JP2000504638A - Joining a tube to an article - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A method for joining tubes to articles, each formed from a thermoplastic polymer, particularly an aliphatic polyamide. The article (2) has a plurality of channels (10) in which the tubes (9) are arranged in a sliding fit. The article is moved toward a heating block having pins, the pins being inserted into each tube. The article (2) and the heating block (4) are brought into juxtaposition, such that the polymer of the tube melts and forms a coating on the article. This method is particularly useful for forming tube heat exchangers having, for example, 100 to 300 or more tubes in one working cycle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The joining INVENTION tubes to an article is directed to a method of bonding in a manner that fluid does not leak the tube article, resulting in flow communication of the fluid passing through the article through the tube . In particular, a tube partially projects through a flow path in the article and is joined thereto. In a preferred form of the invention, the method is used in the manufacture of plastic heat exchangers, in particular heat exchangers made from polyamide molding materials, for joining tubes to articles forming all or part of headers or manifolds. About. In some embodiments, the method involves joining at least 10 such tubes, particularly at least 100 tubes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Heat exchangers formed from thermoplastic polymers and methods for the manufacture of such heat exchangers are known. For example, many heat exchangers formed from thermoplastic polymers and methods for their manufacture are described in A.M. J. This is described in Cesaroni's PCT patent application WO 91/02209 and the published patent applications mentioned therein. The tubular-structured thermoplastic polymer heat exchangers were published on May 8, 1990 and January 7, 1992, respectively. L. Fletcher and T.W. H. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,923,004 and 5,078,946 to Kho both describe a tube integrally formed with a manifold portion in a molding or similar process. Preferred materials of construction for the heat exchanger are polyamides, especially aliphatic polyamides. Although heat exchangers formed from thermoplastic polymers have been manufactured by the techniques described in the above-mentioned patents and published patent applications, improvements in construction and manufacturing methods have been made in the manufacture of heat exchangers formed from thermoplastic polymers. And for use, it would be beneficial to increase further adaptability and economy. In particular, the incorporation of tubes into headers, manifolds, or other components in the manufacture of tube heat exchangers is usually a tedious and time consuming process that requires gluing to join the tubes in place. Often requires the use of agents. The production of heat exchangers from polyamides can pose unique and difficult problems, especially when compared to using other polymers, but the resulting heat exchangers are It has many advantages over it. A method for connecting a molded body made of thermoplastic polymer to a body having a hollow part, for example a tube, is described in Gross, U.S.A. S. 4773956. A method and apparatus for surface welding a mass of thermoplastic polymer molding under pressure is described in Gross et al. S. 4797173. This method involves the face welding of extruded thermoplastic polymers, such as tubes, having coplanar end faces. These end faces are pressed against a heatable and coolable plate formed with channels corresponding to the cross section of the end faces and heated until the polymer melts. A tube having a hexagonal honeycomb structure is formed. While such methods are effective in forming honeycomb structures, inserting tubes into articles is complex and incompatible. Efficient yet economical methods of joining multiple tubes to an article, for example, in the manufacture of heat exchangers, would be beneficial. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method for joining a thermoplastic polymer tube to a thermoplastic polymer article in a fluid-tight manner is now found. Thus, aspects of the present invention provide a method for joining a tube to an article, each formed from a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the article extends from a first surface therethrough to a second surface At least one flow path that is linear and shaped and sized to receive the tube in a slidable fit, wherein the tube extends from a first surface through a first surface. (2) inserting the tube into the linear flow path, which extends through the article; And projecting from the first surface beyond the second surface; and (ii) placing the tube projecting beyond the second surface onto a pin in a sliding fit. Place the pin where the tube is the heat The pin is maintained at a temperature lower than the melting point of the plastic polymer, and the pin is disposed on a heating block that can be heated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer, which is the tube, and protrudes; (iii) the heating block Controlling the heating block to a temperature higher than the melting point; and (iv) moving the heating block toward the second surface to a position juxtaposed with the second surface so that the tube comes into contact with the heating block. Melting said polymer being said tube to form at least a partial coating thereof on said second surface, thereby sealing said tube to said article; and (v) said article. And (vi) separating the article from the pins and the heating block. In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, there are a plurality of channels, in particular at least 100 channels, passing in said article in an aligned relationship. In another embodiment, each pin of step (ii) is cooled, especially by passing a cooling fluid, for example water or oil, inside said pin. In yet another embodiment, each pin is a hollow capped pin having an internal fluid-fitting tube through which the cooling fluid passes, and in particular such fluid then passes between the internal fluid-fitting tube and the pin. In yet a further embodiment, the pin of step (c) comprises a ceramic chip. In a further embodiment, the tubes and articles are formed from an aliphatic polyamide. In yet a further embodiment, the tube is coated with an adhesive to promote adhesion to the article polymer, or the tube is an outer layer that facilitates bonding of the tube to the article polymer. , Or at least one of them. In a further embodiment, the article is part of a header or manifold of a plastic heat exchanger. In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for joining a plurality of tubes to an article having a channel in which the tubes slide fit, wherein the tubes and articles are formed of a thermoplastic polymer; A) a heating block having a flat heating surface; and (b) a plurality of elongated pins projecting from the heating surface in a parallel and spaced apart relationship, the pins being insulated from the heating block, (C) holding means for holding the article with the tube protruding therefrom and arranging the pin and the tube in a corresponding alignment relationship; and Means for moving the article toward the heating block so that the pin slides into the tube and causes the tube to contact the heating block. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pins in (b) are cooling pins, especially fluid cooling pins, especially water or oil cooling pins. In another embodiment, the pins are closed hollow pins having an internal fluid fitting tube extending substantially to the tip of each pin, and a cooling fluid passing through the fitting tube for cooling the pins. Suitable for the flow of In yet another embodiment, the pin of (b) has a ceramic chip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a heating block and an article in spaced apart relation. Figure 2 is a schematic depiction of a pin inserted into a tube; Figure 3 is a schematic depiction of the formation of a molten pool; Figure 4 is a schematic depiction of a heating block and an article in a juxtaposed relationship; FIG. 5 is a schematic depiction of the article after the tube has been bonded thereto, and FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic depictions of a cross section of the pin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows blocks generally indicated by 1 and articles generally indicated by 2. The article 2 is arranged on the opposite side of the block 1. The block 1 has a heat block 3 with pins 5 projecting therethrough. The heat block 3 has a flat upper surface 4 and is arranged towards the article 2. The pin 5 is arranged in the flow path 6 of the heating block 3 and projects beyond the upper surface 4 toward the component 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat insulating material 7 is disposed in the flow path 6 between the pin 5 and the heating block 3. The article 2 has a block 8 with a flow path through which a tube 9 passes. The tube 9 is placed in the flow path 10 of the article and protrudes beyond the surface 11 of the article. The block 1 will usually have the same number of pins 5 as the number of channels 10 of the article of the block 8 with channels. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper surface 4 of the block 1 and the surface 2 of the article 2 are flat surfaces. It should be understood that such a surface need not be a flat surface, and that variously shaped surfaces are possible. However, the upper surface 4 and the surface 11 of the article are correspondingly shaped, especially the mating surfaces, and more preferably the flat surfaces, and will be described here if the tubes are joined together. As such, a relatively single layer of thermoplastic polymer is formed on surface 11 of article 2. FIG. 2 shows the heating block 3 and the block with flow path 8 in closer relation to those shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the pin 5 is inserted into the tube 9. The diameter of the pin 5 is approximately the same as, but slightly smaller than, the inner diameter of the tube 9 so that the pin 5 can be slid into the tube 9. Such a relative dimension results in a substantial maintenance of the intact tubing 9 in the channeled block 8 during operation, i.e. does not result in a significant reduction in the diameter of the tubing 9. It should be understood that the tip of the pin 5 can be tapered to allow for quick insertion of the pin 5 into the tube 9 during operation of this process. In addition, the distance of the tube 9 projecting beyond the surface 11 may allow for a quick insertion of the pin 5 into the tube 9, especially if the tube exhibits some tendency to bends or undulations in uncontrolled positions. Should be controlled as well. FIG. 3 shows the block 3 and the block with flow path 8 in closer relation than those shown in FIG. The tube 9 comes into contact with the surface 4 of the heating block 3 and begins to melt to form a weld pool 12. In FIG. 4, the heating block 3 is in the closest state to the block 8 with the flow path. Pin 5 remains inserted in tube 9. The molten pool 12 is subjected to flow to form a continuous molten polymer pool extending in all directions away from the location of the pin 5 and the tube 9. FIG. 5 shows the block with flow path 8 after being separated from the heating block 3. The current block with flow path 8 has a tube 9 arranged in a flow path 10 having a polymer layer 13 formed over the surface 11 of the block with flow path 8. Therefore, the tube 9 is joined to the block 8 with the flow path. The layer 13 is formed by cooling the molten pool 12. In the course of operation, the tube 9 is inserted through the flow path 10 of the article 8 so that both ends of the tube 9 project beyond the surface 11 of the article 8. The article 8 preferably has the same number of channels 10 as the number of pins 5 of the heating block 3. The heating block 3 is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause melting of the polymer used in forming the tube 9. The pin 5 is at a temperature below the melting point of the polymer that is the tube 9, preferably below the softening point of such a polymer, so that the pin 5 can slide easily along the tube 9. Thus, the tube 9 keeps the interior of the block with flow path 8 in its perfect condition and allows the flow of fluid therethrough. The article 8 and the heating block 3 are brought into a very close state. This can be done by moving either the article 8 or the heating block 3, which is usually the former. Each pin 5 on the heating block 3 becomes inserted into a corresponding tube 9 on the article 8. It is understood that the tube 9 should have sufficient stiffness over the length projecting beyond the surface 11 so that the inner alignment of the tube 9 with the pin 5 is easily achieved. . The distance that the tube 9 projects beyond the surface 11 may be relatively short, but may be several times the diameter of the tube. The heating block 3 and the article 8 are brought into a very close state. During its operation, the tube 9 comes into contact with the surface 4 of the heating block 3 and the polymer is in a molten state. The molten polymer 12 is caused to spread away from the pins 5. Because the heating block 3 and the article 8 are in close proximity, the molten polymer 12 forms a continuous or substantially continuous layer of polymer on the surface of the article 8. The heating block 3 is then retracted from a position close to the article 8 and leaves the article 8 with a layer of polymer that cools and solidifies rapidly. It is understood that the surface 4 of the heating block 3 should have such a surface that it can be easily separated from the molten polymer 12. Although it is not essential to do so, it may be more convenient to place the heating block 3 on the article 8 and, in the separation, the polymer will flow in a molten stream, for example while it is still molten. And no significant tendency to drop or drip. Further, as the pin 5 is separated from its predetermined position within the tube 9, the natural cooling of the pin 5 as compared to the melting point of the polymer causes the polymer adjacent to the pin to remain solid and extend through the article 8. This ensures that an opening to the existing flow path 10 is formed, i.e. no obstruction of the flow path 10 by the molten polymer occurs. However, if necessary, the flow path 10 can be enlarged to ensure effective opening. It is understood that cooling fluids, such as water in the form of air or mist, and liquid water can be used to cool the polymer after separating heating block 3 from article 8. In the continuous operation of the process, for example, when a series of articles are joined to a tube using the method and apparatus of the present invention, the pins may become caught on the tube during the working cycle of the process, and / or It will be found that it retains enough heat to provide an associated melting effect and result in tube distortion. This is because tubes that protrude away from the article relative to the part of the article opposite the surface 11 of the article, and in particular, the relative length of the pin and the thickness of the article, are such that the pin can fully penetrate the article from there. This is especially the case when it is intended to extend into the protruding part of the tube. An example of this would be in the manufacture of various types of tube heat exchangers. The use of cooled pins can reduce the pin's binding to the tube and can otherwise improve this process. Examples of cooling pins are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A shows a pin generally indicated by 20 and has a chip 21. The pin 20 is a substantially tubular hollow pin having an outer wall 22. Fluid-fitting tube 23 is located within pin 20 and is spaced apart from outer wall 22 of pin 20. The outlet 24 of the fluid fitting tube 23 is spaced apart from the tip 21. In an embodiment, the pins 20 are formed in such a way as to minimize the heat transfer from the block 3 to the pins 20 and are insulated in particular in the area of the block 3. FIG. 6B shows one embodiment of the pin of FIG. 6A, wherein the outer wall 22 is formed of a first material and the tip 21A is formed of a second material. The material of the tip 21A can extend partially or substantially along the length of the pin 20. As in one embodiment, the material of the outer wall 22 may be brass or steel, while the material of the tip 21A may be a heat insulating material, for example, ceramic. Although a tip of insulating material can be used for pins that do not have a fluid-fit tube 23, it is preferred that the pin 20 have a fluid-fit tube. In the operation of a process having a pin of the type shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a cooling fluid, usually air or water or oil, passes through a fluid fitting tube 23, exits an outlet 24, and then a fluid inlet tube. Passes between 23 and outer wall 22, thereby cooling pin 20. The cooling fluid can be used continuously or intermittently. Preferably, a cooling fluid is used continuously and the temperature of this fluid is controlled. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the article 8 is a header or a manifold of a heat exchanger, in particular a heat exchanger formed from a thermoplastic polymer, or a part thereof. This drawing depicts a method using only a small number of tubes. However, the method is adaptable and intended for use with multiple tubes. In particular, this method can be used when joining at least 10 tubes, especially at least 100 tubes, especially more than 300 tubes at a time, to an article. Thus, the method can be used to produce articles with multiple tubes, heat exchangers being one example. The joining of such a large number of tubes can be performed in one working cycle of this process. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes and articles can be formed from various polyamide molding materials. The molding material selected will depend fundamentally on the end use, for example, the end use may involve the method described herein, including the fluid passing through the heat exchanger and the fluid, e.g., air outside the heat exchanger. Heat exchangers manufactured using equipment with tubes manufactured using the same are intended, especially the operating temperature and operating environment of such heat exchangers. When using such a heat exchanger in a vehicle, the fluid may be air, which often contains salts and other corrosive or abrasive substances, or the fluid may be a liquid, for example a radiator liquid. The preferred polymer composition is a polyamide. An example of a polyamide is a polyamide formed by the condensation polymerization of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 6 to 12 carbon atoms with an aliphatic primary diamine having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Alternatively, the polyamide can be formed by condensation polymerization of an aliphatic lactam or an α, ω aminocarboxylic acid having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Further, the polyamide can be formed by copolymerization of a mixture of such a dicarboxylic acid, a diamine, a lactam and an aminocarboxylic acid. Examples of dicarboxylic acids are 1,6-hexanedioic acid (adipic acid), 1,7-heptanedioic acid (pimelic acid), 1,8-octanedioic acid (suberic acid), 1,9-nonanedioic acid ( Azelaic acid), 1,10-decandioic acid (sebacic acid) and 1,12-dodecandioic acid. Examples of diamines are 1,6-hexamethylenediamine, 1,8-octamethylenediamine, 1,10-decamethylenediamine, 1,12-dodecamethylenediamine. One example of a lactam is caprolactam. Examples of α, ω aminocarboxylic acids are aminooctanoic acid, aminodecanoic acid, aminoundecanoic acid, aminododecanoic acid. Preferred examples of polyamides are polyhexamethylene adipamide and polycaprolactam, also known as nylon 66 and nylon 6, respectively. Although specific references to the use of polyamides are made herein as the polymers used in their manufacture, it must be understood that other polymers can be used, and the preferred polymers for articles and tubes are meltable. Compatible in state. In addition, the operating environment of the device produced using the method of the invention, such as the properties of the heat exchanger and the fluid passing through such a heat exchanger, the operating temperature and the pressure, are important. Examples of other thermoplastic polymers that can be used are polyethylene, polypropylene, fluorocarbon polymers, polyesters, elastomers such as polyester elastomers, neoprene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene / propylene / diene (EPDM) elastomers, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane. is there. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes used in the method of the invention have a thickness of less than 0.7 mm, in particular in the range of 0.07 to 0.50 mm, especially 0.12 to 0.30 mm. However, the thickness of the tube will depend on the implications of the intended end use, in particular the properties required for that end use. The polymeric molding materials can have stabilizers, colorants, fillers, and the like, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The method of the present invention can be used for various end uses where a tube formed from a thermoplastic polymer also needs to be inserted into an article formed from a thermoplastic polymer, from one side of the article to the other. A device is formed having a fluid flow transmission through a tube passing through the article. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tubes and articles form part of a heat exchanger, especially a heat exchanger formed from a thermoplastic polymer. As described herein, a preferred thermoplastic polymer is an aliphatic polyamide. Such heat exchangers are known for use in a variety of end uses, including such as automotive heat exchangers for both radiator liquid cooling and oil cooling. Another use may be, for example, the production of a marine heat exchanger. The present invention provides a versatile method for inserting a tube into an article. This method is economical, versatile and easy to operate. The equipment required to carry out the method of the invention is relatively simple and not complicated. The invention is illustrated by the following example. Example 1 A process substantially as described herein was operated using a water-cooled pin with a ceramic tip. The polymer for both the article and the tube is polyhexamethylene adipamide. In a series of tests, the temperature of the heating block was varied over a range of about 273-310C. The working cycle used brings the article and the heating block together with the pin in the tube in a side-by-side position, maintaining that position for about 10 seconds, and then results in air with the heating block and the pin being retracted. It was traversed by a mist of air and water for about 10 seconds, and finally by a stream of water for about 20-30 seconds, through the junction tube. This process was operated in an acceptable manner over the temperature range described above. Using the process described above, up to about 350 tubes were joined to the manifold portion of the heat exchanger in a single work cycle to provide a fluid-tight connection of the tubes to the manifold. Heat exchangers formed in this way have undergone extensive pressure and temperature testing with commercially satisfactory results.

[Procedure of Amendment] Article 184-8, Paragraph 1 of the Patent Act [Date of Submission] February 14, 1998 (1998.2.14) [Details of Amendment] ... Processes that are usually redundant and time-consuming And often requires the use of an adhesive to bond the tube in place. The production of heat exchangers from polyamides can pose unique and difficult problems, especially when compared to using other polymers, but the resulting heat exchangers are It has many advantages over it. A method for connecting a body having a hollow part, for example a tube, to a molded body made of a thermoplastic polymer is described in US Pat. 4,773,956. A method and apparatus for surface welding a mass of thermoplastic polymer molding under pressure is described by H. Gross et al. 4,797,173. The method relates to the face welding of extruded thermoplastic polymers, for example tubes, having end faces lying in one plane. The end face is pressed against a heatable and coolable plate with grooves formed corresponding to the cross section of the end face, and the polymer is heated until it melts. A tube having a hexagonal honeycomb structure is formed. While such methods are effective in forming honeycomb structures, inserting tubes into articles is complex and incompatible. GB 2273459 uses ultrasonic welding for pins passing through tubes in the manufacture of heat exchangers, and EP 0299182 also uses pins for passing tubes and limits the use for relatively short tubes. Efficient and economical methods of connecting multiple tubes to an article, for example in the manufacture of heat exchangers, would be advantageous. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method for fluid-tightly joining a thermoplastic polymer tube to a thermoplastic polymer article is now found. Accordingly, aspects of the invention provide a method for joining at least ten multiple tubes to an article that is part of a header or manifold for a plastic heat exchanger, each formed from a thermoplastic polymer, The article has at least one groove extending therethrough from a first surface to a second surface, such a groove being straight and shaped to receive the tube in a sliding fit. And dimensions, wherein a tube penetrates the article from the first side to the second side to provide a fluid connection of fluid through the article; (i) inserting the tube into a straight groove; Extending through and extending from the first surface beyond the second surface; and (ii) placing the tube projecting beyond the second surface onto the pin in sliding engagement. And the pin is the tube Cooling to maintain it below a certain melting point of the thermoplastic polymer, wherein the pins are placed in a heating block that can be heated to a temperature above the melting point of the thermoplastic thermoplastic tube, and protrude; (iii) controlling the temperature of the heating block to a temperature higher than the melting point. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a plurality of grooves, in particular at least 100 grooves, are arranged in a straight line through said article. In another embodiment, each pin of step (ii) is cooled, especially by passing a cooling fluid, for example water or oil, inside said pin. In yet another embodiment, each pin is a capped hollow pin having an internal fluid fitting tube through which the cooling fluid passes, and in particular such fluid then passes between the internal fluid fitting tube and the pin. In yet a further embodiment, the pin of step (c) comprises a ceramic chip. In a further embodiment, the tubes and articles are formed from an aliphatic polyamide. In yet a further embodiment, the tube is coated with an adhesive to promote adhesion to the article polymer, or the tube is an outer layer that facilitates bonding of the tube to the article polymer. , Or at least one of them. In a further embodiment, the article is part of a header or manifold of a plastic heat exchanger. ... However, the thickness of the tube will depend on the implications of the intended end use, in particular on the properties required for that end use. The polymeric molding materials can have stabilizers, colorants, fillers, and the like, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The method of the present invention can be used for various end uses where a tube formed from a thermoplastic polymer also needs to be inserted into an article formed from a thermoplastic polymer, from one side of the article to the other. A device is formed having a fluid flow transmission through a tube passing through the article. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tubes and articles form part of a heat exchanger, especially a heat exchanger formed from a thermoplastic polymer. As described herein, a preferred thermoplastic polymer is an aliphatic polyamide. Such heat exchangers are known for use in a variety of end uses, including such as automotive heat exchangers for both radiator liquid cooling and oil cooling. Another use may be, for example, the production of a marine heat exchanger. The present invention provides a versatile method for inserting a tube into an article. This method is economical, versatile and easy to operate. The equipment required to perform the method of the present invention is relatively simple and uncomplicated. The invention is illustrated by the following example. Example 1 A process substantially as described herein was operated using a water-cooled pin with a ceramic tip. The polymer for both the article and the tube is polyhexamethylene adipamide. In a series of tests, the temperature of the heating block was varied over a range of about 273-310C. The working cycle used involved bringing the article and the heating block together with the pin in the tube into a side-by-side position, maintaining that position for about 10 seconds, and then retracting the heating block and the pin. Air then passed through the resulting bonded tube and was followed by a mist of air and water for about 10 seconds, and finally a stream of water for about 20-30 seconds. Claims 1. A method for joining at least ten multiple tubes in a fluid-tight manner into an article that is part of a header or manifold of a plastic heat exchanger, each formed from a thermoplastic polymer, The article has at least one flow path extending from a first surface therethrough to a second surface, such a flow path being straight and receiving the tube in a sliding fit. The tube is pierceable from a first surface to a second surface, and is adapted to provide a fluid flow transfer to the article; and Into the linear flow path, which extends through the article and projects from the first surface beyond the second surface; and (ii) the second Project beyond the surface The tube is placed on a pin in a sliding fit, the pin is cooled to maintain it below the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer that is the tube, and the pin is the tube. Protruding being arranged on a heating block capable of heating to a temperature higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer; and (iii) controlling the temperature of the heating block to a temperature higher than the melting point. Features method. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of flow paths through the article in an aligned relationship. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the tube and the article are formed from an aliphatic polyamide. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the tube is coated with an adhesive to promote adhesion to the article polymer. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the tube is a co-extruded tube having an inner layer and an outer layer, the outer layer facilitating bonding of the tube to the article polymer. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the pin is a fluid cooling pin. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the pin is a water or oil cooling pin. 8. The method of claim 3, wherein the pin comprises a ceramic chip. 9. The method of claim 3, wherein at least 100 tubes are coupled to the article. 10. The method of claim 3, wherein at least 300 tubes are coupled to the article. 11. An apparatus for joining a plurality of tubes to an article having a channel in which the tubes slide and fit, wherein the tubes and the articles are formed of a thermoplastic polymer, and (a) heating having a flat heating surface. A block, (b) a plurality of elongated pins projecting from the heating surface in a parallel and spaced apart relationship, the pins being thermally insulated from the heating block and capable of being inserted into the tube. (C) holding means for holding the article with the tube protruding therefrom and arranging the pin and tube in a corresponding alignment relationship; and (d) holding the article toward the heating block. Means for moving the pin to slide into the tube and bring the tube into contact with the heating block. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the pin is a fluid cooling pin. 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the pin is a water or oil cooling pin. 14． The device of claim 11, wherein the pin comprises a ceramic chip. 15. The pins are closed hollow pins having an internal fluid fitting tube extending substantially to the tip of each pin therein for cooling fluid flow through the fitting tube for cooling the pins. Apparatus according to claim 11, adapted to: 16. Apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein there are at least 10 pins. 17． 17. The device of claim 16, wherein there are at least 100 pins. 18. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein there are at least 300 pins. FIG.

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Claims (1)

[Claims]   1. A method for joining tubes to articles, each of which is made of thermoplastic Formed from a mer, wherein the article extends from a first surface through the second surface At least one flow path, wherein such flow paths are straight and The tube is shaped and sized to accommodate the tube in a sliding fit, The article can penetrate from the first surface to the second surface, and the fluid flow To bring   (i) inserting the tube into the linear channel, which extends through the article; Protruding from the first surface beyond the second surface When,   (ii) sliding the tube projecting beyond the second surface into a pin Located above the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer that is the tube. The pins are maintained at a low temperature and the pins melt the thermoplastic polymer which is the tube. Protruding disposed on a heating block that can be heated to a temperature higher than the point;   (iii) controlling the heating block to a temperature higher than the melting point;   (iv) the heating block is juxtaposed to the second surface facing the second surface; The tube into contact with the heating block. The polymer melts and at least partially coats the second surface. Formed to seal the tube to the article. Steps and   (v) cooling the article;   (vi) separating the article from the pin and the heating block;   A method characterized by comprising:   2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of flow paths through the article in an aligned relationship. The described method.   3. The tube and the article are formed from an aliphatic polyamide. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises:   4. The tube facilitates adhesion to the article polymer. The method of claim 1, wherein an adhesive is applied.   5. The tube is a connection of the tube to the polymer that is the article. A co-extruded tube with its outer layer to promote The method of claim 1, wherein   6. Said article is part of the header of a plastic heat exchanger manifold The method of claim 1, wherein:   7. The pin according to claim 3, wherein the pin in (b) is a cooling pin. Law.   8. The method of claim 7, wherein the pin is a fluid cooling pin. .   9. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the pin is a water or oil cooling pin. The described method. 10. The pin according to claim 3, wherein the pin has a ceramic chip. the method of. 11. A contractor characterized in that at least ten tubes are joined to said article. The method of claim 3. 12. Characterized in that at least 100 tubes are joined to said article The method of claim 3. 13. Characterized in that at least 300 tubes are joined to said article The method of claim 3. 14． A plurality of the tubes are joined to an article having a channel in which the tubes slide fit. Wherein the tube and the article are formed of a thermoplastic polymer. ,   (a) a heating block having a flat heating surface,   (b) a plurality of elongates projecting from the heating surface in parallel and spaced apart relation Pins, the pins being insulated from the heating block and into the tube Has a chip that can be inserted,   (c) holding the article with the tube protruding therefrom and holding the pin and tube together; Holding means for arranging the probes in a corresponding alignment relationship;   (d) The article is moved toward the heating block, and the pin slides to move the article. Inserted into the tube to bring the tube into contact with the heating block Means and   An apparatus characterized by comprising: 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the pin is a fluid cooling pin. Place. 16. The pin according to claim 15, wherein the pin is a water or oil cooling pin. An apparatus according to claim 1. 17． The pin according to claim 14, wherein the pin has a ceramic chip. On-board equipment. 18. The pins have an internal fluid extending substantially therein to the tip of each pin. A closed hollow pin with a mating tube, said pin for cooling said pin; Characterized by being adapted for the flow of cooling fluid through the fitting tube An apparatus according to claim 14. 19. The device of claim 15, wherein there are at least 100 pins. Place. 20. The device of claim 15, wherein there are at least 300 pins. Place.