Claims:We Claim:

1. A bracket (100) comprising:
• a base portion (10) adapted to be mounted on a heat exchanger (20);
• a first arm (12) extending orthogonally to the base portion (10) and away from the heat exchanger (20), the first arm (12) adapted to form secure connection with a first body; and
• a second arm (14) spaced from the first arm (12) also extending orthogonally to the base portion (10) and away from the heat exchanger (20), the second arm (14) adapted to form secure connection with a second body,
at least one of the first arm (12) and the second arm (14) being laterally offset from a core (20a) of the heat exchanger (20) so that at least one of the first body (30) and the second body are offset with respect to the core (20a),
characterized in that interface between the base portion (10) and at least one of the first arm (12) and the second arm (14) is chamfered.

2. The bracket (100) as claimed in the previous claim, wherein the base portion (10) is mounted on a manifold (20b) of the heat exchanger (20).

3. The bracket (100) as claimed in the previous claim, wherein the base portion (10) is brazed to the manifold (20b).

4. The bracket (100) as claimed in the claim 2, wherein the base portion (10) comprises a manifold engaging portion (10a) that fits over the manifold (20b).

5. The bracket (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm (12) and the second arm (14) are parallel to each other.

6. The bracket (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first chamfer (12a) defines a first interface between the base portion (10) and the first arm (12).
7. The bracket (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, second chamfer (14a) defines a second interface between the base portion (10) and the second arm (14).

8. The bracket (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm (12) comprises at least one first reinforcement rib (12c) and at least one first mounting hole (12b) formed on the first reinforcement rib (12c).

9. The bracket (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second arm (14) comprises at least one second reinforcement rib (14c) disposed on at least one side of an interface between the at least one second chamfer (14a, 14b) and the second arm (14).

10. The bracket (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein there are two second chamfers (14a) defining the second interface, the two second chamfers (14a) are at an angle “α” with respect to each other, wherein one of the second chamfers (14a) is at an angle “α1” with respect to the base portion (10) and the another of the second chamfers (14a) is at an angle “α2” with respect to the base portion (10).

11. A heat exchanger 200 comprising brackets (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims mounted on at least one manifold (20b) of the heat exchanger (200).
, Description:TITLE
A BRACKET

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a bracket, more specifically, the present invention relates to a bracket for mounting elements on a vehicle heat exchanger.

Generally, a number of heat exchangers are disposed in a vehicle, such as for example, a radiator, a condenser an intercooler etc. Due to space constrains and packaging issues in limited space of vehicular environment, the heat exchangers are generally disposed close to each other and sometimes one heat exchanger is mounted on the other heat exchanger. Further, other auxiliary elements are also mounted on the heat exchanger. Generally, a first heat exchanger is directly mounted to a vehicle frame, whereas a second heat exchanger is mounted on the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger and second heat exchanger being laminar and of almost similar dimension are arranged in an overlapping fashion with respect to each other to address the packaging issues. In such configuration, the second heat exchanger substantially covers the first heat exchanger and acts as a barrier to air flow to the first heat exchanger. Similarly, the first heat exchanger also acts as a barrier to air flow to the second heat exchanger. The first and the second heat exchanger interfere with efficient operation of each other by obstructing airflow through the cores of the first and the second heat exchanger. Specifically, the first and the second heat exchanger obstruct airflow through each other. More specifically, with such configuration, the air distribution and air supply to the heat exchanger is compromised and adversely impacted. Accordingly, the efficiency and performance of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger is drastically reduced.

Accordingly, there is a need for a mounting arrangement, particularly, a bracket that enables mounting of different elements on the heat exchanger, thereby addressing problem of space constrains and packaging issues common in limited space of vehicular environment. Further, there is a need for a mounting bracket that enables mounting of different elements on the heat exchanger, without reducing the efficiency and performance thereof. Further, there is a need for a bracket that enables mounting of second heat exchanger and other elements on opposite sides of the first heat exchanger while still ensuring sufficient air supply across the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

Most of the conventionally known brackets used for mounting the elements on opposite sides of the heat exchanger are complex in configuration, fail to withstand high loads and are prone to mechanical failure. Further, the conventional brackets are subjected to uncontrolled stresses and problems arising due to high stresses / stress concentration.

Accordingly, there is a need for a bracket for mounting elements on a heat exchanger that is simple in construction and robust in design that enables mounting of elements on both sides of the heat exchanger to address packaging issues. Further, there is a need for a bracket for mounting elements on a heat exchanger that reduces the stresses acting thereon and addresses the problems arising due to uncontrolled stresses faced by the conventional brackets. Still further, there is need for a bracket for mounting elements on a heat exchanger that exhibits high mechanical strength to withstand high loads without mechanical failure

OBJECTS
An object of the present invention is to provide a bracket for mounting elements on a heat exchanger that obviates the drawbacks associated with the conventional brackets.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bracket that enables mounting of second heat exchanger and other elements on opposite sides of the first heat exchanger while still ensuring sufficient air supply across the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a bracket that enables mounting of different elements on a heat exchanger while still permitting sufficient airflow across the heat exchanger and without reducing the efficiency and performance thereof.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bracket for mounting elements on a heat exchanger that is simple in construction and robust in design.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a bracket that enables mounting of elements on opposite sides of a heat exchanger, thereby addressing problems associated with space constrains and packaging issues common in vehicular environment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bracket for mounting elements on a heat exchanger that reduces the stresses acting thereon and addresses the problems arising due to uncontrolled high stresses faced by the conventional brackets.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a bracket for mounting elements on a heat exchanger that exhibits high mechanical strength to withstand high loads without mechanical failure.

In the present description, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as a first element and a second element. In this case, unless stated otherwise, this indexation is only meant to differentiate and name elements which are similar but not identical. No idea of priority should be inferred from such indexation, as these terms may be switched without betraying the invention. Additionally, this indexation does not imply any order in mounting or use of the elements of the invention.

SUMMARY
A bracket is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The bracket includes a base portion, a first arm and a second arm. The base portion is mounted on a heat exchanger. The first arm extends orthogonally to the base portion and away from the heat exchanger. The first arm forms a secure connection with a first body. The second arm is spaced from the first arm also extends orthogonally to the base and away from the heat exchanger. The second arm forms a secure connection with a second body .At least one of the first arm and the second arm are laterally offset from a core of the heat exchanger so that at least one of the first body and the second body are offset with respect to the core. The interface between the base portion and at least one of the first arm and the second arm is chamfered.

Generally, the base portion is mounted on a manifold of the heat exchanger.

Specifically, the base portion is brazed to the manifold.

More specifically, the base portion includes a manifold engaging portion that fits over the manifold.

Generally, the first arm and the second arm are parallel to each other.

Further, at least one first chamfer defines a first interface between the base portion and the first arm.

Furthermore, at least one, second chamfer defines a second interface between the base portion and the second arm.

Generally, the first arm includes at least one reinforcement rib and a mounting hole formed on the reinforcement rib.

Similarly, the second arm includes at least one reinforcement rib disposed on at least one side of an interface between the at least one second chamfer and the second arm.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there are two second chamfers defining the second interface, the two second chamfers are at an angle “α” with respect to each other, wherein one of the second chamfers is at an angle “α1” with respect to the base portion and another of the second chamfers is at an angle “α2” with respect to the base portion.

Also is disclosed a heat exchanger in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchanger includes brackets as disclosed above mounted on at least one manifold of the heat exchanger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention can be inferred from the description of the invention hereunder. A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a heat exchanger with a pair of brackets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for mounting elements on opposite sides of the heat exchanger;

FIG. 2a illustrates a side view of a bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2b illustrates an isometric view of the bracket of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3a illustrates a side view of a bracket in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3b illustrates an isometric view of the bracket of FIG. 3a;

FIG. 4a illustrates a side view of a bracket in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4b illustrates an isometric view of the bracket of FIG. 4a.

It must be noted that the figures disclose the invention in a detailed enough way to be implemented, said figures helping to better define the invention if needs be. The invention should however not be limited to the embodiment disclosed in the description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Although the bracket of the present invention is explained with example of a mounting bracket used to mount planar elements on opposite sides of a vehicle heat exchanger, for example, for mounting a condenser and an air guide on opposite sides of a radiator used in a vehicular environment. Such bracket not only addresses problem of space constraints and packing issues faced in vehicular environment but also exhibits high mechanical strength to withstand high loads. Specifically, the bracket includes strategically configured stress relieving sections to reduce stress concentration at critical sections of the bracket to enable mounting of heavy components on the bracket and enable the bracket to withstand high loads without undergoing deformation or mechanical failure. The bracket of the present invention includes a base portion, a first arm and a second arm. The base portion is mounted on the radiator. The first arm extends orthogonally to the base and away from the radiator. The first arm forms a secure connection with a condenser. Similarly, the second arm is spaced from the first arm. The second arm also extends orthogonally to the base and away from the radiator. The second arm forms a secure connection with the air guide. At least one of the first arm and the second arm are laterally offset from the radiator core so that at least one of the condenser and the air guide are offset with respect to the radiator core. The interface between the base portion and at least one of the first arm and the second arm is chamfered to reduce stresses at the interface of the base portion and the respective arm, thereby addressing stress issues arising due to inherently induced high stresses in these sections of the bracket.

However, the present invention is also applicable to a bracket for mounting elements on at least one side of a component used in a vehicular or non-vehicular environment where the bracket is required to maintain the elements offset from the component to ensure efficient operation of the component and the bracket is required to exhibit high mechanical strength in spite of being subjected to heavy loads.

The FIG. 1 illustrates a heat exchanger, particularly a radiator 200. The radiator 200 includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes 22a disposed between a pair of opposite manifolds 20b. A first manifold supplies heat exchange fluid, particularly, water to the heat exchange tubes 22a and a second manifold collects the water after the water had rejected heat to the air flowing across the heat exchange tubes 22a while passing through the heat exchange tubes 22a. The adjacent heat exchange tubes 22a are separated by fins disposed there between. The fins enhances the heat exchange between the water flowing inside the heat exchange tubes 22a and air flowing outside the heat exchange tubes 22a. The exchange tubes 22a and the fins collectively configure a heat exchanger core 20a, simply referred to as core 20a.

The radiator 200 is configured with brackets 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The brackets 100 are mounted on the opposite manifolds 20b of the radiator 200. Referring to the FIG. 1, the first manifold 20b includes the brackets 100 mounted in spaced apart configuration. Similarly the second manifold 20b includes the brackets 100 mounted in spaced apart configuration. All the brackets in conjunction support and mount a first body, particularly, a condenser and a second body, particularly, an air guide on opposite sides of the radiator 200. The present invention is not limited by the number and spacing between the brackets as long as the brackets stably support and mount the condenser and the air guide on the radiator 200 and form secure connection with the opposite manifolds of the radiator 200 for mounting the condenser and the air guide on opposite sides of the radiator.

FIG. 2a illustrates a side view of the bracket 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2b illustrates an isometric view of the bracket 100. Referring to the FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, the bracket 100 includes a base portion 10, a first arm 12 and a second arm 14.

The base portion 10 is mounted on the manifold 20b of the heat exchanger 20. The base portion 10 generally includes a manifold engaging portion 10a that fits over the manifold 20b of the radiator. More specifically, the manifold engaging portion 10a is complimentary to the manifold 20b and hence fits over the manifold 20b. Generally, the base portion 10 is brazed to the manifold 20b. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular method of mounting the base portion 10 over the manifold 20b as far as the base portion 10 is capable of being securely mounted over the manifold 20b.

Generally, an interface between the base portion 10 and at least one of the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 of the bracket 100 is chamfered.

The first arm 12 extends orthogonally to the base portion 10 and away from the heat exchanger 20 on which the bracket 100 is mounted. At least one first chamfer 12a defines a first interface between the base portion 10 and the first arm 12. The first arm 12 also includes a first mounting hole 12b and at least one first reinforcement rib 12c. At least one of the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 are laterally offset from the 20a of the heat exchanger 20 so that at least one of the first body and the second body are offset with respect to the core 20a.

More specifically, the first arm 12 is spaced away from the core of the radiator 200 in a direction orthogonal to the radiator core. With such configuration, the condenser mounted on the first arm 12 is disposed spaced away from the radiator core, thereby addressing packaging issues without obstructing airflow across the radiator core and the condenser core. However, such a configuration of the first arm 12 inherently induces stresses on the bracket 100. The at least one first chamfer 12a defines the first interface between the base portion 10 and the second arm 14 to address the stress issue. The at least one first chamfer 12a at the interface of the first arm 12 and the base 10 prevents transmission of load from the first arm 12 to the critical sections of the bracket 100. Such configuration of the first chamfer 12a reduces the stresses acting on the bracket 100 and improves the load bearing capacity and mechanical strength of the bracket 100 to enhance reliability and service life of the bracket 100. The at least one first chamfer 12a further offsets the first arm 12 from the radiator 200 on which the bracket 100 is mounted. Accordingly, the first body, particularly, the condenser is mounted sufficiently away from the radiator 200 in a direction orthogonal to the radiator core. Due to the gap between the condenser and the radiator 200, there is sufficient air flow across the radiator and the condenser and uniform air distribution to the radiator core and the radiator 200 and the condenser operates efficiently. More specifically, with such configuration, the efficiency and performance of the radiator 200 and the condenser is not reduced due to the radiator and the condenser obstructing airflow across each other.

The first arm 12 forms secure connection with the first body, particularly, the condenser. Preferably, the connection between the first arm 12 of the bracket 100 and the condenser is a bolted connection. Specifically, the first mounting hole 12b formed on the first arm 12 is aligned with mounting aperture formed on the condenser and a bolt pass through the aligned first mounting hole 12b and the mounting aperture formed on the condenser and engages with a corresponding nut to form a threaded connection between the first arm 12 and the condenser. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular connection between the first arm 12 and the condenser as far as the connection is a secure connection.

The first reinforcing rib 12c provides mechanical strength to the first arm 12. The first mounting hole 12b is generally formed on the first reinforcement rib 12c. With such configuration of the first reinforcement rib 12c, the stress concentration due to the first mounting hole 12b formed on the first arm 12 is considerably reduced and the mechanical strength of the first arm 12 is increased.
Similarly, the second arm 14 is spaced from the first arm 12. Generally, at least one second chamfer 14a defines a second interface between the base portion 10 and the second arm 14. The second arm 14 also includes a mounting element such as for example a second mounting hole 14b (not shown in the Figures) and at least one second reinforcement rib 14c.

The second arm 14 is extending orthogonally to the base portion 10 and away from the heat exchanger 20. Generally, the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 are disposed parallel to each other. In accordance with another embodiment, the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 can be disposed at an angle with respect to each other. With the condenser mounted on the first arm 12 and the air guide mounted on the second arm 14 the packaging issues are addressed while still limiting the stresses on the bracket 100. The first arm 12 and the second arm 14 being disposed spaced from the radiator 200 causes the condenser and the air guide mounted on the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 respectively to be sufficiently spaced from each other in a direction orthogonal to the radiator core. The spacing between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 is based on the spacing required to be maintained between the condenser, the radiator and the air guide such that the condenser and the air guide do not obstruct airflow across the radiator 200 and radiator 200 does not obstruct the air flow across the condenser. Accordingly, sufficient airflow across the radiator 200 for ensuring efficient performance of the radiator 200 is ensured with sufficient spacing between the radiator 200 and the condenser on one side of the radiator 200 and between the radiator 200 and the air guide on the other side of the radiator 200. Similar sufficient airflow across the condenser is also ensured for efficient performance of the condenser. The at least one second chamfer 14a further offsets the second arm 14 with respect to the radiator 200 on which the bracket 100 is mounted. Accordingly, the second body, particularly, the air guide is mounted in a spaced apart configuration with respect to the radiator 200. Due to the gap between the air guide and the radiator 200, there is sufficient airflow across the radiator core and uniform air distribution to the radiator core and the radiator 200 operates efficiently.

The second arm 14 forms secure connection with the air guide. Preferably, the connection between the second arm 14 of the bracket 100 and the air guide is a bolted connection. Specifically, the second mounting hole 14b is formed on the second arm 14 for mounting the air guide to the second arm 14. More specifically, the second mounting hole 14b formed on the second arm 14 is aligned with mounting aperture formed on the air guide and a bolt passes through the aligned second mounting hole 14b formed on the second arm 14 and the mounting aperture formed on the air guide to engage with a corresponding nut and form a threaded connection between the second arm 14 and the air guide. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular connection between the second arm 14 and the air guide as far as the connection is a secure connection.

Referring to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, the at least one second reinforcement rib14c provides mechanical strength to the second arm 14. Generally, the second reinforcement rib 14c is disposed on at least one side of the interface between the second chamfer 14a and the second arm 14. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there are two second reinforcement ribs 14c, each formed on one side of the interface between the second chamfer 14a and the second arm 14 as illustrated in FIG. 2a.

FIG. 3a illustrates a side view of a bracket 100a in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3b illustrates an isometric view of the bracket 100a. The bracket 100a illustrated in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b is structurally and functionally similar to the bracket 100 illustrated in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b and is not described in detail for the sake of brevity of the present document. However, the bracket 100a includes only a single second reinforcement element 14c formed on arm side of the second interface between the second arm 14 and the second chamfer 14a instead of pair of second reinforcement ribs 14c formed on each side of the second interface between the second arm 14 and the second chamfer 14a in case of the bracket 100.

FIG. 4a illustrates a side view of a bracket 100b in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4b illustrates an isometric view of the bracket 100b. The bracket 100b illustrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b is structurally and functionally similar to the bracket 100 illustrated in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b and the bracket 100a illustrated in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b and is not described in detail for the sake of brevity of the present document. However, the bracket 100b includes two second chamfers 14a defining the second interface. The pair of second chamfers 14a are at an angle “α” with respect to each other. Particularly, one of the second chamfers 14a is at an angle “α1” with respect to the base portion 10 and the another second chamfer 14a is at an angle “α2” with respect to the base portion 10. Further, there are a pair of second reinforcement ribs 14c, each second reinforcement rib 14c formed on each side of the interface between the two second chamfers 14a as illustrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b.

Also is disclosed a heat exchanger 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchanger 200 includes brackets 100 as disclosed above mounted on at least one manifold 20b of the heat exchanger 200. Generally, the first manifold 20b includes a first pair of brackets 100 as disclosed above that in conjunction with a second pair of brackets 100 mounted on the second manifold 20b mount the condenser and the air guide on opposite sides of the heat exchanger 200.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

In any case, the invention cannot and should not be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, as other embodiments might exist. The invention shall spread to any equivalent means and any technically operating combination of means.