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(11) | EP 1 484 569 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Self-locking mounting bracket |
| (57) The invention relates to a self-locking mounting bracket (4) for fastening on a pipeline,
in particular on a heat exchanger manifold (3) having a cooling core (2) fluidly connected
with two manifolds (3). The bracket (4) has preferably a form of an integral shape
made by a pressing method, comprising of at least two mounting clasps (9, 10) linked
by connecting surface (5) and having a shape at least partially reflecting the manifold
(3) cross-section, and at least one assembling surface (6, 7). The first mounting
clasp (9) has at least one cut-out (91) substantially parallel to the manifold (3)
axis and the second mounting clasp (10) is capable of snapping on the manifold (3)
and has at least one cut-out (101) substantially perpendicular to the manifold (3)
axis. The manifold (3) comprises mounting projections (31, 31') for the cut-outs in
the first and in the second clasp (9, 10). Such construction of the bracket (4) secures
the bracket against displacement and rotation. The bracket can easily be attached
and detached before brazing. Moreover, no additional supporting facilities are needed
for brazing the bracket (4), thus rendering it possible to manufacture the heat exchanger
by means of one-shot brazing operation. After assembling all the heat exchanger components
together and attaching the bracket, the exchanger is placed into a furnace, where
it undergoes the one-shot brazing process. |
[0001] The invention relates to a self-locking mounting bracket for fastening on a pipeline, in particular on a heat exchanger manifold. Brackets of this kind are used as support points for fastening the exchanger to the bearing structure or as a basis for fixing other elements to the heat exchanger body, therefore the suitable rigidity, reliability of the attachment and resistance to mechanical vibrations generated during operation of the heat exchanger are necessary. The required reliability of the attachment is commonly achieved by brazing brackets to the manifold. To provide suitable stability during brazing, special holders are applied or the components are preliminarily stitched together by a number of short welds. Self-locking brackets are also used.
[0002] The patent US 5,183,103 discloses a mounting bracket comprising a pair of embracing portions capable of resiliently engaging the exterior of the manifold to keep the bracket in place prior to brazing of the components of the heat exchanger together. The bracket may be preliminarily connected to the heat exchanger manifold, without the need of using any special tools before the "one-shot" brazing operation, thus facilitating the manufacture of the heat exchanger. Since no additional appliances are necessary, it is possible to accommodate a larger number of heat exchangers in a furnace, hence substantially increasing production yield.
[0003] However, the locking of such a bracket does not secure its vertical position. Bracket may be accidentally displaced e.g. during transport of a heat exchanger to a furnace before brazing. Accidental swivelling around the manifold tube is also possible.
[0004] The aim of the present invention is to provide a single-unit bracket that enables easy, durable and detachable fastening to an arterial pipeline of any cross-section, preferably at a number of points along the bracket height. The aim of the present invention is, in particular, a bracket structure for a heat exchanger, enabling detachable preliminary fastening of the bracket to the heat exchanger manifold, preferably at a number of points along its height, before one-shot brazing process.
[0005] According to the present invention there is provided a self-locking mounting bracket for fastening on a pipeline, in particular on a heat exchanger manifold, characterised in that it comprises at least two mounting clasps linked by a connecting surface and having a shape at least partially reflecting the pipeline cross-section, and at least one assembling surface, wherein the first mounting clasp comprises at least one cut-out substantially parallel to the manifold axis and the second mounting clasp is capable of snapping on the manifold and comprises at least one cut-out substantially perpendicular to the manifold axis and wherein the manifold comprises mounting projections for the cut-outs in the first and in the second clasp.
[0006] To attach the bracket to the manifold, one should tilt the bracket back at a certain angle to the manifold and slide the cut-outs of the first mounting clasp onto one pair of the mounting projections, then swivel the other end of the bracket towards the manifold and drive the cut-outs of the second clasp onto the corresponding mounting projections, thus locking the clasp to the manifold. Thanks to that the bracket is reliably attached. The cut-outs perpendicular to the manifold axis secure the bracket against displacement along the manifold axis, whereas the parallel cut-outs secure the bracket from swivelling around the manifold axis.
[0007] Advantageously according to the present invention the bracket has a form of an integral shape made by a pressing method.
[0008] It is also favourable according to the present invention, when the integral multiple (n) of the distance (h) between neighbouring mounting projections of the manifold is substantially equal to the distance (H) between the end of the parallel cut-out in the first mounting clasp and the end of the cut-out in the second mounting clasp (n·h ≅ H).
[0009] Thanks to that, the bracket can be attached to the manifold at a number of locations along the manifold length. Under some circumstances, however, it may be favourable to provide only one pair or several pairs of projections, in order to render it possible to attach the bracket only at predetermined locations along the manifold length.
[0011] This feature significantly reduces the manufacturing costs of the heat exchanger, as no additional fixing elements are necessary.
[0012] Furthermore, it is favourable according to the present invention if the angular spacing of the second mounting clasp is greater than 180°.
[0013] Thanks to that, the second clasp engages behind the manifold axis, thus creating a snapping latch, which preserves the bracket from sliding out from the manifold.
[0014] Furthermore it is favourable if the second mounting clasp ends with mounting tongues that embrace the manifold cross-section.
[0015] Said tongues enable the attachment of the bracket to manifolds of various cross-sections. The only requirement is that arms of the clasp should provide sufficient clamping force on the side of the manifold which is opposite the bracket.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the bracket according to the present invention, the cut-out that is substantially perpendicular to the manifold axis may turn upwardly, thus creating a snap fastener.
[0017] Such construction of the bracket enables the application of the second clasps having angular spacing of less than 180°. This makes it possible to attach the bracket e.g. on a two-part partitioned manifold.
[0018] Furthermore, it is favourable if the connecting surface of the bracket comprises corrugations substantially perpendicular to the bracket axis.
[0019] The main purpose of said corrugations is to increase the crosswise rigidity of the bracket mounting surfaces, which serve either as attachment points for additional components of a heat exchanger, or support points for the heat exchanger itself. Moreover, such corrugations reduce the longitudinal rigidity of the bracket and render it possible to squeeze the bracket axially and attach it to the manifold even if the spacing between the corresponding mounting projections is slightly different to the distance between the end of the vertical cut-out of the first clasp and the cut-out of the second clasp.
[0020] After the preliminary attachment of the bracket it is advantageous to fasten the bracket permanently to the manifold by means of brazing.
[0021] In such a case, according to the present invention it is advantageous if the connecting surface contacts the surface of the manifold, and the connecting surface and/or the manifold are coated with a brazing agent.
[0022] During the furnace brazing said coating melts, providing a reliable and permanent fastening of the bracket to the manifold.
[0023] The bracket according to the present invention is presented below by way of examples of preferred embodiments with reference to figures of the drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a fragment of a heat exchanger with manifold and the self-locking mounting bracket according to the present invention, in axonometric view, prior to an attachment,
Fig. 2 shows a fragment of a heat exchanger with its manifold and the self-locking mounting bracket according to the present invention mounted on it, in lateral view,
Fig. 3 shows the A-A section of Fig. 2,
Fig. 4 shows the B-B section of Fig. 2,
Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the bracket according to the present invention, applicable to a two-part partitioned manifold, in axonometric view, prior to attachment,
Fig. 6 shows the bracket from Fig. 5 after attachment to the manifold in a lateral view, and
Fig. 7 shows yet another embodiment of the bracket according to the present invention, applicable to pipeline having pentagonal cross-sections.
[0024] The embodiments shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 relate to a typical heat exchanger 1, having a cooling core 2 fluidly connected with two manifolds 3.
[0025] The bracket 4 illustrated in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 has the form of a single-unit profiled element manufactured of an aluminium sheet by a pressing method. Within the profiled element, the connecting surface 5 is shaped, from which two mounting surfaces 6 and 7 fork in two different directions. Each of the mounting surfaces has openings serving as mounting places of the bracket 4 after its attachment to a bearing structure, which is not shown in the drawings. Both the connecting surface 5 and the mounting surfaces 6 and 7 comprise corrugations 8 which increase the crosswise rigidity of the bracket.
[0026] The connecting surface 5 develops, from its bottom side, to the first mounting clasp 9, and from its top side ― to the second mounting clasp 10. The shapes of mounting clasps 9 and 10 correspond to the round cross-section of the manifold 3, wherein the angular spacing of clasps is greater than 180°, so that they engage around the manifold 3, behind its central axis.
[0027] The first mounting clasps 9 has two cut-outs 91 (drawing Fig. 3) parallel and symmetrical to the manifold 3 axis, wherein the second mounting clasp 10 has two cut-outs 101 (drawing Fig. 4), perpendicular and symmetrical to the manifold 3 axis.
[0028] The manifold 3 has on its both sides a number of pairs of mounting projections 31, disposed within equal distances along the length of the manifold. Integral multiple of the distance h between two neighbouring mounting projections is approximately equal to the distance H between the ends of the vertical cut-outs 91 in the first mounting clasp 9 and the cut-outs 101 in the second mounting clasp 10 (n·h ≅ H). That enables attaching the bracket to the manifold at a number of locations along the manifold 3 length. The mounting projections 31 are shaped here as convex beads on the manifold 3 wall, made by means of chiselling the manifold 3 at certain points along its surface. In the presented embodiment, the total height H includes five mounting beads 31 located within equal distances h from one another.
[0029] Attaching the bracket 4 to the manifold 3 is relatively simple. Firstly, having the bracket 4 tilted back at some angle to the manifold axis one should slide the cut-outs 91 of the firsts mounting clasp 9 onto one pair of the mounting projections 31. Then, having the one end of the bracket attached, one should swivel the bracket towards the manifold 3 and drive the cut-outs of the second clasp 10 till the clasp latches on around the manifold 3. The cut-outs 101 secure the bracket against displacement along the manifold axis, whereas the cut-outs 91 secure the bracket against rotation and detachment.
[0030] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 present another embodiment of the bracket according to the present invention. The bracket components that correspond to the ones from Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 are marked by the same reference numerals.
[0031] The bracket 4, as shown in Fig. 5, has only one mounting surface 6, which is used for mounting a fan shroud (not shown in the drawing).
[0032] In this case, the manifold 3 is manufactured as a two-part unit, composed of two semicircular plates 32 and 33, whereas the mounting projections have a form of cylindrical rods 31'.
[0033] The shape of the mounting clasps 9 and 10 substantially reflect round cross-section of the manifold 3, however its angular spacing is less than 180°, so the clasp ends reach the protruding joint 34 between the plates 32 and 33 of the manifold 3.
[0034] The first mounting clasp 9 comprises a pair of cut-outs 91 parallel to the manifold 3 axis, whereas the second clasp 10 has two cut-outs 101' which turn upwardly at their ends, thus creating a snap fastener 102.
[0035] Attaching the bracket 4 to the manifold 3 consists of sliding the cut-outs 91 of the first mounting clasp 9 onto one pair of fixing rods 31'; swivelling the bracket towards the manifold 3; sliding the cut-outs 101' onto the corresponding pair of fixing rods 31' and finally lowering the bracket in order to lock the second mounting clasp 10 onto the manifold 3.
[0036] For both embodiments described above, the connecting surface 5 contacts the manifold surface and is coated from its inner side by a brazing agent, which during furnace brazing of the heat exchanger melts, providing a reliable and permanent fastening of the bracket 4 to the manifold 3. The above approach enables the manufacturing of a heat exchanger in a one-shot brazing process. After assembling of all the heat exchanger components, such as tubes, cooling fins, manifolds and side supports together and attaching necessary brackets to the exchanger, the exchanger is placed into a furnace, where it undergoes the one-shot brazing process.
[0037] Fig. 7 presents one more embodiment of the bracket according to the present invention. In this case the bracket was designed to be attached to the pipeline 3" having a pentagonal cross-section. As shown, despite the fact that the angular spacing of the second clasp is less than 180°, and the bracket does not engage behind the pipeline 3" central axis, the appropriate snapping latch arises exclusively by virtue of matching the clasp 10 with the arterial pipeline 3" shape.
[0038] The application of clasps with cut-outs secures the bracket against displacement and rotation. The bracket can easily be attached and detached before brazing. Moreover, no additional supporting facilities are necessary for brazing, which significantly reduces the working time and decreases the number of additional components required for assembling the heat exchanger, hence enabling manufacturing of the heat exchanger by means of the one-shot brazing operation.
1. Self-locking mounting bracket for fastening on a pipeline, in particular on a heat
exchanger manifold, characterised in that it comprises at least two mounting clasps (9, 10) linked by connecting surface (5)
and having a shape at least partially reflecting the manifold (3) cross-section, and
at least one assembling surface (6, 7), wherein the first mounting clasp (9) comprises
at least one cut-out (91) substantially parallel to the manifold (3) axis and the
second mounting clasp (10) is capable of snapping on the manifold (3) and comprises
at least one cut-out (101) substantially perpendicular to the manifold (3) axis and
wherein the manifold (3) comprises mounting projections (31, 31') for the cut-outs
in the first and the second clasp (9, 10).
2. A bracket as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that it has a form of an integral shape made by a pressing method.
3. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the integral multiple of the distance (h) between neighbouring mounting projections
(31, 31') of the manifold (3) is substantially equal to the distance (H) between the
end of the parallel cut-out (91) in the first mounting clasp (9) and the end of the
cut-out (101) in the second mounting clasp (10).
4. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that mounting projections (31) have a form of convex beads on the manifold (3) surface.
5. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that angular spacing of the second mounting clasp (10) is greater than 180°.
6. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the second mounting clasp (10) ends with mounting tongues (103) embracing the manifold
(3) cross-section.
7. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cut-out (101') substantially perpendicular to the manifold (3) axis, turns upwardly
creating a snap fastener (102).
8. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the connecting surface (5) comprises corrugations (8) substantially perpendicular
to the bracket (4) axis.
9. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it is permanently fastened to the manifold (3) by means of brazing.
10. A bracket as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that the connecting surface (5) contacts the surface of the manifold (3) and the connecting
surface (5) and/or the manifold (3) is coated with a brazing agent.