Engine cooling module and heat exchanger sealing frame thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of engine cooling module and its heat exchanger sealing frame, wherein, heat exchanger sealing frame (3) includes: base surface (31) and sealing surface (32);The base surface (31) and the sealing surface (32) are connected, and respectively along the first direction (X) extends;The base surface (31) is used to connect the first top end (11) of first heat exchanger (1), and the sealing surface (32) is used to connect the second top end (21) of second heat exchanger (2), to achieve the sealing of the first heat exchanger (1) and the second heat exchanger (2).The sealing frame of the present application, high structural stability, good sealing effect, very convenient for production and assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle engine cooling technology, and in particular to an engine cooling module and its heat exchanger sealing frame. Background Technology

[0002] Normal operation of a vehicle requires a large supply of air to cool its components. This large amount of air is typically captured by the front of the vehicle, and some of it passes through the Engine Cooling Module (ECM), which is located between the front of the vehicle and the engine, before entering the engine.

[0003] The engine cooling module mainly consists of a front air shroud, at least one heat exchanger, a cooling fan, and other cooling components. If the gaps between the heat exchangers are too large, it will lead to a large amount of air leakage, reducing the amount of air passing through the heat exchanger's exchange surface and significantly reducing the cooling performance of the entire cooling module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an engine cooling module and its heat exchanger sealing frame to solve the air leakage problem between the heat exchangers of the engine cooling module in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application provides a heat exchanger sealing frame, comprising: a base surface and a sealing surface; wherein the base surface and the sealing surface are connected and extend along a first direction respectively; the base surface is used to connect to a first top end of a first heat exchanger, and the sealing surface is used to connect to a second top end of a second heat exchanger, so as to achieve a seal between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0006] The heat exchanger sealing frame of this application has good sealing effect, simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and has low production cost, which helps to improve market competitiveness.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one hook is provided on the surface of the base facing the first top end for engaging the first top end slot, thereby limiting the relative position with the first heat exchanger in the first direction and the second direction.

[0008] The snap hook of this application, by cooperating with the slot of the heat exchanger, achieves the limiting of the sealing frame and the heat exchanger in two directions. Furthermore, the structure of this snap hook and slot is simple to manufacture, which helps to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface is provided with at least one first support surface extending along the first direction to abut against the first top end to limit the relative position with the first heat exchanger in a third direction.

[0010] The first support surface of this application, based on the limiting functions of the aforementioned hooks and slots, achieves limiting of the sealing frame and the heat exchanger in a third direction, thereby making their assembly more stable. Simultaneously, the first support surface also serves to prevent the hooks from sinking or collapsing.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the base surface is provided with at least two mounting holes in the direction away from the sealing surface, and the mounting holes have a certain load-bearing function.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the base surface is provided with a notch at a position that avoids each of the mounting holes, thereby saving materials as much as possible and reducing production costs.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, at the location of each of the mounting holes, at least one reinforcing rib is provided on the surface of the base facing the first top end.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the reinforcing ribs includes: at least one second supporting surface extending along the first direction, and at least one first connecting surface connecting the opposing second supporting surfaces.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the reinforcing ribs includes: at least one set of third supporting surfaces extending along the first direction for abutting against both sides of the first top end; wherein each of the third supporting surfaces is connected to an adjacent second supporting surface through at least one second connecting surface.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, an included angle α is provided between the base surface and the sealing surface.

[0017] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application provides an engine cooling module, including: a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a heat exchanger sealing frame; wherein, the base surface of the heat exchanger sealing frame is connected to a first top end of the first heat exchanger, and the sealing surface is connected to a second top end of the second heat exchanger, so as to achieve a seal between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the engine cooling module in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the connection structure between the sealing frame of the central heat exchanger and the side plates of each heat exchanger;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the middle section;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchanger sealing frame in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of part B in the middle section;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure from another perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following discloses various embodiments or examples of the subject matter technical solutions. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of the elements and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, the distribution of the first feature and the second feature as described later in the specification can include an embodiment in which the first and second features are distributed in a direct connection, or an embodiment in which an additional feature is formed between the first and second features, so that the first and second features are not directly connected. In addition, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples in these contents. This repetition is for brevity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or structures to be discussed. Furthermore, when the first element is described in a manner connected or combined with the second element, the description includes embodiments in which the first and second elements are directly connected or combined with each other, as well as embodiments in which one or more other intervening elements are added to indirectly connect or combine the first and second elements with each other.

[0029] It is important to note that Figures 1 to 9These are merely examples and are not drawn to scale, nor should they be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, an engine cooling module C provided in this application is illustrated. The cooling module C mainly shows a heat exchanger 1, a heat exchanger 2, and a heat exchanger sealing frame 3, and not all other components are shown.

[0031] The first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 2 are generally hexahedral in shape. The first direction X is the length direction of the hexahedron, the second direction Y is the width direction of the hexahedron, and the third direction Z is the height direction of the hexahedron. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0032] In the prior art, air from outside the vehicle enters the cooling module C in roughly the second direction Y. Typically, there is a gap between the first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 2. The air entering the cooling module C will leak out of the cooling module C through this gap. As a result, the amount of air exchanged through the heat exchanger surfaces will be reduced, leading to a decrease in the cooling performance of the entire cooling module C.

[0033] This embodiment proposes to install a heat exchanger sealing frame 3 between the first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 2 to prevent air entering the cooling module C from leaking to the outside through the gap between the two heat exchangers. Specifically, it prevents air entering the cooling module C from leaking out of the cooling module C from above the two heat exchangers through the gap between the two heat exchangers.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the sealing frame 3 in this embodiment includes a base surface 31 and a sealing surface 32, wherein the base surface 31 and the sealing surface 32 are generally elongated and extend along the first direction X. The long sides of the base surface 31 and the sealing surface 32 are connected. In one embodiment, the sealing frame 3 is an integrally formed structure.

[0035] In this embodiment, the base surface 31 of the sealing frame 3 is connected to the first top end 11 of the first heat exchanger 1, and the sealing surface 32 is connected to the second top end 21 of the second heat exchanger 2, thereby sealing the gap between the first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 2 at the top, preventing air entering the cooling module C from leaking out of the cooling module C from this location. Specifically, the first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 2 are, for example, radiators, and the first top end 11 and the second top end 21 are, for example, side plates of the radiator.

[0036] In this embodiment, the base surface 31 is connected to the first top end 11 by a snap fastener.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figure 3As shown, the first top end 11 has at least one slot 112 on both sides, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first tip 11 has a slot 112 on each side of its end. Corresponding to the position of each slot 112, at least one elastic hook 311 is provided on the surface of the base surface 31 facing the first tip 11. When the sealing frame 3 and the first tip 11 are assembled, the first tip 11 is placed between the hooks 311 on the opposite sides and gradually moves closer to the base surface 31 under the push of an external force. During this process, the free ends of the two hooks 311 on the opposite sides will first undergo an opening deformation due to the entry of the first tip 11. Then, as the first tip 11 moves closer to the base surface 31, the hooks 311 contact the corresponding slots 112 respectively, and finally recover or partially recover their elastic deformation and slide into the slots 112. Thus, the hooks 311 and the slots 112 realize the limiting of the sealing frame 3 and the first tip 11 in the second direction Y.

[0038] Furthermore, the widths of the hook 311 and the slot 112 are matched in the X direction, meaning that the hook 311, which slides into the slot 112, cannot move in the first direction X. Thus, the sealing frame 3 and the first top end 11 are limited in the X direction.

[0039] like Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates the structure of the sealing frame 3 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, at least one first support surface 33 extending along the first direction X is provided on the surface of the base surface 31 facing the first top end 11. When the sealing frame 3 and the first top end 11 are assembled, after the hook 311 slides into the slot 112, the first support surface 33 abuts against the surface of the first top end 11, thereby limiting the relative position with the first heat exchanger 1 in the third direction Z.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the base surface 31 has at least two mounting holes 34 facing away from the sealing surface 32. These mounting holes 34 are, for example, threaded holes, and can be used to connect the air guide cover or other components via screws.

[0041] like Figure 6 As shown, the base surface 31 retains a trapezoidal portion around the mounting holes 34, while a notch 39 is provided at a position that avoids each mounting hole 34. This can save materials and reduce costs while ensuring a sealing effect.

[0042] like Figure 7As shown, the base surface 31 has at least one hook 311 in the trapezoidal portion. One hook 311 is located on the side near the mounting hole 24, and the other hook 311 is located on the side near the base surface 31. The two hooks 311 are not face-to-face, but are diagonally arranged in the trapezoidal portion of the base surface 31. A window 40 can be provided on the opposite side of each hook 311 to save material. Of course, the hook 311 can also be provided at the position of the window 40, and this application does not limit this.

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, at each mounting hole 34, at least one reinforcing rib is provided on the surface of the base surface 31 facing the first top end 11. After the sealing frame 3 is connected to the air guide shroud and other components, the reinforcing rib below the mounting hole 34 can prevent the location from collapsing due to the gravity of the components.

[0044] Specifically, the reinforcing rib includes two second support surfaces 35 extending along the first direction X, one of which is close to the mounting hole 34, and the other is close to the sealing surface 32, which may be on the same straight line as the first support surface 33.

[0045] Furthermore, the reinforcing rib also includes two first connecting surfaces 36 extending along the second direction Y. The upper ends of these two first connecting surfaces 36 are connected to a second supporting surface 35 near the sealing surface 32, and the lower ends are connected to a second supporting surface 35 near the sealing surface 32, so as to maintain the stability of the two second supporting surfaces 35. Preferably, the first connecting surfaces 36 and the second supporting surfaces 35 are perpendicular to each other.

[0046] In addition, the reinforcing rib includes a set of third support surfaces 37 extending along the first direction X, wherein one of the third support surfaces 37 is positioned to match one long side of the first top end 11, and the other third support surface 37 is positioned to match the other long side of the first top end 11. During assembly of the sealing frame 3 and the first top end 11, after the hook 311 slides into the slot 112, the two third support surfaces 37 respectively abut against the two long sides of the first top end 11, thereby further improving the stability of the sealing frame 3 and the first top end 11 in the third direction Z.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each third support surface 37 is connected to an adjacent second support surface 35 via a second connecting surface 38. Specifically, the second support surface 35 near the mounting hole 34 and the third support surface 37 are connected by two second connecting surfaces 38, and the second support surface 35 near the sealing surface 32 and the third support surface 37 are connected by two second connecting surfaces 38 to maintain the stability of the two third support surfaces 37.

[0048] It should be noted that the reinforcing rib structure of this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can also choose at least one of the second support surface 35, the first connecting surface 36, the third support surface 37 and the second connecting surface 38 to construct the reinforcing rib, and its arrangement angle and quantity can also be designed according to actual needs.

[0049] In this embodiment, the sealing surface 32 is connected to the second top end 21 by abutting against it.

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, the sealing surface 32 of this application has one long side abutting against the second top end 12. Specifically, the long side of the sealing surface 32 abuts against the long side of the second top end 12 near the sealing frame 3. In this embodiment, the second top end 12 is shown as a radiator side plate. In other embodiments, the second top end 12 can be the plane of the top of other heat exchangers.

[0051] In other embodiments, the sealing surface 32 abutting against the long side of the second top end 12 may also be provided with a hook that moves closer to the second top end 12, which wraps around and hooks the long side of the second top end 12, thereby improving the stability of the sealing frame 3 and the second top end 21 in the second direction Y.

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, an angle α is provided between the base surface 31 and the sealing surface 32 of the sealing frame 3, and the sealing surface 32 is a plane. In other embodiments, the sealing surface 32 may also be a curved surface that protrudes upward or is recessed downward, and this application does not limit this.

[0053] In summary, the heat exchanger sealing frame of this application achieves both top sealing of the two heat exchangers and integrates mounting points for the components. Its compact and simple structure allows for easy molding via a simple injection molding process. One side of the sealing frame is connected to one heat exchanger via a snap-fit, while the other side abuts against the other heat exchanger, thus contributing to the stability of the assembled structure and facilitating the addition of other load-bearing structures such as air guides, enabling more efficient production and assembly.

[0054] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger sealing frame (3), characterized in that, include: Base surface (31) and sealing surface (32); wherein, The base surface (31) and the sealing surface (32) are connected and extend along the first direction (X); The base surface (31) is used to connect the first top end (11) of the first heat exchanger (1), and the sealing surface (32) is used to connect the second top end (21) of the second heat exchanger (2) to achieve the sealing between the first heat exchanger (1) and the second heat exchanger (2); The base surface (31) is provided with at least two mounting holes (34) in a direction away from the sealing surface (32); At each of the mounting holes (34), at least one reinforcing rib is provided on the surface of the base surface (31) facing the first top end (11); Each of the reinforcing ribs includes: at least one second support surface (35) extending along the first direction (X), and at least one first connecting surface (36) connecting the opposing second support surfaces (35). Each of the reinforcing ribs includes: at least one set of third support surfaces (37) extending along the first direction for abutting against both sides of the first top end (11); wherein each of the third support surfaces (37) is connected to an adjacent second support surface (35) via at least one second connecting surface (38).

2. The heat exchanger sealing frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base surface (31) facing the first top end (11) has at least one hook (311) for engaging the first top end (11) with a slot (112) to limit the relative position with the first heat exchanger (1) in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y).

3. The heat exchanger sealing frame (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface is provided with at least one first support surface (33) extending along the first direction (X) to abut against the first top end (11) to limit the relative position with the first heat exchanger (1) in the third direction (Z).

4. The heat exchanger sealing frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base surface (31) is provided with a notch (39) in a position that avoids each of the mounting holes (34).

5. The heat exchanger sealing frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, An angle (α) is provided between the base surface (31) and the sealing surface (32).

6. An engine cooling module (C), characterized in that, include: A first heat exchanger (1), a second heat exchanger (2), and a heat exchanger sealing frame (3) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; wherein, The base surface (31) of the heat exchanger sealing frame (3) is connected to the first top end (11) of the first heat exchanger (1), and the sealing surface (32) is connected to the second top end (21) of the second heat exchanger (2) to achieve sealing between the first heat exchanger (1) and the second heat exchanger (2).

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