Heat exchanger

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1), more particularly an oil-air cooler, for heat exchange between a first fluid, more particularly hydraulic oil, and a second fluid, more particularly air, having a plurality of first flow channels (2) for the passage of the first fluid, a plurality of second flow channels (3) for the passage of the second fluid, a distribution vessel (7) for distributing the first fluid to the first ends of the first flow channels (2), a collection vessel (8) for collecting the first fluid exiting from the second ends of the first flow channels (2), an outlet (10), more particularly a suction connection (10A), for discharging, more particularly sucking, the first fluid from the collection vessel (8), a filter (11) having a filter element (12) for filtering the first fluid before it enters the outlet (10), wherein the filter (11) is arranged inside the collection vessel (8) such that the first fluid is guided from the outside through the filter element (12) into the inside (14) of the filter (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heat exchanger, particularly an oil-air cooler, for heat exchange between a first fluid (particularly hydraulic oil) and a second fluid (particularly air), the heat exchanger comprising:

[0002] Multiple first flow channels are provided for the passage of the first fluid;

[0003] Multiple second flow channels are provided for the passage of the second fluid;

[0004] A dispensing container for dispensing the first fluid to a first end of the first flow channel;

[0005] A collection container for collecting the first fluid flowing out from the second end of the first flow channel;

[0006] An outlet, particularly for a suction connector, for discharging the first fluid from the collection container, particularly for drawing the first fluid from the collection container;

[0007] A filter having a filter element for filtering the first fluid before it enters the outlet. Background Technology

[0008] WO2005 / 093357A1 discloses a general cooling device in which a filter unit is arranged downstream of a cooling unit along the flow direction of the fluid (in this case, a hydraulic medium). The cooling unit is designed as a finned cooler. Fluid conduits lead to a fluid collection chamber on both sides, which extends along the longitudinal side of the cooling unit. In the prior art, the filter unit is arranged outside the fluid collection chamber. The filter element is housed in a separate filter housing. Contaminated fluid flows from the outside through the filter element to the inside, thus discharging through the interior of the filter element. Filtration ensures that clean fluid does not form deposits in the connected hydraulic equipment. The fluid cleaned by the filter element is discharged through a drain pipe into a separate collection pipe within the collection chamber. Furthermore, a connection point is provided through which clean fluid is discharged from the collection pipe. However, this construction method is very complex in terms of design. Another disadvantage is the large installation space associated with the lateral arrangement of the filter housing.

[0009] Further general prior art is shown in DE 10009864 A1 and DE 102005054755 B3.

[0010] CN 203926234U discloses a cooler in which a filter is horizontally arranged in a collection chamber above a cooling channel. However, a disadvantage is the provision of a separate filter housing. Furthermore, the filter is relatively short, which limits the filtration efficiency. The filter extends into the collection chamber on one side through an assembly opening. Another drawback is that the cooled fluid must be discharged from one side of the assembly opening.

[0011] CN 103994130A demonstrates a similar cooler with the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In contrast, the objective of this invention is to mitigate or eliminate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. This objective is achieved by the heat exchanger according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to the invention, the filter is arranged inside the collection container such that the first fluid is guided from the outside through the filter element into the internal space of the filter.

[0014] Advantageously, the first fluid can flow directly (i.e., without passing through the filter housing) from the second end of the first flow channel within the collection container to the outside of the filter element, where the first fluid is filtered, i.e., particles, particularly sediment, are removed. After filtration, the first fluid can be discharged from the internal space of the filter through the outlet. This means that the filter line can be integrated into the collection container. Advantageously, the outlet is connected to the interior of the filter, which can always be kept free of contaminants. For example, if the filter is placed on a dirty surface before being assembled into the collection container, no contaminants will enter the outlet. Therefore, a high-purity first fluid can be provided at the outlet. This is particularly advantageous when the heat exchanger is designed as a cooler for hydraulic oil supplied from the outlet of the hydraulic unit of a machine (e.g., construction machinery). The arrangement of the filter within the collection container results in a compact, space-saving design. Since the flow through the filter element is from the outside to the inside when viewed radially, the collection container (especially a collection box) can form the filter housing for the filter element. Advantageously, a separate filter housing around the filter element is not required. The collection container includes several walls, specifically two narrow sides, two long sides, and a top side, which internally surround a collection space through which a second end of a first flow channel for the first fluid directly connects. Preferably, a filter extends above the arrangement of the first flow channel such that the imaginary vertical extension of the first flow channel passes through a filter element. Preferably, the filter comprises a hollow cylindrical basic shape, by which an internal space for receiving the filtered first fluid is defined.

[0015] The placement of filters can prevent fluid lines (especially oil lines) from becoming contaminated, thereby preventing the entire system from becoming contaminated when the filters are replaced.

[0016] For the purposes of this disclosure, indications of position and orientation, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” and “vertical,” refer to the intended operating condition of the heat exchanger.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the filter element is arranged in an exposed position within the collection container, particularly along its entire length (i.e., extending in the longitudinal direction). Thus, the first fluid entering the distribution container through the second end of the first flow channel can flow directly to the outside of the filter element, be filtered on the outside, and then enter the internal space within the filter element. Advantageously, the distribution container forms a filter housing, in which the filter element is arranged in an exposed position. This means that a separate filter housing from the distribution container is not required.

[0018] To discharge the first fluid (preferably hydraulic oil) and make it usable, for example, in construction machinery, in a preferred embodiment, the outlet includes an outlet component, preferably substantially cylindrical, particularly an outlet nozzle, extending into the internal space of the filter. Advantageously, due to its connection to the internal space of the filter, the connecting component can be made very thin. The internal space is preferably completely surrounded circumferentially by the filter element. Thus, the first fluid can flow radially from the outside of the filter element through the filter holes of the filter element into the internal space of the filter, and from there exit from the collection container through the outlet component. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element is tubular, particularly hollow cylindrical, wherein the outlet component is cylindrical corresponding to the filter element. The outlet component includes an outlet channel through which the first fluid is discharged from the collection container to the outside. The outlet channel can be connected to a suction line so that the first fluid is drawn from the internal space of the filter through the outlet component into the suction line outside the collection container.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the suction connector can be connected to the connecting component, and the suction connector is preferably connected with a different orientation relative to the flow direction within the connecting component.

[0020] For the filter to be stably and securely installed via the outlet component, it is advantageous if the filter is arranged to be installed substantially precisely on the outlet component, particularly if it is pushed to be precisely installed on the outlet component. In this embodiment, the outlet component is responsible for both transferring the first fluid and holding the filter element, preferably at a certain distance from the second end of the first flow channel.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, a maintenance cover is provided to close the access opening for filter replacement leading to the interior of the collection container. Removing the maintenance cover exposes the access opening, which is sized to allow the filter to be inserted into or removed from the collection container. The maintenance cover is preferably attached to the collection container via a detachable connector, such as a screw.

[0022] To hold the filter in the desired position within the collection container, it is advantageous if the maintenance cover includes a retaining element, particularly a retaining pin, that extends into the internal space of the filter to hold it in place. It is particularly preferred if the filter is held in place both by an outlet element and by a retaining element. When the filter element is cylindrical, it is advantageous if the retaining element is designed as a cylindrical retaining pin extending into the internal space of the filter. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the filter can be installed in the collection container not only in a single predetermined installation direction but also in two installation positions rotated 180° within the collection container.

[0023] If the maintenance cover and outlet are located on opposite sides of the collection container, especially on two opposite narrow sides, the outlet component can be protected from contamination particularly effectively when installing and removing the filter.

[0024] By spatially separating the maintenance cover from the (oil) outlet (and especially from the suction connector attached to it), the pipeline layout on the vehicle can be optimized. The inlet and outlet lines can be installed, particularly on the side facing the axle, which reduces pipeline length and allows for a more compact and safer design. At the same time, ease of maintenance remains unchanged, as the maintenance cover is located outside the vehicle, making maintenance work easy. Contamination during filter replacement has already been prevented, as mentioned above.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the first longitudinal end of the filter is held by the outlet component, and the second longitudinal end of the filter is held by the retaining component of the maintenance cover. This design ensures that the filter is stably held at the opposing longitudinal ends. Another advantage is that mispositioning of the filter in the collection container can be reliably avoided, as the maintenance cover can only be attached to the collection container when the filter is mounted on it by the retaining component and thus correctly positioned.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the maintenance cover, particularly on the retaining member, includes at least one through-hole to form a filter bypass through which unfiltered first fluid can be supplied to the interior of the filter. Preferably, a valve is provided, particularly within the retaining member of the maintenance cover. In the open position of the valve, unfiltered first fluid can be supplied to the interior space of the filter through the through-hole of the maintenance cover and discharged through the outlet. In the closed position of the valve, unfiltered first fluid cannot enter the interior space of the filter. Preferably, the valve moves from the closed position to the open position when the pressure at the outlet reaches a predetermined value. This may be the case, for example, when the first fluid can no longer pass through the filter element. By releasing the filter bypass, it can be ensured that unfiltered first fluid is also supplied at the outlet.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the filter element is arranged substantially horizontally along its longitudinal axis. In this design, the first flow channel allows flow from bottom to top. The collection container extends laterally above the first flow channel. The filter is arranged horizontally above and at a distance from the second end of the flow channel.

[0028] Preferably, the collection container is a cube, having two vertical narrow sides, two vertical long sides, and a horizontal top side. The length of the collection container is a horizontal extension parallel to the long sides. The width of the collection container is a horizontal extension parallel to the narrow sides. The height of the collection container is a vertical extension of the collection container.

[0029] Preferably, the filter element extends substantially the entire length of the collection container. This allows for particularly effective filtration of the first fluid.

[0030] In one embodiment, the collection container and / or maintenance cover are made of metal, particularly aluminum. The filter may include a filter support structure made of metal. The filter element with filter pores may be made of paper and / or metal and / or microfibers. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The present invention will now be further explained with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figures 1 to 4 Different views of a heat exchanger according to the invention are shown, which is designed as an oil-air cooler for providing cooling hydraulic oil to a suction line.

[0033] Figure 5 An exploded view of the cooler components is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the cooler in the area of ​​the collection container is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figures 1 to 4A heat exchanger 1 is shown, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a cooler for cooling a first fluid (in this case, hydraulic oil) by exchanging heat with a second fluid (in this case, air). The heat exchanger 1 includes a plurality of first flow channels 2, which preferably extend parallel to each other, for example, in a vertical direction. The first fluid flows upward from a first end (lower end) to a second end (upper end) of the first flow channels 2. A plurality of second flow channels 3 are formed in the space between the first flow channels 2, through which the second fluid (in this example, cooling air) flows. The cooling air is guided through the second flow channels 3 by means of a fan 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 4 includes a fan impeller 5 rotating about an axis 5A. At the lower end of the heat exchanger 1, the first fluid is fed into a distribution container 7 through an inlet 6, which in the illustrated example is an oil inlet. The distribution container 7 internally surrounds a distributor space to which the first fluid is supplied through the inlet 6. The first flow channels or fluid channels 2 lead to the common distributor space of the distribution container 7, such that the first fluid is guided upward from the distributor space through the first flow channels 3. A collection container 8 is positioned above the first flow channel 2, and the collection container 8 encloses a uniform (i.e., undivided) collection space 9 within itself. The second end of the first flow channel 2 leads to this collection space 9. The collection container 8 includes a first narrow side 8A, a second narrow side 8B, two longitudinal sides 8C, and a top side 8D. For clarity, the collection container 8 is... Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is shown at a lower height and in a simplified form. The bottom side of the collection container 8 faces the opening of the first flow channel 2.

[0036] The heat exchanger 1 also includes an outlet 10, preferably exactly one outlet 10, for discharging the cooled first fluid from the collection container 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 10 is connected to a suction connection 10A, which can be connected via a suction line (not shown) to a hydraulic line of the construction machinery (not shown).

[0037] The heat exchanger 1 also includes a support leg 22, by which the heat exchanger can be placed on a (horizontal) floor surface. The support leg 22 may include an assembly opening 23, by which the heat exchanger 1 can be secured to the floor surface.

[0038] In addition, a filter 11 is provided, which is designed to separate solid particles from the first fluid before the first fluid enters the suction connection 10A. The filter 11 is arranged entirely within the collection container 8, that is, within the collection space 9 defined by the walls of the collection container 8.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter 11 includes a filter element 12 having a hollow cylindrical basic shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter element 12 includes filter pleats. The filter element 12 includes a plurality of filter holes through which a first fluid can pass. The longitudinal axis 11A of the filter element 12 extends horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the collection container 8, i.e., from a first narrow side 8A to a second narrow side 8B of the collection container 8.

[0040] The filter 11 is positioned in an exposed location within the collection container 8, i.e., without a surrounding filter housing, such that the first fluid first reaches the outside of the filter element 12 (see [reference]). Figure 6 (See arrow 13 in the diagram). As a result, dirt particles (e.g., hose or pump wear and air pollution) are released to the outside of the filter element 12. Viewed radially relative to the longitudinal axis 11A of the filter element 12, the first fluid flows from the outside to the inside through the filter holes of the filter element 12. Thus, after filtration at the outside of the filter element 12, the first fluid enters the internal space 14 surrounded by the interior of the filter element 12. The outlet 10 includes an outlet component 15, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is designed as a cylindrical outlet nozzle extending from the first narrow side 8A of the collection container 8 along the longitudinal axis of the filter element 12 into the internal space 14 of the filter 11. The filter 11 is arranged substantially precisely mounted on the outlet component 15 such that the first longitudinal end of the filter 11 is supported by the outlet component 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter 11 can be pushed onto the outlet component 15 without tools. The outlet component 15 includes an outlet channel 15A connected to the internal space 14 of the filter element 12. This allows the first fluid to be discharged from the internal space 14 of the filter 11 along the longitudinal direction of the filter 11 (see arrow 16) via the outlet channel 15A from the collection container 8.

[0041] The collection container 8 includes an access opening 17, which is closed by a maintenance cover 18 in the assembled and usable state. In the illustrated embodiment, the access opening 17 with the maintenance cover 18 is located on a second narrow side 8B opposite to the first narrow side 8A of the collection container 8. The maintenance cover 18 includes a maintenance cover plate 18A, which is mounted on the outside of the second narrow side 8B of the collection container 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the maintenance cover plate 18A is mounted by screws 18B. The access opening 17 is larger than the cross-section of the filter 11, such that when the maintenance cover 18 is removed, for example to replace the used filter 11 with a new filter 11, the filter 11 can be removed from or inserted into the collection container 8. On the inner side facing the collection space 9, the maintenance cover 18 includes a retaining member 19, in this case a cylindrical retaining pin, whose extension is substantially precisely fitted into the internal space 14 of the filter 11. Thus, the first longitudinal end of the filter 11 is held by the outlet member 15, and the second longitudinal end of the filter 11 is held by the retaining member 19 of the maintenance cover 18.

[0042] The maintenance cover 18 includes at least one through-hole 20 leading to the internal space 14 of the filter 11, in which a sensor unit 21, in particular a contamination indicator, can be arranged to measure operating parameters, in particular the degree of contamination of the filter 11.

[0043] Furthermore, the maintenance cover 18, particularly on the retaining member 19, may include at least one channel opening to form a filter bypass through which unfiltered first fluid can be introduced into the interior of the filter 11. Preferably, a valve is provided, particularly within the retaining member 19 of the maintenance cover 18. In the open position of the valve, unfiltered first fluid can be guided into the interior space of the filter 11 through the channel opening of the maintenance cover 18 and can be discharged via the outlet 10. In the closed position of the valve, unfiltered first fluid cannot enter the interior space of the filter 11. Preferably, the valve switches to the open position when the pressure at the outlet 10 reaches a predetermined value. This prevents damage, such as damage to a pumping device connected to the outlet 10.

[0044] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0045] 1 heat exchanger

[0046] 2. First flow channel for oil

[0047] 3. Second airflow channel

[0048] 4 fans

[0049] 5 fan impellers

[0050] 5A axis

[0051] 6 entrances

[0052] 7. Distribute containers

[0053] 8 Collection Containers

[0054] The first narrow side of the 8A collection container

[0055] 8B The second narrow side of the collection container

[0056] 8C Collection container's longitudinal edge

[0057] The top of the 8D collection container

[0058] 9 Collection Space

[0059] 10 Exports

[0060] 10A Inhalation Connector

[0061] 11 Filters

[0062] 11A Vertical Axis

[0063] 12 filter elements

[0064] 13 arrows

[0065] 14 Interior Space

[0066] 15 Export Components

[0067] 15A Exit Channel

[0068] 16 arrows

[0069] 17 Inspection Openings

[0070] 18 maintenance covers

[0071] 18A maintenance cover

[0072] 19 retaining components

[0073] 20 through holes

[0074] 21 sensor units

[0075] 22 legs

[0076] 23 Assembly Opening

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (1) for heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid, the heat exchanger comprising: Multiple first flow channels (2) are provided for the passage of the first fluid; Multiple second flow channels (3) are provided for the passage of the second fluid; A dispensing container (7) is used to dispense the first fluid to the first end of the first flow channel (2); A collection container (8) is used to collect the first fluid flowing out from the second end of the first flow channel (2); Outlet (10) for discharging the first fluid from the collection container (8); A filter (11) having a filter element (12) for filtering the first fluid before it enters the outlet (10); The filter (11) is arranged inside the collection container (8) in such a way that the first fluid is guided from the outside through the filter element (12) into the internal space (14) of the filter (11). The outlet (10) includes an outlet component (15) that extends into the internal space (14) of the filter (11). Its features are, The filter (11) is arranged to be precisely mounted on the outlet component (15), such that the filter (11) is pushed onto the outlet component (15) to be precisely mounted on the outlet component (15). The filter (11) is designed to be installed in the collection container (8) in two mounting positions that can be rotated 180°. The filter element (12) is arranged horizontally along its longitudinal axis (11A), and the first flow channel (2) flows from the bottom to the top. A maintenance cover (18) is provided for closing the access opening (17) for replacing the filter (11) leading to the interior of the collection container (8). The maintenance cover (18) includes at least one through-hole (20) leading to the interior space (14) of the filter (11). The maintenance cover (18) includes a retaining member (19) that extends into the internal space (14) of the filter (11) to retain the filter (11).

2. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element (12) is arranged in an exposed position within the collection container (8).

3. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outlet component (15) is cylindrical.

4. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The retaining component (19) is a retaining pin.

5. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The maintenance cover (18) and the outlet (10) are located on opposite sides of the collection container (8).

6. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first longitudinal end of the filter (11) is held by the outlet component (15), and the second longitudinal end of the filter (11) is held by the retaining component (19) of the maintenance cover (18).

7. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (1) is an oil-air cooler, the first fluid is hydraulic oil, and the second fluid is air.

8. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet (10) is provided for suction connector (10A) for suctioning the first fluid from the collection container (8).

9. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outlet component (15) is the outlet nozzle.

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