U.S. patent application number 12/226652 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for heat exchanger for automobile and fabricating method thereof.
Invention is credited to Jung-Soo Bae, Kon Hur, Rak-Gyun Kim.
Application Number | 20090151918 12/226652 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38667925 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090151918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hur; Kon ; et al. |
June 18, 2009 |
Heat Exchanger for Automobile and Fabricating Method Thereof
Abstract
There is provided a heat exchanger of a vehicle including a
plurality of tubes spaced apart from each other by a predetermined
distance and through which a heat-exchanging fluid flows, an upper
header pipe unit coupled and communicated with the upper ends of
the tubes, and a lower header pipe unit coupled and communicated
with the lower ends of the tubes, and in which a header pipe is
made by making and drawing a plate member containing a clad sheet
into a pipe so that it does not need to separate and assemble a
header from and with a tank and the clad sheet is not separated
from the header pipe during transferring, a pair of header pipes
have flat surfaces to bring into surface contact with each other
such that a plurality of independent header pipes are assembled to
closely contact each other, a plurality of same type and same
number of communication devices are configured such that the
heat-exchanging fluid flows therethrough, and an inlet and outlet
end cap, an end cap, and separator are used such that the header
pipes are tightly and securely assembled, and a method of
manufacturing the heat exchanger.
Inventors: |
Hur; Kon; (Daegu, KR)
; Bae; Jung-Soo; (Daegu, KR) ; Kim; Rak-Gyun;
(Daegu, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DILWORTH & BARRESE, LLP
1000 WOODBURY ROAD, SUITE 405
WOODBURY
NY
11797
US
|
Family ID: |
38667925 |
Appl. No.: |
12/226652 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
May 8, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2007/002244 |
371 Date: |
October 24, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 1/05391 20130101;
F28F 2220/00 20130101; F28D 2021/0084 20130101; F28F 9/0212
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/173 |
International
Class: |
F28F 9/02 20060101
F28F009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 9, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0041532 |
Jul 6, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0063443 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A heat exchange of a vehicle comprising: a plurality of tubes
(7), through which a heat exchanging fluid (90) flows, spaced apart
from each other; an upper header pipe unit (3) coupled with upper
ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with; a lower header pipe unit
(6) coupled with lower ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with;
the upper header pipe unit (3) including: a first header pipe (1)
through which the heat exchanging fluid (90) enters; a second
header pipe (2) through which the heat exchanging fluid (90) is
discharged; and a plurality of separators to control flowing
directions of the heat exchanging fluids (90) of the first and
second header pipes (1 and 2); the lower header pipe unit (6)
including: a third header pipe (4) to make the heat exchanging
fluid (90) flow to a side; and a fourth header pipe (5) to make the
heat exchanging fluid (90) flow in a direction opposite to the
third header pipe (4); and the upper header pipe unit (3) and the
lower header pipe unit (6) to comprise a pair of header pipes in
which a header and a tank are integrally formed with each other,
wherein the plurality of separators comprise: control separator
(32) and end separator (33) respectively inserted into insertion
groove (40) formed in the middle and one ends of the first and
second header pipes (1 and 2) to control the flowing direction of
the heat exchanging fluid; and inlet and outlet separator (31)
inserted into insertion grooves (40) formed in the other ends of
the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) to form an inlet (50)
and an outlet (51) for the heat exchanging fluid, wherein the first
and second header pipes (1 and 2) closely contact with each other
due to the control separator (32), the end separator (33) and the
inlet and outlet separator (31).
22. A heat exchange of a vehicle comprising: a plurality of tubes
(7), through which a heat exchanging fluid (90) flows, spaced apart
from each other; an upper header pipe unit (3) coupled with upper
ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with; a lower header pipe unit
(6) coupled with lower ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with;
the upper header pipe unit (3) including: a first header pipe (1)
through which the heat exchanging fluid (90) enters; a second
header pipe (2) through which the heat exchanging fluid (90) is
discharged; and a separator and a plurality of end caps (20) to
control flowing directions of the heat exchanging fluids (90) of
the first and second header pipes (1 and 2); the lower header pipe
unit (6) including: a third header pipe (4) to make the heat
exchanging fluid (90) flow to a side; and a fourth header pipe (5)
to make the heat exchanging fluid (90) flow in a direction opposite
to the third header pipe (4); and the upper header pipe unit (3)
and the lower header pipe unit (6) to comprise a pair of header
pipes in which a header and a tank are integrally formed with each
other, wherein the end caps (20) comprise: inlet and outlet end cap
(21) to form the inlet (50) and the outlet (51) for the heat
exchanging fluid (90) and coupled with one end sides of the first
and second header pipes (1 and 2); and a plurality of control end
caps (22) coupled with the other end sides of the first and second
header pipes (1 and 2) and both ends of the third and fourth header
pipes (4 and 5) to control the flow of the heat exchanging fluid
(90), wherein the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) are
closely coupled with each other by control separator (32) inserted
into insertion grooves (40) formed in the middle of the first and
second header pipes (1 and 2) to control the flow of the heat
exchanging fluid (90) and by inlet and outlet end cap (21) and
control end cap (22) respectively coupled with both ends of the
first and second header pipes (1 and 2).
23. A heat exchange of a vehicle comprising: a plurality of tubes
(7), through which a heat exchanging fluid (90) flows, spaced apart
from each other; an upper header pipe unit (3) coupled with upper
ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with; a lower header pipe unit
(6) coupled with lower ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with;
the upper header pipe unit (3) including: a first header pipe (1)
coupled with an inlet manifold (11) through which the heat
exchanging fluid (90) enters; a second header pipe (2) coupled with
an outlet manifold (12) through which the heat exchanging fluid
(90) is discharged; and a separator and a plurality of end caps
(20') to control flowing directions of the heat exchanging fluids
(90) of the first and second header pipes (1 and 2); the lower
header pipe unit (6) including: a third header pipe (4) to make the
heat exchanging fluid (90) flow to a side; and a fourth header pipe
(5) to make the heat exchanging fluid (90) flow in a direction
opposite to the third header pipe (4); and the upper header pipe
unit (3) and the lower header pipe unit (6) to comprise a pair of
header pipes in which a header and a tank are integrally formed
with each other, wherein the first and second header pipes (1 and
2) are closely coupled with each other by control separator (32)
inserted into insertion grooves (40) formed in the middle of the
first and second header pipes (1 and 2) to control the flow of the
heat exchanging fluid (90) and by inlet end cap (23) and control
end cap (22) respectively coupled with both ends of the first and
second header pipes (1 and 2).
24. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 21, wherein
end separators (33) are inserted into respective insertion grooves
(40) formed in both ends of the third and fourth header pipes (4
and 5) such that the third and fourth header pipes (4 and 5)
closely contact each other and the both ends of the third and
fourth header pipes (4 and 5) are closed.
25. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 23, wherein
the end caps (20') comprise: inlet end cap (23) coupled with one
end sides of the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) to form an
inlet (50) for the heat exchanging fluid (90); and a plurality of
control end caps (22) coupled with the other end sides of the first
and second header pipes (1 and 2) and both ends of the third and
fourth header pipes (4 and 5) to control the flow of the heat
exchanging fluid (90).
26. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 25, wherein
the inlet manifold (11) forms an inlet hole (81) communicated with
the inlet (50), and is coupled with an inlet end cap (23) such that
the heat exchanging fluid (90) enters.
27. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 23, wherein
the outlet manifold (12) is inserted into a coupling hole (80)
formed in a side opposite to communication means (41) about control
separator (32) such that the heat exchanging fluid (90) is
discharged out.
28. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 22, wherein
the third and fourth header pipes (4 and 5) closely contact each
other and the both ends of the third and fourth header pipes (4 and
5) are closed by a plurality of control end caps (22) coupled with
both ends of the third and fourth header pipes (4 and 5).
29. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 23, wherein
the third and fourth header pipes (4 and 5) closely contact each
other and the both ends of the third and fourth header pipes (4 and
5) are closed by a plurality of control end caps (22) coupled with
both ends of the third and fourth header pipes (4 and 5).
30. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 21, wherein
the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) have the same shape and
number of a plurality of communication means (41) to face each
other from opposite sides through which the heat exchanging fluid
(90) enters and is discharged in order to communicate the heat
exchanging fluid (90) between the first and second header pipes (1
and 2), wherein the communication means (41) have a communication
area gradually increased or decreased in the direction where a
refrigerant flows.
31. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 22, wherein
the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) have the same shape and
number of a plurality of communication means (41) to face each
other from opposite sides through which the heat exchanging fluid
(90) enters and is discharged in order to communicate the heat
exchanging fluid (90) between the first and second header pipes (1
and 2), wherein the communication means (41) have a communication
area gradually increased or decreased in the direction where a
refrigerant flows.
32. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 23, wherein
the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) have the same shape and
number of a plurality of communication means (41) to face each
other from opposite sides through which the heat exchanging fluid
(90) enters and is discharged in order to communicate the heat
exchanging fluid (90) between the first and second header pipes (1
and 2), wherein the communication means (41) have a communication
area gradually increased or decreased in the direction where a
refrigerant flows.
33. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 21, wherein
the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) and the third and
fourth header pipes (4 and 5) respectively have flat surfaces to
bring into surface contact with each other in the longitudinal
direction.
34. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 22, wherein
the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) and the third and
fourth header pipes (4 and 5) respectively have flat surfaces to
bring into surface contact with each other in the longitudinal
direction.
35. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 23, wherein
the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) and the third and
fourth header pipes (4 and 5) respectively have flat surfaces to
bring into surface contact with each other in the longitudinal
direction.
36. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 30, wherein
the communication means (41) are concentrated to end separator (33)
or a side of the upper header pipe unit (3).
37. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 31, wherein
the communication means (41) are concentrated to end separator (33)
or a side of the upper header pipe unit (3).
38. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 32, wherein
the communication means (41) are concentrated to end separator (33)
or a side of the upper header pipe unit (3).
39. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 21, wherein
the upper header pipe unit (3) and the lower header pipe unit (6)
are made by making a plate member into a circular shape pipe and
drawing the circular plat member proper to shapes of the header
pipes, wherein the upper header pipe unit (3) and the lower header
pipe unit (6) are made of a plate member containing a clad
sheet.
40. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 22, wherein
the upper header pipe unit (3) and the lower header pipe unit (6)
are made by making a plate member into a circular shape pipe and
drawing the circular plat member proper to shapes of the header
pipes, wherein the upper header pipe unit (3) and the lower header
pipe unit (6) are made of a plate member containing a clad
sheet.
41. The heat exchange of a vehicle according to claim 23, wherein
the upper header pipe unit (3) and the lower header pipe unit (6)
are made by making a plate member into a circular shape pipe and
drawing the circular plat member proper to shapes of the header
pipes, wherein the upper header pipe unit (3) and the lower header
pipe unit (6) are made of a plate member containing a clad sheet.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger of a
vehicle and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly,
to a heat exchanger of a vehicle including a plurality of tubes
spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and
through which a heat-exchanging fluid flows, an upper header pipe
unit coupled and communicated with the upper ends of the tubes, and
a lower header pipe unit coupled and communicated with the lower
ends of the tubes, and in which a header pipe is made by making and
drawing a plate member containing a clad sheet into a pipe so that
it does not need to separate and assemble a header from and with a
tank and the clad sheet is not separated from the header pipe
during transferring, a pair of header pipes have flat surfaces to
bring into surface contact with each other such that a plurality of
independent header pipes are assembled to closely contact each
other and to make rows of the header pipes, a plurality of same
type and same number of communication means are configured such
that the heat-exchanging fluid flows through the header pipes, and
an inlet and outlet end cap, an end cap, and separator are used
such that the header pipes are tightly and securely assembled, and
a method of manufacturing the heat exchanger.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A heat exchanger is an air conditioning device which is
configured in the form of a plurality of tubes connected between a
pair of header pipes, and which is installed on a passage of a
cooling or heating system to cool and heat indoor room by which
heat exchange between ambient air and a heat exchanging medium is
performed when the heat exchanging medium supplied through an inlet
of the header pipes passes through the tubes, and by which the heat
exchanging medium is guided to be discharged to a passage pipe
through an outlet.
[0003] The heat exchanger is employed in a vehicular air
conditioning system. In the air conditioning system, a condenser to
condense the heat exchanging medium of the air conditioning system
is installed in front of an engine room, and sequentially a
radiator to cool a coolant of an engine is installed in the rear
side of the condenser. Since the condenser and the radiator are
independently manufactured in spite that the condenser and the
radiator have similar configurations, respective layouts for
manufacturing the condenser and the radiator are required, and thus
installation costs are very heavy. Since the condenser and the
radiator must be independently installed in a vehicle, man-hour
increases.
[0004] Thus, since tanks must be brazed to the header, man-hour for
the manufacturing and the assembly increases and productivity is
inferior. Moreover, since first and second heat exchangers are
spaced apart from each other by protrusions formed in the center of
the header, a width of an integrated heat exchanger becomes wider
and the heat exchanger scales up.
[0005] Since respective lower lateral ends of the tanks are brazed
to the header, four places are brazed. Due to many brazing places,
there is a serious risk that the heat exchanging medium leaks.
[0006] Generally, in the vehicle, several types of heat exchanger
are mounted so as to suit indoor temperature condition to a
passenger and to cool heat generated by the engine of the
vehicle.
[0007] The heat exchanger includes an evaporator to cool the indoor
of the vehicle, a heat core to heat the indoor of the vehicle, a
radiator to cool the engine of the vehicle, and a condenser to
condense a refrigerant heated by the evaporator.
[0008] Moreover, when a diesel engine is mounted in the vehicle, a
charge air cooler to cool supercharged air that is introduced into
the diesel engine, and a transmission oil cooler to cool heat
generated by an automatic transmission mounted in the vehicle, are
installed.
[0009] Almost all the heat exchangers are made of aluminum and
plastic. In the aluminum heat exchanger, the brazing is used. In
the heat exchanger made of a mixture of aluminum and plastic, since
the brazing cannot be applied, a gasket made of rubber or silicone
is used to prevent an antifreezing solution or the refrigerant in
the heat exchanger from leaking.
[0010] The heat exchanger includes a tank serving as a passage
through which a majority of a fluid enters, fins where heat
exchange between the fluid and ambient air is performed, tubes
through which the fluid flow between the fins, a header to fix the
tubes and the fins at a uniform distance, and a pipe coupled with
the header and the tank such that the fluid is distributed to the
respective tubes.
[0011] The tank of the heat exchanger may be made of plastic and
assembled with an aluminum header.
[0012] A gasket made of rubber or silicone is employed in the
plastic tank and the aluminum pipe to prevent the fluid from
leaking. There are several methods of fixing the tank and the
header when the metal header and the tank are put into a brazing
furnace in order to assemble and integrally braze the metal header
and the tank with each other; one is a cleanching in which the
header presses the tank, and the other is a side-wall brazing of
inserting the tank into the header to fix the tank and the
header.
[0013] However, in the cleanching of making the header press the
tank and in the side-wall brazing of fixing the tank and the header
by inserting the tank into the header, since the tank mounted to
the header is newly molded whenever a different sized heat
exchanger is manufactured, manufacturing costs for the tank
increase, therefore it's uneconomical.
[0014] Moreover, in the related art, the radiator and the condenser
are separated and respective tanks are mounted to the radiator and
the condenser.
[0015] Since, in spite that the conventional radiator and condenser
are independently configured but their shapes and structures are
substantially similar, independent molds and assembling devices are
required during the manufacturing and the assembling, manufacturing
costs increase and a vast engine room is required.
[0016] There are several patent applications relating the heat
exchanger, such as Korean Patent Application Nos. 2000-0029558,
entitled "Refrigerant Evaporator", 2000-0034886, entitled
"Refrigerant Evaporator", 2001-0036164, entitled "Evaporator",
2003-7016496, entitled "Evaporator, Manufacturing Method of the
Same, Header for Evaporator and Refrigeration System",
2006-7000293, entitled "Heat Exchanger", and 2005-0060162, entitled
"Header Pipe Manufacturing Method, Header Pipe, and Heat Exchanger
Using the Same".
[0017] The Korean Patent Application No. 2000-29558 has a main
aspect to provide a refrigerant evaporator having an improved heat
transmission performance and having tubes with sufficiently thin in
order to obtain a maximum heat transmission performance. However,
in the invention disclosed in the above application, since
thicknesses and heights of tubes and corrugated fins are restricted
to predetermined thickness and height and other components coupled
with the tubes and the corrugated fins of the conventional heat
exchanger are applied as they are without special matter, the heat
exchanger of the above application has a minute difference in
efficiency in comparison to the conventional heat exchanger.
[0018] The Korean Patent Application No. 2000-0034886 has a main
aspect to provide a refrigerant evaporator having a uniform
temperature distribution of blowing air. However, in an upper pipe
unit having a plurality of passages by bending a single aluminum
thin plate, an inferior bonding may happen in a partition in which
both ends of the thin plate are bonded to make the plurality of
passages divided into inlets and outlets. Although a lower pipe
unit is configured identically to the upper pipe unit and a uniform
temperature distribution is attempted by interposing a throttle at
a predetermined inner position, since many works are required to
fix the throttle to a precise position and to divide the thin plate
into two passages, manufacturing costs increase and the inlet and
outlet directions of the passages cannot be changed to other side
of the heat exchanger.
[0019] The Korean Patent Application No. 2001-0036164 has a main
aspect to provide a uniform temperature distribution of air cooled
by and discharged from an evaporator. The invention of the patent
application restricts an aperture ratio of a passage, that is, a
value, in which a total transverse sectional area of a refrigerant
passage of a single heat exchanging tube is divided by an area
corresponding to a single heat exchanging tube of a header chamber
partitioned for a refrigerant to enter, or by a horizontal
sectional area of apertures of the heat exchanging tube, to be a
predetermined percentage.
[0020] The Korean Patent Application No. 2001-7016496 has an aspect
to provide an evaporator of maintaining a sufficient heat
exchanging performance and having a reduced weight and size.
According to this invention, although an upper header member and a
lower header member are respectively coupled with upper and lower
ends of a tube such that the respective header members are divided
into covers and plates, a resistance plate is coupled with the
upper sides of the header members, and communication holes are
punctured in the lower sides of the header members so as to
maintain the heat exchanging performance, the number of components
rather increases and there is a high possibility of generating
inferiority at the coupling position between the components.
[0021] The Korean Patent Application No. 2006-7000293 is an
invention, without a difference from the above inventions, to
achieve a uniform flow of a refrigerant through heat exchanging
tube of a tube group and to improve the heat exchanging
performance. However, in this invention, like the invention of
Korean Patent Application No. 2003-7016496, a header and a tank are
partitioned such that a partition is provided only to one side of
inlet and outlets of the header, through-holes are punctured in
different sizes, and the header and the tank are coupled by grooves
and protrusions. It is difficult to manufacture the heat exchanger,
manufacturing costs increase due to the increased number of
components and man-hour, the grooves and the protrusions that are
provided to securely fix the header and the tank are damaged so
that the refrigerant leaks and as a result the heat exchanging
efficiency is inferior.
[0022] The Korean Patent Application No. 2006-0060162 discloses a
configuration in which a header is integrally formed with a tank
and a baffle is inserted into a middle of a header pipe. However,
in order to manufacture a communication means to communicate a
plurality of passages formed in the integrated header pipe with
each other, a punch and a dice are inserted into the passages in
the longitudinal direction of the passages and a pressing device
having a pusher must be used. Due to this, it is inconvenient to
manufacture the communication means, and all the header pipes must
be manufactured again when an inferior good is generated.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0023] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of
the above problems, and it is an aspect of the present invention to
provide a heat exchanger of a vehicle in which a header pipe is
made by making and drawing a plate member containing a clad sheet
into a pipe so that it does not need to separate and assemble a
header from and with a tank and the clad sheet is not separated
from the header pipe during transferring, and a manufacturing
method thereof.
[0024] Moreover, it is another aspect of the present invention to
provide a heat exchanger of a vehicle in which a pair of header
pipes have flat surfaces to bring into surface contact with each
other such that a plurality of independent header pipes are
assembled to closely contact each other to make rows of header
pipes, a plurality of same type and same number of communication
means are configured at the opposite sides where the
heat-exchanging fluid enters and is discharged such that the
heat-exchanging fluid flows therethrough, and an end cap and a
separator are used such that the header pipes are tightly and
securely assembled to easily manufacture and to reduce investment
cost, and a method of manufacturing the heat exchanger, and a
manufacturing method thereof.
Technical Solution
[0025] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the
above and other aspects can be accomplished by the provision of a
heat exchange of a vehicle comprises a plurality of tubes (7),
through which a heat exchanging fluid (90) flows, spaced apart from
each other, an upper header pipe unit (3) coupled with upper ends
of the tubes (7) to communicate with, a lower header pipe unit (6)
coupled with lower ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with, and
the upper header pipe unit (3) includes a first header pipe (1)
through which the heat exchanging fluid (90) enters, a second
header pipe (2) through which the heat exchanging fluid (90) is
discharged, a plurality of separators to control flowing directions
of the heat exchanging fluids (90) of the first and second header
pipes (1 and 2), and the lower header pipe unit (6) includes a
third header pipe (4) to make the heat exchanging fluid (90) flow
to a side, a fourth header pipe (5) to make the heat exchanging
fluid (90) flow in a direction opposite to the third header pipe
(4), and the upper header pipe unit (3) and the lower header pipe
unit (6) to comprise a pair of header pipes in which a header and a
tank are integrally formed with each other.
[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
there are provided the present invention provides a heat exchange
of a vehicle comprises a plurality of tubes (7), through which a
heat exchanging fluid (90) flows, spaced apart from each other, an
upper header pipe unit (3) coupled with upper ends of the tubes (7)
to communicate with, a lower header pipe unit (6) coupled with
lower ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with, and the upper
header pipe unit (3) includes a first header pipe (1) through which
the heat exchanging fluid (90) enters, a second header pipe (2)
through which the heat exchanging fluid (90) is discharged, a
plurality of separators and a plurality of end caps (20) to control
flowing directions of the heat exchanging fluids (90) of the first
and second header pipes (1 and 2), and the lower header pipe unit
(6) includes a third header pipe (4) to make the heat exchanging
fluid (90) flow to a side, a fourth header pipe (5) to make the
heat exchanging fluid (90) flow in a direction opposite to the
third header pipe (4), and the upper header pipe unit (3) and the
lower header pipe unit (6) to comprise a pair of header pipes in
which a header and a tank are integrally formed with each
other.
[0027] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, there are provided the present invention provides a heat
exchange of a vehicle comprises a plurality of tubes (7), through
which a heat exchanging fluid (90) flows, spaced apart from each
other, an upper header pipe unit (3) coupled with upper ends of the
tubes (7) to communicate with, a lower header pipe unit (6) coupled
with lower ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with, and the upper
header pipe unit (3) includes a first header pipe (1) coupled with
an inlet manifold (11) through which the heat exchanging fluid (90)
enters, a second header pipe (2) coupled with a discharging
manifold (12) through which the heat exchanging fluid (90) is
discharged, a separator and a plurality of end caps (20') to
control flowing directions of the heat exchanging fluids (90) of
the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) and the lower header
pipe unit (6) includes a third header pipe (4) to make the heat
exchanging fluid (90) flow to a side, a fourth header pipe (5) to
make the heat exchanging fluid (90) flow in a direction opposite to
the third header pipe (4), and the upper header pipe unit (3) and
the lower header pipe unit (6) to comprise a pair of header pipes
in which a header and a tank are integrally formed with each
other.
[0028] The plurality of separators may comprise control separators
(32) and end separators (33) respectively inserted into insertion
groove (40) formed in the middle and both ends of the first and
second header pipes (1 and 2) to control the flowing direction of
the heat exchanging fluid, and inlet and outlet separators (31)
inserted into insertion grooves (40) formed in the other ends of
the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) to form an inlet (50)
and an outlet (51) for the heat exchanging fluid.
[0029] End separators (33) may be inserted into respective
insertion grooves (40) formed in both ends of the third and fourth
header pipes (4 and 5) such that the third and fourth header pipes
(4 and 5) closely contact each other and the both ends of the third
and fourth header pipes (4 and 5) are closed.
[0030] The first and second header pipes (1 and 2) may closely
contact each other due to the control separators (32) and the inlet
and outlet separators (31).
[0031] The end caps (20) may comprise inlet and outlet end caps
(21) to form the inlet (50) and the outlet (51) for the heat
exchanging fluid (90) and coupled with end sides of the first and
second header pipes (1 and 2), a plurality of control end caps (22)
coupled with both ends of the first and second header pipes (1 and
2) and both ends of the third and fourth header pipes (4 and 5) to
control the flow of the heat exchanging fluid (90).
[0032] The first and second header pipes (I and 2) may be closely
coupled with each other by control separators (32) inserted into
insertion grooves (40) formed in the middle of the first and second
header pipes (1 and 2) to control the flow of the heat exchanging
fluid (90) and by inlet and outlet end caps (21) and control end
caps (22 respectively coupled with both ends of the first and
second header pipes (1 and 2).
[0033] The end caps (20') may comprise inlet end caps (23) coupled
with sides of the first and second header pipes (1 and 2) to form
an inlet (50) for the heat exchanging fluid (90), and a plurality
of control end caps (22) coupled with the other sides of the first
and second header pipes (1 and 2) and both ends of the third and
fourth header pipes (4 and 5) to control the flow of the heat
exchanging fluid (90).
[0034] The first and second header pipes (1 and 2) may be closely
coupled with each other by control separators (32) inserted into
insertion grooves (40) formed in the middle of the first and second
header pipes (1 and 2) to control the flow of the heat exchanging
fluid (90) and by inlet end caps (23) and control end caps (22)
respectively coupled with both ends of the first and second header
pipes (1 and 2).
[0035] The third and fourth header pipes (4 and 5) may closely
contact each other and the both ends of the third and fourth header
pipes (4 and 5) are closed by a plurality of control end caps 22
coupled with both ends of the third and fourth header pipes (4 and
5).
[0036] The first and second header pipes (1 and 2) may have the
same shape and number of a plurality of communication means (41) to
face each other from opposite sides through which the heat
exchanging fluid (90) enters and is discharged in order to
communicate the heat exchanging fluid (90) between the first and
second header pipes (1 and 2).
[0037] The inlet manifold (11) may form an inlet hole (81)
communicated with the inlet (50), and is coupled with an inlet end
cap (23) such that the heat exchanging fluid (90) enters.
[0038] The discharging manifold (12) may be inserted into a
coupling hole (80) formed in a side opposite to communication means
(41) about control separators (32) such that the heat exchanging
fluid (90) is discharged out.
[0039] The first and second header pipes (1 and 2) and the third
and fourth header pipes (4 and 5) respectively may have flat
surfaces to bring into surface contact with each other in the
longitudinal direction.
[0040] The upper header pipe unit (3) and the lower header pipe
unit (6) may be made by making a plate member into a circular shape
pipe and drawing the circular plat member proper to shapes of the
header pipes.
[0041] The upper header pipe unit (3) and the lower header pipe
unit (6) may be made of a plate member containing a clad sheet.
[0042] The communication means (41) may have a communication area
gradually increased or decreased in the direction where a
refrigerant flows.
[0043] The communication means (41) may be concentrated to end
separators (33) or a side of the upper header pipe unit (3).
[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
are provided the present invention provides a method of
manufacturing a heat exchanger of a vehicle comprises a plurality
of tubes (7), through which a heat exchanging fluid (90) flows,
spaced apart from each other, an upper header pipe unit (3) coupled
with upper ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with, a lower
header pipe unit (6) coupled with lower ends of the tubes (7) to
communicate with, and the method comprises forming the upper header
pipe unit (3) and the lower header pipe unit (6) respectively
including a pair of header pipes in which a header and a tank are
integrally formed with each other, forming the upper header pipe
unit (3) with a first header pipe (1) and a second header pipe (2)
such the heat exchanging fluid (90) enters and is discharged,
forming flat surfaces in sides of the first and second header pipes
(1 and 2) in the longitudinal direction to correspond to each other
and to bring into surface contact with each other, forming the same
shapes and numbers of communication means (41) at the positions
where the flat surfaces are formed in order to communicate the heat
exchanging fluid (90) between the first and second header pipes (1
and 2), selectively coupling one of an inlet and outlet end cap
(21) and a control end cap (22), an inlet end cap (23) and a
control end cap (22), or an inlet and outlet separator (31) and an
end separator (33) with both ends of the first and second header
pipes (1 and 2) in order to closely contact the first and second
header pipes (1 and 2) with each other, coupling the control
separator (32) with insertion grooves (40) formed in the middle of
the upper header pipe unit (3) to control the flow of the heat
exchanging fluid (90), forming the lower header pipe unit (6) with
a third header pipe (4) and a fourth header pipe (5), forming flat
surfaces in sides of the third and fourth header pipes (4 and 5) in
the longitudinal direction to correspond to each other and to bring
into surface contact with each other, coupling the end caps (22) or
the end separators (33) with both ends of the third and fourth
header pipes (4 and 5) in order to closely contact the third and
fourth header pipes (4 and 5) with each other; and coupling the
upper header pipe unit (3) and the lower header pipe unit (6) with
both ends of the tubes (7) to communicate with.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0045] As described above, according to the present invention, a
header pipe is made by making and drawing a plate member containing
a clad sheet into a pipe so that it does not need to separate and
assemble a header from and with a tank and the clad sheet is not
separated from the header pipe during transferring.
[0046] Moreover, a pair of header pipes have flat surfaces to bring
into surface contact with each other such that a plurality of
independent header pipes are assembled to closely contact each
other to make rows of header pipes, a plurality of same type and
same number of communication means are configured at both opposite
sides where the heat-exchanging fluid enters and is discharged such
that the heat-exchanging fluid flows therethrough, and an end cap
and a separator are used such that the header pipes are tightly and
securely assembled, so that the header pipes can more closely
contact each other and be assembled. Thus, the heat exchanger is
easily manufactured and investment cost is reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange of
a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange of
a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange of
a vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0050] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a flow of a heat exchanging
fluid of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0051] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a flow of a heat exchanging
fluid of FIG. 3;
[0052] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a first example of
a communication means provided in the heat exchanger of a vehicle
according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a second example
of a communication means provided in the heat exchanger of a
vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a third example of
a communication means provided in the heat exchanger of a vehicle
according to the embodiment of the present invention; and
[0055] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a fourth example
of a communication means provided in the heat exchanger of a
vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention.
EXPLANATION ON ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF DRAWINGS
[0056] 1: first header pipe 2: second header pipe [0057] 3: upper
header pipe unit 4: third header pipe [0058] 5: fourth header pipe
6: lower header pipe unit [0059] 7: tube 11: inlet manifold [0060]
12: discharging manifold 20, 20': end cap [0061] 21: outlet end cap
22: control end cap [0062] 23: inlet end cap 31: outlet separator
[0063] 32: control separator 33: end separator [0064] 40: insertion
groove 41: communication means [0065] 42: tube hole 60: separation
recess [0066] 80: coupling hole 81: inlet hole
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0067] These and/or other aspects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from
the following description of the embodiments. Hereinafter,
embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0068] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange of
a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
2 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange of a vehicle
according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is
a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange of a vehicle
according to still another embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a flow of a heat exchanging fluid of
FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a flow of a heat
exchanging fluid of FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is a perspective view
illustrating a first example of a communication means provided in
the heat exchanger of a vehicle according to the embodiment of the
present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a
second example of a communication means provided in the heat
exchanger of a vehicle according to the embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a third
example of a communication means provided in the heat exchanger of
a vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a fourth example of a
communication means provided in the heat exchanger of a vehicle
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0069] As illustrated in the drawings, in a heat exchanger of a
vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention and a
manufacturing method thereof, a plurality of header pipes, in which
a header and a tank are integrally formed with each other, are
closely assembled with each other to form two row header pipes so
that it does not need to assemble the tank and the header, a flow
of a heat exchanging fluid is controlled by an end cap and a
separator, and various types of a communication means is provided
to make the heat exchanging fluid smoothly flow between the header
pipes to form upper and lower header pipe unit. The heat exchanger
includes an upper header pipe unit 3, a separator, a lower header
pipe unit 6, end caps 20 and 20' and a communication means 41.
[0070] The upper header pipe unit 3 includes a first header pipe 1
and a second header pipe 2. The first and second header pipes 1 and
2 are hollow cylinders, and have lower sides with a curve gentler
than upper sides to form tube holes 42. Sides of tubes 7 are
coupled with the tube holes 42 to communicate. Moreover, the upper
header pipe unit 3 has insertion grooves 40 respectively formed in
both ends and middle upper sides, includes a plurality of
communication means 41 provided to sides of the upper header pipe
unit 3 by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction.
The communication means 41 of the first and second header pipes 1
and 2 face each other such that a heat exchanging fluid
communicates between the first and second header pipes 1 and 2.
[0071] The separator includes a separation recess 60 formed in the
lower side and is inserted into the insertion grooves 40 of the
first and second header pipes 1 and 2, that is, a side of the
separator is inserted into the first header pipe 1 and the other
side thereof is inserted into the second header pipe 2 when the
separation recess 60 is a reference position. Due to this, the
first and second header pipes 1 and 2 are closely coupled with each
other. Moreover, the separator includes a control separator 32, an
inlet and outlet separator 31, and an end separator 33. The inlet
and outlet separator 31 is inserted into the insertion grooves 40
formed in the sides of the first and second header pipes 1 and 2 to
form an inlet 50 and an outlet 51 such that the heat exchanging
fluid 90 enters the first header pipe 1 and is discharged from the
second header pipe 2.
[0072] Moreover, the control separator 32 and the end separator 33
are respectively inserted into the insertion grooves 40 formed the
middle and the other sides of the first and second header pipes 1
and 2 to serve as a thin film and to prevent the heat exchanging
fluid from flowing. In addition, due to the separator, the first
and second header pipes 1 and 2 make the heat exchanging fluid 90
communicate through the communication means 41 assembled to face
each other.
[0073] The upper header pipe unit 6 includes third and fourth
header pipes 4 and 5 having tube holes 42, with which the other
sides of the tubes 7 are coupled, formed in the upper sides thereof
at a predetermined distance. The third and fourth header pipes 4
and 5 have insertion holes 40 formed in the lower sides of both
ends into which the end separators 33 are inserted. Due to this,
the third and fourth header pipes 4 and 5 are closely coupled with
each other like the first and second header pipes 1 and 2, and have
both ends closed by the end separators 33.
[0074] The end cap 20 includes an inlet and outlet end cap 21 and a
control end cap 22, and the end cap 20 includes an inlet end cap 23
and a control end cap 22. According to another embodiment of the
present invention, the inlet and outlet separator 31 having the
inlet 50 and the outlet 51 is coupled with the first and second
header pipes 1 and 2 by the inlet and outlet end cap 21 having the
inlet 50 and the outlet 51, and the end separator 33, inserted into
the sides of the header pipes to control the flow of the heat
exchanging fluid 90, is coupled with the control end cap 22 to
control the flow.
[0075] In other words, the inlet and outlet end cap 21 and the
control end cap 22 are used so that the insertion grooves 40 formed
in the ends of the first and second header pipes 1 and 2 become
needless.
[0076] Moreover, the configuration that both ends of the third and
fourth header pipes 4 and 5 are closed by inserting the end
separator 33 into the insertion grooves 40 of the ends of the third
and fourth header pipe 4 and 5 is replaced with a configuration
that the control end cap 22 closes the ends of the third and fourth
header pipes 4 and 5 without the insertion grooves 40, so that the
third and fourth header pipes 4 and 5 are more closely coupled with
each other and are more precisely assembled.
[0077] In an inlet manifold 11 and a discharging manifold 12
according to still another embodiment of the present invention, the
control separator 32 is inserted into the insertion grooves 40
formed in the middle of the first and second header pipes 1 and 2
to control the flow of the heat exchanging fluid 90, the control
end cap 22 is coupled with the sides of the first and second header
pipes 1 and 2 to block the flow of the heat exchanging fluid 90,
and the inlet end cap 23 having the inlet 50 formed in a side
thereof is coupled with the other sides of the first and second
header pipes 1 and 2 such that the heat exchanging fluid 90 enters
the first header pipe 1. The inlet manifold 11 has an inlet hole 81
formed in an outer circumference of an end to communicate with the
inlet 50, and is coupled with the other side of the inlet end cap
23 having an end with which the first and second header pipes 1 and
2 are coupled to make the heat exchanging fluid 90 enter the first
header pipe 1.
[0078] Moreover, the second header pipe 2 without the communication
means 41 has a coupling hole 80 such that the discharging manifold
12 is inserted into the coupling hole 80 to discharge the heat
exchanging fluid 90.
[0079] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned structures will be
described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.
[0080] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange of
a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated in the drawing, both ends of the tubes 7 are coupled
and communicate with the upper header pipe unit 3 and the lower
header pipe unit 6.
[0081] The upper header pipe unit 3 includes the first header pipe
1 and the second header pipe 2. The first and second header pipes 1
and 2 respectively have at least one flat surface formed in the
longitudinal direction of the first and second header pipes 1 and 2
such that the first and second header pipes 1 and 2 correspond to
each other and bring into surface contact with each other.
Moreover, in order to make the heat exchanging fluid 90 flow
between the first and second header pipes 1 and 2, the
communication means 41 are provided in the contact surface and the
control separator 32 having the separation recess 60 formed in the
middle thereof is inserted into the insertion groove 40. By doing
so, the passages for the heat exchanging fluid are not formed in
bi-directions but in multiple directions, and the heat exchanging
fluid 90 can flow between the first and second header pipes 1 and 2
through only the communication means 41.
[0082] The upper header pipe unit 3 includes the insertion grooves
40 formed in the both upper sides such that the inlet and outlet
separator 31 is inserted into an insertion groove 40 and the end
separator 33 is inserted into the other insertion groove 40. The
inlet and outlet separator 31 has the inlet 50 and the outlet
through which the heat exchanging fluid 90 enters and is
discharged, and the end separator 33 prevents the heat exchanging
fluid 90 from leaking. Both of the end separator 33 and the inlet
and outlet separator 31 have the separation recesses 60 formed in
the middle thereof like the control separator 32.
[0083] The lower header pipe unit 6 having the tube holes 42 is
coupled with the lower sides of the tubes 7 such that the tubes 7
are coupled and communicate with the lower header pipe unit 6. The
lower header pipe unit 6 includes the third header pipe 4 and the
fourth header pipe 5, and the third and fourth header pipes 4 and 5
bring into surface contact with each other.
[0084] The lower header pipe unit 6 has the insertion grooves 40
formed in both ends of the other sides where the tube holes 42 are
formed, and the end separator 33 is inserted into the insertion
grooves 40 to close the both ends.
[0085] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange of
a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.
As illustrated in the drawing, the upper header pipe unit 3 is
coupled with the upper ends of the tubes 7 and the lower header
pipe unit 6 is coupled with the lower ends of the tubes 7 to
communicate the upper and lower ends of the tubes 7 with the upper
and lower header pipe unit 3 and 6 such that the heat exchanging
fluid 90 flows.
[0086] The upper header pipe unit 3 includes the first header pipe
1 through which the heat exchanging fluid 90 enters and flows and a
second header pipe 2 through which the heat exchanging fluid 90 is
discharged. The first and second header pipes 1 and 2 respectively
have at least one flat surface to bring outer circumferential
surfaces into surface contact with each other in the longitudinal
direction.
[0087] Furthermore, the first and second header pipes 1 and 2
respectively have the insertion grooves 40 formed in the middle,
and a plurality of communication means 41 formed in the opposite
sides about the insertion grooves 40 through which the heat
exchanging fluid 90 enter and is discharged. The same number and
shapes of communication means 41 are provided to surfaces to
contact each other such that the heat exchanging fluid 90 flow from
the first header pipe 1 to the second header pipe 2.
[0088] The first and second header pipes 1 and 2 are bonded to each
other to form a pair of header pipes, and the control separator 32
having the separation recess 60 is inserted into the insertion
groove 40 formed in the middle of the first and second header pipes
1 and 2 such that the heat exchanging fluid 90 of the first and
second header pipes 1 and 2 flows through only the communication
means 41.
[0089] In addition, portions through which the heat exchanging
fluid 90 enter and is discharged, that is, the opposite ends in
which the communication means 41 of the upper header pipe unit 3
are not formed, the inlet and outlet end cap 21 having the inlet 50
and the outlet 51 is inserted such that the heat exchanging fluid
90 enters and is discharged and the first and second header pipes 1
and 2 are more securely coupled with each other. Moreover, the
control end cap 22 is inserted into the other ends of the first and
second header pipes 1 and 2 having the communication means 41 to
make the first and second header pipes 1 and 2 more closely contact
each other like the inlet and outlet end cap 21.
[0090] Like the upper header pipe unit 3, the third and fourth
header pipe 4 and 5 bring into surface contact with each other in
the lower ends of the tubes 7 and communicate with the lower ends
of the tubes 7. In this case, the control end caps 22 are inserted
into the both ends of the lower header pipe unit 6 including the
third and fourth header pipes 4 and 5 to make the third and fourth
header pipes 4 and 5 more closely contact each other and to prevent
the heat exchanging fluid 90 from leaking out of the third and
fourth header pipes 4 and 5.
[0091] The upper header pipe unit 3 and the lower header pipe unit
6 respectively have the tube holes 42 in the portions coupled with
the tubes 7 to communicate with the upper and lower sides of the
tubes 7.
[0092] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchange of
a vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present
invention. As illustrated in the drawing, both ends of the tubes 7
communicate with the upper header pipe unit 3 and the lower header
pipe unit 6.
[0093] The upper header pipe unit 3 includes the first header pipe
1 and a second header pipe 2. The first and second header pipes 1
and 2 respectively have at least one flat surface to bring outer
circumferential surfaces into surface contact with each other in
the longitudinal direction. Moreover, in order to make the heat
exchanging fluid 90 flow between the first and second header pipes
1 and 2, the communication means 41 are provided in the bonding
portions thereof, and the control separator 32 having the
separation recess 60 formed in the middle is inserted into the
insertion grooves 40. By doing so, the passages for the heat
exchanging fluid 90 are not formed in two directions but in the
multiple directions, and the heat exchanging fluid 90 can flow
between the first and second header pipes 1 and 2 through only the
communication means 41.
[0094] Although the inlet end cap 23 which has the inlet 50 is
formed in the portion through which the heat exchanging fluid 90 of
the first header pipe 1 enters, and close a side of the second
header pipe 2 is inserted into the side of the upper header pipe
unit 3 such that the inlet manifold 11 having the inlet hole 81 to
communicate with the inlet 50 of the inlet end cap 23 is coupled
with a side of the inlet end cap 23 to make the heat exchanging
fluid 90 enter.
[0095] Moreover, the control end cap 22 is inserted into the other
side of the upper header pipe unit 3 to prevent the heat exchanging
fluid 90 from being discharged out, and the second header pipe 2
has the coupling hole 80 formed in the opposite side where the
communication means 41 are formed, that is, in the portion where
the first header pipe 1 does not bring into surface contact. The
discharging manifold 12 is coupled with the coupling hole 80 to
discharge the heat exchanging fluid 90.
[0096] In the lower sides of the tubes 7, the lower header pipe
unit 6 is inserted into the tube holes 42 to communicate therewith.
The lower header pipe unit 6 is configured such that the third and
fourth header pipes 4 and 5 bring into surface contact with each
other at the outer circumferences in the longitudinal direction,
and the control end caps 22 are inserted into the ends of the lower
header pipe unit 6 such that the third and fourth header pipes 4
and 5 more closely contact each other.
[0097] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a flow of a heat exchanging
fluid of FIGS. 1 and 2. As illustrated in the drawing, the heat
exchanging fluid 90 is introduced from 1, passes in the order of
sequential numbers, and is discharged from 8.
[0098] Hereinafter, the numbers 1 to 8 of FIG. 4 are referred to
regions.
[0099] Remarks: 1 indicates a first region, 2 indicates a second
region, and etc.
[0100] With reference to the configuration in FIG. 2, the flow
diagram illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described. The heat
exchanging fluid 90 entering the first region through the inlet 50
of the inlet and outlet end cap 21 passes through second and third
regions, that is, the third header pipe 4 to flow from a fourth
region to a fifth region through the communication means 41 of the
first header pipe 1, passes through sixth and seventh regions of
the fourth header pipe 5 from the fifth region of the second header
pipe 2, and is discharged through an eighth region of the second
header pipe 2, that is, the outlet 51 of the inlet and outlet end
cap 21.
[0101] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a flow of a heat exchanging
fluid of FIG. 3. As illustrated in the drawing, the heat exchanging
fluid 90 is introduced from 1, passes in the order of sequential
numbers, and is discharged from 9.
[0102] Hereinafter, the numbers 1 to 9 of FIG. 5 are referred to
regions.
[0103] Remarks: 1 indicates a first region, 2 indicates a second
region, and etc.
[0104] With reference to the configuration in FIG. 3, the flow
diagram illustrated in FIG. 5 will be described. The heat
exchanging fluid 90 entering the second region of the first header
pipe 1 through the first region, that is, the inlet manifold 11 via
the inlet end cap 23 passes through third and fourth regions of the
third header pipe 4 to flow from a fifth region to a sixth region
through the communication means 41 of the first header pipe 1,
flows to the second header pipe 2 sequentially, passes through
seventh and eighth regions of the fourth header pipe 5 via the
tubes 7, and is discharged through the discharging manifold 12
formed in ninth region of the second header pipe 2.
[0105] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a first example of
a communication means provided in the heat exchanger of a vehicle
according to the embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated in the drawing, the communication means 41 are formed
in a side about the insertion grooves 40. The communication means
41 have a shape whose area is gradually decreased in the direction
where the refrigerant flows.
[0106] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a second example
of a communication means provided in the heat exchanger of a
vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated in the drawing, the communication means 41 are formed
in a side about the insertion grooves 40. The communication means
41 have a shape whose area is gradually increased in the direction
where the refrigerant flows.
[0107] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a third example of
a communication means provided in the heat exchanger of a vehicle
according to the embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated in the drawing, the communication means 41 are
concentrated to the insertion grooves 40 into which the control
separator 32 is inserted.
[0108] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a fourth example
of a communication means provided in the heat exchanger of a
vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated in the drawing, the communication means 41 are
concentrated to a side of the upper header pipe unit 3. When the
control end cap 22 is inserted into a side of the upper header pipe
unit 3, the communication means 41 are concentrated to the control
end cap 22. When the insertion grooves 40 are formed in a side of
the upper header pipe unit 3 and the end separator 33 is inserted
into the insertion grooves 40 to close the lateral side of the
upper header pipe unit 3, the communication means 3 are
concentrated to the end separator 33.
[0109] Hereinafter, operation and principle of the heat exchanger
according to the embodiments of the present invention constructed
as described above are described.
[0110] The heat exchanger of a vehicle in which the header and the
tank are integrally formed with each other, as illustrated in FIG.
4, has a flow diagram in which the heat exchanging fluid 90 is
introduced from the number 1 and is discharged through the number
8. This flow diagram is described with reference to FIG. 1. The
heat exchanging fluid 90 is introduced through the inlet 50 of the
inlet and outlet separator 31, passes through the first header pipe
1, and flows to the third header pipe 4 via the tubes 7 due to the
control separator 32. The heat exchanging fluid 90 passing through
the third header pipe 4 flows to the first header pipe I again via
the tubes 7, and flows to the second header pipe 2 via the
communication means 41. Due to the control separator 32 of the
second header pipe 2, the heat exchanging fluid 90 flows to the
fourth header pipe 5 via the tubes 7, ascends through the tubes 7
to flow to the second header pipe 2, and is discharged through the
outlet 51 of the inlet and outlet separator 31.
[0111] The heat exchanger of a vehicle in which the header and the
tank are integrally formed with each other according to another
embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 4, has
a flow diagram in which the heat exchanging fluid 90 is introduced
from the number 1 and is discharged through the number 8. This flow
diagram is described with reference to FIG. 2. The heat exchanging
fluid 90 is introduced through the inlet 50 of the inlet and outlet
separator 21, passes through the first header pipe 1, and flows to
the third header pipe 4 via the tubes 7 due to the control
separator 32. The heat exchanging fluid 90 passing through the
third header pipe 4 flows to the first header pipe 1 via the tubes
7, and flows to the second header pipe 2 via the communication
means 41 formed in the side thereof. Due to the control separator
32 of the second header pipe 2, the heat exchanging fluid 90 flows
to the fourth header pipe 5 via the tubes 7, ascends through the
tubes 7 to flow to the second header pipe 2, and is discharged
through the outlet 51 of the inlet and outlet end cap 21.
[0112] The heat exchanger of a vehicle in which the header and the
tank are integrally formed with each other according to still
another embodiment of the present invention employs the inlet
manifold 11 and the discharging manifold 12. As illustrated in FIG.
5, the heat exchanger has a flow diagram in which the heat
exchanging fluid 90 is introduced from the number 1 and is
discharged through the number 9. This flow diagram is described
with reference to FIG. 3. The heat exchanging fluid 90 enters the
inlet manifold 11, passes through the first header pipe 1 via the
inlet hole 81 of the inlet manifold 11 and the inlet 50 of the
inlet end cap 23, and flows to the third header pipe 4 via the
tubes 7 due to the control separator 32. The heat exchanging fluid
90 passing through the third header pipe 4 flows to the first
header pipe 1 again via the tubes 7, and flows to the second header
pipe 2 via the communication means 41 formed in the side thereof.
Due to the control separator 32 of the second header pipe 2, the
heat exchanging fluid 90 flows to the fourth header pipe 5 via the
tubes 7, ascends through the tubes 7 to flow to the second header
pipe 2, and is discharged to the discharging manifold 12 inserted
into the coupling hole 80 formed in the side of the second header
pipe 2.
[0113] Although a few embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that changes may be made in this embodiment without
departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the
scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *