Folded tube for a heat exchanger and method of making same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-port folded tube for a heat exchanger, and, in particular, a multi-port condenser tube and a method of making thereof. The present invention further comprises a folded tube and method of making a multi-port folded tube for a heat exchanger wherein at least one tube locking feature is included.

1 . A folded tube for a heat exchanger comprising: 
 a base;    a top spaced from and opposing the base;    a first side interposed between the base and the top along one side thereof;    a second side interposed between the base and the top along another side thereof; and    each of the base and the top having at least one internal half web;    wherein the at least one top internal half web abuts the at least one base internal half web to define a plurality of fluid ports and wherein there is at least one tube locking feature.    
   
   
       2 . A folded tube as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the generally planar sheet is shaped such that in forming the tube the width across the tube is larger than the height of the tube.  
   
   
       3 . A folded tube as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the at least one internal half web has a plurality of serrations to mix the fluid flowing through the fluid ports.  
   
   
       4 . A method of making a folded tube for a heat exchanger comprising the steps of: 
 providing a generally planar sheet;    folding the sheet and forming at least one top internal half web having a first fold portion and a second fold portion and at least one base internal half web having a first fold portion and a second fold portion;    folding the sheet and forming a base and a top opposing the base and a first side interposed between the top and the base and a second side interposed between the top and the base such that the at least one top internal half web abuts the at least one base internal half web to provide a plurality of fluid ports.    
   
   
       5 . A method as set forth in  claim 4  wherein the step of forming a plurality of internal half webs further comprises the step of providing a tube locking feature.  
   
   
       6 . A method of making a folded tube as set forth in  claim 5  wherein the generally planar sheet is shaped such that in forming the tube the width across the tube is larger than the height of the tube.  
   
   
       7 . A method as set forth in  claim 6  wherein edges of the planar sheet formed are flat edges and the tube locking feature is located on the end of the tube.  
   
   
       8 . A method as set forth in  claim 7  wherein the flat edges being formed close on the height side and have end edges being doubled back against the wall to at least one material thickness in length.  
   
   
       9 . A folded tube as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the at least one tube locking feature is supported with a ‘T’ shaped wall.  
   
   
       10 . A folded tube as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the at least one tube locking feature is contained within a ‘U’ shaped interior wall.  
   
   
       11 . A folded tube as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the ‘U’ shaped interior wall is doubled.  
   
   
       12 . A folded tube as set forth in  claim 7  wherein the tube has folded end edges forming perpendicular walls.  
   
   
       13 . A folded tube as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the tube has folded end edges forming perpendicular walls.  
   
   
       14 . A folded tube for a heat exchanger comprising: 
 a base;    a top spaced from and opposing the base;    a first side interposed between the base and the top along one side thereof;    a second side interposed between the base and the top along another side thereof; and    each of the base and the top having at least one internal oriented portion;    wherein the at least one top internal oriented portion abuts the at least one base internal oriented portion to define a plurality of fluid ports and wherein there is least one tube locking feature.    
   
   
       15 . A folded tube as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein at least one tube locking feature is at the tube end or other than the tube end.