Heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heat exchanger. The objective of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger having an end cap structure that allows the end baffle to be stably connected without requiring separate subsequent processing on the tank, in a heat exchanger having a tank formed of an extruded material, wherein the side portion of the end baffle that seals both ends of the header tank is formed identically to the cross-sectional shape of the tank, and the header is formed longer than the tank to support the lower portion of the end baffle, and at the same time, the header tab is fixed together with the tank to the end baffle.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more specifically, to a heat exchanger that improves assembly and structural stability at the header tank end portion. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, the engine compartment of a vehicle is equipped not only with drive components such as the engine, but also with various heat exchangers such as radiators, intercoolers, evaporators, and condensers to cool internal components or regulate the air temperature inside the vehicle. These heat exchangers typically have a heat exchange medium circulating within them, and cooling or heat dissipation occurs through the exchange of heat between the medium inside the heat exchanger and the air outside.

[0003] Generally, widely used heat exchangers are of the tank-tube type and have a configuration comprising a pair of header tanks formed parallel to each other at a certain distance apart, and multiple tubes with both ends fixed to this pair of header tanks to form a refrigerant flow path. In addition, fins interposed between the tubes may be provided to improve heat exchange performance, and supports extending parallel to the tubes and connected to the header tanks may also be provided at the outermost end of the tube row to support the connection between the tanks and tubes.

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional end cap structure of a heat exchanger header tank. The heat exchanger header tank shown in FIG. 1 is formed by combining a header (1) and a tank (2) made by bending or pressing a plate. The space formed by combining the header (1) and the tank (2) has both end surfaces (in the YZ plane direction in FIG. 1) in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction in FIG. 1) open, and an end baffle (5) is provided to close this open space. At this time, to create a space for the end baffle (5), the longitudinal end portions of the header (1) and the tank (2) are extended slightly further, and a header-side insertion hole (1a) and a tank-side insertion hole (2a) are formed in this part, into which the header-side / tank-side protrusions (5a) and (5b) formed on the end baffle (5) are fitted. In various documents such as Korean Patent Publication No. 2019-0143757 ("Heat Exchanger", Dec. 31, 2019), an end cap structure in which both ends of a header tank are sealed with end baffles is disclosed. Meanwhile, the portion extended as an extra for connecting the end baffles (5) in the header tank may be utilized to form a structure in which a support (3) is connected, that is, a support insertion hole (1b) into which the protrusion at the end of the support (3) in FIG. 1 is inserted.

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional end cap structure of a different heat exchanger header tank. In the case of a heat exchanger requiring high operating pressure, the rigidity of the header tank is required to be higher. Accordingly, unlike the tank (2) of FIG. 1, which is made by processing a plate, the tank (4) is made of an extruded material. In this case, the end baffle (5) is formed in a similar shape, but is joined to the tank (4) in such a way that the entire body of the end baffle (5) is fitted into the tank (4). Therefore, the tank (4) made of extruded material has a baffle insertion groove (4a) formed therein in which the entire body of the end baffle (5) can be fitted.

[0006] However, in particular, in the case of a tank (4) made of extruded material, as described above, separate processing is required to form the baffle insertion groove (4a), and consequently, there is a problem of increased processing costs. Furthermore, cutting is required to form the groove, but the cut material residue contaminates the surface of the tank (4), which is disadvantageous for subsequent brazing. In addition, deformation occurs in the tank (4) during processing, which also causes a problem of reduced bonding with the header (1). Prior art literature

[0007] Korean Patent Publication No. 2019-0143757 ("Heat exchanger", Dec. 31, 2019) The problem to be solved

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. The objective of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger having an end cap structure that allows the end baffle to be stably connected without separate subsequent processing on the tank, in a heat exchanger having a tank formed of an extruded material, wherein the side portion of the end baffle that seals both ends of the header tank is formed identically to the cross-sectional shape of the tank, and the header is formed longer than the tank to support the lower portion of the end baffle, and at the same time, the header tab fixes the tank together with the end baffle. means of solving the problem

[0009] A heat exchanger according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises a pair of header tanks (100) formed side by side and spaced apart from each other by a certain distance, wherein the header (110) and the tank (120) are combined to form a flow path space (122) inside, and a plurality of tubes having both ends fixed to the header tank (100) to form a flow path for a heat exchange medium. In this heat exchanger, when the extension direction of the header (110) and the tank (120) is the length direction, the direction in which the header (110) and the tank (120) are combined is the height direction, and the direction perpendicular to the length direction and the height direction is the width direction, end baffles (130) that shield the flow path space (122) are provided at both ends of the header tank (100) in the length direction, wherein the header (110) is formed to be longer in the length direction than the tank (120), and the lower edge of the end baffle (130) is formed by the excess length of the header (110). It can be supported.

[0010] At this time, the heat exchanger has a header-side protrusion (132) formed on the lower side of the end baffle (130) that protrudes toward the header (110), and a baffle insertion hole (112) is formed at a position corresponding to the header-side protrusion (132) of the header (110), so that the header-side protrusion (132) can be fitted into the baffle insertion hole (112).

[0011] In addition, the header side protrusion (132) can be fitted into the baffle insertion hole (112), and the portion exposed outside the header (110) can be caulked.

[0012] In addition, the header side protrusion (132) may be formed with a notch formed in the center so that it spreads out around the notch during caulking, thereby coming into contact with and adhering to the header (110).

[0013] In addition, the heat exchanger may form a tank cover portion (133) in which a portion of the upper end of the end baffle (130) is bent to cover the upper surface of the tank (120) and form a close contact surface.

[0014] Additionally, the heat exchanger may form a tank fitting part (134) in which a portion of the plate surface of the end baffle (130) is pressed and recessed toward the tank (120) to be fitted into the flow path space (122).

[0015] In addition, in the heat exchanger, the header (110) and the tank (120) are joined together by bending a plurality of header tabs (111) formed at both ends in the width direction of the header (110) and fixing them in close contact with the stepped portions (121) formed at both ends in the width direction of the tank (120), and a header tab catch portion (131) having the same shape as the stepped portion (121) of the tank (120) is formed on the side of the end baffle (130), so that the header tabs (111) can be formed to fix the stepped portions (121) and the header tab catch portion (131) together.

[0016] Additionally, the heat exchanger can be fixed in the longitudinal direction such that the outermost header tab among the header tabs (111) located further outward in the longitudinal direction than the end baffle (130), and the outermost header tab is bent further than the position where it comes into close contact with the stepped portion (121) of the tank (120), so that the end baffle (130) is interposed between the longitudinal cross section of the tank (120) and the bent outermost header tab.

[0017] Alternatively, the heat exchanger may have a fitting groove (111a) formed in the outermost header tab located in the longitudinal direction among the header tabs (111), and the fitting groove (111a) is located at the same position in the longitudinal direction as the end baffle (130), so that the end baffle (130) can be fixed in the longitudinal direction by fitting into the fitting groove (111a).

[0018] Alternatively, the heat exchanger may have a fitting groove (111a) formed in the outermost header tab located in the longitudinal direction among the header tabs (111), the fitting groove (111a) located at the same position in the longitudinal direction as the end baffle (130), and a stepped fitting part (131a) formed on the upper side of the header tab catch part (131), so that the lower part of the end baffle (130) is fixed in the height direction in a form in which the outermost header tab is bent and tightly fixed to the header tab catch part (131), and the upper part of the end baffle (130) is fixed in the longitudinal direction in a form in which the fitting part (131a) is fitted into the fitting groove (111a).

[0019] Additionally, the heat exchanger includes a pair of supports (200) that are fixed at both ends to the header tank (100) and positioned at the outermost side of a tube row formed by the arrangement of the tubes to support the tube row; at least one support protrusion (210) is formed at both ends in the height direction of the support (200) and protrudes toward the header (110), and a support insertion hole (113) is formed at a position corresponding to the support protrusion (210) of the header (110) so that the support protrusion (210) can be fitted into the support insertion hole (113).

[0020] In addition, the support protrusion (210) can be fitted into the support insertion hole (113), and the portion exposed outside the header (110) can be caulked.

[0021] In addition, the header side protrusion (132) may be formed with a notch formed in the center so that it spreads out around the notch during caulking, thereby coming into contact with and adhering to the header (110).

[0022] In addition, the heat exchanger may have the tank (120) formed from an extruded material.

[0023] In addition, the heat exchanger may have at least one heat formed by a plurality of the tubes. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to the present invention, when attaching an end baffle to a tank formed from an extruded material, there is an advantage in that the end baffle can be stably attached without requiring separate subsequent processing of the tank. More specifically, the side portion of the end baffle that seals both ends of the header tank is formed identically to the cross-sectional shape of the tank, and the header is formed longer than the tank to support the lower portion of the end baffle, while the header tab fixes the tank together with the end baffle. Furthermore, a portion of the body of the end baffle is bent to cover the outer surface of the tank or pressed to be fitted into the tank flow path forming space, thereby being attached to the tank; and by further fixing the end baffle through the attachment of a support, a more stable attachment structure can be formed.

[0025] Accordingly, according to the present invention, stable coupling of the end baffle can be achieved, and at the same time, by eliminating separate processing of the tank, processing costs and processing time can be saved. Furthermore, contamination caused by cutting material debris generated during separate processing is also fundamentally eliminated, and as a result, a more advantageous effect than conventional brazing can be obtained. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a conventional end cap structure of a heat exchanger header tank. FIG. 2 shows a conventional end cap structure of another heat exchanger header tank. FIG. 3 is a first embodiment of the end cap structure of the present invention for a heat exchanger header tank. FIG. 4 shows the first, second, and third embodiments of the end cap structure of the present invention for a heat exchanger header tank. FIG. 5 shows the baffle caulking process of the end cap structure of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates the necessity of baffle caulking in the end cap structure of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a first embodiment of the end cap structure of the present invention for another heat exchanger header tank. FIG. 8 shows the first and second embodiments of the end cap structure of the present invention for a different heat exchanger header tank. FIG. 9 shows the first, second, and third embodiments of the end cap structure of the present invention for other heat exchanger header tanks. FIG. 10 is a first embodiment of a header tab structure for fixing an end cap of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a second embodiment of a header tab structure for fixing an end cap of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a third embodiment of a header tab structure for fixing an end cap of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] Hereinafter, a heat exchanger according to the present invention having the configuration as described above will be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] The heat exchanger of the present invention is in the form of a general tube-tank heat exchanger, that is, a header (110) and a tank (120) are combined to form a flow path space (122) inside, and a pair of header tanks (100) are formed side by side at a certain distance from each other, and a plurality of tubes, both ends of which are fixed to the header tank (100) to form a flow path for a heat exchange medium. A tube insertion hole (114) is formed in the header (110) so that both ends of the tubes are inserted and fixed. At this time, the heat exchanger is such that the heat formed by the plurality of tubes is at least one row, that is, it may be a single-row heat exchanger or a multi-row heat exchanger.

[0029] Meanwhile, the heat exchanger of the present invention was developed to resolve various problems that arise when the tank is made of extruded material and requires separate processing to fix the end baffles onto the tank, as described above, in cases where the end baffles shield both ends of the header tank. Considering these matters, it is assumed that the tank (120) is formed of extruded material. Furthermore, to clarify the description of each part below, the extension direction of the header (110) and the tank (120) is referred to as the length direction, the direction in which the header (110) and the tank (120) are joined together as the height direction, and the direction perpendicular to the length direction and the height direction as the width direction.

[0030] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate embodiments of the end cap structure of the present invention for a heat exchanger header tank. Referring more specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4, end baffles (130) that shield the flow path space (122) are provided at both longitudinal ends of the header tank (100). Conventionally, the header (110) and the tank (120) are formed to have the same length, but in the present invention, the header (110) is formed to be longer in the longitudinal direction than the tank (120). By doing so, the lower edge of the end baffle (130) is supported by the longitudinal excess of the header (110).

[0031] Under the conditions described above, the end baffle (130) is merely placed on the spare space of the header (110) and stands upright, so there is a high risk of displacement due to external vibrations during the process. To prevent this, it is preferable that the heat exchanger has a header-side protrusion (132) formed on the end baffle (130), as shown in the upper drawing of FIG. 3. More specifically, a header-side protrusion (132) protruding toward the header (110) is formed on the lower edge of the end baffle (130), and a baffle insertion hole (112) is formed at a position corresponding to the header-side protrusion (132) of the header (110). Accordingly, when the end baffle (130) is assembled to the header (110), as shown in the lower drawing of FIG. 3, the header-side protrusion (132) is fitted into the baffle insertion hole (112). Accordingly, even if some external vibration is applied in the pre-brazing state, the header-side protrusion (132) is fitted into the baffle insertion hole (112) and supports the end baffle (130), thereby largely preventing the risk of the end baffle (130) falling over or becoming displaced. Meanwhile, it is preferable that the header-side protrusion (132) is not merely fitted to complete the connection, but is caulked after fitting, and this will be explained in more detail later. As such, the end baffle (130) is fixed by having its lower edge supported on the longitudinal excess of the header (110) or by fitting the header side protrusion (132) into it, which is the first-1st embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Meanwhile, regarding the assembly structure of the header tank (100), the header (110) and the tank (120) can be joined together by bending a plurality of header tabs (111) formed at both ends in the width direction of the header (110) and fixing them in close contact with the stepped portions (121) formed at both ends in the width direction of the tank (120). In this case, the end baffle (130) can also be fixed using the header tabs (111). In the previously described first-1 embodiment, the fact that the lower side of the end baffle (130) is supported means that it is fixed in the height direction, but the fixation may be somewhat unstable with only this fixing structure. At this time, a header tab catch portion (131) is formed on the side of the end baffle (130) to have the same shape as the stepped portion (121) of the tank (120). That is, when the header tab catch portion (131) is positioned in surface contact with the stepped portion (121), the tank (120) is formed to be slightly extended by the thickness of the end baffle (130). In this state, the header tab (111) is bent so that the header tab (111) is formed to fix the stepped portion (121) and the header tab catch portion (131) together. A form in which the end baffle (130) is fixed using the header tab (111) in this manner is the first-second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The first-1 and first-2 embodiments of the present invention may both be applied or only one of them may be applied depending on the structure of the header tank (100). That is, if the header tank (100) is structured to be joined by the header tab (111), both the first-1 and first-2 embodiments may be applied (in FIGS. 3 to 12 of the present invention, cases where both the first-1 and first-2 embodiments are applied are shown). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 (prior art drawing), if the header tank (100) is assembled without a header tab, only the first-1 embodiment described above may be applied. In any case, since this structure is the basis of the present invention, the first-1 and first-2 embodiments are collectively referred to as the first embodiment.

[0034] Although the end baffle (130) can be sufficiently secured with only the structure as in the first embodiment of FIG. 3 as described above, external vibrations may occur in unexpected directions or in unexpected intensity during the process, so it is desirable to further strengthen the securing structure. FIG. 4 illustrates the end baffle (130) to which the second and third embodiments of such additional securing structures are applied.

[0035] First, as a second embodiment, the end baffle (130) may further be provided with a tank cover portion (133). As clearly illustrated in FIG. 4, the tank cover portion (133) is an upper part of the end baffle (130), and before molding, it is formed in the shape of a plate surface that is extended as is from the plate surface of the end baffle (130). Subsequently, during the molding process, the upper part of the end baffle (130) is bent to form a shape similar to the outer shape of the upper part of the tank (120). Accordingly, when the end baffle (130) is placed in an assembly position with the tank (120), the bent upper part of the end baffle (130), that is, the tank cover portion (133), covers the upper surface of the tank (120) and makes close contact. During the assembly process, the tank cover (133) can serve to provide additional support to prevent the end baffle (130) from tipping over or deviating from its position by increasing the contact area with the tank (120). In particular, after brazing, the area of ​​the part to be brazed by the tank cover (133) is much larger, so it can serve to significantly improve the bonding strength of the end baffle (130) with the tank (120).

[0036] In addition, as a third embodiment, the end baffle (130) may further be provided with a tank fitting portion (134). As also well illustrated in FIG. 4, the tank fitting portion (134) is formed by pressing a portion of the plate surface of the end baffle (130). More specifically, the tank fitting portion (134) is formed such that a portion of the plate surface of the end baffle (130) is pressed and recessed toward the tank (120) to be fitted into the flow path space (122). Accordingly, the bonding strength between the end baffle (130) and the tank (120) can be further improved, and in particular, the bonding strength during the assembly process can be significantly enhanced.

[0037] As described above, in the present invention, structures are formed on the header (110) to fix the end baffle (130), and the end baffle (130) is fixed to the tank (120) by utilizing the shape of the tank (120) as is without separate processing. In the process of realizing this structure, (unlike conventional cases where the header and the tank generally had the same length), the header (110) in the present invention is formed to be longer in the longitudinal direction than the tank (120), and structures for fixing the end baffle (130) can be further formed in this extra space. Meanwhile, this extra space can be utilized not only for fixing the end baffle (130) but also for fixing the support (200). More specifically, the following applies.

[0038] The heat exchanger may include a pair of supports (200) that are fixed at both ends to the header tank (100) and positioned at the outermost side of a tube row formed by the arrangement of tubes to support the tube row. In this case, as a structure for fixing the supports (200), at least one support protrusion (210) is formed at both ends of the supports (200) in the height direction, protruding toward the header (110), and a support insertion hole (113) is formed at a position corresponding to the support protrusion (210) of the header (110). At this time, the support protrusion (210) is fitted into the support insertion hole (113), thereby allowing the supports (200) to be firmly connected to the header tank (100).

[0039] Meanwhile, the support protrusion (210) is inevitably positioned further outward in the longitudinal direction than the end baffle (130), and accordingly, it can also serve to some extent to supplement and support the connection structure toward the outer longitudinal direction of the end baffle (130). Of course, since the support protrusion (210) does not make surface contact with the end baffle (130), it may not provide complete support, but it can sufficiently perform the role of protecting the end baffle (130) to some extent and preventing detachment when external vibration occurs before brazing.

[0040] In addition, the coupling structure between the support protrusion (210) and the support insertion hole (113) is similar to the coupling structure between the header side protrusion (132) and the baffle insertion hole (112) described earlier (only opposite in height direction). Just as it was previously explained that it is preferable for the header side protrusion (132) to be caulked after coupling, it is also preferable for the support protrusion (210) to be caulked after coupling.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates the baffle caulking process of the end cap structure of the present invention. As illustrated, the header side protrusion (132) is fitted into the baffle insertion hole (112) so that a portion of it is exposed to the outside of the header (110) (downward from FIG. 5), and similarly, the support protrusion (210) is fitted into the support insertion hole (113) so that a portion of it is exposed to the outside of the header (110) (upward from FIG. 5). In both parts, the portion exposed to the outside is caulked, thereby making the connection with the header (110) more robust. At this time, in both parts as well, it is preferable that a notch is formed in the center as illustrated in the upper drawing of FIG. 5, and that when caulking, the parts spread out around the notch to come into contact with and adhere to the header (110). By doing this, the balance is maintained during the caulking process, allowing for stable caulking operations, and high stability can be achieved even after the caulking is completed.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the necessity of baffle caulking in the end cap structure of the present invention, illustrating a case where a simple inclined portion (210') is formed on the support (200), which is similar to the support protrusion (210) shown in FIG. 5, etc., but has no notch and is not caulked. As shown in the upper and lower-left drawings of FIG. 6, since it is simply inserted, the combined form can be maintained to some extent if there is no external stimulus. However, in reality, various external stimuli occur, such as tilting sideways or receiving vibrations from the outside, during the process of moving the assembly before brazing in this combined state. Since the simple inclined portion (210') is merely inserted into the support insertion hole (113) and is not fixed, there is a possibility that it will easily come off, as shown in the lower-right drawing of FIG. 6, especially when the assembly tilts sideways. Since the support (200) also serves to support the heat dissipation fins interposed between the support (200) and the outermost tube, if the fixation of the support (200) is unstable in this way, it causes a disruption in the overall assembly process. However, by caulking the support protrusion (210) as shown in FIG. 5, the risk of detachment as shown in the lower right drawing of FIG. 6 is effectively eliminated, and as a result, the assembly process can be carried out much more smoothly.

[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates a first embodiment of the end cap structure of the present invention for another heat exchanger header tank, FIG. 8 illustrates first and second embodiments of the end cap structure of the present invention for another heat exchanger header tank, and FIG. 9 illustrates first, second, and third embodiments of the end cap structure of the present invention for another heat exchanger header tank.

[0044] The first embodiment of the end cap structure of the present invention is a structure in which the header (110) is extended beyond the tank (120) so that the lower portion of the end baffle (130) is supported in the spare space of the header (110), and the side portion of the end baffle (130) is formed as the header tab catch portion (131) having the same shape as the stepped portion (121) of the tank (120), thereby the header tab (111) fixes the stepped portion (121) and the header tab catch portion (131) together. Additionally, the lower edge of the end baffle (130) is not merely supported by being erected in the spare space of the header (110); instead, the header-side protrusion (132) is formed on the lower edge of the end baffle (130), and the baffle insertion hole (112) is formed in the header (110), so that they are fitted together to maintain a more stable connection state. FIG. 7 illustrates this first embodiment, differing from FIG. 3 only in the shape of the tank (120). That is, while the tank (120) shown in FIG. 3 has a flat upper surface, the tank (120) shown in FIG. 7 has a rounded upper surface.

[0045] A second embodiment of the end cap structure of the present invention is formed such that a portion of the upper end of the end baffle (130) is bent to form a tank covering portion (133) that covers the upper surface of the tank (120) and makes contact with the contact surface. FIG. 8 illustrates the case in which the tank covering portion (133) is formed together with the first embodiment (header tab catch portion + header side protrusion portion), i.e., the first and second embodiments.

[0046] The third embodiment of the end cap structure of the present invention forms a tank fitting part (134) in which a portion of the plate surface of the end baffle (130) is pressed and recessed toward the tank (120) so as to be fitted into the flow path space (122). FIG. 9 illustrates the first embodiment (header tab catch part + header side protrusion part) and the second embodiment (tank cover part) together with the case in which the tank fitting part (134) is formed, i.e., the first, second, and third embodiments. FIG. 4 above also illustrates the first, second, and third embodiments and has the same structure, but differs only in that the tank (120) shown in FIG. 4 has a flat upper surface, whereas the tank (120) shown in FIG. 9 has a rounded curved upper surface. As such, the end cap structure of the present invention can be modified in various ways by independently adding second and third embodiments based on the first embodiment.

[0047] The structures for fixing the end baffle (130) are generally quite sturdy in terms of height and width, but the fixation in the length direction needs to be somewhat reinforced (for reference, the fixation in the width direction is naturally achieved by the edge of the end baffle (120) being surrounded by the header (110), so a separate fixing structure is not required). FIGS. 10 to 12 are various embodiments that reinforce the fixation force in the length direction of the end baffle (130) by utilizing the structure of the header tab portion.

[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a first embodiment of a header tab structure for fixing an end cap of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the outermost header tab among the header tabs (111) located at the outermost position in the longitudinal direction is located further outward in the longitudinal direction than the end baffle (130). At this time, the outermost header tab is bent further than the position where it comes into close contact with the stepped portion (121) of the tank (120). By doing so, the end baffle (130) can be fixed more firmly in the longitudinal direction in a form interposed between the longitudinal cross-section of the tank (120) and the bent outermost header tab.

[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates a second embodiment of a header tab structure for fixing an end cap of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, a fitting groove (111a) is formed in the outermost header tab located in the longitudinal direction among the header tabs (111), and the fitting groove (111a) is positioned at the same location in the longitudinal direction as the end baffle (130). Accordingly, the end baffle (130) is firmly fixed in the longitudinal direction in a form that is fitted into the fitting groove (111a).

[0050] FIG. 12 illustrates a third embodiment of a header tab structure for fixing an end cap of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, a fitting groove (111a) is formed in the outermost header tab located in the longitudinal direction among the header tabs (111), and the fitting groove (111a) is located at the same position in the longitudinal direction as the end baffle (130), and a stepped fitting part (131a) is formed on the upper side of the header tab catch part (131). At this time, the lower part of the end baffle (130) is fixed in the height direction in a form in which the outermost header tab is bent and tightly fixed to the header tab catch part (131). At the same time, the upper part of the end baffle (130) is fixed in the longitudinal direction in a form in which the fitting part (131a) is fitted into the fitting groove (111a). In the case of the third embodiment of the header tab structure, although the structure is somewhat complex, the fixing force in both the height and length directions can be significantly improved.

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and has a diverse scope of application. Furthermore, it is understood that anyone with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0052] 100 : Header Tank 110 : Header 111 : Header tab 112 : Baffle insertion hole 113 : Support insertion hole 114 : Tube insertion hole 120 : Tank 121 : Step section 122 : Eurospace 130 : End baffle 131 : Header tab catch 132 : Header side protrusion 133 : Tank cover 134 : Tank fitting part 100 : Header Tank 110 : Header 111 : Header tab 112 : Baffle insertion hole 113 : Support insertion hole 114 : Tube insertion hole 120 : Tank 121 : Step section 122 : Eurospace 130 : End baffle 131 : Header tab catch 132 : Header side protrusion 133 : Tank fitting part 134 : Tank cover 200 : Support 210 : Support protrusion

Claims

Claim 1 A heat exchanger comprising a pair of header tanks formed parallel to each other and spaced apart by a certain distance, wherein the header and the tank are combined to form an internal flow path space, and a plurality of tubes having both ends fixed to the header tank to form a flow path for a heat exchange medium, wherein the direction of extension of the header and the tank is the length direction, the direction in which the header and the tank are combined is the height direction, and the direction perpendicular to the length direction and the height direction is the width direction, wherein end baffles that shield the flow path space are provided at both ends of the header tank in the length direction, and wherein the header is formed to be longer in the length direction than the tank, and the lower edge of the end baffles is supported by the excess length of the header. Claim 2 In claim 1, the heat exchanger is characterized in that a header-side protrusion is formed on the lower edge of the end baffle and protrudes toward the header side, and a baffle insertion hole is formed at a position corresponding to the header-side protrusion of the header, so that the header-side protrusion is fitted into the baffle insertion hole. Claim 3 A heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the header-side protrusion is fitted into the baffle insertion hole and the portion exposed outside the header is caulked. Claim 4 A heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the header-side protrusion is formed with a notch formed at the center, and is formed to open around the notch during caulking so as to come into contact with and adhere to the header. Claim 5 A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is characterized by forming a tank cover portion in which a portion of the upper end of the end baffle is bent to cover the upper surface of the tank and make close contact. Claim 6 In claim 1, the heat exchanger is characterized by forming a tank fitting portion in which a portion of the plate surface of the end baffle is pressed and recessed toward the tank to be fitted into the flow path space. Claim 7 In claim 1, the heat exchanger is characterized in that the header and the tank are joined together by bending a plurality of header tabs formed at both ends in the width direction of the header and fixing them in close contact with stepped portions formed at both ends in the width direction of the tank, and a header tab catch portion is formed on the side of the end baffle having the same shape as the stepped portion of the tank, so that the header tab is formed to fix the stepped portion and the header tab catch portion together. Claim 8 In claim 7, the heat exchanger is characterized in that the outermost header tab among the header tabs, which is located at the outermost longitudinal position, is located further outward in the longitudinal direction than the end baffle, and the outermost header tab is bent further than the position where it comes into close contact with the stepped portion of the tank, so that the end baffle is fixed in the longitudinal direction in a form interposed between the longitudinal cross-section of the tank and the bent outermost header tab. Claim 9 In claim 7, the heat exchanger is characterized in that a fitting groove is formed in the outermost header tab located in the longitudinal direction among the header tabs, and the fitting groove is located at the same position in the longitudinal direction as the end baffle, so that the end baffle is fixed in the longitudinal direction in a form that is fitted into the fitting groove. Claim 10 In claim 7, the heat exchanger is characterized in that a fitting groove is formed in the outermost header tab located in the longitudinal direction among the header tabs, the fitting groove is located at the same position in the longitudinal direction as the end baffle, and a stepped fitting part is formed on the upper side of the header tab catch part, so that the lower part of the end baffle is fixed in the height direction in a form in which the outermost header tab is bent and fixed in close contact with the header tab catch part, and the upper part of the end baffle is fixed in the longitudinal direction in a form in which the fitting part is fitted into the fitting groove. Claim 11 The heat exchanger according to claim 1 comprises a pair of supports that are fixed at both ends to the header tank and positioned at the outermost side of a tube row formed by the arrangement of tubes to support the tube row, wherein at least one support protrusion is formed at both ends of the support in the height direction and protrudes toward the header, and a support insertion hole is formed at a position corresponding to the support protrusion of the header, so that the support protrusion is fitted into the support insertion hole. Claim 12 A heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein the support protrusion is fitted into the support insertion hole and the portion exposed outside the header is caulked. Claim 13 A heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein the header-side protrusion is formed with a notch formed at the center, and is formed to open around the notch during caulking so as to come into contact with and adhere to the header. Claim 14 In claim 1, the heat exchanger is characterized in that the tank is formed of an extruded material. Claim 15 In claim 1, the heat exchanger is characterized in that the heat formed by a plurality of the tubes is at least one row.

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