Stone protection

Abstract

A stone protection member (100) includes: a protective member (110) configured to allow airflow through the protective member and prevent stones from passing through the protective member; and a first guide member (130) extending from the protective member, the first guide member (130) configured to divide the airflow through the protective member into a first airflow (A1) and a second airflow (A2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a stone protection component, and more particularly to a stone protection component for a heat exchanger module. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a vehicle includes a heat exchanger module configured to exchange heat with air. The heat exchanger module is preferably arranged at the front end of the vehicle in the airflow. The heat exchanger module includes at least one heat exchanger. In one example, the heat exchanger module includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger stacked together to save space. In another example, the first and second heat exchangers are stacked together at an angle to save even more space. When air flows through the angled heat exchanger module, the air flows in a first direction through the space between the first and second heat exchangers, which is different from a second direction in which the air passes through the first and second heat exchangers. Therefore, uneven heat exchange occurs within the heat exchanger module, and the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger module is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide a stone guard for a heat exchanger module that alleviates problems in the prior art. More specifically, the object of this invention is to provide a stone guard that guides the airflow between the inlet and outlet of an inclined cooling module, such that the airflow is propelled through all desired areas of the heat exchanger. In a particular case where the first upstream heat exchanger is shorter than the second downstream heat exchanger, the airflow can enter the area below the first heat exchanger and flow upwards between the first and second heat exchangers, while at least partially bypassing the bottom of the second heat exchanger. This invention solves this problem by blocking the unintended flow and directing a portion of the airflow to the bottom of the second heat exchanger, thereby improving overall heat exchange efficiency.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide a stone guard that directs airflow to the entire portion of a second heat exchanger.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a stone protection member. The stone protection member includes: a protective member configured to allow air to pass through the protective member and prevent stones from passing through the protective member; and a first guide member extending from the protective member, the first guide member configured to divide the airflow passing through the protective member into a first airflow and a second airflow.

[0006] In one aspect, the protective member includes multiple openings to allow air to pass through it.

[0007] On the other hand, the protective component is in the shape of a flat quadrilateral and has an upper end, a lower end, a first lateral end, and a second lateral end.

[0008] On the other hand, the first guide member extends from the protective member at an angle to the flat shape of the protective member.

[0009] On the other hand, the first guide member extends from the protective member at a right angle to the flat shape of the protective member.

[0010] On the other hand, the first guide member extends from the first lateral end of the protective member to the second lateral end.

[0011] On the other hand, the first guide member is located closer to the lower end of the protective member than the upper end of the protective member.

[0012] In another aspect, the stone protection component includes at least one support member configured to support a first guide member relative to the protection component.

[0013] In another aspect, the stone protection component includes a second guide member extending from the protection member, which is configured to divide the second airflow into a third airflow and a fourth airflow.

[0014] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an inclined heat exchanger module. The inclined heat exchanger module includes: a first heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air; a second heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air, the second heat exchanger being disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger in an airflow, wherein the height of the second heat exchanger is greater than the height of the first heat exchanger; and a stone guard disposed upstream of the first heat exchanger in an airflow, the stone guard including a protective member configured to allow air to pass through the protective member and prevent stones from passing through the protective member, wherein, when viewed in the direction of the airflow, the protective member at least partially covers the first and second heat exchangers; and a first guide member extending from the protective member, the first guide member being configured to divide the airflow through the protective member into a first airflow and a second airflow, wherein the first guide member extends adjacent to a first lower end of the first heat exchanger and reaches the second heat exchanger.

[0015] On the other hand, the protective component includes multiple openings to allow air to pass through it.

[0016] On the other hand, protective components include flat shapes.

[0017] On the other hand, the first guide member extends from the protective member at an angle to the flat shape of the protective member.

[0018] On the other hand, the first guide member extends from the protective member at a right angle to the flat shape of the protective member.

[0019] In another aspect, the first guide member is adapted to direct the first airflow to a first portion of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and to direct the second airflow to a second portion of the second heat exchanger.

[0020] On another front, one side of the first guide member contacts the first lower end of the first heat exchanger.

[0021] On the other hand, the free end of the first guide member is located closer to the upstream surface of the second heat exchanger.

[0022] On the other hand, the stone protective component is connected to the first heat exchanger.

[0023] On the other hand, the stone guard is connected to the first main collector and the first collector of the first heat exchanger.

[0024] On the other hand, the second heat exchanger is connected to the first heat exchanger.

[0025] On the other hand, the first heat exchanger is a radiator, and the second heat exchanger is a condenser.

[0026] In another aspect, the inclined heat exchanger module includes: a first heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with an airflow; a second heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with an airflow, the second heat exchanger being disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger; and a stone protection member comprising: a protective member configured to allow airflow through the protective member and prevent stones from passing through the protective member; and a first guide member extending from the protective member, the first guide member being configured to divide the airflow through the protective member into a first airflow and a second airflow; wherein the stone protection member is disposed upstream of the first heat exchanger, and wherein the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the stone protection member are... Stacked together and extending along the height axis such that each has a corresponding height dimension defined, and extending along the depth axis such that each has a corresponding depth dimension defined, wherein a portion of the second heat exchanger extends beyond the first heat exchanger such that airflow can reach the second heat exchanger without flowing through the first heat exchanger, wherein, when viewed in the direction of airflow, the protective member at least partially covers the first heat exchanger and partially covers the second heat exchanger, wherein a first guide member extends along the depth axis adjacent to the first heat exchanger such that a first flow is guided through the first heat exchanger and a second flow is guided through the second heat exchanger.

[0027] On the other hand, the first stream can flow through the portion of the second heat exchanger covered by the first heat exchanger, while the second stream can flow through the portion of the second heat exchanger not covered by the first heat exchanger.

[0028] On the other hand, the height axis is not parallel to the airflow.

[0029] On the other hand, the depth axis is parallel to the airflow.

[0030] On the other hand, the height of the second heat exchanger is greater than that of the first heat exchanger.

[0031] In another aspect, the first guide member is attached to an adjacent portion of the first heat exchanger and extends along the depth axis.

[0032] In another aspect, the stone guard includes at least one support member configured to support a first guide member relative to the guard member, wherein the at least one support member is arranged on a side of the first guide member dedicated to the first first order.

[0033] In another aspect, the inclined heat exchanger module also includes an air duct having an air inlet and an air outlet for airflow, wherein a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a stone guard are arranged within the air duct, such that airflow can enter the air duct through the air inlet, flow through the stone guard, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and exit through the air outlet.

[0034] According to the above embodiment, the first guide member of the stone protection member extends adjacent to the first lower end of the first heat exchanger and reaches the second heat exchanger. Therefore, the first guide member of the stone protection member largely blocks the space between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and guides the airflow to the entire portion of the second heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention can be inferred from the following description of the invention. A more complete understanding of the invention and its many accompanying advantages will readily be obtained because the invention and its many accompanying advantages can be better understood by referring to the following description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 A perspective view of a stone protection component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Another perspective view of the stone protective component;

[0038] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, including Figure 1 A perspective view of the inclined heat exchanger module with stone protective components;

[0039] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Exploded view of the inclined heat exchanger module;

[0040] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the inclined heat exchanger module at plane A-A'; and

[0041] Figure 6 An air duct with a tilted heat exchanger module is schematically shown. Detailed Implementation

[0042] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings disclose the invention in sufficient detail for implementation, and the drawings help to better define the invention if necessary. However, the invention should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed in the specification.

[0043] In this specification, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as first element and second element. In this case, unless otherwise stated, the index only means to distinguish and name similar but not identical elements. The concept of priority should not be inferred from this indexing, as these can be switched without departing from the invention. Furthermore, the index does not imply any order in which the elements of the invention are installed or used.

[0044] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Different perspective views of a stone protection member 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The stone protection member 100 includes a protective member 110 and at least one guide member. In one embodiment, the stone protection member 100 may include the protective member 110 configured to allow air to pass through the protective member 110 and prevent stones from passing through the protective member 110. The stone protection member 100 may include a first guide member 130 extending from the protective member 110, the first guide member 130 being configured to split an airflow A through the protective member 110 into a first airflow A1 and a second airflow A2. The protective member 110 effectively seals the space between the bottom of the first heat exchanger 300 and the downstream second heat exchanger 400 and guides air along the protective member 110 to ensure that the bottom of the second heat exchanger 400 has air flowing through it.

[0045] In one aspect, the protective member 110 may include a plurality of openings 116 configured to allow air to pass through the protective member 110. In one example, the protective member 110 may be a sheet having the plurality of openings 116. In another example, the protective member 110 may be a mesh having the plurality of openings 116. The protective member 110 may include a plurality of first members 112 and a plurality of second members 114 connected to the plurality of first members 112, wherein the plurality of first members 112 and the plurality of second members 114 together form the plurality of openings 116. In yet another example, the plurality of first members 112 may be arranged parallel to each other, and the plurality of second members 114 may be arranged parallel to each other. The plurality of second members 114 may be connected at an angle to the plurality of first members 112 to form the plurality of openings 116. In yet another example, the plurality of second members 114 may be connected at a right angle to the plurality of first members 112 to form the plurality of openings 116.

[0046] The first component 112 may be a blade with a generally flat cross-section, and the plurality of openings 116 are actually empty spaces between the first component 112.

[0047] On the other hand, the protective member 110 may include any shape, such as, but not limited to, a flat polygonal shape. In yet another example, the protective member 110 may be in the shape of a flat quadrilateral, having an upper end 118, a lower end 120, a first lateral end 122, and a second lateral end 124. In yet another example, the first guide member 130 may extend from the protective member 110 at an angle to the flat shape of the protective member 110. In yet another example, the first guide member 130 may extend from the protective member 110 at a right angle to the flat shape of the protective member 110. The reference to a flat shape can be understood as the protective member 110 extending generally in a plane. In one example, the reference to a flat shape can be understood as the generally plane of the air inlet formed by the plurality of openings 116 of the protective member 110.

[0048] On the other hand, the first guide member 130 may extend from a first end of the protective member 110 to a second end. The first end of the protective member 110 may be opposite to the second end of the protective member 110. On yet another aspect, the first guide member 130 may be located closer to the third end of the protective member 110 than to the fourth end of the protective member 110. The third end of the protective member 110 may be opposite to the fourth end of the protective member 110, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth ends of the protective member 110 may be the four ends of the protective member 110. In yet another example, the first guide member 130 may extend from a first lateral end 122 of the protective member 110 to a second lateral end 124. The first guide member 130 may be positioned closer to the lower end 120 of the protective member 110 than to the upper end 118 of the protective member 110. In yet another example, the first guide member 130 may be located closer to the upper end 118 of the protective member 110 than to the lower end 120 of the protective member 110. In yet another example, the first guide member 130 may extend from the upper end 118 to the lower end 120 of the protective member 110. The first guide member 130 may be positioned closer to the first lateral end 122 of the protective member 110 than the second lateral end 124 of the protective member 110. In yet another example, the first guide member 130 may be positioned closer to the second lateral end 124 of the protective member 110 than the first lateral end 122 of the protective member 110.

[0049] In another aspect, the first guide member 130 may be located midway between the third and fourth ends of the protective member 110. In yet another aspect, the first guide member 130 may have any shape, such as, but not limited to, a flat shape. In yet another aspect, the first guide member 130 may include at least one member extending from the protective member 110. In yet another example, the first guide member 130 may include a single member extending from the protective member 110. In yet another example, the first guide member 130 may include a plurality of members extending from the protective member 110, wherein the gap between any two adjacent members from the plurality of members is negligible.

[0050] In another example, the rock guard 100 may include at least one support member 132 configured to support the first guide member 130 relative to the guard member 110. In yet another example, the rock guard 100 may include a plurality of support members 132 configured to support the first guide member 130 relative to the guard member 110. In yet another example, at least one support member 132 may be connected at one end to the guard member 110 and at another end to the first guide member 130. In yet another example, at least one support member 132 may include a triangular shape, wherein at least one support member 132 may be connected at a first end to the guard member 110 and at a second end adjacent to the first end to the first guide member 130.

[0051] On the other hand, the stone guard 100 may include a fastening device 140 adapted to connect the stone guard 100 to another component. In yet another aspect, the fastening device 140 may be disposed at a first end and a second end of the guard member 110. In yet another example, the fastening device 140 may be disposed at a first lateral end 122 and a second lateral end 124 of the guard member 110. In yet another example, the fastening device 140 may be disposed at an upper end 118 and a lower end 120 of the guard member 110. The fastening device 140 may be any type of fastening device, such as, but not limited to, a clamp, bracket, slot, or orifice.

[0052] In another embodiment, in addition to the first guide member 130, the stone protection member 100 may further include a second guide member extending from the protection member 110. In another aspect, the second guide member may be configured to split either a first airflow A1 or a second airflow A2 passing through the protection member 110 into a third airflow and a fourth airflow. In yet another example, the second guide member may be configured to split a second airflow A2 passing through the protection member 110 into a third airflow and a fourth airflow. In yet another aspect, the first guide member 130 and the second guide member may be located at a first distance and a second distance from a third end of the protection member 110, respectively, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. In yet another example, the first guide member 130 and the second guide member may be located at a first distance and a second distance from the lower end 120 of the protection member 110, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. In other words, the second guide member may be located between the first guide member 130 and the lower end 120 of the protection member 110. On another front, the first guide member 130 and the second guide member may have a first height and a second height, measured from their respective base ends connected to the protective member 110 to their respective free ends, wherein the second height is greater than the first height. In other words, the height of the second guide member may be greater than the height of the first guide member 130.

[0053] In one embodiment, the arrangement angle of a first element 112 (e.g., an element located within and passing through the first airflow A1) on one side of the first guide member 130 relative to the general plane of the stone guard 100 and / or the ground 800 differs from the arrangement angle of a first element 112 (e.g., an element located within and passing through the second airflow A2) on the other side of the first guide member 130 relative to the general plane of the stone guard 100 and / or the ground 800. Due to this configuration, the respective first airflow A1 and second airflow A2 can be guided independently to better address the cooling requirements and airflow characteristics of the inclined heat exchanger module 200.

[0054] Figure 3 The invention illustrates another embodiment including... Figure 1 Perspective view of the inclined heat exchanger module 200 with stone guard 100. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Exploded view of the tilted heat exchanger module 200. Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the inclined heat exchanger module 200 at plane A-A'. The inclined heat exchanger module 200 includes at least two heat exchangers and a stone guard 100. In another embodiment, the inclined heat exchanger module 200 may include a first heat exchanger 300 configured to exchange heat with air. The inclined heat exchanger module 200 may include a second heat exchanger 400 configured to exchange heat with air and arranged downstream of the first heat exchanger 300 in the airflow A, wherein the height of the second heat exchanger 400 is greater than the height of the first heat exchanger 300. The inclined heat exchanger module 200 may include a stone guard 100 arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger 300 in the airflow A, wherein the stone guard 100 includes a protective member 110 and a first guide member 130. When viewed in the direction of the airflow A, the protective member 110 of the stone guard 100 may at least partially cover the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400. The first guide member 130 of the stone protection member 100 may extend adjacent to the first lower end 302 of the first heat exchanger 300 and reach the second heat exchanger 400.

[0055] On the other hand, the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400 may be arranged parallel to each other at an angle in the airflow A. In yet another aspect, when viewed in the direction of airflow A, the first lower end 302 of the first heat exchanger 300 may be positioned higher than the second lower end 402 of the second heat exchanger 400. In yet another aspect, when viewed along the direction of airflow A, the first upper end 304 of the first heat exchanger 300 may be positioned lower than or at the same height as the second upper end 404 of the second heat exchanger 400. In yet another example, the first lower end 302 of the first heat exchanger 300 may be positioned higher than the second lower end 402 of the second heat exchanger 400, and the first upper end 304 of the first heat exchanger 300 may be positioned at the same height as the second upper end 404 of the second heat exchanger 400, wherein the height of the second heat exchanger 400 is greater than the height of the first heat exchanger 300.

[0056] In another aspect, the second heat exchanger 400 may be adapted to be connected to the first heat exchanger 300. In yet another aspect, both sides of the second heat exchanger 400 may be adapted to be connected to the first heat exchanger 300. In yet another example, the second main lateral side 406 and the second lateral side 408 of the second heat exchanger 400 may be adapted to be connected to the first heat exchanger 300. The second main lateral side 406 and the second lateral side 408 of the second heat exchanger 400 may be adapted to be connected to the first main lateral side 306 and the first lateral side 308 of the first heat exchanger 300, respectively. In yet another example, the second main lateral side 406 and the second lateral side 408 of the second heat exchanger 400 may be adapted to be connected to the first main collector 310 and the first collector 312 of the first heat exchanger 300, respectively. In yet another example, the second main collector 410 and the second collector 412 of the second heat exchanger 400 may be adapted to be connected to the first main collector 310 and the first collector 312 of the first heat exchanger 300, respectively.

[0057] In another aspect, the first heat exchanger 300 may be a radiator. In yet another aspect, the second heat exchanger 400 may be a condenser having a reservoir dryer 414. In yet another example, the reservoir dryer 414 may be in fluid communication with the second main collector 410 of the second heat exchanger 400 and located on the second main lateral side 406 of the second heat exchanger 400. The reservoir dryer 414 may be adapted to be connected to the first main collector 310 of the first heat exchanger 300. In yet another example, the reservoir dryer 414 may be in fluid communication with the second collector 412 of the second heat exchanger 400 and located on the second lateral side 408 of the second heat exchanger 400. The reservoir dryer 414 may be adapted to be connected to the first collector 312 of the first heat exchanger 300.

[0058] On the other hand, when viewed along the direction of airflow A, the protective member 110 of the stone protection member 100 can at least partially cover the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400, wherein the protective member 110 of the stone protection member 100 can allow airflow A to reach the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400, and can prevent stones from impacting the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400. In yet another example, the protective member 110 of the stone protection member 100 can partially cover the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400. In yet another example, the protective member 110 of the stone protection member 100 can completely cover the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400.

[0059] On the other hand, the first guide member 130 of the stone guard 100 can largely block the space between the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400. In another example, one side of the first guide member 130 can contact the first lower end 302 of the first heat exchanger 300. The free end of the first guide member 130 can be positioned closer to the upstream surface of the second heat exchanger 400, wherein the gap between the free end of the first guide member 130 and the upstream surface of the second heat exchanger 400 is negligible.

[0060] On the other hand, the first guide member 130 of the stone protection member 100 may be configured to split the airflow A passing through the protection member 110 of the stone protection member 100 into a first airflow A1 and a second airflow A2, and guide the first airflow A1 and the second airflow A2 to the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400. In yet another example, one side of the first guide member 130 may be adapted to guide the first airflow A1 to a first portion of the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400, and the other side of the first guide member 130 may be adapted to guide the second airflow A2 to a second portion of the second heat exchanger 400. The first portion of the second heat exchanger 400 may be the portion of the second heat exchanger 400 located above the first guide member 130 when viewed in the direction of the airflow A, while the second portion of the second heat exchanger 400 may be another portion of the second heat exchanger 400 located below the first guide member 130 when viewed in the direction of the airflow A. In yet another example, the second part of the second heat exchanger 400 may be the subcooled part of the second heat exchanger 400, wherein the second heat exchanger 400 is a condenser.

[0061] On the other hand, the stone guard 100 may be adapted to be connected to the first heat exchanger 300. In yet another example, the fastening device 140 of the stone guard 100 may be adapted to be connected to the first main lateral side 306 and the first secondary lateral side 308 of the first heat exchanger 300, respectively. In yet another example, the fastening device 140 of the stone guard 100 may be adapted to be connected to the first main collector 310 and the first secondary collector 312 of the first heat exchanger 300, respectively.

[0062] In another embodiment, in addition to the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400, the inclined heat exchanger module 200 may further include a third heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air. The third heat exchanger may be arranged downstream of the second heat exchanger 400 in the airflow A, wherein the height of the third heat exchanger may be greater than that of the second heat exchanger 400. In addition to the first guide member 130, the stone guard 100 arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger 300 may also include a second guide member. The second guide member may extend adjacent to a second lower end 402 of the second heat exchanger 400 and reach the third heat exchanger.

[0063] On the other hand, when viewed along the direction of airflow A, the second lower end 402 of the second heat exchanger 400 can be arranged higher than the third lower end of the third heat exchanger. When viewed along the direction of airflow A, the second upper end 404 of the second heat exchanger 400 can be arranged higher than the third upper end of the third heat exchanger or at the same height as the third upper end of the third heat exchanger.

[0064] On the other hand, when viewed in the direction of airflow A, the protective member 110 of the stone guard 100 can at least partially cover the third heat exchanger, wherein the protective member 110 of the stone guard 100 can allow airflow A to reach the third heat exchanger and can prevent stones from impacting the third heat exchanger. In yet another aspect, the second guide member of the stone guard 100 can largely block the space between the second heat exchanger 400 and the third heat exchanger. In yet another example, one side of the second guide member can contact the second lower end 402 of the second heat exchanger 400. The free end of the second guide member can be positioned closer to the upstream face of the third heat exchanger, wherein the gap between the free end of the second guide member and the upstream face of the third heat exchanger is negligible. In yet another aspect, the second guide member can be configured to split the second airflow A2 into a third airflow and a fourth airflow, and to guide the third airflow and the fourth airflow to the second heat exchanger 400 and the third heat exchanger.

[0065] According to the above embodiment, the first guide member 130 of the stone protection member 100 extends adjacent to the first lower end 302 of the first heat exchanger 300 and reaches the second heat exchanger 400. Therefore, the first guide member 130 of the stone protection member 100 largely blocks the space between the first heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchanger 400 and guides the airflow A to the entire portion of the second heat exchanger 400.

[0066] Figure 6 An air duct 600 with a tilted heat exchanger module 200 is schematically shown. The air duct 600 includes an air inlet 601 and an air outlet 602 for an airflow A. A first heat exchanger 300, a second heat exchanger 400, and a rock guard 100 are arranged within the air duct 600 such that airflow A can enter the air duct 600 through the air inlet 601, flow through the rock guard 100, the first heat exchanger 300, the second heat exchanger 400, and exit through the air outlet 602. Airflow A may be induced and / or supported by a fan system 700. Typically, the tilted heat exchanger module 200 is tilted relative to the ground 800. For example, the generally extending planes of the rock guard 100, the first heat exchanger 300, and the second heat exchanger 400 are tilted relative to the ground 800. For example, the first heat exchanger 300, the second heat exchanger 400, and the stone guard 100 are stacked together and extend along a height axis that is inclined relative to the ground 800, i.e., oblique.

[0067] Figure 6 An example of a height axis H and a depth axis D is shown. A first heat exchanger 300, a second heat exchanger 400, and a stone guard 100 are stacked together and extend along the height axis H such that they are each defined by a corresponding height dimension, and extend along the depth axis D such that they are each defined by a corresponding depth dimension. In the illustrated embodiment, the first heat exchanger 300 has a smaller height dimension than the second heat exchanger 400.

[0068] The height axis H may not be parallel to the airflow A.

[0069] The depth axis D can be parallel to the airflow A.

[0070] Airflow A can be interpreted as the approximate direction of the airflow entering through the air inlet of air duct 600.

[0071] All the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, and more embodiments and combinations thereof may exist. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A stone protection component, comprising: A protective member configured to allow airflow through the member and prevent stones from passing through it; and A first guide member extending from the protective member is configured to split the airflow through the protective member into a first airflow and a second airflow.

2. The stone protection component according to claim 1, wherein, The protective member includes multiple openings to allow airflow through it.

3. The stone protection component according to claim 1, wherein, The protective component is a flat quadrilateral shape, having an upper end, a lower end, a first lateral end, and a second lateral end.

4. The stone protection component according to claim 3, wherein, The first guide member extends from the protective member at a right angle to the flat shape of the protective member.

5. The stone protection component according to claim 3, wherein, The first guide member extends from the first lateral end of the protective member to the second lateral end.

6. The stone protection member according to claim 1, further comprising at least one support member configured to support the first guide member relative to the protection member.

7. A tilting heat exchanger module, comprising: A first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an airflow; A second heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with the airflow and is located downstream of the first heat exchanger. Stone protection component, the stone protection component comprising: A protective member configured to allow the airflow through the member and prevent stones from passing through it; and A first guide member extending from the protective member, the first guide member being configured to split the airflow passing through the protective member into a first airflow and a second airflow; The stone protective component is located upstream of the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the stone protective element are stacked together and extend along the height axis, each with a corresponding height dimension defined, and extend along the depth axis, each with a corresponding depth dimension defined. A portion of the second heat exchanger extends beyond the first heat exchanger, allowing the airflow to reach the second heat exchanger without passing through the first heat exchanger. When viewed in the direction of airflow, the protective member at least partially covers the first heat exchanger and partially covers the second heat exchanger, and the first guide member extends adjacent to the first heat exchanger along the depth axis such that a first flow is guided through the first heat exchanger and a second flow is guided through the second heat exchanger.

8. The inclined heat exchanger module according to claim 7, wherein, The first stream can flow through the portion of the second heat exchanger covered by the first heat exchanger, while the second stream can flow through the portion of the second heat exchanger not covered by the first heat exchanger.

9. The inclined heat exchanger module according to claim 7, wherein, The height axis is not parallel to the airflow.

10. The inclined heat exchanger module according to claim 7, wherein, The depth axis is parallel to the airflow.

11. The inclined heat exchanger module according to claim 7, wherein, The height of the second heat exchanger is greater than that of the first heat exchanger.

12. The inclined heat exchanger module according to claim 7, wherein, The first guide member is attached to an adjacent portion of the first heat exchanger and extends along the depth axis.

13. The inclined heat exchanger module according to claim 7, wherein, The stone protection member includes at least one support member configured to support the first guide member relative to the protection member, the at least one support member being arranged on the side of the first guide member dedicated to the first flow.

14. The inclined heat exchanger module according to claim 7, wherein, The first heat exchanger is a radiator, and the second heat exchanger is a condenser.

15. The inclined heat exchanger module according to claim 7 further includes an air duct having an air inlet and an air outlet for the airflow, wherein the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the stone guard are arranged within the air duct such that the airflow can enter the air duct through the air inlet, flow through the stone guard, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and exit through the air outlet.

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