Patent ID: 6460610
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: B23P,F28D,F28F,Y10T

Abstract:
A combined core and header assembly for a heat exchanger comprising:a core assembly having a plurality of tubes connected by a fin array, said tubes having ends and openings in the ends, the tube ends extending from the fin array on at least one side of said core assembly; resilient, polymeric grommets disposed around the tube ends; and a header portion having openings receiving said tube ends and said grommets to create a sealed, fluid-tight tube-to-header joint, said header portion comprising a base having said openings therein and side walls on all sides of the base extending out of a plane of said base and connectable by one or more fluid-tight welds to a tank portion, said header portion being free of a tank such that the tube-to-header joint is accessible on both sides of said joint for inspection and testing before attachment to a tank portion, all of said side walls having free edges extending a distance out of the plane of said base sufficient to dissipate heat generated in welding said free edges to a tank portion from adversely affecting the sealing ability of said grommets when said welds are made between said tank portion and said header portion while said tube ends and grommets are received in the header portion openings.