Heat exchangers and methods for manufacturing a heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger (100, 100a to 100e) comprises a first plate component (1, 1a to 1c), a second plate component (2, 2b, 2c), and two or more connection points (3, 3b, 3c). The first plate component (1, 1a to 1c) faces a battery (200). The second plate component (2, 2b, 2c) is arranged to face the first plate component (1, 1a to 1c) and forms a current path (4, 4b to 4e) through which a heat exchange medium flows between the first plate component (1, 1a to 1c) and the second plate component (2, 2b, 2c).The connection points (2, 3b, 3c) are sections where the first plate component (1, 1a to 1c) and the second plate component (2, 2b, 2c) are joined and each has a weld (31a to 31h, 32a to 32e, 33a to 33f) extending in a first direction (L) and oriented orthogonally to the first direction (L) in a second direction (S) to define the current path (4, 4b to 4e). Of the welds (31a to 31h, 32a to 32e, 33a to 33f), at least one weld (welds) located closer to the side of the first plate component (1, 1a to 1c) than a neutral axis (N) is / are designated as the first weld (31b, 31c). 31f, 31g, 32b to 32d, 33b to 33e) and a weld (welds) located closer to the side of the second plate component (2, 2b, 2c) than the neutral axis (N) is (are) designated as at least one second weld (31a, 31d, 31e, 31h, 32a, 32e, 33a, 33f).A sum of the shortest distances (LA1 to LA4, LC1 to LC3, LE1 to LE4) from the neutral axis (N) to each of the at least one first weld (31b, 31c, 31f, 31g, 32b to 32d, 33b to 33e) is approximately equal to a sum of the shortest distances (LB1 to LB4, LD1, LD2, LF1, LF2) from the neutral axis (N) to each of the at least one second weld (31a, 31d, 31e, 31h, 32a, 32e, 33a, 33f).

Description

STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger.

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-510534 discloses a heat exchanger for cooling a battery installed in an electric vehicle by exchanging heat with the battery. This heat exchanger includes two plate-like members joined by laser beam welding and a flow path formed between the two plate-like members through which a heat exchange medium flows. The flow path is defined by two or more joints where the two plate-like members are joined and aligned in a direction orthogonal to a flow direction of the heat exchange medium. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-510534 discloses a configuration in which the joints are arranged on a neutral axis extending orthogonally in a cross-section of the heat exchanger along the orthogonal direction.Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-510534 also discloses a configuration in which the connecting points are arranged away from the neutral axis on a cooling surface of the plate-like component facing the battery, the cooling surface contacting the battery and extending flatly, parallel to the neutral axis of the heat exchanger. SUMMARY

[0003] However, when the joints are located on the neutral axis of the heat exchanger, the cooling surface of the heat exchanger that contacts the battery tends to be small, since the heat exchanger does not contact the battery at the jointed positions. This poses a problem where the heat exchanger's cooling performance for the battery is slightly reduced.

[0004] Additionally, if the joints are positioned away from the neutral axis on the flat cooling surface of the heat exchanger, the cooling surface is prone to deformation due to thermal distortion of the heat exchanger caused by shrinkage stress as the joints cool, making it difficult for the cooling surface to contact the battery. Thus, a problem existed in which the heat exchanger's cooling performance for the battery was slightly reduced.

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is preferred to improve the cooling performance of the heat exchanger for the battery. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with a battery installed in an electric vehicle, and the heat exchanger includes a first plate member, a second plate member, and two or more joints. The first plate member is a plate-like member configured to face the battery. The second plate member is a plate-like member arranged to face an opposite side of the first plate member facing the battery, and forms a current path through which a heat exchange medium passes between the first plate member and the second plate member. The joints are portions where the first plate member and the second plate member are joined by welding.In addition, the connection points each have a weld extending in a first direction and oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction to define the current path. The welds are each arranged either on the side of the first plate component or on the side of the second plate component with respect to a neutral axis extending in the second direction in a cross-section of the heat exchanger orthogonal to the first direction. Among the welds, a weld(s) located closer to the first plate component than the neutral axis is (are) referred to as at least one first weld, and a weld(s) located closer to the second plate component than the neutral axis is (are) referred to as at least one second weld.A sum of the shortest distances from the neutral axis to each of the at least one first weld seam is approximately equal to a sum of the shortest distances from the neutral axis to each of the at least one second weld seam.

[0007] With such a configuration, the deformation of the heat exchanger caused by shrinkage stress when the first weld cools is likely to be offset by the deformation of the heat exchanger caused by shrinkage stress when the second weld cools. Thus, the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger having welded joints is reduced. That is, deformation of the first plate member is prevented, making it easier for the first plate member to contact the battery. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the heat exchanger for the battery can be improved.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a number of the at least one first weld seam and a number of the at least one second weld seam may be the same. The shortest distances from the neutral axis to each of the at least one first weld seam and the shortest distances from the neutral axis to each of the at least one second weld seam may be the same.

[0009] With such a design, deformation of the heat exchanger caused by the first weld is likely to be compensated for by deformation of the heat exchanger caused by the second weld. Thus, the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger having welded joints is reduced. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the heat exchanger for the battery can be improved.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the welds may be arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a centerline in a cross-section of the heat exchanger orthogonal to the first direction. The centerline may be a line passing through a center point of the second direction in the cross-section of the heat exchanger orthogonal to the first direction and perpendicular to the neutral axis.

[0011] According to such a configuration, the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger can be reduced in each section on both sides of the center line.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first direction may be a longer direction of the heat exchanger.

[0013] The weld seam extending in the longer direction of the heat exchanger has a greater effect on the thermal distortion of the heat exchanger than the weld seam extending in a shorter direction of the heat exchanger. Thus, according to the design described above, it becomes easier to reduce the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first plate component may have a contact portion. The contact portion is a portion that contacts the battery and extends approximately parallel to the neutral axis and approximately flat in the first direction and the second direction. The at least one first weld seam may be disposed in the contact portion.

[0015] According to such a configuration, since a portion of the contact portion provided with the current path and a portion of the contact portion provided with the first weld contact the battery, an area of ​​a surface of the contact portion that contacts the battery and exchanges heat with the battery can be increased. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the heat exchanger for the battery can be further improved.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the welds may be formed by applying heat to the joints. A sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one first welds by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each of the at least one first welds by an amount of heat applied in forming each of the at least one first welds may be approximately equal to a sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one second welds by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each of the at least one second welds by an amount of heat applied in forming each of the at least one second welds.

[0017] With such a design, the heat input amount during the formation of each weld, in addition to the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each weld, is considered when evaluating the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger. Even if the shrinkage stress upon cooling of each weld differs, for example, due to the different heat input amount during the formation of each weld, the deformation caused by the first weld on the heat exchanger is likely to be offset by the deformation caused by the second weld on the heat exchanger. Thus, even in the heat exchanger having joints to which heat is applied under different welding conditions, the effect of thermal distortion is reduced. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the heat exchanger for the battery can be improved.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger may include: superimposing the first plate member and the second plate member such that the first plate member and the second plate member are in contact at the joints; and forming two or more welds by applying heat to the joints to join the first plate member and the second plate member.A sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one first welds by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each of the at least one first welds by a heat input amount in the formation of each of the at least one first welds may be approximately equal to a sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one second welds by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each of the at least one second welds by a heat input amount in the formation of each of the at least one second welds.

[0019] With such a design, the heat input amount during the formation of each weld, in addition to the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each weld, is considered when evaluating the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger. Even if the shrinkage stress upon cooling of each weld differs, for example, due to the different heat input amount during the formation of each weld, the deformation caused by the first weld on the heat exchanger is likely to be offset by the deformation caused by the second weld on the heat exchanger. Thus, even in the heat exchanger having joints to which heat is applied under different welding conditions, the effect of thermal distortion is reduced. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the heat exchanger for the battery can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger. Fig. Figure 2 is a side view of the heat exchanger, schematically showing an arrangement with respect to a battery. Fig. Figure 3 is an end view of the heat exchanger in a cross-section along a line III-III in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the heat exchanger. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger of a first modified example. Fig. 6 is a side view of the heat exchanger of the first modified example, schematically showing an arrangement with respect to a battery. Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of the heat exchanger of the first modified example. Fig. 8 is an end view of a heat exchanger of a second modified example in a cross-section orthogonal to its longer direction, schematically showing a configuration on one side of the heat exchanger with respect to its center line. Fig. 9 is an end view of a heat exchanger of a third modified example in a cross-section orthogonal to its longer direction, schematically showing a configuration on one side of the heat exchanger with respect to its center line. Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a heat exchange device arranged together with a battery pack. Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a heat exchange device in which two or more heat exchangers are coupled together. Fig. 12 It is a schematic view of a heat exchanger of a fourth modified example, showing a shape of a current path. Fig. 13 is a schematic view of a heat exchanger of a fifth modified example, showing a shape of a current path. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger. FORM FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION[1. Embodiment]

[0021] One in Fig. The heat exchanger 100 shown in Figure 1 cools or heats a battery installed in an electric vehicle by exchanging heat with the battery. An electric vehicle is a vehicle that operates using electrical energy stored in a battery as all or part of the vehicle's power. The electric vehicle includes an electric car, a plug-in hybrid car, a hybrid car, a fuel cell car, and the like. The heat exchanger 100 is configured to allow a heat exchange medium, such as cooling water, to flow through the heat exchanger 100. The heat exchanger 100 has an inlet port 101 through which the heat exchange medium flows into the heat exchanger 100, and an outlet port 102 through which the heat exchange medium is discharged from the heat exchanger 100.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the inflow port 101 and the discharge port 102 are provided on a first plate member 1, which will be described later. Specifically, the inflow port 101 is arranged at a first end S1 in a shorter direction S of the heat exchanger 100 and at a first end L1 in a longer direction L of the heat exchanger 100. The discharge port 102 is arranged at the first end S1 in the shorter direction S of the heat exchanger 100 and at a second end L2 in the longer direction L of the heat exchanger 100. The installation locations of the inflow port and the discharge port on the heat exchanger may vary depending on a shape of a flow path through which the heat exchange medium flows.

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the heat exchanger 100 faces a contact surface 201 of a battery 200 and is arranged such that the battery 200 lies between the inlet port 101 and the outlet port 102. A thermally conductive material 300 is arranged between the heat exchanger 100 and the battery 200. The thermally conductive material does not need to be arranged between the heat exchanger and the battery. A frame 400 is provided to surround a side surface extending orthogonally to the contact surface 201 of the battery 200. The heat exchanger 100 lies within the frame 400. A surface of the heat exchanger 100 opposite a surface facing the battery 200 is covered by a lower housing 500. Fig. 2, the illustration of a part of the frame 400 is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0024] In the heat exchanger 100, in a state installed in the electric vehicle, the longer direction L may be a forward-backward direction of the electric vehicle and the shorter direction S may be a right-left direction of the electric vehicle, or the longer direction L may be the right-left direction of the electric vehicle and the shorter direction S may be the forward-backward direction of the electric vehicle.

[0025] As in Fig. 3, the heat exchanger 100 in the present embodiment comprises the first plate component 1, a second plate component 2, eight connection points 3 and six current paths 4. <Erstes Plattenbauteil 1>

[0026] The first plate component 1 is a plate material with an approximately rectangular shape and faces the contact surface 201 of the battery 200. The first plate component 1 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. The first plate component may be made of a metal with high corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel. The first plate component 1 has two contact portions 11 and three non-contact portions 12.

[0027] Each contact portion 11 is a portion of the first plate member 1 that indirectly or directly contacts the battery 200. Each contact portion 11 extends approximately parallel to a neutral axis N extending in the shorter direction S in a cross section of the heat exchanger 100 orthogonal to the longer direction L (hereinafter simply referred to as the cross section), and approximately flat in the longer direction L and the shorter direction S. The neutral axis N is a line where a neutral surface and the cross section intersect. The neutral surface is a surface of an object where neither compressive nor tensile stress occurs. On the neutral axis, even if a bending moment acts on the object, the tensile force and the compressive force are balanced, so that no stress intensity is generated in the cross section. The two contact portions 11 lie on the same plane and are aligned in the shorter direction S.

[0028] Each non-contact portion 12 extends in the longer direction L of the heat exchanger 100. The three non-contact portions 12 lie in the same plane and are aligned in the shorter direction S. Of the three non-contact portions 12, one non-contact portion 12 is located at the first end S1 in the shorter direction S, another non-contact portion 12 is located at a second end S2 in the shorter direction S, and the other non-contact portion 12 is located between the two contact portions 11. The two contact portions 11 protrude (for example, upward) from the three non-contact portions 12 to a side where the battery 200 is arranged. That is, a height difference is formed between each non-contact portion 12 and each contact portion 11.In the present embodiment, the first plate component 1 has two or more through-holes 13 in the non-contact portion 12 located between the two contact portions 11. The through-holes 13 are spaced apart from each other in the longer direction L. The first plate component need not have through-holes in the non-contact portion located between the two contact portions. <Zweites Plattenbauteil>

[0029] The second plate member 2 is a plate material having an approximately rectangular shape and is arranged to face an opposite side of the first plate member 1 facing the battery 200. For example, when the contact surface 201 of the battery 200 installed in the electric vehicle extends in an approximately horizontal direction, the second plate member 2 is arranged below or above the first plate member 1. Furthermore, for example, when the contact surface 201 of the battery 200 installed in the electric vehicle extends in an approximately vertical direction, the second plate member 2 is arranged on the left, right, front, or rear side of the first plate member 1. The second plate member 2 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, similar to the first plate member 1.The second plate component may be made of a metal with high corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel. The second plate component 2 has five plate-like sections 21 and four projections 22.

[0030] Each plate-like portion 21 is a portion that is not in contact with any of the contact portions 11 of the first plate component 1 and extends approximately parallel to the neutral axis N and approximately flat in the longer direction L and the shorter direction S. The five plate-like portions 21 lie in the same plane and are aligned in the shorter direction S. Of the five plate-like portions 21, one plate-like portion 21 located at the first end S1 in the shorter direction S, another plate-like portion 21 located at the second end S2 in the shorter direction S, and another plate-like portion 21 located in the center of the second plate component 2 are each in contact with the non-contact portion 12 of the first plate component 1 facing this plate-like portion 21.In the present embodiment, the second plate member 2 has two or more through-holes 23 in the plate-like portion 21 located in the center of the shorter direction S. The through-holes 23 are aligned spaced apart from each other in the longer direction L. Each through-hole 23 of the second plate member 2 and the corresponding through-hole 13 of the first plate member 1 are located one above the other. The second plate member need not have through-holes in the plate-like portion located in the center of the shorter direction S.

[0031] Each protrusion 22 is a portion that contacts one of the contact portions 11 of the first plate member 1 and extends in the longer direction L of the heat exchanger 100. The four protrusions 22 are aligned in the shorter direction S and are each located between two adjacent plate-like portions 21. The four protrusions 22 protrude from the five plate-like portions 21 toward the side of the first plate member 1. That is, a height difference is formed between each protrusion 22 and each contact portion 21. <verbindungsstelle>

[0032] The eight joints 3 are portions where the first plate member 1 and the second plate member 2 are joined by welding and extend in the longer direction of the heat exchanger 100. For welding, for example, laser welding, arc welding, or the like is used.

[0033] Each connection point 3 is provided at a portion where each contact portion 11 of the first plate member 1 contacts each projection 22 of the second plate member 2, and at a portion where each non-contact portion 12 of the first plate member 1 contacts each plate-like portion 21 of the second plate member 2. The two contact portions 11 of the first plate member 1 and the five plate-like portions 21 of the second plate member 2 are not in contact and face each other with a gap therebetween. Thus, the six current paths 4 through which the heat exchange medium flows are formed between the first plate member 1 and the second plate member 2.

[0034] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, each joint 3 has a weld. In the present embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 has eight welds 31a to 31h. The eight welds 31a to 31h each extend parallel to the neutral surface along the neutral axis N and straight in the longer direction L, and are aligned in the shorter direction S to define the six current paths 4 between the first plate member 1 and the second plate member 2. Some of the eight welds 31a to 31h are arranged on the first plate member 1 side with respect to the neutral axis N, and the rest are arranged on the second plate member 2 side.In the following description, of the eight welds 31a to 31h, the welds located closer to the side of the first plate member 1 than the neutral axis N are also referred to as first welds 31b, 31c, 31f, 31g, and welds located closer to the side of the second plate member 2 than the neutral axis N are also referred to as second welds 31a, 31d, 31e, 31h.

[0035] The eight weld seams 31a to 31h are arranged in the cross section of the heat exchanger 100 in a line-symmetrical manner with respect to a center line A. The center line A is a line passing through a center point of the shorter direction S in the cross section of the heat exchanger and is perpendicular to the neutral axis.

[0036] Specifically, the two first weld seams 31b, 31c are arranged in the contact portion 11 on the first end S1 side of the first plate component 1, and the two first weld seams 31f, 31g are arranged in the contact portion 11 on the second end S2 side of the first plate component 1. The second weld seam 31a is arranged in the non-contact portion 12 located at the first end S1 of the first plate component 1, and the second weld seam 31h is arranged in the non-contact portion 12 located at the second end S2 of the first plate component 1. The second weld seam 31d is arranged closer to the first end S1 side than each through hole 13, 23 in the non-contact portion 12 located in the center of the shorter direction S of the first plate member 1, and the second weld seam 31e is arranged closer to the second end S2 side than each through hole 13, 23 in this non-contact portion 12.

[0037] In addition, a sum of the shortest distances LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4 from the neutral axis N to each first weld 31b, 31c, 31f, 31g is approximately equal to a sum of the shortest distances LB1, LB2, LB3, LB4 from the neutral axis N to each second weld 31a, 31d, 31e, 31h. In the present embodiment, the number of first welds 31b, 31c, 31f, 31g and the number of second welds 31a, 31d, 31e, 31h are equal, which is four. Furthermore, the shortest distances LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4 and the shortest distances LB1, LB2, LB3, LB4 are equal, for example, 1.0 mm.That is, when the first welds 31b, 31c, 31f, 31g and the second welds 31a, 31d, 31e, 31h are evenly distributed on each side of the neutral axis N as in the present embodiment, the following equation is obtained: (number of first welds × shortest distance from the neutral axis N to the first weld) = (number of second welds × shortest distance from the neutral axis N to the second weld).

[0038] Each end of the weld seams 31a to 31h in the longer direction L is also coupled by a weld seam extending in the shorter direction S, so that the six flow paths 4 are formed, through which the heat exchange medium flows from the inflow port 101 to the discharge port 102 along the direction shown in Fig. 4 arrows shown. <Verfahren zum Herstellen des Wärmetauschers>

[0039] Next, a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger 100 will be described based on Fig. 14. The method for manufacturing the heat exchanger 100 includes a pressing process S10, a placement process S20, and a joining process S30. (pressing process)

[0040] First, the first plate component 1 and the second plate component 2 are formed by pressing flat blank materials, each with a specific shape. Specifically, for the first plate component 1, compression molding is performed to form the two contact portions 11 and the three non-contact portions 12. For the second plate component 2, compression molding is performed to form the five plate-like portions 21 and four projections 22. (Placement process)

[0041] Next, the first plate component 1 and the second plate component 2 are placed on top of each other so that the first plate component 1 and the second plate component 2 are in contact at the respective connection points 3 (see Fig. 3). In particular, the first plate component 1 and the second plate component 2 are superimposed such that at the respective connection points 3, the two contact portions 11 and the four projections 22 are in contact with each other, and the three non-contact portions 12 and the three plate-like portions 21 facing the three non-contact portions 12 are in contact with each other. (Connection process)

[0042] Next, the eight weld seams 31a to 31h are formed by applying heat to the respective joints 3, and the first plate component 1 and the second plate component 2 are joined. Specifically, for example, a laser light is irradiated onto the respective joints 3 along the longer direction L. As a result, the eight weld seams 31a to 31h are formed, so that the respective first weld seams 31b, 31c, 31f, 31g and the respective second weld seams 31a, 31d, 31e, 31h are arranged on each side of the neutral axis N, as described above (see Fig. 3). This results in a heat exchanger of 100.

[0043] Each weld seam 31a to 31h is formed when heat input into the corresponding joint 3 from a laser light or the like causes fusion in the first plate component 1 and the second plate component 2. In the present embodiment, heat input into each joint 3 is performed under specific conditions during the joining process S30. That is, the heat input amount during the formation of each weld seam 31a to 31h is approximately the same. The heat input amount is calculated according to the following expression: (Welding output ÷ welding speed × welding length). [2. Effect]

[0044] According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be achieved.

[0045] (2a) In the present embodiment, the first welds 31b, 31c, 31f, 31g and the second welds 31a, 31d, 31e, 31h are evenly distributed on each side of the neutral axis N. This facilitates the deformation caused by shrinkage stress on the heat exchanger 100 when the respective first welds 31b, 31c, 31f, 31g cool down to be offset by the deformation caused by shrinkage stress on the heat exchanger 100 when the respective second welds 31a, 31d, 31e, 31h cool down. Thus, the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger 100 having the eight joints 3 is reduced. That is, deformation of the first plate member 1 is prevented, making it easier for the two contact portions 11 of the first plate member 1 to contact the battery indirectly or directly.In other words, it becomes easier to maintain a flat surface of each contact portion 11 facing the battery 200 and exchanging heat with the battery 200. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the heat exchanger 100 for the battery 200 can be improved. Furthermore, since deformation of the first plate member 1 is prevented, the attachability of the heat exchanger 100 to the battery 200 is also improved.

[0046] (2b) In the present embodiment, the two first welds 31b, 31c are arranged in the contact portion 11 on the first end S1 side of the first plate member 1, and the two first welds 31f, 31g are arranged in the contact portion 11 on the second end S2 side of the first plate member 1. This causes a portion of each contact portion 11 provided with each current path 4 and a portion of each contact portion 11 provided with each first weld 31b, 31c, 31f, 31g to indirectly or directly contact the battery 200. Thus, an area of ​​a surface of each contact portion 11 that indirectly or directly contacts the battery 200 and exchanges heat with the battery 200 can be largely ensured. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the heat exchanger 100 for the battery 200 can be further improved.

[0047] (2c) In the present embodiment, the eight welds 31a to 31h are arranged in the cross section of the heat exchanger 100 line-symmetrically with respect to the center line A. Thus, in each section on both sides of the center line A, the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger 100 can be reduced.

[0048] (2d) In the present embodiment, the eight welds 31a to 31h extend in the longer direction L of the heat exchanger 100. The weld extending in the longer direction L of the heat exchanger 100 has a greater effect on the thermal distortion of the heat exchanger 100 than the weld extending in a shorter direction S of the heat exchanger 100. Thus, according to the configuration of the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, it becomes easier to reduce the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger 100.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the longer direction L corresponds to an example of the first direction and the shorter direction S corresponds to an example of the second direction. [3. Other embodiments]

[0050] An embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above and may take various forms.

[0051] (3a) In the above-described embodiment, the inflow port 101 and the discharge port 102 of the heat exchange medium are arranged on the first plate member 1, but the arrangement of the inflow port and the discharge port is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, an inflow port 101a and a discharge port 102a of a heat exchanger 100a of a first modified example may be provided in portions of a first plate member 1a projecting from the first end S1 in the shorter direction S.

[0052] As in Fig. 6, the heat exchanger 100a faces the contact surface 201 of the battery 200 and is arranged such that the battery 200 does not overlap with the inlet port 101a and the outlet port 102a in the shorter direction S. The heat-conducting material 300 may, but need not, be arranged between the heat exchanger 100a and the battery 200. The frame 400 is provided to surround a side surface of the battery 200, and the inlet port 101a and the outlet port 102a are located outside the frame 400. In Fig. In Fig. 6, the illustration of a portion of the frame 400 is omitted for simplicity. The heat exchanger 100a of the first modified example can also assume the role of a lower casing. Thus, unlike the heat exchanger 100 of the above-described embodiment, an opposite surface of a surface facing the battery 200 of the heat exchanger 100a does not need to be covered by a lower casing.

[0053] (3b) In the above-described embodiment, an example of the heat exchanger 100 was given in which the six current paths 4 are formed by the eight joints 3 having the four first welds 31b, 31c, 31f, 31g and four second welds 31a, 31d, 31e, 31h evenly distributed on each side of the neutral axis N. However, the configuration of the heat exchanger is not limited to this, and the number of current paths, that is, the number of welds, is not limited.

[0054] For example, a heat exchanger 100b of a Fig. 8, the second modified example has a configuration in which eight current paths 4b are formed by ten connection points 3b. Specifically, a first plate component 1b has two contact portions 11b and three non-contact portions 12b, and a second plate component 2b has seven plate-like portions 21b and six projections 22b. Fig. 8 illustrates only a configuration of a half on the first end S1 side of the heat exchanger 100b with respect to the center line A (hereinafter referred to as a first portion), for the sake of simplicity, but the heat exchanger 100b has a line-symmetric structure with respect to the center line A in a cross section of the heat exchanger 100b.

[0055] In the first section of the heat exchanger 100b, each connection point 3b has a weld seam. The first section of the heat exchanger 100b has five weld seams 32a to 32e. The three first weld seams 32b, 32c, 32d are arranged in the contact section 11b on the side of the first end S1 of the first plate component 1b. The second weld seam 32a is arranged in the non-contact section 12b at the first end S1 of the first plate component 1b, and the second weld seam 32e is arranged closer to the side of the first end S1 than the respective through holes 13, 23 in the non-contact section 12b of the first plate component 1b located in the middle of the shorter direction S.

[0056] As a result, a portion of the respective contact portion 11b provided with the respective current path 4b and a portion of the respective contact portion 11b provided with the respective first weld seams 32b, 32c, 32d indirectly or directly contact the battery 200. Thus, a portion of a surface of each contact portion 11b that indirectly or directly contact the battery 200 and exchange heat with the battery 200 can be largely ensured.

[0057] In the first section of the heat exchanger 100b, the number of first welds 32b, 32c, 32d is three, and the number of second welds 32a, 32e is two. A degree of deformation due to heat distortion through a joint of the heat exchanger varies depending on a distance between the neutral axis and the weld of the joint. Thus, as with the heat exchanger 100b, in the case of a configuration in which the number of first welds 32b, 32c, 32d and the number of second welds 32a, 32e are different, the shortest distance from the neutral axis N to the first weld and the shortest distance from the neutral axis N to the second weld are set to different values.In the design of the heat exchanger 100b, the shortest distance LC1, LC2, LC3 from the neutral axis N to the respective first weld seam 32b, 32c, 32d is set to, for example, 0.8 mm, and the shortest distance LD1, LD2 from the neutral axis N to the respective second weld seam 32a, 32e is set to, for example, 1.2 mm. As a result, the sum of the shortest distances LC1, LC2, LC3 from the neutral axis N to the respective first weld seam 32b, 32c, 32d is approximately equal to the sum of the shortest distances LD1, LD2 from the neutral axis N to the respective second weld seam 32a, 32e.

[0058] This facilitates the deformation of the heat exchanger 100b caused by shrinkage stress when the respective first welds 32b, 32c, 32d cool down to be compensated for by the deformation of the heat exchanger caused by shrinkage stress when the respective second welds 32a, 32e cool down. Thus, the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger 100b is reduced. That is, deformation of the first plate member 1b is prevented, making it easier for the two contact portions 11b of the first plate member 1b to indirectly or directly contact the battery 200. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the heat exchanger 100b for the battery 200 can be improved.

[0059] For example, a heat exchanger 100c of a Fig. 9 may have a configuration in which ten current paths 4c are formed by twelve connection points 3b. Specifically, a first plate component 1c may have two contact portions 11c and three non-contact portions 12c, and a second plate component 2c may have nine plate-like portions 21c and eight projections 22b. Fig. 9 illustrates only a configuration of a half on the first end S1 side of the heat exchanger 100c with respect to the center line A (hereinafter referred to as a second portion), for the sake of simplicity, but the heat exchanger 100c has a line-symmetric structure with respect to the center line A in a cross section of the heat exchanger 100c.

[0060] In the second section of the heat exchanger 100c, each connection point 3b has a weld seam. The second section of the heat exchanger 100c has six weld seams 33a to 33f. The four first weld seams 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e are arranged in the contact section 11c on the side of the first end S1 of the first plate component 1c. The second weld seam 33a is arranged in the non-contact section 12c at the first end S1 of the first plate component 1c. The second weld seam 33f is arranged closer to the side of the first end S1 than the respective through holes 13, 23 in the non-contact section 12b of the first plate component 1c located in the middle of the shorter direction S.

[0061] As a result, a portion of the respective contact portion 11c provided with the respective current path 4c and a portion of the respective contact portion 11c provided with the respective first weld seams 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e indirectly or directly touch the battery 200. Thus, a portion of a surface of each contact portion 11c that indirectly or directly touches the battery 200 and exchanges heat with the battery 200 can be largely ensured.

[0062] In the first section of heat exchanger 100c, the number of first weld seams 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e is four, and the number of second weld seams 33a, 33f is two. In heat exchanger 100c, similar to heat exchanger 100b, the number of first weld seams 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e and the number of second weld seams 33a, 33e differ. In the design of the heat exchanger 100c, the shortest distance LC1, LC2, LC3, LE4 from the neutral axis N to the respective first weld seam 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e is thus set to, for example, 0.7 mm and the shortest distance LF1, LF2 from the neutral axis N to the respective second weld seam 33a, 33f is set to, for example, 1.4 mm.As a result, a sum of the shortest distances LC1, LC2, LC3, LC4 from the neutral axis N to the respective first weld seam 33b, 33c, 33d, 32f is approximately equal to a sum of the shortest distances LF1, LF2 from the neutral axis N to the respective second weld seam 33a, 33f.

[0063] This facilitates the deformation of the heat exchanger 100c caused by shrinkage stress when the respective first welds 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e cool down to be compensated for by the deformation of the heat exchanger caused by shrinkage stress when the respective second welds 33a, 33e cool down. Thus, the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger 100c is reduced. That is, deformation of the first plate member 1c is prevented, making it easier for the two contact portions 11c of the first plate member 1c to indirectly or directly contact the battery 200. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the heat exchanger 100c for the battery 200 can be improved.

[0064] (3c) In the above-described embodiment and the first to third modified examples, an example was given of the configuration in which the shortest distances from the neutral axis N to each first weld are constant, and the shortest distances from the neutral axis N to each second weld are constant. However, for example, if the sum of the shortest distances from the neutral axis N to each first weld is approximately equal to the sum of the shortest distances from the neutral axis N to each second weld, the values ​​of the respective shortest distances do not need to be constant.

[0065] (3d) In the above-described embodiment and the first to third modified examples, the welds in the cross section of the heat exchanger 100 are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the center line A. However, if, for example, the sum of the shortest distances from the neutral axis N to each first weld is approximately equal to the sum of the shortest distances from the neutral axis N to each second weld, the welds need not be arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the center line A.

[0066] (3e) In the above-described embodiment and the first to third modified examples, the first welds and the second welds extend in the longer direction L of the heat exchanger 100b to form the six flow paths 4. However, for example, the first welds and the second welds may extend in the shorter direction S of the heat exchanger to form two or more flow paths through which the heat exchange medium flows.

[0067] (3f) In the above-described embodiment and the first to third modified examples, the first welds are arranged in the contact portions 11 of the first plate member 1, but the first welds need not be arranged in the contact portions.

[0068] (3g) In the embodiment described above, an example of the heat exchanger 100 having a size adapted to the battery 200 was given. However, two or more heat exchangers 100 may be aligned, for example, in the shorter direction S and coupled to each other to be connected to a Fig. 10 shown within an annular frame 600 and consisting of a combination of two or more batteries 200 (see Fig. 11). A heat exchange device 110, in which the heat exchangers 100 are coupled together, is arranged to face the battery pack 220. In a Fig. In the example shown in FIG. 11, in a state where the heat exchanger 100 is installed in an electric vehicle, the longer direction L of the heat exchanger 100 is a right-left direction of the electric vehicle, and the shorter direction S of the heat exchanger 100 is a front-backward direction of the electric vehicle. In a state where the heat exchanger 100 is installed in the electric vehicle, the longer direction L of the heat exchanger 100 may be the front-backward direction of the electric vehicle, and the shorter direction S of the heat exchanger 100 may be the right-left direction of the electric vehicle.

[0069] (3h) In the embodiment described above, an example was given of the shape of the flow paths 4 through which the heat exchange medium flows from the inflow port 101 to the discharge port 102 along the direction shown in Fig. 4, but the shape of the current path is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, a heat exchanger 100d of a fourth modified example may have a flow path 4d with a shape shown by the arrows, through which the heat exchange medium flows from an inflow port 101d to a discharge port 102d. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, a heat exchanger 100d of a fifth modified example may further include a flow path 4e having a shape shown by arrows through which the heat exchange medium flows from an inflow port 101e to a discharge port 102e.

[0070] (3i) In the above-described embodiment, heat was applied to each joint 3 under specific conditions S30 during the joining process. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the heat input amount during the formation of each weld 31a to 31h was approximately the same. However, in the joining process S30, for example, heat may be applied to each joint under different conditions. That is, the heat input amount during the formation of each weld may be different.

[0071] If the heat input changes, the shrinkage stress changes as the weld cools. Thus, for example, the effect of thermal distortion of the heat exchanger can be evaluated by considering the heat input during the formation of each weld, in addition to the shortest distance from the neutral axis N to each weld.For example, in the case where the heat input quantity is taken into account in a configuration in which the heat exchanger has two or more welds, a sum of values ​​obtained for each first weld by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis N to each first weld by the heat input quantity in the formation of each first weld may be approximately equal to a sum of values ​​obtained for each second weld by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis N to each second weld by a heat input quantity in the formation of each second weld.

[0072] Specifically, when the heat exchanger 100 has eight welds 31a to 31h as in the above-described embodiment, the following equation can be established: ((shortest distance LA1 × heat input amount QA1) + (shortest distance LA2 × heat input amount QA2) + (shortest distance LA3 × heat input amount QA3) + (shortest distance LA4 × heat input amount QA4)) = ((shortest distance LB1 × heat input amount QB1) + (shortest distance LB2 × heat input amount QB2) + (shortest distance LB3 × heat input amount QB3) + (shortest distance LB4 × heat input amount QB4)). The heat input amounts QA1 to QA4 are the heat input amounts when the first welds 31b, 31c, 31f, 31g are formed, respectively. The heat input quantities QB1 to QB4 are also the heat input quantities during the formation of the second weld seams 31a, 31d, 31e, 31h.

[0073] As a result, even if the shrinkage stress differs due to differences in the heat input amount, the deformation caused by shrinkage stress on the heat exchanger when the first weld cools is likely to be offset by the deformation caused by shrinkage stress on the heat exchanger when the second weld cools. Thus, the effect of thermal distortion can be reduced even in heat exchangers having joints to which heat is applied during welding under various conditions, taking into account the shape, thickness, size, and the like of the heat exchanger. In other words, by considering the heat input amount, it becomes easier to expand the design range of the heat exchanger, improving cooling performance.In the joining process S30, even if heat is supplied to the joints under certain conditions and the heat input amount in the formation of each weld is approximately the same, the heat input amount in the formation of each weld can be considered in addition to the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each weld to evaluate the effect of thermal deformation of the heat exchanger.

[0074] (3j) A function(s) of an element in the above-described embodiments may be distributed among two or more elements, and a function(s) of two or more elements may be integrated into one element. Part of the configuration of the above-described embodiments may be omitted. At least part of the configuration of the above-described embodiments may be added to or replaced by a configuration of other embodiments. [4. Technical idea disclosed in this specification][Item 1]

[0075] Heat exchanger that exchanges heat with a battery installed in an electric vehicle, comprising: a first plate member that is a plate-like member configured to face the battery; a second plate member which is a plate-like member arranged to face an opposite side of the battery-facing side of the first plate member, the second plate member forming a current path through which a heat exchange medium passes between the first plate member and the second plate member; two or more joints, which are sections where the first plate component and the second plate component are joined by welding, wherein the connection points each have a weld extending in a first direction and oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction to define the current path, wherein the weld seams are each arranged either on the side of the first plate component or on the side of the second plate component with respect to a neutral axis extending in the second direction in a cross-section of the heat exchanger orthogonal to the first direction, wherein, of the welds, a weld seam(s) located closer to the side of the first plate component than the neutral axis is (are) referred to as at least one first weld seam and a weld seam(s) located closer to the side of the second plate component than the neutral axis is (are) referred to as at least one second weld seam and wherein a sum of the shortest distances from the neutral axis to each of the at least one first weld seam is approximately equal to a sum of the shortest distances from the neutral axis to each of the at least one second weld seam. [Point 2]

[0076] Heat exchanger according to point 1, where a number of at least one first weld seam and a number of at least one second weld seam are the same and the shortest distances from the neutral axis to each of the at least one first weld seam and the shortest distances from the neutral axis to each of the at least one second weld seam are the same. [Point 3]

[0077] Heat exchanger according to point 1 or point 2, where the welds are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a center line A in the cross-section and the center line A is a line passing through a center point of the second direction in the cross-section and perpendicular to the neutral axis. [Point 4]

[0078] Heat exchanger according to one of the items 1 to 3, wherein the first direction is a longer direction of the heat exchanger. [Point 5]

[0079] Heat exchanger according to one of the items 1 to 4, wherein the first plate member has a contact portion that contacts the battery and extends approximately parallel to the neutral axis and approximately flat in the first direction and the second direction, and the at least one first weld seam is arranged in the contact section. [Point 6]

[0080] Heat exchanger according to one of the items 1 to 5, wherein the welds are formed by heat input into the joints and a sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one first weld seam by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each of the at least one first weld seam by a heat input amount in the formation of each of the at least one first weld seam is approximately equal to a sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one second weld seam by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each of the at least one second weld seam by a heat input amount in the formation of each of the at least one second weld seam. [Point 7]

[0081] Method for producing a heat exchanger according to one of items 1 to 5, comprising: Placing the first plate component and the second plate component on top of each other so that the first plate component and the second plate component are in contact at the respective connection points and Forming the welds by applying heat to the joints to join the first plate component and the second plate component, wherein a sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one first weld seams by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each of the at least one first weld seams by a heat input amount in the formation of each of the at least one first weld seams is approximately equal to a sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one second weld seams by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis to each of the at least one second weld seams by a heat input amount in the formation of each of the at least one second weld seams. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2020-510534

[0002] < / verbindungsstelle>

Claims

[1] Heat exchanger (100, 100a to 100e) which exchanges heat with a battery (200) installed in an electric vehicle, comprising: a first plate member (1, 1a to 1c) which is a plate-like member designed to face the battery (200); a second plate component (2, 2b, 2c), which is a plate-like component arranged to face an opposite side of the battery-facing side of the first plate component (1, 1a to 1c), wherein the second plate component (2, 2b, 2c) forms a current path (4, 4b to 4e) through which a heat exchange medium passes between the first plate component (1, 1a to 1c) and the second plate component (2, 2b, 2c); and two or more joints (3, 3b, 3c), which are sections at which the first plate component (1, 1a to 1c) and the second plate component (2, 2b, 2c) are connected by welding, wherein the connection points (3, 3b, 3c) each have a weld seam (31a to 31h, 32a to 32e, 33a to 33f) extending in a first direction (L) and oriented in a second direction (S) orthogonal to the first direction to define the current path (4, 4b to 4e), wherein the weld seams (31a to 31h, 32a to 32e, 33a to 33f) are each arranged either on the side of the first plate component (1, 1a to 1c) or on the side of the second plate component (2, 2b, 2c) with respect to a neutral axis extending in the second direction (S) in a cross-section of the heat exchanger (100, 100a to 100e) orthogonal to the first direction (L), wherein of the weld seams (31a to 31h, 32a to 32e, 33a to 33f), a weld seam (weld seams) located closer to the side of the first plate component (1, 1a to 1c) than the neutral axis (N) is (are) referred to as at least one first weld seam (31b, 31c, 31f, 31g, 32b to 32d, 33b to 33e) and a weld seam (weld seams) located closer to the side of the second plate component (2, 2b, 2c) than the neutral axis (N) is (are) referred to as at least one second weld seam (31a, 31d, 31e, 31h, 32a, 32e, 33a, 33f) and wherein a sum of the shortest distances (LA1 to LA4, LC1 to LC3, LE1 to LE4) from the neutral axis (N) to each of the at least one first weld seam (31b, 31c, 31f, 31g, 32b to 32d, 33b to 33e) is approximately equal to a sum of the shortest distances (LB1 to LB4, LD1, LD2, LF1, LF2) from the neutral axis (N) to each of the at least one second weld seam (31a, 31d, 31e, 31h, 32a, 32e, 33a, 33f). [2] Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1, wherein a number of the at least one first weld seam (31b, 31c, 31f, 31g) and a number of the at least one second weld seam (31a, 31d, 31e, 31h) are the same and the shortest distances (LA1 to LA4) from the neutral axis (N) to each of the at least one first weld seam (31b, 31c, 31f, 31g) and the shortest distances from the neutral axis (N) to each of the at least one second weld seam (31a, 31d, 31e, 31h) are the same. [3] Heat exchanger (100, 100a to 100c) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weld seams (31a to 31h, 32a to 32e, 33a to 33f) are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a center line (A) in the cross-section and the center line (A) is a line passing through a center point of the second direction (S) in the cross-section and perpendicular to the neutral axis (N). [4] Heat exchanger (100, 100a to 100e) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first direction (L) is a longer direction of the heat exchanger (100, 100a to 100e). [5] Heat exchanger (100, 100a to 100c) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first plate member (1, 1a to 1c) has a contact portion (11, 11b, 11c) which contacts the battery (200) and extends approximately parallel to the neutral axis (N) and approximately flat in the first direction (L) and the second direction (S) and the at least one first weld seam (31b, 31c, 31f, 31g, 32b to 32d, 33b to 33e) is arranged in the contact section (11, 11b, 11c). [6] Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each weld seam (31a to 31h) is formed by heat input into a corresponding connection point (3) and a sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one first weld seam by multiplying the shortest distance (LA1 to LA4) from the neutral axis (N) to each of the at least one first weld seam (31b, 31c, 31f, 31g) by a heat input quantity (QA1 to QA4) in the formation of each of the at least one first weld seam (31b, 31c, 31f, 31g) is approximately equal to a sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one second weld seam by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis (N) to each of the at least one second weld seam (31a, 31d, 31e, 31h) by a heat input quantity (QB1 to QB4) in the formation of each of the at least one second weld seam (31a, 31d, 31e, 31h). [7] A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1, comprising: Placing the first plate component (1) and the second plate component (2) on top of one another so that the first plate component (1) and the second plate component (2) are in contact at the connecting points (3) and Forming the weld seams (31a to 31h) by heat input into the joints (3) in order to connect the first plate component (1) and the second plate component (2), wherein a sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one first weld seam by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis (N) to each of the at least one first weld seam (31b, 31c, 31f, 31g) by a heat input quantity (QA1 to QA4) in the formation of each of the at least one first weld seam (31b, 31c, 31f, 31g) is approximately equal to a sum of values ​​obtained for each of the at least one second weld seam by multiplying the shortest distance from the neutral axis (N) to each of the at least one second weld seam (31a, 31d, 31e, 31h) by a heat input quantity (QB1 to QB4) in the formation of each of the at least one second weld seam (31a, 31d, 31e, 31h).

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