EP4194794A1 - A header-tank assembly - Google Patents
A header-tank assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4194794A1 EP4194794A1 EP21213844.0A EP21213844A EP4194794A1 EP 4194794 A1 EP4194794 A1 EP 4194794A1 EP 21213844 A EP21213844 A EP 21213844A EP 4194794 A1 EP4194794 A1 EP 4194794A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- header
- baffle
- tank
- sealing member
- channel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 82
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 abstract description 12
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/0219—Arrangements for sealing end plates into casing or header box; Header box sub-elements
- F28F9/0224—Header boxes formed by sealing end plates into covers
- F28F9/0226—Header boxes formed by sealing end plates into covers with resilient gaskets
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/0202—Header boxes having their inner space divided by partitions
- F28F9/0204—Header boxes having their inner space divided by partitions for elongated header box, e.g. with transversal and longitudinal partitions
- F28F9/0209—Header boxes having their inner space divided by partitions for elongated header box, e.g. with transversal and longitudinal partitions having only transversal partitions
- F28F9/0212—Header boxes having their inner space divided by partitions for elongated header box, e.g. with transversal and longitudinal partitions having only transversal partitions the partitions being separate elements attached to header boxes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/026—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits
- F28F9/028—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits by using inserts for modifying the pattern of flow inside the header box, e.g. by using flow restrictors or permeable bodies or blocks with channels
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a header-tank assembly.
- the present invention relates to a header-tank assembly for a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle.
- the heat exchanger typically includes a pair of manifolds, and a plurality of tubes stacked between the manifolds to provide a fluid communication between the manifolds.
- Each manifold includes a tank joined to a header.
- the tank includes a chamber and a tank foot
- the header includes a base and a channel extending circumferentially around the base configured to receive the tank foot.
- the channel has an outer wall with a bendable end for gripping the foot.
- a baffle may be integrally formed in the tank to divide the chamber into two portions.
- the header-tank assembly further includes a gasket at a junction of the header and the tank.
- the gasket has a rectangular ring configuration with rounded corners.
- the gasket may include two opposing longer sidewalls and a bridge extending between the sidewalls. The bridge is formed such that it lies at a junction of the header and baffle to provide a fluid tight seal there between and fluidically isolate the two portions of the chamber.
- the gasket is disposed within the channel of the header.
- a short side of the tank is received within the channel of the header and the remaining portion of the foot of the tank received within the channel by rotation of the tank.
- the header could also receive the tank parallelly within the channel.
- the tank is retained over the header by crimping the bendable end of header over the tank foot.
- the gasket is clinched beneath the foot and forms a fluid tight seal between the header and tank.
- a potential problem of dislocation of the gasket and the bridge of the gasket may occur regardless of the method of securing the tank to the header.
- the bridge of the gasket may be misplaced even before the completion of the clinch operation, and may create a potential leak path.
- the bridge is not provided with any means to perfectly align with the foot of the baffle and can slip to a side of the baffle as soon as the foot of the baffle contacts the bridge of the gasket.
- a sealing element for a header-tank assembly that prevents dislocation of the sealing member when the baffle contacts the header during or after assembly of the header to the tank, and ensures a fluid tight seal between the header and the baffle of the tank.
- some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as a first element and a second element.
- this indexation is only meant to differentiate and name elements, which are similar but not identical. No idea of priority should be inferred from such indexation, as these terms may be switched without betraying the invention. Additionally, this indexation does not imply any order in mounting or use of the elements of the invention.
- the present invention discloses a header-tank assembly for a heat exchanger.
- the header-tank assembly comprises a tank having a base and a tank foot, a baffle protruding from the base towards the tank foot dividing the tank into a first section and a second section, and a header configured to be fixed to the tank in a fluid tight manner.
- the header tank assembly further comprises a sealing member fixed to the baffle. The sealing member is in contact at least with the baffle and the header so that the first section is fluidly isolated from the second section.
- the baffle comprises a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The second portion is an end portion of the baffle having an edge.
- the sealing member comprises a base and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls extending vertically from the base defining a U-shaped channel configured to receive the baffle, and at least one rib formed within the channel and extends across the sidewalls.
- the baffle having at least one groove extends from the edge in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tank.
- the groove is complementary to the rib and configured to receive the rib while the channel engages the second portion of the baffle.
- the channel may have a length substantially equal to a length of the edge of the baffle.
- the edge of the baffle extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the tank defines the length of the edge.
- the baffle comprises at least two apertures
- the sealing member comprises a base and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls extending vertically from the base defining the U-shaped channel and at least two bead portions.
- Each bead portion includes a cylindrical portion complementary to the shape of the aperture and a rounded portion.
- At least one bead portion extends from each sidewall towards the respective aperture in an axis parallel to an axis of elongation of tank.
- the apertures are formed at position where the bead portion rests on the baffle when the channel engages the edge of the baffle, and each bead portion is adapted to deform and engage around respective aperture.
- the channel having a length substantially equal to a length of the edge of the baffle.
- the baffle having the channel that extends along at least a portion of length of the edge.
- the sealing member may comprise a base formed of a concave portion having a pair of opposing ends and a protrusion extends vertically from the base. The pair of opposing ends extends angularly from the base in a direction opposite to that of the protrusion.
- the channel is complementary to the protrusion and configured to receive the protrusion while the concave portion engages the edge of the baffle and the opposing ends engages and extends towards the tank foot.
- the present invention discloses a header-tank assembly for a heat exchanger, which may be implemented, for example, in automobiles.
- the header-tank assembly may comprise a tank joined to a header and a baffle integrally formed in the tank to divide the tank into a first section and a second section.
- the header-tank assembly further includes a gasket at a junction of the header and the tank and a sealing member at a junction of the baffle and the header.
- FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a header-tank assembly 100 of a heat exchanger, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates an exploded, cross-sectional view of the header-tank assembly 100.
- the header-tank assembly 100 may comprise a tank 102 joined to a header 104 and a gasket 106 disposed at a junction of the header 104 and the tank 102.
- FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a bottom perspective view of the tank 102.
- the header tank assembly 100 further comprises a baffle 108 and a sealing member 200.
- the baffle 108 is integrally formed in the tank 102 to divide the tank 102 into a first section 122A and a second section 122B.
- the gasket 106 is disposed at the junction of the baffle 108 and the header 104.
- FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of the header-tank assembly 100 of FIG. 1 .
- the tank 102 includes a base portion 114 having an inner surface 116.
- a wall 118 circumferentially surrounds the base portion 114 and depends generally perpendicularly to the plane of the base portion 114 defining a chamber 122.
- a flange portion or tank foot 120 is circumferentially disposed on the terminating end of the wall 118.
- the baffle 108 extends from the inner surface 116 towards the tank foot 120 and divides the chamber 122 into the first section 122A and the second section 122B.
- the sealing member 200 is disposed in contact at least with the baffle 108 and the header 104 so that the first section 122A is fluidically isolated from the second section 122B.
- the header 104 is substantially equal in length to the length of the tank 102 and includes a generally planar base 124 having a plurality of tube-receiving apertures 130 therein for receiving the ends of the fluid conducting tubes (not shown) of the heat exchanger therethrough.
- the base 124 of the header 104 circumferentially surrounded by a channel 126 sized to receive the foot 120 of the tank 102 along with the gasket 106.
- the gasket 106 may have a rectangular ring configuration with rounded corners.
- the channel 126 includes a first sidewall 126A, an opposing second sidewall 126B, and a base wall 126C extending between the first sidewall 126A and the second sidewall 126B.
- the opposing second sidewall 126B includes bendable end 126D for gripping the tank foot 120.
- the tank foot 120 has an inner wall surface 120A, outer wall surface 120C, a lower surface 120B and a top grip surface 120D.
- the gasket 106 is disposed within the channel 126, and the sealing member 200 is mounted to the baffle 108.
- the tank foot 120 is received over the gasket 106 so that the lower surface 120B of the tank foot 120 contacts the upper surface of the gasket 106 and the sealing member 200 in contact at least with the baffle 108 and the header 104.
- the inner wall surface 120A opposes the first sidewall 126A of the channel 126 and the outer wall surface 120C opposes the second sidewall 126B of the channel 126.
- the bendable end 126D is clinched over the top grip surface 120D of the tank foot 120 joining the tank 102 to the header 104 along with the gasket 106.
- the gasket 106 and the sealing member 200 deforms to fill the junction of the header 104 and tank foot 120, and the junction of the baffle 108 and header 104 and creates a fluid tight seal.
- the sealing member 300, 400 can be mounted to the header-tank assembly 100.
- the gasket 106 and the sealing member 200, 300, 400 may be formed of elastomeric material such as rubber or analogous plastics material.
- FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the sealing member 200 of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates another perspective view of the sealing member 200 of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sealing member 200 of FIG. 2 .
- the sealing member 200 comprises a base 202 and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 204A, 204B integrally extending from the base 202.
- the pair of sidewalls 204A, 204B extends vertically from the base 202.
- the pair of sidewalls 204A, 204B is perpendicular to the plane of the base 202.
- the base 202 and the pair of sidewall 204A, 204B together defines a channel 206.
- the channel 206 has a U-shaped cross-section.
- the channel 206 having a length substantially equal to a length of the edge 112A of the baffle 108.
- the edge 112A of the baffle 108 extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the tank 102 defines the length of the edge 112A.
- the length of edge 112A is a measure of length between two opposing ends 128A, 128B (shown in FIG. 9 ) of the edge 112A that extend towards the tank foot 120.
- the sealing member 200 further comprises at least one rib 208A, 208B formed within the channel 206 and extends between the sidewalls 204A, 204B.
- the sealing member 200 includes at least two ribs 208A, 208B.
- FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates the sealing member 200 of FIG. 2 in engagement with the baffle 108.
- FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the sealing member 200 of FIG. 2 and the baffle 108.
- the baffle 108 comprises a first portion 110 and a second portion 112.
- the first portion 110 may have a first thickness and the second portion 112 may have a second thickness.
- the second portion 112 is an end portion of the baffle 108 having an edge 112A.
- end portion and the second portion 112 are interchangeably used throughout the specification.
- the baffle 108 includes at least one groove 210A, 210B extending from the edge 112A of the second portion 112 towards a direction perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the tank 102.
- at least two grooves 210A, 210B are formed at the second portion 112.
- the position and shape of the grooves 210A, 210B are complementary to the shape and position of the ribs 208A, 208B of the sealing member 200.
- At least two ribs 208A, 208B in the channel 206 engages with the pair of grooves 210A, 210B formed on the end portion of the baffle 108.
- the pair of sidewalls 204A, 204B and the ribs 208A, 208B prevents displacement of the sealing member 200 during or after installation of the sealing member 200 and provides a fluid tight seal between the baffle 108 and the header 104.
- the ribs 208A, 208B of the sealing member 200 and the complementary groove 210A, 210B on the baffle 108 acts as a means to maintain the position of the sealing member 200.
- the second portion 112 of the baffle 108 may be debossed to complement the shape of the sealing member 200.
- the debossed surface 212 may act as a guide while positioning the sealing member 200 to the baffle 108 and also a means to maintain the position of the sealing member 200.
- FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a sealing member 300, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates another perspective view of a sealing member 300 of FIG. 10 .
- the sealing member 300 comprises a base 302 and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 304A, 304B integrally extends from the base 302.
- the pair of sidewalls 304A, 304B extends vertically from the base 302.
- the pair of sidewalls 304A, 304B are perpendicular to the plane of the base 302.
- the base 302 and the pair of sidewalls 304A, 304B together defines a channel 306.
- the channel 306 has a U-shaped cross-section.
- the channel 306 having a length substantially equal to a length of the edge 112A of the baffle 108.
- the sealing member 300 further comprises at least two bead portions 308, 310 including a first bead portion 308 and a second bead portion 310. At least one bead portion 308, 310 extends from each sidewall 304A, 304B.
- FIG. 12 exemplarily illustrates the sealing member 300 in engagement with the baffle 108 of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the sealing member 300 of FIG. 11 and the baffle 108.
- the baffle 108 includes at least two spaced apart apertures 312A, 312B at one of the second portion 112 or first portion 110 of the baffle 108. Further, at least one bead portion 308, 310 extends from each sidewall 304A, 304B towards the respective aperture 312A, 312B in an axis parallel to an axis of elongation of tank 102.
- the apertures 312A, 312B are formed at position where the bead portion 308, 310 rests on the baffle 108 when the channel 306 engages the edge 112A of the baffle 108.
- each bead portion 308, 310 includes a cylindrical portion 308A, 310A that extends from the respective sidewall 304A, 304B and ends with a rounded portion 308B, 310B.
- the cylindrical portion 308A, 310A has a shape and length complementary to that of the shape and length of the apertures 312A, 312B.
- the bead portion 308, 310 extends towards the respective aperture 312A, 312B in an axis parallel to an axis of elongation of tank 102.
- each bead portion 308, 310 is adapted to deform and engage around the respective aperture 312A, 312B.
- the bead portion 308, 310 may be formed from a material that may be elastic, resistant to compression and deformable under pressure.
- the pair of sidewalls 304A, 304B and the bead portions 308, 310 engaging the baffle 108 prevents displacement of the sealing member 300 during or after installation of the sealing member 300 and provides a fluid tight seal between the baffle 108 and the header 104.
- the second portion 112 of the baffle 108 may be debossed to complement the shape of the sealing member 300.
- the debossed surface 314 may act as a guide while positioning the sealing member 300 to the baffle 108 and a means to maintain the position of the sealing member 300.
- FIG. 14 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a sealing member 400, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 exemplarily illustrates another perspective view of the sealing member 400 of FIG. 14 .
- the sealing member 400 comprises a base 402 and a protrusion 406 extending from the base 402.
- the base 402 is a concave surface having two opposing end portions 404A, 404B.
- the two opposing end portions 404A, 404B extend angularly with respect to the base 402 towards the foot 120 of the tank 102.
- the protrusion 406 extends perpendicularly to the plane of the base 402.
- FIG. 16 exemplarily illustrates the sealing member 400 in engagement with the baffle 108 of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 17 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the sealing member 400 of FIG. 14 and the baffle 108.
- the edge 112A of the second portion 112 of the baffle 108 includes a channel 408 complementary to protrusion 406 of the sealing member 400.
- the channel 408 extends along at least a portion of length of the edge 112A of the second portion 112.
- the protrusion 406 is received within the channel 408 while the concave portion engages the edge 112A of the baffle 108 and the opposing ends 404A, 404b engages and extends towards the tank foot 120.
- the engagement of the protrusion 406 with the channel 408 prevents displacement of the sealing member 400 during or after installation of the sealing member 400. Further, it acts as a guide while positioning the sealing member 400 to the baffle 108 and a means to maintain the position of the sealing member 400.
- the provision of the sealing member 200, 300, 400 as a separate element and the configuration of the sealing member 200, 300, 400 prevents displacement of the sealing member 200, 300, 400 when the baffle 108 contacts the header 104 during or after assembly of the header 104 to the tank 102, and ensures a fluid tight seal at the junction of the baffle 108 and the header 104.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention discloses a header-tank assembly for a heat exchanger. The header-tank assembly comprising a tank having a base portion and a tank foot, a baffle protruding from the base portion towards the tank foot dividing the tank into a first section and a second section, and a header configured to be fixed to the tank in a fluid tight manner. The header tank assembly further comprises a sealing member fixed to the baffle. The sealing member is in contact at least with the baffle and the header so that the first section is fluidly isolated from the second section.
Description
- The present invention relates to a header-tank assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to a header-tank assembly for a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle.
- The heat exchanger typically includes a pair of manifolds, and a plurality of tubes stacked between the manifolds to provide a fluid communication between the manifolds. Each manifold includes a tank joined to a header. Generally, the tank includes a chamber and a tank foot, and the header includes a base and a channel extending circumferentially around the base configured to receive the tank foot. The channel has an outer wall with a bendable end for gripping the foot. A baffle may be integrally formed in the tank to divide the chamber into two portions. The header-tank assembly further includes a gasket at a junction of the header and the tank. The gasket has a rectangular ring configuration with rounded corners. The gasket may include two opposing longer sidewalls and a bridge extending between the sidewalls. The bridge is formed such that it lies at a junction of the header and baffle to provide a fluid tight seal there between and fluidically isolate the two portions of the chamber.
- During installation, the gasket is disposed within the channel of the header. A short side of the tank is received within the channel of the header and the remaining portion of the foot of the tank received within the channel by rotation of the tank. Alternatively, the header could also receive the tank parallelly within the channel. Then, the tank is retained over the header by crimping the bendable end of header over the tank foot. The gasket is clinched beneath the foot and forms a fluid tight seal between the header and tank. However, a potential problem of dislocation of the gasket and the bridge of the gasket may occur regardless of the method of securing the tank to the header. Particularly, the bridge of the gasket may be misplaced even before the completion of the clinch operation, and may create a potential leak path. The bridge is not provided with any means to perfectly align with the foot of the baffle and can slip to a side of the baffle as soon as the foot of the baffle contacts the bridge of the gasket.
- Accordingly, there is a need for a sealing element for a header-tank assembly that prevents dislocation of the sealing member when the baffle contacts the header during or after assembly of the header to the tank, and ensures a fluid tight seal between the header and the baffle of the tank.
- In the present description, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as a first element and a second element. In this case, unless stated otherwise, this indexation is only meant to differentiate and name elements, which are similar but not identical. No idea of priority should be inferred from such indexation, as these terms may be switched without betraying the invention. Additionally, this indexation does not imply any order in mounting or use of the elements of the invention.
- In view of forgoing, the present invention discloses a header-tank assembly for a heat exchanger. The header-tank assembly comprises a tank having a base and a tank foot, a baffle protruding from the base towards the tank foot dividing the tank into a first section and a second section, and a header configured to be fixed to the tank in a fluid tight manner. The header tank assembly further comprises a sealing member fixed to the baffle. The sealing member is in contact at least with the baffle and the header so that the first section is fluidly isolated from the second section. The baffle comprises a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The second portion is an end portion of the baffle having an edge.
- In one embodiment, the sealing member comprises a base and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls extending vertically from the base defining a U-shaped channel configured to receive the baffle, and at least one rib formed within the channel and extends across the sidewalls. The baffle having at least one groove extends from the edge in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tank. The groove is complementary to the rib and configured to receive the rib while the channel engages the second portion of the baffle. The channel may have a length substantially equal to a length of the edge of the baffle. The edge of the baffle extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the tank defines the length of the edge.
- In another embodiment, the baffle comprises at least two apertures, and the sealing member comprises a base and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls extending vertically from the base defining the U-shaped channel and at least two bead portions. Each bead portion includes a cylindrical portion complementary to the shape of the aperture and a rounded portion. At least one bead portion extends from each sidewall towards the respective aperture in an axis parallel to an axis of elongation of tank. The apertures are formed at position where the bead portion rests on the baffle when the channel engages the edge of the baffle, and each bead portion is adapted to deform and engage around respective aperture. The channel having a length substantially equal to a length of the edge of the baffle.
- In yet another embodiment, the baffle having the channel that extends along at least a portion of length of the edge. The sealing member may comprise a base formed of a concave portion having a pair of opposing ends and a protrusion extends vertically from the base. The pair of opposing ends extends angularly from the base in a direction opposite to that of the protrusion. The channel is complementary to the protrusion and configured to receive the protrusion while the concave portion engages the edge of the baffle and the opposing ends engages and extends towards the tank foot.
- Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention can be inferred from the description of the invention hereunder. A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a header-tank assembly of a heat exchanger, according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates an exploded, cross sectional view of the header-tank assembly ofFIG. 1 having a sealing member; -
FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a bottom perspective view of a tank of the header-tank assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a cross-sectional view of the header-tank assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the sealing member ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates another perspective view of the sealing member ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sealing member ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates the sealing member ofFIG. 2 in engagement with the baffle; -
FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the sealing member ofFIG. 2 and the baffle; -
FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a sealing member, according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates another perspective view of a sealing member ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 exemplarily illustrates the sealing member ofFIG. 10 in engagement with the baffle; -
FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the sealing member ofFIG. 10 and the baffle; -
FIG. 14 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a sealing member, according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 exemplarily illustrates another perspective view of a sealing member ofFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 16 exemplarily illustrates the sealing member ofFIG. 14 in engagement with the baffle; and -
FIG. 17 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the sealing member ofFIG. 14 and the baffle. - It must be noted that the figures disclose the invention in a detailed enough way to be implemented, said figures helping to better define the invention if needs be. The invention should however not be limited to the embodiment disclosed in the description.
- The present invention discloses a header-tank assembly for a heat exchanger, which may be implemented, for example, in automobiles. The header-tank assembly may comprise a tank joined to a header and a baffle integrally formed in the tank to divide the tank into a first section and a second section. The header-tank assembly further includes a gasket at a junction of the header and the tank and a sealing member at a junction of the baffle and the header. The provision of the sealing member as a separate element and the configuration of the sealing member prevents dislocation of the sealing member when the baffle contacts the header during or after assembly of the header to the tank, and ensures a fluid tight seal at the junction of the baffle and the header.
-
FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a header-tank assembly 100 of a heat exchanger, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates an exploded, cross-sectional view of the header-tank assembly 100. The header-tank assembly 100 may comprise atank 102 joined to aheader 104 and agasket 106 disposed at a junction of theheader 104 and thetank 102.FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a bottom perspective view of thetank 102. Referring toFIG. 2 andFIG. 3 , theheader tank assembly 100 further comprises abaffle 108 and a sealingmember 200. Thebaffle 108 is integrally formed in thetank 102 to divide thetank 102 into afirst section 122A and a second section 122B. Thegasket 106 is disposed at the junction of thebaffle 108 and theheader 104. -
FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a cross sectional view of the header-tank assembly 100 ofFIG. 1 . Referring toFIG. 2 andFIG. 4 , thetank 102 includes abase portion 114 having aninner surface 116. Awall 118 circumferentially surrounds thebase portion 114 and depends generally perpendicularly to the plane of thebase portion 114 defining achamber 122. A flange portion ortank foot 120 is circumferentially disposed on the terminating end of thewall 118. Further, the baffle 108extends from theinner surface 116 towards thetank foot 120 and divides thechamber 122 into thefirst section 122A and the second section 122B. The sealingmember 200 is disposed in contact at least with thebaffle 108 and theheader 104 so that thefirst section 122A is fluidically isolated from the second section 122B. - The
header 104 is substantially equal in length to the length of thetank 102 and includes a generally planar base 124 having a plurality of tube-receivingapertures 130 therein for receiving the ends of the fluid conducting tubes (not shown) of the heat exchanger therethrough. The base 124 of theheader 104 circumferentially surrounded by a channel 126 sized to receive thefoot 120 of thetank 102 along with thegasket 106. In an example, thegasket 106 may have a rectangular ring configuration with rounded corners. The channel 126 includes afirst sidewall 126A, an opposingsecond sidewall 126B, and abase wall 126C extending between thefirst sidewall 126A and thesecond sidewall 126B. The opposingsecond sidewall 126B includesbendable end 126D for gripping thetank foot 120. Thetank foot 120 has aninner wall surface 120A,outer wall surface 120C, alower surface 120B and atop grip surface 120D. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , during installation, thegasket 106 is disposed within the channel 126, and the sealingmember 200 is mounted to thebaffle 108. After placing thegasket 106 and the sealingmember 200, thetank foot 120 is received over thegasket 106 so that thelower surface 120B of thetank foot 120 contacts the upper surface of thegasket 106 and the sealingmember 200 in contact at least with thebaffle 108 and theheader 104. Further, theinner wall surface 120A opposes thefirst sidewall 126A of the channel 126 and theouter wall surface 120C opposes thesecond sidewall 126B of the channel 126. Then, thebendable end 126D is clinched over thetop grip surface 120D of thetank foot 120 joining thetank 102 to theheader 104 along with thegasket 106. As the bendable ends 126D crimped over thetank foot 120, thegasket 106 and the sealingmember 200 deforms to fill the junction of theheader 104 andtank foot 120, and the junction of thebaffle 108 andheader 104 and creates a fluid tight seal. Similar to the installation of sealingmember 200, the sealingmember 300, 400 (shown inFIG. 10 andFIG. 14 ) can be mounted to the header-tank assembly 100. In one embodiment, thegasket 106 and the sealingmember FIG. 5 ,FIG. 10 ,FIG. 14 ) may be formed of elastomeric material such as rubber or analogous plastics material. -
FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the sealingmember 200 ofFIG. 2 .FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates another perspective view of the sealingmember 200 ofFIG. 2 .FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sealingmember 200 ofFIG. 2 . The sealingmember 200 comprises abase 202 and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 204A, 204B integrally extending from thebase 202. The pair of sidewalls 204A, 204B extends vertically from thebase 202. The pair of sidewalls 204A, 204B is perpendicular to the plane of thebase 202. Thebase 202 and the pair ofsidewall channel 206. In an example, thechannel 206 has a U-shaped cross-section. Thechannel 206 having a length substantially equal to a length of theedge 112A of thebaffle 108. Theedge 112A of thebaffle 108 extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of elongation of thetank 102 defines the length of theedge 112A. In other words, the length ofedge 112A is a measure of length between two opposing ends 128A, 128B (shown inFIG. 9 ) of theedge 112A that extend towards thetank foot 120. The sealingmember 200 further comprises at least onerib channel 206 and extends between the sidewalls 204A, 204B. In this embodiment, the sealingmember 200 includes at least tworibs -
FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates the sealingmember 200 ofFIG. 2 in engagement with thebaffle 108.FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the sealingmember 200 ofFIG. 2 and thebaffle 108. Thebaffle 108 comprises afirst portion 110 and asecond portion 112. In one embodiment, thefirst portion 110 may have a first thickness and thesecond portion 112 may have a second thickness. Thesecond portion 112 is an end portion of thebaffle 108 having anedge 112A. The term end portion and thesecond portion 112 are interchangeably used throughout the specification. Thebaffle 108 includes at least onegroove edge 112A of thesecond portion 112 towards a direction perpendicular to the axis of elongation of thetank 102. In this embodiment, at least twogrooves second portion 112. The position and shape of thegrooves ribs member 200. At least tworibs channel 206 engages with the pair ofgrooves baffle 108. The pair of sidewalls 204A, 204B and theribs member 200 during or after installation of the sealingmember 200 and provides a fluid tight seal between thebaffle 108 and theheader 104. - Further, the
ribs member 200 and thecomplementary groove baffle 108 acts as a means to maintain the position of the sealing member 200.Further, thesecond portion 112 of thebaffle 108 may be debossed to complement the shape of the sealingmember 200. The debossedsurface 212 may act as a guide while positioning the sealingmember 200 to thebaffle 108 and also a means to maintain the position of the sealingmember 200. -
FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a sealingmember 300, according to another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates another perspective view of a sealingmember 300 ofFIG. 10 . The sealingmember 300 comprises abase 302 and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 304A, 304B integrally extends from thebase 302. The pair of sidewalls 304A, 304B extends vertically from thebase 302. The pair of sidewalls 304A, 304B are perpendicular to the plane of thebase 302. Thebase 302 and the pair of sidewalls 304A, 304B together defines achannel 306. In an example, thechannel 306 has a U-shaped cross-section. Thechannel 306 having a length substantially equal to a length of theedge 112A of thebaffle 108. The sealingmember 300 further comprises at least twobead portions first bead portion 308 and asecond bead portion 310. At least onebead portion sidewall -
FIG. 12 exemplarily illustrates the sealingmember 300 in engagement with thebaffle 108 ofFIG. 11 .FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the sealingmember 300 ofFIG. 11 and thebaffle 108. Thebaffle 108 includes at least two spaced apart apertures 312A, 312B at one of thesecond portion 112 orfirst portion 110 of thebaffle 108. Further, at least onebead portion sidewall respective aperture tank 102. Theapertures bead portion baffle 108 when thechannel 306 engages theedge 112A of thebaffle 108. - On assembly of the sealing
member 300, thechannel 306 engages theend portion 112 of thebaffle 108 and thebead portions apertures baffle 108. Eachbead portion cylindrical portion respective sidewall rounded portion cylindrical portion apertures bead portion respective aperture tank 102. Therounded portion bead portion respective aperture bead portion - The pair of sidewalls 304A, 304B and the
bead portions baffle 108 prevents displacement of the sealingmember 300 during or after installation of the sealingmember 300 and provides a fluid tight seal between thebaffle 108 and theheader 104. Further, thesecond portion 112 of thebaffle 108 may be debossed to complement the shape of the sealingmember 300. The debossedsurface 314 may act as a guide while positioning the sealingmember 300 to thebaffle 108 and a means to maintain the position of the sealingmember 300. -
FIG. 14 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a sealingmember 400, according to another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 15 exemplarily illustrates another perspective view of the sealingmember 400 ofFIG. 14 . The sealingmember 400 comprises abase 402 and aprotrusion 406 extending from thebase 402. In an example, thebase 402 is a concave surface having two opposingend portions opposing end portions foot 120 of thetank 102. Theprotrusion 406 extends perpendicularly to the plane of thebase 402. -
FIG. 16 exemplarily illustrates the sealingmember 400 in engagement with thebaffle 108 ofFIG. 14 .FIG. 17 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the sealingmember 400 ofFIG. 14 and thebaffle 108. Theedge 112A of thesecond portion 112 of thebaffle 108 includes achannel 408 complementary toprotrusion 406 of the sealingmember 400. Thechannel 408 extends along at least a portion of length of theedge 112A of thesecond portion 112. Theprotrusion 406 is received within thechannel 408 while the concave portion engages theedge 112A of thebaffle 108 and the opposing ends 404A, 404b engages and extends towards thetank foot 120. - The engagement of the
protrusion 406 with thechannel 408 prevents displacement of the sealingmember 400 during or after installation of the sealingmember 400. Further, it acts as a guide while positioning the sealingmember 400 to thebaffle 108 and a means to maintain the position of the sealingmember 400. Thus, the provision of the sealingmember member member baffle 108 contacts theheader 104 during or after assembly of theheader 104 to thetank 102, and ensures a fluid tight seal at the junction of thebaffle 108 and theheader 104. - In any case, the invention cannot and should not be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, as other embodiments might exist. The invention shall spread to any equivalent means and any technically operating combination of means.
Claims (12)
- A header-tank assembly (100) for a heat exchanger, comprising:
a tank (102) comprising a base portion (114) and a tank foot (120); a baffle (108) protruding from the base portion (114) towards the tank foot (120) dividing the tank (102) into a first section (122A) and a second section (122B); and a header (104) configured to be fixed to the tank (102) in a fluid-tight manner, characterized in that the header-tank assembly (100) further comprises a sealing member (200, 300, 400) fixed to the baffle (108), wherein the sealing member (200, 300, 400) is in contact at least with the baffle (108) and the header (104) so that the first section (122A) is fluidly isolated from the second section (122B). - The header-tank assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the sealing member (200) comprises a base (202) and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls (204A, 204B) extending vertically from the base (202) defining a channel (206) configured to receive the baffle (108), and at least one rib (208A, 208B) formed within the channel (206) and extends across the sidewalls (204A, 204B).
- The header-tank assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the baffle (108) comprises a first portion (110) having a first thickness and a second portion (112) having a second thickness, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.
- The header-tank assembly (100) of claim 3, wherein the second portion (112) is an end portion of the baffle (108) having an edge (112A).
- The header-tank assembly (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the baffle (108) having at least one groove (210A, 210B) extends from the edge (112A) in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tank (102), the groove (210A, 210B) is complementary to the rib (208A, 208B) and configured to receive the rib (208A, 208B) while the channel (206) engages the second portion (112) of the baffle (108).
- The header-tank assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the baffle (108) comprises at least two apertures (312A, 312B), and the sealing member (300) comprises a base (302) and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls (304A, 304B) extending vertically from the base (302) defining a channel (306), and at least two bead portions (308, 310).
- The header-tank assembly (100) of claim 6, wherein at least one bead portion (308, 310) extends from each sidewall (304A, 304B) towards the respective aperture (312A, 312B) in an axis parallel to an axis of elongation of tank (102), and each bead portion (308, 310) includes a cylindrical portion (308A, 310A) complementary to the shape of the aperture (312A, 312B) and a rounded portion (308B, 310B).
- The header-tank assembly (100) of claim 6 and 7, wherein the apertures (312A, 312B) are formed at position where the bead portion (308, 310) rests on the baffle (108) when the channel (206) engages the edge (112A) of the baffle (108), and each bead portion (308, 310) is adapted to deform and engage around respective aperture (312A, 312B).
- The header-tank assembly (100) of claim 2 and 6, wherein the channel (206, 306) having a length substantially equal to a length of the edge (112A) of the baffle (108).
- The header-tank assembly (100) of claim 3, wherein the baffle (108) having a channel (408) that extends along at least a portion of length of the edge (112A).
- The header-tank assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the sealing member (400) having a base (402) formed of a concave portion having a pair of opposing ends (404A, 404B) and a protrusion (406) extends vertically from the base (402), the pair of opposing ends (404A, 404B) extends angularly from the base (402) in a direction opposite to that of the protrusion (406).
- The header-tank assembly (100) of claim 10 and 11, wherein the channel (408) is complementary to the protrusion (406) and configured to receive the protrusion (406) while the concave portion engages the edge (112A) of the baffle (108) and the opposing ends (404A, 404B) engages and extends towards the tank foot (120).
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21213844.0A EP4194794A1 (en) | 2021-12-10 | 2021-12-10 | A header-tank assembly |
PCT/EP2022/080826 WO2023104403A1 (en) | 2021-12-10 | 2022-11-04 | A header-tank assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21213844.0A EP4194794A1 (en) | 2021-12-10 | 2021-12-10 | A header-tank assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4194794A1 true EP4194794A1 (en) | 2023-06-14 |
Family
ID=78829544
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21213844.0A Withdrawn EP4194794A1 (en) | 2021-12-10 | 2021-12-10 | A header-tank assembly |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4194794A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023104403A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2696231A1 (en) * | 1992-09-26 | 1994-04-01 | Behr Gmbh & Co | Heat exchanger comprising several tubes, with ends fixed by mechanical jointing in a bottom. |
DE102018132396A1 (en) * | 2017-12-19 | 2019-06-19 | Hanon Systems | Integrated heat exchanger |
DE112018005158T5 (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2020-06-25 | Hanon Systems | INTEGRATED HEAT EXCHANGER |
US20200256627A1 (en) * | 2019-02-11 | 2020-08-13 | Hanon Systems | Reverse header design for thermal cycle |
-
2021
- 2021-12-10 EP EP21213844.0A patent/EP4194794A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2022
- 2022-11-04 WO PCT/EP2022/080826 patent/WO2023104403A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2696231A1 (en) * | 1992-09-26 | 1994-04-01 | Behr Gmbh & Co | Heat exchanger comprising several tubes, with ends fixed by mechanical jointing in a bottom. |
DE112018005158T5 (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2020-06-25 | Hanon Systems | INTEGRATED HEAT EXCHANGER |
DE102018132396A1 (en) * | 2017-12-19 | 2019-06-19 | Hanon Systems | Integrated heat exchanger |
US20200256627A1 (en) * | 2019-02-11 | 2020-08-13 | Hanon Systems | Reverse header design for thermal cycle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2023104403A1 (en) | 2023-06-15 |
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