EP1004841B1 - Heat exchanger tank - Google Patents
Heat exchanger tank Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1004841B1 EP1004841B1 EP19990123593 EP99123593A EP1004841B1 EP 1004841 B1 EP1004841 B1 EP 1004841B1 EP 19990123593 EP19990123593 EP 19990123593 EP 99123593 A EP99123593 A EP 99123593A EP 1004841 B1 EP1004841 B1 EP 1004841B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tank body
- tank
- end plate
- ridges
- extends
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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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
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/001—Casings in the form of plate-like arrangements; Frames enclosing a heat exchange core
- F28F9/002—Casings in the form of plate-like arrangements; Frames enclosing a heat exchange core with fastening means for other structures
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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
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/0219—Arrangements for sealing end plates into casing or header box; Header box sub-elements
- F28F9/0224—Header boxes formed by sealing end plates into covers
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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
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/0246—Arrangements for connecting header boxes with flow lines
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to heat exchangers of motor vehicles, and more particularly to a tank of the heat exchangers, which generally comprises a tank body of clad metal, a pipe member of clad metal, a header plate member of clad metal and end plates of clad metal which are all hermetically secured to one another by means of brazing.
- a conventional tank of heat exchanger which is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model First Provisional Publication 60-2195.
- the conventional tank comprises a tank body 1 which has a pipe inserting opening 1a provided by means of a burring reamer.
- a pipe member 2 is inserted into the pipe inserting opening 1a having Its leading end abutting on an inner surface of the tank body 1 through a seating plate 3.
- usage of the seating plate 3 brings about a troublesome and time consuming work for producing the tank.
- the tank needs a height "H" much greater than the diameter "D" of the pipe member 2, which causes a bulky construction of the tank.
- FIG. 42 there is shown another conventional tank of heat exchanger.
- the conventional tank comprises a tank body 1 produced by using a deep drawing technique, and a header plate member 4 brazed to the tank body 1.
- the header plate member 4 is partially fixed or welded to the tank body 1 before carrying out the brazing.
- different types of dies are needed depending on sizes and types of the tank produced by the deep drawing technique, and thus cost of the tank increases inevitably.
- the tank is designed for radiators, the tank is obliged to have a larger height and longer structure making the deep drawing much difficult.
- the longer structure of the tank makes the brazing between the tank body 1 and the header plate member 4 much difficult.
- the parts 1 and 4 have to have complicated engaging and engaged portions 1a and 4a which are to be mutually engaged, which also brings about increase in production cost of the tank.
- FIG. 43 there is shown still another conventional tank of heat exchanger, which is of a seam welded pipe type made of aluminum.
- the tank shown in Fig. 42 has a rectangular cross section.
- this conventional tank due to the tubular shape, formation of the opening in the tank for receiving and holding the pipe member needs a troublesome and consuming manual work.
- a further conventional tank of heat exchanger which is made of aluminum.
- the tank shown in the drawings comprises an aluminum tank body 1 having a generally C-shaped cross section and an aluminum header plate member 5 fitted to an open portion of the tank body 1.
- each end plate 6 is formed with a rectangular recess 6a into which the corresponding end of the unit is press-fitted.
- the recess 6a of the end plate 6 and the end of the unit are brazed at "R" in a furnace.
- the tank body 1 becomes deformed as is shown by phantom lines. Of course, in this case, brazing of such deformed portion and the end plate is not adequately carried out.
- the radiator 7 comprises upper and lower tanks 8 and 9 of plastics and a core structure 10 interposed between the upper and lower tanks 8 and 9.
- the lower tank 9 has at Its lower surface mounting pins 11 by which the lower mount rubber 12 is held.
- the lower mount rubber 12 is held by a lower bracket 13 extending from the vehicle body.
- the upper tank 8 has at its upper surface mounting pins 14 by which the upper mount rubber 15 is held.
- the upper mount rubber 15 is held by an upper bracket 16 extending from the vehicle body.
- Fig. 47 shows a conventional technique for fixing each mounting pin 14 or 11 to the upper or lower tank 8 or 9.
- the tank 8 or 9 is formed with an opening 8a
- each mounting pin 14 or 11 is formed with a forked projected portion 14a.
- the forked projected portion 14a is put in the opening 8a and then brazing is practically applied to mating portions therebetween.
- this pin fixing work is troublesome.
- satisfied brazing is not obtained by the pin due to a non-negligible difference in heat capacity between the mounting pin 14 or 11 and the tank 8 or 9.
- the unsatisfied brazing tends to induce leakage of cooling water from the tank.
- EP 0 821 213 A2 discloses securing inlet and outlet connectors to a header each of which is constituted of a generally rectangular-parallelepiped block.
- the inlet and outlet connectors are provisionally fixed to the respective headers through argon arc spot welding and thereafter a tight assembling of the heat exchanger is achieved through brazing in a furnace.
- a tank 100 of heat exchanger which is a first embodiment of the present invention.
- the heat exchanger to which the tank 100 is practically applied is a radiator which is usually mounted in a front part of an engine room for cooling an engine cooling water.
- the tank 100 of this first embodiment comprises a tank body 102 which is made of a clad metal, such as a clad aluminum plate or the like.
- the tank body 102 is shaped like a channel member including opposed side walls 102a and 102b and an upper wall (or base wall) 102c.
- the tank body 102 has a lower portion fully opened, as shown.
- An inner surface of the tank body 102 is coated with a corrosion resisting material or self-sacrificing corrosion material, and an outer surface of the tank body 102 is lined with a brazing metal.
- the side wall 102b is formed with a circular opening 104. As is seen from Fig. 1, the circular opening 104 has an uppermost end that terminates at an inner surface of the upper wall 102c.
- a pipe member 106 is connected to the circular opening 104 of the tank body 102. That is, in operation, coolant is forced to flow in the pipe member 106 and the tank body 102.
- the pipe member 106 is made of a clad metal, such as a clad aluminum plate or the like. Inner and outer surfaces of the pipe member 106 are coated with a corrosion resisting material or self-sacrificing corrosion material.
- the pipe member 106 is formed at one end with an annular ridge 108 which functions to make a tight fitting of a hose (not shown) thereto when the hose is connected to the pipe member 106.
- the other end of the pipe member 106 is formed with a generally circular flange 110.
- the flange 110 comprises a generally circular major part which is brazed to a peripheral portion of the circular opening 104 of the side wall 102b and a generally arcuate upper part 110a which is bent at generally right angles and brazed to the upper wall 102c.
- the pipe member 106 is produced by taking the following steps.
- a clad aluminum plate 112 Is prepared.
- the plate 112 is then subjected to a deep drawing process as is depicted by Figs. 4B, 4C and 4D to produce a cup-shaped member 114 with a roughly shaped flange 110.
- the deep drawing process is carried out through three drawing steps.
- the cup-shaped member 114 is subjected to a piercing process to provide at a bottom thereof with an opening 114a.
- a peripheral portion of the opening 114a is bent or expanded outward as is indicated by short arrows in Fig.
- the member 114 is subjected to a trimming process to remove an unnecessary part 110b. With this process, the flange 110 becomes shaped circular. Then, as is seen from Fig. 5D, one part 110a of the circular flange 110 is bent at right angles. Then, as is seen from Fig. 5E, the member 114 is subjected to an expansion process to provide the leading end thereof with an annular ridge 108. With this, the pipe member 106 is produced.
- the pipe member 106 is partially fixed or welded to the tank body 102, as is understood from Fig. 1.
- spot welding is applied to three portions P1, P2 and P3 of the unit of the tank body 102 and the pipe member 106, as is seen from Figs. 2 and 3.
- other technique such as caulking, laser beam welding or the like may be used.
- this semi-finished tank 100 is incompletely mounted to a core structure to provide a so-called semi-finished radiator (not shown), and then the semi-finished radiator is applied with a non-corrosive flux and heated in a furnace. With this, production of the radiator is finished completing brazing of various parts thereof.
- the flange 110 is brazed to the tank body 102 in such a manner as has been described hereinabove.
- the bent shape of the flange 110 of the pipe member 106 facilitates positioning and holding of the pipe member 106 to the tank body 102. That is, the right-angled arcuate part 110a of the flange 110 can be used as a suspending means for suspending the pipe member 106 on the tank body 102, as will be seen from Fig. 1. Since the uppermost end of the circular opening 104 of the side wall 102b is mated with the inner surface of the upper wall 102c of the tank body 102, the height needed by the tank body 102 for connecting with the pipe member 106 is reduced, which brings about a compact construction of the tank 100 and the associated radiator.
- a tank 200 of heat exchanger which is a second embodiment of the present invention.
- tank 200 of this embodiment is similar to that 100 of the above-mentioned first embodiment, only parts and structures which are different from those of the first embodiment 100 will be described in the following.
- the circular opening 104 extends to the upper wall 102c of the tank body 102. That is, the opening 104 comprises a generally circular major part formed in the side wall 102b and an arcuate part 104b formed in the upper wall 102c.
- the flange 110 of the pipe member 106 comprises a generally circular major part which is brazed to a peripheral portion of the generally circular opening part of the side wall 102b and a generally rectangular part 110b (see Fig. 8) which is brazed to a peripheral portion of the arcuate opening part 104a of the upper wall 102c.
- Fig. 8 the flange 110 of the pipe member 106 comprises a generally circular major part which is brazed to a peripheral portion of the generally circular opening part of the side wall 102b and a generally rectangular part 110b (see Fig. 8) which is brazed to a peripheral portion of the arcuate opening part 104a of the upper wall 102c.
- the rectangular part 110b of the flange 110 is somewhat raised from the upper wall 102c of the tank body 102.
- the rectangular part 110b is swelled and sloped relative to the upper wall 102c.
- the second embodiment 200 has such an advantaged that the height needed by the tank body 102 for connecting with the pipe member 106 is much reduced, which brings about much compact construction of the tank 200.
- a tank 300 of heat exchanger which is a third embodiment of the present invention.
- the tank 300 of this third embodiment comprises a tank body 102 made of a clad metal, such as a clad aluminum plate or the like.
- the tank body 102 is shaped like a channel member including opposed side walls 102a and 102b and an upper wall 102c.
- the tank body 102 has a lower portion 102d fully opened as shown in Fig. 1.
- An inner surface of the tank body 102 is coated with a corrosion resisting material or self-sacrificing corrosion material, and an outer surface of the tank body 102 is lined with a brazing metal.
- An elongate header plate member 116 is fitted in the lower portion 102d of the tank body 102.
- the header plate member 116 is formed along side edges thereof with respective flanges 116a which are brazed to lower ends of the respective side walls 102a and 102b of the tank body 102.
- An inner surface of the header plate member 116 is coated with a corrosion resisting material or self-sacrificing corrosion material, and an outer surface of the header plate member 116 is lined with a brazing metal.
- the elongate header plate member 116 is formed with a plurality of slits 118 which are arranged at equally spaced intervals along the length thereof.
- the slits 118 receive therein one ends of flat tubes 120 which constitute a core structure of the radiator (not shown).
- end plates 122 are fixed via brazing to longitudinal ends of the tank body 102.
- a pipe member 106 is connected to the tank body 102 in a manner to establish a fluid communication with the tank body 102 through an opening 104 formed in the side wall 102b of the tank body 102.
- a filler neck member 124 is connected to the upper wall 102c of the tank body 102 in a manner to provide a fluid communication with the tank body 102 through an opening 102e formed in the upper wall 102c.
- a rectangular plate 126 is cut out from a coiled plate block 128. Then, as is seen from Fig. 15B, an opening 102e for the filler neck 124 and an opening 104 for the pipe member 106 are formed in the plate 126. Then, as is seen from Fig. 15C, the plate 126 is pressed to have a substantially channel structure. With this, the tank body 102 is produced.
- the header plate member 116 For producing the header plate member 116, as is seen from Fig. 16A, an elongate plate 130 is cut out from a coiled plate block 132. Then, as is seen from Fig. 16B, the plate 130 is pressed to have two flanges 116a along both sides thereof. Then, as is seen from Fig. 16C, the plate 130 is subjected to a punching process to have a plurality of slits 118, and then subjected to a finishing process. With this, the header plate member 116 is produced.
- the pipe member 106 and the filler neck 124 are partially welded to the tank body 102.
- Two header plate members 116 are arranged keeping a given space therebetween.
- a plurality of flat tubes 120 and a plurality of corrugated fins are put between the two header plate members 116.
- opposed ends of each flat tube 120 are snugly inserted in respective slits 118 of the header plate members 116.
- each header plate member 116 there is partially or incompletely connected a corresponding tank body 102 in such a manner as is understood from Fig. 17.
- spot welding is employed, contacting the tapered electrodes 134A and 134B onto the left (or lower) ends of the side walls 102a and 102b.
- each flange 116a of the header plate member 116 and the corresponding end of the side wall 102a or 102b are incompletely fixed.
- the tank body 102 is connected to one terminal of the spot welding device. Since the electric resistance of the tank body 102 is sufficiently high than that of the header plate member 116, such spot welding can be made without using an inner electrode.
- the spot welding is carried out under a condition wherein the pressing force applied by the electrodes 134A and 134B is about 10 to 30 Kgf and the current applied to the electrodes is about 7,000 to 10,000 A.
- the end plates 122 are partially or incompltely fixed to the ends of the tank body 102.
- a so-called semi-finished radiator is provided.
- the semi-finished radiator is applied with a non-corrosive flux and heated in a furnace.
- production of the radiator is finished completing brazing of various parts thereof. That is, with this brazing process, the incompletely fixed portions of the radiator are completely fixed or brazed to each other.
- the tank body 102 in this third embodiment 300 can be produced at a reduced cost as compared with the tank body 102 of the first embodiment 100. In the first embodiment 100, somewhat expensive deep drawing technique is used.
- a tank 400 of heat exchanger which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- tank 400 of this fourth embodiment is similar in construction to the tank 300 of the above-mentioned third embodiment, only portions and parts which are different from those of the third embodiment 300 will be described in detail in the following.
- the tank 400 of this fourth embodiment comprises a tank body 102, a header plate member 116 and two end plates 122 (only one is shown), which are assembled in substantially the same manner as in the case of the third embodiment 300. That is, the header plate member 116 carrying the flat tubes 120 and the corrugated fins 136 is brazed to the open portion 102d of the tank body 102, and the two end plates 122 are brazed to the longitudinal ends of the tank body 102.
- each end plate 122 is formed at an Inner surface thereof with two ridges 122a and 122b which extend in parallel. These two ridges 122a and 122b are formed by subjecting the end plate 122 a press working. These ridges 122a and 122b are used for partially or Incompletely fixing the end plate 122 to the tank body 102 before effecting the brazing process, as will become apparent as the description proceeds. That is, for carrying out a so-called projection welding, such ridges 122a and 122b are used.
- the ridge 122a extends between ends of the side walls 102a and 102b of the tank body 102, and the other ridge 122b extends between the ends of the flanges 116a of the header plate member 116 as well as between the ends of the side walls 102a and 102b of the tank body 102.
- the end plate 122 is then brazed to the ends of the tank body 102 and the header plate member 116.
- the header plate member 116 carrying the flat tubes 120 (see Fig, 18) and corrugated fins 136 is put Into a given position of the tank body 102. Then, each end plate 122 is partially or incompletely fixed to the corresponding ends of the tank body 120 and the header plate member 116 through the projection welding. For this projection welding, two first flat electrodes 138 are attached to the respective side walls 102a and 102b of the tank body 102, and a second flat electrode 140 is handled to press the end plate 122 by a certain force "F" against the ends of the tank body 102 and the header plate member 116, and a certain voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes 138 and 140.
- each ridge 122a and 122b are welded to the ends of the tank body 102 and the header plate member 116. That is, as is seen from Figs. 21 and 22, longitudinal ends of each ridge 122a or 122b are well welded at positions "W" to the corresponding ends of the tank body 102 and the header plate member 116. With this welding, each end plate 122 is partially or incompletely fixed to the ends having other portions intimately contacting with the same. With this, a so-called semi-finished radiator is provided. Then, the semi-finished radiator is applied with a non-corrosive flux and put into a furnace to be subjected to a brazing process. With this, production of the radiator is finished completing brazing of various parts thereof.
- the incompletely fixed portions of the radiator become completely fixed or brazed to each other. That is, by the heat generated in the furnace, the brazing metal "R" lined on the inner surface of the end plate 122, the header plate member 116 and the tank body 102 is fused for carrying out brazing therebetween. During this, the flat tubes 120 (see Fig. 18), the corrugated fins 136 and the corresponding header plate member 116 achieve the mutual brazing therebetween.
- Figs. 24, 25, 26 and 27 show first, second, third and fourth modifications 400A, 400B, 400C and 400D of the tank 400 of the fourth embodiment.
- the end plate 122A is so oriented that each of ridges 122c and 122d extends between the end of the upper wall 102a of the tank body 102 and the end of the header plate member 116.
- the two ridges 122e and 122f on the end plate 122B are arranged to cross, and the end plate 122B is so oriented that the ridge 122e extends between the ends of the side walls 102a and 102b of the tank body 102 and the other ridge 122f extends between the end of the upper wall 102c of the tank body 102 and the end of the header plate member 116, as shown.
- T-shaped ridge including a first part 122g and a second part 122h is formed on the end plate 122C, and the end plate C 122 is so oriented that the first part 122g extends between the ends of the side walls 102a and 102b of the tank body 102 and the second part 122h extends from the first part 122g to the end of the header plate member 116.
- two flat electrodes 140A and 140B are used, which are handled to press the corresponding end plates 122 by a certain force "F" against the ends of the tank body 102 and the header plate member 116, and a certain voltage is applied between the two flat electrodes 140A and 140B.
- a tank 500 of heat exchanger which is a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- the flat tubes 120 and the corrugated fins 136 are connected to a tank body 102'.
- an elongate cover plate 116' is employed for covering the open portion of the tank body 102.
- End plates 122 with ridges 122a and 122b are partially or incompletely fixed to ends of the tank body 102' and the cover plate 116' through projection welding and then tightly secured to the same through brazing, like in the case of the above-mentioned fourth embodiment 400.
- one ridge 122a of the end plate 122 extends between the ends of the flanges 116'a of the cover plate 116' as well as between the ends of the side walls 102'a and 102'b of the tank body 102', and the other ridge 122b of the end plate 122 extends between the ends of the side walls 102'a and 102'b of the tank body 102', as shown.
- a tank 600 of heat exchanger which is a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- the tank 600 of this sixth embodiment comprises a tank body 102 made of a clad metal, such as a clad aluminum plate or the like.
- the tank body 102 is shaped like a channel member including opposed side walls 102a and 102b and an upper wall 102c. As shown in Fig. 32, the tank body 102 has a lower portion 102d fully opened.
- An inner surface of the tank body 102 is coated with a corrosion resisting material of self-sacrificing corrosion material, and an outer surface of the tank body 102 Is lined with a brazing metal.
- each pin 142 is a cylindrical hollow member made of a clad metal, such as a clad aluminum plate or the like. An outer surface of the pin 142 is coated with a corrosion resisting material or self-sacrificing corrosion material.
- the pin 142 comprises a cylindrical middle part 142a, a head part 142b and a circular flange part 142c, as shown. The flange part 142c is brazed to the upper wall 102c of the tank body 102.
- a flat plate 144 is subjected to a deep drawing process.
- the deep drawing process is carried out through three drawing steps which are respectively shown in Figs. 33B, 33C and 33D.
- the flange part 142c is trimmed.
- the pin 142 is put on the upper wall 102c of the tank body 102, as is seen from Fig. 31. Then, spot welding is applied to two portions "P1" and "P2" of the flange 142c, as is shown in Fig. 32. With this, the pin 142 is partially or incompletely fixed to the upper wall 102c of the tank body 102. Then, this semi-finished tank 600 is partially or incompletely mounted to a core structure to provide a so-called semi-finished radiator (not shown), and then, the semi-finished radiator is applied with a non-corrosive flux and heated in a furnace. With this, production of the radiator is finished completing brazing of various parts thereof. The flange 142c is brazed to the upper wall 102c of the tank body 102 in such a manner as has been described hereinabove.
- the pin 142 is of a tubular structure, it has only a small heat capacity, which facilitates brazing of the pin 142 to the tank body 102. As is seen from Fig. 35, when a mount rubber 15 is operatively held by the pin 142, the flange 142c of the pin 142 can serve as a seat member.
- Figs. 36, 37 and 38 show first, second and third modifications 600A, 600B and 600C of the tank 600 of the fifth embodiment.
- first modification 600A of Fig. 36 an opening 144 is formed in the head part 142b of the pin 142. Formation of such opening 144 facilitates the deep drawing process and washing of the pin 142.
- second modification 600B of Fig. 37 a projection 146 is formed on the upper wall 102c of the tank body 102 to facilitate positioning of the pin 142 relative to the tank body 102.
- a recess 148 is formed on the upper surface 102c of the tank body 102 to receive therein the flange 142c of the pin 142. With this, positioning and brazing of the pin 142 relative to the tank body 102 are facilitated.
- Fig. 39 shows a radiator 1000 to which two tanks 600 of the fifth embodiment are practically applied.
- the radiator 100 comprises a core structure 1002 and the two tanks 600 which are mounted to opposed ends of the core structure 1002.
- the core structure 1002 comprises a plurality of parallel flat tubes and a plurality of corrugated fins, which extend between the two tanks 600.
- Each tank 600 is provided at its upper and lower ends with pins 142.
Description
- The present invention relates in general to heat exchangers of motor vehicles, and more particularly to a tank of the heat exchangers, which generally comprises a tank body of clad metal, a pipe member of clad metal, a header plate member of clad metal and end plates of clad metal which are all hermetically secured to one another by means of brazing.
- In order to clarify the task of the present invention, some conventional tanks of heat exchangers will be described with reference to the drawings.
- Referring to Fig. 41, there is shown a conventional tank of heat exchanger, which is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model First Provisional Publication 60-2195. The conventional tank comprises a
tank body 1 which has apipe inserting opening 1a provided by means of a burring reamer. Apipe member 2 is inserted into thepipe inserting opening 1a having Its leading end abutting on an inner surface of thetank body 1 through aseating plate 3. However, usage of theseating plate 3 brings about a troublesome and time consuming work for producing the tank. Furthermore, due the nature of the burring reamer, the tank needs a height "H" much greater than the diameter "D" of thepipe member 2, which causes a bulky construction of the tank. - Referring to Fig. 42, there is shown another conventional tank of heat exchanger. The conventional tank comprises a
tank body 1 produced by using a deep drawing technique, and aheader plate member 4 brazed to thetank body 1. For facilitating the assembly, theheader plate member 4 is partially fixed or welded to thetank body 1 before carrying out the brazing. However, in this conventional tank, different types of dies are needed depending on sizes and types of the tank produced by the deep drawing technique, and thus cost of the tank increases inevitably. If the tank is designed for radiators, the tank is obliged to have a larger height and longer structure making the deep drawing much difficult. Furthermore, the longer structure of the tank makes the brazing between thetank body 1 and theheader plate member 4 much difficult. Furthermore, for the partial attaching between thetank body 1 and theheader plate member 4, theparts portions - Referring to Fig. 43, there is shown still another conventional tank of heat exchanger, which is of a seam welded pipe type made of aluminum. The tank shown in Fig. 42 has a rectangular cross section. However, in this conventional tank, due to the tubular shape, formation of the opening in the tank for receiving and holding the pipe member needs a troublesome and consuming manual work.
- Referring to Figs. 44 and 45, there is shown a further conventional tank of heat exchanger, which is made of aluminum. The tank shown in the drawings comprises an
aluminum tank body 1 having a generally C-shaped cross section and an aluminumheader plate member 5 fitted to an open portion of thetank body 1. To both sides of a unit consisting thetank body 1 and theheader plate member 5, there are fixed aluminum end plates 6 (only one Is shown) respectively. As is seen from the drawings, eachend plate 6 is formed with arectangular recess 6a into which the corresponding end of the unit is press-fitted. The recess 6a of theend plate 6 and the end of the unit are brazed at "R" in a furnace. However, as is seen from Fig. 45, if the press-fitting of the unit to theend plate 6 is too hard due to a possible dimensional error therebetween or the like, thetank body 1 becomes deformed as is shown by phantom lines. Of course, in this case, brazing of such deformed portion and the end plate is not adequately carried out. - Referring to Fig. 46, there is shown a conventional structure for holding a radiator 7 to a motor vehicle (not shown) through lower and
upper mount rubbers lower tanks core structure 10 interposed between the upper andlower tanks lower tank 9 has at Its lowersurface mounting pins 11 by which thelower mount rubber 12 is held. Thelower mount rubber 12 is held by alower bracket 13 extending from the vehicle body. Theupper tank 8 has at its uppersurface mounting pins 14 by which theupper mount rubber 15 is held. Theupper mount rubber 15 is held by anupper bracket 16 extending from the vehicle body. Due to provision of the upper andlower mount rubbers mounting pin lower tank tank pin portion 14a. The forked projectedportion 14a is put in the opening 8a and then brazing is practically applied to mating portions therebetween. However, this pin fixing work is troublesome. Furthermore, satisfied brazing is not obtained by the pin due to a non-negligible difference in heat capacity between themounting pin tank - EP 0 821 213 A2 discloses securing inlet and outlet connectors to a header each of which is constituted of a generally rectangular-parallelepiped block. The inlet and outlet connectors are provisionally fixed to the respective headers through argon arc spot welding and thereafter a tight assembling of the heat exchanger is achieved through brazing in a furnace.
- It is therefore a main object of the present invention to provide a tank of heat exchanger, which is free of the above-mentioned drawbacks.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a tank of heat exchanger, wherein a pipe member is readily and assuredly connected to a tank body.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a tank of heat exchanger, which is easily manufactured at a reduced cost.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a tank of heat exchanger, wherein end plates are assuredly brazed to ends of a unit including a tank body and a header plate member.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tank of heat exchanger, wherein mounting pins are readily and assuredly fixed to the tank.
- These objects are solved by the features of
claim 1. - Further embodiments are claimed in subclaims.
- Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a tank of heat exchanger, which is a first embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig. 2 is a front view of the tank of the first embodiment, that is a view taken from a direction of the arrow "II" of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 is a plan view of the tank of the first embodiment;
- Figs. 4A to 4D are illustrations explaining first half steps of a method of producing a pipe member used in the first embodiment;
- Figs. 5A to 5E are views explaining last half steps of the method of producing the pipe member used in the first embodiment;
- Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a tank of heat exchanger, which is a second embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig. 7 is a front view of the tank of the second embodiment, that is taken from a direction of the arrow "VII" of Fig. 6;
- Fig. 8 is a plan view of the tank of the second embodiment;
- Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a tank of heat exchanger, which is a third embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig. 10 is a side view of the tank of the third embodiment;
- Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the tank of the third embodiment, showing a header plate member fitted In a longitudinally extending opening of a tank body;
- Fig. 12 is a front view of the tank of the third embodiment, showing an end plate fixed to a longitudinal end of the tank body;
- Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the tank of the third embodiment, showing the header plate member and a pipe member which are fixed to the tank body;
- Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the tank of the third embodiment, showing a portion where a filler-neck is arranged;
- Figs. 15A, 15B and 15C are views showing steps for producing the tank body used in the third embodiment;
- Figs. 16A, 16B and 16C are views showing steps for producing the header plate member used in the third embodiment;
- Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the tank of the third embodiment, showing a method for partially welding the header plate member to the tank body;
- Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a tank of heat exchanger, which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig. 19 is a side view of the tank of the fourth embodiment;
- Fig. 20 is an Illustration showing a method for partially welding an end plate to a longitudinal end of a unit including a tank body and a header plate member;
- Fig. 21 is a sectional view taken along the line XXI-XXI of Fig. 19;
- Fig. 22 is a sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII of Fig. 19;
- Fig. 23 is a sectional view taken along the line XXIII-XXIII of Fig. 19;
- Fig. 24 is a view showing a first modification of the fourth embodiment;
- Fig. 25 is a view showing a second modification of the fourth embodiment;
- Fig. 26 is a view showing a third modification of the fourth embodiment;
- Fig. 27 is a view showing a fourth modification of the fourth embodiment;
- Fig. 28 is an illustration showing a method for partially welding two end plates to longitudinal both ends of a unit including a tank body and a header plate member;
- Fig. 29 is an exploded perspective view of a tank of heat exchanger, which is a fifth embodiment of the present Invention;
- Fig. 30 is a side view of the tank of the fifth embodiment;
- Fig. 31 is a partial sectional view of a tank of heat exchanger, which is a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig. 32 is a partially cut perspective view of the tank of the sixth embodiment;
- Figs. 33A to 33E are illustrations explaining a method of producing a mounting pin used in the sixth embodiment;
- Fig. 34 is a sectional view of the tank of the sixth embodiment, showing a portion where brazing is practically applied;
- Fig. 35 is a sectional view of the tank of the sixth embodiment, showing a mount rubber mounted on the tank body through the mounting pin;
- Fig. 36 is a view similar to Fig. 31, but showing a first modification of the sixth embodiment;
- Fig. 37 is a view similar to Fig. 31, but showing a second modification of the sixth embodiment;
- Fig. 38 is a view similar to Fig. 31, but showing a third modification of the sixth embodiment;
- Fig. 39 is an illustration of a radiator having respective tanks at right and left sides;
- Fig. 40 is a schematic illustration of an automotive radiator to which tanks of the present invention are practically mounted;
- Fig. 41 is a sectional view of a first conventional tank of heat exchanger;
- Fig. 42 is a sectional view of a second conventional tank of heat exchanger;
- Fig. 43 is a sectional view of a third conventional tank of heat exchanger;
- Fig. 44 is a sectional view of a fourth conventional tank of heat exchanger;
- Fig. 45 is a side view of the fourth conventional tank of heat exchanger, showing a condition wherein a tank body is deformed;
- Fig. 46 is a sectional view of a radiator mounted to a motor vehicle through a conventional holding structure; and
- Fig. 47 is a view showing a conventional manner for partially welding a mounting pin to a tank body.
-
- In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- For ease of understanding, various directional terms, such as, upper, lower, right, left, upward, downward and the like are used in the following description. However, it is to be noted that such terms are to be understood with respect to the drawings on which corresponding parts and structures are illustrated.
- Referring to Figs. 1 to Fig. 5E, particularly Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is shown a
tank 100 of heat exchanger, which is a first embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchanger to which thetank 100 is practically applied is a radiator which is usually mounted in a front part of an engine room for cooling an engine cooling water. - The
tank 100 of this first embodiment comprises atank body 102 which is made of a clad metal, such as a clad aluminum plate or the like. Thetank body 102 is shaped like a channel member including opposedside walls tank body 102 has a lower portion fully opened, as shown. An inner surface of thetank body 102 is coated with a corrosion resisting material or self-sacrificing corrosion material, and an outer surface of thetank body 102 is lined with a brazing metal. Theside wall 102b is formed with acircular opening 104. As is seen from Fig. 1, thecircular opening 104 has an uppermost end that terminates at an inner surface of theupper wall 102c. - A
pipe member 106 is connected to thecircular opening 104 of thetank body 102. That is, in operation, coolant is forced to flow in thepipe member 106 and thetank body 102. Thepipe member 106 is made of a clad metal, such as a clad aluminum plate or the like. Inner and outer surfaces of thepipe member 106 are coated with a corrosion resisting material or self-sacrificing corrosion material. Thepipe member 106 is formed at one end with anannular ridge 108 which functions to make a tight fitting of a hose (not shown) thereto when the hose is connected to thepipe member 106. - The other end of the
pipe member 106 is formed with a generallycircular flange 110. Theflange 110 comprises a generally circular major part which is brazed to a peripheral portion of thecircular opening 104 of theside wall 102b and a generally arcuateupper part 110a which is bent at generally right angles and brazed to theupper wall 102c. - The
pipe member 106 is produced by taking the following steps. - First, as is seen from Fig. 4A, a clad
aluminum plate 112 Is prepared. Theplate 112 is then subjected to a deep drawing process as is depicted by Figs. 4B, 4C and 4D to produce a cup-shapedmember 114 with a roughly shapedflange 110. Preferably, the deep drawing process is carried out through three drawing steps. Then, as is seen from Fig. 5A, the cup-shapedmember 114 is subjected to a piercing process to provide at a bottom thereof with anopening 114a. Then, as is seen from Figs. 5A and 5B, a peripheral portion of theopening 114a is bent or expanded outward as is indicated by short arrows in Fig. 5B to form a cylindricalleading end 114b that is concentric with a major cylindrical portion of themember 114. Then, as is seen from Fig. 5C, themember 114 is subjected to a trimming process to remove anunnecessary part 110b. With this process, theflange 110 becomes shaped circular. Then, as is seen from Fig. 5D, onepart 110a of thecircular flange 110 is bent at right angles. Then, as is seen from Fig. 5E, themember 114 is subjected to an expansion process to provide the leading end thereof with anannular ridge 108. With this, thepipe member 106 is produced. - For assembling the
tank 100, the following steps are taken. - First, the
pipe member 106 is partially fixed or welded to thetank body 102, as is understood from Fig. 1. For this Incomplete fixing, spot welding is applied to three portions P1, P2 and P3 of the unit of thetank body 102 and thepipe member 106, as is seen from Figs. 2 and 3. If desired, for such incomplete fixing, other technique, such as caulking, laser beam welding or the like may be used. Then, thissemi-finished tank 100 is incompletely mounted to a core structure to provide a so-called semi-finished radiator (not shown), and then the semi-finished radiator is applied with a non-corrosive flux and heated in a furnace. With this, production of the radiator is finished completing brazing of various parts thereof. Theflange 110 is brazed to thetank body 102 in such a manner as has been described hereinabove. - In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the bent shape of the
flange 110 of thepipe member 106 facilitates positioning and holding of thepipe member 106 to thetank body 102. That is, the right-angledarcuate part 110a of theflange 110 can be used as a suspending means for suspending thepipe member 106 on thetank body 102, as will be seen from Fig. 1. Since the uppermost end of thecircular opening 104 of theside wall 102b is mated with the inner surface of theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102, the height needed by thetank body 102 for connecting with thepipe member 106 is reduced, which brings about a compact construction of thetank 100 and the associated radiator. - Referring to Figs. 6 to 8, there is shown a
tank 200 of heat exchanger, which is a second embodiment of the present invention. - Since the
tank 200 of this embodiment is similar to that 100 of the above-mentioned first embodiment, only parts and structures which are different from those of thefirst embodiment 100 will be described in the following. - In this
second embodiment 200, thecircular opening 104 extends to theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102. That is, theopening 104 comprises a generally circular major part formed in theside wall 102b and an arcuate part 104b formed in theupper wall 102c. For surrounding both the generally circular major part and the arcuate part 104b of theopening 104, theflange 110 of thepipe member 106 comprises a generally circular major part which is brazed to a peripheral portion of the generally circular opening part of theside wall 102b and a generallyrectangular part 110b (see Fig. 8) which is brazed to a peripheral portion of thearcuate opening part 104a of theupper wall 102c. As is seen from Fig. 6, for assuring a fluid communication between thearcuate opening part 104a and the interior of thepipe member 106, therectangular part 110b of theflange 110 is somewhat raised from theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102. In the illustrated embodiment, therectangular part 110b is swelled and sloped relative to theupper wall 102c. - In addition to the advantages possessed by the above-mentioned
first embodiment 100, thesecond embodiment 200 has such an advantaged that the height needed by thetank body 102 for connecting with thepipe member 106 is much reduced, which brings about much compact construction of thetank 200. - Referring to Figs. 9 to 17, particularly Figs. 9 and 10, there is shown a
tank 300 of heat exchanger, which is a third embodiment of the present invention. - The
tank 300 of this third embodiment comprises atank body 102 made of a clad metal, such as a clad aluminum plate or the like. Thetank body 102 is shaped like a channel member including opposedside walls upper wall 102c. Thetank body 102 has alower portion 102d fully opened as shown in Fig. 1. An inner surface of thetank body 102 is coated with a corrosion resisting material or self-sacrificing corrosion material, and an outer surface of thetank body 102 is lined with a brazing metal. - An elongate
header plate member 116 is fitted in thelower portion 102d of thetank body 102. Theheader plate member 116 is formed along side edges thereof withrespective flanges 116a which are brazed to lower ends of therespective side walls tank body 102. An inner surface of theheader plate member 116 is coated with a corrosion resisting material or self-sacrificing corrosion material, and an outer surface of theheader plate member 116 is lined with a brazing metal. - As is understood from Fig. 11, the elongate
header plate member 116 is formed with a plurality ofslits 118 which are arranged at equally spaced intervals along the length thereof. Theslits 118 receive therein one ends offlat tubes 120 which constitute a core structure of the radiator (not shown). As is seen from Fig. 12,end plates 122 are fixed via brazing to longitudinal ends of thetank body 102. Furthermore, as is seen from Fig. 13, apipe member 106 is connected to thetank body 102 in a manner to establish a fluid communication with thetank body 102 through anopening 104 formed in theside wall 102b of thetank body 102. - As is seen from Fig. 14, a
filler neck member 124 is connected to theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102 in a manner to provide a fluid communication with thetank body 102 through anopening 102e formed in theupper wall 102c. - For producing the
tank body 102, as is seen from Fig. 15A, arectangular plate 126 is cut out from a coiledplate block 128. Then, as is seen from Fig. 15B, anopening 102e for thefiller neck 124 and anopening 104 for thepipe member 106 are formed in theplate 126. Then, as is seen from Fig. 15C, theplate 126 is pressed to have a substantially channel structure. With this, thetank body 102 is produced. - For producing the
header plate member 116, as is seen from Fig. 16A, anelongate plate 130 is cut out from a coiledplate block 132. Then, as is seen from Fig. 16B, theplate 130 is pressed to have twoflanges 116a along both sides thereof. Then, as is seen from Fig. 16C, theplate 130 is subjected to a punching process to have a plurality ofslits 118, and then subjected to a finishing process. With this, theheader plate member 116 is produced. - For assembling the
tank 300, the following steps are taken. - First, the
pipe member 106 and thefiller neck 124 are partially welded to thetank body 102. Twoheader plate members 116 are arranged keeping a given space therebetween. A plurality offlat tubes 120 and a plurality of corrugated fins (not shown) are put between the twoheader plate members 116. In this case, opposed ends of eachflat tube 120 are snugly inserted inrespective slits 118 of theheader plate members 116. Then, to eachheader plate member 116, there is partially or incompletely connected acorresponding tank body 102 in such a manner as is understood from Fig. 17. For this incomplete coupling, as is seen from this drawings, spot welding is employed, contacting the taperedelectrodes side walls flange 116a of theheader plate member 116 and the corresponding end of theside wall tank body 102 is connected to one terminal of the spot welding device. Since the electric resistance of thetank body 102 is sufficiently high than that of theheader plate member 116, such spot welding can be made without using an inner electrode. Preferably, the spot welding is carried out under a condition wherein the pressing force applied by theelectrodes end plates 122 are partially or incompltely fixed to the ends of thetank body 102. With this, a so-called semi-finished radiator is provided. Then, the semi-finished radiator is applied with a non-corrosive flux and heated in a furnace. With this, production of the radiator is finished completing brazing of various parts thereof. That is, with this brazing process, the incompletely fixed portions of the radiator are completely fixed or brazed to each other. - In the above-mentioned
third embodiment 300, usage of the spot welding for the partial or incomplete fixing between theheader plate member 116 and thetank body 102 facilitates positioning and holding of theheader plate member 116 to thetank body 102. Thus, a subsequent brazing process is smoothly and readily carried out, which brings about a cost reduction of thetank 300 and the associated radiator. In fact, thetank body 102 in thisthird embodiment 300 can be produced at a reduced cost as compared with thetank body 102 of thefirst embodiment 100. In thefirst embodiment 100, somewhat expensive deep drawing technique is used. - Referring to Figs. 18 to 28, particularly Figs. 18 and 19, there is shown a
tank 400 of heat exchanger, which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention. - Since the
tank 400 of this fourth embodiment is similar in construction to thetank 300 of the above-mentioned third embodiment, only portions and parts which are different from those of thethird embodiment 300 will be described in detail in the following. - As is seen from Fig. 18, the
tank 400 of this fourth embodiment comprises atank body 102, aheader plate member 116 and two end plates 122 (only one is shown), which are assembled in substantially the same manner as in the case of thethird embodiment 300. That is, theheader plate member 116 carrying theflat tubes 120 and thecorrugated fins 136 is brazed to theopen portion 102d of thetank body 102, and the twoend plates 122 are brazed to the longitudinal ends of thetank body 102. - In the
fourth embodiment 400, there is further employed the following measures. - That is, as is seen from Fig. 18, each
end plate 122 is formed at an Inner surface thereof with tworidges ridges end plate 122 a press working. Theseridges end plate 122 to thetank body 102 before effecting the brazing process, as will become apparent as the description proceeds. That is, for carrying out a so-called projection welding,such ridges - As is seen from Fig. 19, upon a semi-finished assembly provided by the projection welding, the
ridge 122a extends between ends of theside walls tank body 102, and theother ridge 122b extends between the ends of theflanges 116a of theheader plate member 116 as well as between the ends of theside walls tank body 102. Theend plate 122 is then brazed to the ends of thetank body 102 and theheader plate member 116. - For assembling the
tank 400, the following steps are taken. - As is seen from Fig. 20, the
header plate member 116 carrying the flat tubes 120 (see Fig, 18) andcorrugated fins 136 is put Into a given position of thetank body 102. Then, eachend plate 122 is partially or incompletely fixed to the corresponding ends of thetank body 120 and theheader plate member 116 through the projection welding. For this projection welding, two firstflat electrodes 138 are attached to therespective side walls tank body 102, and a secondflat electrode 140 is handled to press theend plate 122 by a certain force "F" against the ends of thetank body 102 and theheader plate member 116, and a certain voltage is applied between the first andsecond electrodes ridges tank body 102 and theheader plate member 116. That is, as is seen from Figs. 21 and 22, longitudinal ends of eachridge tank body 102 and theheader plate member 116. With this welding, eachend plate 122 is partially or incompletely fixed to the ends having other portions intimately contacting with the same. With this, a so-called semi-finished radiator is provided. Then, the semi-finished radiator is applied with a non-corrosive flux and put into a furnace to be subjected to a brazing process. With this, production of the radiator is finished completing brazing of various parts thereof. That is, as is seen from Fig. 23, with this brazing process, the incompletely fixed portions of the radiator become completely fixed or brazed to each other. That is, by the heat generated in the furnace, the brazing metal "R" lined on the inner surface of theend plate 122, theheader plate member 116 and thetank body 102 is fused for carrying out brazing therebetween. During this, the flat tubes 120 (see Fig. 18), thecorrugated fins 136 and the correspondingheader plate member 116 achieve the mutual brazing therebetween. - In the above-mentioned
fourth embodiment 400, usage of the projection welding for the partial or incomplete fixing between theend plate 122, thetank body 102 and theheader plate member 116 facilitates the mutual positioning therebetween and thus facilitates and assures the subsequent brazing process applied thereto. That is, in this fourth embodiment, brazing failure such as one depicted by Fig. 44 is assuredly suppressed. Since theridges end plate 122 need only a low dimensional precision, theend plates 122 can be produced at a lower cost. - Figs. 24, 25, 26 and 27 show first, second, third and
fourth modifications tank 400 of the fourth embodiment. In thefirst modification 400A of Fig. 24, theend plate 122A is so oriented that each ofridges upper wall 102a of thetank body 102 and the end of theheader plate member 116. In thesecond modification 400B of Fig. 25, the tworidges end plate 122B are arranged to cross, and theend plate 122B is so oriented that theridge 122e extends between the ends of theside walls tank body 102 and theother ridge 122f extends between the end of theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102 and the end of theheader plate member 116, as shown. In thethird modification 400C of Fig. 26, T-shaped ridge including afirst part 122g and asecond part 122h is formed on theend plate 122C, and theend plate C 122 is so oriented that thefirst part 122g extends between the ends of theside walls tank body 102 and thesecond part 122h extends from thefirst part 122g to the end of theheader plate member 116. In thefourth embodiment 400D of Fig. 27, threeseparate ridges end plate 122D, and theend plate 122D is so oriented that the ridge 122i extends to the end of theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102, theridges header plate member 116, as shown. - For assembling the
tanks - That is, as is seen from Fig. 28, two
flat electrodes corresponding end plates 122 by a certain force "F" against the ends of thetank body 102 and theheader plate member 116, and a certain voltage is applied between the twoflat electrodes - Referring to Figs. 29 and 30, there is shown a
tank 500 of heat exchanger, which is a fifth embodiment of the present invention. - As is seen from Fig. 29, in the
tank 500 of this fifth embodiment, theflat tubes 120 and thecorrugated fins 136 are connected to a tank body 102'. For covering the open portion of thetank body 102, an elongate cover plate 116' is employed.End plates 122 withridges fourth embodiment 400. As shown in Fig. 30, in thefifth embodiment 500, oneridge 122a of theend plate 122 extends between the ends of the flanges 116'a of the cover plate 116' as well as between the ends of the side walls 102'a and 102'b of the tank body 102', and theother ridge 122b of theend plate 122 extends between the ends of the side walls 102'a and 102'b of the tank body 102', as shown. - Referring to Figs. 31 to 35, particularly Figs. 31 and 32, there is shown a
tank 600 of heat exchanger, which is a sixth embodiment of the present invention. - The
tank 600 of this sixth embodiment comprises atank body 102 made of a clad metal, such as a clad aluminum plate or the like. Thetank body 102 is shaped like a channel member including opposedside walls upper wall 102c. As shown in Fig. 32, thetank body 102 has alower portion 102d fully opened. An inner surface of thetank body 102 is coated with a corrosion resisting material of self-sacrificing corrosion material, and an outer surface of thetank body 102 Is lined with a brazing metal. - On the
upper wall 102c of thetank body 102, there are mounted mounting pins 142 (only one is shown). Thesepins 142 are used for stably mounting a mount rubber 15 (see Fig. 35) on thetank body 102. Eachpin 142 is a cylindrical hollow member made of a clad metal, such as a clad aluminum plate or the like. An outer surface of thepin 142 is coated with a corrosion resisting material or self-sacrificing corrosion material. Thepin 142 comprises a cylindricalmiddle part 142a, ahead part 142b and acircular flange part 142c, as shown. Theflange part 142c is brazed to theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102. - For producing the
pins 142, as is seen from Figs. 33A to 33E, aflat plate 144 is subjected to a deep drawing process. Preferably, the deep drawing process is carried out through three drawing steps which are respectively shown in Figs. 33B, 33C and 33D. At a final step of Fig. 33E, theflange part 142c is trimmed. - For assembling the
tank 600, the following steps are taken. - First, the
pin 142 is put on theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102, as is seen from Fig. 31. Then, spot welding is applied to two portions "P1" and "P2" of theflange 142c, as is shown in Fig. 32. With this, thepin 142 is partially or incompletely fixed to theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102. Then, thissemi-finished tank 600 is partially or incompletely mounted to a core structure to provide a so-called semi-finished radiator (not shown), and then, the semi-finished radiator is applied with a non-corrosive flux and heated in a furnace. With this, production of the radiator is finished completing brazing of various parts thereof. Theflange 142c is brazed to theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102 in such a manner as has been described hereinabove. - Because the
pin 142 is of a tubular structure, it has only a small heat capacity, which facilitates brazing of thepin 142 to thetank body 102. As is seen from Fig. 35, when amount rubber 15 is operatively held by thepin 142, theflange 142c of thepin 142 can serve as a seat member. - Figs. 36, 37 and 38 show first, second and
third modifications tank 600 of the fifth embodiment. In thefirst modification 600A of Fig. 36, anopening 144 is formed in thehead part 142b of thepin 142. Formation ofsuch opening 144 facilitates the deep drawing process and washing of thepin 142. In thesecond modification 600B of Fig. 37, aprojection 146 is formed on theupper wall 102c of thetank body 102 to facilitate positioning of thepin 142 relative to thetank body 102. In thethird modification 600C of Fig. 38, arecess 148 is formed on theupper surface 102c of thetank body 102 to receive therein theflange 142c of thepin 142. With this, positioning and brazing of thepin 142 relative to thetank body 102 are facilitated. - Fig. 39 shows a
radiator 1000 to which twotanks 600 of the fifth embodiment are practically applied. Theradiator 100 comprises acore structure 1002 and the twotanks 600 which are mounted to opposed ends of thecore structure 1002. As has been mentioned hereinabove, thecore structure 1002 comprises a plurality of parallel flat tubes and a plurality of corrugated fins, which extend between the twotanks 600. Eachtank 600 is provided at its upper and lower ends withpins 142.
Claims (20)
- A tank of heat exchanger comprising:a tank body (102) made of a metal, said tank body (102) being shaped like a channel member including a base wall (102c) and opposed side walls (102a, 102b) between which said base wall (102c) extends;an opening (104) formed in one of said opposed side walls (102a; 102b) of said tank body (102), said opening (104) having a peripheral end that terminates at an inner surface of said base wall (102c) of the tank body (102); anda pipe member (106) made of a metal and having a flange (110), said pipe member (106) being hermetically and securely connected to said one of said opposed side walls (102a; 102b) in a manner to provide a fluid communication between the interior of said tank body (102) and the interior of said pipe member (106) through said opening (104), the secured connection of said pipe member (106) to the side wall (102a; 102b) being achieved by partially welding said flange (110) of the pipe member (106) to the side of the tank body (102) and then brazing said flange (110) to the side wall (102a; 102b) of the tank body.
- A tank as claimed in claim 1, in which said flange (110) is circular in shape and a part (110a) of the circular flange (110) is bent and secured to said base wall (102c) of the tank body (102).
- A tank as claimed in claim 2, in which said opening (104) extends to a given portion of said base wall (102c) of said tank body (102), and in which said part (110b) of the circular flange (110) is raised and swelled to provide a fluid communication between the interior of said tank body (102) and the interior of said pipe member (106) through said open given portion.
- A tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a header plate member (116) to which a core structure of the heat exchanger is fixed, said header plate member (116) being formed along side edges thereof respective flanges (116a) which are in contact with inner surfaces of leading ends of the respective side walls (102a, 102b) of said tank body (102), said respective flanges (116a) being secured to said leading ends of said respective side walls (102a, 102b) by partially welding said respective flanges (116a) to said leading ends and then brazing said respective flanges (116a) to said leading ends.
- A tank as claimed in claim 4, in which the incomplete fixing of the respective flanges (116a) of said header plate member (116) is carried out by a spot welding.
- A tank as claimed in claim 5, in which said spot welding is achieved by contacting electrodes (134A, 134B) onto outer surfaces of the leading ends of the respective side walls (102a, 102b) of said tank body (102).
- A tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an end plate (122) that is hermetically secured to a longitudinal end of said tank body (102) by incompletely fixing said end plate (122) to said longitudinal end and then brazing said end plate (122) to said longitudinal end, the incomplete fixing of the end plate (122) to said longitudinal end being carried out by providing the end plate (122) with ridges (122a-122k), pressing the ridges (122a-122k) of said end plate (122) against said longitudinal end and applying a given voltage between said end plate (122) and said tank body (102) to fuse the ridges (122a - 122k).
- A tank as claimed in claim 7, in which said ridges (122a, 122b) extend in parallel with each other, so that when said end plate (122) is attached to said longitudinal end of said tank body (102) each ridge (122a; 122b) extends between the ends of the opposed side wall (102a, 102b) of said tank body (102).
- A tank as claimed in claim 7, in which said ridges (122a, 122b) of said end plate (122) extend in parallel with each other, so that when said end plate (122) is attached to said longitudinal end of said tank body (102) one ridge (122a) extends between the ends of the opposed side walls (102a, 102) of said tank body (102) and the other ridge (122b) extends between the ends of said flanges (116a) of said header plate member (116) as well as the ends of the opposed side walls (102a, 102b) of said tank body (102).
- A tank as claimed in claim 7, in which said ridges (122c, 122d) of said end plate (122) extend in parallel with each other, so that when said end plate (122) is attached to said longitudinal end of said tank body (102), each of said ridges (122c; 122d) extends between the end of said base wall (102c) of said tank body (102) and the end of said header plate member (116).
- A tank as claimed in claim 7, in which said ridges (122e, 122f) of said end plate (122) are arranged to cross, so that when said end plate (122) is attached to said longitudinal end of said tank body (102), one straight ridge (122e) extends between the ends of the side walls (102a, 102b) of said tank body (102) and the other straight ridge (122f) extends between the end of said base wall (102c) of said tank body (102) and the end of said header plate member (116).
- A tank as claimed in claim 7, in which said ridges of said end plate (122) are arranged to constitute a generally T-shaped ridge which includes a first ridge part (122g) and a second ridge part (122h), so that when the end plate (122) is attached to said longitudinal end of said tank body (102), said first ridge part (122g) extends between the ends of the side walls (102, 102b) of said tank body (102) and said second ridge part (122h) extends between said first ridge part (122g) and the end of said header plate member (116).
- A tank as claimed in claim 7, in which said ridges (122j, 122k) of said end plate (122) are separated from one another, so that when said end plate (122) is attached to said longitudinal end of said tank body (102), one of said ridges (122j, 122k) extends to the end of the base wall (102c) of said tank body (102) and the other two ridges (122j, 122k) extend to the end of said head plate member (116).
- A tank as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a core structure which is connected to said tank body (102') and an elongate cover plate (116') which has flanges (116'a) and covers a longitudinally extending open portion of said tank body (102'), said core structure and said elongate cover plate (116') being hermetically secured to said tank body (102') by being partially welded to given portions of said tank body (102') and then brazed to said given portions.
- A tank as claimed in claim 7, in which when said end plate (122) is hermetically attached to said longitudinal end of said tank body (102'), one ridge (122a) extends between ends of said flanges (116'a) as well as the ends of the opposed side walls (102'a, 102'b) of said tank body (102') and the other ridge (122b) extends between the ends of the side walls (102'a, 102'b) of said tank body (102').
- A tank as claimed in one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a cylindrical hollow pin (142) that is hermetically secured to the base wall (102c) of said tank body (102) by partially welding said pin (142) to said base wall (102c) and then brazing said pin (142) to said base wall (102c), the partial welding of the pin (142) to said base plate being carried out by means of spot welding.
- A tank as claimed in claim 16, in which said cylindrical hollow pin (142) comprises a cylindrical middle part (142a), a head part (142b) and a circular flange part (142c), said flange part (142c) being hermetically secured to said base wall (102c) of said tank body (102) by means of spot welding and brazing.
- A tank as claimed in claim 17, in which said head part (142b) of said cylindrical hollow pin (142) is formed with an opening (144).
- A tank as claimed in one of claims 16 to 18, in which said circular flange part (142c) of said pin (142) is arranged to surround a projection (146) formed on said base wall (102c) of the tank body (102).
- A tank as claimed in one of claims 16 to 18, in which said circular flange part (142c) of said pin (142) is neatly received in a recess (148) formed on said base wall (102c) of the tank body (102).
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP10337127A JP2000161895A (en) | 1998-11-27 | 1998-11-27 | Tank for heat exchanger and manufacture thereof |
JP33712798 | 1998-11-27 | ||
JP10358684A JP2000180086A (en) | 1998-12-17 | 1998-12-17 | Heat exchanger tank and manufacture thereof |
JP35868498 | 1998-12-17 | ||
JP30348499 | 1999-10-26 | ||
JP30348499A JP2001124488A (en) | 1999-10-26 | 1999-10-26 | Tank for heat exchanger and its manufacturing method |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1004841A2 EP1004841A2 (en) | 2000-05-31 |
EP1004841A3 EP1004841A3 (en) | 2000-09-13 |
EP1004841B1 true EP1004841B1 (en) | 2003-07-09 |
Family
ID=27338604
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19990123593 Expired - Lifetime EP1004841B1 (en) | 1998-11-27 | 1999-11-26 | Heat exchanger tank |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1004841B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69909408T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10237769A1 (en) | 2002-08-17 | 2004-02-26 | Modine Manufacturing Co., Racine | Heat exchangers and manufacturing processes |
DE10343634A1 (en) * | 2003-09-20 | 2005-04-14 | Modine Manufacturing Co., Racine | Heat exchanger for a motor vehicle comprises sealing caps for sealing lateral openings in collecting tanks and having fixing elements for fixing the walls of the collecting tanks during insertion into the lateral openings |
CN102284757A (en) * | 2010-06-18 | 2011-12-21 | 中国北车集团大连机车研究所有限公司 | Plate-type radiator and production method thereof |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1572916A (en) * | 1923-08-11 | 1926-02-16 | Carrier Construction Company I | Radiator or the like |
US2639899A (en) * | 1948-06-18 | 1953-05-26 | Young Radiator Co | Automobile radiator |
GB1095731A (en) * | 1964-01-13 | 1967-12-20 | Ass Eng Ltd | Improvements in or relating to heat exchanger assemblies |
BE787265A (en) * | 1971-08-09 | 1972-12-01 | Chausson Usines Sa | HEAT EXCHANGER, ESPECIALLY FOR HEATING VEHICLES |
JPS57146436A (en) * | 1981-03-06 | 1982-09-09 | Nippon Radiator Co Ltd | Forming method for water conveyance pipe fitting hole of heat exchanger tank |
GB2098313A (en) * | 1981-05-09 | 1982-11-17 | Imi Radiators | Heat exchanger for automobiles |
JPS602195A (en) | 1984-04-11 | 1985-01-08 | ペルストルプ・ア−ベ− | Microbiological production of polysaccharide |
DE4130517B4 (en) * | 1991-09-13 | 2005-12-01 | Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg | Connection box for a heat exchanger, in particular for a refrigerant condenser |
JP3353475B2 (en) * | 1994-07-28 | 2002-12-03 | 株式会社デンソー | Heat exchanger |
JP3368448B2 (en) * | 1994-12-01 | 2003-01-20 | 株式会社ゼクセルヴァレオクライメートコントロール | Inlet / outlet pipe mounting structure to heat exchanger tank |
JP3624486B2 (en) * | 1994-12-20 | 2005-03-02 | 株式会社デンソー | Heat exchanger and its manufacturing method |
JP3420893B2 (en) * | 1996-07-26 | 2003-06-30 | カルソニックカンセイ株式会社 | Connector unit for heat exchanger |
US6095239A (en) * | 1996-08-12 | 2000-08-01 | Calsonic Kansei Corporation | Integral-type heat exchanger |
JPH10206068A (en) * | 1997-01-17 | 1998-08-07 | Sanden Corp | Bracket for heat exchanger |
JP3912836B2 (en) * | 1997-02-21 | 2007-05-09 | サンデン株式会社 | Heat exchanger |
JPH10246591A (en) * | 1997-03-05 | 1998-09-14 | Sanden Corp | Heat-exchanger and manufacture thereof |
-
1999
- 1999-11-26 DE DE1999609408 patent/DE69909408T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-11-26 EP EP19990123593 patent/EP1004841B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1004841A3 (en) | 2000-09-13 |
EP1004841A2 (en) | 2000-05-31 |
DE69909408D1 (en) | 2003-08-14 |
DE69909408T2 (en) | 2004-05-19 |
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