EP1788338A1

EP1788338A1 - Heat exchanger

Info

Publication number: EP1788338A1
Application number: EP06124226A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fumiaki Miyauchi; Takashi Fujisaki
Original assignee: Sanden Corp
Current assignee: Sanden Corp
Priority date: 2005-11-21
Filing date: 2006-11-16
Publication date: 2007-05-23
Also published as: JP2007139359A

Abstract

Disclosed is a heat exchanger having a tank part provided with an attaching portion (3) to which an attachment (7) is attached at a condition capable of being attached and detached, an attaching surface of the attachment (7) is formed as an L shape, a projection (8) is provided on the attaching surface of the attachment (7) integrally with the attachment (7), and to the attaching portion (3), provided are a hole (4) into which the projection (8) is inserted and an engaging portion with which the attachment (7) is engaged. In this structure, the whole of the attachment (7) can be structured to be attached and detached relative to the attaching portion (3) while omitting a conventional attaching bolt, the number of parts can be decreased, and the workability for attaching can be improved and the attachment strength of the attachment (7) can be increased.

Description

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger having a tank part provided with an attaching portion to which an attachment such as an external tube support member is attached, and specifically, to a heat exchanger suitable as a heat exchanger used for a vehicle, in particular, as an intercooler.
A conventional attaching structure of an attachment to an attaching portion provided on a tank part of a heat exchanger is constructed, for example, as shown in Figs. 10 to 12. In Fig. 10, on a tank part 100 of a heat exchanger, an attaching portion 102 is provided. An external tube support member 101 provided as an attachment is attached to this attaching portion 102. as shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 11, an insert member 103 with a screw therein is provided integrally in attaching portion 102. As shown in Fig. 12, external tube support member 101 is formed, for example, as an L shape, and a supporting part 104 for supporting an external tube (not shown) is provided to support member 101 integrally with the support member 101.
In such an attaching structure, external tube support member 101 is attached to attaching portion 102 at a condition capable of being attached and detached, by screwing a bolt 105 into insert member 103. Such an attaching structure is disclosed in JP-A-5-215483 .
In a case where the heat exchanger is an intercooler, because a high thermal resistance and a high pressure resistance are required for tank part 100, the tank part 100 is usually formed from a relatively low-flexibility material such as a metal (for example, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc.), a resin (for example, aliphatic polyamide, etc.), a composite material of a resin and an inorganic material (for example, glass fibers, etc.), etc. On the other hand, a flexibility is required for external tube support member 101 as an attachment. Thus, since properties different from each other are required for external tube support member 101 and attaching portion 102, it is difficult to form both parts integrally with an identical material. Therefore, it is a usual manner to form external tube support member 101 as an attachment and attaching portion 102 separately from each other, and to attach the external tube support member 101 via bolt 105 as described above.
However, in the above-described method wherein external tube support member 101 is attached to attaching portion 102 by fastening it to insert member 103 by bolt 105, the number of parts and the number of processes for the attachment may increase, and the cost therefor may increase. Further, by securing external tube support member 101 to attaching portion 102 only by using bolt 105, a sufficient attachment strength may not be obtained, and a noise may be generated by vibration happened accompanying with running of a vehicle.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a heat exchanger which can achieve a desirable structure for attaching the whole of an attachment to an attaching portion at a condition capable of being attached and detached without using a bolt as well as decreasing the number of parts, and which can improve the workability for the attachment work and increase the attachment strength.
A heat exchanger according to the present invention has a tank part provided with an attaching portion to which an attachment is attached at a condition capable of being attached and detached, and is characterized in that an attaching surface of the attachment to the attaching portion is formed as an L shape (a schematic L shape), a projection is provided on the attaching surface of the attachment integrally with the attachment, and to the attaching portion, provided are a hole into which the projection is inserted and an engaging portion with which the attachment is engaged.
In such a structure, in the state where the attachment is attached to the attaching portion, the projection is being inserted into the hole and the attachment is being engaged with the engaging portion. Therefore, as compared with the conventional attachment method where the attachment is attached and secured by using only a bolt, the attachment is fixed by utilizing the above-described insertion of the projection into the hole and engagement of the attachment with the engaging portion, thereby the attachment strength may be greatly increased. Further, because the projection is inserted into the hole at a condition capable of being inserted and extracted and both sides of the attachment are engaged at a condition capable of being attached to and detached from the attaching portion, the whole of the attachment may be structured at a condition capable of being attached and detached relative to the attaching portion. Moreover, because the projection is provided integrally with the attachment, a conventional bolt can be surely omitted, and the number of parts can be decreased. Furthermore, because a troublesome bolt fastening operation becomes unnecessary, the workability for attaching the attachment to the attaching portion may be greatly improved.
In the above-described structure according to the present invention, it is preferred that a ring-like collar portion capable of being brought into contact with an inner surface of the hole and capable of being elastically deformed is formed on an outer surface of the projection. Alternatively, it is preferred that a ring-like collar portion capable of being brought into contact with an outer surface of the projection and capable of being elastically deformed is formed on an inner surface of the hole. The ring-like collar portion may be provided on both of the outer surface of the projection and the inner surface of the hole. By forming such a ring-like collar portion, the projection may be inserted into the hole at a condition capable of being inserted and extracted more properly and being fixed at a proper inserted position more easily. Because the ring-like collar portion extends in the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the projection or/and the inner surface of the hole, the holding strength of the projection relative to the hole may be adequately increased. Further, the holding strength of the projection at a condition where the projection is inserted into the hole can be further increased by disposing a plurality of ring-like collar portions in an axial direction of the projection.
The above-described engaging portion may comprise a groove portion which is provided on each side of the attaching portion and with which a side portion of the attachment is engaged. This groove portion may be formed, for example, as a C shape or a V shape in cross section. Alternatively, the engaging portion may comprise a wall portion which is provided on each side of the attaching portion and with which a side portion of the attachment is brought into contact. In this case, top portions of wall portions provided on both sides of the attaching portion may be connected to each other by a connecting member.
In the structure according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the above-described attaching portion integrally with the tank part. Further, the attaching portion or the attachment, or both, may be made of a resin. Furthermore, in the structure, it is possible to provide a plurality of attaching portions to the tank part.
Although the attachment is not particularly limited, for example, it is provided as a tube support member for supporting an external tube. Further, although the heat exchanger according to the present invention also is not particularly limited, it is suitable as a heat exchanger for a vehicle, in particular, as an intercooler.
In the above-described heat exchanger according to the present invention, the conventional bolt for fastening the attachment to the attaching portion becomes unnecessary, the whole of the attachment can be attached to the attaching portion of the tank part easily, properly and securely with a sufficient attachment strength by a simple structure. Moreover, because the number of parts can be decreased, the workability for attaching the attachment to the attaching portion can be improved and the cost for the attachment may be reduced.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying figures, of which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a tank part of an intercooler as a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an attaching portion of the tank part depicted in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing a state where an attachment is attached to the attaching portion depicted in Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where an attachment is attached to the attaching portion depicted in Fig. 2.
Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view of an attaching portion of a tank part showing an embodiment different from the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an attaching portion of a tank part of an intercooler as a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a state where an attachment is attached to the attaching portion depicted in Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an attaching portion of a tank part of an intercooler as a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a state where an attachment is attached to the attaching portion depicted in Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a tank part of a conventional heat exchanger.
Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of an attaching portion of the tank part depicted in Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is a sectional view showing a state where an attachment is attached to an attaching portion of the tank part depicted in Fig. 10.

Hereinafter, the desirable embodiments of the heat exchanger according to the present invention will be explained referring to figures.
Fig. I depicts a tank part of a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger is provided as an intercooler used for a vehicle, and Fig. 1 shows its tank part 1. Tank part 1 is provided with an introduction port 2 (or discharge port) of supercharged gas and an attaching portion 3 to which an attachment described later is attached. In attaching portion 3, a hole 4 is provided as shown in Fig. 2. Further, wall portions 5 and 6 capable of being brought into contact with an attachment are provided on both sides of attaching portion 3, respectively, In this embodiment, an engaging portion 11 is formed by wall portions 5 and 6.
An external tube support member 7 provided as an attachment is attached to attaching portion 3 at a condition capable of being attached and detached, as shown in Fig. 3. The external tube support member 7 is formed as an L shape in which a long wall 7a and a short wall 7b are connected perpendicular to each other and having an L-shape attaching surface on the side of attaching portion 3. On the attaching surface of short wall 7b, a projection 8 capable of being inserted into and extracted from hole 4 is provided. A plurality of ring-like collar portions 9 are formed on the outer surface of projection 8, and each ring-like collar portion 9 extends in the circumferential direction of projection 8. Each ring-like collar portion 9 is formed so as to be able to be elastically deformed. The plurality of ring-like collar portions 9 are disposed in the axial direction of projection 8 substantially at a constant interval.
Although ring-like collar portions 9 are provided only on the outer surface of projection 8 in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, ring-like collar portions 12 may be provided on the inner surface of hole 4, and further, such collar portions may be provided on both the outer surface of projection 8 and the inner surface of hole 4. Further, in a case where ring-like collar portions 12 are provided on the inner surface of hole 4, ring-like collar portions 9 provided on the outer surface of projection 8 may be omitted.
On the outer surface of long wall 7a of external tube support member 7, a supporting part 10 is provided for supporting an external tube (not shown).
In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, when external tube support member 7 is attached to attaching portion 3 of tank part 1, both sides of long wall 7a of external tube support member 7 are brought into contact with both wall portions 5 and 6, and projection 8 is inserted into hole 4. In this state, while ring-like collar portions 9 provided on the outer surface of projection 8 are elastically deformed by being brought into contact with the inner surface of hole 4, the projection 8 enters into the hole 4 and the tip-side portion of the projection 8 enters up to the inside of attaching portion 3. Then, the inner surface of short wall 7b of external tube support member 7 is brought into contact with the outer surface of attaching portion 3, and the external tube support member 7 is surely fixed to the attaching portion 3. In this condition, projection 8 is being inserted into hole 4 and both sides of long wall 7a of external tube support member 7 are being brought into contact with both wall portions 5 and 6. Therefore, external tube support member 7 can be securely fixed in both directions A and B shown in Fig. 4 and vibration of the external tube support member 7 in the directions A and B can be properly prevented, and the attachment strength of the external tube support member 7 can be greatly increased as compared with the aforementioned conventional structure. Where, in this condition, ring-like collar portions 9 may be kept at a condition being deformed by the contact with the inner surface of hole 4.
Further, because projection 8 is inserted into hole 4 at a condition capable of being inserted and extracted and both sides of long wall 7a of external tube support member 7 are engaged with wall portions 5 and 6 of attaching portion 3 at a condition capable of being attached and detached, the whole of the external tube support member 7 can be formed to be attached and detached relative to attaching portion 3. Further, because projection 8 is provided integrally with external tube support member 7, the conventional bolt can be omitted, and the number of parts can be decreased. Furthermore, because the troublesome work of the conventional bolt becomes unnecessary, the workability for attaching and detaching external tube support member 7 relative to attaching portion 3 can be facilitated and improved.
Figs. 6 and 7 show an attaching portion 13 of a tank part of an intercooler as a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Where, the explanation of the same structure as that of the above-described first embodiment is omitted by providing the same labels as those in the first embodiment. In this second embodiment, wall portions 5 and 6 forming engaging portion 11 of attaching portion 13 are connected to each other at their top portions by a connecting member 14.
Also in such a structure, similarly to the first embodiment, the whole of external tube support member 7 can be structured to be attached and detached relative to attaching portion 13 while omitting the conventional bolt, the number of parts can be decreased, and the workability for attaching and the attachment strength of the external tube support member 7 can be improved. Further, in this embodiment, because connecting member 14 connects wall portions 5 and 6 forming engaging portion 11 of attaching portion 13 to each other, the strength of the wall portions 5 and 6 can be increased, the vibration of external tube support member 7 engaged with and fixed by these wall portions 5 and 6 can be further decreased or prevented.
Figs. 8 and 9 show an attaching portion 15 of a tank part of an intercooler as a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Where, the explanation of the same structure as those of the above-described first and second embodiments is omitted by providing the same labels as those in the first and second embodiments. In this third embodiment, a groove portion 16 having a C shape in cross section is formed on each side of attaching portion 15, and each side portion of external tube support member 7 is engaged with groove portion 16. These groove portions 16 form an engaging portion 17 in the present invention.
Also in such a structure, similarly to the first embodiment, the whole of external tube support member 7 can be structured to be attached and detached relative to attaching portion 15 while omitting the conventional bolt, the number of parts can be decreased, and the workability for attaching and the attachment strength of the external tube support member 7 can be improved. Further, in this embodiment, because each side portion of external tube support member 7 is slidably inserted into each groove portion 16 and engaged securely with the groove portion 16, the attachment strength of the external tube support member 7 can be increased, the vibration of external tube support member 7 engaged with and fixed by engagement with these groove portions 16 can be further decreased or prevented.
The structure of the heat exchanger according to the present invention is suitable for a heat exchanger having a tank part provided with an attaching portion to which an attachment such as an external tube support member is attached, and especially, suitable for a heat exchanger used for a vehicle, in particular, for an intercooler.

Claims

A heat exchanger having a tank part provided with an attaching portion to which an attachment is attached at a condition capable of being attached and detached, characterized in that an attaching surface of said attachment to said attaching portion is formed as an L shape, a projection is provided on said attaching surface of said attachment integrally with said attachment, and to said attaching portion, provided are a hole into which said projection is inserted and an engaging portion with which said attachment is engaged.
The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a ring-like collar portion capable of being brought into contact with an inner surface of said hole and capable of being elastically deformed is formed on an outer surface of said projection.
The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a ring-like collar portion capable of being brought into contact with an outer surface of said projection and capable of being elastically deformed is formed on an inner surface of said hole.
The heat exchanger according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a plurality of ring-like collar portions are disposed in an axial direction of said projection.
The heat exchanger according to any preceding claim, wherein said engaging portion comprises a groove portion which is provided on each side of said attaching portion and with which a side portion of said attachment is engaged.
The heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein said groove portion is formed as a C shape in cross section.
The heat exchanger according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said engaging portion comprises a wall portion which is provided on each side of said attaching portion and with which a side portion of said attachment is brought into contact.
The heat exchanger according to claim 7, wherein top portions of wall portions provided on both sides of said attaching portion are connected to each other by a connecting member.
The heat exchanger according to any preceding claim, wherein said attaching portion or said attachment, or both, are made of a resin.
The heat exchanger according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of attaching portions are provided to said tank part.
The heat exchanger according to any preceding claim, wherein said attachment is a tube support member for supporting an external tube.
The heat exchanger according to any preceding claim, wherein said heat exchanger is an intercooler.