Nothing Special   »   [go: up one dir, main page]

EP1132706A2 - Heat exchanger - Google Patents

Heat exchanger Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1132706A2
EP1132706A2 EP01105273A EP01105273A EP1132706A2 EP 1132706 A2 EP1132706 A2 EP 1132706A2 EP 01105273 A EP01105273 A EP 01105273A EP 01105273 A EP01105273 A EP 01105273A EP 1132706 A2 EP1132706 A2 EP 1132706A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heat
headers
exchange tubes
heat exchanger
portions
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01105273A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1132706A3 (en
Inventor
Koji Mitsubishi Heavy Ind. Ltd. Nakado
Toru Mitsubishi Heavy Ind. Ltd. Okamura
Masashi Mitsubishi Heavy Ind. Ltd. Inoue
Kei Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. Yoshitomi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd filed Critical Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd
Publication of EP1132706A2 publication Critical patent/EP1132706A2/en
Publication of EP1132706A3 publication Critical patent/EP1132706A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
    • F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
    • F28F3/04—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being integral with the element
    • F28F3/042—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being integral with the element in the form of local deformations of the element
    • F28F3/044—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being integral with the element in the form of local deformations of the element the deformations being pontual, e.g. dimples
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/03—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits
    • F28D1/0308—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other
    • F28D1/0316—Assemblies of conduits in parallel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/03—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits
    • F28D1/0391—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits a single plate being bent to form one or more conduits
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
    • F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
    • F28F9/04—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates
    • F28F9/16—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates by permanent joints, e.g. by rolling
    • F28F9/18—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates by permanent joints, e.g. by rolling by welding
    • F28F9/182—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates by permanent joints, e.g. by rolling by welding the heat-exchange conduits having ends with a particular shape, e.g. deformed; the heat-exchange conduits or end plates having supplementary joining means, e.g. abutments

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a heat exchanger which is suitable for used as a heat exchanger of a refrigerant and constitutes a condenser and an evaporator of an air conditioner.
  • a refrigerant (fluid) which has been transformed into a compressed gas having high temperature and pressure, is liquefied in a condenser, and the liquefied refrigerant is vaporized by removing heat of evaporation in an evaporator.
  • a heat exchanger which equips a plurality of heat-exchange tubes for flowing the refrigerant in the inside thereof is used in the condenser and evaporator. In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant which flows through the heat-exchange tubes radiates or absorbs heat through the walls of the heat-exchange tubes.
  • the heat exchanger as shown in Figs. 23 to 26 is known as this type of heat exchanger.
  • the heat exchanger comprises: a pair of headers 10, 10 which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance, and a pathway of the refrigerant (fluid) is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... which are provided in parallel between the headers 10, 10, and both ends thereof are fastened to the headers 10, 10 and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers 10, 10 is respectively provided therein; and a plurality of fins 30, 30... which are provided between the adjacent heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... to contact the outer surfaces of the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... which face each other.
  • an inlet 13 of the refrigerant is provided on one end of one of the headers 10, and an outlet 14 of the refrigerant which is approximately located at the farthest position from the inlet 13 on a diagonal line toward the inlet 13, is provided on the other header 10.
  • connecting structures between the headers 10, 10 and the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... are provided by inserting end portions 21, 21... of the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... into insertion holes 11, 11... which are bored on the headers 10, 10, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening the headers 10, 10 and the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20...
  • Each heat-exchange tube 20 is constructed by bending a belt shaped metal plate 22 in which solder is clad on both surfaces thereof at a folding portion 23 provided along the longitudinal direction of the metal plate 22, and by forming a passage for the refrigerant between wall portions 24, 25 which are located on one and the other sides of the bent metal plate 22 by attaching connecting end portions 26, 26 which are formed at the ends of the wall portions 24, 25 along the longitudinal direction of the bent metal plate 22.
  • the radius of curvature of the folding portion 23 is smaller than the widths of the wall portions 24, 25, and therefore, the heat-exchange tube 20 forms a flat shape in which the distance between the wall portions 24, 25 is shortened to the widths thereof.
  • a plurality of bulging members 28, 28... project from the wall portions 24, 25 toward the opposing wall portions.
  • Each of these bulging members 28, 28... has a truncated-cone shape, and a flat connecting portion 28a is provided on the connecting end thereof.
  • the connecting portions 28a, 28a... of the opposing bulging members 28, 28... contact each other.
  • a notch 16 is provided on the connecting end portions 26, 26 of each end portion 21 so as to unify the inserted length of the end portion 21 by attaching the notch 16 to the edge of the insertion hole 11 when the end portion 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 11.
  • the heat exchanger is assembled by the following steps: producing the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... by forming a metal tube by press molding or roll molding and cutting both ends of the metal tube; inserting the end portions 21, 21... of the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... into the insertion holes 11, 11... of the headers 10, 10...; providing fins 30, 30... between the adjacent heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... by contacting the fins 30, 30... to both of the opposing outer surfaces of the adjacent heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... in order to prevent the separation of the connecting end portions 26, 26 of each heat-exchange tube 20 by a spring-back force, and retaining these heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... and the fins 30, 30... which form multilayers, by sandwiching them between a pair of holding plates 15, 15 from the outside.
  • the heat exchanger is temporarily assembled by using jigs, and braze-welded by heating in a furnace. That is, joints between the insertion holes 11, 11... and the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... , and a joint between the opposing connecting end portions 26, 26 are each air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastened by braze-welding. Furthermore, the connecting portions 28a, 28a... of the opposing bulging members 28, 28... are also fastened by braze-welding.
  • the refrigerant flows into a header 10 from the inlet 13, branches off and passes through each heat-exchange tube 20, flows into the opposite header 10, and flows out from the outlet 14.
  • the refrigerant exchanges heat toward an outer part through the wall surfaces of the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20....
  • the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... in which the high pressure refrigerant flows have a structure for improving the resistance against the pressure force which is exerted on the wall portions 24, 25 of the flat heat-exchange tubes 20, 20.... That is, the wall portions 24, 25 which are positioned on the top and bottom facing each other, are connected by welding the connecting portions 28a, 28a... of the opposing bulging members 28, 28... which are used to stir the refrigerant.
  • No bulging members are provided around the opening ends which provide the inlet/outlet portion for the refrigerant at both ends of the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20..., in order to prevent problems such as pressure losses of the refrigerant caused by sudden expansion/contraction of the refrigerant.
  • the formed opening ends tend to be easily deformed along the cutting direction of the tube because the bulging members which support the opposing wall portions are not provided.
  • the opening ends which have deformations such as bending or twisting, are difficult to insert into the insertion holes of the header.
  • the present invention is achieved in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a heat exchanger in which braze-welding can be performed more properly and which possesses superior sealing performance and resistance against the pressure.
  • a first aspect of the heat exchanger of the present invention comprises: a pair of headers which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes which are provided between the headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein; wherein connecting structures between the headers and the heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting the end portions of the heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes which are bored on the header, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening the header and the heat-exchange tubes; and shape-holding portions for preventing the deformation of the opening ends of the heat-exchange tube which are provided in the vicinity of the opening ends of each heat-exchange tube.
  • the shape-holding portions are provided by reinforcement members which project from at least one of the opposing wall portions of the heat-exchange tube toward the other opposing wall portion, and the connecting ends of the opposing reinforcement members contact each other.
  • a second aspect of the heat exchanger of the present invention comprises: a pair of headers which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes which are provided between the headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers, and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein, wherein connecting structures between the headers and the heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting end portions of the heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes which are bored on the header, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening the header and the heat-exchange tubes; and an insertion end portion, in which the width thereof between opposing side walls of the heat-exchange tube becomes narrower as it approaches an opening end of the heat-exchange tube, which is provided on each end portion of the heat-exchange tubes.
  • each insertion hole has a shape corresponding to the shape of the insertion end portion.
  • the insertion end portion has a contacting portion which is inwardly or outwardly projecting from the outer surface thereof, and each insertion hole has a shape corresponding to the shape of the insertion end portion in which the contacting portion is provided.
  • a third aspect of the heat exchanger of the present invention comprises: a pair of headers which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance, and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes which are provided between the headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers, and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein, wherein connecting structures between the headers and the heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting end portions of the heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes which are bored on the header, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening the header and the heat-exchange tubes; and a comer of an opening end of each heat-exchange tube which is partly cut off.
  • a fourth aspect of the heat exchanger of the present invention comprises: a pair of headers which are provided in parallel to facing each other through a predetermined distance, and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes which are provided between the headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein, wherein connecting structures between the headers and the heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting end portions of the heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes which are bored on the header, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening the header and the heat-exchange tubes; and a removal prevention member which is fastened to opposing wall portions of each heat-exchange tube for preventing the deformation of the heat-exchange tube caused by removal of the wall portions, and which is provided on at least one of the wall portions.
  • the removal prevention member is provided by bulging members which project from respective wall portions toward the opposing wall portions, and the connecting ends of the opposing bulging members contact each other and are welded by laser.
  • the removal prevention member is provided with projections which project from respective wall portions toward the opposing wall portions, a hole which is provided on one of the projections, a pipe member which is provided on the other projection and passes through the hole, and a caulked portion which is provided on the ends of the projections for fastening the projections by being turning downward and caulking the end of the pipe member.
  • the removal prevention member is provided by extending a part of one of the opposing wall portions from each opening end of the heat-exchange tubes and bending toward the other wall portion so as to be fastened to the other wall portion.
  • Fig. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the header which has an insertion hole according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of a variation of the heat-exchange tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 is an enlarged front view of the main part of a variation of the header which has an insertion hole according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of another variation of the heat-exchange tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is an enlarged front view of the main part of another variation of the header which has an insertion hole according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of another variation of the heat-exchange tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 is an enlarged front view of the main part of another variation of the header which has an insertion hole according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of another variation of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of another variation of the heat-exchange tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 is an enlarged front view of the main part of another variation of the header which has an insertion hole according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of another variation of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 16 is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the heat exchanger according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the heat exchanger according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the heat exchanger according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the heat exchanger according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 23 is a front view of a conventional heat exchanger.
  • Fig. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat exchanger shown in Fig. 23.
  • Fig. 25 is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the heat exchanger shown in Fig. 23.
  • Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A shown in Fig. 25.
  • FIGs. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention.
  • a heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "A" has a similar structure to the conventional heat exchanger, which is disclosed in Fig. 23, and comprises: a pair of headers 10, 10 which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance, and a pathway of the refrigerant (fluid) is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... which are provided in parallel between the headers 10, 10, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers 10, 10 and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein; and a plurality of fins 30, 30... which are provided between the adjacent heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... to contact the outer surfaces of the heat-exchange tubes 20, 20... which face each other.
  • Each heat-exchange tube 20 is constructed by bending a belt-shaped metal plate 22 on which solder is clad on both surfaces thereof at a folding portion 23 provided along the longitudinal direction of the metal plate 22, and by forming a passage 27 for the refrigerant by attaching connecting end portions 26, 26 to the ends of the wall portions 24, 25 which are formed by bending and which extend along the longitudinal direction of the metal plate 22.
  • a plurality of bulging members 28, 28... project from the wall portions 24, 25 toward the opposing wall portions.
  • Each of these bulging members 28, 28... has a truncated-cone shape, and a flat connecting portion 28a is provided on the connecting end thereof.
  • the connecting portions 28a, 28a... of the opposing bulging members 28, 28... contact each other.
  • a notch 16 is provided on the connecting end portions 26, 26 of each end portion 21 so as to unify the inserted length of the end portion 21 by attaching the notch 16 to the edge of the insertion hole 11 when the end portion 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 11.
  • reinforcement members 40, 40... which project from the wall portions 24, 25 toward the opposing wall portions, are formed.
  • the connecting ends of opposed reinforcement members 40, 40... contact each other and shape-holding portions 41 for preventing the deformation of the opening ends 29 are provided by these contacted reinforcement members 40, 40....
  • the reinforcement members 40, 40... which project from the wall portions 24, 25 and which contact each other, support the wall portions 24, 25 along the cutting direction, and therefore, deformation of the wall portions 24, 25 is prevented by the shape-holding portions 41. Furthermore, the shapes of the opening ends 29 are maintained by preventing the deformation of the wall portions 24, 25, since the opening ends 29 are formed at the cutting surface of the end portions 21, and therefore, the end portions 21 are smoothly inserted and closely connected with the insertion holes 11.
  • the reinforcement members 40, 40... are composed of projections which are smaller than the bulging members 28, 28... because they are not designed for stirring the refrigerant which flows in the heat-exchange tube 20, and therefore, problems caused by sudden expansion/contraction of the refrigerant can be prevented if the reinforcement members 40, 40... are provided adjacent to the opening ends 29.
  • FIGs. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention.
  • a heat-exchange tube 20 constitutes a main part of the heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "B" (refer to Fig. 11, for example) and comprises a pair of belt-shaped plates 22a, 22b which extend along the longitudinal direction of the heat-exchange tube 20.
  • a passage 27 for the refrigerant is provided between the plates 22a, 22b, by attaching connecting end portions 26a, 26b which project from both ends of plates 22a, 22b and extend along the longitudinal direction of the plates 22a, 22b.
  • an insertion end portion 50 in which the width thereof between the opposing connecting end portions 26a, 26b (the width between the opposing side walls of the heat-exchange tube 20) becomes narrower as it approaches the opening end 29, is provided on each end portion 21 of the heat-exchange tube 20.
  • a contacting portion 60 is provided on wall portions 24, 25 of the insertion end portion 50.
  • the contacting portion 60 is constructed of a pair of grooves 61, 62 which extends along the longitudinal direction of the heat-exchange tube 20. These grooves 61, 62 bulge toward the opposing wall portions 24, 25 at reference positions 24a, 25a on the wall portions 24, 25, and return to the reference positions 24a, 25a in roughly V-shaped sections.
  • the heights of the grooves 61, 62 are set to about one-fourth of the distance between the opposing wall portions 24, 25, and the width of the grooves 61, 62 are set to about one-tenth of the width between the opposing connecting end portions 26a, 26b.
  • the increased amount of the length along the perimeter of each end portion 21 resulting from the formation of the contacting portion 60 is about one-tenth of the original length along the perimeter of the end portion 21.
  • an insertion hole 11 in which the heat-exchange tube 20 is connected has a shape corresponding to the shape of the insertion end portion 50 in which the contacting portion 60 is provided. That is, the insertion hole 11 has the same shape as the sectional shape of the insertion end portion 50 when the insertion end portion 50 is cut along a surface which is parallel to the opening end 29 at a predetermined position.
  • a pair of notches 11a, 11b, in which the connecting end portions 26a, 26b are connected, is formed at both ends of the flat insertion hole 11, and a pair of chevron-shaped projections 111, 112, in which the grooves 61, 62 are connected, is formed on the top and bottom of the flat insertion hole 11.
  • the opening ends 29 are smaller than the insertion holes 11. Therefore, when the end portions 21 of the flat heat-exchange tubes 20 are cut along the surface which is perpendicular to the wall portions 24, 25 to form the opening ends 29, the end portions 21 are smoothly inserted into the insertion holes 11 even if the opening ends 29 are deformed along the cutting direction thereof. These deformations not only arise in the opening ends 29, but also in the end portions 21 in the vicinity of the opening ends 29; however, the deformed end portions 21 can be entirely inserted into the insertion holes 11 by including the entire deformed end portions 21 in the insertion end portions 50, and therefore, the end portions 21 are closely connected with the insertion holes 11 at the predetermined position.
  • the insertion holes 11 are larger than the opening ends 29 and smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the heat-exchange tubes 20, since the insertion holes 11 are formed in compliance with the insertion end portions 50. Therefore, the heat-exchange tubes 20 make contact with the insertion holes 11 at the insertion end portions 50, and the insertion end portions 50 are closely connected with the insertion holes 11. Furthermore, since the width between the opposing walls of each insertion end portion 50 enlarges as the distance from the opening end 29 increases, when a force is applied on each heat-exchange tube 20 in order to insert the heat-exchange tube 20 into the insertion hole more deeply, the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 are elastically deformed, and the contact area between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 is increased. In addition, the insertion end portion 50, which presses against the insertion hole 11 in the enlarging direction, receives a reaction force which tightens the insertion end portion 50 in the insertion hole 11.
  • each insertion end portion 50 is not completely connected with the insertion hole 11 by reasons concerning their processing accuracy, for example, when complicated deformations such as a warp or distortion of the insertion end portion 50 which is not restricted a regular deformation in a certain direction or a defect of the insertion hole 11 which is caused by uneven cutting, exist, a point(s) at which the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 is definitely contacted can be ensured on the contacting portion 60.
  • the grooves 61, 62 of the contacting portion 60 which bulge to form V-shaped sections have inclined surfaces, the grooves 61, 62 definitely contact the chevron-shaped projections 111, 112 of the insertion hole 11 at the inclined surface.
  • the increased amount of the length along the perimeter of the insertion end portion 50 by the formation of the contacting portion 60 is about one-tenth of the original length along the perimeter of the insertion end portion 50. Therefore, the amount of contact between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 is definitely increased due to the formation of the contacting portion 60.
  • the opening end 29 and end portion 21 adjacent to the opening end 29 which are deformed as a result of cutting, are smaller than the insertion hole 11, and therefore, the deformed end portion can be entirely inserted into the insertion hole 11.
  • the end portion 21 can be connected with the insertion hole 11 at the insertion end portion 50, and therefore, braze-welding between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance of the heat exchanger B can be improved.
  • the numbers of contact points and the amount of contact between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 can be increased through the formation of the contacting portion 60. Therefore, braze-welding between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance of the heat exchanger B can be improved.
  • each insertion end portion 50 since the width between the opposing walls of each insertion end portion 50 is enlarged as the distance from the opening end 29 increases, the insertion end portion 50, which presses against the insertion hole 11 in the enlarging direction, receives a reaction force which tightens the insertion end portion 50 in the insertion hole 11, and therefore, the deformation caused by the spring back force which acts to separate the wall portions 24, 25 which are positioned on the top and bottom facing each other, can be prevented. Consequently, braze-welding between each of the connecting portions 26a, 26a, 26b, 26b, and the opposing bulging members 28, 28... projecting from the end portion 21 of the heat-exchange tube 20 in which the fins 30 cannot be provided, can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance and resistance against the pressure of the heat exchanger B can be improved.
  • the grooves 61, 62 which bulge inwardly from the wall portions 24, 25 of each insertion end portion 50 are provided as the contacting portion 60; however, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, bulging portions 63, 64 which bulge outwardly from the wall portions 24, 25 may be provided on the outer surface of each insertion end portion 50 as the contacting portion 60.
  • the bulging portions 63, 64 have roughly semicircular-shaped sections and sizes roughly the same as that of the grooves 61, 62 in their lengths, heights, and widths.
  • a pair of semicircular-shaped grooves 113, 114 in which the bulging portions 63, 64 are connected, is formed at the top and bottom of each insertion hole 11.
  • bulging portions 65, 66 which bulge outwardly from the wall portions 24, 25, may also be provided on the outer surface of each insertion end portion 50 as the contacting portion 60.
  • the bulging portions 65, 66 have wide top or bottom end surface and heights roughly the same as that of the bulging portions 63, 64.
  • a pair of notches 115, 116 which have shapes so as to connect with the bulging portions 65, 66, is formed at the top and bottom of each insertion hole 11.
  • curved portions 67, 68 which have curved surfaces curved inwardly toward the center portions of wall portions 24, 25 and which have heights roughly the same as that of the grooves 61, 62 may also be provided on the tip portion of each insertion end portion 50 as the contacting portion 60.
  • a pair of curved edges 117, 118, which have shapes so as to connect with the curved portions 67, 68, are formed at the top and bottom of each insertion hole 11.
  • an oval portion 69 which has a curved surface bulging outwardly from the outer surface of the wall portions 24, 25 along the perimeter thereof, may also be provided on the base portion of the insertion end portion 50, that is, the position at which the width of the insertion end portion 50 becomes equal to that of the heat-exchange tube 20, of each insertion end portion 50 as the contacting portion 60.
  • each insertion hole 11 forms an oval hole 119 in order to connect with the heat-exchange tube 20 closely at the point at which the oval portions 69 are formed.
  • the contacting portion 60 as described above is provided at the outer surface of each insertion end portion 50, even when complicated deformations such as a warp or distortion of the insertion end portion 50 which is not restricted a regular deformation in a certain direction or a defect of the insertion hole 11 which is caused by uneven cutting exist, a connection between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 can be performed more certainly. Furthermore, the increased amounts of the lengths along the perimeter of the insertion end portions 50 by the formation of the contacting portions 60 are about one tenth of the original lengths along the perimeter of the insertion end portions 50. Therefore, the amount of contact between each insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 is definitely increased through the formation of the contacting portion 60, braze-welding can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance of the heat exchanger B can be improved.
  • each insertion end portion 50 makes contact with the oval hole 119 on the oval portion 69 of the curved surface which faces the opening end 29, when the oval portion 69 is inserted into the oval hole 119, contact points between the oval portion 69 and the oval hole 119 are increased by the elastic deformation thereof as the insertion force of the oval portion 69 is increased as well as the reaction force from the oval hole 119 which tighten the oval portion 69, and therefore, the deformation due to a spring back force which separates the wall portions 24, 25 which are positioned on the top and bottom facing each other, can be prevented.
  • Figs. 15 and 16 show a third embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention.
  • a heat-exchange tube 20 constituting a main part of the heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "C" shown in Figs. 15 and 16 a corner 29a of the opening end 29 is partly cut off.
  • one of the connecting portions 26, 26 is outwardly extended and bent to form a U-shaped fastening plate 26c which fastens the connecting portions 26, 26.
  • the end of the opening end 29 which is deformed by cutting can be smoothly inserted into the insertion hole 11 because the width of the opening end 29 becomes narrower than the insertion hole 11 by cut-off of the comer 29a of the opening end 29. Then, the end portion 21 can be closely connected with the insertion holes 11, and therefore, braze-welding between the end portion 21 and the insertion hole 11 can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance of the heat exchanger C can be improved.
  • the area of the end portion 21 which is inserted into the header 10 through the insertion hole 1 and the amount of the inserted area in the pathway of the refrigerant when the header 10 along the longitudinal direction are decreased, and the loss of the refrigerant can be reduced in comparison with that of when the the comer 29a is not cut off.
  • the corner 29a of the opening end 29 is cut off in a straight line in this embodiment; however, a larger area can be cut off as long as the comer 29a is included. Furthermore, it is not necessary to cut off the opening end 29 in a straight line. As a result of these improvements, the opening end 29 which is deformed can be more smoothly inserted into the insertion hole 11 because the width of an end of the opening end 29 becomes more narrow, and the loss of the refrigerant can be reduced more.
  • Figs. 17 and 18 show a fourth embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention.
  • heat-exchange tubes 20 constituting the main parts of the heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "D" shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the contact ends of the opposing bulging members 28, 28... projecting from the end portions 21 of the heat-exchange tubes 20 in which the fins 30, 30... cannot be provided, are welded by laser, and these laser-welded bulging members 28, 28... provide a removal prevention member 70.
  • Figs. 19 and 20 show a fifth embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention.
  • heat-exchange tubes 20 constituting the main parts of the heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "E" shown in Figs. 19 and 20
  • a pair of projections which face each other are provided on the wall portions 24, 25 at the end portions 21 nearby.
  • Each upper projection has a hole 71 and each lower projection has a pipe member 72.
  • the end of the pipe member 72 which passes through the hole 71 is turned downward and caulked, and therefore, a caulked portion 73 is provided on the ends of the projections and the projections are fastened by this caulked portion 73.
  • the projections which are fastened by the caulked portion 73 provide a removal prevention member 70.
  • the projections of the wall portions 24, 25 are fastened by caulking the ends thereof; however, the projections may be also fastened by welding or by using a rivet, a stapler, or the like.
  • Figs. 21 and 22 show a sixth embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention.
  • heat-exchange tubes 20 constituting the main parts of the heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "F" shown in Figs. 21 and 22
  • a part of each lower wall portion 25 is extended from the opening end 29.
  • This extended part bends upward and toward the upper wall portion 24, and forms a fastening clip 74 which is fastened to the wall portion 24.
  • the fastening clip 74 which is formed at the opening end 29, provides a removal prevention member 70.
  • an opening which has a shape corresponding to the fastening clip 74 is provided at the upper end of each insertion hole 11 so as to engage with the fastening clip 74.
  • one of the shape-holding portions 41, the insertion end portions 50 having contacting portions 60, the opening ends 29 in which the comers 29a are partly cut off, or the removal prevention members 70, is provided, however, these means can be simultaneously provided within the same heat exchanger.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Details Of Heat-Exchange And Heat-Transfer (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)

Abstract

A heat exchanger comprises: a pair of headers (10, 10) which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; and a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes (20,20...) which are provided between the headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers, and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein. In this heat exchanger, the heat-exchange tubes and the headers are air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastened by inserting end portions (21,21...) of the heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes (11,11...) which are bored on the headers. Furthermore, in the vicinity of opening ends (29) of both end portions of the flat heat-exchange tubes, shape-holding portions (41) for preventing deformation of the opening ends are provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a heat exchanger which is suitable for used as a heat exchanger of a refrigerant and constitutes a condenser and an evaporator of an air conditioner.
Description of the Related Art
In a cooling apparatus such as an air conditioner, a refrigerant (fluid) which has been transformed into a compressed gas having high temperature and pressure, is liquefied in a condenser, and the liquefied refrigerant is vaporized by removing heat of evaporation in an evaporator. A heat exchanger which equips a plurality of heat-exchange tubes for flowing the refrigerant in the inside thereof is used in the condenser and evaporator. In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant which flows through the heat-exchange tubes radiates or absorbs heat through the walls of the heat-exchange tubes.
Conventionally, the heat exchanger as shown in Figs. 23 to 26 is known as this type of heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises: a pair of headers 10, 10 which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance, and a pathway of the refrigerant (fluid) is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... which are provided in parallel between the headers 10, 10, and both ends thereof are fastened to the headers 10, 10 and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers 10, 10 is respectively provided therein; and a plurality of fins 30, 30... which are provided between the adjacent heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... to contact the outer surfaces of the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... which face each other. Furthermore, an inlet 13 of the refrigerant is provided on one end of one of the headers 10, and an outlet 14 of the refrigerant which is approximately located at the farthest position from the inlet 13 on a diagonal line toward the inlet 13, is provided on the other header 10.
In addition, connecting structures between the headers 10, 10 and the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... are provided by inserting end portions 21, 21... of the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... into insertion holes 11, 11... which are bored on the headers 10, 10, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening the headers 10, 10 and the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20....
Each heat-exchange tube 20 is constructed by bending a belt shaped metal plate 22 in which solder is clad on both surfaces thereof at a folding portion 23 provided along the longitudinal direction of the metal plate 22, and by forming a passage for the refrigerant between wall portions 24, 25 which are located on one and the other sides of the bent metal plate 22 by attaching connecting end portions 26, 26 which are formed at the ends of the wall portions 24, 25 along the longitudinal direction of the bent metal plate 22. Here, in the heat-exchange tube 20, to reduce the length of the time of heat transmission, the radius of curvature of the folding portion 23 is smaller than the widths of the wall portions 24, 25, and therefore, the heat-exchange tube 20 forms a flat shape in which the distance between the wall portions 24, 25 is shortened to the widths thereof.
Furthermore, to stir the refrigerant which flows in the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... in order to unify the temperature of the refrigerant, a plurality of bulging members 28, 28... project from the wall portions 24, 25 toward the opposing wall portions. Each of these bulging members 28, 28... has a truncated-cone shape, and a flat connecting portion 28a is provided on the connecting end thereof. The connecting portions 28a, 28a... of the opposing bulging members 28, 28... contact each other.
In addition, a notch 16 is provided on the connecting end portions 26, 26 of each end portion 21 so as to unify the inserted length of the end portion 21 by attaching the notch 16 to the edge of the insertion hole 11 when the end portion 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 11.
The heat exchanger is assembled by the following steps: producing the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... by forming a metal tube by press molding or roll molding and cutting both ends of the metal tube; inserting the end portions 21, 21... of the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... into the insertion holes 11, 11... of the headers 10, 10...; providing fins 30, 30... between the adjacent heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... by contacting the fins 30, 30... to both of the opposing outer surfaces of the adjacent heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... in order to prevent the separation of the connecting end portions 26, 26 of each heat-exchange tube 20 by a spring-back force, and retaining these heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... and the fins 30, 30... which form multilayers, by sandwiching them between a pair of holding plates 15, 15 from the outside.
The heat exchanger is temporarily assembled by using jigs, and braze-welded by heating in a furnace. That is, joints between the insertion holes 11, 11... and the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... , and a joint between the opposing connecting end portions 26, 26 are each air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastened by braze-welding. Furthermore, the connecting portions 28a, 28a... of the opposing bulging members 28, 28... are also fastened by braze-welding.
In the above-mentioned conventional heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows into a header 10 from the inlet 13, branches off and passes through each heat-exchange tube 20, flows into the opposite header 10, and flows out from the outlet 14. The refrigerant exchanges heat toward an outer part through the wall surfaces of the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20....
Furthermore, the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... in which the high pressure refrigerant flows, have a structure for improving the resistance against the pressure force which is exerted on the wall portions 24, 25 of the flat heat- exchange tubes 20, 20.... That is, the wall portions 24, 25 which are positioned on the top and bottom facing each other, are connected by welding the connecting portions 28a, 28a... of the opposing bulging members 28, 28... which are used to stir the refrigerant.
However, the above-mentioned conventional heat exchanger has the following problems.
No bulging members are provided around the opening ends which provide the inlet/outlet portion for the refrigerant at both ends of the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20..., in order to prevent problems such as pressure losses of the refrigerant caused by sudden expansion/contraction of the refrigerant. However, when forming the opening ends by cutting both ends of the roll-molded heat-exchange tube, the formed opening ends tend to be easily deformed along the cutting direction of the tube because the bulging members which support the opposing wall portions are not provided. The opening ends, which have deformations such as bending or twisting, are difficult to insert into the insertion holes of the header. Moreover, even if corrections of the deformations are performed, the deformations still remain in the end portions of the tube which is easily deformed since the bulging members are not provided. Therefore, there are problems in that spaces arise between the end portions and the insertion holes, and sufficient braze-welding cannot be performed.
In addition, in the heat-exchange tube formed by bending a metal plate, a force, which deforms the tube along the opening direction of the tube and which separates the upper and lower wall portions which face each other, is produced by a spring back force. The deformation is hindered by the fins which are provided between the adjacent tubes and which hold the tubes from the outside along almost the entire portion of the heat exchanger. However, in the vicinity of the end portions of the heat-exchange tube, since the fins cannot be provided by constructive restriction, there are problems that spaces arise between the opposing connecting portions or bulging members due to separation of the opposing wall portions because the end portions are not supported by the fins, and sufficient braze-welding cannot be performed.
As described above, in the conventional heat exchanger, there are problems in that the sealing performance and resistance against the pressure of the heat exchanger are degraded due to insufficient braze-welding. The present invention is achieved in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a heat exchanger in which braze-welding can be performed more properly and which possesses superior sealing performance and resistance against the pressure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A first aspect of the heat exchanger of the present invention comprises: a pair of headers which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes which are provided between the headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein; wherein connecting structures between the headers and the heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting the end portions of the heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes which are bored on the header, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening the header and the heat-exchange tubes; and shape-holding portions for preventing the deformation of the opening ends of the heat-exchange tube which are provided in the vicinity of the opening ends of each heat-exchange tube.
In the heat exchanger, it is preferable that the shape-holding portions are provided by reinforcement members which project from at least one of the opposing wall portions of the heat-exchange tube toward the other opposing wall portion, and the connecting ends of the opposing reinforcement members contact each other.
A second aspect of the heat exchanger of the present invention comprises: a pair of headers which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes which are provided between the headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers, and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein, wherein connecting structures between the headers and the heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting end portions of the heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes which are bored on the header, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening the header and the heat-exchange tubes; and an insertion end portion, in which the width thereof between opposing side walls of the heat-exchange tube becomes narrower as it approaches an opening end of the heat-exchange tube, which is provided on each end portion of the heat-exchange tubes.
In the heat exchanger, it is preferable that each insertion hole has a shape corresponding to the shape of the insertion end portion.
It is further preferable that the insertion end portion has a contacting portion which is inwardly or outwardly projecting from the outer surface thereof, and each insertion hole has a shape corresponding to the shape of the insertion end portion in which the contacting portion is provided.
A third aspect of the heat exchanger of the present invention comprises: a pair of headers which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance, and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes which are provided between the headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers, and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein, wherein connecting structures between the headers and the heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting end portions of the heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes which are bored on the header, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening the header and the heat-exchange tubes; and a comer of an opening end of each heat-exchange tube which is partly cut off.
A fourth aspect of the heat exchanger of the present invention comprises: a pair of headers which are provided in parallel to facing each other through a predetermined distance, and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes which are provided between the headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein, wherein connecting structures between the headers and the heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting end portions of the heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes which are bored on the header, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening the header and the heat-exchange tubes; and a removal prevention member which is fastened to opposing wall portions of each heat-exchange tube for preventing the deformation of the heat-exchange tube caused by removal of the wall portions, and which is provided on at least one of the wall portions.
In the heat exchanger, it is preferable that the removal prevention member is provided by bulging members which project from respective wall portions toward the opposing wall portions, and the connecting ends of the opposing bulging members contact each other and are welded by laser.
In the heat exchanger, it is also preferable that the removal prevention member is provided with projections which project from respective wall portions toward the opposing wall portions, a hole which is provided on one of the projections, a pipe member which is provided on the other projection and passes through the hole, and a caulked portion which is provided on the ends of the projections for fastening the projections by being turning downward and caulking the end of the pipe member.
In the heat exchanger, it is also preferable that the removal prevention member is provided by extending a part of one of the opposing wall portions from each opening end of the heat-exchange tubes and bending toward the other wall portion so as to be fastened to the other wall portion.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the header which has an insertion hole according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of a variation of the heat-exchange tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is an enlarged front view of the main part of a variation of the header which has an insertion hole according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of another variation of the heat-exchange tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is an enlarged front view of the main part of another variation of the header which has an insertion hole according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of another variation of the heat-exchange tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is an enlarged front view of the main part of another variation of the header which has an insertion hole according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of another variation of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of another variation of the heat-exchange tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 13 is an enlarged front view of the main part of another variation of the header which has an insertion hole according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of another variation of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 16 is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the heat exchanger according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the heat exchanger according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the heat exchanger according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat-exchange tube according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the heat exchanger according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 23 is a front view of a conventional heat exchanger.
Fig. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the heat exchanger shown in Fig. 23.
Fig. 25 is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the heat exchanger shown in Fig. 23.
Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A shown in Fig. 25.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in the following with reference to the figures.
[First Embodiment]
Figs. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention. A heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "A" has a similar structure to the conventional heat exchanger, which is disclosed in Fig. 23, and comprises: a pair of headers 10, 10 which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance, and a pathway of the refrigerant (fluid) is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... which are provided in parallel between the headers 10, 10, both ends thereof are fastened to the headers 10, 10 and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein; and a plurality of fins 30, 30... which are provided between the adjacent heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... to contact the outer surfaces of the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... which face each other.
In the connecting structure between the headers 10, 10 and the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20..., end portions 21, 21... of the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... are inserted into insertion holes 11, 11... which are bored on the header 10, 10, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastened to the header 10, 10.
Each heat-exchange tube 20 is constructed by bending a belt-shaped metal plate 22 on which solder is clad on both surfaces thereof at a folding portion 23 provided along the longitudinal direction of the metal plate 22, and by forming a passage 27 for the refrigerant by attaching connecting end portions 26, 26 to the ends of the wall portions 24, 25 which are formed by bending and which extend along the longitudinal direction of the metal plate 22.
Furthermore, to stir the refrigerant which flows in the heat- exchange tubes 20, 20... in order to unify the temperature of the refrigerant, a plurality of bulging members 28, 28... project from the wall portions 24, 25 toward the opposing wall portions. Each of these bulging members 28, 28... has a truncated-cone shape, and a flat connecting portion 28a is provided on the connecting end thereof. The connecting portions 28a, 28a... of the opposing bulging members 28, 28... contact each other.
In addition, a notch 16 is provided on the connecting end portions 26, 26 of each end portion 21 so as to unify the inserted length of the end portion 21 by attaching the notch 16 to the edge of the insertion hole 11 when the end portion 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 11.
Furthermore, in the vicinity of opening ends 29 of both end portions 21 of the flat heat-exchange tube 20, reinforcement members 40, 40..., which project from the wall portions 24, 25 toward the opposing wall portions, are formed. The connecting ends of opposed reinforcement members 40, 40... contact each other and shape-holding portions 41 for preventing the deformation of the opening ends 29 are provided by these contacted reinforcement members 40, 40....
In the heat exchanger A which has the above-described structure, when the end portions 21 of the flat heat-exchange tubes 20 are cut along the surface which is perpendicular to the wall portions 24, 25 to form the opening ends 29, the reinforcement members 40, 40..., which project from the wall portions 24, 25 and which contact each other, support the wall portions 24, 25 along the cutting direction, and therefore, deformation of the wall portions 24, 25 is prevented by the shape-holding portions 41. Furthermore, the shapes of the opening ends 29 are maintained by preventing the deformation of the wall portions 24, 25, since the opening ends 29 are formed at the cutting surface of the end portions 21, and therefore, the end portions 21 are smoothly inserted and closely connected with the insertion holes 11.
Furthermore, the reinforcement members 40, 40... are composed of projections which are smaller than the bulging members 28, 28... because they are not designed for stirring the refrigerant which flows in the heat-exchange tube 20, and therefore, problems caused by sudden expansion/contraction of the refrigerant can be prevented if the reinforcement members 40, 40... are provided adjacent to the opening ends 29.
In the heat exchanger A shown in Figs. 1 and 2, deformation of the opening ends 29 can be prevented, and therefore, the end portions 21 can be connected with the insertion holes 11, braze-welding between the end portions 21 and the insertion holes 11 can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance of the heat exchanger can be improved.
[Second Embodiment]
Figs. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention. A heat-exchange tube 20 constitutes a main part of the heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "B" (refer to Fig. 11, for example) and comprises a pair of belt-shaped plates 22a, 22b which extend along the longitudinal direction of the heat-exchange tube 20. A passage 27 for the refrigerant is provided between the plates 22a, 22b, by attaching connecting end portions 26a, 26b which project from both ends of plates 22a, 22b and extend along the longitudinal direction of the plates 22a, 22b. Furthermore, an insertion end portion 50, in which the width thereof between the opposing connecting end portions 26a, 26b (the width between the opposing side walls of the heat-exchange tube 20) becomes narrower as it approaches the opening end 29, is provided on each end portion 21 of the heat-exchange tube 20.
In addition, a contacting portion 60 is provided on wall portions 24, 25 of the insertion end portion 50. The contacting portion 60 is constructed of a pair of grooves 61, 62 which extends along the longitudinal direction of the heat-exchange tube 20. These grooves 61, 62 bulge toward the opposing wall portions 24, 25 at reference positions 24a, 25a on the wall portions 24, 25, and return to the reference positions 24a, 25a in roughly V-shaped sections. Here, the heights of the grooves 61, 62 are set to about one-fourth of the distance between the opposing wall portions 24, 25, and the width of the grooves 61, 62 are set to about one-tenth of the width between the opposing connecting end portions 26a, 26b. Furthermore, the increased amount of the length along the perimeter of each end portion 21 resulting from the formation of the contacting portion 60 is about one-tenth of the original length along the perimeter of the end portion 21.
In addition, an insertion hole 11 in which the heat-exchange tube 20 is connected has a shape corresponding to the shape of the insertion end portion 50 in which the contacting portion 60 is provided. That is, the insertion hole 11 has the same shape as the sectional shape of the insertion end portion 50 when the insertion end portion 50 is cut along a surface which is parallel to the opening end 29 at a predetermined position. A pair of notches 11a, 11b, in which the connecting end portions 26a, 26b are connected, is formed at both ends of the flat insertion hole 11, and a pair of chevron-shaped projections 111, 112, in which the grooves 61, 62 are connected, is formed on the top and bottom of the flat insertion hole 11.
In Figs. 3 and 4, other parts which correspond to the parts in Figs. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numbers, and an explanation is omitted.
In the heat exchanger B which has the above-described structure, the opening ends 29 are smaller than the insertion holes 11. Therefore, when the end portions 21 of the flat heat-exchange tubes 20 are cut along the surface which is perpendicular to the wall portions 24, 25 to form the opening ends 29, the end portions 21 are smoothly inserted into the insertion holes 11 even if the opening ends 29 are deformed along the cutting direction thereof. These deformations not only arise in the opening ends 29, but also in the end portions 21 in the vicinity of the opening ends 29; however, the deformed end portions 21 can be entirely inserted into the insertion holes 11 by including the entire deformed end portions 21 in the insertion end portions 50, and therefore, the end portions 21 are closely connected with the insertion holes 11 at the predetermined position.
The insertion holes 11 are larger than the opening ends 29 and smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the heat-exchange tubes 20, since the insertion holes 11 are formed in compliance with the insertion end portions 50. Therefore, the heat-exchange tubes 20 make contact with the insertion holes 11 at the insertion end portions 50, and the insertion end portions 50 are closely connected with the insertion holes 11. Furthermore, since the width between the opposing walls of each insertion end portion 50 enlarges as the distance from the opening end 29 increases, when a force is applied on each heat-exchange tube 20 in order to insert the heat-exchange tube 20 into the insertion hole more deeply, the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 are elastically deformed, and the contact area between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 is increased. In addition, the insertion end portion 50, which presses against the insertion hole 11 in the enlarging direction, receives a reaction force which tightens the insertion end portion 50 in the insertion hole 11.
Furthermore, even when each insertion end portion 50 is not completely connected with the insertion hole 11 by reasons concerning their processing accuracy, for example, when complicated deformations such as a warp or distortion of the insertion end portion 50 which is not restricted a regular deformation in a certain direction or a defect of the insertion hole 11 which is caused by uneven cutting, exist, a point(s) at which the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 is definitely contacted can be ensured on the contacting portion 60. For example, even when the insertion end portion 50 contacts adjacent to the corner of the insertion hole 11 on a roughly diagonal line thereof, since the grooves 61, 62 of the contacting portion 60 which bulge to form V-shaped sections have inclined surfaces, the grooves 61, 62 definitely contact the chevron-shaped projections 111, 112 of the insertion hole 11 at the inclined surface. On the other hand, the increased amount of the length along the perimeter of the insertion end portion 50 by the formation of the contacting portion 60 is about one-tenth of the original length along the perimeter of the insertion end portion 50. Therefore, the amount of contact between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 is definitely increased due to the formation of the contacting portion 60.
In the heat exchanger B shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the opening end 29 and end portion 21 adjacent to the opening end 29 which are deformed as a result of cutting, are smaller than the insertion hole 11, and therefore, the deformed end portion can be entirely inserted into the insertion hole 11. As a result, the end portion 21 can be connected with the insertion hole 11 at the insertion end portion 50, and therefore, braze-welding between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance of the heat exchanger B can be improved.
Furthermore, the numbers of contact points and the amount of contact between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 can be increased through the formation of the contacting portion 60. Therefore, braze-welding between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance of the heat exchanger B can be improved.
Furthermore, since the width between the opposing walls of each insertion end portion 50 is enlarged as the distance from the opening end 29 increases, the insertion end portion 50, which presses against the insertion hole 11 in the enlarging direction, receives a reaction force which tightens the insertion end portion 50 in the insertion hole 11, and therefore, the deformation caused by the spring back force which acts to separate the wall portions 24, 25 which are positioned on the top and bottom facing each other, can be prevented. Consequently, braze-welding between each of the connecting portions 26a, 26a, 26b, 26b, and the opposing bulging members 28, 28... projecting from the end portion 21 of the heat-exchange tube 20 in which the fins 30 cannot be provided, can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance and resistance against the pressure of the heat exchanger B can be improved.
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the grooves 61, 62 which bulge inwardly from the wall portions 24, 25 of each insertion end portion 50 are provided as the contacting portion 60; however, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, bulging portions 63, 64 which bulge outwardly from the wall portions 24, 25 may be provided on the outer surface of each insertion end portion 50 as the contacting portion 60. The bulging portions 63, 64 have roughly semicircular-shaped sections and sizes roughly the same as that of the grooves 61, 62 in their lengths, heights, and widths. In this case, a pair of semicircular-shaped grooves 113, 114 in which the bulging portions 63, 64 are connected, is formed at the top and bottom of each insertion hole 11.
Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, in the heat exchanger B, bulging portions 65, 66 which bulge outwardly from the wall portions 24, 25, may also be provided on the outer surface of each insertion end portion 50 as the contacting portion 60. The bulging portions 65, 66 have wide top or bottom end surface and heights roughly the same as that of the bulging portions 63, 64. In this case, a pair of notches 115, 116, which have shapes so as to connect with the bulging portions 65, 66, is formed at the top and bottom of each insertion hole 11.
Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11, in the heat exchanger B, curved portions 67, 68 which have curved surfaces curved inwardly toward the center portions of wall portions 24, 25 and which have heights roughly the same as that of the grooves 61, 62 may also be provided on the tip portion of each insertion end portion 50 as the contacting portion 60. In this case, a pair of curved edges 117, 118, which have shapes so as to connect with the curved portions 67, 68, are formed at the top and bottom of each insertion hole 11.
Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, in the heat exchanger B, an oval portion 69 which has a curved surface bulging outwardly from the outer surface of the wall portions 24, 25 along the perimeter thereof, may also be provided on the base portion of the insertion end portion 50, that is, the position at which the width of the insertion end portion 50 becomes equal to that of the heat-exchange tube 20, of each insertion end portion 50 as the contacting portion 60. In this case, each insertion hole 11 forms an oval hole 119 in order to connect with the heat-exchange tube 20 closely at the point at which the oval portions 69 are formed.
In these example, since the contacting portion 60 as described above is provided at the outer surface of each insertion end portion 50, even when complicated deformations such as a warp or distortion of the insertion end portion 50 which is not restricted a regular deformation in a certain direction or a defect of the insertion hole 11 which is caused by uneven cutting exist, a connection between the insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 can be performed more certainly. Furthermore, the increased amounts of the lengths along the perimeter of the insertion end portions 50 by the formation of the contacting portions 60 are about one tenth of the original lengths along the perimeter of the insertion end portions 50. Therefore, the amount of contact between each insertion end portion 50 and the insertion hole 11 is definitely increased through the formation of the contacting portion 60, braze-welding can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance of the heat exchanger B can be improved..
Furthermore, when the oval portion 69 is employed as the contacting portion 60, since each insertion end portion 50 makes contact with the oval hole 119 on the oval portion 69 of the curved surface which faces the opening end 29, when the oval portion 69 is inserted into the oval hole 119, contact points between the oval portion 69 and the oval hole 119 are increased by the elastic deformation thereof as the insertion force of the oval portion 69 is increased as well as the reaction force from the oval hole 119 which tighten the oval portion 69, and therefore, the deformation due to a spring back force which separates the wall portions 24, 25 which are positioned on the top and bottom facing each other, can be prevented.
[Third Embodiment]
Figs. 15 and 16 show a third embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention. In a heat-exchange tube 20 constituting a main part of the heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "C" shown in Figs. 15 and 16, a corner 29a of the opening end 29 is partly cut off. Furthermore, one of the connecting portions 26, 26 is outwardly extended and bent to form a U-shaped fastening plate 26c which fastens the connecting portions 26, 26.
In Figs. 15 and 16, other parts which correspond to the parts in Figs. 1 to 14 are given the same reference numbers, and an explanation is omitted.
When cutting the end portion 21 along the surface which is perpendicular to the opposing wall portions 24, 25 of the flat heat-exchange tube 20 in order to produce the opening ends 29, even if the opening end 29 is deformed along the cutting direction thereof and the width of the opening end 29 is extended, the width of an end of the opening end 29 becomes narrower than the insertion hole 11 because the comer 29a of the opening end 29 is cut off, and therefore, the end portion 21 is smoothly inserted into the insertion hole 11. Here, the cut-off of the corner 29a beginning from the opening end 29 in order to prevent additional deformation of the wall portions 24, 25. In actuality, deformations not only arise in the opening end 29, but also in the end portion 21 in the vicinity of the opening end 29, and the width of the end portion is also extended in the vicinity of the opening end 29, however, since the deformation of the end portion 21 decreases with the distance from the opening end 29, the deformed end portion 21 is entirely inserted into the insertion hole 11 by including the entire deformed end portion 21 in the insertion hole 11, and therefore, the end portion 21 is closely connected with the insertion hole 11 at the predetermined position in which the deformation does not arise.
In the heat exchanger C shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the end of the opening end 29 which is deformed by cutting can be smoothly inserted into the insertion hole 11 because the width of the opening end 29 becomes narrower than the insertion hole 11 by cut-off of the comer 29a of the opening end 29. Then, the end portion 21 can be closely connected with the insertion holes 11, and therefore, braze-welding between the end portion 21 and the insertion hole 11 can be performed more properly, and the sealing performance of the heat exchanger C can be improved.
Furthermore, as the result of clipping the corner 29a, the area of the end portion 21 which is inserted into the header 10 through the insertion hole 1 and the amount of the inserted area in the pathway of the refrigerant when the header 10 along the longitudinal direction are decreased, and the loss of the refrigerant can be reduced in comparison with that of when the the comer 29a is not cut off.
In addition, the corner 29a of the opening end 29 is cut off in a straight line in this embodiment; however, a larger area can be cut off as long as the comer 29a is included. Furthermore, it is not necessary to cut off the opening end 29 in a straight line. As a result of these improvements, the opening end 29 which is deformed can be more smoothly inserted into the insertion hole 11 because the width of an end of the opening end 29 becomes more narrow, and the loss of the refrigerant can be reduced more.
[Fourth Embodiment]
Figs. 17 and 18 show a fourth embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention. In heat-exchange tubes 20 constituting the main parts of the heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "D" shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the contact ends of the opposing bulging members 28, 28... projecting from the end portions 21 of the heat-exchange tubes 20 in which the fins 30, 30... cannot be provided, are welded by laser, and these laser-welded bulging members 28, 28... provide a removal prevention member 70.
In Figs. 17 and 18, other parts which correspond to the parts in Figs. 1 to 16 are given the same reference numbers, and an explanation is omitted.
In the heat-exchange tubes 20 formed by bending a metal plate, forces which deform the tubes along the opening direction of the tubes and which separate the upper and lower wall portions 24, 25 which face each other, is produced by a spring back force. However, the deformations caused by the spring back force are prevented as a result of the connection of the wall portions 24, 25 by the laser-welding of the contact ends of the opposing bulging members 28, 28....
In the heat exchanger D shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the deformations of the wall portions 24, 25 of the flat heat-exchanges tubes 20 caused by the spring back force can be prevented by the connection of the wall portions 24, 25 by the laser-welding of the contact ends of the opposing bulging members 28, 28. Therefore, braze-welding between the connecting portions 28a, 28a..., which contact each other, and the opposing bulging members 28, 28..., can be performed more properly, and resistance against the pressure of the heat exchanger D can be improved; as braze-welding between the connecting end portions 26, 26 can be performed more properly as well, and the sealing performance and resistance against the pressure of the heat exchanger D can be improved.
[Fifth Embodiment]
Figs. 19 and 20 show a fifth embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention. In heat-exchange tubes 20 constituting the main parts of the heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "E" shown in Figs. 19 and 20, a pair of projections which face each other are provided on the wall portions 24, 25 at the end portions 21 nearby. Each upper projection has a hole 71 and each lower projection has a pipe member 72. The end of the pipe member 72 which passes through the hole 71 is turned downward and caulked, and therefore, a caulked portion 73 is provided on the ends of the projections and the projections are fastened by this caulked portion 73. Namely, in this embodiment, the projections which are fastened by the caulked portion 73 provide a removal prevention member 70.
In Figs. 19 and 20, other parts which correspond to the parts in Figs. 1 to 18 are given the same reference numbers, and an explanation is omitted.
In the heat-exchange tubes 20 formed by bending a metal plate, forces which deform the tubes along the opening direction of the tubes and which separate the upper and lower wall portions 24, 25 which face each other, are produced by a spring back force. However, the deformations by the spring back force are prevented as a result of the connection of the wall portions 24, 25 by the caulked portion 73.
In the heat exchanger E shown in Figs. 19 and 20, the deformations of the wall portions 24, 25 of the flat heat-exchange tubes 20 by the spring back force can be prevented by the connection of the wall portions 24, 25 by the caulked portion 73. Therefore, braze-welding between the connecting portions 28a, 28a... which contact each other, of the opposing bulging members 28, 28..., can be performed more properly, and resistance against the pressure of the heat exchanger E can be improved; as braze-welding between the connecting end portions 26, 26 can be performed more properly as well, and the sealing performance and resistance against the pressure of the heat exchanger E can be improved.
In addition, in this embodiment, the projections of the wall portions 24, 25 are fastened by caulking the ends thereof; however, the projections may be also fastened by welding or by using a rivet, a stapler, or the like.
[Sixth Embodiment]
Figs. 21 and 22 show a sixth embodiment of the heat exchanger of the present invention. In heat-exchange tubes 20 constituting the main parts of the heat exchanger denoted by the symbol "F" shown in Figs. 21 and 22, a part of each lower wall portion 25 is extended from the opening end 29. This extended part bends upward and toward the upper wall portion 24, and forms a fastening clip 74 which is fastened to the wall portion 24. Namely, in this embodiment, the fastening clip 74, which is formed at the opening end 29, provides a removal prevention member 70. Furthermore, an opening which has a shape corresponding to the fastening clip 74 is provided at the upper end of each insertion hole 11 so as to engage with the fastening clip 74.
In Figs. 21 and 22, other parts which correspond to the parts in Figs. 1 to 20 are given the same reference numbers, and an explanation is omitted.
In the heat-exchange tubes 20 formed by bending a metal plate, forces which deform the tubes along the opening direction of the tubes and which separate the upper and lower wall portions 24, 25 which face each other, are produced by a spring back force. However, the deformations by the spring back force are prevented as a result of the connection of the wall portions 24, 25 by the fastening clip 74.
In the heat exchanger F shown in Figs. 21 and 22, the deformations of the wall portions 24, 25 of the flat heat-exchange tubes 20 by the spring back force can be prevented by the connection of the wall portions 24, 25 by the fastening clip 74. Therefore, braze-welding between the connecting portions 28a, 28a... which contact each other, of the opposing bulging members 28, 28..., can be performed more properly, and resistance against the pressure of the heat exchanger F can be improved; as braze-welding between the connecting end portions 26, 26 can be performed more properly as well, and the sealing performance and resistance against the pressure of the heat exchanger F can be improved.
In addition, in the above-described embodiments, in order to achieve a high braze-welding property of the heat exchanger for improving its sealing performance and resistance against the pressure, one of the shape-holding portions 41, the insertion end portions 50 having contacting portions 60, the opening ends 29 in which the comers 29a are partly cut off, or the removal prevention members 70, is provided, however, these means can be simultaneously provided within the same heat exchanger.

Claims (10)

  1. A heat exchanger comprising:
    a pair of headers (10, 10) which are provided in parallel to face through a predetermined distance and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes (20, 20...) which are provided between said headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to said headers and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein, wherein
    connecting structures between said headers and heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting end portions (21, 21...) of said heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes (11, 11...) which are bored on said headers, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening said headers and heat-exchange tubes; and
    shape-holding portions (41) for preventing the deformation of opening ends (29) of said heat-exchange tubes are provided in the vicinity of the opening ends of each heat-exchange tube.
  2. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein said shape-holding portions are provided by reinforcement members (40, 40...) which project from at least one of opposing wall portion (24, 25) of said heat-exchange tube toward the opposing wall portion, and the connecting ends of opposing reinforcement members are in contact with each other.
  3. A heat exchanger comprising:
    a pair of headers (10, 10) which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes (20, 20...) which are provided between said headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to said headers, and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein, wherein
    connecting structures between said headers and heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting end portions (21, 21...) of said heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes (11, 11...) which are bored on said headers, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening said headers and heat-exchange tubes; and
    an insertion end portion (50), in which the width thereof between opposing side walls of said heat-exchange tubes becomes narrower as it approaches an opening end (29) of said heat-exchange tubes, which is provided on each end portion of said heat-exchange tubes.
  4. A heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein each of said insertion holes has a shape corresponding to the shape of said insertion end portion.
  5. A heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein said insertion end portion has a contacting portion (60) which inwardly or outwardly projects from the outer surface thereof, and each insertion hole has a shape corresponding to the shape of said insertion end portion in which said contacting portion is provided.
  6. A heat exchanger comprising:
    a pair of headers (10, 10) which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes (20, 20...) which are provided between said headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to said headers, and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein, wherein
    connecting structures between said headers and heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting end portions (21, 21...) of said heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes (11, 11...) which are bored on the header, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening said header and heat-exchange tubes; and
    a corner (29a) of an opening end (29) of each heat-exchange tube is partly cut off.
  7. A heat exchanger comprising:
    a pair of headers (10, 10) which are provided in parallel facing each other through a predetermined distance and a pathway of the fluid is respectively provided therein; a plurality of flat heat-exchange tubes (20, 20...) which are provided between said headers in parallel, both ends thereof are fastened to said headers, and a pathway of the refrigerant for connecting the pathways of both headers is respectively provided therein, wherein
    connecting structures between said headers and heat-exchange tubes are provided by inserting end portions (21, 21...) of said heat-exchange tubes into insertion holes (11, 11...) which are bored on the header, and air-tightly and liquid-tightly fastening said header and heat-exchange tubes; and
    a removal prevention member (70) which is fastened to opposing wall portions (24, 25) of each heat-exchange tube for preventing the deformation of said heat-exchange tube caused by the removal of said wall portions, an which is provided on at least one of said wall portions.
  8. A heat exchanger according to claim 7, wherein said removal prevention member is provided by bulging members (28, 28...) which project from respective wall portions toward the opposing wall portions, and the connecting ends of said opposing bulging members contact each other and are welded by laser.
  9. A heat exchanger according to claim 7, wherein said removal prevention member is provided by projections which project from respective wall portions toward the opposing wall portions, a hole (71) which is provided on one of the projections, a pipe member (72) which is provided on the other projection and passes through the hole, and a caulked portion (73) which is provided on the ends of said projections for fastening said projections by turned downward and caulking the end of said pipe member.
  10. A heat exchanger according to claim 7, wherein said removal prevention member is provided by extending a part of one of the opposing wall portions from each opening end (29) of said heat-exchange tubes and bending toward the other wall portion so as to be fastened to the other wall portion.
EP01105273A 2000-03-06 2001-03-05 Heat exchanger Withdrawn EP1132706A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000060914A JP2001248988A (en) 2000-03-06 2000-03-06 Heat exchanger
JP2000060914 2000-03-06

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1132706A2 true EP1132706A2 (en) 2001-09-12
EP1132706A3 EP1132706A3 (en) 2003-03-19

Family

ID=18581151

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01105273A Withdrawn EP1132706A3 (en) 2000-03-06 2001-03-05 Heat exchanger

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20010018970A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1132706A3 (en)
JP (1) JP2001248988A (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2841641A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-02 Valeo Climatisation Tube e.g. for motor vehicle engine radiator has manifold plate retaining clip formed by local outer deformation on tube
EP1596149A2 (en) * 2004-05-13 2005-11-16 Sanden Corporation Heat exchangers
FR2980839A1 (en) * 2011-10-04 2013-04-05 Valeo Systemes Thermiques PLATE FOR HEAT EXCHANGER AND HEAT EXCHANGER WITH SUCH PLATES
FR2989766A1 (en) * 2012-04-19 2013-10-25 Valeo Systemes Thermiques Heat exchange beam for radiator for cooling engine of car, has heat exchange inserts connected to tubes, where each tube includes channel with corrugations to enhance capacity of tube to withstand internal pressure in transition zone
CN103502761A (en) * 2011-02-18 2014-01-08 尼森斯公司 A method of producing a heat exchanger and a heat exchanger

Families Citing this family (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10214467A1 (en) * 2002-03-30 2003-10-09 Modine Mfg Co Exhaust gas heat exchanger for motor vehicles
EP1859220A4 (en) * 2005-02-02 2010-08-04 Carrier Corp Parallel flow heat exchanger with crimped channel entrance
JP2007212084A (en) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-23 Denso Corp Heat exchanger
JP5739603B2 (en) * 2009-01-27 2015-06-24 株式会社小松製作所 Heat exchanger
DE102009032782A1 (en) * 2009-07-10 2011-01-13 Behr Industry Gmbh & Co. Kg Heat exchanger, in particular for an internal combustion engine
JP5517745B2 (en) * 2010-05-24 2014-06-11 サンデン株式会社 Heat exchanger tubes and heat exchangers
JP5663413B2 (en) * 2011-06-17 2015-02-04 カルソニックカンセイ株式会社 Serpentine heat exchanger
JP5772608B2 (en) * 2012-01-12 2015-09-02 株式会社デンソー Heat exchanger
CA2901981A1 (en) 2013-03-14 2014-09-25 Duramax Marine, Llc Turbulence enhancer for keel cooler
KR101583921B1 (en) * 2014-05-02 2016-01-11 현대자동차주식회사 Method and apparatus for manufacturing heat exchanger for vehicle
JP6309107B2 (en) * 2014-09-25 2018-04-11 三菱電機株式会社 Refrigerant piping, manufacturing method thereof, and heat exchanger provided with refrigerant piping
CA2968390C (en) 2014-12-02 2023-07-18 Duramax Marine, Llc Improved marine heat exchanger
JP7230502B2 (en) * 2018-12-27 2023-03-01 株式会社デンソー Heat exchanger
KR20210158512A (en) * 2020-06-24 2021-12-31 한온시스템 주식회사 Heat exchanger
CN114206059A (en) * 2020-09-17 2022-03-18 华为技术有限公司 Heat exchanger, preparation method of heat exchanger and communication equipment
CN112682500B (en) * 2020-12-31 2023-05-26 南宁市安和机械设备有限公司 Oil cooler made of staggered dotting oil cooler tube
US12061001B2 (en) 2021-04-06 2024-08-13 Rheem Manufacturing Company Devices and methods of optimizing refrigerant flow in a heat exchanger

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0335830A (en) * 1989-07-03 1991-02-15 Calsonic Corp Manufacture of aluminum heat exchanger
DE4340378A1 (en) * 1992-11-27 1994-06-01 Zexel Corp Heat exchanger with ribs - has heat radiation ribs arranged between several tubes and two end parts of each tube connected to collecting conduits
GB2299037A (en) * 1995-03-22 1996-09-25 Behr Gmbh & Co Flat tube for a soldered heat exchanger and a method for its production

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS58221393A (en) * 1982-06-18 1983-12-23 Hitachi Ltd Corrugate type heat exchanger
US4458749A (en) * 1983-04-18 1984-07-10 Ex-Cell-O Corporation Radiator having reinforced tubes
JPH0612229B2 (en) * 1986-07-29 1994-02-16 Ｑ洋ラジエ−タ−株式会社 Tube junction of heat exchanger
DE8801411U1 (en) * 1988-02-05 1988-03-24 Süddeutsche Kühlerfabrik Julius Fr. Behr GmbH & Co KG, 7000 Stuttgart Heat exchangers, especially water/air coolers made of aluminum
DE4015830C2 (en) * 1990-05-17 2000-10-12 Behr Gmbh & Co Heat exchangers, especially water / air coolers
US5046555A (en) * 1990-09-06 1991-09-10 General Motors Corporation Extended surface tube-to-header connection for condenser
JPH08145586A (en) * 1994-11-24 1996-06-07 Zexel Corp Flat tube for heat exchanger
JP3433400B2 (en) * 1995-02-17 2003-08-04 カルソニックカンセイ株式会社 Forming method of protruding hole
JPH09229584A (en) * 1996-02-23 1997-09-05 Sanden Corp Tube unit for heat exchanger and heat exchanger using the same
KR100261006B1 (en) * 1996-07-03 2000-07-01 오타 유다카 Flat tube for radiator
JPH10206079A (en) * 1997-01-14 1998-08-07 Zexel Corp Heat-exchanger
JPH10332294A (en) * 1997-06-03 1998-12-15 Calsonic Corp Tube for heat exchanger

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0335830A (en) * 1989-07-03 1991-02-15 Calsonic Corp Manufacture of aluminum heat exchanger
DE4340378A1 (en) * 1992-11-27 1994-06-01 Zexel Corp Heat exchanger with ribs - has heat radiation ribs arranged between several tubes and two end parts of each tube connected to collecting conduits
GB2299037A (en) * 1995-03-22 1996-09-25 Behr Gmbh & Co Flat tube for a soldered heat exchanger and a method for its production

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2841641A1 (en) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-02 Valeo Climatisation Tube e.g. for motor vehicle engine radiator has manifold plate retaining clip formed by local outer deformation on tube
EP1596149A2 (en) * 2004-05-13 2005-11-16 Sanden Corporation Heat exchangers
EP1596149A3 (en) * 2004-05-13 2006-10-25 Sanden Corporation Heat exchangers
CN103502761A (en) * 2011-02-18 2014-01-08 尼森斯公司 A method of producing a heat exchanger and a heat exchanger
FR2980839A1 (en) * 2011-10-04 2013-04-05 Valeo Systemes Thermiques PLATE FOR HEAT EXCHANGER AND HEAT EXCHANGER WITH SUCH PLATES
WO2013050393A1 (en) * 2011-10-04 2013-04-11 Valeo Systemes Thermiques Plate for heat exchanger and heat exchanger equipped with such plates
CN103975215A (en) * 2011-10-04 2014-08-06 法雷奥热系统公司 Plate for heat exchanger and heat exchanger equipped with such plates
FR2989766A1 (en) * 2012-04-19 2013-10-25 Valeo Systemes Thermiques Heat exchange beam for radiator for cooling engine of car, has heat exchange inserts connected to tubes, where each tube includes channel with corrugations to enhance capacity of tube to withstand internal pressure in transition zone

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20010018970A1 (en) 2001-09-06
EP1132706A3 (en) 2003-03-19
JP2001248988A (en) 2001-09-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1132706A2 (en) Heat exchanger
US7749609B2 (en) Metal plate for producing flat tube, flat tube and process for producing the flat tube
JP4171760B2 (en) Flat tube and manufacturing method of flat tube
US5348083A (en) Heat exchanger
JP3125834B2 (en) Heat exchanger and method of manufacturing the same
US6196306B1 (en) Lamination type heat exchanger with pipe joint
US6550533B2 (en) Heat exchanger and dimple tube used in the same, the tube having larger opposed protrusions closest to each end of tube
AU2002304254A1 (en) Metal plate for producing flat tube, flat tube and process for producing the flat tube
GB2433111A (en) A stiffening part to reinforce tubes of a heat exchanger
TW534974B (en) Header for use in heat exchangers, heat exchanger and method for manufacturing the same
EP0745821A1 (en) Heat exchanger with divided header tank
EP0798530A1 (en) Heat exchanger
JP7188564B2 (en) Heat exchanger
JP4423096B2 (en) Manufacturing method of heat exchanger
WO2003008891A1 (en) Heat exchanger
LU101721B1 (en) Heat exchanger
CN112739972A (en) Compliant B-tube for heat sink applications
EP0881008A2 (en) Method of making refrigerant tubes for heat exchangers
JP2002357395A (en) Header for heat exchanger, heat exchanger, and their manufacturing methods
EP0822381A2 (en) Heat exchanger
KR19990019825A (en) Heat exchanger of air conditioner and its manufacturing method
JP2012088011A (en) Heat exchanger
AU2002243004A1 (en) Header for use in heat exchangers, heat exchanger and method for manufacturing the same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20010305

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): DE FR IT

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20040603

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20041001