Patent Publication Number: US-2023160639-A1

Title: Integrated Radiator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0161625, filed on Nov. 22, 2021, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an integrated radiator. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A vehicle includes a plurality of radiators mounted on the front side thereof. The plurality of radiators may be disposed adjacent to a front grille of the vehicle, and each radiator may exchange heat with air drawn in through the front grille. Specifically, a coolant may pass through an internal passage of each radiator, and the air may pass over an exterior surface of each radiator so that heat exchange may be performed between the air and the coolant. 
     The plurality of radiators may be divided into a high temperature radiator through which a coolant of relatively high temperature passes and a low temperature radiator through which a coolant of relatively low temperature passes. The high temperature radiator and the low temperature radiator may be fluidly separated from each other, and the high temperature radiator may be physically separated from the low temperature radiator. 
     According to the related art, the high temperature radiator and the low temperature radiator may be arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle in a front compartment of the vehicle. Accordingly, the layout and packaging of the high temperature radiator and the low temperature radiator may be complicated, and the weight and cost thereof may be increased. To solve these problems, research and development (R&amp;D) is underway on an integrated radiator in which the high temperature radiator and the low temperature radiator are stacked vertically. 
     Meanwhile, as the high temperature radiator and the low temperature radiator directly contact each other, heat may be transferred between the high temperature radiator and the low temperature radiator, and thus the high temperature radiator and the low temperature radiator may be thermally affected by each other. As a result, it may be difficult to lower a temperature of the high-temperature coolant discharged from an outlet of the high temperature radiator and a temperature of the low-temperature coolant discharged from an outlet of the low temperature radiator. 
     The above information described in this background section is provided to assist in understanding the background of the inventive concept, and may include any technical concept which is not considered as the prior art that is already known to those skilled in the art. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to an integrated radiator. Particular embodiments relate to an integrated radiator having a middle section interposed between an upper section and a lower section. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure can solve problems occurring in the prior art while advantages achieved by the prior art are maintained intact. 
     An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an integrated radiator having a middle section including a cooling medium interposed between an upper section through which an upper-side coolant passes and a lower section through which a lower-side coolant passes, thereby improving cooling performance of at least one of the upper section and the lower section or improving cooling performance of the upper section and cooling performance of the lower section simultaneously. 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an integrated radiator may include an upper section including an upper tube, a first upper tank fluidly connected to a first end portion of the upper tube, a first upper header sealingly joined to the first upper tank, a second upper tank fluidly connected to a second end portion of the upper tube, and a second upper header sealingly joined to the second upper tank, a lower section including a lower tube, a first lower tank fluidly connected to a first end portion of the lower tube, a first lower header sealingly joined to the first lower tank, a second lower tank fluidly connected to a second end portion of the lower tube, and a second lower header sealingly joined to the second lower tank, and a middle section including a middle tube, a first middle tank fluidly connected to a first end portion of the middle tube, a first middle header sealingly joined to the first middle tank, a second middle tank fluidly connected to a second end portion of the middle tube, and a second middle header sealingly joined to the second middle tank, wherein an upper-side coolant may pass through the upper tube, a lower-side coolant may pass through the lower tube, and a cooling medium may be received in the middle tube. 
     The middle section including the cooling medium may be interposed between the upper section through which the upper-side coolant passes and the lower section through which the lower-side coolant passes, thereby improving the cooling performance of at least one of the upper section and the lower section or improving the cooling performance of the upper section and the cooling performance of the lower section simultaneously. For example, when a temperature difference between the upper-side coolant and the lower-side coolant is relatively low, the middle section may assist in the cooling of the upper section and the cooling of the lower section, thereby improving the cooling performance of the upper section and the cooling performance of the lower section simultaneously. When a temperature difference between the upper-side coolant and the lower-side coolant is relatively high, the middle section may be used to transfer heat from a relatively high temperature section to a relatively low temperature section, thereby improving the cooling performance of at least one of the upper section and the lower section. 
     The middle section may be fluidly separated from the upper section and the lower section by a plurality of baffles. 
     As the middle section may be fluidly separated from the upper section and the lower section by the plurality of baffles, leakage of the upper-side coolant, the cooling medium, and the lower-side coolant may be reliably prevented. 
     The plurality of baffles may include a first upper baffle horizontally extending from a bottom end of the first upper tank toward a bottom end of the first upper header, a first lower baffle horizontally extending from a top end of the first lower tank toward a top end of the first lower header, a second upper baffle horizontally extending from a bottom end of the second upper tank toward a bottom end of the second upper header, and a second lower baffle horizontally extending from a top end of the second lower tank toward a top end of the second lower header. 
     A first middle chamber of the middle section may be sealed by the first upper baffle and the first lower baffle, and a second middle chamber of the middle section may be sealed by the second upper baffle and the second lower baffle. 
     The integrated radiator may further include a blocking unit blocking each end portion of the middle tube. 
     As each end portion of the middle tube is sealingly blocked by the blocking unit, leakage of the cooling medium received in the middle tube may be reliably prevented. 
     The blocking unit may include a first blocking unit sealingly blocking the first end portion of the middle tube and a second blocking unit sealingly blocking the second end portion of the middle tube. 
     The first blocking unit may include a first blocking rib extending from one edge of the first middle header, and a first blocking portion foldably or unfoldably connected to the first blocking rib. The first blocking portion may block the first end portion of the middle tube. 
     The integrated radiator may further include a first support unit sealingly supporting the first blocking unit. 
     The first support unit may include a first support rib extending from the other edge of the first middle header and a first support portion foldably or unfoldably connected to the first support rib. The first support portion may be tightly attached to the first blocking portion. 
     The first support unit may further include a first edge support portion foldably or unfoldably connected to an edge of the first support portion. 
     As the first support unit sealingly supports the first blocking unit, sufficient sealing of the first end portion of the middle tube may be achieved. 
     The second blocking unit may include a second blocking rib extending from one edge of the second middle header and a second blocking portion foldably or unfoldably connected to the second blocking rib. The second blocking unit may block the second end portion of the middle tube. 
     The integrated radiator may further include a second support unit sealingly supporting the second blocking unit. 
     The second support unit may include a second support rib extending from the other edge of the second middle header and a second support portion foldably or unfoldably connected to the second support rib. The second support portion may be tightly attached to the second blocking portion. 
     The second support unit may further include a second edge support portion foldably or unfoldably connected to an edge of the second support portion. 
     As the second support unit sealingly supports the second blocking unit, sufficient sealing of the second end portion of the middle tube may be achieved. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an integrated radiator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates an integrated radiator according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an integrated radiator according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an integrated radiator according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates an integrated radiator according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates the configuration of an integrated radiator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a first blocking unit and a first support unit provided to a first middle header of an integrated radiator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a state in which a first end portion of a middle tube is blocked by a first blocking unit and a first support unit in an integrated radiator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a second blocking unit and a second support unit provided to a second middle header of an integrated radiator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a state in which a second end portion of a middle tube is blocked by a second blocking unit and a second support unit in an integrated radiator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used throughout to designate the same or equivalent elements. In addition, a detailed description of well-known techniques associated with the present disclosure will be omitted in order not to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure. 
     Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe the elements in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and the intrinsic features, sequence or order, and the like of the corresponding elements are not limited by the terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those generally understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the field of art to which the present disclosure belongs. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted as having meanings equal to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art, and are not to be interpreted as having ideal or excessively formal meanings unless clearly defined as having such in the present application. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , an integrated radiator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include an upper section  1 , a lower section  2  located below the upper section  1 , and a middle section  3  interposed between the upper section  1  and the lower section  2 . 
     The upper section  1  may include at least one upper tube  11 , a first upper tank  5   a  fluidly connected to a first end portion of the upper tube  11 , and a second upper tank  6   a  fluidly connected to a second end portion of the upper tube  11 . The upper tube  11  may include a plurality of upper tubes, and the plurality of upper tubes  11  may be vertically spaced apart from each other. Air may pass through a gap between the adjacent upper tubes  11 , and a coolant may pass through an internal passage of each upper tube  11 . Referring to  FIG.  6   , a cooling fin  11   a  may be interposed between the adjacent upper tubes  11 . The upper tube  11  may have the first end portion fluidly connected to the first upper tank  5   a , and the second end portion fluidly connected to the second upper tank  6   a.  A longitudinal axis of the first upper tank  5   a  and a longitudinal axis of the second upper tank  6   a  may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the upper tube  11 . 
     A first upper header  7   a  and the first upper tank  5   a  may be sealingly joined so that the first upper header  7   a  and the first upper tank  5   a  may define a first upper chamber  9   a.  The first end portion of the upper tube  11  may be sealingly fitted into a hole of the first upper header  7   a,  and the upper tube  11  may fluidly communicate with the first upper chamber  9   a.  A second upper header  8   a  and the second upper tank  6   a  may be sealingly joined so that the second upper header  8   a  and the second upper tank  6   a  may define a second upper chamber  10   a.  The second end portion of the upper tube  11  may be sealingly fitted into a hole of the second upper header  8   a , and the upper tube  11  may fluidly communicate with the second upper chamber  10   a.    
     The lower section  2  may include at least one lower tube  12 , a first lower tank  5   b  fluidly connected to a first end portion of the lower tube  12 , and a second lower tank  6   b  fluidly connected to a second end portion of the lower tube  12 . The lower tube  12  may include a plurality of lower tubes, and the plurality of lower tubes  12  may be vertically spaced apart from each other. Air may pass through a gap between the adjacent lower tubes  12 , and a coolant may pass through an internal passage of each lower tube  12 . Referring to  FIG.  6   , a cooling fin  12   a  may be interposed between the adjacent lower tubes  12 . The lower tube  12  may have the first end portion fluidly connected to the first lower tank  5   b,  and the second end portion fluidly connected to the second lower tank  6   b.  A longitudinal axis of the first lower tank  5   b  and a longitudinal axis of the second lower tank  6   b  may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the lower tube  12 . A first lower header  7   b  and the first lower tank  5   b  may be sealingly joined so that the first lower header  7   b  and the first lower tank  5   b  may define a first lower chamber  9   b.  The first end portion of the lower tube  12  may be sealingly fitted into a hole of the first lower header  7   b,  and the lower tube  12  may fluidly communicate with the first lower chamber  9   b.  A second lower header  8   b  and the second lower tank  6   b  may be sealingly joined so that the second lower header  8   b  and the second lower tank  6   b  may define a second lower chamber  10   b.  The second end portion of the lower tube  12  may be sealingly fitted into a hole of the second lower header  8   b,  and the lower tube  12  may fluidly communicate with the second lower chamber  10   b.    
     The middle section  3  may include at least one middle tube  13 , a first middle tank  5   c  fluidly connected to a first end portion of the middle tube  13 , and a second middle tank  6   c  fluidly connected to a second end portion of the middle tube  13 . The middle tube  13  may include a plurality of middle tubes, and the plurality of middle tubes  13  may be vertically spaced apart from each other. Air may pass through a gap between the adjacent middle tubes  13 , and a coolant may pass through an internal passage of each middle tube  13 . Referring to  FIG.  6   , an upper cooling fin  13   a  may be interposed between the uppermost middle tube  13  and the lowermost upper tube  11 , a middle cooling fin  13   b  may be interposed between the adjacent middle tubes  13 , and a lower cooling fin  13   c  may be interposed between the lowermost middle tube  13  and the uppermost lower tube  12 . 
     The middle tube  13  may have the first end portion fluidly connected to the first middle tank  5   c  and the second end portion fluidly connected to the second middle tank  6   c.  A longitudinal axis of the first middle tank  5   c  and a longitudinal axis of the second middle tank  6   c  may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the middle tube  13 . A first middle header  7   c  and the first middle tank  5   c  may be sealingly joined so that the first middle header  7   c  and the first middle tank  5   c  may define a first middle chamber  9   c . The first end portion of the middle tube  13  may be sealingly fitted into a hole of the first middle header  7   c , and the middle tube  13  may fluidly communicate with the first middle chamber  9   c.  A second middle header  8   c  and the second middle tank  6   c  may be sealingly joined so that the second middle header  8   c  and the second middle tank  6   c  may define a second middle chamber  10   c.  The second end portion of the middle tube  13  may be sealingly fitted into a hole of the second middle header  8   c,  and the middle tube  13  may fluidly communicate with the second middle chamber  10   c.    
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , the first upper tank  5   a,  the first middle tank  5   c,  and the first lower tank  5   b  may form a single first tank  5  as a unitary one-piece structure. The first upper header  7   a,  the first middle header  7   c , and the first lower header  7   b  may form a single first header  7  as a unitary one-piece structure. The second upper tank  6   a,  the second middle tank  6   c,  and the second lower tank  6   b  may form a single second tank  6  as a unitary one-piece structure. The second upper header  8   a,  the second middle header  8   c,  and the second lower header  8   b  may form a single second header  8  as a unitary one-piece structure. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the upper section  1  may be a high temperature radiator through which a coolant of relatively high temperature passes, and the lower section  2  may be a low temperature radiator through which a coolant of relatively low temperature passes. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the upper section  1  may be a low temperature radiator through which a coolant of relatively low temperature passes, and the lower section  2  may be a high temperature radiator through which a coolant of relatively high temperature passes. 
     In an internal combustion engine vehicle, the high temperature radiator may be configured to cool a high-temperature coolant passing through a water jacket of an internal combustion engine, and the low temperature radiator may be configured to cool a low-temperature coolant passing through a coolant passage of an EGR cooler. 
     In a hybrid vehicle, the high temperature radiator may be configured to cool a high-temperature coolant passing through a water jacket of an internal combustion engine, and the low temperature radiator may be configured to cool a low-temperature coolant passing through a coolant passage of power electronics (an electric motor, an inverter, etc.). 
     In an electric vehicle, the high temperature radiator may be configured to cool a high-temperature coolant passing through a coolant passage of powertrain components (an electric motor, power electronics, etc.), and the low temperature radiator may be configured to cool a low-temperature coolant passing through a coolant passage of a battery. 
     The upper section  1  and the lower section  2  may be fluidly separated from each other through the middle section  3 . An upper-side coolant may pass through the upper section  1 , and a lower-side coolant may pass through the lower section  2 . The upper-side coolant and the lower-side coolant may cool different components. 
     The upper section  1  may include an upper inlet  21  through which the upper-side coolant is allowed to flow in, and an upper outlet  22  from which the upper-side coolant is discharged. The upper inlet  21  and the upper outlet  22  may be disposed in various positions of the first upper tank  5   a  and/or the second upper tank  6   a  to provide various flow directions of the upper-side coolant. 
     The lower section  2  may include a lower inlet  23  through which the lower-side coolant is allowed to flow in, and a lower outlet  24  from which the lower-side coolant is discharged. The lower inlet  23  and the lower outlet  24  may be disposed in various positions of the first lower tank  5   b  and/or the second lower tank  6   b  to provide various flow directions of the lower-side coolant. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the upper inlet  21  may be positioned in an upper portion of the first upper tank  5   a,  and the upper outlet  22  may be positioned in a lower portion of the second upper tank  6   a.  Accordingly, the upper-side coolant may flow from the upper portion of the first upper tank  5   a  to the lower portion of the second upper tank  6   a  through the plurality of upper tubes  11 , and thus the upper-side coolant may flow linearly (see direction F 1  in  FIG.  1   ) in the upper section  1 . 
     According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the lower inlet  23  may be positioned in an upper portion of the first lower tank  5   b , and the lower outlet  24  may be positioned in a lower portion of the second lower tank  6   b.  Accordingly, the lower-side coolant may flow from the upper portion of the first lower tank  5   b  to the lower portion of the second lower tank  6   b  through the plurality of lower tubes  12 , and thus the lower-side coolant may flow linearly (see direction F 2  in  FIG.  1   ) in the lower section  2 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the upper inlet  21  may be positioned in an upper portion of the second upper tank  6   a,  and the upper outlet  22  may be positioned in a lower portion of the first upper tank  5   a.  Accordingly, the upper-side coolant may flow from the upper portion of the second upper tank  6   a  to the lower portion of the first upper tank  5   a  through the plurality of upper tubes  11 , and thus the upper-side coolant may flow linearly (see direction F 3  in  FIG.  2   ) in the upper section  1 . 
     According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the lower inlet  23  may be positioned in the upper portion of the first lower tank  5   b , and the lower outlet  24  may be positioned in the lower portion of the second lower tank  6   b.  Accordingly, the lower-side coolant may flow from the upper portion of the first lower tank  5   b  to the lower portion of the second lower tank  6   b  through the plurality of lower tubes  12 , and thus the lower-side coolant may flow linearly (see direction F 2  in  FIG.  2   ) in the lower section  2 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the upper inlet  21  may be positioned in the upper portion of the first upper tank  5   a,  and the upper outlet  22  may be positioned in the lower portion of the first upper tank  5   a.  Accordingly, the upper-side coolant may flow from the upper portion of the first upper tank  5   a  to the lower portion of the first upper tank  5   a  through the plurality of upper tubes  11 , and thus the upper-side coolant may flow in a U-shaped flow path (see direction F 4  in  FIG.  3   ) in the upper section  1 . 
     According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the lower inlet  23  may be positioned in the upper portion of the first lower tank  5   b , and the lower outlet  24  may be positioned in the lower portion of the second lower tank  6   b.  Accordingly, the lower-side coolant may flow from the upper portion of the first lower tank  5   b  to the lower portion of the second lower tank  6   b  through the plurality of lower tubes  12 , and thus the lower-side coolant may flow linearly (see direction F 2  in  FIG.  3   ) in the lower section  2 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the upper inlet  21  may be positioned in the upper portion of the second upper tank  6   a,  and the upper outlet  22  may be positioned in the lower portion of the first upper tank  5   a.  Accordingly, the upper-side coolant may flow from the upper portion of the second upper tank  6   a  to the lower portion of the first upper tank  5   a  through the plurality of upper tubes  11 , and thus the upper-side coolant may flow linearly (see direction F 3  in  FIG.  4   ) in the upper section  1 . 
     According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the lower inlet  23  may be positioned in the upper portion of the first lower tank  5   b , and the lower outlet  24  may be positioned in a lower portion of the first lower tank  5   b . Accordingly, the lower-side coolant may flow from the upper portion of the first lower tank  5   b  to the lower portion of the first lower tank  5   b  through the plurality of lower tubes  12 , and thus the lower-side coolant may flow in a U-shaped flow path (see direction F 6  in  FIG.  4   ) in the lower section  2 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the upper inlet  21  may be positioned in the upper portion of the first upper tank  5   a,  and the upper outlet  22  may be positioned in the lower portion of the first upper tank  5   a.  Accordingly, the upper-side coolant may flow from the upper portion of the first upper tank  5   a  to the lower portion of the first upper tank  5   a  through the plurality of upper tubes  11 , and thus the upper-side coolant may flow in a U-shaped flow path (see direction F 4  in  FIG.  5   ) in the upper section  1 . 
     According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the lower inlet  23  may be positioned in the upper portion of the first lower tank  5   b , and the lower outlet  24  may be positioned in the lower portion of the first lower tank  5   b . Accordingly, the lower-side coolant may flow from the upper portion of the first lower tank  5   b  to the lower portion of the first lower tank  5   b  through the plurality of lower tubes  12 , and thus the lower-side coolant may flow in a U-shaped flow path (see direction F 6  in  FIG.  5   ) in the lower section  2 . 
     As described above, the upper inlet  21  and the upper outlet  22  may be selectively disposed in the first upper tank  5   a  and/or the second upper tank  6   a  of the upper section  1  to determine various flow directions of the upper-side coolant. The lower inlet  23  and the lower outlet  24  may be selectively disposed in the first lower tank  5   b  and/or the second lower tank  6   b  of the lower section  2  to determine various flow directions of the lower-side coolant. The positions of the upper inlet  21  and the upper outlet  22  and the positions of the lower inlet  23  and the lower outlet  24  are not limited to those in the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS.  1  to  5   , and may change variously. 
     The middle section  3  may not have an inlet and an outlet, and the middle section  3  may be fluidly separated from the upper section  1  and the lower section  2 . The middle section  3  may be partitioned from the upper section  1  and the lower section  2  by a plurality of baffles  81 ,  82 ,  91 , and  92 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  to  6   , the plurality of baffles  81 ,  82 ,  91 , and  92  may include a first upper baffle  81  and a first lower baffle  82  extending from the first tank  5  to the first header  7  and a second upper baffle  91  and a second lower baffle  92  extending from the second tank  6  to the second header  8 . 
     The first upper baffle  81  may horizontally extend from a bottom end of the first upper tank  5   a  toward a bottom end of the first upper header  7   a,  and the first upper baffle  81  may be sealingly connected to the bottom end of the first upper header  7   a  through a sealing member  81   a.  The sealing member  81   a  may be provided between a free end of the first upper baffle  81  and the bottom end of the first upper header  7   a,  thus the sealing member  81   a  may seal between a free end of the first upper baffle  81  and the bottom end of the first upper header  7   a.  The sealing member  81   a  may be secured to the free end of the first upper baffle  81 . The first upper baffle  81  may fluidly separate the first upper chamber  9   a  and the first middle chamber  9   c.    
     The first lower baffle  82  may horizontally extend from a top end of the first lower tank  5   b  toward a top end of the first lower header  7   b,  and the first lower baffle  82  may be sealingly connected to the top end of the first lower header  7   b  through a sealing member  82   a . The sealing member  82   a  may be provided between a free end of the first lower baffle  82  and the first lower header  7   b,  thus the sealing member  82   a  may seal the free end of the first lower baffle  82  and the first lower header  7   b.  The sealing member  82   a  may be secured to the free end of the first lower header  7   b.  The first lower baffle  82  may fluidly separate the first lower chamber  9   b  and the first middle chamber  9   c.    
     The second upper baffle  91  may horizontally extend from a bottom end of the second upper tank  6   a  toward a bottom end of the second upper header  8   a,  and the second upper baffle  91  may be sealingly connected to the bottom end of the second upper header  8   a  through a sealing member  91   a.  The sealing member  91   a  is provided between a free end of the second upper baffle  91  and the bottom end of the second upper header  8   a,  thus the sealing member  91   a  may seal the free end of the second upper baffle  91  and the bottom end of the second upper header  8   a.  The sealing member  91   a  may be secured to the free end of the second upper baffle  91 . The second upper baffle  91  may fluidly separate the second upper chamber  10   a  and the second middle chamber  10   c.    
     The second lower baffle  92  may horizontally extend from a top end of the second lower tank  6   b  toward a top end of the second lower header  8   b,  and the second lower baffle  92  may be sealingly connected to the top end of the second lower header  8   b  through a sealing member  92   a.  The sealing member  92   a  is provided between a free end of the second lower baffle  92  and the top end of the second lower header  8   b,  thus the sealing member  92   a  may seal the free end of the second lower baffle  92  and the top end of the second lower header  8   b.  The sealing member  92   a  may be secured to the free end of the second lower baffle  92 . The second lower baffle  92  may fluidly separate the second lower chamber bob and the second middle chamber  10   c.    
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  to  6   , the middle section  3  may include two or more middle tubes  13 , and each middle tube  13  may receive a cooling medium such as air, a coolant, and a heat storage material in an internal passage thereof. Each end portion of the middle tube  13  may be blocked by a plurality of blocking units  30  and  60 . 
     The plurality of blocking units  30  and  60  may include a first blocking unit  30  sealingly blocking the first end portion of each middle tube  13 , and a second blocking unit  60  sealingly blocking the second end portion of each middle tube  13 . 
     The first blocking unit  30  may be connected to one edge of the first middle header  7   c . Referring to  FIG.  7   , the first blocking unit  30  may include a first blocking rib  31  extending from one edge of the first middle header  7   c  and two or more first blocking portions  32  and  33  foldably or unfoldably connected to the first blocking rib  31 . The number of the first blocking portions  32  and  33  may correspond to the number of the middle tubes  13 , and each of the first blocking portions  32  and  33  may be folded toward the first end portion of the corresponding middle tube  13  so that each of the first blocking portions  32  and  33  may be tightly attached to the first end portion of the corresponding middle tube  13  as illustrated in  FIG.  8   . Each of the first blocking portions  32  and  33  may have a larger area than that of an opening provided in the first end portion of the corresponding middle tube  13 , and each of the first blocking portions  32  and  33  may cover the first end portion of the corresponding middle tube  13  so that the first end portion of the corresponding middle tube  13  may be completely blocked (closed). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated radiator may further include a first support unit  40  sealingly supporting the first blocking portions  32  and  33  of the first blocking unit  30 . The first support unit  40  may be connected to the other edge of the first middle header  7   c.  Referring to  FIG.  7   , the first support unit  40  may include a first support rib  41  extending from the other edge of the first middle header  7   c,  two or more first support portions  42  and  43  foldably or unfoldably connected to the first support rib  41 , and two or more first edge support portions  44  and  45  foldably or unfoldably connected to edges of the corresponding first support portions  42  and  43 . The first support rib  41  may oppose the first blocking rib  31 . 
     The number of the first support portions  42  and  43  may correspond to the number of the first blocking portions  32  and  33 , and the first support portions  42  and  43  may be folded toward the corresponding first blocking portions  32  and  33  so that the first support portions  42  and  43  may be tightly attached to the corresponding first blocking portions  32  and  33  as illustrated in  FIG.  8   . The first edge support portions  44  and  45  may be foldably or unfoldably connected to the edges of the corresponding first support portions  42  and  43 , respectively. The first edge support portions  44  and  45  may be folded from the corresponding first support portions  42  and  43  toward the corresponding middle tubes  13  so that each of the first edge support portions  44  and  45  may be tightly attached to a top edge or a bottom edge of the corresponding middle tube  13 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , the upper first blocking portion  32  may block the first end portion of the upper middle tube  13 , the upper first support portion  42  may be tightly attached to the upper first blocking portion  32 , and the upper first edge support portion  44  may be tightly attached to the top edge of the first end portion of the upper middle tube  13  so that the first end portion of the upper middle tube  13  may be tightly sealed. The lower first blocking portion  33  may block the first end portion of the lower middle tube  13 , the lower first support portion  43  may be tightly attached to the lower first blocking portion  33 , and the lower first edge support portion  45  may be tightly attached to the bottom edge of the first end portion of the lower middle tube  13  so that the first end portion of the lower middle tube  13  may be tightly sealed. 
     The second blocking unit  60  may be connected to one edge of the second middle header  8   c.  Referring to  FIG.  9   , the second blocking unit  60  may include a second blocking rib  61  extending from one edge of the second middle header  8   c,  and two or more second blocking portions  62  and  63  foldably or unfoldably connected to the second blocking rib  61 . The number of the second blocking portions  62  and  63  may correspond to the number of the middle tubes  13 , and each of the second blocking portions  62  and  63  may be folded toward the second end portion of the corresponding middle tube  13  so that each of the second blocking portions  62  and  63  may be tightly attached to the second end portion of the corresponding middle tube  13  as illustrated in  FIG.  10   . Each of the second blocking portions  62  and  63  may have a larger area than that of an opening provided in the second end portion of the corresponding middle tube  13 , and each of the second blocking portions  62  and  63  may cover the second end portion of the corresponding middle tube  13  so that the second end portion of the corresponding middle tube  13  may be completely blocked (closed). 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated radiator may further include a second support unit  70  sealingly supporting the second blocking portions  62  and  63  of the second blocking unit  60 . The second support unit  70  may be connected to the other edge of the second middle header  8   c.  Referring to  FIG.  9   , the second support unit  70  may include a second support rib  71  extending from the other edge of the second middle header  8   c,  two or more second support portions  72  and  73  foldably or unfoldably connected to the second support rib  71 , and two or more second edge support portions  74  and  75  foldably or unfoldably connected to edges of the corresponding second support portions  72  and  73 . 
     The second support rib  71  may oppose the second blocking rib  61 . The number of the second support portions  72  and  73  may correspond to the number of the second blocking portions  62  and  63 , and the second support portions  72  and  73  may be folded toward the corresponding second blocking portions  62  and  63  so that the second support portions  72  and  73  may be tightly attached to the corresponding second blocking portions  62  and  63  as illustrated in  FIG.  10   . The second edge support portions  74  and  75  may be foldably or unfoldably connected to the edges of the corresponding second support portions  72  and  73 , respectively. The second edge support portions  74  and  75  may be folded from the corresponding second support portions  72  and  73  toward the corresponding middle tubes  13  so that each of the second edge support portions  74  and  75  may be tightly attached to a top edge or a bottom edge of the corresponding middle tube  13 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , the upper second blocking portion  62  may block the second end portion of the upper middle tube  13 , the upper second support portion  72  may be tightly attached to the upper second blocking portion  62 , and the upper second edge support portion  74  may be tightly attached to the top edge of the second end portion of the upper middle tube  13  so that the second end portion of the upper middle tube  13  may be tightly sealed. The lower second blocking portion  63  may block the second end portion of the lower middle tube  13 , the lower second support portion  73  may be tightly attached to the lower second blocking portion  63 , and the lower second edge support portion  75  may be tightly attached to the bottom edge of the second end portion of the lower middle tube  13  so that the second end portion of the lower middle tube  13  may be tightly sealed. 
     As set forth above, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the middle section including a cooling medium may be interposed between the upper section through which the upper-side coolant passes and the lower section through which the lower-side coolant passes, thereby improving the cooling performance of at least one of the upper section and the lower section or improving the cooling performance of the upper section and the cooling performance of the lower section simultaneously. For example, when a temperature difference between the upper-side coolant and the lower-side coolant is relatively low, the middle section may assist in the cooling of the upper section and the cooling of the lower section, thereby improving the cooling performance of the upper section and the cooling performance of the lower section simultaneously. When a temperature difference between the upper-side coolant and the lower-side coolant is relatively high, the middle section may be used to transfer heat from a relatively high temperature section to a relatively low temperature section, thereby improving the cooling performance of at least one of the upper section and the lower section. 
     Hereinabove, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but may be variously modified and altered by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure claimed in the following claims.