heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger includes a main body provided with a first flow path through which a first fluid flows and a second flow path through which a second fluid flows. Each first flow path includes an integral portion, a buffer portion, and a partition portion arranged in sequence from an inlet of the main body. The integral portion includes a first flow path space defined by a peripheral wall including a pair of partition walls facing each other. The buffer portion includes a deformed flow path space formed by deforming the first flow path space so that the first displacement portions of each pair of a plurality of pairs of first displacement portions arranged at a certain interval on the pair of partition walls are close to each other. The partition portion includes a plurality of divided flow path spaces formed by dividing the first flow path space by connecting each pair of first displacement portions to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger in which a flow path structure for a fluid undergoing heat exchange varies depending on a position in the flow path. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, heat exchangers using various heat transfer methods have been widely used as devices for exchanging heat between multiple fluids at different temperatures. To improve heat exchange efficiency in heat exchangers, some heat exchangers have been developed in which the flow path structure (shape, surface area, etc.) for the fluid varies depending on the position within the flow path (fluid route).

[0003] For example, the following heat exchanger is known: fins forming a flow path with a large heat transfer area and / or a flow path with a high Reynolds number are provided on the low-temperature side to enhance the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger, and fins forming a flow path with a small heat transfer area and / or a flow path with a low Reynolds number are provided on the high-temperature side to reduce the pressure drop (see JPH10-259991A).

[0004] In addition, for example, a heat exchanger is known that is provided with multiple tubular flow paths, which include multiple first flow paths configured to allow a first fluid to flow therethrough and multiple second flow paths configured to allow a second fluid to flow therethrough that exchanges heat with the first fluid, wherein the position and external shape of each tubular flow path having a cross-section orthogonal to a predetermined direction (the direction in which the flow path extends) vary depending on the position of each flow path in the predetermined direction (see JP2020-46161A).

[0005] In a case where the heat transfer area varies depending on the position of the flow path for the fluid as in the conventional technology described in JPH10-259991A mentioned above, if a plurality of divided flow paths connected to a single flow path are formed to increase the heat transfer area, uneven flow may occur at the boundary between the single flow path and the plurality of divided flow paths due to interference or stagnation of the flow.

[0006] In addition, if the shape of a flow path changes in a complex manner in a heat exchanger as in the conventional technology described in JP 2020-46161 A mentioned above, the pressure loss of the fluid may increase. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above background, a main object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger in which a flow path structure is constructed to vary according to the position of a flow path for a fluid and can improve heat exchange efficiency while suppressing the occurrence of uneven flow of the fluid and pressure loss.

[0008] In order to achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention provides a heat exchanger 1, which includes: a main body 7; a plurality of first flow paths 21, which are arranged in the main body so that a first fluid 7 flows therethrough; and a plurality of second flow paths 23, which are arranged in the main body so that a second fluid 5 that exchanges heat with the first fluid flows therethrough, wherein each first flow path includes an integral portion 31, a buffer portion 32 and a dividing portion 33 arranged in sequence from an inlet 25 of the main body for the first fluid in a first flow direction, the integral portion includes a single first flow path space defined by a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall including a first fluid path space provided in the first flow direction. A pair of partition walls 41, 41 facing each other in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction, the buffer portion includes a single deformed flow path space formed by deforming the first flow path space so that the first displacement portions 45A of each pair of multiple pairs of first displacement portions arranged at a certain interval on the pair of partition walls in the cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction are close to each other, and the dividing portion includes a plurality of divided flow path spaces formed by dividing the first flow path space in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction by connecting the first displacement portions of each pair of first displacement portions to each other.

[0009] According to this aspect, each of the plurality of fluid flow paths (the plurality of first fluid flow paths through which the first fluid flows) is formed with an integral portion that suppresses pressure loss due to a relatively wide flow path space (the first flow path space), a partitioned portion that improves heat exchange efficiency due to a relatively large heat transfer area, and a buffer portion that suppresses uneven flow due to the transition from the integral portion to the partitioned portion (i.e., a change in the flow path structure). Thus, according to this aspect, in a heat exchanger in which the flow path structure is configured to change depending on the position in the fluid flow path, heat exchange efficiency can be improved while suppressing the occurrence of uneven fluid flow and pressure loss.

[0010] In the above aspects, preferably, the integral part, the buffer part, the dividing part or a combination thereof are included in any cross-section of the main body perpendicular to the first flow direction, and the closer the arbitrary cross-section is to the inlet for the first fluid, the greater the ratio of the area occupied by the integral part in the arbitrary cross-section.

[0011] According to this aspect, in the portion of each first flow path close to the inlet for the first fluid, the integral portion ensures a wide flow path space, thereby making it easy to introduce the fluid (first fluid) into the main body, and the fluid can be introduced into the main body uniformly over a wide range.

[0012] In the above aspect, preferably, the multiple second flow paths include a second flow path space defined by the surfaces of a pair of partition walls opposite to the corresponding first flow paths, and the second fluid is supplied from an inlet for the second fluid in the main body that is connected to the second flow path space in a second flow direction perpendicular to the first flow direction.

[0013] According to this aspect, each of the plurality of first flow paths can be formed with the integral portion, the buffer portion, and the partition portion without complicating the structure of the plurality of second flow paths.

[0014] In the above aspect, preferably, when at least the integral part and the buffer part are included in the arbitrary cross-section of the main body, the integral part is arranged closer to the inlet for the second fluid than the buffer part, and when the integral part, the buffer part and the dividing part are included in the arbitrary cross-section of the main body, the integral part and the buffer part are arranged closer to the inlet for the second fluid than the dividing part.

[0015] According to this aspect, the integral portion of each first flow path ensures a wide flow path space in the region adjacent to the inlet for the second fluid, thereby ensuring smooth flow of the first fluid and, as a result, promoting heat exchange between the first and second fluids.

[0016] In the above aspect, preferably, the inlet for the second fluid is arranged in a part of the main body adjacent to the inlet for the first fluid, the inlet for the first fluid is on the upstream side in the first flow direction, and when at least the buffer portion is included in the arbitrary cross-section of the main body, the closer the arbitrary cross-section is to the inlet for the first fluid, the farther the buffer portion is from the inlet for the second fluid.

[0017] According to this aspect, in an area away from the inlet for the second fluid, the buffer portion of each first flow path provided near the inlet for the first fluid suppresses the occurrence of uneven flow, while in an area close to the inlet for the second fluid, the buffer portion of each first flow path provided away from the inlet for the first fluid enhances the directionality of the flow of the first fluid, thereby suppressing the occurrence of turbulence and pressure loss in the first fluid.

[0018] In the above aspect, preferably, each buffer portion is formed to have substantially the same length along the first flow direction over the entire body in a direction perpendicular to the first flow direction.

[0019] According to this aspect, the effect of the buffer portion (i.e., the effect of suppressing uneven flow due to the transition from the integral portion to the divided portion in the first flow path) can be uniformly obtained in a direction perpendicular to the first flow direction in the first flow path, and this improves the flow homogeneity of the first fluid.

[0020] In the above aspect, preferably, each second flow path space includes a portion extending from the inlet for the second fluid over the entire body in the second flow direction.

[0021] According to this aspect, the second fluid can be smoothly guided from the inlet over the entire body in the second flow direction.

[0022] In the above aspect, preferably, the main body is provided with one or more partition walls 51 - 53 perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction so as to divide a plurality of second flow path spaces in the first flow direction.

[0023] According to this aspect, the second fluid can be uniformly introduced into the body in a direction perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction.

[0024] In the above aspect, preferably, the plurality of partition walls are formed such that the lengths thereof become shorter from a side of the inlet of the main body for the first fluid toward the first flow direction.

[0025] According to this aspect, the second fluid can be made to flow more uniformly in the main body in a direction perpendicular to the first flow direction.

[0026] In the above aspect, preferably, each first flow path includes another integral portion and another buffer portion sequentially arranged from an outlet for the first fluid of the main body in a direction opposite to the first flow direction.

[0027] According to this aspect, discharge of the fluid (first fluid) from the main body becomes easy, and the fluid can be discharged from the main body uniformly over a wide range.

[0028] In the above aspect, preferably, the buffer portion includes a single deformed flow path space formed by deforming the first flow path space so that the second displacement portions 45B of each pair of multiple pairs of second displacement portions arranged at a certain interval on the pair of partition walls deviate from each other in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction.

[0029] According to this aspect, in the case where each of the plurality of first flow paths is formed with the integral portion, the buffer portion, and the partition portion, it is possible to suppress fluctuation in the capacity of the flow path at each of these portions.

[0030] In the above aspect, preferably, each divided flow path space has a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction, and each pair of first displacement parts and each pair of second displacement parts are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to two sets of diagonals of the rectangle.

[0031] According to this aspect, changes in the structure of the fluid flow path including the integral portion, the buffer portion, and the partition portion can be easily achieved.

[0032] In the above aspect, preferably, in the integral portion, the pair of partition walls extend linearly and are provided parallel to each other in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction.

[0033] According to this aspect, the integral portion of each first flow path can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0034] In the above aspect, preferably, the main body is provided with protrusions protruding from surfaces of the pair of partition walls opposing the corresponding first flow paths to partition the plurality of second flow path spaces in the first flow direction.

[0035] According to this aspect, the second fluid can be uniformly introduced into the main body in the first flow direction.

[0036] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the present invention provides a heat exchanger 1, which includes: a main body 7; a plurality of first flow paths 21, which are arranged in the main body so that a first fluid 7 flows therethrough; and a plurality of second flow paths 23, which are arranged in the main body so that a second fluid 5 that exchanges heat with the first fluid flows therethrough, wherein each first flow path includes an integral portion 31, a buffer portion 32, and a partition portion 33, which are arranged in sequence from an outlet of the main body for the first fluid in a direction opposite to a first flow direction as a flow direction of the first fluid, the integral portion includes a single first flow path space defined by a peripheral wall, The peripheral wall includes a pair of partition walls 41, 41 arranged to face each other in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction, the buffer portion includes a single deformed flow path space formed by deforming the first flow path space so that the first displacement portions 45A of each pair of multiple pairs of first displacement portions arranged at a certain interval on the pair of partition walls in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction are close to each other, and the dividing portion includes a plurality of divided flow path spaces formed by dividing the first flow path space in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction by connecting the first displacement portions of each pair of first displacement portions to each other.

[0037] According to this aspect, each of the plurality of fluid flow paths (the plurality of first fluid flow paths through which the first fluid flows) is formed with an integral portion that suppresses pressure loss due to a relatively wide flow path space (the first flow path space), a partitioned portion that improves heat exchange efficiency due to a relatively large heat transfer area, and a buffer portion that suppresses uneven flow due to the transition from the partitioned portion to the integral portion (i.e., a change in the flow path structure). Thus, according to this aspect, in a heat exchanger in which the flow path structure is configured to change depending on the position in the fluid flow path, heat exchange efficiency can be improved while suppressing the occurrence of uneven fluid flow and pressure loss.

[0038] According to the above configuration, a heat exchanger can be provided in which the flow path structure is configured to vary depending on the position in the flow path for the fluid and heat exchange efficiency can be improved while suppressing the occurrence of uneven flow of the fluid and pressure loss. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a main portion of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A vertical cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger shown in FIG;

[0041] Figures 3A to 3D is a first explanatory diagram illustrating a change in the flow path structure in the first flow path;

[0042] Figures 4A to 4D is a second explanatory diagram illustrating a change in the flow path structure in the first flow path;

[0043] Figures 5A to 5C is a first explanatory diagram showing a flow path structure in the second flow path; and

[0044] Figure 6 is a second explanatory diagram showing the flow path structure in the second flow path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 It is defined as indicated by arrows in FIG, etc. However, it is to be noted that the arrangement of the heat exchanger is not limited to these directions.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the heat exchanger 1 is provided with a body 7 configured to allow two fluids of different temperatures (a first fluid 3 and a second fluid 5: see Figure 2) flows through it. In this embodiment, the main body 7 includes a shell having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the front-to-back direction. Figure 1 As shown by the double-dashed lines in FIG, the front portion and the rear portion of the main body 7 may be respectively equipped with a fluid supply manifold 11 supplied with the first fluid 3 and a fluid discharge manifold 13 from which the first fluid 3 is discharged. In addition, the front upper portion and the rear lower portion of the main body 7 may be respectively equipped with a fluid supply manifold 15 supplied with the second fluid 5 and a fluid discharge manifold 17 from which the second fluid 5 is discharged.

[0047] For example, each of the above components of the heat exchanger 1 may be made of a metallic material such as aluminum.

[0048] The body 7 is provided with a plurality of first flow paths 21 configured to allow the first fluid 3 to flow therethrough and a plurality of second flow paths 23 configured to allow the second fluid 5 that exchanges heat with the first fluid 3 to flow therethrough.

[0049] In the front surface 7C of the main body 7, inlets 25 for the corresponding first flow paths 21 are opened. Each of these inlets 25 has a slit shape extending in the vertical direction and is arranged at predetermined intervals in the transverse direction. The plurality of inlets 25 is provided over substantially the entire front surface 7C. Although not shown in the figure, outlets for the corresponding first flow paths 21 are opened in the rear surface of the main body 7. These outlets have substantially the same structure (shape, arrangement, etc.) as the plurality of inlets 25.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, inlet 27 of the corresponding second flow path 23 is opened in the upper surface 7A of the main body 7. Each of these inlet 27 has a slit shape extending in the front-to-back direction and is arranged at predetermined intervals in the transverse direction. The plurality of inlet 27 is locally provided in the front portion of the upper surface 7A (a portion adjacent to the inlet 25 for the first fluid 3). Although not shown in the figure, outlets of the corresponding second flow path 23 are opened in the lower surface 7B of the main body 7. These outlets have a structure substantially the same as that of the plurality of inlet 27.

[0051] As will be described in detail later, inside the main body 7 , each second flow path 23 is provided in a space between first flow paths 21 adjacent in the lateral direction.

[0052] like Figure 2As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1 , the first fluid 3 supplied to the fluid supply manifold 11 is introduced into the main body 7 via the plurality of inlets 25, thereafter flows rearward in the main body 7, and is discharged from the outlets provided in the rear surface of the main body 7 to the fluid discharge manifold 13. In other words, the flow direction of the first fluid 3 in the main body 7 (hereinafter referred to as the first flow direction) is the direction from the front inlet 25 to the rear outlet (the front-to-rear direction).

[0053] In addition, if Figure 2 As indicated by the arrows in FIG, the second fluid 5 supplied to the fluid supply manifold 15 is introduced downward into the main body 7 via the plurality of inlets 27, thereafter flows from front to rear (i.e., in the front-to-rear direction) in the main body 7, and is discharged downward from the outlets provided in the lower surface of the main body 7 into the fluid discharge manifold 17. In other words, the flow direction of the second fluid 5 at the inlets 27 of the main body 7 (hereinafter referred to as the second flow direction) is downward (vertical). Similarly, the flow direction of the second fluid 5 at the outlets of the main body 7 is downward (vertical).

[0054] Next, refer to Figures 3A to 3D and Figures 4A to 4D , changes in the flow path structure in the plurality of first flow paths 21 will be described.

[0055] Each first flow path 21 includes an integral portion 31, a buffer portion 32, and a partition portion 33 (see FIG. 2 ) arranged in sequence from the inlet 25 for the first fluid 3 of the main body 7 in the first flow direction (here, from front to back). Figure 1 ).

[0056] Figure 3A The cross section of the integral portion 31 intersecting the first flow direction and exposing the first flow path 21 is shown (the cross section is along the direction inclined relative to the vertical direction to extend rearward and upward). Figure 1 The main body 7 is formed with a plurality of partition walls 41 extending in the vertical direction between the upper wall 35 and the lower wall 36 of the main body 7. Figure 3A The plurality of partition walls 41 in the cross section are substantially linear in the vertical direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the lateral direction. Thus, the integral portion 31 of each first flow path 21 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0057] exist Figure 3AIn the cross-section shown in FIG, the integral portion 31 of each first flow path 21 includes a single flow path space (hereinafter referred to as the first flow path space) 42 defined by a peripheral wall including a pair of partition walls 41, 41 disposed facing each other (i.e., adjacent partition walls among the plurality of partition walls 41). The first flow path space 42 has a substantially vertically elongated rectangular shape. The upper and lower walls, which together with the pair of partition walls 41, 41 constitute the peripheral wall defining the first flow path space 42, are respectively formed by the upper wall 35 and the lower wall 36 of the main body 7. However, it should be noted that the upper and lower walls constituting the peripheral wall may be provided separately from the upper wall 35 and the lower wall 36.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown by the dashed line in FIG, the integral portion 31 is provided in a region of the main body 7 on the front side thereof that forms a generally quadrangular prism-like shape. Within this generally quadrangular prism-like region, three rectangular side surfaces are provided along the upper surface 7A, lower surface 7B, and front surface 7C of the main body 7, respectively, and two trapezoidal side surfaces are provided along the right surface 7E and left surface 7F of the main body 7, respectively. Therefore, the region of the integral portion 31 in the plurality of first flow paths 21 is wider in the front-to-back direction on the side of the inlet 27 for the second fluid 5 (on the upper wall 35 side of the main body 7) and narrower in the front-to-back direction on the side away from the inlet 27 (on the lower wall 36 side of the main body 7). At the inlet 25 for the first fluid 3, each first flow path 21 is entirely constructed as the integral portion 31.

[0059] Figure 3B and Figure 3C The cross section of the buffer portion 32 (along the first direction of the first flow) which intersects the first flow direction and exposes the first flow path 21 is shown. Figure 1 The cross section taken along line IIIb-IIIb and the cross section taken along line IIIb-IIIb Figure 1 , each line is inclined relative to the vertical direction to extend rearward and upward). The buffer portion 32 of each first flow path 21 is connected to the rear portion of the corresponding integral portion 31. Figure 3B The ratio of the buffer portion 32 is shown. Figure 3C The portion of the buffer portion 32 shown in FIG. 3 is closer to a portion of the integral portion 31 .

[0060] exist Figure 3B In the cross section, the buffer portion 32 of each first flow path 21 includes Figure 3A3. A single deformed flow path space 43 is formed by deforming the first flow path space 42 of the integral portion 31 shown in FIG. In the deformed flow path space 43, a plurality of pairs of first displacement portions 45A are provided on the pair of partition walls 41, 41 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction (generally vertical direction) of the pair of partition walls 41, 41, and the first displacement portions 45A of each pair are displaced in the lateral direction so as to approach each other from the state in the integral portion 31. In addition, in the deformed flow path space 43, pairs of second displacement portions 45B are provided on the pair of partition walls 41, 41 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the pair of partition walls 41, 41, and the second displacement portions 45B of each pair are displaced in the lateral direction so as to deviate from each other from the state in the integral portion 31. In this way, the deformed flow path space 43 has an intermediate shape between the first flow path space 42 and the divided flow path space 44 described later.

[0061] The first displacement portion 45A and the second displacement portion 45B are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction (substantially vertical direction) of each partition wall 41. As a result, in the buffer portion 32, each partition wall 41 has a substantially sawtooth shape. It can also be said that the deformed flow path space 43 has a deformed flow path space 43 by widening at certain positions in the longitudinal direction. Figure 3A The shape is obtained by forming the first flow path space 42 of the integral portion 31 shown in FIG. 1 and narrowing it at certain positions in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] In the buffer portion 32, the displacement widths of the first displacement portion 45A and the second displacement portion 45B gradually change from the portion connected to the integral portion 31 to the portion connected to the divided portion 33. Figure 3C The ratio shown in Figure 3B The portion shown in FIG is closer to the dividing portion 33, and Figure 3B , the first displacement portions 45A of each pair are closer to each other than in the state shown in FIG. Figure 3C In, with Figure 3B Compared with the state shown in , the second displacement portions 45B of each pair are further away from each other.

[0063] like Figure 1As shown by the dotted lines in FIG, the buffer portion 32 is provided in a generally parallelepiped-shaped region located behind the integral portion 31 provided on the front side of the main body 7 and arranged so that the upper surface is positioned further rearward than the lower surface. Therefore, each buffer portion 32 is formed to have substantially the same length in the front-to-back direction over the entire main body 7 in the vertical direction. Thus, the effect of the buffer portion 32 (i.e., the effect of suppressing uneven flow due to the transition from the integral portion 31 to the segmented portion 33 in the first flow path 21) can be uniformly achieved in a direction perpendicular to the first flow direction in the first flow path 21 (in the illustrated embodiment, the vertical direction), thereby improving the flow homogeneity of the first fluid 3.

[0064] Figure 3D The cross section of the dividing portion 33 intersecting the first flow direction and exposing each first flow path 21 is shown (a section along the direction inclined relative to the vertical direction to extend rearward and upward). Figure 1 (a cross section taken along the IIId-IIId line in FIG. 5 ).

[0065] In each first flow path 21, the dividing portion 33 includes Figure 3D The plurality of divided flow path spaces 44 are formed by dividing the first flow path space 42 of the integral portion 31 in the cross section. In the dividing portion 33, each pair of first displaced portions 45A is further displaced from the state in the buffer portion 32 so that they are connected to each other. Furthermore, in the dividing portion 33, each pair of second displaced portions 45B is further displaced from the state in the buffer portion 32 so that each second displaced portion 45B is connected to the opposing second displaced portion 45B of the corresponding pair provided on the adjacent pair of partition walls 41, 41.

[0066] Each divided flow path space 44 has a rectangular shape (preferably, a square shape) with one diagonal line extending substantially vertically. A pair of first displacement portions 45A and a pair of second displacement portions 45B associated with each divided flow path space 44 are positioned at positions corresponding to two sets of diagonal corners of the rectangle. Each of the four corners of each divided flow path space 44 is connected to one of the four corners of another divided flow path space 44 via a partition wall 41, so that the multiple divided flow path spaces 44 form a grid.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown by the dotted line in FIG, the dividing portion 33 is provided in a substantially parallelepiped-shaped region that is located behind the buffer portion 32 provided on the front side of the main body 7 and is provided so that the upper surface is further rearward than the lower surface.

[0068] In this manner, in the heat exchanger 1, each of the plurality of first flow paths 21 through which the first fluid 3 flows is formed with an integral portion 31 that suppresses pressure loss due to the relatively wide first flow path space 42, a partition 33 that improves heat exchange efficiency due to a relatively large heat transfer area, and a buffer portion 32 that suppresses uneven flow due to the transition from the integral portion 31 to the partition 33 (i.e., a change in the flow path structure). In particular, when the flow rate of the first fluid 3 is relatively high (i.e., at high flow rates), the effect of suppressing pressure loss is significant. Thus, in a heat exchanger 1 in which the fluid flow path structure is constructed to change according to the position in the flow path, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved while suppressing the occurrence of uneven fluid flow and pressure loss. In addition, the heat exchanger 1 can be made compact and lightweight.

[0069] The internal structure of the main body 7 has a rotationally symmetrical structure. More specifically, the internal structure of the main body 7 is designed so that it remains substantially the same when rotated 180 degrees around a transversely extending axis passing through the center (center of gravity) of the main body 7. Therefore, in the main body 7, each first flow path 21 includes another integral portion and another buffer portion (neither of which is shown in the figure) arranged in sequence from the outlet for the first fluid 3 in a direction opposite to the first flow direction (i.e., from back to front). Note that the dividing portion 33 is arranged at the center in the front-to-back direction of the main body 7, and is connected to the buffer portion 32 on the front side and to another buffer portion on the rear side. With such a construction, it becomes easy to discharge the first fluid 3 from the main body 7, and the first fluid 3 can be discharged from the main body 7 uniformly over a wide range.

[0070] In the main body 7 constructed as described above, the integral portion 31, the buffer portion 32, the partition portion 33, or a combination thereof is included in any cross section (hereinafter referred to as a vertical cross section) perpendicular to the first flow direction (front-rear direction). In addition, since the integral portion 31, the buffer portion 32, and the partition portion 33 are provided in the region of the main body 7 having the generally quadrangular prism shape or the generally parallelepiped shape as described above, the integral portion 31, the buffer portion 32, and / or the partition portion 33 included in the vertical cross section may overlap with each other in the vertical direction depending on the position of the vertical cross section.

[0071] Figures 4A to 4D Partial vertical cross-sections taken at different positions are shown to illustrate portions of the flow path structure of each first flow path 21 at different positions (ie, respectively along Figure 2 (a cross section taken from line IVa-IVa to line IVd-IVd in FIG. 5 ).

[0072] exist Figure 4A In the vertical cross section of FIG, the dividing portion 33 (divided flow path space 44) occupies the entire area in the vertical direction.

[0073] In Figure 4A The vertical section is set further forward Figure 4B In the vertical cross section of FIG, the buffer portion 32 (deformation flow path space 43) is provided in the upper region. Figure 4B The vertical section is taken from a more forward position Figure 4C In the vertical section, the shape is relative to Figure 4B The buffer portion 32 (deformed flow path space 43) shown in FIG.

[0074] from Figure 1 It can also be understood that the substantially parallelepiped-shaped area of ​​the buffer portion 32 shown in FIG. 1 , when at least the buffer portion 32 is included in a vertical cross-section of the main body 7, the closer the vertical interface is to the inlet 25 for the first fluid 3, the further the buffer portion 32 is disposed from the inlet 27 for the second fluid 5. Thus, in an area away from the inlet 27 for the second fluid 5, the buffer portion 32 disposed in each first flow path 21 near the inlet 25 for the first fluid 3 suppresses the occurrence of uneven flow. On the other hand, in an area near the inlet 27 for the second fluid 5, the buffer portion 32 disposed in each first flow path 21 relatively away from the inlet 25 for the first fluid 3 enhances the directionality of the flow of the first fluid 3, thereby suppressing the occurrence of turbulence and pressure loss in the first fluid 3.

[0075] In Figure 4C The vertical section is taken from a more forward position Figure 4D In the vertical cross section of , the integral portion 31 (first flow path space 42 ) is provided in the upper region, and the buffer portion 32 is provided below the integral portion 31 .

[0076] In this manner, when at least the integral portion 31 and the buffer portion 32 are included in a vertical cross-section of the main body 7, the integral portion 31 is located closer to (further upward than) the inlet 27 for the second fluid 5 than the buffer portion 32. Furthermore, when the integral portion 31, the buffer portion 32, and the partition portion 33 are included in a vertical cross-section of the main body 7, the integral portion 31 and the buffer portion 32 are located closer to the inlet 27 for the second fluid 5 than the partition portion 33. Therefore, in the region adjacent to the inlet 27 for the second fluid 5, the integral portion 31 of each first flow path 21 ensures a wider first flow path space 42, thereby ensuring smooth flow of the first fluid 3 and, as a result, facilitating heat exchange between the first fluid 3 and the second fluid 5.

[0077] Although the illustration is omitted, Figure 4DIn the vertical cross-section at a position further forward than the vertical cross-section shown in FIG, the ratio of the area occupied by the integral portion 31 further increases, and ultimately, near the inlet 25 of the main body 7, only the integral portion 31 is provided over the entire area. In other words, the closer the vertical cross-section (any cross-section) is to the inlet 25 for the first fluid 3, the greater the ratio of the area occupied by the integral portion 31 in the vertical cross-section. Thus, in the portion of each first flow path 21 near the inlet 25 for the first fluid 3, the integral portion 31 ensures a wide first flow path space 42, thereby making it easier to introduce the first fluid 3 into the main body 7, and the first fluid 3 can be introduced into the main body 7 uniformly over a wide range.

[0078] like Figures 4A to 4D As shown in FIG, the plurality of second flow paths 23 include a plurality of flow path spaces (hereinafter referred to as second flow path spaces) 48 defined by the surfaces of a pair of partition walls 41, 41 opposing the corresponding first flow paths 21. The second fluid 5 is supplied from an inlet 27 for the second fluid in the main body 7, which communicates with the second flow path spaces 48, in a second flow direction perpendicular to the first flow direction. Thus, each of the plurality of first flow paths 21 can be formed with the integral portion 31, the buffer portion 32, and the partition portion 33 without complicating the structure of the plurality of second flow paths 23.

[0079] Preferably, each second flow path space 48 includes a portion extending from the inlet 27 for the second fluid 5 over the entire body 7 in the second flow direction (vertical direction). Thus, the second fluid 5 can be smoothly guided from the inlet 27 over the entire body 7 in the second flow direction.

[0080] Next, refer to Figures 5A to 5C and Figure 6 , the flow path structure of the plurality of second flow paths 23 will be described. Figures 5A to 5C The cross sections perpendicular to the second flow direction at different vertical positions of the main body 7 are shown. These cross sections show the flow path structure of the second flow path 23 of the main body 7 near the inlet 27 for the second fluid 5. Figure 6 A cross section (a cross section inclined upward and rearward with respect to the vertical direction) intersecting the first flow direction and exposing the inlet 27 of each second flow path 23 is shown.

[0081] For example, Figure 5A The position of the cross section in substantially corresponds to Figure 4A . ... Figure 5B and Figure 5C The position of the cross section in substantially corresponds to Figure 4AThe positions in the upward direction between a pair of first displacement portions 45A and a pair of second displacement portions 45B adjacent thereto in the upper portion of the dividing portion 33 (dividing the flow path space 44) shown in FIG. Figure 5C The cross-sectional ratio Figure 5B The cross section in is arranged closer to the pair of second displacement portions 45B.

[0082] like Figure 2 、 Figures 5A to 5C and Figure 6 As shown in FIG, a plurality of (here, three) partition walls 51-53 are provided in the front upper portion of the main body 7, extending from the inlet 25 of the second flow path 23 in the second flow direction. Thus, the inlet 25 of each second flow path 23 has a plurality of inlet openings 25A to 25D separated in the front-to-back direction by the partition walls 51-53. Thus, the second fluid 5 can be uniformly introduced into the main body 7 in a direction perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction (here, the front-to-back direction).

[0083] The partition walls 51-53 are formed so that their lengths become shorter from the side of the inlet 25 of the main body 7 for the first fluid 3 toward the first flow direction (rearward) (in the illustrated embodiment, the length of the partition wall 51> the length of the partition wall 52> the length of the partition wall 53). This allows the second fluid 5 to flow uniformly in a direction perpendicular to the first flow direction (vertical direction) within the main body 7. Note that, instead of the partition walls 51-53, protrusions protruding from the surfaces of the paired partition walls 41, 41 opposite the corresponding first flow paths 21 may be provided to divide the plurality of second flow path spaces 48 in the front-to-back direction (first flow direction).

[0084] The second fluid 5 introduced into the main body 7 from the inlet opening 25A flows downward while its flow in the front-rear direction is restricted by the partition wall 51 and the front wall 37 of the main body 7. When the second fluid 5 introduced from the inlet opening 25A passes through the tip end (lower end) of the partition wall 51, the second fluid 5 becomes able to flow rearward, and thereafter, the second fluid 5 flows toward the outlet of the second flow path 23 provided in the rear lower portion of the main body 7.

[0085] The second fluid 5 introduced into the main body 7 from the inlet opening 25B flows downward while its flow in the front-rear direction is restricted by the partition wall 51 and the partition wall 52. When the second fluid 5 introduced from the inlet opening 25B passes through the tip end (lower end) of the partition wall 52, the second fluid 5 becomes able to flow rearward, and thereafter, the second fluid 5 flows toward the outlet of the second flow path 23 provided in the rear lower portion of the main body 7.

[0086] The second fluid 5 introduced into the main body 7 from the inlet opening 25C flows downward while its flow in the front-rear direction is restricted by the partition wall 52 and the partition wall 53. When the second fluid 5 introduced from the inlet opening 25C passes through the tip end (lower end) of the partition wall 53, the second fluid 5 becomes able to flow rearward, and thereafter, the second fluid 5 flows toward the outlet of the second flow path 23 provided in the rear lower portion of the main body 7.

[0087] The flow of the second fluid 5 introduced into the main body 7 from the inlet opening 25D is restricted only in the forward direction by the partition wall 53 and is not restricted in the rearward direction. The second fluid 5 introduced from the inlet opening 25D flows toward the outlet of the second flow path 23 provided in the rear lower portion of the main body 7 while diffusing rearward immediately after being introduced into the main body 7.

[0088] When manufacturing the heat exchanger 1 having the above-described structure, at least the main body 7 can be integrally formed using known 3D printing technology (additive manufacturing). The specific processing method used in additive manufacturing is not particularly limited, as long as the above-described structure can be achieved. For example, the heat exchanger 1 can be formed by simultaneously spraying metal powder and irradiating a laser (or electron beam) onto the target portion to form a molten metal powder layer in the above-mentioned shape.

[0089] The specific embodiments have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified or changed in various ways.

[0090] For example, the outer shape (shell) of the main body 7 of the heat exchanger 1 is not limited to the rectangular parallelepiped shape as described above, and another shape (for example, a cylindrical shape) may be adopted. In addition, the heat exchanger 1 may be constructed so that the second fluid 5 flows from the outlet side of the above-mentioned second flow path 23 to the inlet 27 side. The number of first flow paths 21 and the number of second flow paths 23 may be appropriately changed. In addition, the shapes of the first flow path space and the second flow path space, the deformed flow path space and the divided flow path space are not limited to the above examples, and may be modified or changed in various ways. For example, the divided flow path space may have a hexagonal star shape. For example, the heat exchanger 1 may be used in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, comprising: a main body including a housing having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in a front-to-rear direction, the main body having a front surface disposed orthogonally along the front-to-rear direction and a rear surface opposite to the front surface; a plurality of first flow paths extending in the main body along the front-to-rear direction so as to allow a first fluid to flow therethrough; and a plurality of second flow paths provided in the body so that a second fluid that exchanges heat with the first fluid flows therethrough, wherein each first flow path comprises an integral portion, a buffer portion, and a dividing portion arranged in sequence from an inlet of the main body for the first fluid in a first flow direction, the inlet opening in the front surface of the main body, The integral portion includes a single first flow path space defined by a peripheral wall including a pair of partition walls disposed to face each other in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction, the buffer portion includes a single deformed flow path space formed by deforming the first flow path space so that the first displacement portions of each of a plurality of pairs of first displacement portions provided at intervals on the pair of partition walls approach each other in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction, The dividing portion includes a plurality of divided flow path spaces formed by connecting the first displacement portions of each pair of first displacement portions to each other to divide the first flow path space in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction, The integral portion, the buffer portion, the partition portion, or a combination thereof is included in any cross section of the main body perpendicular to the first flow direction in each first flow path, and The closer each first flow path is to the inlet for the first fluid, the larger the ratio of the area occupied by the integral portion in each first flow path.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of second flow paths include second flow path spaces defined by surfaces of a pair of partition walls opposing the corresponding first flow paths, and The second fluid is supplied from an inlet for the second fluid in the main body that communicates with the second flow path space in a second flow direction perpendicular to the first flow direction.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein: When at least the integral portion and the buffer portion are included in the arbitrary cross section of the body, the integral portion is disposed closer to the inlet for the second fluid than the buffer portion, and When the integral portion, the buffer portion, and the partition portion are included in the arbitrary cross section of the body, the integral portion and the buffer portion are disposed closer to the inlet for the second fluid than the partition portion.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: An inlet for the second fluid is provided in a portion of the main body adjacent to the inlet for the first fluid, the inlet for the first fluid being on the upstream side in the first flow direction, and When at least the buffer portion is included in the arbitrary cross section of the body, the closer the arbitrary cross section is to the inlet for the first fluid, the buffer portion is disposed farther away from the inlet for the second fluid.

5. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Each buffer portion is formed to have substantially the same length along the first flow direction over the entire body in a direction perpendicular to the first flow direction.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: Each second flow path space includes a portion extending from an inlet for the second fluid over the entire body in the second flow direction.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The main body is provided with one or more partition walls perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction so as to partition a plurality of second flow path spaces in the first flow direction.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, wherein The plurality of partition walls are formed such that lengths thereof become shorter from a side of the main body at an inlet for the first fluid toward the first flow direction.

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Each first flow path includes another integral portion and another buffer portion sequentially arranged from an outlet of the main body for the first fluid in a direction opposite to the first flow direction.

10. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The buffer portion includes a single deformed flow path space formed by deforming the first flow path space so that the second displacement portions of each of a plurality of pairs of second displacement portions provided at intervals on the pair of partition walls deviate from each other in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction.

11. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein Each divided flow path space has a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction, and Each pair of first displacement parts and each pair of second displacement parts are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to two groups of diagonal corners of the rectangle.

12. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein In the integral portion, the pair of partition walls extend linearly and are disposed parallel to each other in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction.

13. The heat exchanger according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The body is provided with protrusions protruding from surfaces of the pair of partition walls opposing the corresponding first flow paths to partition a plurality of second flow path spaces in the first flow direction.

14. A heat exchanger, comprising: a main body including a housing having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in a front-to-rear direction, the main body having a front surface disposed orthogonally along the front-to-rear direction and a rear surface opposite to the front surface; a plurality of first flow paths extending in the main body along the front-to-rear direction so as to allow a first fluid to flow therethrough; and a plurality of second flow paths provided in the body so that a second fluid that exchanges heat with the first fluid flows therethrough, wherein each first flow path includes an integral portion, a buffer portion, and a dividing portion arranged in sequence from an outlet for the first fluid of the main body in a direction opposite to a first flow direction as a flow direction of the first fluid, the outlet opening in the rear surface of the main body, The integral portion includes a single first flow path space defined by a peripheral wall including a pair of partition walls disposed to face each other in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction, the buffer portion includes a single deformed flow path space formed by deforming the first flow path space so that the first displacement portions of each of a plurality of pairs of first displacement portions provided at intervals on the pair of partition walls approach each other in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction, The dividing portion includes a plurality of divided flow path spaces formed by connecting the first displacement portions of each pair of first displacement portions to each other to divide the first flow path space in a cross section perpendicular to or intersecting the first flow direction, The integral portion, the buffer portion, the partition portion, or a combination thereof is included in any cross section of the main body perpendicular to the first flow direction in each first flow path, and The closer each first flow path is to the outlet for the first fluid, the larger the ratio of the area occupied by the integral portion in each first flow path.

Images