Heat Exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger includes one or more hot medium flow regions and one or more cooling medium flow regions. Hot medium bars border the one or more hot medium flow regions and cooling medium bars border the one or more cooling medium flow regions. At least one cooling medium bar of the cooling medium bars is joined to a pair of partition sheets. The at least one cooling medium bar includes a base, a first leg, and a second leg. The first leg and the second leg each extend from the base. A cavity is provided between the first leg and the second leg. The cavity is in fluid communication with a first cooling medium flow region of the one or more cooling medium flow regions via an opening provided between the first leg and the second leg.

Description

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a heat exchanger. More particularly, the invention relates to a bar and plate type heat exchanger.

Heat exchangers of the bar and plate variety are known. Such heat exchangers may be exposed to high thermal and mechanical loads caused by thermal and/or pressure cycles. These conditions can lead to stresses. Over time, such stresses can result in the formation of cracks in the areas where the bars and plates are joined together. The formation of cracks in such areas can lead to leaks in the heat exchanger and a decrease in the efficiency of the heat exchanger.

It would be desirable to provide a heat exchanger that can resist the formation of cracks in the areas where its components are joined together when it is exposed to the conditions described above.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of a heat exchanger are provided. In an embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises one or more hot medium flow regions and one or more cooling medium flow regions. Hot medium bars border the one or more hot medium flow regions and cooling medium bars border the one or more cooling medium flow regions. At least one cooling medium bar of the cooling medium bars is joined to a pair of partition sheets. The at least one cooling medium bar comprises a base, a first leg, and a second leg. The first leg and the second leg each extend from the base. A cavity is provided between the first leg and the second leg. The cavity is in fluid communication with a first cooling medium flow region of the one or more cooling medium flow regions via an opening provided between the first leg and the second leg. The cavity is at least partially defined by an inner end portion adjoining a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The inner end portion has an inner end portion curved surface. The first wall portion has a first wall portion planar surface. The second wall portion has a second wall portion planar surface. The first wall portion adjoins a third wall portion and the second wall portion adjoins a fourth wall portion. The third wall portion has a third wall portion curved surface and the fourth wall portion has a fourth wall portion curved surface. The third wall portion adjoins a fifth wall portion and the fourth wall portion adjoins a sixth wall portion. The fifth wall portion and the sixth wall portion at least partially define the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing selected portions of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of a cooling medium bar utilized in the heat exchanger of FIG.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific assemblies, devices, and features illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts. Hence, specific dimensions, directions, or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise. Also, although they may not be, like elements found in the aforementioned embodiments may be referred to with like identifiers within this section of the application.

Embodiments of a heat exchanger 10 are described herein and are illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The heat exchanger 10 may have applications in a vehicle as a radiator, charge-air cooler, or oil cooler. However, it should also be appreciated that the heat exchanger 10 may have other applications.

The heat exchanger 10 comprises one or more hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c. Preferably, when a plurality of hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c are provided, the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c are in a spaced apart and parallel relationship with each other. When the heat exchanger 10 is in use, a hot medium or fluid flows in each hot medium flow region 12, 12a, 12b, 12c. The hot medium may be a liquid such as, for example, a coolant or oil or a gas such as, for example, air.

The heat exchanger 10 utilizes a cooling medium to cool the hot medium. Preferably, the cooling medium is air. However, it should be appreciated that the cooling medium may be another fluid. The cooling medium flows in one or more cooling medium flow regions 14, 14a, 14b. Preferably, when a plurality of cooling medium flow regions 14, 14a, 14b are provided, the cooling medium flow regions 14, 14a, 14b are in a spaced apart and parallel relationship with each other.

In certain embodiments, the heat exchanger 10 may be of the one-pass variety. In one such embodiment, the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c and cooling medium flow regions 14, 14a, 14b are positioned between an inlet tank 100 and an outlet tank 102. In this embodiment, the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c extend between and are in fluid communication with the inlet tank 100 and the outlet tank 102. The hot medium is received in the inlet tank 100 via an inlet 104. The inlet tank 100 is in fluid communication with the inlet 104. The inlet 104 is provided to receive the hot medium and direct the hot medium to the inlet tank 100. The inlet tank 100 directs the hot medium to the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c. From the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, the hot medium is directed to the outlet tank 102. The outlet tank 102 is in fluid communication with an outlet 106. The outlet 106 is provided to receive the hot medium from the outlet tank 102 and direct the hot medium away from the outlet tank 102.

In other embodiments (not depicted), the heat exchanger may be of the two-pass variety. In one such embodiment, the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c and cooling medium flow regions 14, 14a, 14b may be positioned between a tank (not depicted) and a manifold (not depicted). In this embodiment, the tank may comprise an inlet and an outlet. Also, in this embodiment, the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c extend between and are in fluid communication with the tank and the manifold. The tank receives the hot medium at the inlet and directs the hot medium to the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c. From the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, the hot medium is received by the manifold. After the hot medium has been received by the manifold, the hot medium is directed back through the heat exchanger to the outlet of the tank.

Preferably, the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c and cooling medium flow regions 14, 14a, 14b are in a perpendicular relationship with each other. The orientation of the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c and cooling medium flow regions 14, 14a, 14b allows the hot medium to flow in a first direction and the cooling medium to flow in a second direction. Preferably, the first direction and the second direction are different.

Further, in some embodiments, the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c and cooling medium flow regions 14, 14a, 14b are provided in an alternating arrangement. For example, when the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c comprise a first hot medium flow region 12a and a second hot flow medium flow region 12b, a first cooling medium flow region 14a is provided between the first hot medium flow region 12a and the second hot flow medium flow region 12b. In this embodiment, the first hot medium flow region 12a and the second hot flow medium flow region 12b are in a spaced apart and parallel relationship with each other.

As illustrated best in FIGS. 3-4, a partition sheet 16, 16a separates a hot medium flow region 12, 12a, 12b, 12c from a cooling medium flow region 14, 14a, 14b. Preferably, each partition sheet 16, 16a is relatively thin and comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In an embodiment, one or more of the partition sheets 16, 16a also comprise a coating of brazing material on each major surface thereof. Preferably, each partition sheet 16, 16a comprises a coating of brazing material on each major surface thereof. The coating of brazing material is utilized to join each partition sheet 16, 16a to a hot medium bar 18 and a cooling medium bar 20 during a brazing process.

An end sheet (not depicted) is located at each end of the heat exchanger 10. Each end sheet is joined to a partition sheet 1616a. In an embodiment, the end sheets are each of a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the partition sheets 16, 16a. The end sheets may each comprise aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

It is preferred that one or more hot medium bars 18 border each hot medium flow region 12, 12a, 12b, 12c. Preferably, a pair of hot medium bars 18 border each hot medium flow region 12, 12a, 12b, 12c on opposite sides thereof. In an embodiment, the hot medium flow regions 12, 12a, 12b, 12c are also bordered by a pair of partition sheets 16, 16a. In this embodiment, each hot medium bar 18 may be joined to a pair of partition sheets 16, 16a. The one or more hot medium bars 18 assist in spacing the partition sheets 16, 16a from each other.

Each hot medium bar 18 may be of solid construction and may comprise aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In an embodiment, which is illustrated best in FIG. 3, one or more of the one or more hot medium bars 18 have a generally rectangular portion attached to a tapered portion. The tapered portion extends toward a respective hot medium flow region 12, 12a, 12b, 12c and may be of a generally triangular shape. Preferably, each hot medium bar 18 is configured in a similar manner and as described above. However, the hot medium bars 18 may be of any configuration known in the art.

It is preferred that a hot medium fin 22 is located within each hot medium flow region 12, 12a, 12b, 12c. The hot medium fins 22 help support the partition sheets 16, 16a and increase the heat transfer rate between the cooling medium and the hot medium. Each hot medium fin 22 may comprise aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Preferably, each hot medium fin 22 is corrugated. However, the hot medium fins may be of another configuration known in the art.

It is preferred that one or more cooling medium bars 20 border each cooling medium flow region 14, 14a, 14b. Preferably, a pair of cooling medium bars 20 border each cooling medium flow region 14, 14a, 14b on opposite sides thereof. Each cooling medium bar 20 may comprise aluminum or an aluminum alloy. It is preferred that each cooling medium flow region 14, 14a, 14b is also bordered by a pair of partition sheets 16, 16a. In an embodiment, each cooling medium bar 20 may be joined to a pair of partition sheets 16, 16a. The cooling medium bars 20 assist in spacing the partition sheets 16, 16a from each other.

For describing certain embodiments of the heat exchanger 10, only the cooling medium bar 20 illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 will be described below. It should be appreciated that the embodiments of the cooling medium bar 20 described below could be utilized to configure the remaining cooling medium bars in the heat exchanger 10. In some embodiments, it may be preferred each cooling medium bar 20 in the heat exchanger 10 is similarly configured.

Also, the cooling medium bar 20 illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 will be described with reference to the first cooling medium flow region 14a. Thus, only the first cooling medium flow region 14a will be described below. It should be appreciated that the embodiments of the first cooling medium flow region 14a described below could be utilized to configure the remaining cooling medium flow regions 14, 14b in the heat exchanger 10. In some embodiments, it may be preferred that each cooling medium flow region 14, 14a, 14b is similarly configured.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the cooling medium bar 20 borders the first cooling medium flow region 14a. The cooling medium bar 20 is joined to a pair of partition sheets 16, 16a. As illustrated, the cooling medium bar 20 comprises a base 24, a first leg 26, and a second leg 28. In some embodiments, the base 24 comprises a first surface 96 and a second surface 98. Preferably, the first surfaces 96 and the second surface 98 are provided in a parallel relationship with each other. The first leg 26 and the second leg 28 each extend from the base 24. Preferably, the first leg 26 and the second leg 28 extend in the same direction and toward the first cooling medium flow region 14a.

As illustrated, the first leg 26 and the second leg 28 may be similarly configured. Thus, for describing certain embodiments, only the portions 30, 32 of the first leg 26 will be referred to below. It should be appreciated that the second leg 28 may comprise portions that are not explicitly mentioned below and are configured in a manner which is similar to the portions 30, 32 of the first leg 26 described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, in an embodiment, the first leg 26 comprises a first portion 30 and a second portion 32. In this embodiment, the first portion 30 is attached to the base 24 on an end thereof and the second portion 32 on an opposite end thereof. It is preferred that the first portion 30 gradually decreases in thickness toward the first cooling medium flow region 14a and that the second portion 32 has a constant thickness. In an embodiment, the second portion 32 comprises an inner surface 34 and a curved outer surface 36. The inner surface 34 is at least partially defined by a third wall portion 38. As illustrated best in FIG. 4, the curved outer surface 36 faces a first surface 40 of a partition sheet 16. Preferably, the curved outer surface 36 is joined to the first surface 40 of the first partition plate 16 by a joint 42a. Preferably, the joint 42a is formed by a brazing process. However, it should be appreciated that other process may be utilized to form the joint. In certain embodiments, it may be preferred that the second portion 32 also comprises a transition surface 44. The transition surface 44 may be curved or sharply defined. In an embodiment, the transition surface 44 separates the curved outer surface 36 from another portion 46 of the first leg 26. Preferably, the transition surface 44 separates the curved outer surface 36 from a fifth wall portion 46.

A cavity 48 is provided between the first leg 26 and the second leg 28. The cavity 48 is in fluid communication with the first cooling medium flow region 14a via an opening 50 provided between the first leg 26 and the second leg 28. A first portion of the cavity 48 may gradually increase in thickness from an inner end portion 52 toward the opening 50 and a second portion of the cavity 48, adjacent the opening 50, may gradually increase in thickness from the opening 50 toward the inner end portion 52. The second portion of the cavity 48 separates the first portion from the opening 50.

The cavity 48 is at least partially defined by the inner end portion 52. The inner end portion 52 adjoins a first wall portion 54 and a second wall portion 56. The inner end portion 52 has an inner end portion curved surface 58. The inner end portion curved surface 58 comprises a first radius of curvature 60.

The first wall portion 54 has a first wall portion planar surface 62. The second wall portion 56 has a second wall portion planar surface 64. Preferably, the first wall portion planar surface 62 and the second wall portion planar surface 64 extend away from the inner end portion curved surface 58 toward the first cooling medium flow region 14a. Further, in some embodiments, the first wall portion planar surface 62 and the second wall portion planar surface 64 diverge from each other. Preferably, the first wall portion planar surface 62 and the second wall portion planar surface 64 diverge from each other in a direction toward the opening 50.

The first wall portion 54 adjoins the third wall portion 38 and the second wall portion 56 adjoins a fourth wall portion 66. The third wall portion 38 has a third wall portion curved surface 68 and the fourth wall portion 66 has a fourth wall portion curved surface 70. The third wall portion curved surface 68 and the fourth wall portion curved surface 70 converge toward each other in a direction toward the opening 50. Further, the third wall portion curved surface 68 and the fourth wall portion curved surface 70 each comprise a radius of curvature 72, 72a. Preferably, the radius of curvature 72 for the third wall portion curved surface 68 and the radius of curvature 72a for the fourth wall portion curved surface 70 are equal to each other. In an embodiment, the first radius of curvature 60 is less than the radius of curvature 72 for the third wall portion curved surface 68 and the radius of curvature 72a for the fourth wall portion curved surface 70.

The third wall portion 38 adjoins the fifth wall portion 46 and the fourth wall portion 66 adjoins a sixth wall portion 74. The fifth wall portion 46 and the sixth wall portion 74 at least partially define the opening 50. In certain embodiments, the fifth wall portion 46 comprises a fifth wall portion curved surface 76 and the sixth wall portion 74 comprises a sixth wall portion curved surface 78. The fifth wall portion curved surface 76 is attached to the third wall portion 38 and the sixth wall portion curved surface 78 is attached to the fourth wall portion 66. The fifth wall portion 46 may also comprise a fifth wall portion planar surface 80 and the sixth wall portion 74 may also comprises a sixth wall portion planar surface 82. When provided, the fifth wall portion planar surface 80 is attached to the fifth wall portion curved surface 76 and the sixth wall portion planar surface 82 is attached to the sixth wall portion curved surface 78. In this embodiment, the fifth wall portion planar surface 80 and the sixth wall portion planar surface 82 are separated by the opening 50 and in a parallel relationship with each other.

Referring back to FIG. 3, it is preferred that a cooling medium fin 84 is located within each cooling medium flow region 14, 14a, 14b. The cooling medium fins 84 help support the partition sheets 16, 16a and increase the heat transfer rate between the cooling medium and the hot medium. The cooling medium fins 84 may comprise aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The cooling medium fins 84 are preferably corrugated. However, the cooling medium fins may be of any configuration known in the art.

In some embodiments, an end 86 of the first leg 26 and an end 88 of the second leg 28 are spaced apart from the fin 84. In other embodiments, like the one illustrated in FIG. 4, the end 86 of the first leg 26 and the end 88 of the second leg 28 abut a side wall 90 of the fin 84. In this embodiment, the configuration of the cooling medium bar 20 provides a space 92 that separates an end 94 of the fin 84 from the joint 42, which prevents the end 94 of the fin 84 from interfering with the formation of the joint 42.

Advantageously, the embodiments of the heat exchanger 10 described above allow the cooling medium bar 20 to exhibit flexibility and elasticity in response to the thermal and mechanical loads experienced by the heat exchanger 10. More particularly, the first leg 26 and the second leg 28 are configured and intended to elastically deform in response to the thermal and mechanical loads experienced by the heat exchanger 10. The flexibility and elasticity of the legs 26, 28, which is provided by the features described above, reduces the stress experienced by the joints 42, 42a between the partition sheets 16, 16a and the cooling medium bar 20 attached thereto. As such stresses can result in the formation of cracks in the joints 42, 42a and/or the partition sheets 16, 16a and said cracks may result in leaks in the heat exchanger, the increased flexibility and elasticity exhibited by the cooling medium bar 20 assists in maintaining the efficiency of the heat exchanger 10.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be apparent that various modifications, additions, and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit. The embodiments discussed herein were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to use the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. As should be appreciated, all such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, comprising: one or more hot medium flow regions and one or more cooling medium flow regions; andhot medium bars bordering the one or more hot medium flow regions and cooling medium bars bordering the one or more cooling medium flow regions, wherein at least one cooling medium bar of the cooling medium bars is joined to a pair of partition sheets, the at least one cooling medium bar comprising a base, a first leg, and a second leg, the first leg and the second leg each extending from the base, a cavity provided between the first leg and the second leg and in fluid communication with a first cooling medium flow region of the one or more cooling medium flow regions via an opening provided between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the cavity is at least partially defined by an inner end portion adjoining a first wall portion and a second wall portion, the inner end portion having an inner end portion curved surface, the first wall portion having a first wall portion planar surface, and the second wall portion having a second wall portion planar surface, the first wall portion adjoining a third wall portion and the second wall portion adjoining a fourth wall portion, the third wall portion having a third wall portion curved surface and the fourth wall portion having a fourth wall portion curved surface, the third wall portion adjoining a fifth wall portion and the fourth wall portion adjoining a sixth wall portion, the fifth wall portion and the sixth wall portion at least partially defining the opening.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the first leg comprises a first portion, the first portion gradually decreasing in thickness toward the cooling medium flow region, and a second portion, the second portion having a constant thickness, the first portion being attached to the base on an end thereof and the second portion on an opposite end thereof.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the first wall portion planar surface and the second wall portion planar surface diverge from each other.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the inner end portion curved surface comprises a first radius of curvature and the third wall portion curved surface and the fourth wall portion curved surface each comprise a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is less than the second radius of curvature.

5. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the fifth wall portion comprises a fifth wall portion curved surface which is attached to the third wall portion and the sixth wall portion comprises a sixth wall portion curved surface which is attached to the fourth wall portion.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein a hot medium in the one or more hot medium flow regions flows in a first direction and a cooling medium in the one or more cooling medium flow regions flows in a second direction and the first direction and the second direction are different.

7. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the one or more hot medium flow regions comprise a first hot medium flow region and a second hot flow medium flow region, the first hot medium flow region and the second hot flow medium flow region being in a spaced apart and parallel relationship with each other and the first cooling medium flow region being provided between the first hot medium flow region and the second hot flow medium flow region.

8. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the one or more hot medium flow regions and the one or more cooling medium flow regions are in an alternating arrangement.

9. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a first surface and a second surface and the surfaces are provided in a parallel relationship with each other.

10. The heat exchanger of claim 1, further comprising fins located within the first cooling medium flow region, wherein an end of the first leg and an end of the second leg are proximate a side wall of the fins.

11. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein the second portion comprises an inner surface at least partially defined by the third wall portion and a curved outer surface, the curved outer surface facing a first surface of a first partition sheet of the pair of partition sheets.

12. The heat exchanger of claim 5, wherein the fifth wall portion also comprises a fifth wall portion planar surface which is attached to the fifth wall portion curved surface and the sixth wall portion also comprises a sixth wall portion planar surface which is attached to the sixth wall portion curved surface.

13. The heat exchanger of claim 11, wherein the curved outer surface is joined to the first surface of the first partition plate by a brazed joint.

14. The heat exchanger of claim 12, wherein the fifth wall portion planar surface and the sixth wall portion planar surface are separated by the opening and in a parallel relationship with each other.

15. The heat exchanger of claim 13, further comprising fins located within the first cooling medium flow region, wherein a space separates an end of the fins from the brazed joint.