Abstract: Heat exchanger comprising a pair of headers and a plurality of parallel and coplanar tubes interconnecting the headers, wherein each header comprises a header plate provided with a plurality of slots, in each of which an end of a respective tube is fitted, and wherein the heat exchanger is configured to prevent fluid from flowing into at least one tube, hereinafter dummy tube, arranged at a boundary between functionally different sections of the heat exchanger. The slot of the header plate which receives the end of the respective dummy tube is formed as a blind recess in the header plate.

Abstract: A condenser for vehicle air-conditioning systems, comprising a pair of parallel distributors (12) between which there is set a heat-exchange core (14) including a plurality of pipes (16) having a flat cross section, which are parallel to one another, and a plurality of undulated fins (18) set between each pair of adjacent pipes, in which a reinforcing element (22) is applied on at least one end side (20) of the heat-exchange core (14). The aforesaid reinforcing element (22) is fixed directly on an end pipe (16a) of the heat-exchange core (14).

Abstract: A method for fixing components to a pipe for circulation of a fluid forming part of a heat exchanger (1), in particular a condenser of an air-conditioning system, the method envisaging at least one step of preliminary connection of at least one component (4) to the pipe (2), followed by a brazing process in order to obtain final connection of the component (4) to the pipe (2). According to the invention, in the course of said step of preliminary connection, the component (4) is mechanically fixed to the pipe (2) by means of at least one rivet (5) and, following upon said brazing process, fluid-tight sealing is obtained between the component (4), the pipe (2) and the rivet (5) by means of melting of surface material (6).

Abstract: A method for fixing components to a pipe for circulation of a fluid forming part of a heat exchanger (1), in particular a condenser of an air-conditioning system, the method envisaging at least one step of preliminary connection of at least one component (4) to the pipe (2), followed by a brazing process in order to obtain final connection of the component (4) to the pipe (2). According to the invention, in the course of said step of preliminary connection, the component (4) is mechanically fixed to the pipe (2) by means of at least one rivet (5) and, following upon said brazing process, fluid-tight sealing is obtained between the component (4), the pipe (2) and the rivet (5) by means of melting of surface material (6).

Abstract: A condenser for vehicle air-conditioning systems, comprising a pair of parallel distributors (12) between which there is set a heat-exchange core (14) including a plurality of pipes (16) having a flat cross section, which are parallel to one another, and a plurality of undulated fins (18) set between each pair of adjacent pipes, in which a reinforcing element (22) is applied on at least one end side (20) of the heat-exchange core (14). The aforesaid reinforcing element (22) is fixed directly on an end pipe (16a) of the heat-exchange core (14).

Abstract: A process and device for shaping the end of a tube with an oblong cross-section to a circular cross-section, where the shaping occurs in a single radial compression stage from the exterior. The tube is disposed with its shortest axis in correspondence with two fixed opposite surfaces, having a circular profile with a radius of curvature which is approximately equal to the radius of the circular section of the tube which is to be obtained. A radial compression is then exerted along the longest axis of the oblong section of the non-deformed tube by a pair of shaping surfaces having an angular extension which is complementary to those of the fixed opposite surfaces.