Heat exchanger

Abstract

First depressed portions are formed on transverse sides of an insert so that the magnitude of depression of the first depressed portions increases as the first depressed portions approach toward the associated transverse side of the insert, whereby, as the first depressed portions are located to constitute a lower side of a core when brazing (in an oven), a brazing material, which is fused and is then allowed to flow into the first depressed portions in a brazing process, can be accumulated for retention within the first depressed portions by the surface tension of the brazing material so accumulated therein. Consequently, as the dispersion of more of the brazing material to outer fins, which constitute the lower side of the core when brazing, can be prevented, the erosion of the outer fins, which would otherwise occur due to the dispersion of the brazing material, can be prevented.

1 . A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of tubes ( 111 ) through which fluid flows, 
 fins ( 112 ) joined to external surfaces of said plurality of tubes ( 111 ) for promoting heat exchange between fluid flowing between said plurality of tubes ( 111 ) and fluid flowing through the interior of said plurality of tubes ( 111 ), and    reinforcement plates ( 130 ) disposed at end portions of a core portion ( 110 ) constituted by said plurality of tubes ( 111 ) and said fins ( 112 ) in such a manner as to extend substantially in parallel to said plurality of tubes ( 111 ) so as to reinforce said core portion ( 110 ) which is brazed at least at said fins ( 112 ), wherein 
 depressed portions ( 131 ) are formed at transverse end portions of said reinforcement plate ( 130 ) on a side thereof which is brought into contact with said fin ( 112 ) in such a manner as to be depressed in an opposite direction to the fin ( 112 ).  
   
     
     
         2 . A heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , wherein said depressed portions ( 131 ) are formed on transverse sides of said reinforcement plate ( 130 ).  
     
     
         3 . A heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , wherein said depressed portions ( 131 ) are formed in such a manner as to extend in a groove-like fashion in the longitudinal direction of said reinforcement plate ( 130 ).  
     
     
         4 . A heat exchanger according to  claim 1 , wherein said depressed portions ( 131 ) are formed in such a manner that the magnitude of depression (d) of said depressed portions ( 131 ) increases as said depressed portions ( 131 ) approach the associated transverse sides of said reinforcement plate ( 130 ).