Heat exchange module

By using a flat cylindrical base component and a support part to optimize the structure of the heat exchange module, the problem of space waste caused by the cylindrical tube unit is solved, and efficient space utilization and temperature stability of the heat exchange device are achieved.

CN120702264APending Publication Date: 2025-09-26NIFCO INC +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510327405.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-25
Filing Date
2025-03-19
Publication Date
2025-09-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Since the tube unit is cylindrical, it is difficult to spatially arrange the components of the temperature control system or the temperature control object, resulting in a large space occupied by the system.

Method used

A flat cylindrical base component and a heat exchanger branching from the base component are used, combined with multiple support parts to form a flat heat exchange module. The flow path of the heat medium is optimized through the flow path and support parts, reducing space occupancy.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces the space occupied by the heat exchange module, improves space utilization efficiency, suppresses temperature fluctuations of the heat medium, and enables the heat exchange device to be set up in a small space.

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Abstract

The heat exchange module is provided with a base member and a heat exchanger, the base member having a flat tubular shape, and the heat exchanger branching from the base member. The base member includes a flow path connecting a first end portion of the base member and a second end portion on an opposite side to the first end portion, and a plurality of pillar portions located in the flow path. The direction in which the flow path extends is the flow direction, and the direction orthogonal to the flow direction is the longitudinal direction. The plurality of pillar portions includes a first pillar portion and a second pillar portion. The first pillar portion and the second pillar portion are located at positions separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first pillar portion is located at a position separated from the second end portion, and the second pillar portion is located at a position separated from the first end portion.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchange module. Background Art

[0002] An example temperature control system includes a pair of tube units extending along an extension direction, and a plurality of heat exchangers positioned between the tube units. Each heat exchanger has a plate shape along a plane defined by the extension direction and a width direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The plurality of heat exchangers are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the pair of tube units. Each heat exchanger includes a channel within the heat exchanger through which a heat medium passes.

[0003] Each tube unit is cylindrical. In a pair of tube units, heat medium before heat exchange is supplied to one tube unit, and heat medium after heat exchange through the channels of each heat exchanger is discharged to the other tube unit (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-180876). Summary of the Invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] Since the pipe unit is cylindrical, a space is created around the pipe unit where it is difficult to arrange components constituting the temperature control system or the temperature control target of the temperature control system. As a result, the space occupied by the temperature control system tends to become larger than the size of the temperature control system itself.

[0006] Solutions to Problems

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat exchange module comprises: a base member, which is in a flat cylindrical shape; and a heat exchanger, which branches off from the base member, the base member comprising: a flow path, which connects a first end portion of the base member and a second end portion on the side opposite to the first end portion; and a plurality of support portions, which are located in the flow path, the direction in which the flow path extends is the flow direction, and the direction orthogonal to the flow direction is the length direction, the plurality of support portions include a first support portion and a second support portion, the first support portion and the second support portion are located at positions separated from each other in the length direction, the first support portion is located at a position separated from the second end portion, and the second support portion is located at a position separated from the first end portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a heat exchange module according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a heat exchange device including three heat exchange modules.

[0010] Figure 3It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the base member along a plane defined by the flow direction and the longitudinal direction.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a front view of a base member included in the heat exchange module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Reference Figures 1 to 4 One embodiment of a heat exchange module will be described.

[0013] [Heat exchange module]

[0014] Reference Figure 1 Describe the hot swap module. Figure 1 Two heat exchange modules are shown.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchange module 10 includes a base member 11 and a heat exchanger 12. The base member 11 is a flat cylindrical member. The base member 11 is a resin molded product. The base member 11 includes a first cylindrical portion 11M1 and a second cylindrical portion 11M2. The first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second cylindrical portion 11M2 are connected to each other via an intermediate portion 11M3 located between the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0016] Each of the cylindrical portions 11M1 and 11M2 of the base member 11 includes a flow path 11A through which the heat medium flows. The direction in which the heat medium flows, i.e., the direction in which the flow path 11A extends, is the flow direction DF. The direction perpendicular to the flow direction DF is the longitudinal direction DL. The direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the flow direction DF and the longitudinal direction DL is the thickness direction DT. The first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second cylindrical portion 11M2 are arranged along the longitudinal direction DL. Therefore, two flow paths 11A are arranged along the longitudinal direction DL. The two flow paths 11A are composed of the first flow path 11A1 included in the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second flow path 11A2 included in the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0017] The base member 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, with a larger width along the longitudinal direction DL than along the flow direction DF. The base member 11 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, with a smaller width along the thickness direction DT than along the flow direction DF and along the longitudinal direction DL.

[0018] The base member 11 includes a first side surface 11S1 and a second side surface 11S2. The first side surface 11S1 extends along a plane defined by the flow direction DF and the longitudinal direction DL. The second side surface 11S2 opposes the first side surface 11S1 in the thickness direction DT. Since the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 are part of the plane that defines the flow paths 11A1 and 11A2 of the tubular portions 11M1 and 11M2, the base member 11 includes two sets of the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 opposing the first side surface 11S1.

[0019] Each side surface 11S1 and 11S2 includes a connection portion for connecting to the heat exchanger 12. The connection portion protruding from the first side surface 11S1 is the first connection portion 11C1. The first connection portion 11C1 is cylindrical and extends in the thickness direction DT. The connection portion protruding from the second side surface 11S2 is the second connection portion 11C2. The second connection portion 11C2 is cylindrical and extends in the thickness direction DT. This allows heat exchange objects to be arranged along the side surfaces 11S1 and 11S2 of the base member 11.

[0020] Each cylindrical portion 11M1, 11M2 includes a pair of engaging claws 11FC protruding from the cylindrical portion 11M1, 11M2. The pair of engaging claws 11FC sandwich the cylindrical portion 11M1, 11M2 connected to the engaging claws 11FC along the longitudinal direction DL. Each engaging claw 11FC is located at the first cylindrical end of the cylindrical portion 11M1, 11M2 in the flow direction DF.

[0021] The base member 11 includes a flange portion 11F. The flange portion 11F is connected to the second end of the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second end of the second cylindrical portion 11M2. In the longitudinal direction DL, the first flange end of the flange portion 11F extends from the first cylindrical portion 11M1, and the second flange end of the flange portion 11F extends from the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0022] The flange portion 11F includes four fitting holes 11FH. Each fitting hole 11FH penetrates the flange portion 11F in the flow direction DF. In the longitudinal direction DL, the first pair of fitting holes 11FH sandwich the first cylindrical portion 11M1, and the second pair of fitting holes 11FH sandwich the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0023] The base member 11 includes a sealing member 11SL. The sealing member 11SL is embedded in the outer surface of each cylindrical portion 11M1, 11M2. The sealing member 11SL is located at the first cylindrical end of each cylindrical portion 11M1, 11M2 in the flow direction DF. The sealing member 11SL has an annular shape extending over the entire circumference of the cylindrical portions 11M1, 11M2.

[0024] The heat exchangers 12 branch from the base member 11. Each heat exchanger 12 includes a main body 12A. When attached to the base member 11, the main body 12A has a rectangular shape extending along a plane defined by the thickness direction DT and the length direction DL. Each heat exchanger 12 includes two connected portions 12C arranged along the length direction DL. Each connected portion 12C has a cylindrical shape extending along the thickness direction DT. The end of each connected portion 12C protrudes from the main body 12A in the thickness direction DT.

[0025] Two heat exchangers 12 are mounted on one base member 11. Of the two heat exchangers 12, the first heat exchanger 12 is connected to the first connecting portion 11C1 of each of the cylindrical portions 11M1 and 11M2. At this time, the first connected portion 12C is connected to the first connecting portion 11C1 of the first cylindrical portion 11M1, and the second connected portion 12C is connected to the first connecting portion 11C1 of the second cylindrical portion 11M2. The second heat exchanger 12 is connected to the second connecting portion 11C2 of each of the cylindrical portions 11M1 and 11M2. At this time, the first connected portion 12C is connected to the second connecting portion 11C2 of the first cylindrical portion 11M1, and the second connected portion 12C is connected to the second connecting portion 11C2 of the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0026] The main body 12A includes a flow path 12A1 that serves as a passage for the heat medium. A first flow path end of the flow path 12A1 is connected to the first connected portion 12C, and a second flow path end of the flow path 12A1 is connected to the second connected portion 12C. When the heat exchanger 12 is connected to the base member 11, the flow path 12A1 has a zigzag shape with a bend located at an end in the thickness direction DT.

[0027] The heat exchanger 12 includes a plurality of reinforcing members 12B. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the heat exchanger 12 includes three reinforcement members 12B. When the heat exchanger 12 is attached to the base member 11, each reinforcement member 12B extends in the thickness direction DT. The three reinforcement members 12B are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction DL. Each reinforcement member 12B is attached to the outer surface of the main body 12A so as to be sandwiched between adjacent portions of the flow path 12A1 in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0028] The main body 12A of the heat exchanger 12 is formed, for example, from a laminate film. Therefore, the main body 12A is flexible and expands when a heat medium is supplied to the main body 12A. The laminate film comprises two or more layers. For example, the laminate film may comprise a resin film and a metal foil. The connected portion 12C is formed from a resin. Each reinforcing member 12B is formed, for example, from metal.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchange device can have more than three heat exchange modules 10. Figure 2In the example shown, the heat exchange device includes three heat exchange modules 10. In the flow direction DF, a first heat exchange module 10A, a second heat exchange module 10B, and a third heat exchange module 10C are arranged in the order shown. Each heat exchange module 10A, 10B, and 10C has the same structure as the aforementioned heat exchange module 10.

[0030] When assembling the heat exchange device, the engaging claws 11FC on the base member 11 of the second heat exchange module 10B are fitted into the engaging holes 11FH on the base member 11 of the first heat exchange module 10A. Furthermore, the engaging claws 11FC on the base member 11 of the third heat exchange module 10C are fitted into the engaging holes 11FH on the base member 11 of the second heat exchange module 10B. This interconnects the first flow paths 11A1 of the respective base members 11, and the second flow paths 11A2 of the respective base members 11. At this point, the gaps between the flow paths 11A are sealed by the sealing member 11SL.

[0031] Furthermore, a member for sealing the end opposite to the end connected to the second heat exchange module 10B is attached to the base member 11 of the first heat exchange module 10A. Furthermore, a supply pipe SP for supplying heat medium before heat exchange to the first tubular portion 11M1 is connected to the base member 11 of the third heat exchange module 10C, and a discharge pipe DP for discharging heat medium after heat exchange is connected to the second tubular portion 11M2.

[0032] When the heat exchange device is in use, objects to be heat exchanged are placed between adjacent heat exchangers 12 in the flow direction DF. When a heat medium, pressurized by a pump (not shown), is supplied from a supply pipe SP to the first tubular portion 11M1 of the base member 11 of the third heat exchange module 10C, a portion of the heat medium is supplied from the first tubular portion 11M1 of the base member 11 of the second heat exchange module 10B to the first tubular portion 11M1 of the base member 11 of the first heat exchange module 10A.

[0033] Furthermore, a portion of the heat medium supplied to the first tubular portion 11M1 of each base member 11 is supplied to the heat exchanger 12 connected to the base member 11, and then supplied to the second tubular portion 11M2 of the base member 11 through the flow path 12A1 of the heat exchanger 12. As the heat medium passes through the flow path 12A1 of the heat exchanger 12, heat is exchanged between the heat medium and the object via the main body 12A of the heat exchanger 12. As a result, the object is cooled or heated by the heat medium.

[0034] The heat medium supplied to the second cylindrical portion 11M2 of the base member 11 of each of the heat exchange modules 10A, 10B, and 10C flows toward the discharge pipe DP through the flow path 11A defined by the three second cylindrical portions 11M2 .

[0035] Alternatively, the supply pipe SP may be connected to the second cylindrical portion 11M2 of the base member 11 of the third heat exchange module 10C, and the discharge pipe DP may be connected to the first cylindrical portion 11M1 of the base member 11 of the third heat exchange module 10C. In this case, the heat medium is supplied from the flow path 11A connected to the second cylindrical portion 11M2 of each base member 11 to the flow path 11A connected to the first cylindrical portion 11M1 of each base member 11. In this case, a portion of the heat medium supplied to the second cylindrical portion 11M2 of each base member 11 passes through the heat exchanger 12 connected to each base member 11, and flows from the second cylindrical portion 11M2 to the first cylindrical portion 11M1.

[0036] In the heat exchange device, the number of base members 11 connected in the heat exchange device can be easily changed by utilizing the engagement claws 11FC and engagement holes 11FH provided on each base member 11. Therefore, according to the heat exchange module 10, the size of the space occupied by the heat exchange device can be easily changed according to the size of the space in which the heat exchange device is installed.

[0037] Furthermore, in the heat exchange module 10, heat exchangers 12 extending in the thickness direction are connected to both sides of the flat base member 11. Thus, the space enclosed by the two heat exchangers 12 and the base member 11 forms a space for arranging heat exchange objects. Therefore, within a heat exchange device equipped with multiple heat exchange modules 10, it is less likely that there will be spaces without components forming the heat exchange modules 10 or objects to be heat exchanged. This improves the efficiency of the space used to house the heat exchange device.

[0038] Furthermore, in the heat exchange device, the flow path 11A for flowing the heat medium in the first flow direction DF and the flow path 11A for flowing the heat medium in the second flow direction DF, which is opposite to the first flow direction DF, are arranged at the same position in the thickness direction DT. Therefore, the space occupied by the heat exchange device can be reduced compared to a case where the flow path for supplying the heat medium to the heat exchanger 12 and the flow path for discharging the heat medium from the heat exchanger 12 are arranged at different positions in the thickness direction DT.

[0039] [Base component]

[0040] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the base member 11 will be described in more detail.

[0041] Figure 3 The cross-sectional structure of the base member 11 along a plane defined by the flow direction DF and the length direction DL is shown.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, the base member 11 includes the above-mentioned flow path 11A. The flow path 11A connects the first end 11E1 of the base member 11 and the second end 11E2 on the side opposite to the first end 11E1. As described above, the base member 11 includes the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second cylindrical portion 11M2. The ends of each cylindrical portion 11M1, 11M2 in the flow direction DF are the first end 11E1 and the second end 11E2 of the base member 11. The first cylindrical portion 11M1 includes the first flow path 11A1, and the second cylindrical portion 11M2 includes the second flow path 11A2. Each flow path 11A1, 11A2 extends from one end to the other end of the cylindrical portion 11M1, 11M2 including the flow path 11A1, 11A2 in the flow direction DF.

[0043] In the base member 11, the second tubular portion 11M2 has a structure in which the first tubular portion 11M1 is reversed in the longitudinal direction DL. Therefore, the shape of the first tubular portion 11M1 will be described in detail below, and detailed description of the shape of the second tubular portion 11M2 will be omitted.

[0044] The base member 11 includes a plurality of support columns 21 positioned within the flow path 11A. The plurality of support columns 21 include a first support column 21A and a second support column 21B. The first support column 21A and the second support column 21B are positioned apart from each other in the longitudinal direction DL. The first support column 21A is positioned away from the second end portion 11E2, and the second support column 21B is positioned away from the first end portion 11E1.

[0045] According to the heat exchange module 10 of the present disclosure, the flat base member 11 reduces the space occupied by the heat exchange module 10. Consequently, the heat exchange module 10 can be installed even in a confined space. Furthermore, the heat medium flowing within the flow path 11A collides with the support members 21 and can flow along the longitudinal direction DL through the gaps between the end portions 11E1 and 11E2 of the base member 11 and the support members 21 in the flow direction DF. Consequently, fluctuations in the heat medium's temperature can be suppressed.

[0046] Each support portion 21 has a rib-like shape extending along the flow direction DF. Therefore, the heat medium can flow along the support portion 21, and the flow of the heat medium is not easily obstructed by the support portion 21. Each support portion 21 has a plate-like shape extending along the flow direction DF. Each support portion 21 has a plate-like shape extending along a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the flow direction DF and the longitudinal direction DL. Each support portion 21 may also have a plate-like shape that intersects the plane defined by the flow direction DF and the longitudinal direction DL at an angle other than perpendicular.

[0047] The first support portion 21A includes a portion located closer to the first end portion 11E1 than the second support portion 21B in the flow direction DF, and the second support portion 21B includes a portion located closer to the second end portion 11E2 than the first support portion 21A in the flow direction DF. In this case, since the first support portion 21A and the second support portion 21B do not overlap in at least a portion of the flow direction DF, the heat medium flowing in the flow path 11A easily flows along the longitudinal direction DL. This facilitates mixing of the heat medium within the flow path 11A.

[0048] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the entire first support portion 21A is positioned closer to the first end portion 11E1 than the second support portion 21B in the flow direction DF. The entire second support portion 21B is positioned closer to the second end portion 11E2 than the first support portion 21A in the flow direction DF. In this case, since the first support portion 21A and the second support portion 21B, which are located apart from each other in the longitudinal direction DL, also have different positions in the flow direction DF, the heat medium flowing in the flow path 11A is more likely to flow along the longitudinal direction DL.

[0049] The first support portion 21A includes a third end 21A1 in the flow direction DF and a fourth end 21A2 opposite the third end 21A1. The second support portion 21B includes a fifth end 21B1 in the flow direction DF and a sixth end 21B2 opposite the fifth end 21B1. The third end 21A1 of the first support portion 21A is the end that is shorter in the flow direction DF than the first end 11E1 of the base member 11. The sixth end 21B2 of the second support portion 21B is the end that is shorter in the flow direction DF than the second end 11E2 of the base member 11.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, a gap exists between the fourth end 21A2 of the first support 21A and the fifth end 21B1 of the second support 21B in the flow direction DF. This allows the flow path 11A to be blocked in the longitudinal direction DL by only one of the first support 21A and the second support 21B. This reduces the channel width compared to a case where the flow path 11A is blocked in the longitudinal direction DL by both the first support 21A and the second support 21B. Furthermore, the heat medium can flow through the gap between the first support 21A and the second support 21B in the flow direction DF. As a result, the heat medium flows more easily.

[0051] The plurality of support portions 21 may include a plurality of either the first support portion 21A or the second support portion 21B. In this case, the other of the first support portion 21A and the second support portion 21B may be located between the first support portion 21A and the second support portion 21B in the longitudinal direction DL. Consequently, when the heat medium flows from the first support portion 21A to the second support portion 21B, or from the second support portion 21B to the first support portion 21A, the flow of the heat medium is altered at the boundary between the two types of support portions 21A and 21B. This facilitates mixing of the heat medium in the longitudinal direction DL, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the heat medium's temperature.

[0052] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the plurality of support columns 21 located within a single flow channel 11A include a plurality of second support columns 21B. The plurality of support columns 21 include one first support column 21A and two second support columns 21B. In the longitudinal direction DL, the first support column 21A is located in the center of the flow channel 11A. Of the second support columns 21B, the first second support column 21B is located above the first support column 21A in the longitudinal direction DL, and the second second support column 21B is located below the first support column 21A in the longitudinal direction DL. Thus, a single first support column 21A is located between two second support columns 21B in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0053] Furthermore, the plurality of support pillars 21 located within a single flow channel 11A may include a plurality of first support pillars 21A. For example, when the plurality of support pillars 21 include two first support pillars 21A and one second support pillar 21B, one second support pillar 21B may be located between the two first support pillars 21A in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0054] The base member 11 includes a through-hole 11HC within the flow path 11A. Through-hole 11HC extends through the base member 11 in the thickness direction DT. Through-hole 11HC is located approximately in the center of the flow path 11A in the flow direction DF. Through-hole 11HC is connected to the space defined by the second connection portion 11C2 of the base member 11. This allows the heat medium within the flow path 11A to be supplied to the heat exchanger 12 connected to the base member 11 via through-hole 11HC and the second connection portion 11C2.

[0055] Figure 4 The structure of the base member 11 as viewed from a viewpoint opposing a plane defined by the longitudinal direction DL and the thickness direction DT is shown.

[0056] like Figure 4As shown, the base member 11 includes the aforementioned first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2. The first side surface 11S1 extends along a plane defined by the flow direction DF and the length direction DL. The second side surface 11S2 faces the first side surface 11S1 in the thickness direction DT. Each support portion 21 connects the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2. Because each support portion 21 connects the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2, the base member 11 can withstand a higher pressure from the heat medium than when the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 are not connected.

[0057] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the first support portion 21A connects the first side surface 11S1 to the second side surface 11S2 approximately at the center of the first cylindrical portion 11M1 in the longitudinal direction DL. The first of the second support portions 21B connects the first side surface 11S1 to the second side surface 11S2 at a position above the first support portion 21A in the longitudinal direction DL. The second of the second support portions 21B connects the first side surface 11S1 to the second side surface 11S2 at a position below the first support portion 21A in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0058] Since the positions where the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 are connected by the support portions 21 do not overlap in the longitudinal direction DL, the base member 11 can be reinforced by the support portions 21 over a wide range in the longitudinal direction DL. Therefore, compared to a case where the base member 11 has only one support portion 21, the base member 11 can withstand a higher pressure from the heat medium.

[0059] As described above, according to one embodiment of the heat exchange module, the following effects can be obtained:

[0060] (1) Since the base member 11 is flat, the space occupied by the heat exchange module 10 can be reduced. As a result, the heat exchange module 10 can be installed in a small space. In addition, the heat medium flowing in the flow path 11A collides with each support portion 21, and the heat medium can flow in the longitudinal direction DL through the gaps between the ends of the base member 11 and the support portions 21 in the flow direction DF. Therefore, fluctuations in the temperature of the heat medium can be suppressed.

[0061] (2) Since the first support portion 21A does not overlap the second support portion 21B in at least a portion of the flow direction DF, the heat medium flowing in the flow path 11A easily flows in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0062] (3) Since each support portion 21 connects the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 to each other, the base member 11 can withstand a higher pressure of the heat medium than when the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 are not connected to each other.

[0063] (4) An object to be heat exchanged can be arranged along the side surfaces 11S1 and 11S2 of the base member 11 .

[0064] (5) Since the support portion 21 is rib-shaped, the heat medium can flow along the support portion 21 , and the flow of the heat medium is not easily blocked by the support portion 21 .

[0065] (6) In the longitudinal direction DL, the flow path 11A is only blocked by one of the first support portion 21A and the second support portion 21B. Therefore, compared to a case where the flow path 11A is blocked by both the first support portion 21A and the second support portion 21B in the longitudinal direction DL, the flow path width is less likely to be narrowed. As a result, the heat medium flows more easily.

[0066] (7) When the heat medium flows from the first support 21A to the second support 21B, or from the second support 21B to the first support 21A, the flow of the heat medium is changed at the boundary between the two support 21A and 21B. Therefore, the heat medium is easily mixed in the longitudinal direction DL. As a result, fluctuations in the heat medium temperature are suppressed.

[0067] The above-mentioned embodiment can be implemented with modifications as follows.

[0068] [Pillar Department]

[0069] The fourth end 21A2 of the first support portion 21A may be positioned at the same position as the fifth end 21B1 of the second support portion 21B in the flow direction DF. In this case, the same effect as (6) above can be obtained.

[0070] The first support portion 21A may include a portion located closer to the first end portion 11E1 than the second support portion 21B in the flow direction DF, and the second support portion 21B may entirely overlap with the first support portion 21A in the flow direction DF. Alternatively, the second support portion 21B may include a portion located closer to the second end portion 11E2 than the first support portion 21A in the flow direction DF, and the first support portion 21A may entirely overlap with the second support portion 21B in the flow direction DF.

[0071] Alternatively, the plurality of support columns 21 may include a plurality of first support columns 21A and a plurality of second support columns 21B. In this case, at least one of the following conditions may be satisfied: one second support column 21B is located between two first support columns 21A in the longitudinal direction DL, or one first support column 21A is located between two second support columns 21B in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0072] The plurality of support portions 21 may include only support portions 21 whose positions in the longitudinal direction DL are different from each other but whose positions in the flow direction DF are the same. In other words, the plurality of support portions 21 may include only support portions 21 whose positions at both ends in the flow direction DF are the same.

[0073] The support columns 21 included in the first tubular portion 11M1 and the support columns 21 included in the second tubular portion 11M2 may be different from each other in at least one of the number and arrangement of the support columns 21 .

[0074] [Base component]

[0075] The base member 11 may include only one of the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second cylindrical portion 11M2. In this case, in the heat exchange device, the base member 11 located at one end in the flow direction DF may be connected to a heat medium supply pipe SP, while the base member 11 located at the other end in the flow direction DF may be connected to a heat medium discharge pipe DP. Furthermore, in each base member 11, the through-hole 11HC for supplying the heat medium to the heat exchanger 12 and the through-hole 11HC for discharging the heat medium from the heat exchanger 12 may be located within a single flow path 11A.

[0076] [Heat medium]

[0077] The heat medium supplied to the heat exchange module 10 may be a refrigerant or a heat medium.

Claims

1. A heat exchange module comprising: a base member in the shape of a flat cylinder; and a heat exchanger, which branches off from the base member, The base component comprises: a flow path connecting a first end portion of the base member and a second end portion on the opposite side to the first end portion; and a plurality of support pillars located in the flow path, The direction in which the flow path extends is the flow direction, and the direction perpendicular to the flow direction is the length direction. The plurality of support pillars include a first support pillar and a second support pillar. The first support portion and the second support portion are located at positions separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first support portion is located at a position separated from the second end portion. The second support portion is located at a position separated from the first end portion.

2. The heat exchange module according to claim 1, wherein: The first support portion includes a portion located closer to the first end portion than the second support portion in the flow direction. The second support portion includes a portion located closer to the second end portion than the first support portion in the flow direction.

3. The heat exchange module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base component comprises: a first side surface along a plane defined by the flow direction and the length direction; and a second side surface, which is opposite to the first side surface, Each support portion connects the first side surface and the second side surface to each other.

4. The heat exchange module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base component comprises: a side surface along a plane defined by the flow direction and the length direction, The side surface includes a connection portion to which the heat exchanger is connected.

5. The heat exchange module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flow direction is the direction of heat medium flow, Each support portion is in the shape of a rib extending along the flow direction.

6. The heat exchange module according to claim 2, wherein: The first support portion includes a third end portion in the flow direction and a fourth end portion on the opposite side to the third end portion. The second support portion includes a fifth end portion in the flow direction and a sixth end portion on the opposite side to the fifth end portion. In the flow direction, the end of the first support portion that is shorter than the first end of the base member is the third end of the first support portion. In the flow direction, the end of the second support portion that is shorter than the second end of the base member is the sixth end of the second support portion. In the flow direction, the position of the fourth end of the first support portion is the same as the position of the fifth end of the second support portion.

7. The heat exchange module according to claim 2 or 6, wherein: The first support portion is one of a plurality of first support portions, The second support portion is located between two of the plurality of first support portions in the longitudinal direction.

8. The heat exchange module according to claim 2 or 6, wherein: The second support portion is one of a plurality of second support portions, The first support portion is located between two of the plurality of second support portions in the longitudinal direction.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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