Heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger capable of preventing water retention between a header tank and a bracket and corrosion of metal caused by the water retention irrespective of a structure and a shape of the bracket even when moisture such as condensate water adheres to the heat exchanger.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger 1 includes a cylindrical header tank 3c and a tube 2. The header tank 3c includes a first rib 34, a second rib 35, and a third rib 36 which are recessed toward an internal space. The first ribs 34 extend along a circumferential direction of the header tank 3c and are provided spaced apart from each other in an axial direction of the header tank 3c, the second ribs 35 extend in the circumferential direction at positions shifted from the first ribs 34 in the circumferential direction and the axial direction and are provided spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, the third rib 36 extends in the axial direction so as to communicate at least one of the combinations of the first ribs 34, the second ribs 35, and the first rib 34 and the second rib 35, and a bracket B is fixed to the header tank 3c to straddle at least one of the third ribs 36.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a heat exchanger has a header tank connected to both ends of multiple parallel-arranged tubes, and exchanges heat between a heat transfer medium or refrigerant flowing through the tubes via the header tank and a fluid (e.g., air) passing between the multiple tubes.

[0003] In a heat exchanger for mounting on a vehicle, the header tank of the heat exchanger is fixed to an external member (such as a fixed part on the vehicle side) by a bracket. The header tank and bracket may be made of a resin material, but may also be made of a metal material. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an aluminum header pipe (header tank) and a bracket formed by press molding a single flat plate material for attaching the header pipe to a fixed body such as a vehicle frame.

[0004] Furthermore, the header tank may have reinforcing ribs on its outer surface to increase its strength (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-078475 [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-055737 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in heat exchangers in which the tank and bracket are made of metal (for example, aluminum alloy, etc.), there is a problem that sufficient measures against corrosion of the metal are not taken.

[0007] For example, in a heat exchanger that is used both as a heat sink and a heat radiator (a heat exchanger applied to a heat medium circuit through which a heat medium flows), the tubes, header tank, and bracket may be made of metal (such as aluminum alloy) in order to ensure low-temperature sealing, etc. When such a heat exchanger functions as a heat sink, the generated condensed water is retained between the header tank and the bracket (at the joint), which causes the metal to corrode.

[0008] In particular, when a reinforcing rib is provided on the header tank as described in Patent Document 2, the position where the reinforcing rib is formed and the position where the bracket is attached are not necessarily set so as not to interfere with each other. In other words, the bracket may be attached in a position that covers the reinforcing rib, in which case a space is generated between the reinforcing rib and the bracket, which causes a problem of promoting retention of water such as condensed water by this space.

[0009] Also, from the standpoint of freedom in component selection, it is desirable to be able to drain condensed water adhering to the header tank regardless of the structure or shape of the bracket.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and provides a heat exchanger that can prevent water retention between the header tank and the bracket and the resulting corrosion of the metal, regardless of the structure or shape of the bracket, even if moisture such as condensation water adheres to the heat exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger having a cylindrical header tank and tubes and fixed to an external member by a bracket, wherein the header tank has first, second and third ribs that are concavely recessed toward the internal space, the first rib extends in the circumferential direction of the header tank and is provided in a plurality of first ribs spaced apart in the axial direction of the header tank, the second rib extends in the circumferential direction at a position offset in the circumferential and axial directions from the first rib and is provided in a plurality of second ribs spaced apart in the axial direction, the third rib extends in the axial direction so as to communicate at least any of the first ribs together, the second ribs together, and a combination of the first rib and the second rib, and the bracket is fixed to the header tank so as to straddle at least one of the third ribs. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a heat exchanger can be provided that can prevent water retention between the header tank and the bracket and the resulting corrosion of the metal, even if moisture such as condensation water adheres to the heat exchanger, regardless of the structure or shape of the bracket. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example of the present embodiment of the present invention, where (A) to (D) are perspective views and (E) is a side view. [Diagram 3] 1A to 1E are diagrams showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a perspective view, (C) is a top view, (D) is a side view, and (E) is a bottom view. [Figure 4] 1A to 1E are diagrams showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a perspective view, (C) is a top view, (D) is a side view, and (E) is a bottom view. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a perspective view and (B) is a top view. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a perspective view and (B) is a top view. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a perspective view, and (C) is a side view. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 10 show an example of an embodiment of the present invention, in which parts with the same reference numerals indicate parts with the same functions or the same components, and duplicated explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

[0015] <Heat exchanger> FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 1 includes a plurality of tubes 2 arranged in parallel, a header tank 3 connected to both ends of the plurality of tubes 2, and a bracket 4 attached to the header tank 3. Note that FIG. 1 is a schematic view, and the header tank 3 and the bracket 4 have configurations shown in detail in FIG. 2 and subsequent figures. The heat exchanger 1 exchanges heat between, for example, a heat medium flowing in the tubes 2 via the header tank 3 and a fluid (for example, air) passing between the plurality of tubes 2. In this embodiment, as an example, a heat medium flows in the tubes 2, but a refrigerant may also flow in the tubes 2.

[0016] In the illustrated example, the tubes 2 are tubular bodies that extend in one direction (the direction of the arrow X in the figure) and have a flat shape along a direction (the direction of the arrow Z in the figure) intersecting the extending direction (the direction of the arrow X in the figure). The tubes 2 are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval in a direction (the direction of the arrow Y in the figure) intersecting the extending direction (the direction of the arrow X in the figure), and the space between the plurality of tubes 2 becomes a passageway for a fluid to be subjected to heat exchange. The fluid to be subjected to heat exchange flows in the direction of the arrow Z in the figure, and exchanges heat with a heat medium flowing inside the tubes 2 while passing between the plurality of tubes 2. Fins (e.g., corrugated fins), not shown in the figure, are generally provided in the spaces between the plurality of tubes 2 in order to increase the heat exchange efficiency.

[0017] The header tank 3 is formed into a cylindrical shape that forms a space for storing the heat medium therein by, for example, joining a first tank member 31 and a second tank member 32 and closing the ends with caps 33. In addition, ends of the tubes 2 described above are connected to the second tank member 32.

[0018] In addition, a pair of side plates 5 are provided between the pair of header tanks 3 near the cap 33. The pair of side plates 5 define the distance between the pair of header tanks 3, and form a heat exchange core portion made up of a plurality of tubes 2 inside thereof.

[0019] In the illustrated example, a pair of header tanks 3 have an inlet 6 provided in a first tank member 31 of the header tank (upper header tank) 3 provided on one side in the illustrated X direction (e.g., the upper side), and an outlet 7 provided in the first tank member 31 of the header tank (lower header tank) 3 provided on the other side in the illustrated X direction (e.g., the lower side), and the heat medium flowing in from the inlet 6 flows into the tubes 2 via the upper header tank 3, and the heat medium flowing in the tubes 2 accumulates in the lower header tank 3 and flows out from the outlet 7.

[0020] A bracket 4 is attached to the header tank 3. In detail, in this example, the bracket 4 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of each of the first tank members 31 of the upper header tank 3 and the lower header tank 3. The bracket 4 is a component for fixing the heat exchanger 1 to an attachment position of an external member (e.g., a vehicle body, etc.) not shown. The bracket 4 is made of, for example, a metal material suitable for brazing, and is integrally brazed together with the tubes 2 and the header tank 3, which are components of the heat exchanger 1. The bracket 4 in this embodiment is, for example, a clad material in which an aluminum alloy (or a metal mainly composed of aluminum) is coated with a brazing material, and is made of, for example, the same metal material as the header tank 3.

[0021] As an example, the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment has the functions of a heat radiator and a heat absorber, that is, it can be used as both a heat absorber and a heat radiator (having a heat radiation mode to the outside air and a heat absorption mode from the outside air). The heat exchanger 1 is suitable for use in, for example, a heat medium circuit of a heat pump system, and by making the header tank 3 and the tubes 2 out of a metal material, it is possible to improve low-temperature sealing properties compared to, for example, when these are made out of a resin material. In this case, by making the material of the bracket 4 also out of a metal material suitable for brazing to the header tank 3 and the like (for example, the same metal material), it is possible to braze the bracket 4 together with the header tank 3 and the tubes 2 to an external member (such as a vehicle body) as a whole.

[0022] On the other hand, if such a heat exchanger 1 functions as a heat sink, the condensed water that is generated may adhere to the header tank 3 and be retained between the outer surface of the header tank 3 and the bracket 4 (the joint), which may cause corrosion of the metal.

[0023] Therefore, the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment is provided with a discharge part 45 that can discharge liquid (e.g., condensed water) adhering to the header tank 3 to the outside of the bracket 4. The discharge part 45 will be described below, but first, a configuration that does not have the discharge part 45 will be described as a comparative example to explain locations where water retention is possible.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a comparative example of this embodiment, and is a diagram showing a case where brackets 104a, 104b of the comparative example are attached to the header tank 3 (3a) of this embodiment. FIG. 2(A) is an exploded perspective view of the first tank member 31a of the upper header tank 3a and the bracket 104a of the comparative example, and FIG. 2(B) is a perspective view of the bracket 104a attached to the header tank 3a (first tank member 31a). FIG. 2(C) is a perspective view of the bracket 104a of the comparative example attached to the first tank member 31a of the lower header tank 3a. In FIG. 2(A) to FIG. 2(C), the first tank member 31a and the bracket 104a have the same shape. FIG. 2(D) and FIG. 2(E) are perspective views showing another comparative example, and FIG. 2(D) is a perspective view showing a state where another bracket 104b is attached to another header tank 3b (first tank member 31b), and FIG. 2(E) is a side view of the arrow v of FIG. 2(D).

[0025] First, the first tank member 31a of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2(A). The first tank member 31a is formed, for example, by pressing a metal material into a flat plate shape and bending it to have two opposing side surfaces 312a and one main surface 311a in a generally U-shaped cross section. The main surface 311a is the top surface in the case of the upper header tank 3a and the lower (bottom) surface in the case of the lower header tank 3a. The main surface 311a and the side surface 312a are flat surfaces except for a first rib 34 and a second rib 35, which will be described later, and the boundary between them is a curved surface 313a. Although not shown in the figure, the open portion of the generally U-shaped shape is covered by the second tank member 32a.

[0026] The outer surface of the first tank member 31a has a first rib 34 having a concave (groove-like) shape recessed toward the internal space, and a second rib 35. The first ribs 34 extend in the short direction of the first tank member 31a, which is the circumferential direction of the header tank 3a, and are provided in plurality at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the first tank member 31a, which is the axial direction of the cylindrical header tank 3a.

[0027] The first ribs 34 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center along the longitudinal direction of the main surface 311a. More specifically, one first rib 34 is provided continuously from near one end of the main surface 311a in the lateral direction to the middle of one side surface 312a continuing from the end in one region when the main surface 311a is divided in the longitudinal direction. Another first rib 34 is provided continuously from near the other end of the main surface 311a in the lateral direction to the middle of the other side surface 312a continuing from the end in the longitudinal direction in the other region when the main surface 311a is divided in the longitudinal direction. The first rib 34 extends along the lateral direction of the main surface 311a, and extends in the lateral direction of the side surface 312a while curving and changing the extending direction. The first ribs 34 are arranged opposite to each other in the lateral direction of the first tank member 31a with a space therebetween, and arranged in parallel with a space therebetween in the longitudinal direction.

[0028] The second rib 35 is provided at a position offset from the first rib 34 in the short-side direction of the first tank member 31a (the circumferential direction of the header tank 3a) and the longitudinal direction of the first tank member 31a (the axial direction of the header tank 3a). In this example, one second rib 35 is provided so as to extend in the short-side direction of the main surface 311a (the circumferential direction of the header tank 3a). The second ribs 35 are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the first tank member 31a. In addition, both ends of the second rib 35 are provided so as to overlap with the regions provided on the main surface 311a of the first rib 34 in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] The heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment is attached to a vehicle body or the like so that the longitudinal direction of the header tank 3a is horizontal. In this case, the first rib 34 has a region that extends horizontally along the short side direction of the main surface 311a and a region that extends vertically along the short side direction of the side surface 312a. The second rib 35 extends horizontally along the short side direction of the main surface 311a, and both ends thereof reach the curved surface 313a.

[0030] The header tank 3a has a structure in which the first rib 34 and the second rib 35 enhance pressure resistance.

[0031] Even if condensed water or the like adheres to the header tank 3a, in the case of the upper header tank 3a, the condensed water can be made to flow downward by the first rib 34 having an area extending in the vertical direction and the second rib 35 whose both ends reach the curved surface 313a. In the case of the lower header tank 3a, the condensed water adhering to the main surface 311a and the side surface 312a falls naturally as it is.

[0032] Here, the bracket 104a of the comparative example is made of a metal plate (one bracket piece 401a) and has a joint portion 105a that extends along and is joined to the outer peripheral surface of the header tank 3a as shown in Fig. 2(B), and an external fastening portion 106a that is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface and is used for connecting to an external member. The joint portion 105a is a substantially flat surface, and is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the header tank 3a by brazing or the like so as to continuously cover a portion of the main surface 311a and one side surface 312a of the header tank.

[0033] In the case of the configuration of the bracket 104a of this comparative example, if condensed water, for example, adheres to the header tank 3a, the condensed water may accumulate in the area indicated by the dashed circle in FIG. 2(B) (more specifically, between the joint 105a and the outer circumferential surface of the header tank 3a). In particular, when the header tank 3a (first tank member 31a) is provided with the first rib 34 and the second rib 35 and the joint 105a of the bracket 104 is arranged overlapping therewith, water is likely to accumulate in the first rib 34 or the second rib 35, and it becomes difficult to drain the accumulated water. Specifically, in the case of the upper header tank 3a as shown in FIG. 2(B), the condensed water in the first rib 34 easily flows downward, but when the joint 105a overlaps with the second rib 35, it becomes difficult to drain the condensed water held in the second rib 35. In addition, in the case of the lower header tank 3a as shown in FIG. 2(C), it becomes difficult to drain the condensed water held in the first rib 34 and the second rib 35.

[0034] 2(D) and 2(E) show an example in which another bracket 104b is attached to another header tank 3b. The header tank 3b (first tank member 31b) in this example does not have the first rib 34 and the second rib 35. The bracket 104b is composed of two bracket pieces 401b1 and 401b2 to increase strength. The configurations of the two bracket pieces 401b1 and 401b2 are the same as those shown in FIG. 2(A). In this case, the external fastening parts 106b1 and 106b2 are overlapped, and the two joint parts 105b1 and 105b2 are attached so as to cover the entire short side direction of the main surface 311b of the header tank 3b. In this case, as shown by the dashed circle in FIG. 2(D) and FIG. 2(E), condensed water and the like are likely to be retained between the boundary between the two bracket pieces 401b1 and 401b2 and the outer peripheral surface of the header tank 3b. Although not shown in the drawings, this also applies to the lower header tank 3a.

[0035] <Discharge section> The discharge section 45 (45a to 45f) of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. <First Example> Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a bracket 4a having a discharge portion 45a of a first example of this embodiment. Fig. 3(A) is a perspective view of the bracket 4a, and Fig. 3(B) to Fig. 3(E) are diagrams showing a part of a header tank 3a (for example, an upper header tank 3a) to which the bracket 4a is attached, with Fig. 3(B) being a perspective view, Fig. 3(C) being a top view, Fig. 3(D) being a side view of the arrow v in Fig. 3(C), and Fig. 3(E) being a bottom view of Fig. 3(C). The header tank 3a is similar to that shown in Fig. 2(A) and has a first rib 34 and a second rib 35.

[0036] In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the directions of the bracket 4 (4a) are defined as follows: when attached to the header tank 3 (3a), the direction along its outer surface (tank outer surface 3S (3Sa)) (the circumferential direction of the header tank 3) is called the length direction L; the longitudinal direction of the header tank 3 (the axial direction of the header tank 3a) is called the width direction W; and the upright direction relative to the main surface 311a of the header tank 3a is called the height direction H.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, the bracket 4a in this embodiment is for fixing the header tank 3a to an external member (e.g., a vehicle body, etc.) and is made of, for example, a metal plate material (e.g., a clad material in which an aluminum alloy is coated with a brazing material), and has a joint (tank joint) 41a and an external fastening portion 42a.

[0038] The bracket 4a is formed, for example, by punching out a substantially rectangular sheet of metal plate material (bracket piece 400a) using a press process or the like, and then bending, pressing, and other processes to form the shape shown in Figure 3(A) including the joint portion 41a and the external fastening portion 42a.

[0039] 3(B), the joint 41a is a portion that extends along a portion of the outer peripheral surface (tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa) of the header tank 3a and is joined to the header tank 3a. The joint 41a continuously covers, for example, an area from near the center in the short direction of the main surface 311 of the header tank 3a (tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa) to the middle of one side surface 312a (for example, near the center in the short direction of the side surface 312a). The length of the joint 41a is such that the end of the first rib 34 on the side surface 312 side is exposed from the joint 41a.

[0040] The external fastening portion 42a is a portion used for connecting to an external member (such as a vehicle body), and stands in a height direction H away from the tank outer circumferential surface 3Sa, with one end (an end above the main surface 311) of the joint portion 41 in the length direction L as a base point. The external fastening portion 42a has a fixing hole 43 through which a fixing member (such as a screw) is inserted.

[0041] More specifically, the joint portion 41a has a one-side tank joint region 411a formed on one side of the longitudinal direction of the header tank 3a (the width direction W of the bracket 4a) and an other-side tank joint region 412a formed on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the header tank 3a (the width direction W of the bracket 4a) as regions separated from each other.

[0042] The tank joining region 411a on one side has an adjacent region 413a, and the adjacent region 413a in this example is a region (boundary region) between the tank joining region 411a on one side and the tank joining region 412a on the other side. A discharge part 45a for discharging liquid (condensed water, etc.) adhering to the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa is provided in the adjacent region 413a.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 3(D) and Fig. 3(E), the adjacent region 413a is a region facing the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa. The adjacent region 413a protrudes in a direction away from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa compared to the one-side tank joint region 411a and the other-side tank joint region 412a, and the discharge portion 45a is provided by separating the plate material from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa. As a result, a tunnel-shaped space extending in the circumferential direction of the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa is formed between the discharge portion 45a and the opposing tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa. The discharge portion 45a extends in the length direction L of the bracket 4a (the circumferential direction of the header tank 3a), and one end of the length direction L reaches the external fastening portion 42a as shown in Fig. 3(B) to Fig. 3(D), and the other end of the length direction L reaches the side surface 312a of the header tank 3a as shown in Fig. 3(B) and Fig. 3(E).

[0044] That is, the tunnel-shaped space between the discharge portion 45a and the opposing tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa communicates from (the lower end of) the external fastening portion 42a to the side surface 312a. This space serves as a flow path for discharging liquid (condensed water) accumulated between the joint portion 41a of the bracket 4a and the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa to the outside of the bracket 4a.

[0045] In particular, when the header tank 3a is provided with a first rib 34 and a second rib 35 as shown in FIG. 3, it is advisable to attach the bracket 4a to the header tank 3a so that these correspond to the discharge portion 45a, specifically so that the first rib 34 or the second rib 35 overlaps with the discharge portion 45a.

[0046] For example, if the heat exchanger 1 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle body or the like so that the X direction in the figure is vertical, then in the example of FIG. 3, the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the header tank 3a extends horizontally.

[0047] Therefore, in the case of the upper header tank 3a, it is desirable to attach the bracket 4a so that the discharge portion 45a overlaps the second rib 35. Most of the second rib 35 extends horizontally on the main surface 311a, and condensed water tends to concentrate thereon. If the second rib 35 is covered by the bracket 4a, drainage may become difficult. Therefore, by arranging the discharge portion 45a so as to overlap the second rib 35, a flow path from the second rib 35 to the side surface 312a is secured. In other words, even if condensed water accumulates on the second rib 35 due to the attachment of the bracket 4a, the condensed water can be discharged vertically downward from the side surface 312a via the discharge portion 45a.

[0048] The bracket 4a shown in FIG. 3 can also be used for the lower header tank 3a. In the case of the lower header tank 3a, it is preferable to attach the bracket 4a so that the discharge portion 45a overlaps the first rib 34. In the area where the bracket 4a is not attached, the condensed water falls naturally from both the first rib 34 and the second rib 35, so there is no water retention, but if the first rib 34 is covered by the bracket 4a, there is a risk of water retention. Therefore, by arranging the discharge portion 45a so as to overlap the first rib 34, a flow path from the first rib 34 to the main surface 311a (which becomes the bottom surface) is secured. In other words, even if condensed water accumulates on the first rib 34 by attaching the bracket 4a, the condensed water can be made to flow out (fall naturally) from the main surface 311a via the discharge portion 45a.

[0049] In this way, in the first example, the bracket 4a is provided with the rib-shaped discharge portion 45a that protrudes the adjacent region 413a, so that liquid (e.g., condensed water) adhering to the header tank 3a can be discharged outside the bracket 4a without being retained between the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa and the bracket 4a. As a result, corrosion of the header tank 3a and the bracket 4a can be prevented.

[0050] In this embodiment, the discharge portion 45a of the bracket 4a is arranged to extend circumferentially around the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa. Therefore, particularly in the case of a heat exchanger 1 used with the header tank 3a's longitudinal direction extending horizontally, even if condensed water accumulates between the bracket 4a and the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa, the condensed water can be effectively discharged by passing through the discharge portion 45a.

[0051] Furthermore, the first rib 34 and the second rib 35, which increase the strength of the header tank 3a, tend to retain condensed water and the like. However, by attaching the bracket 4a so that the first rib 34 or the second rib 35 overlaps with the discharge portion 45a, the condensed water that has accumulated on the first rib 34 or the second rib 35 can be easily discharged.

[0052] In addition, the bracket piece 400a has a tank joining region 411a on one side and a tank joining region 412a on the other side, which is continuous with the adjacent region 413a (not including a region where the area of ​​the plate material is reduced), so that the strength of the bracket piece 400a itself can be ensured. Furthermore, the discharge portion 45a is configured in a rib shape by projecting the adjacent region 413a in a direction away from the header tank 3a, so that the strength of the bracket 4a can be increased.

[0053] In the example of FIG. 3, the discharge portion 45a is formed by the adjacent region 413a protruding in a semi-cylindrical shape, but the discharge portion 45a may be formed by protruding in a rectangular tubular shape.

[0054] <Second Example> Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining a bracket 4b having a discharge portion 45b of a second example of this embodiment. Fig. 4(A) is a perspective view of the bracket 4b, and Fig. 4(B) to Fig. 4(E) are diagrams showing a part of the header tank 3a (for example, the upper header tank 3a) to which the bracket 4b is attached, with Fig. 4(B) being a perspective view, Fig. 4(C) being a top view, Fig. 4(D) being a side view taken along the arrow v of Fig. 4(C), and Fig. 4(E) being a bottom view of Fig. 4(C). The header tank 3a is similar to that shown in Fig. 2(A) and has a first rib 34 and a second rib 35.

[0055] 4, the bracket 4b of this embodiment is similar to the first example except for the configuration of the discharge portion 45b, and the description of the overlapping parts (particularly the overall shape, size, etc.) will be omitted as appropriate. The bracket 4b is composed of bracket pieces 400b made of a metal plate material (for example, a clad material in which an aluminum alloy is coated with a brazing material), and has a joint (tank joint) 41b and an external fastening portion 42b.

[0056] The joint 41b has a one-side tank joint area (one-side tank joint area) 411b formed on one side of the longitudinal direction of the header tank 3a (width direction W of the bracket 4a) and an other-side tank joint area (other-side tank joint area) 412b formed on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the header tank 3a (width direction W of the bracket 4a) as areas separated from each other.

[0057] The tank joining region 411b on one side has an adjacent region 413b, and the adjacent region 413a in this example is a region (boundary region) between the tank joining region 411b on one side and the tank joining region 412b on the other side. A discharge part 45b for discharging liquid (condensed water, etc.) adhering to the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa is provided in the adjacent region 413b.

[0058] The bracket 4b of the second example is configured such that a portion of the header tank 3a (tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa) is exposed to the outside due to the absence of the plate material of the bracket 4b in the adjacent region 413b. Since a portion of the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa is directly exposed to the outside, condensed water can be discharged from this portion, that is, the portion of the bracket 4b where the plate material does not exist becomes the discharge portion 45b. For example, this discharge portion 45b is configured by a notch formed in the adjacent region 413b.

[0059] One end of this discharge portion 45b in the length direction L reaches the external fastening portion 42b as shown in Figures 4(B) to 4(D), and the other end of the discharge portion 45b in the length direction L reaches the side surface 312a of the header tank 3a as shown in Figures 4(B) and 4(E).

[0060] Furthermore, similarly to the first example, when the header tank 3a is provided with the first rib 34 and the second rib 35, it is preferable to match these with the discharge portion 45b, specifically, to attach the bracket 4b to the header tank 3a so that the discharge portion 45b overlaps with the first rib 34 or the second rib 35. In the case of the second example, since the plate material of the bracket piece 400b is not provided on the discharge portion 45b, it is sufficient that the discharge portion 45b is attached so as to overlap with either the first rib 34 or the second rib 35, regardless of whether it is the upper header tank 3a or the lower header tank 3a.

[0061] The discharge portion 45b is not limited to a configuration formed by a notch in a plate material. For example, the discharge portion 45b may be configured to form a region in the adjacent region 413b where the plate material of the bracket piece 400b does not exist by connecting the independent (previously separated) one-side tank joint region 411b and the other-side tank joint region 412b only at the end on the external fastening portion 42b side.

[0062] In this way, in the second example, the bracket 4b is provided with the discharge portion 45b (e.g., a notch) that does not include the plate material of the adjacent region 413b, so that liquid (e.g., condensed water) adhering to the header tank 3a can be discharged outside the bracket 4b without being retained between the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa and the bracket 4b. As a result, corrosion of the header tank 3a and the bracket 4b can be prevented.

[0063] Furthermore, since the discharge portion 45b of the bracket 4b is arranged to extend circumferentially around the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa, particularly in the case of a heat exchanger 1 used with the header tank 3a longitudinally extending horizontally, even if condensed water accumulates between the bracket 4b and the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa, it can be effectively discharged via the discharge portion 45b.

[0064] Furthermore, by attaching the bracket 4b so that the first rib 34 or the second rib 35 overlaps with the discharge portion 45b, the strength of the header tank 3a is increased by the first rib 34 and the second rib 35, and even if condensed water collects on the first rib 34 or the second rib 35, the condensed water can be drained directly outside the bracket 4b via the discharge portion 45b.

[0065] Furthermore, even when the joint portion 45b is overlapped with the first rib 34 or the second rib 35, it is sufficient to overlap the joint portion 45b with either the first rib 34 or the second rib 35 regardless of the position of the header tank 3a (either the upper or lower part), so that the freedom in the mounting position of the bracket 4b can be increased.

[0066] Furthermore, since the area of ​​the bracket piece 400b facing the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sa is smaller (there is no plate material in the adjacent region 413b) compared to, for example, the first example, condensed water can be prevented from adhering to the adjacent region 413b.

[0067] <Third Example> Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a bracket 4c having a discharge portion 45c in a third example of this embodiment. Fig. 5(A) is a perspective view showing a part of a header tank 3b (for example, the upper header tank 3b) to which a bracket 4c is attached, and Fig. 5(B) is a top view. The header tank 3b in the third example is made of a first tank member 31b formed, for example, from a flat plate in a substantially U-shape and a second tank member (not shown) that covers the open portion of the first tank member 31b, and is not provided with either the first rib 34 or the second rib 35 in the header tank 3a in the first example.

[0068] When the strength of the bracket 4a consisting of one bracket piece 400a as shown in the first example is insufficient, it is preferable to fix the bracket 4c consisting of multiple (two) bracket pieces (first bracket piece 400c1, second bracket piece 400c2) at one fixing location. The configurations of the first bracket piece 400c1 and the second bracket piece 400c2 in FIG. 5 are the same as those of the bracket 4a (bracket piece 400a) in the first example, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In the third example, the first bracket piece 400c1 and the second bracket piece 400c2 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center position (center line extending in the longitudinal direction) in the short side direction of the main surface 311b of the header tank 3b (first tank member 31b).

[0069] The bracket 4c of the third example also has a joint portion 41c and an external fastening portion 42c. In detail, the first bracket piece 400c1 has a first tank joint portion 41c1 that extends along a part of the outer peripheral surface of the header tank 3b (tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb) and is joined to the header tank 3b, and a first bracket opposing portion 42c1 that is away from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb in the height direction H and faces the second bracket piece 400c2.

[0070] The second bracket piece 400c2 has a second tank joining portion 41c2 extending along a portion of the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb and joined to the header tank 3b, and a second bracket opposing portion 42c2 that is away from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb in the height direction H and faces the first bracket opposing portion 42c1 of the first bracket piece 400c1.

[0071] The joint portion 41c is composed of a first tank joint portion 41c1 and a second tank joint portion 41c2, and the external fastening portion 42c is composed of a first bracket opposing portion 42c1 and a second bracket opposing portion 42c2. The first bracket opposing portion 42c1 and the second bracket opposing portion 42c2 are each provided with a fixing hole 43 through which a fixing member (such as a screw) is inserted.

[0072] More specifically, the first tank joint 41c1 has a one-side first tank joint region 411c1 formed on one side of the longitudinal direction of the header tank 3b (width direction W of the bracket 4c), and an other-side first tank joint region 412c1 formed on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the header tank 3b (width direction W of the bracket 4c) as regions separated from each other.

[0073] The first tank joining region 411c1 on one side has an adjacent region 413c1, and the adjacent region 413c1 in this example is a region (boundary region) between the first tank joining region 411c1 on one side and the first tank joining region 412c1 on the other side. A discharge part 45c1 for discharging liquid (condensed water, etc.) adhering to the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb is provided in the adjacent region 413c1.

[0074] The adjacent region 413c1 is a region facing the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb, and compared to the one-side first tank joining region 411c1 and the other-side first tank joining region 412c1, the discharge portion 45c1 is provided by separating the plate material from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb so as to protrude in a direction away from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb. As a result, a tunnel-shaped space extending in the circumferential direction of the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb is formed between the discharge portion 45c1 and the opposing tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb. The discharge portion 45c1 extends in the length direction L of the bracket 4b, and one end of the length direction L reaches the first bracket opposing portion 42c1 (external fastening portion 42c) as shown in FIG. 5(B), and the other end of the length direction L reaches the side surface 312b of the header tank 3b.

[0075] The second tank joint 41c2 is similar to the first tank joint 41c1, and has a one-side second tank joint region 411c2, an other-side second tank joint region 412c2, and an adjacent region (boundary region) 413c2 therebetween. The adjacent region 413c2 is provided with a discharge portion 45c2 for discharging liquid (condensed water, etc.) adhering to the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb. The configurations of the adjacent region 413c2 and the discharge portion 45c2 are similar to those of the adjacent region 413c1 and the discharge portion 45c1 of the first tank joint 41c1, and therefore will not be described.

[0076] The first tank member 31b is divided in half along the longitudinal direction, and the first tank joint 41c1 of the first bracket piece 400c1 is disposed on one side, and the second tank joint 41c2 of the second bracket piece 400c2 is disposed on the other side. The first bracket opposing portion 42c1 and the second bracket opposing portion 42c2 are opposed to each other and abut against each other. The first tank joint 41c1 covers a portion of one of the divided main surfaces 311b and one of the side surfaces 312b continuous therewith, and the second tank joint 41c2 covers a portion of the other of the divided main surfaces 311b and the other side surface 312b continuous therewith.

[0077] The discharge portion 45c of the third example is composed of a discharge portion 45c1 and a discharge portion 45c2. The discharge portion 45c1 and the discharge portion 45c2 extend along the circumferential direction of the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb and communicate with one side surface 312b through the vicinity of the lower end portion of the external fastening portion 42c to the other side surface 312b.

[0078] A tunnel-shaped space is formed between the discharge portion 45c and the opposing tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb, and this space serves as a flow path for discharging liquid (condensed water) accumulated between the joints 41c1, 41c2 of the bracket 4c and the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb to the outside of the bracket 4c.

[0079] In the third example, in the bracket 4c in which the fixing strength is improved by the multiple bracket pieces 400c1, 400c2, liquid (e.g., condensed water) accumulated between the bracket 4c (particularly near the lower end of the external fastening portion 42c) and the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb can be efficiently discharged to the outside of the bracket 4c. This makes it possible to prevent corrosion of the bracket 4c and the header tank 3b, or corrosion of the brazing material joining the two.

[0080] In addition, since the first tank joining region 411c1 on one side of the first bracket piece 400c1 and the first tank joining region 412c1 on the other side are continuous through the adjacent region 413c1 (not including a region in which the area of ​​the plate material is reduced, such as a cutout), the strength of the first bracket piece 400c1 itself can be ensured. The same is true for the second bracket piece 400c2. Furthermore, since the discharge portion 45c is configured in a rib shape by protruding the adjacent regions 413c1, 413c2, the strength of the bracket 4c can be increased.

[0081] Although not shown in the drawings, the bracket 4c can be attached to the lower header tank 3b in a similar manner, and the same effect can be obtained.

[0082] The discharge portion 45c may be only the discharge portion 45c1 on one side (for example, the first bracket piece 400c1). That is, on the other side (for example, the second bracket piece 400c2), the one-side second tank joining region 411c2, the other-side second tank joining region 412c2, and the adjacent region 413c2 therebetween may be formed as a substantially flat continuous surface in the width direction W of the bracket 4c (that is, may be configured by the bracket piece 401b2 shown in FIG. 2).

[0083] <Fourth Example> Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a bracket 4d having a discharge portion 45d according to a fourth example of this embodiment. Fig. 6(A) is a perspective view showing a part of a header tank 3b (e.g., an upper header tank 3b) to which a bracket 4d is attached, and Fig. 6(B) is a top view. The header tank 3b of the fourth example is similar to the third example.

[0084] The bracket 4d of the fourth example is also composed of multiple (two) bracket pieces (a first bracket piece 400d1 and a second bracket piece 400d2). Except for the configuration of the discharge portion 45d, it is the same as the third example shown in Fig. 5, and the configurations of the first bracket piece 400d1 and the second bracket piece 400d2 are the same as the bracket piece 400b of the second example, so duplicated explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0085] In the fourth example, the plate material of the first bracket piece 400d1 is not present in the adjacent region 413d1 between the first tank joining region 411d1 on one side and the first tank joining region 412d1 on the other side in the first bracket piece 400d1, so that a part of the header tank 3b (tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb) is exposed to the outside and becomes the discharge portion 45d1. Also, the plate material of the second bracket piece 400d2 is not present in the adjacent region 413d2 between the second tank joining region 411d2 on one side and the second tank joining region 412d2 on the other side in the second bracket piece 400d2, so that a part of the header tank 3b (tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb) is exposed to the outside and becomes the discharge portion 45d2. The discharge portion 45d1 and the discharge portion 45d2 are formed by, for example, notches formed in the adjacent regions 413d1 and 413d2, respectively.

[0086] In this case, as in the third example, the first tank member 31b is divided in half along the longitudinal direction, and the first tank joint 41d1 of the first bracket piece 400d1 is disposed on one side, and the second tank joint 41d2 of the second bracket piece 400d2 is disposed on the other side. The first bracket opposing portion 42d1 and the second bracket opposing portion 42d2 are opposed to each other and abut against each other. The first tank joint 41d1 covers a portion of one of the divided main surfaces 311b and one of the side surfaces 312b that is continuous therewith, and the second tank joint 41d2 covers a portion of the other of the divided main surfaces 311b and the other side surface 312b that is continuous therewith.

[0087] The discharge portion 45d (discharge portion 45d1 and discharge portion 45c2) of the fourth example extends circumferentially around the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb and exposes a portion of the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb continuously from one side surface 312b, past the lower end of the external fastening portion 42d, to the other side surface 312b.

[0088] In the fourth example, in a bracket 4b in which the fixing strength is improved by using multiple bracket pieces 400d1, 400d2, liquid (e.g., condensed water) that has accumulated between the bracket 4d (particularly near the lower end of the external fastening portion 42d) and the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb can be drained.

[0089] In addition, since the discharge portion 45d of the bracket 4d is provided along the circumferential direction of the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb from one side surface 312b to the other side surface 312b of the first tank member 31b, even if condensed water accumulates between the bracket 4b and the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb, it can be effectively discharged via the discharge portion 45d.

[0090] Furthermore, since the area of ​​the first bracket piece 400d1 and the second bracket piece 400d2 facing the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb is smaller compared to, for example, the third example (there is no plate material in the adjacent regions 413d1, 413d2), it is also possible to prevent condensation water from adhering to the adjacent regions 413d1, 413d2.

[0091] Similarly to the discharge portion 45b of the second example, the discharge portion 45d of the fourth example is not limited to the configuration formed by a notch in a plate material.

[0092] Although not shown, the lower header tank 3b can also be fixed by the bracket 4d in a similar manner, and the same effect can be obtained.

[0093] The discharge portion 45d may be only the discharge portion 45d1 on one side (for example, the first bracket piece 400d1). That is, on the other side (for example, the second bracket piece 400d2), the one-side second tank joining region 411d2, the other-side second tank joining region 412d2, and the adjacent region 413d2 therebetween may be formed as a substantially flat continuous surface in the width direction W of the bracket 4d (that is, may be configured by the bracket piece 401b2 shown in FIG. 2).

[0094] <Fifth Example> Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a bracket 4d having a discharge portion 45e according to a fifth example of this embodiment. Fig. 7(A) is a perspective view of the bracket 4e, Fig. 7(B) is a perspective view showing a part of a header tank 3b (e.g., an upper header tank 3b) to which the bracket 4e is attached, and Fig. 7(C) is a side view taken along the arrow v in Fig. 7(B). The header tank 3b of the fifth example is similar to that of the third example.

[0095] In the fifth example, the bracket 4e for fixing one fixing point is also composed of multiple (two) bracket pieces (a first bracket piece 400e1 and a second bracket piece 400e2). Also, like the third example, the first bracket piece 400e1 and the second bracket piece 400e2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center position (the center line extending in the longitudinal direction) in the short direction of the main surface 311b of the header tank 3b (first tank member 31b), and the bracket 4e has a joint portion 41e and an external fastening portion 42e.

[0096] On the other hand, in the fifth example, the shapes of the first bracket piece 400e1 and the second bracket piece 400e2 are different from those of the third example. Specifically, the first bracket piece 400e1 has a first tank joint portion 41e1 that extends along a part of the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb and is joined to the header tank 3b, and a first bracket facing portion 42e1 that stands in the height direction H away from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb and faces the second bracket piece 400e2. The first tank joint portion 41e1 has an adjacent region 413e1. The adjacent region 413e1 is a first connecting region 44e1 that connects the first tank joint portion 41e1 and the first bracket facing portion 42e1.

[0097] The second bracket piece 400e2 has a second tank joint portion 41e2 that extends along a part of the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb and is joined to the header tank 3b, and a second bracket facing portion 42e2 that stands apart from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb in the height direction H and faces the first bracket piece 400e1 (first bracket facing portion 42e1). The second tank joint portion 41e2 has an adjacent region 413e2. The adjacent region 413e2 is a second connection region 44e2 that connects the second tank joint portion 41e2 and the second bracket facing portion 42e2.

[0098] 7(C), the first connecting region 44e1 and the second connecting region 44e2 are, for example, flat rectangular regions, and two opposing sides extending in the width direction W are inclined so as to have different heights in the height direction H. Specifically, in the first connecting region 44e1, one of the opposing sides faces and abuts against the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb, and the other side is located away from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb, and a first bracket opposing portion 42e1 stands up in the height direction H from the other side.

[0099] Similarly, in the second connecting region 44e2, one of the two opposing sides extending in the width direction W abuts against the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb, and the other side is located away from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb, and the second bracket opposing portion 42e2 rises in the height direction H from the other side.

[0100] In other words, the first connecting region 44e1 is a region that bends or curves from one end of the first tank joint 41e1 multiple times (twice in this example) so as to move away from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb and connects to the first bracket facing portion 42e1. The second connecting region 44e2 is a region that bends or curves from one end of the second tank joint 41e2 multiple times (twice in this example) so as to move away from the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb and connects to the second bracket facing portion 42e2.

[0101] A space is formed between the first connecting region 44e1 and the second connecting region 44e2 and the tank outer circumferential surface 3Sb, and the space serves as a discharge portion 45e for condensed water and the like.

[0102] In this manner, the discharge portion 45e of the fifth example is constituted by the first connecting region 44e1, a part of the second bracket piece 400e2 (in this example, the second connecting region 44e2), and the tank outer circumferential surface 3Sb.

[0103] The joint 41e in the fifth example is composed of a first tank joint 41e1 and a second tank joint 41e2, and the external fastening portion 42e is composed of a first bracket opposing portion 42e1 and a second bracket opposing portion 42e2. The first bracket opposing portion 42e1 and the second bracket opposing portion 42e2 are joined, and each is provided with a fixing hole 43 through which a fixing member (such as a screw) is inserted.

[0104] In the fifth example, in the bracket 4e in which the fixing strength is improved by the multiple bracket pieces 400e1, 400e2, liquid (e.g., condensed water) accumulated between the bracket 4e and the tank outer peripheral surface 3Sb can be efficiently discharged to the outside of the bracket 4e. In addition, since the first bracket piece 400e1 does not include an area in which the area of ​​the plate material is reduced, such as a notch, the strength of the first bracket piece 400e1 itself can be ensured. The same is true for the second bracket piece 400e2.

[0105] In addition, since the first connecting region 44e1 and the second connecting region 44e2 can be formed by bending a plate material, they can be easily formed compared to the process of making the narrow adjacent regions 413c1 and 413c2 protrude like ribs as in the third example. In addition, the discharge portion 45e can be made large. The first connecting region 44e1 and / or the second connecting region 44e2 may be curved surfaces.

[0106] Although not shown in the drawings, the same implementation can be applied to the lower header tank 3b, and the same effect can be obtained.

[0107] Also, the discharge portion 45e may be formed, for example, by only the first connecting region 44e1 of the first bracket piece 400e1. That is, the second bracket piece 400e2 may be formed, for example, by the bracket piece 401b2 shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the discharge portion 45e is formed by the first connecting region 44e1, a part of the second bracket piece 400e2 (the external fastening portion 106b2 of the bracket piece 401b2), and the tank outer circumferential surface 3Sb.

[0108] According to the third to fifth examples, by using two bracket pieces 400 (bracket pieces 400c1, 400c2, bracket pieces 400d1, 400d2, bracket pieces 400e1, 400e2) configured by press molding of a relatively thin metal plate material, it can be realized at a lower cost compared to forming a bracket by extrusion molding, etc. Also, compared to a press molded product with a thick plate thickness, an increase in size is avoided, the fixing strength of brackets 4c to 4e is ensured, and the contact area with the header tank 3b can also be ensured.

[0109] In the third to fifth examples, the header tank 3b does not have a rib, but any of the brackets 4c to 4e in the third to fifth examples may be attached to the header tank 3a in the first example. In that case, in the third example, the discharge portion 45c is arranged so as to overlap the first rib 34 or the second rib 35, and in the fourth example, the discharge portion 45d is arranged so as to overlap the first rib 34 or the second rib 35.

[0110] In addition, in at least one of the bracket pieces 400e1, 400e2 of the fifth example, the (rib-shaped) exhaust portion 45c of the third example or the (notched) exhaust portion 45d of the fourth example may be provided at the joint 41e (the first tank joint 41e1 and / or the second tank joint 41e2).

[0111] In the third to fifth examples, the two bracket pieces 400 have the same configuration, but one bracket piece (for example, the second bracket piece) may be the bracket piece 401b2 shown in Fig. 2. The two bracket pieces 400 may be different combinations of the third to fifth examples.

[0112] Specifically, for example, the bracket 4 may be formed by the first bracket piece 400c1 of the third example and the bracket piece 401b2 of the comparative example shown in Fig. 2. The bracket 4 may also be formed by combining the first bracket piece 400c1 of the third example and the second bracket piece 400d2 of the fourth example (or the second bracket piece 400e2 of the fifth example). The same applies to the combination of the fourth and fifth examples.

[0113] <Other examples of header tanks> Another example of the header tank 3 (3c) will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. Fig. 8 shows an example of the header tank 3c, with Fig. 8(A) being a plan view (top view) of the header tank 3c, and Fig. 8(B) being a plan view of the header tank 3c of Fig. 8(A) with a bracket B attached. Fig. 9(A) shows another example of the header tank 3c, with Fig. 9(A) being a plan view (top view) of the header tank 3c, and Fig. 9(B) being a plan view of the header tank 3c of Fig. 9(A) with a bracket B attached.

[0114] 8(A), the header tank 3c is configured by further providing a third rib 36 (36a, 36b) extending in the longitudinal direction of the header tank 3 in the header tank 3a shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 (first example).

[0115] That is, the header tank 3c has a first rib 34, a second rib 35, and a third rib 36 that are concave and recessed toward the internal space. The first rib 34 extends in the circumferential direction of the header tank 3c (e.g., the short side direction of the first tank member 31c) and is provided in a plurality of first ribs 34 spaced apart in the axial direction of the header tank 3c (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the first tank member 31c). The second ribs 35 extend in the circumferential direction at a position shifted from the first rib 34 in the circumferential and axial directions of the header tank 3c and are provided in a plurality of second ribs 35 spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0116] The third rib 36 is provided extending in the axial direction of the header tank 3c (for example, the longitudinal direction of the first tank member 31c) so as to communicate at least any of the combinations of the adjacent first ribs 34, the adjacent second ribs 35, and the adjacent first ribs 34 and second ribs 35. That is, the extending direction of the third rib 36 intersects (is perpendicular to) the extending direction of the first rib 34 and the second rib 35. The third rib 36 is a rib for drainage, and can also be called a discharge portion 45f provided on the header tank 3c side. The third rib 36a is a rib for drainage common to the two adjacent first ribs 34a, 34b and the three adjacent second ribs 35a to 35c, and the third rib 36b is a rib for drainage common to the two adjacent first ribs 34c, 34d and the three adjacent second ribs 35a to 35c.

[0117] Specifically, in Fig. 8(A), two third ribs 36a, 36b are provided in parallel in the short-side direction of the first tank member 31c. One third rib 36a extends in the longitudinal direction of the first tank member 31c so as to communicate with the two adjacent first ribs 34a, 34b on one side of the short-side direction of the first tank member 31c and with the three adjacent second ribs 35a to 35c arranged alternately therewith. The other third rib 36b extends in the longitudinal direction of the first tank member 31c so as to communicate with the two adjacent first ribs 34c, 34d on the other side of the short-side direction of the first tank member 31c and with the three adjacent second ribs 35a to 35c arranged alternately therewith.

[0118] 8(B), the bracket B is fixed to the header tank 3c so as to straddle (transverse) the third ribs 36a, 36. The bracket B in this case is, for example, the bracket 104b (not having the discharge portion 45) of the comparative example.

[0119] In this case, parts of the first ribs 34a to 34d and the second rib 35b are covered by the joints 105b1 and 105b2 of the bracket 104b. However, the second rib 35b is connected to the adjacent first ribs 34a and 34b by the third rib 36a, and is connected to the adjacent first ribs 34c and 34d by the third rib 36b. The first ribs 34a to 34d extend horizontally on the main surface 311c and are covered by the bracket B (joints 105b1 and 105b2), but extend vertically on the side surface 312c, with their ends exposed from the bracket B (see FIG. 2B). That is, for example, in the case of the upper header tank 3c, condensed water held between the bracket B and the header tank 3c can be drained through the first ribs 34a to 34d. In addition, even if the second ribs 35a, 35c also retain water in the grooves, they are connected to the adjacent first ribs 34a-34d by the third ribs 36a, 36b in addition to their own two ends (the portions that reach the curved surface 313c of the first tank member 31c), and water can be drained through these.

[0120] In the case of the lower header tank 3c, the first ribs 34a to 34d and the second rib 35b communicate with the second ribs 35a, 35c via the third ribs 36a, 36b, so that drainage is possible via the second ribs 35a, 35c.

[0121] 9A, one third rib 36 is provided to connect the three adjacent second ribs 35a to 35c near the centers in the extension direction of the three adjacent second ribs 35a to 35c. The third rib 36 serves as a drainage rib shared by the three adjacent second ribs 35a to 35c.

[0122] 9(B), the bracket B is fixed to the header tank 3c so as to straddle (transverse) the third rib 36. The bracket B in this case is also, for example, the bracket 104b (not having the discharge portion 45) of the comparative example.

[0123] In this case, the second rib 35b is covered by the joints 105b1 and 105b2 of the bracket 104b. However, since the second rib 35b is connected to the adjacent second ribs 35a and 35c by the third rib 36, water can be drained through the second ribs 35a and 35c.

[0124] In the case of the header tank 3c in FIG. 9, since the third rib 36 does not communicate with the first rib 34, it is preferable that in the case of the lower header tank 3c, the first rib 34 is not covered by the joints 105b1, 105b2.

[0125] 8 and 9, even when brackets 104a, 104b (brackets without discharge portions 45a-45e) are attached as in the comparative example, it is possible to drain condensed water held between the bracket B and the header tank 3c or within the first rib 34 and / or second rib 35, and corrosion of the bracket B and the header tank 3c can be prevented. Since a drainage path can be secured without the need to provide (process) the discharge portions 45a-45e in the bracket B, the degree of freedom in selecting the bracket B is increased.

[0126] In addition, since the third rib 36 extends in the longitudinal direction of the header tank 3, there is a risk that the strength of the header tank 3 may decrease in the vicinity of the region where the third rib 36 is formed. However, since the bracket B is attached so as to straddle the third rib 36 (so as to cover a part of the third rib 36 and expose another part), the decrease in strength caused by providing the third rib 36 can be covered by the bracket B.

[0127] Furthermore, the third rib 36 should be provided not over the entire header tank 3, but only in a limited area where the bracket B is expected to be attached. In the example of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the third rib 36 is provided in a limited area near the inlet 6. For example, by providing the third rib 36 in an area larger (e.g., two to several times) than the attachment area of ​​one bracket B, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the attachment position of the bracket B while suppressing deterioration of the strength of the header tank 3.

[0128] In addition, since the attachment position of the bracket B can be recognized by using the third rib 36 as a guide (marker), the attachment position of the bracket B can be easily determined.

[0129] 8 and 9 may be the brackets 4 (4a to 4e) of the first to fifth examples. In the case of the bracket 4 having the discharge portion 45, it is preferable to attach the bracket 4 so that the discharge portions 45a to 45d (adjacent regions 413a to 413d) overlap with the first rib 34 or the second rib 35. However, since the attachment position of the bracket 4 to the header tank 3c is determined according to the configuration of the external member (such as the vehicle body), there are cases in which the first rib 34 and the second rib 35 do not overlap with the discharge portion 45.

[0130] Even in such a case, by attaching the bracket 4 so as to straddle the third rib 36, the heat can be discharged to the outside of the bracket 4 via the bracket 4. This makes it possible to prevent corrosion of the metal.

[0131] Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the third rib 36. In Fig. 10, the thin dashed line indicates an example of the arrangement of bracket B. In the arrangement example shown in Fig. 10, drainage is possible no matter where bracket B (e.g., bracket 104 in the comparative example) is attached along the thin dashed line, regardless of whether the header tank 3 is on the upper or lower part.

[0132] 10(A) shows an example in which the third rib 36 is connected to the vicinity of the end portion (parts other than the end portion and the center in the longitudinal direction) of the first rib 34 on the main surface 311 side in the longitudinal direction and to the vicinity of both ends (parts other than the end portion and the center in the longitudinal direction) of the second rib 35. Also, this is an example in which a plurality of third ribs 36 are arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction of the header tank 3.

[0133] In this case, the third ribs 36 communicate with adjacent first ribs 34 and with adjacent first ribs 34 and second ribs 35. In addition, the multiple third ribs 36 communicate with a common second rib 35 (one in this example).

[0134] 10(B) shows an example in which a plurality of third ribs 36 are arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction of the header tank 3, and a certain third rib 36 is connected to an end portion of the first rib 34 on the main surface 311 side in the longitudinal direction, and another third rib 36 is arranged in the center in the longitudinal direction of the second rib 35. The third ribs 36 are connected to adjacent first ribs 34 and adjacent first ribs 34 and second ribs 35. In addition, another third rib 36 is connected to adjacent second ribs.

[0135] Furthermore, by connecting the third rib 36 to the end portion of the first rib 34 on the longitudinal main surface 311 side, it may be possible to suppress water retention at the end portion of the first rib 34 (for example, near the circle in Figure 10 (A)).

[0136] FIG. 10(C) is an example in which the third rib 36 in FIG. 10(B) is connected to the vicinity of the end portion on the main surface 311 side in the longitudinal direction of the first rib 34 (a portion other than the end portion and the center in the longitudinal direction).

[0137] 10(D) shows an example in which the third rib 36 in FIG. 10(B) is connected to the center and both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second rib 35. In this case, water retention at the ends of the second rib 35 (for example, near the circle in FIG. 10(C)) may be suppressed.

[0138] 10(E) shows an example in which the third rib 36 is connected to an end of the first rib 34 and an end of the second rib 35. In this case, multiple third ribs 36 are connected to the common first rib 34 and common second rib 35. Furthermore, multiple third ribs 36 are arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction of the header tank 3c. Moreover, the third rib 36 is connected to the first rib 34 at a midpoint in the longitudinal direction and at an end. Moreover, the third rib 36 is connected to the second rib 35 at a midpoint in the longitudinal direction and at an end.

[0139] In this case, water retention at the end of the first rib 34 (for example, near the circle in FIG. 10(A)) and the end of the second rib 35 (for example, near the circle in FIG. 10(C)) may be suppressed.

[0140] Although not shown, in addition to or apart from the configuration shown in Fig. 10, multiple third ribs 36 may be connected to a common first rib 34. The third rib 36 may be connected to the center of the first rib in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the arrangement examples in Fig. 10 may be appropriately combined.

[0141] The first rib 34 to the third rib 36 have the same groove width and groove depth, but at least any one of the ribs may have a groove width and / or groove depth different from the other ribs.

[0142] In this embodiment, for example, in the first example, the discharge portion 45a is provided approximately near the center in the width direction W of the joint portion 41a, but it does not have to be near the center. Specifically, the width of the one-side tank joint region 411a and the width of the other-side tank joint region 412a may be different. The same applies to the discharge portions 45b to 45d in the second to fourth examples.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the main surface 311 of the header tank 3 is a substantially flat surface, but the main surface 311 may be a curved surface. In that case, the bracket 4a is also shaped to fit a part of the main surface 311 and the shape of the side surface 312.

[0144] Incidentally, the heat exchanger 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 heat exchanger 2 Tubes 3,3a~3c Header tank 3Sa, 3Sb Tank outer surface 4, 4a~4e Brackets 34 First Rib 35 Second Rib 36 Third Rib 41, 41a~41e joint 42, 42a~42e External fastening parts 44e1 First Link Area 44e2 Second Link Area 45, 45a~45e discharge part

Claims

1. A heat exchanger having a cylindrical header tank and tubes and fixed to an external member by a bracket, the header tank has a first rib, a second rib and a third rib each having a concave shape recessed toward an internal space, The first rib extends in a circumferential direction of the header tank, and is provided in a plurality of positions spaced apart from one another in an axial direction of the header tank. The second rib extends in the circumferential direction at a position shifted in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction from the first rib, and is provided in a plurality of positions spaced apart in the axial direction, The third rib is provided to extend in the axial direction so as to communicate at least one of the first ribs, the second ribs, and a combination of the first rib and the second rib, The bracket is fixed to the header tank so as to span across at least one of the third ribs. A heat exchanger comprising:

2. The third rib is connected to the longitudinal center of the first rib and / or the longitudinal center of the second rib.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 .

3. A plurality of the third ribs are connected to a common first rib and / or second rib.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 .

4. The third ribs are arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction of the header tank.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 .

5. The bracket is a joint portion extending along a part of an outer circumferential surface of the header tank and joined to the header tank; an external fastening portion spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface and used for connecting to the external member; The joint is the header tank has a one-side joining region formed on one side in a longitudinal direction of the header tank and a other-side joining region formed on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the header tank as regions separated from each other, a discharge portion for discharging liquid adhering to the outer circumferential surface in an adjacent region between the one-side joining region and the other-side joining region; 2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 .

6. One end of the discharge portion reaches the external fastening portion.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5.

7. The adjacent region has a space formed between the plate material and the outer circumferential surface by separating the plate material from the outer circumferential surface.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5.

8. the adjacent region is provided with no plate material, so that a portion of the header tank is exposed to the outside; 6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5.

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