Heat exchanger

Abstract

The heat exchanger includes: a housing surrounding a heat exchange portion having a first portion in which a fluid flows in a first direction and a second portion in which the fluid flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction; an inlet / outlet header having a first opening through which the fluid flows in and a second opening through which the fluid flows out; a duct part that connects one end of the housing and the inlet / outlet header; and a connection header that closes the other end of the housing and connects the first portion and the second portion. The pipeline part is provided with a shell and a partition plate arranged in the shell. The partition plate divides the inside of the housing into a first passage connecting the first opening and the first portion and a second passage connecting the second opening and the second portion. A slit is formed in a joint portion where the partition plate is joined in the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to heat exchangers. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a U-turn type EGR cooler comprising a housing surrounding a heat exchanger, an inlet and outlet manifold joined to one end of the housing and having an exhaust gas inlet and outlet arranged side by side, and a circular arc manifold sealing the other end of the housing. Exhaust gas flowing into the inlet of the inlet and outlet manifold passes through the pipes of the outgoing section of the heat exchanger, makes a U-turn within the circular arc manifold, passes through the pipes of the return section of the heat exchanger, and exits the outlet of the inlet and outlet manifold. A partition is provided within the inlet and outlet manifold, dividing the interior of the manifold into left and right sections midway between the inlet and outlet.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-127171 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in a U-turn type heat exchanger like this, when the partition is joined to the inner surface of the inlet and outlet header, the partition is joined from the inside of the inlet and outlet header. However, it is difficult to apply brazing filler metal to the gap between the partition and the inner surface of the inlet and outlet header from inside the inlet and outlet header.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger to which a partition plate can be easily joined.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] A heat exchanger for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises:

[0011] a housing surrounding a heat exchange portion, the heat exchange portion having a first portion where a fluid flows in a first direction and a second portion where the fluid flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction;

[0012] an inlet and outlet header having a first opening for the inflow of the fluid and a second opening for the outflow of the fluid;

[0013] a piping portion connecting one end of the housing and the inlet and outlet headers; and

[0014] a connecting header that closes the other end of the housing and connects the first portion and the second portion,

[0015] The duct portion includes a shell and a partition provided inside the shell.

[0016] The partition divides the interior of the housing into a first passage and a second passage, the first passage connecting the first opening and the first portion, and the second passage connecting the second opening and the second portion.

[0017] A slit is formed in a joint portion of the housing that joins the partition plate.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, a heat exchanger capable of easily joining a partition plate is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a front perspective view illustrating the EGR cooler according to the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the EGR cooler.

[0022] Figure 3 Observe from the direction of the arrow III-III Figure 2 A sectional view of a section line extending in the left-right direction.

[0023] Figure 4 Observe from the direction of the arrow IV-IV Figure 2 A sectional view of a section line extending along the front-to-back direction.

[0024] Figure 5 Observed from the direction of the arrow of VV Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a section line extending in the left-right direction.

[0025] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of the tube.

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of the area surrounded by line VII.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of the mounting structure of the partition plate and the tube.

[0028] Figure 9 It is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of the mounting structure of the partition plate and the tube.

[0029] Figure 10 It is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of the mounting structure of the partition plate and the tube.

[0030] Figure 11 Observe from the direction of the arrow X1-X1 Figure 3A partial cross-sectional view of a section line extending in the left-right direction.

[0031] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A partial enlarged view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following describes an embodiment in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale is appropriately changed to make each element a recognizable size. In the drawings, arrow U indicates the upward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow D indicates the downward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow F indicates the front direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow B indicates the rear direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow R indicates the right direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow L indicates the left direction of the illustrated structure. These directions are for Figure 1 The EGR cooler 10 is shown in an opposite orientation.

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The EGR cooler 10 used in the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system of this embodiment is illustrated. The EGR cooler 10 is a device that cools exhaust gas. Passageways are formed within the EGR cooler 10, through which exhaust gas and coolant flow. Heat exchange between the exhaust gas and coolant flowing through each passageway within the EGR cooler 10 cools the exhaust gas. The EGR cooler 10 is an example of a heat exchanger. Exhaust gas is an example of a fluid.

[0034] Specifically, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the example, the EGR cooler 10 includes an inlet and outlet header 11 , a casing 12 , a connecting header 13 , and a duct portion 14 .

[0035] The inlet and outlet header 11 is configured with a first opening 111 and a second opening 112. The first opening 111 is an opening through which exhaust gas flows in. The second opening 112 is an opening through which exhaust gas cooled within the EGR cooler 10 flows out. In this example, the inlet and outlet header 11 is a plate-shaped member having a circular first opening 111 and a circular second opening 112, with an intervening member 115 interposed between the first opening 111 and the second opening 112.

[0036] Housing 12 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. One end 121 is connected to the inlet and outlet headers 11 via a duct section 14, and the other end 122 is connected to the connecting header 13. Housing 12 is configured to surround a heat exchange section 15 that performs heat exchange between exhaust gas and coolant. Heat exchange section 15 includes a first section 151 and a second section 152.

[0037] Figure 3 Observe from the direction of the arrow III-III Figure 2 A sectional view of a section line extending in the left-right direction. Figure 3 As shown, the first part 151 forms a passage for the exhaust gas to flow in the first direction D1. In this example, the first direction D1 is the right direction from the inlet and outlet header 11 toward the connecting header 13. Specifically, a plurality of flat tubes 153 are arranged in the first part 151. Each tube 153 extends in the long side direction (left and right direction in this example). In this example, four tubes 153 are stacked in the up and down direction. For example, both ends of the tube 153 in the short side direction (front and back direction in this example) are joined to the outer shell 12. An inner fin not shown is inserted into each tube 153. The exhaust gas that flows into the inlet and outlet header 11 and is supplied to the outer shell 12 from one end 121 through the duct part 14 is branched to the plurality of tubes 153 in the first part 151 of the heat exchange part 15 and passes through the interior of each tube 153.

[0038] The second part 152 forms a passage for the exhaust gas to flow in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is the opposite direction to the first direction D1. In this example, the second direction D2 is the left direction from the connecting header 13 toward the inlet and outlet header 11. Specifically, a plurality of flat tubes 153 are arranged in the second part 152. Each tube 153 extends in the long side direction (left and right direction in this example). In this example, four tubes 153 are stacked in the up and down direction. For example, both ends of the short side direction of the tube 153 are joined to the outer shell 12. An inner fin not shown is inserted into each tube 153. The exhaust gas supplied from the other end 122 to the outer shell 12 through the connecting header 13 is branched to the plurality of tubes 153 in the second part 152 of the heat exchange part 15 and passes through the interior of each tube 153.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, an inlet pipe 161, through which the coolant flows, is connected to the second portion 152 of the housing 12. An outlet pipe 162, through which the coolant flows out, is connected to the first portion 151 of the housing 12. The coolant supplied from the inlet pipe 161 into the interior of the housing 12 circulates within the heat exchange portion 15 and is discharged from the outlet pipe 162. Within the heat exchange portion 15, the coolant flows between the outside of the pipe 153 and the housing 12.

[0040] The connecting header 13 closes the other end 122 of the housing 12 and is configured to connect the first portion 151 and the second portion 152 of the heat exchange section 15. In this example, the connecting header 13 includes a generally semicircular front portion 131, a generally semicircular rear portion 132, and a side wall 133 connecting the front portion 131 and the rear portion 132. The side wall 133 connects the arcuate portion of the front portion 131 and the arcuate portion of the rear portion 132. Portions corresponding to the diameters of the front portion 131 and the rear portion 132 are open and joined to the other end 122 of the housing 12.

[0041] The duct 14 connects one end 121 of the housing 12 and the inlet and outlet header 11. The housing 12, the inlet and outlet header 11, and the duct 14 are formed separately and then joined together. For example, the housing 12, the inlet and outlet header 11, and the duct 14 are made of SUS or steel.

[0042] The duct portion 14 has a shell 141 and a partition 142. Figure 2 In the example shown, one end 1411 of the housing 141 of the duct unit 14 is joined to the inlet and outlet header 11, and the other end 1412 of the housing 141 is joined to one end 121 of the housing 12. In this example, since the housing 12 is arranged at a 90-degree orientation relative to the inlet and outlet header 11, the orientations of the one end 1411 and the other end 1412 of the housing 141 differ by 90 degrees.

[0043] In this example, the duct portion 14 is formed into a roughly quarter-circular shape (a sector with a central angle of 90 degrees) when viewed from above. Specifically, the duct portion 14 has a roughly quarter-circular upper surface 1413, a roughly quarter-circular lower surface 1414, and a sidewall 1415 connecting the upper and lower surfaces 1413, 1414. The sidewall 1415 connects the arcuate portion of the upper and lower surfaces 1413, 1414. Portions corresponding to the radius of the upper and lower surfaces 1413, 1414 are open and joined to the inlet and outlet header 11 or one end 121 of the housing 12.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, a partition 142 is provided inside the housing 141. The partition 142 divides the interior of the housing 141 into a first passage 143 and a second passage 144. The first passage 143 connects the first opening 111 of the inlet and outlet header 11 and the first portion 151 of the heat exchange unit 15. The second passage 144 connects the second opening 112 of the inlet and outlet header 11 and the second portion 152 of the heat exchange unit 15.

[0045] Partition plate 142 includes a partition portion 1421 and a bent portion 1422. Partition portion 1421 is disposed within housing 141 to separate first passage 143 from second passage 144. Partition portion 1421 extends along the longitudinal direction of tube 153 and is attached to the lowest tube 153 within first section 151 of heat exchange section 15. In this example, partition portion 1421 extends approximately parallel (horizontally in this example) to upper surface 1413 and lower surface 1414 of housing 141, forming a roughly quarter-circular (sector-shaped with a 90-degree central angle) shape when viewed from above.

[0046] Bend portion 1422 extends from partition 1421 in a direction different from the planar direction of partition 1421. Bend portion 1422 functions as a joint with the inner surface of housing 141. In this example, bend portion 1422 extends upward from the arcuate portion of partition 1421, along sidewall 1415 of housing 141. Bend portion 1422 is bonded to the inner surface of housing 141 using a bonding material while in contact with the inner surface. For example, a paste-like brazing material is used as the bonding material.

[0047] Figure 4 Observe from the direction of the arrow IV-IV Figure 2 A sectional view of a section line extending in the front-to-back direction. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in the example, a slit 1417 is formed in a joint portion 1416 of a side wall 1415 of the housing 141. The joint portion 1416 is a portion joined to the partition plate 142. More specifically, the bent portion 1422 of the partition plate 142 abuts against and joins to the inner surface of the joint portion 1416.

[0048] The slit 1417 is an opening for applying the bonding material from the outside of the duct portion 14. The slit 1417 is formed along the bonding portion 1416 of the shell 141, that is, the bent portion 1422 of the partition 142. In this example, Figure 4 As shown, the slit 1417 is positioned at the joint portion 1416 of the housing 141 , that is, approximately at the center of the bent portion 1422 of the partition plate 142 in the height direction (in this example, the vertical direction).

[0049] In addition, in this example, Figure 2 As shown, the slit 1417 has a length that is approximately half the length of the joint portion 1416 of the housing 141 , that is, the bent portion 1422 of the partition 142 .

[0050] In addition, the width and length of the slit 1417 are not limited to this example and can be set appropriately.

[0051] The bonding material applied from the slit 1417 is applied to the gap between the inner surface of the bonding portion 1416 of the housing 141 and the bent portion 1422 of the partition 142. Although not shown, the applied bonding material actually fills at least a portion of the slit 1417.

[0052] In the EGR cooler 10 constructed in this manner, Figure 3In the illustrated example, exhaust gas flowing in from first opening 111 of inlet / outlet header 11 passes through first passage 143 of duct section 14, flows into tube 153 of first section 151 of heat exchange section 15 disposed in housing 12, makes a U-turn in connecting header 13, flows through tube 153 of second section 152 of heat exchange section 15, passes through second passage 144 of duct section 14, and flows out of second opening 112 of inlet / outlet header 11. While passing through first section 151 and second section 152 of heat exchange section 15, the exhaust gas is cooled by cooling water flowing around tube 153 within housing 12.

[0053] According to the EGR cooler 10 of this embodiment, since the slit 1417 is formed in the joint portion 1416 of the housing 141, the bonding material can be applied from the outside of the duct portion 14 through the slit 1417. Therefore, compared with applying the bonding material from the inside of the housing 141, it is easier to apply the bonding material to the gap between the inner surface of the joint portion 1416 of the housing 141 and the bent portion 1422 of the partition plate 142.

[0054] Figure 5 Observed from the direction of the arrow of VV Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a section line extending in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, as Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in addition to the slits 1417, a through-hole 1418 is formed in the joint portion 1416 of the housing 141. Through-hole 1418 is formed in a portion of the joint portion 1416 where slits 1417 are not formed. Through-hole 1418 is a hole used for welding, which is used to temporarily secure the partition 142 from the outside of the duct portion 14. TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is an example of welding. Although not shown, in practice, the molten welding material produced by TIG welding fills at least a portion of through-hole 1418.

[0055] By providing the through-hole 1418 in the joint portion 1416 of the housing 141 in this manner, welding for temporarily fixing the partition plate 142 can be performed from the outside of the duct portion 14 through the through-hole 1418 .

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the inlet and outlet manifold 11 includes a protrusion 113 that protrudes from the inner surface of the inlet and outlet manifold 11 into the interior of the housing 141 of the duct section 14 between the first opening 111 and the second opening 112. Specifically, the protrusion 113 protrudes from the inner surface (in this example, the rear surface) of the interposed member 115 between the first opening 111 and the second opening 112 into the interior of the housing 141 of the duct section 14. The partition 142 is configured so that its lower surface abuts the upper surface of the protrusion 113. The length (in this example, the length in the front-to-back direction) and width (in this example, the length in the left-to-right direction) of the protrusion 113 are appropriately set. For example, in this example, the width of the protrusion 113 is smaller than the diameter of the first opening 111 and the diameter of the second opening 112. However, the width of the protrusion 113 may also be greater than the width of the first opening 111 and the width of the second opening 112.

[0057] Since the protrusions 113 are formed on the inlet and outlet headers 11 in this manner, the partition plates 142 can be positioned by the protrusions 113 .

[0058] Next, a method of joining the inlet and outlet headers 11 to the duct portion 14 in the method of manufacturing the EGR cooler 10 will be described in detail.

[0059] First, the inlet and outlet header 11 is welded to the housing 141 of the duct section 14. Specifically, the inlet and outlet header 11 is mounted and welded to the housing 141 so that the protrusion 113 of the inlet and outlet header 11 protrudes into the interior of the housing 141. In this example, the inlet and outlet header 11 has a flange 114, which is welded to the outer surface of the housing 141.

[0060] Next, the partition plate 142 is brought into contact with the inner surface of the joint 1416 of the housing 141. Specifically, the partition plate 142 is brought into contact with the protrusion 113 of the inlet and outlet header 11 to position the partition plate 142. With the partition plate 142 positioned, the bent portion 1422 of the partition plate 142 is brought into contact with the inner surface of the joint 1416 of the housing 141.

[0061] Next, with the partition plate 142 in contact with the inner surface of the joint 1416 of the housing 141 , the partition plate 142 is welded to the joint 1416 of the housing 141 from the outside of the housing 141 through the through hole 1418 formed in the joint 1416 of the housing 141 .

[0062] Next, a bonding material is supplied into the interior of the housing 141 from the slit 1417 formed in the bonding portion 1416 of the housing 141 , and the inner surface of the bonding portion 1416 and the partition plate 142 are bonded together by the bonding material.

[0063] According to the manufacturing method of the EGR cooler 10 of this embodiment, the partition plate 142 can be easily welded to the housing 141 from the outside of the housing 141 through the through-hole 1418. This welding can temporarily fix the partition plate 142 and the housing 141 during the joining of the housing 141. In addition, since the joining material can be applied from the outside of the housing 141 to the inside of the housing 141 through the slit 1417, it is easy to apply the joining material to the gap between the inner surface of the joining portion 1416 of the housing 141 and the partition plate 142.

[0064] Furthermore, since the partition plate 142 is positioned by causing the partition plate 142 to abut against the protruding portion 113 of the inlet and outlet header 11 , positioning is easy.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the through hole 1418 is provided in addition to the slit 1417 in the joint portion 1416 of the housing 141 , but only the slit may be provided.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the EGR cooler 10 is configured so that the exhaust gas flows from the upper side to the lower side inside the EGR cooler 10 , but it may be configured so that the exhaust gas flows from the lower side to the upper side.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the duct portion 14 is formed into a roughly quarter-circular shape when viewed from above, with one end 1411 and the other end 1412 intersecting at a roughly right angle. However, the configuration of the duct portion 14 is not limited to this example. For example, the duct portion 14 may be formed so that the angle between the one end 1411 and the other end 1412 is less than 90 degrees. Alternatively, for example, the duct portion 14 may be formed into a roughly square cylindrical shape, connecting the inlet and outlet headers 11 and the housing 12 in a roughly straight line.

[0068] (Installation Structure of Tube 153 and Partition Plate 142)

[0069] Next, use Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the installation structure of the tube 153 and the partition 142 is described in detail. Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of the tube 153 .

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, each tube 153 includes an upper plate-shaped member 1531 and a lower plate-shaped member 1532. The upper plate-shaped member 1531 and the lower plate-shaped member 1532 are formed by, for example, pressing a metal plate and are then arranged to face each other, thereby assembling the tube 153.

[0071] In this example, the upper plate-shaped member 1531 extends in the longitudinal direction (in this example, the left-right direction), and has a U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the upper plate-shaped member 1531 has a flat surface 15311 and two side walls 15312. The flat surface 15311 is a planar member extending in the longitudinal direction. The two side walls 15312 extend downward from the ends of the flat surface 15311 in the transverse direction (in this example, the front-back direction).

[0072] The lower plate-shaped member 1532 extends longitudinally, with a U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the longitudinal ends of the lower plate-shaped member 1532 are formed to expand in a direction opposite to the upper plate-shaped member 1531 (in this example, the vertical direction). Specifically, the lower plate-shaped member 1532 has a first flat surface 15321, two side walls 15322, two inclined surfaces 15323, and two second flat surfaces 15324.

[0073] The first flat surface 15321 is a planar member extending in the longitudinal direction. Two inclined surface portions 15323 extend obliquely downward from the longitudinal ends of the first flat surface 15321. Two second flat surface portions 15324 are planar members extending from the ends of the inclined surface portions 15323 along the plane of the first flat surface 15321. Two side walls 15322 extend upward from the ends of the first flat surface 15321, the inclined surface portions 15323, and the second flat surface portions 15324, respectively.

[0074] For example, the width of the upper plate-shaped member 1531 in the short side direction is formed to be smaller than the width of the lower plate-shaped member 1532 in the short side direction. When the tube 153 is assembled, the side wall 15312 of the upper plate-shaped member 1531 is arranged on the inner side of the side wall 15322 of the lower plate-shaped member 1532.

[0075] Figure 7 is Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of the area surrounded by line VII. Figure 7 The figure shows a stacking of multiple tubes 153 (153A, 153B). Figure 7 In the figure, the arrows indicate the direction of exhaust gas flow.

[0076] like Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, the tube 153A provided on the upper side (hereinafter also referred to as the upper tube 153A) includes an upper plate-shaped member 1531A and a lower plate-shaped member 1532A. The tube 153B provided on the lower side (hereinafter also referred to as the lower tube 153B) includes an upper plate-shaped member 1531B and a lower plate-shaped member 1532B. The lower plate-shaped member 1532A of the upper tube 153A is joined to the upper plate-shaped member 1531B of the lower tube 153B with a gap G therebetween. Specifically, in the lower plate-shaped member 1532A of the upper tube 153A, the second flat surface portion 15324A overlaps and joins with the upper plate-shaped member 1531B of the lower tube 153B, while the inclined surface portion 15323A forms a gap G with the upper plate-shaped member 1531B of the lower tube 153B.

[0077] The partition plate 142 is mounted on the lowermost tube 153 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) of the lower plate-shaped member 1532. Specifically, as Figure 7 As shown, the partition plate 142 is brazed to both the second flat surface portion 15324 and the inclined surface portion 15323 of the lower plate-shaped member 1532 .

[0078] In this example, partition plate 142 and second flat surface portion 15324 of lower plate-shaped member 1532 are in surface contact while being brazed. Alternatively, partition plate 142 and inclined surface portion 15323 may be separated from each other with brazing filler metal 17 filled therebetween, and brazed in this state. Furthermore, surface contact between second flat surface portion 15324 of lower plate-shaped member 1532 and partition plate 142 also includes situations where second flat surface portion 15324 of lower plate-shaped member 1532 and partition plate 142 are arranged parallel to each other, with a thin layer of brazing filler metal interposed between them.

[0079] In the process of applying the brazing filler metal 17, for example, with the tube 153 and the partition 142 positioned, the brazing filler metal 17 is applied to the upper surface of the end portion of the lower plate-shaped member 1532 attached to the partition 142 by a brazing filler metal application device (not shown). The brazing filler metal 17 flows from the upper surface of the partition 142 toward the space between the tube 153 and the partition 142, and is applied thereto. More specifically, the brazing filler metal 17 is first applied to the gap between the partition 142 and the inclined surface portion 15323. The brazing filler metal 17 applied to this gap then advances toward the top of the tapered gap through capillary action, ultimately entering the space between the second flat surface portion 15324 of the lower plate-shaped member 1532 and the partition 142. If the brazing material 17 is applied to the gap between the relatively large opening of the partition plate 142 and the inclined surface portion 15323, the brazing material can naturally flow along the gap and enter between the second flat surface portion 15324 of the plate-like member 1532 and the partition plate 142, thereby reliably brazing the partition plate 142 and the plate-like member 1532. Furthermore, during brazing, the brazing material only needs to be filled in the gap between the relatively large opening of the partition plate 142 and the inclined surface portion 15323, thereby improving workability.

[0080] The end of the partition plate 142 attached to the lower plate-shaped member 1532 has a chamfered surface 1423 that is along the surface of the inclined surface portion 15323. The expression "along the inclined surface portion" used in this specification includes not only directions that are completely parallel to the surface of the inclined surface portion 15323 but also directions that are within a range of less than (±) 45 degrees from the surface of the inclined surface portion 15323.

[0081] The thickness T1 of the partition plate 142 is configured to be smaller than the thickness T2 of the inclined surface portion 15323 of the lower plate-shaped member 1532. Here, the thickness refers to the thickness along the direction in which the upper plate-shaped member 1531 and the lower plate-shaped member 1532 that constitute the tube 153 oppose each other. Furthermore, the thickness T2 of the inclined surface portion 15323 refers to the thickness from the upper surface of the second flat surface portion 15324 to the upper surface of the inclined surface portion 15323.

[0082] According to the installation structure of the above-mentioned tube 153 and partition 142, since the partition 142 is brazed over both the second flat surface 15324 and the inclined surface 15323 of the tube 153, compared with the structure in which the partition 142 is only brazed to the second flat surface 15324 of the tube 153, it is possible to further suppress the exhaust gas from flowing from the flow path of the first part 151 into the flow path of the second part 152 or from the flow path of the second part 152 into the flow path of the first part 151 from the installation portion of the tube 153 and the partition 142.

[0083] In this example, a portion of the end portion of the partition plate 142 is chamfered so as to follow the surface of the inclined surface portion 15323. This allows the partition plate 142 to function as a guide when being inserted into the tube 153, thereby improving assembly workability.

[0084] Furthermore, in this example, thickness T1 of partition plate 142 is smaller than thickness T2 of inclined surface portion 15323 of lower plate-shaped member 1532. Thus, partition plate 142 attached to pipe 153 does not protrude further into pipe 153 than inclined surface portion 15323, thereby preventing obstruction of the flow of exhaust gas within pipe 153.

[0085] Figure 8 142 and the tube 153. Figure 7 In the mounting structure shown, the partition 142 is in surface contact with the second flat surface 15324 of the tube 153. However, as Figure 8 As illustrated, the partition plate 142 and the second flat surface portion 15324 of the tube 153 may be separated from each other, and the brazing material 17 may be filled therebetween, and the brazing may be performed in this state.

[0086] Alternatively, the structure may be such that a portion of the second flat surface 15324 of the tube 153 is in surface contact with the partition 142 in the short side direction of the tube 153 (the front-to-back direction in this example), and a portion of the second flat surface 15324 is separated from the partition 142 .

[0087] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of the mounting structure of the partition plate and the tube. Figure 7 In the mounting structure shown, the upper plate-shaped member 1531 is formed into a flat shape until the end in the longitudinal direction, and the lower plate-shaped member 1532 is extended in the direction opposite to the upper plate-shaped member 1531 at the end in the longitudinal direction. Figure 9 As illustrated, the upper plate-shaped member 1531 may be formed so that its longitudinal end portion expands in a direction opposite to the lower plate-shaped member 1532. That is, the upper plate-shaped member 1531 may have the inclined surface portion 15313 and the second flat surface portion 15314.

[0088] Or, as Figure 10As shown in the example, upper plate-shaped member 1531 may also extend at its longitudinal end in a direction opposite to lower plate-shaped member 1532, with lower plate-shaped member 1532 remaining flat until its longitudinal end. In this case, partition plate 142 is attached to upper plate-shaped member 1531 of the uppermost tube 153 in second portion 152 of heat exchange unit 15. Specifically, partition plate 142 is brazed across both the inclined surface 15313 and the second flat surface 15314 of upper plate-shaped member 1531.

[0089] Furthermore, the aforementioned mounting structure of the tube 153 and the partition plate 142 can also be applied to an EGR cooler in which the inlet and outlet header 11 is directly connected to the housing 12 without passing through the duct portion 14. In such an EGR cooler in which the inlet and outlet header 11 is directly connected to the housing 12, the protrusion 113 provided on the inlet and outlet header 11 functions as a partition plate that separates a first passage, in which fluid flows in a first direction D1 toward the first portion 151 in the space between the inlet and outlet header 11 and the tube 153 in the housing 12, from a second passage, in which fluid flows in a second direction D2 from the second portion 152.

[0090] (Mounting Structure of Housing 12, Tube 153, and Connecting Header 13)

[0091] Next, use Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the installation structure of the shell 12, the tube 153 and the connecting header 13 is described in detail. Figure 11 Observe from the direction of the arrow X1-X1 Figure 3 A sectional view of the cutting line in .

[0092] like Figure 3 and Figure 11 As illustrated, the connection header 13 is attached so as to cover the longitudinal end 153E of the tube 153 and the longitudinal end 12E of the casing 12 , thereby forming a space S.

[0093] like Figure 11 As shown, the front portion 131 of the connecting header 13 includes an end portion 1311, a main wall portion 1312, and a connecting portion 1313 in a cross-section along the longitudinal direction of the tube 153. The end portion 1311 is configured to cover the outer surface of the housing 12. The main wall portion 1312 is configured with an inner wall surface 13121 located radially inward relative to the end portion 1311, defining a space S. The connecting portion 1313 connects the end portion 1311 and the main wall portion 1312.

[0094] The rear portion 132 of the connecting header 13 includes an end portion 1321, a main wall portion 1322, and a connecting portion 1323 in a cross-section along the longitudinal direction of the tube 153. The end portion 1321 is configured to cover the outer surface of the housing 12. The main wall portion 1322 is configured such that an inner wall surface 13221 is located radially inward relative to the end portion 1321 and defines a space S. The connecting portion 1323 connects the end portion 1321 and the main wall portion 1322.

[0095] Longitudinal end 153E of tube 153 and longitudinal end 12E of housing 12 abut against inner wall surface 13131 of connection portion 1313 connected to front portion 131 of header 13. Similarly, longitudinal end 153E of tube 153 and longitudinal end 12E of housing 12 abut against inner wall surface 13231 of connection portion 1323 connected to rear portion 132 of header 13.

[0096] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A partial enlarged view of the Figure 12 As illustrated, in this example, a surface 12E1 of the end portion 12E in the longitudinal direction of the housing 12 and a surface 153E1 of the end portion 153E in the longitudinal direction of the tube 153 are configured to form the same plane.

[0097] When assembling the tubes 153 , the housing 12 , and the connecting header 13 configured in this manner, first, a brazing filler metal is applied to the tubes 153 , and inner fins (not shown) are inserted into the tubes 153 .

[0098] Next, multiple tubes 153 are stacked inside the housing 12 to form a stack of the housing 12 and tubes 153. For example, the housing 12 is composed of two upper and lower members, with the tubes 153 stacked on the lower member of the housing 12, and the upper member of the housing 12 placed last. Brazing filler metal is applied to the joints between adjacent tubes 153. Brazing filler metal is also applied to the joints between the tubes 153 and the housing 12.

[0099] Next, the connecting header 13 is attached to the stack of the housing 12 and the tubes 153. The connecting header 13 is attached so as to cover the outer surface of the longitudinal end of the housing 12. Finally, brazing material is applied from the outside to the joint between the connecting header 13 and the stack.

[0100] Here, when the connecting header 13 is mounted on the stack of the housing 12 and the tubes 153, since there is no opening in the connecting header 13, it is impossible to determine whether the tubes 153 are displaced within the housing 12. If the tubes 153 are displaced within the housing 12, it is difficult to correct the displaced position. However, according to the above-described mounting structure, the ends 153E of the tubes 153 abut against the connecting portions 1313 and 1323 of the connecting header 13, so the tubes 153 can be assembled in the correct position.

[0101] Furthermore, since the connecting header 13 sandwiches the stack of the shell 12 and the tubes 153 from the outside, the tubes 153 and the shell 12 are unlikely to separate before brazing.

[0102] Furthermore, since the gap formed between the tube 153 and the housing 12 is covered with the connection portions 1313 and 1323 of the connecting header 13 , leakage of the brazing material from the gap formed between the tube 153 and the housing 12 can be prevented, thereby stabilizing and improving brazing performance.

[0103] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and the configurations of the above-described embodiments may be appropriately modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0104] In the above embodiment, an EGR cooler for cooling exhaust gas is described as an example of a heat exchanger. However, the heat exchanger may be a heat exchanger for cooling a fluid different from the exhaust gas, for example.

[0105] The following configurations also constitute part of the present disclosure.

[0106] Project 1:

[0107] A heat exchanger comprising:

[0108] a housing surrounding a heat exchange portion, the heat exchange portion having a first portion where a fluid flows in a first direction and a second portion where the fluid flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction;

[0109] a plurality of flat tubes extending in a longitudinal direction inside the housing; and

[0110] a partition extending along the tube and mounted on the tube, separating a first passage for fluid to flow toward the first portion in the first direction from a second passage for fluid to flow from the second portion in the second direction;

[0111] Each of the plurality of tubes has two opposing plate-shaped components.

[0112] One of the plate-shaped members of the tube to which the partition is mounted has: a flat surface portion overlapping and connected to the plate-shaped member of the adjacent tube; and an inclined surface portion extending from the flat surface portion and forming a gap between the plate-shaped member of the adjacent tube.

[0113] The partition plate is brazed to both the flat surface portion and the inclined surface portion.

[0114] Project 2:

[0115] In the heat exchanger according to item 1, the end portion of the partition plate attached to the plate-shaped member has a surface chamfered along a surface of the inclined surface portion.

[0116] Project 3:

[0117] In the heat exchanger described in item 1, the thickness of the partition plate in the direction along the opposing direction of the two plate-like members constituting the tube is smaller than the thickness of the inclined surface portion of the plate-like member.

[0118] Project 4:

[0119] A heat exchanger comprising:

[0120] a tube extending in a longitudinal direction;

[0121] a housing covering the tube; and

[0122] a header installed so as to cover the ends of the tubes in the longitudinal direction and the ends of the housing in the longitudinal direction and to form a space,

[0123] The header has, in a cross section of the tube surface along the longitudinal direction,:

[0124] an end portion covering an outer surface of the housing;

[0125] a main wall portion, an inner wall surface of which is located on the inner diameter side of the end portion and defines the space; and

[0126] a connecting portion connecting the end portion and the main wall portion,

[0127] The end portion of the tube and the end portion of the shell abut against the inner wall surface of the connection portion of the header.

[0128] Project 5:

[0129] In the heat exchanger according to item 4, the surface of the end portion of the shell abutting against the inner wall surface of the connection portion of the header and the surface of the end portion of the tube form a flush plane.

[0130] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-020113 filed on February 13, 2023, and the contents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising: a housing surrounding a heat exchange portion, the heat exchange portion having a first portion where a fluid flows in a first direction and a second portion where the fluid flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction; an inlet and outlet header having a first opening for the inflow of the fluid and a second opening for the outflow of the fluid; a piping portion connecting one end of the housing and the inlet and outlet headers; as well as a connecting header that closes the other end of the housing and connects the first portion and the second portion, The duct portion includes a shell and a partition disposed inside the shell. The partition divides the interior of the housing into a first passage and a second passage, the first passage connecting the first opening and the first portion, and the second passage connecting the second opening and the second portion. A slit is formed in a joint portion of the housing that joins the partition plate.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, One end of the pipe portion is connected to the inlet and outlet header, The other end of the duct portion is joined to one end of the housing.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or claim 2, The joint portion in the housing is provided with a through hole.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or claim 2, A protrusion is formed on the inlet and outlet header, and the protrusion protrudes from an inner surface of the inlet and outlet header toward the interior of the housing of the duct portion between the first opening and the second opening.

5. A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger, comprising: a housing surrounding a heat exchange portion; an inlet and outlet header having a first opening for fluid inflow and a second opening for fluid outflow; a piping portion having a shell and a partition and connecting one end of the housing and the inlet and outlet headers; and a connecting header closing the other end of the housing; The partition is welded to the joint portion of the shell from the outside of the shell through a through-hole formed in the joint portion of the shell in a state where the partition is in contact with the inner surface of the joint portion of the shell. A bonding material is supplied into the interior of the housing through a slit formed in the bonding portion of the housing, and an inner surface of the bonding portion and the partition are bonded together by the bonding material.

6. The heat exchanger joining method according to claim 5, The inlet and outlet header has a protrusion protruding between the first opening and the second opening, Prior to the welding, the inlet and outlet headers are welded to the shell so that the protruding portions protrude into the interior of the shell, and the partition plates are positioned in a state where the partition plates abut against the protruding portions.

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