Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BRACKET FOR MOUNTING HEAT EXCHANGER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to mounting brackets suitable
for mounting one end of a heat exchanger.
[0002] It is known to mount various forms of heat exchangers to
suitable support members, such as supporting frames or support plates in
a vehicle, by means of metal brackets which can take various forms
depending upon the particular type of heat exchanger being mounted, the
location of the heat exchanger, etc. However, a difficulty that can be
encountered in mounting at least some types of heat exchangers,
particularly heat exchangers of substantial size or length, is that the
dimensions of the heat exchanger can change materially when the heat
exchanger is in use due to thermal expansion. If the bracket or brackets
used to mount the heat exchanger do not allow sufficiently for thermal
expansion, the bracket or brackets can be subject to failure or the
connection to the heat exchanger can fracture. On the other hand, the
bracket or brackets supporting a heat exchanger generally should have
sufficient rigidity and strength to firmly support the heat exchanger and to
not allow the heat exchanger to unduly vibrate or move when the heat
exchanger is in use. Vibration or movement of the heat exchanger, such
as a fuel cooler, can be a particular problem in the case of heat
exchangers or coolers mounted on a vehicle which can be moved about or
driven for extended periods of time, sometimes on surfaces that are not
particularly smooth or even.
[0003] Recent published US Patent Application No. 2005/0006052 in
the name of Mark Kozdras et al. teaches a mounting bracket for a heat
exchanger core having spaced-apart tubes with peripheral flanges
surrounding a manifold. The bracket has a first clip groove to receive a
front edge portion of a selected flange and a pair of second clips, each
grooved to receive respectively the back edge portion of another flange
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disposed above the selected flange and a further flange disposed below
the selected flange. The clips are joined together by a panel portion
adapted for mounting of the heat exchanger.
[0004] U.S. Patent No. 6,901,992 issued June 7, 2005 to Delphi
Technologies, Inc. describes an integral plastic bracket for mounting a
heat exchanger. Each bracket has a pocket complementary to and
surrounding the manifold of the heat exchanger and a pair of spaced
flanges extending from the pocket to engage the faces of the heat
exchanger core. Support tabs extend from the pocket in the opposite
direction from the flanges for mounting the bracket to a support
structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to an example of the present invention, a
mounting bracket is provided to mount one end of a heat exchanger to a
support member, this heat exchanger having an attachment surface
adjacent the one end. The bracket comprises an interconnecting section
adapted to extend substantially parallel to the one end and to extend at a
substantial angle to the attachment surface when the mounting bracket is
connected to the heat exchanger. The interconnecting section has two
end portions located at opposite ends thereof, a separate central portion
located between the end portions, and a connecting portion fixedly joining
the end portions to the central portion. At least one flange section is
joined to the end portions and extends at a substantial angle to the end
portions. Each flange section is adapted for fixed connection to the
attachment surface of the heat exchanger. A connector section is joined
to the central portion, is adapted for connection to the support member,
and is spaced apart from the at least one connecting portion of the
interconnecting section. The mounting bracket accommodates thermal
expansion of the heat exchanger during use of the heat exchanger with
the mounting bracket connected to and supporting the heat exchanger.
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[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of this mounting bracket, the
interconnecting section is planar and forms open areas between the
central portion thereof and each end portion. Each open area allows
airflow to or from an end region of the heat exchanger.
[0007] According to another example of the present invention, a
mounting bracket is provided for mounting one end of a heat exchanger
for cooling a fluid, this heat exchanger having an attachment surface
located on one side of the heat exchanger and adjacent a side edge
thereof. The bracket can be used to mount the heat exchanger to a
support member and comprises an interconnecting section adapted to
extend substantially parallel to the side edge and to extend at a
substantial angle to the attachment surface when the mounting bracket is
connected to the heat exchanger. The interconnecting section has two
end portions located at opposite ends thereof. A separate central portion
is located between the end portions and at least one connecting portion
fixedly joins the end portions to the central portion. First connector means
are joined to the end portions and extend at a substantial angle to the
end portions. The connector means are adapted for fixed connection to
one of the attachment surface and the support member. Second
connector means is connected to the central portion, is adapted for fixed
connection to the other of the support member and the attachment
surface, and is spaced apart from the at least one connecting portion of
the interconnecting section. The mounting bracket accommodates thermal
expansion of the heat exchanger during use thereof with the mounting
bracket connected to and supporting the heat exchanger.
[0008] According to a further example of the invention, a heat
exchanger and mounting bracket combination comprises a heat
exchanger having a main side extending between two opposite ends, and
an attachment surface provided on the main side adjacent one of these
ends. A mounting bracket of the combination includes an interconnecting
section adapted to extend at a substantial angle to the attachment
surface when the mounting bracket is connected to the heat exchanger.
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This interconnecting section has two end portions located at opposite ends
thereof, a separate central portion located between the end portions, and
at least one connecting portion fixedly joining the end portions to the
central portion. The bracket also has at least one flange section joined to
the end portions and extending at a substantial angle to the end portions.
The at least one flange section is adapted for fixed connection to the
attachment surface. A connector section is joined to the central portion, is
adapted for connection to a support member, and is spaced apart from
the at least one connecting portion of the interconnecting section. The
mounting bracket accommodates and allows thermal expansion of the
heat exchanger when the mounting bracket is fixedly connected to and
supports the heat exchanger and the heat exchanger is used for heat
exchange.
[0009] According to yet another example of the invention, there is
provided a mounting bracket for mounting one end of a heat exchanger to
a support member, the heat exchanger having an attachment surface
adjacent the one end. The bracket comprises an interconnecting section
having two end portions located at opposite ends thereof, a central
portion located centrally at one end of the bracket and separated from the
end portions, and two connecting portions each joining said central
portion to a respective one of the end portions. A first connector means in
the form of flange means is joined to the end portions, extends at a
substantial angle to the end portions, and is adapted for connection to
one of the attachment surface and the support member. Second
connector means are joined to the central portion, are adapted for
connection to the other of the attachment surface and the support
member, and are spaced apart from the two connecting portions of the
interconnection section. The mounting bracket accommodates thermal
expansion of the heat exchanger during use thereof wherein the mounting
bracket is connected to and supports the heat exchanger.
[0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a mounting bracket for mounting a heat exchanger to a support
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member, the heat exchanger having an attachment surface located on
one side of the heat exchanger adjacent a side edge thereof. The bracket
comprises an interconnecting section having two or more spaced apart
first portions located along the length of the interconnecting section, two
or more spaced apart second portions located along the length of the
interconnecting section alternating with the first portions and separated
from the first portions, and a plurality of connecting portions joining the
second portions to the first portions. Flange sections are joined to the first
portions, extend at a substantial angle to the first portions, and are
adapted for connection to one of the attachment surface and the support
member. Connecting sections are joined to the second portions, are
adapted for connection to the other of the attachment surface and the
support member, and are spaced apart from the connecting portions of
the interconnecting section. The mounting bracket accommodates thermal
expansion of the heat exchanger during use thereof when the mounting
bracket is connected to and supports the heat exchanger.
[0011] Example embodiments of the present invention will be
described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Figure 1 is a top view of a heat exchanger connected to two
mounting brackets at opposite ends, the bracket on the left end being
constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0013] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the heat exchanger and brackets
of Figure 1 with the mounting bracket according to an example
embodiment of the invention at the left end;
[0014] Figure 3 is a right side view of the heat exchanger and
brackets of Figures 1 and 2;
[0015] Figure 4 is a left side view of the heat exchanger and
brackets of Figures 1 and 2;
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[0016] Figure 5 is a front view of the heat exchanger and mounting
bracket combination of Figures 1 and 2;
[0017] Figure 6 is a rear view of the heat exchanger and mounting
bracket combination, this view showing the second mounting bracket of
standard construction attached to the rear end of the heat exchanger;
[0018] Figure 7 is a perspective view taken from above of the first
embodiment of the bracket of the invention;
[0019] Figure 8 is a top view of a second embodiment of a bracket
according to the invention;
[0020] Figure 9 is a side edge view of the bracket of Figure 8;
[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view taken from above and from
the front of the bracket of Figure 8;
[0022] Figure 11 is a front view of the bracket of Figure 8;
[0023] Figure 12 is a side edge view of a third embodiment of a
bracket constructed according to the invention;
[0024] Figure 13 is a top view of the third embodiment of the
bracket;
[0025] Figure 14 is a front view of the third embodiment of the
bracket;
[0026] Figure 15 appears on the same sheet as Figure 13 and is a
top view of a fourth embodiment of a bracket constructed according to
the invention;
[0027] Figure 16 is a side edge view of the bracket of Figure 15;
[0028] Figure 17 is a front view of the bracket of Figures 15 and 16;
[0029] Figure 18 is a perspective view taken from above of the
fourth embodiment of the bracket;
[0030] Figure 19 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a bracket
according to the invention; and
[0031] Figure 20 is a front view of the bracket of Figure 19.
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DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 2, an embodiment of a heat
exchanger 10 rigidly connected to an exemplary embodiment of a
mounting bracket 42 according to the present invention is shown. The
illustrated heat exchanger 10 is particularly useful as a fuel cooler and as
such is an air cooled or liquid to air heat exchanger. However, it will be
understood that the heat exchanger 10 can also be used to heat fluids
and it can also be used with fluids other than air and fuel. The illustrated
heat exchanger can also be considered a "low profile" heat exchanger
because of its relatively low overall height compared to many other forms
of heat exchangers. This low profile can be advantageous in certain
locations where the height available for the heat exchanger is quite
limited, for example, when the heat exchanger is mounted underneath a
vehicle such as a car. It should be understood that although the bracket
42 is illustrated as attached to one end of a low profile heat exchanger, it
is also possible to use a bracket constructed in accordance with this
invention on other types of heat exchangers, particularly heat exchangers
that can undergo a substantial amount of thermal expansion in at least
one direction wherein the thermal expansion should be accommodated or
allowed by the mounting bracket in order to avoid failure of the bracket or
the connection between the bracket and the heat exchanger.
[0033] Although the illustrated heat exchanger 10 will be briefly
described herein, it will be understood that this heat exchanger per se can
be of known construction and accordingly a detailed description herein is
deemed unnecessary. The heat exchanger 10 includes an elongate base
member 14 which, in the heat exchanger as illustrated, forms a lower
surface of the heat exchanger but it is understood that it could also form
the upper surface, if desired. A plurality of spaced apart fins 16 extend
from a planar portion 18 of the base member, this planar portion being
clearly visible in Figures 5 and 6. The base member 14 can also be termed
or considered a finned plate member which forms one of the main sides of
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the heat exchanger 10. As illustrated, the fins 16 are parallel to each
other and extend the length of the heat exchanger and they are formed
on the outer side of the base member 14 so that airflow can pass along
the fins in the lengthwise direction of the heat exchanger.
[0034] The illustrated heat exchanger is formed with inlet and outlet
manifolds 22 and 24 which are completely formed in the base member 14
and extend along opposite longitudinal sides of this base member. One
end of each of these manifolds is plugged to prevent flow of fluid through
this end, for example, the left end 26 as seen in Figure 3. Openings 28
and 30 indicated in dash lines in Figure 1 are formed near the blocked end
of each manifold, these openings extending through the planar portion 18
of the base member. An elongate U-shaped flow passage 32 is formed
between the base member 14 and the cover plate 20 and extends
between the two openings 28, 30. In the illustrated embodiment, this flow
passage extends for most of the length of the heat exchanger. Inlet and
outlet fittings 34, 36 may be attached to one end of each of the inlet and
outlet manifolds, that is the ends opposite the plugged ends of the
manifolds.
[0035] The illustrated flow channel 32 can be considered as
comprising two channel sections 32(1) and 32(2) that are oriented in the
same direction as the air flow passages defined by the aforementioned
fins 16. It will be appreciated that there can be more than two channel
sections, if desired, with the channel sections forming a single, serpentine
multi-pass flow passage. Also, the openings 28, 30 can be provided in
different locations and the channel sections 32(1), 32(2), etc., could have
orientations other than longitudinal, for example, they could be
transverse or could be otherwise angled relative to the longitudinal axis of
the heat exchanger. In some applications, flow augmenting structures
such as expanded metal strips may be provided in some or all of the
channel sections 32(1), 32(2) and also in the inlet and outlet manifolds.
The base member 14 can have protrusions or bumps formed thereon
extending into the flow passage 32 and, in some embodiments, the base
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member 14 as well as the cover plate can be curved transversely or
longitudinally to improve airflow over the heat exchanger in specific
applications.
[0036] The heat exchanger 10 can be fitted with a standard
mounting bracket 40 at one of its two ends. In the illustrated
embodiment, the bracket 40 is attached at the rear end of the heat
exchanger but, depending upon the application, it can be attached to the
front end of the heat exchanger or to another side edge suitably spaced
from another mounting bracket 42 constructed according to the invention.
As illustrated, the bracket 42 is attached to a front section of the heat
exchanger and, in particular, to an attachment surface 44 formed on one
main side of the heat exchanger.
[0037] The illustrated standard bracket 40 is formed with a
connecting flange 46, a raised intermediate section 48, and an outer
section 50. The intermediate section 48 can be provided with an
attachment hole such as oval-shaped hole 52 through which a fastener
such as a bolt (not shown) can extend to detachably connect the heat
exchanger at this end to a support member such as a supporting frame in
a vehicle or a support plate. It will be understood that the illustrated
bracket 40 is one possible form of standard mounting bracket that can be
used to mount one end or one side of the heat exchanger 10 and various
other forms of standard mounting brackets can be used, depending upon
the particular heat exchanger or the particular application. As the
mounting bracket 40 is a standard bracket, further description of this
bracket herein is deemed unnecessary.
[0038] Turning now to the construction of the mounting bracket 42,
the exemplary embodiment of this bracket shown in Figures 1 to 5
includes an interconnecting section 56 adapted to extend along one end
and parallel to, for example, a front end 26 (or one side) of the heat
exchanger and to extend at a substantial angle to the aforementioned
attachment surface 44 which is adjacent the end 26. In the illustrated
embodiment, this angle is 900 or about 900.
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[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the interconnecting section has two
end portions 60, 62 created at opposite ends thereof. As illustrated, each
end portion has a straight outer edge 64 that, when the main sides of the
heat exchanger extend horizontally, extends vertically. Each end portion
also has a curved inner edge at 66 and an angled or sloping inner edge
68. The interconnecting section also has a separate, central portion 70
which can be in the same plane as the end portions and which is located
between the end portions 60, 62 and, in an exemplary version, is midway
between these end portions. As illustrated, the central portion 70 has a
substantially rectangular shape. Further, the interconnecting section 56
also includes a connecting portion 72 which, as shown in Figure 5, can
extend substantially the entire length of the interconnecting section. The
connecting portion 72 fixedly joins two end portions 60, 62 to the central
portion 70. First connector means 74 are joined to each of the end
portions 60, 62 and extend at a substantial angle to these end portions.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, these connector means
comprise two flange sections 76, 78 with each flange section joined
respectively to one of the end portions. As illustrated, each of these
flange sections extends at an angle of about 900 to its respective end
portion and the two flange sections are located substantially in the same
plane which is a horizontal plane if the heat exchanger is disposed
horizontally. Each is adapted for a fixed connection to the attachment
surface 44, for example, by brazing. For this purpose, the cover plate 20,
including the attachment surface located adjacent the mounting bracket
42, can be made of brazed clad aluminum or aluminum alloy. Thus the
heat exchanger 10 can, if desired, be made by assembling the
components with the brackets 40, 42 and furnace brazing or soldering
them together. As illustrated, each flange section 76, 78 is generally L-
shaped and follows the contour of an adjacent end portion of the U-
shaped recess which forms the flow passage 32. However, the flange
sections can be provided with a different shape, for example, rectangular
or square. In the exemplary form of the bracket 42, each flange section is
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relatively long in the transverse direction of the heat exchanger in order
to provide a strong connection between the bracket and its heat
exchanger. In an exemplary embodiment, the spaced-apart, planar flange
sections 76, 78 have a length at least one quarter the length of the
interconnecting section 56 extending in the widthwise direction of the
heat exchanger. In a particular exemplary embodiment, the length of
each flange section is about one third of the length of the interconnecting
section.
[0040] It will be appreciated that if the flange sections 76, 78 are
attached by brazing to the heat exchanger, they are then permanently
connected to the attachment surface 44. It is also possible to detachably
connect these flange sections by standard fasteners such as one or more
bolt and nut combinations or by one or more screws. Another possible
form of permanent connection between the bracket and the heat
exchanger is a suitable weld. According to another variant of the heat
exchanger/bracket combination, the end portions 60, 62 are also brazed
to the adjacent end of the heat exchanger to provide a very strong overall
connection while still allowing the required flexibility in the bracket
connection.
[0041] The mounting bracket 42 also includes a second connector
means 80 connected to the central portion 70 and in the illustrated
embodiment extending at a substantial angle to this central portion in a
direction away from the first flange means, that is the flange sections 76,
78. This second connector means can also be termed a tab section and it
is adapted for connection to a support member such as a support frame
or support plate of a vehicle. The tab section is spaced-apart from the
connecting portion 72 as shown in Figure 5. The tab section can be
provided with a fastener hole 82 which can be oversized or oval-shaped
(as shown) in order to allow for a degree of tolerance for the location of
the connecting bolt or other fastener used to connect the mounting
bracket to the support member. The illustrated tab section is planar and
extends perpendicular to the central portion 70. Although the illustrated
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tab section is shown with only one connecting or fastener hole 82, it is
possible to provide more than one fastener hole , if desired. More than
one hole can be provided in the bracket either for the purpose of allowing
the bracket to be used to connect different heat exchangers or for more
than one attachment task or for the purpose of allowing attachment of the
bracket with two or more fasteners. Also in a variation of this bracket,
the second connector means 80 can extend in the same plane as the
central portion 70, for example upwardly from the central portion when
the bracket is oriented as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5.
[0042] The exemplary bracket 42 of Figures 1 to 5 is integrally
formed from a single metal plate member and, as a result, the bracket
can be manufactured at a reasonably low cost using standard
manufacturing techniques. It is also possible, of course, to make the
sections which make up the bracket 42 separately, if desired, and to
rigidly connect them together by means such as welding or suitable
fasteners. The bracket 42 is made from a resilient metal or metal having
at least some resiliency so that the bracket has flexibility to allow thermal
expansion of the heat exchanger during use thereof. The metal plate from
which the bracket is made can be aluminum or an aluminum alloy and in
one embodiment is 2mm thick. It will be appreciated that because of the
manner in which the mounting bracket is constructed and formed, the
bracket 42 is able to accommodate thermal expansion of the heat
exchanger 10 during use of the heat exchanger with the mounting bracket
connected to and supporting the heat exchanger. In particular, it will be
seen that some degree of movement in the longitudinal direction of the
heat exchanger between the flange sections 76, 78 and the tab section 80
is allowed as a result of the fact that they are separated from one another
and all or a substantial central section of the interconnecting section that
connects the flange sections to the tab section is able to twist or bend to
allow the required movement.
[0043] In an exemplary form of the bracket 42, the interconnecting
section 56 is planar (at least in a relaxed state) and forms open areas 84,
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86 shown clearly in Figure 5. In particular, the open area 84 is formed
between the central portion 70 and the end portion 60 and the open area
86 is formed between the central portion 70 and the end portion 62.
These open areas allow airflow to or from an adjacent end region of the
heat exchanger 10. In other words, with these open areas there is less
interference with the airflow between the fins 16 caused by the presence
of the mounting bracket 42.
[0044] As illustrated in Figure 5, an exemplary form of the
interconnecting section 56 has a length L extending in the widthwise
direction of the heat exchanger and a height dimension H. It will be seen
that in this embodiment, the length of the interconnecting section
corresponds substantially to the width of the heat exchanger 10. The
height H of the bracket 42 is at least as great as the height of the heat
exchanger 10 and in fact, as illustrated, the height H is somewhat greater
than the height or depth of the heat exchanger. By making the bracket 42
and in particular the length L of the interconnecting section and the
attached flange sections 76, 78 relatively long (that is in the width
direction of the heat exchanger), this allows the flange sections 76, 78 to
distribute or absorb the stresses created by thermal expansion of the heat
exchanger and also external forces that may act on the heat exchanger.
[0045] It will also be understood that by increasing the height H of
the interconnecting section, one is able to increase the size of the open
areas 84, 86, thereby allowing greater flow through the fins 16. In other
words, by increasing the height H and limiting the height of the
connecting portion 72, the open areas 84, 86 can extend to about the
bottom of the fins 16 as shown in Figure 5.
[0046] It will be appreciated that although the bracket 42 is shown
as connected to one end of an elongate heat exchanger, it is possible to
employ a mounting bracket 42 along any side of a heat exchanger and
not just the end sides. For example, in the case of a heat exchanger
having a substantially square shape in plan view, the side to which the
bracket 42 is attached could be any one of the four sides. In general, if
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the heat exchanger 10 has one dimension which is substantially longer
than its other dimensions, then the greatest thermal expansion will
normally occur along this longest dimension. In this case, the mounting
bracket 42 constructed in accordance with the invention is mounted at an
end or side of the heat exchanger extending perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis and the bracket can be centered on the longitudinal axis.
[0047] Returning to the illustrated exemplary heat exchanger 10,
this heat exchanger can be considered a low profile heat exchanger
because of its relatively low height relative to its length and width. The
illustrated heat exchanger 10 has two main sides, including a main side
90 on which the attachment surface 44 is formed and an opposite main
side 92 on which the fins 16 are formed. Each of these main sides extends
between two opposite ends of the heat exchanger, including the
aforementioned end 26 where the bracket 42 is located and an opposite
end 27. An exemplary embodiment of the low profile heat exchanger 10
has a length substantially greater than its width and in the illustrated heat
exchanger, its length is more than three times the width of the heat
exchanger.
[0048] A second embodiment of a mounting bracket for a heat
exchanger constructed in accordance with the invention is illustrated in
Figures 8 to 11. This bracket 100 is similar in several respects to the
above described bracket 42 and is, for example, also integrally formed
from a single metal plate member which can be aluminum plate. The
bracket 100 is also able to accommodate thermal expansion of the heat
exchanger 10, only an end portion of which is shown in Figure 8. The
bracket 100 has an interconnecting section 102 which is adapted to
extend substantially parallel to one end 26 of the heat exchanger and to
extend at a substantial angle to the attachment surface 44. Again, this
interconnecting section has two end portions 104, 106 at opposite ends
thereof, each end portion having a straight outer edge that extends
vertically when the bracket is attached to the heat exchanger, assuming
the heat exchanger is oriented in a horizontal plane. Each end portion has
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a vertically extending inner edge 108. There is also a separate, central
portion 110 which, in the relaxed state of the bracket, can be in the same
plane as the end portions and which is located between the end portions.
As illustrated, the central portion 110 has a substantially rectangular
shape. A relatively narrow slot 112 extends between each end portion and
the central portion and, at its bottom end is enlarged to form a so-called
"keyhole" 114 which helps reduce stress in this region of the bracket. The
interconnecting section also has a connecting portion 116 which can be
considered as extending substantially the entire length of the
interconnection section. The connecting portion fixedly joins the two end
portions 104, 106 to the central portion 110. In an exemplary version of
this bracket, the connecting portion is formed with three integral ribs 118
which extend upwardly from the bottom of the interconnecting section to
about the level of the top of the keyholes. A central rib can be located
midway between the two keyholes while each outer rib is located between
one of the keyholes and an adjacent vertical edge of the bracket. The ribs
act to reinforce their end section of the bracket and the upper end of each
rib tends to localize the stress away from the adjacent keyhole, thereby
increasing the life of this bracket.
[0049] A first
connector means or flange device 120 is joined to the
two end portions 104, 106 and extends at a substantial angle to these
end portions. The corner where the flange device meets the end portions
can be rounded as shown to reduce stress. In an exemplary embodiment,
the flange device extends at an angle of about 90 degrees to the end
portions. In this version, the flange device section is a single, forked
flange section having two prong portions 122, 124 and a planar distal end
portion 126. Each prong portion is joined respectively to one of the end
portions 104, 106 and both the prong portions and the distal end portion
extend at a substantial angle to the end portions 104, 106. As illustrated,
the distal end portion is adapted for fixed connection to the attachment
surface of the heat exchanger but it is also possible to connect it to a
support member for the heat exchanger. A short double bend joint 128
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can optionally be formed where the prong portions meet the distal end
portion. This double bend may be desirable, for example, to make the
bracket easier to connect to an adjacent support member 130 indicated in
dash lines in Figures 8 and 9. Also indicated in dash lines in the same
figures is a connecting bolt 132 which extends through a suitable hole
formed in the support member. A nut 134 can secure the bolt in place. As
indicated in Figures 8 and 9, with the use of the bracket 100, there can be
a gap between the end of the heat exchanger at 26 and the
interconnecting section 102 and this gap can be used to facilitate
attachment of the bracket to the support member.
[0050] The bracket 100 also includes a second connector means 136
(also referred to herein as a tab section) connected to the central portion
110 and extending at a substantial angle to this central portion. However,
unlike the first bracket, this connector means or tab section extends in
the same direction as the first connector means 120 and extends between
the parallel prong portions 122, 124. The tab section as shown has a
rounded end at 138 and the adjacent edge of the flange device 120 has a
corresponding rounded edge in the same region. Thus, a relatively
uniform gap 140 can be formed between the second connector means or
tab section and the flange device 120. In one embodiment, the width of
this gap is 3.18mm while the width of the tab section is 20mm. The tab
section 136 can also be provided with a fastener hole 142 through which
the aforementioned bolt 132 can extend. In one variation, the tab section
136 is connected to the heat exchanger when the first flange device is
connected to a support member. In a variant of this version, the second
connector means 136 extends in the same plane as the interconnecting
section 102, in other words, upwardly as the bracket is shown in Figs. 9
and 10.
[0051] A third embodiment of a bracket according to the invention is
illustrated in Figures 12 to 14. This bracket 150 also has an
interconnecting section 152 adapted to extend along and parallel to one
end of the heat exchanger 10 but, as shown, this interconnecting section
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is spaced from the adjacent end of the heat exchanger. The section 152
extends at a substantial angle to the attachment surface 44 and, in the
illustrated version, this angle is 90 degrees or about 90 degrees. Again,
the interconnecting section 152 has two end portions 154, 156 located at
opposite ends thereof with each end portion having a straight outer edge
158. The inner edge of each end portion can have a straight portion at
160 and a curved portion 162 adjacent a rounded corner 164 where each
end portion is connected to a first connector means comprising flange
device 166. As in the second embodiment, the flange device can be a
single or unitary forked flange section which includes two prong portions
168, 170 and a planar, distal end portion 172. Each prong portion has a
straight outer edge 174 and a substantially straight inner edge 176 that
extends at a substantial acute angle to the outer edge, in one
embodiment this angle being about 45 degrees. Thus, in this exemplary
version, the two inner edges 176 are approximately perpendicular to each
other and they can meet along a rounded, centrally located edge 178. As
in the second bracket, a double bend 181 can be formed where the two
prong portions meet the distal end portion 172. In this way, the two
planar prong portions extend parallel to the plane of the end portion 172
but in a plane which is slightly spaced above the plane of the end portion.
[0052] The bracket 150 also has a second connector means 180
which in the illustrated embodiment is a flange device and which can also
be termed a tab section. This second connector means is connected to a
central portion 182 of the interconnecting section 152. As in the second
version, the flange device 180 can extend in the same direction as the
flange device 166 and is located centrally in the V-shaped gap formed
between the prong portions 168, 170. The flange device 180 can have a
shape similar to the flange device 136 and can also have a fastener hole
184 for attaching the bracket to a support member (or alternatively to a
heat exchanger) by a fastener such as a bolt and nut combination. In a
variant of this version (not shown) the second connector means 180
CA 02590170 2007-05-28
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extends in the same plane as the interconnecting section 152, in other
words upwardly as the bracket is shown in Fig. 12.
[0053] It will be seen that in this embodiment, the interconnecting
section 152 has a central cut-out or gap 186 which extends into the
central portion 182. As a result, this version of the mounting bracket has
two connecting portions 188, 190 each of which connects the central
portion 182 to a respective one of the end portions 154, 156. In one
version of this bracket, the width of the cut-out is 9mm while the overall
length of the interconnecting section 152 is 105mm. As with the other
brackets, the bracket 150 can be formed from a single, resilient metal
plate member which, in one exemplary embodiment, is aluminum plate
having a thickness of 2mm.
[0054] As can be seen from Figure 14, the mounting bracket 150
need not and does not extend the entire width of the heat exchanger 10
but extends for more than half of the width of the heat exchanger and is
centrally located. Also, the height of the bracket in this example is
substantially less than the height of the heat exchanger 10 including its
fins 16. Nevertheless, the provision of the substantial open areas at 192,
194 can assist airflow along and between the fins 16.
[0055] A fourth version of a bracket according to the invention is
illustrated in Figures 15 to 18. This bracket 200 can be used to mount one
end of a heat exchanger to a support member (or vice versa) in a manner
similar to the above described three brackets. However, unlike the first
three brackets, the bracket 200 has a rounded interconnecting section
202 which is adapted to extend along one end of the heat exchanger but
which can be spaced apart therefrom in a manner similar to the
interconnecting sections of the second and third brackets. In the sense
that the interconnecting section 202 extends in the transverse direction of
the heat exchanger, this section 202 can be considered as extending
substantially parallel to the adjacent end of the heat exchanger. Also, as
in the first three brackets, the interconnecting section 202 has two end
portions 204 and 206 located at opposite ends thereof, these end portions
CA 02590170 2007-05-28
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also being curved with a concave side thereof facing generally upwardly
as shown in Figures 16 to 18. The interconnecting section also has a
central portion 208 which is also curved forming a convex exterior
surface. Further, there are two curved connecting portions 210, 212 which
fixedly join the end portions to the central portion 208. However, in this
version there is a smooth transition between each connecting portion and
its respective end portion 204, 206. In other words, a smooth curve or arc
is formed where each connecting portion meets its respective end portion.
The opposite edges of each end portion can extend generally vertically
when this bracket is attached to a heat exchanger having an attachment
surface that extends horizontally. The central portion 208 has two
opposite, slightly concave edges 214 and these converge in the direction
indicated by the arrow A in Figure 17. A concave edge is formed at 216
where the central portion 208 meets the two connecting portion 210, 212.
A first connector means comprising a flange device 220 which is
substantially planar is joined to the two end portions 204, 206 at curved
corners 222. It will be seen that this flange device can also be considered
a single, forked flange section with two prong portions 224, 226 and a
distal end portion extending between and connecting the prong portions.
Each prong portion is joined respectively to one of the end portions 204,
206 and the prong portions and the distal end portion 228 extend at a
substantial angle to the end portions. As with the second and third
embodiments described above, the distal end portion 228 is adapted for
fixed connection to the attachment surface 44 of the heat exchanger 10
(or in the alternative, to a support member for the heat exchanger).
Typically this connection can be made by a brazing process which forms a
permanent connection.
[0056] The bracket 200 also has a second connector 230 which is
planar or substantially planar and is connected to the central portion 208.
As in the second and third embodiments described above, this second
connector 230 can extend in the same direction as the flange device 220
(as shown) and can extend parallel thereto but in a different, spaced-
CA 02590170 2007-05-28
apart plane (see Figure 16). The second connector 230 can be positioned
above an opening 232 which is formed between the prong portions and
the end portions 204, 206. An oval-shaped hole 234 can be formed
centrally in the connector (or tab section) 230 to receive a fastener such
as a bolt. As with the other brackets, this bracket can be made of a
resilient metal such as aluminum or aluminum alloy and can be integrally
formed from a single metal plate member. Also, in a variant of this
embodiment, the second connector 230 extends upwardly from a top end
of the interconnecting section 202 or, in other words, vertically as the
bracket is seen in Figs. 16 and 17.
[0057] A flfth embodiment of a bracket constructed in accordance
with the invention is illustrated in Figures 19 and 20. This bracket 250 is
similar in its construction and use as the first embodiment 42 of Figures 1
to 5 except for the differences explained hereinafter. The bracket has a
planar, interconnecting section 252 which can be substantially longer than
the bracket 42, that is in the direction extending transversely of the
elongate heat exchanger. This version has two or more spaced-apart first
portions 254 and, in the illustrated version, has three of these first
portions located along the length of the interconnecting section. In
addition, there are two or more spaced-apart second portions 256 located
along the length of the interconnecting section. In the illustrated
embodiment, there are two of these second portions, each of which is
similar to the central portion of the bracket 42. It will be seen that the
second portions 256 alternate with the first portions and are separated
from the first portions. There are also a plurality of connecting portions
258 joining the second portions to the first portions.
[0058] The bracket 250 also includes flange sections 260 which can
vary in length if desired. The flange sections are joined to respective first
portions 254 and they extend at a substantial angle to the first portions.
In the illustrated embodiment, these flange sections extend at about 90
degrees to the first portions. As with the bracket 42, it will be understood
that these flange sections 260 are adapted for connection to either the
CA 02590170 2007-05-28
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attachment surface 44 of a heat exchanger or to a support member for
the heat exchanger. In addition, there are connecting sections 262 which
can be termed tab sections. These connecting sections are joined to
respective second portions 256 and they are adapted for connection to
the other of the attachment surface 44 and the support member (to
whichever the flange sections are not attached). The flange sections 262
are spaced from the connecting portions 258. If desired, each connecting
section 262 can be formed with an elongate fastener hole 264. It will be
appreciated that a bracket of this type can be quite long and can have
two, three or more of the connecting or tab sections 262. Thus, this
version of the bracket is particularly suitable for use with a heat
exchanger that is substantially wider than the heat exchanger with which
the other brackets can be used. In a variant of the bracket 250, the
connecting sections 262 extend in the same plane as the interconnecting
section 252, in other words, upwardly as the bracket 250 is shown in
Figure 20.
[0059] The bracket 250 is formed as well with open areas 270
between the second portions and the first portions with each open area
allowing airflow to or from an adjacent region of the heat exchanger. Like
the other brackets, the bracket 250 is integrally formed from a single,
resilient metal plate member in an exemplary form thereof and has
sufficient flexibility to allow thermal expansion.
[0060] Having described exemplary embodiments of the invention, it
will be appreciated that various modifications can be made to the
structure described above without departing from the spirit and scope of
this invention. For example, although the heat exchanger 10, as
illustrated, has a number of parallel fins 16 formed on one main side, it is
possible for the heat exchanger to be constructed without external fins or
with fins of different construction than the illustrated extruded fins.
Different types of fittings can be used for attaching the heat exchangers
= into the fluid circuits in which they would be used, and the fittings can
be
located in different positions than those described above or shown in the
CA 02590170 2013-12-10
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drawings. Of course, the dimensions of the components described above
can be varied to suit the application.
[0061] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of
the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible
in the practice of this invention without departing from the scope thereof.
The foregoing description is of the preferred embodiments by way of
example only and is not to limit the scope of the invention.
