Patent ID: 6247232
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: B23P,F28D,F28F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of making a heat exchanger comprising:a) providing a core assembly having a plurality of tubes connected by an array of fins, with ends of said tubes extending from the fin array on at least one side of said core assembly, and resilient, polymeric grommets disposed around the tube ends;b) providing a tank having an open end portion for receiving fluid entering or leaving said core assembly;c) providing a header portion having openings for receiving said tube ends, said header portion comprising a base having said openings therein and side walls extending out of a plane of said base, said side walls extending a distance sufficient to dissipate heat generated in welding said tank to said header portion and prevent the welding heat from adversely affecting sealing ability of said grommets when said welding is performed while said tube ends and grommets are received in the header portion openings;d) attaching said header portion to said core assembly by receiving said tube ends and said grommets in the header portion openings to create a sealed, fluid-tight tube-to-header joint; ande) after attaching said header portion to said core assembly, welding said header portion to said tank open end portion to create one or more fluid-tight welds while said tube ends and grommets are received in the header portion openings, without adversely affecting sealing ability of said grommets in said tube-to-header joint.