HEAT EXCHANGER INCLUDING AN IN-TANK OIL COOLER WITH IMPROVED HEAT REJECTION

A heat exchanger includes first and second radiator tanks, a radiator core and an oil cooler. The core includes first and second headers associated with the first and second radiator tanks, respectively, and a plurality of radiator tubes extending between therebetween. Each tube provides fluid communication from the first radiator tank to the second radiator tank. The plurality of radiator tubes are generally perpendicular to the headers. Coolant passing through the radiator tubes enters the second radiator tank in a direction perpendicular to the header. The oil cooler includes first and second end tanks and a core having a plurality of convoluted oil cooler plates. The tubes provide fluid communication between the first and second oil cooler tanks. Adjacent plates define coolant paths extending through the core and disposed at an angle relative to the direction the coolant enters the second radiator tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS

Turning toFIGS. 4 through 6, a heat exchanger constructed in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character100. The heat exchanger100is particularly intended for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. It will be appreciated, however, that the present teachings may be readily adapted to other applications.

The heat exchanger100is illustrated to generally include a radiator core101and first and second radiator tanks102and104. The radiator tanks102and104may be constructed of plastic or other suitable material. The radiator core101includes having first and second headers (the second of which is shown at reference character106) associated with the first and second radiator tanks102and104, respectively. The radiator tanks102and104may be secured to the respective header106in any manner well known in the art.

The radiator core101further includes a plurality of radiator tubes108. In the simplified cross-sectional view ofFIG. 5, it will be understood that only two of the radiator tubes108are illustrated. Furthermore, it will be understood that the remaining radiator tubes108(as shown inFIG. 6) are substantially identical in cross section. To the extent not otherwise illustrated or described herein, it will be understood that the radiator tubes108are conventional in construction and operation insofar as the present teachings are concerned.

Each radiator tube108is secured to the headers106of both the first and second radiator tanks102and104and provides fluid communication from the first radiator tank to the second radiator tank102and104. In the embodiment illustrated, the radiator tubes108extend through the headers106and are secured to the headers106at brazing joints110. The plurality of radiator tubes108are oriented generally perpendicular to the headers106such that a coolant passing through the radiator tubes enters the second radiator tank104in a direction D generally perpendicular to the header106.

The heat exchanger100of the present teachings further generally includes an oil cooler112disposed in the second radiator tank104. The oil cooler112is immersed in coolant disposed in the second radiator tank104. The oil cooler112includes first and second end tanks114and116and an oil cooler core118. The first end tank114defines an oil outlet120. The second end tank116defines an oil inlet122.

The oil cooler core112is defined by a plurality of convoluted oil cooler plates124. The oil cooler plates124extend between the first and second oil cooler tanks114and116and provide fluid communication between the first and second oil cooler tanks114and116. In the simplified cross-sectional view ofFIG. 5, it will be understood that only a few of the oiler cooler plates124are illustrated. The remaining plates124will be understood to be generally identical.

Despite being convoluted, the orientation of the plates124will be described as if the plates were generally planar. In alternative applications, generally planar plates (e.g., not convoluted) may be used within the scope of the present teachings. The convoluted oil cooler plates124extend in a horizontal direction (as shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 5) and are stacked relative to one another. Adjacent oil cooler plates124cooperate to define coolant paths126extending through the core118.

In the embodiment illustrated, the coolant paths126are thus disposed at an angle relative to the direction D the coolant enters the second radiator tank104. The angle may range from 1° to 89°. Preferably, the angle may range from about 10° to about 30°. In one particular application, the angle may be about 15°. In this manner, the coolant impinges upon walls of the convoluted oil cooler plates124and is redirected in a direction D′. Explaining further, as coolant exits the radiator tubes108, the coolant will have to “hit” the walls of the convoluted oil cooler plates124, thereby causing turbulence in the flow of coolant and resultantly increasing heat transfer.

It will be appreciated that the present teachings provide a heat exchanger including an in-tank oil cooler with improved heat rejection capability due to coolant being impinged upon walls of the oil cooler plate convolutions. The present teachings further provide a more free flow of coolant through the oil cooler plates124as compared to known oil coolers.