Structure for fixing heat exchanger in air-conditioner casing

Abstract

A heat exchanger such as a heater is inserted into an air-conditioner casing and fixed thereto. Projected fixing members are formed at an opening of the casing through which the heater is inserted. The fixing member resiliently deforms to allow the insertion of the heat exchanger and automatically recovers its original shape to keep the heat exchanger at an inserted position. The fixing member may be formed in a hook shape having a sloped surface which is straightened when the heat exchanger is inserted and automatically recovers its original slope after the heat exchanger is fully inserted. Thus, the heat exchanger is easily inserted into the casing and firmly held therein without using parts for fixing the heat exchanger.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A structure for fixing a heat exchanger in an air-conditioner casing, heat being exchanged between fluid flowing through the heat exchanger and air flowing through the air-conditioner casing, the fixing structure comprising a projected fixing member formed in a vicinity of an opening of the air-conditioner casing, through which the heat exchanger is inserted, the projected fixing member being resiliently deformed by pushing the heat exchanger against the projected member.  
     
     
         2 . The fixing structure as in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the projected fixing member is integrally formed with the air-conditioner casing made of resin.    
     
     
         3 . The fixing structure as in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the projected fixing member is a resilient hook having a sloped surface that provides a wider space at the opening so that the heat exchanger is smoothly inserted through the opening.    
     
     
         4 . The fixing structure as in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the projected fixing member has a round surface that engages with a portion of the heat exchanger to thereby fix the heat exchanger at a mounted position in the air-conditioner casing.    
     
     
         5 . The fixing structure as in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the heat exchanger includes a substantially hexahedron-shaped core; and    an end portion of the core engages with the projected fixing member to keep the heat exchanger at a mounted position in the air-conditioner casing.    
     
     
         6 . An air-conditioner for use in an automotive vehicle, the air-conditioner including a heat exchanger fixed in an air-conditioner casing by means of the fixing structure defined in  claim 1.