Patent ID: 6286201
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: B21C,B23K,B23P,F28D,F28F,Y10T

Abstract:
A tube mill for making flattened tubes having at least some inserts with convolutions oriented transversely to the length of the flattened tubes for use in a heat exchanger, comprising:a first set of forming rolls for continuously forming a first metal strip into a partially open continuous shell, the forming rolls being provided with means for imprinting dimples into the strip for centrally supporting an insert to be inserted into the partially open continuous shell in a direction transverse to the length of the shell, such that longitudinal parallel fluid flow passages are formed within the flattened tubes on opposite sides of the insert;at least a first insertion member disposed downstream of the first set of forming rolls, the insertion member serving to centrally locate a first continuous insert into the partially open continuous shell, the insert being engaged by the dimples and having at least one transverse convolution for conducting a fluid flow in a direction transverse to the length of the continuous shell between the parallel fluid flow passages; andclosing rolls downstream of the insertion member for closing the partially open continuous shell around the insert to form the closed tube.