Connection member and heat exchanger

Abstract

Provided are: a connection member which is capable of suppressing flow contraction from a tube toward a heat exchanger when the heat exchanger is connected to the tube, and which can be universally attached to an existing cover regardless of the state of the solder surface of the cover of the heat exchanger; and a heat exchanger provided with the connection member. A connection member (80) connects a heat exchanger (1) to the pipe ends (PE) of an inlet pipe (2) and an outlet pipe (3), and is provided with an inlet-side fixing part (83A), an outlet-side fixing part (83B), and a main body part (81) that integrally supports the inlet-side fixing part (83A) and the outlet-side fixing part (83B). The inflow-side fixing part (83A) can cover an inflow-side connecting part (67A) of a cover (60) closing the end of the header tank (11) and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe end (PE) of the inflow port pipe (2), and the outflow-side fixing part (83B) can cover an outflow-side connecting part (67B) of the cover (60) and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe end (PE) of the outflow port pipe (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting component for connecting a heat exchanger and a pipe, and the heat exchanger. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for connecting a heat exchanger and an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe connected thereto (hereinafter collectively referred to as "inlet and outlet pipes"), there are known methods, for example, in which a cover (connecting cover) is provided at the inlet and outlet of a tank (header tank) and the inlet and outlet pipes are inserted into and fixed to the cover (see, for example, Patent Document 1); and a method in which the inlet and outlet pipes are fixed by a connecting member (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0003] The technology described in Patent Document 1 uses a so-called hood-shaped connecting cover to close the opening of the tank. The connecting cover includes an opening communicating with the tank and a connecting portion rising from the periphery of the opening. A pipe is inserted and fixed to the inner periphery of the connecting portion.

[0004] Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, a connecting member is fixed to the refrigerant inlet. The connecting member is formed into a disc shape and has a through-hole in its center that is larger in diameter than the refrigerant inlet. One end of a cylindrical adapter is inserted into the through-hole of the connecting member, and the inserted end is riveted to the connecting member using a clamp or the like, thereby securing the adapter. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Korean Registered Patent No. 102074692 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6483409 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in conventional configurations, the flow path from the inlet pipe to the heat exchanger forms a contraction at the connection portion between the inlet pipe and the heat exchanger cover (connecting cover, refrigerant inlet), resulting in increased water flow resistance.

[0007] The dimensions of the heat exchanger's cap (refrigerant inlet) are determined by the shape and size of the tank (header tank) to which it is connected. To prevent contraction at the connection with the inlet and outlet pipes, it is desirable to minimize the difference between the inlet and outlet pipe diameters and the cap opening diameter. On the other hand, particularly when using a refrigerant with a fluid that increases in viscosity at low temperatures, there is also a desire to maintain the largest possible inlet and outlet pipe diameter.

[0008] Therefore, for example, in a configuration where a tank is equipped with a lid, attaching the inflow and outflow pipe to the outer periphery of the lid's connection portion reduces water flow resistance within the pipe and also suppresses contraction flow at the connection portion, compared to inserting the pipe into the inner periphery of the connection portion. While the pipe and lid are typically secured together by brazing, inserting the outer periphery of the lid's connection portion into the inflow and outflow pipe requires that the surface of the lid exposed to the outside (the outer side) serve as the brazing filler metal surface.

[0009] However, the brazing surface of the cover, a component of the heat exchanger, is determined by its relationship with other components of the heat exchanger (such as the case), and the outer surface of the cover is not necessarily the brazing surface. In particular, in the case of the hood-shaped cover described in Patent Document 1, the brazing surface is often located on the inner surface due to its complex shape. In this case, when connecting to the pipe, the heat exchanger side must be processed to make the outer surface of the cover the brazing surface, and the cover must be replaced with a cover with the outer surface as the brazing surface. This operation is labor-intensive and time-consuming, and also increases costs.

[0010] The present invention has been completed in view of such problems, and its purpose is to provide a connecting component that can suppress the contraction flow from the tube toward the heat exchanger when connecting the heat exchanger and can be universally installed on an existing cover regardless of the state of the brazing surface of the heat exchanger cover, and a heat exchanger equipped with the connecting component. Means for solving problems

[0011] The present invention relates to a connecting component, characterized in that the connecting component connects a heat exchanger to respective tube ends of an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe for allowing a heat medium to pass through the interior of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising: a box portion elongated in one direction; and a cover covering one end of the box portion in the longitudinal direction, the cover being provided with openings serving as the inlet and outlet of the heat medium, and a connecting portion being provided around the opening, the connecting component comprising: an inlet-side fixing portion formed in a cylindrical shape and capable of covering the outer peripheral surfaces of the inlet-side connecting portion and the tube ends; and an outlet-side fixing portion formed in a cylindrical shape and capable of covering the outer peripheral surfaces of the outlet-side connecting portion and the tube ends.

[0012] In addition, the present invention relates to a heat exchanger, characterized in that the connecting portion is connected to the pipe end through the connecting component. Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, a connecting component can be provided that can suppress contraction flow from the tube toward the heat exchanger when connecting the heat exchanger and can be universally mounted on an existing cover regardless of the state of the brazing filler metal surface of the heat exchanger cover, and a heat exchanger including the connecting component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the appearance of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view showing a connection structure between a heat exchanger and a tube according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 These are diagrams showing a connection member according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a front view, and (C) is a cross-sectional view. Figure 4 This is an exploded side view showing a connection structure between a heat exchanger and a tube according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between a heat exchanger and a tube according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the connection structure between the heat exchanger and the tube according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the connection structure between the heat exchanger and the tube according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the connection structure between the heat exchanger and the tube according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the connection structure between the heat exchanger and the tube according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 9 This is an example of an embodiment of the present invention. In the drawings, parts denoted by the same reference numerals represent parts having the same functions, and repeated description of the drawings will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] <Heat Exchanger> Figure 1 This figure shows an example of a heat exchanger 1 according to the present embodiment. The heat exchanger 1 according to the present embodiment includes a tank portion 11 that is elongated in one direction, and a cover 60 that covers one end of the tank portion 11 in the longitudinal direction and has openings for the heat medium to flow in and out. Tubes (inlet tube 2 and outlet tube 3) are connected to the inlet and outlet of the cover 60, respectively, via connecting members 80.

[0017] The structure of the heat exchanger 1 will be described in detail below. However, the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment is not limited to the following structure as long as it includes the tank portion 11 and the cover 60 provided with the inlet and outlet of the heat medium.

[0018] The heat exchanger 1 includes, for example, a first header tank (tank portion) 11 and a second header tank 12, both elongated in the X-axis direction shown in the figure; and a heat exchange core 10 formed between the first and second header tanks 11, 12. The heat exchange core 10 includes a plurality of tubes 100, fins 102 disposed between the tubes 100, and a pair of side plates 101 disposed at both ends of the tubes 100 in the X-axis direction shown in the figure. The tubes 100 constitute a first tube group 100a and a second tube group 100b, stacked in the X-axis direction shown in the figure. The first and second tube groups 100a, 100b are arranged parallel to the Y-axis direction shown in the figure.

[0019] The inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3 are connected to one longitudinal end of the first header tank 11 via a cover 60 and a connecting member 80. In this heat exchanger 1, heat medium (such as cooling water) flows from the inlet pipe 2 into the first header tank 11, flows along the X-axis in the figure, and then branches to the first tube group 100a of the heat exchange core 10. Within the first tube group 100a, the heat medium flows downward in the Z-axis direction in the figure. Thereafter, the heat medium merges with the second header tank 12, flows along the X-axis in the figure, flows upward in the Z-axis direction in the figure through the second tube group 100b of the heat exchange core 10, returns to the first header tank 11, and flows out through the outlet pipe 3. In other words, the heat exchanger 1 of this example has a so-called dual-pass structure. In the heat exchange core 10, heat exchange is performed between the heat medium (cooling water, etc.) flowing in the tube 100 along the Z-axis direction in the figure and the fluid (such as air) moving between the multiple tubes 100 along the Y-axis direction in the figure from the inner side to the near front side.

[0020] The interiors of the first and second header tanks 11, 12 serve as storage spaces for the heat medium. The first header tank 11 serves as a storage space for the heat medium's inlet and outlet (inflow and outflow), while the second header tank 12 serves as a storage space for the return side of the heat medium's flow path. In the following description, the first header tank 11 (abbreviated as header tank 11) is the main component of this embodiment, and description of the second header tank 12 is omitted. The second header tank 12 is not connected to the first and second header tanks 11, but otherwise has the same structure as the first header tank 11.

[0021] The header tank 11 includes a cylindrical member 13 having an opening at at least one end in the longitudinal direction, specifically the end connected to the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3 (the inlet and outlet side of the heat medium), and a cover 60 that closes the opening.

[0022] The tubular member 13 can be a bottomed member with only the end on the heat medium inlet and outlet side open. However, in this example, the tubular member 13 is open at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the opening at the other end is also closed by another cover 70. For example, the tubular member 13 in this example is formed by joining a first plate 20 and a second plate 30, each of which has a flat, generally U-shaped curved surface with one end open and the other closed, so that the open ends are butted against each other. Furthermore, one end in the longitudinal direction is closed by a cover 60, and the other end in the longitudinal direction is closed by another cover 70, thereby forming a heat medium storage space within the tubular member 13.

[0023] A partition plate (not shown) is installed inside the water collection tank 11. The partition plate runs along the longitudinal direction (the X-axis in the figure) of the water collection tank 11, dividing the interior of the water collection tank 11 into two zones along its transverse direction (the Y-axis in the figure). Heat medium stored in the two zones separated by the partition plate prevents each from entering the other. One zone is connected to the inlet pipe 2 and serves as the inflow zone, while the other zone is connected to the outlet pipe 3 and serves as the outflow zone. The second plate 30 is provided with a tube insertion portion (not shown) for inserting the tube 100.

[0024] <Connection structure of heat exchanger and pipe> Next, the connection structure of the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment and the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3 will be described. In the following description, the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3 are collectively referred to as pipes P when not distinguishing between them.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the inflow and outflow sides of the water collection tank 11 are closed by a cover 60 , and the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 are connected to the cover 60 via a connecting member 80 .

[0026] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the inflow outlet of the water collecting tank 11. Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a connecting member 80. Figure 3 (A) is a perspective view viewed from the direction of the water collecting tank 11. Figure 3 (B) is the main view viewed from the direction of the water collecting tank 11, Figure 3 (C) is Figure 3 (B) xx line cross-sectional view.

[0027] <cover> Reference Figure 2The lid 60 will now be described. The lid 60 includes a lid body 65 that covers the opening 11A of the water collection tank 11 (cylindrical member 13); a rim 66 provided at the outer circumferential end of the lid body 65; and two, for example, circular openings 63A and 63B extending through the lid body 65. The lid 60 (lid body 65) has a generally oblong (or generally elliptical) shape when viewed from the X-axis direction in the figure. It is a so-called cover structure that is attached to the water collection tank 11 so that the rim 66 covers the outer circumference of the end portion of the water collection tank 11.

[0028] Opening 63A is connected to the inlet pipe 2 via a connecting member 80, serving as the inlet for the heat medium in the water header tank 11. Opening 63B is connected to the outlet pipe 3 via a connecting member 80, serving as the outlet for the heat medium in the water header tank 11. A tubular (e.g., cylindrical) connecting portion 67A is provided around opening 63A, extending from the water header tank 11 toward the pipe P. A tubular (e.g., cylindrical) connecting portion 67B is provided around opening 63B, extending from the water header tank 11 toward the pipe P. In this embodiment, connecting portion 67A is inserted into the inner side of the pipe end PE of the inlet pipe 2, while connecting portion 67B is inserted into the inner side of the pipe end PE of the outlet pipe 3.

[0029] The cover 60 is provided with, for example, caulking claws 61. The cover 60 and the tubular member 13 are fixed by caulking the caulking claws 61 to the rib grooves 21B and 31B provided at the longitudinal ends of the first plate 20 and the second plate 30.

[0030] <Connection Parts> Reference Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The connecting component 80 will be described. The connecting component 80 is a pipe joint that connects and secures the pipe P to the cap 60. The connecting component 80 comprises a main body 81; two, for example, circular communication holes (openings) 82 (82A, 82B) extending through the main body 81; and cylindrical (for example, cylindrical) fixing portions 83 (inflow-side fixing portion 83A and outflow-side fixing portion 83B) disposed around each of the communication holes 82A and 82B. In this example, the diameters of the inflow-side fixing portion 83A (communication hole 82A) and the outflow-side fixing portion 83B (communication hole 82B) are the same, but they may differ.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the main body 81 is, for example, flat and has a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. The inflow-side fixing portion 83A and the outflow-side fixing portion 83B are independently provided on the first surface S1 side of the main body 81, and the main body 81 integrally supports them.

[0032] The inlet-side fixing portion 83A can cover the outer peripheral surface of the connection portion 67A on the inlet side of the cover 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the tube end PE of the inlet pipe 2. Furthermore, the outlet-side fixing portion 83B can cover the outer peripheral surface of the connection portion 67B on the outlet side of the cover 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the tube end PE of the outlet pipe 3.

[0033] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in (C), the inlet-side fixing portion 83A and the outlet-side fixing portion 83B each have a large-diameter portion 84 with an inner diameter D1 and a small-diameter portion 85 with an inner diameter D2. The large-diameter portion 84 is continuous with the main body 81 and rises from the main body 81. The small-diameter portion 85 is formed by bending the distal end of the large-diameter portion 84 toward the axial center of the communicating hole 82 to reduce its diameter.

[0034] Here, in the connecting component 80, the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 84 and the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 85 that are continuous from the first surface S1 of the main body 81 are referred to as the outer side surface SO of the connecting component 80, and the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 84 and the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 85 that are continuous from the second surface S2 of the main body 81 are referred to as the inner side surface S1 of the connecting component 80. The connecting component 80 is provided with a brazing filler metal at least on the outer side surface SO. The connecting component 80 is preferably provided with a brazing filler metal on the outer side surface SO and the inner side surface S1. Alternatively, the connecting component 80 may be provided with a brazing filler metal on the entire surface including the plate thickness portion 80D.

[0035] The connection member 80 of this embodiment may be formed of a composite material having a brazing filler metal bonded to a base metal such as aluminum, for example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may also be formed by applying and adhering the brazing filler metal to the base metal.

[0036] <Connection Structure Using Connecting Parts> Reference Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The connection structure between the pipe P and the header tank 11 of the heat exchanger 1 using the connection member 80 will be described. Figure 4 It is from Figure 1 An exploded side view of the water collecting tank 11 and the connection portion of the pipe P viewed in the Y-axis direction, Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the connection state of the pipe P and the cap 60, and is similar to Figure 3 (B) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section along line xx.

[0037] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the connecting member 80, the cover 60, and the water collection tank 11 are arranged in order from the pipe P side. The connecting member 80 is arranged so that the main body 81 faces the pipe P side and the fixing parts 83 (the inflow-side fixing part 83A and the outflow-side fixing part 83B) face the cover 60 side. As described above, the cover 60 covers the opening 11A of the water collection tank 11 with the connecting part 67 facing the connecting member 80 side. Figure 5 As shown, in this example, the connection portion 67 of the cap 60 is inserted into the inner side of the pipe end PE of the pipe P, and the fixing portion 83 of the connection portion 80 covers the outer peripheries of both the connection portion 67 of the cap 60 and the pipe end PE of the pipe P.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the inner diameter D6 of the pipe end PE of the pipe P is set to be larger than the outer diameter (outer diameter) D3 of the connecting portion 67 of the cap 60. Furthermore, the inner diameter D1 of the large diameter portion 84 of the connecting member 80 is set to be larger than the outer diameter D5 of the pipe P. Furthermore, the inner diameter D2 of the small diameter portion 85 of the connecting member 80 is set to be larger than the outer diameter (outer diameter) D3 of the connecting portion 67 of the cap 60.

[0039] An example of their assembly method will be described. First, the cover 60 is mounted on the opening 11A of the water collecting tank 11. On the other hand, the connecting member 80 is mounted on the pipe end PE of the pipe P and connected to the connecting portion 67 of the cover 60. Figure 5 As shown, the connection portion 67 of the cap 60 of the opening of the pipe end PE is inserted into the inner side of the small-diameter portion 85 of the connecting member 80 and then inserted into the inner side of the pipe end PE. Furthermore, the pipe end PE of the pipe P is sandwiched between the large-diameter portion 84 of the connecting member 80 and the connection portion 67 of the cap 60. Furthermore, the centers of the opening of the pipe P, the communicating hole 82 of the connecting member 80, and the opening 63 of the cap 60 are aligned on the same axis C.

[0040] The connecting member 80 abuts against a portion of the cover 60 and a portion of the tube P. Alternatively, the connecting member 80, a portion of the cover 60, and a portion of the tube P are positioned closely opposite each other at a distance sufficient to allow for reliable fastening (fixing) using brazing. Hereinafter, "closely opposite" in the positional relationship between the connecting member 80, the cover 60, and the tube P means that they are positioned closely opposite each other at a distance sufficient to allow for reliable fastening (fixing) using brazing.

[0041] Specifically, the small diameter portion 85 of the connecting member 80 is in contact with or nearly opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 67 of the cover 60. Figure 5In the illustrated example, the thick portion 80D of the small-diameter portion 85 abuts or nearly faces the outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 67 of the cap 60. Furthermore, as an example, the outer circumference of the connecting portion 67 of the cap 60 abuts or nearly faces the inner circumference of the pipe end PE of the pipe P. Furthermore, the outer side surface SO (the surface intersecting the axis C) of the small-diameter portion 85 abuts or nearly faces the outer circumferential surface (the surface intersecting the axis C) of the shoulder portion of the cap 60 extending from the cap body 65 to the connecting portion 67. Furthermore, the inner side surface S1 of the large-diameter portion 84 of the connecting member 80 abuts or nearly faces the outer circumferential surface of the pipe end PE of the pipe P, and the inner side surface S1 (the surface intersecting the axis C) of the small-diameter portion 85 abuts or nearly faces the pipe end PE of the pipe P.

[0042] Then, in the assembled state, they are brazed in a brazing process. The connection member 80 is provided with brazing filler metal over its entire surface, including the thick portion 80D. Therefore, regardless of the state of the brazing filler metal on the cap 60 (even if both the outer and inner surfaces of the cap 60 are brazing filler metal surfaces, or even if no brazing filler metal is provided on the cap 60), the cap 60 and the pipe P can be connected and fixed (brazed) using the brazing filler metal on the connection member 80.

[0043] It is preferred that the aforementioned nearly opposing surfaces of the connecting member 80, the tube P, and the connecting portion 67 all abut against each other, for example, before brazing. For example, it is preferred that the small-diameter portion 85 of the connecting member 80 abut against the outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 67 of the cap 60. Furthermore, it is preferred that the connecting portion 67 of the cap 60 abut against the inner circumference of the tube P. Furthermore, it is preferred that the inner side surface S1 of the large-diameter portion 84, a portion of the inner side surface S1 of the main body 81, and a portion of the inner side surface S1 of the small-diameter portion 85 abut against the outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 67 of the cap 60.

[0044] However, at least one of these (any of the aforementioned nearly opposing surfaces) may not abut, resulting in a gap. However, if the gap is too large, there is a possibility of heat medium leakage or the brazing material may enter the heat medium flow path after the brazing process. Therefore, the dimensions of each component are set to a level such that even if at least one of the nearly opposing surfaces of the connecting member 80, the tube P, and the connecting portion 67 does not abut, resulting in a gap, the gap will be blocked by the brazing material after brazing, preventing heat medium leakage.

[0045] Thus, the inlet pipe 2 communicates with the inflow area of ​​the water collection tank 11 via the communication hole 82A of the connecting member 80 and the opening 63A of the cover 60. Furthermore, the outlet pipe 3 communicates with the outflow area of ​​the water collection tank 11 via the communication hole 82B of the connecting member 80 and the opening 63B of the cover 60.

[0046] The connecting component 80 of this embodiment includes: an inlet-side fixing portion 83A, which is formed in a cylindrical shape and can respectively cover the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 67A on the inlet side of the cover 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the tube end of the inlet pipe 2; and an outlet-side fixing portion 83B, which is formed in a cylindrical shape and can respectively cover the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 67B on the outlet side of the flow cover 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the tube end PE of the outlet pipe 3.

[0047] By connecting the pipe P and the cap 60 via the connecting member 80, the inner diameter D6 of the pipe end PE of the pipe P can be made equal to or greater than the outer diameter D3 of the connecting portion 67 (67A, 67B) of the cap 60. This prevents the cross-sectional area of ​​the heat medium passageway at the connection between the pipe P and the cap 60 from becoming smaller than the opening of the cap 60, thus preventing contraction flow of the heat medium flowing from the pipe P through the cap 60 into the water header tank 11. Consequently, an increase in water flow resistance at the connection between the two can be suppressed.

[0048] In particular, if Figure 4 As shown, the inner diameter D6 of the pipe end PE of the pipe P can be made larger than the outer diameter D3 of the connection portion 67 (67A, 67B) of the cap 60, and the connection can be performed with the connection portion 67 inserted inside the pipe end PE of the pipe P. This prevents contraction flow of the heat medium flowing from the pipe P through the cap 60 into the header tank 11, and also suppresses leakage of the heat medium between the pipe P and the connection portion 67.

[0049] Furthermore, the inflow-side fixing portion 83A and the outflow-side fixing portion 83B are each configured to include a small-diameter portion 85 and a large-diameter portion 84. The small-diameter portion 85 is capable of covering the outer circumference of the connecting portion 67, while the large-diameter portion 84 is capable of covering the outer circumference of the pipe end PE. This increases the contact area between the cap 60 and the pipe P and the connecting member 80, thereby improving connection reliability.

[0050] The inner diameter D4 of the connection portion 67 of the cover 60 is configured to be smaller than the opening width D7 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) of the opening 11A of the water collecting tank 11 (see Figure 4 ), no contraction flow from the cover 60 to the water collecting tank 11 is generated.

[0051] When the lid 60 has a complex shape (for example, in the case of a cover-shaped configuration covering the opening 11A of the water collecting tank 11, as in this embodiment), brazing filler metal may be applied to the inner surface of the lid 60 (the surface facing the outer periphery of the water collecting tank 11). Furthermore, brazing filler metal is typically not applied to the inner surface of the tube P. With such a configuration, even if the connecting portion 67 of the lid 60 is inserted into the tube P to prevent contraction flow, brazing cannot be performed.

[0052] According to this embodiment, since brazing filler metal is provided on at least the outer peripheral surface (outer surface SO) and the inner peripheral surface (inner surface SI) of the inlet-side fixing portion 83A and the outlet-side fixing portion 83B, the pipe P and the cover 60 can be fixed by brazing regardless of the state of the brazing filler metal of the cover 60.

[0053] In particular, when the connection portion 67 is inserted inside the pipe end PE of the pipe P, the small-diameter portion 85 of the connecting member 80 covers the outer circumferential surface of the connection portion 67 of the cap 60, and the large-diameter portion 84 covers the outer circumferential surface of the pipe end PE. Furthermore, since brazing filler metal is provided on the inner and outer surfaces S1 and SO of the small-diameter and large-diameter portions 85 and 84, as well as on the thick portion 80D, sufficient brazing filler metal can be supplied to the cap 60 and the pipe P, preventing leakage of the heat medium and enabling reliable connection.

[0054] That is, even in the heat exchanger 1 that prevents the contraction flow of the heat medium flowing from the tube P into the header tank 11 and includes the existing cover 60 , the tube P and the header tank 11 can be connected in a universal manner.

[0055] Furthermore, the connecting member 80 integrally supports the inlet-side fixing portion 83A and the outlet-side fixing portion 83B via the main body 81, making it possible to connect the heat exchanger 1 to the inlet pipe 2 and the outlet pipe 3 using a single connecting member 80. Therefore, for example, assemblability can be improved compared to a case where a connecting member with separate inlet-side fixing portions is used.

[0056] <Modification> Reference Figures 6 to 9 Modifications of this embodiment will be described. Figures 6 to 9 All with Figure 5 Corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, an expanded diameter portion P1 may be formed upstream of the pipe end PE (in the direction away from the connecting member 80) of the pipe P. In this case, the inner diameter of the expanded diameter portion P1 is made equal to the inner diameter of the pipe P. Furthermore, the expanded diameter portion P1 abuts against the inner surface S1 of the main body portion 81 of the connecting member 80 (the expanded diameter portion P1 is formed at this position). This increases the contact area between the outer circumference of the pipe P and the inner circumferential surface S1 of the connecting member 80, enabling reliable fixation.

[0058] in addition, Figure 7The small-diameter portion 85 of the connecting member 80 and the outer periphery of the connecting portion 67 of the cap 60 do not abut against each other, but a small gap C is formed between them. Thus, even if the small-diameter portion 85 and the connecting portion 67 do not contact each other, if sufficient brazing filler metal is provided in the connecting member 80, the brazing filler metal can be embedded in the gap C during the brazing process, thereby securing the cap 60 to the tube P. In this case, a configuration in which the brazing filler metal is provided only on the inner surface S1 of the connecting member 80 is also possible.

[0059] in addition, Figure 8 The inner diameter of the pipe P is not constant. The inner diameter D5 of the pipe end PE of the pipe P is larger than the outer diameter D3 of the connection portion 67 of the cap 60, and the connection portion 67 is inserted into the pipe end PE. Furthermore, the inner diameter D8 of the upstream pipe P is smaller than the inner diameter D5 of the pipe end PE and, for example, is equal to the inner diameter D4 of the connection portion 67.

[0060] in addition, Figure 9 This configuration is such that the inner diameter D5 of the tube end PE of the tube P is equal to the inner diameter D4 of the connection portion 67 of the cap 60. In this embodiment, as long as contraction flow from the tube P toward (the opening 63 of) the cap 60 can be suppressed, the inner diameter D5 of the tube end PE of the tube P and the inner diameter D4 of the connection portion 67 of the cap 60 can be equal. In this case, the connecting member 90 is configured, for example, such that a small-diameter portion 85 and a main body 81 are continuously raised, with a large-diameter portion 84 provided at the distal end of the small-diameter portion 85. The inner side surfaces S1 of the main body 81 and the small-diameter portion 85 abut against the outer peripheral surfaces of the tube end PE and the connection portion 67 of the cap 60, while the inner side surface S1 of the large-diameter portion 84 abuts against the cap body 65 of the cap 60.

[0061] Figures 6 to 9 These arbitrary structures shown can also suppress the contraction flow when the liquid flows from the pipe P into the cover 60 , and can connect and fix the pipe P and the cover 60 regardless of the brazing state of the cover 60 .

[0062] In addition, for reference Figures 6 to 9 The positional relationship among the connecting member 80 , the cap 60 , and the pipe P described as “abutting against” may also be “closely facing”.

[0063] In addition, the connection member 80 may be configured so that the inflow-side fixing portion 83A and the outflow-side fixing portion 83B are separated (isolated).

[0064] The heat exchanger 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Description of reference numerals:

[0065] 1: Heat exchanger; 2: Inlet pipe; 3: Outlet pipe; 10: Heat exchange core; 11: Box (collecting tank); 13: Cylindrical component; 60: Cover; 61: Riveted claws; 63A, 63B: Opening; 65: Cover body; 66: Edge; 67, 67A, 67B: Connecting portion; 80, 90: Connecting component; 80D: Plate thickness portion; 81: Main body; 82, 82A, 82B: Connecting hole; 83: Fixing portion; 83A: Inflow side fixing portion; 83B: Outflow side fixing portion; 84: Large diameter portion; 85: Small diameter portion.

Claims

1. A connecting component, characterized in that: The connecting member connects the heat exchanger to the respective pipe ends of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe for passing the heat medium through the interior of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has: a box portion, which is long in one direction; and The cover covers one end of the box portion in the longitudinal direction and is provided with openings serving as an inlet and an outlet for the heat medium, and a connecting portion is provided around the openings. The connecting component comprises: an inflow-side fixing portion formed in a cylindrical shape and capable of covering the outer peripheral surfaces of the connecting portion and the pipe end on the inflow side; and The outflow-side fixing portion is formed in a cylindrical shape and can cover the outer peripheral surfaces of the connection portion and the pipe end on the outflow side.

2. The connecting component according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection can be performed in a state where the connecting portion is inserted into the inner side of the pipe end.

3. The connecting component according to claim 1, characterized in that Brazing material is provided on at least the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the inflow-side fixing portion and the outflow-side fixing portion.

4. The connecting component according to claim 1, characterized in that The inflow-side fixing portion and the outflow-side fixing portion respectively have a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion. The small-diameter portion can cover the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion, and the large-diameter portion can cover the outer peripheral surface of the pipe end.

5. The connecting component according to claim 1, characterized in that The connecting member includes a main body portion that integrally supports the inflow-side fixing portion and the outflow-side fixing portion.

6. A heat exchanger, characterized in that: The connecting portion is connected to the pipe end by a connecting component according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, characterized in that The inner diameter of the connecting portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the box portion, and the inner diameter of the pipe end is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion.

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