Abstract:
A connector tube for a heater core is shown, wherein the connector tube facilitates a connection to a plurality of heater core extension tubes having different geometries.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a heater core connector tube and more particularly to a heater core connector tube that facilitates connection to a plurality of different geometries of heater core extension tubes. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Heater core connector tubes are typically used to connect heat exchanger tanks to heater core extension tubes. Depending on the length and the geometry of the extension tube, the extension tube may or may not be included with an initial braze of the heater core and connector tubes. Some extension tubes are attached to the heat exchanger tanks by open flame brazing using a non-corrosive flux. This can leave flux residue that can be subsequently enter the passenger compartment, which is undesirable. Prior art attempts to militate against the entrance of the flux into the passenger compartment are expensive and time consuming. 
         [0003]    Under certain circumstances, the extension tubes are too long or complex to be included in the initial braze. In these situations, secondary operations are used to connect the extension tubes to the connector tubes. Since male ends of heater core extension tubes have different geometries, female ends of connector tubes must have conforming geometries to facilitate a correct connection to the extension tubes. 
         [0004]    To accommodate the different geometries of male extension tubes, separate connector tubes having conforming female ends for each of the different male ends have been developed. Some prior art connector tubes include O-rings and clamps to assist in creating a fluid tight connection between the extension tube and the connector tube. Time and effort is consumed to make necessary precautions when connecting the connector tube to the extension tube, such as selecting the proper connector tube and employing O-rings and the like, for example. If the wrong connector tube is used, or secondary structure left out, a quality of the connection between the extension tube and the connector tube is reduced, which is undesirable. 
         [0005]    It would be desirable to produce a connector tube having a geometry that conforms to a plurality of extension tubes, wherein an ease of assembly and an efficiency of a connection with the extension tube are maximized. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Harmonious with the present invention, a connector tube having a geometry that conforms to a plurality of extension tubes, wherein an ease of assembly and an efficiency of a connection with the extension tube are maximized, has surprisingly been disconnected. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, a connector tube comprises: a first end with a radially outwardly extending first flared portion formed thereon, wherein the first end is adapted to connect to a male end of a tube; a spaced apart second end adapted to be connected to a tank; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the intermediate portion including an inner surface having a second flared portion formed thereon, the second flared portion adapted to abut an end of the tube. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a connector tube comprises: a first end substantially circular in cross section with a radially outwardly extending first flared portion formed thereon, wherein the first end is adapted to connect to a male end of a tube, the connection secured by one of a clamp, a crimp, and a braze; a spaced apart second end substantially rectangular in cross section, wherein the second end adapted to be connected to a tank; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the intermediate portion including an inner surface having a second flared portion formed thereon, the second flared portion adapted to abut an end of the tube. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a fluid conveying system comprises: an extension tube; a heat exchanger tank; and a connector tube having a first end, a spaced apart second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the first end including a first flared portion formed thereon adapted to be connected to an end of the extension tube, the second end adapted to be connected to the heat exchanger tank, and the intermediate portion including a second flared portion adapted to abut the end of the extension tube. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The above, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side sectional view of a connection between an extension tube, a connector tube, and a heat exchanger tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side sectional view of a connection between an extension tube, a connector tube, and a heat exchanger tank, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of a connection between an extension tube, a connector tube, and a heat exchanger tank, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of a connection between an extension tube, a connector tube, and a heat exchanger tank, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of a connection between an extension tube, a connector tube, and a heat exchanger tank, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a side sectional view of a connection between an extension tube, a connector tube, and a heat exchanger tank, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0017]    The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  shows a connector tube  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The connector tube  10  is typically formed from aluminum. However, other materials can be used to form the connector tube  10  as desired. The connector tube  10  includes a first end  12 , a second end  14 , and an intermediate portion  16  disposed between the first end  12  and the second end  14 . 
         [0019]    The first end  12  of the connector tube  10  is substantially circular in cross section and is adapted to receive a male end  18  of an extension tube  20 . A first flared portion  22  is formed on the first end  12 . The first flared portion  22  is flared radially outwardly from the first end  12 . A distal end  24  of the first flared portion  22  is adapted to abut a radially outwardly extending lip  26  formed on the extension tube  20 . A clamp  28  is disposed around the first flared portion  22  of the connector tube  10  and the lip  26  of the extension tube  20 . In the embodiment shown, the clamp  28  includes a pair of opposed, radially inwardly extending lips  30  that engage the first flared portion  22  of the connector tube  10  and the lip  26  of the extension tube  20 . It is understood that clamps having other shapes and configurations can be used as desired without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0020]    The second end  14  of the connector tube  10  is substantially rectangular in cross section and is adapted to be connected to an inlet  32  of a heat exchanger tank  34 . It is understood that the second end  14  may have other cross sectional shapes and can be connected to other structures as desired without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, such as an outlet (not shown) of the heat exchanger tank  34 . A radially outwardly extending shoulder  36  adapted to abut an external surface of the heat exchanger tank  34  is formed on the second end  14  of the conduit  10 . 
         [0021]    The intermediate portion  16  of the connector tube  10  has an inner surface  38  having a second flared portion  40  that is adapted to abut a distal end  42  of the extension tube  20 . The inner surface  38  is adapted to engage an O-ring  44  that is optionally disposed in a channel  46  formed in the extension tube  20 . While a single O-ring  44  is shown in the drawings, additional O-rings may be disposed in the channel  46  or in additional channels (not shown) as desired. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate portion  16  includes a bend  48  of substantially ninety degrees formed therein. 
         [0022]    In use, the first end  12  of the connector tube  10  receives the extension tube  20  and the distal end  42  of the extension tube  20  abuts the second flared portion  40 . The O-ring  44  disposed between the extension tube  20  and the inner surface  38  of the connector tube  10  forms a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The clamp  28  is secured to the first flared portion  22  of the connector tube  10  and the extension tube  20  to militate against relative axial movement therebetween. The second end  14  of the connector tube  10  is received in and brazed or otherwise connected to the inlet  32  of the heat exchanger tank  34 . 
         [0023]    A fluid (not shown) is caused to flow through the extension tube  20  into the conduit  10 . The fluid flows through the connector tube  10  and out of the connector tube  10  into the heat exchanger tank  34 . It is understood that if the connector tube  10  is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger tank  34 , the flow path is reversed. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a connector tube  110  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The connector tube  110  is typically formed from aluminum. However, other materials can be used to form the connector tube  110  as desired. The connector tube  110  includes a first end  112 , a second end  114 , and an intermediate portion  116  disposed between the first end  112  and the second end  114 . 
         [0025]    The first end  112  of the connector tube  110  is substantially circular in cross section and is adapted to receive the male end  118  of an extension tube  120 . In the embodiment shown, the extension tube  120  has a bend  121  of approximately ninety degrees formed therein. A first flared portion  122  is formed on the first end  112 . The first flared portion  122  is flared radially outwardly from the first end  112 . A distal end  124  of the first flared portion  122  is adapted to abut a radially outwardly extending lip  126  formed on the extension tube  120 . A clamp  128  is disposed around the first flared portion  122  of the connector tube  110  and the lip  126  of the extension tube  120 . In the embodiment shown, the clamp  128  includes a pair of opposed, radially inwardly extending lips  130  that engage the first flared portion  122  of the connector tube  110  and the lip  126  of the extension tube  120 . It is understood that clamps having other shapes and configurations can be used as desired without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0026]    The second end  114  of the connector tube  110  is substantially rectangular in cross section and is adapted to be connected to an inlet  132  of a heat exchanger tank  134 . It is understood that the second end  114  may have other cross sectional shapes and can be connected to other structures as desired without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, such as an outlet (not shown) of the heat exchanger tank  134 . A radially outwardly extending shoulder  136  adapted to abut an external surface of the heat exchanger tank  134  is formed on the second end  114  of the connector tube  110 . 
         [0027]    The intermediate portion  116  of the connector tube  110  includes an inner surface  138  having a second flared portion  140  that is adapted to abut a distal end  142  of the extension tube  120 . The inner surface  138  is adapted to engage an O-ring  144  that is optionally disposed in a channel  146  formed in the extension tube  120 . While a single O-ring  144  is shown in the drawings, additional O-rings may be disposed in the channel  146  or in additional channels (not shown) as desired. 
         [0028]    Use of the connector tube  110  is substantially similar to use of the connector tube  10  described above for  FIG. 1 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  shows a connector tube  210  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The connector tube  210  is typically formed from aluminum. However, other materials can be used to form the connector tube  210  as desired. The connector tube  210  includes a first end  212 , a second end  214 , and an intermediate portion  216  disposed between the first end  212  and the second end  214 . 
         [0030]    The first end  212  of the connector tube  210  is substantially circular in cross section and is adapted to receive the male end  218  of an extension tube  220 . A first flared portion  222  is formed on the first end  212 . The first flared portion  222  is flared radially outwardly from the first end  212 . A distal end  224  of the first flared portion  222  is crimped or otherwise caused to be formed around a radially outwardly extending lip  226  formed on the extension tube  220 . It is understood that only a portion of the first flared portion  222  can be formed around the radially outwardly extending lip  226  formed on the extension tube  220 . 
         [0031]    The second end  214  of the connector tube  210  is substantially rectangular in cross section and is adapted to be connected to an inlet  232  of a heat exchanger tank  234 . It is understood that the second end  214  may have other cross sectional shapes and can be connected to other structures as desired without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, such as an outlet (not shown) of the heat exchanger tank  234 . A radially outwardly extending shoulder  236  adapted to abut and external surface of the heat exchanger tank  234  is formed on the second end  214  of the connector tube  210 . 
         [0032]    The intermediate portion  216  of the connector tube  210  has an inner surface  238  having a second flared portion  240  that is adapted to abut a distal end  242  of the extension tube  220 . The inner surface  238  is adapted to engage an O-ring  244  that is disposed in a channel  246  formed in the extension tube  220 . While a single O-ring  244  is shown in the drawings, additional O-rings may be disposed in the channel  246  or in additional channels (not shown) as desired. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate portion  216  includes a bend  248  of substantially ninety degrees formed therein. 
         [0033]    In use, the first end  212  of the connector tube  210  receives the extension tube  220  and the distal end  242  of the extension tube  220  abuts the second flared portion  240 . The O-ring  244  disposed between the extension tube  220  and the inner surface  238  of the connector tube  210  forms a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The distal end  224  of the first flared portion  222  formed on the connector tube  210  is crimped over the lip  226  formed on the extension tube  220 . The crimping of the first flared portion  222  facilitates a connection between the connector tube  210  and the extension tube  222  and militates against relative axial movement therebetween. The second end  214  of the connector tube  210  is received in and brazed or otherwise connected to the inlet  232  of the heat exchanger tank  234 . 
         [0034]    A fluid (not shown) is caused to flow through the extension tube  220  into the connector tube  210 . The fluid flows through the connector tube  210  and out of the connector tube  210  into the heat exchanger tank  234 . It is understood that if the connector tube  210  is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger tank  234 , the flow path is reversed. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  shows a connector tube  310  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The connector tube  310  is typically formed from aluminum. However, other materials can be used to form the connector tube  310  as desired. The connector tube  310  includes a first end  312 , a second end  314 , and an intermediate portion  316  disposed between the first end  312  and the second end  314 . 
         [0036]    The first end  312  of the connector tube  310  is substantially circular in cross section and is adapted to receive the male end  318  of an extension tube  320 . In the embodiment shown, the extension tube  320  has a bend  321  of approximately ninety degrees formed therein. A first flared portion  322  is formed on the first end  312 . The first flared portion  322  is flared radially outwardly from the first end  312 . A distal end  324  of the first flared portion  322  is adapted to be crimped or otherwise caused to be formed around a radially outwardly extending lip  326  formed on the extension tube  320 . 
         [0037]    The second end  314  of the connector tube  310  is substantially rectangular in cross section and is adapted to be connected to an inlet  332  of a heat exchanger tank  334 . It is understood that the second end  314  may have other cross sectional shapes and can be connected to other structures as desired without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, such as an outlet (not shown) of the heat exchanger tank  334 . A radially outwardly extending shoulder  336  adapted to abut an external surface of the heat exchanger tank  334  is formed on the second end  314  of the connector tube  310 . 
         [0038]    The intermediate portion  316  of the connector tube  310  includes an inner surface  338  having a second flared portion  340  that is adapted to abut a distal end  342  of the extension tube  320 . The inner surface  338  is adapted to engage an O-ring  344  that is optionally disposed in a channel  346  formed in the extension tube  320 . While a single O-ring  344  is shown in the drawings, additional O-rings may be disposed in the channel  346  or in additional channels (not shown) as desired. 
         [0039]    Use of the connector tube  310  is substantially similar to use of the connector tube  210  described above for  FIG. 3 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  shows a connector tube  410  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The connector tube  410  is typically formed from aluminum. However, other materials can be used to form the connector tube  410  as desired. The connector tube  410  includes a first end  412 , a second end  414 , and an intermediate portion  416  disposed between the first end  412  and the second end  414 . 
         [0041]    The first end  412  of the connector tube  410  is substantially circular in cross section is adapted to receive the male end  418  of an extension tube  420 . A first flared portion  422  is formed on the first end  412 . The first flared portion  422  is flared radially outwardly from the first end  412 . An inner surface  424  of the first flared portion  422  is adapted receive a braze ring, a paste, or the like for connecting the connector tube  410  to the extension tube  420 . 
         [0042]    The second end  414  of the connector tube  410  is substantially rectangular in cross section and is adapted to be connected to an inlet  432  of a heat exchanger tank  434 . It is understood that the second end  414  may have other cross sectional shapes and can be connected to other structures as desired without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, such as an outlet (not shown) of the heat exchanger tank  434 . A radially outwardly extending shoulder  436  adapted to abut an outer surface of the heat exchanger tank  434  is formed on the second end  414  of the connector tube  410 . 
         [0043]    The intermediate portion  416  of the connector tube  410  has an inner surface  438  having a second flared portion  440  that is adapted to abut a distal end  442  of the extension tube  420 . 
         [0044]    In use, the first end  412  of the connector tube  410  receives the extension tube  420  and the distal end  442  of the extension tube  420  abuts the second flared portion  440 . The braze ring, paste, or the like is disposed on the inner surface  424  of the first flared portion  422  of the connector tube  410 . The connector tube  410  is then brazed or otherwise connected to the extension tube  420 . The connection militates against relative movement between the connector tube  410  and the extension tube  420  and forms a substantially fluid tight seal therebetween. The second end  414  of the connector tube  410  is received in and brazed or otherwise connected to the inlet  432  of the heat exchanger tank  434 . 
         [0045]    A fluid (not shown) is caused to flow through the extension tube  420  into the connector tube  410 . The fluid flows through the connector tube  410  and out of the connector tube  410  into the heat exchanger tank  434 . It is understood that if the connector tube  410  is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger tank  434 , the flow path is reversed. If service to the extension tube  420 , the connector tube  410 , or the heat exchanger tank  434  is required, the brazed connection between the extension tube  420  and the connector tube  410  or between the connector tube  410  and the heat exchanger tank  434  can be broken to provide access to the part in need of service. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows a connector tube  510  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The connector tube  510  is typically formed from aluminum. However, other materials can be used to form the connector tube  510  as desired. The connector tube  510  includes a first end  512 , a second end  514 , and an intermediate portion  516  disposed between the first end  512  and the second end  514 . 
         [0047]    The first end  512  of the connector tube  510  is substantially circular in cross section and is adapted to receive the male end  518  of an extension tube  520 . In the embodiment shown, the extension tube  520  has a bend  521  of approximately ninety degrees formed therein. A first flared portion  522  is formed on the first end  512 . The first flared portion  522  is flared radially outwardly from the first end  512 . An inner surface  524  of the first flared portion  522  is adapted receive a braze ring, a paste, or the like for connecting the connector tube  510  to the extension tube  520 . 
         [0048]    The second end  514  of the connector tube  510  is substantially rectangular in cross section and is adapted to be connected to an inlet  532  of a heat exchanger tank  534 . It is understood that the second end  514  may have other cross sectional shapes and can be connected to other structures as desired without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, such as an outlet (not shown) of the heat exchanger tank  534 . A radially outwardly extending shoulder  536  adapted to abut an outer surface of the heat exchanger tank  534  is formed on the second end  514  of the connector tube  510 . 
         [0049]    The intermediate portion  516  of the connector tube  510  includes an inner surface  538  having a second flared portion  540  that is adapted to abut a distal end  542  of the extension tube  520 . 
         [0050]    Use of the connector tube  510  is substantially similar to use of the connector tube  410  described above for  FIG. 5 . 
         [0051]    The conduits  10 ,  210 ,  410  discussed above in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  5  have substantially similar geometries and are interchangeable, regardless of the geometry of the male end  18 ,  218 ,  418  of the extension tube  20 ,  220 ,  420  which the conduit  10 ,  210 ,  410  will be connected to. Similarly, the conduits  110 ,  310 ,  510  discussed above in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  6  have substantially similar geometries and are interchangeable, regardless of the geometry of the male end  118 ,  318 ,  518  of the extension tube  120 ,  320 ,  520  which the connector tube  110 ,  310 ,  510  will be connected to. Accordingly, a need for separate connectors having geometries that are connectable to six different types of extension tubes is minimized, and an assembly time is minimized. Additionally, since the connectors  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510  discussed above are connected directly to the extension tubes  20 ,  120 ,  220 ,  320 ,  420 ,  520 , a need for additional tubes or conduits necessary for creating a flow path between the heat exchanger tank and the extension tube is minimized. 
         [0052]    From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.