FINS AND HEAT EXCHANGER COMPRISING SAME

Abstract

The present invention relates to fins and a heat exchanger comprising same. The fin may comprise: a fin body including a tube insertion hole, which is open in a reference direction and is provided such that a tube extending in the reference direction is inserted therein, and an application hole, which is disposed above the tube insertion hole, communicates with the tube insertion hole, and is open in the reference direction; a first protrusion part protruding in the reference direction from a first edge region, which is a region defining the application hole of the fin body; and a second protrusion part protruding in the reference direction from a second edge region, which is a region defining the tube insertion hole of the fin body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fin and a heat exchanger including the same.

BACKGROUND ART

A heat exchanger refers to an apparatus that enables heat transfer between two or more fluids at different temperatures.

Meanwhile, a fin-tube type, in which a tube is inserted into a plurality of fins, is mainly used in heat exchangers used for heating and cooling. In the fin-tube method, heat exchange with ambient air occurs through the tube while a refrigerant circulates in an interior of the tube, and a heat exchange area is widely expanded by a plurality of fins that are tightly coupled to an outer surface of the tube as well whereby heat exchange may occur rapidly.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional fin-tube type heat exchanger. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional fin. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional tube. FIG. 4 is a view conceptually illustrating a cross section of the conventional fin-tube type heat exchanger. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a rear surface of the conventional fin. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a tube 2 may be coupled through a conventional fin 1. Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the conventional fin 1 and the tube 2 may be joined to each other through brazing. For brazing, a filler metal 4 or an adhesive has to be disposed between a burring part 3 of the fin and the tube 2. Accordingly, in the conventional fin 1, to insert the adhesive and the filler metal 4 between the tube 2 and the burring part 3, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a shape including an area 5, in which the burring part is not formed, and a filler metal seating area 6 is provided. For example, in the case of using the filler metal 4, when the filler metal 4 is seated in the filler metal seating area 6 and then is melted, the melted filler metal 4 flows to an area 5, in which no burring part is formed, and flows between the burring part 3 and the tube 2.

However, in the case of the conventional fin 1, the area 5, in which the burring part that is a space for insertion of the filler metal 4 is not formed, is narrow whereby the filler metal or the adhesive escapes into spaces other than a surface that has to be in contact with the filler metal or the adhesive and the filter metal or the adhesive fails to reach a lower end thereof.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating another example of a conventional fin-tube type heat exchanger. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a side surface of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another example of a conventional fin. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another example of a conventional tube. FIG. 11 is a view conceptually illustrating a cross section of another example of a conventional fin-tube type heat exchanger. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a rear surface of the fin of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating that a filler metal flows to an outer surface of a burring part.

In the case of the conventional fin 1′, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a filler metal 4′ or an adhesive flows out not to a space between a burring part 3′ and the tube 2, but to an outer surface of the burring part 3′. The arrows of FIG. 13 indicate the flows of the filler metal. Accordingly, a joining quality of the tube 2′ and the burring part 3′ deteriorates as the filler metal required for joining the tube 2′ and the burring part 3′ is not sufficiently supplied.

In addition, the tube 2′ is press-fitted with and assembled in the fin 1′, and because the tube 2′ and the burring part 3′ have to be joined to each other through brazing, the tube 2′ and the burring part 3′ have to be disposed to be very close to each other, and the press-fitting of the tube 2′ put a load on the burring part 3′ whereby the burring part 3′ may be torn. Accordingly, because the tube 2′ has to be pressed in slowly several times, workability deteriorates.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a fin that may improve joining quality, and a heat exchanger including the same.

Technical Solution

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a fin includes a fin body including a tube insertion hole opened along a reference direction, and configured such that a tube extending along the reference direction is inserted thereinto, and an application hole disposed on an upper side of the tube insertion hole, communicated with the tube insertion hole, and opened along the reference direction, a first protrusion part protruding from a first edge region being a region of the fin body, which defines the application hole, in the reference direction, and a second protrusion part protruding from a second edge region being a region of the fin body, which defines the tube insertion hole, in the reference direction.

In another example, the first protrusion part may be connected to the second protrusion part.

In another example, a pair of first protrusion parts may be formed to be connected to opposite ends of the second protrusion part, respectively.

In another example, the first protrusion part may protrude from a portion of the first edge region in the reference direction.

In another example, the first protrusion part may include a (1-1)-th protruding portion formed to be inclined toward an inner side along an upward direction, and a (1-2)-th protruding portion formed on an upper side of the (1-1)-th protruding portion, and formed to be inclined toward an outer side along the upward direction.

In another example, the application hole may include a first region communicated with the tube insertion hole, and a width of which decreases along an upward direction, and a second region formed on an upper side of the first region, and a width of which increases along the upward direction.

In another example, when a region of the first edge region, which is located on an upper side, is defined as an upper end region, the upper end region may include a protruding region formed to protrude toward a lower side.

In another example, a width of the protruding region may be formed to be smaller than a width of the application hole.

In another example, the protruding region may include a portion being formed to be tapered toward a lower side.

In another example, a lower end of the protruding region may be disposed adjacent to the tube insertion hole.

In another example, with reference to a time point when the tube is inserted into the tube insertion hole, a lower end of the protruding region may contact the tube.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heat exchanger includes a tube extending along a reference direction, and a fin, into which the tube is inserted, and the fin includes a fin body including a tube insertion hole, into which the tube is inserted, and an application hole disposed on an upper side of the tube insertion hole, communicated with the tube insertion hole, and opened along the reference direction, and a first protrusion protruding from a first edge region being a region of the fin body, which defines the application hole, in the reference direction.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fin includes a fin body including a tube insertion hole opened along a first direction being one direction being perpendicular to an upward/downward direction, and configured such that a tube extending along the first direction is inserted thereinto, and a protrusion part protruding from an edge region being a region of the fin body, which defines the tube insertion hole, in the first direction, and the protrusion part includes a protrusion part body, a first groove formed to be recessed from a first protruding portion being a portion of the protrusion part body, which is located in a second direction being one direction being perpendicular to the first direction and an upward/downward direction, in an opposite direction to the first direction, and a second groove recessed from a second protruding portion being a portion of the protrusion part body, which is located in an opposite direction to the second direction, in the opposite direction to the first direction.

In another example, the second groove may overlap the first groove when viewed along the second direction.

In another example, the first groove may be formed to be tapered in an upward/downward direction as it goes in an opposite direction to the first direction.

In another example, the first groove may have a shape corresponding to the second groove.

In another example, when a region of the first protruding portion, which is located on a lower side, is defined as a lower side region, the first groove may be formed in the lower side region.

In another example, the protruding part may include a first boss formed to protrude from the first protruding portion in the first direction, and a second boss formed to protrude from the second protruding portion in the first direction.

In another example, the first boss may be disposed not to match up with the second boss when viewed along the second direction.

In another example, the first groove may be located on a lower side of the first boss.

In another example, the second groove may be located on an upper side of the second boss.

In another example, the first boss may be formed to be tapered in the upward/downward direction as it goes in the first direction.

In another example, a length of the first boss in the upward/downward direction may be greater than a length of the first groove in the upward/downward direction.

In another example, the first boss may have a shape corresponding to that of the second boss.

In another example, the fin body may further include an application hole disposed on an upper side of the tube insertion hole, communicated with the tube insertion hole, and opened along the first direction.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heat exchanger includes a tube extending along a first direction, and a fin, into which the tube is inserted, the fin includes a fin body including a tube insertion hole, into which the tube is inserted, and a protrusion part protruding from an edge region being a region of the fin body, which defines the tube insertion hole, in the first direction, and the protrusion part includes a protrusion part body, and a groove formed to be recessed from the protrusion part body in an opposite direction to the first direction.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present disclosure, because the separate application hole for injection of the filler metal or the adhesive is formed on the upper side of the tube insertion hole, into which the tube is inserted, the joining quality of the fin and the tube may be improved as the filler metal or the adhesive may be disposed in a sufficient amount.

According to the present disclosure, because the filler metal that has flown down to the outer surface of the burring part may be guided to the inside of the burring part through the groove formed in the burring part, a joining quality of the fin and the tube may be improved.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, the burring part may be easily deformed when the tube is press-fitted through the groove formed in the burring part, the tearing of the burring part may be reduced when the tube is press-fitted.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional fin-tube type heat exchanger.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional fin.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional tube.

FIG. 4 is a view conceptually illustrating a cross section of a conventional fin-tube type heat exchanger.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a rear surface of a conventional fin.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating another example of a conventional fin-tube type heat exchanger.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a side surface of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another example of a conventional fin.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another example of a conventional tube.

FIG. 11 is a view conceptually illustrating a cross section of another example of a conventional fin-tube type heat exchanger.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a rear surface of the fin of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating that a filler metal flows to an outer surface of a burring part.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a fin according to a (1-1)-th embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat exchanger including a fin according to a (1-1)-th embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a fin according to a (1-2)-th embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat exchanger including a fin according to a (1-2)-th embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a fin according to a (1-3)-th embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat exchanger including a fin according to a (1-3)-th embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a fin according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of one of tube insertion holes of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a lower side of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a side surface of a heat exchanger including a fin according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR INVENTION

This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2021-0179062 and 10-2021-0189521, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Dec. 14, 2021 and Dec. 28, 2021, respectively, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of the drawings, it is noted that the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals even when they are drawn in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations and functions may hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(1-1)-th Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a fin according to a (1-1)-th embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat exchanger including a fin according to the (1-1)-th embodiment of the present disclosure.

The fin according to the (1-1)-th embodiment of the present disclosure may be a fin that is applied to a heat exchanger. In detail, the fin may be a fin that is applied to a fin-tube type heat exchanger.

The fin may include a fin body 110, a first protrusion part 120, and a second protrusion part 130. The fin body 110 may include a tube insertion hole 111 and an application hole 112.

The tube insertion hole 111 may be opened along a reference direction “D”. The reference direction “D” may be a direction that crosses an upward/downward direction. A tube 2 may be inserted into the tube insertion hole 111. Accordingly, the tube insertion hole 111 may have a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the tube 2.

The tube 2 may extend in the reference direction “D”. For a shape of the tube 2, FIG. 3 may be referenced. As an example, a cross section of the tube 2 may be elliptical. However, a cross-sectional shape of the tube 2 is not limited to an elliptical shape, and various modifications, such as a circular shape or a polygonal shape, may be possible. A refrigerant may flow inside the tube 2.

A plurality of tube insertion holes 111 may be formed. Then, the number of the tube insertion holes 111 may correspond to the number of the tubes 2.

The application hole 112 may be disposed on an upper side of the tube insertion hole 111. The application hole 112 may be communicated with the tube insertion hole 111 and may be opened along the reference direction “D”. The number of the application holes 112 may correspond to the number of the tube insertion holes 111.

For reference, the upper side here refers to the upper side with reference to the drawing, and does not necessarily mean the actual upper side. This may mean that the upper side may be understood as different directions depending on a viewing direction. For example, when the fin of the (1-1)-th embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the upper side of the fin of the (1-1)-th embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the drawing, the application hole 112 may be disposed on a lower side of the tube insertion hole 111.

The application hole 112 may include a first region 112a and a second region 112b. The first region 112a may refer to a region that is communicated with the tube insertion hole 111 and a width of which decreases along an upward direction. The second region 112b may mean a region, a width of which increases along the upward direction. For example, the second region 112b may be formed on the upper side of the first region 112a, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second region 112b may be formed on the lower side of the first region 112a. The application hole 112 may have various shapes within a range of shapes having the first region 112a and the second region 112b. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the application hole 112 may include the first region 112a and the second region 112b, and may have a shape, in which a region, a width of which decreases as it goes the upper side of the second region 112b, may be formed on the upper side.

As an example, the application hole 112 may be a hole, through which the filler metal for brazing flows. Brazing is a technology for joining two base materials by applying heat to the filler metal to a melting point of the two base materials or less. When brazing is performed and a specific temperature is reached, the filler metal may flow between a joining gap between the two base materials by the capillary phenomenon. In the present disclosure, the filler metal may flow between the fin and the tube 2. The filler metal may be seated in a filler metal seating region 6 (FIG. 2), be melted, and then flow into the application hole 112 in a melted state.

As another example, the application hole 112 may be a hole, through which an adhesive for adhesion is introduced. The adhesive may flow between the fin and the tube 2 due to the capillary phenomenon.

The first protrusion part 120 may protrude from a first edge region in the reference direction “D”. The first edge region may refer to a region of the fin body 110, which defines the application hole 112. The first protrusion part 120 may serve to guide the filler metal or the adhesive introduced into the application hole 112 such that it is introduced into the second protrusion part 130 that will be described later.

The second protrusion part 130 may protrude from a second edge region in the reference direction “D”. The second edge region may refer to a region of the fin body 110, which defines the tube insertion hole 111. The second protrusion part 130 may define a space between the tube 2 and the tube 2, into which filler metal or adhesive is introduced. This may mean that the tube 2 and the fin may be joined through the second protrusion part 130.

According to the present disclosure, because a separate application hole 112 may be formed on the upper side of the tube insertion hole 111, through which where the tube 2 is inserted so that a sufficient amount of the filler metal or the adhesive may be injected, a joining quality of the fin and the tube 2 may be improved.

Hereinafter, a specific shape of the fin will be described in detail.

The first protrusion part 120 may be connected to the second protrusion part 130. For example, a pair of first protrusion parts 120 may be formed and may be connected to opposite ends of the second protrusion part 130, respectively.

Furthermore, the first protrusion part 120 may protrude from a portion of the first edge region in the reference direction “D”. For example, the first protrusion part 120 may protrude from a portion of the first edge region, which is located on the lower side in the reference direction “D”.

Meanwhile, the first protrusion part 120 may include a (1-1)-th protruding portion 121 and a (1-2)-th protruding portion 122. The (1-1)-th protruding portion 121 may be formed to be inclined inward along the upward direction. The (1-2)-th protruding portion 122 may be formed on the upper side of the (1-1)-th protruding portion 121, and may be formed to be inclined toward an outer side along the upward direction. An overall elliptical shape of the first protrusion part 120 may be understood as being similar to a shape of an inequality sign.

Hereinafter, a method of coupling the fin to the tube 2 according to the (1-1)-th embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

First, the tube 2 is inserted into the tube insertion hole 111 along the reference direction “D”.

Second, the filler metal or the adhesive is injected into the application hole 112. The injected filler metal and adhesive is introduced into the space between the second protrusion part 130 and the tube 2 and the fin and the tube 2 are joined to each other. The process of injecting the filler metal into the application hole 112 may include a process of melting the solid filler metal placed in the filler metal seating region 6.

(1-2)-th Embodiment

Hereinafter, a fin according to the (1-2)-th embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a fin according to a (1-2)-th embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat exchanger including the fin according to a (1-2)-th embodiment of the present disclosure.

The fin according to the (1-2)-th of the present disclosure is different from the fin according to (1-1)-th in a shape of the application hole 112. For components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the fin according to (1-1)-th embodiment, the same or equivalent reference numerals are given, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

For convenience of explanation, a region that is located on the upper side of the first edge region is referred to an upper end region 113. The upper end region 113 of the fin according to the (1-2)-th embodiment of the present disclosure may include a protruding region 114. The protruding region 114 may refer to a region of the upper end region 113, which protrudes toward the lower side.

In the fin according to the (1-2)-th embodiment of the present disclosure, through a boss that is defined due to the protruding region 114, an effect of allowing the filler metal or the adhesive stuck on the upper side of the application hole 112 to fall to the lower side may be further achieved.

A width of the protruding region 114 may be smaller than a width of the application hole 112. Furthermore, the protruding region 114 may have a portion having a shape that is tapered toward the lower side.

(1-3)-th Embodiment

Hereinafter, a fin according to the (1-3)-th embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22. FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a fin according to the (1-3)-th embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat exchanger including the fin according to the (1-3)-th embodiment of the present disclosure.

The fin according to the (1-3)-th embodiment of the present disclosure is different from the fin according to the (1-2)-th embodiment in a shape of the protruding region 114. For components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the fin according to the (1-2)-th embodiment, the same or equivalent reference numerals are given, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The protruding region 114 of the fin according to the (1-3)-th embodiment of the present disclosure may extend to a portion that is adjacent to the tube insertion hole 111. Accordingly, the lower end of the protruding region 114 of the fin according to the (1-3)-th embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed adjacent to the tube insertion hole 111.

In addition, the protruding region 114 of the fin according to the (1-3)-th embodiment of the present disclosure may include a portion having a shape that is tapered toward the lower side, and a portion, a width of which is maintained toward the lower side.

With reference to a time point when the tube 2 is inserted into the tube insertion hole 111, the lower end of the protruding region 114 may contact the tube 2. When the protruding region 114 touches the tube 2, the molten filler metal may flow through the protruding region 114 until it reaches the tube 2. Accordingly, a phenomenon of the molten filler metal agglomerating at a lower end of the protruding region 114 due to a surface tension and a cohesion may be minimized, and as a result, the melted filler metal may be easily moved between the tube 2 and the second protrusion part 130.

Heat Exchanger According to First Embodiment

Hereinafter, heat exchangers including the fins according to the (1-1)-th to (1-3)-th embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat exchanger including the fin according to the (1-1)-th embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat exchanger including the fin according to the (1-2)-th embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of a heat exchanger including the fin according to the (1-3)-th embodiment of the present disclosure.

The heat exchanger may include a tube 2 and a fin. The tube 2 may extend along the reference direction “D”. The tube 2 may be inserted into the fin.

The fin may include a fin body 110 and a first protrusion part 120. The fin body 110 may include a tube insertion hole 111 and an application hole 112. The tube 2 may be inserted into the tube insertion hole 111. The application hole 112 may be disposed on the upper side of the tube insertion hole 111, be communicates with the tube insertion hole 111, and be opened along the reference direction “D”. The first protrusion part 120 may protrude from the first edge region in the reference direction “D”.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a fin according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of one of tube insertion holes of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the lower side of FIG. 24.

The fin according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may be a fin that is applied to a heat exchanger. In detail, the fin may be a fin that is applied to a fin-tube type heat exchanger.

The fin may include a fin body 210 and a protrusion part. The fin body 210 may include a tube insertion hole 211.

The tube insertion hole 211 may be opened along a first direction D1. The first direction D1 may be a direction that is perpendicular to the upward/downward direction. A tube 2′ may be inserted into the tube insertion hole 211. Accordingly, the tube insertion hole 211 may have a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the tube 2′.

The tube 2′ may extend in the first direction D1. For a shape of the tube 2′, FIG. 10 may be referenced. For example, a cross section of the tube 2′ may have a slot shape. In more detail, it may be a slot shape, in which a length thereof in the upward/downward direction is longer than a length thereof in a leftward/rightward direction. However, the cross-sectional shape of the tube 2′ is not limited to the slot shape, and various modifications, such as a circular shape or a polygonal shape, may be possible. A refrigerant may flow inside the tube 2′.

A plurality of tube insertion holes 211 may be formed. Then, the number of the tube insertion holes 211 may correspond to the number of the tubes 2′.

The fin body 210 may further include an application hole 212. The application hole 212 may be disposed on the upper side of the tube insertion hole 211. The application hole 212 may be communicated with the tube insertion hole 211, and may be opened along the first direction D1. The number of the application holes 212 may correspond to the number of the tube insertion holes 211.

For reference, the upper side here refers to the upper side with reference to the drawing, and does not necessarily mean the actual upper side. This may mean that the upper side may be understood as different directions depending on a viewing direction. For example, when the fin of the second embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the upper side of the fin of the second embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the drawing, the application hole 112 may be disposed on the lower side of the tube insertion hole 211.

The application hole 212 may be a hole, through which a filler metal for brazing is introduced. Brazing is a technology for joining two base materials by applying heat to the filler metal to a melting point of the two base materials or less. When brazing is performed and a specific temperature is reached, the filler metal may flow between a joining gap between the two base materials by the capillary phenomenon. In the present disclosure, the filler metal may flow between the fin and the tube 2′. The filler metal may be seated in a filler metal seating region 6′ (FIG. 23), be melted, and then flow into the application hole 212 in a melted state.

As another example, the application hole 212 may be a hole, through which an adhesive for adhesion is introduced. The adhesive may flow between the fin and the tube 2 due to the capillary phenomenon.

A protrusion part 220 may protrude from an edge region in the first direction D1. The edge region may refer to a region of the fin body 110, which defines the tube insertion hole 211. The protrusion part 220 may be understood as a configuration corresponding to the burring part described above.

The protrusion part 220 may define a space between the tube 2′ and the tube 2′, into which the filler metal or the adhesive is introduced. This may mean that the tube 2′ and the fin may be joined to each other through the protrusion part 220.

The protrusion part 220 may include a protrusion part body 221 and a groove 222. The groove 222 may guide the filler metal or the adhesive that flows along an outer surface of the protrusion part body 221 as illustrated in FIG. 13 to an inside of the protrusion part body 221 as illustrated in FIG. 25. The arrows of FIGS. 13 and 25 show the flows of the filler metal or the adhesive.

The groove 222 may include a first groove 222a and a second groove 222b. The first groove 222a may be recessed from a first protruding portion 221a in a direction opposite to the first direction D1. The first protruding portion 221a may refer to a portion of the protrusion part body 221, which is located in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 may be a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the upward/downward direction.

The first groove 222a may be formed to be tapered in the upward/downward direction as it goes in a direction that is opposite to the first direction D1. Furthermore, the first groove 222a may be formed in the lower side region 221a′ of the first protruding portion 211a, which is located on the lower side. As an example, the portions of the protrusion part body 221, which define a side of the first groove 222a in the first direction D1 may have a shape that is convex toward the first direction D1, and the portions that define a side of the first groove 222a in an opposite direction to the first direction D1 may have a shape that is convex toward the opposite direction to the first direction D1. However, a shape of the first groove 222a is not limited thereto and may have various shapes.

The second groove 222b may be recessed from the second protruding portion 21b in an opposite direction to the first direction D1. The second protruding portion 21b may be a portion of the protrusion part body 221, which is located in an opposite direction to the second direction D2. The second protruding portion 21b may be connected to the first protruding portion 221a.

As an example, the second groove 222b may overlap the first groove 222a when viewed along the second direction D2. However, this is only an example, and the second groove 222b may be disposed not to match up with the first groove 222a when viewed along the second direction D2.

Furthermore, the second groove 222b may have a shape corresponding to that of the first groove 222a.

According to the present disclosure, because the filler metal that has flown down to an outer surface of the protrusion part 220 may be guided to an inside of the protrusion part 220 through the groove 222, the filler metal may be sufficiently guided to an entire range of the protrusion part 220 whereby a joining quality of the fin and the tube 2′ may be improved.

In addition, to form the heat exchanger, the tube 2′ is press-fitted with and assembled in the tube insertion hole 211 of the fin, and for brazing, the tube 2′ and the protrusion part 220 have to be disposed very close to each other whereby the press-fitting of the tube 2′ may place a load on the protrusion part 220, causing tearing of the protrusion part 220.

According to the present disclosure, when the tube is press-fitted with the groove 222 formed in the protrusion part 220, the protrusion part 220 may be easily deformed with respect to the groove 222, and thus, the tearing of the protrusion part 220 may be reduced when the tube 2′ is press-fitted. Accordingly, workability may be increased.

In particular, according to the present disclosure, because the first groove 222a and the second groove 222b are formed in a lower side region 221a′, the application hole 212 is formed on the upper side of the protrusion part 220 when the tube 2′ is inserted into the tube insertion hole 211 whereas nothing is formed on the lower side whereby it is possible to prevent frequent damages to the protrusion part 220 on the lower side.

The protrusion part 220 may further include a boss 223. The boss 223 may play a role like a spacer that maintains the gap between the fins during a manufacturing process for the heat exchanger.

The boss 223 may include a first boss 223a and a second boss 223b. The first boss 223a may protrude from the first protruding portion 221a in the first direction D1. The first boss 223a may be formed to be tapered in the upward/downward direction as it goes in the first direction D1. Furthermore, a length of the first boss 223a in the upward/downward direction may be larger than a length of the first groove 222a in the upward/downward direction. The first boss 223a may be located in the lower side region 221a′.

The second boss 223b may be formed to protrude from the second protruding portion 21b in the first direction D1. The first boss 223a may have a shape corresponding to that of the second boss 223b. The second boss 223b may be located in the lower side region 221a′.

The first boss 223a may be disposed not to match up with the second boss 223b when viewed along the second direction D2. As an example, the first groove 222a may be located on the lower side of the first boss 223a. Furthermore, the second groove 222b may be located on the upper side of the second boss 223b.

Hereinafter, the method of coupling the fin to the tube 2′ according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

First, the tube 2′ is inserted into the tube insertion hole 211 along the first direction D1.

Second, the filler metal or the adhesive is injected into the application hole 212. The injected filler metal and adhesive is introduced into the space between the protrusion part 220 and the tube 2′, and thus, the fin and the tube 2′ are joined to each other. The process of injecting the filler metal into the application hole 212 may include a process of melting the solid filler metal placed in the filler metal seating region 6′.

Meanwhile, in the second process, the filler metal or the adhesive may flow down to an outer surface of the protrusion part body 221. The filler metal or the adhesive that has flown down to the outer surface is guided to an inside of the protrusion part body 221 through the first groove 222a and the second groove 222b.

Heat Exchanger according to Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, the heat exchanger including the fin according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a side surface of a heat exchanger including the fin according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The heat exchanger may include a tube 2′ and a fin. The tube 2′ may extend along the first direction D1. The tube 2′ may be inserted into the fin.

The fin may include a fin body 210 and a protrusion part 220. The fin body 210 may include a tube insertion hole 211 and an application hole 212. The tube 2′ may be inserted into the tube insertion hole 211. The application hole 212 may be disposed on the upper side of the tube insertion hole 211, be communicated with the tube insertion hole 211, and be opened along the first direction D1. The protrusion part 220 may protrude from an edge region in the first direction D1.

The protrusion part 220 may include a protrusion part body 221 and a groove 222. The groove 222 may be recessed from the protrusion part body 221 in an opposite direction to the first direction D1.

The protrusion part 220 may further include a boss 223. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the boss 223 may serve as a spacer that maintains the gap between one fin and another fin.

The above description is a simple exemplary description of the technical spirits of the present disclosure, and an ordinary person in the art, to which the present disclosure pertains, may make various corrections and modifications without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are not for limiting the technical spirits of the present disclosure but for describing them, and the scope of the technical spirits of the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be construed by the following claims, and all the technical spirits in the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A fin comprising: a fin body including a tube insertion hole opened along a reference direction, and configured such that a tube extending along the reference direction is inserted thereinto, and an application hole disposed on an upper side of the tube insertion hole, communicated with the tube insertion hole, and opened along the reference direction;a first protrusion part protruding from a first edge region being a region of the fin body, which defines the application hole, in the reference direction; anda second protrusion part protruding from a second edge region being a region of the fin body, which defines the tube insertion hole, in the reference direction.

2. The fin of claim 1, wherein the first protrusion part is connected to the second protrusion part.

3. The fin of claim 2, wherein a pair of first protrusion parts are formed to be connected to opposite ends of the second protrusion part, respectively.

4. The fin of claim 1, wherein the first protrusion part protrudes from a portion of the first edge region in the reference direction.

5. The fin of claim 1, wherein the first protrusion part includes: a (1-1)-th protruding portion formed to be inclined toward an inner side along an upward direction; anda (1-2)-th protruding portion formed on an upper side of the (1-1)-th protruding portion, and formed to be inclined toward an outer side along the upward direction.

6. The fin of claim 1, wherein the application hole includes: a first region communicated with the tube insertion hole, and a width of which decreases along an upward direction; anda second region formed on an upper side of the first region, and a width of which increases along the upward direction.

7. The fin of claim 1, wherein when a region of the first edge region, which is located on an upper side, is defined as an upper end region, the upper end region includes a protruding region formed to protrude toward a lower side.

8. The fin of claim 7, wherein a width of the protruding region is formed to be smaller than a width of the application hole.

9. (canceled)

10. The fin of claim 7, wherein a lower end of the protruding region is disposed adjacent to the tube insertion hole.

11. The fin of claim 7, wherein with reference to a time point when the tube is inserted into the tube insertion hole, a lower end of the protruding region contacts the tube.

12. (canceled)

13. A fin comprising: a fin body including a tube insertion hole opened along a first direction being one direction being perpendicular to an upward/downward direction, and configured such that a tube extending along the first direction is inserted thereinto; anda protrusion part protruding from an edge region being a region of the fin body, which defines the tube insertion hole, in the first direction,wherein the protrusion part includes:a protrusion part body;a first groove formed to be recessed from a first protruding portion being a portion of the protrusion part body, which is located in a second direction being one direction being perpendicular to the first direction and an upward/downward direction, in an opposite direction to the first direction; anda second groove recessed from a second protruding portion being a portion of the protrusion part body, which is located in an opposite direction to the second direction, in the opposite direction to the first direction.

14. The fin of claim 13, wherein the second groove overlaps the first groove when viewed along the second direction.

15. The fin of claim 13, wherein the first groove is formed to be tapered in an upward/downward direction as it goes in an opposite direction to the first direction.

16. The fin of claim 13, wherein the first groove has a shape corresponding to the second groove.

17. The fin of claim 13, wherein when a region of the first protruding portion, which is located on a lower side, is defined as a lower side region, the first groove is formed in the lower side region.

18. The fin of claim 13, wherein the protruding part further includes: a first boss formed to protrude from the first protruding portion in the first direction; anda second boss formed to protrude from the second protruding portion in the first direction.

19. The fin of claim 18, wherein the first boss is disposed not to match up with the second boss when viewed along the second direction.

20. The fin of claim 18, wherein the first groove is located on a lower side of the first boss.

21. The fin of claim 18, wherein the second groove is located on an upper side of the second boss.

22. The fin of claim 18, wherein the first boss is formed to be tapered in the upward/downward direction as it goes in the first direction.

23. The fin of claim 18, wherein a length of the first boss in the upward/downward direction is greater than a length of the first groove in the upward/downward direction.

24. The fin of claim 18, wherein the first boss has a shape corresponding to that of the second boss.

25. The fin of claim 13, wherein the fin body further includes an application hole disposed on an upper side of the tube insertion hole, communicated with the tube insertion hole, and opened along the first direction.

26. A heat exchanger comprising: a tube extending along a first direction; anda fin, into which the tube is inserted,wherein the fin includes:a fin body including a tube insertion hole, into which the tube is inserted; anda protrusion part protruding from an edge region being a region of the fin body, which defines the tube insertion hole, in the first direction, andwherein the protrusion part includes:a protrusion part body; anda groove formed to be recessed from the protrusion part body in an opposite direction to the first direction.