Flow path switching device for heat exchanger

Abstract

A flow path switching device for a heat exchanger in one embodiment includes: a connecting pipe having an internal flow path connected to a heat exchange flow path for heat exchange inside a heat exchanger, and one or more connecting holes connected to the internal flow path; and at least one chamber having an insertion hole for inserting the connecting pipe, and supporting the connecting pipe inserted into the insertion hole so as to be slidable. The connecting pipe can switch the connection state between the connecting hole and the chamber according to the relative position of the connecting pipe relative to the chamber in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a flow path switching device for a heat exchanger. Background Art

[0002] Heat exchangers are used for heating or cooling fluids in various devices and equipment. There are various types of heat exchangers, and for example, a heat exchange core formed of a stack of plates is housed inside a cylindrical casing (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3406896 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, if the heat exchange core is formed by stacking plates as in Patent Document 1, the shape of the heat exchange core will be restricted anyway. In view of this, in recent years, the heat exchange core of the heat exchanger has been manufactured by stacking modeling using a 3D printer with significantly improved performance. If the heat exchange core is manufactured by stacking modeling, the restriction on the shape of the heat exchange core can be greatly alleviated.

[0008] However, due to the size of the molding device, most products obtained by stacking molding are relatively small products. Therefore, in order to use the heat exchange core manufactured by stacking molding to exchange heat of a large number of fluids, it is considered to ensure the flow rate that can exchange heat by connecting multiple heat exchange cores.

[0009] In order to connect a plurality of heat exchange cores, it is generally considered to connect the plurality of heat exchange cores using pipes or the like.

[0010] However, when switching the number of heat exchange cores to be connected or switching the fluid flowing in the heat exchange cores to flow in parallel or in countercurrent, the use of the heat exchanger must often be temporarily stopped in order to change the connection path based on the piping.

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a flow path switching device for a heat exchanger that can facilitate the change of the flow path of a fluid flowing through a heat exchanger.

[0012] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0013] (1) A heat exchanger flow path switching device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0014] a connecting pipe having an internal flow path connected to a heat exchange flow path for performing heat exchange in the heat exchanger, and one or more connecting holes connected to the internal flow path; and

[0015] at least one chamber having an insertion hole for inserting the communicating tube, and supporting the communicating tube inserted into the insertion hole so as to be slidable,

[0016] The communicating pipe can switch a communicating state between the communicating hole and the chamber according to a relative position of the communicating pipe with respect to the chamber in an axial direction.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, in the flow path switching device for a heat exchanger, it is possible to facilitate the change of the flow path of a fluid flowing through the heat exchanger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchange core in a heat exchanger according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 An end view of the cut surface cut along the dotted line L1.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a schematic appearance of a flow path switching device for a heat exchanger according to several embodiments.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along the IV line.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 V-section view.

[0024] Fig. 6A Yes Figure 4 A magnified portion of the image.

[0025] Figure 6B Yes Figure 4 A magnified portion of the image.

[0026] Figure 6C Yes Figure 4 A magnified portion of the image.

[0027] Fig.6D It is a schematic perspective view for explaining the structure of the connecting pipe.

[0028] Fig. 7A This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0029] Figure 7B This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0030] Fig. 8A This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0031] Figure 8B This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0032] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing a schematic appearance of a flow path switching device for a heat exchanger including a first switching unit and a second switching unit.

[0033] Fig. 10A This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0034] Fig. 10B This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0035] Fig.11A This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0036] Fig. 11B This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0037] Fig.12 This is a perspective view showing a schematic appearance of a flow path switching device for a heat exchanger according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, which is configured to be able to switch flow paths of two heat exchange cores.

[0038] Fig.13A This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0039] Fig. 13B This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0040] Fig. 13C This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0041] Fig.14A This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0042] Fig. 14B This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0043] Fig. 14C This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid.

[0044] Fig.15 It is a perspective view showing a schematic appearance of a flow path switching device for a heat exchanger including a first switching unit and a second switching unit.

[0045] Fig.16This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a heat insulating layer provided between adjacent chambers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention but are merely illustrative examples.

[0047] For example, expressions such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric" or "coaxial" that indicate relative or absolute configurations not only indicate such configurations in a strict sense, but also indicate a state of relative displacement at an angle or distance with a tolerance or a degree that can achieve the same function.

[0048] For example, expressions such as “same”, “equal”, and “homogeneous” indicating a state in which things are equal not only indicate a state of being strictly equal but also indicate a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function can be obtained.

[0049] For example, expressions indicating shapes such as a quadrilateral and a cylindrical shape not only indicate shapes such as a quadrilateral and a cylindrical shape in a strict geometric sense, but also indicate shapes including concave-convex portions, chamfered portions, and the like within a range that can obtain the same effect.

[0050] On the other hand, expressions such as “having”, “containing”, “equipped with”, “including” or “having” a constituent element are not exclusive expressions that exclude the existence of other constituent elements.

[0051] (Regarding the heat exchanger to be switched over the flow path)

[0052] First, an overview of a heat exchanger that is a target of flow path switching by a flow path switching device for a heat exchanger according to some embodiments will be described.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchange core 1 in a heat exchanger according to an embodiment. Figure 1The heat exchange core 1 shown is a heat exchange core 1 of a heat exchanger 10 for performing heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid, and comprises a main body 2 and a covering portion 3 mounted on the main body 2. Here, the first fluid and the second fluid may be liquids or gases, respectively, and usually the temperatures of the two are different. Although not limited, the main body 2 may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. When the main body 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a rectangular cover member 3a serving as the covering portion 3 is mounted at one end 2a in the longitudinal direction of the main body 2. The covering portion 3 may be mounted on the main body 2 in a detachable manner by fastening with bolts or the like, or may be irreversibly mounted by welding, an adhesive, or the like.

[0054] Figure 1 The heat exchange core 1 shown can also be used in a state of being mounted in a frame (not shown) of the heat exchanger 10, for example. Figure 1 The heat exchange core 1 shown may be used without being mounted on a frame by being installed on a stand or supported by a pipe (not shown) connected to the heat exchange core 1. In this case, Figure 1 The heat exchange core 1 shown itself becomes a heat exchanger 10 .

[0055] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 An end view of the cut surface cut along the dotted line L1.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, a first flow path 21 for mainly circulating a first fluid and a second flow path 22 for mainly circulating a second fluid are formed in the main body 2 as heat exchange flow paths for performing heat exchange inside the heat exchanger 10 (heat exchange core 1). The first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 are respectively formed along the length direction of the main body 2 (in Figure 2 The first flow paths 21 and the second flow paths 22 are arranged alternately in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the main body 2. Adjacent first flow paths 21 and second flow paths 22 are separated by partitions 23. It should be noted that the number of the first flow paths 21 and the second flow paths 22, that is, the number of partitions 23, is not limited to Figure 2 The number shown can be designed to be any number.

[0057] Each first flow path 21 and each second flow path 22 may be divided into a plurality of divided flow paths 21a and a plurality of divided flow paths 22a by a plurality of dividing walls 24 and 25, respectively. In this case, the number of divided flow paths 21a and 22a, that is, the number of dividing walls 24 and 25 is not limited to Figure 2 The number shown can be designed to be any number.

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, in a heat exchange core 1 of one embodiment, a first fluid first header flow path 4, a first fluid second header flow path 5, a second fluid first header flow path 6, and a second fluid second header flow path 7 are provided.

[0059] The first fluid first manifold flow path 4 and each first flow path 21 Figure 1 The first fluid second manifold flow path 5 is connected to each first flow path 21. Figure 1 The ends below the illustration in the figure are connected.

[0060] The second fluid first manifold flow path 6 and each second flow path 22 Figure 1 The second fluid second manifold flow path 7 is connected to each second flow path 22. Figure 1 The ends below the illustration in the figure are connected.

[0061] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, headers 8 and 9 are provided at one and the other end portions in the longitudinal direction of the main body 2. Figure 1 The header section 8 shown in the figure above is called the first header section 8. Figure 1 The header section 9 at the lower side in the diagram is referred to as a second header section 9 .

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the heat exchange core 1 of the embodiment shown, the fluid supplied to either the first fluid first header flow path 4 or the first fluid second header flow path 5 flows in each first flow path 21 and is then discharged from the other of the first fluid first header flow path 4 or the first fluid second header flow path 5.

[0063] Similarly, in Figure 1 In the heat exchange core 1 of the embodiment shown, the fluid supplied to either the second fluid first header flow path 6 or the second fluid second header flow path 7 flows through each second flow path 22 and is then discharged from the other of the second fluid first header flow path 6 or the second fluid second header flow path 7.

[0064] exist Figure 1 In the heat exchange core 1 of the illustrated embodiment, the fluid flowing through the first flow path 21 and the fluid flowing through the second flow path 22 exchange heat via the partition wall 23 .

[0065] Figure 1The main body 2 in the heat exchange core 1 of one embodiment shown is difficult to manufacture by stacking plates, casting, etc. due to its complex structure. Therefore, the main body 2 is preferably manufactured by stacking metal powder as a raw material. In this case, the main body 2 is a stacked molded body of metal powder. The metal powder used for the stacked molding of the main body 2 is not particularly limited, and powders of stainless steel, titanium, etc. can be used. It should be noted that the structure of the cover member 3a is not as complex as that of the main body 2, so it can be manufactured by casting, etc., and can also be manufactured by stacking metal powder in the same way as the main body 2.

[0066] In the following description, the heat exchange core 1 (heat exchanger 10) of the above-mentioned one embodiment is cited as an example of a heat exchanger that is the object of switching the flow path of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 based on several embodiments. However, the heat exchanger that is the object of switching the flow path of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 based on several embodiments is not limited to the heat exchange core 1 (heat exchanger 10) of the above-mentioned one embodiment, and may be, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger.

[0067] (Overall structure of a flow path switching device for a heat exchanger)

[0068] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a schematic appearance of a flow path switching device 50 for a heat exchanger according to some embodiments.

[0069] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along arrow IV schematically shows the internal structure of the flow path switching device 50 for the heat exchanger.

[0070] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along the arrow V schematically shows the internal structure of the flow path switching device 50 for the heat exchanger.

[0071] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C Yes Figure 4 A magnified portion of the image.

[0072] Fig.6D It is a schematic perspective view for explaining the structure of the connecting pipe.

[0073] The heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 of several embodiments includes at least one chamber 101 and at least one connecting pipe 201. Figures 3 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 includes four chambers 101 and four communication pipes 201 .

[0074] The heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 of some embodiments may be arranged at a distance corresponding to the protruding length of a fixed pipe 300 described later in the axial direction AX of the communication pipe 201 from the heat exchanger 10 to which the flow paths are switched.

[0075] It should be noted that, in the following description, the extending direction of the connecting tube 201, i.e., the axial direction AX of the connecting tube 201, is also referred to as the axial direction AX. In addition, in the following description, one side along the axial direction AX and the side opposite to the heat exchanger 10 across the chamber is set as the front side, and the other side along the axial direction AX is set as the back side.

[0076] In several embodiments of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the dimension D of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W and H in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction AX. It should be noted that in the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 in several embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of chambers 101 are stacked along the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber 101 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimension D of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 in the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber 101 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W and H in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction AX.

[0077] In the heat exchanger flow switching device 50 of several embodiments, the connecting pipe 201 has an internal flow path 202 extending along the axial direction AX of the connecting pipe 201, and one or more connecting holes 203 communicating with the internal flow path 202 (see Fig.6D The communicating hole 203 penetrates the inner peripheral surface of the communicating tube 201, that is, between the inner wall surface constituting the internal flow path 202 and the outer peripheral surface of the communicating tube 201, along the radial direction of the communicating tube 201. A plurality of communicating holes 203 may be provided along the circumferential direction of the communicating tube 201.

[0078] In the heat exchanger flow switching device 50 of several embodiments, the internal flow path 202 extends to the end surface of the back side of the connecting pipe 201 and forms an opening 204 on the end surface. In the heat exchanger flow switching device 50 of several embodiments, the internal flow path 202 communicates with the interior of the fixed pipe 300 described later at the opening 204.

[0079] The communication pipe 201 has a front-side shaft portion 205 that can protrude toward the front side from a surface forming the front side of the frame 103 disposed closest to the front side.

[0080] In the heat exchanger flow switching device 50 according to some embodiments, an operator is configured to be able to change the relative position of the communication pipe 201 with respect to the chamber in the axial direction AX by moving the front-side shaft portion 205 in the axial direction AX.

[0081] In the heat exchanger flow switching device 50 according to some embodiments, each chamber 101 has an insertion hole 102 into which the communication tube 201 is inserted, and the communication tube 201 inserted into the insertion hole 102 is supported slidably.

[0082] More specifically, each chamber 101 has at least one fixed tube 300 fixed to each chamber and having an insertion hole 102 formed therein. The at least one fixed tube 300 is formed with a through hole 305 formed corresponding to each chamber 101, and the through hole 305 penetrates the tube wall 301 of the fixed tube 300 to connect the insertion hole 102 with each chamber 101. When the connecting tube 201 moves to a relative position where any one of the through holes 305 overlaps with the one or more connecting holes 203, the chamber 101 corresponding to the through hole 305 overlapping with the connecting hole 203 is connected to the internal flow path 202, and the connection between the chamber 101 corresponding to the through hole 305 not overlapping with the connecting hole 203 and the internal flow path 202 is cut off.

[0083] In the heat exchanger flow switching device 50 in some embodiments, only one of the chambers 101 can communicate with the internal flow path 202 , and the chamber 101 communicating with the internal flow path 202 can be switched by changing the relative position.

[0084] As described above, in the heat exchanger flow switching device 50 according to some embodiments, the communication tube 201 can switch the communication state between the communication hole 203 and the chamber 101 according to the relative position of the communication tube 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX.

[0085] For example, in Figure 4 and Fig. 6A In the state shown, the chamber 101 that can communicate with the internal flow path 202 is only the chamber 101 on the front side. Figure 6B In the illustrated state, the only chamber 101 that can communicate with the internal flow path 202 is the second chamber 101 from the front side.

[0086] It should be noted that if Figure 6C As shown, by changing the relative positions, when the communication hole 203 is located at a position that does not overlap with any through hole 305 , the communication between the internal flow path 202 and all the chambers 101 is cut off.

[0087] In the heat exchanger flow switching device 50 of several embodiments, the fixed pipe 300 protrudes from the surface of the back side of the frame 103 of the chamber 101 disposed on the rear side. The protruding end of the fixed pipe 300 toward the rear side is connected to, for example, the surface 13 of the heat exchange core 1 facing the front side or the header pipe (not shown) protruding from the outer surface. In the heat exchanger flow switching device 50 of several embodiments, the fixed pipe 300 is connected to any one of the header flow paths 4, 5, 6, 7 in the heat exchange core 1.

[0088] As described above, the internal flow path 202 communicates with the interior of the fixed pipe 300 at the opening 204 , and therefore the internal flow path 202 communicates with any of the header flow paths 4 , 5 , 6 , and 7 in the heat exchange core 1 .

[0089] (Specific example of flow path switching)

[0090] The following, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the case where the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 according to some embodiments has four communication pipes 201 and four chambers 101 , switching of the flow paths will be specifically described.

[0091] Here, the flow of the fluid is described separately by a first flow path group G1 including two of the four communicating tubes 201 and the four chambers 101 and two of the chambers 101 , and a second flow path group G2 including the other two communicating tubes 201 and the two chambers 101 .

[0092] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the figure, the two chambers 101 on the front side and the two connecting tubes 201 on the left side belong to the first flow path group G1, and the two chambers 101 on the back side and the two connecting tubes 201 on the right side belong to the second flow path group G2.

[0093] In addition, the chamber 101 closest to the front side of the two chambers 101 belonging to the first flow path group G1 is set as the 1-1 chamber 111, and the second chamber 101 from the front side is set as the 1-2 chamber 112. In addition, the chamber 101 closest to the back side of the two chambers 101 belonging to the second flow path group G2 is set as the 2-1 chamber 121, and the second chamber 101 from the back side is set as the 2-2 chamber 122.

[0094] The 1-1 chamber 111 of the first flow path group G1 is provided with an inflow portion 104a for allowing a fluid from outside to flow in, and the 1-2 chamber 112 is provided with a discharge portion 105a for discharging the fluid in the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside.

[0095] The internal flow path 202 of one connecting tube 201 (1-1 connecting tube 211) of the two connecting tubes 201 of the first flow path group G1 is connected to the first fluid first header flow path 4 of the heat exchanger 10, and the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201 (1-2 connecting tube 212) is connected to the first fluid second header flow path 5 of the heat exchanger 10.

[0096] The 2-1 chamber 121 of the second flow path group G2 is provided with an inflow portion 104b for allowing a fluid from outside to flow in, and the second fluid flows in from outside. Also, the 2-2 chamber 122 is provided with a discharge portion 105b for discharging the fluid in the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside.

[0097] The internal flow path 202 of one of the two connecting tubes 201 of the second flow path group (the 2nd-1 connecting tube 221) is connected to the second fluid first header flow path 6 of the heat exchanger 10, and the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201 (the 2nd-2 connecting tube 222) is connected to the second fluid second header flow path 7 of the heat exchanger 10.

[0098] Fig. 7A It is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the flow of fluid. Figure 3 The IV section is Figure 4 Quite a picture.

[0099] Figure 7B It is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the flow of fluid. Figure 3 The V-direction viewing section is Figure 5 Quite a picture.

[0100] Fig. 8A It is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the flow of fluid. Figure 3 The IV section is Figure 4 Quite a picture.

[0101] Figure 8B It is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the flow of fluid. Figure 3 The V-direction viewing section is Figure 5 Quite a picture.

[0102] In this case, the flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 communication tube 211 of the first flow path group G1 is communicated with the 1-1 chamber 111 and the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 communication tube 212 is communicated with the 1-2 chamber 112 is as follows.

[0103] like Fig. 7AAs shown, the first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside through the inflow portion 104a flows in the heat exchanger 10 in the order of the first fluid first header flow path 4, the first flow path 21, and the first fluid second header flow path 5 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211. In addition, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid second header flow path 5 flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 connecting tube 212, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside through the discharge portion 105a.

[0104] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 communicating tube 211 is communicated with the 1-2 chamber 112 and the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 communicating tube 212 is communicated with the 1-1 chamber 111 is as follows.

[0105] like Fig. 8A As shown, the first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside through the inflow portion 104a flows in the heat exchanger 10 in the order of the first fluid second header flow path 5, the first flow path 21, and the first fluid first header flow path 4 through the internal flow path of the 1-2 connecting tube 212. In addition, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header flow path 4 flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside through the discharge portion 105a.

[0106] In this way, according to several embodiments, by changing the relative position of the connecting tube 201 on the axial direction AX with respect to the chamber 101, the flow of the first fluid in the first flow path 21 can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber 111 that allows the first fluid to flow in from the outside and the 1-2 chamber 112 that discharges the fluid to the outside.

[0107] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 communication tube 221 of the second flow path group G2 is communicated with the 2-1 chamber 121 and the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 communication tube 222 is communicated with the 2-2 chamber 122 is as follows.

[0108] like Figure 7B As shown, the second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside through the inflow portion 104b flows in the heat exchanger 10 in the order of the second fluid first header flow path 6, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid second header flow path 7 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221. In addition, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header flow path 7 flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside through the discharge portion 105b.

[0109] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 communicating tube 221 is communicated with the 2-2 chamber 122 and the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 communicating tube 222 is communicated with the 2-1 chamber 121 is as follows.

[0110] like Figure 8B As shown, the second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside through the inflow portion 104b flows in the heat exchanger 10 in the order of the second fluid second header flow path 7, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid first header flow path 6 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 communication tube 222. In addition, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header flow path 6 flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 communication tube 221, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside through the discharge portion 105b.

[0111] In this way, according to several embodiments, by changing the relative position of the connecting tube 201 on the axial direction AX with respect to the chamber 101, the flow of the second fluid in the second flow path 22 can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber 121 that allows the second fluid to flow in from the outside and the 2-2 chamber 122 that discharges the fluid to the outside.

[0112] In some embodiments, when the switching state of the flow paths in the first flow path group G1 is set to Fig. 7A The state shown in FIG. 1 is to set the switching state of the flow path in the second flow path group G2 to Figure 7B In the case of the state shown in FIG. 1 , and when the switching state of the flow paths in the first flow path group G1 is set to Fig. 8A The state shown in FIG. 1 is to set the switching state of the flow path in the second flow path group G2 to Figure 8B In the state shown, the first fluid and the second fluid flow in the heat exchange core 1 are parallel flows.

[0113] In some embodiments, when the switching state of the flow paths in the first flow path group G1 is set to Fig. 7A The state shown in FIG. 1 is to set the switching state of the flow path in the second flow path group G2 to Figure 8B In the case of the state shown in FIG. 1 , and when the switching state of the flow paths in the first flow path group G1 is set to Fig. 8A The state shown in FIG. 1 is to set the switching state of the flow path in the second flow path group G2 to Figure 7B In the state shown, the flow of the first fluid and the second fluid in the heat exchange core 1 becomes countercurrent.

[0114] Moreover, according to some embodiments, if the connection state is switched between the 1-1 chamber 111 and the 1-2 chamber 112 of the first flow path group G1 and the 2-1 connecting tube 221 and the 2-2 connecting tube 222 of the second flow path group G2, it is possible to make the first fluid flow in the second flow path 22 and reverse the flow of the first fluid in the second flow path 22 without changing the 1-1 chamber 111 that allows the first fluid to flow in from the outside and the 1-2 chamber 112 that discharges the fluid to the outside.

[0115] Similarly, according to some embodiments, if the connection state is switched between the 2-1 chamber 121 and the 2-2 chamber 122 of the second flow path group G2 and the 1-1 connecting tube 211 and the 1-2 connecting tube 212 of the first flow path group G1, the second fluid can be circulated in the first flow path 21 and the flow of the second fluid in the first flow path 21 can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber 121 that allows the second fluid to flow in from the outside and the 2-2 chamber 122 that discharges the fluid to the outside.

[0116] It should be noted that in Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, four chambers 101 are stacked along the axial direction AX, but two of the four chambers 101 may constitute a first switching unit 51 for switching the flow of a first fluid, and the other two chambers 101 may constitute a second switching unit 52 for switching the flow of a second fluid.

[0117] Fig. 9 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic appearance of a flow path switching device 50 for a heat exchanger including a first switching unit and a second switching unit.

[0118] Fig. 10A This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid. Fig. 9 Cross section viewed in the direction of Xa.

[0119] Fig. 10B This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid. Fig. 9 Xb-direction viewing cross section.

[0120] Fig.11A This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid. Fig. 9 Cross section viewed in the direction of Xa.

[0121] Fig. 11B This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of a fluid. Fig. 9 Xb-direction viewing cross section.

[0122] Fig. 9The heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 shown in the figure includes a first switching unit 51 and a second switching unit 52, each of which includes two communicating pipes 201 and two chambers 101 stacked along the axial direction AX. The first switching unit 51 and the second switching unit 52 are respectively arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX.

[0123] In each of the first switching unit 51 and the second switching unit 52 , the two chambers 101 have two insertion holes 102 into which the two communication pipes 201 are respectively inserted, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0124] In each of the first switching unit 51 and the second switching unit 52 , the two communicating tubes 201 are respectively configured similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment so that one of the two chambers 101 to be connected to the communicating hole 203 can be selected according to the relative position of the communicating tube 201 with respect to the chamber 101 .

[0125] For example, as described below, the first switching unit 51 may have a structure corresponding to the first flow path group G1 described above. Also, for example, as described below, the second switching unit 52 may have a structure corresponding to the second flow path group G2 described above.

[0126] The chamber 101 on the front side of the first switching unit 51 is referred to as the 1-1 chamber 111 , and the chamber 101 on the back side is referred to as the 1-2 chamber 112 .

[0127] The chamber 101 on the back side of the second switching unit 52 is referred to as the 2-1 chamber 121 , and the chamber 101 on the front side is referred to as the 2-2 chamber 122 .

[0128] In several embodiments of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the dimension D of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W and H in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction AX. It should be noted that in the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 in several embodiments, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown, a plurality of chambers 101 are stacked along the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber 101 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimension D of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 in the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber 101 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W and H in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction AX.

[0129] The 1-1 chamber 111 of the first switching unit 51 is provided with an inflow portion 104a for inflow of a fluid from outside, and the first fluid flows in from outside. In addition, the 1-2 chamber 112 is provided with a discharge portion 105a for discharging the fluid in the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside.

[0130] The internal flow path 202 of one of the two connecting tubes 201 of the first switching unit 51 (the 1-1 connecting tube 211) is connected to the first fluid first header flow path 4 of the heat exchanger 10, and the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201 (the 1-2 connecting tube 212) is connected to the first fluid second header flow path 5 of the heat exchanger 10.

[0131] The 2-1 chamber 121 of the second switching unit 52 is provided with an inflow portion 104b for inflow of a fluid from outside, and the second fluid flows in from outside. In addition, the 2-2 chamber 122 is provided with a discharge portion 105b for discharging the fluid in the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside.

[0132] The internal flow path 202 of one of the two connecting tubes 201 of the second switching unit 52 (the 2nd-1 connecting tube 221) is connected to the second fluid first header flow path 6 of the heat exchanger 10, and the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201 (the 2nd-2 connecting tube 222) is connected to the second fluid second header flow path 7 of the heat exchanger 10.

[0133] In this case, the flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 communication tube 211 of the first switching unit 51 is communicated with the 1-1 chamber 111 and the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 communication tube 212 is communicated with the 1-2 chamber 112 is as follows.

[0134] like Fig. 10A As shown, the first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside through the inflow portion 104a flows in the heat exchanger 10 in the order of the first fluid first header flow path 4, the first flow path 21, and the first fluid second header flow path 5 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211. In addition, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid second header flow path 5 flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 connecting tube 212, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside through the discharge portion 105a.

[0135] Furthermore, the flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 communicating tube 211 is communicated with the 1-2 chamber 112 and the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 communicating tube 212 is communicated with the 1-1 chamber 111 is as follows.

[0136] like Fig.11AAs shown, the first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside through the inflow portion 104a flows in the heat exchanger 10 in the order of the first fluid second header flow path 5, the first flow path 21, and the first fluid first header flow path 4 through the internal flow path of the 1-2 connecting tube 212. In addition, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header flow path 4 flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside through the discharge portion 105a.

[0137] Thus, according to Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown, by changing the relative position of the connecting tube 201 on the axial direction AX with respect to the chamber 101, the flow of the first fluid in the first flow path 21 can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber 111 that allows the first fluid to flow in from the outside and the 1-2 chamber 112 that discharges the fluid to the outside.

[0138] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 communication tube 221 of the second switching unit 52 is communicated with the 2-1 chamber 121 and the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 communication tube 222 is communicated with the 2-2 chamber 122 is as follows.

[0139] like Fig. 10B As shown, the second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside through the inflow portion 104b flows in the heat exchanger 10 in the order of the second fluid first header flow path 6, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid second header flow path 7 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221. In addition, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header flow path 7 flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside through the discharge portion 105b.

[0140] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 communicating tube 221 is communicated with the 2-2 chamber 122 and the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 communicating tube 222 is communicated with the 2-1 chamber 121 is as follows.

[0141] like Fig. 11B As shown, the second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside through the inflow portion 104b flows in the heat exchanger 10 in the order of the second fluid second header flow path 7, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid first header flow path 6 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 communication tube 222. In addition, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header flow path 6 flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 communication tube 221, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside through the discharge portion 105b.

[0142] Thus, according to Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown, by changing the relative position of the connecting tube 201 on the axial direction AX with respect to the chamber 101, the flow of the second fluid in the second flow path 22 can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber 121 for allowing the second fluid to flow in from the outside and the 2-2 chamber 122 for discharging the fluid to the outside.

[0143] In some embodiments, when the switching state of the flow path in the first switching unit 51 is set to Fig. 10A The state shown in the figure, the switching state of the flow path in the second switching unit 52 is set to Fig. 10B In the case of the state shown in FIG. 1 , and when the switching state of the flow path in the first switching unit 51 is set to Fig.11A The state shown in the figure, the switching state of the flow path in the second switching unit 52 is set to Fig. 11B In the state shown, the first fluid and the second fluid flow in the heat exchange core 1 are parallel flows.

[0144] In addition, in some embodiments, when the switching state of the flow path in the first switching unit 51 is set to Fig. 10A The state shown in the figure, the switching state of the flow path in the second switching unit 52 is set to Fig. 11B In the case of the state shown in FIG. 1 , and when the switching state of the flow path in the first switching unit 51 is set to Fig.11A The state shown in the figure, the switching state of the flow path in the second switching unit 52 is set to Fig. 10B In the state shown, the flow of the first fluid and the second fluid in the heat exchange core 1 becomes countercurrent.

[0145] (Regarding a flow path switching device for a heat exchanger capable of switching flow paths of a plurality of heat exchange cores)

[0146] Hereinafter, a flow path switching device for a heat exchanger which can switch the flow paths of a plurality of heat exchange cores 1 will be described.

[0147] Fig.12 This is a perspective view showing a schematic appearance of a heat exchanger flow path switching device 150 according to an embodiment configured to be able to switch flow paths of two heat exchange cores 1 .

[0148] Fig.13A It is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the flow of fluid, which is equivalent to Fig.12 Figure 1 is a diagram of a cross section viewed along the XIII line.

[0149] Fig. 13B It is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the flow of fluid, which is equivalent to Fig.12 Figure 1 is a diagram of a cross section viewed along arrow XIV.

[0150] Fig. 13CIt is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the flow of fluid, which is equivalent to Fig.12 Figure 1 is a diagram of a cross section viewed along arrow XIV.

[0151] Fig.14A It is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the flow of fluid, which is equivalent to Fig.12 Figure 1 is a diagram of a cross section viewed along the XIII line.

[0152] Fig. 14B It is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the flow of fluid, which is equivalent to Fig.12 Figure 1 is a diagram of a cross section viewed along arrow XIV.

[0153] Fig. 14C It is a conceptual diagram used to illustrate the flow of fluid, which is equivalent to Fig.12 Figure 1 is a diagram of a cross section viewed along arrow XIV.

[0154] In a heat exchanger flow path switching device 150 capable of switching the flow paths of a plurality of heat exchange cores 1, Figure 3 The same structures of the heat exchanger and the flow switching device 50 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] In the heat exchanger flow switching device 150 capable of switching the flow paths of a plurality of heat exchange cores 1 , at least eight communication pipes 201 may be provided, and at least six chambers 101 may be stacked along the axial direction AX.

[0156] Fig.12 The heat exchanger flow path switching device 150 shown in the figure, which is configured to be able to switch the flow paths of two heat exchange cores 1 , includes six chambers 101 and eight communication pipes 201 .

[0157] In several embodiments of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 150, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the dimension D of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 150 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W and H in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction AX. It should be noted that in the heat exchanger flow path switching device 150 in several embodiments, as shown in FIG. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B As shown, a plurality of chambers 101 are stacked along the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber 101 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimension D of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 in the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber 101 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W and H in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction AX.

[0158] In the heat exchanger flow switching device 150 capable of switching the flow paths of the plurality of heat exchange cores 1 , the at least six chambers 101 may include at least eight insertion holes 102 into which the at least eight communication tubes 201 are respectively inserted.

[0159] The at least eight connecting tubes 201 may be configured to select which of the at least six chambers 101 a chamber 101 connected to the connecting hole 203 is to be set as according to the relative position of the connecting tube 201 relative to the chamber 101. Figure 3 The heat exchanger flow path switching device 50 shown in FIG. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D The structure shown is the same structure.

[0160] exist Fig.12 In the heat exchanger flow switching device 150 shown, the six chambers 101 have eight insertion holes 102 into which the eight communication pipes 201 are respectively inserted.

[0161] exist Fig.12 In the heat exchanger flow switching device 150 shown, each of the eight communicating tubes 201 can be configured to select which of the six chambers 101 a chamber 101 communicating with the communicating hole 203 is to be, according to the relative position of the communicating tube 201 with respect to the chamber 101 .

[0162] (Specific example of flow path switching between two heat exchange cores)

[0163] The following uses Fig.12 The switching of the flow paths of the two heat exchange cores 1 of the flow path switching device 150 for the heat exchanger shown will be specifically described.

[0164] Here, the flow of fluid is described separately by dividing into a first flow path group G1 including four communication tubes 201 and three chambers 101 among eight communication tubes 201 and six chambers 101 , and a second flow path group G2 including the other four communication tubes 201 and three chambers 101 .

[0165] exist Fig.12 In the figure, the three chambers 101 on the front side and the four connecting tubes 201 on the left side of the figure belong to the first flow path group G1, and the three chambers 101 on the back side and the four connecting tubes 201 on the right side of the figure belong to the second flow path group G2.

[0166] Furthermore, the chamber 101 closest to the front side among the three chambers 101 on the front side of the first flow path group G1 is designated as the 1-1 chamber 111, the third chamber 101 from the front side is designated as the 1-2 chamber 112, and the second chamber 101 from the front side sandwiched between the 1-1 chamber 111 and the 1-2 chamber 112 is designated as the 1-3 chamber 113. Furthermore, the chamber 101 closest to the back side among the three chambers 101 on the back side of the second flow path group G2 is designated as the 2-1 chamber 121, the third chamber 101 from the back side is designated as the 2-2 chamber 122, and the second chamber 101 from the back side sandwiched between the 2-1 chamber 121 and the 2-2 chamber 122 is designated as the 2-3 chamber 123.

[0167] exist Fig.12 Of the two heat exchange cores 1 shown, the heat exchange core 1 on the upper side in the figure is referred to as a first heat exchange core 1A, and the heat exchange core 1 on the lower side in the figure is referred to as a second heat exchange core 1B.

[0168] The inflow portion 104 a is provided in the 1-1 chamber 111 of the first flow path group G1 , and the discharge portion 105 a is provided in the 1-2 chamber 112 .

[0169] In the four connecting pipes 201 of the first flow path group G1, Fig.12 The internal flow path 202 of the uppermost connecting tube 201 (1-1 connecting tube 211) is connected to the first fluid first header flow path 4 of the first heat exchange core 1A, and the internal flow path 202 of the second connecting tube 201 (1-2 connecting tube 212) is connected to the first fluid second header flow path 5 of the first heat exchange core 1A.

[0170] The internal flow path 202 of the third connecting tube 201 (1-3 connecting tube 213) from the top is connected to the first fluid first header flow path 4 of the second heat exchange core 1B, and the internal flow path 202 of the lowest connecting tube 201 (1-4 connecting tube 214) is connected to the first fluid second header flow path 5 of the second heat exchange core 1B.

[0171] The inflow portion 104 b is provided in the 2-1 chamber 121 of the second flow path group G2 , and the discharge portion 105 b is provided in the 2-2 chamber 122 .

[0172] In the four connecting pipes 201 of the second flow path group, Fig.12 The internal flow path 202 of the uppermost connecting tube 201 (2-1 connecting tube 221) is connected to the second fluid first header flow path 6 of the first heat exchange core 1A, and the internal flow path 202 of the second connecting tube 201 (2-2 connecting tube 222) is connected to the second fluid second header flow path 7 of the first heat exchange core 1A.

[0173] The internal flow path 202 of the third connecting tube 201 (2nd-3rd connecting tube 223) from the top is connected to the second fluid first header flow path 6 of the second heat exchange core 1B, and the internal flow path 202 of the lowest connecting tube 201 (2nd-4th connecting tube 224) is connected to the second fluid second header flow path 7 of the second heat exchange core 1B.

[0174] (In case of parallel connection and convection)

[0175] Reference Fig.13A and Fig. 13B An example of switching of flow paths when the first fluid and the second fluid are caused to flow by countercurrent through the first heat exchange core 1A and the second heat exchange core 1B connected in parallel will be described.

[0176] In this case, in the first flow path group G1 , for example, the internal flow paths 202 of the 1-2 communicating tube 211 and the 1-4 communicating tube 214 communicate with the 1-1 chamber 111 , and the internal flow paths 202 of the 1-1 communicating tube 211 and the 1-3 communicating tube 213 communicate with the 1-2 chamber 112 .

[0177] In the second flow path group G2 , for example, the internal flow paths 202 of the 2-1st communication tube 221 and the 2-3rd communication tube 223 communicate with the 2-1st chamber 121 , and the internal flow paths 202 of the 2-2nd communication tube 222 and the 2-4th communication tube 224 communicate with the 2-2nd chamber 122 .

[0178] like Fig.13A As shown, the first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside through the inflow portion 104a flows in the first heat exchange core 1A in the order of the first fluid second header flow path 5, the first flow path 21, and the first fluid first header flow path 4 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 connecting tube 212. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header flow path 4 of the first heat exchange core 1A flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside through the discharge portion 105a.

[0179] Similarly, the first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside through the inflow portion 104a flows in the second heat exchange core 1B in the order of the first fluid second header flow path 5, the first flow path 21, and the first fluid first header flow path 4 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-4 connecting tube 214. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header flow path 4 of the second heat exchange core 1B flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-3 connecting tube 213, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside through the discharge portion 105a.

[0180] like Fig. 13B As shown, the second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside through the inflow portion 104b flows in the first heat exchange core 1A in the order of the second fluid first header flow path 6, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid second header flow path 7 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221. In addition, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header flow path 7 flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside through the discharge portion 105b.

[0181] Similarly, the second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside through the inflow portion 104b flows in the second heat exchange core 1B in the order of the second fluid first header flow path 6, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid second header flow path 7 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-3 connecting tube 223. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header flow path 7 flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-4 connecting tube 224, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside through the discharge portion 105b.

[0182] (When connected in parallel and with parallel current)

[0183] Reference Fig.13A and Fig. 13C An example of switching of flow paths when the first fluid and the second fluid are caused to flow in parallel through the first heat exchange core 1A and the second heat exchange core 1B connected in parallel will be described.

[0184] In this case, in the first flow path group G1, as described above Fig.13A Thus, for example, the internal flow paths 202 of the 1-2 communicating tube 211 and the 1-4 communicating tube 214 are communicated with the 1-1 chamber 111 , and the internal flow paths 202 of the 1-1 communicating tube 211 and the 1-3 communicating tube 213 are communicated with the 1-2 chamber 112 .

[0185] In the second flow path group G2 , for example, the internal flow paths 202 of the 2-2 communication tube 222 and the 2-4 communication tube 224 communicate with the 2-1 chamber 121 , and the internal flow paths 202 of the 2-1 communication tube 221 and the 2-3 communication tube 223 communicate with the 2-2 chamber 122 .

[0186] As described above with reference to FIG. 13 , the first fluid that has flowed into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside through the inflow portion 104 a flows through the insides of the first heat exchange core 1A and the second heat exchange core 1B.

[0187] like Fig. 13CAs shown, the second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside through the inflow portion 104b flows in the first heat exchange core 1A in the order of the second fluid second header flow path 7, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid first header flow path 6 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222. In addition, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header flow path 6 flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside through the discharge portion 105b.

[0188] Similarly, the second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside through the inflow portion 104b flows in the second heat exchange core 1B in the order of the second fluid second header flow path 7, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid first header flow path 6 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-4 communication tube 224. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header flow path 6 flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-3 communication tube 223, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside through the discharge portion 105b.

[0189] (In case of series connection and convection)

[0190] Reference Fig.14A and Fig. 14B An example of switching of the flow paths when the first fluid and the second fluid are caused to flow by countercurrent through the first heat exchange core 1A and the second heat exchange core 1B connected in series will be described.

[0191] In this case, in the first flow path group G1, for example, the internal flow path 202 of the 1-4 connecting tube 214 is connected to the 1-1 chamber 111, the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211 is connected to the 1-2 chamber 112, and the internal flow paths 202 of the 1-2 connecting tube 212 and the 1-3 connecting tube 213 are connected to the 1-3 chamber 113.

[0192] In addition, in the second flow path group G2, for example, the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221 is connected to the 2-1 chamber 121, the internal flow path 202 of the 2-4 connecting tube 224 is connected to the 2-2 chamber 122, and the internal flow paths 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222 and the 2-3 connecting tube 223 are connected to the 2-3 chamber 123.

[0193] like Fig.14AAs shown, the first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside through the inflow portion 104a flows in the second heat exchange core 1B in the order of the first fluid second header flow path 5, the first flow path 21, and the first fluid first header flow path 4 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-4 connecting tube 214. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header flow path 4 of the second heat exchange core 1B flows into the 1-3 chamber 113 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-3 connecting tube 213.

[0194] The first fluid flowing into the 1-3 chamber 113 flows in the first heat exchange core 1A in the order of the first fluid second header flow path 5, the first flow path 21, and the first fluid first header flow path 4 via the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 connecting tube 212. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header flow path 4 of the first heat exchange core 1A flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 via the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside via the discharge portion 105a.

[0195] like Fig. 14B As shown, the second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside through the inflow portion 104b flows in the first heat exchange core 1A in the order of the second fluid first header flow path 6, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid second header flow path 7 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header flow path 7 flows into the 2-3 chamber 122 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222.

[0196] The second fluid flowing into the 2-3 chamber 122 flows in the second heat exchange core 1B in the order of the second fluid first header flow path 6, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid second header flow path 7 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-3 connecting tube 223. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header flow path 7 flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-4 connecting tube 224, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside via the discharge portion 105b.

[0197] (In case of series connection and parallel flow)

[0198] Reference Fig.14A and Fig. 14C An example of switching of flow paths when the first fluid and the second fluid are caused to flow in parallel through the first heat exchange core 1A and the second heat exchange core 1B connected in series will be described.

[0199] In this case, in the first flow path group G1, as described above Fig.14AIn that way, for example, the internal flow path 202 of the 1-4 connecting tube 214 is connected to the 1-1 chamber 111, the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211 is connected to the 1-2 chamber 112, and the internal flow paths 202 of the 1-2 connecting tube 212 and the 1-3 connecting tube 213 are connected to the 1-3 chamber 113.

[0200] In addition, in the second flow path group G2, for example, the internal flow path 202 of the 2-4 connecting tube 224 is connected to the 2-1 chamber 121, the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221 is connected to the 2-2 chamber 122, and the internal flow paths 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222 and the 2-3 connecting tube 223 are connected to the 2-3 chamber 123.

[0201] The first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside through the inflow portion 104a is referred to as Fig.14A As described above, the heat flows inside the first heat exchange core 1A and the second heat exchange core 1B.

[0202] like Fig. 14C As shown, the second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside through the inflow portion 104b flows in the second heat exchange core 1B in the order of the second fluid second header flow path 7, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid first header flow path 6 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-4 connecting tube 224. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header flow path 6 flows into the 2-3 chamber 123 through the internal flow path 202 of the 2-3 connecting tube 223.

[0203] The second fluid flowing into the 2-3 chamber 123 flows in the first heat exchange core 1A in the order of the second fluid second header flow path 7, the second flow path 22, and the second fluid first header flow path 6 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header flow path 6 flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside via the discharge portion 105b.

[0204] It should be noted that in Fig.12 In the illustrated embodiment, six chambers 101 are stacked along the axial direction AX, but three of the six chambers 101 may constitute a first switching unit 151 for switching the flow of a first fluid, and the other three chambers 101 may constitute a second switching unit 152 for switching the flow of a second fluid.

[0205] Fig.15 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic appearance of a heat exchanger flow path switching device 150 including a first switching unit and a second switching unit.

[0206] The first switching unit 151 and the second switching unit 152 may be respectively disposed at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX.

[0207] For example, the first switching unit 151 may have Fig.12 The structure is equivalent to the first flow path group G1 in the heat exchanger flow path switching device 150 shown in FIG. Fig.12 The heat exchanger flow path switching device 150 shown in FIG. Fig.12 The heat exchanger flow switching device 150 shown can similarly enable the flow of the first fluid and the second fluid in the two heat exchange cores 1 to flow in parallel and in countercurrent, in parallel and in parallel, in series and in countercurrent, and in series and in parallel.

[0208] In several embodiments of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 150, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the dimension D of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 150 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W and H in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction AX. Fig.15 In the heat exchanger flow switching device 150 shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of chambers 101 are stacked along the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber 101 in the axial direction AX is Fig.15 The heat exchanger flow switching device 150 shown has a small dimension D in the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber 101 in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W and H in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction AX.

[0209] (Regarding the thermal insulation between adjacent chambers 101)

[0210] Fig.16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a heat insulating layer provided between adjacent chambers.

[0211] In the heat exchanger flow path switching devices 50 and 150 of some embodiments, the temperature of the fluid flowing through each chamber 101 adjacent to each other in the axial direction AX is different. Fig.16 As shown, a heat insulation layer 107 may be provided between the chambers 101 adjacent to each other along the axial direction AX.

[0212] It should be noted that when the same fluid flows through two adjacent chambers 101, the temperature of the fluid that has risen (or fallen) due to heat exchange in the heat exchange core 1 will fall (or rise) due to heat exchange in the two adjacent chambers 101, which may reduce the heat exchange efficiency.

[0213] Therefore, in the heat exchanger flow switching devices 50 and 150 according to some embodiments, a heat insulating layer 107 may be provided between at least the chambers 101 through which the same fluid flows among the chambers 101 adjacent to each other in the axial direction AX.

[0214] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes forms in which modifications are added to the above-described embodiment, and forms in which these forms are appropriately combined.

[0215] The contents described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0216] (1) The heat exchanger flow path switching device 50, 150 of at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a connecting pipe 201 having an internal flow path 202 connected to a heat exchange flow path for heat exchange inside a heat exchanger 10, and one or more connecting holes 203 connected to the internal flow path 202; and at least one chamber 101 having an insertion hole 102 for inserting the connecting pipe 201, and supporting the connecting pipe 201 inserted into the insertion hole 102 so as to be slidable. The connecting pipe 201 can switch the connection state between the connecting hole 203 and the chamber 101 according to the relative position of the connecting pipe 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX.

[0217] According to the configuration of (1) above, the communication state between the heat exchange flow path (the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 ) inside the heat exchanger 10 and the chamber 101 outside the heat exchanger 10 can be switched with a simple configuration.

[0218] (2) In some embodiments, in addition to the structure of (1), the at least one chamber 101 has at least one fixed pipe 300 fixed to each chamber 101 and having an insertion hole 102 formed therein. The at least one fixed pipe 300 has through holes 305 formed corresponding to each chamber 101, and the through holes 305 penetrate the pipe wall 301 of the fixed pipe 300 to connect the insertion hole 102 with each chamber 101. When the connecting pipe 201 moves to a relative position where any one of the through holes 305 overlaps with the one or more connecting holes 203, the chamber 101 corresponding to the through hole 305 overlapping with the one or more connecting holes 203 is connected to the internal flow path 202, and the connection between the chamber 101 and the internal flow path 202 corresponding to the through hole 305 not overlapping with the one or more connecting holes 203 is cut off.

[0219] According to the structure of (2) above, the communication state between the internal flow path 202 of the communication tube 201 and the chamber 101 can be switched depending on whether the one or more communication holes 203 of the communication tube 201 overlap with the through hole 305 formed in the fixed tube 300, so that the communication state between the heat exchange flow path (the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22) inside the heat exchanger 10 and the chamber 101 outside the heat exchanger 10 can be switched with a simple structure. In addition, if the fixed tube 300 is connected to the heat exchange flow path (the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22) of the heat exchanger 10 that is the object of flow path switching, the relative position of the chamber 101 and the heat exchanger 10 does not need to be changed, so the device structure can be simplified.

[0220] (3) In some embodiments, based on the structure of (1) or (2), at least two connecting pipes 201 are provided. The at least one chamber 101 includes at least two chambers 101 stacked along the axial direction AX. The at least two chambers 101 have at least two insertion holes 102 for inserting the at least two connecting pipes 201, respectively. The at least two connecting pipes 201 are respectively configured so that one of the at least two chambers 101 to which the connecting hole 203 is connected can be selected according to the relative position relative to the chamber 101.

[0221] In the above-mentioned structure (3), attention is paid to the two communicating pipes 201 and the two chambers 101 .

[0222] The fluid flows from the outside into one of the two chambers 101, and the fluid in the other chamber 101 flows out to the outside. In addition, the internal flow path 202 of one of the two connecting tubes 201 is connected to one end of the heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201 is connected to the other end of the heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10.

[0223] In such a case, the flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of one communication tube 201 is communicated with one chamber 101 and the internal flow path 202 of the other communication tube 201 is communicated with the other chamber 101 is as follows.

[0224] The fluid flowing into one chamber 101 from the outside flows from one end to the other end in the heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 via the internal flow path 202 of one connecting tube 201. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out from the other end of the heat exchange flow path flows into the other chamber 101 via the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201, and then flows out from the other chamber 101 to the outside.

[0225] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of one communicating tube 201 is communicated with the other chamber 101 and the internal flow path 202 of the other communicating tube 201 is communicated with the one chamber 101 is as follows.

[0226] The fluid flowing into one chamber 101 from the outside flows from the other end to one end in the heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 via the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out from one end of the heat exchange flow path flows into the other chamber 101 via the internal flow path 202 of the one connecting tube 201, and then flows out from the other chamber 101 to the outside.

[0227] Thus, according to the structure of (3) above, by changing the relative position of the connecting tube 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX, the flow of the fluid in the heat exchange flow path can be reversed without changing the chamber 101 that allows the fluid to flow in from the outside and the chamber 101 that discharges the fluid to the outside.

[0228] (4) In some embodiments, based on any of the structures in (1) to (3) above, at least four connecting pipes 201 are provided. At least one chamber 101 includes at least four chambers 101 stacked along the axial direction AX. The at least four chambers 101 have at least four insertion holes 102 for inserting the at least four connecting pipes 201 respectively. The at least four connecting pipes 201 are respectively configured so that one of the at least four chambers 101 to which a chamber 101 connected to the connecting hole 203 is set can be selected according to the relative position relative to the chamber 101.

[0229] In the structure of (4) above, the focus is on the four connecting tubes 201 and the four chambers 101. The flow of the fluid is studied by dividing the flow into a first flow path group G1 including two connecting tubes 201 and two chambers 101 among the four connecting tubes 201 and the four chambers 101, and a second flow path group G2 including the other two connecting tubes 201 and the two chambers 101.

[0230] The first fluid flows from the outside into one of the two chambers 101 (the 1-1 chamber 111) of the first flow path group G1, and the fluid in the other chamber 101 (the 1-2 chamber 112) flows out to the outside. In addition, the internal flow path 202 of one of the two connecting tubes 201 (the 1-1 connecting tube 211) of the first flow path group G1 is connected to one end of the first heat exchange flow path (for example, the first flow path 21) of the heat exchanger 10 that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201 (the 1-2 connecting tube 212) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10.

[0231] The second fluid flows from the outside into one of the two chambers 101 (the 2-1 chamber 121) of the second flow path group G2, and the fluid in the other chamber 101 (the 2-2 chamber 122) flows out to the outside. In addition, the internal flow path 202 of one of the two connecting tubes 201 (the 2-1 connecting tube 221) of the second flow path group G2 is connected to one end of the second heat exchange flow path (for example, the second flow path 22) of the heat exchanger 10 that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201 (the 2-2 connecting tube 222) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10.

[0232] It should be noted that the heat exchanger 10 that is the target of the switching of the flow paths is configured to be able to perform heat exchange between the fluid flowing through the first heat exchange flow path and the fluid flowing through the second heat exchange flow path.

[0233] In this case, the flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 communication tube 211 of the first flow path group G1 is communicated with the 1-1 chamber 111 and the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 communication tube 212 is communicated with the 1-2 chamber 112 is as follows.

[0234] The first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside flows from one end to the other end in the first heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 via the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out from the other end of the first heat exchange flow path flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 via the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 connecting tube 212, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside.

[0235] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 communicating tube 211 is communicated with the 1-2 chamber 112 and the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 communicating tube 212 is communicated with the 1-1 chamber 111 is as follows.

[0236] The first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside flows through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 connecting tube 212 in the first heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 from the other end to one end. In addition, the fluid flowing out from one end of the first heat exchange flow path flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside.

[0237] Thus, according to the structure of (4) above, by changing the relative position of the connecting tube 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX, the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange flow path can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber 111 that allows the first fluid to flow in from the outside and the 1-2 chamber 112 that discharges the fluid to the outside.

[0238] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 communication tube 221 of the second flow path group G2 is communicated with the 2-1 chamber 121 and the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 communication tube 222 is communicated with the 2-2 chamber 122 is as follows.

[0239] The second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside flows from one end to the other end in the second heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out from the other end of the second heat exchange flow path flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside.

[0240] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 communicating tube 221 is communicated with the 2-2 chamber 122 and the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 communicating tube 222 is communicated with the 2-1 chamber 121 is as follows.

[0241] The second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside flows from the other end to one end in the second heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out from one end of the second heat exchange flow path flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside.

[0242] Thus, according to the structure of (4) above, by changing the relative position of the connecting tube 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX, the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange flow path can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber 121 that allows the second fluid to flow in from the outside and the 2-2 chamber 122 that discharges the fluid to the outside.

[0243] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned structure (4), if the connection state is switched between the 1-1 chamber 111 and the 1-2 chamber 112 of the first flow path group G1 and the 2-1 connecting tube 221 and the 2-2 connecting tube 222 of the second flow path group G2, the first fluid can be circulated in the second heat exchange flow path and the flow of the first fluid in the second heat exchange flow path can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber 111 through which the first fluid flows in from the outside and the 1-2 chamber 112 through which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

[0244] Similarly, in the above-mentioned structure (4), if the connection state is switched between the 2-1 chamber 121 and the 2-2 chamber 122 of the second flow path group G2 and the 1-1 connecting tube 211 and the 1-2 connecting tube 212 of the first flow path group G1, the second fluid can be circulated in the first heat exchange flow path and the flow of the second fluid in the first heat exchange flow path can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber 121 through which the second fluid flows in from the outside and the 2-2 chamber 122 through which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

[0245] (5) In some embodiments, in addition to any one of the structures (1) to (3) above, a first switching unit 51 and a second switching unit 52 are provided, each of which includes at least two connecting pipes 201 and at least two chambers 101 stacked along the axial direction AX. The first switching unit 51 and the second switching unit 52 are respectively arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX.

[0246] In each of the first switching unit 51 and the second switching unit 52 , the at least two chambers 101 have at least two insertion holes 102 into which the at least two connecting pipes 201 are respectively inserted.

[0247] In each of the first switching unit 51 and the second switching unit 52 , the at least two connecting tubes 201 are respectively configured to select which of the at least two chambers 101 a chamber 101 connected to the connecting hole 203 is to be set as according to the relative position of the connecting tube 201 relative to the chamber 101 .

[0248] In the above-mentioned structure (5), attention is paid to the two communicating pipes 201 and the two chambers 101 in each of the first switching unit 51 and the second switching unit 52 .

[0249] The first fluid flows from the outside into one of the two chambers 101 of the first switching unit 51 (the 1-1 chamber 111), and the fluid in the other chamber 101 (the 1-2 chamber 112) flows out to the outside. In addition, the internal flow path 202 of one of the two connecting tubes 201 of the first switching unit 51 (the 1-1 connecting tube 211) is connected to one end of the first heat exchange flow path (for example, the first flow path 21) of the heat exchanger 10 that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201 (the 1-2 connecting tube 212) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10.

[0250] The second fluid flows from the outside into one of the two chambers 101 of the second switching unit 52 (the 2-1 chamber 121), and the fluid in the other chamber 101 (the 2-2 chamber 122) flows out to the outside. In addition, the internal flow path 202 of one of the two connecting tubes 201 of the second switching unit 52 (the 2-1 connecting tube 221) is connected to one end of the second heat exchange flow path (for example, the second flow path 22) of the heat exchanger 10 that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of the other connecting tube 201 (the 2-2 connecting tube 222) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10.

[0251] It should be noted that the heat exchanger 10 that is the target of the switching of the flow paths is configured to be able to perform heat exchange between the fluid flowing through the first heat exchange flow path and the fluid flowing through the second heat exchange flow path.

[0252] In this case, the flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 communication tube 211 of the first switching unit 51 is communicated with the 1-1 chamber 111 and the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 communication tube 212 is communicated with the 1-2 chamber 112 is as follows.

[0253] The first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside flows from one end to the other end in the first heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 via the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out from the other end of the first heat exchange flow path flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 via the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 connecting tube 212, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside.

[0254] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 communicating tube 211 is communicated with the 1-2 chamber 112 and the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 communicating tube 212 is communicated with the 1-1 chamber 111 is as follows.

[0255] The first fluid flowing into the 1-1 chamber 111 from the outside flows through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-2 connecting tube 212 in the first heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 from the other end to one end. In addition, the fluid flowing out from one end of the first heat exchange flow path flows into the 1-2 chamber 112 through the internal flow path 202 of the 1-1 connecting tube 211, and then flows out from the 1-2 chamber 112 to the outside.

[0256] Thus, according to the structure of (5) above, by changing the relative position of the connecting tube 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX, the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange flow path can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber 111 that allows the first fluid to flow in from the outside and the 1-2 chamber 112 that discharges the fluid to the outside.

[0257] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 communication tube 221 of the second switching unit 52 is communicated with the 2-1 chamber 121 and the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 communication tube 222 is communicated with the 2-2 chamber 122 is as follows.

[0258] The second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside flows from one end to the other end in the second heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out from the other end of the second heat exchange flow path flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside.

[0259] The flow of the fluid when the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 communicating tube 221 is communicated with the 2-2 chamber 122 and the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 communicating tube 222 is communicated with the 2-1 chamber 121 is as follows.

[0260] The second fluid flowing into the 2-1 chamber 121 from the outside flows from the other end to one end in the second heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-2 connecting tube 222. Furthermore, the fluid flowing out from one end of the second heat exchange flow path flows into the 2-2 chamber 122 via the internal flow path 202 of the 2-1 connecting tube 221, and then flows out from the 2-2 chamber 122 to the outside.

[0261] Thus, according to the structure of (5) above, by changing the relative position of the connecting tube 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX, the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange flow path can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber 121 that allows the second fluid to flow in from the outside and the 2-2 chamber 122 that discharges the fluid to the outside.

[0262] Furthermore, according to the configuration of (5), the first switching unit 51 and the second switching unit 52 are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX, so that the size of the heat exchanger flow switching device 50, 150 along the axial direction AX can be suppressed.

[0263] (6) In some embodiments, based on any one of the structures in (1) to (3) above, at least eight connecting tubes 201 are provided. The at least one chamber 101 includes at least six chambers 101 stacked along the axial direction AX. The at least six chambers 101 have at least eight insertion holes 102 for inserting the at least eight connecting tubes 201, respectively. The at least eight connecting tubes 201 are respectively configured so that one of the at least six chambers 101 to which a chamber 101 connected to the connecting hole 203 is set can be selected according to the relative position relative to the chamber 101.

[0264] In the structure of (6) above, eight connecting tubes 201 and six chambers 101 are focused on. Furthermore, the flow of the fluid is studied by dividing into a first flow path group G1 including four connecting tubes 201 and three chambers 101 among the eight connecting tubes 201 and six chambers 101, and a second flow path group G2 including the other four connecting tubes 201 and three chambers 101.

[0265] The first fluid flows from the outside into one chamber 101 (the 1-1 chamber 111 ) of the three chambers 101 of the first flow path group G1 , and the fluid in the other chamber 101 (the 1-2 chamber 112 ) flows out to the outside.

[0266] In addition, the internal flow path 202 of one connecting tube 201 (1-1 connecting tube 211) among the four connecting tubes 201 of the first flow path group G1 is connected to one end of the first heat exchange flow path (e.g., the first flow path 21) of the first heat exchanger (e.g., the first heat exchange core 1A) that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of another connecting tube 201 (1-2 connecting tube 212) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger.

[0267] Furthermore, the internal flow path 202 of another connecting tube 201 (1-3 connecting tube 213) among the four connecting tubes 201 of the first flow path group G1 is connected to one end of the first heat exchange flow path (e.g., the first flow path 21) of the second heat exchanger (e.g., the second heat exchange core 1B) that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of the remaining connecting tube 201 (1-4 connecting tube 214) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger.

[0268] Similarly, the second fluid flows from the outside into one chamber 101 (the 2-1 chamber 121) of the three chambers 101 of the second flow path group G2, and the fluid in the other chamber 101 (the 2-2 chamber 122) flows out to the outside.

[0269] In addition, the internal flow path 202 of one connecting tube 201 (2-1 connecting tube 221) among the four connecting tubes 201 of the second flow path group G2 is connected to one end of the second heat exchange flow path (e.g., the second flow path 22) of the first heat exchanger (e.g., the first heat exchange core 1A) that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of another connecting tube 201 (2-2 connecting tube 222) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange flow path (e.g., the second flow path 22) of the first heat exchanger.

[0270] Furthermore, the internal flow path 202 of another connecting tube 201 (2nd-3rd connecting tube 223) among the four connecting tubes 201 of the second flow path group G2 is connected to one end of the second heat exchange flow path (e.g., the second flow path 22) of the second heat exchanger (e.g., the second heat exchange core 1B) that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of the remaining connecting tube 201 (2nd-4th connecting tube 224) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger.

[0271] It should be noted that the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger that are the targets of switching the flow paths are configured to be able to perform heat exchange between the fluid flowing in the first heat exchange flow path and the fluid flowing in the second heat exchange flow path.

[0272] According to the structure of (6) above, by changing the relative position of the connecting pipe 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX, the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger can be reversed, and the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber 111 into which the first fluid flows from the outside and the 1-2 chamber 112 into which the fluid is discharged to the outside. In addition, the first heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger can be connected in series and in parallel.

[0273] In addition, according to the structure of (6) above, by changing the relative position of the connecting pipe 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX, the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger can be reversed, and the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber 121 into which the second fluid flows from the outside and the 2-2 chamber 122 that discharges the fluid to the outside. In addition, the second heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger can be connected in series, and can be connected in parallel.

[0274] Furthermore, according to the configuration of (6), the first fluid can be caused to flow through the second heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger, and the flow of the first fluid in the second heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger can be reversed.

[0275] According to the configuration of (6) above, it is possible to cause the second fluid to flow through the first heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger, and to reverse the flow of the second fluid in the first heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger.

[0276] According to the configuration of (6) above, it is possible to cause the first fluid to flow through the second heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger, and to reverse the flow of the first fluid in the second heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger.

[0277] According to the configuration of (6) above, the second fluid can be caused to flow through the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger, and the flow of the second fluid in the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger can be reversed.

[0278] (7) In some embodiments, in addition to any one of the structures (1) to (3) above, a first switching unit 151 and a second switching unit 152 are provided, each of which includes at least four connecting pipes 201 and at least three chambers 101 stacked along the axial direction AX. The first switching unit 151 and the second switching unit 152 are respectively arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX.

[0279] In each of the first switching unit and the second switching unit, the at least three chambers have at least four insertion holes 102 for the at least four connecting pipes 201 to be inserted respectively.

[0280] In each of the first switching unit 151 and the second switching unit 152 , the at least four connecting tubes 201 are configured to select which of the at least three chambers 101 a chamber 101 connected to the connecting hole 203 is to be, according to the relative position with respect to the chamber 101 .

[0281] In the above-mentioned structure (7), attention is paid to the four communicating pipes 201 and the three chambers 101 in each of the first switching unit 151 and the second switching unit 152 .

[0282] The first fluid flows from the outside into one chamber 101 (the 1-1 chamber 111 ) of the three chambers 101 of the first switching unit 151 , and the fluid in the other chamber 101 (the 1-2 chamber 112 ) flows out to the outside.

[0283] In addition, the internal flow path 202 of one connecting tube 201 (1-1 connecting tube 211) among the four connecting tubes 201 of the first switching unit 151 is connected to one end of the first heat exchange flow path (e.g., the first flow path 21) of the first heat exchanger (e.g., the first heat exchange core 1A) that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of another connecting tube 201 (1-2 connecting tube 212) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger.

[0284] Furthermore, the internal flow path 202 of another connecting tube 201 (1-3 connecting tube 213) among the four connecting tubes 201 of the first switching unit is connected to one end of the first heat exchange flow path (e.g., the first flow path 21) of the second heat exchanger (e.g., the second heat exchange core 1B) that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of the remaining connecting tube 201 (1-4 connecting tube 214) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger.

[0285] Similarly, the second fluid flows from the outside into one chamber 101 (the 2-1 chamber 121 ) of the three chambers 101 of the second switching unit, and the fluid in the other chamber 101 (the 2-2 chamber 122 ) flows out to the outside.

[0286] In addition, the internal flow path 202 of one connecting tube 201 (2-1 connecting tube 221) among the four connecting tubes 201 of the second switching unit is connected to one end of the second heat exchange flow path (e.g., the second flow path 22) of the first heat exchanger (e.g., the first heat exchange core 1A) that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of another connecting tube 201 (2-2 connecting tube 222) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger.

[0287] Furthermore, the internal flow path 202 of another connecting tube 201 (2nd-3rd connecting tube 223) among the four connecting tubes 201 of the second switching unit is connected to one end of the second heat exchange flow path (e.g., second flow path 22) of the second heat exchanger (e.g., the second heat exchange core 1B) that is the object of flow path switching, and the internal flow path 202 of the remaining connecting tube 201 (2nd-4th connecting tube 224) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger.

[0288] It should be noted that the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger that are the targets of switching the flow paths are configured to be able to exchange heat between the fluid flowing in the first heat exchange flow path and the fluid flowing in the second heat exchange flow path.

[0289] According to the structure of (7) above, by changing the relative position of the connecting pipe 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX, the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger can be reversed, and the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber 111 into which the first fluid flows from the outside and the 1-2 chamber 112 into which the fluid is discharged to the outside. In addition, the first heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger can be connected in series and in parallel.

[0290] In addition, according to the structure of (7) above, by changing the relative position of the connecting pipe 201 with respect to the chamber 101 in the axial direction AX, the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger can be reversed, and the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber 121 into which the second fluid flows from the outside and the 2-2 chamber 122 into which the fluid is discharged to the outside. In addition, the second heat exchange flow path of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchange flow path of the second heat exchanger can be connected in series, and can be connected in parallel.

[0291] Furthermore, according to the configuration of (7), the first switching unit 151 and the second switching unit 152 are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX, so that the size of the heat exchanger flow switching device 150 along the axial direction AX can be reduced.

[0292] (8) In some embodiments, based on any of the structures (3) to (7) above, at least two chambers 101 have openings, namely, inlet portions 104a, 104b and outlet portions 105a, 105b, that enable the fluid to flow between the inside and outside of the chamber 101 regardless of the relative position of the connecting tube 201.

[0293] According to the structure of (8), a fluid can flow from the outside into one of the at least two chambers 101, so that the fluid supplied from the outside to the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50, 150 can be supplied to the heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 that is the object of flow path switching. In addition, according to the structure of (8), the fluid in the other of the at least two chambers 101 can flow out to the outside, so the fluid flowing out of the heat exchange flow path of the heat exchanger 10 can be discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50, 150.

[0294] (9) In some embodiments, in addition to any one of the structures (3) to (8) above, a heat insulating layer 107 is provided between the chambers 101 adjacent to each other along the axial direction AX.

[0295] According to the above-mentioned structure (9), it is possible to suppress undesired heat transfer between the chambers 101 adjacent to each other in the axial direction AX, thereby suppressing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0296] (10) In some embodiments, in any one of the structures (1) to (9) above, a dimension d of at least one chamber 101 in the axial direction AX is smaller than dimensions W and H in directions orthogonal to the axial direction AX.

[0297] In the heat exchanger to be switched over the flow path, for example, as in the heat exchange core 1 (heat exchanger 10) of the above-mentioned several embodiments, a plate-type heat exchanger, etc., there is a case where one end and the other end of the heat exchange flow path are arranged at relatively far positions in structure. Even in such a case, according to the structure of (10), for example, even if two or more connecting pipes 201 are separated in a direction intersecting the axial direction AX of the connecting pipe 201, the dimension in the axial direction AX can be suppressed in the heat exchanger flow path switching device 50, 150.

[0298] Description of reference numerals:

[0299] 1...Heat exchange core;

[0300] 2...Main body;

[0301] 10...Heat exchanger;

[0302] 21...First flow path;

[0303] 22...second flow path;

[0304] 50, 150...Flow path switching device for heat exchanger;

[0305] 51, 151...a first switching unit;

[0306] 52, 152... a second switching unit;

[0307] 101... Chamber;

[0308] 104a, 104b ... inflow portion;

[0309] 105a, 105b ... a discharge portion;

[0310] 201...Connecting pipe;

[0311] 202...Internal flow path;

[0312] 203...Communication hole;

[0313] 300...Fixed pipe;

[0314] 301...tube wall;

[0315] 305...Through hole.

Claims

1. A flow path switching device for a heat exchanger, wherein: The heat exchanger flow path switching device comprises: a connecting pipe having an internal flow path connected to a heat exchange flow path for performing heat exchange in the heat exchanger, and one or more connecting holes connected to the internal flow path; and at least one chamber having an insertion hole for inserting the communicating tube, and supporting the communicating tube inserted into the insertion hole so as to be slidable, The communicating tube can switch the communicating state between the communicating hole and the chamber according to the relative position of the communicating tube in the axial direction with respect to the chamber. The at least one chamber has at least one fixing pipe fixed to each chamber and having the insertion hole formed therein. The at least one fixed tube is formed with through holes corresponding to the respective chambers, and the through holes penetrate the tube wall of the fixed tube to connect the insertion hole with the respective chambers. When the connecting tube moves to the relative position where any one of the through holes overlaps with the one or more connecting holes, the chamber corresponding to the through hole overlapping with the one or more connecting holes and the internal flow path are connected, and the connection between the chamber corresponding to the through hole not overlapping with the one or more connecting holes and the internal flow path is cut off.

2. A flow path switching device for a heat exchanger, wherein: The heat exchanger flow path switching device comprises: a connecting pipe having an internal flow path connected to a heat exchange flow path for performing heat exchange in the heat exchanger, and one or more connecting holes connected to the internal flow path; and at least one chamber having an insertion hole for inserting the communicating tube, and supporting the communicating tube inserted into the insertion hole so as to be slidable, The communicating tube can switch the communicating state between the communicating hole and the chamber according to the relative position of the communicating tube in the axial direction with respect to the chamber. The connecting pipes are provided with at least two, The at least one chamber comprises at least two chambers stacked along the axial direction, The at least two chambers have at least two insertion holes for inserting at least two connecting pipes respectively. Each of the at least two communicating tubes is configured so that it is possible to select which of the at least two chambers the one chamber communicating with the communicating hole is to be, according to the relative position with respect to the chamber.

3. A flow path switching device for a heat exchanger, wherein: The heat exchanger flow path switching device comprises: a connecting pipe having an internal flow path connected to a heat exchange flow path for performing heat exchange in the heat exchanger, and one or more connecting holes connected to the internal flow path; and at least one chamber having an insertion hole for inserting the communicating tube, and supporting the communicating tube inserted into the insertion hole so as to be slidable, The communicating tube can switch the communicating state between the communicating hole and the chamber according to the relative position of the communicating tube in the axial direction with respect to the chamber. The connecting pipes are provided with at least four. The at least one chamber comprises at least four chambers stacked along the axial direction, The at least four chambers have at least four insertion holes for inserting at least four connecting pipes respectively. Each of the at least four communicating tubes is configured so that one of the at least four chambers to be the chamber communicating with the communicating hole can be selected according to the relative position with respect to the chamber.

4. A flow path switching device for a heat exchanger, wherein: The heat exchanger flow path switching device comprises: a connecting pipe having an internal flow path connected to a heat exchange flow path for performing heat exchange in the heat exchanger, and one or more connecting holes connected to the internal flow path; and at least one chamber having an insertion hole for inserting the communicating tube, and supporting the communicating tube inserted into the insertion hole so as to be slidable, The communicating tube can switch the communicating state between the communicating hole and the chamber according to the relative position of the communicating tube in the axial direction with respect to the chamber. The heat exchanger flow path switching device includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit, each of the first switching unit and the second switching unit includes at least two of the connecting pipes and at least two of the chambers stacked along the axial direction. The first switching unit and the second switching unit are respectively arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction. In each of the first switching unit and the second switching unit, The at least two chambers have at least two insertion holes for inserting at least two connecting pipes respectively. Each of the at least two communicating tubes is configured so that it is possible to select which of the at least two chambers the one chamber communicating with the communicating hole is to be, according to the relative position with respect to the chamber.

5. A flow path switching device for a heat exchanger, wherein: The heat exchanger flow path switching device comprises: a connecting pipe having an internal flow path connected to a heat exchange flow path for performing heat exchange in the heat exchanger, and one or more connecting holes connected to the internal flow path; and at least one chamber having an insertion hole for inserting the communicating tube, and supporting the communicating tube inserted into the insertion hole so as to be slidable, The communicating tube can switch the communicating state between the communicating hole and the chamber according to the relative position of the communicating tube in the axial direction with respect to the chamber. The connecting pipes are provided with at least eight, The at least one chamber comprises at least six chambers stacked along the axial direction, The at least six chambers have at least eight insertion holes for inserting at least eight connecting pipes respectively. Each of the at least eight communicating tubes is configured so that one of the at least six chambers to be the chamber communicating with the communicating hole can be selected according to the relative position with respect to the chamber.

6. A flow path switching device for a heat exchanger, wherein: The heat exchanger flow path switching device comprises: a connecting pipe having an internal flow path connected to a heat exchange flow path for performing heat exchange in the heat exchanger, and one or more connecting holes connected to the internal flow path; and at least one chamber having an insertion hole for inserting the communicating tube, and supporting the communicating tube inserted into the insertion hole so as to be slidable, The communicating tube can switch the communicating state between the communicating hole and the chamber according to the relative position of the communicating tube in the axial direction with respect to the chamber. The heat exchanger flow path switching device includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit, each of the first switching unit and the second switching unit includes at least four of the connecting pipes and at least three of the chambers stacked along the axial direction. The first switching unit and the second switching unit are respectively arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction. In each of the first switching unit and the second switching unit, The at least three chambers have at least four insertion holes for inserting at least four connecting pipes respectively. Each of the at least four communicating tubes is configured so that it is possible to select which of the at least three chambers one of the chambers communicating with the communicating hole is to be, according to the relative position with respect to the chamber.

7. The flow path switching device for a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: At least two of the chambers have openings that enable fluid to flow between the inside and outside of the chambers regardless of the relative positions of the communicating tubes.

8. The flow path switching device for a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: A heat insulating layer is provided between the chambers adjacent to each other in the axial direction.

9. The flow path switching device for a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: A dimension of the at least one chamber in the axial direction is smaller than a dimension in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

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