Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly for a vehicle comprising at least one manifold having walls defining a chamber for retaining fluid. A mounting device is secured to the wall of the manifold. The mounting device includes a seat portion adapted to receive a fluid transmission line. The mounting device further includes an opening extending from the seat portion and aligned with an aperture in the manifold for providing a fluid passageway between the manifold and the fluid transmission line. In addition, the mounting device includes at least one indentation formed therein for capturing contaminates and preventing an intrusion of the contaminates into the seat portion.

Abstract: A heat exchanger such as a condenser for use in an automotive air-conditioner includes a core unit having a plurality of laminated tubes and fins. Brackets for mounting the heat exchanger on a vehicle are connected to U-shaped side plate disposed on an outside of the core unit. After components constituting the core unit including the side plate are all connected to one another by brazing, the brackets are connected to the side plate via mounting members made of rubber by staking sidewalls of the U-shaped side plate. Since the brackets are connected to the heat exchanger by staking after the heat exchanger is completed, the heat exchanger is easily brazed and the number and positions of the brackets on the side plate can be arbitrarily selected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiator that comprises: a radiator core for irradiating heat from coolant into the atmosphere; a top tank and a bottom tank respectively disposed at an upper portion and a lower portion of the radiator core; and a cover member mounting to the top tank and extending from an upper portion of the top tank to a lower portion of the top tank such that it covers the top tank.

Abstract: A heat exchanger including a core having a plurality of flat tubes with fins between adjacent tubes, the tubes each having flat side walls connected by front and rear walls defining a flow path, all of the walls extending longitudinally between opposite tube ends with the tube side walls defining a first height. First tube end portions in the tube ends of a plurality of the plurality of flat tubes include flat side walls flared apart to define a second height greater than the first height. Second tube end portions in the tube ends of the plurality of the plurality of flat tubes include a longitudinally extending cut through the front and rear walls with the flat side walls flared apart to define a third height greater than the second height. The side walls of adjacent tubes are secured together at the tube ends, and headers connect to the tube front and rear walls at the first and second tube end portions whereby the headers communicate with the tube flow paths.

Abstract: A side member for a heat exchanger has a portion which is adapted to preferentially break under low tension to alleviate problems caused by expansion, whilst retaining integrity under normal transport movements.

Abstract: An extension 123 of a core plate 121 is brazed to an insert 130 with the extension 123 being held in a holding portion 131 formed in the insert plate 130, and the width Wi of the extension 123 is made to be substantially the same as the width Wc of the insert 130, whereby the retention of flux at longitudinal end portions of the core plate 121 is made difficult. In addition, as a contact area between the extension 123 and the insert 130 can be made larger, the brazing of the extension 123 and the insert 130 can be ensured while the welding of a tank main body 122 and the core plate 121 can be facilitated.

Abstract: A condenser for vehicle air-conditioning systems, comprising a pair of parallel distributors (12) between which there is set a heat-exchange core (14) including a plurality of pipes (16) having a flat cross section, which are parallel to one another, and a plurality of undulated fins (18) set between each pair of adjacent pipes, in which a reinforcing element (22) is applied on at least one end side (20) of the heat-exchange core (14). The aforesaid reinforcing element (22) is fixed directly on an end pipe (16a) of the heat-exchange core (14).

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a manifold defined by a plurality of connected closure pieces. A corner of the manifold is defined by the connected joint of three closure pieces, where one closure piece has a bent edge abutting an end of a second closure piece adjacent a generally flat section of a third closure piece. The bent edge of the one closure piece adjacent the manifold corner is a bend in a thin portion of the one closure piece, where the thin portion has a sheet thickness which is less than the sheet thickness of the adjacent portions of the one closure piece. Multiple corners of the manifold can be formed in this manner by thinning the thin and bending the portion, then connecting the closure pieces using solder to form a seal in the open cross section at the corners.

Abstract: A bracket (300) is coupled to tank caps (122, 222) of header tanks (120, 220), and the bracket (300) is separably attached to a radiator (200) and a condenser (100) by means of hooks (311, 312) and holes (female screw section) (331) for fixing bolts (330). Thereby, it is unnecessary to provide fixing means in a side plate (130, 230) for fixing the bracket (300) thereto. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size and the weight of the side plate (139, 230), and easily attach and detach the radiator (200) and the condenser (100) from a vehicle.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a pair of hollow headers, a plurality of tubes communicated with the headers, corrugated fins disposed between adjacent tubes and at an outside of an outermost tube and a side plate disposed at an outside of an outermost corrugated fin. The header insertion end portion of the side plate is formed into the same or approximately the same cross-sectional peripheral configuration as that of an end portion of the tube, and the side plate fitting aperture is formed into the same configuration as that of the tube fitting aperture. This becomes unnecessary to form a special fitting configuration at the end portion of the side plate, and moreover the workability for forming the side plate fitting apertures and the tube fitting apertures can be enhanced, resulting in enhanced productivity, which in turn can reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A description is given of a module carrier for various diverse heat exchangers for a motor vehicle engine, which comprises a supporting frame, to which the coolant/air cooler and at least one air-conditioning condenser is fitted. The supporting frame comprises a lower part with a crossmember 2 as base and two side parts 3, 4 projecting vertically therefrom, to define upwardly open compartments 6, 7, 6′, 7′ in the lower part for the insertion of at least the coolant/air cooler and the air-conditioning condenser 9. These upwardly open compartments are closed off by an upper support 5, which interconnects the free ends of the side parts 3, 4 to form the supporting frame and which secures the inserted heat exchangers 8, 9 in their positions.

Abstract: A tank to header attachment construction for heat exchangers include T-shaped tabs on the header which extend through slots in a flange on a tank. The top bar of each tab has it ends bent out of alignment with the slot to secure the tank to the header.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for fixing a first heat exchanger conduit on a second heat exchanger fluid box, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one fixing bracket moulded in one single piece with a wall of the fluid box, said fixing bracket comprising an open part for receiving the conduit. In another embodiment, the fixing bracket is made integral the with conduit by welding and is fixed removable on the fluid box.

Abstract: In a heat exchanger, a bracket is fixed to the side plate only by fastening, after an assembly including a core portion and the side plate is bonded together in a furnace. Therefore, the bracket can be readily fixed to the side plate without using an additional connection member such as a bolt. Accordingly, the core portion can be made relatively larger while it can prevent an outer dimension of the heater core from being enlarged. Further, one of the side plate and the bracket has a protrusion, and the other one of the side plate and the bracket has a hole being engaged with the protrusion. Therefore, the bracket can be further tightly fixed to the side plate without brazing.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, including a core having a variable size or length and a support structure connected to the core, the support structure accommodating variations in the size of the core. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A compact cooling system includes a mounting panel adapted to receive a plurality of at least three cooling units, a cooling fan, and a fan drive mechanism. The mounting panel supports the fan and drive mechanism in a manner allowing rotation of the fan about the axis of rotation. A front side of the mounting panel is adapted for receiving and supporting the cooling units in a pattern defining a cantilevered, tubular polygonal solid disposed about the fan. The mounting panel includes a convex central region extending into the tubular polygonal solid and receiving the drive mechanism in operative connection to the fan. By virtue of this arrangement, a very compact cooling system is provided. The tubular polygonal shape of the cooling units, when mounted on the mounting panel, forms an air duct for directing a flow of cooling air induced by the fan through the cooling units.

Abstract: A heat exchange device comprises two arrays of tubes through which flow two respective fluids. The device comprises a common support plate for the two arrays, which has a first portion provided with holes to act as a header plate for a first array and a second portion provided with openings for receiving in a forced fit manner the tubes of a second array with curved connectors. In one embodiment of the invention one array contains an engine cooling fluid and the other array contains a refrigerant fluid of an air-conditioning circuit.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus of a work machine which facilitates maintenance such as cleaning, check and remedy of cooling equipments such as a radiator, an oil cooler and an after cooler is provided. A frame which forms an opening portion on a ventilation passage is provided on an upper stream side of a fan, and a radiator and an oil cooler or a radiator and an oil cooler and an after cooler are arranged in parallel at the opening portion of the frame. At least one of the radiator and the oil cooler or at least one of the radiator and the oil cooler and the after cooler is mounted to the frame detachably. A fan shroud is mounted to the frame. A part of the fan shroud may be detachable.

Abstract: A cooling unit is provided for use with a cooling system of an internal combustion engine. The cooling system includes an air-cooled radiator to reject heat from a coolant of the internal combustion engine. The cooling unit comprises an air-cooled heat exchanger to reject heat from another medium to an air flow, an air receiver and at least one releasable clamp. The heat exchanger includes an inlet for the air flow, an outlet for the air flow, and an outer perimeter extending between the inlet and the outlet. The air receiver is connectable to the radiator and surrounds the outer perimeter of the heat exchanger. The air receiver includes an inlet end for the air flow, an outlet end for the air flow, and an air duct extending between the inlet end and the outlet end to direct the air flow from the outlet of the heat exchanger to the outlet end of the air receiver. The inlet end and the inlet are substantially coplanar.

Abstract: A plate and fin type heat exchanger is disclosed which can be made in any convenient size with minimum tooling required. The heat exchanger is made from a plurality of stacked plate pairs having raised peripheral edge portions to define flow channels inside the plate pairs. The plates of the plate pairs are formed with offset, diverging end flanges that space the plate pairs apart. A U-shaped channel envelops the plate end flanges to form part of a manifold at each end of the plate pairs. End caps or plates close the open ends of the U-shaped channels to complete the manifolds, and inlet and outlet openings are formed in the manifolds as desired to complete the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a pair of hollow headers, a plurality of tubes communicated with the headers, corrugated fins disposed between adjacent tubes and at an outside of an outermost tube and a side plate disposed at an outside of an outermost corrugated fin. The header insertion end portion of the side plate is formed into the same or approximately the same cross-sectional peripheral configuration as that of an end portion of the tube, and the side plate fitting aperture is formed into the same configuration as that of the tube fitting aperture. This becomes unnecessary to form a special fitting configuration at the end portion of the side plate, and moreover the workability for forming the side plate fitting apertures and the tube fitting apertures can be enhanced, resulting in enhanced productivity, which in turn can reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiator that comprises: a radiator core for irradiating heat from coolant into the atmosphere; a top tank and a bottom tank respectively disposed at an upper portion and a lower portion of the radiator core; and a cover member mounting to the top tank and extending from an upper portion of the top tank to a lower portion of the top tank such that it covers the top tank.

Abstract: In a double heat exchanger with a condenser and a radiator, a flexible portion formed into a wave shape to be flexible is provided in a side plate at least at one side of connection portions of the side plate, connected to condenser header tanks and radiator header tanks. Further, a slit is provided to be recessed from one longitudinal end of the side plate to the flexible portion. Accordingly, a heat stress generated in condenser tubes and radiator tubes can be absorbed by the flexible portion even when a length of the slit is made shorter.

Abstract: A self-fixturing fan shroud (12) for use with a heat exchanger assembly (13), the heat exchanger assembly (13) includes an upper horizontal surface (16), a lower, upwardly opening, horizontal channel (18), and at least one core (14 or 15) extending between the upper horizontal surface (16) and the channel (18). Each of the cores (14 and 15) has a front face (24), a back face (26), and air flow passages extending from the front face (24) to the back face (26). The fan shroud (12) comprises a covering portion (28) having an opening (30) disposed therethrough. The opening (30) is of a predetermined size sufficient to receive a fan. An upper horizontal flange (38) extends from the covering portion (28) to rest on the upper horizontal surface (16) of the heat exchanger assembly (13) to vertically locate the fan shroud (12) relative to the heat exchanger assembly (13).

Abstract: In a vehicle front end panel to which a front end member including at least a radiator is assembled, a water filling port for introducing water into the radiator is integrally formed with an upper beam of a panel body portion on a vehicle rear side of the upper beam. The water filling port is coupled with the radiator through a panel joint portion having an opening opened toward a vehicle front side, and the panel joint portion is formed integrally with the panel body portion. Accordingly, the radiator can be readily assembled to the panel body portion of the front end panel, and vehicle assembling performance can be improved.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, e.g. an evaporator, has end plates arranged at two opposite axial ends and at least a part of which is secured, particularly by brazing, to an orientation plate. At least one edge of said part has no region which is not secured to said orientation plate.

Abstract: A condenser for vehicle air-conditioning systems, comprising a pair of parallel distributors (12) between which there is set a heat-exchange core (14) including a plurality of pipes (16) having a flat cross section, which are parallel to one another, and a plurality of undulated fins (18) set between each pair of adjacent pipes, in which a reinforcing element (22) is applied on at least one end side (20) of the heat-exchange core (14). The aforesaid reinforcing element (22) is fixed directly on an end pipe (16a) of the heat-exchange core (14).

Abstract: The added expense of providing fixtures for holding side pieces in heat exchangers in place during assembly is avoided in a heat exchanger having a core with at least one row of spaced, parallel, straight runs (12-20); (70-86) of flattened tubing (10) which includes first and last spaced side runs (12), (20); (70), (92) which define an associated side on opposite sides of the row. Fins (36), (62) bridge the spacing between each of the plurality of runs and extend oppositely from outwardly facing sides (42), (44); of the first and last runs (12), (20); (70), (92); and are bonded to the tubing (10). A pair of side pieces (46), one for each side of the row, are provided and are hooked on the associated ends of the first and last runs (12), (20); (70), (92). The side pieces (46) are self-fixturing by reason of being hooked on the tubing.

Abstract: A condenser, radiator and fan assembly module for providing modular installation and simplified individual servicing of the components thereof. The module includes a condenser, a radiator, a fan assembly, and a module frame having a set of channels for respectively receiving therein each of the condenser, radiator and fan assembly. Each of the condenser, the radiator and the fan assembly are slidably received into its respective channel. A floor of the module frame may be disassembled to facilitate individual sliding removal of any of the condenser, radiator or fan assembly. To facilitate sliding installation and removal of the radiator, the coolant inlet fitting and the coolant outlet fitting are each threadably engaged into a respective threaded opening in the tank of the radiator.

Abstract: An aluminum radiator includes a core including a plurality of tubes through which a heat exchange medium flows and fins arranged between the tubes; and a header tank including a pair of header spaced apart from each other and having both ends coupled to the tube, a tank coupled to the header by a brazing and having a heat exchange medium passage formed therein, and end caps coupled to both opening portions of the tank, wherein the tube satisfies an inequality 10 mm≦T≦20 mm, where T denotes an outside width of the tube, and the tank has an inside height (H) of 41 mm or less and satisfies an inequality 1.5≦H/T≦2.5.

Abstract: An extension 123 of a core plate 121 is brazed to an insert 130 with the extension 123 being held in a holding portion 131 formed in the insert plate 130, and the width Wi of the extension 123 is made to be substantially the same as the width Wc of the insert 130, whereby the retention of flux at longitudinal end portions of the core plate 121 is made difficult. In addition, as a contact area between the extension 123 and the insert 130 can be made larger, the brazing of the extension 123 and the insert 130 can be ensured while the welding of a tank main body 122 and the core plate 121 can be facilitated.

Abstract: First depressed portions are formed on transverse sides of an insert so that the magnitude of depression of the first depressed portions increases as the first depressed portions approach toward the associated transverse side of the insert, whereby, as the first depressed portions are located to constitute a lower side of a core when brazing (in an oven), a brazing material, which is fused and is then allowed to flow into the first depressed portions in a brazing process, can be accumulated for retention within the first depressed portions by the surface tension of the brazing material so accumulated therein. Consequently, as the dispersion of more of the brazing material to outer fins, which constitute the lower side of the core when brazing, can be prevented, the erosion of the outer fins, which would otherwise occur due to the dispersion of the brazing material, can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a louvered fin for a heat exchanger. This louvered fin includes (a) a first corrugated strip having planar and connecting portions that are alternately arranged to make a corrugation, the first corrugated strip extending straight in a longitudinal direction; (b) first louvers formed in each planar portion such that the first louvers are arranged in a lateral direction, the first louvers in each planar portion being configured to be in asymmetry in the lateral direction; (c) a straightening member for keeping the first corrugated strip in a straight shape in the longitudinal direction, the straightening member extending along a longitudinal side of the first corrugated strip; and (d) a first bridge member for attaching the first corrugated strip and the straightening member together.

Abstract: Difficulties in obtaining consistent bonds of high quality between side pieces and tubular headers (10), (12) in heat exchangers are avoided in a side piece (42) that extends between the headers (10), (12) and which has circular recesses (48) at each end (44), (46). The recesses (48) define resilient fingers (56), (58) which may separate to receive the ends of the headers (10), (12) and frictionally grasp the same, eliminating the need for fixturing at this location and assuring a strong consistent gripping of the headers (10), (12), by the end piece (42) to assure consistent bonds of high quality.

Abstract: A cooling system that is capable of cooling a working vehicle, such as a wheeled loader, at a good efficiency and at a reduced level of noise. Plural radiators are arranged in a V-shaped form within a plane behind an engine mounted in the rear of the engine compartment of the vehicle. The radiators are spread a part rearwardly to form a space between them. A cooling fan is mounted in this space. The side surfaces of the radiators are provided with intake ports that are covered by openable side covers. The top of each intake ports is covered by a hood whose top surface can be tilted rearwardly and downwardly.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a core adapted to heat air with counter-flowing hot gases. Substantially isothermal hot and cool portions of the core are interconnected by a matrix portion exposed to a temperature gradient. A top sheet is positioned over the core and includes first and second ends and a middle portion between the first and second ends. The middle portion includes a window and compliant ligament portions extending alongside the window and interconnecting the first and second ends. The first and second ends of the top sheet are positioned over the isothermal cool and hot portions of the core, respectively, and the middle portion of the top sheet is positioned over the matrix portion of the core. The compliant ligament portions of the top sheet are deflectable in response to the temperature gradient across the matrix portion of the core to reduce strain on and deflection of the first and second ends of the top sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for supporting and sealing a heat exchanger unit. Specifically, a heat exchanger is disclosed comprising a pair of integrated header units arranged in parallel relation to each other. Each header unit comprises a radiator header and a condenser. The radiator unit and condenser maintain separate heat exchange fluid flowpaths. A plurality of parallel heat transfer tubes is connected perpendicularly to said integrated headers, and a plurality of fins extend between adjacent heat transfer tubes of the radiator. A fin unit including a plurality of fins is mounted to an outside surface of an outermost heat transfer tube, and an integrated side support is connected to the fin unit and integrated headers.

Abstract: Thermally induced stress tending to cause breakage or leakage at tube to header joints in a heat exchanger is eliminated by placing lines of weakening in the side plates conventionally employed in such heat exchanger prior to subjecting the heat exchanger to brazing.

Abstract: Difficulties in obtaining consistent bonds of high quality between side pieces and tubular headers (10), (12) in heat exchangers are avoided in a side piece (42) that extends between the headers (10), (12) and which has circular recesses (48) at each end (44), (46). The recesses (48) define resilient fingers (56), (58) which may separate to receive the ends of the headers (10), (12) and frictionally grasp the same, eliminating the need for fixturing at this location and assuring a strong consistent gripping of the headers (10), (12), by the end piece (42) to assure consistent bonds of high quality.

Abstract: In a double heat exchange, a radiator and a condenser are integrated through a side plate for reinforcing the radiator and the condenser, and a longitudinal dimension of condenser tubes is made smaller than a longitudinal dimension of radiator tubes. Therefore, a core area of the condenser becomes smaller than that of the radiator. Thus, heat-exchanging capacity of the condenser is restricted from being increased more than a necessary capacity, and size and performance of the double heat exchanger are restricted from being increased more than necessary conditions.

Abstract: In a space conditioning system, such as a central air conditioning or heat pump system, a unit of the system has a heat exchanger made of a predetermined first type of metal (e.g., aluminum) and a cabinet in which the heat exchanger is mounted, which is made of a second type of metal (e.g., steel). A device is provided for isolating the heat exchanger from the cabinet to prevent contact therebetween. The isolation device preferably includes plural snap-fit plastic members spaced along the top and bottom of the heat exchanger, plural mounting brackets made of the first type of metal on each end of the heat exchanger and a pair of plastic bushings operatively associated with each mounting bracket and extending through aligned holes in the corresponding mounting bracket.

Abstract: A bracket (300) is coupled to tank caps (122, 222) of header tanks (120, 220), and the bracket (300) is separably attached to a radiator (200) and a condenser (100) by means of hooks (311, 312) and holes (female screw section) (331) for fixing bolts (330). Thereby, it is unnecessary to provide fixing means in a side plate (130, 230) for fixing the bracket (300) thereto. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size and the weight of the side plate (139, 230), and easily attach and detach the radiator (200) and the condenser (100) from a vehicle.

Abstract: A heat exchanger unit (10) comprises a core (25) and manifold (22, 23) assembly (14) mounted in a rectangular sub-frame (13). The sub-frame (13) comprises a U-shaped member (20) the opposed limbs (24) of which form confronting channels receiving side portions of the assembly (14), and a cross-member (21) secured to the assembly (14) and releasably secured to the ends of the limbs (24) to complete the rectangular sub-frame (13) and retain the assembly (14) in it. The unit (10) is fitted to a vehicle with the U-shaped member (20) in an inverted position so that with the cross-member (21) disconnected from it the assembly (14) can be slid into and out of the sub-frame (13) from beneath the vehicle.

Abstract: Reinforcement holes and tube holes are formed so as to be of the same size, and the interval between the reinforcement hole and the tube hole adjacent to the reinforcement hole is made equal to the interval between the adjacent tube holes.

Abstract: Two heat exchangers, such as a condenser for cooling refrigerant circulating in an air-conditioner and a radiator for cooling coolant in an internal combustion engine, are combined into a single unit. Both heat exchangers are overlapped in an airflow direction of cooling air. Each heat exchanger has a similar structure composed of a core having plural tubes and fins and a pair of header tanks connected to both ends of the tubes. Two heat exchanges are combined by a side plate disposed on the upper side thereof. The openings of both header tanks are closed with separately formed tank caps and are connected to the side plate through the tank caps. Direct heat transfer from one header tank to the other header tank, e.g., from the radiator tank to the condenser tank, is prevented because both header tanks are connected to the side plate through separate tank caps, thus achieving a high heat radiation capacity in the compound heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a plurality of tubes layered with fins intervened between them, header pipes disposed on the end portions of the tubes, and side plates for holding the tube layer, wherein each of the side plates (8) is connected to a side plate insertion hole (10) formed on the header pipe (3) or (4) by inserting its end portion (82) into the side plate insertion hole and forming a taper on the end portion (82) of the side plate (8) to decrease a thickness toward the leading end (82a). The end portions (82) of the side plates (8) are tapered toward the leading ends to decrease a width, contact portions (81a) are formed on the side plate to contact with the outer surface of the header pipes (3), (4), and the contact portions are brazed with the outer surface of the header pipe. Further, a stopper means is formed on the end portions of the side plates to prevent the end portions of the side plates from coming out of the side plate insertion holes (10).

Abstract: A plate and fin type heat exchanger is disclosed which can be made in any convenient size with minimum tooling required. The heat exchanger is made from a plurality of stacked plate pairs having raised peripheral edge portions to define flow channels inside the plate pairs. The plates of the plate pairs are formed with offset, diverging end flanges that space the plate pairs apart. A U-shaped channel envelops the plate end flanges to form part of a manifold at each end of the plate pairs. End caps or plates close the open ends of the U-shaped channels to complete the manifolds, and inlet and outlet openings are formed in the manifolds as desired to complete the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A side member for a heat exchanger has a portion which is adapted to preferentially break under low tension to alleviate problems caused by expansion, whilst retaining integrity under normal transport movements.

Abstract: In a double heat exchanger with a condenser and a radiator, a flexible portion formed into a wave shape to be flexible is provided in a side plate at least at one side of connection portions of the side plate, connected to condenser header tanks and radiator header tanks. Further, a slit is provided to be recessed from one longitudinal end of the side plate to the flexible portion. Accordingly, a heat stress generated in condenser tubes and radiator tubes can be absorbed by the flexible portion even when a length of the slit is made shorter.

Abstract: In a heat exchanger having a side plate for reinforcing a core portion, after an elastic support member for supporting the core portion is inserted between opposite walls of the side plate, a part of the opposite walls having a slit portion is plastically deformed at a position around the slit to form a protrusion. The protrusion protrudes toward the support member to be engaged with a recess of the elastic support member. Further, the silt is provided to penetrate through each opposite wall without being opened to an outer peripheral end of the side plate. Accordingly, the support member can be readily attached to the side plate, while it can prevent the side plate from being deformed in a brazing.