ES2542131T3 - Heat exchange assembly that has a flexibly variable composition - Google Patents

Abstract

Heat exchange assembly, which includes at least a first heat exchanger (10), comprising a plurality of parallel tubes (11) extending between two opposite sides (13, 14) of the heat exchanger, a first and a second manifold (15, 16) located, respectively, on each of said two opposite sides of the heat exchanger, and connection means located on said manifolds, which are provided to mount a second heat exchanger (30) on said first heat exchanger, wherein said connection means comprise support means by way of articulation (17) located on one (15) of said first and second collectors, which are applicable with one (33) of a first side and a second side of the second heat exchanger (30), to define a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of said one of said first and second collectors, around which the second heat exchanger (30) can rotate with re lamination to the first heat exchanger (10), and quick clamping means (18, 19) located on the other (16) of said first and second collectors, which are applicable with the other (34) of said first side and said second side of the second heat exchanger (30), to fix the second heat exchanger against the first heat exchanger (10); the heat exchange assembly being characterized in that it further comprises auxiliary connection means provided for mounting a third heat exchanger (50), as an alternative to the second heat exchanger (30), in said first heat exchanger, said means being auxiliary connections mounted on fixing sites (21, 22, 23, 24) formed on said manifolds, wherein said auxiliary connection means comprise support means as an articulation (137a, 137b) that can be mounted on said other (16) of said first and second manifolds, which are applicable with one (54) of a first side and a second side of the third heat exchanger (50), to define a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of said other ( 16) of said first and second manifolds, around which the third heat exchanger (50) can rotate relative to the first heat exchanger (10), and quick clamping means (138, 139) that can be mounted on said one (15) of said first and second manifolds, which are applicable with the other (53) of said first side and said second side of the third heat exchanger (50), to fix the third heat exchanger against the first heat exchanger (10).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Heat exchange assembly that has a flexibly variable composition

The present invention relates to a heat exchange assembly, which includes, at least, a first heat exchanger, which comprises a plurality of parallel tubes extending between two opposite sides of the heat exchanger, a first and a second manifold located, respectively, on each of said two opposite sides of the heat exchanger, and connection means located on said manifolds, which are provided to mount a second heat exchanger on said first heat exchanger, wherein said means of connection comprise support means by way of articulation located on one of said first and second collectors, which are applicable with one of the first and second sides of the second heat exchanger, to define a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of said one of sayings

15 first or second collectors, around which the second heat exchanger can rotate relative to the first heat exchanger, and quick clamping means located on the other of said first and second collectors, which are applicable with the other of said first sides and second of the second heat exchanger, to set the second heat exchanger against the first heat exchanger.

A heat exchange assembly of this type is described, for example, in EP 0 693 665.

In the automobile industry, there is a known way of providing cooling modules, each comprising a plurality of heat exchangers assembled into each other in a specific sequence. As a general rule, the most complex composition comprises a high temperature radiator, a

25 low temperature radiator and a condenser.

In conventional heat exchange assemblies, the various components are assembled according to a specific design that defines a particular sequence of exchangers that are not adaptable to other designs. Known assemblies also include specific fastening systems that differ from each other.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose a heat exchange assembly capable of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks.

This object is achieved according to the invention thanks to a heat exchange assembly of the defined type

35 above, and further comprising auxiliary connection means provided to mount a third heat exchanger, as an alternative to the second heat exchanger, in said first heat exchanger, said auxiliary connection means being mounted in fixing locations formed on said manifolds, wherein said auxiliary connection means comprise support means by way of articulation that can be mounted on said other of said first and second manifolds, which are applicable with one of a first side and a second side of the third heat exchanger. heat, to define a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of said other of said first and second collectors, around which the third heat exchanger can rotate relative to the first heat exchanger, and quick-fastening means that can be mounted in said one of said first and second collectors, which are applicable with the other of di cho first side and said second side of the third heat exchanger, to fix the third heat exchanger against the first

45 heat exchanger.

Using the heat exchange assembly according to the invention, it is possible to assemble components that have standardized clamping devices, thereby achieving significant advantages from the point of view of versatility in the module composition, lower production costs, elimination of specific assembly lines and simplicity in the assembly process. The invention also allows a customer to purchase individual elements (exchangers) from different manufacturing factories of the supplier and to carry out the assembly at their own factory. This aspect could be advantageous from the point of view of logistics.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is defined in the dependent claim, which is to be considered as an integral part of the present description.

The additional features and advantages of the heat exchange assembly according to the invention will be clearer thanks to the following detailed description of an embodiment of said invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided purely as non-limiting illustrations, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first component of a heat exchange assembly according to the invention; Figures 2 and 3 are views, on an enlarged scale, of details of the component of Figure 1, indicated by arrows II and III;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second component of a heat exchange assembly according to the invention;

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Figures 5 and 6 are views, on an enlarged scale, of details of the component of Figure 4, indicated by arrows V and VI; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third component of a heat exchange assembly according to the invention;

5 Figures 8 and 9 are enlarged views of details of the component of Figure 7, indicated by arrows VIII and IX; Figures 10a-10d show different stages of the assembly of a heat exchange assembly consisting of the components of Figures 1, 4 and 7; Figures 11a-11d are views, on an enlarged scale, of details of the component of Figure 1, in which mounting accessories have been mounted; and Figures 12a and 12b show different stages of the assembly of a heat exchange assembly composed of the components of Figures 1 and 7.

Figures 1 to 3 show a first heat exchanger, indicated in its entirety by 10. The first

Heat exchanger 10 may be, for example, a high temperature radiator of a heat exchange assembly of a motor vehicle.

The first heat exchanger 10 comprises, in a conventional manner, a plurality of parallel tubes 11 extending between two opposite sides 13, 14 of the heat exchanger, and a first and a second manifold 15, 16 located, respectively, on each from the two opposite sides of the heat exchanger. In particular, the collectors 15, 16 are made of plastic material.

Mounting formations, such as pins, for mounting the first heat exchanger 10 on a support structure (not shown) are formed on the manifolds 15, 16.

25 The heat exchanger 10 further comprises connection means located on the manifolds 15, 16, which are provided for mounting a second heat exchanger in the first heat exchanger 10.

With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, these connection means comprise support means by way of articulation located on the first manifold 15 and quick fastening means, particularly adjustment means with elastic jump, located on the second manifold 16.

As shown in Figure 2, the support means by way of articulation comprise a support projection by way of articulation 17 formed in an intermediate position on the first manifold 15, and comprising a part

Pivot 35 17a extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first manifold 15 and a plurality of support arm parts 17b connecting the pivot portion 17a to the first manifold 15, thus defining openings that are interposed therebetween .

As shown in Fig. 3, the quick clamping means comprise an upper rapid clamping device 18 and a lower rapid clamping device 19, located, respectively, at or near the upper and lower ends of the second manifold 16. In particular , the upper rapid clamping device 18 comprises, at least, an elastically flexible pin 18a, which is provided with a terminal hitch 18b adapted to be applied with a corresponding formation of a second heat exchanger to be attached to the first exchanger. The upper quick clamping device 18 further comprises an insertion cavity 18c towards

45 which looks at pin 18a, this cavity being adapted to receive a corresponding formation of the second heat exchanger to be attached to the first exchanger. On the other hand, the lower quick clamping device 19 comprises, at least, an elastically flexible pin 19a, which is provided with a terminal hitch 19b adapted to be applied with a corresponding formation of the second heat exchanger to be attached to the first exchanger. The lower quick clamping device 19 further comprises an insertion cavity 19c towards which the pin 19a faces, this cavity being adapted to receive a corresponding formation of the second heat exchanger to be attached to the first exchanger.

Returning to Figure 2, it will also be noted that upper and lower fixing locations 21, 22 are formed, respectively, at or near the upper and lower ends of the first manifold 15, for mounting

Auxiliary connection means, particularly quick clamping means (which will be described later), which are intended to mount a third heat exchanger, as an alternative to the second heat exchanger, in the first heat exchanger.

In Figure 3, on the other hand, it will be seen that upper and lower fixing locations 23, 24 are formed, respectively, in two axially intermediate positions on the second manifold 16, for mounting auxiliary connecting means, particularly quick-fastening means (which will be described later), which are intended to mount the third heat exchanger, as an alternative to the second heat exchanger, in the first heat exchanger.

65 Preferably, the articulating support projection 17, the upper and lower quick clamping devices 18, 19 and the fixing locations 21, 22, 23, 24 are made in one piece with the manifolds 15, 16

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respective.

Figures 4 to 6 show a second heat exchanger, indicated in its entirety by 30. The second heat exchanger 30 may be, for example, a low temperature radiator of a heat exchange assembly 5 of a motor vehicle.

The second heat exchanger 30 comprises, in a conventional manner, a plurality of parallel tubes 31 extending between two opposite sides 33, 34 of the heat exchanger, and a first and a second manifold 35, 36 located, respectively, on each from the two opposite sides of the heat exchanger. In particular, the collectors 35, 36 of the second exchanger are made of plastic material.

Complementary connection means are located on the manifolds 35, 36, for mounting the second heat exchanger 20 in the first heat exchanger, these means being complementary to the connection means arranged on the first heat exchanger.

15 With particular reference to Figures 5 and 6, the complementary connection means of the second heat exchanger comprise complementary articulating support means located on the first manifold 35 of the second exchanger and complementary quick clamping means, particularly adjustment means with elastic jump, located on the second manifold 36 of the second exchanger.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the complementary articulating support means of the second exchanger comprise a pivot guide projection 35a in a curved shape (in the example illustrated, this projection comprises two independent parts, 35a 'and 35a ") , formed in an intermediate position on the first manifold 35 of the second exchanger and adapted to be inserted in the opening or openings interposed between

25 the support arm parts 17b of the support projection as an articulation 17 of the first manifold 15 of the first exchanger, and to be located around the pivoting part 17a, to form an articulation coupling between the heat exchangers first and second, allowing the second heat exchanger to rotate relative to the first, until a situation in which they are faced is reached.

The pivot guide projection 35a is also associated with a return projection 35b opposite thereto, which is adapted to be rotated with the pivot part 17a, to elastically load the second exchanger 30 towards the position in which it is facing the first exchanger 10.

As can be seen in Figure 6, the complementary quick clamping means of the second exchanger comprise an upper coupling boss 36a and a lower coupling boss (not visible in the drawings), formed, respectively, at or near the ends. upper and lower of the second manifold 36 of the second exchanger, these protuberances being adapted to be inserted, respectively, in the upper and lower insertion cavities 18c, 19c of the second manifold 16 of the first exchanger 10. The upper and lower coupling protrusions are provided of respective hitch formations (not visible in the drawings) adapted to be applied in an elastic jump adjustment mode by means of the terminal hooks 18b, 19b of the flexible pins 18a, 19a of the quick fastening devices 18, 19 of the second manifold 16 of the first exchanger 10.

Preferably, the pivot guide projection 35a, the return projection 35b and the coupling protuberances are made in one piece with the respective manifolds 35, 36 of the second heat exchanger.

The second heat exchanger 30 further comprises connection means located on the collectors 35, 36 of the second exchanger, which are provided for mounting a third heat exchanger in the second heat exchanger 30.

With particular reference to Figures 5 and 6, these connection means comprise support means by way of articulation located on the second manifold 36 and quick fastening means, particularly adjustment means

55 with elastic jump, located on the first manifold 35.

As can be seen in Figure 6, the articulation support means comprise an articulation support projection 37a formed at or near the lower end of the second manifold 36 of the second exchanger and a pivot guide projection 37b formed in an axially intermediate position on the second manifold 36 of the second exchanger.

The articulating support projection 37a has a U-shaped part 37a ’, whose mouth looks transversely towards the center of the second exchanger, and whose axial side is closed by a lower wall 37a”. Near the mouth, the side wall of the U-shaped part 37a 'has an adjustment part with elastic jump 65 37a "' which forms a narrowing of the mouth of the U-shaped part 37a '. The protruding guide of pivot 37b has a U-shaped part 37b ', whose mouth looks transversely towards the center of the second exchanger, and

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whose axial sides are both open. Near the mouth, the side wall of the U-shaped part 37b ’of the guide projection has an elastic jump-fit part 37b” that forms a narrowing of the mouth of the U-shaped part 37b ’.

5 As can be seen in Figure 5, the rapid clamping means of the second heat exchanger comprise an upper rapid clamping device 38 and a lower rapid clamping device 39, located, respectively, at or near the upper and lower ends. of the first manifold 35 of the second exchanger. In particular, the upper rapid clamping device 38 comprises, at least, an elastically flexible pin 38a, which is provided with a terminal hitch 38b adapted to be applied with a corresponding formation of a third heat exchanger to be attached to the second exchanger. The upper quick clamping device 38 further comprises a reference pin and support part 38c adapted to be inserted into a corresponding cavity of the third heat exchanger to be attached to the second exchanger. On the other hand, the lower quick clamping device 39 comprises, at least, an elastically flexible pin 39a, which is provided with a terminal hitch 39b adapted to be applied with a corresponding formation of the third

15 heat exchanger to be attached to the second exchanger. The lower quick clamping device 39 further comprises a reference pin and support portion 39c adapted to be inserted into a corresponding cavity of the third heat exchanger to be attached to the second exchanger.

Preferably, the articulating support projection 37a, the pivot guide projection 37b and the upper and lower quick clamping devices 38, 39 are made in one piece with the respective manifold 35, 36.

Figures 7 to 9 show a third heat exchanger, indicated in its entirety by 50. The third heat exchanger 50 may be, for example, a condenser of a heat exchange assembly of a

25 motor vehicle In the present description, the term "third" indicates another heat exchanger, separate from the first and second heat exchangers described above, which is not necessarily supplementary to the first two, but which may be installed in place of the second heat exchanger, such as It is described in the following.

The third heat exchanger 50 comprises, in a conventional manner, a plurality of parallel tubes 51 extending between two opposite sides 53, 54 of the heat exchanger, and a first and a second manifold 55, 56 located, respectively, on each from the two opposite sides of the heat exchanger. In particular, the manifolds 55, 56 of the third exchanger are made of metallic material. If the third heat exchanger 50 is a condenser having a condensation section and a subcooling section, it may be

35 provided with a storage tank 56 'attached to one of the collectors 55, 56; In the illustrated example, the storage tank 56 'is fixed to the second manifold 56 of the third exchanger.

Complementary connection means are located on the manifolds 55, 56, for mounting the third heat exchanger 50 in the second or the first heat exchanger, these means being complementary to the connection means arranged on the first or second heat exchangers.

With particular reference to Figures 8 and 9, the complementary connection means of the third heat exchanger comprise complementary articulating support means located on the second manifold 56 of the third exchanger and complementary rapid clamping means, particularly adjustment means with jump

45 elastic, located on the first manifold 55 of the third exchanger.

As can be seen in Figure 9, the complementary articulating support means of the third exchanger are formed by the storage tank 56 'attached to the second collector 56, the elongated body of this tank acting as a pivot to define an axis of rotation of the third heat exchanger. Alternatively, if the third heat exchanger is not provided with a storage tank 56 ’, the second manifold 56 can directly provide the pivoting function, or an auxiliary structure attached to the second manifold 56 could be arranged for this purpose. The storage tank 56 'is adapted to be inserted into the U-shaped parts 37a', 37b 'of the articulating support projection 37a and the pivot guide projection 37b of the second manifold 36 of the second exchanger 30, to form a coupling

55 articulated between the third and the second heat exchanger, thus allowing the third heat exchanger to rotate relative to the second, until a situation in which they are faced is reached.

As can be seen in Figure 8, the complementary quick clamping means of the third heat exchanger comprise an upper rapid clamping device 55a and a lower rapid clamping device 55b, located, respectively, at or near the upper and lower ends. of the first manifold 55 of the third exchanger. To the upper coupling element 55a, the terminal hitch 38b of the flexible pin 38a and the pin portion 38c of the upper quick clamping device 38 of the first manifold 35 of the second exchanger can be applied, to retain and support the third heat exchanger by means of the second heat exchanger. To the lower coupling element 55b, the terminal hitch 39b of the flexible pin 65 39a and the pin portion 39c of the lower quick clamping device 39 of the first manifold 35 of the second exchanger can be applied to retain and support the third heat exchanger by middle of the second exchanger of

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hot.

Preferably, the upper coupling element 55a and the lower coupling element 55b are welded to the first manifold 55 of the third heat exchanger.

5 With reference to Figures 10a-10d, a description of a process for assembling the three exchangers 10, 30, 50 described above, one above the other, will be given below.

Initially, the articulating support projection 17 of the first heat exchanger 10 and the pivot guide projection 35a on the first side 33 of the second heat exchanger 30 are coupled together to form an articulated coupling defining a rotation axis. , parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first manifold 15 of the first exchanger, around which the second heat exchanger 30 can rotate relative to the first heat exchanger (Figure 10a).

15 The second exchanger 30 is then rotated so that it is facing the first exchanger

10. At this point, the upper coupling projection 36a and the lower coupling projection of the second heat exchanger are applied in the corresponding insertion cavities 18c, 19c on the second side of the first heat exchanger 10, and are applied to the they, in turn, the terminal hooks of the flexible pins 18a, 19a on the second side of the first heat exchanger 10, to fix the second heat exchanger against the first heat exchanger (Figure 10b).

The articulating support projection 37a, the pivot guide projection 37b of the second heat exchanger 30 and the storage tank 56 'on the second side 53 of the third heat exchanger 50 are then coupled to form an articulated coupling that define a rotation axis, parallel to the axis

25 of the second collector 36 of the second exchanger, around which the third heat exchanger 50 can rotate relative to the assembly formed by the first and second heat exchangers (Figure 10c).

The third exchanger 50 is then rotated so that it is facing the first exchanger

10. At this point, the upper 55a and lower 55b coupling elements of the first side of the third heat exchanger are applied with the corresponding latches of the corresponding flexible pins 38a, 39a and the corresponding pin formations 38c, 39c of the first side of the second heat exchanger 30, to fix the third heat exchanger against the assembly formed by the first and second heat exchangers (figure 10d).

The combination of exchangers may vary from that shown in the assembly sequence in Figures 10a-10d, depending on the specific requirements of the installation conditions of the heat exchange assembly. For example, the first heat exchanger 10 can be omitted, in which case the heat exchange assembly will consist only of the second and third heat exchanger.

In another possible combination, the second heat exchanger 30 can be omitted, in which case the heat exchange assembly will consist only of the first and third heat exchanger. Figures 11a-11d and 12a, 12b show this possible combination.

45 Figures 11a and 11b show, respectively, the upper and lower ends of the first manifold 15 of the first heat exchanger 10, and Figures 11c and 11d show, respectively, the upper and lower ends of the second manifold 16 of the first heat exchanger 10.

In Fig. 11a it can be seen that an upper rapid clamping device 138, which is functionally similar to the upper rapid clamping device 38 of the second heat exchanger 30, is mounted, for example by elastic jump adjustment, in the upper location of fixing 21 of the first manifold 15 of the first heat exchanger 10. Therefore, the upper quick clamping device 138 comprises, at least, an elastically flexible pin 138a, provided with a terminal hitch 138b, and also a reference pin part and support 138c, adapted to be applied with the upper coupling element 55a on the first side

55 of the third heat exchanger.

In Fig. 11b it can be seen that a lower rapid clamping device 139, which is functionally similar to the upper rapid clamping device 39 of the second heat exchanger 30, is mounted, for example by elastic jump adjustment, in the lower location of fastening 22 of the first manifold 15 of the first heat exchanger 10. Therefore, the lower quick clamping device 139 comprises, at least, an elastically flexible pin 139a, provided with a terminal hitch 139b, and also a reference pin part and support 139c, adapted to be applied with the lower coupling element 55b on the first side of the third heat exchanger.

65 In Figure 11c it can be seen that a pivot guide accessory 137b, functionally similar to the pivot guide boss 37b of the second manifold 36 of the second heat exchanger 30, is mounted, for example

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by adjustment with elastic jump, in the upper fixing location 23 of the second manifold 16 of the first heat exchanger 10. Therefore, the pivoting guide accessory 137b comprises a U-shaped part 137b ', whose mouth, in use, looks transversely towards the center of the first exchanger and whose axial sides are both open. Near the mouth, the side wall of the U-shaped part 137b ’of the guide fitting

Pivot 5 137b has an elastic jump adjustment part 137b "which forms a narrowing of the mouth of the U-shaped part 137b".

In Fig. 11d it can be seen that an articulation support accessory 137a, functionally similar to the articulation support projection 37a of the second manifold 36 of the second heat exchanger 30, is mounted 10, for example by hop adjustment elastic, at the lower fixing location 24 of the second manifold 16 of the first heat exchanger 10. Therefore, the articulating support support 137a comprises a U-shaped part 137a ', whose mouth, in use, looks transversely towards the center of the first exchanger and whose lower axial side is closed by a lower wall 137a ”. Near the mouth, the side wall of the U-shaped part 137a ’has an elastic jump adjustment part 137a’ that forms a narrowing of

15 the mouth of part 137a ’in the form of U.

With reference to Figures 12a and 12b, a description of an example of a process for assembling, one on top of the other, the first exchanger 10, provided with accessories 137a, 137b, 138, 139, and the third heat exchanger will be provided below. heat 50.

20 Initially, the articulating support support 137a, the pivot guide accessory 137b installed on the first heat exchanger 10 and the storage tank 56 'on the second side 53 of the third heat exchanger 50 are coupled to form a articulated coupling defining a rotation axis, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second manifold 16 of the first exchanger, around which the third can rotate

25 heat exchanger 50 relative to the first heat exchanger (figure 12a).

The third exchanger 50 is then rotated so that it is facing the first exchanger

10. At this point, the upper 55a and lower 55b coupling elements of the first side of the third heat exchanger are applied with the terminal hooks of the flexible pins 138a, 139a

30 corresponding and the corresponding pin formations 138c, 139c located on the first side of the first heat exchanger 10, to fix the third heat exchanger against the first heat exchanger (Figure 12b).

In the present description, combinations of one, two or three heat exchangers have been illustrated; However, it is also possible to consider the use of more than three components of the heat exchange assembly, to meet the specific requirements of the actual installation conditions.

Claims (2)

1. Heat exchange assembly, which includes at least a first heat exchanger (10), comprising 5 a plurality of parallel tubes (11) extending between two opposite sides (13, 14) of the heat exchanger, a first and a second manifold (15, 16) located, respectively, on each of said two opposite sides of the heat exchanger, and connection means located on said collectors, which are intended to mount a second 10 heat exchanger (30) in said first heat exchanger, wherein said connection means comprise support means by way of articulation (17) located on one (15) of said first and second collectors, which are applicable with one (33) of a first side and a second side of the second heat exchanger (30), to define a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of said one of said first and second collectors, around which the second can rotate 15 heat exchanger (30) in relation to the first heat exchanger (10), and quick clamping means (18, 19) located on the other (16) of said first and second collectors, which are applicable with the other (34 ) of said first side and said second side of the second heat exchanger (30), to fix the second heat exchanger against the first heat exchanger (10); the heat exchange assembly being characterized in that it further comprises connection means 20 auxiliary devices provided for mounting a third heat exchanger (50), as an alternative to the second heat exchanger (30), in said first heat exchanger, said auxiliary connection means being mounted in fixing locations (21, 22, 23, 24) formed on said manifolds, wherein said auxiliary connection means comprise support means by way of articulation (137a, 137b) that can be mounted on said other (16) of said first and second manifolds, which are applicable with 25 one (54) of a first side and a second side of the third heat exchanger (50), to define a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of said other (16) of said first and second collectors, around which it can rotating the third heat exchanger (50) relative to the first heat exchanger (10), and quick clamping means (138, 139) that can be mounted on said one (15) of said first and second manifolds, which are applicable with the other (53) of said first side and said second side of the third exchanger 30 of heat (50), to fix the third heat exchanger against the first heat exchanger (10). 2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein said connection means are formed as a single piece with said manifolds, and said auxiliary connection means are snapped in said fixing locations (21, 22, 23, 24) formed on said collectors. 8