U.S. patent application number 12/765016 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for turn-fin tube, manufacturing apparatus of the turn-fin tube, manufacturing method of the turn-fin tube and turn-fin type heat exchanger using the turn-fin tube.
Invention is credited to Dong Ha Lee, Jae Jung Park, Sung Jung Yun.
Application Number | 20100270013 12/765016 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42991086 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100270013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Dong Ha ; et
al. |
October 28, 2010 |
TURN-FIN TUBE, MANUFACTURING APPARATUS OF THE TURN-FIN TUBE,
MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE TURN-FIN TUBE AND TURN-FIN TYPE HEAT
EXCHANGER USING THE TURN-FIN TUBE
Abstract
A turn-fin tube, a turn-fin type heat exchanger using the same,
and an apparatus and method for manufacturing the same are
provided. The turn-fin tube includes a tube in which a fluid flows,
and a fin wound on an outer surface of the tube in a helical shape.
The fin includes a base section wound on an outer surface in
contact with the tube, and an extension section extending from the
base section in an outward direction of the tube at a predetermined
angle.
Inventors: |
Lee; Dong Ha;
(Pyeongtaek-Si, KR) ; Park; Jae Jung;
(Pyeongtaek-Si, KR) ; Yun; Sung Jung;
(Pyeongtaek-Si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERR & VAUGHN, PLLC
620 HERNDON PARKWAY, SUITE 320
HERNDON
VA
20170
US
|
Family ID: |
42991086 |
Appl. No.: |
12/765016 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/182 ; 29/33D;
29/890.048 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/5185 20150115;
F28D 1/0477 20130101; F28F 1/36 20130101; B21D 53/06 20130101; B21D
53/08 20130101; B21D 17/04 20130101; Y10T 29/49382 20150115; B21D
17/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/182 ;
29/33.D; 29/890.048 |
International
Class: |
F28F 1/30 20060101
F28F001/30; B23P 15/26 20060101 B23P015/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 23, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0035576 |
Apr 23, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0035577 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A turn-fin tube comprising: a tube capable of channeling a
flowing fluid; and a fin wound in a helical shape on an outer
surface of the tube, wherein the fin includes a base section wound
on an outer surface in contact with the tube, and an extension
section extending from the base section at a predetermined angle in
an outward direction from the tube.
20. The turn-fin tube according to claim 19, wherein the tube has a
helical groove formed in a helical shape in a lengthwise direction
thereof, and the base section is fitted into the helical
groove.
21. The turn-fin tube according to claim 19, wherein the extension
section includes a first extension section, which extends in the
outward direction of the tube, and a second extension section,
which is bent at the first extension section in a lengthwise
direction of the tube, on a tube bending section where the tube is
bent.
22. The turn-fin tube according to claim 20, wherein the extension
section located on a tube bending section where the tube is bent is
installed in a state in which at least a part thereof is cut
off.
23. An apparatus for manufacturing a turn-fin tube, comprising: a
tube supplying unit configured to supply a hollow tube; a strip
supply unit configured to supply a strip; and a groove forming unit
configured to form the strip into a fin wound on an outer surface
of the tube in a helical shape, where the fin includes a base
section provided on a surface in contact with the tube, and an
extension section extending from the base section in an outward
direction of the tube at a predetermined angle.
24. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a
groove forming unit, which is configured to press an outer surface
of the tube to form a helical groove in a lengthwise direction of
the tube such that the base section can be fitted into the helical
groove.
25. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a
pressing unit, which is configured to press the extension section
located on a tube bending section where the tube is bent so as to
have a first extension section, which extends from the base section
in an outward direction of the tube at a predetermined angle, and a
second bending section, which is bent at the first extension
section in a lengthwise direction of the tube.
26. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the groove forming
unit includes: a pressing roller having a pressing blade configured
to press the tube to form the helical groove in the lengthwise
direction of the tube that is configured to be rotated and linearly
transferred; and a supporting roller assembly having supporting
rollers, which are configured to be co-rotated in a rotational
direction of the tube and support the tube on one diametrical side
of the tube when the pressing blade presses the tube on the other
diametrical side of the tube while being rotated.
27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the groove forming
unit further includes a roller assembly moving unit, which is
configured to move the supporting roller assembly in a vertical
direction.
28. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the groove forming
unit further includes a tilting unit, which is configured to tilt
the pressing blade to change a contact angle between the pressing
blade and the outer surface of the tube.
29. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a
cutting unit configured to cut at least a part of the extension
section located on a tube bending section where the tube is
bent.
30. A method of manufacturing a turn-fin tube, comprising:
supplying a hollow tube; supplying a strip; forming the strip into
a fin, the fin having a base section installed on a surface in
contact with the tube and an extension section extending from the
base section in an outward direction of the tube at a predetermined
angle; and winding the fin in a helical shape on an outer surface
of the tube to form the turn-fin tube.
31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising pressing
the outer surface of the tube to form a helical groove in a
lengthwise direction of the tube such that the base section can be
fitted into the helical groove.
32. The method according to claim 30, further comprising pressing
the extension section located on a tube bending section where the
tube is bent so as to have a first extension section, which extends
from the base section in an outward direction of the tube at a
predetermined angle, and a second extension section, which is bent
at the first extension section in a lengthwise direction of the
tube.
33. The method according to claim 31, wherein the forming of the
helical groove includes: rotating and linearly transferring the
tube; bringing supporting rollers, which are rotated corresponding
to a rotational direction of the tube, in contact with the tube on
a diametrical upper outer surface of the tube; and pressing a
diametrical lower outer surface of the tube using a rotating
pressing blade in order to press the tube to form a helical groove
in a lengthwise direction of the tube.
34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the forming of the
helical groove further includes tilting the pressing blade to
change a contact angle between the pressing blade and the outer
surface of the tube.
35. The method according to claim 30, further comprising cutting at
least a part of the extension section located on a tube bending
section where the tube is bent.
36. A turn-fin type heat exchanger comprising a turn-fin tube
according to claim 19 and a bracket supporting the turn-fin
tube.
37. A turn-fin type heat exchanger comprising a turn-fin tube
according to claim 20 and a bracket supporting the turn-fin
tube.
38. A turn-fin type heat exchanger comprising a turn-fin tube
according to claim 21 and a bracket supporting the turn-fin
tube.
39. A turn-fin type heat exchanger comprising a turn-fin tube
according to claim 22 and a bracket supporting the turn-fin tube.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Applications No. 10-2009-0035576, filed on Apr. 23, 2009 and No.
10-2009-0035577, filed on Apr. 23, 2009 and all the benefits
accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 which is hereby
incorporated by references as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The disclosure generally relates to a turn-fin tube, an
apparatus and method for manufacturing the same, and a turn-fin
type heat exchanger using the same and, more particularly, to a
turn-fin tube and a turn-fin type heat exchanger using the same,
both of which are easily machined and can increase heat efficiency,
and an apparatus and method for manufacturing the turn-fin tube,
capable of reducing a fraction defective as well as the cost of
production in manufacturing the turn-fin tube.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Heat exchangers generally exchange heat between a
refrigerant flowing inside tubes and a fluid such as air or cooling
water outside the tubes.
[0006] One such heat exchanger is a condenser, which condenses and
liquefies the refrigerant by radiating heat of the refrigerant,
i.e. high-temperature high-pressure gas, discharged from a
compressor to the fluid such as air or cooling water under room
temperature.
[0007] Condensers are classified as wire types and turn-fin types
according to their shapes. Here, the turn-fin type condenser is
composed of a tube in which the refrigerant flows, and fins wound
around the tube to enhance a surface area for exchanging heat
between the refrigerant inside the tube and the fluid such as air
or cooling water outside the tube.
[0008] However, the fins installed on the conventional turn-fin
tube have the shape of a thin sheet. As such, an area where the
fins are in close contact with the tube is small, which leads to a
small heat transfer area. Consequently, the fins have a structural
limitation in improving heat transfer efficiency. For this reason,
there is a need for the fins to be designed in a new shape, and an
apparatus and method of manufacturing such a turn-fin tube
SUMMARY
[0009] Exemplary embodiments provide a turn-fin tube capable of
providing excellent machinability and increasing heat transfer
efficiency, a turn-fin type heat exchanger using the same, and an
apparatus and method for manufacturing the same.
[0010] Exemplary embodiments provide an apparatus and method for
manufacturing a turn-fin tube, capable of reducing a fraction
defective as well as the cost of production in manufacturing the
turn-fin tube.
[0011] Exemplary embodiments provide a turn-fin tube capable of
reducing the height of a fin and stably joining the fin with a
tube, and a turn-fin type heat exchanger using the same.
[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, a turn-fin tube
includes: a tube in which a fluid flows; and a fin wound on an
outer surface of the tube in a helical shape. The fin includes a
base section wound on an outer surface in contact with the tube,
and an extension section extending from the base section in an
outward direction of the tube at a predetermined angle.
[0013] Here, the tube may have a helical groove dented in a helical
shape in a lengthwise direction thereof, and the base section is
fitted into the helical groove.
[0014] Further, the extension section may include a first extension
section, which extends in the outward direction of the tube, and a
second bending section, which is bent at the first extension
section in a lengthwise direction of the tube, on a tube bending
section.
[0015] In addition, the extension section located on a tube bending
section where the tube is bent may be installed in the state in
which at least a part thereof is cut off.
[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for
manufacturing a turn-fin tube includes: a tube supplying unit
supplying a hollow tube; a strip supply unit supplying a strip; and
a groove forming unit forming the strip into a fin wound on an
outer surface of the tube in a helical shape. The fin includes a
base section installed on the outer surface in contact with the
tube, and an extension section extending from the base section in
an outward direction of the tube at a predetermined angle.
[0017] Here, the apparatus tube may further include a groove
forming unit, which presses the outer surface of the tube to form a
helical groove in a lengthwise direction of the tube such that the
base section can be fitted into the helical groove.
[0018] Further, the apparatus tube may further include a pressing
unit, which presses the extension section located on a tube bending
section where the tube is bent so as to have a first extension
section, which extends from the base section in an outward
direction of the tube at a predetermined angle, and a second
bending section, which is bent at the first extension section in a
lengthwise direction of the tube.
[0019] The groove forming unit may include: a pressing roller
having a pressing blade pressing the tube to form the helical
groove in the lengthwise direction of the tube that is rotated and
linearly transferred; and a supporting roller assembly having
supporting rollers, which are rotated corresponding to a rotational
direction of the tube and support the tube on one diametrical side
of the tube when the pressing blade presses the tube on the other
diametrical side of the tube while being rotated.
[0020] Further, the groove forming unit may further include a
roller assembly moving unit, which moves the supporting roller
assembly in a vertical direction.
[0021] The groove forming unit may further include a tilting unit,
which tilts the pressing blade to change a contact angle between
the pressing blade and the outer surface of the tube.
[0022] Further, the apparatus may further include a cutting unit
cutting at least a part of the extension section located on a tube
bending section where the tube is bent.
[0023] According to still another exemplary embodiment, a method of
manufacturing a turn-fin tube includes: supplying a hollow tube;
supplying a strip; forming the strip into a fin, the fin having a
base section installed on an outer surface in contact with the tube
and an extension section extending from the base section in an
outward direction of the tube at a predetermined angle; and winding
the fin on the outer surface of the tube to form the turn-fin
tube.
[0024] Further, the method may further include pressing the outer
surface of the tube to form a helical groove in a lengthwise
direction of the tube such that the base section can be fitted into
the helical groove.
[0025] The method may further include pressing the extension
section located on a tube bending section where the tube is bent so
as to have a first extension section, which extends from the base
section in an outward direction of the tube at a predetermined
angle, and a second bending section, which is bent at the first
extension section in a lengthwise direction of the tube.
[0026] The forming of the helical groove may include: rotating and
linearly transferring the tube; bringing supporting rollers, which
are rotated corresponding to a rotational direction of the tube, in
contact with on a diametrical upper outer surface of the tube; and
pressing a diametrical lower outer surface of the tube using a
rotating pressing blade in order to press the tube to form a
helical groove in a lengthwise direction of the tube.
[0027] Further, the forming of the helical groove may further
include tilting the pressing blade to change a contact angle
between the pressing blade and the outer surface of the tube.
[0028] The method may further include cutting at least a part of
the extension section located on a tube bending section where the
tube is bent.
[0029] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a turn-fin
type heat exchanger includes: the turn-fin tube having a tube in
which a fluid flows; and a fin wound on an outer surface of the
tube in a helical shape; and a bracket supporting the turn-fin
tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Exemplary embodiments are described in further detail below
with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be
understood that various aspects of the drawings may have been
exaggerated for clarity:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating construction of an
apparatus for manufacturing a turn-fin tube according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating construction of
the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 sequentially illustrates processes of manufacturing a
first example of a turn-fin tube using the turn-fin tube
manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 4 sequentially illustrates processes of manufacturing a
second example of a turn-fin tube using the turn-fin tube
manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 5 sequentially illustrates processes of manufacturing a
third example of a turn-fin tube using the turn-fin tube
manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a preliminary fin
forming unit of a fin forming unit installed on the turn-fin tube
manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a final fin
forming unit of a fin forming unit installed on the turn-fin tube
manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a groove
forming unit installed on the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus
of FIG. 2;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating an
important part of a groove forming unit installed on the turn-fin
tube manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state
before the extension section of a fin is formed by a pressing unit
installed on the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 2;
and
[0041] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in
which the extension section of a fin is being formed by a pressing
unit installed on the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus of FIG.
2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Various exemplary embodiments will now be described more
fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some
exemplary embodiments are shown. In the drawings, the thicknesses
of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0043] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating construction of an
apparatus for manufacturing a turn-fin tube according to an
exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating
construction of the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus of FIG.
1. FIG. 3 sequentially illustrates processes of manufacturing a
first example of a turn-fin tube using the turn-fin tube
manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, an apparatus for
manufacturing a turn-fin tube according to an exemplary embodiment
includes a strip supplying unit 100 supplying a strip 10 having the
shape of a flat sheet, a fin forming unit 400 forming the strip 10
into a fin 13 having a base section 11 and an extension section 12,
a cutting unit 900 cutting a part of the extension section 12, a
tube supplying unit 500 supplying a tube 20, a groove forming unit
600 forming a helical groove 21 in an outer surface of the tube 20,
and a rolling unit 700 rolling the extension section 12 to separate
the part of the extension section 12.
[0045] The strip 10 is a flat metal sheet having a long length and
a narrow width, and the tube 200 is a hollow tube in which a fluid
can flow.
[0046] The strip supplying unit 100 includes a plurality of guide
rollers 121 and 122 disposed in a direction in which the strip 10
is supplied, and a direction conversion roller 123 installed on a
portion where the direction in which the strip 10 is supplied is
changed. Consequently, the strip 10 moves along the guide rollers
121 and 122 and the direction conversion roller 123 to be supplied
into the fin forming unit 400.
[0047] The fin forming unit 400 includes a preliminary fin forming
unit 200 and a final fin forming unit 300, both of which are
sequentially disposed in the direction in which the strip 10 is
supplied in order to form the strip 10 into the fin 13 having the
base section 11 and the extension section 12. Here, a bending angle
of the base section 11 bent by the final fin forming unit 300 may
be greater than that of the base section 11 bent by the preliminary
fin forming unit 200.
[0048] Thus, the fin forming unit 400 forms the strip 10 supplied
by the strip supplying unit 100 into the fin 13, for instance an
L-shaped fin, having the base section 11 fitted into the helical
groove 21 of the tube 20 and the extension section 12 extending
from the base section 11 outward in a radial direction of the tube
20 at a predetermined angle. A process of forming the strip 10 into
the L-shaped fin 13 using the fin forming unit 400 will be
described below in detail.
[0049] The cutting unit 900 cuts a tear-off notch 14 in the part of
the extension section 12 of the fin 13 in a lengthwise direction of
the fin 13. The extension section 12 of the fin 13 having the
tear-off notch 14 formed by the cutting unit 900 is rolled by the
rolling unit 700, and thus the part of the extension section 12
located under the tear-off notch 14 is separated off. That is, the
fin 13 disposed on a tube bending section 20a is composed of the
base section 11 and the cut extension section 12c.
[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, the part of the extension
section 12 has been described as being incompletely cut off by the
cutting unit 900. Alternatively, the part of the extension section
12 may be completely cut off by the cutting unit 900.
[0051] The rolling unit 700 includes first and second roller
assemblies 710 and 720, which are disposed on both sides of the
transferred extension section 12 and roll the extension section 12.
Here, the extension section 12 may pass between the first and
second roller assemblies 710 and 720 to form corrugation.
[0052] The extension section 12 is corrugated because a first
roller of the first roller assembly 710 and a second roller of the
second roller assembly 720 are controlled to have different
rotational speeds by a control unit (not shown).
[0053] Consequently, the rolling unit 700 functions to roll and cut
off the part of the extension section 12 as well as to corrugate
the extension section 12.
[0054] Meanwhile, the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus further
includes a fin guide unit 420, which guides the fin 13 to the
rolling unit 700 in position and supports the fin 13. The turn-fin
tube manufacturing apparatus further includes a strip guide unit
410, which guides the strip 10 to the fin forming unit 400 in
position.
[0055] Thus, the strip guide unit 410 and the fin guide unit 420
make it possible to form the strip 10 into the L-shaped fin 13
having the base and extension sections 11 and 12 in a stable,
smooth manner.
[0056] Meanwhile, while the strip 10 having a flat sheet shape is
being formed into the fin 13 and being transferred to the rolling
unit 700, the tube 20 is supplied to the groove forming unit 600 by
the tube supplying unit 500, is machined by the groove forming unit
600, and then is supplied adjacent to the rolling unit 700.
[0057] The groove forming unit 600 presses an outer surface of the
tube 20 to form a helical groove 21 in the outer surface of the
tube 20. In detail, the outer surface of the tube 20 is dented,
along with an inner surface of the tube 20, so that the helical
groove 21 is formed in the outer surface of the tube 20, and a
helical ridge 23 is formed in the inner surface of the tube 20. The
helical ridge 23 formed in the inner surface of the tube 20 causes
a fluid inside the tube 20 to form a vortex, so that it is possible
to enhance the efficiency of heat exchange between the fluid inside
the tube and the fin. The base section 11 of the fin 13 is fitted
into the helical groove 21 of the tube 20, so that it is wound on
the outer surface of the tube 20 in a helical shape. Thereby, a
turn-fin tube is obtained.
[0058] In the apparatus for manufacturing a turn-fin tube according
to an exemplary embodiment, the tube 20 and the fin 13 are
simultaneously machined by different forming units. In detail, the
fin 13 is machined by the fin forming unit 400 through a process of
forming the fin so as to have the base section 11 contacting the
tube 20 and the extension section 12 extending from the base
section 11 in an outward direction of the tube 20 at a
predetermined angle, and simultaneously the tube 20 is machined by
the groove forming unit 600 that forms the helical groove 21 in the
outer surface of the tube.
[0059] Here, the fin forming process includes a primary bending
process of primarily bending the strip 10 having a flat sheet shape
to form the base section 11 using the preliminary fin forming unit
200, and a secondary bending process of bending the base section 11
undergoing the primary bending process using the final fin forming
unit 300. As a result, the fin is substantially L-shaped.
[0060] Afterwards, the extension section 12 of the fin 13 passes
through the rolling unit 700, thereby being rolled by the first and
second roller assemblies 710 and 720 that are rotated on both sides
thereof.
[0061] Here, the fin 13 passing through the rolling unit 700 is
wound on the outer surface of the tube 20 in a helical shape. In
detail, the base section 11 of the fin 13 is fitted into the
helical groove 21 of the tube 20, so that the fin 13 is wound on
the outer surface of the tube 20. Thereby, the turn-fin tube is
formed.
[0062] Before the process of winding the fin 13 on the outer
surface of the tube 20, the base section 11 of the fin 13 may be
joined to the outer surface of the tube 20 by brazing or an
adhesive at first.
[0063] Since the tube 20 is rotated when linearly transferred, the
fin 13 is helically wound on the outer surface of the tube 20. In
this case, if the speed at which the tube 20 is linearly
transferred is not constant or is variable, a pitch of the wound
fin 13 may be non-uniform.
[0064] Consequently, the first example of the turn-fin tube
manufactured by the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus includes
the tube in which a fluid flows, and the fin wound on the outer
surface of the tube in a helical shape. The fin has the base
section 11 wound on the outer surface in contact with the tube, and
the extension section 12 extending from the base section 11 in an
outward direction of the tube at a predetermined angle. Here, the
tube has the helical groove 21 that is dented in a helical shape in
a lengthwise direction. The base section 11 is fitted into the
helical groove 21.
[0065] The extension section located on the bending section 20a
where the tube is bent is installed in the state in which at least
a part thereof is cut off.
[0066] Further, a turn-fin heat exchanger includes such a turn-fin
tube and a bracket (not shown) supporting the turn-fin tube.
[0067] A second example of the turn-fin tube manufactured by the
turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.
[0068] Unlike the first example of the turn-fin tube, the second
example of the turn-fin tube is configured such that the extension
section 12 of the fin is installed on the tube bending section 20a,
which is a region where the turn-fin tube is bent, in a bent state
without being cut off.
[0069] Consequently, in manufacturing the second example of the
turn-fin tube, no cutting unit is used, and a pressing unit 800 is
used to press the extension section of the fin located on the
bending section.
[0070] The pressing unit 800 includes a pressing member (see 810 of
FIG. 10) pressing the extension section 12 to form first and second
extension sections 12a and 12b, and a driver (not shown) driving
the pressing member.
[0071] When the turn-fin tube is transferred, a portion where the
turn-fin tube is to be bent by the pressing unit 800, that is, the
extension section 12 located on the tube bending section 20a is
formed into the first and second extension sections 12a and
12b.
[0072] The first extension section 12a is formed so as to have an
inclined angle at which it extends from the base section 11 of the
fin in an outward direction of the tube, and the second extension
section 12b is bent at the first extension section 12a in a
lengthwise direction of the tube 20.
[0073] Consequently, before the turn-fin tube is bent, the second
extension section 12b of the extension section 12 located on the
tube bending section 20a is previously bent. Thereby, when the
turn-fin tube is bent, it is possible to reduce a bending load
applied to the tube bending section 20a, so that the tube 20 or the
fin 13 can be prevented from being crushed or damaged. Further, by
previously bending the second extension section 12b, it is possible
to fix the turn-fin tube to the bracket without causing damage to
the fin.
[0074] Alternatively, the extension section may be cut off to
reduce the bending load when the turn-fin tube is bent. However,
since the extension section is not cut off in the exemplary
embodiment, it is possible to increase heat transfer efficiency as
well as machinability.
[0075] An operation time of the pressing unit 800 is pre-stored in
a control unit (not shown), so that the pressing unit 800 can be
operated when the tube bending section 20a, that is, the region
where the turn-fin tube is bent arrives at the pressing unit
800.
[0076] Consequently, the second example of the turn-fin tube
manufactured by the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus includes
the tube in which a fluid flows, and the fin wound on the outer
surface of the tube in a helical shape. The fin has the base
section wound on the outer surface in contact with the tube, and
the extension section extending from the base section in an outward
direction of the tube at a predetermined angle. Here, the tube has
the helical groove that is dented in a helical shape in a
lengthwise direction. The base section is fitted into the helical
groove.
[0077] The extension section located on the bending section where
the tube is bent has the first extension section extending in an
outward direction of the tube, and the second extension section
bent at the first extension section in a lengthwise direction of
the tube.
[0078] A third example of the turn-fin tube manufactured by the
turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5.
[0079] Unlike the second example of the turn-fin tube, the third
example of the turn-fin tube is configured such that the base
section 11 of the fin is wound on the outer surface of the tube 20.
In detail, since the third example of the turn-fin tube has no
helical groove, the base section 11 of the fin is installed on the
outer surface of the tube 20.
[0080] Consequently, in the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus
for the third example of the turn-fin tube, the groove forming unit
forming the helical groove in the outer surface of the tube, and
the cutting unit cutting the part of the extension section of the
fin are not used.
[0081] The preliminary fin forming unit of the fin forming unit
according to an exemplary embodiment will be described in detail
with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6.
[0082] The preliminary fin forming unit 200 includes first and
second preliminary fin forming roller assemblies 210 and 220
installed spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval,
and a preliminary fin forming interval adjuster 230 adjusting an
interval between the first and second preliminary fin forming
roller assemblies 210 and 220.
[0083] The first preliminary fin forming roller assembly 210
includes a first preliminary fin forming roller 211 rotated in
close contact with the transferred strip 10, a first preliminary
fin forming roller shaft 214 forming a central axis of rotation of
the first preliminary fin forming roller 211, a first preliminary
fin forming roller frame 215 supporting the first preliminary fin
forming roller shaft 214, and a first preliminary fin forming
roller bearing 213 installed between the first preliminary fin
forming roller 211 and the first preliminary fin forming roller
shaft 214.
[0084] Similarly, the second preliminary fin forming roller
assembly 220 includes a second preliminary fin forming roller 221
rotated in close contact with the transferred strip 10, a second
preliminary fin forming roller shaft 224 forming a central axis of
rotation of the second preliminary fin forming roller 221, a second
preliminary fin forming roller frame 225 supporting the second
preliminary fin forming roller shaft 224, and a second preliminary
fin forming roller bearing 223 installed between the second
preliminary fin forming roller 221 and the second preliminary fin
forming roller shaft 224.
[0085] Here, the first and second preliminary fin forming rollers
211 and 221 are installed in a stepwise fashion in such a manner
that an upper end of the second preliminary fin forming roller 221
is by a predetermined distance lower than that of the first
preliminary fin forming roller 211. The base section 11 of the fin
is formed between the upper ends of the first and second
preliminary fin forming rollers 211 and 221.
[0086] In detail, the first preliminary fin forming roller 211 has
a first roller wedge 211a protruding from the upper end thereof at
a first inclined angle x1, whereas the second preliminary fin
forming roller 221 has a cylindrical shape in whole.
[0087] Consequently, the fin passes between the upper ends of the
first and second preliminary fin forming rollers 211 and 221 to be
bent at a first inclined angle x1, so that the base section 11 of
the fin is formed.
[0088] The preliminary fin forming interval adjuster 230 includes a
first positioning block 216 installed under the first preliminary
fin forming roller assembly 210, and a first interval adjusting
bolt 231 screwed to the first positioning block 216.
[0089] The first positioning block 216 is displaced in a horizontal
direction by turning the first interval adjusting bolt 231. The
displacement of the first positioning block 216 causes the first
preliminary fin forming roller assembly 210 coupled to the first
positioning block 216 to be displaced in a horizontal
direction.
[0090] Consequently, as the first preliminary fin forming roller
assembly 210 is displaced in a horizontal direction, the interval
between the first and second preliminary fin forming rollers 211
and 221 is adjusted.
[0091] The final fin forming unit of the fin forming unit according
to an exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 7.
[0092] The final fin forming unit 300 includes first and second
final fin forming roller assemblies 310 and 320 installed spaced
apart from each other by a predetermined interval, and a final fin
forming interval adjuster 330 adjusting an interval between the
first and second final fin forming roller assemblies 310 and
320.
[0093] The first final fin forming roller assembly 310 includes a
first final fin forming roller 311, a first final fin forming
roller shaft 314, a first final fin forming roller frame 315, and a
first final fin forming roller bearing 313, and the second final
fin forming roller assembly 320 includes a second final fin forming
roller 321, a second final fin forming roller shaft 324, a second
final fin forming roller frame 325, and a second final fin forming
roller bearing 323. Further, the final fin forming interval
adjuster 330 includes a second positioning block 316 installed
under the first final fin forming roller assembly 310, and a second
interval adjusting bolt 331 screwed to the second positioning block
316. A detailed description of these components is omitted since
they are similar to those of the preliminary fin forming unit
200.
[0094] However, the first final fin forming roller 311 is provided
with a roller groove 311a corresponding to the extension section 12
of the fin, and a second roller wedge 311b protruding from an upper
end thereof at a second inclined angle x2.
[0095] Here, the first and second final fin forming rollers 311 and
321 are installed in a stepwise fashion in such a manner that an
upper end of the second final fin forming roller 321 is by a
predetermined distance lower than that of the first final fin
forming roller 311. The base section 11 of the fin is formed
between the upper ends of the first and second final fin forming
rollers 311 and 321.
[0096] Consequently, the fin passes between the upper ends of the
first and second final fin forming rollers 311 and 321 to be formed
into the extension section 12 of the fin by the roller groove 311a
and the base section 11 of the fin by an interval between the
second roller wedge 311b of the first final fin forming roller 311
and the upper end of the second final fin forming roller 321.
[0097] Here, the bending angle x2 of the base section formed by the
final fin forming unit 300 is greater than that x1 of the base
section formed by the preliminary fin forming unit 200.
[0098] The groove forming unit of the fin forming unit according to
an exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference
to FIGS. 2, 8 and 9.
[0099] The groove forming unit 600 includes a pressing roller
assembly 630 forming the helical groove in the tube and having a
pressing blade 631 and a pressing roller 632, and a supporting
roller assembly 620 rotatably supporting the tube 20 on one
diametrical side of the tube 20 when the pressing blade 631 presses
the tube 20 on the other diametrical side of the tube 20 while
being rotated.
[0100] The groove forming unit 600 further includes a roller
assembly moving unit 610 moving the supporting roller assembly 620
in a vertical direction, and a tilting unit 640 tilting the
pressing blade 631 to change a contact angle between the pressing
blade 631 and the tube 20.
[0101] The pressing roller assembly 630 includes a driving motor
(not shown), and a pressing roller shaft 633 rotated by the driving
motor, in addition to both the pressing roller 632 coupled with the
pressing roller shaft 633 and the pressing blade 631 that is formed
on an outer circumference of the pressing roller body 632 and comes
into contact with the outer surface of the tube 20.
[0102] When the driving motor rotates, the pressing roller shaft
633 is rotated. When the pressing roller shaft 633 is rotated, the
pressing roller 632 is rotated. When the pressing blade 631 formed
on the pressing roller 632 is rotated, the pressing blade 631
presses the outer surface of the tube 20.
[0103] Thereby, the outer surfaces of the tube 20 is dented, along
with the inner surface of the tube 20, so that the helical groove
21 is formed in the outer surface of the tube 20, and the helical
ridge 23 is formed on the inner surface of the tube 20. The base
section 11 of the fin is fitted into the helical groove 21, and
thus the fin 13 is prevented from running idle on the outer surface
of the tube 20, so that the fin 13 can be stably joined with the
tube 20.
[0104] The supporting roller assembly 620 includes supporting
rollers 622 disposed opposite to the pressing blade 631, roller
shafts 621 having the centers of rotation of the supporting rollers
622, and a supporting block 623 coupled with the roller shafts 621
and supporting the roller shafts 621.
[0105] Here, the supporting rollers 622 are installed in parallel
on a diametrical upper outer surface of the tube, and are rotated
in a direction where the tube is rotated and displaced.
[0106] The roller assembly moving unit 610 includes a movable frame
615 coupled with the supporting block 623, a coupler 614 coupling
the movable frame 615 with the supporting block 623, a pneumatic
cylinder 611 moving the movable frame 615, a bushing 613 displaced
by the pneumatic cylinder 611 and guiding the movement of the
movable frame 615, and a guide shaft 612.
[0107] When the pneumatic cylinder 611 is operated, the bushing 613
is vertically displaced, and thus the movable frame 615 moves up
and down. Then, the supporting block 623 coupled with the movable
frame 615 is displaced, so that the supporting rollers 622
installed on the supporting block 623 are displaced in a vertical
direction. Thus, an interval between the supporting rollers 622 and
the pressing blade 631 is adjusted by the vertical displacement of
the supporting rollers 622.
[0108] The tilting unit 640 includes a worm wheel (not shown)
coupled with the pressing blade 631, a worm shaft 643 coupled to
the worm wheel, a rotating shaft 642 rotating the worm shaft 643,
and a handle 641 rotating the rotating shaft 642.
[0109] When the handle 641 is turned by a user, the rotating shaft
642 is rotated, and thus the worm shaft 643 is rotated. When the
worm shaft 643 is rotated, the worm wheel is rotated to tilt the
pressing blade 631 contacting the tube 20. As a result, a contact
angle at which the pressing blade 631 is in contact with the outer
surface of the tube 20 is changed.
[0110] Further, the groove forming unit 600 may further include a
pressing roller moving unit 650 moving the pressing roller assembly
630 in a vertical direction. The pressing roller moving unit 650
functions to adjust the interval between the supporting rollers 622
and the pressing roller 632. The interval between the supporting
rollers 622 and the pressing roller 632 may be adjusted by the
vertical displacement of the supporting roller assembly 620 or the
pressing roller 632.
[0111] A process of manufacturing the turn-fin tube using the
groove forming unit of the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus
will be simply described below.
[0112] When the tube 20 is supplied in a rotational and linear
motion by the tube supplying unit 500, the groove forming unit 600
presses the tube 20 to form the helical groove 21 in a lengthwise
direction of the tube 20.
[0113] When the helical groove 21 is formed in the tube 20, the
supporting roller assembly 620 having the supporting rollers 622
rotated corresponding to the rotational direction of the tube 20
contacts and presses an upper outer surface of the tube 20. Then,
the pressing blade 631 presses a diametrical lower outer surface of
the tube to form the helical groove 21 in the tube 20 in the
lengthwise direction of the tube 20.
[0114] At this time, when a contact angle between the tube 20 and
the pressing blade 631 is to be changed, the pressing blade 631 may
be tilted using the tilting unit 640.
[0115] Meanwhile, the supplied strip is formed into the fin 13
having the base section fitted into the helical groove 21 and the
extension section 12 extending from the base section 11 in an
outward direction of the tube 20 at a predetermined angle.
[0116] Then, the fin 13 passes through the rolling unit 700, and
thus the base section 11 of the fin is wound in the helical groove
21 of the tube in a helical shape. Thereby, the turn-fin tube is
formed.
[0117] Consequently, the helical groove 21, into which the base
section 11 of the fin is fitted, is formed in the outer surface of
the tube 20, so that it is possible to reduce an entire height of
the turn-fin tube. Further, the base section 11 of the fin is in a
surface contact with the helical groove 21 of the tube, so that a
surface contact area is increased to enhance the heat-exchange
efficiency.
[0118] A process of pressing the turn-fin tube using the pressing
unit of the turn-fin tube manufacturing apparatus will be described
with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0119] The pressing unit 800 according to an exemplary embodiment
includes a pressing member 810 pressing the extension section 12 of
the fin, and a driver (not shown) driving the pressing member 810.
Further, the pressing unit 800 presses a tube bending section, that
is a region where the turn-fin tube is to be previously bent, to
form the extension section 12 of the fin into first and second
extension sections 12a and 12b.
[0120] In detail, the pressing member 810 moves in a radial
direction of the turn-fin tube to press the extension section 12 of
the fin, and simultaneously moves in a lengthwise direction of the
turn-fin tube to press the extension section 12 of the fin. Here,
an inner surface of the pressing member 810 is formed at an
inclined angle such that the extension section 12 of the fin is
smoothly bent in a lengthwise direction of the tube 20.
[0121] When the pressing member 810 presses the extension section
12 of the fin, an end of the extension section 12 contacting the
pressing member 810 begins to be bent in the lengthwise direction
of the tube 20 by the inclined angle of the inner surface of the
pressing member 810. When the extension section is bent to some
extent, the pressing member 810 moves in the lengthwise direction
of the tube 20 to press the extension section 12 again. Of course,
the tube may move toward the pressing member in the lengthwise
direction.
[0122] Consequently, the extension section 12 of the fin is formed
into the first extension section 12a bent so as to have a
predetermined angle with respect to the base section 11, and the
second extension section 12b extending from the first extension
section 12a and bent in the lengthwise direction of the tube.
Alternatively, a manufacturer may directly bend the extension
section by hand without using the pressing member to bend the
extension section to form the first and second extension sections
12a and 12b.
[0123] A turn-fin tube, a turn-fin type heat exchanger using the
turn-fin tube, and an apparatus and method for manufacturing the
turn-fin tube according to exemplary embodiments have the following
effects.
[0124] First, the helical groove, into which the base section of
the fin, is formed in the outer surface of the tube, so that the
entire height of the turn-fin tube can be reduced. Further, if the
entire height of the turn-fin tube is set to the same height as a
known turn-fin tube, it is possible to increase a height of the
extension section by a height of the helical groove into which the
base section is fitted, so that the heat exchange area of the fin
can be increased.
[0125] Second, the fin is formed into the base and extension
sections such that the base section is in surface contact with the
outer surface of the tube, so that the surface contact area can be
increased to enhance the heat-exchange efficiency.
[0126] Third, the base section of the fin is fitted into the
helical groove of the tube, and thus the fin is prevented from
running idle on the outer surface of the tube, so that the fin can
be stably joined with the tube.
[0127] Fourth, the base section being in surface contact with the
tube is formed on the fin, and simultaneously the first extension
section bent outward in a radial direction of the tube and the
second extension section bent along the tube bending section that
is region where the tube is to be bent are previously formed, so
that the bending load generated when the turn-fin tube is bent can
be reduced to provide excellent machinability. In other words, the
extension section to be disposed on the tube bending section is
previously machined into the first and second extension sections,
so that it is possible to reduce a possibility of the tube being
crushed or damaged when the turn-fin tube is bent, a fraction
defective of the turn-fin tube, and the cost of production of the
turn-fin tube.
[0128] Fifth, the extension section is previously formed into the
first and second extension sections on the tube bending section of
the turn-fin tube, so that it is possible to reduce the bending
load when the turn-fin tube is bent and to increase the
heat-exchange efficiency. In detail, the extension section may be
cut off to reduce the bending load when the turn-fin tube is bent.
However, since the extension section is not cut off in the
exemplary embodiments, it is possible to increase the heat transfer
efficiency as well as the machinability.
[0129] Sixth, in the process of inserting the bent turn-fin tube
into the bracket in order to fix the bent turn-fin tube, the second
extension is bent, so that the fin can be prevented from being
damaged, and the turn-fin tube can be smoothly inserted.
[0130] While exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it
should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such
variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit
and scope of exemplary embodiments of the present application, and
all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the
art are intended to be included within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *