US20210381778A1 - Heat exchanger with thermal stress-relief areas - Google Patents
Heat exchanger with thermal stress-relief areas Download PDFInfo
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- US20210381778A1 US20210381778A1 US17/219,389 US202117219389A US2021381778A1 US 20210381778 A1 US20210381778 A1 US 20210381778A1 US 202117219389 A US202117219389 A US 202117219389A US 2021381778 A1 US2021381778 A1 US 2021381778A1
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- Prior art keywords
- stress
- reinforcing plate
- heat exchanger
- relief area
- tank
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
- F28F3/025—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being corrugated, plate-like elements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
- F28D1/0535—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
- F28D1/05366—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
- F28D1/05391—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators with multiple rows of conduits or with multi-channel conduits combined with a particular flow pattern, e.g. multi-row multi-stage radiators
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
- F28F3/04—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being integral with the element
- F28F3/042—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being integral with the element in the form of local deformations of the element
- F28F3/046—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being integral with the element in the form of local deformations of the element the deformations being linear, e.g. corrugations
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/12—Elements constructed in the shape of a hollow panel, e.g. with channels
- F28F3/14—Elements constructed in the shape of a hollow panel, e.g. with channels by separating portions of a pair of joined sheets to form channels, e.g. by inflation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2265/00—Safety or protection arrangements; Arrangements for preventing malfunction
- F28F2265/26—Safety or protection arrangements; Arrangements for preventing malfunction for allowing differential expansion between elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2275/00—Fastening; Joining
- F28F2275/04—Fastening; Joining by brazing
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger including a reinforcing plate with stress-relief areas.
- Vehicles often include heat exchangers for cooling and/or heating various vehicle components. While current heat exchangers are suitable for their intended use, they are subject to improvement. For example, heat exchangers with multiple rows of heat exchange tubes may experience temperature fluctuations amongst the tubes, thereby causing the tubes to undergo uneven thermal expansion and contraction. This uneven expansion and contraction subjects the tubes to increased strain.
- the present disclosure advantageously includes heat exchangers with increased durability that can reduce tube strain and increase the lifespan of the heat exchanger.
- the present disclosure includes a heat exchanger with a front group of heat exchange conduits extending between a front inlet tank and a front outlet tank.
- a rear group of heat exchange conduits extend between a rear inlet tank and a rear outlet tank.
- a reinforcing plate is adjacent to the front group of heat exchange conduits and the rear group of heat exchange conduits to restrict twisting thereof.
- a first stress-relief area of the reinforcing plate is proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front inlet tank and the rear inlet tank.
- a second stress-relief area of the reinforcing plate is proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front outlet tank and the rear outlet tank.
- the present disclosure also includes a heat exchanger having a front group of heat exchange conduits extending between a front inlet tank and a front outlet tank.
- a rear group of heat exchange conduits extend between a rear inlet tank and a rear outlet tank.
- a top reinforcing plate is at a top of both the front group of heat exchange conduits and the rear group of heat exchange conduits.
- a first top stress-relief opening is defined by the top reinforcing plate proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front inlet tank and the rear inlet tank.
- a second top stress-relief opening is defined by the top reinforcing plate proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front outlet tank and the rear outlet tank.
- a bottom reinforcing plate is at a bottom of both the front group of heat exchange conduits and the rear group of heat exchange conduits.
- a first bottom stress-relief opening is defined by the bottom reinforcing plate proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front inlet tank and the rear inlet tank.
- a second bottom stress-relief opening is defined by the bottom reinforcing plate proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front outlet tank and the rear outlet tank.
- the first top stress-relief opening, the second top stress-relief opening, the first bottom stress-relief opening, and the second bottom stress-relief opening are configured to promote twisting of portions of the front group of heat exchange conduits and the rear group of heat exchange conduits at areas spaced apart from the first inlet tank, the second inlet tank, the first outlet tank, and the second outlet tank.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a heat exchanger in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a top view of a reinforcing plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates area 4 of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the reinforcing plate
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another reinforcing plate for the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating exemplary tube twist angle of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 as compared to an existing heat exchanger.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary heat exchanger 10 in accordance with the present disclosure.
- the heat exchanger 10 may be configured for use in any suitable application to transfer heat to or from any suitable working fluid flowing through the heat exchanger 10 .
- Suitable working fluids include, but are not limited to, refrigerant, coolant, oil, water, etc.
- the heat exchanger 10 may be configured for use in any suitable application, such as any suitable automotive application. Suitable automotive applications include, but are not limited to, fully electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, vehicles with internal combustion engines, etc.
- the heat exchanger 10 may be configured for cooling/heating any suitable vehicle components, such as an inverter, an electric motor, an onboard vehicle charger, a battery, a turbocharger, a DC-DC converter, an internal combustion engine, etc.
- the heat exchanger 10 includes a front inlet tank 12 with a front inlet 14 , and a front outlet tank 16 with a front outlet 18 .
- the heat exchanger 10 further includes a rear inlet tank 20 with a rear inlet 22 , and a rear outlet tank 24 with a rear outlet 26 .
- Extending between the front inlet tank 12 and the front outlet tank 16 is a first group of heat exchanger conduits 40 .
- Extending between the rear inlet tank 20 and the rear outlet tank 24 is a rear group of heat exchanger conduits 42 (see FIG. 2 ). As illustrated in FIG.
- the front group of heat exchanger conduits 40 includes a plurality of conduits 44 (such as tubes, for example) extending between, and in fluid communication with, the front inlet tank 12 and the front outlet tank 16 .
- the rear group of heat exchanger conduits 42 includes a plurality of conduits 46 (such as tubes, for example) extending between, and in fluid communication with, the rear inlet tank 20 and the rear outlet tank 24 .
- the heat exchanger 10 is thus a multiple row heat exchanger. When included with an engine cooling system for a vehicle, the heat exchanger 10 is typically arranged with the front group of heat exchanger conduits 40 facing a front end of the vehicle, and with the rear group of heat exchanger conduits 42 facing a rear of the vehicle.
- Working fluid enters the heat exchanger 10 through the front inlet 14 and the rear inlet 22 , and flows into the front inlet tank 12 and the rear inlet tank 20 respectively.
- the working fluid entering the front inlet 14 may be the same as, or different from, the working fluid entering the rear inlet 22 .
- From the front inlet tank 12 working fluid flows through the conduits 44 across the heat exchanger 10 to the front outlet tank 16 .
- Working fluid exits the front outlet tank 16 through the front outlet 18 .
- From the rear inlet tank 20 working fluid flows through the conduits 46 across the heat exchanger 10 to the rear outlet tank 24 .
- Working fluid exits the rear outlet tank 24 through the rear outlet 26 .
- a top reinforcing plate 50 A extends from the front inlet tank 12 and the rear inlet tank 20 to the front outlet tank 16 and the rear outlet tank 24 .
- the top reinforcing plate 50 A is at a top of the front group of heat exchanger conduits 40 and the rear group of heat exchanger conduits 42 .
- a bottom reinforcing plate 50 B extends from the front inlet tank 12 and the rear inlet tank 20 to the front outlet tank 16 and the rear outlet tank 24 .
- the bottom reinforcing plate 50 B is at a bottom of the front and rear groups of heat exchanger conduits 40 , 42 .
- the top reinforcing plate 50 A includes a base 52 A.
- a base 52 A On opposite sides of the base 52 A is a front flange 54 A and a rear flange 56 A, which extend along the length of the base 52 A.
- a mid-line M of the base 52 A is halfway between the front flange 54 A and the rear flange 56 A.
- the base 52 A may further include a center flange 58 A extending along the mid-line M.
- the center flange 58 A extends parallel to the front and rear flanges 54 A, 56 A.
- the top reinforcing plate 50 A is attached to the tanks 12 , 16 , 20 , 24 in any suitable manner.
- the top reinforcing plate 50 A includes tabs 70 (see FIG. 5 , for example), which are seated in slots defined by the tanks 12 , 16 , 20 , 24 .
- the bottom reinforcing plate 50 B may include similar tabs seated in slots of each one of the tanks 12 , 16 , 20 , 24 .
- the top and bottom reinforcing plates 50 A, 50 B may be connected to the tanks 12 , 16 , 20 , 24 in any other suitable manner as well to reduce twisting of the conduits 44 , 46 .
- the bottom reinforcing plate 50 B is substantially similar to, or the same as the top reinforcing plate 50 A, and thus the description of the top reinforcing plate 50 A also serves to describe the bottom reinforcing plate 50 B.
- the top reinforcing plate 50 A and the bottom reinforcing plate 50 B include a plurality of stress relief areas to relieve stress of the roots of the conduits 40 , 42 , which is where the conduits 40 , 42 connect to the tanks 12 , 16 , 20 , 24 .
- the top reinforcing plate 50 A includes a first stress relief area 16 A, which is proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front inlet tank 12 and the rear inlet tank 20 .
- the top reinforcing plate 50 A further includes a second stress relief area 16 B, which is proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front outlet tank 16 and the rear outlet tank 24 .
- the bottom reinforcing plate 50 B includes a third stress relief area 60 C proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front and rear inlet tanks 12 , 20 .
- a fourth stress relief area of the bottom reinforcing plate 50 B is proximate to, and spaced apart from, the front and rear outlet tanks 16 , 24 .
- the stress relief areas 60 A, 60 B, 60 C, and 60 D may have the same or similar configuration.
- the following description of the first stress relief area 60 A thus also applies to each one of the second stress relief area 60 B, the third stress relief area 60 C, and the fourth stress relief area 60 D.
- the first stress relief area 60 A includes a base opening 62 A defined by the base 52 A.
- the base opening 62 A extends across the mid-line M and is generally hourglass-shaped.
- the base opening 62 A has a tapered area 64 A at the mid-line M.
- the mid-line M is generally a line of symmetry of the base opening 62 A.
- the first stress relief area 60 A further includes one or more side openings 66 A at the front and rear flanges 54 A, 56 A.
- the side openings 66 A extend from the flanges 54 A, 56 A to the base 52 A. Any suitable number of side openings 66 A may be included, and the side openings 66 A may be arranged at any suitable position relative to the base opening 62 A. In the example illustrated, four side openings 66 A are included.
- the base opening 62 A is between two of the side openings 66 A at the front flange 54 A, and two of the side openings 66 A at the rear flange 56 A
- the base opening 62 A may alternatively have any other suitable shape for relieving stress.
- the hourglass shape may be replaced with two T-shaped openings 80 A and 80 A′.
- the two T-shaped openings 80 A, 80 A′ are on opposite sides of the mid-line M and the center flange 58 A.
- Each T-shaped opening 80 A, 80 A′ includes a first portion 82 A, 82 A′ and a second portion 84 A, 84 A′.
- the first portions 82 A, 82 A′ are proximate to the front and rear flanges 54 A, 56 A respectively, and extend generally parallel to the flanges 54 A, 56 A and the mid-line M.
- Each of the T-shaped openings 80 A, 80 A′ also include a second portion 84 A, 84 A′, which is closer to the mid-line M than the first portions 82 A, 82 A′.
- the second portions 84 A, 84 A′ are each generally at a mid-point of the lengths of the first portions 82 A, 82 A′ respectively.
- the first and second T-shaped openings 80 A, 80 A′ are on opposite sides of the center flange 58 A.
- the openings 62 A, 66 A, 80 A, 80 A′ may be formed in any suitable manner, such as with any suitable cutting or stamping technique, for example.
- the top and bottom reinforcing plates 50 A, 50 B may be formed by any suitable three-dimensional printing process, and the openings 62 A, 66 A, 80 A, 80 A′ may be formed in (and defined by) the top and bottom reinforcing plates 50 A, 50 B during the three-dimensional printing process.
- the reinforcing plates 50 A, 50 B may be formed by injection molding, and the openings 62 A, 66 A, 84 A, 84 A′ may be defined by the mold.
- the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D may be weakened areas of the reinforcing plates 50 A, 50 B, not openings defined in the reinforcing plates 50 A, 50 B.
- the reinforcing plates 50 A, 50 B may be made of a material that is relatively less rigid or strong as compared to the rest of the plates 50 A, 50 B.
- the material used to form the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D may be less rigid than (and thus relatively weaker than) the material used to form the rest of the reinforcing plates 50 A, 50 B.
- the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D provide numerous advantages.
- the heat exchanger 10 is a multiple row heat exchanger including the front group of heat exchanger conduits 40 and the rear group of heat exchanger conduits 42 , the plurality of conduits (e.g., tubes) 44 , 46 may have discrete working fluid flows at various different temperatures, which may cause uneven thermal expansion and contraction throughout the conduits 44 , 46 .
- the occurrence of uneven thermal expansion and contraction is particularly great in applications in which the working fluid circulating through the front conduits 44 is used for cooling the working fluid circulating through the rear conduits 46 is used for heating, or vice versa. This uneven expansion and contraction results in twisting of the conduits 44 , 46 , which places strain thereon.
- Heat exchangers that do not include the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 B experience this twisting of the conduits 44 , 46 typically at the interface between the conduits 44 and the tanks 12 , 16 , and at the interface between the conduits 42 and the tanks 20 , 24 .
- the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D generally prevent local twisting of the conduits 44 , 46 at the interfaces with the tanks 12 , 16 , 20 , 24 .
- the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D promote twisting of the front and rear groups of heat exchanger conduits 40 , 42 at areas of the conduits 44 , 46 aligned with the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D.
- the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D promote twisting of the conduits 44 , 46 between the first and third stress relief area 60 A, 60 C, and between the second and the fourth stress relief areas 60 B, 60 D.
- strain on the conduits 44 , 46 can be reduced by up to 15% compared to heat exchangers that do not include the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D.
- the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D advantageously increase the durability of the heat exchanger 10 without compromising performance thereof.
- FIG. 7 is a chart graphically illustrating advantages of the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D as compared to an exemplary baseline reinforcing plate without the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D.
- the twist angle of the reinforcing plates 50 A, 50 B is less than the twist angle of the reinforcing plate without the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D.
- Area A of FIG. 7 illustrates the influence of an exemplary one of the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D.
- the tubes 44 , 46 between stress relief areas 60 A, 60 C or 60 B, 60 D experience an increase in twist angle due to the presence of the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D, which relieves stress at the roots of the tubes and protects the roots from potential damage.
- the stress relief areas 60 A- 60 D promote twisting of the tubes 44 , 46 between the stress relief areas 60 A, 60 C and 60 B, 60 D, which relieves stress at the roots of the tubes 44 , 46 .
- Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
- first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
- Spatially relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/034,477 filed on Jun. 4, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger including a reinforcing plate with stress-relief areas.
- This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.
- Vehicles often include heat exchangers for cooling and/or heating various vehicle components. While current heat exchangers are suitable for their intended use, they are subject to improvement. For example, heat exchangers with multiple rows of heat exchange tubes may experience temperature fluctuations amongst the tubes, thereby causing the tubes to undergo uneven thermal expansion and contraction. This uneven expansion and contraction subjects the tubes to increased strain. The present disclosure advantageously includes heat exchangers with increased durability that can reduce tube strain and increase the lifespan of the heat exchanger.
- This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
- The present disclosure includes a heat exchanger with a front group of heat exchange conduits extending between a front inlet tank and a front outlet tank. A rear group of heat exchange conduits extend between a rear inlet tank and a rear outlet tank. A reinforcing plate is adjacent to the front group of heat exchange conduits and the rear group of heat exchange conduits to restrict twisting thereof. A first stress-relief area of the reinforcing plate is proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front inlet tank and the rear inlet tank. A second stress-relief area of the reinforcing plate is proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front outlet tank and the rear outlet tank.
- The present disclosure also includes a heat exchanger having a front group of heat exchange conduits extending between a front inlet tank and a front outlet tank. A rear group of heat exchange conduits extend between a rear inlet tank and a rear outlet tank. A top reinforcing plate is at a top of both the front group of heat exchange conduits and the rear group of heat exchange conduits. A first top stress-relief opening is defined by the top reinforcing plate proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front inlet tank and the rear inlet tank. A second top stress-relief opening is defined by the top reinforcing plate proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front outlet tank and the rear outlet tank. A bottom reinforcing plate is at a bottom of both the front group of heat exchange conduits and the rear group of heat exchange conduits. A first bottom stress-relief opening is defined by the bottom reinforcing plate proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front inlet tank and the rear inlet tank. A second bottom stress-relief opening is defined by the bottom reinforcing plate proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front outlet tank and the rear outlet tank. The first top stress-relief opening, the second top stress-relief opening, the first bottom stress-relief opening, and the second bottom stress-relief opening are configured to promote twisting of portions of the front group of heat exchange conduits and the rear group of heat exchange conduits at areas spaced apart from the first inlet tank, the second inlet tank, the first outlet tank, and the second outlet tank.
- Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
- The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a heat exchanger in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a top view of a reinforcing plate of the heat exchanger ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates area 4 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the reinforcing plate; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another reinforcing plate for the heat exchanger ofFIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating exemplary tube twist angle of the heat exchanger ofFIG. 1 as compared to an existing heat exchanger. - Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate anexemplary heat exchanger 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. Theheat exchanger 10 may be configured for use in any suitable application to transfer heat to or from any suitable working fluid flowing through theheat exchanger 10. Suitable working fluids include, but are not limited to, refrigerant, coolant, oil, water, etc. Theheat exchanger 10 may be configured for use in any suitable application, such as any suitable automotive application. Suitable automotive applications include, but are not limited to, fully electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, vehicles with internal combustion engines, etc. Theheat exchanger 10 may be configured for cooling/heating any suitable vehicle components, such as an inverter, an electric motor, an onboard vehicle charger, a battery, a turbocharger, a DC-DC converter, an internal combustion engine, etc. - The
heat exchanger 10 includes afront inlet tank 12 with afront inlet 14, and afront outlet tank 16 with afront outlet 18. Theheat exchanger 10 further includes arear inlet tank 20 with arear inlet 22, and arear outlet tank 24 with arear outlet 26. Extending between thefront inlet tank 12 and thefront outlet tank 16 is a first group ofheat exchanger conduits 40. Extending between therear inlet tank 20 and therear outlet tank 24 is a rear group of heat exchanger conduits 42 (seeFIG. 2 ). As illustrated inFIG. 2 , the front group ofheat exchanger conduits 40 includes a plurality of conduits 44 (such as tubes, for example) extending between, and in fluid communication with, thefront inlet tank 12 and thefront outlet tank 16. Similarly, the rear group of heat exchanger conduits 42 includes a plurality of conduits 46 (such as tubes, for example) extending between, and in fluid communication with, therear inlet tank 20 and therear outlet tank 24. Theheat exchanger 10 is thus a multiple row heat exchanger. When included with an engine cooling system for a vehicle, theheat exchanger 10 is typically arranged with the front group ofheat exchanger conduits 40 facing a front end of the vehicle, and with the rear group of heat exchanger conduits 42 facing a rear of the vehicle. - Working fluid enters the
heat exchanger 10 through thefront inlet 14 and therear inlet 22, and flows into thefront inlet tank 12 and therear inlet tank 20 respectively. The working fluid entering thefront inlet 14 may be the same as, or different from, the working fluid entering therear inlet 22. From thefront inlet tank 12, working fluid flows through theconduits 44 across theheat exchanger 10 to thefront outlet tank 16. Working fluid exits thefront outlet tank 16 through thefront outlet 18. From therear inlet tank 20, working fluid flows through theconduits 46 across theheat exchanger 10 to therear outlet tank 24. Working fluid exits therear outlet tank 24 through therear outlet 26. As the working fluid flows through theconduits front conduits 44 will be at a different temperature from working fluid circulating through therear conduits 46, which will cause thermal stress on theconduits front conduits 44 is used for cooling and the working fluid circulating through therear conduits 46 is used for heating (or vice versa) the thermal stress on theconduits - A
top reinforcing plate 50A extends from thefront inlet tank 12 and therear inlet tank 20 to thefront outlet tank 16 and therear outlet tank 24. Thetop reinforcing plate 50A is at a top of the front group ofheat exchanger conduits 40 and the rear group of heat exchanger conduits 42. Abottom reinforcing plate 50B extends from thefront inlet tank 12 and therear inlet tank 20 to thefront outlet tank 16 and therear outlet tank 24. Thebottom reinforcing plate 50B is at a bottom of the front and rear groups ofheat exchanger conduits 40, 42. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , and additional reference toFIGS. 3-5 , thetop reinforcing plate 50A includes abase 52A. On opposite sides of thebase 52A is afront flange 54A and arear flange 56A, which extend along the length of thebase 52A. A mid-line M of thebase 52A is halfway between thefront flange 54A and therear flange 56A. As illustrated in the example ofFIG. 5 , thebase 52A may further include acenter flange 58A extending along the mid-line M. Thecenter flange 58A extends parallel to the front andrear flanges - The
top reinforcing plate 50A is attached to thetanks top reinforcing plate 50A includes tabs 70 (seeFIG. 5 , for example), which are seated in slots defined by thetanks bottom reinforcing plate 50B may include similar tabs seated in slots of each one of thetanks bottom reinforcing plates tanks conduits bottom reinforcing plate 50B is substantially similar to, or the same as thetop reinforcing plate 50A, and thus the description of the top reinforcingplate 50A also serves to describe thebottom reinforcing plate 50B. - The
top reinforcing plate 50A and thebottom reinforcing plate 50B include a plurality of stress relief areas to relieve stress of the roots of theconduits 40, 42, which is where theconduits 40, 42 connect to thetanks FIG. 1 , thetop reinforcing plate 50A includes a first stress relief area 16A, which is proximate to, and spaced apart from, both thefront inlet tank 12 and therear inlet tank 20. Thetop reinforcing plate 50A further includes a second stress relief area 16B, which is proximate to, and spaced apart from, both thefront outlet tank 16 and therear outlet tank 24. Thebottom reinforcing plate 50B includes a thirdstress relief area 60C proximate to, and spaced apart from, both the front andrear inlet tanks bottom reinforcing plate 50B is proximate to, and spaced apart from, the front andrear outlet tanks - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , and additional reference toFIGS. 3-5 , the firststress relief area 60A will now be described in further detail. Thestress relief areas stress relief area 60A thus also applies to each one of the secondstress relief area 60B, the thirdstress relief area 60C, and the fourthstress relief area 60D. - The first
stress relief area 60A includes abase opening 62A defined by thebase 52A. Thebase opening 62A extends across the mid-line M and is generally hourglass-shaped. Thebase opening 62A has a taperedarea 64A at the mid-line M. The mid-line M is generally a line of symmetry of thebase opening 62A. The firststress relief area 60A further includes one ormore side openings 66A at the front andrear flanges side openings 66A extend from theflanges base 52A. Any suitable number ofside openings 66A may be included, and theside openings 66A may be arranged at any suitable position relative to thebase opening 62A. In the example illustrated, fourside openings 66A are included. Thebase opening 62A is between two of theside openings 66A at thefront flange 54A, and two of theside openings 66A at therear flange 56A. - The
base opening 62A may alternatively have any other suitable shape for relieving stress. For example and as illustrated inFIG. 6 , the hourglass shape may be replaced with two T-shapedopenings openings center flange 58A. Each T-shapedopening first portion second portion first portions rear flanges flanges openings second portion first portions second portions first portions openings center flange 58A. - The
openings bottom reinforcing plates openings bottom reinforcing plates plates openings - As another alternative contemplated by the present teachings, the
stress relief areas 60A-60D may be weakened areas of the reinforcingplates plates stress relief areas 60A-60D, the reinforcingplates plates plates stress relief areas 60A-60D may be less rigid than (and thus relatively weaker than) the material used to form the rest of the reinforcingplates - The
stress relief areas 60A-60D provide numerous advantages. For example, because theheat exchanger 10 is a multiple row heat exchanger including the front group ofheat exchanger conduits 40 and the rear group of heat exchanger conduits 42, the plurality of conduits (e.g., tubes) 44, 46 may have discrete working fluid flows at various different temperatures, which may cause uneven thermal expansion and contraction throughout theconduits front conduits 44 is used for cooling the working fluid circulating through therear conduits 46 is used for heating, or vice versa. This uneven expansion and contraction results in twisting of theconduits stress relief areas 60A-60B experience this twisting of theconduits conduits 44 and thetanks tanks - The
stress relief areas 60A-60D generally prevent local twisting of theconduits tanks stress relief areas 60A-60D promote twisting of the front and rear groups ofheat exchanger conduits 40, 42 at areas of theconduits stress relief areas 60A-60D. Thus instead of theconduits tanks stress relief areas 60A-60D promote twisting of theconduits stress relief area stress relief areas conduits tanks conduits stress relief areas 60A-60D. Thestress relief areas 60A-60D advantageously increase the durability of theheat exchanger 10 without compromising performance thereof. -
FIG. 7 is a chart graphically illustrating advantages of thestress relief areas 60A-60D as compared to an exemplary baseline reinforcing plate without thestress relief areas 60A-60D. As shown inFIG. 7 , at the roots of the conduits ortubes tanks plates stress relief areas 60A-60D. Area A ofFIG. 7 illustrates the influence of an exemplary one of thestress relief areas 60A-60D. At area A spaced apart from the roots, thetubes stress relief areas stress relief areas 60A-60D, which relieves stress at the roots of the tubes and protects the roots from potential damage. Thus thestress relief areas 60A-60D promote twisting of thetubes stress relief areas tubes - The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
- Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
- When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
- Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
- Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
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US17/219,389 US20210381778A1 (en) | 2020-06-04 | 2021-03-31 | Heat exchanger with thermal stress-relief areas |
PCT/JP2021/020771 WO2021246381A1 (en) | 2020-06-04 | 2021-06-01 | Heat exchanger with thermal stress-relief areas |
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US202063034477P | 2020-06-04 | 2020-06-04 | |
US17/219,389 US20210381778A1 (en) | 2020-06-04 | 2021-03-31 | Heat exchanger with thermal stress-relief areas |
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US20210381778A1 true US20210381778A1 (en) | 2021-12-09 |
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US17/219,389 Abandoned US20210381778A1 (en) | 2020-06-04 | 2021-03-31 | Heat exchanger with thermal stress-relief areas |
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WO (1) | WO2021246381A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP3674129B2 (en) * | 1996-02-07 | 2005-07-20 | 株式会社デンソー | Heterogeneous core integrated heat exchanger |
DE19753408B4 (en) * | 1997-12-02 | 2005-08-18 | Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg | Heat exchanger for a motor vehicle |
US6412547B1 (en) * | 2000-10-04 | 2002-07-02 | Modine Manufacturing Company | Heat exchanger and method of making the same |
BR0304406A (en) * | 2002-04-09 | 2004-07-27 | Behr Gmbh & Co | Heat transmitter unit, especially for a car |
DE10218048A1 (en) * | 2002-04-23 | 2003-11-13 | Behr Gmbh & Co | Heat exchanger, in particular heat exchanger module, for a motor vehicle |
EP1567819A1 (en) * | 2002-11-25 | 2005-08-31 | Behr GmbH & Co. | Heat exchanger unit, in particular for a motor vehicle and method for producing said unit |
JP2004225990A (en) * | 2003-01-22 | 2004-08-12 | Calsonic Kansei Corp | Composite heat exchanger |
FR2873434B1 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2017-12-29 | Valeo Thermique Moteur Sa | HEAT EXCHANGER WITH JOUES |
JP2008020085A (en) * | 2006-07-10 | 2008-01-31 | Denso Corp | Heat exchanger |
JP2008082672A (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2008-04-10 | Denso Corp | Heat exchanger |
KR20100136127A (en) * | 2009-06-18 | 2010-12-28 | 한국델파이주식회사 | Heat exchanger for vehicle |
US10393451B2 (en) * | 2013-01-21 | 2019-08-27 | Denso International America, Inc. | Stamped thermal expansion relief feature for heat exchangers |
ES2759920T3 (en) * | 2013-10-23 | 2020-05-12 | Modine Mfg Co | Heat exchanger and side plate |
JP2015121344A (en) * | 2013-12-24 | 2015-07-02 | 株式会社ケーヒン・サーマル・テクノロジー | Heat exchanger |
JP2016061461A (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2016-04-25 | カルソニックカンセイ株式会社 | Heat exchanger and method of manufacturing heat exchanger |
-
2021
- 2021-03-31 US US17/219,389 patent/US20210381778A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2021-06-01 WO PCT/JP2021/020771 patent/WO2021246381A1/en active Application Filing
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