Heat exchanger

Abstract

Heat exchanger, comprising: a plurality of tubes (111) which are layered in one layering direction; a reinforcing side plate (113) which is arranged furthest out from the tubes (111) in the layering direction, wherein the side plate (113) extends in a longitudinal direction from the tubes (111); a core plate (114) extending in the layering direction, wherein a longitudinal end (111a) of the tube (111) is connected to the core plate (114); and a tank (120, 130) which is connected to the core plate (114), wherein the side plate (113) has an end section (113b) in a longitudinal direction from the side plate (113) and the core plate (114) has a wall section, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the tube (111), wherein the wall section is arranged at an end section of the core plate (114) in the layering direction, the end section (113b) of the side plate (113) has a soldered section which is soldered to an outer side (114a) of the wall section of the core plate (114), and the end section (113b) of the side plate (113) has a through-hole (113e) which is arranged in the soldered section, and through which the soldered section between the end section (113b) of the side plate (113) and the outer side (114a) can be visually confirmed through the through-hole (113e), wherein the core plate (114) has a U-shaped pin (114d) which is defined by a bending of a pointed end from the wall section opposite the tank (120, 130) in the direction of the tube (111), and wherein the end section (113b) of the side plate (113) is set between the outer side (114a) and the pin (114d), wherein the through hole (113e) has a burr which is produced by a compression forming process, and wherein the burr is arranged on one side of the side plate (113) opposite the outer side (114a) of the core plate (114).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger.

[0002] JP 2007-120827 A describes a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a core member constructed by alternately stacking tubes and fins. A core plate is disposed at one end of the core member in a longitudinal direction of the tubes. The core plate has a tube connection side, and one end of the tubes is connected to the tube connection side. The core plate further includes a groove portion defined around an outer periphery of the core plate. A tank is fitted into the groove portion.

[0003] Furthermore, a reinforcing side plate is arranged on each side of the core member in a lamination direction of the tubes and the fins. A longitudinal end portion of the side plate is brazed to an outer wall of the groove portion of the core plate.

[0004] However, contact between the outer wall of the core plate and the side plate may not be completely tight because the sides of the core plate and the side plate that are to be in contact are not completely flat. In this case, a sealed space may be created locally between the outer wall of the core plate and the side plate. If brazing is performed in a state that air is contained in the sealed space, it becomes difficult to provide sufficient flow of the brazing material between the outer wall of the core plate and the side plate. If removal of an oxide layer is insufficient, the accuracy of brazing is reduced, so that the bonding strength between the core plate and the side plate is reduced.

[0005] Furthermore, the core plate has a tube hole, and the end of the tube is inserted into the tube hole.

[0006] The outer wall of the core plate has a pin, which is formed by bending the tip end of the outer wall 180°. The end portion of the side plate is placed between the outer wall and the pin. The tubes, fins, and core plate are brazed together after the brazing compound is applied.

[0007] A layered element is created by placing the side plate on the core part. Then, the tube is inserted into the tube hole of the core plate, and the end portion of the side plate is inserted into a gap between the outer wall and the pin.

[0008] However, a dimension of the core part in the tube's lamination direction may become larger than a predetermined value due to the tube or fin having the brazing material pre-applied. In this case, a position of the side plate deviates slightly outward in the lamination direction, making it difficult to insert the side plate into the gap between the outer wall and the pin.

[0009] JP H05-79789 A describes a connection structure that supports the position of a heat exchanger core on both sides of the heat exchanger core and a tube plate. This heat exchanger comprises a plurality of tubes stacked in a saturation direction, a side plate arranged outside the tubes in the stacking direction, the side plate extending in a longitudinal direction from the tubes, a core plate extending in the stacking direction, one longitudinal end of each tube being connected to the core plate, and a tank connected to the core plate. The core plate has a wall portion at its end portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the tube.The end portion of the side plate has a soldering portion soldered to an outer side of the wall portion of the core plate, and an elongated through hole disposed in the soldering portion for receiving an end portion of the core plate.

[0010] JP 2009- 222 237 A describes a cooler in which side wall portions of the core plates are supported by support members when the core plates, tubes, fins and side plates are joined by brazing. Side panels.

[0011] JP 2009-281704 A describes a heat exchanger intended to prevent damage during assembly or the like in the heat exchanger. This heat exchanger comprises a plurality of tubes that are layered in a layering direction. a reinforcing side plate arranged outside the tubes in the stacking direction, the side plate extending in a longitudinal direction from the tubes; a core plate extending in the stacking direction, with one longitudinal end of each tube connected to the core plate; and a tank connected to the core plate. The side plate has an end portion in its longitudinal direction.The core plate includes a warp end portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the pipe, and a U-shaped pin defined by bending a tip end of the wall portion opposite the tank toward the pipe, the pin being disposed outside the wall portion in the lamination direction, the end portion of the side plate being sandwiched between an outer side of the wall portion and the pin, and the pin having a bent portion defined by bending a tip end of the pin outward in the lamination direction. The end portion of the side plate includes an extension extending from the tip end toward the tank, the extension being disposed outside the pin in the width direction, and the pin having an end portion adjacent to the tank.

[0012] FR 2 735 855 A1 describes a rigid block formed from parallel fluid circulation tubes and cooling fins, held together by upper and lower collector plates and transverse side plates, both formed from folded metal sheets. The collector plates and side plates are first secured by mechanical cooperation of their shapes.

[0013] DE 200 05 523 U1 describes a charge air cooler consisting of tubes and rectangular baffles. The tubes have flat-oval cross-sections, are arranged parallel to each other, and extend through coaxial openings in the baffles, which are arranged with their center planes perpendicular to the tube axes. Furthermore, the tubes are connected to the baffles by expanding. The end section of the side plate has a tip end opposite the tank, which has a tapered portion.

[0014] US 6 357 520 B1 describes a heat exchanger having a plurality of tubes with fins between header tubes arranged at end portions of the tubes and with side plates for holding the tube layer.

[0015] DE 24 49 079 A1 relates to heat exchangers, more specifically radiators and air heating devices used in motor vehicles, having side parts attached to the small sides of the tube plates thereof. This heat exchanger comprises a plurality of tubes layered in a layering direction, a side plate arranged outside the tubes in the layering direction, the side plate extending in a longitudinal direction from the tubes, a core plate extending in the layering direction, one longitudinal end of each tube being connected to the core plate, and a tank connected to the core plate. The core plate has a wall portion at its end portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube.The end portion of the side plate has a portion which can be soldered to an outer side of the wall portion of the core plate, and a through hole arranged in the portion.

[0016] In view of the foregoing and other problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a heat exchanger.

[0017] This problem is solved by the subject matter of patent claims 1 and 4.

[0018] According to a first example of the present invention, a heat exchanger includes tubes, a side plate, a core plate, and a tank. The tubes are layered in a layering direction. The side plate is located outermost from the tubes in the layering direction and extends in a longitudinal direction of the tubes. The core plate extends in the layering direction, and a longitudinal end of the tube is connected to the core plate. The tank is connected to the core plate. The side plate has an end portion in a longitudinal direction of the side plate, and the core plate has an end portion in a longitudinal direction of the core plate. The end portion of the side plate has a brazing portion brazed to an outer wall side of the end portion of the core plate. The end portion of the side plate has a through hole disposed in the brazing portion.

[0019] Accordingly, soldering can be performed accurately and easily.

[0020] According to a second example of the present invention, a heat exchanger includes tubes, a side plate, a core plate, and a tank. The tubes are layered in a layering direction. The side plate is located outermost from the tubes in the layering direction and extends in a longitudinal direction of the tubes. The core plate extends in the layering direction, and a longitudinal end of the tube is connected to the core plate. The tank is connected to the core plate. The side plate has an end portion in a longitudinal direction of the side plate, and the core plate has a wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The core plate further includes a U-shaped pin defined by bending a tip end of the wall portion opposite to the tank toward the tube. The pin is located outer from the wall portion in the layering direction.The end portion of the side plate is interposed between an outer side of the wall portion and the pin, and the pin has a bent part defined by bending a tip end of the pin outward in the lamination direction.

[0021] Accordingly, the heat exchanger can be manufactured accurately and easily.

[0022] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic front view illustrating a radiator according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2A is a side view showing the radiator viewed from an arrow direction IIA of the Fig. 1, and Fig. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view along line IIB-IIB of the Fig. 2A; Fig. 3 is a schematic front view illustrating a radiator according to a second embodiment; Fig. 4 is a side view showing the radiator seen from an arrow direction IV of the Fig. 3 represents; Fig. 5 is an exploded view showing tubes, fins, a side plate, and a core plate of the radiator of the second embodiment; and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI of the Fig. 4. First embodiment

[0023] In a first embodiment, a heat exchanger of the present invention is applied to a radiator 100 which cools a vehicle engine (cooling water) using air.

[0024] As it is in the Fig. 1, the cooler 100 includes, for example, a core portion 110, an upper tank 120, and a lower tank 130. The cooler 100 may be a vertical flow type cooler, and cooling water passes through the core portion 110 downward in the Fig. 1 through.

[0025] The core part 110 includes tubes 111, fins 112, a side plate 113 and a core plate 114, which are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy which is excellent in strength and corrosion resistance.

[0026] The tube 111 is a tubular component, and cooling water passes through the tube 111. The tube 111 has a flat cross-section and is formed by bending a band-shaped member, for example. The fin 112 is a heat-dissipating component that increases a heat transfer area (heat dissipation area). The fin 112 is a corrugated fin having a wave shape and is formed, for example, by a rolling process using a thin plate member.

[0027] The side plate 113 is a reinforcing component and extends along the tube 111 with a comparatively small width. A longitudinal dimension of the side plate 113 is set approximately equal to that of the tube 111. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, the side plate 113 is constructed by a general part 113a and a longitudinal end portion 113b. The general part 113a is located at the center of the side plate 113 in the longitudinal direction and has a U-shaped cross section open outward in the tube lamination direction. The end portion 113b has a flat shape constructed by only a base of the U-shaped general part 113a and is manufactured by bending the side plate 113 so as to define a step relative to the general part 113a outward in the tube lamination direction, as shown in Figure 2A. Fig. 2B. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, the end portion 113b has a tip end 113c, and a rectangular cutout 113d is defined at the center of the tip end 113c in an airflow direction. The airflow direction is approximately perpendicular to the tube's lamination direction and the tube's longitudinal direction. A dimension of the end portion 113b is smaller than that of the general part 113a in the airflow direction.

[0028] The core plate 114 is a narrow plate element that extends in the lamination direction of the tube. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Fig. 2B, a groove portion 114b is formed around the entire outer periphery of the core plate 114 using a press machine. The groove portion 114b has a wall extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube, and a plurality of pins 114c are defined at one end of the wall in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The end portion 113b of the side plate 113 is connected to an outer side of the wall of the core plate 114, and the outer side is located in an end portion of the core plate 114 in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The outer side is hereinafter defined as an outer wall side 114a.

[0029] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Fig. 2A, the outer wall side 114a has a plurality (two) of the pins 114c arranged at symmetrical positions relative to a center of the core plate 114 in the air flow direction. A distance between the two pins 114c is set larger than the dimension of the end portion 113b in the air flow direction. The core plate 114 further has an insertion pin 114d arranged between the two pins 114c in the air flow direction. The insertion pin 114d, also called a pin, initially protrudes from a tip end of the outer wall side 114a toward the upper tank 120 and is formed by being bent outwardly by 180° toward the pipe 111. That is, the insertion pin 114d has a U-shaped bent part and a main part. The bent part is defined by bending the tip end from the outer wall side 114a toward the tube 111.The main part further extends from the bent part toward the tube 111. A gap is defined between the outer wall side 114a and the insertion pin 114d and has a dimension corresponding to a thickness of the end portion 113b of the side plate 113.

[0030] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, a lower side 114e of the core plate 114 faces the tube 111. A plurality of tube holes 114f are defined in the core plate 114 in an area inside the groove portion 114b, and the positions and shapes of the holes 114f correspond to the positions and shapes of the layered tubes 111, respectively.

[0031] The tubes 111 and the fins 112 are alternately arranged to each other in the stratification direction corresponding to a direction from left to right in the Fig. 1. A bent part of the wave-shaped rib 112 is in contact with an outer wall side of the tube 111. The side plate 113 is arranged outermost in the lamination direction of the tube, and a position of the tip end 113c of the side plate 113 corresponds to a position of an end 111a of the tube 111 in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0032] The end 111a of the tube 111 is inserted into the tube hole 114f of the core plate 114. The end portion 113b of the side plate 113 is in contact with the outer wall side 114a of the core plate 114. The end portion 113b and the cutout 113d are arranged in the space between the outer wall side 114a and the insertion pin 114d.

[0033] The tubes 111, the fins 112, the side plate 113 and the core plate 114 are integrally brazed to each other so as to define the core part 110 after a brazing material is applied to each surface of the tube 111, the side plate 113 and the core plate 114.

[0034] The tank 120, 130 is a narrow half-container element extending longitudinally from the core plate 114. The tank 120, 130 is mechanically connected to the core plate 114 by pressing the pins 114c through a sealing gasket (not shown) disposed in the groove portion 114b of the core plate 114. The interior of the tube 111 communicates with an internal space of the tank 120, 130.

[0035] The upper tank 120 distributes cooling water from the engine to each pipe 111 and is made of a resin material such as polyamide (PA). The upper tank 120 has a roughly U-shaped cross section when cut in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The upper tank 120 includes a main body 121 as the half-tank member, and one side of the main body 121 opposite the core plate 114 is open. The main body 121 integrally includes a pipe 121a, a plurality of shroud holders 121b (4 positions), and a plurality of vehicle mounting parts 121c (2 positions). Cooling water flows into the tank 120 through the pipe 121a. A fan shroud (not shown) is attached to the shroud holders 121b.

[0036] The radiator 100 is fixed to a chassis (not shown) of the vehicle by the vehicle fixing parts 121c.

[0037] The lower tank 130 collects cooling water from each pipe 111 and is made of a resin material such as polyamide (PA). The lower tank 130 has a roughly U-shaped cross section when cut in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, similar to the upper tank 120. The lower tank 130 includes a main body 131 as the half-tank member, and one side of the main body 131 opposite to the pipe 111 is open. The main body 131 integrally includes a pipe 131a, a plurality of fender brackets 131b (2 positions), a plurality of vehicle mounting parts 131c (2 positions), and a drain port 131d. Cooling water flows out of the tank 130 through the pipe 131a. The fan shroud is attached to the shroud brackets 131b. The radiator 100 is attached to the vehicle chassis by the vehicle mounting parts 131c. The drain port 131d is used to drain cooling water at the time of maintenance.An oil cooler 140 is disposed in the lower tank 130 and cools an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for an automatic transmission of the vehicle.

[0038] The end portion 113b of the side plate 113 has a through hole 113e in a portion to be soldered to the outer wall side 114a. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, the through-hole 113e is located at the center of the end portion 113b in the airflow direction. The through-hole 113e has an oval (elliptical) shape, and the oval shape has a major axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the side plate 113.

[0039] The through hole 113e is formed by a punching process using a press machine, and the punching is carried out from left to right in the Fig. 2B. That is, a punch burr is formed on one side of the end portion 113b, which is opposite to the outer wall side 114a, in the punching process.

[0040] The radiator 100 is arranged, for example, at the front of an engine compartment of the vehicle and is positioned behind a grille. The vehicle mounting part 121c, 131c is attached to a frame of the vehicle. An inlet hose extending from the engine is connected to the pipe part 121a. An outlet hose extending from the engine is connected to the pipe part 131a.

[0041] Cooling water flows into the upper tank 120 from the engine through the inlet hose and pipe section 121a and is distributed into the pipes 111. As cooling water flows through each of the pipes 111, the cooling water is cooled by heat exchange with air. At this time, the heat exchange is accelerated by the fin 112. Cooling water is collected by the lower tank 130 and flows toward the engine through the pipe section 131a and the outlet hose.

[0042] In the cooler 100 of the present embodiment, the end portion 113b and the cutout 113d of the side plate 113 are inserted into the gap between the outer wall face 114a and the insertion pin 114d. The side plate 113 is joined to the core plate 114 in the state that the end portion 113b is in contact with the outer wall face 114a. In a conventional cooler having such a structure, an outer wall of a core plate and an end portion of a side plate cannot have completely tight contact with each other because the sides of the core plate and the side plate to be joined are not completely flat. In this case, a sealed space can be created locally between the core plate and the side plate.If brazing is performed in a state where air is contained in the sealed space, it becomes difficult to provide sufficient brazing material flow for bonding between the core plate and the side plate. If oxide film removal is insufficient, brazing accuracy will be reduced. This means that the bond strength between the side plate and the core plate may be reduced in the conventional cooler.

[0043] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the through-hole 113e is defined in the end portion 113b of the side plate 113. A gap created between the side plate 113 and the core plate 114 can communicate with the outside through the through-hole 113e while brazing is performed between the end portion 113b and the outer wall side 114a. That is, even if a sealed space exists between the end portion 113b and the outer wall side 114a, air discharge is possible. The flow of the brazing material can be continuously supplied, and the oxide film can be reliably removed by the flow of the brazing material. The accuracy of the brazing between the side plate 113 and the core plate 114 can thus be improved according to the present embodiment.

[0044] After soldering, a state of the solder material around the soldering portion between the end portion 113b and the outer wall side 114a can be visually confirmed through the through hole 113e, so that the soldering quality can be easily checked.

[0045] The through-hole 113e is formed by the punching process using the press machine. The burr generated during the punching process is formed on the side of the end portion 113b opposite the outer wall side 114a. Therefore, a tip end of the burr contacts the outer wall side 114a when soldering is performed. The accuracy of soldering is further improved because the contact point between the burr and the outer wall side 114a can be a starting point for soldering.

[0046] The through-hole 113e has an oval shape, and the major axis of the oval shape extends in the longitudinal direction from the side plate 113. The through-hole 113e therefore passes through the side plate 113 while maintaining a predetermined soldering area between the end portion 113b and the outer wall side 114a.

[0047] The core plate 114 has an insertion pin 114d, and the end portion 113b of the side plate 113 is inserted between the outer wall side 114a and the insertion pin 114d. The end portion 113b of the side plate 113 can be fixed between the outer wall side 114a and the insertion pin 114d, while the tubes 111, the fins 112, the side plate 113, and the core plate 114 are assembled to form the core part 110. Therefore, the side plate 113 can be held by the core plate 114, and a unit of the core part 110 can be easily handled.

[0048] The burr is formed around the through-hole 113e on the side of the side plate 113 opposite the outer wall side 114a in the punching process. Alternatively, the burr may be omitted if the brazing material can flow properly between the end portion 113b of the side plate 113 and the outer wall side 114a. That is, the burr may be formed around the through-hole 113e on a side of the side plate 113 opposite the outer wall side 114a. In a case where the burr is not required, the through-hole 113e may be formed by a cutting and peeling process instead of a punching process.

[0049] The shape of the through hole 113e is not limited to the oval shape and may be another shape such as a circle or a rectangle in accordance with the predetermined soldering area between the end portion 113b of the side plate 113 and the outer wall side 114a.

[0050] The insertion pin 114d may be omitted in a case where an original jig is used to fix the side plate 113 to the tubes 111, the fins 112 and the core plate 114 while assembling the core part 110.

[0051] The radiator 100 for cooling the engine is an example of the heat exchanger. However, the heat exchanger is not limited to the radiator 100. Alternatively, the heat exchanger may be an intercooler for cooling the engine's intake air or a condenser or condenser for a cooling cycle. Second embodiment

[0052] In a second embodiment, a heat exchanger of the present invention is applied to a radiator 200 which cools an engine of a vehicle (cooling water) using cooled air.

[0053] As it is in the Fig. 3, the cooler 200 includes, for example, a core part 210, an upper tank 220, and a lower tank 230. The cooler 200 may be a vertical flow type cooler, and the cooling water passes through the core part 210 downward in the Fig. 3 through.

[0054] The core part 210 includes tubes 211, fins 212, a side plate 213 and a core plate 214, which are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy which is excellent in strength and corrosion resistance.

[0055] The tube 211 is a tubular component, and cooling water passes through the tube 211. The tube 211 has a flat cross-section and is made by bending a band-shaped member, for example. The fin 212 is a heat-dissipating component that increases the heat transfer area (heat dissipation area). The fin 212 is a corrugated fin having a wave shape and is made by a rolling process using a thin plate member, for example.

[0056] The side plate 213 is a reinforcing component and extends together with the tube 211 with a relatively small width. A longitudinal dimension of the side plate 213 is set approximately equal to that of the tube 211. As shown in the Fig. 4A, the side plate 213 is constructed by a general part 213a and a longitudinal end portion 213b. The general part 213a is arranged at the center of the side plate 213 in the longitudinal direction and has a U-shaped cross section open outward in the tube lamination direction. The end portion 213b has a flat shape constructed only by a base of the U-shaped general part 213a and is made by bending the side plate 213 so as to define a step relative to the general part 213a outward in the tube lamination direction, as shown in FIG. Fig. 5. A dimension of the end portion 213b is smaller than that of the general part 213a in a flow direction of the air, which is approximately perpendicular to the stratification direction of the tube and the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0057] The end portion 213b of the side plate 213 has a tip end 213c. A side of the tip end 213c opposite the pin 214d has a tapered part 213d. That is, the tapered part 213d is formed by chamfering the side of the tip end 213c opposite the pin 214d. A thickness of the tapered part 213d decreases as it extends toward the tip end 213c. The tapered part 213d is formed by cutting or shaving a part of the tip end 213c, or by squeezing a part of the tip end 213c using a press machine. Alternatively, a press shear is formed as the tapered part 213d while the side plate 213 is formed by a press process.

[0058] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a dimension of the end portion 213b is larger than that of the pin 214d in the air flow direction. The end portion 213b further includes an extension 213e extending from a tip end of the side plate 213 toward the upper tank 220. The extension 213e is located outside of the pin 214d in the air flow direction. The pin 214d is located between two of the extensions 213e.

[0059] The core plate 214 is a narrow plate element that extends in the lamination direction of the tube. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Fig. 5, a groove portion 214b is formed around the entire outer periphery of the core plate 214 using a press machine. The groove portion 214b has a wall extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube, and a plurality of pins 214c are defined on one end of the wall in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The end portion 213b of the side plate 213 is connected to an outer side of the wall of the core plate 214, and the outer side is disposed in an end portion of the core plate 214 in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The outer side is hereinafter defined as an outer wall side 214a.

[0060] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Fig. 4, the outer wall side 214a has a plurality (two) of the pins 214c arranged at symmetrical positions relative to a center of the core plate 214 in the air flow direction. A distance between the two pins 214c is set larger than the dimension of the end portion 213b in the air flow direction. The core plate 214 further has an insertion pin 214d arranged between the two pins 214c in the air flow direction. The insertion pin 214d initially protrudes from a tip end of the outer wall side 214a toward the upper tank 220 and is formed by bending 180° toward the pipe 211. That is, the insertion pin 214d has a U-shaped bent part 114e and a main part. The bent part 114e is defined by bending the tip end of the outer wall side 214a toward the pipe 211.The main part further extends from the bent part towards the tube 211.

[0061] A dimension of the insertion pin 114d, also called pin 214d, is set smaller than that of the end portion 213b in the air flow direction. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Fig. 5, the pin 214d has a bent part 214e formed by bending a tip end of the pin 214d outward in the lamination direction of the tube. The bent part 214e is defined by a lower half of the pin 214d in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The bent part 214e extends straightly toward its tip end. Therefore, in a portion not including the bent part 214e, a dimension of a gap defined between the outer wall side 214a and the pin 214d corresponds to a thickness of the end portion 213b. In a portion including the bent part 214e, the gap becomes larger toward the tip end of the bent part 214e.

[0062] As it is in the Fig. 5, a plurality of tube holes 214f ​​are defined in the core plate 214 in an area inside the groove portion 214b, and positions and shapes of the holes 214f ​​correspond to positions and shapes of the layered tubes 211, respectively.

[0063] The tubes 211 and the fins 212 are arranged alternately to each other in the stratification direction corresponding to a direction from left to right in the Fig. 3 layered. A bent part of the wave-shaped rib 212 is in contact with an outer wall side of the tube 211. The side plate 213 is arranged outermost in the layering direction of the tube, and a position of the tip end of the extension 213e corresponds to a position of one end 211a of the tube 211 in the longitudinal direction of the tube, as shown in a dashed line in the Fig. 5 is shown.

[0064] As it is in the Fig. 6, the end 211a of the tube 211 is inserted into the tube hole 214f ​​of the core plate 214. The end portion 213b of the side plate 213 is inserted into the space between the outer wall side 214a and the pin 214d and is in contact with the outer wall side 214a. As shown in the Fig. 4, the extension 213e is arranged outside of the pin 214d in the air flow direction. As shown in a dashed line of the Fig. 6, an end position of the pin 214d adjacent to the upper tank 220 coincides with the position of the end 211a of the tube 211 and the end position of the extension 213e in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0065] The tubes 211, the fins 212, the side plate 213 and the core plate 214 are integrally brazed to each other to define the core part 210 after a brazing material is applied to each surface of the tube 211, the side plate 213 and the core plate 214.

[0066] The tank 220, 230 is a narrow half-container element extending in the longitudinal direction of the core plate 214. The tank 220, 230 is mechanically connected to the core plate 214 by pressing the pins 214c through a sealing gasket (not shown) disposed in the groove portion 214b of the core plate 214. The interior of the tube 211 communicates with an internal space of the tank 220, 230.

[0067] The upper tank 220 distributes cooling water from the engine to each pipe 211 and is made of a resin material such as polyamide (PA). The upper tank 220 has a roughly U-shaped cross section when cut in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The upper tank 220 includes a main body 221 as the half-tank member, and one side of the main body 221 opposite the core plate 214 is open. The main body 221 integrally includes a pipe 221a, a plurality of shroud holders 221b (4 positions), and a plurality of vehicle mounting parts 221c (2 positions). Cooling water flows into the tank 220 through the pipe 221a. A fan shroud (not shown) is attached to the shroud holders 221b. The radiator 200 is attached to a chassis (not shown) of a vehicle by the vehicle mounting parts 221c.

[0068] The lower tank 230 collects cooling water from each pipe 211 and is made of a resin material such as polyamide (PA). The lower tank 230 has a roughly U-shaped cross section when cut in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, similar to the upper tank 220. The lower tank 230 includes a main body 231 as the half-tank member, and one side of the main body 231 opposite the core plate 214 is open. The main body 231 integrally includes a pipe 231a, a plurality of shroud holders 231b (2 positions), a plurality of vehicle mounting parts 231c (2 positions), and a drain port 231d. Cooling water flows out of the tank 230 through the pipe 231a. The fan shroud is attached to the shroud holders 231b. The radiator 200 is attached to the vehicle chassis by the vehicle mounting parts 231c. The drain port 231d is used to drain cooling water at the time of maintenance.An oil cooler 240 is disposed in the lower tank 230 and cools automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for an automatic transmission of the vehicle.

[0069] The radiator 200 is arranged, for example, at a front part in an engine compartment of the vehicle and is arranged at the rear of a grille. The vehicle mounting part 221c, 231c is attached to a frame of the vehicle. An inlet hose extending from the engine is connected to the pipe part 221a. An outlet hose extending from the engine is mounted on the pipe part 231a.

[0070] Cooling water flows into the upper tank 220 from the engine through the inlet hose and pipe section 221a and is distributed into the pipes 211. As the cooling water flows through each of the pipes 211, the cooling water is cooled by heat exchange with air. At this time, the heat exchange is accelerated by the fin 212. The cooling water is collected by the lower tank 230 and flows toward the engine through the pipe section 231a and the outlet hose.

[0071] In the cooler 200 of the present embodiment, at the time of assembling the core member 210, the end portion 213b of the side plate 213 is inserted into the gap between the outer wall side 214a and the pin 214d. Therefore, the side plate 213 is fixed to the core plate 214 by the pin 214d, and the tubes 211 and the fins 213 are sandwiched between two of the side plates 213.

[0072] According to the present embodiment, the pin 214d has the bent portion 214e. Therefore, the distance between the outer wall side 214a and the pin 214d can be made larger when the side plate 213 is inserted into the gap.

[0073] In a comparative example, a dimension of a core part in a tube lamination direction may become larger than a predetermined value because a tube or a fin additionally includes a brazing material. In this case, a position of a side plate is slightly deviated outward in the tube lamination direction. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, because the clearance is made larger by the bent part 214e, the deviation in the position of the side plate 213 can be absorbed. The end portion 213b of the side plate 213 can therefore be easily inserted into the clearance between the outer wall side 214a and the pin 214d.

[0074] The tip end 213c of the side plate 213 has a tapered portion 213d. Interference between the tip end 213c and the bent portion 214e can be reduced by the tapered portion 213d. The end portion 213b of the side plate 213 can therefore be more easily inserted into the gap.

[0075] The end position of the pin 214d coincides with the position of the end 211a of the tube 211 and the end position of the extension 213e in the longitudinal direction of the tube. Therefore, while the tubes 211 and the side plate 213 are mounted to the core plate 214, the position of the end 211a of the tube 211 and the end position of the extension 213e can be easily adjusted relative to the end position of the pin 214d by disposing a simple flat plate on one side of the core plate 214 adjacent to the upper tank 220. Furthermore, the pin 214d can be prevented from being deformed by the end portion 213b of the side plate 213.

[0076] The bent portion 214e is not limited to having a straight shape. Alternatively, the bent portion 214e may have a curved shape.

[0077] The tapered part 213d can be omitted, while the side plate 213 can be easily inserted into the space through the bent part 214e.

[0078] The position of the end 211a of the tube 211 and the end position of the extension 213e may also not coincide with the end position of the pin 214d when an original positioning element is used for the tube 211 and the side plate 213.

[0079] The radiator 200 for cooling the engine is an example of a heat exchanger. However, the heat exchanger is not limited to the radiator 200. Alternatively, the heat exchanger may be an intercooler for cooling the engine's intake air or a condenser or condenser for a cooling cycle.

[0080] The first embodiment and the second embodiment may further be combined with each other.

[0081] Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Heat exchanger, comprising: a plurality of tubes (111) layered in a layering direction; a reinforcing side plate (113) arranged outermost from the tubes (111) in the lamination direction, the side plate (113) extending in a longitudinal direction from the tubes (111); a core plate (114) extending in the lamination direction, wherein a longitudinal end (111a) of the tube (111) is connected to the core plate (114); and a tank (120, 130) connected to the core plate (114), wherein the side plate (113) has an end portion (113b) in a longitudinal direction of the side plate (113) and the core plate (114) has a wall portion, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the tube (111), wherein the wall portion is arranged at an end portion of the core plate (114) in the lamination direction, the end portion (113b) of the side plate (113) has a soldering portion which is soldered to an outer side (114a) of the wall portion of the core plate (114), and the end portion (113b) of the side plate (113) has a through-hole (113e) arranged in the brazing portion, and through which the brazing portion between the end portion (113b) of the side plate (113) and the outer side (114a) can be visually confirmed through the through-hole (113e), wherein the core plate (114) has a U-shaped pin (114d) defined by bending a tip end of the wall portion opposite to the tank (120, 130) toward the pipe (111), and wherein the end portion (113b) of the side plate (113) is set between the outer side (114a) and the pin (114d), wherein the through hole (113e) has a burr generated by a compression molding process, and wherein the burr is arranged on a side of the side plate (113) opposite to the outer side (114a) of the core plate (114). [2] The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the through hole (113e) has an oval shape and the oval shape has a major axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the side plate (113). [3] The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pin (114d) is arranged outside of the wall portion in the lamination direction, and the pin (114d) has a bent part (214e) defined by bending a tip end of the pin (114d) outward in the lamination direction. [4] Heat exchanger, comprising: a plurality of tubes (211) layered in a layering direction; a reinforcing side plate (213) arranged outermost from the tubes (211) in the lamination direction, the side plate (213) extending in a longitudinal direction from the tube (211); a core plate (214) extending in the lamination direction, wherein a longitudinal end (211a) of the tube (211) is connected to the core plate (214); and a tank (220, 230) connected to the core plate (214), wherein the side plate (213) has an end portion (213b) in a longitudinal direction of the side plate (213) and the core plate (214) has a wall portion, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the tube (211), and a U-shaped pin (214d) which is defined by bending a tip end of the wall portion opposite to the tank (220, 230) toward the tube (211), the pin (214d) being arranged outside of the wall portion in the lamination direction, the end portion (213b) of the side plate (213) is set between an outer side (214a) of the wall portion and the pin (214d) and the pin (214d) has a bent part (214e) defined by bending a tip end of the pin (214d) outward in the lamination direction, wherein the end portion (213b) of the side plate (213) has a larger dimension than that of the pin (214d) in a width direction perpendicular to the lamination direction of the tube (211) and the longitudinal direction of the tube (211), wherein the end portion (213b) of the side plate (213) has an extension (213e) extending from the tip end (213c) toward the tank (220, 230), and the extension (213e) is arranged outside of the pin (214d) in the width direction, and wherein the pin (214d) has an end position adjacent to the tank (220, 230), and the end position of the pin (214d) coincides with a position of the end of the tube (211) and an end position of the extension (213e) in the longitudinal direction of the tube (211), wherein the end portion (213b) of the side plate (213) has a tip end (213c) opposite to the tank (220, 230), and the tip end (213c) has a tapered part (213d) opposite to the pin (214d).

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