 23 and 24 and the longer side of the secondary pipe 25.

[0043] Figure 3 An example of forming a cooling assembly 1 using adjacent heat exchangers 10, 20 is shown. To form the cooling assembly 1, the main heat exchanger 10 may be permanently or by means of a removable locking device to the auxiliary heat exchanger 20. The heat exchangers 10, 20 may include at least one removable locking device. Specifically, the auxiliary collector boxes 21, 22 may include protruding clips 31, and the main collector boxes 11, 12 may include slots 32 configured to receive the clips 31, such that the heat exchangers 10, 20 are fixed relative to each other. Alternatively, the auxiliary collector boxes 21, 22 may include multiple slots 32, and the main collector boxes 11, 12 may include multiple protruding clips 31 configured to be inserted into the slots 32, such that the heat exchangers 10, 20 are fixed relative to each other. Both the clips 31 and the slots 32 may be integrated with the respective collector boxes 11, 12, 21, 22. The clips 31 and slots 32 may be made of composite materials and preferably have the same properties as the sub-components they secure. Alternatively, other types of removable locking devices, such as bolts, screws, etc., may be used.

[0044] The clip 31 can be arranged perpendicular to the long side of the collector boxes 11, 12, 21, 22. Alternatively, the clip 31 can be arranged parallel to or at an angle to the long side of the collector boxes 11, 12, 21, 22.

[0045] Clips 31 and slots 32 can be deployed at the corner portions of heat exchangers 10, 20. The corner portions of the main heat exchanger 10 and / or the auxiliary heat exchanger 20 can be defined as the area near the terminals of the main collector boxes 11, 12 and / or the auxiliary collector boxes 21, 22. Alternatively, embodiments are contemplated in which heat exchangers 10, 20 include clips 31 and slots 32 in the area between the corner portions of the respective collector boxes 11, 12, 21, 22. In some applications, heat exchangers 10, 20 may also include shoulders 26 configured to serve as extensions of the bodies of collector boxes 11, 12, 21, 22. Shoulders 26 are capable of securing removable locking devices such as clips 31 and slots 32 outside the vicinity of collector boxes 11, 12, 21, 22. The shoulder 26 can further enable the clip 31 or slot 32 to be offset in any direction of the collector boxes 11, 12, 21, 22, depending on their shape. For example, the clip 31 can be offset relative to the collector boxes 11, 12, 21, 22 in their longitudinal direction and simultaneously in their transverse direction.

[0046] Figure 4 A cooling assembly 1 including a frame 30 is shown, configured to serve as a support for heat exchangers 10, 20. The frame 30 is adapted to the shape and size of the heat exchangers 10, 20, and it defines the entire heat exchange area of ​​the cooling assembly 1 by frame walls perpendicular to the plane defined by the stack of tubes 15, 25. The frame walls may overlap with at least one collector box 11, 12, 21, 22 of the heat exchangers 10, 20. The frame 30 is preferably made of a composite material that can withstand vibration, temperature differences, and mechanical stress.

[0047] The frame 30 can be used as a separate support for each heat exchanger 10, 20. Alternatively, the frame 30 can be configured to serve only as a support for the main heat exchanger 10, with the auxiliary heat exchanger 20 fixed to the main heat exchanger 10.

[0048] The cooling assembly 1 may include multiple (two or more) heat exchangers. For example, the cooling assembly 1 may further include a third heat exchanger 90. The secondary heat exchanger 20 may be located between the primary heat exchanger 10 and the tertiary heat exchanger 20, but other configurations of the heat exchangers 10, 20, 30 are also conceivable.

[0049] If the cooling assembly 1 also includes a condenser as one of the heat exchangers 10, 20, 30, then the frame 30 may include a bottle support (not shown). The bottle support may further include a spring portion (not shown) for minimizing the movement of the heat exchangers 10, 20, 30 relative to the frame 30.

[0050] The subject of this invention is to address packaging problems, particularly in motor vehicles. A specific arrangement of heat exchangers enables a reduction in the distance between their cores without the risk of collision between heat exchanger sub-components. This invention also allows for a reduction in vehicle weight because the module requires less material to form the fixing points not only between the module and the vehicle but also between the heat exchangers forming the module. In contrast to prior art, this module ensures no interference between the inlet and outlet of the respective heat exchangers. Furthermore, it allows for the formation of modules with or without an external frame, which allows for weight reduction or, if necessary, increases in the module's mechanical resistance.

[0051] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. The fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A cooling assembly (1), the cooling assembly (1) comprising: - The main heat exchanger (10) includes a pair of main collector boxes (11, 12) having main manifolds (13, 14) which are rectangular; and a plurality of main pipes (15) stacked between the main manifolds (13, 14). - A secondary heat exchanger (20) includes a pair of secondary collector boxes (21, 22) with a rectangular secondary manifold plate (23, 24); and a plurality of secondary pipes (25) stacked between the secondary collector boxes (21, 22). The main heat exchanger (10) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (20) are arranged in parallel and perpendicular to each other, such that the auxiliary manifold (23, 24) of the auxiliary heat exchanger (20) overlaps at least partially with the main pipe (15) of the main heat exchanger (10), and the main manifold (13, 14) of the main heat exchanger (10) overlaps at least partially with the auxiliary pipe (25) of the auxiliary heat exchanger (20).

2. The cooling assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the main manifold (13, 14) is greater than the width of the secondary manifold (23, 24).

3. The cooling assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the secondary manifold (23, 24) is equal to the width of the primary manifold (13, 14).

4. The cooling assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the secondary manifold (23, 24) is greater than the width of the main manifold (13, 14).

5. The cooling assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Viewed from the side facing the main pipe (15), the distance between the stack of main pipes (15) of the main heat exchanger (10) and the stack of secondary pipes (25) of the secondary heat exchanger (20) is less than the distance between the longer side of the secondary manifold (23, 24) and the longer side of the secondary pipes (25).

6. The cooling assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The secondary collector boxes (21, 22) include a plurality of protruding clips (31), and the primary collector boxes (11, 12) include a plurality of slots (32) configured to receive the clips (31) such that the primary heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger (10, 20) are fixed relative to each other.

7. The cooling assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The clip (31) is deployed on the corner portion of the auxiliary heat exchanger (20), and the slot (32) is deployed on the corner portion of the main heat exchanger (10).

8. The cooling assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The main collector box (11, 12) and the auxiliary collector box (21, 22) include a shoulder (26) projecting longitudinally from its end, the shoulder being configured to receive the clip (31) and the slot (32), respectively.

9. The cooling assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cooling assembly (1) includes a frame (30) configured to support at least one of the main heat exchanger (10) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (20).

10. The cooling assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The frame (30) forms a barrier for protecting the main collector boxes (11, 12), the secondary collector boxes (21, 22), the main manifold plate (13, 14), and the secondary manifold plate (23, 24). The barrier is in the form of at least one wall parallel to the plane defined by the stack of the main pipe (15) and the secondary pipe (25) and overlaps with at least one of the main collector boxes (11, 12) and the secondary collector boxes (21, 22).

11. The cooling assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a third heat exchanger (90) including a third manifold plate parallel to the main manifold plate (13, 14).

12. The cooling assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cooling assembly (1) is used in motor vehicles.

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