WO2008002072A1

WO2008002072A1 - Vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers

Info

Publication number: WO2008002072A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/003117
Authority: WO
Inventors: In Jung
Original assignee: Naos Co., Ltd.; Hwang, Chul-Kwan
Priority date: 2006-06-27
Filing date: 2007-06-27
Publication date: 2008-01-03
Also published as: KR20090038006A; CN100586751C; CN101112859A; KR101100871B1

Abstract

A vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers is disclosed. The vehicle radiator includes a radiator using engine cooling water, a heat radiation plate and a heating unit, wherein the heating unit includes a heating filament which is made of carbon micro-fibers and has plus and minus terminals at opposite ends of the heating filament and powers on/off the heating filament for its operation. Thus, it is possible to increase the inner temperature of the vehicle in a short period of time, wherein a heating filament is heated to a temperature of 8000C ~ 1200 °C using electricity of the vehicle only by starting a vehicle engine to conduct the heat to cooling pins mounted on the radiator, and the heat is quickly transmitted to passengers through a blowing fan, thereby increasing the inner temperature of the vehicle in a short period of time when the inner temperature of the vehicle is low in the cold winter to provide a pleasant driving environment.

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [Invention Title]

VEHICLE RADIATOR USING CARBON MICRO-FIBERS [Technical Field]

<i> The present invention relates to a vehicle radiator using carbon micro- fibers, and more particularly to a vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers capable of increasing the inner temperature of a vehicle in a short period of time, wherein a heating filament is heated to a temperature of 800°C ~ 1200^°C using electricity of the vehicle only by starting the vehicle to conduct the heat to cooling pins mounted on the radiator. [Background Art]

<2> In a general vehicle radiator, cooling water is circulated to remove engine heat generated when a vehicle engine is started. The temperature of cooling water is decreased by cooling pins. When a heater is operated, the radiator heated due to high-temperature cooling water discharges heat into the interior of the vehicle through a blowing fan to provide heat to passengers.

<3> However, since it takes long time to operate the radiator and heat the engine in this way, it also takes long time to transmit heat to the passengers through the blowing fan. Particularly, when the inner temperature of the vehicle is low in winter, it takes more time to increase the temperature, thereby causing inconvenience in use. In order to solve the problem, presently, an electric heater is installed in front of the radiator in a high-class vehicle in addition to the radiator. Accordingly, before the temperature of the vehicle engine increases to generate heat, heat generated in the electric heater is provided to the passengers through the blowing fan.

<4> However, since the electric heater has large electricity consumption, there is difficulty in designing an electric system. Accordingly, the electric heater causes a problem such that only limited convenience is offered to a user when it is applied to an electric vehicle industry using electricity as a main power source. Presently, the electric heater using electricity of the vehicle is installed in front of the radiator in a high- class vehicle in addition to the radiator. Accordingly, before the temperature of the vehicle engine increases to generate heat, heat generated in the electric heater is provided to the passengers through the blowing fan. However, it takes enormous cost and time to build the system, and it requires a basic design and an application design of the blowing fan. Further, it is necessary to newly make a part assembly line according to characteristics of the vehicle, thereby causing many problems.

<5> In order to solve the problems, it has been developed to install the vehicle radiator and a carbon power heater at a specified interval in the vehicle. However, the heat is provided from the vehicle heater to the passengers according to performance of the blowing fan in this structure. Accordingly, it takes enormous cost and time when a design or a manufacture line is modified and there is a limit to apply this structure to all kinds of vehicles. A conventional heater formed of conductive carbon powder and a binder may have a crack due to an impact and an arc due to an increase in an interfacial resistance. Accordingly, it is difficult to apply the conventional heater to all kinds of vehicles as a high-temperature heater.

<6> Further, the conventional carbon powder heater may cause load in the electric system due to start-up power. Accordingly, it is impossible to ensure the safety of the products. The conventional carbon powder heater can be manufactured only in a single form, that is, as a heater having a small capacity. Thus, there is a limit in application. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

<7> Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle heater using carbon micro-fibers capable of increasing the inner temperature of the vehicle in a short period of time, wherein a heating filament is heated to a temperature of 800°C ~ 1200°C using electricity of the vehicle only by starting a vehicle engine to conduct the heat to cooling pins mounted on the radiator, and the heat is quickly transmitted to passengers through a blowing fan, thereby increasing the inner temperature of the vehicle in a short period of time when the inner temperature of the vehicle is low in the cold winter to provide a pleasant driving environment.

<8> Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle heater using carbon micro-fibers capable of having durability and convenience, wherein when the temperature of cooling water of the vehicle engine is low, electricity of the vehicle is used to control or compensate the temperature of the cooling water of the engine, thereby relieving engine abrasion and, when the temperature of the cooling water of the engine reaches a proper temperature, the temperature controller cuts off the power, thereby preventing overheating.

<9> Further, it is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle heater using carbon micro-fibers capable of replacing an old one without changing a vehicle part supply line, an assembly line and a design and applying it with only a simple design regardless of kinds of the vehicle, thereby reducing the vehicle production cost, increasing passenger satisfaction and having wide application.

<io> Further, it is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle heater using carbon micro-fibers, wherein the carbon micro-fibers are manufactured by forming a number of single yarns into a twisted yarn to secure appearance and durability of a heating filament, whereby a high- temperature heating filament prevents arc phenomena due to an impact of the vehicle and an increase in an interfacial resistance and does not cause load in the electric system due to start-up power to realize stabilization of products, and the heater is manufactured into various shapes having different capacities, thereby having high applicability, and has minimum electricity consumption to be applicable to a vehicle industry using electricity as a main power source.

<π> Further, it is yet another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle heater using carbon micro-fibers capable of satisfying customer demand by providing the vehicle radiator as a commonly selectable part.

[Technical Solution] <12> In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers comprising a radiator using engine cooling water, a heat radiation plate and a heating unit, wherein the heating unit includes a heating filament which is made of carbon micro-fibers and has plus and minus terminals at opposite ends of the heating filament and powers on/off the heating filament for its operation. <13> The heating filament may be manufactured by inserting the carbon micro-fibers and a conductive carbon powder mixture containing carbon nanotubes of a single-wall type having a diameter of 0.7 ran ~ 70 ran and carbon powder into a frame which is formed of a metal material in a circular or rectangular cylindrical shape. <14> The heating filament may have the plus and minus terminals connected at opposite ends of the frame through an electrode socket. <i5> The heating filament may be manufactured by inserting a conductive carbon powder mixture containing carbon nanotubes and carbon powder into the frame. <16> The carbon micro-fibers of the heating filament may be made by twisting many strands as a rope. <17> The carbon micro-fibers of the heating filament may be bent in a U shape and an insulating layer is formed in a bent portion. <18> The heating filament may have at least one insulating layer formed on an outside of the heating filament. <19> The heating unit may have at least one insulating layer formed on an outside of the heating unit when the heating unit is installed on the vehicle radiator. <20> The heating filament may be provided as a plurality of heating filaments, which replace heat radiation pins to be fixed between the heat radiation pins. <2i> The heating unit may includes a temperature sensor which measures a temperature of the heating filament and a temperature of the radiator; a control panel installed at one side of an interior of a vehicle to output power on/off signals according to an operation of a driver and set a temperature; a switch switched under control of the control panel to supply power to respective components; and a temperature controller which checks the temperature of the heating filament and a setting temperature of the control panel set by the driver based on input of the temperature sensor when power is supplied, operates the heating filament when a temperature difference is detected, operates a blowing fan of the radiator to discharge warm air into the interior of the vehicle when it is detected from the temperature sensor that the temperature of the heating filament reaches a preset temperature, turns off the switch to stop an operation of the heating filament while operating only the blowing fan to discharge warm air into the interior of the vehicle when it is detected from the temperature sensor that the temperature of the radiator reaches a preset temperature.

[Advantageous Effects]

<23> As described above, according to a vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers of the present invention, engine heating time is not required in a process for supplying heat into the interior of the vehicle, thereby increasing the inner temperature of the vehicle in a short period of time particularly when the inner temperature of the vehicle is low in the cold winter to provide a pleasant driving environment.

<24> Further, according to a vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers of the present invention, it can be applied to all kinds of the vehicle only with simple electric equipment. It is possible to reduce the vehicle production cost, increase customer satisfaction and promote industrial competitiveness. The vehicle radiator can be formed into various shapes having different capacities, thereby having high applicability. It has minimum electric power consumption to be applicable to an equipment industry using electric power as a main driving force. Thus, it provides an essential technology in the manufacture of vehicles such as an electric vehicle and a hydrogen fueled vehicle, thereby providing a good quality service at a low price. [Description of Drawings]

<25> The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

<26> Fig. 1 shows a configuration of a heating filament in a vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention;

<27> Fig. 2 shows a configuration of the vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention!

<28> Fig. 3 shows the vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention which is applied to a cooling unit of the vehicle;

<29> Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the vehicle radiator using carbon micro- fibers according to the present invention; and

<30> Fig. 5 shows a carbon micro-fiber heating filament in the vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention. [Best Mode]

<3i> Hereinafter, a vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<32> In the description of the present invention, detailed description of related function and configuration is omitted when it can make main points of the present invention vague. The following terms are defined by considering the function of the present invention and they can be changed according to intention of a user or custom. Thus, definition of terms should be made based on the content of the whole specification.

<33> Fig. 1 shows a configuration of a heating filament in a vehicle heater using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a configuration of the vehicle heater using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a radiator including the vehicle heater using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a temperature control unit in the vehicle heater using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention. Fig. 5 shows a configuration of a heating filament in a vehicle heater using carbon micro- fibers according to another embodiment of the present invention.

<34> Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, a vehicle radiator using carbon micro- fibers according to the present invention includes a radiator, a heat radiation plate and a heating unit.

<35> Since the radiator and the heat radiation plate are commonly-used radiator and heat radiation plate, the description thereof is omitted.

<36> Further, a heating filament 201 of a heating unit is inserted between the cooling pins 306 of the radiator. The heating filament 201 is formed of a metal material in a circular or rectangular cylindrical shape to have a heat generation space therein. The heating filament 201 includes a frame 104 having an insulating layer 103, carbon micro-fibers 101 inserted in the frame 104, and nano silver paste layers (not shown) formed at the opposite ends of the frame 104 by immersing the opposite ends of the frame 104 in the nano silver paste.

<37> In this case, the carbon micro-fibers 101 have a thickness of 3000K or 6000K. The carbon micro-fibers 101 may be made of single yarns having a thickness of 3000K or single yarns having a thickness of 6000K. Further, the carbon micro-fibers 101 may be made by twisting many strands such as yarns having a thickness of 3000K or 6000K as a rope. That is, the carbon micro- fibers 101 may be manufactured by forming a number of single yarns into a twisted yarn. Generally, they are manufactured by the cable twist or hawser twist, wherein single yarns twisted in a specified direction are combined and twisted in the opposite direction. In this case, the cable twist is a twist construction with each successive twist in the direction opposite to the preceding twist, e.g., S/Z/S or Z/S/Z. The hawser twist is a twist construction in which the first and second twist are in the same direction while the third twist is in the opposite direction, e.g., S/S/Z or Z/Z/S.

<38> Further, the heating filament 201 further includes a conductive carbon powder mixture 102 containing carbon nanotubes and carbon powder, which is immersed in the frame 104. The carbon nanotubes are single-wall nanotubes having a diameter of 0.7 ~ 70 nm.

<39> Further, the heating filament 201 further includes a conductive carbon nanotube mixture 102 mainly containing carbon nanotubes, which is immersed between the frame 104 and the carbon micro-fibers 101.

<40> Then, the heating filament 201 is manufactured by inserting the insulating layer 103 formed on the outer side surfaces of the nano silver paste between the carbon micro-fibers 101 and the frame 104.

<4i> Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 5, a heating filament 301 (or the heating filament 201 of Figs. 1 and 2) further includes an insulating protective frame 602 and an auxiliary insulating layer 603 between the carbon micro- fibers 101 and an insulating layer 605 (or the insulating layer 103 of Fig. 1). The insulating protective frame 602 is formed of an insulating material in a hollow circular or rectangular cylindrical shape to be insertion-fixed to the insulating layer 605 (or the insulating layer 103 of Fig. 1). The auxiliary insulating layer 603 is attached on the inner surface of the insulating protective frame 602.

<42> In this case, the insulating layer and the auxiliary insulating layer are formed of one selected from a group consisting of epoxy resin, silicone resin, Teflon resin and polyimide resin.

<43> An electrode socket includes insulating plates 202 disposed at the opposite ends of the heating filament 201 and formed of an insulating material in a circular or rectangular frame, an electrode 203 coupled to the nano silver paste layer of the heating filament 201 to have a plurality of electrode pins formed at the bottom surface of the electrode 203, and an electrode connecting bolt 205 horizontally attached to one surface of the electrode 203. The electrode socket further includes a connection electrode plate 204 for supplying power which is formed in a rectangular panel in surface contact with the electrode 203 by the electrode connecting bolt 205 passing through the connection electrode plate 204. The electrode socket further includes an insulating plate 202 disposed on one side surface of the connection electrode plate 204 and formed in a circular or rectangular plate in surface contact with the connection electrode plate 204 by the electrode connecting bolt 205 passing through the insulating plate 202. The electrode socket further includes an electric wire connector 208 which is fixed to the electrode connecting bolt 205 by a nut 206, wherein an electric wire 207 is connected at one end of the electric wire connector 208.

<44> Further, the heating unit includes a temperature sensor 406 for measuring the temperature of the heating filament 301 or 201 of Figs. 1 and 2 (hereinafter, denoted by '301') and the radiator. The heating unit further includes a control panel 401 installed at one side of the interior of the vehicle to output power on/off signals according to the operation of a driver and set the temperature. The heating unit further includes a switch 405 switched under the control of the control panel 401 to supply power to respective components. The heating unit further includes a temperature controller 402. When power is supplied, the temperature controller 402 checks the temperature of the heating filament 301 and the setting temperature of the control panel 401 set by the driver, which are provided from the temperature sensor 406. When a temperature difference is detected between the temperature of the heating filament 301 and the setting temperature of the control panel 401, the temperature controller 402 operates the heating filament 301. The temperature controller 402 continuously receives input signals from the temperature sensor 406. When it is detected from the temperature sensor 406 that the temperature of the heating filament 301 reaches a preset temperature, the temperature controller 402 operates a blowing fan 404 to discharge warm air into the interior of the vehicle. When it is detected from the temperature sensor 406 that the temperature of the radiator reaches a preset temperature, the temperature controller 402 turns off the switch 405 to stop the operation of the heating filament 301 and operates only the blowing fan 404 to discharge warm air into the interior of the vehicle.

<45> Meanwhile, the vehicle heater using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention is installed on a radiator as shown in Fig. 3. The electric wire connectors 208 connected to the connection electrode plate 204 are reinforced by being covered with metal having a mechanical strength to withstand an impact. Then, the cooling pins 306 of the radiator are partially removed and the heating filaments 301 are inserted into the removed portion to be fixed thereto by partial welding.

<46> Further, the heating filaments 301 are fixed to the radiator by heater fixing members 308 such as bolts. The insulating plates 202 are formed of an insulating material to prevent electrical conduction between the heating filaments 301 and the radiator. Then, a power connecting socket 304 is connected to the heating filaments 301. One ends of the heating filaments 301 are fixed by the heater fixing members 308. The connection electrode plate 204 is connected to the heating filaments 301 such that power is supplied to the heating filaments 301 at the same time by the connection electrode plate 204.

<47> Hereinafter, the operation of the vehicle heater using carbon micro- fibers according to the present invention will be described. The driver starts the vehicle and turns on the switch 405 through the control panel 401.

<48> Power is supplied to the temperature controller 402. The temperature controller 402 supplied with power supplies power to the heating filament 301 and the temperature sensor 406. When a temperature difference is detected between the temperature measured in the temperature sensor 406 and the temperature of the control panel 401 set by the driver, the heating filament 301 is operated. When it is detected that the temperature of the heating filament 301 reaches a preset temperature (e.g., 800°C ~ 1200°C), the blowing fan 404 is operated to discharge warm air into the interior of the vehicle.

<49> Further, when it is detected from the temperature sensor 406 that the temperature of the radiator reaches a preset temperature at which the operation of the heating filament 301 is unnecessary as the temperature of cooling water increases by the operation of the engine, the temperature controller 402 turns off the switch 405 to operate only the blowing fan 404 to discharge warm air into the interior of the vehicle by the temperature of the radiator.

<50> Meanwhile, the cooling water of the vehicle engine is poured into a cooling water opening 302 of the radiator. The cooling water flows toward the aluminum cooling pins 306 from a water jacket passage 307 after passing through a water jacket 305. Then, the cooling water is discharged through a cooling water discharge port 303 and returns to the engine, thereby performing circulation of the cooling water. The heating filament 301 replaces a portion between the aluminum cooling pins 306 and the water jacket passage 307. The heating filament 301 disposed in the aluminum cooling pins 306 and the water jacket passage 307 is heated to the temperature of 800 ~ 1500^°C to transmit heat into the interior of the vehicle through the blowing fan 404.

<5i> According to the present invention, when the temperature of the cooling water in the vehicle decreases, the heating filament is heated using electricity of the vehicle to compensate the temperature of the cooling water of the engine. Accordingly, it is possible to improve defects such as engine abrasion due to the engine in a very cool state. Further, when the temperature of the cooling water reaches a proper blowing temperature, the temperature controller cuts off the power. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cooling water from being overheated.

<52> Further, according to the present invention, it does not take a lot of money for a vehicle manufacturing company to replace parts of the system. It is not necessary to change a design, part lines and the like, thereby reducing the vehicle production cost.

<53> Further, according to the present invention, when the temperature of the cooling water of the engine reaches a proper blowing temperature, the temperature controller cuts off the power, thereby increasing system durability, convenience and safety and reducing the danger.

<54> Further, according to the present invention, when the temperature of the vehicle decreases in the cold winter, it is possible to increase the inner temperature of the vehicle without waiting until the engine is heated. Accordingly, a pleasant driving environment is provided, thereby increasing consumer satisfaction. [Industrial Applicability]

<55> Therefore, the vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle field and a heating-related field, thereby having an industrial applicability.

Claims

[CLAIMS] [Claim 1]

<57> A vehicle radiator using carbon micro-fibers comprising: <58> a radiator using engine cooling water, a heat radiation plate and a heating unit,

<59> wherein the heating unit includes a heating filament which is made of carbon micro-fibers and has plus and minus terminals at opposite ends of the heating filament and powers on/off the heating filament for its operation.

[Claim 2]

<60> The vehicle radiator according to claim 1, wherein the heating filament is manufactured by inserting the carbon micro-fibers and a conductive carbon powder mixture containing carbon nanotubes of a single-wall type having a diameter of 0.7 ran - 70 nm and carbon powder into a frame which is formed of a metal material in a circular or rectangular cylindrical shape.

[Claim 3]

<6i> The vehicle radiator according to claim 1, wherein the heating filament has the plus and minus terminals connected at opposite ends of the frame through an electrode socket.

[Claim 4]

<62> The vehicle radiator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating filament is manufactured by inserting a conductive carbon powder mixture containing carbon nanotubes and carbon powder into the frame.

[Claim 5]

<63> The vehicle radiator according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the carbon micro-fibers of the heating filament are made by twisting many strands as a rope.

[Claim 6]

<64> The vehicle radiator according to claim 1, wherein the carbon micro- fibers of the heating filament are bent in a U shape and an insulating layer is formed in a bent portion. [Claim 7] <65> The vehicle radiator according to claim 1, wherein the heating filament has at least one insulating layer formed on an outside of the heating fi 1ament . [Claim 8]

<66> The vehicle radiator according to claim 3, wherein the heating unit has at least one insulating layer formed on an outside of the heating unit when the heating unit is installed on the vehicle radiator. [Claim 9]

<67> The vehicle radiator according to any one of claims 1, 3, 7 and 8, wherein the heating filament is provided as a plurality of heating filaments, which replace heat radiation pins to be fixed between the heat radiation pins. [Claim 10]

<68> The vehicle radiator according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit includes:

<69> a temperature sensor which measures a temperature of the heating filament and a temperature of the radiator;

<70> a control panel installed at one side of an interior of a vehicle to output power on/off signals according to an operation of a driver and set a temperature;

<7i> a switch switched under control of the control panel to supply power to respective components; and

<72> a temperature controller which checks the temperature of the heating filament and a setting temperature of the control panel set by the driver based on input of the temperature sensor when power is supplied, operates the heating filament when a temperature difference is detected, operates a blowing fan of the radiator to discharge warm air into the interior of the vehicle when it is detected from the temperature sensor that the temperature of the heating filament reaches a preset temperature, turns off the switch to stop an operation of the heating filament while operating only the blowing fan to discharge warm air into the interior of the vehicle when it is detected from the temperature sensor that the temperature of the radiator reaches a preset temperature.