MXPA99009756A - Manifold incorporating baffles and method of manufacturing same - Google Patents

Abstract

A manifold (12) for heat exchangers with a manifold segment (14) having longitudinal spaced slots (20-26) for receiving flat tubes (50-56) separated by webs (30-34). The webs (30-34) each have a pair of depressions (90a, 90b-94a, 94b) to strengthen the material on each side of each relatively flat web (30-34) such that the cross section of the manifold segment (14) has a generally D-shaped profile. At least one baffle (70) is inserted in the manifold segment (14), centered between a pair of adjacent slots (20-26). The baffle (70) has a principle circular edge (70a) and a truncated edge (70b) to correspond to the approximately D-shaped profile of the manifold segment (14) and an outwardly extending lip (72) over a portion of its perimeter at the principle circular edge (70a). The lip (72) has projections (72b) extending from its ends, dimensioned to provide an interference fit between the baffle (70) and the manifold segment (14).

Description

MULTIPLE THAT INCORPORATES DEFLECTORS AND METHODS TO MANUFACTURE IT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a manifold or manifold tube for heat exchangers. More specifically, the invention relates to manifolds having a D-shaped profile, and incorporating deflectors, end caps, and brackets adapted to the D-shaped profile. 2. Related Art In known types of tubular manifolds or manifolds for heat exchangers, at least one baffle is inserted into the manifold to divide the tube into compartments, and the wall of the tubular manifold is deformed inward on each side of the deflectors after its introduction in order to secure them in place before welding. Said manifolds and their method of manufacture are described in the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,233,756 of him Gauyer The multiple facts according to the Gauyer method have substantially circular cross sections, even after the deformation to secure the deflectors, and after the formation of the tube grooves receiving the heat exchanger tubes. Deformation of a tubular wall for ^^^ jMá & ^^ & jjS ^^^^^^ securing baffles requires an extra manufacturing step. In addition, the dome-shaped membranes of material between the grooves of the tube have poor strength in their transition to the cylindrical surface of the manifold. The manifold described in the Gauyer patent has a generally circular cross section along its entire length. Although a circular cross section is preferred from the point of view of total strength, a generally D-shaped cross section may be preferable for other reasons. For example, it is easier to form a junction between the manifold and the heat exchanger tubes on a generally flat surface, as found in a manifold of generally D-shaped cross section, than around an arch that is in a multiple of circular cross section. It is also It is easier to assemble the heat exchanger tubes on a generally flat surface than on an arc. However, the poor strength of the membrane remains a problem in the cross-sectional, generally D-shaped manifolds, as it is in the cross-sectional manifolds generally circular. The problem of poor membrane strength in multiple of generally D-shaped cross section is addressed in the German application DE 195 15 420 A1 (corresponding to the application of E.U.A. 08 / 821,163, filed on March 20, 1997, entitled "Header Tubes for Heat Exchangers and the Methods Used ^ - ^^^^^^ for Their Manufacture "(collector tubes for heat exchangers and the methods used for their manufacture)), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.In the manifolds described in DE 195 15 420 A1 and in the application of US serial number 08 / 821,163, the strength of the material is increased by stamping each side of each membrane with a stamping die.In addition, the membranes are flattened so that the cross section of the manifold segment has a profile in However, DE 195 15 420 A1 and the EUA application serial number 08 / 821,163 do not address the problem of inserting deflectors into the resulting manifold, much less how to do this without incurring extra steps to secure the deflectors once inserted , or without the need to machine separate slots in the tubular wall for the insertion of the baffles, the end caps and brackets that are simple to assemble to a multiple of the front configuration. Nor are they directed either by the Gauyer patent or by DE 195 15420 A1 and the application E.U.A. series number 08 / 821,163.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a manifold or manifold manifold for heat exchangers with a manifold segment generally in the form of D having a number of grooves parallel to the manifold axis and separated by metal membranes., and also having at least one baffle, each of which is placed between adjacent slots, whereby a flat, hollow tube is inserted into each slot and secured by joining along the peripheral surface of contact with the slot to through methods such as welding, brazing, or epoxy application, and the multiple segment is divided into compartments by baffles. A manifold segment with a number of slots forms the extreme chamber of a manifold for a heat exchanger. The slots are designed to accept flat tubes, which also serve as spacers between the two manifolds of the heat exchanger, and are designed in particular to carry a heat exchanger fluid flowing therethrough under high pressure. The fluid can be a liquid, a gas or a mixture thereof. It is already known from DE 195 15 420 A1 that the transitions of the metal membranes between the grooves towards the cylindrical surface of the tube are critical locations for mechanical strength and can affect the duration of the heat exchanger. For this reason, the present invention relates to the manufacture of a manifold for a heat exchanger with a suitably configured manifold segment with slots that allow easy insertion of a reliable mechanical support for flat tubes that are inserted during assembly, with joints that can easily be joined to ensure a high resistance of the transition between the membranes and the cylindrical surface of the tube. In the manifolds encompassed by the invention, the strength of the material in the transition areas from the metal membranes between the grooves towards the cylindrical surface of the tube is increased by stamping each side of each membrane with a stamping die. In addition through the use of the stamping equally spread in each membrane, the membranes are compressed or flattened relative to the manifold portions beyond the membranes (i.e., the membranes have a radius of curvature substantially greater than that of the portions of the membrane). multiple beyond the membranes), so that the cross section of the manifold segment has an approximately D-shaped profile. The patterns reinforce the membranes, in particular, in their transition to the cylindrical surface of the tube. The patterns used to reinforce each membrane are preferentially stamped symmetrically on each side of the membrane in the outer rooms of the membrane, which are closer to the center line of the membrane. The two patterned areas on both sides of the membrane are preferably positioned symmetrically on each side of the membrane in the outer rooms of the membrane, which are closer to the center line of the membrane. The patterns are presented as depressions on the surface and vary with respect to height, width, depth and shape. The stamping and resulting depression of the surface causes the upper half of the The cylindrical surface of the manifold is more or less flat. The equally spaced patterns, which are made parallel to the longitudinal axis of the manifold segment, cause the metal membranes formed by the upper half of the manifold to be compressed in the direction of the tube axis. The stamped areas that press the originally dome-shaped membranes in the direction of the tube axis and are preferably placed symmetrically on each side of the membranes in the outer rooms of the membranes that are closest to the center line of the membrane, make that the entire segment of the manifold is relatively flattened in the direction of the tube axis, whereby the width of the segment of the manifold is approximately equal to the length of each of the grooves. Accordingly, the segment of the manifold is relatively flat along its length and forms approximate D-shaped configuration in cross section together with the lower part of the segment of the manifold retaining the cylindrical shape. The manifold according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention differs from the multiple described DE 195 15 420 in two aspects. First, one end of the manifold is chamfered at an angle of approximately 45 ° in order to be able to insert a deflector into the manifold more easily. Secondly, the other end of the manifold has a small slot therein for coupling with a support; to ensure consistent alignment of the manifold as deflectors are inserted and grooves and patterns are formed. Each baffle is configured to have a profile substantially corresponding to the completed inner cross section of the multiple; specifically, each baffle is configured as a truncated circle, i.e., a circle cut along one side to have a slightly concave edge with a radius substantially greater than the rest of the baffle's perimeter, giving the deflector a shape of approximately D. The deflector in this way seems to have two banks, a main or particular bank and a truncated bank. There are four different radii associated with form D of the deflector. The first radius, P, is the radius of the perimeter of the deflector of the particular circular edge of the deflector. The second radius, R2, is the radius of the perimeter of the deflector on the truncated edge, which is greater than Rp. The third radius, R3, is the transition radius of the baffle perimeter between the first and second radii and R2. The fourth radius, R4, is an inverse radius on the perimeter of the deflector, inserted from the third transition radius R3. The fourth radius, R4, is positioned to register with the prints on the membranes, and is approximately equal to Ri. One edge is formed along the remaining circular edge of the deflector, the edge having a width sufficient to support the deflector on its edge without hitting when the baffle is inserted into the manifold, with the slightly concave edge facing up, looking at the surface of the manifold where the grooves of the tube are to be formed. Preferably, a projection extends outwardly from the perimeter of the baffle at either end of the edge, to provide a transfer fit between the baffle and the inner surface of the manifold. The projection has an outer edge parallel to that of the main circular edge, and in this way the perimeter of the deflector has a fifth radius, R5, in the projection, the radius R5 being slightly larger than the radius R ^ The interference fit between the projections and the manifold together with the edge, keep the deflector in its intended position, enabling the mandrel to be removed before stamping the membranes. The deflectors are configured to provide a slight gap between its upper edge (ie, the concave edge ) and the inner surface of the manifold, to accommodate the depressions on the inner edge of the manifold caused by the prints. This gap is small enough that it can be filled by a band of filler or joint material during the joining of the assembly. The grooves will not be manufactured as simple grooves, but rather have bent edges perpendicular to the axis of the tube towards the inside of the manifold. The two long edges of each slot that bend perpendicular to the axis of the tube form enormously flat surfaces that make good contact with the flat tubes that are inserted, since the flat tubes also have a hugely flat external surface. The fold over the edges of the sides provide the advantage that the flat tubes can be A ^^^^^,. LlHmMfftf fm ^ .. ??? m? *** ^ * ^. * Easily inserted at the correct angle without tilting and the contact surfaces provided by the bent edges also serve to keep the flat tubes in place. The ends of the groove edges at both ends of each groove are widened or enlarged on the side of the membrane to form flat edges that facilitate the transition to the cylindrical surface of the tube and provide additional support for the flat tubes that are inserted. The contact surface between the groove edges and the sides of the respective flat tubes is formed so that, during joining, a band of filler material can be formed, which is greatly on the same plane around the periphery of the tube . Examples of the filler material are solder, solder alloy, and epoxy. The relatively flat manifold segment is joined on both edges in an axial direction through a tilt transition from the upper cylindrical surface without changing the manifold. The manifolds consist of metal, such as but not limited to a light alloy. Preferably, the manifolds are made of aluminum or a light alloy containing aluminum, copper or bronze. The open ends of the manifold are closed through substantially identical end caps, and brackets can be provided on the manifolds to hold the heat exchanger in place. The method used to manufacture a manifold for a heat exchanger is covered by the invention, and is as follows: The metal manifold is supported on the outside portion along its length with a shape closure fastener. The notch at the manifold end, if provided, is coupled with a matching projection of the fastener. The deflectors are inserted into the manifold segment one at a time using a mandrel. The mandrel is removed from the multiplet after the insertion of each baffle. Then, equally spaced slots are formed and perforated in the tube perpendicular to the tube axis so that a membrane is formed between the adjacent slots. Following this, two areas are stamped towards the outside of each membrane and equidistant to the center line of the membrane, so that the membranes are compressed in the cross section of the manifold segment now forming a profile of approximately D-shape. In order to make it easier to obtain the approximately D-shaped profile required, the membranes can be compressed or flattened in the direction of the tube axis by applying pressure before applying the stamping. When the manifold segment is configured and in particular when the manifold segment is flattened, the manifold must remain attached to the latch support until all the flattened appearance resulting from stamping and all membrane strength has been completed. The stamping results in a significant reinforcement of the manifold segment, particularly in the transition from the membranes to the original cylindrical surface of the tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is best understood by reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which similar reference numerals refer to similar elements therethrough, and wherein: Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a heat exchanger with two multiples according to the following invention, with the conventional separators between the tubes omitted for clarity. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a manifold having a baffle inserted therein, prior to the formation of the tube grooves. Figure 3 is an end view of the baffle shown in Figure 2. Figure 3a is an enlarged area designated by an interrupted circle in Figure 3. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4 -4 of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a side view of the manifolds shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the multiple segment of the manifold shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5 passing through one of the multiple manifold segment slots. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 5 passing through one of the membranes of the multiple segment of the manifold. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 5 passing through another of the manifold manifold segment membranes, in which it shows a baffle. Figure 10 is a longitudinal section along line 10-10 of Figure 6 showing a manifold segment, which is relatively flattened in the longitudinal direction. Figure 11 is a side elevational view of an end cap of the heat exchanger shown in Figure 1. Figure 12 is an extreme elevation view of the end cap shown in Figure 10. Figure 13 is an elevation view end of a heat exchanger bracket shown in Figure 1. Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the bracket shown in Figure 12. Figure 15 is a quota diagram showing the steps for making a multiple of agreement with the teachings of the present invention. Figure 16 is a side sectional view of a mandrel with a baffle placed thereon, inserted in a manifold. Figure 17 is a side elevation view of a baffle being positioned on a mandrel for insertion into a manifold.

Figure 18 is an extreme elevation view of a manifold showing the vacuum hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES To describe the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is clearly employed. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology thus selected, and it should be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a heat exchanger with two multiples 12 modeling the teachings of the present invention. The two multiples 12 are substantially identical and are separated and essentially separated from each other. Preferably, the manifolds 12 are made of aluminum or a light alloy containing aluminum, copper or bronze. Each manifold 12 has a longitudinal axis Am and a segment of M ^^ & ggÉ ^^^^^^^ multiple 14, which has a common longitudinal axis Am with the manifold 12. The manifold segment 14 has slots 20, 22, 24 and 26, which are perpendicular to the axis Am and are separated by a of the other through membranes 30, 32 and 34. Although only four slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 are shown in the drawings for clarity, it will be appreciated by those in aspects in the art, which ordinarily in multiple segment 14 will have much more slots, depending on the specific application for which a heat exchanger 10 is to be used. The open ends of the manifolds 12 are closed by substantially identical end caps 40. The brackets can provide brackets 42 over the manifolds 12 to hold the heat exchanger 10 in place. The grooves 20, 22, 24 and 26 in the manifold segment 14 of a manifold 12 are arranged to be opposite the corresponding grooves in the manifold. the manifold segment 14 of the other manifold 12. Flat, hollow tubes 50, 52, 54 and 56 are inserted between the manifolds 12 in the respective slots 20, 22, 24 and 26. The flattened tubes 50, 52, 54 and 56 inserted in a manifold 12 are attached to the contact surface 60, 62, 64 and 66 of the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 (see Figure 10) respectively through methods such as welding, brazing or epoxy application. Before drilling and forming the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26, at least one baffle 70 is inserted into at least one of the manifolds 12 at predetermined positions. Preferably, each baffle is made from a material similar to that of the multiple 12. The manifolds 12 according to the following invention differ from the multiple described in DE 195 15420 A1 in two aspects. First, one end of each multiple 12 is chamfered as indicated at 12a (shown in Figure 16) at an angle of about 45 ° in order to make it easier to insert a baffle 70 into the manifold 12. Second, the other end of each manifold 12 has a small notch 12b in the same (also shown in Figure 16) for coupling with a projection on a support (not shown), to ensure consistent alignment of the manifold 12 as the deflectors 70 are inserted and the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 and the patterns 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b are formed, as discussed above. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a manifold 12 prior to stamping, having a baffle 70 in place. As best shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 each baffle 70 is configured as a truncated circle, i.e., a circle cut along one side to have a slightly concave edge, giving the baffle 70 an approximately D shape. The baffle thus present has two edges, a main or particular circular edge 70a and a truncated edge 70b. As shown in Figure 4, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are four different spokes associated with the D shape of the baffle. The first radius, R1t is the radius of the perimeter of the deflector 70 on its main circular edge 70a. The second radius, R2, is the radius of the perimeter 'of the baffle 70 on the truncated edge 70b, which is greater than R.,. The third radius, R3, is the perimeter transition radius of the deflector 70 between the main circular edge 70a and the truncated edge 70b, that is, between the first and second radii Ri and R2. The third radius, R3, is substantially smaller than Ri and R2. The fourth radius, R4, is an inverse radius on the baffle perimeter 70, initiated from the third transition radius R3. The fourth radius R is positioned to register the patterns 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b on the membranes 30, 32 and 34, and is approximately equal to Ri As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, as there are two transition areas between the main circular edge 70a and the truncated edge 70b, that is, between the first and second radii, R ^ and R2, there are two areas on the perimeter of the deflector 70 having a third radius, R3, and two areas having the fourth radius, R4. An edge 72 is formed along a portion of the main circular edge 70a of the deflector 70. Preferably, the ends 72a of the edge terminate in a line perpendicular to the axis of the symmetry deflector A. The edge 72 has a width sufficient to support the baffle 60 on its edge without crashing when the baffle 70 is inserted into the manifold 12, with the truncated edge 70b oriented upwards, facing the inner surface of the manifold 12 where the grooves of tube 20-26 are going to be formed. Also in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a projection 72b extends outward from the perimeter of the The baffle 70 on the edge 72a of the edge 72, to provide an interference fit between the baffle 70 and the interior surface of the segment of the manifold 20. As shown in FIG. Figure 3a, the projection 72b has an outer edge parallel to that of the main circular edge 5a, and in this way the perimeter of the deflector has a fifth radius R5 in the projection 72b, the radius R5 being slightly larger than the radius R ^ The interference fit between the projections 72 and the manifold segment 20, together with the edge 72, keeps the deflector 70 in its intended position without the support additional before stamping the membranes. The edge 72 also provides an increased bonding surface between the baffle 70 and the manifold 12. Each baffle 70 is positioned so that when the grooves of the tube 20-26 are formed, the slightly concave edge of each baffle 70 is centered between the two adjacent tube slots. The outer radius of the baffle 70 on its main circular edge 70a should be slightly smaller than the internal radius of the manifold 12. Furthermore, the width of the edge 72 should be narrow enough to allow an inlet clearance for the flattened tubes 50, 52, 54 and 56 through the tube slots 20, 22, 24, and 26, and the ends of the edge 72 must terminate below the ends of the tube slots 20, 22, 24 and 26. The illustrative dimensions for a deflector 70 according to the present invention are then fixed in the following box. j gg ^ | jjg? 2 ^^ j ^ Each deflector 70 is also optionally provided with a locating concavity 74. The locating concavity 74 maintains the deflector template on the die during formation in a conventional manner, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, and also functions to locate the deflector 70 with respect to a mandrel during the placement of the baffle 70 in the manifold 12, as will be described in detail later. This concavity 74 may have any shape that will need proper alignment with a coincident projection on the mandrel. The surface of the edge 72 which is in contact with the internal surface of the manifold 12, and the surface of the baffle 70 which is contiguous with it, is coated with a material suitable for attaching the baffle 70 to the manifold material 12, for example , through welding, while the opposite surface of the baffle 70 may or may not be coated. As shown in Figure 2, each baffle 70 is configured to provide a light gap 76 between its upper edge (ie, the concave edge) and the internal surface of the manifold 12, to facilitate insertion and conformation to the final shape of the manifold. multiple 12 Figure 5 is a side view of the manifold 12 of the heat exchanger 10 covered by the invention. The manifold 12 of the heat exchanger 10 has a manifold segment 14 with slots 20, 22, 24 and 26, which are perpendicular to the manifold axis Am and are separated by the membranes 30, 32 and 34. Figure 6 is a a plan view of the manifold segment 14 of the manifold 12 wherein the membranes 30, 32 and 34 between the grooves 20, 22, 24 and 26 have stamped areas to reinforce the material. These stamped areas are parallel to the multiple axis Am, and are positioned on both sides of a plane that cuts the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 and intersects the multiple axis Am. The stamped areas are shown as the pairs of stamped strips narrow 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b. The stamping and resultant depression of the surface causes the upper half 100 of the originally cylindrical surface of the manifold 12 to become relatively flat (i.e., have a radius of curvature substantially greater than that of the remainder of the manifold) through the segment of multiple 14 in the direction of the multiple axis Am, while leaving the lateral and lower surfaces 102 of the manifold segment in their original, substantially cylindrical form. Although a circular cross-section is preferred from the perspective of total strength, the generally D-shaped cross section of the manifold segment 14 may be preferable, since it is easier to form a junction between the manifold 14 and the heat exchanger tubes. 52, 54 and 56 on a generally flat or relatively flattened surface, as found in manifold segment 14, that around an arc as it is in a manifold of circular cross-section. Also, it is easier to assemble heat exchanger tubes 52, 54 and 56 on a generally flat or relatively flattened surface than on an arc. However, if the membranes 30, 32 and 34 are merely flattened, their strength is poor. The narrow patterned strips 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b reinforce the membranes 30, 32 and 34 in the transition regions 110 and 112 from the relatively flattened surface 100 of the manifold segment 14 in the membranes 30, 32 and 34 towards the lateral and lower cylindrical surfaces 102 of the manifold segment 14. The stamped strips 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b, which reinforce the material, are shown as depressions in the membranes 30, 32 and 34. The stamped, depressed areas 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b each can also be made from how a stamped dot. The preferentially patterned areas can be made from a number of patterned points, which are spaced along a straight line. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the manifold 12 along the line 7-7 through Figure 5 through the slot 20 of the manifold segment 14. The groove 20, as well as the other grooves 22, 24 and 26, has flat transverse edges 114a and 114b, which are bent into the interior of the manifold 12. The inwardly bent slots 114a and 114b improve the contact surfaces 60, 62, 64 and 66 with the associated flat tubes 50, 52, 54 and 56, which are inserted in the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26. The edges of each of the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 are extended or enlarged upwards and outwards in a radial direction towards the respective sides of the membrane 30 to form edges curves 116a and 116b, which also improve the strength of the transition regions 110 and 112 towards the cylindrical surface 102 of the manifold segment 14. Due to the selected length of the grooves 20, 22, 24 and 26 with respect to the diameter of the multiple 12, a radius extending towards the edge of each of the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 forms a groove edge of angle α on the sides of the manifold axis Am preferentially 30 ° towards the x axis, X, the cross section (Figure 7). The stamping pairs 90a and 90b shown in Figure 7 and 92a and 92b shown in Figure 8 are on both sides of their respective membranes 30 and 32 to reinforce the material. The pattern pairs 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b lie on the radials on each side of the manifold 12. Each of the radials preferably has an angle β of about 60 ° towards the x-axis, X of the section cross section of the manifold 12. The patterns can also be placed along a smaller radial angle ß of, for example, 40 ° or 45 ° and thus, as contemplated by the invention, a radial angle ß preferentially 40 ° at 60 ° can be used when the extreme angle of slot a is approximately 30 °. As discussed above, due to the pairs of stamped areas 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b, which are made simultaneously on the membranes 30, 32 and 34 respectively, the original cylindrical shape of the manifold segment 14 in the membranes 30, 32 and 34 now have a short and also flattened surface 100, which has been displaced radially towards the axis Am of the manifold 12. According to the radial angle ß where the die die is applied to the surface of the manifold segment 14 at the beginning of the stamping and the depth of the stamped areas 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b, the membranes 30, 32 and 34 between the pairs of stamped areas 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b are more or less flattened, and in this way the pairs of patterned areas on each side modify the upper, originally cylindrical shape of the outer surface of manifold 12 to a more or less flattened surface 100 in each of the membranes 30, 32 and 34. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view through line 8-8 of Figure 5, which passes through the center of the membrane 32 to show both the profile of the membrane 32 and the deflector 70 inserted in the center of the membrane 32 under the patterned areas 92a and 92b. The membrane 32 with the patterned areas 92a and 92b has a substantially D-shaped profile, as well as the deflector 70, and the patterned areas 92a and 92b below which the deflector 70 is positioned engage the perimeter of the deflector 70 in the reverse radius R4. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the straight edges 114 of the slot 20, which are bent towards the axis Am of the manifold 12, also form a D-shaped configuration together with the cylindrical surface 102 of the lower part of the segment. of manifold 14. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view through line 9-9 of Figure 5, which passes through the center of the membrane 34 to show the baffle 70 inserted in the center of the membrane 34 The membrane 34 with the patterned areas 94a and 94b have a substantially D-shaped profile, such as the baffle 70. As can be seen further in Figure 9, even after the membrane 34 has been relatively flattened, there is a slight gap 80 between the baffle 70 and the inner surface of the manifold segment 14 to accommodate the depressions formed by the stamped areas 94a and 94b. This recess 80 is small enough that it can be filled with a band of filler or bonding material during the joining of all the components of the heat exchanger 10 in a conventional joining process, such as welding. As shown in Figure 10, the gap 80 is also sufficiently small that its truncated edge extends above the flat edges 114 of the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26, which are discussed below in relation to Figure 7. Figure 10 is a longitudinal section of manifold 12 along line 10-10 of Figure 6. As shown in Figure 10, the relatively flattened surface 100 of manifold segment 14 is limited in both edges by axial tilt transition regions 120 and 122. Transition regions 120 and 122 start from the outer cylindrical surface of manifold 12 and progress to the relatively flattened region 100 of manifold segment 14, the relative plain of which only It is affected in a slight way by the slight dome formation of the membranes 30, 32 and 34 between the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26. Accordingly, the manifold segment 14 represents a strong and relatively flat depression of the manifold 12. two membrane / groove / membrane and membrane / groove / transition regions are shaped like a funnel, which allows flat tubes 50, 52, 54 and 56 to be inserted more easily without tilting on Each slot 20, 22, 24 or 26 has a pair of slot edges 114 along the length of the slot, said edges being essentially parallel to each other and bent towards the inside of the tube to form peripheral contact surfaces 60, 62, 64 and 66 which represent easy-to-connect surfaces when in contact with the outer surface of each of the flat tubes 50, 52, 54 and 56 in Figure 1 The contact surfaces between the parallel slot edges 114, including the ends of the grooves 20, 22, 24 and 26 and the associated peripheral surfaces on the outside of the flat tubes 50, 52, 54 and 56 coincide with each other in such a way that they can be joined together with a band of filling material around each tube that is enormously on the same plane. Examples of the filler material are soldering iron, solder alloy and epoxy. To summarize, the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 are preferentially made with flat edges on all sides to allow a contiguous and easy-to-connect contact to the outside of the flat tubes 50, 52, 54 and 56 that are inserted. As mentioned above, the open edges of the manifolds 12 are closed through substantially identical end caps 40. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, each of the end caps 40 includes a cup-shaped portion 130 with a collar 132 and a flange 134 extending outside the collar 132. As shown in Figures 1, 5, 6 and 9, the cup-shaped portion 130 is inserted into the interior of the manifold 12 at each of its ends, the flange 134 abutting the end of the manifold 12. The external diameter of the flange 134 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the manifold 12 at its ends, while the external diameter of the flange and the diameter of the cup-shaped portion 130 in the ring 132 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the manifold 12 at its ends. The surface of the end caps 40, which is inserted into the interior of the manifold 12, is coated with a filling or joining material so that the end caps 40 will be attached to the manifold 12 during the joining of all the components of the exchanger of heat 10 in a conventional bonding process 5, such as welding. Also as mentioned above, brackets 42 may be provided on the manifolds 12 to hold the heat exchanger 10 in place. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, each of the brackets 42 comprises a portion of body 140 substantially C-shaped having an internal profile substantially corresponding to that of the cylindrical external surface 102 of manifold segment 14, for coupling coincident therewith. The body portion 40 has a longitudinal axis B and a longitudinal plane of symmetry that passes through the axis B. A substantially Y-shaped pendent portion 142 is formed integrally with the C-shaped portion 140, an arm 142a and the base 142b of "Y" are coplanar, and extend tangent to the the body portion 140 parallel to its plane of symmetry. The other arm 142 of "Y" forms a transition curve between the C-shaped portion 142 and the "Y" base. At least one hole 144 is formed through the pendant portion 142 at the base 142b of "Y" to receive a fastener (not shown). Preferably, the brackets 42 are formed through the extrusion and suitable material for attachment with the manifolds 12, the outer surface of the manifolds 12 being coated with a binding material or filler material so that the brackets 42 will be attached to the external surface of the manifold 12 during the joining of all the components of the heat exchanger 10 in a conventional joining process such as welding. If the joining process requires a flow material, then the brackets 42 can be provided with longitudinal grooves 146 on the inner surface of the body portion 140, to allow the wetting action of the flow material. The manufacture of the manifolds 12 as described in The invention with reference to Figure 15 is presented according to the following method, which is also covered by the invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, due to the symmetry of the design, both manifolds 12 are manufactured in the same way. With reference to step 200, a metal manifold 12 preferentially made of aluminum is supported on the outer portion of its length by a shape-closure fastener. The proper alignment of the manifold 12 in the fastener is ensured through the matching of the notch 12b with a projection on the fastener (not shown). According to step 202 and referring to Figures 16-18, one or more deflectors 70 are inserted through the chamfered end 12a into the manifold 12 at predetermined locations through a mandrel 300. The baffle 70 that will be inserted is placed against the mandrel 300, the mandrel 300 being machined in the bottom as indicated in number 302, Zm "¿¿e m m ^ .. ^^^^. ^^^^^ h ^ ^^ m ^. S--* ^ ^ ^ * * $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ con con con con con con ^ con con ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ como como como También También También También También También También También También También También También También También También 17. También Figura. Also, the mandrel 300 may have a locating indentation for the coupling coinciding with the concavity locator 74 of baffle 70 as previously described. The mandrel 300 also has an axial hole 304 for applying a vacuum to the confronting surface of the baffle 70, in order to better maintain the baffle 70 in place on the baffle during insertion into the manifold 12. Once the baffle 70 has been inserted in its default location, edge 72 and projections 72 ensure that they will remain in place, allowing the mandrel 300 to be removed for insertion of any of the following deflectors 70. The edge 72 and the projections 72b also ensure that the deflector 70 remains in an appropriate location during the formation of the tube slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 and the prints 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b, as described below in relation to steps 204 and 206. Following step 203, in step 204, slots 20, 22, 24, and 26, which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Am are perforated and formed using a die to form the membranes 30, 32 and 34, the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 being positioned so that the deflectors 70 are centered with respect to the respective membranes. The apparatus and method for drilling and forming slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 is conventional and well known to those skilled in the art. 25 After the placement of the deflectors and the formation of ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ H ^^^^^ g ^^^ i ^ the slots in steps 202 and 204, in step 206, equally patterned pairs of stamped areas 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b are stamped on both halves of their respective membranes 30, 32 and 34, parallel to the longitudinal axis Am, to displace the originally cylindrical outer surface of the segment. of manifold 14 radially in the direction of the axis of multiple Am and causing it to be depressed or relatively flattened, so that the cross section of the manifold segment 14 greatly has an approximately D-shaped profile. Since the deflectors 70 do not need to be supported after they are placed, as many deflectors 70 as those that can be inserted in the manifold 70 are required. multiple 12 before drilling and forming the grooves. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the projections 72b can be omitted from the perimeter of the baffle 70. In that case, during manufacture, in order to ensure that the baffle 70 remains in the proper place during the formation of the tube slots. 20, 22, 24 and 26 and the patterns 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b, the deflector 70 is left in place on the mandrel 300 until the tube grooves 20, 22, 24 and 20 are then formed. 26 and the patterns 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b, as described above in relation to steps 204 and 206. Once the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 have been punched and formed and the prints 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b have been formed, the mandrel 300 supporting each baffle 70 is removed.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in the case of this alternative method of manufacturing the manifold 12, due to the need to support each baffle 70 with a mandrel, no more than two baffles 70 can be initially inserted into the manifold. 12, a baffle 70 being inserted at each end. If additional deflectors 70 are to be inserted, the drilling die and groove formation is sized to drill and form a limited number of total grooves, and the die is initially positioned to drill and form grooves only where the grooves have been placed. deflectors 70. Additional deflectors 70 can be inserted from either end of the manifold 12 (depending on where the first deflectors 70 are located), and then the placement of the die is indexed to allow the grooves to be punched and formed at the site of 15 the additional baffles 70. Also as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in the case of this alternative method of manufacturing the manifold 12, when a large number of baffles are to be inserted into a manifold, the repeated process of inserting the deflector and 20 hold it in place with the mandrel, stamping the manifold to keep the deflector R instead, and remove the mandrel, can be inefficient. Therefore, this alternative manufacturing method is better suited for the insertion of a small number of baffles. Preferably, in both modalities of the method, it is used -ft a 6 | f r Jlas-fe-s i ¡»^ g¡gg ^ || jgg ^ * mtmtKm * m. .. ¡¡ijSsft | l '- aa? £ t, t ^ it-ÍS * & sMM an individual compression mechanism for drilling the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 using a drilling die, forming the edges 114 around the slots 20, 22, 24 and 26 and then forming the pairs of stamped areas 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b, each of these operations being performed in sequence through the compression mechanism as described above. The metal manifold 12 must be preferentially supported on the outer surface in a form-closing fastener, particularly near the ends of the grooves 20, 22, 24 and 26. The pairs of depressed areas caused by the patterns 90a and 90b , 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b and which reinforces the material, are preferentially placed in the outer rooms of the membranes 30, 32 and 34. The outer rooms are located closer to the center line of the membrane. In order to simplify the obtaining of the required D-shaped profile, the bands 30, 32 and 34 can be preferentially flattened with the use of pressure in the direction of the multiple axis Am before stamping the areas 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b. The patterned areas 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b in the membranes 30, 32 and 34 of manifold segment 14 are preferably made in a single stamping process. The D-shaped cross section of the manifold segment 14 ensures a rigid connection between the manifolds 12 and the flat tubes 50, 52, 54 and 56. This rigid connection is sufficiently strong to allow the heat transfer fluid to flow to through low high pressure. The invention, and in particular stamped areas 90a and 90b, 92a and 92b, and 94a and 94b ensure a considerable increase in the strength of the critical places in the transition regions 110 and 112 between the membranes 30, 32 and 34 and the cylindrical surface 102 of the manifold segment 14. This has the advantageous effect on the capacity of duration of the heat exchanger 10. Modifications and variations of the above-described embodiments of the present invention are possible, as appreciated by those skilled in the art to the light of the previous teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Ü -jÜ-t-feaaaAj

Claims (29)

1. - A manifold for a heat exchanger, said manifold having a tubular shape and having two ends and a longitudinal axis 5, and comprising: an elongated manifold segment introduced from said ends of the manifold, the manifold segment having an internal surface defining a interior and a collinear longitudinal axis with said longitudinal axis of the manifold, the segment of multiple 10 further having a plurality of parallel spaced apart grooves formed therein, adjacent grooves defining a membrane therebetween, each of the membranes having at least two depressions extending into the manifold segment, said depressions being positioned on both sides 15 of a plane that cuts the grooves and intersecting the longitudinal axis of the manifold, the manifold segment having a circular cross-section interrupted in the membranes through a relatively flat profile so that the manifold segment and its internal surface have a profile approximately D-shaped 20 in cross section; characterized in that the manifold includes: at least one baffle placed inside the manifold segment, each baffle being configured as a circle cut along one side to have a circular edge and a 25 shore slightly concave in order to have a profile approximately D-shaped substantially corresponding to the approximately D-shaped profile of the interior of the manifold segment, each baffle being positioned between a pair of adjacent slots with the slightly concave edge facing the membrane 5 between said pair of adjacent slots and with the circular edge in contact with the inner surface, and the slightly concave edge being introduced from the inner surface of the manifold to define a slight gap with said depressions extending into the gap, and each deflector having an edge extending towards 10 outside on a portion of its perimeter on the circular edge, the edge also making contact with the inner surface; and a band of filler material filling the gap between each of the deflectors and the internal surface of the manifold segment.

2. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the edge of each deflector has a width sufficient to support the deflector on its edge against the internal surface of the manifold without crashing when the deflector is inserted in the manifold segment.

3. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the edge of each baffle ends below the ends of the grooves.

4. The manifold according to claim 3, wherein each end of the grooves has a slot end angle α 25 formed with the longitudinal axis of the multiple segment of approximately 30 °.

5. The manifold according to claim 3, wherein each of the grooves have flat edges which are folded into the interior of the manifold, and wherein the edge of each deflector 5 that looks at the grooves extends above the flat grooves of the grooves.

6. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein each baffle has a locating concavity formed therein to orient the baffle with respect to a mandrel during placement of the baffle in a manifold segment.

7. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein said depressions are made in pairs in the outer rooms of the membrane that are closer to the center line of the membrane, said depressions being configured as strips parallel to the axis 15 longitudinal of the multiple segment.

8. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the edge has opposite ends and projections extending from the ends, said projections being dimensioned to provide an interference fit with the internal surface 20 of the manifold segment, and each deflector having a perimeter dimensioned to define a light hole with the internal surface of the multiple segment except in the projections.

9. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter of the deflector on said main circular bank has a 25 first radius R1t the perimeter of the deflector on said truncated shore Jte-a = B --- a-8 '' - j3M ^ & ^ j ra '* - has a second radius R2, greater than R ,, and the perimeter of the deflector has a third radius R3, said third radius R3 being a transition radius between the first and second radii R? and R2, and being substantially smaller than R ^ and R2.

10. The manifold according to claim 9, wherein the perimeter of the baffle has a fourth radius R4, said fourth radius R4 being a reverse radius introduced from the third radius R3 and placed to couple with depressions that are placed below of the deflector.

11. The manifold according to claim 10, wherein R is approximately equal to R ^ 12.- The manifold according to claim 9, wherein the deflector has a fifth radius R5 in the projections, R5 being slightly greater than R ^ 15 13. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the deflector has a symmetry axis and the ends of the edge end in a line perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the deflector. 14. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein one end of said manifold is chamfered. 15. The manifold according to claim 14, wherein the other end of the manifold has a notch formed therein for engagement with a projection on a manifold support. 16. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the ends of said manifold have cross sections 25 circular, the manifold also includes inserted end caps at the ends, each of the end caps including a cup-shaped portion with a ring and a flange extending outward from the ring, the cup-shaped portion being inserted into the interior of the manifold at one end and the flange bumping on the end of the tube. 17. A deflector for insertion into a tubular heat exchanger manifold segment having a cross section with a main circular edge and a truncated edge with a radius of curvature substantially greater than the remainder of the manifold segment perimeter for the purpose having a truncated circular profile with a shape of approximately D, wherein the deflector has a main circular edge and a truncated edge with a radius of curvature substantially greater than the rest of the perimeter of the deflector in order to have a truncated circular profile which substantially corresponds to that of the manifold segment, the truncated edge of the deflector being dimensioned to define a slight gap with the internal surface of the manifold segment, and characterized in that the deflector has an edge extending outwardly over a portion of its perimeter on the main circular edge, said edge being sized to make contact or with the internal surface of the multiple segment. 18. The deflector according to claim 17, wherein the edge has opposite ends and projections extending from the ends, the projections being dimensioned to provide an interference fit between the deflector and the deflector. segment of manifold, each deflector having a perimeter dimensioned to define a light hole with the internal surface of the manifold segment except in the projections. 19. The baffle according to claim 17, wherein the edge of the baffle has a width sufficient to support the baffle on its edge without crashing when the baffle is inserted into the manifold segment. 20. The baffle according to claim 17, wherein the baffle has a locating concavity formed therein to orient the baffle with respect to a mandrel during the placement of said baffle in the manifold segment. 21. The deflector according to claim 17, wherein the main circular edge has a first radius R ^ said truncated edge has a second radius R2 greater than R ^ the deflector has a third radius R3, said third radius R3 being a radius of transition between the first and second radii Ri and R2 and being substantially smaller than R? and R2. 22. The baffle according to claim 21, wherein the deflector has a fourth radius R4, said fourth radius R4 being a reverse radius introduced from the third radius R3 and placed to register depressions. 23. The baffle according to claim 22, wherein R4 is approximately equal to Ri. 24. The baffle according to claim 21, wherein the baffle has a fifth radius R5 in the projections, R5 being slightly larger. that R ^ 25.- The baffle according to claim 17, wherein the baffle has an axis of symmetry and the ends of the edge end in a line perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the baffle. 5 26.- A method to make a manifold, the method comprises the steps of: providing a manifold segment having two ends and a circular cross section; support the multiple segment; 10 insert a baffle in the manifold segment; forming a plurality of parallel grooves, spaced apart in the manifold segment, to define a membrane between each pair of adjacent grooves, each of the grooves being essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the manifold segment; and 15 creating depressions in the membranes which flatten the membranes relative to the rest of the multiple segment; characterized in that: the baffle has a substantially D-shaped profile; the baffle is inserted into the manifold segment through one of its two ends using a mandrel; the plurality of parallel, spaced grooves are formed in the manifold segment, while holding the deflector in place using the mandrel and the grooves are formed so that the baffle is centered between the two adjacent grooves; and 25 the depressions in the membranes are created in a way that the manifold segment has a generally D-shaped profile in cross section complementary to the baffle profile near the manifold segment where the membrane is flattened. 27. The method according to claim 26, further characterized in that the mandrel is removed from the manifold segment after the depressions are created in the membranes, wherein in the insert step, the deflector is held in place on the mandrel through a vacuum. 28. The method according to claim 26, further characterized in that the deflector is inserted into the manifold segment at a predetermined location using the mandrel, the deflector has projections extending from its periphery to provide an interference fit with the surface internal of the manifold segment, and the mandrel is removed 15 from the manifold segment before the formation of the slots, leaving the deflector in its predetermined location. 29. The method according to claim 28, wherein in the insert step, the baffle is placed in place on the mandrel through a vacuum. twenty ^^^^^ m ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^