heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger (10) includes a plurality of tubes (21) stacked in a stack and a tank (31) connected to one end of the plurality of tubes. The heat exchanger includes a sealing member (50) disposed inside the tank and partially sealing an opening at the end of at least one predetermined tube among the plurality of tubes. The sealing member includes a relief structure (51) for avoiding interference with a protrusion formed at the end of the predetermined tube.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-006901, filed on January 20, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger. Background Art

[0004] Conventionally, there is a heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1. The heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1 includes a heat exchange core, an inlet box, and an outlet box. The heat exchange core is constructed by stacking multiple tubes, through which an internal fluid flows. The inlet box is connected to the inlet ends of the multiple tubes so as to communicate with each other, distributing the internal fluid to the multiple tubes. The outlet box is connected to the outlet ends of the multiple tubes so as to collect the internal fluid flowing out of the multiple tubes. An inlet for the internal fluid to flow into the inlet box is provided at the end of the inlet box in the direction in which the tubes are stacked. An outlet for the internal fluid to flow out of the outlet box is provided at the end of the outlet box on the same side as the inlet in the direction in which the tubes are stacked. A sealing member is provided at the end of a predetermined number of tubes on the same side as the inlet in the direction in which the tubes are stacked, partially closing the openings of the tubes. This structure suppresses the flow rate of the internal fluid flowing into tubes located near the inlet, while increasing the flow rate of the internal fluid flowing into tubes located farther from the inlet. This makes it possible to even out the flow rate of each tube.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4830918

[0008] The heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1 may have protrusions at the ends of the tubes. Specifically, the tubes are manufactured by bending a flat metal component into a ring shape, joining the two ends together, and then cutting the ring-shaped formed product into predetermined lengths. When manufacturing the tubes in this manner, burrs may form on the cut surface when the ring-shaped formed product is cut. The inventors have confirmed that burrs formed during cutting are particularly likely to form at the joints between the two ends of the metal components. Such burrs, etc., may form protrusions at the ends of the tubes.

[0009] On the other hand, in the case where a protrusion is formed at the end of the tube, when a closing component such as that described in Patent Document 1 is arranged at the end of the tube, there is a possibility that the protrusion of the tube will push up the closing component. If the protrusion of the tube pushes up the closing component, it will be difficult to close the opening of the tube with the closing component. In addition, for example, depending on the fluctuation of the protruding length of the end of the tube, there is also a possibility that it will be difficult to close the opening of the tube with the closing component. When the sealing effect of the closing component on the end of the tube is reduced due to various reasons like these, it is difficult to suppress the flow rate of the fluid flowing into the tube near the inlet, and as a result, there is a concern that the distribution of the fluid between the multiple tubes cannot be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger capable of more accurately improving the distribution of a fluid among a plurality of tubes.

[0011] A heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of tubes arranged in a stacked manner; and a tank connected to one end of the plurality of tubes, the tank being configured to perform heat exchange between a first fluid flowing within the tubes and a second fluid flowing outside the tubes. The heat exchanger includes a sealing member disposed within the tank and partially sealing an opening at the end of at least one predetermined tube among the plurality of tubes. The sealing member includes a relief structure for preventing interference with a protrusion formed at the end of the predetermined tube.

[0012] According to this configuration, the avoidance structure formed in the sealing member prevents interference between the protrusion formed at the end of a predetermined tube and the sealing member. Therefore, the end of the predetermined tube is less likely to lift up the sealing member. This further reliably seals the end of the predetermined tube with the sealing member, thereby improving the distribution of fluid between the multiple tubes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the front structure of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the tube according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure perpendicular to the pipe longitudinal direction of the first tank in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a cutaway cross-sectional structure of the heat exchanger obtained by cutting the first tank member of the first embodiment along a cross section perpendicular to the tube longitudinal direction.

[0017] Figure 5It means along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional structure along the VV line.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the cross-sectional structure of the closing member according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure perpendicular to the tube longitudinal direction of the first tank in the heat exchanger of the reference example.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of a sealing member according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of a sealing member according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the first tank in the heat exchanger according to the modified example of the first embodiment, taken along a plane perpendicular to the air flow direction.

[0023] Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing the three-dimensional structure of a sealing member according to a second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing the three-dimensional structure of a sealing member according to a modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the heat exchanger will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, identical components are assigned identical reference numerals in the drawings as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0026] <First embodiment>

[0027] First, yes Figure 1 The heat exchanger 10 of the first embodiment shown will be described.

[0028] The heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment is used as a heater core of an air-conditioning device installed in a vehicle, for example. An air-conditioning device is a device that heats or cools the interior of a vehicle by heating or cooling conditioned air and blowing it into the vehicle interior. The heat exchanger 10 is arranged in an air-conditioning duct through which conditioned air flows. Inside the heat exchanger 10, cooling water from the vehicle's engine circulates in a liquid phase. The heat exchanger 10 heats the conditioned air with the heat of the cooling water by exchanging heat between the cooling water flowing inside the heat exchanger 10 and the conditioned air flowing in the air-conditioning duct. The conditioned air heated by the heat exchanger 10 is blown into the vehicle interior through the air-conditioning duct, thereby heating the vehicle interior. In this embodiment, the cooling water flowing inside the heat exchanger 10 is equivalent to a fluid. In addition, the cooling water is equivalent to the first fluid, and the air is equivalent to the second fluid.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchanger 10 includes a core 20, a first tank 31, a second tank 32, and side plates 41 and 42. The heat exchanger 10 is formed of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy.

[0030] The core 20 is a part that performs heat exchange between the cooling water and the air. The core 20 has a plurality of tubes 21 stacked at predetermined intervals in the direction indicated by the arrow X in the figure, and a plurality of fins 22 arranged in the gaps between adjacent tubes 21. Figure 1 In the figure, only a portion of the plurality of fins 22 is shown. Air flows in the core 20 in the direction indicated by arrow Y. The direction indicated by arrow Y is perpendicular to the direction indicated by arrow X. The direction indicated by arrow Z is perpendicular to both the direction indicated by arrow X and the direction indicated by arrow Y.

[0031] Hereinafter, the direction indicated by arrow X will be referred to as the "tube stacking direction X." Furthermore, one direction in the tube stacking direction X will be referred to as the "X1 direction," and the other direction will be referred to as the "X2 direction." Furthermore, the direction indicated by arrow Y will be referred to as the "airflow direction Y."

[0032] The tube 21 is formed to extend in the direction indicated by the arrow Z in the figure. Hereinafter, the direction indicated by the arrow Z is referred to as the "tube length direction Z". In addition, one direction in the tube length direction is referred to as the "Z1 direction", and the other direction is referred to as the "Z2 direction". Figure 2 As shown, the tube 21 has an internal flow path W10 through which cooling water flows. The tube 21 is formed by bending a flat metal member 210 into a ring shape.

[0033] Specifically, when manufacturing the tube 21, the center portion of a flat metal member 210 is first bent in two to form a protrusion 211. The ends 212 and 213 of the metal member 210 are then bent inward and brazed to the protrusion 211, thereby forming an annular molded product. This annular molded product is then cut to a predetermined length to form the tube 21. In the tube 21 of this embodiment, the internal flow path W10 of the tube 21 is divided into two flow paths W11 and W12 by the joint 214.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, fins 22 are so-called corrugated fins formed by bending a thin, long metal plate into a corrugated shape. The bent portions of fins 22 are brazed to the outer surfaces of adjacent tubes 21. Fins 22 are provided to increase the heat transfer area to the air, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the cooling water and the air.

[0035] The first tank 31 and the second tank 32 are formed of cylindrical members extending in the tube stacking direction X. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , an internal flow path W20 for cooling water to flow is formed inside the first box 31. Figure 4 In FIG, only a portion of the plurality of fins 22 is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the first tank 31 is formed by joining a first tank member 312 and a second tank member 313, each of which has a concave cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the tube stacking direction X. Figures 3 to 5 As shown, one end portion 21a of the plurality of tubes 21 is connected to the first tank 31. The one end portion 21a of the plurality of tubes 21 is configured to pass through the second tank member 313 of the first tank 31 and extend to the internal flow path W20 of the first tank 31. Figure 1 As shown, the inlet 33 is installed at one end 310 of the first tank 31 in the X2 direction. The other end 311 of the first tank 31 in the X1 direction is closed.

[0036] Like the first tank 31, the second tank 32 is also composed of a cylindrical member with a flow path for cooling water formed inside. The other ends 21b of the multiple tubes 21 are connected to the second tank 32. An inlet 34 is provided at one end 320 of the second tank 32 in the X2 direction. The other end 321 of the second tank 32 in the X1 direction is sealed.

[0037] The side plates 41 and 42 are respectively arranged at both ends of the core 20 in the tube stacking direction X. One end 410 and 420 of each of the side plates 41 and 42 in the Z2 direction is connected to the first box 31. Figure 3As shown, one end portion 410 of the side plate 41 is configured to pass through the second box member 313 of the first box 31 and extend to the internal flow path W20 of the first box 31. Similarly, one end portion 420 of the side plate 42 is also connected to the first box 31. Figure 1 As shown, the other ends 411, 421 of the side plates 41, 42 in the Z1 direction are connected to the second box 32. The side plates 41, 42 are provided to reinforce the core 20.

[0038] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the heat exchanger 10 further includes a sealing member 50 housed inside the first tank 31. The sealing member 50 is formed of a separate member from the first tank 31 and is inserted into the first tank 31 from the inlet 33 to be disposed inside the first tank 31. Figure 6 As shown, the closing member 50 is formed into a flat plate shape. Figure 3 As shown, the closing member 50 is provided to partially close the openings of one end portion 21a of a predetermined number of tubes 21 arranged near the inlet 33 among the plurality of tubes 21. More specifically, the closing member 50 is provided to close the openings of the flow paths W11 in one end portion 21a of the predetermined number of tubes 21. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the tubes 21 arranged near the inlet 33 and having a portion of the flow paths closed by the closing member 50 will be referred to as "predetermined tubes 21A". Figure 3 As shown, the end portion of the closing member 50 in the X2 direction is formed with a protrusion 55 extending toward the inside of the inlet 33. Figure 4 As shown, an engaging portion 550 is formed on the bottom surface of the protruding portion 55 in the Z1 direction. The engaging portion 550 engages with the X2-direction end of the second box member 313 of the first box 31. The engagement structure of the engaging portion 550 and the second box member 313 of the first box 31 restricts positional deviation of the closure member 50 in the X1 direction.

[0039] Next, an operation example of the heat exchanger 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0040] In the heat exchanger 10, liquid cooling water flows into the interior of the first tank 31 through the inlet 33. The cooling water that has flowed into the first tank 31 flows from one end 21a of each tube 21 into the internal flow path W10 of each tube 21, where it is distributed to each tube 21. The cooling water that has been distributed to each tube 21 flows through the internal flow path W10 of each tube 21 toward the second tank 32. In the heat exchanger 10, heat is exchanged between the cooling water flowing through the internal flow path W10 of each tube 21 and the air flowing outside the tube 21, transferring heat from the cooling water to the air, thereby heating the air. The cooling water that has passed through each tube 21 is collected in the second tank 32 and then discharged from the outlet 34. Thus, the heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment has a so-called full-flow type structure that distributes cooling water from the first tank 31 to all tubes 21.

[0041] However, if Figure 3 As shown, in a configuration where cooling water flows into the interior of the first tank 31 from an inlet 33 provided at one end of the first tank 31, the cooling water flow path length increases from the inlet 33 toward the closed end 311 within the first tank 31, resulting in increased cooling water pressure loss. Consequently, the cooling water flow rate flowing into tubes located farther from the inlet 33 among the multiple tubes 21 is less than the cooling water flow rate flowing into tubes located near the inlet 33. As a result, there is a concern that the cooling water flow rate within each tube 21 may become uneven. When the cooling water flow rate within each tube 21 becomes uneven, the temperature distribution of the air after heat exchange fluctuates, potentially deteriorating the air-conditioning experience.

[0042] From this perspective, in the heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment, since the opening portion of one end portion 21a of a given tube 21A is partially closed by the closing member 50, the pressure loss of the cooling water flowing into the given tube 21A can be increased. This reduces the difference in pressure loss between the cooling water flowing into the given tube 21A and the cooling water flowing into the tube 21 located farther from the inlet 33, thereby making the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into each tube 21 uniform.

[0043] On the other hand, the inventors have confirmed that the one end portion 21a of the tube 21 is formed with Figure 5 The protrusion 215 shown in the enlarged image is likely a burr formed during the manufacture of the tube 21. Specifically, as described above, the tube 21 is manufactured by cutting an annular molded product into predetermined lengths. In the annular molded product, the portion corresponding to the joint 214 of the tube 21 is thicker than the other portions. Burrs are easily generated during cutting of this thick joint 214, which is the primary reason for the protrusion 215 formed at one end 21a of the tube 21.

[0044] Assume that Figure 7If the sealing member 50 is simply formed into a flat plate as shown, when the sealing member 50 is placed on the one end 21a of the tube 21, the protrusion 215 of the tube 21 may lift up the sealing member 50. Therefore, when a gap is formed between the one end 21a of the tube 21 and the sealing member 50, the sealing effect of the sealing member 50 is reduced, making it difficult to uniformize the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into each tube 21.

[0045] Therefore, if Figure 5 As shown, in the sealing member 50 of this embodiment, a groove 51 is formed on a surface 52 facing the one end portion 21a of the tube 21. Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the groove 51 is formed to extend in the tube stacking direction X. Figure 5 As shown, when the sealing member 50 is positioned at one end portion 21a of a predetermined tube 21A, interference between the sealing member 50 and the predetermined tube 21A can be avoided by positioning the protrusion 215 of the predetermined tube 21A within the groove 51 of the sealing member 50. Consequently, the sealing member 50 can more reliably seal a portion of the opening at one end portion 21a of the predetermined tube 21A. Thus, in the heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment, the groove 51 serves as a relief structure for avoiding interference between the sealing member 50 and the protrusion 215 formed at the one end portion 21a of the predetermined tube 21A.

[0046] According to the heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects (1) to (5) can be obtained.

[0047] (1) Since the groove 51 formed in the closing member 50 prevents the protrusion 215 formed on the one end portion 21a of the specified tube 21A from interfering with the closing member 50, the protrusion 215 formed on the one end portion 21a of the specified tube 21A is less likely to lift up the closing member 50. As a result, since the opening portion of the one end portion 21a of the specified tube 21A can be partially closed by the closing member 50 more reliably, the effect obtained by providing the closing member 50, namely, the effect of improving the distribution of cooling water among the plurality of tubes 21, can be more reliably achieved.

[0048] (2) When the protrusion 215 is formed at one end 21a of the tube 21, when the closing member 50 is inserted into the interior of the first box 31 from the inlet 33, the closing member 50 may collide with the protrusion 215 of the specified tube 21A, thereby making it difficult to insert the closing member 50. From this point of view, forming the groove 51 in the closing member 50, as in the heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment, avoids interference between the closing member 50 and the protrusion 215 of the specified tube 21A, and the groove 51 functions as a guide during insertion, thereby improving the insertability of the closing member 50. In addition, since one end of the closing member 50 in the air flow direction Y is opposite to the inner wall surface of the first box 31 and the other end of the closing member 50 is opposite to the protrusion 215 of the tube 21, it is possible to suppress positional deviation of the closing member 50 in the air flow direction Y.

[0049] (3) A groove 51 is formed on a surface 52 of the sealing member 50 that faces the one end portion 21a of the predetermined tube 21A, thereby serving as a relief structure for preventing interference between the sealing member 50 and the protrusion 215 formed on the one end portion 21a of the predetermined tube 21A. This configuration makes it possible to easily form a relief structure in the sealing member 50.

[0050] (4) The sealing member 50 is provided so as to partially seal the one end portions 21a of each of the plurality of predetermined tubes 21A. The groove 51 is formed in the sealing member 50 so as to extend along the protrusions 215 formed on each of the plurality of predetermined tubes 21A. With this configuration, the one end portions 21a of each of the plurality of predetermined tubes 21A can be sealed by a single sealing member 50 while preventing interference between the ends.

[0051] (5) The tube 21 has a shape obtained by bending a flat metal member 210 into a ring shape, and has a junction 214 at the center of the tube 21 where the two ends 212 and 213 of the metal member 210 are joined. Since a protrusion 215 such as a burr is easily formed at the junction 214 of the tube 21 having such a structure, it is significant to apply the structure of this embodiment to the sealing member 50.

[0052] (Variation)

[0053] Next, a modification of the heat exchanger 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0054] The shape of the groove 51 formed in the sealing member 50 can be changed as appropriate. Figure 8 As shown, the groove portion 51 may also be formed so that the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the tube stacking direction X is concave. Figure 6 The shape of the pin angle shown can also be formed as Figure 9 The R shape shown.

[0055] Moreover, if Figure 10 As shown, a plurality of grooves 51 may be formed on the sealing member 50 so as to correspond to the protrusions 215 of the one end portions 21a of a plurality of predetermined tubes 21A. Figure 6 Compared with the case where the sealing member 50 is formed into a long hole shape as shown, the strength of the sealing member 50 can be ensured.

[0056] <Second embodiment>

[0057] Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of the heat exchanger 10. The following description will focus on differences from the heat exchanger 10 of the first embodiment.

[0058] like Figure 11 As shown, the sealing member 50 of this embodiment has a through-hole 54 formed therein. This through-hole 54 extends from a surface 52 of the sealing member 50 opposite the one end 21a of the tube 21 to a surface 53 on the opposite side. The through-hole 54 is formed in a long hole shape extending in the tube stacking direction X. Thus, when the sealing member 50 is positioned at the one end 21a of a given tube 21A, interference between the sealing member 50 and the given tube 21A can be avoided by positioning the protrusion 215 of the given tube 21A within the through-hole 54 of the sealing member. Consequently, the sealing member 50 can further reliably seal a portion of the opening of the one end 21a of the given tube 21A.

[0059] According to the heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment described above, operations and effects identical to or similar to those of the heat exchanger 10 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0060] (Variation)

[0061] Next, a modification of the heat exchanger 10 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0062] The shape of the through hole 54 formed in the sealing member 50 can be changed appropriately. Figure 12 As shown, a plurality of through holes 54 may be formed in the closing member 50 in a manner corresponding to the protrusions 215 of the one end portions 21a of a plurality of predetermined tubes 21A. Figure 11 Compared with the case where the sealing member 50 is formed into a long hole shape as shown, the strength of the sealing member 50 can be ensured.

[0063] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0064] In addition, each embodiment can also be implemented in the following manner.

[0065] The sealing member 50 is not limited to a structure that seals one end 21a of multiple tubes 21, and may also be a structure that seals one end 21a of a single tube 21. In short, the sealing member 50 may be a structure that partially seals the opening of the end of at least one tube among the multiple tubes 21.

[0066] The sealing member 50 is not limited to sealing the tube disposed near the inlet 33 , and may be used to seal one end of any tube.

[0067] In the heat exchanger 10 of each embodiment, the closing member 50 may be provided in the second tank 32 instead of the first tank 31 , and partially close the opening portion of the other end portion 21 b of the tube 21 .

[0068] The heat exchanger 10 of each embodiment is not limited to a heater core of an air-conditioning apparatus, and can be applied to any heat exchanger.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific examples. Those skilled in the art can design and modify the structures of the above-mentioned specific examples appropriately, as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention, within the scope of the present invention. The various elements and their configurations, conditions, shapes, etc. of the above-mentioned specific examples are not limited to the exemplified contents and can be appropriately modified. The various elements of the above-mentioned specific examples can be appropriately combined and modified as long as they do not produce technical contradictions.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of tubes arranged in a stacked manner; and a tank connected to one end portion of the plurality of tubes and configured to perform heat exchange between a first fluid flowing inside the tubes and a second fluid flowing outside the tubes, wherein: A sealing member is provided, the sealing member being arranged inside the box and partially sealing an opening portion of an end portion of at least one predetermined tube among the plurality of tubes, The sealing member is provided with an escape structure for avoiding interference with a protrusion formed at an end portion of the predetermined pipe. The opening portion of the predetermined tube includes a first opening portion and a second opening portion arranged in the air flow direction. The closing member includes a flat plate-shaped portion that closes the first opening of the tube disposed near an inlet through which the first fluid flows into the tank.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The escape structure is a groove formed on a surface of the closing member that faces the end of the predetermined tube.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that The sealing member is provided so as to partially seal the respective ends of the plurality of predetermined tubes. The groove portion is formed in the closing member so as to extend along the protrusions formed on each of the plurality of predetermined tubes.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that The sealing member is provided so as to partially seal the respective ends of the plurality of predetermined tubes. The sealing member is provided with a plurality of grooves corresponding to the protrusions formed on the plurality of predetermined tubes.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The escape structure is a through hole formed to penetrate from one surface of the closing member facing the end of the predetermined tube to the other surface on the opposite side of the surface.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that The sealing member is provided so as to partially seal the respective ends of the plurality of predetermined tubes. The through-hole is formed in the closing member so as to extend along the protrusions formed on each of the plurality of predetermined tubes.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that The sealing member is provided so as to partially seal the respective ends of the plurality of predetermined tubes. The plurality of through holes are formed in the closing member so as to correspond to the protrusions formed on the plurality of predetermined tubes, respectively.

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The tube is formed by bending a flat metal member into a ring shape, and has a joint portion where both ends of the metal member are joined at a central portion of the tube.

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