The present invention relates to a perfected radiator presenting two radiator elements, each comprising two manifolds connected hydraulically by a number of columns.

Known radiators of the above type present, at each axial end of the manifolds of a first element, a body for externally connecting the manifolds hydraulically to those of the second element. Such a system involves considerable cost, mainly due to the machining required for forming the ducts in the hydraulic connecting bodies, which cost is further increased by the number of seals required.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a perfected radiator featuring an efficient, low-cost system for hydraulically connecting the two radiator elements.

According to the present invention, there is provided a perfected radiator comprising two side by side radiator elements, each presenting two manifolds and a number of columns hydraulically connecting the manifolds of the same radiator element; characterized in that it comprises:
   a wall of the manifolds of a first said element contacting a corresponding said wall of the manifolds of the second said element; the contact portion of said walls of the manifolds of said elements being defined along a flat portion of said walls;
   a recess formed in said flat portion of said walls, at the axial ends of each said manifold, to define a duct between the side by side manifolds;
   a weld formed along the edge of said recesses between said side by side walls, so as to form, at the axial ends of each pair of side by side manifolds, a single manifold, the end of which presents an inner contour defined by the inner contours of said side by side manifolds, and by the front portion of said recesses; and
   a plate fitted in fluidtight manner to the end of said single manifold.

A preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 shows a front view of a radiator in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
• Figure 2 shows a larger-scale exploded view of a portion of the Figure 1 radiator;
• Figure 3 shows a section of the Figure 2 portion;
• Figure 4 shows a side view of the Figure 2 portion with one component removed.

Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates a radiator comprising (Figure 2) two radiator elements 2, each presenting two manifolds 4, and a number of columns 5 hydraulically connecting the manifolds of the same element 2. Elements 2 are arranged side by side so that a wall 6 of manifolds 4 of a first element 2 contacts the corresponding wall 6 of manifolds 4 of the second element 2; the contact portion of walls 6 of manifolds 4 of the two elements 2 being defined along a flat portion of walls 6.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, at the axial ends of each manifold 4, a recess 7 is formed, via material removal, in the flat portion of walls 6; and, along the edge of recess 7, a weld 8 is formed between the two side by side walls 6 so as to mechanically connect, and define a duct between, the two side by side manifolds 4. In other words, at the axial ends of each pair of side by side manifolds 4, there is formed a single manifold, the end of which presents an inner contour defined by the inner contours of side by side manifolds 4 and by the front portion of the two recesses 7.

Said end of the single manifold is fitted inside with a plate 11 presenting a peripheral contour substantially similar to the inner contour of the single manifold. More specifically, the outer face of plate 11 is flush with the outer edge of the axial end of the single manifold. The rear portion of recesses 7 is of course unaffected by plate 11 and therefore provides for hydraulically connecting the two side by side manifolds 4. To seal the single manifold, a weld 12 is then made between its inner edge and the peripheral edge of plate 11, which presents a threaded central through hole 13 terminating at the rear portion of recesses 7 and for in-service connection of hydraulic joints and valves.

The advantages of the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, it provides for a two-element radiator featuring a hydraulic connecting system between the manifolds which is both efficient and cheap and easy to produce.

Clearly, changes may be made to radiator 1 as described and illustrated herein without, however, departing from the scope of the present invention.

In particular, manifolds 4 may differ in design from those shown herein, providing manifolds 4 of a first element 2 present a wall 6 contacting a corresponding wall 6 of manifolds 4 of the second element 2 along a flat portion in which to form recesses 7; in which case, of course, the outer contour of plate 11 will substantially match the inner contour of the single manifold formed by the two side by side manifolds 4 of the two elements 2.