EP2434245B1 - Method of assembly of a heat Exchanger - Google Patents
Method of assembly of a heat Exchanger Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2434245B1 EP2434245B1 EP20100181160 EP10181160A EP2434245B1 EP 2434245 B1 EP2434245 B1 EP 2434245B1 EP 20100181160 EP20100181160 EP 20100181160 EP 10181160 A EP10181160 A EP 10181160A EP 2434245 B1 EP2434245 B1 EP 2434245B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tank
- header plate
- tabs
- positioning
- transverse
- 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.)
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Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000012809 cooling fluid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000593 degrading effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003745 diagnosis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/0219—Arrangements for sealing end plates into casing or header box; Header box sub-elements
- F28F9/0224—Header boxes formed by sealing end plates into covers
- F28F9/0226—Header boxes formed by sealing end plates into covers with resilient gaskets
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- 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
- F28D1/04—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 tubular conduits
- F28D1/053—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 tubular conduits the conduits being straight
- F28D1/0535—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 tubular conduits the conduits being straight the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
- F28D1/05366—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2275/00—Fastening; Joining
- F28F2275/12—Fastening; Joining by methods involving deformation of the elements
- F28F2275/122—Fastening; Joining by methods involving deformation of the elements by crimping, caulking or clinching
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2280/00—Mounting arrangements; Arrangements for facilitating assembling or disassembling of heat exchanger parts
- F28F2280/04—Means for preventing wrong assembling of parts
Definitions
- This invention relates to a method of assembly of a task and a header plate of a heat exchanger.
- Heat exchangers equip the vast majority of motor vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine. Heat exchangers may be used for engine cooling and for passenger's climate control. Most heat exchangers include a tank and a header plate. It has become common practice to manufacture the tank from a plastic material and the header from a heat conductive metal material such as aluminum. The plastic tank is mechanically joined to the header plate. It is vital that the junction between the tank and header plate be leak-free and durable in spite of the corrosive fluid that flows through the heat exchanger.
- the header plate is provided with a peripheral groove in which is placed a gasket and when placed in position, the walls of the plastic tank come in the groove, against the gasket, sealing the tank-header plate interface. During the process the tank is kept in position by the corners of the header plate.
- the walls of the tank are also provided with a foot portion that is peripheral to the opening and, to permanently fix the header plate on the tank, tabs, extending along the outer edge of the header are bent over the foot portion. Prior to bending, the tabs extending from the edges of the header plate are straight and, the bending forces applied on the tabs enable a right angle bending of the tabs.
- the header plate is provided with partially pre-bent tabs.
- the tank is axially pressed against the header plate, compressing the gasket for sealing purposes.
- the partially pre-bent tabs of the header plate are then further bent over a shoulder of the plastic tank thus grabbing said tank and permanently fixing together the tank and the header plate.
- the present invention provides a method for assembling a tank and a header plate of a heat exchanger according to claim 1.
- the method further comprises the step of clinching the transverse tabs inwardly over the foot portion of the tank opening, after the clinching step applied to the lateral tabs, in order to further secure the fixation of the header plate to the tank in the interlocked position.
- the process may comprise the step of operating transversal notches in positioning tabs in order to pre-determine the location where the tab will bend and in order to ease the clinching of said tabs.
- a heat exchanger 10 as shown on Figure 1 , used in a motor vehicle comprises two tank-header plate assemblies 12, each comprising a tank 14 a header plate 16 and a gasket 20, the assemblies 12 being interconnected by flat tubes 48 where a cooling fluid circulates. Cooling fins are interposed between the tubes to increase the thermal transfer.
- the initial step of the process of making the tank-header plate assembly 12, consists in providing the tank 14, the header plate 16 and the gasket 20.
- the tank 14 comprises two longitudinal walls 22, and two transverse walls 24.
- the walls 22, 24, define an inside volume 28 for receiving a cooling fluid.
- the walls 22, 24, also define a rectangular opening 30 surrounded by a peripheral foot portion 32 of the walls 22, 24.
- the tank 14 is usually molded from plastic but other materials can be utilized as well.
- the header plate 16 is designed to be fixed onto the tank 14, over the opening 30.
- the header plate 16 is made of metal and it has the size and shape of the opening 30 surrounded by the peripheral foot portion 32.
- the header plate 16 comprises a header face 18 surrounded by a peripheral side wall 34 extending in the mounting direction M from the edges of the header face 18.
- the header face 18 is provided with a plurality of slots 36, which are usually rectangular or oblong, for connecting the flat tubes 48 within which the cooling fluid circulates.
- the slots 36 When presented to the tank 14, the slots 36 are only facing the opening 30 and the sealing surface 38 that surrounds the slots 36 by being adjacent to the side wall 34 faces the lower face 40 of the foot portion 32.
- the side wall 34 is adjusted for complementary engagement of the foot portion 32.
- the sealing surface 38 aims at receiving the gasket 20 and, can either be designed and made flat, as represented on the Figures, thus minimizing the overall dimensions of the header plate 16, or may be provided with a continuous channel (not represented) within which the gasket 20 can be placed.
- a cured-in-place gasket may advantageously be utilized as an alternative to the separate gasket 20 represented on Figure 1 .
- the gasket would be formed and vulcanized directly on the lower face 40 of the foot portion 32.
- the header plate 16 is further provided with a plurality of lateral tabs 50 extending from the longitudinal edges 52 of the sidewall 34.
- the lateral tabs 50 extend in the mounting direction M and are designed for being bent over the upper face 46 of the foot portion 32.
- the tank 14 and the header plate 16 are provided with complementary features.
- the tank 14 has a longitudinal positioning extension 60, protruding from each of its transverse walls 24, while the header plate 16 is provided with pairs of positioning tabs 64, 66, extending along each of its transverse edges 56.
- the intermediate space 72, between the two positioning tabs 64, 66, has the shape allowing a complementary engagement with a corresponding tank's extension 60.
- each positioning extension 60 has two lateral faces 90, the in-between distance in the transverse direction T being equal to the width of the intermediate space 72 thus, when engaged, the positioning extension 60 is in contact with the two positioning tabs 64, 66.
- the complementary profiles of the positioning extensions 60 and of the intermediate spaces 72 may be further described in alternative options.
- the lateral faces 90 may be parallel, as presented in the Figures, or may be slightly biased (not represented) closer by the lower face 40 of the foot portion 32 than by the upper face 46 so, when presented to the corresponding intermediate space 72, the engagement is eased and when fully engaged the positioning extension 60 is in contact with the two positioning tabs 64, 66.
- one of the positioning extensions 60 may be larger than the other one so the largest extension can only fit into the largest intermediate space thus, creating an orientation key for the header plate 16 relative to the tank 14.
- the header plate 16 may be designed without side wall 34, the lateral tabs 50 extending directly from the edges 52, of the header face 18.
- all tabs are pre-bent prior to the assembly step of the process, as represented on Figure 3 for the lateral tabs 50.
- the pre-bent lateral tabs 50 extend from the longitudinal edge 52 of the header plate 16 to an outwardly bent first portion 78 then to a second portion 80 inwardly bent relative to the first portion 78 until a free extremity 82 inwardly oriented.
- the positioning tabs 64, 66 may also straightly extend from the header plate 16 or may, similarly to the lateral tabs 50, be pre-bent.
- pre-bent positioning tabs 64, 66 it is mandatory that the pre-bending does not alter the engagement of the positioning extensions 60 in their corresponding intermediate spaces 72 during the assembling step of the process.
- the space between the free ends 82 of the tabs must be sufficient to enable the tank 14 to pass in-between them for being properly positioned vis-à-vis the header plate 16.
- the positioning tabs 64, 66 are preferably provided with notches 84 that determine a weaker section 86 of the tab where the final bending will naturally occur.
- the tabs may be provided with a pair of symmetrical notches 84.
- To create the weaker section 86 in the tab multiple other alternatives are possible such as a single notch or a transverse continuous groove internally or externally operated.
- the notches 84 are operated on straight positioning tabs 64, 66, but may as well be operated on pre-bent tabs. Similarly (not represented), lateral tabs 50 may as well be provided with notches 84.
- the gasket 20 is designed to continuously follow the sealing surface 38 adjacent to the side wall 34, in order to be just between the header face 18 and the lower face 40 of the foot portion 32.
- the gasket 20 is usually made of a rubber type material not alterable by the cooling fluid.
- the subsequent step of the process is to position them relative to each other.
- the gasket 20 is positioned in the header plate 16 on the sealing surface 38 or, as alternatively described, in the channel made for the purpose. In place the gasket 20 surrounds the slots 36.
- the tank 14 is presented to the header plate 16 and gasket 20 such that the positioning extensions 60 are aligned with their corresponding intermediate spaces 72.
- the tank 14 is pressed in the mounting direction M on the header plate 16, thus engaging the positioning extensions 60, into their corresponding intermediate spaces 72.
- the gasket 20 is compressed between the lower face 40 of the foot portion 32 and the sealing surface 38 of the header plate 16.
- the engagement of the positioning extensions 60, into the intermediate spaces 72 creates a transverse interlock 88 that prevents any further transverse displacement of the tank 14 relative to the header plate 16 thus advantageously ensuring a perfect positioning during the following steps of the process and during the life of the final product.
- the tank 14 and header plate 16 may be provided with a lateral interlock (not represented) preventing lateral displacements of the tank 14 relative to the header plate 16.
- Lateral interlock could be advantageously implemented in case of pre-bent transverse tabs 64, 66.
- Such a lateral interlock would comprise a transverse positioning extension, protruding from each of its lateral walls 22, while the header plate 16 would be provided with pairs of positioning tabs extending along each of its longitudinal edges 52, the intermediate space between the two positioning tabs having the shape allowing a complementary engagement with a corresponding tank's extension.
- the following step of the process consists in permanently fixing the header plate 16 onto the tank 14 by bending the lateral tabs 50 over the upper face 46 of the foot portion 32. This operation is done by applying on the lateral tabs 50 forces F inwardly oriented.
- the bending occurs in the first portion 78 of the tabs, as represented for the lateral tabs 50 on the sequence Figure 2 - Figure 3 .
- Said first portion 78 being outwardly pre-bent is, under the inwardly oriented force F, straighten thus moving the second portion 80 of the tabs 50 over the upper face 46 of the foot portion 32.
- the bent lateral tabs 50 permanently fix the header plate 16 onto the tank 14 in the desired position.
- the assembly may have been designed so the lateral tabs 50 are sufficient to fix the header plate 16 onto the tank 14.
- the positioning tabs 64, 66 are designed straight with or without notches 84.
- the positioning tabs 64, 66 are, as represented on Figure 5 , bent over the upper face 46 of the foot portion 32 in a final step of the process.
- the bending of the transverse tabs 64, 66 occurs by applying inwardly oriented forces on said positioning tabs 64, 66.
- the interlock 88 engaged in the previous step of the process remains active during and after bending the positioning tabs 64, 66.
- the header plate 16 may, in addition to the positioning tabs 64, 66, be provided on its transverse edges 56 with additional fixation tabs similar in design to the lateral tabs 50.
- the process has been described in focusing exclusively on the assembly of the tank 14 and the header plate 16. It is usual to initially braze together the metallic flat tubes cooling fins and header plates, so creating a single metallic part. Once this is done, the subsequent step is to assemble a gasket 20 and the plastic tank on the header plate.
- the interlock 88 has a further advantage. Should a diagnosis be required, the correct positioning of the extensions 60, in their corresponding intermediate space 72, is an easy visual check during the manufacturing process as well as during the life of the product.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a method of assembly of a task and a header plate of a heat exchanger.
- Heat exchangers equip the vast majority of motor vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine. Heat exchangers may be used for engine cooling and for passenger's climate control. Most heat exchangers include a tank and a header plate. It has become common practice to manufacture the tank from a plastic material and the header from a heat conductive metal material such as aluminum. The plastic tank is mechanically joined to the header plate. It is vital that the junction between the tank and header plate be leak-free and durable in spite of the corrosive fluid that flows through the heat exchanger.
- Generally the tank opening is rectangular and so is the header plate. As disclosed in
EP1921413A1 , which is considered as the closest prior art for claim 9, and inDE20307881U1 , the header plate is provided with a peripheral groove in which is placed a gasket and when placed in position, the walls of the plastic tank come in the groove, against the gasket, sealing the tank-header plate interface. During the process the tank is kept in position by the corners of the header plate. The walls of the tank are also provided with a foot portion that is peripheral to the opening and, to permanently fix the header plate on the tank, tabs, extending along the outer edge of the header are bent over the foot portion. Prior to bending, the tabs extending from the edges of the header plate are straight and, the bending forces applied on the tabs enable a right angle bending of the tabs. - To ensure the leak free requirement, Ahaus et al, in
US 6,082,446 . disclose a design of the plastic tank provided with compression stop devices ensuring that the gasket will not be over-compressed. - In the most recent developments, the header plate is provided with partially pre-bent tabs. When the plastic tank is positioned over the header plate, the tank is axially pressed against the header plate, compressing the gasket for sealing purposes. The partially pre-bent tabs of the header plate are then further bent over a shoulder of the plastic tank thus grabbing said tank and permanently fixing together the tank and the header plate.
- An issue with these pre-bent tabs is that the final bending is done thanks to transverse forces orthogonal to the axial compression direction from the tank to the header plate. Consequently, these transverse forces applied on the header plate may generate small transverse displacements of the header plate relative to the tank degrading the quality and the sealing performance of the assembly.
- It is an object of the present invention to propose a method of assembly of the tank and the header plate that forbids transverse shifting of the parts during assembly.
- In carrying out the above object, the present invention provides a method for assembling a tank and a header plate of a heat exchanger according to claim 1.
- The method further comprises the step of clinching the transverse tabs inwardly over the foot portion of the tank opening, after the clinching step applied to the lateral tabs, in order to further secure the fixation of the header plate to the tank in the interlocked position.
- Furthermore, the process may comprise the step of operating transversal notches in positioning tabs in order to pre-determine the location where the tab will bend and in order to ease the clinching of said tabs.
- The present invention is now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a heat exchanger not according to the invention. -
Figure 2 is an isometric view of a tank and header plate assembly not according to the invention. -
Figure 3 is a side view of a tank and a header facing each other, prior to be assembled together. -
Figure 4 is a side view along the longitudinal direction of the assembly ofFigure 1 . -
Figure 5 is an isometric view of a tank and header plate assembly not according to the invention. - In the following description, similar elements could be designated with the same reference numbers.
- A
heat exchanger 10, as shown onFigure 1 , used in a motor vehicle comprises two tank-header plate assemblies 12, each comprising a tank 14 aheader plate 16 and agasket 20, theassemblies 12 being interconnected byflat tubes 48 where a cooling fluid circulates. Cooling fins are interposed between the tubes to increase the thermal transfer. - To ease the description that follows a direct orthogonal system including longitudinal direction L, transverse direction T and mounting direction M is utilized.
- The initial step of the process of making the tank-
header plate assembly 12, consists in providing thetank 14, theheader plate 16 and thegasket 20. - Detailed on
Figures 2 to 5 , thetank 14 comprises twolongitudinal walls 22, and twotransverse walls 24. Thewalls inside volume 28 for receiving a cooling fluid. Thewalls rectangular opening 30 surrounded by aperipheral foot portion 32 of thewalls - The
tank 14 is usually molded from plastic but other materials can be utilized as well. - The
header plate 16 is designed to be fixed onto thetank 14, over the opening 30. Theheader plate 16 is made of metal and it has the size and shape of the opening 30 surrounded by theperipheral foot portion 32. As better shown onFigure 2 , theheader plate 16 comprises aheader face 18 surrounded by aperipheral side wall 34 extending in the mounting direction M from the edges of theheader face 18. Theheader face 18 is provided with a plurality ofslots 36, which are usually rectangular or oblong, for connecting theflat tubes 48 within which the cooling fluid circulates. - When presented to the
tank 14, theslots 36 are only facing the opening 30 and thesealing surface 38 that surrounds theslots 36 by being adjacent to theside wall 34 faces thelower face 40 of thefoot portion 32. Theside wall 34 is adjusted for complementary engagement of thefoot portion 32. - The
sealing surface 38 aims at receiving thegasket 20 and, can either be designed and made flat, as represented on the Figures, thus minimizing the overall dimensions of theheader plate 16, or may be provided with a continuous channel (not represented) within which thegasket 20 can be placed. - Whenever possible a cured-in-place gasket may advantageously be utilized as an alternative to the
separate gasket 20 represented onFigure 1 . In such a case the gasket would be formed and vulcanized directly on thelower face 40 of thefoot portion 32. - As shown on
Figures 2 and5 , theheader plate 16 is further provided with a plurality oflateral tabs 50 extending from thelongitudinal edges 52 of thesidewall 34. Thelateral tabs 50 extend in the mounting direction M and are designed for being bent over theupper face 46 of thefoot portion 32. - For purposes of mutual positioning in the transverse direction T, the
tank 14 and theheader plate 16 are provided with complementary features. Thetank 14 has alongitudinal positioning extension 60, protruding from each of itstransverse walls 24, while theheader plate 16 is provided with pairs ofpositioning tabs transverse edges 56. Theintermediate space 72, between the twopositioning tabs extension 60. - More specifically, each
positioning extension 60 has twolateral faces 90, the in-between distance in the transverse direction T being equal to the width of theintermediate space 72 thus, when engaged, thepositioning extension 60 is in contact with the twopositioning tabs - The complementary profiles of the
positioning extensions 60 and of theintermediate spaces 72 may be further described in alternative options. Thelateral faces 90 may be parallel, as presented in the Figures, or may be slightly biased (not represented) closer by thelower face 40 of thefoot portion 32 than by theupper face 46 so, when presented to the correspondingintermediate space 72, the engagement is eased and when fully engaged thepositioning extension 60 is in contact with the twopositioning tabs positioning extensions 60 may be larger than the other one so the largest extension can only fit into the largest intermediate space thus, creating an orientation key for theheader plate 16 relative to thetank 14. - Also, as represented on
Figure 3 for the lateral side but also possible for the transverse side, theheader plate 16 may be designed withoutside wall 34, thelateral tabs 50 extending directly from theedges 52, of theheader face 18. - As per
Figures 2 to 5 , all tabs are pre-bent prior to the assembly step of the process, as represented onFigure 3 for thelateral tabs 50. The pre-bentlateral tabs 50 extend from thelongitudinal edge 52 of theheader plate 16 to an outwardly bentfirst portion 78 then to asecond portion 80 inwardly bent relative to thefirst portion 78 until afree extremity 82 inwardly oriented. - The
positioning tabs header plate 16 or may, similarly to thelateral tabs 50, be pre-bent. - In the case of
pre-bent positioning tabs positioning extensions 60 in their correspondingintermediate spaces 72 during the assembling step of the process. - The space between the free ends 82 of the tabs must be sufficient to enable the
tank 14 to pass in-between them for being properly positioned vis-à-vis theheader plate 16. - As represented on
Figure 5 , thepositioning tabs notches 84 that determine aweaker section 86 of the tab where the final bending will naturally occur. The tabs may be provided with a pair ofsymmetrical notches 84. To create theweaker section 86 in the tab multiple other alternatives are possible such as a single notch or a transverse continuous groove internally or externally operated. - The
notches 84 are operated onstraight positioning tabs lateral tabs 50 may as well be provided withnotches 84. - The
gasket 20 is designed to continuously follow the sealingsurface 38 adjacent to theside wall 34, in order to be just between theheader face 18 and thelower face 40 of thefoot portion 32. Thegasket 20 is usually made of a rubber type material not alterable by the cooling fluid. - Once the
tank 14 theheader plate 16 and thegasket 20 are provided as individual components, the subsequent step of the process is to position them relative to each other. - The
gasket 20 is positioned in theheader plate 16 on the sealingsurface 38 or, as alternatively described, in the channel made for the purpose. In place thegasket 20 surrounds theslots 36. - Afterward, the
tank 14 is presented to theheader plate 16 andgasket 20 such that thepositioning extensions 60 are aligned with their correspondingintermediate spaces 72. Subsequently, thetank 14 is pressed in the mounting direction M on theheader plate 16, thus engaging thepositioning extensions 60, into their correspondingintermediate spaces 72. Thegasket 20 is compressed between thelower face 40 of thefoot portion 32 and the sealingsurface 38 of theheader plate 16. The engagement of thepositioning extensions 60, into theintermediate spaces 72, creates atransverse interlock 88 that prevents any further transverse displacement of thetank 14 relative to theheader plate 16 thus advantageously ensuring a perfect positioning during the following steps of the process and during the life of the final product. - Furthermore and similarly to the
transverse interlock 88, thetank 14 andheader plate 16 may be provided with a lateral interlock (not represented) preventing lateral displacements of thetank 14 relative to theheader plate 16. Lateral interlock could be advantageously implemented in case of pre-benttransverse tabs lateral walls 22, while theheader plate 16 would be provided with pairs of positioning tabs extending along each of itslongitudinal edges 52, the intermediate space between the two positioning tabs having the shape allowing a complementary engagement with a corresponding tank's extension. - The following step of the process consists in permanently fixing the
header plate 16 onto thetank 14 by bending thelateral tabs 50 over theupper face 46 of thefoot portion 32. This operation is done by applying on thelateral tabs 50 forces F inwardly oriented. - In the case of straight tabs with
notches 84 the bending naturally occurs in theweak section 86 of the tabs bringing part of the tabs over theupper face 46 of thefoot portion 32. - The bending occurs in the
first portion 78 of the tabs, as represented for thelateral tabs 50 on the sequenceFigure 2 - Figure 3 . Saidfirst portion 78 being outwardly pre-bent is, under the inwardly oriented force F, straighten thus moving thesecond portion 80 of thetabs 50 over theupper face 46 of thefoot portion 32. - In any alternatives, thanks to the
interlock 88, the bentlateral tabs 50 permanently fix theheader plate 16 onto thetank 14 in the desired position. - The assembly may have been designed so the
lateral tabs 50 are sufficient to fix theheader plate 16 onto thetank 14. In this case, as represented onFigure 2 , thepositioning tabs notches 84. Alternatively, should for instance the transverse dimension be important and further fixation be required on said transverse direction T, thepositioning tabs Figure 5 , bent over theupper face 46 of thefoot portion 32 in a final step of the process. - Similarly to the
lateral tabs 50, the bending of thetransverse tabs positioning tabs interlock 88 engaged in the previous step of the process remains active during and after bending thepositioning tabs - Alternatively, according to the design of the tank-
header assembly 12, theheader plate 16 may, in addition to thepositioning tabs transverse edges 56 with additional fixation tabs similar in design to thelateral tabs 50. - To simplify the description, the process has been described in focusing exclusively on the assembly of the
tank 14 and theheader plate 16. It is usual to initially braze together the metallic flat tubes cooling fins and header plates, so creating a single metallic part. Once this is done, the subsequent step is to assemble agasket 20 and the plastic tank on the header plate. - The
interlock 88 has a further advantage. Should a diagnosis be required, the correct positioning of theextensions 60, in their correspondingintermediate space 72, is an easy visual check during the manufacturing process as well as during the life of the product.
Claims (3)
- A method of assembling a tank (14) and a header plate (16) of a heat exchanger (10) comprising the steps of:providing a tank (14) having walls (22, 24,) defining an axial opening (30) in the bottom with an outer peripheral foot portion (32) comprising longitudinal and transverse sections,providing a header plate (16) being designed to cover the opening (30) and having longitudinal and transverse edges (52, 56) and a plurality of lateral tabs (50) extending axially from the longitudinal edges (52) towards the tank (14), the header plate (16) being provided with holes for receiving fluid circulation tubes,characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of:pre-bending the lateral tabs (50) such that each tab (50) extends from the longitudinal edge (52) through an outwardly bent first portion (78) to a second portion (80) inwardly bent relative to the first portion (78) so that,providing each transverse wall (24) of the tank (14) with at least one positioning extension (60) longitudinally protruding,providing each transverse edge (56) of the header plate (16) with at least one pair of positioning tabs (64, 66) extending axially from said transverse edge (56) towards the tank (14), each pair defining in-between its two positioning tabs an intermediate space (72) having a shape allowing complementary engagement with a corresponding tank's extension (60),positioning the header plate (16) facing the opening (30) such that each extension (60) is being aligned with a corresponding intermediate space (72),pressing axially the header plate (16) onto the tank (14), the foot portion (32) passing between the free extremities (82) of the lateral tabs (50), such thatthe header plate (16) and the tank (14) are interlocked in a transverse direction (T) by positioning the extensions (60) into said spaces (72), each positioning tab (64, 66) being in contact with the corresponding face of the corresponding extension (60), thus prohibiting any further transverse displacement of the header plate (16) relative to the tank (14), andbending inwardly the first portion (78) so clinching the lateral tabs (50) inwardly over the foot portion (32) of the tank opening (30) in order to fix the header plate (16) onto the tank (14) in the interlocked position.
- Process as set in claim 1 further comprising the step of:clinching the transverse tabs (64, 66) inwardly over the foot portion (32) of the tank opening (30), after the clinching step applied to the lateral tabs (50), in order to further secure the fixation of the header plate (16) to the tank (14) in the interlocked position.
- Process as set in any of the preceding claim further comprising the step of:operating transversal notches (84) in positioning tabs (64, 66) in order to pre-determine the location where the tab will bend and in order to ease the clinching of said tabs.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20100181160 EP2434245B1 (en) | 2010-09-28 | 2010-09-28 | Method of assembly of a heat Exchanger |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20100181160 EP2434245B1 (en) | 2010-09-28 | 2010-09-28 | Method of assembly of a heat Exchanger |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2434245A1 EP2434245A1 (en) | 2012-03-28 |
EP2434245B1 true EP2434245B1 (en) | 2013-05-29 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP20100181160 Active EP2434245B1 (en) | 2010-09-28 | 2010-09-28 | Method of assembly of a heat Exchanger |
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Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2012088011A (en) * | 2010-10-21 | 2012-05-10 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Heat exchanger |
DE102013227113A1 (en) | 2013-12-23 | 2015-07-09 | MAHLE Behr GmbH & Co. KG | Heat exchanger with circumferential seal |
CN105806139A (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2016-07-27 | 泰安鼎鑫冷却器有限公司 | Assembling mode of water chamber and mainboard |
US10126064B2 (en) * | 2015-08-07 | 2018-11-13 | Denso Corporation | Heat exchanger |
ES2724915A1 (en) * | 2018-03-16 | 2019-09-17 | Valeo Termico Sa | HEAT EXCHANGER FOR GASES AND ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE OF A HEAT EXCHANGER (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
JP7037404B2 (en) * | 2018-03-26 | 2022-03-16 | 株式会社ティラド | Heat exchanger tank structure |
FR3082927B1 (en) * | 2018-06-26 | 2020-07-03 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | COLLECTOR BOX AND CORRESPONDING HEAT EXCHANGER |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6082446A (en) | 1998-04-20 | 2000-07-04 | Ahaus Tool And Engineering, Inc. | Sealing method and apparatus for a heat exchanger |
US20020023734A1 (en) * | 2000-08-09 | 2002-02-28 | Wagner William W. | Charge air cooler and method of assembling the same |
DE20307881U1 (en) * | 2003-05-21 | 2004-09-23 | Autokühler GmbH & Co. KG | Heat exchanger/charge cooler for a motor vehicle, has pipes to form a heat exchanger network, a collector with a receiver and flow-conducting elements with tapered thicknesses |
EP1921413B1 (en) * | 2006-11-09 | 2012-09-19 | João de Deus & Filhos, S.A. | A heat exchanger, in particular an intercooler for motor vehicles |
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