WO2004027232A1

WO2004027232A1 - Cooling device for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2004027232A1
Application number: PCT/SE2003/001409
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zoltan Kardos
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2002-09-18
Filing date: 2003-09-11
Publication date: 2004-04-01
Also published as: DE10393269T5; SE0202764D0; SE0202764L; BR0314310B1; SE520103C2; AU2003261696A1; DE10393269B4; BR0314310A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiator device for an engine of a vehicle. The radiator device comprises a structure with a variable number of radiator modules (1a- c). Each of the constituent radiator modules (1a-c) comprises an inlet aperture (5') for receiving a circulating cooling medium, a radiator section (3a-c) which comprises cooling ducts for circulation and cooling of the cooling medium, and an outlet aperture (7') for letting the cooling medium out from the radiator module (la-c). The radiator modules (1 a-c) comprise an inlet section (2a-c) situated before the radiator section (3a-c) in the direction of flow of the cooling medium. The inlet section (2a-c) comprises the radiator module's inlet aperture (5') and a first connection aperture (6') which enables connection, via first connecting means (5, 6), to an inlet aperture (5') of an adjacent radiator module (1 a-c).

Description

Cooling device for a motor vehicle

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION, AND STATE OF THE ART

The invention relates to a radiator device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

Heavy vehicles of various kinds are usually provided with engines which vary in size depending on, for example, the vehicle's weight and area of use. Engine cooling requirements usually vary with the size of the engine. The fact that engines within a relatively broad spectrum are used in heavy vehicles means that radiators with varying capacity have to be fitted in vehicles if the cooling requirements of their engines are to be met. For manufacturers of heavy vehicles, the cost of radiators is therefore relatively high.

US 4287 961 refers to a working vehicle with a radiator which comprises three radiator modules capable of being fitted detachably. When the working vehicle is used in a warm climate, a larger cooling capacity is required than when the vehicle is used in a cold climate. In order to achieve a desired cooling capacity, the radiator in this case is provided with a suitable number of such radiator modules. The radiator modules comprise an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture for the cooling medium. In the particular case, the radiator modules are connected to one another both in parallel and in series by means of flexible pipelines. In the case of the radiator modules connected in parallel, pipelines extend from a manifold pipe to the inlet aperture of the respective radiator module. In a corresponding manner, flexible pipelines arranged in parallel extend from the outlet apertures of the respective radiator module to a storage reservoir for the cooling medium. The radiator modules which are connected in series comprise pipelines which extend from the outlet aperture of a first radiator module to the inlet aperture of a second radiator module. The transport of the cooling medium thus requires in this case the laying of a multiplicity of pipelines between the radiator modules. Fitting the radiator will therefore be relatively complex while at the same time requiring a relatively large amount of space. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a radiator device which comprises a variable number of radiator modules so that it can be used for the cooling of engines of different sizes. The radiator modules have accordingly to be so designed as to make them easy to fit together so that the radiator device can be manufactured at low cost.

The object stated above is achieved with the device mentioned in the introduction which is characterised by what is indicated in the characterising part of claim 1. As each of the constituent radiator modules of the radiator device comprises inlet sections with connection apertures which can be connected substantially directly to the inlet apertures of adjacent radiator modules, a multiplicity of radiator module inlet sections can easily be fitted together. The laying of separate pipelines to connect the radiator modules to one another is thus obviated. Fitting together a variable number of radiator modules will thus be easy and the radiator device will have a cooling capacity which is related to the number of constituent radiator modules. Radiator devices with a variable capacity can therefore be manufactured at low cost. Such connecting together of radiator module inlet sections also makes possible a uniform distribution of the warm cooling medium from the engine to the respective radiator modules. This results in effective cooling of the cooling medium which is led through the radiator sections of the respective cooling modules

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said inlet section has an elongate shape with two ends, and the mouth of the inlet aperture is at one of said ends and the mouth of the first connection aperture is at the opposite end. The inlet section thus forms an internal substantially straight duct which extends between the inlet aperture and the connection aperture. This means that a portion of the cooling medium, which portion is led through the inlet aperture of a first radiator module, can be led further to the inlet section of an adjacent radiator module. The remainder of the cooling medium, which remainder is not led to an adjacent radiator module, is led to the radiator section of the first radiator module via one or more laterally arranged apertures of the inlet section. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the radiator modules comprises an outlet section intended to receive the cooling medium after the latter has passed through the radiator section, which outlet section comprises the outlet aperture of the radiator module and a second connection aperture which can be connected, via other connecting means, to an outlet aperture of an adjacent radiator module. As the radiator modules comprise outlet sections with apertures which can be connected substantially directly to one another, a multiplicity of outlet sections can easily be fitted together without laying separate pipelines. Fitting together a varying number of radiator modules thus becomes very easy. Such connecting together of the outlet sections of the constituent radiator modules allows effective receiving of the cooling medium before it is led from the radiator device and back to the engine. With advantage, said outlet section has an elongate shape with two ends, and the mouth of the outlet aperture is at one end and the mouth of the second connection aperture is at the opposite end. The outlet section thus corresponds in structure to the inlet section, and the radiator modules can be given a substantially symmetrical form. The radiator section preferably has an extent between the inlet section and the outlet section. In that case the inlet section and the outlet section form end sections of the radiator modules at a suitable distance from one another with a radiator section situated between them. This intermediate radiator section comprises in a conventional manner one or more pipelines provided with flanges or the like, which pipelines and flanges are subjected to a cooling airflow.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least the first or the second connecting means comprises a tubular protruding portion at one of said apertures and a corresponding shaped recess for accommodating the tubular portion in the aperture arranged opposite. The apertures can thus easily be connected to one another by introducing the tubular portion of a radiator module into a correspondingly shaped recess of an adjacent radiator module. To provide a fluidtight connection between two radiator modules, a sealing O-ring may be arranged between the tubular portion and a surface in the recess. The connection apertures of a radiator module which is not connected to another radiator module are preferably provided with closure elements. As the inlet sections and outlet sections of the radiator modules are preferably connected together so that they are arranged mutually in a row, the connection apertures of the outermost cooling module have to be closed in a suitable manner. The closure element may comprise a plug which has a shape adapted to the shape of the connection aperture. An O-ring is preferably arranged in the connection aperture before the closure element is applied, so that a fluidtight closure is guaranteed. If the connection aperture is instead comprised within a tubular protruding portion, the closure element may in that case comprise a cover or the like which is fastenable to the tubular portion.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radiator modules in an assembled state are stacked vertically on top of one another. The result is easy and stable fitting when the tubular portions are introduced into said apertures. In this case the radiator device has an extent in the vertical direction and a cooling capacity which are related to the number of constituent radiator modules. With advantage, a radiator module is connected to a fixed element of a vehicle which comprises connecting lines for the cooling medium to and from the radiator device. Such a fixed element may be connected to the cooling module situated lowest in a stack as above. The fixed element may comprise apertures which allow connection to the inlet aperture and outlet aperture of the cooling module situated lowest. The apertures of the fixed element also comprise with advantage tubular portions protruding and/or in recesses to enable connection to the cooling modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 depicts a radiator module according to the present invention,

Fig. 2 depicts an exploded sketch of a radiator device which comprises three radiator modules and Fig. 3 depicts the radiator device of Fig. 2 in an assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 depicts a radiator module 1 designed to form part of a radiator device. The radiator device comprises a cooling system with a circulating cooling medium which is intended to cool an engine (not depicted) of a vehicle. The radiator module 1 comprises an inlet section 2 designed to receive the warm cooling medium from the engine. The inlet section 2 takes the form of a tubular portion designed to have a substantially vertical extent when in an assembled state. Thereafter, in the direction of flow of the cooling medium, the radiator module 1 comprises an intermediate radiator section 3. The radiator section 3 is the portion of the radiator module 1 in which the cooling medium receives its main cooling. The radiator section 3 comprises one or more pipelines which lead the cooling medium from the inlet section 2 to an outlet section 4. The pipelines of the radiator section 3 are provided in a conventional manner with flanges or the like to increase the heat transfer surface. An undepicted cooling fan in the vehicle provides with advantage a forced air flow through the radiator section 3 so that effective cooling of the cooling medium is achieved during the latter' s passage through the radiator section 3. The radiator module 1 thus comprises an outlet section 4 designed to receive the cooling medium after the latter has been cooled in the radiator section 3. The outlet section 4 has a configuration corresponding substantially to that of the inlet section 2. The outlet section 4 comprises a tubular portion designed to have a vertical extent when in an assembled state.

The inlet section 2 of the radiator module 1 has at a lower end a tubular protruding portion 5 which comprises an inlet aperture 5' for the cooling medium. The inlet section 2 has at an upper end a recess 6 which comprises a first connection aperture 6' . The outlet section 4 of the radiator module 1 has at a lower end, in a manner corresponding to the inlet section 2, a tubular protruding portion 7 which here comprises an outlet aperture 7' for the cooling medium. The outlet section 4 has at an upper end a recess 8 which comprises a second connection aperture 8'. The shape of the lower tubular protruding portion 5 of the inlet section 2 is such as to enable it to be introduced into an aperture 6 of an inlet section 2 of an adjacent radiator module 1. The protruding portion 5 and the recess 6 constitute first connecting means which make a connection and a flow of medium possible between the inlet sections 2 of adjacent radiator modules 1. In a corresponding manner, the shape of the tubular protruding portion 7 of the outlet section 4 of the radiator module 1 is such that it can be introduced into a recess 8 of an outlet section 4 of an adjacent radiator module 1. The protruding portion 7 and the recess 8 constitute second connecting means which make a connection and a flow of cooling medium possible between the outlet sections 4 of adjacent radiator modules 1. The radiator modules 1 which are of such a configuration can thus be stacked vertically on top of one another in any desired quantity.

Fig. 2 depicts a radiator device which comprises three radiator modules la-c which are designed to be fitted vertically on top of one another. To ensure a tight connection between the radiator modules la-c, O-rings 9 of an appropriate shape are arranged in the recesses 6, 8 of the radiator modules la-c before the protruding portions 5, 7 are pushed down into the recesses 6, 8. The recesses 6, 8 have a larger diameter than the connection apertures 6', 8' and comprise an inner plateau-shaped surface against which the O-rings 9 can be applied. The first connection aperture 6' and the second connection aperture 8' of the uppermost radiator module lc, which thus cannot be connected to an inlet aperture 5' or outlet aperture 7' of another radiator module, are provided with closure plugs 10. The closure plugs 10 have a shape which corresponds to the recesses 6, 8. Here too, an O-ring 9 is applied inside the recesses 6, 8 before the closure plugs 10 are fitted. The closure plugs 10 and the O-rings 9 close sealingly the connection apertures 6', 8' of the uppermost radiator module lc. The lowest situated first radiator module la is connected to an element 11 which is arranged in a fixed manner in the vehicle. The fixed element 11 comprises a first connecting means 12 for connecting an undepicted pipeline which leads the warm cooling medium from the engine to the radiator device. The fixed element 11 comprises an internal duct with an extent from the first connecting means 12 to a first recess 13 which corresponds in shape and size to the recesses 6 of the radiator modules 1. This makes it possible for the protruding portion 5a of the lowest situated first radiator module la to be introduced downwards, after applying an O-ring 9, into the recess 13 so that a tight connection is obtained. The fixed element 11 also comprises a second recess 14 which corresponds in shape and size to the recesses 8 of the radiator modules 1. This means that the protruding portion 7a of the radiator module la can be introduced downwards, after applying an O-ring 9, into the recess 14 so that a tight connection is obtained. The fixed element 11 comprises an internal duct with an extent from the recess 14 to a second connecting means 15 for connection of an undepicted pipeline which leads the cooled cooling medium from the radiator device and back to the engine.

A radiator device which is to be fitted in a vehicle will be dimensioned according to the cooling requirements of the engine used. The cooling device depicted in Fig.2 will preferably be fitted in a vehicle with a relatively large engine which requires a radiator device with three radiator modules la-c. In the case of medium-sized engines, a radiator device with two radiator modules may possibly suffice, and small engines usually require only one radiator module 1. Fitting the radiator device comprises the initial step of the fixed element 11 being fastened in a suitable manner in the vehicle. The recesses 13, 14 of the fixed element 11 are each provided with an O-ring 9, followed by the protruding portions 5a, 7a of the lower first radiator module la being pushed down into the recesses 13, 14. The first module la is fastened in the vehicle by suitable undepicted fastening means so that the protruding portions 5 a, 7a are held in a position where they exert a suitable pressure on the O-rings 9 in the recesses 13, 14 so that a sealing connection is obtained. Thereafter a second intermediate module lb is fitted on top of the first module la. O-rings 9 are arranged in the recesses 6a, 8a of the first module la. The protruding portions 5b, 7b of the second module lb are pushed down into the recesses 6a, 8a. Thereafter the second module lb is fastened in the vehicle by a suitable fastening means so that the protruding portions 5b, 7b are held in a position such that they exert a suitable pressure on the O-ring 9 in the recesses 6a, 8a so that tight connections are guaranteed. Finally, the recesses 6b, 8b of the second radiator module lb are provided with O-rings 9, followed by the protruding portions 5c, 7c of the uppermost third radiator module lc being pushed down into the recesses 6b, 8b. Thereafter the third radiator module lc is fastened in the vehicle by suitable fastening means so that the protruding portions 5c, 7c are held in a position whereby they exert a suitable pressure on the O-ring 9 in the recesses 6b, 8b so that tight connections are guaranteed. Finally, O-rings 9 are applied in the recesses 6c, 8c, of the third radiator module lc before the closure plugs 10 are arranged in the recesses 6c, 8c so that tight connections are obtained. The closure plugs 10 may possibly comprise threads or corresponding fastening means so that they abut with a suitable pressure against the O-rings 9.

Fig. 3 depicts the radiator device in an assembled state. The warm cooling medium from the engine is led into the radiator device via the connecting means 12 in the fixed element 11. Thereafter the cooling medium is led upwards into the inlet section 2a of the first radiator module la. Cooling medium is led via undepicted apertures in the inlet section 2a into connecting pipelines which are comprised within the radiator section 3 a of the first radiator module la. In this case the first portion of the cooling medium is cooled down in the radiator section 3a before reaching the outlet section 4a. The remainder of the cooling medium is led upwards, via the first connection aperture 6' of the first radiator module la and the inlet aperture 5' of the second radiator module lb, into the inlet section 2b of the second radiator module lb. Here a second portion of the cooling medium flow is led, via undepicted apertures in the inlet section 2b, into connecting pipelines in the radiator section 3b of the second radiator module lb. The second portion of the cooling medium is here cooled down in the radiator section 3b before reaching the outlet section 4b. The remaining third portion of the cooling medium is led further upwards, via the first connection aperture 6' of the second radiator module lb and the inlet aperture 5' of the third radiator module lc, into the inlet section 2c of the third radiator module lc. As the first connection aperture 6' of the third section lc is closed by the closure plug 10, the whole of the remaining third portion of the cooling medium flow is led, via undepicted apertures in the inlet section 2c, into connecting pipelines in the radiator section 3 c of the third radiator module lc. The third portion of the cooling medium is cooled down in the radiator section 3c before reaching the outlet section 4c. The cooling medium in the outlet section 4c flows downwards and out, via the outlet apertures 7' of the third radiator section lc and the second connection aperture 8' of the second radiator section lb, to the outlet section 4b of the second radiator section lb. There the third portion of the cooling medium, which has been cooled in the third radiator module lc, is mixed with the second portion of the cooling medium, which has been cooled in the second radiator module lb. The second and third portions of the cooling medium flow downwards and out, via the outlet aperture 7' of the second radiator section lb and the second connection aperture 8' of the first radiator section la, to the outlet section 4a of the first radiator section la. There the second and third portions of the cooling medium are mixed with the first portion of the cooling medium, which has been cooled in the first radiator module la. The cooling medium is led thereafter via the connecting means 15 and an undepicted pipeline back to the engine.

The invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described but may be varied freely within the scopes of the claims. For example, the radiator device may comprise substantially any desired number of radiator modules. The radiator modules need not necessarily be stacked on one another vertically but may be connected to one another in substantially any desired direction. The connecting means between the radiator modules may be of substantially any desired configuration which makes substantially direct connection possible without separate pipelines. To further simplify assembly, the protruding tubular portions 5, 7 may have their ends provided beforehand with O- rings 9, thus obviating any need to apply an axial force to the package of radiator modules in order to ensure tight connections between the radiator modules. In that case the radiator modules need only be held in position by some kind of fastening device.

Claims

1. A radiator device for an engine of a vehicle, whereby the radiator device comprises a structure with a variable number of radiator modules (la-c) and each of the constituent radiator modules (la-c) of the radiator comprises an inlet aperture (5') for receiving a circulating cooling medium, a radiator section (3a-c) which comprises ducts for circulation and cooling of the cooling medium, and an outlet aperture (7') for letting the cooling medium out of the radiator module (la-c), characterised in that each of the radiator modules (la-c) comprises an inlet section (2a-c) situated before the radiator section (3 a-c) in the direction of flow of the cooling medium, which inlet section (2a-c) comprises the radiator module's inlet aperture (5') and a first connection aperture (6') which via connecting means (5, 6) enables connection of the first connection aperture (6') to an inlet aperture (5') of an adjacent radiator module (la-c).

2. A radiator device according to claim 1 , characterised in that said inlet section (2a-c) has an elongate shape with two ends and that the mouth of the inlet aperture (5') is at one of said ends and the mouth of the first connection aperture (6') is at the opposite end.

3. A radiator device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that each of the radiator modules (la-c) comprises an outlet section (4a-c) situated after the radiator section (3 a-c) in the direction of flow of the cooling medium, which outlet section (4a- c) comprises the radiator module's outlet aperture (7') and a second connection aperture (8') which via second connecting means (7, 8) enables connection of the second connection aperture (8') to an outlet aperture (7') of an adjacent radiator module (la-c).

4. A radiator device according to claim 3, characterised in that said outlet section (4a- c) has an elongate shape with two ends and that the mouth of the outlet aperture (7') is at one of said ends and that the mouth of the second connection aperture (8') is at the opposite end.

5. A radiator device according to either of the foregoing claims 3 and 4, characterised in that the radiator section (3 a-c) has an extent between the inlet section (2a-c) and the outlet section (4a-c).

6. A radiator device according to claim 3, characterised in that the first connecting means and/or the second connecting means comprise a tubular protruding portion (5, 7) at one of said apertures (5', 7') and a correspondingly shaped recess (6, 8) for accommodating the tubular portion (5, 7) in the aperture (6', 8') arranged opposite.

7. A radiator device according to claim 6, characterised in that an O-ring (9) is arranged sealingly between the tubular portion (5, 7) and a surface in the recess (6, 8).

8. A radiator device according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the connection apertures (6', 8') of a radiator module (la-c) which is not connected to another radiator module (la-c) are provided with closure elements (10).

9. A radiator device according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the radiator modules (la-c) when in an assembled state are stacked vertically on top of one another.

10. A radiator device according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that a first radiator module (la) is connected to a fixed element (11) in the vehicle, which element comprises connecting lines (12, 15) for the cooling medium to and from the radiator device.