Heat exchanger modules, assembled heat exchangers, and heat exchanger assembly systems

Abstract

A heat exchanger module includes: a first heat exchange body including at least one first through-hole; and a second heat exchange body including at least one second through-hole. The second heat exchange body is configured to be coupled to the first heat exchange body, with a receiving hole provided between the first and second heat exchange bodies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heat exchanger module, an assembled heat exchanger including the heat exchanger module, and a heat exchanger assembly system. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for heat exchange devices used in low-temperature operating devices and research to cool or heat objects to be used in medical or biological applications. Heat exchange media materials are used to cool or heat objects. To ensure heat exchange between the heat exchange media and the object being treated, the path through which the heat exchange media flows must remain constant relative to the object being treated.

[0003] As mentioned above, the demand for heat exchange devices used in various fields is increasing, and as a result, the shapes and conditions of the processed objects are also diversifying. Using different heat exchange devices depending on the shape and condition of the processed objects can take up a lot of space, increase costs, and reduce process yields. Furthermore, in response to the demand for automated systems, the demand for automatically replaceable heat exchange devices is also increasing as the shape and condition of the processed objects change. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heat exchanger module whose shape can be changed according to changes in the shape and state of an object to be processed, and an assembled heat exchanger including the heat exchanger module.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heat exchanger module capable of adjusting cooling capacity based on changes in shape and state of an object to be processed, and an assembled heat exchanger including the heat exchanger module.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heat exchanger assembly system in which an assembly-type heat exchanger is automatically assembled according to changes in shape and state of an object to be processed.

[0007] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a heat exchanger module is provided. The heat exchanger module includes: a first heat exchange body including at least one first through-hole; and a second heat exchange body including at least one second through-hole, the second heat exchange body being configured to be coupled to the first heat exchange body, wherein a receiving hole is provided between the first heat exchange body and the second heat exchange body by the coupled first and second heat exchange bodies.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger module further includes: at least one first flow path body configured to provide at least one first flow path, the at least one first flow path body being attachable to and detachable from the at least one first through hole; and at least one second flow path body configured to provide at least one second flow path, the at least one second flow path body being attachable to and detachable from the at least one second through hole.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger module further includes at least one flow path body configured to provide at least one flow path, the at least one flow path body being attachable to and detachable from the accommodating hole.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the heat exchanger module further includes at least one joining body configured to couple the first heat exchanging body to the second heat exchanging body.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger module further comprises a heat exchange fluid passing through the at least one flow path.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger module further includes a heat exchange fluid passing through any one of the at least one first flow path and the at least one second flow path.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger module further includes: a third heat exchange body including at least one third through hole, the third heat exchange body being configured to be connected to the first heat exchange body and the second heat exchange body, wherein the accommodating hole is provided between the first heat exchange body, the second heat exchange body and the third heat exchange body through the first heat exchange body, the second heat exchange body and the third heat exchange body being connected together.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger module further includes at least one flow path body configured to provide at least one flow path, the at least one flow path body being attachable to and detachable from the at least one third through-hole.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger module further includes: a fourth heat exchange body including at least one fourth through hole, the fourth heat exchange body being configured to be connected to two or more of the first heat exchange body, the second heat exchange body and the third heat exchange body, wherein the accommodating hole is provided between the first heat exchange body, the second heat exchange body, the third heat exchange body and the fourth heat exchange body by connecting between the first heat exchange body, the second heat exchange body, the third heat exchange body and the fourth heat exchange body.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger module further includes at least one flow path body configured to provide at least one flow path, the at least one flow path body configured to be attachable to and detachable from the at least one fourth through hole.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments, an assembled heat exchanger is provided. The assembled heat exchanger includes: a plurality of heat exchanger modules; at least one first connector; and at least one second connector, wherein the at least one first connector is configured to connect the plurality of heat exchanger modules in a first direction, and the at least one second connector is configured to connect the plurality of heat exchanger modules in a second direction different from the first direction, and wherein each of the plurality of heat exchanger modules includes: a first heat exchange body including at least one first through-hole; and a second heat exchange body including at least one second through-hole, the second heat exchange body being configured to be coupled to the first heat exchange body, wherein a receiving hole is provided between the first heat exchange body and the second heat exchange body by the first heat exchange body and the second heat exchange body being coupled together.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first connector of the at least one first connector includes: at least one body configured to provide a connecting flow path, the at least one body being connected to a first through hole included in two of the multiple heat exchanger modules; and at least one coupling body fixing the two of the multiple heat exchanger modules relative to each other in the first direction.

[0020] According to an embodiment, a second connector of the at least one second connector comprises a joint body that fixes two of the plurality of heat exchanger modules relative to each other in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the plurality of heat exchanger modules include: a first heat exchanger module; and a second heat exchanger module, wherein the first heat exchanger module and the second heat exchanger module are stacked so that the receiving hole of the first heat exchanger module is in communication with the receiving hole of the second heat exchanger module.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the assembled heat exchanger further includes at least one joining body configured to connect the first heat exchanger module to the second heat exchanger module in a direction in which the first heat exchanger module and the second heat exchanger module are stacked.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments, a heat exchanger assembly system for assembling a plurality of heat exchanger modules is provided, the heat exchanger assembly system comprising: a plurality of identifiers, respectively arranged on each of the plurality of heat exchanger modules; a first communication module comprising at least one circuit, the first communication module being configured to communicate with a plurality of second communication modules; the plurality of second communication modules, the plurality of second communication modules comprising at least one circuit, and respectively arranged in each of the plurality of heat exchanger modules; and an assembly device comprising at least one actuator configured to sequentially assemble the plurality of heat exchanger modules.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger assembling system further includes a transport unit including at least one movable body configured to transport the plurality of heat exchanger modules.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the transport unit further comprises a third communication module comprising at least one circuit, the third communication module being configured to communicate with the first communication module, and the transport unit being configured to transport the plurality of heat exchanger modules to determined locations based on information received by the third communication module.

[0026] According to one embodiment, said at least one actuating body of the assembly device comprises a robotic arm.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly system also includes an assembly device, which also includes a communication module comprising at least one circuit. The assembly device is configured to communicate with the first communication module and assemble the multiple heat exchanger modules at a determined position based on information received by the communication module of the assembly device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembled heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2A is a first partial perspective view of a heat exchanger module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2B is a second partial perspective view of a heat exchanger module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4is a perspective view of a heat exchanger module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an assembled heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7A is a partial cross-sectional view of an assembled heat exchanger including a connection portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of an assembled heat exchanger including a connection portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an assembled heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of an assembled heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a heat exchanger assembly system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a transfer unit and a heat exchanger module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an assembly device and an assembled heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 13 is a flow chart of a method of assembling a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, the embodiments will be described below solely by reference to the accompanying drawings to illustrate various aspects. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of...", when preceding a column of elements, modify the entire column of elements without modifying the individual elements in the column.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, and the size of each element may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. Meanwhile, the following embodiments are merely illustrative, and various modifications from the embodiments may be possible.

[0046] Expressions such as “over” or “on” may include not only the meaning of “directly on in a contact manner” but also the meaning of “on in a non-contact manner”.

[0047] Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element from another.

[0048] As used herein, singular forms are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When a certain part is assumed to include a certain component, the term "comprising" means that the corresponding component may further include other components, unless a specific meaning contrary to the corresponding component is written.

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembled heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an assembled heat exchanger 1 may include a plurality of heat exchanger modules 10, a first connecting portion 20 (e.g., a connector) for connecting the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 in a first direction X, a second connecting portion 30 (e.g., a connector) for connecting the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 in a second direction Y different from the first direction X, an injection portion 71 for injecting a heat exchanger fluid into the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10, and a discharge portion 72. Here, the treated articles that can be heated or cooled by the assembled heat exchanger 1 may include not only the treated articles contained in the treated article box B, but also the treated articles that can be injected into the assembled heat exchanger 1 and discharged from the assembled heat exchanger 1 in the form of a fluid. In addition, the treated article box B or the treated articles that can be arranged in the assembled heat exchanger 1 can have various shapes. The state of the treated articles that can be arranged in the assembled heat exchanger 1 can be one or more of gas, liquid, and solid. Below, for the convenience of description, the form in which the treated articles in the form of a fluid are contained and enclosed in the treated article box B will be described first.

[0051] A plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 may be arranged to be connected to each other. A plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 according to an embodiment may be arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). A plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 may also be arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) that is different from the first direction. Since the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 are arranged in the first and second directions as described above, the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 may be arranged along a plane. In this case, the first connecting portion 20 may connect the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 arranged in the first direction to each other. The second connecting portion 30 may connect the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 arranged in the second direction to each other. A plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 according to an embodiment may be arranged in a three-dimensional stacked structure, wherein the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 may be connected using a third connecting portion 40 (e.g., a connector) (see Figure 9 ). Figures 6 to 8 Details regarding the first connection portion 20 , the second connection portion 30 , and the third connection portion 40 for connecting the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 to each other are described.

[0052] In the assembled heat exchanger 1 in which a plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 are connected, a heat exchange target, for example, a processed article box B for receiving processed articles, can be arranged. The heat exchange fluid can be injected through the injection portion 71, can circulate inside the assembled heat exchanger 1, and can then be discharged through the discharge portion 72. According to an example, the heat exchange fluid may include water, alcohol, oil, etc., but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an example, the heat exchange fluid may include any fluid material flowing through a flow path and including additives. Below, the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 constituting the assembled heat exchanger 1 will be described in more detail.

[0053] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a partial perspective view of a heat exchanger module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Reference Figures 2A to 3 A heat exchanger module 10 according to an example may include a first heat exchanging portion 100 (e.g., a first heat exchanging body), a second heat exchanging portion 200 (e.g., a second heat exchanging body), a first flow path 300, an accommodating portion 400 (e.g., an accommodating hole) formed by coupling the first heat exchanging portion 100 to the second heat exchanging portion 200, and a second flow path 500. According to an embodiment, the first flow path 300 and the second flow path 500 may each be formed by a respective flow path body.

[0055] The first heat exchange portion 100 may include a first base portion 110 in a shell shape, a first through portion (through hole) 120 penetrating the first base portion 110, a first coupling groove 130, and an identification portion 140. The first base portion 110 according to one embodiment may be a support portion capable of supporting a processed object that is a target for heat exchange with the first flow path 300 described later. For example, the first base portion 110 may be provided in a rectangular parallelepiped flat plate shape, and a joint portion and a connection portion for connecting to the second base portion 210 provided in the second heat exchange portion 200 or to another heat exchanger module 10 may be arranged on four sides of the first base portion 110.

[0056] For example, the first joining portion 115 (e.g., a joining body) for connecting the first heat exchange portion 100 and the second heat exchange portion 200 can be arranged on the first side 111 of the first base 110. The third joining portion 117 (e.g., a joining body) for connecting to another heat exchanger module 10 adjacent in the second direction Y can be arranged on the second side 112 opposite to the first side 111. The first joining portion 115 and the third joining portion 117 according to one embodiment can be provided in the shape of a protruding portion (e.g., a protrusion). The second joining portion 116 (e.g., a joining body) for connecting to another heat exchanger module 10 adjacent in the first direction X can be arranged on the third side 113 and the fourth side 114. The second joining portion 116 according to one embodiment can be provided as a magnet utilizing magnetic force.

[0057] The first to third engaging portions 115 to 117 are provided as protrusions or magnets, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any engaging portion for coupling two members may be provided. The first to third engaging portions 115 to 117 may be integrally formed with the first base 110 into one shape, or may be formed as a separate member detachable from the first base 110.

[0058] The first base 110 may include a material having high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal having high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, because the first base 110 may need to be able to transfer heat between the heat exchange fluid flowing through the first flow path 300 and the heat exchange target and to easily transfer the transferred heat to the outside air. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first base 110 may include various materials as needed.

[0059] The first through-portion 120 may be formed to pass through the first base 110 and may extend in one direction. For example, the first through-portion 120 may extend in the first direction X and may be a support portion into which the first flow path 300 through which the heat exchange fluid may flow may be inserted. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first flow path 300 may not be inserted into the first through-portion 120. In this case, the heat exchange fluid may flow along the first through-portion 120.

[0060] For example, the first through-portion 120 may be provided as one or more sections. When multiple first through-portions 120 are provided, the number of first flow paths 300 inserted into the multiple first through-portions 120 may be adjusted based on the heat exchange capacity required for the item being processed. For example, when the required heat exchange capacity is low, the first flow path 300 may be inserted into the first through-portion 120, and the heat exchange fluid may flow through the first flow path 300. On the other hand, when the required heat exchange capacity is high, the first flow path 300 may be inserted into each of the multiple first through-portions 120, and the heat exchange fluid may flow through the multiple first flow paths 300.

[0061] The first coupling groove 130 can be combined with the second coupling groove 230 provided in the second heat exchange portion 200 to form the accommodating portion 400. According to an example, the first coupling groove 130 can be a supporting portion in which a processed object or a processed object box B capable of exchanging heat with a heat exchange fluid can be arranged. For example, the first coupling groove 130 can be provided to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the processed object or the processed object box B.

[0062] The identification portion 140 can be an identification component (e.g., an identifier) ​​for identifying the form and type of the first heat exchange portion 100. For example, as described above, the number of first through portions 120 included in the first heat exchange portion 100 can be greater than or equal to 1. The shape of the first coupling groove 130 can change with the shape of the processed article or the processed article box B arranged therein. Therefore, the form and type of the first heat exchange portion 100 can be determined according to the shape of the processed article or the processed article box B arranged in the assembled heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment, and the number of first through portions 120 can be determined based on the cooling capacity of the processed article. According to an example, the identification portion 140 may include information about the first coupling groove 130 according to the shape of the processed article or the processed article box B and information about the number of first through portions 120. For example, the identification portion 140 may include characters, numbers, graphics, etc., but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0063] The second heat exchange portion 200 may include a second base portion 210 in the shape of a housing, a second penetration portion 220 penetrating the second base portion 210, a second coupling groove 230, and an identification portion 240. The second base portion 210 according to one embodiment may be a support portion capable of supporting a processed object that is a target for heat exchange with the second flow path 500 described later. For example, the second base portion 210 may be provided in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped flat plate, and a joint portion and a connection portion for connecting with the first base portion 110 provided in the first heat exchange portion 100 or with another heat exchanger module 10 may be arranged on four sides of the second base portion 210.

[0064] For example, the first engaging portion 215, the second engaging portion 216, and the third engaging portion 217 may be arranged in the second base 210 to correspond to the first engaging portion 115 to the third engaging portion 117 provided in the first base 10. The functions and effects of the first engaging portion 215 to the third engaging portion 217 arranged in the second base 210 substantially correspond to those of the first engaging portion 115 to the third engaging portion 117 provided in the first base 110, and thus will not be described for the sake of convenience of description.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the second base 210 may include a material having high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal having high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, because the second base 210 may need to be able to transfer heat between the heat exchange fluid flowing through the second flow path 500 and the heat exchange target and to be able to easily transfer the transferred heat to the outside air. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second base 210 may include various materials as needed.

[0066] The second through-portion 220 may be formed to pass through the second base 210 and may extend in one direction. For example, the second through-portion 220 may extend in the first direction X and may be a support portion into which the second flow path 500 through which the heat exchange fluid may flow may be inserted. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second flow path 500 may not be inserted into the second through-portion 220, in which case the heat exchange fluid may flow along the second through-portion 220. For example, the second through-portion 220 may be provided as one or more portions. The technical features of adjusting the heat exchange capacity using a plurality of second through-portions 220 are substantially the same as those described with respect to the first through-portion 120, and therefore will not be described further.

[0067] The second coupling groove 230 can be combined with the first coupling groove 130 provided in the first heat exchange portion 100 to form the accommodating portion 400. The second coupling groove 230 according to one embodiment can be a supporting portion in which a processed object or a processed object box B capable of exchanging heat with a heat exchange fluid can be arranged. For example, the second coupling groove 230 can be provided to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the processed object or the processed object box B.

[0068] The identification portion 240 may be an identification member (e.g., an identifier) ​​for identifying the form and type of the second heat exchange portion 200. Details related to the identification portion 240 disposed in the second heat exchange portion 200 are substantially the same as those described with respect to the identification portion 140 disposed in the first heat exchange portion 100, and thus will not be further described for the sake of convenience.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 According to an example, the heat exchanger module 10 may be formed by coupling the first heat exchange portion 100 to the second heat exchange portion 200. For example, when the first heat exchange portion 100 and the second heat exchange portion 200 are coupled to each other, the accommodating portion 400 may be formed by coupling the first coupling groove 130 to the second coupling groove 230. According to an embodiment, a processed article box B including processed articles may be arranged in the accommodating portion 400, and the shape of the side wall of the accommodating portion 400 may correspond to the shape of the outer wall of the supported processed article box B.

[0070] For example, the first flow path 300 and the second flow path 500 can be selectively arranged in the first through-section 120 and the second through-section 220. For example, when the heat exchange capacity of the processed articles contained in the processed article box B is large, the heat exchange fluid can flow through both the first flow path 300 and the second flow path 500. The number of the first through-section 120 and the second through-section 220 according to the embodiment can be adjusted. Therefore, the number of the first flow path 300 and the second flow path 500 arranged in one or more of the first through-section 120 and the second through-section 220 can be further increased. By increasing the flow rate of the heat exchange fluid flowing through the increased number of the first flow path 300 and the second flow path 500, the heat exchange capacity can be improved. When the heat exchange capacity of the processed articles contained in the processed article box B is small, the heat exchange fluid can pass through either the first flow path 300 or the second flow path 500.

[0071] In the aforementioned embodiment, the first flow path 300 and the second flow path 500 are described as paths through which the heat exchange fluid flows. However, when the first flow path 300 and the second flow path 500 are not arranged in the first through-portion 120 and the second through-portion 220, the heat exchange fluid may also flow through the first through-portion 120 and the second through-portion 220. In this case, the heat exchange capacity can be adjusted by controlling the number of the first through-portion 120 and the second through-portion 220.

[0072] According to one embodiment, a heat exchange fluid can flow through the first and second flow paths 300, 500 arranged in the first and second through-sections 120, 220, and a processed object can be accommodated in a processed object box B arranged in the accommodating section 400, thereby performing heat exchange. According to another embodiment, a third flow path 600 can be arranged in the accommodating section 400. Depending on the embodiment, the third flow path 600 can be formed by a flow path body. When the processed object serving as the heat exchange target is in fluid form, the heat exchange target can flow through any of the first, second, and third flow paths 600. For example, when the processed object passes through one or more of the first and second flow paths 300, 500, the heat exchange fluid can exchange heat with the processed object by passing through the third flow path 600. As described above, the path through which the processed object exchanges heat with the heat exchange fluid and the heat exchange capacity can be freely determined based on the type and assembly scheme of the first and second heat exchange sections 100, 200, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the configuration of the heat exchanger module 10.

[0073] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchanger module 10 according to one embodiment may be formed by coupling two heat exchanging parts to each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of heat exchanging parts may be variously changed, for example, two or more.

[0075] refer to Figure 4, the heat exchanger module 70 according to another embodiment may include three heat exchange parts, such as a first heat exchange part 710 (e.g., a first heat exchange body), a second heat exchange part 720 (e.g., a second heat exchange body), and a third heat exchange part 730 (e.g., a third heat exchange body) connected to each other. Each of the first heat exchange part 710 to the third heat exchange part 730 according to an embodiment may include one or more first through-parts 711, one or more second through-parts 721, and one or more third through-parts 731. The first flow path 712, the second flow path 722, and the third flow path 732 may be arranged in the first through-part 711, the second through-part 721, and the third through-part 731, respectively. According to an embodiment, the first flow path 712 to the third flow path 732 may each be formed by their own flow path bodies. According to an embodiment, the accommodating part 741 may be formed by coupling between the first heat exchange part 710, the second heat exchange part 720, and the third heat exchange part 730. In the accommodating part 741, the following may be arranged: Figure 3 The processed object box B is shown as the third flow path 600 serving as the fourth flow path.

[0076] refer to Figure 5 According to another embodiment, a heat exchanger module 80 may include four heat exchange sections, such as a first heat exchange section 810 (e.g., a first heat exchange body), a second heat exchange section 820 (e.g., a second heat exchange body), a third heat exchange section 830 (e.g., a third heat exchange body), and a fourth heat exchange section 840 (e.g., a fourth heat exchange body), which are connected to each other. Each of the first to fourth heat exchange sections 810 to 840 according to one embodiment may include one or more first through-sections 811, one or more second through-sections 821, one or more third through-sections 831, and one or more fourth through-sections 841. A first flow path 812, a second flow path 822, a third flow path 832, and a fourth flow path 842 may be arranged in the first through-section 811, the second through-section 821, the third through-section 831, and the fourth through-section 841, respectively. Depending on the embodiment, the first to fourth flow paths 812 to 842 may each be formed by a respective flow path body. According to one embodiment, the accommodating portion 851 may be formed by coupling between the first heat exchange portion 810, the second heat exchange portion 820, the third heat exchange portion 830, and the fourth heat exchange portion 840. In the accommodating portion 851, the following may be arranged: Figure 3 The processed object box B is shown as the third flow path 600 serving as the fifth flow path.

[0077] As described above, as the number of heat exchange components forming a heat exchanger module (e.g., heat exchanger module 10, heat exchanger module 70, and heat exchanger module 80) changes, the shape of the heat exchanger module can be changed and the number of through-holes and flow paths passing through the heat exchanger module can be adjusted. Therefore, designers can select and assemble the desired heat exchanger module based on the shape and heat exchange capacity of the heat exchange target, thereby increasing the degree of configuration freedom and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0078] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an assembled heat exchanger according to an example. Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of an assembled heat exchanger including a connection portion according to an example.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 , a plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 are connected in a first direction X by a first connecting portion 20, and are connected in a second direction Y different from the first direction X by a second connecting portion 30. The first connecting portion 20 according to one embodiment may include a connecting flow path 25 for connecting to the first penetration portion 120 or the second penetration portion 220 included in the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10, and a second joint portion 116 and a second joint portion 216 for connecting the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 in the first direction X. Details regarding the connecting flow path 25 for connecting to the first penetration portion 120 or the second penetration portion 220 will be referred to later. Figure 7A and Figure 7B describe.

[0080] The second coupling portion 116 according to an embodiment may be disposed in the first heat exchange portion 100 and couple adjacent heat exchanger modules 10 in the first direction X. The second coupling portion 216 provided in the second heat exchange portion 200 may be disposed for coupling between adjacent heat exchanger modules 10 in the first direction X. For example, depending on coupling strength, the second coupling portion 116 and the second coupling portion 216 may be disposed in one or more of the first heat exchange portion 100 and the second heat exchange portion 200. The second coupling portion 116 and the second coupling portion 216 according to an embodiment may be provided as magnets utilizing magnetic force, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0081] The second connection portion 30 according to an embodiment may include one or more of a third joining portion 117 and a third joining portion 217 for connecting the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 in the second direction Y. According to an example, the third joining portion 117 may be disposed in the first heat exchange portion 100, and the third joining portion 217 may be disposed in the second heat exchange portion 200. When the third joining portion 117 disposed in the first heat exchange portion 100 and the third joining portion 217 disposed in the second heat exchange portion 200 are coupled to each other, the first heat exchange portion 100 and the second heat exchange portion 200 may be connected in the second direction Y. Although Figure 1 and Figure 6 Not shown, but when the through holes through which the heat exchange fluid flows are arranged in the second direction Y, separate connecting flow paths may be arranged (for example, in heat exchanger modules adjacent in the second direction Y in the heat exchanger modules 10).

[0082] Reference Figure 7A According to one embodiment, the first connecting portion 20 may include a connecting flow path 25, a locking portion 26, a sealing member 27, and an elastic member 28. The connecting flow path 25 according to one embodiment may be arranged between a plurality of first through-portions 120 included in a plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction X and may be in the form of a tube to transmit the heat exchange fluid flowing along the first through-portions 120. Locking members 251 engageable with the locking portion 26 may be arranged at opposite ends of the connecting flow path 25. According to one embodiment, the locking portion 26 may be arranged at an end of the first through-portion 120 and may include an engagement structure 261 engageable with the locking member 251 and a spring structure 262 for restoring the engagement structure 261. According to one embodiment, the sealing member 27 may be arranged between the locking member 251 and the engagement structure 261. For example, the sealing member 27 may include a material capable of preventing heat exchange fluid leakage, such as a rubber material having elasticity. Thus, the sealing member 27 can prevent the heat exchange fluid flowing through the first through-portions 120 and the connecting flow path 25 from leaking to the outside. The elastic member 28 may be disposed between the plurality of first penetration portions 120 and maintain intervals therebetween, thereby improving the sealing force of the sealing member 27. Although the connecting flow path 25 and the heat exchanger module 10 are formed as separate components in the aforementioned embodiment, the connecting flow path 25 and the heat exchanger module 10 may be integrally formed.

[0083] Reference Figure 7BAccording to one embodiment, the connecting flow path 25 may be formed to extend from the end of the first penetrating portion 120 disposed at the rear end, thereby being formed integrally with the first penetrating portion 120 disposed at the rear end. The locking member 251 may be disposed at the front end of the connecting flow path 25 in such a manner as to engage with the engaging structure 261. Details regarding the locking portion 26, the sealing member 27, and the elastic member 28 are similar to those of FIG. Figure 7A The same is shown and will not be described further here.

[0084] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an assembled heat exchanger according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of an assembled heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0085] In the aforementioned embodiment, the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 may be arranged to be connected to each other along a two-dimensional plane. The plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 according to an embodiment may be arranged in a 3D structure and may be connected to each other.

[0086] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 According to one embodiment, the assembled heat exchanger 2 may include a first heat exchanger module 11 and a second heat exchanger module 12. Details regarding the through holes included in the first heat exchanger module 11 and the second heat exchanger module 12 for allowing the heat exchange fluid to pass therethrough and the joint portion connecting the first heat exchange portion and the second heat exchange portion are similar to those described above. Figure 3 The components shown are substantially the same and therefore will not be described further here.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the first heat exchanger module 11 and the second heat exchanger module 12 included in the assembled heat exchanger 2 may be arranged to be stacked in the third direction Z. The first accommodation portion 400-1 included in the first heat exchanger module 11 and the second accommodation portion 400-2 included in the second heat exchanger module 12 may be arranged to be connected to each other in the third direction Z. Figure 3 ) or the third flow path 600 (see Figure 3 ) may be supported via the first receiving portion 400-1 and the second receiving portion 400-2.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first heat exchanger module 11 and the second heat exchanger module 12 may include a fourth joining portion 170 included in the third connection portion 40. The fourth joining portion 170 may be arranged in the first heat exchanger module 11 and the second heat exchanger module 12 and fix the first heat exchanger module 11 and the second heat exchanger module 12 in the third direction Z. For example, the fourth joining portion 170 may include a groove and a protrusion corresponding to each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any joining member for fixing the first heat exchanger module 11 and the second heat exchanger module 12 in the third direction Z may be used.

[0089] As described above, a plurality of heat exchanger modules (e.g., one or more heat exchanger modules 10, one or more first heat exchanger modules 11, and one or more second heat exchanger modules 12) can be arranged to be connected to each other in one of the first direction X, the second direction Y, or the third direction Z. Therefore, the designer can select a plurality of heat exchanger modules with various shapes and heat exchange capabilities based on the shape and type of the processed items as the heat exchange target, and arrange and assemble them in two-dimensional or three-dimensional form. Therefore, the degree of freedom of configuration for the assembled heat exchanger can be improved, and various heat exchanger modules can be selectively used as needed. Hereinafter, a system for assembling an assembled heat exchanger 1 comprising a plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 by using an automated system will be described.

[0090] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a heat exchanger assembly system according to an example. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a transfer unit and a heat exchanger module according to an example. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an assembled device and an assembled heat exchanger according to an example. Figure 13 is a flow chart of a method of assembling a heat exchanger according to an example.

[0091] Reference Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 10 A heat exchanger assembly system 1000 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of heat exchanger modules 10, a controller 700, a first communication module 910, a transport unit 900, and an assembly device 950. The controller 700 according to an embodiment may control the driving of the heat exchanger assembly system 1000. For example, the controller 700 may receive information about the shape of the heat exchanger module 10, the number and position of the through-portions, and the like stored in the identification units 140 and 240, and control operations of the transport unit 900 and the assembly device 950.

[0092] The first communication module 910 can transmit and receive information by communicating with the second communication module 920, the third communication module 930, and the fourth communication module 940 included in the heat exchanger module 10, the transmission unit 900, and the assembly device 950, respectively. For example, the first communication module 910 to the fourth communication module 940 may include any communication module capable of transmitting and receiving information using a wireless scheme. According to an embodiment, the first communication module 910 to the fourth communication module 940 may each include at least one circuit configured to transmit and receive information using a wireless scheme.

[0093] The transport unit 900 may be a movable member (eg, at least one movable body) capable of moving the heat exchanger module 10 to a specific location. The transport unit 900 may include a third communication module 930, and may be configured to communicate with the heat exchanger module 10 according to the configuration of the heat exchanger module 10. Figure 10 The control signal transmitted by the illustrated first communication module 910 moves the heat exchanger module 10 to a specific position.

[0094] The assembly device 950 can connect and assemble multiple heat exchanger modules 10. Figure 12 As shown, an assembly device 950 according to one embodiment may include at least one actuator (e.g., a robot arm) capable of holding a plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 to connect the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 to each other. The assembly device 950 may include a fourth communication module 940 that receives information about the position and type of the heat exchanger modules 10 through communication with the first communication module 910 and then assembles the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 at a specific position.

[0095] Reference Figure 13 , the controller 700 may receive information stored in the identification portion of the heat exchanger module 10. In operation S110, for example, the controller 700 may receive information stored in the identification portion of the heat exchanger module 10 by using the first communication module 910 to communicate with the second communication module 920 included in the heat exchanger module 10. For example, information such as the shape of the heat exchanger module 10, the number of through holes, and the positions of the through holes may be stored in the identification portions 140 and 240 of the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10.

[0096] Next, the controller 700 may transport the heat exchanger module 10 to a specific location using the transport unit 900. In operation S120, the controller 700 may determine the necessary heat exchanger module 10 using the received information about the heat exchanger module 10 and then transport the determined heat exchanger module 10 to the specific location. In this case, the controller 700 may transmit a control signal to the transport unit 900 using the first communication module 910 communicating with the third communication module 930 included in the transport unit 900. The transport unit 900 may transport the heat exchanger module 10 to the specific location based on the received control signal.

[0097] Next, the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 may be assembled using the assembly device 950. In operation S130, the assembly device 950 according to one embodiment may assemble the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 transferred to a specific location. In this case, the controller 700 may transmit a control signal regarding the position and direction for assembly of the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 to the fourth communication module 940 included in the assembly device 950. The assembly device 950 according to one embodiment may assemble the plurality of heat exchanger modules 10 at a specific location using a holding device such as a robot arm.

[0098] As described above, replaceable heat exchanger modules may be selected based on the type and shape of processed items for heat exchange and heat exchange capacity, and the automatically selected heat exchanger modules may be automatically transferred and assembled to achieve system automation.

[0099] Although the operating methods of the heat exchanger module, the assembled heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger assembly system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown to help understand the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made.

[0100] The heat exchanger module and the assembled heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may change their shapes based on changes in the shape and state of the processed object.

[0101] Furthermore, the heat exchanger module and the assembled heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the cooling capacity based on changes in the shape and state of the processed object.

[0102] Furthermore, the heat exchanger assembly system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can automatically assemble an assembly-type heat exchanger based on changes in the shape and state of the processed object.

[0103] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features or aspects in each embodiment should generally be considered to be applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments of the present disclosure. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

[0104] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0168144 filed on December 16, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger module, comprising: The first heat exchange body includes: a first base portion in a shell shape; at least one first through hole penetrating the first base portion and extending in a first direction; a first coupling groove; a first engaging portion of the first heat exchanging body, on a first side of the first base; a second coupling portion of the first heat exchange body, located on a second side of the first base portion and adapted to be coupled to another heat exchanger module adjacent in the first direction; and a third joining portion of the first heat exchanging body, on a third side of the first base portion, for coupling with another heat exchanger module adjacent in a second direction different from the first direction; and The second heat exchange body includes: a second base portion in the shape of a shell; at least one second through hole penetrating the second base portion and extending in the first direction; a second coupling groove; a first engaging portion of the second heat exchanging body on a first side of the second base; a second coupling portion of the second heat exchanging body, located on a second side of the second base portion and adapted to be coupled to another heat exchanger module adjacent in the first direction; and The third joining portion of the second heat exchange body is on a third side of the second base portion and is used to couple with another heat exchanger module adjacent in the second direction. wherein the first joining portion of the second heat exchanging body is configured to be coupled to the first joining portion of the first heat exchanging body, wherein the second joining portion of the first heat exchanging body is configured to be coupled to a second joining portion of a different first heat exchanging body, wherein the second joining portion of the second heat exchanging body is configured to be coupled to a second joining portion of a different second heat exchanging body, wherein the third joining portion of the first heat exchanging body is configured to be coupled to a third joining portion of a different second heat exchanging body, wherein the third joining portion of the second heat exchanging body is configured to be coupled to a third joining portion of a different first heat exchanging body, and Wherein, by the first heat exchanging body and the second heat exchanging body being coupled together, an accommodating hole is provided between the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove.

2. The heat exchanger module according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one first flow path body configured to provide at least one first flow path, the at least one first flow path body being attachable to and detachable from the at least one first through-hole; as well as At least one second flow path body configured to provide at least one second flow path, the at least one second flow path body being attachable to and detachable from the at least one second through-hole. 3 . The heat exchanger module according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one flow path body configured to provide at least one flow path, the at least one flow path body being attachable to and detachable from the accommodation hole. 4 . The heat exchanger module according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one joining body configured to couple the first heat exchanging body to the second heat exchanging body.

5. The heat exchanger module of claim 3, further comprising a heat exchange fluid passing through the at least one flow path. 6 . The heat exchanger module according to claim 2 , further comprising a heat exchange fluid passing through any one of the at least one first flow path and the at least one second flow path.

7. A heat exchanger module comprising: The first heat exchange body includes: a first base portion in a shell shape; at least one first through hole penetrating the first base; and a first coupling groove; The second heat exchange body includes: a second base portion in the shape of a shell; at least one second through hole penetrating the second base; and a second coupling groove; The third heat exchange body includes: a third base portion, in the shape of a shell; at least one third through hole penetrating the third base; and The third coupling groove, Wherein, by the first heat exchanging body, the second heat exchanging body and the third heat exchanging body being coupled together, an accommodating hole is provided between the first coupling groove, the second coupling groove and the third coupling groove. 8 . The heat exchanger module according to claim 7 , further comprising at least one flow path body configured to provide at least one flow path, the at least one flow path body being attachable to and detachable from the at least one third through-hole.

9. The heat exchanger module according to claim 7, further comprising: a fourth heat exchanging body including at least one fourth through hole, the fourth heat exchanging body being configured to be coupled to two or more of the first heat exchanging body, the second heat exchanging body, and the third heat exchanging body, wherein the accommodating hole is provided among the first, second, third and fourth heat exchanging bodies by coupling therebetween. 10 . The heat exchanger module according to claim 9 , further comprising at least one flow path body configured to provide at least one flow path, the at least one flow path body configured to be attachable to and detachable from the at least one fourth through-hole.

11. An assembled heat exchanger, comprising: a plurality of heat exchanger modules according to any one of claims 1 to 10; at least one first connector; as well as At least one second connector, The at least one first connector is configured to connect the plurality of heat exchanger modules in a first direction, and the at least one second connector is configured to connect the plurality of heat exchanger modules in a second direction different from the first direction.

12. The assembled heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein: The first connector of the at least one first connector comprises: at least one body configured to provide a connection flow path, the at least one body being connected to the first through-holes included in two of the plurality of heat exchanger modules; and At least one engaging body fixes the two of the plurality of heat exchanger modules relative to each other in the first direction.

13. The assembled heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein: A second connector of the at least one second connector includes a joint body that secures two of the plurality of heat exchanger modules relative to each other in a second direction different from the first direction.

14. The assembled heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of heat exchanger modules include: a first heat exchanger module; and The second heat exchanger module, The first heat exchanger module and the second heat exchanger module are stacked so that the receiving hole of the first heat exchanger module communicates with the receiving hole of the second heat exchanger module.

15. The assembled heat exchanger according to claim 14, further comprising at least one joining body configured to connect the first heat exchanger module to the second heat exchanger module in a direction in which the first heat exchanger module and the second heat exchanger module are stacked.

16. A heat exchanger assembly system for assembling a plurality of heat exchanger modules, the heat exchanger assembly system comprising: a plurality of identifiers, respectively disposed on each of the plurality of heat exchanger modules and respectively storing information for identifying each of the plurality of heat exchanger modules; a first communication module comprising at least one circuit, the first communication module being configured to communicate with a plurality of second communication modules; the plurality of second communication modules, the plurality of second communication modules including at least one circuit and respectively disposed in each of the plurality of heat exchanger modules; an assembling device comprising at least one actuating body configured to sequentially assemble the plurality of heat exchanger modules; as well as A controller receives information stored in the plurality of identifiers and controls the operation of the assembly device. 17 . The heat exchanger assembling system according to claim 16 , further comprising a conveying unit including at least one movable body configured to convey the plurality of heat exchanger modules.

18. The heat exchanger assembly system according to claim 17, wherein: The transport unit further includes a third communication module including at least one circuit, the third communication module being configured to communicate with the first communication module, and the transport unit being configured to transport the plurality of heat exchanger modules to determined locations according to information received by the third communication module.

19. The heat exchanger assembly system according to claim 16, wherein: The at least one actuating body of the assembly device comprises a robotic arm.

20. The heat exchanger assembly system according to claim 16, wherein: The assembling device further includes a communication module including at least one circuit, the assembling device being configured to communicate with the first communication module and assemble the plurality of heat exchanger modules at determined positions according to information received by the communication module of the assembling device.

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