Heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat-exchanger includes a plurality of stacked tubular elements each having tanks, and passage-forming protrusions defining a passage connecting the tanks, fins interposed between adjacent ones of the tubular elements and contacting the passage-forming protrusions, inlet/outlet units each comprising a barrel-shaped element protruding from and open to the tank of a respective one of the tubular elements, inlet/outlet pipes fitted coaxially in contact with and joined to the barrel-shaped elements, respectively, and a measure (reinforcement) for preventing parts of the barrel-shaped elements from being deformed as the inlet/outlet pipes are fitted to the barrel-shaped elements during the assembly of the heat exchanger to in turn maintain the integrity of the joints between the inlet/outlet units and the inlet/outlet pipes. The reinforcement may include a ring disposed around the barrel-shaped element adjacent an end thereof. When the inlet/outlet pipe is fitted into and in contact with the barrel-shaped element, the ring prevents the parts of the barrel-shaped element from being forced outwardly. The reinforcement may also include, in an addition or as an alternative to the ring, at least one protrusion extending from the parts of the barrel-shaped element and contacting the inlet/outlet pipe fitted to the barrel-shaped element. The at least one protrusion prevents the inlet/outlet pipe from being moved too far axially relative to the barrel-shaped element thereby ensuring that the inlet/outlet pipe does not deform the parts of the barrel-shaped element.