GB2612610A

GB2612610A - Cooling device for a vehicle as well as vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2612610A
Application number: GB2115909.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Heinzer Hans
Original assignee: Daimler Truck AG
Current assignee: Daimler Truck Holding AG
Priority date: 2021-11-05
Filing date: 2021-11-05
Publication date: 2023-05-10

Abstract

A cooling device 24 for a vehicle has first and second duct elements 40, 46 with first duct element 40 having a length portion L1 with a cylindrical outer shape and second duct element 46 having a second length portion L2 inside first length portion L1 so that length portions L1, L2 bound a hollow cylinder 48 forming an outer duct 50 through which a first fluid (for example ambient air) may flow. Second length portion L2 has a cylindrical inner duct 56 through which a second fluid (for example charge air, or a liquid) may flow. At least second length portion L2 can transfer heat between the fluids flowing through ducts 50, 56. Suitably, ducts 50, 56 may be coaxial. Turbulators 64, 66 may be provided in ducts 50, 56 to swirl the fluids. A vehicle with such a device is also provided.

Description

COOLING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE AS WELL AS VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling device for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] CN 209761541 U shows a cooling system comprising a water pump, an engine oil cooler, and an engine body cylinder cover. Furthermore, US 2018/0347446 Al shows a cooling module configured to include a condenser, an intercooler, and at least one radiator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooling device for a vehicle and a vehicle such that particularly advantageous aerodynamics may be realized.

[0004] This object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a cooling device for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle such as, for example, a truck. The cooling device comprises at least one first duct element. The first duct element comprises at least one first length portion in which the first duct element has a cylindrical outer shape. Preferably, the first duct element has a cylindrical outer shape at least over a major portion of its length. Preferably, the first duct element has a cylindrical outer shape over its complete length.

[0006] The cooling device further comprises at least one second duct element comprising at least one second length portion. Preferably, the duct elements are configured as solid bodies which are also referred to as solids. At least the second length portion is arranged inside the first length portion. Preferably, at least a major portion of the second duct element, in particular the complete second duct element, may be arranged in the first length portion, in particular in the first duct element. At least the second length portion is arranged at least in the first length portion in such a way that the length portions bound a hollow cylinder being an outer duct of the cooling device. Through the outer duct (i.e. through said hollow cylinder), a first fluid may flow, in particular along a flowing direction. For example, the first fluid may be configured as a gas such as, for example, air. The second length portion, in particular the second duct element, comprises a cylindrical inner duct through which a second fluid may flow. Preferably, the second fluid may be configured as a liquid. For example, the liquid may be an oil or may comprise at least oil. Moreover, for example, the liquid may comprise at least water. Alternatively, the second fluid may be a gas. Moreover, at least the second length portion, in particular the second duct element, is configured to transfer heat between the fluids flowing through the ducts. This means that heat may be transferred from one of the fluids via the second length portion to the other fluid, thereby cooling the one fluid. Hence, the duct elements form a cylindrical heat exchanger by which heat may be transferred between the fluids. The heat exchanger is cylindrical with respect to an outer circumferential surface of the heat exchanger. In other words, the heat exchanger has a cylindrical outer shape being the cylindrical outer shape of the first duct element. Thus, for example, the cylindrical outer shape of the first duct element and thus the heat exchanger is formed by a cylindrical outer circumferential surface of the first duct element. For example, the cylindrical outer circumferential surface of the first duct element may be the outermost surface of the first duct element, in particular of the cooling device, in particular with respect to the radial direction of the duct elements. The radial direction of the duct elements coincides with the radial direction of the hollow cylinder and the radial direction of the cylindrical inner duct being a cylinder. Preferably, the cylindrical inner duct is configured as a circular cylinder. Moreover, for example, the hollow cylinder is circular.

[0007] Traditional cooling modules require a large amount of area to meet cooling requirements for a vehicle since traditional cooling modules comprise box shaped and thus large square coolers. This may impact aerodynamic performance and styling of the respective vehicle. The invention allows to replace a box shaped cooling module by the cooling device (i.e. by the cylindrical heat exchanger) such that, in comparison with conventional solutions, aerodynamic improvements may be achieved. For example, the cooling device may be arranged under a hood of the vehicle such that, in comparison with conventional solutions, the hood may be lowered in height since it no longer needs to clear a large box shaped cooling module.

[0008] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle which may be configured as a commercial vehicle such as, for example, a truck. The vehicle according to the present invention comprises at least one cooling device according to the first aspect of the present invention. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, and vice-versa.

[0009] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone may be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0011] The drawings show in: [0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a vehicle comprising a cooling device.

[0013] Fig. 2 is part of a schematic and sectional sideview of the vehicle. [0014] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-section view of the cooling device. [0015] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the cooling device.

[0016] In the figures, the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0018] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0019] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by "comprises" or "comprise' does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0020] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a vehicle 10. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 10 is configured as a commercial vehicle. For example, the vehicle 10 comprises a frame which may be configured as a ladder frame. Moreover, the vehicle 10 comprises a cab 12 bounding an interior in which, for example, the driver of the vehicle 10 may sit. The cab 12 is mounted on the ladder frame which is also referred to as a frame. Moreover, the vehicle 10 comprises a hood 14 mounted on the frame. The hood 14 bounds a receiving space 16 in which a motor 18 of the vehicle 10 may be arranged. The motor 18 is configured to drive the vehicle 10. For example, the motor 18 is an internal combustion engine which is also referred to as an engine. The vehicle 10 also comprises a bumper 20 arranged at the front 22 of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle 10 further comprises at least one exhaust gas turbo charger which is also referred to as a turbo charger. Said turbo charger may comprise at least one turbine configured to be driven by an exhaust gas of the engine. Moreover, said turbo charger may comprise at least one compressor configured to be driven by said turbine. By driving said compressor, air may be compressed by the compressor. The air compressed by the compressor is also referred to as charge air. Combustion chambers of the engine may be supplied with the charge air such that a particularly efficient operation of the engine may be realized.

[0022] In order to realize both a particularly advantageous aerodynamic performance and a particularly advantageous cooling performance, the vehicle 10 comprises a cooling device 24 arranged at the front 22 of the vehicle 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the cooling device 24 comprises at least two cooling modules 26 and 28. As will be described in greater detail below, the cooling modules 26 and 28 are configured as cylindrical cooling modules such that both a particularly advantageous aerodynamic performance and a particularly advantageous cooling performance may be realized. As further shown in Fig. 1, the cooling modules 26 and 28 are arranged side by side with respect to a transverse direction of the vehicle 10. The transverse direction of the vehicle 10 is illustrated by double arrow 30. Moreover, a double arrow 32 illustrates a vertical direction of the vehicle 10, and a double arrow 32 (Fig. 2) illustrates a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. For example, the cooling modules 26 and 28 are mounted on the frame, in particular on each side of the frame with respect to the transverse direction of the vehicle 10. As will be described in greater detail below, the cooling module 26 may be or act as a charge air cooler for cooling said charge air. Moreover, the cooling module 28 may be or act as a radiator for cooling the engine, in particular for cooling a coolant for cooling the engine.

[0023] Moreover, Fig. 1 shows two wheels 36 of the vehicle 10, the wheels 36 being arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle 10 in the transverse direction of the vehicle 10. The respective wheel 36 may comprise a respective tire indicated by 38.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, the respective cooling module 26, 28 may be arranged lower than the motor 18 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 10. Fig. 2 shows one of the cooling modules 26 and 28 in a longitudinal section view, while Fig. 3 shows the one cooling module 26, 28 in a schematic cross-section view. As shown in Fig. 3, the cooling module 26, 28 comprises a first duct element 40 comprising at least one first length portion L1 in which the first duct element 40 and thus the cooling module 26, 28 has a cylindrical circular outer shape. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the first duct element 40, in the first length portion L1, comprises a first cylindrical inner circumferential surface 42 and a first cylindrical outer circumferential surface 44 facing away from the surface 42 in the radial direction of the length portion L1 and thus the duct element 40. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the radial direction of the duct element 40 and thus the cooling module 26, 28 extends in a plain spanned by the transverse direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle 10. In this regard, the respective cooling module 26, 28 has a longitudinal extension extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 and thus perpendicularly to said plain. As shown in Fig. 3, said cylindrical outer shape of the length portion L1 is formed by the surface 44 being the outermost surface of the cooling module 26, 28.

[0025] The respective cooling module 26, 28 further comprises a second duct element 46 comprising at least one second length portion L2. Preferably, the duct elements 40 and 46 are configured as solid bodies which are also referred to as solids. The respective duct elements 40 and 46 each have a respective longitudinal extension coinciding with the longitudinal extension of the respective cooling module 26, 28. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, at least the second length portion L2, in particular the complete duct element 46, is arranged at least in the first length portion L1, in particular in the complete duct element 40, in such a way that the length portions L1 and L2, in particular the duct elements 40 and 46, bound a hollow cylinder 48 being an outer duct 50 of the cooling module 26, 28. The outer duct 50 is also referred to as a first duct of the respective cooling module 26, 28. A first fluid may flow through the outer duct 50 along a flowing direction. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the flowing direction along which the first fluid may flow through the outer duct 50 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. Particularly, at least in the second length portion L2, the second duct element 46 comprises a second cylindrical inner circumferential surface 52 and a second cylindrical outer circumferential surface 54 facing away from the surface 52 and towards the surface 42 in the radial direction of the duct element 46 and the duct element 40. At least the second length portion L2 is arranged at least inside the first length portion L1 in such a way that the second cylindrical outer circumferential surface 54 is spaced away from the first cylindrical inner circumferential surface 42, thereby bounding the first duct (i.e. the outer duct 50). In other words, the cylindrical hollow cylinder 48 and thus the outer duct 50 are bound by the surfaces 42 and 54, in particular in such a way that the outer duct 50 is bound by the surface 42 in the radial direction of the duct elements 40 and 46 outwards and by the surface 54 in the radial direction of the duct elements 40 and 46 inwards.

[0026] Moreover, at least the second length portion L2 and thus the duct element 46 comprise a cylindrical inner duct 56, which is also referred to as a second duct of the respective cooling module 26, 28. Through the second duct (i.e. through the inner duct 56), a second fluid may flow along said flowing direction. For example, the first fluid may flow through the first duct in a first direction which makes the flow parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. Moreover, for example, the second fluid may flow through the second duct in a second direction which makes the flow parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. For example, the first direction is from the front 22 to a back of the vehicle 10, or vice-versa, along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the second direction may be from the front 22 to the back of the vehicle 10, or vice-versa, along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 such that, for example, the first direction and the second direction may point in the same direction, or the first and second directions are opposite each other. As shown in Fig. 3, the second duct (i.e. the cylindrical inner duct 56) is bound by the surface 52. Thus, at least the length portion L2 is arranged between the first and second ducts in the radial direction of the duct elements 40 and 46. Furthermore, at least the length portion L2 of the second duct element 46 is configured to transfer heat between the fluids flowing through the ducts 50 and 56.

[0027] For example, with respect to the cooling module 26, the first fluid may be air, in particular ambient air. Moreover, for example, with respect to the cooling module 28, the first fluid may be air such as ambient air. For example, as illustrated by arrows 58 in Fig. 1, the air may flow from a surrounding 60 of the vehicle 10 into and through the first ducts (i.e. outer ducts 50) of the cooling modules 26 and 28. Moreover, for example, with respect to the cooling module 26, the second fluid which may flow through the second duct may be said charge air. Thus, for example, heat may be transferred from the charge air flowing through the inner duct 56 via the duct element 46 to the air flowing through the outer duct 50, thereby cooling the charge air. Moreover, for example, with respect to the cooling module 28, the second fluid flowing through the inner duct 56 may be a liquid. For example, said liquid may be an oil and/or said liquid may comprise at least water. Thus, heat may be transferred from the liquid flowing through the inner duct 56 via the duct element 46 to the air flowing through the outer duct 50, thereby cooling the liquid. For example, the cooled liquid may flow through at least a portion of the motor 18, thereby cooling the motor 18 by the cool liquid. Thus, for example, the liquid is also referred to as a cool. The ambient air is also referred to as fresh air.

[0028] Fig. 4 shows the respective cooling module 26, 28 in a schematic perspective view. As shown in Fig. 2, preferably, the duct element 40 has a circular outer shape over its complete length. Moreover, in Fig. 4, arrows 62 illustrate the air flowing into the outer duct 50, through the outer duct 50 and out of the outer duct 50 and thus out of the cooling module 26, 28.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of first turbulators 64 may be arranged in the outer duct 50, the first turbulators 64 being configured to swallow the first fluid (i.e. to cause turbulences of the first fluid) flowing through the outer duct 50. Moreover, preferably, a plurality of second turbulators 66 may be arranged in the inner duct 56, the second turbulators 66 being configured to swallow the second fluid (i.e. to cause turbulences of the second fluid) flowing through the inner duct 56.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a respective guiding element 68 may be assigned to the respective cooling module 26, 28. The respective guiding element 68 is arranged upstream of the respective outer duct 50 of the respective cooling module 26, 28 with respect to the flowing direction along which the first fluid flows or may flow through the outer duct 50. The respective guiding element 68 comprises a respective guiding duct 70 fluidically connected with the respective outer duct 50 of the respective cooling module 26, 28 such that the first fluid (e.g. air) may flow along the flowing direction through both the respective guiding duct 70 and the respective outer duct 50 of the respective cooling module 26, 28. As shown in Fig. 2, the respective guiding duct 70 tapers along the flowing direction and towards the respective outer duct 50. The respective guiding element 68 is or forms a ducting at the front 22 of the vehicle 10 to direct an advantageous amount of air to the respective outer duct 50. For example, the respective guiding element 68 may be configured as or formed by a respective air scoop in the bumper 20. In this regard, for example, the respective air scoop forces the air through the respective outer duct 50, in particular when the vehicle 10 travels forwards in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, a respective fan 72 is assigned to the respective cooling module 26, 28. The respective fan 72 is configured to convey the first fluid through the respective outer duct 50 along the flowing direction. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the respective fan 72 is arranged downstream of the respective outer duct 50 along the flowing direction along which the first fluid flows or may flow through the outer duct 50. Thus, the respective fan 72 is arranged at a respective back of the respective cooling module 26, 28. For example, the respective outer duct 50 ends at the respective back of the respective cooling module 26, 28. Since the fan 72 is arranged downstream of the outer duct 50, the fan 72 is configured to pull the first fluid (air) through the outer duct 50 at a particularly fast or high rate. Thus, a particularly advantageous cooling performance may be realized.

[0032] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a respective shroud 74 is assigned to the respective cooling module 26, 28, in particular to the respective fan 72. The shroud 74 is arranged downstream of the outer duct 50 with respect to the flowing direction along which the first fluid flows or may flow through the outer duct 50. The shroud 74 comprises a shroud duct 76 which is fluidically connected with the outer duct 50 such that the first fluid may flow along the flowing direction through the respective shroud duct 76 and the respective outer duct 50 of the respective cooling module 26, 28. In this regard, the respective fan 72 is arranged in the respective shroud 74. Moreover, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the respective shroud duct 76 tapers towards the outer duct 50 the shroud duct 76 is fluidically connected with. Thus, a particularly advantageous cooling performance may be realized.

[0033] The respective cooling module 26, 28 and thus the cooling device 24 have a design which is adaptable if additional cooling is needed. In this case, for example, the respective cooling module 26, 28 is just extended. Additional air intakes on or from the respective side of the vehicle 10 may also improve performance, in particular over the respective length of the respective cooling module 26, 28, which is also referred to as a unit.

[0034] In comparison with conventional solutions in which large, box shaped cooling modules are used, the hood 14 may be lowered in the vertical direction of the vehicle 10 when using the cooling device 24 instead of a large box shaped cooling module. Thus, a particularly advantageous aerodynamic performance may be realized. The independent cooling modules 26 and 28 may also allow for more efficient fan on-time since one of the fans 72 may run while the other is switched off. However, for example, the cooling module 26, 28 the switched off fan 72 is assigned to may provide a sufficient cooling since although the fan 72 may be switched off, an adequate amount of air may flow through the outer duct 50, in particular by ram air. Furthermore, the cylindrical shape of the respective cooling module 26, 28 may also be a cost advantage over conventional solutions because the cooling module 26, 28 may be manufactured in a particularly cost-effective way.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the duct element 46 may be thinner than the duct element 40. In other words, for example, the duct element 40 may comprise a first wall thickness, wherein the duct element 46 may comprise a second wall thickness being smaller than the first wall thickness. Thus, heat may be transferred between the fluids via the duct element 46 in a particularly effective and efficient way. Moreover, since the duct element 40 may be thick in material, a particularly advantageous strength of the cooling module 26, 28 may be realized. For example, the respective duct element 40, 46 may be configured as a pipe. Furthermore, by using the cooling device 24 instead of a box shaped, large and square cooling module, the hood 14 may be sloped more in comparison with conventional solutions such that a particularly advantageous aerodynamic performance may be realized.

List of Reference Signs vehicle 12 cabin 14 hood 16 receding space 18 motor bumper 22 front 24 cooling device 26 cooling module 28 cooling module double arrow 32 double arrow 34 double arrow 36 wheel 38 tire first duct element 42 inner circumferential surface 44 outer circumferential surface 46 second duct element 48 hollow cylinder outer duct 52 inner circumferential surface 54 outer circumferential surface 56 inner duct 58 arrows surroundings 62 arrows 64 first turbulators 66 second turbulators 68 guiding element guiding duct 72 fan 74 shroud 76 shroud duct L1 first length portion L2 second length portion

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cooling device (24) for a vehicle (10), comprising: -at least one first duct element (40) comprising at least one first length portion (L1) in which the first duct element (40) has a cylindrical outer shape; and -at least one second duct element (46) comprising at least one second length portion (L2) arranged inside the first length portion (L1) such that the length portions (L1, L2) bound a hollow cylinder (48) being an outer duct (50) through which a first fluid may flow, wherein the second length portion (L2) comprises a cylindrical inner duct (56) through which a second fluid may flow, and wherein at least the second length portion (L2) is configured to transfer heat between the fluids flowing through the ducts (50, 56).
2. The cooling device (24) according to claim 1, wherein at least one first turbulator (64) is arranged in the outer duct (50), the first turbulator (64) being configured to swirl the first fluid.
3. The cooling device (24) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one second turbulator (66) is arranged in the inner duct (56), the second turbulator (66) being configured to swirl second fluid.
4. The cooling device (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling device (24) comprises a guiding element (68) arranged upstream of at least one of the ducts (50, 56) with respect to a flowing direction (30) along which one of the fluids may flow through the one duct (50, 56), wherein the guiding element (68) comprises a guiding duct (70) fluidically connected with the one duct (50, 56) such that one fluid may flow along the flowing direction (30) through the guiding duct (70) and the one duct (50, 56).
5. The cooling device (24) according to claim 4, wherein the guiding duct (70) tapers towards the one duct (50, 56).
6. The cooling device (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling device (24) comprises at least one fan (72) configured to convey at least one of the fluids through at least one of the ducts (50, 56).
7. The cooling device (24) according to claim 6, wherein the cooling device (24) comprises a shroud (74) arranged downstream of at least one of the ducts (50, 56) with respect to a flowing direction (30) along which one of the fluids may flow through the one duct (50, 56), wherein the shroud (74) comprises a shroud duct (76) fluidically connected with the one duct (50, 56) such that one fluid may flow along the flowing direction (30) through the shroud duct (76) and the one duct (50, 56), and wherein the fan (72) is arranged in the shroud (74).
8. The cooling device (24) according to claim 7, wherein the shroud duct (76) tapers towards the one duct (50, 56).
9. A vehicle (10) comprising at least one cooling device (24) according to any one of the preceding claims.