A heat exchanger baffle mesh structure

Abstract

This utility model discloses a stone-blocking mesh structure for heat exchangers, belonging to the field of heat exchanger protection technology. The structure includes a stone-blocking mesh body, upper clamps, and lower clamps. An upper limit block is provided on one side of the upper clamp, and an insertion guide plate is provided on its outer side. A lower limit platform is provided on the lower clamp, forming a main positioning and auxiliary positioning structure to limit and fix the stone-blocking mesh in the X, Y, and Z directions. The stone-blocking mesh body is composed of vertical ribs, horizontal ribs, and diagonal ribs to enhance structural rigidity. The horizontal ribs correspond one-to-one with the flat tubes of the heat exchanger, and their width is 1.2 to 1.4 times the thickness of the flat tubes, effectively blocking the impact of broken stones. The body is equipped with a buffer pad to absorb vibration and reduce structural noise. This structure supports full-mesh and half-mesh configurations, is easy to install, highly versatile, and possesses good protective effects and NVH performance, making it suitable for various new energy vehicle platforms. It also boasts advantages such as structural stability, easy assembly, high versatility, and excellent NVH performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchanger protection technology, specifically a heat exchanger baffle mesh structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the design and layout of their cooling systems are gradually differing from those of traditional gasoline vehicles. In the front cooling module of traditional gasoline vehicles, the condenser is often located at the very front, behind the air intake grille. This naturally acts as a protective barrier, blocking flying stones, insects, and other debris during driving, thus effectively protecting the radiator behind it. However, in order to optimize aerodynamic characteristics, new energy vehicles often adopt a low-drag front-end design, with the air intake grille closer to the ground. The heat exchanger located at the very front of the vehicle becomes the main impact-bearing component.

[0003] In particular, low-temperature radiators, due to their folded tube structure with a wall thickness of only 0.2 to 0.25 mm, have a much lower resistance to gravel impact than the microchannel extruded flat tubes (with a wall thickness of about 0.5 mm) used in traditional condensers. When a vehicle travels at high speed over gravel roads or is impacted by other road particles, the heat exchanger flat tubes are very prone to dents and perforations, which can affect the system's heat dissipation performance and even cause the entire vehicle's thermal management system to fail.

[0004] To alleviate this problem, some heat exchangers are fitted with a stone retainer mesh structure in front to provide physical isolation and protection. However, the existing stone retainer mesh structures still have many shortcomings. For example, utility model patent CN221437671U discloses a heat exchanger and its stone retainer mesh isolation structure, which is installed on a plastic water chamber by snap-fit, but this structure is not suitable for low-temperature radiators with metal water chambers; patent CN222905290U fixes the stone retainer mesh by punching holes in the upper and lower side plates of the radiator, which has a complex structure, poor adaptability, and limits its universality across different vehicle models.

[0005] Furthermore, existing stone retaining nets are subject to both airflow disturbances and road vibrations during vehicle operation, making them prone to periodic swaying and causing intermittent mechanical collisions with the heat exchanger body. Especially in new energy vehicles with high NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) performance requirements, this type of structural noise can significantly affect the overall vehicle quietness and the user's driving experience.

[0006] In summary, existing heat exchanger retaining wall structures are deficient in terms of impact resistance, structural compatibility, and NVH performance. There is an urgent need for a heat exchanger retaining wall structure that is simple to install, structurally robust, versatile, and has good NVH performance to solve these problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a heat exchanger retaining mesh structure that possesses advantages such as stable structure, easy assembly, strong versatility, and good NVH performance. By setting a main positioning structure consisting of an upper jaw, an upper limit block, and an insertion guide plate, and an auxiliary positioning structure consisting of a lower jaw and a lower limit platform, multi-dimensional positioning of the retaining mesh in the X, Y, and Z directions is achieved. This ensures reliable fixing and precise positioning of the retaining mesh at the front end of the heat exchanger, significantly improving assembly efficiency and consistency, and effectively solving the problems in the background technology.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a heat exchanger retaining mesh structure, comprising a retaining mesh body, an upper clamp, and a lower clamp. The retaining mesh body is composed of vertical ribs, horizontal ribs, and diagonal ribs. The vertical ribs and horizontal ribs intersect perpendicularly, and the diagonal ribs are disposed between the vertical ribs and horizontal ribs. The diagonal ribs are used to increase the structural strength of the retaining mesh body. The upper clamp and lower clamp are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the retaining mesh body. The upper clamp and lower clamp are respectively provided with hook structures, which are engaged with the edge of the heat exchanger side plate during assembly. An upper limit block is provided on one side of the upper clamp, and the outer side of the upper limit block... The upper plate is equipped with an insertion guide plate, and the upper limit block contacts the side of the heat exchanger side plate. The upper limit block, insertion guide plate, and upper claw together provide the main positioning for the upper part of the rock retaining mesh structure. The insertion guide plate and the upper claw work together to ensure the X, Y, and Z directions of the rock retaining mesh structure. The insertion guide plate is inserted into the fins during assembly to provide Y-direction guidance and positioning, which facilitates installation and improves installation efficiency. The lower claw is equipped with a lower limit platform, and the lower claw and the lower limit platform together provide auxiliary positioning for the lower part of the rock retaining mesh. The main positioning and auxiliary positioning ensure that the rock retaining mesh structure is firmly installed and correctly positioned.

[0009] Furthermore, the horizontal ribs of the main body of the stone-blocking mesh correspond one-to-one with the flat tubes of the heat exchanger, which can effectively achieve the function of blocking stones; the width of the horizontal ribs is set to 1.2-1.4 times the thickness of the flat tubes of the heat exchanger, which can effectively protect the flat tubes from the impact of stones at different angles.

[0010] Furthermore, at least three upper and three lower clamping claws should be installed, and the actual number can be determined based on the size of the rock retaining net.

[0011] Furthermore, a buffer pad is provided on the main body of the retaining net, and the buffer pad is provided with an interference of 0 to 0.5 mm with the surface of the heat exchanger core. This buffering amount can effectively avoid noise caused by the collision between the retaining net and the heat exchanger.

[0012] Furthermore, the main body of the retaining mesh can be configured as a half-mesh structure or a full-mesh structure. The main positioning of the half-mesh structure is the same as that of the full-mesh structure. The auxiliary positioning of the half-mesh structure is achieved by engaging with the slot bracket of the heat exchanger through the auxiliary snap-fit ​​end, thus realizing X-axis limiting. This structure requires two additional slot brackets for the heat exchanger. This structure is shown in the attached figure.Figure 6 As shown.

[0013] As attached Figure 5 The semi-grid structure shown is the same as the full-grid structure in terms of main positioning. The auxiliary positioning is achieved by engaging with the heat exchanger bracket through the auxiliary snap-fit ​​end to achieve X-direction limiting. This structure of heat exchanger does not require any additional parts.

[0014] Installation method: First install the auxiliary positioning side, then install the main positioning side. The popping sound when the upper claw clicks against the heat exchanger side plate indicates that the retaining wall has been installed in place.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. This utility model sets up an upper claw, an upper limit block, and an insertion guide plate to form a main positioning structure, and a lower claw and a lower limit platform to form an auxiliary positioning structure. Based on multi-dimensional limiting in the X, Y, and Z directions, it ensures that the installation process of the retaining net is fast and the positioning is accurate, which significantly improves the installation efficiency and assembly reliability. This structure does not require additional punching on the heat exchanger side plate, which enhances adaptability and versatility and is suitable for the installation needs of different models of heat exchangers.

[0016] 2. This structure allows for rapid installation by first installing the auxiliary positioning side and then the main positioning side. The "click" sound after the upper claw engages with the heat exchanger side plate serves as the criterion for completion, providing clear operational guidance and assembly feedback, facilitating rapid on-site assembly and quality confirmation. The horizontal ribs correspond one-to-one with the flat tubes of the heat exchanger, and their width is set to 1.2 to 1.4 times the thickness of the flat tubes, significantly improving the protection against impacts from stones at different angles, preventing deformation and damage to the flat tubes, and extending the service life of the heat exchanger.

[0017] 3. This utility model provides two stone retaining net arrangement methods: full net structure and half net structure. Users can flexibly choose according to the front space of the vehicle heat exchanger and the assembly conditions. Among them, the half net structure is connected to the bracket or slot bracket through the auxiliary snap-fit ​​end to achieve auxiliary positioning. It can be installed without changing the heat exchanger structure. By setting a buffer pad, the noise caused by the collision between the stone retaining net and the heat exchanger is avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the entire network structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is an enlarged structural diagram of point A in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the entire network installation of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the entire network installation of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the semi-net structure of this utility model. Figure 1 ; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the semi-net structure of this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Buffer pad, 2. Upper limit block, 3. Upper claw, 4. Lower claw, 5. Lower limit platform, 6. Vertical rib, 7. Horizontal rib, 8. Diagonal rib, 9. Insertion guide plate, 10. Hook structure, 11. Auxiliary locking end, 12. Bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Example 1

[0021] Please see Figure 1-6 This utility model provides a technical solution: a heat exchanger stone-blocking mesh structure, comprising: a stone-blocking mesh body, composed of vertical ribs 6, horizontal ribs 7 and diagonal ribs 8; wherein the vertical ribs 6 and horizontal ribs 7 are arranged perpendicularly and intersectingly, and the diagonal ribs 8 are arranged in between to improve the overall structural strength and impact resistance; the horizontal ribs 7 are arranged one-to-one with the arrangement of the flat tubes of the heat exchanger, and their width is preferably 1.2 to 1.4 times the thickness of the flat tubes to enhance the protection against stone impact.

[0022] The upper claw 3 and the lower claw 4 are respectively set on the upper and lower sides of the main body of the retaining net, and both have a hook structure 10, which can be elastically engaged with the edge of the heat exchanger side plate to achieve initial fixation.

[0023] The upper jaw 3 has an upper limit block 2 on one side, and an insertion guide plate 9 on its outer side for insertion between the heat exchanger fins. The upper limit block 2 and the insertion guide plate 9, together with the heat exchanger side plate, form the main positioning structure, providing spatial limits in the X, Y and Z directions, thereby improving the overall positioning accuracy and stability.

[0024] The lower jaw 4 is equipped with a lower limit platform 5, which together with the jaw forms an auxiliary positioning structure to prevent the stone retaining net from shifting or swaying vertically and laterally.

[0025] A buffer pad 1 is provided in the area where the main body of the stone retaining net contacts the heat exchanger core. There is an interference of 0 to 0.5 mm between the two. The buffer pad 1 has the function of absorbing the energy of assembly gaps and vibration during driving, which can significantly reduce the impact noise between structures and improve the NVH performance of the whole vehicle. It is especially suitable for the noise reduction requirements of electric vehicle platforms.

[0026] This structure can be either a full-network structure or a semi-network structure: Overall network structure: such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the retaining mesh completely covers the front surface of the heat exchanger, is securely fixed, and provides comprehensive protection.

[0027] Semi-grid structure: such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it only covers the area directly opposite the opening of the vehicle's air intake grille, offering advantages in weight reduction and facilitating modular replacement; among which: Figure 5 The half-net shown in the diagram works with the existing bracket 12 via the auxiliary card connector 11 to achieve X-direction auxiliary limiting, which is suitable for vehicle models that do not require additional parts.

[0028] Figure 6 The half-net shown is limited by the auxiliary card connector 11 and the newly added card slot bracket 12, which is suitable for scenarios where the bracket can be customized.

[0029] Installation instructions: It is recommended to install the lower auxiliary positioning side first, and then assemble the upper main positioning structure. In specific operation, first insert the lower claw 4 into the lower side plate of the heat exchanger, and then press down on the upper claw 3 so that its hook structure 10 is locked with the edge of the upper side plate of the heat exchanger. At the same time, insert the guide plate 9 between the fins. When you hear a "pop" sound, it means that it is locked in place and the installation is complete. This process is intuitive and requires no tools, which can significantly improve the assembly efficiency and consistency in the workshop.

[0030] To adapt to the diverse needs of different vehicle models, heat exchanger structures, and operating environments, the heat exchanger baffle mesh structure of this utility model can provide various alternative solutions to enhance its engineering adaptability and patent protection scope. For example, in terms of the buffer structure, the buffer pad can be made of various materials, such as EPDM rubber, silicone, TPE elastomer, or high-foaming PU material. In terms of the positioning structure, the insertion guide plate can be designed as a telescopic type, a barbed structure, or a flexible insert to adapt to the changes in fin spacing of different heat exchanger models. The auxiliary snap-fit ​​end can also be changed to an elastic hinge type or a positioning part with a locking buckle to enhance vibration resistance and installation reliability.

[0031] The number of claw structures can be flexibly increased or decreased according to the size of the rock retaining net, and can be staggered according to the side plate structure. If necessary, it can also be replaced with a bolt-locking structure to improve structural reliability when dealing with high-intensity vibration situations (such as commercial vehicles and special equipment). The rib arrangement of the main body of the rock retaining net can adopt local double-layer reinforcement, rib density variation or gradient distribution of mesh opening rate to simultaneously meet the protection and ventilation performance requirements of different areas, taking into account both heat dissipation efficiency and protection performance.

[0032] The material for the rock retaining mesh frame is PA6+GF30 or PP+GF30.

[0033] Metal stone retaining mesh frames are mostly used in engineering vehicles and commercial vehicles, and their structure differs from that of this application.

[0034] The aforementioned structural forms, material combinations, and installation methods can be flexibly selected or combined to meet the rapid development trend of automotive heat exchanger structures and support the comprehensive design goals of future models in terms of platformization, modularization, lightweighting, and low noise.

[0035] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features and advantages of this utility model. Various changes and modifications may be made to this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this utility model as claimed.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger baffle mesh structure, characterized in that: The rock-blocking mesh structure includes a main body, an upper clamp (3), and a lower clamp (4). The main body of the rock-blocking mesh is composed of vertical ribs (6), horizontal ribs (7), and diagonal ribs (8). The vertical ribs (6) and horizontal ribs (7) intersect perpendicularly. The diagonal ribs (8) are located between the vertical ribs (6) and horizontal ribs (7). The upper clamp (3) and lower clamp (4) are located on the upper and lower sides of the main body of the rock-blocking mesh, respectively. The upper clamp (3) and lower clamp (4) are respectively provided with hook structures (10). An upper limit block (2) is provided on one side of the upper claw (3). An insertion guide plate (9) is provided on the outer side of the upper limit block (2). The upper limit block (2) contacts the side of the heat exchanger side plate. The upper limit block (2), the insertion guide plate (9) and the upper claw (3) together serve as the main positioning of the upper part of the rock retaining net structure. A lower limit platform (5) is provided on the lower claw (4). The lower claw (4) and the lower limit platform (5) together serve as the auxiliary positioning of the lower part of the rock retaining net.

2. The heat exchanger baffle mesh structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The horizontal ribs (7) of the main body of the rock retaining net correspond one-to-one with the flat tubes of the heat exchanger, and the width of the horizontal ribs (7) is set to 1.2-1.4 times the thickness of the flat tubes of the heat exchanger.

3. The heat exchanger baffle mesh structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least three upper jaws (3) and three lower jaws (4) are provided.

4. The heat exchanger baffle mesh structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body of the rock retaining net is provided with a buffer pad (1), and the buffer pad (1) is provided with an interference fit of 0 to 0.5 mm with the surface of the heat exchanger core.

5. The heat exchanger baffle mesh structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body of the rock retaining net is set as a half net structure or a full net structure. The main positioning of the half net structure is the same as that of the full net structure. The auxiliary positioning of the half net structure is connected to the slot bracket of the heat exchanger through the auxiliary snap-fit ​​end (11).

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