Tank and tube assembly for heat exchanger

Abstract

A thermal control device has a thermal control device base, a connection block attached to the thermal control device, and a conduit for a heat exchange fluid attached to the connection block. The conduit has a conduit extension axis and a conduit sidewall. The connection block includes a connection block receiving section that receives a portion of the conduit sidewall. The connection block is configured to facilitate heat exchange between the conduit sidewall and the thermal control device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger for cooling a battery in an electric and / or hybrid vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tank and tube assembly of a heat exchanger for cooling battery cells. Background Art

[0002] A thermal management system is crucial for the effective operation of a battery pack in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle and a hybrid electric vehicle. The battery pack is the energy source of such a vehicle and provides the required electric power to a traction motor and other electrical and / or electronic components. The battery pack includes a plurality of rechargeable battery cells and has a narrow operating temperature range, so the battery pack must be maintained within the specified operating temperature range for effective operation. Under thermal conditions and / or vehicle operating conditions, the battery pack needs to be cooled to maintain the temperature within the specified operating temperature range, while under cold conditions, the battery pack needs to be heated to reach the optimal temperature. Deviation of the battery pack temperature from the specified temperature range affects the battery pack performance and reduces the battery charging efficiency and durability. Sometimes, due to the battery pack temperature deviating outside the specified temperature range, the battery may be permanently damaged or destroyed, and overheating of the battery cells may even cause fires and other safety-related problems.

[0003] Typical thermal management systems for cooling and heating a battery pack rely on many subsystems, such as coolers, air-fluid heat exchangers, electric heaters, etc. A cooler or an air-fluid heat exchanger is adapted to cool a heat exchange fluid, such as a refrigerant or a coolant, in a battery circuit to cool the battery pack, while an electric heater is adapted to heat the heat exchange fluid in the battery circuit to increase the temperature of the battery pack.

[0004] Generally, a heat exchanger may include a plurality of heat cooling tube arrangements for cooling the battery cells of a battery pack. Such a heat cooling tube arrangement includes a heat cooling tube having two sets of channels / microchannels through which a fluid / coolant flows, an inlet / outlet tank at one end of the cooling tube, and a return tank at the other end of the cooling tube to allow the fluid to pass through the channels and flow along a U-shaped flow path. The heat cooling tube arrangement is adapted to cool the battery cells, which are in indirect contact with the fluid / coolant flowing through the channels / microchannels and along the U-shaped flow path. However, the existing end tanks of existing heat exchangers include complex component designs and complex joints, which increase the assembly time and manufacturing cost of the existing cooling tube arrangements or heat exchangers.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a simple and robust end tank arrangement for heat cooling tubes, which can overcome the above problems associated with the existing end tanks of existing heat exchangers or heat cooling tube arrangements. In addition, there is a need for a simple and cost-effective tank and tube assembly for U-shaped flow cooling of the battery cells of a battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention discloses an end tank for a heat cooling tube of a heat exchanger, which includes a simple component design, thus reducing the component manufacturing cost and simplifying the assembly process, thereby eliminating the disadvantages of the traditional end tanks of the existing cooling tube arrangements.

[0007] The disclosed end tank includes simple joints, thereby providing good joint / sealing repeatability and improving the performance, reliability, and service life of the end tank, thereby improving the performance, reliability, and service life of the heat cooling tube assembly or the heat exchanger.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the disclosed tank includes at least two main body members coupled to each other to define a chamber and an insert disposed between the at least two main body members to seal the corresponding chamber from at least one side. The insert includes at least one protrusion adapted to abut against at least one of the at least two main body members to prevent the insert from further moving inside the chamber of the tank. The tank includes at least one connection opening to form a connection between the tank and a tubular element, such as a cooling tube made of a heat-conducting material and being part of a heat exchanger. The connection opening of the tank can be designed to receive and firmly hold the corresponding end of the tubular element of the heat exchanger.

[0009] In one embodiment, each of the at least two main body members may include a panel portion and at least one sidewall portion extending from an end of the panel portion. Each of the at least two main body members may further include a locking protrusion protruding from the sidewall portion and a groove present in a free end portion of the panel portion opposite to the at least one sidewall portion. The locking protrusion of at least one of the at least two main body members is adapted to engage with the groove of at least one of the at least two main body members to connect the at least two main body members of the tank. The locking protrusions and grooves of the at least two main body members are adapted to achieve a snap lock therebetween.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking protrusion of each of the at least two main body members may be biased inwardly to be able to press-lock between the at least two main body members after the corresponding locking protrusion engages with the groove of the at least two main body members.

[0011] In addition, the front free end of the locking protrusion of each of the at least two main body members may be bent outwardly to facilitate easy sliding into the locking position relative to the corresponding groove of the at least two main body members.

[0012] In another embodiment, at least one sidewall portion of each main body member may include a pair of sidewall portions extending from opposite ends of the corresponding panel portion. For example, each main body member may be substantially U-shaped. The pair of sidewall portions of at least one of the at least two main body members may be adapted to be received in another main body member of the at least two main body members such that the sidewall portions of the at least two main body members engage with each other to connect the at least two main body members.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one of the at least two body members may include a first opening for fluid to enter relative to the chamber of the tank and / or a second opening for fluid to exit relative to the chamber of the tank.

[0014] In addition, the insert may include a hanging portion extending outwardly away from the tubular element. A dielectric coating may be applied to the outer / exterior surface of at least one of the tank and the tubular element. The dielectric coating acts as an insulator.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the insert may be integrally formed with at least one of the at least two body members.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the insert may be a separate component relative to the at least two body members. The insert may be assembled through an outer opening defined between the at least two body members, where the outer opening is defined at an end opposite to at least one connection opening. In addition, at least one of the at least two body members may include one or more flexible tabs to secure the insert inside the chamber after the insert is assembled through the outer opening.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the insert may include protrusions protruding from the inner surface of the insert and facing the chamber. In addition, the free inner terminal of the protrusion is pointed.

[0018] In addition, the protrusions of the insert may divide the chamber of the tank into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber.

[0019] In one embodiment, the protrusion may include a pair of recessed surfaces on opposite sides to direct / guide fluid in and out of the first opening and the second opening or the chamber of the tank.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the present invention discloses a tank and tube assembly for a heat exchanger. The disclosed tank and tube assembly includes a tubular element and at least one tank coupled to at least one end of the tubular element, such as the tank disclosed above. The tubular element includes a plurality of channels, including a first set of channels and a second set of channels, which are configured to be in fluid communication with each other at one end thereof to enable U-shaped flow of fluid through the tubular element. In addition, each tank may include at least two body members coupled to each other to define a chamber having at least one connection opening configured for fluid communication between the chamber and the plurality of channels of the tubular element, and an insert disposed between the at least two body members to seal the corresponding chamber from at least one side.

[0021] In embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one tank may include a first tank and a second tank. Additionally, at least one of at least two body members of the first tank includes a first opening for fluid to enter the chamber of the first tank and / or a second opening for fluid to exit the chamber of the first tank. Alternatively, one tank includes a first opening for fluid to enter, while the opposite tank includes a second opening for fluid to exit, thereby enabling I flow through the tube and tank assembly.

[0022] Furthermore, an insert of at least one tank (e.g., the first tank) may include a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the insert facing the chamber. The protrusion is adapted to block an inlet opening of at least one channel disposed between a first set of channels and a second set of channels of the tubular element. The outlet opening of at least one channel may also be blocked to prevent fluid from entering. In one embodiment, a blocking element may be used to block the outlet opening of at least one channel. Additionally, the blocking element may have a shape corresponding to the outlet opening of at least one channel such that the blocking element abuts the outlet opening.

[0023] Moreover, the protrusion of the insert may divide the chamber of at least one tank (e.g., the first tank) into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, where the first sub-chamber is adapted to distribute fluid to the first set of channels and the second sub-chamber is adapted to collect fluid from the second set of channels.

[0024] Furthermore, the first set of channels and the second set of channels allow fluid to flow in opposite directions to facilitate U-shaped flow of fluid through the tank and tube assembly, and air in at least one channel disposed between the first and second sets of channels creates thermal insulation between the adjacent two channels.

[0025] In addition, a second tank that may be configured at the return end of the tube opposite to the end where the first tank is configured may act as a return tank that returns or diverts the fluid flowing through the first set of channels into the second set of channels to achieve U-shaped flow of fluid through the tubular element.

[0026] In this specification, some elements or parameters may be indexed, such as a first element and a second element. In this case, unless otherwise specified, such indexing is only used to distinguish and name similar but different elements. The concept of priority should not be inferred from such indexing because these terms can be interchanged without departing from the invention. Additionally, such indexing does not imply any order of installation or use of the elements of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features, details, and advantages of the present invention can be inferred from the following description of the present invention. When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, a more complete understanding of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be readily obtained and better understood by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 Shows an exploded view of a tank and tube assembly for a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 an isometric view of the tank and tube assembly of

[0030] Figure 3A Shows Figure 1 a first isometric view of the first tank of the tank and tube assembly of

[0031] Figure 3B Shows Figure 1 a second isometric view of the first tank of the tank and tube assembly of

[0032] Figure 4 Shows an exploded view of the first tank;

[0033] Figure 5 Shows a second exploded view of the first tank;

[0034] Figure 6 Shows the assembly of the insert of the first tank and the tubular element of the tank and tube assembly;

[0035] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 an isometric view of the second tank of the tank and tube assembly of

[0036] Figure 8 Shows an exploded view of the second tank;

[0037] Figure 9 Shows a second exploded view of the second tank; and

[0038] Figure 10 Shows a tubular element with multiple channels, where the outlet of the central channel is blocked. Detailed Description

[0039] It must be noted that the drawings disclose the present invention in sufficient detail, and if necessary, the drawings help to better define the present invention. However, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed in the specification.

[0040] In the following description and drawings, the present invention is explained by way of example of a tank and tube assembly for a heat exchanger, wherein the tank and tube assembly is formed by assembling a tubular member and one or more end tanks mounted to opposite ends of the tubular member such that a heat exchange fluid for cooling battery cells of an electric and / or hybrid vehicle can flow in a U - shape. Each end tank includes a simple component design, thus reducing component manufacturing costs and simplifying the assembly process. In addition, each end tank includes a simple joint, thereby providing good connection / seal repeatability, as well as improving the performance, reliability, and service life of the end tank. Further, the disclosed tank and tube assembly facilitates low - restriction flow characteristics and does not significantly contribute to pressure drop. Additionally, the disclosed tank and tube assembly can be easily retrofitted with battery cells in a battery pack, which results in optimal space utilization, i.e., an effective cooling tank and tube assembly density between the battery cells, with space gaps above and below the battery module.

[0041] It should be understood that the concepts of the present invention are applicable to any other applications in vehicle and non - vehicle environments where a cooling tube arrangement is required to cool battery cells, and all such applications are within the scope of the present invention without any limitation.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment, the present invention discloses a tank and tube assembly 150 of a heat exchanger for cooling battery cells of a battery pack. For example, the battery pack can be mounted on an electric or hybrid vehicle, and the battery cells of the battery pack can be rechargeable cylindrical cells. The tank and tube assembly 150 includes a tubular element 108, which includes a plurality of channels, these channels including a first set of channels 136 and a second set of channels 138, the plurality of channels being configured to be in fluid communication with the first set of channels 136 at one end thereof to enable a fluid such as a heat exchange fluid or a coolant to flow in a U - shape through the tubular element 108 (as Figure 6 shown in detail). The tank and tube assembly 150 also includes at least one tank, such as a first tank 100a and a second tank 100b, both of which are adapted to be coupled to opposite ends of the tubular element 108. For example, the first tank 100a is fitted at the inlet / outlet end of the tubular element 108 through which the fluid enters and leaves the first set of channels 136 and the second set of channels 138 respectively, while the second tank 100b is fitted at the other or return end of the tubular element 108 such that the fluid flowing through the first set of channels 136 is received in the second tank 100b, and the second tank 100b further distributes the received fluid to the second set of channels 138 so that the fluid can flow along the U - shaped flow path in the tubular element 108.

[0043] In addition, the tubular element 108 can be made of any suitable heat-conductive material and can be arranged such that the battery cell to be cooled can be in indirect contact with the fluid / coolant flowing through channels 136 and 138 along the U-shaped flow path. Thus, the fluid flowing through the tubular element 108 can absorb heat from the battery cell and cool the battery cell. For example, the tubular element 108 can be a corrugated tubular element. In another embodiment, the tubular element 108 can have any other suitable profile, such as a flat tubular element.

[0044] Referring Figures 3A to 5 , the first can 100a includes two body members 102a and 102b that are coupled to each other to define a chamber 104a having a connection opening 106a at the inner end of the first can 100a, and an insert 110a that is disposed between at least the two body members 102a and 102b at the outer end to seal the chamber 104a from one side (e.g., the outer end side). The connection opening 106a of the first can 100a is adapted to receive and securely hold the corresponding end of the tubular element 108. In addition, the chamber 104a of the first can 100a and the plurality of channels 136 and 138 of the tubular element 108 are fluidly connected through the connection opening 106a.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first can 100a can be coupled to the tubular element 108 through a connection process, such as but not limited to a soldering process. In addition, the inner surfaces of the body members 102a and 102b can be coated with a flux for the soldering process.

[0046] In addition, each of the body members 102a and 102b includes a panel portion 112 and at least one sidewall portion, such as a wall portion 114 extending from an end of the panel portion 112. The sidewall portion 114 can be substantially U-shaped. In addition, each sidewall portion 114 can be tapered such that the width of the sidewall portion 114 decreases along the longitudinal axis of the tubular element 108 from the outer end to the inner end coupled to the tubular element 108. In other words, the width of the first can 100a at the inner end coupled to the tubular element 108 is less than the width of the first can 100a at the outer end. Still in other words, the width of each of the body members 102a and 102b gradually decreases from the outer end to the inner end, which effectively gradually decreases the width of the first can 100a from the outer end toward the inner end.

[0047] In addition, each of the two body members 102a and 102b includes a locking projection 116 protruding from a respective side wall portion 114 and a groove 118 formed at a free end portion of the panel portion 112, where the groove 118 is located at an end opposite to the side wall portion 114. Further, the locking projection 116 of one of the two body members 102a and 102b is adapted to engage with the groove 118 of the other of the two body members 102a and 102b to connect the two body members 102a and 102b of the first can 100a.

[0048] In addition, the locking projections 116 and the grooves 118 of the two body members 102a and 102b can be configured to enable snap locking therebetween to lock the two body members 102a and 102b to each other. Such snap locking can help hold them in place prior to a joining process (such as but not limited to a brazing process), thus maintaining the desired shape of the first can 100a until the first can 100a and the tubular element 108 are joined.

[0049] In one embodiment, the locking projection 116 of each of the body members 102a and 102b can be biased inwardly, i.e., toward the inner surface of the respective panel portion 112 or along an axis extending toward the chamber 104 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the first can 100a, so as to be able to press-lock between the two body members 102a and 102b after engagement between the respective locking projection 116 and the grooves 118 of the two body members 102a and 102b.

[0050] As Figure 3B shown, the front free end 117 of the locking projection 116 of each of the body members 102a, 102b can be bent outwardly, i.e., away from the outer surface of the can 104a or along an axis extending away from the chamber 104 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the first can 100a, for ease of sliding into the locking position relative to the grooves 118 of the two body members 102a and 102b, which can reduce the effort required during the assembly of the first can 100a.

[0051] In one embodiment, at least one of the two body members 102a, 102b of the first can 100a can include a first opening 120 for fluid to enter the chamber 104a of the first can 100a and a second opening 122 for fluid to exit the chamber 104a of the first can 100a. For example, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the panel portion 112 of the body member 102a is provided with the first opening 120 for fluid to enter, while the panel portion 112 of the other body member 102b is provided with the second opening 122 for fluid to exit.

[0052] In one embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the insert 110a of the first can 100a can be an independent component relative to the two body members 102a and 102b, and is adapted to be assembled in the outer opening 126 defined at the outer end between the two body members 102a and 102b. Each of the body members 102a and 102b can be provided with a flexible tab 128 to fix the insert 110a inside the chamber 104a or together with the corresponding body member after the insert 110a is assembled through the outer opening 126 between the two body members 102a and 102b. The flexibility of the tab 128 allows the tab 128 to bend and unfold to fix and release the insert 110a respectively.

[0053] In addition, the insert 110a includes a suspension portion 124 extending outwardly away from the tubular element 108. The suspension portion 124 can be used as a fixing feature to ensure the correct alignment of the first can 100a with the tubular element 108. It can be used as a suspension feature, for example, when a dielectric coating is applied on the outer surface to electrically insulate from the battery. The dielectric coating can be applied on the outer surfaces of the can 100a and the tubular element 108.

[0054] Protrusions 111a and 111b can be provided at the longitudinally opposite ends of the insert 110a. The protrusions 111a and 111b are adjacent to the side wall portions 114 of the body members 102a and 102b to prevent the insert 110a from further moving inside the chamber 104a of the first can 100a.

[0055] The insert 110a of the first can 100a can include a protrusion 130 protruding from the inner surface of the insert 110a. The inner terminal 130a of the protrusion 130 is adapted to block the inlet opening of at least one channel (such as the channel 134 of the tubular element 108) to prevent fluid from entering. For example, the channel 134 can be a central channel, which can be arranged between the first set of channels 136 and the second set of channels 138 of the tubular element 108. The outlet opening of the channel 134 can be blocked to prevent fluid from entering. In addition, the air in the channel 134 can act as a thermal insulator between two adjacent channels of the channel 134.

[0056] For example, the inner terminal 130a of the protrusion 130 can be wedge-shaped or can be pointed, which can be received in the inlet opening of the channel 134 to block the inlet opening. In another embodiment, the inner terminal 130a of the protrusion 130 can have any suitable shape or profile corresponding to the inlet opening of the channel 134 to block the inlet opening. For example, the inner terminal 130a of the protrusion 130 can be rectangular, which can be adjacent to the channel 134 to block the inlet opening of the channel 134, thereby preventing fluid from entering the channel 134.

[0057] In addition, the protrusion 130 of the insert 110a is adapted to divide the chamber 104a of the first can 100a into a first sub-chamber 104a-1 and a second sub-chamber 104a-2. The first sub-chamber 104a-1 is configured to be in fluid communication with the first opening 120 through which fluid enters the first sub-chamber 104a-1, and further, the collected fluid in the first sub-chamber 104a-1 is simultaneously distributed to the first set of channels 136. The second sub-chamber 104a-2 is configured to collect fluid from the second set of channels 138. The second sub-chamber 104a-2 is configured to be in fluid communication with the second opening 122 through which fluid is discharged from the second sub-chamber 104a-2.

[0058] In addition, the protrusion 130 may include a pair of recessed surfaces 130b and 130c on opposite sides along the length of the protrusion 130. The recessed surfaces 130b and 130c are adapted to direct / guide fluid in and out of the first opening 120 and the second opening 122. In addition, a gap 131 may be provided between the convex surface of the protrusion 130 of the insert 110a and the hanging portion 124.

[0059] The first set of channels 136 and the second set of channels 138 allow fluid to flow in opposite directions to facilitate a U-shaped flow of the fluid. In addition, the second can 100b may act as a return can that returns or deflects the fluid flowing through the first set of channels 136 into the second set of channels 136 so that the fluid can flow along a U-shaped flow path in the tubular element 108.

[0060] As Figures 7 to 9 shown, similar to the first can 100a, the second can 100b also includes two body members 102a and 102b that are coupled to each other to define a chamber 104b having a connection opening 106b at the inner end of the second can 100b, and an insert 110b that is disposed between the two body members 102a and 102b at the outer end to seal the chamber 104b from one side (e.g., the outer end side). The connection opening 106b of the second can 100b is adapted to receive and securely hold the corresponding return end of the tubular element 108. In addition, the chamber 104b of the second can 100b and the multiple channels 136 and 138 of the tubular element 108 are fluidly connected through the connection opening 106b such that the fluid flowing through the first set of channels 136 is collected in the chamber 104b and further directs / supplies the fluid to the second set of channels 138.

[0061] In one embodiment, the second can 100b may be coupled to the tubular element 108 through a suitable connection process, such as but not limited to a soldering process. In addition, the inner surfaces of the body members 102a and 102b may be coated with a soldering flux.

[0062] In addition, each of the body members 102a and 102b includes a panel portion 112 and at least one sidewall portion, such as a wall portion 114 extending from an end of the panel portion 112. The sidewall portion may be generally U-shaped. In addition, each sidewall portion 114 may be tapered such that the width of the sidewall portion 114 decreases along the longitudinal axis of the tubular element from an outer end to an inner end that is coupled to the tubular element 108, i.e., the width of the second can 100b is less at the inner end coupled to the tubular element 108 than at the outer end of the second can 100b. In other words, the width of each of the body members 102a and 102b gradually decreases from the outer end to the inner end, which causes the width of the second can 100b to gradually decrease from the outer end to the inner end.

[0063] In addition, each of the two body members 102a and 102b of the second can 100b includes a locking projection 116 protruding from the respective sidewall portion 114 and a slot 118 formed at a free end portion of the panel portion, wherein the slot 118 is located at an end opposite to the sidewall portion 114. In addition, the locking projection 116 of one of the two body members 102a and 102b is adapted to engage with the slot 118 of the other of the body members 102a and 102b to connect the two body members 102a and 102b of the second can 100b.

[0064] In addition, the locking projections 116 and the slots 118 of the body members 102a and 102b may be configured to enable snap locking therebetween to lock the two body members 102a and 102b. This snap locking between the two body members 102a and 102b may help to hold them in place prior to the joining process, such as but not limited to a brazing process, so as to maintain the desired shape of the second can 100b until the second can 108 and the tubular element 108 are joined.

[0065] In one embodiment, the locking projections 116 of each of the body members 102a and 102b may be biased inwardly, i.e., toward the inner surface of the respective panel portion 112 or toward the axis extending into the chamber 104, and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the second can 100b so as to be able to press-lock between the two body members 102a and 102b after the respective locking projections 116 and the slots 118 of the two body members 102a and 102b are engaged.

[0066] In another embodiment, as Figure 8As shown, the front free ends 117 of the locking protrusions 116 of each of the main body members 102a and 102b can be bent outwardly, i.e., away from the outer surface of the can 104b or along an axis extending away from the chamber 104, and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the second can 100b, to facilitate easy sliding into the locking position relative to the slots 118 of the two main body members 102a and 102b, which can reduce the effort required during the assembly of the second can 100b.

[0067] In one embodiment, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the insert 110b of the second can 100b can be a separate component relative to the two main body members 102a and 102b, and can be adapted to be assembled in the outer opening 126 defined at the outer ends between the two main body members 102a and 102b. Each of the main body members 102a and 102b can be provided with one or more flexible tabs, such as the flexible tab 128, to fix the insert 110b inside the chamber 104a or to fix it to the corresponding main body member after the insert 110b is assembled through the outer opening 126 between the two main body members 102a and 102b. The flexibility of the tab 128 allows the tab 128 to bend and expand to respectively fix and release the insert 110b having the two main body members 102a and 102b.

[0068] In addition, the insert 110b of the second can 100b is provided with a suspension portion 124 extending outwardly away from the tubular element 108. The suspension portion 124 can be used as a fixing feature to ensure the correct alignment of the second can 100b with the tubular element 108. It can be used as a suspension feature, for example, when a dielectric coating is applied on the outer surface for electrical insulation from the battery. In addition, a dielectric coating can be applied on the outer surface of the suspension portion 124 for electrical insulation to isolate the suspension portion 124 from the battery.

[0069] In addition, protrusions 111a and 111b are provided at the longitudinally opposite ends of the insert 110b, and the protrusions 111a and 111b are adjacent to the side wall portions 114 of the main body members 102a and 102b to prevent the insert 110b from further moving inside the chamber 104b of the second can 100b.

[0070] In one embodiment, the blocking element 140 can be adapted to block the outlet opening of the channel 134 of the tubular element 108. As Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the blocking element 140 can be disposed between the main body members 102a and 102b through the connection opening 106b of the second tank 100b. The blocking element 140 can have a shape / profile corresponding to the outlet opening of the channel 134 to block the outlet opening. In addition, a portion of the blocking element can be received in the outlet opening of the channel 134 to block the outlet opening, as Figure 10 shown. The blocking element 140 can be designed in any suitable shape / profile as needed, such as but not limited to square, wedge, etc.

[0071] In any case, the present invention cannot and should not be limited to the embodiments specifically described herein, as there may be other embodiments. The present invention extends to any equivalent devices and any combination of technically operative devices.

Claims

1. A can for a tubular element of a heat exchanger, the can comprising: At least two body members that are coupled to each other to define a chamber having at least one connection opening, the connection opening being adapted to form a connection between the can and the tubular element of the heat exchanger; And An insert disposed between the at least two body members to seal the corresponding chamber from at least one side, the insert including at least one protrusion adapted to abut against at least one of the at least two body members to prevent further movement of the insert inside the chamber of the can.

2. The can according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one connection opening of the can is adapted to receive and firmly hold the corresponding end of the tubular element of the heat exchanger.

3. The can according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the at least two body members includes: A panel portion; and At least one side wall portion extending from an end of the panel portion.

4. The can according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the at least two body members further includes a locking protrusion protruding from the at least one side wall portion and a groove present in a free end portion of the panel portion opposite to the at least one side wall portion, and wherein the locking protrusion of one of the at least two body members is adapted to engage with the groove of the other of the at least two body members.

5. The can according to claim 4, wherein, The locking protrusions and grooves of the at least two body members are adapted to achieve a snap lock therebetween.

6. The can according to claim 4, wherein, The locking protrusion of each of the at least two body members is biased inwardly so as to be able to press-lock between the at least two body members after the corresponding locking protrusion engages with the groove of the at least two body members.

7. The can according to claim 6, wherein, The front free end of the locking protrusion of each of the at least two body members is bent outwardly to facilitate easy sliding into the locking position relative to the corresponding groove of the at least two body members.

8. The can according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the at least two body members includes a first opening for fluid to enter relative to the chamber of the can.

9. The can according to claim 1, wherein, The insert includes a hanging portion that extends outwardly away from the at least two body members.

10. The can according to claim 1, wherein, A dielectric coating is applied on the outer surface of at least one of the cans.

11. The can according to claim 1, wherein, The insert is integrally formed with at least one of the at least two body members.

12. The can according to claim 1, wherein, The insert is a separate component relative to the at least two body members and is assembled through an outer opening defined between the at least two body members, the outer opening being opposite to the at least one connection opening, and wherein at least one of the at least two body members includes one or more flexible tabs to fix the insert inside the chamber.

13. The can according to claim 1, wherein, The insert includes a protrusion facing the chamber, and wherein the free inner terminal of the protrusion is pointed.

14. The can according to claim 14, wherein, The protrusion of the insert is further adapted to divide the chamber of the can into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber.

15. The can according to claim 14, wherein, The protrusion includes a pair of recessed surfaces on opposite sides to direct the fluid inside the can.

16. A can and tube assembly for a heat exchanger, the can and tube assembly comprising: A tubular element including a plurality of channels, the plurality of channels including a first set of channels and a second set of channels; And At least one canister coupled to at least one end of the tubular element; wherein the at least one canister includes: at least two body members coupled to each other to define a chamber having at least one connection opening configured for fluid communication between the chamber and a plurality of channels of the tubular element; and an insert disposed between the at least two body members to seal the corresponding chamber from at least one side.

17. The can and tube assembly according to claim 16, wherein, One of the at least two body members of the canister includes a first opening for fluid to enter relative to the chamber of the canister.

18. The can and tube assembly according to claim 16, wherein, The insert of the at least one canister includes a protrusion facing the chamber, the protrusion being adapted to block an inlet opening of at least one channel of the tubular element, wherein the at least one channel is disposed between a first set of channels and a second set of channels of the tubular element.

19. The can and tube assembly according to claim 17, wherein, The insert of the at least one canister includes a protrusion facing the chamber, the protrusion being adapted to block an inlet opening of at least one channel of the tubular element, wherein the at least one channel is disposed between a first set of channels and a second set of channels of the tubular element, wherein the other of the at least two body members of the canister includes a second opening for fluid to be discharged relative to the chamber of the canister, wherein the first set of channels and the second set of channels allow the fluid to flow in opposite directions to facilitate U-shaped flow of the fluid.

20. The can and tube assembly according to claim 18, wherein, The protrusion of the insert is further adapted to divide the chamber of the at least one canister into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, wherein the first sub-chamber is adapted to distribute fluid to the first set of channels and the second sub-chamber is adapted to collect fluid from the second set of channels.

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