Heat exchanger systems and motor vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates to a heat exchanger system and a motor vehicle. The heat exchanger system (1) is used to transfer heat between a liquid and an airflow (2) in a media-separated manner. Here, a fan frame (3) with at least one fan (4) is provided. The fan frame has two parallel, spaced-apart side posts (5), each having a slotted guide (6a) for drawer-like reception of a subordinate heat exchanger (7). In the installed state, the heat exchanger can be passed substantially perpendicularly by the airflow (2) generated by at least one fan. The heat exchanger can be pushed into the slotted guide (6a), forming a labyrinth seal (9) and minimizing leakage airflow through the slotted guide. The heat exchanger (7) and the fan (4) are oriented substantially parallel to each other in the installed state. At least two heat exchangers (7, 8) are pushed into the guides (6a, 6b) from below or above, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heat exchanger system for media-separately transferring heat between two fluids, particularly between a liquid and air. This invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a heat exchanger system. Background Technology

[0002] DE 198 31 256 A1 A heat exchanger system of the aforementioned type is known for the separate transfer of heat between two fluids, particularly between a liquid and air. Here, the heat exchanger system has a support containing a frame into which at least one heat exchanger can be pushed. The frame consists of two side columns arranged parallel to each other and two cross columns connecting them, wherein each side column has at least one guide for drawer-type reception of the heat exchanger. Here, the two side columns and the two cross columns form an air guide frame on the inlet side, extending from the heat exchanger to the inlet opening.

[0003] DE 10 2018 214 283 B3 discloses a frame mechanism for accommodating the main radiator and the fan module of the turbocharger air cooler in a motor vehicle. Here, the main radiator is housed in a main frame, while the turbocharger air cooler is housed in a separately arranged turbocharger air cooler frame. A seal is provided between the main frame and the turbocharger air cooler frame. This, in particular, prevents so-called air leakage.

[0004] DE 100 61 561 A1 A modular bracket is known for various heat exchangers in motor vehicle engines. The modular bracket has a support frame suitable for installation within a vehicle area, having a bottom and two sides projecting perpendicularly thereto, in which a compartment opening to one side is formed for inserting at least one cooling medium cooler or air cooler and air conditioning condenser. An additional closing member is provided for securing the inserted heat exchanger in place and is designed as a stable bracket, connecting the sides to the support frame and having a receiving device for an oil cooler. This should result in a modular bracket with a simple construction.

[0005] Heat exchanger systems are used in common motor vehicles, especially internal combustion engine-driven vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles. They typically consist of a large number of individual components, which not only require high assembly costs to assemble, but also incur high warehousing and logistics costs when storing individual parts. Furthermore, replacing individual heat exchangers in such systems is complex and expensive, especially during maintenance and repair. Utility Model Content

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the problem of providing an improved or at least alternative implementation for the aforementioned type of heat exchanger system, which in particular enables simple maintenance or repair and simple assembly.

[0007] According to this invention, the problem is solved by the subject matter which will be described in detail below. Advantageous embodiments will also be described further below.

[0008] This invention is based on the general idea of ​​constructing a heat exchanger system using a very few individual parts and with a simple structure. Specifically, it provides a fan frame with at least one fan, which also includes a slotted guide for accommodating the heat exchanger. Here, the heat exchanger can be pushed into the slotted guide, like a drawer, particularly from above or below, thereby significantly simplifying not only assembly but also maintenance or repair of the heat exchanger system where heat exchanger replacement is required. By pushing the heat exchanger, especially from above like a drawer, into the guide on the side of the fan frame, relatively less assembly space is required. Furthermore, by integrating at least one fan into the fan frame without the need for other components for securing the fan to the heat exchanger system, the variety of parts is reduced, thus lowering warehousing and logistics costs as well as assembly costs. Here, the heat exchanger system according to this invention for media-separated heat transfer between two fluids, particularly between a liquid and an airflow, has the aforementioned fan frame, which has at least one fan, preferably two fans arranged substantially horizontally side-by-side in the installed state. The fan frame has two side columns, particularly in the installed state, arranged substantially vertically and parallel to each other, each having at least one guide portion designed as a slot for receiving the heat exchanger, particularly from above, in a drawer-like manner. Specifically, the heat exchanger can preferably be pushed into the substantially vertically extending guide portion from above. The heat exchanger is arranged substantially vertically in the installed state and can be flowed substantially vertically (horizontally) by the airflow generated by at least one fan. Here, the heat exchanger can be pushed into the slotted guide portion, forming a labyrinth seal and minimizing, preferably even eliminating, the leakage airflow flowing through the slotted guide portion. Thus, the guide portion, together with the heat exchanger pushed into it, forms the aforementioned labyrinth seal, which at least minimizes leakage airflow and thus ensures high efficiency of the heat exchanger system. A particular advantage of the heat exchanger system according to this invention is its simple structure; that is, it consists essentially only of a fan frame with at least one fan and a heat exchanger that is pushed into its associated guide section. Other components, especially those for securing the heat exchanger to the fan frame (e.g., bolts), are unnecessary. Furthermore, maintenance or repair is greatly simplified because the heat exchanger can be pushed into or pulled out from the guide section on the side of the fan frame, particularly from above, in a drawer-like manner.

[0009] Generally speaking, in this specification, "approximately parallel", "approximately perpendicular", and "approximately horizontal or vertical" should always be understood as being within approximately ±10° of their respective dimensions.

[0010] In an advantageous improvement of the heat exchanger system according to this invention, the heat exchanger and at least one fan are oriented substantially parallel to each other in the installed state. In this way, the airflow generated by the at least one fan will flow through the heat exchanger with very little or negligible flow resistance. The fan frame preferably has two fans. If more heat needs to be transferred between the airflow and the liquid, the amount of air flowing through the heat exchanger can be increased by using additional fans.

[0011] In an advantageous improvement of the heat exchanger system according to this invention, the fan frame has two side columns arranged generally vertically and parallel to each other, especially in the installed state. Each of these side columns has at least two slotted guides for drawer-like reception of a corresponding heat exchanger from above or below. Specifically, this means that the heat exchanger can be pushed into the generally vertically extending guides from above or below. Here, at least two heat exchangers can be arranged generally parallel to each other and vertically in the installed state, and are passed by an airflow generated by at least one fan that is generally vertical (horizontal). It goes without saying that the heat exchangers can also be tilted ±10° relative to each other or relative to at least one fan, obtained by the corresponding orientation of the guides. Here, at least two heat exchangers can be pushed into the slotted guides, forming a labyrinth seal and minimizing, preferably even eliminating, leakage airflow through the slotted guides. Thus, the two preferably parallel and side-by-side guides, together with the heat exchangers pushed into them, form the aforementioned labyrinth seal, which ensures at least minimal leakage airflow, thereby ensuring high efficiency of the heat exchanger system. Undesirable air leakage reduces the airflow through the heat exchanger, thereby reducing heat transfer between the liquid and the air.

[0012] In an advantageous improvement of the heat exchanger system according to this invention, the fan frame is designed as an injection-molded part. Particularly preferred is that the fan frame is designed as a one-piece injection-molded part, thereby achieving both high quality and low-cost production. The one-piece design of the fan frame eliminates the need for assembly from multiple individual components, thereby reducing assembly costs. Here, at least one fan can be screwed onto the fan frame or secured to the fan frame via other connections such as snap-fit ​​or clip-on connections.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the heat exchanger system according to this invention, at least one locking element, integrally formed with the subordinate side column, is arranged in at least one side column. This locking element engages with a corresponding locking profile arranged on the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger is pushed in, thereby securing the heat exchanger. Here, the securing is particularly achieved in the Z-direction. A stop or crossbar extending into the fan frame side of each guide can be provided at the lower end of the respective guide to prevent the heat exchanger from falling downwards from its respective guide. The securing of the subordinate heat exchanger to the fan frame can be achieved relatively easily by the locking element integrally formed with the side column or fan frame, especially without even additional fasteners such as bolts. Similarly, the heat exchanger can be removed from the subordinate guide by simply loosening the subordinate locking element without tools and pulling the heat exchanger out of the guide.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the heat exchanger system according to the present invention, a fastening profile integrally formed therewith is arranged on the fan frame for fastening the heat exchanger system to the vehicle body. Thus, the fan frame can not only easily accommodate the heat exchanger (due to its shape-locking and sealing properties), but also easily mount it to the vehicle body, for which corresponding fastening points or fastening profiles (e.g., through holes) are integrally formed with the fan frame. Here, the fastening profile can be manufactured together with the fan frame during the injection molding process.

[0015] Appropriately, the heat exchanger is arranged in the subordinate guide section in a form-locked and gapless manner, or in a form-locked manner with a gap size m of 0.5 mm ≤ m ≤ 1.0 mm. With this small gap size, high sealing performance of the labyrinth seal can be achieved, and thus extremely low (if any) leakage flow can be achieved, thereby obtaining high performance of the heat exchanger system.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the solution according to this invention, a sealing profile is arranged on the fan frame to achieve a seal relative to the subordinate guide portion. This sealing profile can be designed, for example, as a resilient sealing lip or a relatively rigid sealing rib. This sealing profile further improves the sealing performance of the heat exchanger in the subordinate guide portion and further reduces air leakage (if present). The sealing profile can be, for example, made of plastic and can be injection molded together with the fan frame.

[0017] In another embodiment, at least one heat exchanger has two opposing manifolds through which the heat exchanger is housed in respective subordinate guides of the fan frame. Thus, the manifolds form part of a labyrinth seal, wherein connection to, for example, a cooling medium circuit can be made upwards or downwards. Upward connection is particularly preferred because it facilitates access during maintenance and repair. The cooling medium circuit is a system used to cool a self-heating device to a suitable degree. This device can, for example, be at least partially electronically driven in a motor vehicle.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the heat exchanger system according to this invention, at least one of the heat exchangers is designed as a cooling medium cooler, condenser, or oil cooler. This incomplete list already suggests a variety of possibilities for the implementation of the heat exchanger. In purely theoretical terms, it is even conceivable that at least one heat exchanger does not extend along the entire height of the guide section designed as a slot, thus even allowing two heat exchangers to be stacked and pushed into their respective guide sections.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment of the heat exchanger system according to this invention, a diffuser is pushed onto at least one heat exchanger, forming a force-locking connection. The diffuser is assembled perpendicular to the at least one heat exchanger, and the assembly of the diffuser is performed from the front. Thus, the removal of the diffuser, and the removal of at least one heat exchanger, can be performed generally upwards or downwards without requiring lateral assembly space. Airflow is supplied to at least one heat exchanger through the diffuser. With the aid of the diffuser, air guidance can be matched to the vehicle body and / or airflow can be matched to at least one heat exchanger. This is because the diffuser can slow down airflow and increase air pressure, thereby converting kinetic energy into pressure energy. The diffuser is, in principle, the reverse of the nozzle.

[0020] This invention is also based on the general idea that motor vehicles, especially electric or hybrid vehicles, are equipped with the heat exchanger system described in the preceding paragraphs, thereby transferring the advantages of the heat exchanger system according to this invention to the motor vehicle. Specifically, these advantages include a reduced and extremely easy-to-assemble and maintain structure, and the high efficiency of the heat exchanger system, which also improves the efficiency of the motor vehicle.

[0021] Other important features and advantages of this utility model will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and related descriptions.

[0022] It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims, the above-mentioned features and the features described below can be used not only in their respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or individually. The separately labeled components of a higher-level unit (e.g., device, mechanism, or system) can form independent members or parts of that unit, or an integral region or segment of that unit, even if they are shown with different designations in the figures. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and further described in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals identify the same or similar or functionally identical parts.

[0024] The diagram illustrates the following: Figure 1 A view of a heat exchanger system according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 The view shown shows that, however, the heat exchanger has been partially removed; Figure 3 An exploded view of the heat exchanger system according to the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger system according to the present invention is shown in the area of ​​the guide section, which is designed as a trough. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger system according to the present invention, having a diffuser, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] according to Figures 1 to 5 The heat exchanger system 1 according to this invention for transferring heat between two fluids (especially liquid and airflow 2) in a media-separated manner has a fan frame 3, which has at least one (here, two arranged side by side in the installed state) fan 4. Here, the fan frame 3 has two side columns 5 arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, each having at least one (here, two) guides 6a, 6b designed as slots (see...). Figure 4 These are respectively used to accommodate the subordinate heat exchangers 7 and 8 in a drawer-like manner, wherein at least two heat exchangers 7 and 8 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the airflow 2 generated by at least one fan 4 can flow substantially perpendicularly through them. It goes without saying that the heat exchangers 7 and 8 can also be tilted ±10° relative to each other or relative to at least one fan 4, provided that the guides 6a and 6b are oriented accordingly. Here, the heat exchangers 7 and 8 can be pushed into the subordinate guides 6a and 6b, which are designed as slots, thereby forming a labyrinth seal 9 (see...). Figure 4Furthermore, leakage airflow through the guide sections 6a and 6b, which are designed as grooves, is at least minimized, preferably even eliminated. Here, the heat exchangers 7 and 8 are form-fitted into their respective guide sections 6a and 6b.

[0026] Generally, in this description of the accompanying drawings, "approximately parallel", "approximately perpendicular", and "approximately horizontal or vertical" should always be understood as being within ±10° of the given dimensions.

[0027] Here, according to Figure 3 The two heat exchangers 7 and 8 can be connected to the fan frame 3 by simply pushing them in from above through their respective guides 6a and 6b. Theoretically, pushing them in from below is also conceivable. This particularly simplifies the assembly and replacement of the heat exchangers 7 and 8 during maintenance or repair. Another significant advantage of the drawer-type solution according to this invention is that no assembly space needs to be reserved in front of the fan frame 3, because the heat exchangers 7 and 8 can be simply (here, upwards) pulled out from their respective guides 6a and 6b for replacement. Furthermore, by fitting the heat exchangers 7 and 8 in a form-locking manner, and preferably even without gaps, within their respective guides 6a and 6b, not only is air leakage reduced, but preferably even eliminated, thereby achieving high efficiency and, consequently, high performance of the heat exchanger system 1.

[0028] It goes without saying that the heat exchanger system 1 may also have only one guide section 6a and one heat exchanger 7.

[0029] Here, the fan frame 3 is designed as an injection molded part, preferably a one-piece injection molded part, so it is not only of high quality but also inexpensive, especially since it can be manufactured without additional assembly costs.

[0030] Heat exchangers 7 and 8 can be designed as, for example, coolant coolers, condensers, or oil coolers, wherein, in the attached... Figures 1 to 4 Only two heat exchangers 7 and 8 are provided. It goes without saying that more such heat exchangers 7 and 8 can be arranged, for example, another heat exchanger can be arranged in front of heat exchanger 7. In this case, the fan frame 3 also has another guide section (not shown) designed as a slot. Here, the two side pillars 5 are connected to each other at the bottom by a crossbar 10, which simultaneously prevents the heat exchangers 7 and 8 from falling downwards from their respective guide sections 6a and 6b. If the heat exchangers 7 and 8 can be pushed into their respective guide sections 6a and 6b from below, the two side pillars 5 can also alternatively be connected to each other at the top by a crossbar.

[0031] Furthermore, at least one locking element 11, integrally formed with the subordinate side column 5, can be arranged in at least one side column 5. When the heat exchangers 7 and 8 are fully pushed into the subordinate guides 6a and 6b, the locking element engages with the corresponding locking profile arranged on the heat exchangers 7 and 8, thereby fixing the heat exchangers 7 and 8, especially in the Z direction (i.e., the vertical direction). Thus, the subordinate heat exchangers 7 and 8 are fixed to the fan frame 3 in all spatial directions by the fan frame 3, the guides 6a and 6b, and at least one locking element 11.

[0032] In addition, the fan frame 3 may have a fastening profile 12 that is integral with it, through which the heat exchanger system 1 can be fixed to the body of the motor vehicle 13 (especially an internal combustion engine driven motor vehicle, electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle) without further description.

[0033] To keep leakage flow as low as possible, at least one heat exchanger 7, 8 is arranged in the subordinate guide portions 6a, 6b with a gap size m of 0.5 mm ≤ m ≤ 1.0 mm. Preferably, it is even conceivable that the heat exchangers 7, 8 are arranged in the subordinate guide portions 6a, 6b in a gapless and form-fitting manner, wherein certain gap sizes may be advantageous to compensate for temperature-induced expansion.

[0034] Furthermore, a sealing profile 16 may be arranged on at least one heat exchanger 7, 8 or its associated manifold 14, 15, which further improves the sealing relative to the associated guides 6a, 6b. Here, the sealing profile 16 may be designed as a resilient sealing lip or a sealing rib that is harder than the resilient lip. The sealing profile 16 is connected to or integrally formed with the fan frame 3.

[0035] The heat exchanger system 1 can be connected to the cooling medium circuit, for example, via a coupling 17, wherein the coupling 17 is preferably arranged above the subordinate heat exchangers 7, 8, so that they can be easily disconnected for maintenance or repair.

[0036] observe Figure 5 As can be seen, diffuser 18 is pushed onto heat exchanger system 1, particularly onto at least heat exchanger 7. The assembly direction is indicated by arrow 19. Thus, not only the removal of diffuser 18 but also the removal of heat exchangers 7 and 8 can be performed generally upwards without requiring lateral assembly space. Airflow 2 is supplied to at least heat exchanger 7 via diffuser 18. With the aid of diffuser 18, air guidance can be matched to the vehicle body, and airflow can be matched to heat exchangers 7 and 8.

[0037] In general, the heat exchanger system 1 according to the present invention and the vehicle 13 according to the present invention can achieve a heat exchanger system 1 that is simple in structure, easy to assemble, easy to maintain, and highly efficient. The ease of maintenance and assembly is particularly achieved by the fact that at least one heat exchanger 7, 8 can preferably be easily pulled out from its subordinate guides 6a, 6b upwards and inserted in reverse. Assembly costs in this area are also saved by the fact that the fan frame 3 is designed, for example, as a one-piece injection molded part.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger system (1), said heat exchanger system being used to transfer heat between two fluids in a media-separated manner, characterized in that, - Set a fan frame (3) with at least one fan (4). - The fan frame (3) has two side columns (5) arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, each side column having at least one slotted guide (6a) for drawer-type housing of the subordinate heat exchanger (7). - The heat exchanger (7) can be passed through substantially perpendicularly by the airflow (2) generated by the at least one fan (4) in the installed state. - The heat exchanger (7) can be pushed into the grooved guide (6a) to form a labyrinth seal (9) and minimize leakage flow through the grooved guide (6a).

2. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The heat exchanger (7) and the fan (4) are oriented approximately parallel to each other in the installed state.

3. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, - The side column (5) has at least two slotted guides (6a, 6b) for drawer-type housing of the subordinate heat exchangers (7, 8). - At least two heat exchangers (7, 8) are arranged substantially parallel to each other in the installed state and can be flowed substantially perpendicularly by the airflow (2) generated by the at least one fan (4). - The heat exchangers (7, 8) can be pushed into the grooved guides (6a, 6b) to form a labyrinth seal (9) and minimize leakage flow through the grooved guides (6a, 6b).

4. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least two heat exchangers (7, 8) are pushed into the guide section (6a, 6b) from below or above, respectively.

5. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The fan frame (3) is designed as an injection molded part.

6. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least one locking element (11) is arranged in at least one side post (5) and is integrally formed with the subordinate side post (5). The locking element engages with a corresponding locking profile arranged on the heat exchanger (7, 8) when the heat exchanger (7, 8) is pushed in, thereby fixing the heat exchanger (7, 8).

7. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, A fastening profile (12) is arranged on the fan outer frame (3) and is formed in one piece therewith. The fastening profile is used to fasten the heat exchanger system (1) to the body of the motor vehicle (13).

8. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least one heat exchanger (7, 8) is form-fitted into the subordinate guide section (6a, 6b).

9. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, A sealing profile (16) is arranged on the outer frame (3) of the fan to achieve a seal relative to the subordinate guides (6a, 6b).

10. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 9. Its features are, The sealing profile (16) is designed as a resilient sealing lip or as a sealing rib.

11. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least one heat exchanger (7, 8) has two opposing manifolds (14, 15) through which the heat exchanger is housed in the respective subordinate guides (6a, 6b) of the fan frame (3).

12. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The heat exchanger system has a diffuser (18), wherein the diffuser (18) is pushed onto the heat exchanger (7).

13. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least one heat exchanger (7, 8) is designed as a cooling medium cooler, condenser or oil cooler.

14. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The heat exchanger system (1) is used to transfer heat between the liquid and the gas flow (2) in a media-separated manner.

15. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The fan frame (3) is designed as a one-piece injection molded part.

16. The heat exchanger system (1) according to claim 8. Its features are, The at least one heat exchanger (7, 8) is arranged in the subordinate guide section (6a, 6b) without gaps or with a gap size m of 0.5mm≤m≤1.0mm.

17. Motor vehicles (13) Its features are, The motor vehicle has a heat exchanger system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The motor vehicle (13) according to claim 17. Its features are, The motor vehicle (13) is an electric vehicle.

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