US20070095514A1 - Tube for heat exchanger and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents
Tube for heat exchanger and method of manufacturing the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070095514A1 US20070095514A1 US11/586,116 US58611606A US2007095514A1 US 20070095514 A1 US20070095514 A1 US 20070095514A1 US 58611606 A US58611606 A US 58611606A US 2007095514 A1 US2007095514 A1 US 2007095514A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- end portion
- tube
- wall
- fin
- inner fin
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D53/00—Making other particular articles
- B21D53/02—Making other particular articles heat exchangers or parts thereof, e.g. radiators, condensers fins, headers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21C—MANUFACTURE OF METAL SHEETS, WIRE, RODS, TUBES OR PROFILES, OTHERWISE THAN BY ROLLING; AUXILIARY OPERATIONS USED IN CONNECTION WITH METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL
- B21C37/00—Manufacture of metal sheets, bars, wire, tubes or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape
- B21C37/06—Manufacture of metal sheets, bars, wire, tubes or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape of tubes or metal hoses; Combined procedures for making tubes, e.g. for making multi-wall tubes
- B21C37/15—Making tubes of special shape; Making tube fittings
- B21C37/151—Making tubes with multiple passages
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21C—MANUFACTURE OF METAL SHEETS, WIRE, RODS, TUBES OR PROFILES, OTHERWISE THAN BY ROLLING; AUXILIARY OPERATIONS USED IN CONNECTION WITH METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL
- B21C37/00—Manufacture of metal sheets, bars, wire, tubes or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape
- B21C37/06—Manufacture of metal sheets, bars, wire, tubes or like semi-manufactured products, not otherwise provided for; Manufacture of tubes of special shape of tubes or metal hoses; Combined procedures for making tubes, e.g. for making multi-wall tubes
- B21C37/15—Making tubes of special shape; Making tube fittings
- B21C37/22—Making finned or ribbed tubes by fixing strip or like material to tubes
- B21C37/225—Making finned or ribbed tubes by fixing strip or like material to tubes longitudinally-ribbed tubes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D53/00—Making other particular articles
- B21D53/02—Making other particular articles heat exchangers or parts thereof, e.g. radiators, condensers fins, headers
- B21D53/08—Making other particular articles heat exchangers or parts thereof, e.g. radiators, condensers fins, headers of both metal tubes and sheet metal
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L9/00—Rigid pipes
- F16L9/17—Rigid pipes obtained by bending a sheet longitudinally and connecting the edges
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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
- F28D1/03—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits
- F28D1/0391—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits a single plate being bent to form one or more conduits
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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
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/10—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
- F28F1/40—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only inside the tubular element
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
- F28F3/025—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being corrugated, plate-like elements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B39/00—Evaporators; Condensers
- F25B39/02—Evaporators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
- F28F13/06—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media
- F28F13/12—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by creating turbulence, e.g. by stirring, by increasing the force of circulation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2225/00—Reinforcing means
- F28F2225/04—Reinforcing means for conduits
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/04—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates
- F28F9/16—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates by permanent joints, e.g. by rolling
- F28F9/18—Arrangements for sealing elements into header boxes or end plates by permanent joints, e.g. by rolling by welding
Definitions
- the present invention relates to tubes for a heat exchanger such as an evaporator and a method of manufacturing the same.
- tubes have inner fins therein.
- the tubes having the inner fins are for example manufactured in a method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-336989.
- the tubes having the inner fins are referred to as inner fin tubes.
- a corrugated inner fin is disposed in a tube wall having a flat tubular shape.
- the tube wall is for example formed by folding a band plate at a middle portion and crimping ends of the folded band plate.
- the tube wall has a bent portion at a first end and a crimped portion at a second end in a cross-section defined in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube.
- the inner fin is formed by shaping a band plate into a wave form.
- the inner fin is arranged in the tube such that its first end is in contact with an inside of the bent portion of the tube wall and its second end is interposed between the crimped ends of the tube wall. Namely, the ends of the tube wall are crimped in a condition interposing the second end of the inner fin between them so as to restrict displacement of the inner fin in the tube wall.
- the above inner fin tube can be manufactured continuously at high speeds. Namely, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-336989, the tube wall and the inner fin are continuously formed and the inner fin is inserted in the tube wall in the same roll forming apparatus.
- the present invention is made in view of the foregoing matter, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a tube for a heat exchanger, capable of positioning a fin with respect to a tube member.
- a heat exchanger includes a tube member and a fin inserted in the tube member.
- the tube member has a first wall and a second wall that are opposed to each other.
- the first wall has a first end portion and the second wall has a second end portion.
- the second end portion is folded over the first end portion.
- the fin has an end held between the first end portion and the second end portion of the tube member. Further, the end of the fin has a fin bent portion over an end of the first end portion of the tube member. The fin bent portion contacts the end of the first end portion for positioning the fin with respect to the tube.
- the tube member is formed to have the first wall and the second wall.
- the second end portion of the second wall is folded after the fin is inserted in the tube member.
- the second end portion is folded in a condition that the end of the fin is held between the first end portion and the second end portion and the fin bent portion is engaged with the first end portion.
- the fin bent portion can be formed before the second end portion of the tube member is folded.
- the fin bent portion can be formed when the second end portion of the tube member is folded.
- the second end portion of the tube member is stably or uniformly folded over the first end portion and the end of the fin. As such, the first end portion and the second end portion of the tube member are stably or uniformly crimped.
- a plurality of tubes can be uniformly formed.
- a clearance is uniformly defined between an end of each tube and a tube hole of a header tank. Therefore, the quality of joining between the tubes and the header tank improves.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an inner fin tube taken in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the inner fin tube according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the inner fin tube at a part denoted by a circle II in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a heat exchanger having the inner fin tubes according to the first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus of manufacturing the inner fin tubes according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an explanatory view for showing a crimping step performed by the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of an inner fin tube in a crimping step of an inner fin tube manufacturing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of the inner fin tube in another stage of the crimping step according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- an inner fin tube 10 of the first embodiment has a tube member 11 and an inner fin 12 inserted in the tube member 11 .
- the inner fin tube 10 is for example used as a tube of a heat exchanger 20 such as an evaporator of a refrigerating cycle.
- the tube member 11 has a flat tubular shape.
- the tube member 11 is formed by folding a thin aluminum band plate.
- the tube member 11 in a cross-section defined in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the tube member 11 , the tube member 11 has a substantially elliptical shape.
- an arrow A 1 denotes a direction parallel to a major axis of the elliptical shape.
- the band plate is folded at a substantially middle portion thereof so that the tube member 11 has flat plate portions 11 b and a bent portion 11 a at ends of the flat plate portions 11 b.
- the bent portion 11 a has an arc shape, for example.
- the bent portion 11 a has a shape corresponding to a part of a circle that has a diameter equivalent to a distance between the flat plate portions 11 b of the tube member 11 .
- the bent portion 11 a has another shape such as a V-shape or a bracket-shape.
- the flat plate portions 11 b extend from the bent potion 11 a. As shown in FIG. 2 , the flat plate portions 11 b have inclined wall portions 11 c 3 , 11 c 4 at ends opposite to the bent portion 11 a. The inclined wall portions 11 c 3 , 11 c 4 are inclined toward a centerline between the flat plate portions 11 b to form a V-shape. Further, the flat plate portions 11 b have a first end portion 11 c and a second end portion 11 c 2 at the ends of the inclined wall portions 11 c 3 , 11 c 4 , respectively. The first end portion 11 c 1 and the second end 11 c 2 are crimped.
- the second end portion 11 c 2 overlaps and is folded over the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the second end portion 11 c 2 has a length equal to or larger than twice of the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the second end portion 11 c 2 has a first portion extending from the end of the inclined wall portion 11 c 4 parallel to and opposed to an inner surface of the first end portion 11 c 1 , a second portion extending from the first portion and wrapped over the end of the first end portion 11 c 1 , and a third portion extending from the second portion along an outer wall of the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the third portion ends at a position adjacent to a boundary between the first end portion 11 c 1 and the inclined wall portion 11 c 3 .
- a crimped portion 11 c is formed at an end opposite to the bent portion 11 a by crimping the ends of the flat plate portions 11 b, i.e., by folding the second end portion 11 c 2 over the first end portion 11 c.
- crimping means a structure that the first end portion 11 c 1 and the second end portion 11 c 2 are closed by folding the second end portion 11 c 2 over the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the second end portion 11 c 2 is folded and wrapped over the first end portion 11 c 1 such that both surfaces of the first end portion 11 c 1 are generally included in the folded second end portion 11 c 2 .
- the crimped portion 11 c has a generally flat shape.
- the crimped portion 11 c extends from the inclined wall portions 11 c 3 , 11 c 4 in a length substantially equal to the distance between the flat plate portions 11 b.
- the inner fin 12 is used for providing a turbulence effect of a fluid flowing in the tube member 11 and increasing a heat transfer area.
- the inner fin 12 is formed of a thin aluminum band plate that is thinner than the band plate of the tube member 11 by roll forming. Also, the inner fin 12 is formed with corrugated portion 12 a having a wave form.
- the inner fin 12 has a first flat plate portion 12 b and a second flat plate portion 12 c at ends with respect to a width of the band plate.
- the inner fin 12 is inserted in the tube member 11 such that the first flat portion 12 b is in contact with an inner wall of the bent portion 11 a of the tube member 11 .
- the first end portion 11 c 1 and the second end portion 11 c 2 of the tube member 11 are crimped in a condition that the second flat portion 12 c is interposed between the first end portion 11 c 1 and the second end portion 11 c 2 .
- the second flat portion 12 c is formed with a bent portion 12 c 1 .
- the bent portion 12 c 1 is formed by bending an end of the second flat portion 12 c into a substantially L-shape.
- the bent portion 12 c 1 contacts and partly covers the end of the first end portion 11 c 1 of the tube member 11 .
- the bent portion 12 c 1 extends parallel to an end surface of the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the bent portion 12 c 1 provides a hook portion to be engaged with or held on the end of the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the bent portion 12 c 1 determines a position of the inner fin 12 with respect to the tube member 11 against a force generated in the inner fin 12 to move into the inside of the tube member 11 before a brazing step. Namely, the bent portion 12 c 1 serves as a positioning member to position the inner fin 12 with respect to the tube member 11 .
- the bent portion 12 c 1 has the length in a direction perpendicular to the first end portion 11 c 1 equal to or less than the thickness of the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the bent portion 12 c 1 has the length as long as possible within the thickness of the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the bent portion 12 c 1 can be formed throughout the end of the second flat plate portion 12 c in a longitudinal direction of the inner fin 12 .
- the bent portion 12 c 1 can be formed partly or at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the inner fin 12 .
- the inner fin tubes 10 having the above configuration are stacked at predetermined intervals, as shown in FIG. 3 .
- outer fins 21 are interposed between the inner fin tubes 10 .
- Each of the outer fins 21 have a corrugated shape, similar to the inner fins 12 .
- the stack of the inner fin tubes 10 and the outer fins 21 forms a core portion 22 for performing heat exchange between an inner fluid and an outer fluid.
- longitudinal ends of the inner fin tubes 10 are coupled to a first header tank 23 and a second header tank 24 . As such, the heat exchanger 20 is constructed.
- Each of the first header tank 23 and the second header tank 24 is formed with tube holes 23 a (double-dashed chain line in FIG. 2 ).
- the longitudinal ends of the inner fin tubes 10 are inserted in the tube holes 23 a and joined to the first header tank 23 and the second header tank 24 by brazing.
- the first header tank 23 and the second header tank 24 are provided with a fluid inlet member 25 and a fluid outlet member 26 , respectively.
- a refrigerant as an inner fluid circulating in the refrigerating cycle flows into the first header tank 23 through the fluid inlet member 25 . Further, the refrigerant flows through the inner fin tubes 10 toward the second header tank 24 . Then, the refrigerant flows out from the fluid outlet port 26 . Heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing in the inner fin tubes 10 and air flowing outside of the core portion 22 . As such, while the refrigerant evaporates, the air is cooled. The air is for example used for air conditioning.
- FIG. 4 shows a manufacturing apparatus 100 for manufacturing the inner fin tubes 10 .
- the manufacturing apparatus 100 has a tube forming unit 110 for forming the tube member 11 and inserting the inner fin 12 in the tube member 11 , an inner fin forming unit 120 for forming the inner fin 12 , an inner fin carrying unit 130 for carrying the inner fin 12 to the tube forming unit 110 , and the like.
- the tube forming unit 110 has a tube outer wall forming section 110 A, an inserting and crimping section 110 B and a cutting section 110 C.
- the sections 110 A to 110 C are arranged in series.
- the tube outer wall 11 is formed by using a coiled band plate material.
- rollers are arranged between the respective sections 110 A to 110 C for carrying the material, for example. Thus, operations in the respective sections 110 A to 110 C can be performed continuously.
- the tube outer wall forming section 110 A has multiple rollers for mainly forming the bent portion 11 a and the flat plate portions 11 b from the coiled band plate material, thereby to form a tube outer wall as the tube member 11 .
- the inserting and crimping section 110 B has multiple rollers R 0 through Rn for forming the crimped portion 11 c on the tube outer wall 11 after inserting the inner fin 12 in the tube outer wall 11 .
- the continuous formed member carried from the inserting and crimping section 110 B is cut into a predetermined length, thereby producing the individual inner fin tubes 10 .
- FIG. 5 shows a crimping step performed in the inserting and crimping section 110 B.
- the rollers R 0 to Rn are arranged in a processing direction, i.e., a feeding direction. Further, each of the rollers R 0 to Rn rotates while contacting the second end portion 11 c of the tube outer wall 11 .
- rollers R 0 to Rn are arranged such that directions of rotation axes of the rollers R 0 to Rn varies from a position A 0 to a position An, as shown in FIG. 5 . That is, a rotation axis A 0 of the roller R 0 is parallel to an original extending direction of the second end portion 11 c 2 .
- a rotation axis An of the roller Rn is parallel to the rotation axis A 0 of the roller R 0 .
- Rollers between the roller R 0 and the roller Rn are arranged such that the rotation axes thereof are gradually angled from the rotation axis A 0 to the rotation axis An.
- the rotation axes are varied 180 degrees from the rotation axis A 0 to the rotation axis An.
- the second end portion 11 c 2 which is straight before the folding, is folded over the first end portion 11 c 1 through the rollers R 0 to Rn. Accordingly, the crimped portion 11 c is formed.
- the inner fin forming unit 120 is arranged parallel to the tube outer wall forming section 110 A such that the formed inner fin 12 is located separate from the tube outer wall 11 formed in the tube outer wall forming section 110 A by a predetermined distance in a horizontal direction and under the tube outer wall 11 .
- the inner fin 12 is formed by using a coiled band plate material.
- the corrugated portion 12 a, the first and second flat portions 12 b, 12 c and the L-shaped bent portion 12 c 1 are formed on the band plate material buying rollers. As such, a continuous inner fin 12 in a form of longitudinal band is formed.
- the inner fin carrying unit 130 feeds the continuous inner fin 12 from the inner fin forming unit 120 to the inserting and crimping section 110 B.
- the tube outer wall 11 is formed from the band plate material in the tube outer wall forming section 110 A (tube outer wall forming step). Also, in the inner fin forming unit 120 , the continuous inner fin 12 is formed. The continuous inner fin 12 is carried to the inserting and crimping section 110 B by the inner fin carrying unit 130 .
- the continuous inner fin 12 is inserted in the continuous tube outer wall 11 (inserting step). Then, the second end portion 11 c 2 of the tube outer wall 11 is continuously folded over the first end portion 11 c 1 (crimping sep). Thus, a continuous inner fin tube is formed.
- the bent portion 12 c 1 of the inner fin 12 engages with the end of the first end portion 11 c 1 of the tube outer wall 11 .
- the inner fin 12 is positioned with respect to the tube outer wall 11 by the bent portion 12 c 1 .
- the second end portion 11 c 2 of the tube outer wall 11 is sequentially folded over the first end portion 11 c 1 by the rollers R 0 to Rn in a condition that the second flat portion 12 c of the continuous inner fin 12 is sandwiched between the first end portion 11 c 1 and the second end portion 11 c 2 and the bent portion 12 c 1 is engaged with the first end portion 11 c 1 . Accordingly, even after the crimping step, the bent portion 12 c 1 maintains the condition engaged with the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the continuous inner fin tube 10 is cut into a predetermined length.
- the cut inner fin tubes 10 are arranged regularly and in a predetermined area ( 110 D). Accordingly, the individual inner fin tubes 10 for the heat exchanger 20 are produced.
- the bent portion 12 c 1 is held in contact with the end of the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the inner fin 12 is positioned with respect to the tube outer wall 11 by the bent portion 12 c 1 .
- the bending position of the second end portion 11 c 2 is stabled or uniformed.
- the second end portion 11 c 2 is uniformly folded over the first end portion 11 c 1 . Accordingly, the inner fin tubes 10 , the ends of which are uniformly crimped, are manufactured.
- the second end portion 11 c 2 is bend over a corner of the bent portion 12 c 1 of the inner fin 12 .
- the second end potion 11 c 2 is turned substantially 180 degrees over the bent portion 12 c 1 while maintaining a bent shape (R-shape).
- the second end portion 11 c 2 can uniformly maintain a predetermined length L at a folded end, as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the inner fin tubes 10 have uniformed outlines. Thus, in constructing the heat exchanger 20 using the above inner fin tubes 10 , clearances are substantially equally defined between the tube holes 23 a of the first and second header tanks 23 , 24 and the ends of the plural inner fin tubes 10 . Therefore, the inner fin tubes 10 and the first and second header tanks 23 , 24 are securely jointed to each other.
- the inner fin tubes 10 have the folded ends of the second end portions 11 c 2 in the substantially equal length L, the clearance S defined between each tube hole 23 a and each inner fin tube 10 can be reduced. Namely, unevenness of the clearances among the inner fin tubes 10 is reduced. Therefore, a quality of brazing improves.
- the inner fin tubes 10 are securely brazed to the first and second header tanks 23 , 24 . It is less likely that the inner fluid such as the refrigerant will leak through the joining portions between the inner fin tubes 10 and the tube holes 23 a of the first and second header tanks 23 , 24 . As such, reliability of the heat exchanger 20 improves.
- the flat plate portions 11 b are continuous through the bent portion (connecting portion) 11 a on a side opposite to the crimped end 11 c. Therefore, durability of the inner fin tube 10 against a pressure of the inner fluid improves.
- the length of the bent portion 12 c 1 of the inner fin 12 is shorter than the thickness of the end of the first end portion 11 c 1 . Therefore, it is less likely that the bent portion 12 c 1 will interfere with the folded second end portion 11 c 2 .
- inner fin tubes 10 have the same shape as the inner-fin tubes 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
- a method of manufacturing the inner fin tubes 10 is different from that of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 6 shows an early stage of the crimping step for crimping the first end portion 11 c and the second end portion 11 c 2 .
- FIG. 7 shows an intermediate stage of the crimping step.
- the bent portion 12 c 1 of the inner fin 12 is formed at the same time as folding the second end portion 12 c 1 in the crimping step. In other words, the bent portion 12 c 1 is not formed in the inner fin forming unit 120 .
- the second flat plate portion 12 c is held between the first end portion 11 c 1 and the second end portion 11 c 2 , and the end of the second flat plate portion 12 c extends longer than the first end portion 11 c 1 , as shown in FIG. 6 . It is preferable that the end of the second flat plate portion 12 c protrudes from the end of the first end portion 11 c 1 as long as possible in a range shorter than the thickness of the first end portion 11 c 1 .
- the end of the second flat plate portion 12 c of the inner fin 12 is bent with the second end portion 11 c 2 at a position corresponding to the end of the first end portion 11 c 1 as a bending base point, as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the bent portion 12 c 1 is formed in the crimping step.
- the inner fin 12 is positioned with respect to the tube outer wall 11 by the bent portion 12 c 1 , it is less likely that the inner fin 12 will be displaced with respect to the tube outer wall 11 in the crimping step. Accordingly, the crimped portion 11 c is stably and uniformly formed.
- the flat plate portions 11 b are continuous through the bent portion (connecting portion) 11 a on a side opposite to the crimped end 11 c. Therefore, durability of the inner fin tube 10 against a pressure of the inner fluid improves. Also, the length of the bent portion 12 c 1 of the inner fin 12 is shorter than the thickness of the end of the first end portion 11 c 1 . Therefore, it is less likely that the bent portion 12 c 1 will interfere with the folded second end portion 11 c 2 .
- the use of the inner fin tubes 10 of the first and second embodiment will not be limited to the evaporator.
- the inner fin tubes 10 can be used in other heat exchangers such as a radiator, a condenser and a heater core.
- the flat plate portions 11 b of the tube member 11 are continuous through the bent portion 11 a.
- the shape of the tube member 11 is not limited to the above.
- the flat plate portions 11 b can be crimped at both ends.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Geometry (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
Abstract
A tube for a heat exchanger has a tube member and a fin inserted in the tube member. The tube member has a first wall having a first end portion and a second wall having a second end portion. The second end portion of the second wall is folded over the first end portion of the first wall. Also, an end of the fin is held between the first end portion and the second end portion of the tube member. Further, the end of the fin has a bent portion at an end of the first end portion within the folded second end portion. The bent portion of the fin is engaged with the first end portion of the tube member for positioning the fin with respect to the tube member.
Description
- This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-315213 filed on Oct. 28, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to tubes for a heat exchanger such as an evaporator and a method of manufacturing the same.
- In a heat exchanger, tubes have inner fins therein. The tubes having the inner fins are for example manufactured in a method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-336989. Hereafter, the tubes having the inner fins are referred to as inner fin tubes. In each of the inner fin tubes, a corrugated inner fin is disposed in a tube wall having a flat tubular shape.
- The tube wall is for example formed by folding a band plate at a middle portion and crimping ends of the folded band plate. The tube wall has a bent portion at a first end and a crimped portion at a second end in a cross-section defined in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube. The inner fin is formed by shaping a band plate into a wave form.
- The inner fin is arranged in the tube such that its first end is in contact with an inside of the bent portion of the tube wall and its second end is interposed between the crimped ends of the tube wall. Namely, the ends of the tube wall are crimped in a condition interposing the second end of the inner fin between them so as to restrict displacement of the inner fin in the tube wall.
- Since the displacement of the inner fin is reduced, the above inner fin tube can be manufactured continuously at high speeds. Namely, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-336989, the tube wall and the inner fin are continuously formed and the inner fin is inserted in the tube wall in the same roll forming apparatus.
- In the above inner fin tubes, however, when the ends of the folded tube wall are crimped even in a condition interposing the second end of the inner fin between them, the inner fin is likely to be displaced due to shrinkage of a corrugated portion of the inner fin. If the inner fin is displaced, it is difficult to stably or uniformly form a crimped end on the tube wall. Moreover, joining portions between an inner surface of the tube wall and the inner fin are likely to be displaced.
- The present invention is made in view of the foregoing matter, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a tube for a heat exchanger, capable of positioning a fin with respect to a tube member.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a tube for a heat exchanger, capable of positioning a fin with respect to a tube member.
- It is further another object of the present invention to provide a tube for a heat exchanger and a method of manufacturing the tube, capable of crimping ends of a tube member stably.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger includes a tube member and a fin inserted in the tube member. The tube member has a first wall and a second wall that are opposed to each other. The first wall has a first end portion and the second wall has a second end portion. The second end portion is folded over the first end portion. The fin has an end held between the first end portion and the second end portion of the tube member. Further, the end of the fin has a fin bent portion over an end of the first end portion of the tube member. The fin bent portion contacts the end of the first end portion for positioning the fin with respect to the tube.
- In manufacturing the tube, the tube member is formed to have the first wall and the second wall. The second end portion of the second wall is folded after the fin is inserted in the tube member. Also, the second end portion is folded in a condition that the end of the fin is held between the first end portion and the second end portion and the fin bent portion is engaged with the first end portion. For example, the fin bent portion can be formed before the second end portion of the tube member is folded. Alternatively, the fin bent portion can be formed when the second end portion of the tube member is folded.
- Since the fin is positioned with respect to the tube member by the fin bent portion, the second end portion of the tube member is stably or uniformly folded over the first end portion and the end of the fin. As such, the first end portion and the second end portion of the tube member are stably or uniformly crimped.
- Accordingly, a plurality of tubes can be uniformly formed. In a heat exchanger having the tubes, a clearance is uniformly defined between an end of each tube and a tube hole of a header tank. Therefore, the quality of joining between the tubes and the header tank improves.
- Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like reference numbers and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an inner fin tube taken in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the inner fin tube according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the inner fin tube at a part denoted by a circle II inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a heat exchanger having the inner fin tubes according to the first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus of manufacturing the inner fin tubes according to the first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view for showing a crimping step performed by the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of an inner fin tube in a crimping step of an inner fin tube manufacturing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of the inner fin tube in another stage of the crimping step according to the second embodiment of the present invention. - A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to
FIGS. 1 through 5 . As shown inFIG. 1 , aninner fin tube 10 of the first embodiment has atube member 11 and aninner fin 12 inserted in thetube member 11. As shown inFIG. 3 , theinner fin tube 10 is for example used as a tube of aheat exchanger 20 such as an evaporator of a refrigerating cycle. - The
tube member 11 has a flat tubular shape. Thetube member 11 is formed by folding a thin aluminum band plate. As shown inFIG. 1 , in a cross-section defined in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of thetube member 11, thetube member 11 has a substantially elliptical shape. InFIG. 1 , an arrow A1 denotes a direction parallel to a major axis of the elliptical shape. - The band plate is folded at a substantially middle portion thereof so that the
tube member 11 hasflat plate portions 11 b and abent portion 11 a at ends of theflat plate portions 11 b. Thebent portion 11 a has an arc shape, for example. Also, thebent portion 11 a has a shape corresponding to a part of a circle that has a diameter equivalent to a distance between theflat plate portions 11 b of thetube member 11. Alternatively, thebent portion 11 a has another shape such as a V-shape or a bracket-shape. - The
flat plate portions 11 b extend from thebent potion 11 a. As shown inFIG. 2 , theflat plate portions 11 b have inclinedwall portions 11c 3, 11 c 4 at ends opposite to thebent portion 11 a. Theinclined wall portions 11c 3, 11 c 4 are inclined toward a centerline between theflat plate portions 11 b to form a V-shape. Further, theflat plate portions 11 b have afirst end portion 11 c and asecond end portion 11 c 2 at the ends of theinclined wall portions 11c 3, 11 c 4, respectively. Thefirst end portion 11 c 1 and thesecond end 11 c 2 are crimped. - For example, the
second end portion 11 c 2 overlaps and is folded over thefirst end portion 11c 1. Specifically, thesecond end portion 11 c 2 has a length equal to or larger than twice of thefirst end portion 11c 1. Thesecond end portion 11 c 2 has a first portion extending from the end of theinclined wall portion 11 c 4 parallel to and opposed to an inner surface of thefirst end portion 11c 1, a second portion extending from the first portion and wrapped over the end of thefirst end portion 11c 1, and a third portion extending from the second portion along an outer wall of thefirst end portion 11c 1. The third portion ends at a position adjacent to a boundary between thefirst end portion 11 c 1 and theinclined wall portion 11 c 3. - As such, a crimped
portion 11 c is formed at an end opposite to thebent portion 11 a by crimping the ends of theflat plate portions 11 b, i.e., by folding thesecond end portion 11 c 2 over thefirst end portion 11 c. Here, crimping means a structure that thefirst end portion 11 c 1 and thesecond end portion 11 c 2 are closed by folding thesecond end portion 11 c 2 over thefirst end portion 11c 1. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thesecond end portion 11 c 2 is folded and wrapped over thefirst end portion 11c 1 such that both surfaces of thefirst end portion 11c 1 are generally included in the foldedsecond end portion 11 c 2. In this embodiment, the crimpedportion 11 c has a generally flat shape. The crimpedportion 11 c extends from theinclined wall portions 11c 3, 11 c 4 in a length substantially equal to the distance between theflat plate portions 11 b. - The
inner fin 12 is used for providing a turbulence effect of a fluid flowing in thetube member 11 and increasing a heat transfer area. Theinner fin 12 is formed of a thin aluminum band plate that is thinner than the band plate of thetube member 11 by roll forming. Also, theinner fin 12 is formed withcorrugated portion 12 a having a wave form. - Further, the
inner fin 12 has a firstflat plate portion 12 b and a secondflat plate portion 12 c at ends with respect to a width of the band plate. Theinner fin 12 is inserted in thetube member 11 such that the firstflat portion 12 b is in contact with an inner wall of thebent portion 11 a of thetube member 11. Further, thefirst end portion 11 c 1 and thesecond end portion 11 c 2 of thetube member 11 are crimped in a condition that the secondflat portion 12 c is interposed between thefirst end portion 11 c 1 and thesecond end portion 11 c 2. - Further, the second
flat portion 12 c is formed with abent portion 12c 1. Thebent portion 12c 1 is formed by bending an end of the secondflat portion 12 c into a substantially L-shape. Thebent portion 12 c 1 contacts and partly covers the end of thefirst end portion 11c 1 of thetube member 11. Thebent portion 12c 1 extends parallel to an end surface of thefirst end portion 11c 1. As such, thebent portion 12c 1 provides a hook portion to be engaged with or held on the end of thefirst end portion 11c 1. - The
bent portion 12c 1 determines a position of theinner fin 12 with respect to thetube member 11 against a force generated in theinner fin 12 to move into the inside of thetube member 11 before a brazing step. Namely, thebent portion 12c 1 serves as a positioning member to position theinner fin 12 with respect to thetube member 11. - The
bent portion 12c 1 has the length in a direction perpendicular to thefirst end portion 11c 1 equal to or less than the thickness of thefirst end portion 11c 1. Preferably, thebent portion 12c 1 has the length as long as possible within the thickness of thefirst end portion 11c 1. Thebent portion 12c 1 can be formed throughout the end of the secondflat plate portion 12 c in a longitudinal direction of theinner fin 12. Alternatively, thebent portion 12c 1 can be formed partly or at intervals in the longitudinal direction of theinner fin 12. - The
inner fin tubes 10 having the above configuration are stacked at predetermined intervals, as shown inFIG. 3 . Further,outer fins 21 are interposed between theinner fin tubes 10. Each of theouter fins 21 have a corrugated shape, similar to theinner fins 12. Thus, the stack of theinner fin tubes 10 and theouter fins 21 forms acore portion 22 for performing heat exchange between an inner fluid and an outer fluid. Further, longitudinal ends of theinner fin tubes 10 are coupled to afirst header tank 23 and asecond header tank 24. As such, theheat exchanger 20 is constructed. - Each of the
first header tank 23 and thesecond header tank 24 is formed withtube holes 23 a (double-dashed chain line inFIG. 2 ). The longitudinal ends of theinner fin tubes 10 are inserted in the tube holes 23 a and joined to thefirst header tank 23 and thesecond header tank 24 by brazing. - The
first header tank 23 and thesecond header tank 24 are provided with afluid inlet member 25 and afluid outlet member 26, respectively. When theheat exchanger 20 shown inFIG. 3 is used as the evaporator, a refrigerant as an inner fluid circulating in the refrigerating cycle flows into thefirst header tank 23 through thefluid inlet member 25. Further, the refrigerant flows through theinner fin tubes 10 toward thesecond header tank 24. Then, the refrigerant flows out from thefluid outlet port 26. Heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing in theinner fin tubes 10 and air flowing outside of thecore portion 22. As such, while the refrigerant evaporates, the air is cooled. The air is for example used for air conditioning. - Next, a method of manufacturing the above
inner fin tubes 10 will be described with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5 .FIG. 4 shows amanufacturing apparatus 100 for manufacturing theinner fin tubes 10. - The
manufacturing apparatus 100 has atube forming unit 110 for forming thetube member 11 and inserting theinner fin 12 in thetube member 11, an innerfin forming unit 120 for forming theinner fin 12, an innerfin carrying unit 130 for carrying theinner fin 12 to thetube forming unit 110, and the like. - Further, the
tube forming unit 110 has a tube outerwall forming section 110A, an inserting and crimpingsection 110B and acutting section 110C. Thesections 110A to 110C are arranged in series. The tubeouter wall 11 is formed by using a coiled band plate material. Although not illustrated, rollers are arranged between therespective sections 110A to 110C for carrying the material, for example. Thus, operations in therespective sections 110A to 110C can be performed continuously. - The tube outer
wall forming section 110A has multiple rollers for mainly forming thebent portion 11 a and theflat plate portions 11 b from the coiled band plate material, thereby to form a tube outer wall as thetube member 11. The inserting and crimpingsection 110B has multiple rollers R0 through Rn for forming the crimpedportion 11 c on the tubeouter wall 11 after inserting theinner fin 12 in the tubeouter wall 11. In thecutting section 110C, the continuous formed member carried from the inserting and crimpingsection 110B is cut into a predetermined length, thereby producing the individualinner fin tubes 10. -
FIG. 5 shows a crimping step performed in the inserting and crimpingsection 110B. In the inserting and crimpingsection 110B, the rollers R0 to Rn are arranged in a processing direction, i.e., a feeding direction. Further, each of the rollers R0 to Rn rotates while contacting thesecond end portion 11 c of the tubeouter wall 11. - Moreover, the rollers R0 to Rn are arranged such that directions of rotation axes of the rollers R0 to Rn varies from a position A0 to a position An, as shown in
FIG. 5 . That is, a rotation axis A0 of the roller R0 is parallel to an original extending direction of thesecond end portion 11 c 2. A rotation axis An of the roller Rn is parallel to the rotation axis A0 of the roller R0. Rollers between the roller R0 and the roller Rn are arranged such that the rotation axes thereof are gradually angled from the rotation axis A0 to the rotation axis An. - Thus, the rotation axes are varied 180 degrees from the rotation axis A0 to the rotation axis An. As such, the
second end portion 11 c 2, which is straight before the folding, is folded over thefirst end portion 11c 1 through the rollers R0 to Rn. Accordingly, the crimpedportion 11 c is formed. - The inner
fin forming unit 120 is arranged parallel to the tube outerwall forming section 110A such that the formedinner fin 12 is located separate from the tubeouter wall 11 formed in the tube outerwall forming section 110A by a predetermined distance in a horizontal direction and under the tubeouter wall 11. Theinner fin 12 is formed by using a coiled band plate material. In the innerfin forming unit 120, thecorrugated portion 12 a, the first and secondflat portions bent portion 12c 1 are formed on the band plate material buying rollers. As such, a continuousinner fin 12 in a form of longitudinal band is formed. - The inner
fin carrying unit 130 feeds the continuousinner fin 12 from the innerfin forming unit 120 to the inserting and crimpingsection 110B. - In the
above manufacturing apparatus 100, first, the tubeouter wall 11 is formed from the band plate material in the tube outerwall forming section 110A (tube outer wall forming step). Also, in the innerfin forming unit 120, the continuousinner fin 12 is formed. The continuousinner fin 12 is carried to the inserting and crimpingsection 110B by the innerfin carrying unit 130. - Next, in the inserting and crimping
section 110B, the continuousinner fin 12 is inserted in the continuous tube outer wall 11 (inserting step). Then, thesecond end portion 11 c 2 of the tubeouter wall 11 is continuously folded over thefirst end portion 11 c 1 (crimping sep). Thus, a continuous inner fin tube is formed. - In the inserting step, the
bent portion 12c 1 of theinner fin 12 engages with the end of thefirst end portion 11c 1 of the tubeouter wall 11. Namely, theinner fin 12 is positioned with respect to the tubeouter wall 11 by thebent portion 12c 1. Then, in the crimping step, thesecond end portion 11 c 2 of the tubeouter wall 11 is sequentially folded over thefirst end portion 11c 1 by the rollers R0 to Rn in a condition that the secondflat portion 12 c of the continuousinner fin 12 is sandwiched between thefirst end portion 11 c 1 and thesecond end portion 11 c 2 and thebent portion 12c 1 is engaged with thefirst end portion 11c 1. Accordingly, even after the crimping step, thebent portion 12c 1 maintains the condition engaged with thefirst end portion 11c 1. - Thereafter, the continuous
inner fin tube 10 is cut into a predetermined length. The cutinner fin tubes 10 are arranged regularly and in a predetermined area (110D). Accordingly, the individualinner fin tubes 10 for theheat exchanger 20 are produced. - In the inserting step and the crimping step, the
bent portion 12c 1 is held in contact with the end of thefirst end portion 11c 1. Namely, theinner fin 12 is positioned with respect to the tubeouter wall 11 by thebent portion 12c 1. As such, it is less likely that theinner fin 12 will be displaced with respect to the tubeouter wall 11. Therefore, in the crimping step, the bending position of thesecond end portion 11 c 2 is stabled or uniformed. Namely, thesecond end portion 11 c 2 is uniformly folded over thefirst end portion 11c 1. Accordingly, theinner fin tubes 10, the ends of which are uniformly crimped, are manufactured. - Further, in the crimping step, the
second end portion 11 c 2 is bend over a corner of thebent portion 12c 1 of theinner fin 12. Thus, thesecond end potion 11 c 2 is turned substantially 180 degrees over thebent portion 12c 1 while maintaining a bent shape (R-shape). Moreover, thesecond end portion 11 c 2 can uniformly maintain a predetermined length L at a folded end, as shown inFIG. 2 . - Since the crimped
portion 11 c is uniformly formed, theinner fin tubes 10 have uniformed outlines. Thus, in constructing theheat exchanger 20 using the aboveinner fin tubes 10, clearances are substantially equally defined between the tube holes 23 a of the first andsecond header tanks inner fin tubes 10. Therefore, theinner fin tubes 10 and the first andsecond header tanks - Specifically, since the
inner fin tubes 10 have the folded ends of thesecond end portions 11 c 2 in the substantially equal length L, the clearance S defined between eachtube hole 23 a and eachinner fin tube 10 can be reduced. Namely, unevenness of the clearances among theinner fin tubes 10 is reduced. Therefore, a quality of brazing improves. - Accordingly, the
inner fin tubes 10 are securely brazed to the first andsecond header tanks inner fin tubes 10 and the tube holes 23 a of the first andsecond header tanks heat exchanger 20 improves. - In the
above tube member 11, theflat plate portions 11 b are continuous through the bent portion (connecting portion) 11 a on a side opposite to thecrimped end 11 c. Therefore, durability of theinner fin tube 10 against a pressure of the inner fluid improves. - Also, the length of the
bent portion 12c 1 of theinner fin 12 is shorter than the thickness of the end of thefirst end portion 11c 1. Therefore, it is less likely that thebent portion 12c 1 will interfere with the foldedsecond end portion 11 c 2. - Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to
FIGS. 6 and 7 . In the second embodiment,inner fin tubes 10 have the same shape as the inner-fin tubes 10 of the first embodiment shown inFIG. 1 . However, a method of manufacturing theinner fin tubes 10 is different from that of the first embodiment.FIG. 6 shows an early stage of the crimping step for crimping thefirst end portion 11 c and thesecond end portion 11 c 2.FIG. 7 shows an intermediate stage of the crimping step. - In the second embodiment, the
bent portion 12c 1 of theinner fin 12 is formed at the same time as folding thesecond end portion 12c 1 in the crimping step. In other words, thebent portion 12c 1 is not formed in the innerfin forming unit 120. - In a condition that the
inner fin 12 is inserted in the tubeouter wall 11 in the inserting step, the secondflat plate portion 12 c is held between thefirst end portion 11 c 1 and thesecond end portion 11 c 2, and the end of the secondflat plate portion 12 c extends longer than thefirst end portion 11c 1, as shown inFIG. 6 . It is preferable that the end of the secondflat plate portion 12 c protrudes from the end of thefirst end portion 11c 1 as long as possible in a range shorter than the thickness of thefirst end portion 11c 1. - When the
second end portion 11 c 2 is bent in the crimping step, the end of the secondflat plate portion 12 c of theinner fin 12 is bent with thesecond end portion 11 c 2 at a position corresponding to the end of thefirst end portion 11c 1 as a bending base point, as shown inFIG. 7 . As such, thebent portion 12c 1 is formed in the crimping step. Also in this case, because theinner fin 12 is positioned with respect to the tubeouter wall 11 by thebent portion 12c 1, it is less likely that theinner fin 12 will be displaced with respect to the tubeouter wall 11 in the crimping step. Accordingly, the crimpedportion 11 c is stably and uniformly formed. - Also in this embodiment, the
flat plate portions 11 b are continuous through the bent portion (connecting portion) 11 a on a side opposite to thecrimped end 11 c. Therefore, durability of theinner fin tube 10 against a pressure of the inner fluid improves. Also, the length of thebent portion 12c 1 of theinner fin 12 is shorter than the thickness of the end of thefirst end portion 11c 1. Therefore, it is less likely that thebent portion 12c 1 will interfere with the foldedsecond end portion 11 c 2. - The use of the
inner fin tubes 10 of the first and second embodiment will not be limited to the evaporator. For example, theinner fin tubes 10 can be used in other heat exchangers such as a radiator, a condenser and a heater core. - Also, the shape of the
inner fin 12 is not limited to the corrugated shape having the corrugatedportion 12 a. For example, theinner fin 12 have projections and grooves discontinuously or irregularly. Alternatively, theinner fin 12 is formed with openings and the like. - In the above embodiments, the
flat plate portions 11 b of thetube member 11 are continuous through thebent portion 11 a. However, the shape of thetube member 11 is not limited to the above. For example, theflat plate portions 11 b can be crimped at both ends. - The example embodiments of the present invention are described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example embodiments, but may be implemented in other ways without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims (12)
1. A tube for a heat exchanger, comprising:
a tube member having a first wall and a second wall that are opposed to each other, the first wall having a first end portion, the second wall having a second end portion, the second end portion folded over the first end portion; and
a fin disposed in the tube member, the fin having an end held between the first end portion and the second end portion of the tube member, wherein
the end of the fin has a fin bent portion over an end of the first end portion of the tube member for positioning the fin with respect to the tube member.
2. The tube according to claim 1 , wherein
the first wall connects to the second wall through a tube bent portion on a side opposite to the first end portion and the second end portion.
3. The tube according to claim 1 , wherein
the fin bent portion has a dimension with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first end portion of the tube member equal to or smaller than a thickness of the first end portion.
4. The tube according to claim 1 , wherein the fin bent portion has a substantially L-shape.
5. A heat exchanger comprising a tube according to claim 1 .
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5 , further comprising:
a header tank formed with a plurality of tube holes, wherein
the tube is one of a plurality of tubes and ends of the tubes are received in the tube holes of the header tank.
7. A method of manufacturing a tube for a heat exchanger, comprising:
forming a tube member to have a first wall having a first end portion and a second wall having a second end portion;
inserting a fin between the first wall and the second wall of the tube member;
folding the second end portion of the second wall over the first end portion of the first wall in a condition that an end of the fin is interposed between the first end portion and the second end portion and the end of the fin is engaged with the first end portion of the first wall by a fin bent portion.
8. The method according to claim 7 , further comprising:
forming the fin bent portion on the end of the fin before the inserting.
9. The method according to claim 7 , wherein
the folding includes bending the end of the fin over an end of the first end portion of the tube member to form the fin bent portion.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein
the inserting includes placing the fin such that the end of the fin protrudes from the first end portion of the tube member.
11. The method according to claim 7 , further comprising:
cutting the tube member into a predetermined length after the folding.
12. The method according to claim 7 , wherein
the forming of the tube member includes folding a plate member to have the first wall, the second wall and a tube bent portion between the first wall and the second wall.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2005315213A JP2007120888A (en) | 2005-10-28 | 2005-10-28 | Tube for heat exchanger and its manufacturing method |
JP2005-315213 | 2005-10-28 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070095514A1 true US20070095514A1 (en) | 2007-05-03 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/586,116 Abandoned US20070095514A1 (en) | 2005-10-28 | 2006-10-25 | Tube for heat exchanger and method of manufacturing the same |
Country Status (4)
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US (1) | US20070095514A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007120888A (en) |
DE (1) | DE102006050319A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2896864A1 (en) |
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- 2006-10-25 DE DE102006050319A patent/DE102006050319A1/en not_active Ceased
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- 2006-10-30 FR FR0609525A patent/FR2896864A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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US20020134126A1 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2002-09-26 | Calsonic Kansei Corporation | Formed strip and roll forming |
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US20090014165A1 (en) * | 2006-01-19 | 2009-01-15 | Werner Zobel | Flat tube, flat tube heat exchanger, and method of manufacturing same |
US20090014164A1 (en) * | 2006-01-19 | 2009-01-15 | Werner Zobel | Flat tube, flat tube heat exchanger, and method of manufacturing same |
US20090020278A1 (en) * | 2006-01-19 | 2009-01-22 | Werner Zobel | Flat tube, flat tube heat exchanger, and method of manufacturing same |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE102006050319A1 (en) | 2007-05-03 |
FR2896864A1 (en) | 2007-08-03 |
JP2007120888A (en) | 2007-05-17 |
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