Ion exchanger

Abstract

The present invention provides an ion exchanger comprising: a plurality of housing parts arranged in parallel; a plurality of ion exchange resins respectively accommodated in the plurality of accommodating parts; and an inflow pipe extending in the parallel direction of the plurality of storage parts. Each storage part is provided with a bottom wall. The inflow pipe has a plurality of communication portions provided corresponding to the plurality of housing portions, a first tapered portion, and a second tapered portion provided downstream of the first tapered portion. The degree of decrease in the flow path cross-sectional area of the inflow pipe at the second tapered portion is greater than the degree of decrease in the flow path cross-sectional area of the inflow pipe at the first tapered portion. The second tapered portion communicates with a receiving portion located on the most downstream side in the flow direction among the plurality of receiving portions via a corresponding communication portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to ion exchangers. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in fuel cells, cooling water circulating inside the fuel cell is used to suppress temperature rise during power generation. However, as ions dissolve into the cooling water during power generation, the conductivity of the cooling water increases. As a result, there is a possibility of reduced fuel cell performance due to leakage current generated through the cooling water. Therefore, an ion exchanger is connected to the fuel cell to remove ions from the cooling water by passing the cooling water through an ion exchange resin.

[0003] The ion exchanger described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-229152 includes a housing and multiple filter elements that can be attached and detached from the housing. The filter elements are filled with ion exchange resin.

[0004] The housing has multiple filter element storage spaces arranged in parallel, with each filter element housed within one of these spaces. An inflow passage and an outflow passage are formed in the lower and upper parts of the housing, respectively. The inflow passage extends along the parallel direction of the filter element storage spaces and communicates with the lower part of each space. The outflow passage extends along the parallel direction of the filter element storage spaces and communicates with the upper part of each space.

[0005] The cooling water flowing into the inflow passage flows from the bottom to the top of the housing and then flows out to the outside of the housing via the outflow passage. At this time, the cooling water passes through the ion exchange resin of each filter element, thereby removing ions from the cooling water. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the ion exchanger described in the aforementioned publication, cooling water flows in the inflow passage in a parallel direction along the filter element housing space, and simultaneously flows from bottom to top within each filter element. That is, the flow direction of the cooling water changes as it flows from the inflow passage towards each filter element. However, due to inertia, the cooling water flowing in the inflow passage tends to flow more downstream than towards each filter element. In this case, the flow rate of cooling water tends to increase more for filter elements positioned downstream of the inflow passage. Consequently, the more downstream a filter element is positioned, the more easily the ion exchange resin deteriorates. As a result, the more ion exchange resin a filter element with rapidly deteriorating ion exchange resin has, the more easily the flow rate of cooling water increases, and therefore the ion exchange efficiency in the ion exchanger may decrease.

[0008] Solution for solving the problem

[0009] An ion exchanger disclosed herein comprises: a plurality of parallel receiving portions; a plurality of ion exchange resins, each received in one of the plurality of receiving portions; and an inflow pipe extending along the parallel direction of the plurality of receiving portions and configured to allow cooling water to flow into the plurality of receiving portions. The receiving portions, when the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the inflow pipe is simply referred to as the flow direction, each have a bottom wall. The inflow pipe has: a plurality of connecting portions corresponding to the plurality of receiving portions, each connecting portion opening into the bottom wall of a corresponding receiving portion and extending radially into the inflow pipe. The internal space of the first tapered portion is connected to the internal space of the corresponding storage portion; the first tapered portion is configured such that the flow path cross-sectional area decreases as it moves downstream in the flow direction; and the second tapered portion is disposed on the downstream side of the first tapered portion, configured such that the flow path cross-sectional area decreases as it moves downstream, the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe at the second tapered portion is greater than the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe at the first tapered portion, and the second tapered portion is connected to the storage portion located on the most downstream side in the flow direction among the plurality of storage portions via the corresponding connecting portion. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an ion exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the inflow pipe in an ion exchanger.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional sectional view of the shell in an ion exchanger.

[0013] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line 4-4.

[0014] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the effluent tube in an ion exchanger.

[0015] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view showing the state before resin is injected into the chamber used to form the inflow tube. Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view showing the state after resin has been injected into the chamber.

[0016] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view showing the state before resin is injected into the chamber used to form the outlet tube. Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view showing the state after resin has been injected into the chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 7B This describes one implementation of an ion exchanger.

[0018] (Overall structure of ion exchanger 10)

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the ion exchanger 10 is connected, for example, to a cooling circuit C that supplies cooling water for cooling the fuel cell. The ion exchanger 10 is used to remove ions contained in the cooling water.

[0020] The ion exchanger 10 includes a housing 20 and two filter elements 40. Each filter element 40 is configured to be detachable from the housing 20.

[0021] (Overall structure of shell 20)

[0022] The housing 20 includes two receiving portions 21, a connecting portion 27, an inlet pipe 30, and an outlet pipe 36. The two receiving portions 21 are arranged side by side with a gap between them. The connecting portion 27 connects the two receiving portions 21. The inlet pipe 30 allows cooling water to flow into the two receiving portions 21. The outlet pipe 36 allows cooling water to flow out of the two receiving portions 21. The housing 20 is formed, for example, from a thermoplastic resin material.

[0023] (Structure of storage section 21)

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, each storage section 21 has a bottom wall 22, a peripheral wall 23, and a protrusion 24. The bottom wall 22 is circular in shape when viewed from above. The peripheral wall 23 protrudes upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 22. The protrusion 24 protrudes upward from the center of the bottom wall 22. The protrusion 24 is formed in a ring that surrounds the center of the bottom wall 22 all around its circumference. The peripheral walls 23 of two storage sections 21 are connected by a connecting part 27.

[0025] An insertion port 25 is formed at the end of the peripheral wall 23 opposite to the bottom wall 22 for inserting the filter element 40 into the housing 21. The insertion port 25 opens upward. That is, the housing 21 is formed as a cylindrical shape with the lower end closed. An internal thread 26 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion port 25.

[0026] (Structure of inlet pipe 30)

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the inflow pipe 30 extends in a straight line below the two receiving sections 21 along the arrangement direction of the two receiving sections 21. The inflow pipe 30 extends parallel to an imaginary line that separates the centers of the bottom walls 22 connecting the two receiving sections 21 from each other along the surface direction of the bottom walls 22. The cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the inflow pipe 30 orthogonal to the length direction is circular.

[0028] like Figure 2As shown, the inflow pipe 30 is integrally formed on each bottom wall 22. The internal space of the inflow pipe 30 is separated from the internal space of each receiving portion 21 only by the bottom wall 22. In other words, the inflow pipe 30 has a peripheral wall 31 that forms part of each bottom wall 22. The peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30 is exposed in the internal space of each receiving portion 21.

[0029] The inflow pipe 30 has a first connection port 32 that connects to the cooling circuit C. The first connection port 32 protrudes outward from the receiving portion 21. Cooling water flowing in the cooling circuit C flows into the inflow pipe 30 via the first connection port 32.

[0030] Hereinafter, the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the inlet pipe 30 will be simply referred to as the flow direction. Additionally, sometimes the upstream receiving section 21 in the flow direction is designated as receiving section 21A, and the downstream receiving section 21 is designated as receiving section 21B. Furthermore, receiving section 21B is the most downstream receiving section 21 in the flow direction.

[0031] The inlet pipe 30 has a first tapered portion 33 and a second tapered portion 34. The first tapered portion 33 and the second tapered portion 34 are portions whose cross-sectional area decreases towards the downstream side in the flow direction. The second tapered portion 34 is continuously disposed downstream of the first tapered portion 33. The degree of reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe 30 at the second tapered portion 34 is greater than the degree of reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe 30 at the first tapered portion 33. Furthermore, "degree of reduction in cross-sectional area" refers to the degree of inclination of the inner surface of the flow path relative to the central axis of the flow path.

[0032] The portion of the inflow pipe 30 that forms the peripheral wall 31 through the bottom wall 22 of the receiving portion 21A is the first tapered portion 33. The wall thickness of the portion of the bottom wall 22 of the receiving portion 21A that forms the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30 is constant. That is, the portion that is the inner surface of the bottom wall 22 of the receiving portion 21A and the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered portion 33 is inclined relative to the central axis of the inflow pipe 30 and extends along the inner peripheral surface of the first tapered portion 33.

[0033] The portion of the inflow pipe 30 that forms the peripheral wall 31 through the bottom wall 22 of the receiving portion 21B is the second tapered portion 34. The wall thickness of the portion of the bottom wall 22 of the receiving portion 21B that forms the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30 is constant. That is, the portion that is the inner surface of the bottom wall 22 of the receiving portion 21B and the outer peripheral surface of the second tapered portion 34 is inclined relative to the central axis of the inflow pipe 30 and extends along the inner peripheral surface of the second tapered portion 34.

[0034] The junction of the first tapered portion 33 and the second tapered portion 34 in the inflow pipe 30 is located between the two receiving portions 21. A portion of the junction of the first tapered portion 33 and the second tapered portion 34 is formed by the connecting portion 27.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the inflow pipe 30 has two inflow-side connecting portions 35 corresponding to the two receiving portions 21. Each inflow-side connecting portion 35 opens into the bottom wall 22 of the corresponding receiving portion 21. Each inflow-side connecting portion 35 connects the internal space of the inflow pipe 30 to the internal space of the receiving portion 21 in the radial direction. The inflow-side connecting portion 35 includes a through hole penetrating the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30. The internal spaces of the two inflow-side connecting portions 35 are identical in shape and size. The openings of each inflow-side connecting portion 35 on the bottom wall 22 are approximately quadrilateral in top view. The inflow-side connecting portion 35 is an example of a "connecting portion".

[0036] The inflow-side connecting portion 35, which opens into the bottom wall 22 of the storage section 21A, is located offset from the center of the bottom wall 22 and is positioned midway along the length of the first tapered portion 33. That is, the first tapered portion 33 communicates with the storage section 21A via the inflow-side connecting portion 35.

[0037] An inflow-side connecting portion 35, which opens into the bottom wall 22 of the storage section 21B, is provided at a position offset from the center of the bottom wall 22 and is continuously provided with the front end of the second tapered portion 34. That is, the second tapered portion 34 communicates with the storage section 21B via the inflow-side connecting portion 35.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the internal space of each inflow-side connecting portion 35 is radially outward compared to the internal spaces of the first conical portion 33 and the second conical portion 34. Each inflow-side connecting portion 35 bulges downward from the bottom wall 22 in a dome shape. The cross-sectional shape and size of each inflow-side connecting portion 35, orthogonal to the flow direction, are constant in the flow direction.

[0039] (Structure of outflow tube 36)

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the outflow pipe 36 extends in a straight line below the two receiving sections 21 along the arrangement direction of the two receiving sections 21. The outflow pipe 36 extends along an imaginary axis between the centers of the bottom walls 22 connecting the two receiving sections 21. The outflow pipe 36 extends parallel to the inflow pipe 30. The cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the outflow pipe 36, orthogonal to its length direction, is circular.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the outflow tube 36 is integrally formed on each bottom wall 22. The internal space of the outflow tube 36 is separated from the internal space of each receiving portion 21 only by the bottom wall 22. In other words, the outflow tube 36 has a peripheral wall 37 that forms part of each bottom wall 22. The peripheral wall 37 of the outflow tube 36 is exposed in the internal space of each receiving portion 21.

[0042] The outlet pipe 36 has a second connection port 38 that connects to the cooling circuit C. The second connection port 38 protrudes outward from the receiving portion 21. Cooling water flowing in the outlet pipe 36 flows into the cooling circuit C via the second connection port 38.

[0043] The second connection port 38 of the outlet pipe 36 points to the side opposite to the first connection port 32 of the inlet pipe 30 in the arrangement direction of the two receiving parts 21. Therefore, the cooling water flowing in the outlet pipe 36 flows in the same direction as the cooling water flowing in the inlet pipe 30. Therefore, from now on, the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the outlet pipe 36, in addition to the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the inlet pipe 30, will also be simply referred to as the flow direction.

[0044] The cross-sectional area of ​​the outflow pipe 36 increases as it moves downstream in the flow direction. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outflow pipe 36 decreases as it moves upstream in the flow direction. The degree of decrease in the cross-sectional area of ​​the outflow pipe 36 is, for example, the same as the degree of decrease in the cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe 30 at the first tapered portion 33.

[0045] The wall thickness of the portion of each bottom wall 22 that forms the peripheral wall 37 of the outlet pipe 36 is constant. That is, the portion that is the inner surface of each bottom wall 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the outlet pipe 36 is inclined relative to the central axis of the outlet pipe 36 and extends along the inner peripheral surface of the outlet pipe 36. In addition, the inner surface of the normal portion of each bottom wall 22, which is different from the portion that forms the inlet pipe 30 and the outlet pipe 36, is a plane that extends parallel to the central axis of the inlet pipe 30 and the outlet pipe 36.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the outlet pipe 36 has two outlet-side connecting portions 39 corresponding to the two receiving portions 21. Each outlet-side connecting portion 39 opens into the bottom wall 22 of the corresponding receiving portion 21. Each outlet-side connecting portion 39 connects the internal space of the outlet pipe 36 to the internal space of the receiving portion 21 in the radial direction of the outlet pipe 36. The outlet-side connecting portion 39 includes a through hole penetrating the peripheral wall 37 of the outlet pipe 36. The internal spaces of the two outlet-side connecting portions 39 are identical in shape and size. The internal space of each outlet-side connecting portion 39 is identical in shape and size to the internal space of each inflow-side connecting portion 35. The openings of each outlet-side connecting portion 39 on the bottom wall 22 are approximately quadrilateral in top view. The openings of each outlet-side connecting portion 39 are surrounded by protrusions 24.

[0047] An outflow-side connecting portion 39, which opens into the bottom wall 22 of the storage section 21A, is provided at the center of the bottom wall 22 and at the base end of the outflow pipe 36. An outflow-side connecting portion 39, which opens into the bottom wall 22 of the storage section 21B, is provided at the center of the bottom wall 22 and at the midway along the length of the outflow pipe 36.

[0048] The internal space of each outflow-side connecting portion 39 is radially outward compared to the internal space of other portions in the outflow pipe 36. Each outflow-side connecting portion 39 bulges downward from the bottom wall 22 in a dome shape. The cross-sectional shape and size of each outflow-side connecting portion 39, orthogonal to the flow direction, are constant in the flow direction.

[0049] (Overall structure of filter element 40)

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the filter element 40 includes a cover 41, a flow path member 45, a cover member 50, and an ion exchange resin 60. The cover 41 is housed inside the housing portion 21 via an insertion port 25. The flow path member 45 forms a flow path for cooling water to flow inside the cover 41. The cover member 50 is engaged with the cover 41. The ion exchange resin 60 is housed inside the cover 41. The cover 41, the flow path member 45, and the cover member 50 are formed, for example, from a thermoplastic resin material.

[0051] (Structure of cover 41)

[0052] The cover 41 has a top wall 42 and a peripheral wall 43. The top wall 42 is circular when viewed from above. The peripheral wall 43 protrudes downward from the outer periphery of the top wall 42. The cover 41 is formed as a cylindrical shape with the upper end closed.

[0053] An external thread 44 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 43, which engages with the internal thread 26 of the receiving part 21. By screwing the cover 41 into the receiving part 21, the filter element 40 can be detachably installed on the housing 20.

[0054] A first sealing ring 71 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 43, above the external thread 44. The first sealing ring 71 seals the outer peripheral surface of the cover 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving part 21.

[0055] (Structure of flow path component 45)

[0056] The flow path component 45 has a tube portion 46, an annular portion 47, and a plurality of first support portions 48.

[0057] The tube 46 is formed as a cylinder extending vertically from the center inside the cover 41. The upper end of the tube 46 is open, pointing towards the inner surface of the top wall 42. The upper end of the tube 46 has a gap with the top wall 42. The lower end of the tube 46 is open, pointing towards the outflow side connecting portion 39. The lower end of the tube 46 is located inside the protrusion 24.

[0058] The annular portion 47 is formed in the shape of an annulus surrounding the upper end of the tube portion 46. The annular portion 47 is embedded inside the upper end of the cover 41.

[0059] Multiple first support portions 48 connect the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion 46 to the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 47 at multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the tube portion 46.

[0060] A second sealing ring 72 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 47. The second sealing ring 72 seals the area between the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 47 and the inner peripheral surface of the cover 41.

[0061] A disc-shaped mesh component is integrally formed in the flow path component 45 by insert molding. The mesh component is formed, for example, from a thin metal sheet such as stainless steel. The mesh component covers the lower surface of the annular portion 47 and the plurality of first support portions 48. The mesh component has a plurality of through holes extending through the mesh component along the thickness direction. Each through hole is set to a size that allows cooling water to pass through while blocking the passage of ion exchange resin 60.

[0062] (Structure of cover component 50)

[0063] The cover member 50 has an inner ring portion 51, an outer ring portion 52, and a plurality of second support portions 53.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the inner annular portion 51 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the lower end of the tube portion 46. The lower end of the inner annular portion 51 is located inside the protrusion 24.

[0065] The outer ring portion 52 is formed in a ring shape that surrounds the inner ring portion 51. The outer ring portion 52 is engaged with the cover 41 in a state of being embedded in the interior of the lower end of the cover 41.

[0066] Multiple second support portions 53 connect the outer peripheral surface of the inner ring portion 51 to the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 52 at multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the inner ring portion 51.

[0067] A third sealing ring 73 is installed on the inner circumferential surface of the inner annular portion 51. The third sealing ring 73 seals the inner circumferential surface of the inner annular portion 51 with the outer circumferential surface of the tube portion 46.

[0068] A fourth sealing ring 74 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer annular portion 52. The fourth sealing ring 74 seals the outer peripheral surface of the outer annular portion 52 with the inner peripheral surface of the cover 41.

[0069] A disc-shaped mesh component is integrally formed on the cover component 50 by insert molding. This mesh component covers the lower surface of the cover component 50. This mesh component has the same structure as the mesh component integrally formed on the flow path component 45.

[0070] (Structure of ion exchange resin 60)

[0071] Ion exchange resin 60 is filled around the tube portion 46 inside the cover 41 and between the annular portion 47 and the cover member 50.

[0072] Cooling water flowing from the inlet pipe 30 into the receiving section 21 via the inlet-side connecting portion 35 passes through the mesh member integrated into the cover member 50, thereby reaching the area filled with ion exchange resin 60 inside the cover 41. As the cooling water passes through the ion exchange resin 60, ions are removed from the cooling water through ion exchange based on the ion exchange resin 60. After passing through the ion exchange resin 60, the cooling water flows into the interior of the pipe section 46 via the opening at the upper end of the pipe section 46 after passing through the mesh member integrated into the flow path member 45. Then, after flowing into the interior of the outlet pipe 36 from the lower end of the pipe section 46, the cooling water flows out from the outlet pipe 36 into the cooling circuit C.

[0073] (Manufacturing method of shell 20)

[0074] Next, the manufacturing method of the housing 20 will be described.

[0075] The manufacturing method of the housing 20 includes a molding process in which two receiving parts 21, an inlet pipe 30 and an outlet pipe 36 are integrally formed by injecting resin R into a cavity 80a formed in a mold 80.

[0076] like Figure 6A and Figure 7A As shown, mold 80 includes two first molds 81, a second mold 85, a third mold 88, and a fourth mold 89. Each first mold 81 is used to form the inner surface of each receiving part 21. The second mold 85 is used to form the inner surface of the inflow pipe 30. The third mold 88 is used to form the inner surface of the outflow pipe 36. The fourth mold 89 is used to form the outer surface of the housing 20.

[0077] Each first mold 81 has a first forming part 82 and two second forming parts 83 and 84. The first forming part 82 is used to form the inner surface of the receiving part 21. The second forming part 83 is used to form the inner surface of the inflow-side connecting part 35. The second forming part 84 is used to form the inner surface of the outflow-side connecting part 39.

[0078] A portion of the forming surface 82a of each first forming part 82 for forming the inner surface of the bottom wall 22 extends along the outer peripheral surface of the second mold 85 in such a manner that the thickness of the cavity 80a formed between it and the outer peripheral surface of the second mold 85, i.e., the vertical spacing, remains constant. Another portion of the forming surface 82a extends along the outer peripheral surface of the third mold 88 in such a manner that the thickness of the cavity 80a formed between it and the outer peripheral surface of the third mold 88, i.e., the vertical spacing, remains constant.

[0079] like Figure 6Aand Figure 6B As shown, the second forming portion 83 protrudes downward from the forming surface 82a. Each of the second forming portions 83 is configured to retain the second mold 85 by engaging with it. More specifically, the second forming portion 83 of the first mold 81 used for forming the inner surface of the housing portion 21A has a fitting hole 83a that engages with the second mold 85. The second forming portion 83 of the first mold 81 used for forming the inner surface of the housing portion 21B has a fitting recess 83b that engages with the front end of the second mold 85. The second mold 85 and the fitting recess 83b constitute a socket structure.

[0080] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the second forming portion 84 protrudes downward from the forming surface 82a. Each of the second forming portions 84 is configured to retain the third mold 88 by engaging with it. More specifically, the second forming portion 84 of the first mold 81 used for forming the inner surface of the housing portion 21A has a fitting recess 84a that engages with the front end of the third mold 88. The second forming portion 84 of the first mold 81 used for forming the inner surface of the housing portion 21B has a fitting hole 84b that engages with the third mold 88. The third mold 88 and the fitting recess 84a constitute a socket structure.

[0081] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the second mold 85 is formed into a column shape corresponding to the shape of the inflow pipe 30. The second mold 85 has a first conical forming portion 86 and a second conical forming portion 87. The first conical forming portion 86 is used to form the inner surface of the first conical portion 33. The second conical forming portion 87 is used to form the inner surface of the second conical portion 34. The first conical forming portion 86 and the second conical forming portion 87 are portions whose cross-sectional area decreases as they approach the front end side of the second mold 85, being orthogonal to the length direction of the second mold 85. The second conical forming portion 87 is continuously provided with respect to the front end side of the first conical forming portion 86. The degree of reduction in cross-sectional area of ​​the second conical forming portion 87 is greater than the degree of reduction in cross-sectional area of ​​the first conical forming portion 86.

[0082] When the second mold 85 is fitted with each of the second forming parts 83, the first conical forming part 86 is fitted with the fitting hole 83a, and the front end of the second conical forming part 87 is fitted with the fitting recess 83b.

[0083] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the third mold 88 is formed into a column shape corresponding to the shape of the outlet pipe 36. The third mold 88 is formed such that the cross-sectional area orthogonal to the length direction of the third mold 88 decreases the further forward the third mold 88 is.

[0084] The fourth mold 89 is, for example, a segmented mold divided into multiple parts. The fourth mold 89 forms a cavity 80a for forming the housing 20 between itself and each of the first mold 81, the second mold 85 and the third mold 88.

[0085] like Figure 6A and Figure 7A As shown, in the forming process, by closing the mold 80, a cavity 80a is formed between the first mold 81, the second mold 85, the third mold 88, and the fourth mold 89.

[0086] like Figure 6B and Figure 7B As shown, in the molding process, molten resin R is injected into the cavity 80a inside the mold 80 while the second mold 85 is fitted with each of the second molding parts 83 and the third mold 88 is fitted with each of the second molding parts 84.

[0087] Next, the resin R inside the chamber 80a is cured by cooling the mold 80. This forms the housing 20. The formed housing 20 is then removed from the opened mold 80.

[0088] like Figure 6B As shown, in the molding process, two inflow-side connecting portions 35 with the same shape and size of internal space are formed using each of the second molding portions 83. In other words, in the molding process, an inflow-side connecting portion 35 connecting the internal space of the first conical portion 33 and the internal space of the receiving portion 21A is formed, and an inflow-side connecting portion 35 connecting the internal space of the second conical portion 34 and the internal space of the receiving portion 21B is formed.

[0089] like Figure 7B As shown, in the molding process, two outflow-side connecting portions 39 with the same shape and size of internal space are formed using each of the second molding portions 84. In other words, in the molding process, two outflow-side connecting portions 39 that connect the internal space of the outflow pipe 36 with the internal spaces of the receiving portions 21A and 21B are formed respectively.

[0090] <The function of this implementation method>

[0091] The second tapered portion 34 of the inflow pipe 30 is connected to the receiving portion 21B via the inflow-side connecting portion 35. Furthermore, the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe 30 is greater at the second tapered portion 34 than at the first tapered portion 33. Therefore, the flow rate of cooling water flowing in the inflow pipe 30 is less at the second tapered portion 34 than at the first tapered portion 33. Thus, compared to a case where the inflow pipe 30 only has the first tapered portion 33 or does not have the second tapered portion 34, the flow rate of cooling water flowing into the receiving portion 21B can be reduced. Therefore, by adjusting the degree of reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe 30 at the second tapered portion 34, it is easier to homogenize the flow rate of cooling water flowing into the two receiving portions 21.

[0092] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0093] (1) The inflow pipe 30 has two inflow-side connecting portions 35, a first conical portion 33 and a second conical portion 34. The second conical portion 34 is connected to the receiving portion 21B via the inflow-side connecting portions 35.

[0094] Based on the above structure, the decrease in ion exchange efficiency in ion exchanger 10 can be suppressed.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the above structure, when the inflow pipe 30 is formed by injection molding, the first tapered portion 33 and the second tapered portion 34 function as the draft angle of the second mold 85. Therefore, the demolding performance of the second mold 85 can be improved.

[0096] (2) The first conical part 33 is connected to the receiving part 21A via the inflow side connecting part 35.

[0097] When the inflow pipe 30 is formed by injection molding, a columnar second mold 85 is required to form the inner surface of the inflow pipe 30. Here, for example, when the second tapered portion 34 communicates with two or more receiving portions 21, including the receiving portion 21B, the proportion of the second tapered portion 34 in the overall inflow pipe 30 increases. Therefore, compared to the case where the inflow pipe 30 does not have the second tapered portion 34, the proportion of the portion used to form the inner surface of the second tapered portion 34 in the second mold 85, i.e., the proportion of the second tapered forming portion 87, increases, resulting in more areas with small cross-sectional areas in the second mold 85. As a result, there is a possibility that the second mold 85 may deform under the injection pressure of the resin R due to insufficient strength. In this case, the moldability of the shell 20 of the ion exchanger 10 may decrease.

[0098] Regarding this, according to the above structure, the second conical portion 34 is connected to the receiving portion 21B, and the first conical portion 33 is connected to the receiving portion 21A. This reduces the proportion of the second conical portion 34 in the overall inflow pipe 30. Therefore, insufficient strength of the second mold 85 can be suppressed. Thus, it is possible to simultaneously suppress the reduction in ion exchange efficiency in the ion exchanger 10 and the reduction in the formability of the shell 20 of the ion exchanger 10.

[0099] (3) The wall thickness of the portion of each bottom wall 22 that constitutes the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30 is constant.

[0100] According to the above structure, the wall thickness of the portion of the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30 composed of each bottom wall 22 is constant. Therefore, when the inflow pipe 30 is formed by injection molding, shrinkage marks caused by wall thickness deviation in the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30 can be suppressed.

[0101] (4) The internal spaces of the two inflow-side connecting parts 35 have the same shape and size.

[0102] Based on the above structure, the difference in the flow rate of cooling water flowing from the inlet pipe 30 to the two receiving sections 21 is easily dependent on the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe 30 at the second conical section 34. Therefore, by adjusting the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe 30 at the second conical section 34, the flow rate of cooling water flowing into the two receiving sections 21 can be easily adjusted.

[0103] (5) The internal space of each inflow side connecting part 35 is radially outward compared to the internal space of the first conical part 33 and the second conical part 34.

[0104] According to the above structure, when each housing portion 21 and the inflow pipe 30 are integrally formed by injection molding, the second forming portion 83 for forming the inner surface of the inflow-side connecting portion 35 is larger in the radial direction of the inflow pipe 30 than the second mold 85 for forming the inner surface of the inflow pipe 30. Therefore, the second forming portion 83 can be provided on two first forming portions 82 for forming the inner surfaces of the two housing portions 21 respectively. In addition, each second forming portion 83 can be provided with a fitting hole 83a or a fitting recess 83b that fits into the second mold 85. Thus, by performing injection molding with the second mold 85 fitted with each second forming portion 83, deformation of the second mold 85 due to the pressure of the resin R during injection molding can be suppressed. Therefore, the reduction of the moldability of the housing 20 of the ion exchanger 10 can be suppressed.

[0105] <Example of Change>

[0106] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0107] • The internal space of each inflow-side connecting portion 35 may not expand radially outward compared to the internal spaces of the first tapered portion 33 and the second tapered portion 34. The inflow-side connecting portion 35 may, for example, be a through hole that radially penetrates the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30.

[0108] • The shape and size of the internal spaces of the multiple inflow-side connecting parts 35 can also be different from each other.

[0109] • The wall thickness of the portion of each bottom wall 22 that forms the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30 may not be constant.

[0110] • The internal space of the inflow pipe 30 and the internal spaces of each receiving section 21 may not be separated by the bottom wall 22. In this case, for example, the inflow pipe 30 may also have: a main flow path having a first tapered section 33 and a second tapered section 34; and multiple branch flow paths branching from the main flow path and opening at the bottom walls 22 of the two receiving sections 21 respectively. In this modified example, the branch flow paths are equivalent to "connecting sections".

[0111] The second conical section 34 can also be connected via the inflow-side connecting section 35 to two or more receiving sections 21, including the receiving section 21B located on the downstream side in the flow direction.

[0112] The ion exchanger 10 may also have three or more storage sections 21 arranged side by side and three or more filter elements 40 respectively stored in these storage sections 21. In this case, for example, it is preferable that the second conical section 34 is connected to the storage section 21 located on the downstream side in the flow direction, and the first conical section 33 is connected to the other storage sections 21 respectively.

[0113] • The first conical portion 33 and the second conical portion 34 may also be discontinuous. For example, other conical portions may be provided between the first conical portion 33 and the second conical portion 34. Alternatively, a straight portion extending linearly along the central axis of the inflow pipe 30 may be provided between the first conical portion 33 and the second conical portion 34. When other conical portions are provided between the first conical portion 33 and the second conical portion 34, it is preferable that the reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe 30 is greater towards the downstream side of the conical portion. Furthermore, when there are three or more receiving portions 21, it is preferable that all receiving portions 21 are connected to different conical portions.

[0114] • The ion exchanger 10 is not limited to the cooling circuit C for fuel cells, but can be applied to various ion exchange devices that require cooling water.

Claims

1. An ion exchanger comprising: Multiple storage sections arranged side by side; Multiple ion exchange resins are respectively housed in the multiple housing portions; and An inflow pipe extends along the parallel direction of the plurality of receiving sections and is configured to allow cooling water to flow into the plurality of receiving sections, wherein... When the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the inflow pipe is simply referred to as the flow direction, Each of the storage sections has a bottom wall. The inflow pipe has: Multiple connecting parts are provided corresponding to the multiple receiving parts. Each connecting part opens on the bottom wall of the corresponding receiving part and connects the internal space of the inflow pipe with the internal space of the corresponding receiving part in the radial direction of the inflow pipe. The first conical section is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path decreases as it is further downstream in the flow direction; as well as The second tapered portion is disposed downstream of the first tapered portion, and is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path decreases as the portion is further downstream. The reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe at the second tapered portion is greater than the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe at the first tapered portion. The second tapered portion is connected via the corresponding connecting portion to the downstreammost receiving portion of the plurality of receiving portions located in the flow direction.

2. The ion exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The first tapered portion is connected via the corresponding connecting portion to the upstream receiving portion of the plurality of receiving portions that is closer to the downstream receiving portion in the flow direction.

3. The ion exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The internal space of the inflow pipe is separated from the internal space of each of the receiving parts by the respective bottom walls. The wall thickness of the portion of each of the bottom walls that forms the peripheral wall of the inflow pipe is constant.

4. The ion exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The internal space of the inflow pipe is separated from the internal space of each of the receiving parts by the respective bottom walls. The internal spaces of the multiple connected parts are identical in shape and size.

5. The ion exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The internal space of each of the connecting portions is expanded radially outward compared to the internal spaces of the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion.

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