Method of manufacturing a welded heat exchanger with grommet construction
US6247232A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49393
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger comprising a core assembly having a plurality of tubes connected by an array of fins, with ends of the tubes extending from the fin array on at least one side of the core assembly and resilient, polymeric grommets disposed around the tube ends. The heat exchanger includes a tank portion for receiving fluid entering or leaving the core assembly and a header portion having openings to receive the tube ends and grommets to create a sealed, fluid-tight tube-to-header joint. There is provided a reinforcing member across the opening of the tube ends extending from the tube end opening to the portion of the tube end around which the grommet is disposed without substantially extending into the fin array portion of the core assembly. The header portion comprises a substantially planar base having openings therein with side and end walls extending out of the plane of the base and connected by one or more fluid-tight welds to the tank portion. The side and end walls extend a distance sufficient to dissipate heat generated in making the welds and keep the heat generated from adversely affecting sealing ability of the grommets when the welds are made b…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.