Bonded brazing ring system and method for adhering a brazing ring to a tube

Abstract

A bonded brazing ring secured to an end of a tube having a solvent or a solvent with a binder applied to the surface of the tube, and a method of adhering a brazing ring to a tube using a solvent or a solvent with a binder is provided. The brazing ring is secured to the tube prior to a brazing operation.

Claims

1. A method of adhering a brazing ring to a tube comprising: providing a tube having a first end; loading a first brazing ring on the first end of the tube having a channel of flux exposed toward an outer surface of the first end of the tube; causing a binder in the exposed flux of the first brazing ring to partially activate and adhere to the outer surface of the first end of the tube, transporting the tube and the first brazing ring after causing the binder in the exposed flux of the first brazing ring to partially activate and adhere to the outer surface of the first end of the tube; and, heating the brazing ring to a temperature sufficient to allow the flux to melt and flow out of the first brazing ring after transporting the tube and the first brazing ring.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of causing the binder in the exposed flux of the first brazing ring to partially activate and adhere to the outer surface of the first end of the tube comprises: applying a first layer of a solvent to the first end of the tube.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of applying a first layer of a solvent to the first end of the tube comprises: applying acetone to the first end of the tube.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing a second end of the tube.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising: loading a second brazing ring on the second end of the tube having a channel of flux exposed toward an outer surface of the second end of the tube; and, causing a binder in the exposed flux of the second brazing ring to partially activate and adhere to the outer surface of the second end of the tube.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of causing the binder in the exposed flux of the second brazing ring to partially activate and adhere to the outer surface of the second end of the tube comprises: applying a second layer of solvent to the second end of the tube.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the step of applying a second layer of solvent to the second end of the tube comprises: applying acetone to the second end of the tube.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of causing the binder in the exposed flux of the first brazing ring to partially activate and adhere to the outer surface of the first end of the tube comprises: applying a first layer of a solvent with a binder to the first end of the tube.

9. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of causing the binder in the exposed flux of the second brazing ring to partially activate and adhere to the outer surface of the second end of the tube comprises: applying a second layer of a solvent with a binder to the second end of the tube.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings and attachments in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first and second brazing ring on the ends of a return bend;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a brazing ring used in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the brazing ring of FIG. 2; and,

(5) FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the brazing ring around the end of one leg of a return bend positioned in a receiving tube prior to a brazing operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

(7) The present invention is directed to a brazing ring that adheres to a tube, such as an end of a return bend during transit (i.e., prior to a brazing operation), and to a method for adhering the brazing ring to the return bend.

(8) FIG. 1 shows a typical return bend 10 (i.e., a bend that connects to two parallel tubes of a system, such as an air conditioning system), with a first brazing ring 12 on a first end 14 of one leg of the return bend 10, and a second brazing ring 12 on a second end 16 of the other leg of the return bend 10. As discussed below, the brazing rings 12 are adhered to the ends 14, 16 of the return bend 10 so that they do not fall off during transit.

(9) As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, each brazing ring 12 includes an outer layer of brazing material 18 surrounding a channel of flux material 20. The top surface of the flux material 20 in the channel is exposed. Referring back to FIG. 1, it is clear that the exposed flux material 20 is in contact with the outer wall or surface of the ends 14, 16 of the return bend 10 (this is also evident in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4).

(10) The brazing ring 12 is formed from a wire of material bent into a circular shape. This leaves a slight opening 22 between the ends of the ring 12. A brazing ring of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,095,937 (which is incorporated herein by reference) can be utilized in this embodiment of the invention.

(11) To adhere the brazing rings 12 to the return bend 10, a solvent 26, preferably acetone, is applied to the ends of the return bend 10. This can be accomplished by painting or spaying the acetone 26 onto the return bend 10 prior to loading the brazing rings 12 onto the ends of the return bend 10. The brazing rings 12 are then loaded to the return bend 10 and the applied acetone reacts to the exposed flux 20. This reaction slightly activates a binder in the flux 20 which acts like a very effective glue that causes the brazing rings 12 to adhere to the ends 14, 16 of the return bend 10. This adherence allows for transit of the return bend 10 without risk of losing the brazing rings 12.

(12) As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ends 14, 16 (only one end 14 is shown) of the return bend 10 are positioned in a receiving tube 24 (e.g., of an air conditioning system). They can then be subjected to a brazing operation.

(13) While acetone is preferred, other materials, such as another solvent or a solvent with binder may also be used. Additionally, other brazing structures can be used with this invention. Moreover, the tubes and corresponding brazing rings do not have to be circular or round in cross-section, but can also be other geometric shapes.

(14) Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be protected otherwise than as specifically described.