ES2743041T3 - Radiator for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle radiator, comprising a honeycomb structure (1) that includes at least a multitude of fins (8) in combination with a multitude of ducts (2); a first tank (3) and a second tank (4); where the multitude of ducts (2) communicate the two tanks (3, 4) located on the two opposite sides of the honeycomb structure (1); further including some mouths that constitute the inlet or the outlet of a liquid fluid; where: - it comprises a tube (5) that communicates the interior spaces of some extreme parts of the two tanks: first (3) and second (4); - the tube (5) is integral with the honeycomb structure (1) and with the two tanks: first (3) and second (4); and - the first tank (3) comprises a larger chamber (3a) and a smaller chamber (3b) that are separated by a first intermediate wall (3c); where a first mouth (6) and a second mouth (7) communicate with the interior spaces of the larger chamber (3a) and smaller chamber (3b) of the first tank (3); characterized in that the radiator comprises an intermediate plate (9) located in a space delimited between the honeycomb structure (1) and the tube (5); wherein said intermediate plate (9) in combination with a contribution of welding material, included in the intermediate plate (9), constitutes a means of joining the honeycomb structure (1) and the tube (5) and; where the tube (5) includes internal partitions (10) inside which with the tube's surrounding wall (5) delimit several independent pipes (11) configured so that the liquid fluid can flow in a sectorized and independent way.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Radiator for vehicles

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle radiator according to claim 1 applicable to the cooling of internal combustion engines, although the radiator of the invention is also applicable to any heat exchanger that works with water or any other liquid fluid that have to heat. The radiator of the invention comprises improvements that provide a more mechanically resistant structure and a strategic location of inlet and outlet nozzles of the liquid fluid circulating inside the radiator is also highlighted.

Technical problem to be solved and background of the invention

It is currently customary to use radiators, where the fluid inlet and outlet are located in distant areas on opposite sides of the radiator itself, usually because its own operation so encourages it, taking into account that the fluid to be cooled flows from side to side of the radiator , by means of ducts integrated in a honeycomb of cooling fins.

This described morphology of radiators is called a single step or in "I".

On the other hand, sometimes the design or size of the vehicle's engine makes it very difficult for the fluid inlet and outlet to be located in opposite areas, which sometimes forces the use of complementary connections or sleeves located outside the radiator that complicate the design of the circuit because said sleeves increase the chances of leaks and also because the sleeves are susceptible to deterioration due to the heat they receive due to the proximity to the exhaust manifolds that reach high temperatures.

Radiators are also known with the two inlets and outlets of the liquid fluid located on the same side of the radiator, with the disadvantage that in these cases externally added external tubes or ducts are used or of different configuration for the return of the fluid from back and forth and therefore do not adequately resolve the difficulties mentioned above.

Radiators with a U-circuit are also known, in which the inlet and outlet mouths are located in the same tank, but have the disadvantage that the coolant is forced to pass twice through the half of the honeycomb ducts , so that the speed of the liquid through the ducts doubles, increasing its pressure drop through the honeycomb of the order of four times one way and other times upon return to the feed tank.

Patent with publication No. WO 2016030097 refers to a collection box for an evaporator of an air conditioning circuit that is supplied with the pipes oriented in a main direction. The box comprises a cover and a distribution plate. It is characterized in that the cover and the distribution plate have a thickness of material that is greater than, or equal to 1 mm., And both elements comprise a portion of the inlet and outlet tubes.

Patent with publication No. EP 0219419 refers to a water box and expansion vessel for a heat exchanger that projects as a monobloc in one piece. The water box includes two reservoirs, while said water box is in a generally vertical position in the heat exchanger, while the expansion chamber extends horizontally above the water box and the group of ducts in The heat exchanger. In this patent there is a return or passage tube between the two tanks, but its cross section is the same as the rest of the honeycomb ducts, less than 10% of the section of the inlet or outlet mouths, and their function is not it is to take all the flow of coolant from one tank to the other, but to force a small circulation of liquid through the expansion vessel to favor the separation of existing gases in the coolant and its containment in the expansion vessel .

The patent with publication number US 6302196 refers to a heat exchanger comprising flat tubes, each of which has a partition to divide it into two parallel ducts; and a plurality of zig-zag fins, each of which is disposed between a pair of flat tubes.

Patent with publication No. WO 2016/097134 A1 refers to a head for a heat exchanger, in particular an evaporator, comprising a collecting plate and a cover; wherein said head further comprises at least one fluid inlet and / or outlet tube. The collector plate comprises, in continuity of material, a second complementary part of said tube.

Document CN 106240081 shows a radiator for vehicles according to the preamble of claim Description of the invention

In order to achieve the objectives and avoid the inconveniences the invention proposes a vehicle radiator according to the wording of claim 1.

The radiator of the invention further comprises a tube that communicates the interior spaces of end portions of the two tanks: first and second; where the tube is integral to the honeycomb structure and the two deposits: first and second.

At least the first reservoir comprises a larger chamber and a smaller chamber that are separated by a first intermediate wall; where a first mouth and a second mouth communicate with the interior spaces of the greater chamber and smaller chamber of the first deposit.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tube communicates at one end with the interior space of the second tank and at the other end the tube communicates with the interior space of the smaller chamber of the first tank; where the greater chamber includes the first mouth that communicates with the interior space of said greater chamber of the first deposit; and where the minor chamber includes a second mouth that communicates with the interior space of said minor chamber of the first reservoir;

The second deposit is formed by a single chamber whose interior space communicates with the greater chamber of the first deposit through the ducts; where the only chamber of the second tank communicates with the interior space of the smaller chamber of the first tank through the tube.

According to the invention, the radiator comprises an intermediate plate located in an intermediate space delimited between the honeycomb structure and the tube; wherein said intermediate plate in combination with the provision of a welding material included in said intermediate plate constitute means for joining the honeycomb and tube structure.

The tube comprises a passage section delimited between 20% and 200% with respect to the passage section of the inlet or outlet mouths of the first tank.

According to the invention, the tube comprises internal partitions inside which, together with the enclosure wall of the tube, delimit several independent pipes through which the liquid fluid flows in a sectorized and independent way.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tube has a quadrangular shaped section and the independent pipes also have a quadrangular shaped passage section.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the first mouth and the second mouth are located in areas adjacent to the first intermediate wall that separates the major chamber and minor chamber from the first reservoir; In a second embodiment of the invention the second mouth is located in an area adjacent to the first intermediate wall that separates the major chamber and the minor chamber from the first reservoir, and the first mouth is located in a central area of the major chamber of the first Deposit; and in a third embodiment of the invention, the second mouth is located in an area adjacent to the first intermediate wall that separates the major chamber and minor chamber from the first reservoir; and the first mouth is located in an extreme area of the greater chamber away from the first intermediate wall.

It should be noted that the first mouth may be located in any area of the greater chamber of the first tank, apart from the areas described in the previous paragraph.

In order to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report and forming an integral part thereof, a series of figures are attached in which the object of the invention has been shown as an illustrative and non-limiting nature.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows an elevation view of the vehicle radiator, object of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the radiator according to section AB of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows another profile view of the radiator.

Figure 4a represents a plan view of the radiator showing an arched configuration.

Figure 4b represents a plan view of the radiator showing a straight configuration.

Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a lower part of the radiator, where a passage section of a tube that is part of the radiator is highlighted.

Figure 6a shows a schematic view of a first radiator model of the invention.

Figure 6b shows a schematic view of a second radiator model of the invention.

Figure 7a shows a schematic view of a third radiator model of the invention.

Figure 7b shows a schematic view of a fourth radiator model of the invention.

Figure 8a shows a schematic view of a fifth radiator model of the invention.

Figure 8b shows a schematic view of a sixth radiator model of the invention.

Description of an embodiment of the invention

Considering the numbering adopted in the figures, the vehicle radiator comprises a honeycomb structure 1 that includes a multitude of fins 8 in combination with a multitude of ducts 2 having first ends that communicate with first tank 3, and some second ends that they communicate with a second deposit 4; where the two tanks: first 3 and second 4, are located on opposite sides of the radiator and where the two tanks: first 3 and second 4, also communicate with each other through ends of a tube 5, preferably manufactured with an aluminum material , without discarding other materials; where during the operation of the radiator a liquid fluid circulates through the ducts 2 and tube 5, the liquid fluid passing from the first reservoir 3 to the second reservoir 4, or vice versa.

The first tank 3 comprises a larger chamber 3a having a first mouth 6 that communicates with the interior space of said larger chamber 3a and a smaller chamber 3b that has a second mouth 7 communicating with the interior space of said smaller chamber 3b; where the major chamber 3a and the minor chamber 3b of the first reservoir 3 are separated by a first intermediate wall 3c.

In Figures 6a, 7a and 8a, the second mouth 7 constitutes an inlet of liquid fluid into the smaller chamber 3b of the first reservoir 3, while the first mouth 6 that connects with the interior of the larger chamber 3a constitutes the outlet of liquid fluid out of the radiator. In these embodiments, the liquid fluid circulates from the minor chamber 3b of the first reservoir 3 to the second reservoir 4 through the tube 5, and then the liquid fluid circulates from the second reservoir 4 to the major chamber 3a of the first reservoir 3 through of the ducts 2. In Figures 6b, 7b and 8b, the first mouth 6 of the larger chamber 3a constitutes an inlet of the liquid fluid into the greater chamber 3a of the first reservoir 3, while the second mouth 7 of the chamber minor 3b constitutes an outlet of the liquid fluid out of the radiator. In these embodiments the liquid fluid circulates from the major chamber 3a of the first reservoir 3 to the second reservoir 4 through the ducts 2, and then the liquid fluid circulates from the second reservoir 4 to the minor chamber 3b of the first reservoir 3 through of the tube 5.

In Figures 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b, the first tank 3 and the second tank 4 are located in vertical positions; highlighting that in Figures 1 to 3, 4a and 4b, said deposits: first 3 and second 4, are located in vertical positions with a convergent downward tilt.

In contrast, in Figures 7a, 7b, 8a and 8b, the first tank 3 and the second tank 4 can be located in an upper part or in a lower part. Specifically in Figures 7a and 7b the first tank 3 is located at the bottom and the second tank 4 is located at the top; while in figures 8a and 8b the first tank 3 is located at the top and the second tank 4 is located at the bottom.

However, in other complementary embodiments with respect to that shown in Figures 7a and 7b the first tank 3 could be located at the top and the inside at the bottom. Following this same criterion, in other complementary embodiments with respect to that shown in Figures 8a and 8b, the first tank 3 could be located at the bottom and the second tank 4 could be located at the top.

The union of the two tanks: first 3 and second 4, by means of the tube 5 constitutes a robust tubular reinforcement that surrounds the honeycomb structure 1; highlighting that in one embodiment the section of said tube 5 is quadrangular in shape as shown in Figure 5.

In accordance with the embodiments shown in all the figures, it is emphasized that both the first mouth 6 and the second mouth 7 are located in the same first tank 3 and it also stands out that both mouths: first 6 and second 7, are close between yes and adjacent to the first intermediate wall 3c separating the major chamber 3a and minor chamber 3b from said first reservoir 3; all this due to space needs and due to the connection with the other components of the cooling circuit of a vehicle engine to be cooled with the radiator of the invention.

In another embodiment of the invention, the second mouth (7) is located in an area adjacent to the first intermediate wall (3c) that separates the major chamber (3a) and minor chamber (3b) from the first reservoir (3), and the First mouth (6) is located in a central area of the main chamber (3a) of the first tank (3) as shown for example in Figure 7a.

It is also possible that the second mouth (7) is located in an area adjacent to the first intermediate wall (3c) that separates the major chamber (3a) and minor chamber (3b) from the first reservoir (3), and the first mouth (6) is located in an extreme area of the greater chamber (3a) away from the first intermediate wall (3c) as shown in figure 8a.

On the other hand, it should be noted that the first mouth (6) can be located in any area of the main chamber (3a) of the first tank (3), apart from the areas described in the three preceding paragraphs.

The fact that the two mouths: first 6 and second 7, can be placed with advantage over the same first tank 3, should be highlighted if the space available in the cabin where the radiator is installed advises. Therefore, it is emphasized that with the structure presented by the radiator of the invention, the space required to locate the location of connecting ducts between the engine and the radiator is reduced and optimized.

In accordance with the embodiments shown in all the figures, with tube 5 one of the mouths can be carried: first 6 or second 7, which should be located in the second tank 4, to the first tank 3; all this as if it were a sleeve connected at one end to the second tank 4 and that said sleeve ended at its opposite end in the first tank 3.

The tube 5 is located in a strategic position of the honeycomb structure 1, said armature tube 5 performing the function of the honeycomb structure 1 itself and in turn it is noted that said tube 5 enhances the stiffness of the corresponding part of the radiator of the invention.

The tube 5 inside comprises internal partitions 10 which together with the enclosure wall of the tube 5 delimit several independent pipes 11 to channel the liquid fluid in a sectorized and independent way, while said internal partitions 10 decrease the tensions induced by the internal pressure of the liquid fluid; and said internal partitions 10 provide the radiator with an increase in mechanical resistance against deformations; mainly when the radiator has an arched configuration like the one shown in the plan view of Figure 4a. In another embodiment such as that shown in Figure 4b, the radiator has a straight configuration.

When in a manufacturing process of the radiator the assembly of said radiator is bent to obtain the arched structure shown in Figure 4a, during this manufacturing process the tube 5 is also bent preventing it from collapsing and unduly deforming; and it also prevents narrowing its internal section of liquid fluid passage; all thanks to the internal partitions 10 that said tube 5 includes.

In one embodiment of the invention, the radiator includes an intermediate aluminum plate 9 located between the honeycomb structure 1 and the tube 5; wherein said intermediate plate 9 constitutes a connecting piece between said elements: the honeycomb structure 1 and the tube 5.

For this, the intermediate plate 9 includes on its outer surface a contribution of welding material, so that when the radiator is subjected to the welding process, said intermediate plate 9 unifies and supports the whole of the honeycomb structure 1 and tube 5 .

Normally the tube 5 is obtained by means of an extruded manufacturing process, a technique that prevents the application of welding material 5 to said tube.

The tube 5 comprises a passage section delimited between 20% and 200% with respect to the passage section of the first mouth 6 and second mouth 7 of the radiator.

Claims (9)

1. A vehicle radiator, comprising a honeycomb structure (1) that includes at least a multitude of fins (8) in combination with a multitude of ducts (2); a first deposit (3) and a second deposit (4); where the multitude of ducts (2) communicate the two deposits (3, 4) located on the two opposite sides of the honeycomb structure (1); also including mouths that constitute the entrance or exit of a liquid fluid; where: - it comprises a tube (5) that communicates the interior spaces of some extreme parts of the two tanks: first (3) and second (4); - the tube (5) is integral with the honeycomb structure (1) and the two tanks: first (3) and second (4); Y - the first tank (3) comprises a larger chamber (3a) and a smaller chamber (3b) that are separated by a first intermediate wall (3c); where a first mouth (6) and a second mouth (7) communicate with the interior spaces of the main chamber (3a) and minor chamber (3b) of the first tank (3); characterized in that the radiator comprises an intermediate plate (9) located in a delimited space between the honeycomb structure (1) and the tube (5); wherein said intermediate plate (9) in combination with a supply of welding material, included in the intermediate plate (9), constitutes a means of joining the honeycomb structure (1) and the tube (5) and; where the tube (5) comprises internal partitions (10) in its interior that with the enclosure wall of the tube (5) delimit several independent pipes (11) configured so that the liquid fluid can flow in a sectorized and independent way. 2. The vehicle radiator according to claim 1, characterized in that the tube (5) communicates at one end with the interior space of the second tank (4) and at the other end the tube (5) communicates with the interior space of the lower chamber (3b) of the first tank (3); wherein the main chamber (3a) includes the first mouth (6) that communicates with the interior space of said greater chamber (3a) of the first tank (3); and where the minor chamber (3b) includes the second mouth (7) that communicates with the interior space of said minor chamber (3b) of the first reservoir (3); 3. The vehicle radiator according to claim 1, characterized in that the second tank (4) is formed by a single chamber whose interior space communicates with the larger chamber (3a) of the first tank (3) through the ducts ( two); where the only chamber of the second tank (4) communicates with the interior space of the smaller chamber (3b) of the first tank (3) through the tube (5). The vehicle radiator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube (5) comprises a passage section delimited between 20% and 200% with respect to the passage section having one of the mouths of the First deposit (3). 5. The radiator for vehicles according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube (5) has a quadrangular shaped section. 6. The vehicle radiator according to claim 5, characterized in that the independent pipes (11) have a quadrangular shaped cross-section. 7. The radiator for vehicles according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first mouth (6) and the second mouth (7) are located in areas adjacent to the first intermediate wall (3c) that separates the greater chamber (3a) and minor chamber (3b) of the first deposit (3). The vehicle radiator according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second mouth (7) is located in an area adjacent to the first intermediate wall (3c) that separates the major chamber (3a) and lower chamber (3b) of the first tank (3); and the first mouth (6) is located in a central area of the main chamber (3a) of the first tank (3). 9. The vehicle radiator according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second mouth (7) is located in an area adjacent to the first intermediate wall (3c) that separates the major chamber (3a) and lower chamber (3b) of the first tank (3); and the first mouth (6) is located in an extreme area of the greater chamber (3a) away from the first intermediate wall (3c).