Heat exchanger having snap-on bracket

Abstract

A heat exchanger includes a pair of manifolds, each of which has a plurality of axially spaced oblong slots, and each of which has at least two detents formed therein. A plurality of generally flat tubes extends between the manifolds and individually through the slots for providing fluid communication between the manifolds. A plurality of radiation fins extends between adjacent flat tubes. A plurality of brackets is provided for mounting the heat exchanger. Each of the brackets has a curved portion, a flange portion and a mounting portion. The curved portion extends circumferentially around a portion of the manifold. The curved portion has opposite ends and has means located midway between the ends for allowing the ends of the curved portion to move resiliently relative to each other to widen the distance between the ends. The curved portion also has at least one protrusion adjacent to each end. Each of the protrusions extends into one of the detents in the manifold. The flange portion is connected to the curved portion, and the mounting portion is connected to the flange portion for mounting the heat exchanger.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 09/370,405, filed Aug. 9, 1999, which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 09/020,448, filed Feb. 9, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,196.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a heat exchanger for use as a condenser or evaporator for an air conditioner, a radiator or a heater core for a motor vehicle or to other types of heat exchangers, and more particularly to the brackets used to mount the heat exchanger.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] One design of heat exchangers generally includes two cylindrical headers or manifolds which introduce a cooling medium into tubes and discharge it after it has circulated through the tubes. Heat exchangers of this type are used in automotive vehicles for several purposes, such as a radiator for cooling the engine and as a condenser for an air-conditioning coolant. The manifolds have often been formed each from a length of prefabricated pipe or from an extrusion or from two elongated semi-cylindrical members which are fitted together. Alternatively, the manifolds can be made from a flat sheet of material and formed into a tubular shape in a progressive die operation using an interlocking side edge to hold the manifold together, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,196, of which this application is a continuation in part. The manifolds are finished to incorporate a plurality of spaced slots along one side for connection to the cooling tubes. These manifolds also have end caps on each end and connections for the introduction of the cooling medium. After assembly of the heat exchanger components, the assembly is brazed in an oven to join the elements together as assembled and provide a sealed vessel for the cooling medium.

[0006] Part of the heat exchanger design also involves a plurality of brackets which are secured to the heat exchanger at various locations and which are used to mount the heat exchanger. Each of the brackets usually has a flange which is used to mount the heat exchanger in place in its final application. Providing inexpensive, yet secure, brackets has been a challenge in the design of heat exchangers, and several prior art designs have been proposed.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,349, issued to Nagao et al., shows several bracket designs, including one with a two-layer flange and some with engagement projections which help hold the flange to the manifold. However, many of these designs do not provide a means for accurately positioning the bracket longitudinally along the manifold. One design which does provide for longitudinal positioning of the bracket on the manifold requires large rectangular projection which must be first secured to the manifold before the bracket is installed. This does not provide for flexibility in easily repositioning the bracket if such repositioning is needed.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,275, issued to Suzuki et al., shows a bracket which includes a single projecting lug which engages a corresponding locking aperture on the manifold. However, the bracket does not otherwise snap around the manifold in any way, but relies solely upon a separate hooking portion which engages the cooling tubes.

[0009] None of the prior art designs provides the combination of a secure mounting of the bracket to the manifold and the capability of repositioning the bracket longitudinally as needed, as well as providing a bracket which can snap onto the manifold during final assembly of the heat exchanger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and provides a heat exchanger having a unique snap-on bracket which simplifies the design and fabrication of heat exchangers. In accordance with the present invention, the bracket is formed with a curved portion with fits around a portion of the outer circumference of the manifold. The curved portion is either formed with a groove extending across its width or formed in two pieces, providing a springlike action to the curved portion of the bracket which engages the manifold, allowing the bracket to easily snap onto the manifold at any desired location. The curved portions of the bracket preferably do not extend as much as 180° around the circumference of the manifold, and the bracket is further provided with at least two and preferably three protrusions on the curved portions which engage corresponding detents formed on the exterior of the manifold. The combination of the curved portions that are urged together by springlike action, together with the engagement of the protrusions on the bracket with the detents on the manifold, provides for secure mounting of the bracket onto the manifold prior to brazing.

[0011] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracket is made of a flat brazing sheet, and is configured so as to form a curved portion, a flange portion extending from one end of the curved portion, and amounting portion extending from the flange portion, with the mounting portion having a hole for using the bracket to mount the heat exchanger. The curved portion is provided with a plurality of small protrusions which extend from the curved portion at each end and which engage corresponding detents formed in the exterior of the manifold. A groove extends across the width of the curved portion and provides a line of reduced thickness for the curved portion, allowing the curved portion to bend resiliently on each side of the groove. This provides for a resilient springlike action for the parts of the curved portion on each side of the groove, allowing the curved portion to widen in diameter slightly as the bracket is positioned onto the manifold and spring back to its original dimensions when the protrusions on the curved portion have engaged the detents in the manifold.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracket is made in an U-shaped configuration, with the curved portion made in two parts separated by a gap instead of a groove. The curved portions are each provided with at least one small protrusion which extends from the curved portion and which engages a corresponding detent formed in the exterior of the manifold. The U shape provides the springlike resiliency to the location of the two curved portions and allows the curved portions to widen in circumference slightly as the bracket is placed onto the manifold and snap back into original dimensions as the protrusions engage the detents.

[0013] The bracket of the present invention snaps onto the manifold and is securely held in place during initial assembly until the heat exchanger is brazed. The bracket does not require any modification of the manifold, except for the placement of a few small detents at the desired location of the bracket. The detents are easily made and do not adversely affect the manifold, so that multiple detents can be formed at various desired locations. If the mounting position of the bracket needs to be changed, additional detents can be easily made in the manifold, and the bracket can be easily removed from one position and snapped into place in a new position.

[0014] The present invention thus provides a unique combination of features not present in the prior art and which together provide a heat exchanger having brackets which are easier to assemble and more flexible in design than those of the prior art.

[0015] These and other advantages are provided by the present invention of a heat exchanger comprising a pair of manifolds, a plurality of generally flat tubes, a plurality of radiation fins, and a plurality of brackets. Each of the manifolds has a plurality of axially spaced oblong slots. At least one of the manifolds also has at least two detents formed therein. The tubes extend between the manifolds and individually through the slots for providing fluid communication between the manifolds. The fins extend between adjacent flat tubes. The brackets are for mounting the heat exchanger. Each of the brackets comprises a curved portion, a flange portion and a mounting portion. The curved portion extends circumferentially around a portion of the manifold. The curved portion has opposite ends and has means located midway between the ends for allowing the ends of the curved portion to move resiliently relative to each other to widen the distance between the ends. The curved portion also has at least one protrusion adjacent to each end. Each of the protrusions extends into one of the detents in the manifold. The flange portion is connected to the curved portion, and the mounting portion is connected to the flange portion for mounting the heat exchanger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1 showing the brackets removed.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of one of the manifolds of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 4 is another elevational view of the manifold taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 5 is an end sectional view of a portion of the manifold of FIGS. 3 and 4 showing one of the baffles or end caps.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the baffle or end cap taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the baffle or end cap taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a detailed enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7 showing the groove on the baffle or end cap.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a portion of the assembled manifold showing the bracket of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 10 is an end sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a end elevational view of the bracket similar to FIG. 11.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIGS. 9-12.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of a heat exchanger according to the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 14 showing the brackets removed.

[0031] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a portion of the assembled manifold showing the bracket of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 17 is an end sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a side elevational view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 16.

[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIGS. 16-18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035] Referring more particularly to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a heat exchanger 10 according to the present invention. The preferred heat exchanger may be, for example, a condenser used in the air-conditioning system of an automobile, truck or other similar motor vehicle. The heat exchanger 10 includes a pair of manifolds 11 extending parallel to each other, with a plurality of cooling tubes 12 disposed between the manifolds and connected at each end to the manifolds. Each of the manifolds 11 is made of a formed brazing sheet material, the sides of the sheet are joined together at the seam 19 by an interlocking formation which is explained in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,196, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The manifolds 11 have a connection (not shown) for the introduction of a cooling medium into the heat exchanger. A plurality of radiation fins 15 is provided on the sides of the tubes 12, and a pair of reinforcement members 16 may be provided on the top and bottom of the radiation fins. The heat exchanger 10 is mounted in the vehicle or other location by means of brackets 17. As shown in FIG. 2, the brackets 17 are removable from each of the manifolds 11 prior to the brazing of the finished assembly, and can be placed on the manifolds after assembly of the other members. The brackets 17 will be described in more detail below.

[0036] The manifold 11 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4. The manifold 11 comprises a metal sheet formed into a tubular form with its sides joined together in a seam 19 to form a manifold tube. The seam 19 is generally zigzag in shape because it is formed by a mechanical interlock which is explained in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,196. A cap 20a is located on each end of the manifold 11 to enclose the manifold. The tube has a plurality of slots 21 along one side for connection to cooling tubes 12. A plurality of holes 22 is provided along the opposite side for the connection of a fitting which is used to introduce the cooling medium into the manifold, and a plurality of baffles 20b is mounted inside the manifold to divide the manifold into chambers to equalize the flow of cooling medium through the manifold.

[0037] The end caps 20a and the baffles 20b may be substantially identical, and are preferably of the construction of the baffle member 20 shown in FIGS. 4-7. The baffle member 20 includes is generally cup shaped with outer side portions 27 and an end portion 28. The outer side portions 27 of the baffle member are intended to fit circumferentially along the inside surface of the manifold 11, and the end portion 28 is intended to extend radially across the inside of the manifold to block the flow of the medium in the manifold. At one end of the side portions 27 is an outer rim 29 which also fits against the inside surface of the manifold 11. The outer rim 29 is preferably provided with a series of raised portions 30 which in between them define recesses or channels 31 around the outer surface of the rim and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular manifold. The channels 31 provide a path for flux to flow past the position of the baffle position during the brazing process. A groove 32 extends circumferentially around the baffle side portions 27 adjacent to the outer rim 29. The central portion of the end portion 28 is concave in shape when viewed from end of the baffle member opposite the rim 29 (when viewed from the right side as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0038] When the baffle member 20 is installed in the manifold, and especially when it is used as one of the end caps 20a, the concave end portion 28 assists in holding the baffle or end cap in place. When placed on the end of tubular manifold 11 with the concave end portion 28 facing the inside of the manifold, the pressure of the medium inside the manifold presses against the concave end portion 28, tending to increase the concavity which, in turn, causes the side portions 27 of the end cap to deform radially outwardly. Thus the pressure of the medium in the manifold is used to apply further force by the sides of the end cap upon the interior sidewalls of the manifold, helping to secure the end cap in place.

[0039] The groove 32 is used to locate and mount the baffle members 20 in place in the assembly process. When the baffle member 20 is used as one of the baffles 20b inside the manifold 11, it may be difficult to identify the location of the baffle and assure that it is properly located prior to brazing. During the assembly process, as will be explained more fully below, one or more crimps 35 may be placed in the outside of the manifold 11 at the position of the baffle 20b, and the crimps 35 will deform the manifold slightly to force a portion of the inside surface of the manifold into a portion of the groove 32. This serves to hold the baffle 20b in place during subsequent assembly and processing until the brazing operation is performed to secure the baffle. It also provides a visual indication on the outside of the manifold 11 of the position of the baffle 20b, which would otherwise be impossible to locate because it is completely hidden after the manifold has been assembled.

[0040] An example of one of the brackets 17 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 9-13. The bracket 17 includes a curved portion 40 having opposite ends 41 and 42. The curved portion 40 extends circumferentially around a portion of the outside of the manifold 11 between the ends 41 and 42. One end 41 forms the outer end of the bracket 17, and the other end 42 connects the curved portion 40 to a flange portion 43 of the bracket. The flange portion 43 is substantially flat and extends from the curved portion 40 in a generally outwardly radial direction relative to the manifold 11. At the outwardly extending end of the flange portion 43 is a transverse mounting portion 44 which in this embodiment extends at a right angle from the flange portion. A hole 45 is pierced in the mounting portion 44 for using the bracket 17 to mount the heat exchanger, such as by nut and bolt, or other suitable fastener. The hole 45 may be circular or oblong or any other desired shape.

[0041] As shown particularly in FIG. 9, the bracket 17 has a plurality of protrusions 49 and 50 located at both ends of the curved portion 40. Each of the protrusions 49 and 50 extends inwardly from the curved portion 40 toward the manifold 11. Preferably, there is one protrusion 49 located centrally along with width of the curved portion 40 and adjacent to the end 41, and two protrusions 49 extending inwardly on the curved portion 40 adjacent to the end 42 near the transition from the curved portion to the flange portion 43. As shown in FIG. 2, corresponding holes or detents 51 are formed or punched on the manifold 11 at the desired position of the bracket 17. The detents 51 correspond to the position of the protrusions 49 and 50 on the bracket 17. When the bracket 17 is mounted onto the manifold 11, the protrusions 49 and 50 are positioned in the corresponding detents 51 formed on the exterior side of the manifold 11. The correspondence of the protrusions 49 and 50 and the corresponding hole or detent 51 in the manifold provides a means by which the bracket 17 is held in position on the manifold 11 during the initial assembly of the heat exchanger prior to brazing.

[0042] The bracket 17 also has a groove 56 extending longitudinally across the curved portion 40. The groove 56 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the manifold 11. The groove 56 provides a line of reduced thickness for the curved portion 40, and enhances the resiliency of the two parts of the curved portion on either side of the groove relative to each other. The two parts of the curved portion 40 on either side of the groove are thus capable of a certain amount of movement relative to each other, so that they are capable of allowing the distance between the ends 41 and 42 to widen a small amount to allow the bracket 17 to open and be snapped into place onto the 11 manifold. The curved portion 40 can be made with an inside diameter which is approximately the same as or even slightly less than the outside diameter of the 11 manifold, and the ends of the curved portion can then be resiliently bent outwardly to snap the curved portion onto the manifold as the protrusion's 49 cam over the circumference of the manifold before engaging the 51 detents. Preferably, the groove 56 is formed across the inside of the curved portion 40, as shown in FIGS. 9-11. Alternatively, the groove can be formed on the outside of the curved portion.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the curved portion 40 extends substantially around the exterior circumference of the manifold 11, and it should extend almost halfway around the manifold. Because of the engagement of the protrusions 49 and 50 in the detents 51, however, it is not necessary for the curved portion 40 to extend as much as 180° around the exterior of the manifold 11 in order for the bracket 17 to snap onto the manifold. Since the curved portions 40 of the brackets do not extend 180° around the outside circumference of the manifold 11, the brackets 17 do not come close to the tubes 12 extending from the slots 21 on the other side of the manifold 11, and there is no problem of the brackets 17 providing an undesirable heat sink for the heat from the tubes 12 and fins 15 during the brazing operation.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 13, the outwardly projecting end of the flange portion 43 may be bent to extend orthogonally to provide the perpendicular mounting portion 44 which is used to mount the heat exchanger. The perpendicular mounting portion may also be formed with a pair of wings, one extending from each side of the mounting portion and extending to the flange portion 43 to assist in supporting the mounting portion when the bracket is assembled. The mounting portion may more than one hole which also can be used to mount the heat exchanger. Alternatively, the flange portion and the mounting portion can be made straight, so that the mounting portion is merely an extension of the flat flange portion, and, in essence, the mounting hole appears to be on the flange portion. The mounting portion may also be formed in any other desirable shape as required for the mounting of the heat exchanger.

[0045] An alternative embodiment for the bracket is shown in FIGS. 14-19. FIGS. 14 and 15 shows another heat exchanger 110 which includes a pair of manifolds 111 extending parallel to each other, with a plurality of cooling tubes 112 disposed between the manifolds and connected at each end to the manifolds. Like the manifolds 11, the manifolds 111 have a connection (not shown) for the introduction of a cooling medium into the heat exchanger. Unlike the manifolds 11, each manifold 111 is formed from two semi-cylindrical members, a tank member 113 and a manifold member 114, which are fitted together. A plurality of radiation fins 115 is provided on the sides of the tubes 112, and a pair of reinforcement members 116 may be provided on the top and bottom of the radiation fins. The heat exchanger 110 is mounted by means of brackets 117. As shown in FIG. 15, the brackets 117 are removable from each of the manifolds 111, and can be placed on the manifolds after assembly of the other members before brazing.

[0046] An example of one of the brackets 117 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 16-19. The bracket 117 is generally U-shaped, and is comprised of a central mounting portion 144, a pair of flange portions 143a and 143b extending generally perpendicular to the mounting portion 144 at each end of the mounting portion, and a pair of curved portions 140a and 140b extending from the ends of the flange portions 143a and 143b, respectively, and each fitting around a portion of the outside of the manifold to ends 141 and 142, respectively. A hole 145 is pierced in the mounting portion 144 for using the bracket 117 to mount the heat exchanger, such as by nut and bolt, or other suitable fastener. The hole 145 may be circular or oblong or any other desired shape. Because the U shape of the bracket, the two flange portions 143a and 143b are two separate members and are capable of a certain amount of movement relative to each other, so that they are capable of allowing the two curved portions 140a and 140b to move apart a small amount, particularly at the ends 141 and 142 to allow the bracket 117 to be snapped into place onto the manifold tank member 113.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, the first curved portion 140a has at least one and preferably two protrusions 149 extending inwardly on the curved portion. The protrusions 149 are preferably located in the corners of the curved portion 140a spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the manifold and near the end 141. The second curved portion 142 also has at least one protrusion 150 extending inwardly on the curved portion. The protrusion 150 is preferably located centrally along with width of the curved portion 140b but adjacent to the end 142. As shown in FIG. 15, corresponding holes or detents 151 are formed or punched on tank member 113 of the manifold 111 at the desired position of the bracket 117. The detents 151 correspond to the position of the protrusions 149 and 150 on the bracket 117. When the bracket 117 is mounted onto the manifold 111, the protrusions 149 and 150 are positioned in the corresponding detents 151 formed on the exterior side of the tank member 113. The correspondence of the protrusions 149 and 150 the corresponding hole or detent 151 in the manifold provides a means by which the bracket 117 is held in position on the manifold 111 during the initial assembly of the heat exchanger.

[0048] Instead of the groove 56 of the bracket 17, the bracket 117 provides for separation of the curved portions 140a and 140b. A gap 156 (FIG. 17) is thus provided between the curved portion 140a and the curved portion 140b. The U-shaped configuration of the bracket 117 provides for resiliency in the position of the two curved portions 140a and 140b with respect to each other, allowing the ends 141 and 142 to move apart a small amount to allow the bracket to be snapped into place onto the manifold. The inside diameter of the curved portions 140a and 140b can be made approximately the same as or even slightly less than the outside diameter of the manifold 111, and the curved portions can then be resiliently bent outwardly to snap the curved portions onto the manifold as the protrusions 149 and 150 cam over the circumference of the manifold before engaging the detents 151.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 17, the curved portions 140a and 140b extend substantially around the exterior circumference of the manifold 111, and they should extend almost halfway around the manifold. Because of the engagement of the protrusions 149 and 150 in the detents 151, however, it is not necessary for the curved portions 140a and 140b to as much as extend 180° around the exterior of the manifold 111 in order for the bracket 117 to snap onto the manifold. Since the curved portions 140a and 140b of the brackets do not extend 180° around the outside circumference of the manifold 111, the brackets 117 do not touch the header member 114 of the manifold, nor do the brackets come close to the tubes 112 extending from the slots 121 on the header member 114, and there is no problem of the brackets 17 providing an undesirable heat sink for the heat from the tubes 112 and fins 115.

[0050] Other variations and modifications of the specific embodiments herein shown and described will be apparent to those skilled in the art, all within the intended spirit and scope of the invention. While the invention has been shown and described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, these are for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation. Accordingly, the patent is not to be limited in scope and effect to the specific embodiments herein shown and described nor in any other way that is inconsistent with the extent to which the progress in the art has been advanced by the invention.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising:

a pair of manifolds, each of the manifolds having a plurality of axially spaced oblong slots, at least one of the manifolds also having at least two detents formed therein;

a plurality of generally flat tubes extending between the manifolds and individually through the slots for providing fluid communication between the manifolds;

a plurality of radiation fins extending between adjacent flat tubes; and

a plurality of brackets for mounting the heat exchanger, each of the brackets comprising

a curved portion extending circumferentially around a portion of the manifold, the curved portion having opposite ends, the curved portion having means located midway between the ends for allowing the ends of the curved portion to move resiliently relative to each other to widen the distance between the ends, the curved portion having at least one protrusion adjacent to each end, each of the protrusions extending into one of the detents in the manifold,

a flange portion connected to the curved portion, and

a mounting portion connected to the flange portion for mounting the heat exchanger.

2. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 1, wherein the means for allowing the ends of the curved portion to move resiliently relative to each other to widen the distance between the ends is a groove formed across the width of the curved portion.

3. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 2, wherein the flange portion is connected at one end of the curved portion.

4. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 1, wherein the means for allowing the ends of the curved portion to move resiliently relative to each other to widen the distance between the ends is a gap formed across the width of the curved portion separating the curved portion into two pieces.

5. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 4, wherein the flange portion is connected to the two pieces of the curved portion at the gap.

6. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 4, wherein the flange portion and the mounting portion form a generally U shape.

7. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 4, wherein the flange portion and the mounting portion provide a spring like action to the two piece curved portion.

8. A heat exchanger comprising:

a pair of manifolds, each of the manifolds having a plurality of axially spaced oblong slots, at least one of the manifolds also having at least two detents formed therein;

a plurality of generally flat tubes extending between the manifolds and individually through the slots for providing fluid communication between the manifolds;

a plurality of radiation fins extending between adjacent flat tubes; and

a plurality of brackets for mounting the heat exchanger, each of the brackets comprising

a curved portion extending circumferentially around a portion of the manifold, the curved portion having opposite ends, the curved portion having a groove extending across the width of the curved portion about midway between the ends, the groove allowing the ends of the curved portion to move resiliently relative to each other to widen the distance between the ends, the curved portion having a plurality of protrusions with at least one protrusion adjacent to each end, each of the protrusions extending into one of the detents in the manifold,

a flange portion connected to one of the ends of the curved portion, and

a mounting portion connected to the flange portion for mounting the heat exchanger.

9. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 8, wherein the flange portion extends generally radially from one end of the curved portion.

10. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 8, wherein the mounting portion extends orthogonally from the flange portion.

11. A heat exchanger comprising:

a pair of manifolds, each of the manifolds having a plurality of axially spaced oblong slots, at least one of the manifolds also having at least two detents formed therein;

a plurality of generally flat tubes extending between the manifolds and individually through the slots for providing fluid communication between the manifolds;

a plurality of radiation fins extending between adjacent flat tubes; and

a plurality of brackets for mounting the heat exchanger, each of the brackets comprising

a two-piece curved portion extending circumferentially around a portion of the manifold, the curved portion having opposite ends, one of said ends located at an end of each piece of the curved portion, each piece of the curved portion having at least one protrusion adjacent its end, each of the protrusions extending into one of the detents in the manifold, the two pieces of the curved portion being separated by a gap allowing the ends of the curved portion to move resiliently relative to each other to widen the distance between the ends,

a flange portion connected to the curved portion near the gap, and

a mounting portion for mounting the heat exchanger.

12. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 11, wherein the flange member comprises two pieces, each piece extending from one of the pieces of the curved member adjacent to the gap.

13. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 12, wherein the mounting portion connects the two pieces of the flange portion.

14. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 12, wherein the two pieces of the flange portion and mounting portion together form a U shape.

15. A heat exchanger as defined in

claim 11, wherein the flange portion and the mounting portion provide a spring like action to the two piece curved portion.