ION EXCHANGER

Abstract

Ion exchanger (1) used in a cooling system (50) of a fuel cell system, comprising: a connecting pipe portion (2) having both end portions configured to be respectively connectable to a predetermined pipe of the cooling system, the connecting pipe portion having a first flow path (R1) allowing a coolant introduced from one side to flow therethrough to the other side; a housing portion (3) intended to communicate with the connecting pipe portion; and a storage body (4, 5) mounted on the housing portion, having a second flow path (R2) in which a part of the coolant introduced into the connecting pipe portion branches and flows out of the connecting pipe portion and flows into the connecting pipe portion again, and stores an ion exchange resin (18) in the second flow path, wherein: an installation state of the storage body (4, 5) with respect to the housing area (3) can be changed in a variety of ways; and a proportion of the coolant in the connecting pipe region (2) flowing to the second flow path (R2) can be changed by changing the installation state of the storage body (4, 5), in which the storage body has a part mounted to project to the inside of the connecting pipe portion (2), and an inlet channel through which the coolant from the connecting pipe portion is introduced into the second flow path (R2) at the projecting part, and an outlet channel through which the coolant from the second flow path is discharged to the connecting pipe portion, and the installation state of the storage body (4, 5) can be changed by rotating the storage body by a predetermined angle with respect to an installation direction of the storage body with respect to the housing area (3) as an axial center, further comprising a movable piece (25), one end of which is pivotally mounted so that it is rotatable, and the other end of which is a free end on the connecting pipe area-side end face (10) of the storage body (4, 5) which projects to the inside of the connecting pipe area (2), in which a free end side of the movable piece (25) changes between a state in which it is positioned further on the upstream side of the first flow path (R1) than a rotation axis side and a state in which it is positioned further on the downstream side of the first flow path than the rotation axis side by changing the installation state of the storage body (4, 5).

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an ion exchanger used in a cooling system of a fuel cell system. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] In a fuel cell system, when hydrogen and oxygen chemically react with each other in a fuel cell and power is generated, the fuel cell generates heat. Consequently, a cooling system is provided in the fuel cell system to keep the fuel cell at a suitable temperature during power generation by circulating a coolant.

[0003] In the cooling system, when the ion concentration in the coolant increases due to acid production caused by thermal deterioration of the coolant or ion release from a piping component or the like, the conductivity of the coolant increases. As a result, there are concerns that electrical leakage from the fuel cell to the outside through the coolant will be caused. Furthermore, there is also a concern that the fuel cell's generation efficiency will deteriorate.

[0004] Meanwhile, in the prior art, an ion exchanger designed to suppress an increase in the ion concentration in a coolant is provided in a cooling system of a fuel cell system. The ion exchanger is designed to remove ions contained in the coolant by allowing the coolant to pass through the interior of a casing filled with an ion exchange resin.

[0005] In the ion exchanger, a pressure drop is generated when the coolant passes through an ion exchange resin region. As the pressure drop increases, the load on a pump that circulates the coolant also increases. Accordingly, energy consumption due to the pump increases, and there are concerns that the fuel cell's generation efficiency will deteriorate. Therefore, a low pressure drop in the ion exchanger is preferred.

[0006] However, since a large number of ions are released from a configuration component, such as a newly installed pipe, during the initial operation of the fuel cell system, the amount of ions released in the cooling system becomes extremely large. Consequently, in the initial phase, since the amount of ions to be exchanged also becomes large, even when the pressure loss is high, it becomes necessary to allow a large amount of coolant to pass through the ion exchange resin region and increase ion exchange efficiency.

[0007] Meanwhile, the amount of ion release from the configuration component, such as a tube, decreases over time. Therefore, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the fuel cell system started operating, the amount caused by thermal deterioration of the coolant accounts for a large portion of the ion release in the cooling system, and there is no need to increase the ion exchange efficiency so much.

[0008] Consequently, in a case where the ion exchanger having a structure of allowing a large amount of refrigerant to pass through the ion exchange resin portion in accordance with the ion release amount at the initial stage is used, even in a state where the ion release amount is relatively small after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, there is a concern that a state is maintained where the ion exchange efficiency or the pressure loss is higher than necessary.

[0009] Meanwhile, an ion exchanger has also been invented in which the degree of ion exchange efficiency or pressure loss changes in accordance with the operating load (e.g., refer to JP 2010-198796 A). The ion exchanger described in JP 2010-198796 A uses a design in which a change in flow resistance (pressure loss) is generated by increasing or decreasing the capacity of the ion exchange resin through which the coolant passes, in accordance with the flow rate of the coolant.

[0010] However, in the configuration described in JP 2010 - 198 796 A, it is necessary to provide a plurality of flow paths that store the ion exchange resin therein or to provide a mechanism that switches the flow paths in accordance with the flow velocity of the coolant, and there are concerns that the size of the ion exchanger increases and its structure becomes complicated. SUMMARY

[0011] The invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstance, and its object is to provide an ion exchanger that can change an ion exchange efficiency or a pressure loss while suppressing complexity and enlargement of a structure in a cooling system of a fuel cell device.

[0012] An ion exchanger according to the invention has the features of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0013] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described below. In addition, consistent operating effects are further described in the corresponding aspects as needed.

[0014] According to a first aspect, an ion exchanger used in a cooling system of a fuel cell system is provided, comprising: a connecting pipe portion, both end portions of which are configured to be connected to a predetermined pipe of the cooling system, respectively, the connecting pipe portion having a first flow path that allows a coolant introduced from one side to pass therethrough to the other side; a housing portion configured to communicate with the connecting pipe portion;and a storage body mounted on the housing portion, which has a second flow path in which a portion of the coolant introduced into the connecting pipe portion splits and flows out of the connecting pipe portion and enters the connecting pipe portion again, and which stores an ion exchange resin in the second flow path, wherein: an installation state of the storage body with respect to the housing portion is variable in a variety of ways; and a proportion (a portion or amount) of the coolant flowing to the second flow path is variable by changing the installation state of the storage body.

[0015] According to the first aspect described above, the configuration is provided with the connecting pipe portion having the first flow path allowing the part of the refrigerant introduced into the ion exchanger to flow through without passing through the ion exchange resin portion; and with the storage body (casing portion) having the second flow path in which the part of the refrigerant branches and flows out of the connecting pipe portion, and the ion exchange resin is stored in the storage body, and the ions contained in the refrigerant are removed.

[0016] Accordingly, it is possible to improve ion exchange efficiency while suppressing an increase in pressure loss.

[0017] Further, in the aspect under the configuration described above, a configuration is adopted in which the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path is variable by changing the installation state (installation position or orientation) of the accumulator body with respect to the housing portion.

[0018] For example, by setting the installation state of the storage body to a first installation state, it is possible to increase the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path (ion exchange resin region), and by setting the installation state to a second installation state, it is possible to reduce the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path.

[0019] In other words, by changing the installation state of the storage body, it is possible to change the performance of the ion exchanger so that it is in a state where the ion exchange efficiency and pressure loss are high and that it is in a state where the ion exchange efficiency and pressure loss are low.

[0020] Consequently, during the initial operation phase of the fuel cell system, in which the ion release amount in the cooling system increases, the ion exchange efficiency increases by setting the installation state of the storage body to the first installation state. Meanwhile, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed during which the ion release amount has decreased, a state in which the pressure loss is low can be achieved by changing the installation state of the storage body to the second installation state when performing a cyclic inspection or the like.

[0021] In this way, according to the aspect, it is possible to change the performance (ion exchange efficiency or pressure loss) of the ion exchanger in accordance with the requirement, which varies depending on the operating time of the fuel cell system.

[0022] In particular, since it is not necessary to provide a plurality of flow paths (second flow path) for storing the ion exchange resin, or since it is also not necessary to provide a mechanism or the like for switching the plurality of flow paths, it is possible to reduce the size of the ion exchanger and simplify the structure. Furthermore, since it is also not necessary to exchange the storage body (cartridge) for an additional product to change the performance, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of components and save energy.

[0023] According to a second aspect, an opening area of ​​an inlet channel through which the coolant is introduced from the connecting pipe portion into the second flow path may be variable by changing the installation state of the storage body.

[0024] According to the second aspect described above, by a relatively simple configuration in which the opening area of ​​the inlet channel of the second flow path changes, it is possible to change the proportion of the coolant flowing through the second flow channel. As a result, it is possible to simplify the structure.

[0025] According to a third aspect, the storage body may have a part installed to protrude toward the inside of the connecting pipe portion, and may have the inlet channel through which the coolant is introduced from the connecting pipe portion into the second flow path at the protruding part and an outlet channel through which the coolant is discharged from the second flow path to the connecting pipe portion.

[0026] According to the third aspect described above, since the inlet channel and the outlet channel of the second flow path are arranged to be open to the connecting pipe portion, it is possible to efficiently introduce the coolant into the second flow path and discharge the coolant from the second flow path and improve the ion exchange efficiency.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect, the installation state of the storage body can be changed by rotating the storage body by a predetermined angle with respect to an installation direction of the storage body with respect to the housing portion as an axial center.

[0028] According to the fourth aspect described above, it is possible to change the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path simply by rotating the mounting body by a predetermined angle with respect to the housing portion. As a result, it is possible to simplify the conversion work and simplify the structure.

[0029] For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the position of the opening portion serving as the inlet channel that introduces the coolant from the connecting pipe portion into the second flow path and the position of the opening portion serving as the outlet channel that discharges the coolant from the second flow path to the connecting pipe portion are changed relative to each other by rotating the accumulator body by 180° with the installation direction of the accumulator body as an axial center. Here, for example, even when a configuration is adopted in which the opening areas of the two opening portions vary, it is also possible to realize the configuration according to Aspect 2 described above only by changing the positions of the two opening portions.

[0030] According to a fifth aspect, a connecting pipe portion-side end surface of the storage body, which protrudes to the inside of the connecting pipe portion, may be arranged to be inclined with respect to a flow path direction of the first flow path.

[0031] According to the fifth aspect just described, since the protrusion amount to the inside of the connecting pipe portion in a circumferential direction of the accumulator body varies by forming the opening portion serving as the inlet port or the outlet port of the second flow path on an outer peripheral surface of the protruding part of the accumulator body, the configuration according to the above-described aspect 2 can be realized by a relatively simple configuration.

[0032] In addition, the opening area of ​​the inlet channel of the first flow path is configured to be variable. When the opening area of ​​the inlet channel of the first flow path decreases, the proportion of the coolant flowing to the first flow path decreases, and the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path increases by the amount of the decrease. In contrast, when the opening area of ​​the inlet channel of the first flow path increases, the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path increases. As a result, it is possible to change the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path without changing the opening area of ​​the inlet channel of the second flow path.

[0033] According to a sixth aspect, the ion exchanger may further include a protrusion piece formed to protrude from the connecting pipe portion-side end surface of the storage body protruding toward the inside of the connecting pipe portion, and the protrusion piece may be changed between a state in which it is installed along the flow path direction of the first flow path and a state in which it is installed along a direction perpendicular to the flow path direction of the first flow path by changing the installation state of the storage body.

[0034] According to the sixth aspect described above, by changing the installation state of the accumulator body, the protrusion piece imparts greater resistance to the coolant flowing in the first flow path or imparts less resistance to the coolant flowing in the first flow path. Here, according to the state where the protrusion piece imparts greater resistance to the coolant flowing in the first flow path, the proportion of the coolant flowing to the first flow path decreases, and the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path increases by the decrease amount. As a result, it is possible to change the proportion of the coolant flowing through the second flow path without changing the opening area of ​​the inlet port of the second flow path.

[0035] According to a seventh aspect, the ion exchanger may further include a movable piece, one end of which is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable, and the other end of which is a free end on the connecting pipe portion-side end surface of the storage body, which protrudes toward the inside of the connecting pipe portion, and a free end side of the movable piece can be changed between a state where it is positioned further on the upstream side of the first flow path than a rotation axis side and a state where it is positioned further on the downstream side of the first flow path than the rotation axis side by changing the installation state of the storage body.

[0036] According to the seventh aspect described above, in a state where the free end side of the movable piece is positioned further upstream of the first flow path than the rotation axis side, the movable piece is displaced to block the first flow path, and a state is achieved where the movable piece imparts greater resistance to the coolant flowing into the first flow path. At the same time, a state is achieved where it is possible to introduce a large amount of coolant into the inlet channel of the second flow path through the movable piece.Meanwhile, in a state where the free end side of the movable piece is positioned further downstream of the first flow path than the rotation axis side, a state is achieved where the movable piece is displaced to open the first flow path, and the resistance imparted by the movable piece to the coolant flowing in the first flow path is reduced. As a result, similar to Aspect 6 described above, it is possible to change the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path without changing the opening area of ​​the inlet channel of the second flow path.

[0037] According to an eighth aspect, the ion exchanger may further comprise a positioning unit configured to determine a position of the storage body depending on each of the plurality of types of installation states.

[0038] According to the eighth aspect described above, it is possible to prevent the storage body from being displaced due to vibration or the like and to maintain the performance of the ion exchanger to be a predetermined required performance.

[0039] According to a ninth aspect, the connecting pipe portion may have a shape of a substantially straight line.

[0040] Here, a “substantially straight line shape” means that the shape is not bent in a U-shape or an L-shape, and a case where a pressure loss is substantially large is not included, is not limited to a completely straight line, and a shape that is gently bent or curved to the extent that the fluid can flow smoothly is included.

[0041] In the prior art ion exchanger, since a design is used in which the entire amount of the introduced coolant flows through the ion exchange resin region, the pressure loss is extremely large. However, in recent years, similar to JP 2010-198796 A, an ion exchanger has also been invented that has a bypass flow path in which a portion of the introduced coolant flows past the ion exchange resin region.

[0042] However, in a case where the bypass flow path is bent in a U-shape or a clamp shape, there are concerns that the pressure loss will naturally increase. In addition, in a case where the bypass flow path that bypasses the ion exchange resin region is provided in the housing region, there are concerns that the size of the ion exchanger will increase.

[0043] Meanwhile, according to the ninth aspect described above, by providing the connecting pipe portion (first flow path) in a substantially straight line shape, it is possible to allow a portion of the refrigerant to be introduced into the ion exchanger to pass straight forward without passing through the ion exchange resin portion, and to discharge the refrigerant from the ion exchanger in the shortest distance. As a result, it is possible to make the pressure loss extremely small. In addition, it is not necessary to provide the bypass flow path that bypasses the ion exchange resin portion in the casing portion, it is not necessary to further shorten the length of the connecting pipe portion, and thus it is possible to reduce the size of the ion exchanger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings which are given for illustration purposes only and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration view showing a cooling system of a fuel cell system; Fig. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an ion exchanger; Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in a first installed state in the situation where the coolant is not flowing; Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in the first installed state in the situation where the coolant flows; Fig. Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in a second installed state in the situation where the coolant is flowing; Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing an ion exchanger in a first installed state according to a second embodiment; Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in a second installed state according to the second embodiment; Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing an ion exchanger in a first installed state according to a third embodiment; Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in a second installed state according to the third embodiment; Fig. 10 is a sectional view showing an ion exchanger in a first installed state according to a fourth embodiment; and Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in a second installed state according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONFirst embodiment not according to the invention

[0045] An embodiment not according to the invention is described below with reference to the drawings. An ion exchanger is used, for example, in a cooling system of a fuel cell system in a fuel cell vehicle. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration view showing a cooling system 50 of the fuel cell system to which an ion exchanger 1, which will be described later, is attached.

[0046] As in Fig. 1, the flow path in which the coolant circulates is mainly composed of an upstream-side pipe 53 connecting an inlet port 51a of a fuel cell 51 and an outlet port 52b of a cooler 52, a downstream-side pipe 54 connecting an outlet port 51b of the fuel cell 51 and an inlet port 52a of the cooler 52, and a bypass pipe 55 connected to the upstream-side pipe 53 and the downstream-side pipe 54 in parallel with the cooler 52.

[0047] The ion exchanger 1 is installed in the bypass pipe 55, and a three-way valve (electromagnetic three-way valve) 60 is installed at a connecting part between the bypass pipe 55 and the upstream pipe 53. In addition, a pump 61 for circulating the coolant is installed in the upstream pipe 53 between the three-way valve 60 and the fuel cell 51. Furthermore, various types of control with respect to the cooling system 5, such as switching control by the three-way valves 60 and drive control of the pump 61, are performed by a control unit (not shown).

[0048] Here, one embodiment of the fuel cell 51 will be described. A general fuel cell (a single high-polymer fuel cell) includes a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of power generating cells are stacked. In the power generating cells, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in which an anode (fuel electrode) and a cathode (air electrode) are installed, each formed of a catalytic layer and a gas diffusion layer, is gripped by a pair of separators on both sides of an electrolytic film.

[0049] Fuel cell gas (e.g., hydrogen gas) is supplied to the anode of each energy-generating cell, and oxidizing gas (e.g., air) is supplied to the cathode. When the fuel gas is supplied to the anode, the oxygen contained in the fuel gas reacts with a catalyst in the catalytic layer forming the anode, generating hydrogen ions. The generated hydrogen ions permeate the electrolytic film, and a chemical reaction to form oxygen occurs in the cathode. Energy is generated through the chemical reaction.

[0050] Each of the power generating cells generates heat in accordance with power generation. A flow path (not shown) for circulating the coolant is formed in the fuel cell 51 (fuel cell stack) with respect to each of the power generating cells, and the power generating cells are cooled by the coolant introduced to the inside from the inlet channel 51a. In addition, the coolant at which heat exchange is completed is discharged from the outlet channel 51b.

[0051] Furthermore, in the embodiment, a long-life coolant (LLC) obtained by containing ethylene glycol (cold-resistant fluid) in water is used as the coolant. Consequently, when the power generating cell of the fuel cell 51 is cooled by the coolant, the ethylene glycol contained in the coolant is heated and decomposed, acid (e.g., methane acid) is generated, and negative ions are generated by the acid. In addition, when the inner surface of a circulation flow path (pipes 53, 54, 55, and the like) of the coolant is etched by the acid, positive ions are also generated. In this way, the coolant contains foreign ions by mixing the negative ions and the positive ions. Since the ions have electric charges, the conductivity of the coolant increases as the concentration of foreign ions contained in the coolant increases.As a result, there is a concern that the coolant will cause electrical leakage from the fuel cell 51 to the outside.

[0052] Meanwhile, the cooler 52 sprays air through a fan (not shown) and cools the coolant heated by the fuel cell 51. The coolant is heated as it passes through the interior of the cooler 52 and is cooled. In this embodiment, the flow of the coolant is controlled so that the temperature of the fuel cell 51 becomes the most suitable temperature (e.g., 65°C).

[0053] The three-way valve 60 switches the flow path in which the coolant flows. Specifically, when the temperature of the fuel cell 51 is below the most suitable temperature, a first inlet (on the cooler 52 side) of the three-way valve 60 is closed, and a second inlet (on the bypass pipe 55 side) and an outlet (on the pump 61 side) are open. Accordingly, the coolant circulates between the fuel cell 51 and the bypass pipe 55 by driving the pump 61. Meanwhile, when the temperature of the fuel cell 51 exceeds the most suitable temperature, the first inlet and outlet of the three-way valve 60 are open, and the second inlet is closed. Accordingly, the coolant circulates between the fuel cell 51 and the cooler 52 by driving the pump 61, and the fuel cell 51 is cooled.

[0054] Consequently, in a case where the temperature of the fuel cell 51 is below the most suitable temperature, the entire amount of coolant in the cooling system 50 always circulates through the bypass pipe 55. At this time, since the coolant passes through the ion exchanger 1, the foreign ions contained in the coolant are partially removed. Accordingly, the increase in the conductivity of the coolant is suppressed.

[0055] Below, an embodiment of the ion exchanger 1 is described with reference to Fig. 2 to 5. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the ion exchanger 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in a first installed state in the situation where the coolant is not flowing. Fig. Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in the first installation state in the situation where the coolant flows, and Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in a second installation state in the situation where the coolant flows.

[0056] The ion exchanger 1 has a configuration in which a connecting pipe portion 2 connected to the bypass pipe 55, an outer cylinder portion 3 formed to be integrated (integrally formed) with the connecting pipe portion 2, an inner cylinder portion 4 supported (supported) on the inside of the outer cylinder portion 3, and a lid portion 5 blocking the outer cylinder portion 3 are provided. The installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 with respect to the outer cylinder portion 3 can be changed to the first installation state and the second installation state. Thus, in the embodiment, the outer cylinder portion 3 corresponds to a housing portion, and the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 constitute the storage body.

[0057] The connecting pipe portion 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape formed in a straight line shape like the entire body. The connecting pipe portion 2 is connected to the bypass pipe 55 such that an axial center line C1 thereof extends along a substantially horizontal direction.

[0058] The connecting pipe section 2 has an inlet-side connecting section 2a that can be connected to a bypass pipe 55a on the upstream side at one end in the longitudinal direction, and an outlet-side connecting section 2b that can be connected to a bypass pipe 55b on the downstream side at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The opening section of the inlet-side connecting section 2a forms the inlet channel of the connecting pipe section 2, and the opening section of the outlet-side connecting section 2b forms the outlet channel of the connecting pipe section 2.

[0059] The outer cylinder portion 3 is configured to protrude upwardly from the connecting tube portion 2, forming a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper surface. However, the connecting tube portion 2 and the outer cylinder portion 3 communicate with each other on the inside via an opening portion 9.

[0060] In a state where the axial center line C1 of the connecting pipe portion 2 and an axial center line C2 of the outer cylinder portion 3 are orthogonal to each other, and the ion exchanger 1 is attached to the bypass pipe 55, a state is achieved where the axial center line C2 of the outer cylinder portion 3 extends along a substantially vertical direction.

[0061] The inner cylinder portion 4 is a downward cylindrical shape whose upper surface is open like the entire body, and is supported in the outer cylinder portion 3 such that an axial center line C3 thereof overlaps with the axial center line C2 of the outer cylinder portion 3. Therefore, the direction of the axial center line C2 of the outer cylinder portion 3 is an installation direction of the inner cylinder portion 4 in the embodiment. The inner cylinder portion 4 supported in the outer cylinder portion 3 is in a state where a part (a bottom wall portion 10 and a peripheral wall portion in the vicinity thereof) on the end tip side in the installation direction protrudes toward the inside of the connecting pipe portion 2 via the opening portion 9. Here, the bottom wall portion 10 forms the end surface (end tip surface in the installation direction) on the connecting pipe portion side in the embodiment.

[0062] A partition wall portion 11 is formed in the inner cylinder portion 4, dividing the interior into two regions. The partition wall portion 11 is formed along the plane having the axial center line C3. In addition, in a state where the inner cylinder portion 4 is supported in the outer cylinder portion 3, a state is achieved where the partition wall portion 11 is arranged along the plane perpendicular to the axial center line C1 of the connecting pipe portion 2. However, the upper end portion of the partition wall portion 11 is provided at a position lower than the upper end portion (upper opening edge portion 4a) of the inner cylinder portion 4, and the two regions communicate with each other in the upper portion of the inner cylinder portion 4. Meanwhile, the lower end portion of the partition wall portion 11 is connected to the bottom wall portion 10.

[0063] The bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4 is formed to be inclined with respect to the partition wall portion 11 (axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion 4). In a state where the inner cylinder portion 4 is supported in the outer cylinder portion 3, the bottom wall portion 10 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the axial center line C1 of the connecting pipe portion 2.

[0064] More precisely, in the first installation state, which is in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the inner cylinder portion 4 is supported such that the lowest part of the bottom wall portion 10 is positioned on the most upstream side, and the highest part is positioned on the most downstream side. In other words, a state is achieved in which the protrusion amount of the inner cylinder portion 4 to the connecting pipe portion 2 is largest on the most upstream side and smallest on the most downstream side.

[0065] Meanwhile, in the second installation state, which is Fig. 5, the inner cylinder portion 4 is supported such that the lowest part of the bottom wall portion 10 is positioned on the most downstream side and the highest part is positioned on the most upstream side. In other words, a state is achieved in which the protrusion amount of the inner cylinder portion 4 to the connecting pipe portion 2 is largest on the most downstream side and smallest on the most upstream side.

[0066] An opening portion 13 is formed in the peripheral wall portion of the inner cylinder portion 4, which protrudes toward the inside of the connecting pipe portion 2. Accordingly, a state is achieved in which the connecting pipe portion 2 and the inner cylinder portion 4 communicate with each other. A network-like fabric 14 is attached to the opening portion 13. Although it allows the coolant to flow therethrough, the fabric 14 interferes with the permeation of an ion exchange resin 18, which will be described later.

[0067] In the opening portion 13 in the embodiment, an upper edge portion thereof is formed along the same height position (the same position in the direction of the axial line C3), and a lower edge portion thereof is formed along the bottom wall portion 10. In other words, a vertical width of the opening portion 13 varies according to the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder portion 4. More specifically, the vertical width of the opening portion 13 at the position corresponding to the lowest part of the bottom wall portion 10 is the largest, and the vertical width of the opening portion 13 at the position corresponding to the highest part of the bottom wall portion 10 is the smallest (relative to Fig. 3 or the like). Accordingly, an opening area of ​​the opening portion 13 varies in each predetermined area in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder portion 4.

[0068] Under the configuration described above, a first flow path R1 is formed between the bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4 and the inner wall portion of the connecting pipe portion 2, through which the coolant introduced from the inlet channel of the connecting pipe portion 2 flows to the outlet channel of the connecting pipe portion 2. However, in the first flow path R1 in the first installation state (relative to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) the intake port is narrower than the exhaust port due to the inclination of the bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4. Meanwhile, in the first flow path R1 in the second installation state (relative to Fig. 5) the intake port is wider than the exhaust port due to the inclination of the bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4.

[0069] Additionally, on the inner side of the inner cylinder portion 4, a second flow path R2 is formed, into which a part of the coolant is introduced from the connecting pipe portion 2 via the opening portion 13 and which is curved in a substantially U-shape as the entire body, returning again to the connecting pipe portion 2 via the opening portion 13. Here, the inlet passage of the second flow path R2 is formed by the opening portion 13 positioned further upstream than the partition wall portion 11 of the inner cylinder portion 4, and the outlet passage of the second flow path R2 is formed by the opening portion 13 positioned further downstream than the partition wall portion 11.

[0070] However, in the first installation state (relative to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) The opening area (vertical width) of the inlet channel of the second flow path R2 is larger than the opening area of ​​the outlet channel. Furthermore, the opening area of ​​the inlet channel of the second flow path R2 is larger than the opening area of ​​the inlet channel of the first flow path R1.

[0071] Meanwhile, in the second installation state (relative to Fig. 5) The opening area of ​​the inlet channel of the second flow path R2 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the outlet channel. Furthermore, the opening area in the inlet channel of the second flow path R2 is smaller than the opening area in the inlet channel of the first flow path R1.

[0072] The granular ion exchange resin 18, which can remove the foreign ions contained in the coolant through ion exchange, is stored in the inner cylinder region 4 (second flow path R2). The ion exchange resin 18 is a known resin, and in the embodiment, an anion exchange resin that absorbs negative ions and a cation exchange resin that adsorbs positive ions are stored in a mixed state.

[0073] The upper opening edge portion 4a of the inner cylinder portion 4 is attached to the inner surface (rear surface) of the lid portion 5 using a predetermined adhesive. Accordingly, the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 are integrated with each other, and the ion exchange resin 18 can be handled as a sealed cartridge. In addition, a portion of the second flow path R2 is formed through the inner surface of the lid portion 5.

[0074] Meanwhile, the lid portion 5 is attached to the outer cylinder portion 3 in such a manner that it is attachable and detachable. In this embodiment, the lid portion 5 is attached by four screws (bolts) 20 via a gasket 19 with respect to a flange portion 3b formed on the peripheral edge of an upper opening portion 3a of the outer cylinder portion 3.

[0075] More precisely, as in Fig. As shown in FIG. 2, four screw holes 3d are formed in the flange portion 3b of the outer cylinder portion 3 at an equivalent pitch (90° pitch) around the axial center line C2. Meanwhile, four screw holes 5d are formed in the lid portion 5. In addition, by fixing the screw 20 to each of the screw holes 3d and 5d in a state where each of the screw holes 3d of the outer cylinder portion 3 and each of the screw holes 5d of the lid portion 5 is positioned, the positions of the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 are fixed to each other. A positioning unit in the embodiment is constituted by the screw holes 3d and 5d and the screw 20.

[0076] With the configuration, by shifting / adjusting the positional relationship of each of the screw holes 3d of the outer cylinder portion 3 and each of the screw holes 5d of the cover portion 5 sequentially, the installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4 with respect to the outer cylinder portion 3 at a distance of 90° with respect to the axial center line C2 (axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion 4) of the outer cylinder portion 3 as an axial center can be changed.

[0077] In the embodiment, with the axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion 4 as an axial center, by rotating the inner cylinder portion 4 by 180°, the installed state of the inner cylinder portion 4 with respect to the outer cylinder portion 3 can be changed to the first installed state (with respect to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) and the second installation state (related to Fig. 5). In other words, the position of the opening portion 13 serving as the inlet port of the second flow path R2 and the position of the opening portion 13 serving as the outlet port can be changed relative to each other.

[0078] Next, the effects of the ion exchanger 1 of the embodiment configured as described above will be described. A portion of the refrigerant introduced into the connecting pipe section 2 via the upstream-side bypass pipe 55a is introduced into the second flow path R2 via the upstream-side orifice portion 13. The remaining refrigerant is introduced into the outlet channel of the connecting pipe section 2 via the first flow path R1 and is discharged to the downstream-side bypass pipe 55b.

[0079] Furthermore, as in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 5, the embodiment employs a configuration in which, when the coolant circulates, the ion exchange resin 18 in the inner cylinder portion 4 is swept away to the downstream side, and an inlet space portion in which the ion exchange resin 18 is absent is formed in the vicinity of the inlet passage (opening portion 13 on the upstream side) of the second flow path R2. Consequently, the coolant that has flowed through the inlet passage (opening portion 13 on the upstream side) of the second flow path R2 first enters the inlet space portion.

[0080] Thereafter, the coolant flows along the second flow path R2 through a cavity of the ion exchange resin 18, turns in the opposite direction at the upper end portion of the partition wall portion 11, and flows downward to the outlet channel (downstream opening portion 13) of the second flow path R2. During the movement, the foreign ions contained in the coolant are removed by the ion exchange resin 18.

[0081] In addition, the coolant is discharged from the outlet channel of the second flow path R2 to the connecting pipe section 2. In this way, the coolant discharged to the connecting pipe section 2 flows into the coolant of the first flow path R1, is introduced into the outlet channel of the connecting pipe section 2, and is discharged to the bypass pipe 55b on the downstream side.

[0082] By the configuration, in the embodiment, it is possible to control a proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path R2 by setting the installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4 with respect to the outer cylinder portion 3 to the first installation state (relative to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) and the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path R2 by setting the installation state to the second installation state (relative to Fig. 5). In other words, by changing the installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4, it is possible to change the performance of the ion exchanger 1 to a state where the ion exchange efficiency and pressure loss are high and to a state where the ion exchange efficiency and pressure loss are low.

[0083] Additionally, in the embodiment, in an initial operation phase of the fuel cell system in which an ion release amount increases in the cooling system 50, the ion exchange efficiency increases by setting the installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4 to the first installation state. Meanwhile, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed during which the ion release amount decreases, a state in which the pressure loss is low is achieved by changing the installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4 to the second installation state, for example, at the time of factory shipment or a one-month inspection.

[0084] As described in detail above, according to the embodiment, by providing the connecting pipe portion 2 (first flow path R1) having a substantially straight line shape, it is possible to allow a portion of the refrigerant introduced into the ion exchanger 1 to pass straight forward without passing through the inner cylinder portion 4 (ion exchange resin 18), and to discharge the refrigerant from the ion exchanger 1 in the shortest distance. As a result, it is possible to extremely reduce the pressure loss.

[0085] Furthermore, the embodiment adopts the configuration in which the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path R2 can be changed by changing the installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4 with respect to the outer cylinder portion 3. Accordingly, it is possible to change the performance (ion exchange efficiency or pressure loss amount) of the ion exchanger 1 in accordance with the requirement that varies according to the operating time of the fuel cell system.

[0086] In particular, in the embodiment, since it is not necessary to provide a plurality of flow paths (second flow path R2) storing the ion exchange resin 18 therein, and it is also not necessary to provide a mechanism or the like for switching the plurality of flow paths, it is possible to reduce the size of the ion exchanger 1 and simplify the structure. Furthermore, since it is also not necessary to replace the inner cylinder portion 4 (cartridge) with an additional product for changing the above-described performance, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of components and save energy. Second embodiment according to the invention

[0087] Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 described in detail. Fig. Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in the first installation state according to the embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in the second installation state. However, the parts overlapping with those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference names and the same reference numerals, the detailed description thereof is omitted, and the description below focuses on parts different from those of the first embodiment.

[0088] In the embodiment, in addition to the peripheral wall portion of the inner cylinder portion 4, the opening portion 13 is also formed in the bottom wall portion 10, and the fabric 14 is attached thereto. In addition, in the first installation state (referring to Fig. 6) the inner cylinder portion 4 is supported such that the lowest part of the bottom wall portion 10 is positioned on the most upstream side, and the highest part is positioned on the most downstream side. Meanwhile, in the second installation state (relative to Fig. 7) the inner cylinder portion 4 is supported such that the lowest part of the bottom wall portion 10 is positioned on the most downstream side and the highest part is positioned on the most upstream side.

[0089] Further, in the embodiment, a bracket 25 is provided, one end of which is supported so as to be rotatable in the bottom wall portion 10 and the other end of which is a free end, and which serves as a movable piece arranged in the connecting pipe portion 2. The rotation axis direction of the bracket 25 is set along the partition wall portion 11.

[0090] In the first installation state (relative to Fig. 6) A state is achieved where the free end side of the clamp 25 is positioned further upstream of the first flow path R1 than the rotation axis side. Accordingly, when the coolant is introduced into the connecting pipe section 2 via the bypass pipe 55a on the upstream side, the clamp 25 is displaced to block the first flow path R1, and all or an extremely large amount of the coolant is introduced into the second flow path R2 via the orifice portion 13 on the upstream side. Thereafter, the coolant discharged from the outlet passage of the second flow path R2 to the connecting pipe section 2 is introduced into the outlet passage of the connecting pipe section 2 and is discharged to the bypass pipe 55b on the downstream side.

[0091] Meanwhile, in the second installation state (relative to Fig. 7) a state is reached where the free end side of the clamp 25 is positioned further downstream of the first flow path R1 than the rotation axis side. Accordingly, when the coolant is introduced into the connecting pipe section 2 via the upstream-side bypass pipe 55a, a state is reached where the clamp 25 is displaced to open the first flow path R1 and the downstream-side opening portion 13 formed in the bottom wall portion 10 is blocked. In addition, part of the coolant introduced into the connecting pipe section 2 via the upstream-side bypass pipe 55a is introduced into the second flow path R2 via the upstream-side opening portion 13.The remaining coolant is introduced into the outlet channel of the connecting pipe section 2 via the first flow path R1 and is discharged to the bypass pipe 55b on the downstream side.

[0092] As described in detail above, according to the embodiment, operational effects similar to those of the first embodiment described above are achieved. In particular, according to the embodiment, due to the functional effect of the clamp 25 in the first installation state, it is possible to introduce a larger amount of coolant into the second flow path R2. As a result, it is possible to improve the ion exchange efficiency. Third embodiment not according to the invention

[0093] Next, a third embodiment not according to the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 described in detail. Fig. Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in the first installation state according to the embodiment, and Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in the second installation state. However, the parts overlapping with those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference names and the same reference numerals, the detailed description thereof is omitted, and the description below focuses on parts different from those of the first embodiment.

[0094] In the inner cylinder portion 4, two partition wall portions 11A and 11B are formed for dividing the interior into four regions. The partition wall portions 11A and 11B are formed to intersect each other in a cross-sectional shape in the axial center line C3. In addition, in the first installation state (referring to Fig. 8) a state is reached in which the partition wall portion 11A is arranged along the plane perpendicular to the axial center line C1 of the connecting pipe portion 2. Meanwhile, in the second installation state (relative to Fig. 9) a state is reached in which the partition wall portion 11B is arranged along the plane perpendicular to the axial center line C1 of the connecting pipe portion 2.

[0095] However, the upper end portion of the partition wall portions 11A and 11B is provided at a position lower than the upper end portion (upper opening edge portion 4a) of the inner cylinder portion 4, and the four regions communicate with each other in the upper end portion of the inner cylinder portion 4. Meanwhile, the lower end portion of the partition wall portions 11A and 11B are connected to the bottom wall portion 10.

[0096] Additionally, in the embodiment, the bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4 is formed orthogonal to the partition wall portions 11A and 11B (axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion 4). In addition, the vertical width of the opening portion 13 formed in the peripheral wall portion of the inner cylinder portion 4 is constant in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder portion 4.

[0097] Accordingly, in the embodiment, the opening areas (vertical width) of the inlet channel and the outlet channel of the first flow path R1 in the first installation state (relative to Fig. 8) and in the second installation state (relative to Fig. 9) constant. Similarly, the opening areas of the inlet port and the outlet port of the second flow path R2 are constant in the first installation state and in the second installation state.

[0098] Further, in the embodiment, a rib 30 having a substantially flat plate shape serving as a protrusion piece is formed to protrude from the bottom wall portion 10. The rib 30 is formed along the partition wall portion 11A.

[0099] Under the configuration described above, by rotating the inner cylinder portion 4 by 90° with respect to the axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion as the axial center, it is possible to change the installed state of the inner cylinder portion 4 with respect to the outer cylinder portion 3 to the first installed state (relative to Fig. 8) and the second installation state (related to Fig. 9) to change.

[0100] In addition, part of the coolant introduced into the connecting pipe section 2 via the bypass pipe 55a on the upstream side is introduced into the second flow path R2 via the opening portion 13 on the upstream side. The remaining coolant is introduced into the outlet channel of the connecting pipe section 2 via the first flow path R1 and is discharged to the bypass pipe 55b on the downstream side. The coolant introduced into the second flow path R2 flows through the cavity of the ion exchange resin 18 and flows upward along the second flow path R2. Thereafter, the coolant turns in the opposite direction in the upper end portion of the partition wall portion 11A or the partition wall portion 11B and flows downward to the outlet channel (opening portion 13 on the downstream side) of the second flow path R2.In addition, the coolant is discharged to the connecting pipe portion 2 from the outlet passage of the second flow path R2, flows into the coolant of the first flow path R1, is introduced into the outlet passage of the connecting pipe portion 2, and is discharged to the bypass pipe 55b on the downstream side.

[0101] At this time, in the first installation state, a state is achieved in which the fin 30 is installed along the direction orthogonal to the flow path direction (axial center line C1) of the first flow path R1. Accordingly, when the coolant is introduced into the connecting pipe section 2 via the bypass pipe 55a on the upstream side, a state is achieved in which the fin 30 imparts greater resistance to the coolant flowing in the first flow path R1, the proportion of the coolant flowing to the first flow path R1 decreases, and by as much as the amount of reduction, the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path R2 increases.

[0102] Meanwhile, in the installed state (relative to Fig. 9) a state is achieved where the fin 30 is installed along the flow path direction (axial center line C1) of the first flow path R1. Accordingly, when the coolant is introduced into the connecting pipe section 2 via the bypass pipe 55a on the upstream side, a state is achieved where the resistance imparted by the fin 30 to the coolant flowing in the first flow path R1 is lower, the proportion of the coolant flowing to the first flow path R1 increases, and the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path R2 decreases by as much as the increase amount.

[0103] As described in detail above, according to the embodiment, operating effects similar to those of the above-described embodiments are achieved. In particular, according to the embodiment, it is possible to change the proportion of the coolant flowing to the second flow path R2. Fourth embodiment not according to the invention

[0104] Next, a fourth embodiment not according to the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 described in detail. Fig. 10 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in the first installation state according to the embodiment, and Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing the ion exchanger in the second installation state. However, the parts overlapping with those in the above-described first embodiment are given the same reference names and the same reference numerals, the detailed description thereof is omitted, and the description below will focus on parts different from those of the first embodiment.

[0105] In the embodiment, the bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4 is formed to be orthogonal to the partition wall portion 11 (axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion 4). In addition, the vertical width of the opening portion 13 formed in the peripheral wall portion of the inner cylinder portion 4 is constant in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder portion 4. Accordingly, in the embodiment, the opening areas (vertical width) of the intake port and the exhaust port of the first flow path R1 are constant, and the opening areas of the intake port and the exhaust port of the second flow path R2 are constant.

[0106] In addition, in the embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the upper opening edge portion 4a of the inner cylinder portion 4 is not adhered or fixed to the inner surface (rear surface) of the lid portion 5, and the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 are handled as separate bodies. In addition, a configuration is adopted in which the installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4 is aligned with respect to the outer cylinder portion 3 in the vertical direction (direction of the axial center line C2). In the embodiment, the inner cylinder portion 4 constitutes the storage body.

[0107] Accordingly, the height position of the bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4, ie the projection amount of the inner cylinder portion 4 to the connecting pipe portion 2 in the first installation state (relative to Fig. 10) and in the second installation state (relative to Fig. 11). In other words, the opening area of ​​the inlet port and the outlet port of the first flow path R1 and the opening area of ​​the inlet port and the outlet port of the second flow path R2 are changed in the first installation state and in the second installation state.

[0108] Here, the opening areas (vertical width) of the inlet channel and the outlet channel of the second flow path R2, which are open in the connecting pipe section 2, are larger in the first installation state than those in the second installation state. On the other hand, the opening areas of the inlet channel and the outlet channel of the first flow path R1 in the first installation state are smaller than those in the second installation state.

[0109] Specifically, on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder portion 4, a protruding engagement portion 35 having a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape is formed along the circumferential direction. Similarly, on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 3, a first recessed engagement portion 36A having a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape with which the protruding engagement portion 35 can engage is formed along the circumferential direction, and a second recessed engagement portion 36B having a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape with which the protruding engagement portion 35 can engage is formed along the circumferential direction at a predetermined distance above the first recessed engagement portion 36A.

[0110] In addition, in a case where the inner cylinder portion 4 is in the first installation state (relative to Fig. 10), the protruding engagement portion 35 engages with the first recessed engagement portion 36A, and in a case where the inner cylinder portion 4 is in the second installation state (referring to Fig. 11), the protruding engagement portion 35 communicates with the second recessed engagement portion 36B. Accordingly, it is possible to position the inner cylinder portion 4 in any of the installed states. Thus, in the embodiment, the positioning unit is formed of the protruding engagement portion 35 and the first recessed engagement portion 36A and the second recessed engagement portion 36B.

[0111] Under the configuration described above, when the installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4 changes from the first installation state to the second installation state, for example, at the time of factory shipment or one-month inspection after the lid portion 5 is taken out in a state where the coolant does not flow, the inner cylinder portion 4, which is in the first installation state, is pulled up in a direction reverse to the installation direction.

[0112] When the inner cylinder portion 4 is pulled while elastically deforming, the protruding engagement portion 35 is removed from the first engaging recessed portion 36A, and the inner cylinder portion 4 is displaced upward. Thereafter, when the protruding engagement portion 35 reaches the second engaging recessed portion 36B, the protruding engagement portion 35 engages the second engaging recessed portion 36B, and the inner cylinder portion 4 returns to the initial state. Accordingly, a state is achieved where the inner cylinder portion 4 is positioned in the second fitting state.

[0113] As described above in detail, according to the embodiment, operational effects similar to those of the above-described embodiment are achieved.

[0114] Furthermore, the invention should not be limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment of the invention, but can be implemented, for example, as follows. Needless to say, other application examples and modification examples not described below are also possible. (a) In the above-described embodiment of the invention, the invention is embodied as the ion exchanger used in the cooling system of the fuel cell system in the fuel cell vehicle, but is not limited thereto, the invention may, for example, be embodied as an ion exchanger used in a cooling system of a fuel cell system for power generation in a factory or at home. (b) The configuration, such as the mounting position of the ion exchanger 1, in the cooling system 50 is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the ion exchanger 1 is mounted on the cooling system that can control a flow rate of the coolant to the radiator 52 or the bypass pipe 55. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which a second bypass pipe branching from the bypass pipe 55 is provided, and the ion exchanger 1 is mounted on the second bypass pipe. (c) In each of the above-described embodiments, the substantially cylindrical connecting pipe portion 2 formed in a straight line shape is used, but the configuration of the connecting pipe portion is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which the connecting pipe portion 2 is bent in a U-shape or an L-shape may be used. However, it is more preferable to use the connecting pipe portion having a shape that is smoothly curved or bent to the extent that at least the coolant can flow smoothly. (d) In each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration is used in which the installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4 with respect to the outer cylinder portion 3 is changed in two ways, such as the first installation state and the second installation state, and the performance of the ion exchanger 1 changes in two ways. Not limited to this, a configuration may be used in which the installation state of the inner cylinder portion 4 with respect to the outer cylinder portion 3 changes in three or more ways, and the performance of the ion exchanger 1 changes in three or more ways. For example,Among the configuration according to the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which a third engaging recessed portion with which the protruding engaging portion 35 can engage is provided in addition to the first engaging recessed portion 36A and the second engaging recessed portion 36B may be employed, and the performance of the ion exchanger 1 can be changed in three steps. (e) In each of the embodiments described above, a configuration is used in which a part of the inner cylinder portion 4 is installed on the outer cylinder portion 3 to protrude to the inside of the connecting pipe portion 2, and the intake port and the exhaust port of the inner cylinder portion 4 are arranged to be open to the connecting pipe portion 2, but not limited to this, other configurations may be used.

[0115] For example, a configuration may be provided in which: the storage body (cartridge) having a straight line shape storing the ion exchange resin therein is provided, the opening portion serving as the inlet channel is provided on one end side of the storage body, the opening portion serving as the outlet channel is provided on the other end side; and the casing portion having the inlet flow path through which the coolant is introduced into the inlet channel of the storage body from the connecting pipe portion and the outlet flow path through which the coolant is discharged to the connecting pipe portion from the outlet channel of the storage body, and the opening areas of both end portions of the storage body are formed to be varied beforehand.According to the embodiment, by changing the installation state (orientation) of the accumulator body with respect to the housing portion and by switching the position of the opening portion serving as the inlet channel in the accumulator body and the position of the opening portion serving as the outlet channel to each other, it is possible to change the proportion of the coolant flowing to the accumulator body (second flow path).

[0116] (f) A configuration of the outer cylinder portion 3, the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and other configurations may be employed.

[0117] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the outer cylinder portion 3 and the inner cylinder portion 4 are formed in a cylindrical shape, but are not limited to this; a different shape may be used, such as an elliptical shape or a quadrangular cylinder shape. Furthermore, by forming the outer cylinder portion 3 and the inner cylinder portion 4 in a polygonal cylinder shape, functions of the positioning unit for preventing positional displacement in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder portion 4 are achieved.

[0118] In addition, in the first to third embodiments described above, a configuration is adopted in which the inner cylinder portion 4 is fixed to the inner surface of the lid portion 5 by means of predetermined adhesives, the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 are integrated with each other, and the ion exchange resin 18 can be handled as a cartridge whose interior is sealed.

[0119] Not limited to this, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 are freely attachable and detachable. In the first to third embodiments described above, similar to the fourth embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 are not assembled together and are handled separately.

[0120] In addition, the installation configuration of the lid portion 5 and the outer cylinder portion 4 is not limited to those of the above-described embodiments, and other configurations may be adopted. For example, in a case of a configuration in which the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 are not assembled together and are accordingly handled separately, a configuration may be adopted in which the male thread portion is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the outer cylinder portion 3, an female thread portion is formed on the inner side of the lid portion 5, and both of the thread portions are screwed together.

[0121] (g) The configuration according to the positioning unit is not limited to each of the embodiments described above, and other configurations may be used.

[0122] For example, in the first to third embodiments described above, the positioning unit is formed of the screw holes 3d and 5d and the screw 20, but instead, under the configuration in which the inner cylinder portion 4 and the lid portion 5 are not assembled to each other and are handled separately, a configuration having a recessed portion or a protruding portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 3 corresponding to each of the first installation state and the second installation state, and a protruding engagement portion or a recessed engagement portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder portion 4 corresponding to the recessed portion or the protruding portion and engaging with the recessed portion or the protruding portion,be provided, and thus the positional displacement in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder portion 4 is prevented. It also goes without saying that, in the fourth embodiment described above, a configuration in which the positional displacement in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder portion 4 is prevented may be used in addition to the configuration in which the positional displacement in the vertical direction of the inner cylinder portion 4 is prevented.

[0123] (h) In the first embodiment described above, a configuration is adopted in which the bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4 is formed to be inclined with respect to the axial center line C3, and accordingly, the opening area of ​​the opening portion 13 varies in every predetermined range in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder portion 4. Not limited to this, among the configuration in which the bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4 is formed to be orthogonal to the axial center line C3, a configuration in which the opening area of ​​the opening portion 13 serving as the intake port and the opening area of ​​the opening portion 13 serving as the exhaust port are formed to vary may be adopted.

[0124] (i) In the second embodiment described above, the bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4 is formed to be inclined with respect to the axial center line C3, but not limited thereto, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the bracket 25 serving as the movable piece is provided in the bottom wall portion 10 provided to be orthogonal to the axial center line C3.

[0125] (j) In the third embodiment described above, the opening areas of the intake port and the exhaust port of the second flow path R2 are constant in the first installation state and in the second installation state, but not limited to this, a configuration may be adopted in which the opening areas of the intake port and the exhaust port of the second flow path R2 vary in the first installation state and in the second installation state, and a configuration may be adopted in which the rib 30 serving as the protrusion piece is provided in the bottom wall portion 10 of the inner cylinder portion 4.

[0126] (k) In each of the embodiments described above, a configuration is used in which the ion exchanger 1 is installed such that the axial center line C1 of the connecting pipe portion 2 is aligned along the substantially horizontal direction and the axial center line C2 (the axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion 4) of the outer cylinder portion 3 is aligned along the substantially vertical direction.

[0127] Not limited to this, for example, a configuration may be used in which the ion exchanger 1 is installed such that the axial center line C1 of the connecting pipe portion 2 is aligned along the substantially vertical direction and the axial center line C2 (the axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion 4) of the outer cylinder portion 3 is aligned along the substantially horizontal direction.

[0128] In addition, a configuration may be used in which the ion exchanger 1 is installed such that the axial center line C1 of the connecting pipe portion 2 is aligned along the substantially horizontal direction and the axial center line C2 (the axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion 4) of the outer cylinder portion 3 is aligned along the substantially horizontal direction.

[0129] In addition, a configuration may be used in which the ion exchanger 1 is installed such that the axial center line C1 of the connecting pipe portion 2 or the axial center line C2 (the axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion 4) of the outer cylinder portion 3 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction or the vertical direction.

[0130] In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which the connecting pipe portion 2 and the outer cylinder portion 3 are formed to be integrated with each other so that the axial center line C1 of the connecting pipe portion 2 and the axial center line C2 (axial center line C3 of the inner cylinder portion 4) of the outer cylinder portion 3 intersect each other in an inclined state.

[0131] (1) In each of the embodiments described above, a configuration is used in which the ion exchanger 1 is installed such that the connecting pipe portion 2 is positioned on the lower side and the outer cylinder portion 3 (inner cylinder portion 4) is positioned on the upper side, but not limited to this, a configuration may be used in which the ion exchanger 1 is installed such that the connecting pipe portion 2 is positioned on the upper side and the outer cylinder portion 3 (inner cylinder portion 4) is positioned on the lower side.

[0132] For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the connecting pipe portion 2 is formed to be integrated with the lid portion 5, and the lid portion 5 is assembled with the downwardly directed cylindrical outer cylinder portion 3 in a state where the inner cylinder portion 4 is supported, and accordingly, the upper end face (rear end face in the installation direction) of the inner cylinder portion 4 protrudes to the inside of the connecting pipe portion 2, and the intake port and the exhaust port of the inner cylinder portion 4 in the connecting pipe portion 2 are arranged.

[0133] However, as described in each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the connecting pipe portion 2 is provided below the outer cylinder portion 3 is preferable. In a case where the connecting pipe portion 2 is provided below the outer cylinder portion 3, replacement work is easily performed without leaving coolant in the outer cylinder portion 3 when performing replacement work of the ion exchange resin cartridge (the inner cylinder portion 3 and the lid portion 5).

[0134] It is explicitly emphasized that all features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are to be considered separate and independent of each other for the purpose of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, regardless of the feature combinations in the embodiments and / or the claims. It is explicitly stated that all range specifications or specifications of groups of devices disclose every possible intermediate value or subset of units for the purpose of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, in particular also as a limit at the range specification.

Claims

[1] Ion exchanger (1) used in a cooling system (50) of a fuel cell system, comprising: a connecting pipe portion (2) having both end portions configured to be respectively connectable to a predetermined pipe of the cooling system, the connecting pipe portion having a first flow path (R1) allowing a coolant introduced from one side to flow therethrough to the other side; a housing portion (3) intended to communicate with the connecting pipe portion; and a storage body (4, 5) mounted on the housing portion, having a second flow path (R2) in which a part of the coolant introduced into the connecting pipe portion branches and flows out of the connecting pipe portion and flows into the connecting pipe portion again, and stores an ion exchange resin (18) in the second flow path, wherein: an installation state of the storage body (4, 5) with respect to the housing area (3) can be changed in a variety of ways; and a proportion of the coolant in the connecting pipe region (2) flowing to the second flow path (R2) can be changed by changing the installation state of the storage body (4, 5), in which the storage body has a part mounted to project to the inside of the connecting pipe portion (2), and an inlet channel through which the coolant from the connecting pipe portion is introduced into the second flow path (R2) at the projecting part, and an outlet channel through which the coolant from the second flow path is discharged to the connecting pipe portion, and the installation state of the storage body (4, 5) can be changed by rotating the storage body by a predetermined angle with respect to an installation direction of the storage body with respect to the housing area (3) as an axial center, further comprising a movable piece (25), one end of which is pivotally mounted so that it is rotatable, and the other end of which is a free end on the connecting pipe area-side end face (10) of the storage body (4, 5) which projects to the inside of the connecting pipe area (2), in which a free end side of the movable piece (25) changes between a state in which it is positioned further on the upstream side of the first flow path (R1) than a rotation axis side and a state in which it is positioned further on the downstream side of the first flow path than the rotation axis side by changing the installation state of the storage body (4, 5). [2] Ion exchanger according to claim 1, wherein an opening area of ​​the inlet channel through which the coolant is introduced into the second flow path (R2) from the connecting pipe section (2) is changeable by changing the installation state of the storage body (4, 5). [3] The ion exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a connecting pipe portion-side end face (10) of the storage body (4, 5) projecting toward the inside of the connecting pipe portion (2) is arranged to be inclined with respect to a flow path direction of the first flow path (R1). [4] Ion exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a projection piece (30) which is designed to project from the connecting pipe area-side end face (10) of the storage body (4, 5) which projects to the inside of the connecting pipe area (2), in which the projection piece (30) changes between a state in which it is installed along the flow path direction of the first flow path (R1) and a state in which it is installed along a direction orthogonal to the flow path direction of the first flow path by changing the installation state of the storage body (4, 5). [5] The ion exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning unit (35, 36A, 36B) configured to determine a position of the storage body (4, 5) depending on each of the plurality of types of installation states. [6] The ion exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the connecting tube portion (2) has a shape of a substantially straight line.

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