JP2024013037A - Heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attach a bracket to a heat exchanger without applying welding or a support member, and to change the attachment position of the bracket to the heat exchanger.

SOLUTION: In a heat exchanger, tubes extending in one direction are arranged in parallel with one another in a direction intersecting with an extension direction of the tubes, a pair of header tanks extending in a parallel direction of the tubes are connected to both ends of a plurality of the tubes, and brackets are attached to header tanks. As attachment parts for limiting the movement of the brackets to the header tanks, a first attachment part for limiting the movement of the tubes in the extension direction and a second attachment part for limiting the movement of the header tanks in the extension direction are arranged in parallel with each other in the extension direction of the header tanks.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger.

A heat exchanger connects a header tank to both ends of multiple tubes arranged in parallel, and connects the heat medium or refrigerant flowing inside the tubes via the header tank and the fluid (e.g. air) passing between the multiple tubes. to perform heat exchange.

2. Description of the Related Art Heat exchangers (radiators, evaporators, condensers, etc.) for use in vehicles are attached to a mounting position on a vehicle body or the like via a bracket. Further, the heat exchanger is joined by integral brazing, and at this time, the bracket is carried into the furnace while being temporarily fixed to the header tank.

There are two ways to attach a bracket to a heat exchanger: temporarily fixing the bracket to the header tank by welding, and attaching a support member to the side of the heat exchanger and locking the bracket to this support member (for example, (See Patent Document 1 below).

Microfilm of Utility Model No. 61-13183

When welding a bracket to a header tank, there is a risk of holes forming during welding if the header tank is thin, and there is also a risk of the bracket falling off during integral brazing due to poor welding. Further, when the bracket is locked to the support member, there is a problem that the number of parts increases due to the provision of the support member, which requires extra space at the installation location and increases costs.

Further, as in the prior art described above, when the bracket is fixed to a header tank or the like by welding or when the bracket is locked to a support member, it is not easy to change the mounting position of the bracket on the heat exchanger. For this reason, when attaching and fixing the heat exchanger to a vehicle or the like, there is a problem in that the attachment position cannot be easily changed, making it difficult to apply the heat exchanger to different types of vehicles.

The present invention has been proposed to deal with such circumstances. In other words, by attaching the bracket without using welding, the risk of holes being made during welding and the risk of falling off due to poor welding can be avoided, and by attaching the bracket without using support members, extra space is saved at the installation location. It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the need for a heat exchanger and to facilitate application to different vehicle models by making it possible to change the mounting position of the bracket in the heat exchanger.

In order to solve such problems, the present invention includes the following configuration.
A plurality of tubes extending in one direction are arranged in parallel in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the tubes, a pair of header dunks extending in the parallel direction of the tubes are connected to both ends of the plurality of tubes, and the header dunks are connected to both ends of the plurality of tubes. A heat exchanger in which a bracket is attached to a tank, and the attachment part that limits the movement of the bracket with respect to the header tank includes a first attachment part that limits movement in the extending direction of the tube and an extension part of the header tank. A heat exchanger characterized in that second attachment portions for restricting movement in the header tank are arranged in parallel in the extending direction of the header tank.

The present invention having such features can, for one thing, avoid the risk of holes being made during welding and the risk of falling off due to poor welding by attaching the bracket without employing welding. Furthermore, by attaching the bracket without using a support member, no extra space is required at the installation location. Furthermore, since the mounting position of the bracket in the heat exchanger can be changed, application to different vehicle models can be facilitated.

1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. Front view of the bracket alone. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating how to attach the bracket.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different figures indicate parts with the same function, and redundant explanation in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 1 includes a plurality of tubes 2 arranged in parallel, a header tank 3 connected to both ends of the plurality of tubes 2, and a bracket 4 attached to the header tank 3. ing. The heat exchanger 1 performs heat exchange between a heat medium or a refrigerant flowing in the tubes 2 via the header tank 3 and a fluid (air) passing between the plurality of tubes 2.

In the illustrated example, the tube 2 extends in one direction (arrow X direction in the figure) and has a flat shape along a direction (arrow Z direction in the figure) that intersects the extending direction (arrow X direction in the figure). It is a tube body. A plurality of tubes 2 are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals in a direction (direction of arrow Y in the drawing) that intersects the direction in which they extend (direction of arrow X in the drawing), and the space between the plurality of tubes 2 is used for the fluid to be heat exchanged. It becomes a passage route. The fluid to be heat exchanged flows in the Z direction shown in the figure, and while passing between the plurality of tubes 2, exchanges heat with the heat medium and refrigerant flowing inside the tubes 2. In the spaces between the plurality of tubes 2, fins (for example, corrugated fins), which are not shown in the drawings, are generally provided in order to improve heat exchange efficiency.

In the illustrated example, the header tank 3 is formed by combining a tank molded body 3A and a connecting body 3B and closing the end with a cap 3C to form a storage space for a heat medium and a refrigerant inside, and the connecting body 3B The end of the tube 2 described above is connected to.

Further, between the pair of header tanks 3, a pair of side plates 5 are provided near the cap 3C. The pair of side plates 5 define the interval between the pair of header tacks 3, and form a heat exchange core portion formed by a plurality of tubes 2 inside thereof.

In the illustrated example, in the pair of header tanks 3, an inlet 30 is provided in the tank molded body 3A of one header tank (upper tank) 3, and an outlet port is provided in the tank molded body 3A of the other header tank (lower tank) 3. 31, the heat medium or refrigerant flowing in from the inlet 30 flows into the tube 2 via one header tank (upper tank) 3, and the heat medium or refrigerant flowing through the tube 2 flows into the other header tank. (lower tank) 3 and flows out from the outlet 31.

The header tank 3 is provided with a mounting portion for a bracket 4. This attachment portion includes a first attachment portion A1 and a second attachment portion A2 that limit movement of the bracket 4 relative to the header tank 3. The first attachment portion A1 and the second attachment portion A2 are arranged in parallel in the extending direction of the header tank 3 (the direction of the arrow Y in the figure).

The first attachment portion A1 restricts the movement of the tube 2 in the bracket 4 in the extending direction (the direction of the arrow X in the figure). The first attachment portion A1 has a pair of protrusions 32 that protrude in opposite directions on a pair of side surfaces along the extending direction of the header tank 3. The protruding part 32 is a single protruding part 32 extending linearly along the extending direction of the header tank 3, and a plurality of protruding parts 32 are arranged at intervals, and the protruding part 32 extends linearly along the extending direction of the header tank 3. They are arranged linearly and at equal intervals along the direction (arrow Y direction in the figure).

The second attachment portion A2 restricts movement of the header tank 3 in the bracket 4 in the extending direction (in the direction of arrow Y in the figure). The second attachment portion A2 has a pair of recesses 33 on the outer surface of the header tank 3. The recess 33 has a single recess 33 extending along the width direction of the header tank 3 (arrow Z direction in the drawing), and a plurality of recesses 33 arranged at intervals, extending in the extending direction of the header tank 3. They are arranged in parallel at regular intervals along the arrow Y direction in the figure. Note that the upper surface of the header tank 3 (tank molded body 3A) in which the recess 33 is provided is a surface facing the connecting body 3B to which the tube 2 is connected.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bracket 4 attached to the header tank 3 at the first attachment portion A1 and the second attachment portion A2 has a pair of fitting recesses 4A1, 4A2 and a pair of claw portions. It has 4B1 and 4B2.

The pair of fitting recesses 4A1 and 4A2 are provided so as to face inside a pair of arm portions 4F1 and 4F2 that extend from the bracket main body 4T of the bracket 4 and are formed to sandwich the width of the header tank 3. Further, the pair of claw portions 4B1 and 4B2 are provided so as to protrude from the bracket main body 4T along the direction in which the header tank 3 extends (direction of arrow Y in the figure).

The bracket 4 is a part for fixing the heat exchanger 1 to a mounting position on a vehicle body (not shown), etc., and when it is integrally brazed with the tubes 2 and header tank 3, which are the components of the heat exchanger 1. , made of metal material suitable for brazing. Moreover, when it is detachably attached to the heat exchanger 1, it is formed of an elastically deformable metal material or resin material.

A method of attaching the bracket 4 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. One attachment method is to insert the pair of arm portions 4F1 and 4F2 of the bracket 4 between the projections 32, align the positions of the fitting recesses 4A1 and 4A2 with the positions of the projections 32, and then attach the bracket 4. By sliding the header tank 3 in the extending direction (arrow Y direction in the figure), the fitting recesses 4A1 and 4A2 are fitted into the pair of protrusions 32. As a result, the movement of the bracket 4 in the direction in which the tube 2 extends (in the direction of the arrow X in the figure) is restricted.

By engaging the pair of claws 4B1 and 4B2 of the bracket 4 with the recess 33 of the header tank 3, the movement of the bracket 4 in the extending direction of the header tank 3 (direction of arrow Y in the figure) is restricted. become. At this time, the claws 4B1 and 4B2 are bent inward of the recess 33 using a tool or the like and are caulked.

When the bracket 4 is made of an elastically deformable metal material or resin material, the arm portions 4F1 and 4F2 of the bracket 4 are elastically deformed to fit the fitting recesses 4A1 and 4A2 into the protrusion portion 32 by climbing over the fitting. Then, the claws 4B1 and 4B2 are plastically deformed to engage with the recess 33, or the claws 4B1 and 4B2 are originally shaped to engage with the recess 33.

As shown in FIG. 4, the header tank 3 to which the bracket 4 is attached is provided with a protrusion 32 and a recess 33 on the tank molded body 3A side, and with the bracket 4 attached to the tank molded body 3A, the tube 2 The header tank 3 to which the bracket 4 is attached and the tube 2 is connected is formed by joining the connecting body 3B to which the bracket 4 is connected to the tank molded body 3A and then fitting the cap 3C.

In addition, in the illustrated example, a concave rib 34 is provided in the tank molded body 3A in addition to the concave portion 33. The concave ribs 34 are formed along the curved portion of the tank molded body 3A having a U-shaped cross section, and are formed between the concave portions 33 arranged in parallel. By providing such a concave rib 34, the pressure resistance of the header tank 3 can be increased, but by providing a plurality of concave portions 33 in addition to the concave rib 34, the same effect as adding the concave rib 34 can be obtained. Yes, it is possible to further increase pressure resistance.

According to such a heat exchanger 1, since the bracket 4 can be attached to the header tank 3 without employing welding, the risk of holes being formed during welding and the risk of falling off due to poor welding can be avoided. Further, by directly attaching the bracket 4 to the header tank 3 without using a support member, no extra space is required at the installation location.

In addition, since the first attachment part A1 (protrusion 32) and the second attachment part A2 (recess 33) are arranged in parallel in the extending direction of the header tank 3, the first attachment part A1 (protrusion 33) can be placed at any position. 32) and the second attachment portion A2 (recess 33), the bracket 4 can be attached to the header tank 3. As a result, the mounting position of the bracket 4 on the heat exchanger 1 can be changed, and the application to different vehicle models can be facilitated.

Moreover, when forming the first attachment part A1 (protrusion part 32) and the second attachment part A2 (recess part 33) in the header tank 3 using a mold, the mold is divided in the extending direction of the header tank 3, The first attachment part A1 and the second attachment part A1 can be attached to any desired position by changing the combination position of the mold in which the first attachment part A1 and the second attachment part A2 are formed and the mold in which the attachment part is not formed. It is also possible to form part A2 and apply it to different vehicle types.

Furthermore, the first attachment part A1 (protrusion 32) is formed on the side surface of the tank molded body 3A having a U-shaped cross section, and the second attachment part A2 (recessed part 33) is formed on the side surface of the tank molded body 3A having a U-shaped cross section. It is formed on the upper surface facing the connecting body 3B. As a result, the bracket 4 attached by the first attachment part A1 and the second attachment part A2 can be separated from the connection point of the tube 2 in the header tank 3, and vibrations transmitted via the bracket 4 (vehicle vibration, etc.) can be removed. Direct transmission to the connection point of the tube 2 can be suppressed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the design may be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. Even if there is, it is included in the present invention. Moreover, the above-described embodiments can be combined by using each other's technologies unless there is a particular contradiction or problem in the purpose, structure, etc.

1: heat exchanger, 2: tube, 3: header tank,
3A: Tank molded body, 3B: Connecting body, 3C: Cap,
30: inlet, 31: outlet, 32: projection, 33: recess, 34: recessed rib,
4: Bracket, 4A1, 4A2: Fitting recess, 4B1, 4B2: Claw part,
4F1, 4F2: Arm part, 4T: Bracket body, 5: Side plate,
A1: First attachment part, A2: Second attachment part

Claims (5)

A plurality of tubes extending in one direction are arranged in parallel in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the tubes, a pair of header dunks extending in the parallel direction of the tubes are connected to both ends of the plurality of tubes, and the header dunks are connected to both ends of the plurality of tubes. A heat exchanger with a bracket attached to a tank,
As attachment parts for restricting movement of the bracket relative to the header tank, a first attachment part for restricting movement in the extending direction of the tube and a second attachment part for restricting movement in the extension direction of the header tank are attached to the header tank. A heat exchanger characterized by being arranged in parallel in the extending direction of a tank. The first attachment part has a pair of protrusions that protrude in opposite directions from each other on a pair of side surfaces along the extending direction of the header tank,
The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is provided with a pair of fitting recesses that fit into the projections. The second attachment part is provided with a recess on the outer surface of the header tank,
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the bracket is provided with a pair of claws that engage with the recess. 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the protrusions are arranged linearly and at equal intervals along the extending direction of the header tank. 4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the recesses are arranged at equal intervals along the extending direction of the header tank.

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