Flat tube heat exchanger

Abstract

A flat tube heat exchanger is provided including a first flat side and a second flat side opposite the first flat side joined together by two opposing sides. At least one internal partition defines a flow duct within the interior of the heat exchanger. A bend is provided in the plane substantially defined by the first flat side.

1 . A one piece flat tube heat exchanger comprising:
 a first flat side and a second flat side opposite the first flat side, the first flat side and the second flat side joined together by two opposing sides, at least one internal partition to define a flow duct interconnecting the first flat side and the second flat side, the flat tube heat exchanger having a bend in a plane substantially defined by the first flat side whereby a flat tube heat exchanger is formed with the bend portion formed substantially coplanar with the first flat side.   
   
   
       2 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 1  wherein the two opposing sides are rounded. 
   
   
       3 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 1  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger has a serpentine pattern. 
   
   
       4 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 1  wherein the bend forms a U-shape. 
   
   
       5 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 1  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger has a helical pattern. 
   
   
       6 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 1  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger has a layered pattern. 
   
   
       7 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 6  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger has a layered pattern that is generally symmetric. 
   
   
       8 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 1  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger further comprises another bend in a plane defined by at least one of the two opposing sides. 
   
   
       9 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 8  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger further comprises a plurality of fins. 
   
   
       10 . A flat tube heat exchanger, comprising:
 a single one piece element including a first flat side and a second opposed flat side joined together by two opposing sides, at least one internal partition to define a flow duct, the flat tube heat exchanger having a width axis defined by the first flat side and the second flat side and a height axis defined by the two opposing sides, the flat tube heat exchanger having a U-shaped bend extending substantially around the height axis.   
   
   
       11 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 10  wherein the two opposing sides are rounded. 
   
   
       12 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 10  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger has a serpentine pattern. 
   
   
       13 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 10  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger has a helical pattern. 
   
   
       14 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 10  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger has a layered pattern. 
   
   
       15 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 14  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger has a layered pattern that is generally symmetric. 
   
   
       16 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 10  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger further comprises another bend extending around the width axis. 
   
   
       17 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 16  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger further comprises a plurality of fins. 
   
   
       18 . The flat tube heat exchanger of  claim 10  wherein the flat tube heat exchanger is formed. 
   
   
       19 . A refrigerator, comprising:
 a flat tube heat exchanger tube formed as a one piece element including a first flat side and a second opposed flat side joined together by two opposing sides, at least one internal partition to define a flow duct, the flat tube heat exchanger having a U-shaped bend in the plane substantially defined by the first flat side.   
   
   
       20 . The refrigerator of  claim 19  wherein the bend forms a U-shape.