CA2590170C

CA2590170C - Bracket for mounting heat exchanger

Info

Publication number: CA2590170C
Application number: CA2590170A
Authority: CA
Inventors: John Burgers; Kenneth Abels; Stephanie Sestito
Original assignee: Dana Canada Corp
Current assignee: Dana Canada Corp
Priority date: 2007-05-28
Filing date: 2007-05-28
Publication date: 2014-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 2027-05-28
Also published as: DE202008006792U1; DE102008024283A1; CA2590170A1; DE102008024283B4; CN101329150B; CN101329150A

Abstract

A mounting bracket for mounting one end of a heat exchanger to a support member includes an interconnecting section adapted to extend substantially parallel to one end of the heat exchanger and to extend at a substantial angle to an attachment surface formed on the heat exchanger. The interconnecting section has two end portions located at opposite ends thereof and a separate, central portion located between the end portions. Also, at least one connecting portion fixedly joins the end portions to the central portion. At least one flange section is joined to the end portions and each flange section extends at a substantial angle to the end portions. Each is adapted for fixed connection to the attachment surface. The bracket also has a tab section connected to the central portion. The tab section can be connected to the support member and is spaced apart from the at least one connecting portion of the interconnecting section. The bracket accommodates thermal expansion of the heat exchanger during use thereof. In exemplary embodiments the bracket is made of a resilient metal such as aluminum and is integrally formed from a single plate member.

Description

BRACKET FOR MOUNTING HEAT EXCHANGER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to mounting brackets suitable for mounting one end of a heat exchanger.

[0002] It is known to mount various forms of heat exchangers to suitable support members, such as supporting frames or support plates in a vehicle, by means of metal brackets which can take various forms depending upon the particular type of heat exchanger being mounted, the location of the heat exchanger, etc. However, a difficulty that can be encountered in mounting at least some types of heat exchangers, particularly heat exchangers of substantial size or length, is that the dimensions of the heat exchanger can change materially when the heat exchanger is in use due to thermal expansion. If the bracket or brackets used to mount the heat exchanger do not allow sufficiently for thermal expansion, the bracket or brackets can be subject to failure or the connection to the heat exchanger can fracture. On the other hand, the bracket or brackets supporting a heat exchanger generally should have sufficient rigidity and strength to firmly support the heat exchanger and to not allow the heat exchanger to unduly vibrate or move when the heat exchanger is in use. Vibration or movement of the heat exchanger, such as a fuel cooler, can be a particular problem in the case of heat exchangers or coolers mounted on a vehicle which can be moved about or driven for extended periods of time, sometimes on surfaces that are not particularly smooth or even.

[0003] Recent published US Patent Application No. 2005/0006052 in the name of Mark Kozdras et al. teaches a mounting bracket for a heat exchanger core having spaced-apart tubes with peripheral flanges surrounding a manifold. The bracket has a first clip groove to receive a front edge portion of a selected flange and a pair of second clips, each grooved to receive respectively the back edge portion of another flange disposed above the selected flange and a further flange disposed below the selected flange. The clips are joined together by a panel portion adapted for mounting of the heat exchanger.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 6,901,992 issued June 7, 2005 to Delphi Technologies, Inc. describes an integral plastic bracket for mounting a heat exchanger. Each bracket has a pocket complementary to and surrounding the manifold of the heat exchanger and a pair of spaced flanges extending from the pocket to engage the faces of the heat exchanger core. Support tabs extend from the pocket in the opposite direction from the flanges for mounting the bracket to a support structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to an example of the present invention, a mounting bracket is provided to mount one end of a heat exchanger to a support member, this heat exchanger having an attachment surface adjacent the one end. The bracket comprises an interconnecting section adapted to extend substantially parallel to the one end and to extend at a substantial angle to the attachment surface when the mounting bracket is connected to the heat exchanger. The interconnecting section has two end portions located at opposite ends thereof, a separate central portion located between the end portions, and a connecting portion fixedly joining the end portions to the central portion. At least one flange section is joined to the end portions and extends at a substantial angle to the end portions. Each flange section is adapted for fixed connection to the attachment surface of the heat exchanger. A connector section is joined to the central portion, is adapted for connection to the support member, and is spaced apart from the at least one connecting portion of the interconnecting section. The mounting bracket accommodates thermal expansion of the heat exchanger during use of the heat exchanger with the mounting bracket connected to and supporting the heat exchanger.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of this mounting bracket, the interconnecting section is planar and forms open areas between the central portion thereof and each end portion. Each open area allows airflow to or from an end region of the heat exchanger.

[0007] According to another example of the present invention, a mounting bracket is provided for mounting one end of a heat exchanger for cooling a fluid, this heat exchanger having an attachment surface located on one side of the heat exchanger and adjacent a side edge thereof. The bracket can be used to mount the heat exchanger to a support member and comprises an interconnecting section adapted to extend substantially parallel to the side edge and to extend at a substantial angle to the attachment surface when the mounting bracket is connected to the heat exchanger. The interconnecting section has two end portions located at opposite ends thereof. A separate central portion is located between the end portions and at least one connecting portion fixedly joins the end portions to the central portion. First connector means are joined to the end portions and extend at a substantial angle to the end portions. The connector means are adapted for fixed connection to one of the attachment surface and the support member. Second connector means is connected to the central portion, is adapted for fixed connection to the other of the support member and the attachment surface, and is spaced apart from the at least one connecting portion of the interconnecting section. The mounting bracket accommodates thermal expansion of the heat exchanger during use thereof with the mounting bracket connected to and supporting the heat exchanger.

[0008] According to a further example of the invention, a heat exchanger and mounting bracket combination comprises a heat exchanger having a main side extending between two opposite ends, and an attachment surface provided on the main side adjacent one of these ends. A mounting bracket of the combination includes an interconnecting section adapted to extend at a substantial angle to the attachment surface when the mounting bracket is connected to the heat exchanger.

This interconnecting section has two end portions located at opposite ends thereof, a separate central portion located between the end portions, and at least one connecting portion fixedly joining the end portions to the central portion. The bracket also has at least one flange section joined to the end portions and extending at a substantial angle to the end portions.
The at least one flange section is adapted for fixed connection to the attachment surface. A connector section is joined to the central portion, is adapted for connection to a support member, and is spaced apart from the at least one connecting portion of the interconnecting section. The mounting bracket accommodates and allows thermal expansion of the heat exchanger when the mounting bracket is fixedly connected to and supports the heat exchanger and the heat exchanger is used for heat exchange.

[0009] According to yet another example of the invention, there is provided a mounting bracket for mounting one end of a heat exchanger to a support member, the heat exchanger having an attachment surface adjacent the one end. The bracket comprises an interconnecting section having two end portions located at opposite ends thereof, a central portion located centrally at one end of the bracket and separated from the end portions, and two connecting portions each joining said central portion to a respective one of the end portions. A first connector means in the form of flange means is joined to the end portions, extends at a substantial angle to the end portions, and is adapted for connection to one of the attachment surface and the support member. Second connector means are joined to the central portion, are adapted for connection to the other of the attachment surface and the support member, and are spaced apart from the two connecting portions of the interconnection section. The mounting bracket accommodates thermal expansion of the heat exchanger during use thereof wherein the mounting bracket is connected to and supports the heat exchanger.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a mounting bracket for mounting a heat exchanger to a support member, the heat exchanger having an attachment surface located on one side of the heat exchanger adjacent a side edge thereof. The bracket comprises an interconnecting section having two or more spaced apart first portions located along the length of the interconnecting section, two or more spaced apart second portions located along the length of the interconnecting section alternating with the first portions and separated from the first portions, and a plurality of connecting portions joining the second portions to the first portions. Flange sections are joined to the first portions, extend at a substantial angle to the first portions, and are adapted for connection to one of the attachment surface and the support member. Connecting sections are joined to the second portions, are adapted for connection to the other of the attachment surface and the support member, and are spaced apart from the connecting portions of the interconnecting section. The mounting bracket accommodates thermal expansion of the heat exchanger during use thereof when the mounting bracket is connected to and supports the heat exchanger.

[0011] Example embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a top view of a heat exchanger connected to two mounting brackets at opposite ends, the bracket on the left end being constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0013] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the heat exchanger and brackets of Figure 1 with the mounting bracket according to an example embodiment of the invention at the left end;

[0014] Figure 3 is a right side view of the heat exchanger and brackets of Figures 1 and 2;

[0015] Figure 4 is a left side view of the heat exchanger and brackets of Figures 1 and 2;

[0016] Figure 5 is a front view of the heat exchanger and mounting bracket combination of Figures 1 and 2;

[0017] Figure 6 is a rear view of the heat exchanger and mounting bracket combination, this view showing the second mounting bracket of standard construction attached to the rear end of the heat exchanger;

[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view taken from above of the first embodiment of the bracket of the invention;

[0019] Figure 8 is a top view of a second embodiment of a bracket according to the invention;

[0020] Figure 9 is a side edge view of the bracket of Figure 8;

[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view taken from above and from the front of the bracket of Figure 8;

[0022] Figure 11 is a front view of the bracket of Figure 8;

[0023] Figure 12 is a side edge view of a third embodiment of a bracket constructed according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 13 is a top view of the third embodiment of the bracket;

[0025] Figure 14 is a front view of the third embodiment of the bracket;

[0026] Figure 15 appears on the same sheet as Figure 13 and is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a bracket constructed according to the invention;

[0027] Figure 16 is a side edge view of the bracket of Figure 15;

[0028] Figure 17 is a front view of the bracket of Figures 15 and 16;

[0029] Figure 18 is a perspective view taken from above of the fourth embodiment of the bracket;

[0030] Figure 19 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a bracket according to the invention; and [0031] Figure 20 is a front view of the bracket of Figure 19.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 2, an embodiment of a heat exchanger 10 rigidly connected to an exemplary embodiment of a mounting bracket 42 according to the present invention is shown. The illustrated heat exchanger 10 is particularly useful as a fuel cooler and as such is an air cooled or liquid to air heat exchanger. However, it will be understood that the heat exchanger 10 can also be used to heat fluids and it can also be used with fluids other than air and fuel. The illustrated heat exchanger can also be considered a "low profile" heat exchanger because of its relatively low overall height compared to many other forms of heat exchangers. This low profile can be advantageous in certain locations where the height available for the heat exchanger is quite limited, for example, when the heat exchanger is mounted underneath a vehicle such as a car. It should be understood that although the bracket 42 is illustrated as attached to one end of a low profile heat exchanger, it is also possible to use a bracket constructed in accordance with this invention on other types of heat exchangers, particularly heat exchangers that can undergo a substantial amount of thermal expansion in at least one direction wherein the thermal expansion should be accommodated or allowed by the mounting bracket in order to avoid failure of the bracket or the connection between the bracket and the heat exchanger.

[0033] Although the illustrated heat exchanger 10 will be briefly described herein, it will be understood that this heat exchanger per se can be of known construction and accordingly a detailed description herein is deemed unnecessary. The heat exchanger 10 includes an elongate base member 14 which, in the heat exchanger as illustrated, forms a lower surface of the heat exchanger but it is understood that it could also form the upper surface, if desired. A plurality of spaced apart fins 16 extend from a planar portion 18 of the base member, this planar portion being clearly visible in Figures 5 and 6. The base member 14 can also be termed or considered a finned plate member which forms one of the main sides of the heat exchanger 10. As illustrated, the fins 16 are parallel to each other and extend the length of the heat exchanger and they are formed on the outer side of the base member 14 so that airflow can pass along the fins in the lengthwise direction of the heat exchanger.

[0034] The illustrated heat exchanger is formed with inlet and outlet manifolds 22 and 24 which are completely formed in the base member 14 and extend along opposite longitudinal sides of this base member. One end of each of these manifolds is plugged to prevent flow of fluid through this end, for example, the left end 26 as seen in Figure 3. Openings 28 and 30 indicated in dash lines in Figure 1 are formed near the blocked end of each manifold, these openings extending through the planar portion 18 of the base member. An elongate U-shaped flow passage 32 is formed between the base member 14 and the cover plate 20 and extends between the two openings 28, 30. In the illustrated embodiment, this flow passage extends for most of the length of the heat exchanger. Inlet and outlet fittings 34, 36 may be attached to one end of each of the inlet and outlet manifolds, that is the ends opposite the plugged ends of the manifolds.

[0035] The illustrated flow channel 32 can be considered as comprising two channel sections 32(1) and 32(2) that are oriented in the same direction as the air flow passages defined by the aforementioned fins 16. It will be appreciated that there can be more than two channel sections, if desired, with the channel sections forming a single, serpentine multi-pass flow passage. Also, the openings 28, 30 can be provided in different locations and the channel sections 32(1), 32(2), etc., could have orientations other than longitudinal, for example, they could be transverse or could be otherwise angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the heat exchanger. In some applications, flow augmenting structures such as expanded metal strips may be provided in some or all of the channel sections 32(1), 32(2) and also in the inlet and outlet manifolds.
The base member 14 can have protrusions or bumps formed thereon extending into the flow passage 32 and, in some embodiments, the base member 14 as well as the cover plate can be curved transversely or longitudinally to improve airflow over the heat exchanger in specific applications.

[0036] The heat exchanger 10 can be fitted with a standard mounting bracket 40 at one of its two ends. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 40 is attached at the rear end of the heat exchanger but, depending upon the application, it can be attached to the front end of the heat exchanger or to another side edge suitably spaced from another mounting bracket 42 constructed according to the invention.
As illustrated, the bracket 42 is attached to a front section of the heat exchanger and, in particular, to an attachment surface 44 formed on one main side of the heat exchanger.

[0037] The illustrated standard bracket 40 is formed with a connecting flange 46, a raised intermediate section 48, and an outer section 50. The intermediate section 48 can be provided with an attachment hole such as oval-shaped hole 52 through which a fastener such as a bolt (not shown) can extend to detachably connect the heat exchanger at this end to a support member such as a supporting frame in a vehicle or a support plate. It will be understood that the illustrated bracket 40 is one possible form of standard mounting bracket that can be used to mount one end or one side of the heat exchanger 10 and various other forms of standard mounting brackets can be used, depending upon the particular heat exchanger or the particular application. As the mounting bracket 40 is a standard bracket, further description of this bracket herein is deemed unnecessary.

[0038] Turning now to the construction of the mounting bracket 42, the exemplary embodiment of this bracket shown in Figures 1 to 5 includes an interconnecting section 56 adapted to extend along one end and parallel to, for example, a front end 26 (or one side) of the heat exchanger and to extend at a substantial angle to the aforementioned attachment surface 44 which is adjacent the end 26. In the illustrated embodiment, this angle is 900 or about 900.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the interconnecting section has two end portions 60, 62 created at opposite ends thereof. As illustrated, each end portion has a straight outer edge 64 that, when the main sides of the heat exchanger extend horizontally, extends vertically. Each end portion also has a curved inner edge at 66 and an angled or sloping inner edge 68. The interconnecting section also has a separate, central portion 70 which can be in the same plane as the end portions and which is located between the end portions 60, 62 and, in an exemplary version, is midway between these end portions. As illustrated, the central portion 70 has a substantially rectangular shape. Further, the interconnecting section 56 also includes a connecting portion 72 which, as shown in Figure 5, can extend substantially the entire length of the interconnecting section. The connecting portion 72 fixedly joins two end portions 60, 62 to the central portion 70. First connector means 74 are joined to each of the end portions 60, 62 and extend at a substantial angle to these end portions.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, these connector means comprise two flange sections 76, 78 with each flange section joined respectively to one of the end portions. As illustrated, each of these flange sections extends at an angle of about 900 to its respective end portion and the two flange sections are located substantially in the same plane which is a horizontal plane if the heat exchanger is disposed horizontally. Each is adapted for a fixed connection to the attachment surface 44, for example, by brazing. For this purpose, the cover plate 20, including the attachment surface located adjacent the mounting bracket 42, can be made of brazed clad aluminum or aluminum alloy. Thus the heat exchanger 10 can, if desired, be made by assembling the components with the brackets 40, 42 and furnace brazing or soldering them together. As illustrated, each flange section 76, 78 is generally L-shaped and follows the contour of an adjacent end portion of the U-shaped recess which forms the flow passage 32. However, the flange sections can be provided with a different shape, for example, rectangular or square. In the exemplary form of the bracket 42, each flange section is relatively long in the transverse direction of the heat exchanger in order to provide a strong connection between the bracket and its heat exchanger. In an exemplary embodiment, the spaced-apart, planar flange sections 76, 78 have a length at least one quarter the length of the interconnecting section 56 extending in the widthwise direction of the heat exchanger. In a particular exemplary embodiment, the length of each flange section is about one third of the length of the interconnecting section.

[0040] It will be appreciated that if the flange sections 76, 78 are attached by brazing to the heat exchanger, they are then permanently connected to the attachment surface 44. It is also possible to detachably connect these flange sections by standard fasteners such as one or more bolt and nut combinations or by one or more screws. Another possible form of permanent connection between the bracket and the heat exchanger is a suitable weld. According to another variant of the heat exchanger/bracket combination, the end portions 60, 62 are also brazed to the adjacent end of the heat exchanger to provide a very strong overall connection while still allowing the required flexibility in the bracket connection.

[0041] The mounting bracket 42 also includes a second connector means 80 connected to the central portion 70 and in the illustrated embodiment extending at a substantial angle to this central portion in a direction away from the first flange means, that is the flange sections 76, 78. This second connector means can also be termed a tab section and it is adapted for connection to a support member such as a support frame or support plate of a vehicle. The tab section is spaced-apart from the connecting portion 72 as shown in Figure 5. The tab section can be provided with a fastener hole 82 which can be oversized or oval-shaped (as shown) in order to allow for a degree of tolerance for the location of the connecting bolt or other fastener used to connect the mounting bracket to the support member. The illustrated tab section is planar and extends perpendicular to the central portion 70. Although the illustrated tab section is shown with only one connecting or fastener hole 82, it is possible to provide more than one fastener hole , if desired. More than one hole can be provided in the bracket either for the purpose of allowing the bracket to be used to connect different heat exchangers or for more than one attachment task or for the purpose of allowing attachment of the bracket with two or more fasteners. Also in a variation of this bracket, the second connector means 80 can extend in the same plane as the central portion 70, for example upwardly from the central portion when the bracket is oriented as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5.

[0042] The exemplary bracket 42 of Figures 1 to 5 is integrally formed from a single metal plate member and, as a result, the bracket can be manufactured at a reasonably low cost using standard manufacturing techniques. It is also possible, of course, to make the sections which make up the bracket 42 separately, if desired, and to rigidly connect them together by means such as welding or suitable fasteners. The bracket 42 is made from a resilient metal or metal having at least some resiliency so that the bracket has flexibility to allow thermal expansion of the heat exchanger during use thereof. The metal plate from which the bracket is made can be aluminum or an aluminum alloy and in one embodiment is 2mm thick. It will be appreciated that because of the manner in which the mounting bracket is constructed and formed, the bracket 42 is able to accommodate thermal expansion of the heat exchanger 10 during use of the heat exchanger with the mounting bracket connected to and supporting the heat exchanger. In particular, it will be seen that some degree of movement in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger between the flange sections 76, 78 and the tab section 80 is allowed as a result of the fact that they are separated from one another and all or a substantial central section of the interconnecting section that connects the flange sections to the tab section is able to twist or bend to allow the required movement.

[0043] In an exemplary form of the bracket 42, the interconnecting section 56 is planar (at least in a relaxed state) and forms open areas 84, 86 shown clearly in Figure 5. In particular, the open area 84 is formed between the central portion 70 and the end portion 60 and the open area 86 is formed between the central portion 70 and the end portion 62.
These open areas allow airflow to or from an adjacent end region of the heat exchanger 10. In other words, with these open areas there is less interference with the airflow between the fins 16 caused by the presence of the mounting bracket 42.

[0044] As illustrated in Figure 5, an exemplary form of the interconnecting section 56 has a length L extending in the widthwise direction of the heat exchanger and a height dimension H. It will be seen that in this embodiment, the length of the interconnecting section corresponds substantially to the width of the heat exchanger 10. The height H of the bracket 42 is at least as great as the height of the heat exchanger 10 and in fact, as illustrated, the height H is somewhat greater than the height or depth of the heat exchanger. By making the bracket 42 and in particular the length L of the interconnecting section and the attached flange sections 76, 78 relatively long (that is in the width direction of the heat exchanger), this allows the flange sections 76, 78 to distribute or absorb the stresses created by thermal expansion of the heat exchanger and also external forces that may act on the heat exchanger.

[0045] It will also be understood that by increasing the height H of the interconnecting section, one is able to increase the size of the open areas 84, 86, thereby allowing greater flow through the fins 16. In other words, by increasing the height H and limiting the height of the connecting portion 72, the open areas 84, 86 can extend to about the bottom of the fins 16 as shown in Figure 5.

[0046] It will be appreciated that although the bracket 42 is shown as connected to one end of an elongate heat exchanger, it is possible to employ a mounting bracket 42 along any side of a heat exchanger and not just the end sides. For example, in the case of a heat exchanger having a substantially square shape in plan view, the side to which the bracket 42 is attached could be any one of the four sides. In general, if the heat exchanger 10 has one dimension which is substantially longer than its other dimensions, then the greatest thermal expansion will normally occur along this longest dimension. In this case, the mounting bracket 42 constructed in accordance with the invention is mounted at an end or side of the heat exchanger extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the bracket can be centered on the longitudinal axis.

[0047] Returning to the illustrated exemplary heat exchanger 10, this heat exchanger can be considered a low profile heat exchanger because of its relatively low height relative to its length and width. The illustrated heat exchanger 10 has two main sides, including a main side 90 on which the attachment surface 44 is formed and an opposite main side 92 on which the fins 16 are formed. Each of these main sides extends between two opposite ends of the heat exchanger, including the aforementioned end 26 where the bracket 42 is located and an opposite end 27. An exemplary embodiment of the low profile heat exchanger 10 has a length substantially greater than its width and in the illustrated heat exchanger, its length is more than three times the width of the heat exchanger.

[0048] A second embodiment of a mounting bracket for a heat exchanger constructed in accordance with the invention is illustrated in Figures 8 to 11. This bracket 100 is similar in several respects to the above described bracket 42 and is, for example, also integrally formed from a single metal plate member which can be aluminum plate. The bracket 100 is also able to accommodate thermal expansion of the heat exchanger 10, only an end portion of which is shown in Figure 8. The bracket 100 has an interconnecting section 102 which is adapted to extend substantially parallel to one end 26 of the heat exchanger and to extend at a substantial angle to the attachment surface 44. Again, this interconnecting section has two end portions 104, 106 at opposite ends thereof, each end portion having a straight outer edge that extends vertically when the bracket is attached to the heat exchanger, assuming the heat exchanger is oriented in a horizontal plane. Each end portion has a vertically extending inner edge 108. There is also a separate, central portion 110 which, in the relaxed state of the bracket, can be in the same plane as the end portions and which is located between the end portions.
As illustrated, the central portion 110 has a substantially rectangular shape. A relatively narrow slot 112 extends between each end portion and the central portion and, at its bottom end is enlarged to form a so-called "keyhole" 114 which helps reduce stress in this region of the bracket. The interconnecting section also has a connecting portion 116 which can be considered as extending substantially the entire length of the interconnection section. The connecting portion fixedly joins the two end portions 104, 106 to the central portion 110. In an exemplary version of this bracket, the connecting portion is formed with three integral ribs 118 which extend upwardly from the bottom of the interconnecting section to about the level of the top of the keyholes. A central rib can be located midway between the two keyholes while each outer rib is located between one of the keyholes and an adjacent vertical edge of the bracket. The ribs act to reinforce their end section of the bracket and the upper end of each rib tends to localize the stress away from the adjacent keyhole, thereby increasing the life of this bracket.

[0049] A first connector means or flange device 120 is joined to the two end portions 104, 106 and extends at a substantial angle to these end portions. The corner where the flange device meets the end portions can be rounded as shown to reduce stress. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange device extends at an angle of about 90 degrees to the end portions. In this version, the flange device section is a single, forked flange section having two prong portions 122, 124 and a planar distal end portion 126. Each prong portion is joined respectively to one of the end portions 104, 106 and both the prong portions and the distal end portion extend at a substantial angle to the end portions 104, 106. As illustrated, the distal end portion is adapted for fixed connection to the attachment surface of the heat exchanger but it is also possible to connect it to a support member for the heat exchanger. A short double bend joint 128 can optionally be formed where the prong portions meet the distal end portion. This double bend may be desirable, for example, to make the bracket easier to connect to an adjacent support member 130 indicated in dash lines in Figures 8 and 9. Also indicated in dash lines in the same figures is a connecting bolt 132 which extends through a suitable hole formed in the support member. A nut 134 can secure the bolt in place. As indicated in Figures 8 and 9, with the use of the bracket 100, there can be a gap between the end of the heat exchanger at 26 and the interconnecting section 102 and this gap can be used to facilitate attachment of the bracket to the support member.

[0050] The bracket 100 also includes a second connector means 136 (also referred to herein as a tab section) connected to the central portion 110 and extending at a substantial angle to this central portion. However, unlike the first bracket, this connector means or tab section extends in the same direction as the first connector means 120 and extends between the parallel prong portions 122, 124. The tab section as shown has a rounded end at 138 and the adjacent edge of the flange device 120 has a corresponding rounded edge in the same region. Thus, a relatively uniform gap 140 can be formed between the second connector means or tab section and the flange device 120. In one embodiment, the width of this gap is 3.18mm while the width of the tab section is 20mm. The tab section 136 can also be provided with a fastener hole 142 through which the aforementioned bolt 132 can extend. In one variation, the tab section 136 is connected to the heat exchanger when the first flange device is connected to a support member. In a variant of this version, the second connector means 136 extends in the same plane as the interconnecting section 102, in other words, upwardly as the bracket is shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

[0051] A third embodiment of a bracket according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 12 to 14. This bracket 150 also has an interconnecting section 152 adapted to extend along and parallel to one end of the heat exchanger 10 but, as shown, this interconnecting section is spaced from the adjacent end of the heat exchanger. The section 152 extends at a substantial angle to the attachment surface 44 and, in the illustrated version, this angle is 90 degrees or about 90 degrees. Again, the interconnecting section 152 has two end portions 154, 156 located at opposite ends thereof with each end portion having a straight outer edge 158. The inner edge of each end portion can have a straight portion at 160 and a curved portion 162 adjacent a rounded corner 164 where each end portion is connected to a first connector means comprising flange device 166. As in the second embodiment, the flange device can be a single or unitary forked flange section which includes two prong portions 168, 170 and a planar, distal end portion 172. Each prong portion has a straight outer edge 174 and a substantially straight inner edge 176 that extends at a substantial acute angle to the outer edge, in one embodiment this angle being about 45 degrees. Thus, in this exemplary version, the two inner edges 176 are approximately perpendicular to each other and they can meet along a rounded, centrally located edge 178. As in the second bracket, a double bend 181 can be formed where the two prong portions meet the distal end portion 172. In this way, the two planar prong portions extend parallel to the plane of the end portion 172 but in a plane which is slightly spaced above the plane of the end portion.

[0052] The bracket 150 also has a second connector means 180 which in the illustrated embodiment is a flange device and which can also be termed a tab section. This second connector means is connected to a central portion 182 of the interconnecting section 152. As in the second version, the flange device 180 can extend in the same direction as the flange device 166 and is located centrally in the V-shaped gap formed between the prong portions 168, 170. The flange device 180 can have a shape similar to the flange device 136 and can also have a fastener hole 184 for attaching the bracket to a support member (or alternatively to a heat exchanger) by a fastener such as a bolt and nut combination. In a variant of this version (not shown) the second connector means 180 extends in the same plane as the interconnecting section 152, in other words upwardly as the bracket is shown in Fig. 12.

[0053] It will be seen that in this embodiment, the interconnecting section 152 has a central cut-out or gap 186 which extends into the central portion 182. As a result, this version of the mounting bracket has two connecting portions 188, 190 each of which connects the central portion 182 to a respective one of the end portions 154, 156. In one version of this bracket, the width of the cut-out is 9mm while the overall length of the interconnecting section 152 is 105mm. As with the other brackets, the bracket 150 can be formed from a single, resilient metal plate member which, in one exemplary embodiment, is aluminum plate having a thickness of 2mm.

[0054] As can be seen from Figure 14, the mounting bracket 150 need not and does not extend the entire width of the heat exchanger 10 but extends for more than half of the width of the heat exchanger and is centrally located. Also, the height of the bracket in this example is substantially less than the height of the heat exchanger 10 including its fins 16. Nevertheless, the provision of the substantial open areas at 192, 194 can assist airflow along and between the fins 16.

[0055] A fourth version of a bracket according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 15 to 18. This bracket 200 can be used to mount one end of a heat exchanger to a support member (or vice versa) in a manner similar to the above described three brackets. However, unlike the first three brackets, the bracket 200 has a rounded interconnecting section 202 which is adapted to extend along one end of the heat exchanger but which can be spaced apart therefrom in a manner similar to the interconnecting sections of the second and third brackets. In the sense that the interconnecting section 202 extends in the transverse direction of the heat exchanger, this section 202 can be considered as extending substantially parallel to the adjacent end of the heat exchanger. Also, as in the first three brackets, the interconnecting section 202 has two end portions 204 and 206 located at opposite ends thereof, these end portions also being curved with a concave side thereof facing generally upwardly as shown in Figures 16 to 18. The interconnecting section also has a central portion 208 which is also curved forming a convex exterior surface. Further, there are two curved connecting portions 210, 212 which fixedly join the end portions to the central portion 208. However, in this version there is a smooth transition between each connecting portion and its respective end portion 204, 206. In other words, a smooth curve or arc is formed where each connecting portion meets its respective end portion.
The opposite edges of each end portion can extend generally vertically when this bracket is attached to a heat exchanger having an attachment surface that extends horizontally. The central portion 208 has two opposite, slightly concave edges 214 and these converge in the direction indicated by the arrow A in Figure 17. A concave edge is formed at 216 where the central portion 208 meets the two connecting portion 210, 212.
A first connector means comprising a flange device 220 which is substantially planar is joined to the two end portions 204, 206 at curved corners 222. It will be seen that this flange device can also be considered a single, forked flange section with two prong portions 224, 226 and a distal end portion extending between and connecting the prong portions.
Each prong portion is joined respectively to one of the end portions 204, 206 and the prong portions and the distal end portion 228 extend at a substantial angle to the end portions. As with the second and third embodiments described above, the distal end portion 228 is adapted for fixed connection to the attachment surface 44 of the heat exchanger 10 (or in the alternative, to a support member for the heat exchanger).
Typically this connection can be made by a brazing process which forms a permanent connection.

[0056] The bracket 200 also has a second connector 230 which is planar or substantially planar and is connected to the central portion 208.
As in the second and third embodiments described above, this second connector 230 can extend in the same direction as the flange device 220 (as shown) and can extend parallel thereto but in a different, spaced-apart plane (see Figure 16). The second connector 230 can be positioned above an opening 232 which is formed between the prong portions and the end portions 204, 206. An oval-shaped hole 234 can be formed centrally in the connector (or tab section) 230 to receive a fastener such as a bolt. As with the other brackets, this bracket can be made of a resilient metal such as aluminum or aluminum alloy and can be integrally formed from a single metal plate member. Also, in a variant of this embodiment, the second connector 230 extends upwardly from a top end of the interconnecting section 202 or, in other words, vertically as the bracket is seen in Figs. 16 and 17.

[0057] A flfth embodiment of a bracket constructed in accordance with the invention is illustrated in Figures 19 and 20. This bracket 250 is similar in its construction and use as the first embodiment 42 of Figures 1 to 5 except for the differences explained hereinafter. The bracket has a planar, interconnecting section 252 which can be substantially longer than the bracket 42, that is in the direction extending transversely of the elongate heat exchanger. This version has two or more spaced-apart first portions 254 and, in the illustrated version, has three of these first portions located along the length of the interconnecting section. In addition, there are two or more spaced-apart second portions 256 located along the length of the interconnecting section. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two of these second portions, each of which is similar to the central portion of the bracket 42. It will be seen that the second portions 256 alternate with the first portions and are separated from the first portions. There are also a plurality of connecting portions 258 joining the second portions to the first portions.

[0058] The bracket 250 also includes flange sections 260 which can vary in length if desired. The flange sections are joined to respective first portions 254 and they extend at a substantial angle to the first portions.
In the illustrated embodiment, these flange sections extend at about 90 degrees to the first portions. As with the bracket 42, it will be understood that these flange sections 260 are adapted for connection to either the attachment surface 44 of a heat exchanger or to a support member for the heat exchanger. In addition, there are connecting sections 262 which can be termed tab sections. These connecting sections are joined to respective second portions 256 and they are adapted for connection to the other of the attachment surface 44 and the support member (to whichever the flange sections are not attached). The flange sections 262 are spaced from the connecting portions 258. If desired, each connecting section 262 can be formed with an elongate fastener hole 264. It will be appreciated that a bracket of this type can be quite long and can have two, three or more of the connecting or tab sections 262. Thus, this version of the bracket is particularly suitable for use with a heat exchanger that is substantially wider than the heat exchanger with which the other brackets can be used. In a variant of the bracket 250, the connecting sections 262 extend in the same plane as the interconnecting section 252, in other words, upwardly as the bracket 250 is shown in Figure 20.

[0059] The bracket 250 is formed as well with open areas 270 between the second portions and the first portions with each open area allowing airflow to or from an adjacent region of the heat exchanger. Like the other brackets, the bracket 250 is integrally formed from a single, resilient metal plate member in an exemplary form thereof and has sufficient flexibility to allow thermal expansion.

[0060] Having described exemplary embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made to the structure described above without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, although the heat exchanger 10, as illustrated, has a number of parallel fins 16 formed on one main side, it is possible for the heat exchanger to be constructed without external fins or with fins of different construction than the illustrated extruded fins.
Different types of fittings can be used for attaching the heat exchangers = into the fluid circuits in which they would be used, and the fittings can be located in different positions than those described above or shown in the drawings. Of course, the dimensions of the components described above can be varied to suit the application.

[0061] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the scope thereof.
The foregoing description is of the preferred embodiments by way of example only and is not to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A mounting bracket for mounting one end of a heat exchanger to a support member, said heat exchanger having an attachment surface adjacent said one end which defines a straight line, said bracket comprising:
an interconnecting section adapted to extend substantially parallel to said line defined by said one end and to extend at a substantial angle to said attachment surface when said mounting bracket is connected to the heat exchanger, said interconnecting section having two end portions located at opposite ends thereof, a separate central portion located between said end portions, and at least one connecting portion fixedly joining said end portions to said central portion;
at least one flange section joined to said end portions, extending at a substantial angle to the end portions, and adapted for fixed connection to said attachment surface; and a connector section joined to said central portion, said connector section being adapted for connection to said support member and being spaced-apart from said at least one connecting portion of the interconnecting section, wherein said mounting bracket accommodates thermal expansion of said heat exchanger during use of the heat exchanger when said mounting bracket is connected to and supports the heat exchanger.

2. A mounting bracket according to claim 1 wherein said interconnecting section is planar and is formed with open areas between the central portion thereof and the end portions, each open area allowing airflow to or from an end region of the heat exchanger.

3. A mounting bracket according to claim 1 wherein said connector section is planar, extends at a substantial angle to said central portion, and has at least one connecting hole formed therein to receive a fastener.

4. A mounting bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein there are two of said at least one flange section and both flange sections are planar and extend perpendicular to said end portions.

5. A mounting bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said bracket has a first height corresponding to the height of the interconnecting section, said heat exchanger is a low profile heat exchanger having a second height and the first height of the bracket is at least as great as the second height.

6. A mounting bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said bracket is made of resilient metal whereby said bracket has flexibility to allow thermal expansion of the heat exchanger.

7. A mounting bracket according to any one of claim 1 to 6 wherein said bracket is integrally formed from a single metal plate member.

8. A mounting bracket according to claim 1 wherein said at least one flange section is a single, forked flange section having two prong portions and a planar, distal end portion extending between and connecting said prong portions, each prong portion is joined respectively to one of said end portions, each prong portion and said distal end portion extend at a substantial angle to the end portions, and said distal end portion is adapted for fixed connection to said attachment surface.

9. A mounting bracket for mounting a heat exchanger to a support member, said heat exchanger having an attachment surface located on one side of the heat exchanger adjacent a side edge thereof, said bracket comprising:
an interconnecting section adapted to extend substantially parallel to said side edge and to extend at a substantial angle to said attachment surface when said mounting bracket is connected to the heat exchanger, said interconnecting section having two end portions located at opposite ends thereof, a separate central portion located between said end portions, and at least one connecting portion fixedly joining said end portions to said central portion;
first connector means joined to said end portions, extending at a substantial angle to said end portions, and adapted for fixed connection to one of said attachment surface and said support member; and second connector means connected to said central portion, said second connector means being adapted for fixed connection to the other of said attachment surface and said support member and being spaced apart from said at least one connecting portion of the interconnecting section, wherein said mounting bracket accommodates thermal expansion of said heat exchanger during use thereof when the mounting bracket is connected to and supports the heat exchanger.

10. A mounting bracket according to claim 9 wherein said first and second connector means are both substantially planar, said first connector means extend perpendicular to said end portions and comprises a flange, and said second connector means extends at a substantial angle to said central portion.

11. A mounting bracket according to claim 9 wherein said bracket is integrally formed from a single metal plate member.

12. A mounting bracket according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein said first connector means are adapted to be permanently connected to said attachment surface by brazing.

13. A mounting bracket according to any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein said second connector means is a tab section having at least one connecting hole formed therein to receive a fastener for connecting said tab section to said support member.

14. A mounting bracket according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein said interconnecting section forms open areas through which air can flow between each end portion and the central portion.

15. A heat exchanger and mounting bracket combination comprising:
a heat exchanger having a main side extending between two opposite ends, and an attachment surface provided on said main side adjacent one of said ends; and a mounting bracket including (a) an interconnecting section adapted to extend at a substantial angle to said attachment surface when said mounting bracket is connected to the heat exchanger, said interconnecting section having two end portions located at opposite ends thereof, a separate central portion located between said end portions, and at least one connecting portion fixedly joining said end portions to said central portion;
(b) at least one flange section joined to said end portions, extending at a substantial angle to the end portions, and adapted for fixed connection to said attachment surface; and (c) a connector section joined to said central portion, said connector section being adapted for connection to a support member and being spaced apart from said at least one connecting portion of the interconnecting section, wherein said mounting bracket accommodates and allows thermal expansion of said heat exchanger when said mounting bracket is fixedly connected to and supports said heat exchanger and said heat exchanger is used for heat exchange.

16. The combination of claim 15 wherein said interconnecting section is substantially planar and has a first height, said heat exchanger is a low profile heat exchanger having a second height, and the first height of the interconnecting section is at least as great as the second height of the heat exchanger.

17. The combination of claim 16 wherein said at least one flange section is fixedly connected to said attachment surface by brazing.

18. The combination of any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein said mounting bracket is integrally formed from a single metal plate member.

19. The combination of any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein said heat exchanger includes a finned plate member forming a second main side of said heat exchanger opposite the first mentioned main side, said finned plate member having a series of spaced apart, parallel fins on an outer side of the plate member, and wherein said interconnecting section has open areas between the two end portions and the central portion, these areas allowing airflow through the bracket to or from said parallel fins.

20. The combination of claim 19 wherein said heat exchanger is elongate with a length substantially greater than its width, said parallel fins extend in the lengthwise direction of the heat exchanger, and said interconnecting section extends at an angle of about 90° to said attachment surface when said mounting bracket is connected to the heat exchanger.

21. A mounting bracket for mounting one end of a heat exchanger to a support member, said heat exchanger having an attachment surface adjacent said one end, said bracket comprising:
an interconnecting section having two end portions located at opposite ends thereof, a central portion located centrally at one end of the bracket and separated from the end portions, and two connecting portions each joining said central portion to a respective one of said end portions;
first connector means in the form of flanges means joined to said end portions, extending at a substantial angle to said end portions and adapted for connection to one of said attachment surface and said support member; and a second connector joined to said central portion, adapted for connection to the other of said attachment surface and said support member, and spaced-apart from said two connecting portions of the interconnecting section, wherein said mounting bracket accommodates thermal expansion of said heat exchanger during use thereof when the mounting bracket is connected to and supports the heat exchanger.

22. A mounting bracket according to claim 21 wherein said central portion of the interconnecting portion is curved in a vertical plane when said flange means extends in a horizontal plane, said vertical plane extending along a central longitudinal axis of the bracket.

23. A mounting bracket according to claim 22 wherein said flange means is a single forked flange section having two prong portions and a planar distal end portion extending between and connecting said prong portions, each prong portion is joined respectively to one of said end portions, and said prong portions and the distal end portion extend at a substantial angle to the end portions.

24. A mounting bracket for mounting a heat exchanger to a support member, said heat exchanger having an attachment surface located on one side of the heat exchanger adjacent a side edge thereof, said bracket comprising:
an interconnecting section having two or more spaced-apart first portions located along the length of the interconnecting section, two or more spaced-apart second portions located along the length of the interconnecting section, alternating with said first portions, and separated from said first portions, and a plurality of connecting portions joining said second portions to said first portions;
flange sections joined to said first portions, extending at a substantial angle to said first portions, and adapted for connection to one of said attachment surface and said support member; and connecting sections joined to said second portions, adapted for connection to the other of said attachment surface and said support member, and spaced-apart from the connecting portions of the interconnecting section, wherein said mounting bracket accommodates thermal expansion of said heat exchanger during use thereof when the mounting bracket is connected to and supports the heat exchanger.

25. A mounting bracket according to claim 24 wherein said interconnecting section is planar and is formed with open areas between the second portions and the first portions, each open area allowing airflow to or from an adjacent region of the heat exchanger.

26. A mounting bracket according to claim 24 wherein said bracket is integrally formed from a single resilient metal plate member having sufficient flexibility to allow said thermal expansion.

27. A mounting bracket according to any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein said connecting sections extend at a substantial angle to said second portions in a direction opposite to the direction said flange sections extend from said first portions.