Pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger

Abstract

A pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger having a header portion or manifold defined by a plurality of parallel elongate header tubes, connector block having a side face adapted to abut against a side region of an outer one of the header tubes and connection means configured to connect a pipe thereto, and joining means. The joining means include at least one elongate tubular member having a first end adapted to be inserted through a hole formed in a first side wall of at least the outer one of the header tubes, and a second end extending through a corresponding hole in the side face of the connector block, whereby the second end communicates with the connection means.

1 . A pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger comprising:—
 a header portion or manifold defined by a plurality of parallel elongate header tubes;   a connector block having a side face adapted to abut against a side region of an outer one of said header tubes and connection means configured to connect a pipe thereto;   and joining means comprising at least one elongate tubular member having a first end adapted to be inserted through a hole formed in a first side wall of at least said outer one of said header tubes, and a second end extending through a corresponding hole in said side face of the connector block, whereby said second end communicates with said connection means.   
   
   
       2 . A pipe connecting structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one tubular member of the joining means extends substantially perpendicular to said header tubes. 
   
   
       3 . A pipe connecting structure as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said first end of said at least one elongate tubular member is adapted to extend through a corresponding hole in a second side wall of said outer one of said header tubes diametrically opposite said first side wall and through an aperture in a side wall of the one of said plurality of header tubes furthest from said outer one of said header tubes, whereby said first end communicates with an interior of said furthest one of said header tubes, whereby the at least one tubular member of the joining means extends between, and perpendicular to, said plurality of elongate header tubes to connect the plurality of elongate pipes to one another and to the connector block. 
   
   
       4 . A pipe connecting structure as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said at least one tubular member of the joining means includes a radially extending flange located between said first and second ends and adapted to be positioned between sides faces of said furthest one of said header tubes and an adjacent header tube. 
   
   
       5 . A pipe connecting structure as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said header portion comprises two parallel elongate header tubes, a first tube corresponding to said outer one of said header tubes and a second tube corresponding to said furthest one of said header tubes, said radially extending flange being positioned between said first and second tubes. 
   
   
       6 . A pipe connecting structure as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the diameter of said first end of said at least one tubular member is smaller than the diameter of said second end. 
   
   
       7 . A pipe connecting structure as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the joining means comprises a plurality of parallel tubular members arranged in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of header tubes of the header portion. 
   
   
       8 . A pipe connecting structure as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the connection means of the connector block is adapted to receive said pipe with said pipe arranged parallel to said plurality of header tubes. 
   
   
       9 . A pipe connecting structure as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the connection means of the connector block is adapted to receive said pipe with the pipe arranged perpendicular to said plurality of header tubes. 
   
   
       10 . A pipe connecting structure as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said connection means comprises a flange or stub to be received within an end of the pipe. 
   
   
       11 . A pipe connecting structure as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the connection means comprises an aperture for receiving an end of the pipe.