Heat exchanger

Abstract

Task: A heat exchanger is provided that can improve processability and reduce pressure losses. Means of solving: A heat exchanger 1 comprises a layered body 2 in which a flow path for a first fluid and a flow path for a second fluid are alternately formed in the Z-direction (layering direction) by the alternating stacking of a first plate 21 and a second plate 22, a housing 3 in the form of a tube with a bottom, which receives the layered body 2 and in which one side is open in the Z-direction, and a base plate 4, which is provided on the side of the opening of the housing 3. The housing 3 has an inlet opening 33 and an outlet opening 34 on a side wall section 32 extending along the Z-direction, through which the first fluid passes. The first plate 21 and the second plate 22 each have outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224, which project from the outer circumferential edge in the Z-direction.The outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224 are positioned on the outside of another plate adjacent to the protruding side and are fitted together with a tapered connection. Between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22, which are adjacent in the Z direction, an opening section 29B, which opens the space between the plates serving as a flow path for the first fluid, and a closing section 29A, which closes the space between the plates serving as a flow path for the second fluid, are formed at a position opposite the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34, respectively.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a heat exchanger. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A heat exchanger used in a vehicle or similar device is generally known to have alternating flow paths for two types of fluids created by stacking several plates. Pressure losses in such a heat exchanger are reduced when the direction of fluid inflow and outflow coincides with the surface direction of the plates rather than the stacking direction. A heat exchanger with such an inflow and outflow direction is proposed in which an inlet and outlet for cooling water are formed on the side of the outer circumferential wall of a round-tube housing, and a space is provided between the outer circumferential wall of the housing and an outer circumferential section of a core for cooling water to flow in the plate stacking direction of the core (see, for example, patent document 1).In a heat exchanger according to patent document 1, cooling water, which has been introduced from an outer wall section into an inner section of the housing, passes through an inner section of the core after being distributed in a vertical direction and is discharged from the outer wall section. DOCUMENTS OF THE STATE OF TECHNOLOGY Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: JP 2011-127819 A SUMMARY Task of the invention

[0004] Several plates forming the core of a heat exchanger have through-holes and similar features for fluids to pass through, and to connect these as desired, it is necessary to prevent displacement of the plates in the plane direction. However, in the heat exchanger according to patent document 1, the core is formed by stacking several tubes, each consisting of a first plate and a second plate. Precise stacking of the tubes proved difficult, and improved workability was desired.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the problems described above and aims to provide a heat exchanger that can improve processability while reducing pressure losses. Means of solving the task

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problem, a heat exchanger according to the invention comprises a layered body in which a flow path for a first fluid and a flow path for a second fluid are alternately formed in the layering direction by alternating layering of a first plate and a second plate, a housing in the form of a tube with a bottom, which receives the layered body and at one side of which is open in the layering direction, and a base plate which is provided on the side of the opening of the housing, and is characterized in that the housing has an inlet opening and an outlet opening on a side wall section extending along the layering direction, through which the first fluid passes.exhibits and the first plate and the second plate each have an outer circumferential flange section projecting from the outer circumferential edge in the layering direction and the outer circumferential flange section is positioned tapered and fitted on the outside relative to the outer circumferential flange section of the plate adjacent on the projecting side and between the first plate and second plate adjacent in the layering direction, at a position opposite the inlet opening or the outlet opening, an opening section is formed which is open to the plate space that forms the flow path of the first fluid, and a closing section is formed which closes the plate space that forms the flow path of the second fluid.

[0007] According to this aspect, since the housing has the inlet and outlet openings on the side wall section, the initial fluid, when it enters the housing and passes through the spaces between the plates, flows in a direction that intersects the layering direction, thus reducing pressure loss. Because the outer circumferential flange sections are formed on the first and second plates, and these flange sections are tapered and fitted into each other on adjacent plates in the layering direction, the plates can be positioned within the plane direction. This means the plates only need to be stacked in a specific sequence, thereby increasing processability.

[0008] A first distribution flow path, connected to the inlet or outlet and extending in the layering direction, is formed on the housing. At least one section of the first or second plates may have an extension section that transitions into the outer circumferential flange section and reduces the opening size of the opening section. By reducing the opening size of the opening section, the flow rate of the first fluid entering the flow path can be limited. When distributing the first fluid flowing from the inlet into the housing in the layering direction, it can easily happen that the flow rate at a given position in the layering direction is higher the closer the position is to the inlet opening, and lower the further the position is from the inlet opening.By limiting the flow rate, especially at positions near the inlet opening, it is easier to ensure the flow rate at positions farther from the inlet opening, and differences in flow rate between respective positions in the layering direction can be reduced.

[0009] The outer circumferential flange section features a fluid baffle that runs along the flow direction of the first and second fluids within the layered body. At adjacent first and second plates, the fluid baffles can also be connected. In this way, the fluid flow paths can be delimited by means of the outer circumferential flange section. In other words, there is no need to delimit the flow path through the casing or any other component, and the heat exchanger design can be simplified.

[0010] The outer circumferential flange section can be provided within the outer circumferential edge of the first and second plates, except at the position opposite the first distribution flow path. This allows fluid to flow even more efficiently in the flow path between the inlet and outlet openings.

[0011] The closure section comprises a first closure section formed on the first plate and a second closure section formed on the second plate, wherein the first closure section has a first wall-shaped section extending towards the side opposite the protruding side and a first connecting section extending from the tip of the first wall-shaped section towards the inlet or outlet, respectively, and the second closure section has a second wall-shaped section extending towards the protruding side and a second connecting section extending from the tip of the second wall-shaped section towards the inlet or outlet, respectively, and the first connecting section and the second connecting section may be connected in an overlapping manner.According to this aspect, the connection surface between the first connection section and the second connection section can be easily ensured and the flow of fluids in the closure section can be avoided.

[0012] The first or second closure section can also include a cover section that extends into one end of the first and second connection sections and covers one end of the other of these two from the inlet side. This prevents fluid flowing in from the inlet opening from directly approaching an end of the first or second connection section. This reduces the fluid pressure at the connection point between the first and second connection sections and prevents chemical denaturation, pressure deformation, or damage to the connection. Effect of the invention

[0013] The heat exchanger according to the invention can improve processability while reducing pressure losses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a base plate and a layer body of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a sectional view through an outlet pipe of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a sectional view through an inlet pipe of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing a section of Fig. 3 shows enlarged. Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing another section of Fig. 3 shows enlarged. Fig. Figure 7 is a top view of a plate of the lowest section of a layered body of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of a first plate of a layered body of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 9 is a top view of a second plate of a layered body of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 10 is a sectional view through a second distribution flow path of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 11 is a side view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 12 is a side view of a base plate and a layer body of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 13 is a side view of a base plate and a layer body of a heat exchanger of a modification example of the invention. FORM OF EXECUTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the figures. A heat exchanger 1 according to one embodiment of the invention comprises, as shown in Fig. Figures 1 to 4 show a layered body 2 in which, by stacking several plates 21 to 24, a flow path for a first fluid (in this embodiment, cooling water) and a flow path for a second fluid (in this embodiment, oil) are alternately formed in the Z-direction (layering direction), a housing 3 in the form of a tube with a bottom, which receives the layered body 2 and in which one side is open in the Z-direction, and a base plate 4, which is provided on the side of the opening of the housing 3. The housing 3 has an inlet opening 33 and an outlet opening 34 on a side wall section 32 extending along the Z-direction, through which the first fluid enters.An outer circumferential section 20 of the layer body 2 is formed such that it runs along the inner surface of the side wall section 32 of the housing 3 and has a concave section 26 located away from the inner surface of the side wall section 32 at one section opposite the inlet opening 33 and at one section opposite the outlet opening 34. By means of the concave section 26, a first distribution flow path 28 is formed between the outer circumferential section 20 of the layer body 2 and the inner surface of the side wall section 32, through which the first fluid flows along the Z-direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the first plate shows 21 and the second plate 22, as in Fig. Figure 6 shows outer circumferential flange sections 214 and 224, which project from the outer circumferential edge in the Z-direction. The outer circumferential flange sections 214 and 224 are positioned on the outside of another plate adjacent to the projecting plate with respect to the outer circumferential flange sections 214 and 224, and are fitted with a tapered end and joined by brazing. Between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22, adjacent in the Z-direction, there are, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, an opening section 29B, which opens the space between the plates serving as a flow path for the first fluid (cooling water), and a closing section 29A, which closes the space between the plates serving as a flow path for the second fluid (oil), are formed at a position opposite the inlet opening 33 or the outlet opening 34.

[0016] Furthermore, the housing 3 is cuboid and has, on a short side wall section 322, as a surface section of a side wall section 32, the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34, through which the first fluid enters, and a stage section 322A formed in the vicinity of the inlet opening 33 or the outlet opening 34 (see Fig. 11).

[0017] This is Fig. 1 a perspective view of the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base plate 4 and the layer body 2 of the heat exchanger 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through an outlet pipe 6 of the heat exchanger 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through an inlet pipe 5 of the heat exchanger 1. Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing a section of Fig. 3 enlarged shows, Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing another section of Fig. 3 enlarged shows, Fig. Figure 7 is a top view of a plate of the lowest section 23 of the layer body 2, Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of the first plate 21 of the layered body 2, Fig. Figure 9 is a top view of the second plate 22 of the layer body 2, Fig. Figure 10 is a sectional view through a second distribution flow path (in the present embodiment, in which the first fluid is cooling water and the second fluid is oil, of an oil flow path that alternates with a water path, the flow path that connects the oil flow path in the layering direction of the core) 27 of the heat exchanger 1, Fig. Figure 11 is a side view of heat exchanger 1 and Fig. Figure 12 is a side view of the layer body 2 and the base plate 4.

[0018] The heat exchanger 1 is used, for example, in the cooling water system of an automobile (a vehicle). An automobile in which the heat exchanger 1 is provided can be one that has only an internal combustion engine as its power source, or one that has both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, or one that has only an electric motor. In each type of propulsion, the heat exchanger 1 is provided to cool a section where heat is generated. Cooling water is used as an example of the fluid used for cooling, and oil, such as hydraulic oil, is used as an example of the fluid to be cooled. However, these fluids can be selected appropriately according to the type of propulsion of the automobile, the type of heat-generating section, the required cooling properties, and the like.Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the fluid used for cooling is the first fluid and the fluid to be cooled is the second fluid; however, the fluid used for cooling can also be the second fluid and the fluid to be cooled the first fluid. In the following description, the first fluid is cooling water and the second fluid is oil.

[0019] The heat exchanger 1 comprises, as described below, a flat cuboid housing 3, wherein the thickness direction of the housing 3 (the direction in which, as described below, the housing 3 has an opening) is the Z-direction, and in an XY plane, which is a plane perpendicular to the Z-direction, the long side direction of the housing 3 is the X-direction and the short side direction is the Y-direction. Furthermore, the side on which the housing 3 is open (the side on which the base plate 4 is provided, the underside) is shown below in the Z-direction. Fig. 1 to 4), the underside and its opposite side (the top in Fig. 1 to 4) is the top side, and these two are simply called top and bottom, however, top and bottom are relative in the Z-axis direction and do not necessarily correspond to top and bottom in the vertical direction in the actual state of use.

[0020] In addition to the layered body 2, the housing 3, and the base plate 4, the heat exchanger 1 also comprises an inlet pipe 5 and an outlet pipe 6. The heat exchanger 1 exhibits double rotational symmetry with respect to an axis of rotation that passes through the intersection of the diagonals L1 and L2 described below and runs in the Z-direction, and has a shape in which an inlet side and an outlet side are symmetrical. In other words, if the heat exchanger 1 is rotated 180° around the axis of rotation, the shape before rotation and the shape after rotation are identical.

[0021] The layer body 2 forms, as also in Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows that by alternately stacking the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 in the Z-direction, a flow path for the first fluid (a cooling water flow path) and a flow path for the second fluid (an oil flow path) are formed, and furthermore, a plate 23 of the lowest section and a plate 24 of the uppermost section are included. The layered body 2 is formed in a cuboid shape because the respective plates 21 to 24 run along the XY plane (have a direction along the XY plane relative to the surface direction) and are stacked in the Z-direction.Two virtual diagonals in a view of the layer body 2 from the Z-direction are assumed to be the first diagonal L1 and the second diagonal L2, and the pair of corner sections connected by the first diagonal L1 is assumed to be the first corner sections 2A, and the pair of corner sections connected by the second diagonal L2 is assumed to be the second corner sections 2B (see . Fig. 1, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9).

[0022] In the layered body 2, the second plate 22 is stacked on the plate 23 of the lowest section (i.e., on the side opposite the base plate 4), and the first plate 21 is stacked on this. The plate 24 of the uppermost section is stacked on the second plate 22 and, unless otherwise specified, has the same shape as the first plate 21. A ribbed plate 25 is provided on the top surface of the second plate 22 and on the bottom surface of the first plate 21, forming a flow path for the second fluid. A flow path for the first fluid is also formed between the top surface of the first plate 21 and the bottom surface of the second plate 22. Clad metal, such as aluminum, or the like, can be used for the plates that form the layered body 2.

[0023] Plate 23 of the lowest section differs, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows that the plate 23 of the lowest section is rectangular and flat, without a concave section as described below. The plate 23 of the lowest section has a through hole 231 formed at the second corner sections 2B, several convex sections 232 formed on the upper surface, and an outer circumferential flange section 233 projecting from the outer circumferential edge towards the top of the Z-direction.

[0024] The first plate, 21, shows, as also in Fig. Figure 8 shows a concave section 211 formed at the first corner sections 2A, a through hole 212 formed at the second corner sections 2B, several convex sections 213 formed on the upper surface and forming bulges towards the top, an outer circumferential flange section 214 projecting from the outer circumferential edge to the top in the Z direction, and a first closure section 215 extending towards the bottom at the first corner sections 2A (see Fig. 5) on. The first plate 21, being formed as a plate from whose rectangular shape corner sections have been removed, forms the concave section 211.

[0025] The second plate, 22, shows, as in Fig. Figure 9 shows a concave section 221 formed at the first corner sections 2A, a through hole 222 formed at the second corner sections 2B, several convex sections 223 formed on the underside and forming bulges towards the underside, an outer circumferential flange section 224 projecting from the outer circumferential edge to the top in the Z direction, and a second closure section 225 extending from the first corner sections 2A to the top (see Fig. 5) on. The second plate 22, being formed as a plate from whose rectangular shape corner sections have been removed, forms the concave section 221.

[0026] Plate 24 of the uppermost section shows, as can be seen from Fig. 2 evident, as is the first plate 21 (see Fig. 8) a concave section 241, several convex sections 243 and an outer circumferential flange section 244, wherein it is shaped in such a way that a section has been removed from a rectangular shape, but differs from the first plate 21 in that no through hole is formed.

[0027] The outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224, 233, 244 are formed at the outer circumferential edge of the respective plates on the section outside the concave section (i.e., in the entire area except at positions opposite the first distribution flow path 28) and are, as shown particularly in Fig. Figure 6 shows tapered sections that, with respect to the Z-direction, have an inclination such that, corresponding to their orientation towards the top (the side to which they project), they extend outwards (i.e., such that the area enclosed by the outer circumferential flange section becomes larger). This allows adjacent outer circumferential flange sections to fit together at a tapered angle in the Z-direction and to be brazed together such that the outer circumferential flange section of a lower plate is positioned on the outside of the outer circumferential flange section of the upper adjacent plate. For example, the outer circumferential flange section 214 of the first plate 21 is positioned on the outside of the outer circumferential flange section 224 of the upper adjacent second plate 22, and the outer circumferential flange section of the second plate 22 is positioned on the outside of the outer circumferential flange section 214 of the upper adjacent first plate 21.

[0028] By fitting and brazing the outer circumferential flange sections in this tapered manner, the several plates are assembled and form, as in Fig. 2 shown, in its entirety the cuboid layered body 2. The layered body 2 can be assembled inside the housing 3 by stacking the plates or can also be received in the housing 3 after assembly outside the housing 3.

[0029] The outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224, 233, 244 are, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 10 shows fluid guide vanes 210, 220, 230, 240 extending along the X-direction. The first fluid and the second fluid flow along the diagonals L1, L2 as described below, and the fluid guide vanes 210, 220, 230, 240 extending along the X-direction, which is the long side direction, have a relatively small angle of inclination with respect to the flow direction of the first and second fluids. When the outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224, 233, 244 are connected, the fluid guide vanes 210, 220, 230, 240 are also connected. This allows the first fluid and the second fluid to flow along the inner surfaces of the fluid conductor walls 210, 220, 230, 240 and prevents fluid from flowing out into the housing 3 from the sides of the Y direction.

[0030] Because the concave sections 211, 221, 241 overlap in the layer body 2 after assembly, the concave section 26 is formed on the outer circumferential section 20 of the layer body 2 with respect to the central section of the Y-direction of the side wall section near the first corner sections 2A. Because the through-holes 212, 222, 231 overlap, the second distribution flow path 27 is formed, through which the second fluid can flow along the Z-direction.

[0031] A flange section is formed on the first plate 21, extending from the vicinity of the through-hole 212 towards the top, and a flange section is formed on the second plate 22, extending from the vicinity of the through-hole 222 towards the bottom, and these flange sections are connected to each other (see Fig. 6) This separates the space between the top of the first plate 21 and the bottom of the second plate 22 from the second distribution flow path 27 and prevents the second fluid passing through the second distribution flow path 27 from flowing into this space. The space between the bottom of the first plate 21 and the top of the second plate 22, however, is connected to the second distribution flow path 27.

[0032] In the layered body 2, the space between the plates and the external space (the space inside the housing 3) are separated from each other outside the concave section 26 by the formation of the outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224, 233, 244. In the concave section 26, the space between the underside of the first plate 21 and the top side of the second plate 22 is separated from the external space by the connection of the first closure section 215 and the second closure section 225, forming closure section 29A. The opening section 29B is formed between the top side of the first plate 21 and the underside of the second plate 22, and this space is connected to the external space (see Fig. 5) The closure section 29A is formed between the through holes 212, 222 and the outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224 extending to the position of the plate's long side in the Y direction (see Fig. 2, Fig. 8, Fig. 9).

[0033] The housing 3 has a base plate section 31 and a tubular side wall section 32 connected to the outer circumferential edge of the base plate section 31, is formed in the shape of a tube with a base and is rectangular when viewed from the Z direction.

[0034] The base plate section 31 is formed along the XY plane in the form of a rectangular plate, and its corner sections are connected by the first diagonal L1 and the second diagonal L2. The pair of corner sections connected in the housing 3 by the first diagonal L1 are first corner sections 3A, and the pair of corner sections connected by the second diagonal L2 are second corner sections 3B.

[0035] The side wall section 32 has a pair of longitudinal side wall sections 321 corresponding to the long sides of the base plate section 31, a pair of short side wall sections 322 corresponding to the short sides and a total of four curved surface sections 323, which are positioned between the longitudinal side wall sections 321 and the short side wall sections 322.

[0036] On each pair of short sidewall sections 322, the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34, through which the first fluid enters, are formed. The inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 are formed in the short sidewall sections 322 in the central section of the Z-direction and are located closer to the first corner sections 3A than the central section of the Y-direction. In other words, when viewing the housing 3 from the Z-direction, the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 are each located in a position adjacent to the pair of first corner sections 3A, which are opposite corners.

[0037] On the pair of short side wall sections 322, which are surface sections of the side wall section 32, each is as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, a stepped section 322A is formed in the vicinity of the inlet opening 33 or the outlet opening 34. Specifically, viewed from the X-direction, the stepped section 322A is formed as a straight line extending in the Z-direction at a position that encloses the inlet opening 33 or the outlet opening 34 in the Y-direction. A rectangular area enclosed by these two straight lines—one virtually connecting the upper end sections of the two straight lines and the other virtually connecting the lower end sections—is an inner region 322B, on which the inlet opening 33 or the outlet opening 34 is located. The area that encloses the inner region 322B in the Y-direction within the short side wall section 322 is an outer region 322C.

[0038] The stepped section 322A has a step oriented such that the inner area 322B projects further towards the outside of the housing 3 than the outer area 322C. The short side wall section 322 has the same thickness at the inner area 322B and the outer area 322C, so that at the inner area 322B, an inner dimension and an outer dimension of the housing 3 widen.

[0039] The side wall section 32 has a flared section 324 at the edge section of the underside, which is the opening side of the housing 3. The flared section has flared inner and outer dimensions. The plate 23 of the bottom section has a larger outer dimension than the other plates, and the flared section 324 is provided for attaching the plate 23 of the bottom section. The flared dimension (the step height compared to other sections) of the flared section 324 is equal to the step height of the stepped section 322A. This ensures that the inner area 322B and the flared section 324 are smoothly connected and run along the same plane.

[0040] The base plate 4 is formed as a flat plate and is positioned to close the opening of the housing 3. The base plate 4 has a pair of through-holes 41 for the passage of the second fluid and several mounting holes for attachment to other devices. When the layer body 2 is contained within the housing 3 and the base plate 4 is attached to the housing 3, the through-holes 41 and the second distribution flow path 27 are interconnected. In the present embodiment, the flow path of the second fluid in another device and the through-holes 41 are directly connected; however, the fluid can also be introduced and discharged by attaching pipes or the like to the base plate 4.

[0041] The inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 are circular cylindrical components through which the first fluid passes and are each connected fluid-tight at the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 by means of brazing. The outer diameter of the inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 is approximately equal to the respective inner diameter of the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34. To reduce fluid resistance, the inner diameter of the inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 is relatively large (approximately 15 mm). The projection of the inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 into the housing 3 is preferably small, but the exact design or the connection configuration is not subject to any particular restrictions.

[0042] In a heat exchanger 1 such as the one described above, for example, when the layer body 2 is contained within the housing 3, brazing alloy applied to the surface of respective sections of the layer body 2 is melted by heating, and the brazing alloy solidifies upon cooling, thus joining the respective sections. Specifically, outer circumferential flange sections of adjacent plates are joined, and the bottom or upper surface of a plate is joined to the end of a concave section of a plate. Furthermore, the inner surface (lower surface) of the bottom plate section 31 of the housing 3 and the plate 24 of the uppermost section are joined in the same manner.

[0043] The relationships between sections of the housing 3 and the layer body 2, as well as the fluid flow, will now be explained. Compared to the internal dimensions of the rectangular tubular side wall section 32, the external dimensions of the cuboid layer body 2 are approximately the same or slightly smaller. In other words, the outer circumferential section 20 of the layer body 2, with the exception of the concave section 26, runs along the inner surface of the side wall section 32. Furthermore, since the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 are located near the first corner sections 3A, and the concave section 26 is located near the first corner sections 2A, the concave section 26 is located on one section opposite the inlet opening 33 and on one section opposite the outlet opening 34.

[0044] In this way, a gap is formed between the housing 3 and the layer body 2 at the concave section 26 between the outer circumferential section 20 and the inner surface of the side wall section 32, and this gap is the first distribution flow path 28. Since, as described above, the opening section 29B is formed between the top of the first plate 21 and the bottom of the second plate 22, the first distribution flow path 28 and the gap between the top of the first plate 21 and the bottom of the second plate 22 are connected to each other.

[0045] The first fluid is fed from the inlet pipe 5 into the housing 3 and discharged through the outlet pipe 6. The first fluid, introduced into the inlet opening 33 via the inlet pipe 5, reaches the first distribution flow path 28. In the first distribution flow path 28, the first fluid can flow in the Z-direction and can flow into the space between the top surface of the first plate 21 and the bottom surface of the second plate 22. In other words, the first fluid is divided in the Z-direction and flows into several spaces between the top surface of a first plate 21 and the bottom surface of a second plate 22.

[0046] In the layer body 2, the first fluid flows from one of the two first corner sections 2A to the other and reaches the first distribution flow path 28 on the side of the outlet opening 34. The first fluid, which flows into the first distribution flow path 28 on the side of the outlet opening 34 from the respective spaces between the top of a first plate 21 and the bottom of a second plate 22, flows in the Z-direction such that it moves towards the outlet opening 34. In other words, the divided first fluid is recombined. Subsequently, the first fluid is discharged from the outlet opening 34 via the outlet pipe 6.

[0047] The second fluid uses one of the two through-holes 41 as an inlet and the other as an outlet, thus being introduced into and discharged from the layer body 2. The second fluid, which has flowed into the second distribution flow path 27 from one of the two through-holes 41, can flow in the Z-direction and can flow into the space between the underside of the first plate 21 and the top side of the second plate 22. In other words, the second fluid is divided in the Z-direction and flows into several spaces between the underside of a first plate 21 and the top side of a second plate 22.

[0048] In layer body 2, the second fluid flows from one of the two second corner sections 2B to the other and reaches the further second distribution flow path 27. The second fluid, which flows into the further second distribution flow path 27 from the respective spaces between the underside of a first plate 21 and the top side of a second plate 22, flows in the Z-direction such that it moves towards the further through-hole 41. In other words, the divided second fluid is recombined. Subsequently, the second fluid is discharged outwards from the further through-hole 41.

[0049] When the first fluid and the second fluid flow in the manner described above, it is preferred that the flow directions in the X-direction are opposite to each other. In other words, it is preferred that the second fluid is introduced into the housing 3 from the through-hole 41 that is closer to the outlet opening 34 in the X-direction of the two through-holes 41. Depending on the types of fluids or conditions such as flow rates or the like, it is also possible to ensure that the first fluid and the second fluid flow in the same direction in the X-direction.

[0050] Next, details of the structure of sections of the layer body 2 opposite the inlet opening 33 or the outlet opening 34 are explained. The first closure section 215 has a first wall-shaped section 215A formed along the entirety of the concave section 211 and extending towards the underside, which is the side opposite the protruding side, and a first connecting section 215B extending from the end of the first wall-shaped section 215A towards the inlet opening 33 or the inlet opening 34 along the XY plane (see Fig. 5) The second closure section 225 has a second wall-shaped section 225A formed along the entirety of the concave section 221 and extending towards the top, a second connecting section 225B extending from the end of the second wall-shaped section 225A towards the inlet opening 33 or the inlet opening 34 along the XY plane, and a cover section 225C continuously connected to the end of the second connecting section 225B.

[0051] The first connecting section 215B and the second connecting section 225B are joined in a surface-mounted manner. The cover section 225C extends upwards towards the top and covers the end of the first connecting section 215B from the side of the inlet opening 33 or the outlet opening 34. In other words, the connection point of the first connecting section 215B and the second connecting section 225B is covered by the cover section 225C. The first connecting section 215B and the second connecting section 225B are joined by brazing, and their connection point extends between the through holes 212, 222 and the outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224 to the position of the longitudinal side of the plate in the Y-direction. Furthermore, the outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224 are also formed on the side of the short plate sides at the positions opposite the through holes 212, 222.In other words, near the through-holes 212, 222, the plates 21, 22 are brazed not only at the outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224, but also at the first and second connecting sections 215B, 225B. This increases the reliability of the fluid tightness of the plate connection sections near the longitudinal sides of the plates 21, 22. The cover section 225C is formed at a position along the concave sections 211, 221 (see figure). Fig. 2, Fig. 8, Fig. 9) Providing the outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224 also on the side of the short plate sides up to a position opposite the through holes 212, 222 serves to concentrate the flow of the first fluid near the first distribution flow path 28.

[0052] In this way, in the heat exchanger 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to enlarge the housing 3 with respect to the layer body 2, since the concave section 26 is formed within the outer circumferential section of the layer body 2 on the section opposite the inlet opening 33 and on the section opposite the outlet opening 34, and the first distribution flow path 28 is formed by means of this concave section 26. While it is necessary to slightly enlarge the layer body 2 to compensate for this shortening of the distance in the XY plane over which the first fluid flows by forming the concave section 26, this enlargement of the layer body 2 can be limited because the concave section 26 is only formed locally and the outer circumferential section of the layer body 2 runs along the inner surface of the side wall section 32 of the housing 3.In this way, the distributability of the fluid can be ensured by means of the first distribution flow path 28 formed by the concave section 26, while at the same time the overall size of the heat exchanger 1 can be reduced.

[0053] Furthermore, since the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 are arranged at positions adjacent to each of the first corner sections 3A consisting of opposite angles, the first fluid can flow along the first diagonal L1 in the layer body 2, the distance in the XY plane traveled by the first fluid can be extended, and the layer body 2 can be slightly reduced in size, thereby reducing the overall size of the heat exchanger 1.

[0054] Furthermore, since the plates 21, 22, 24 of the layer body 2 each have the shape of a rectangle from which corner sections have been removed, the concave section 26 can be formed simply, and a complication of the shape of the layer body 2 can be avoided.

[0055] Furthermore, because the through-holes 212, 222, 231 are formed at the second corner sections 2B, the second distribution flow path is formed at the pair of corner sections 2B, and the second fluid flows along the second diagonal L2 after its distribution. This also allows the distance traveled by the second fluid in the XY plane to be increased, and the layer body 2 can be easily reduced in size, thus allowing the overall size of the heat exchanger 1 to be easily reduced.

[0056] Furthermore, by differentiating between the first corner sections 2A, where the concave section 26 was formed, and the second corner sections 2B, where the through-holes 212, 222, 231 were formed, i.e., by providing the first flow distribution path 28 and the second flow distribution path 27 at different corner sections, the layer body 2 can be used spatially efficiently, and the overall size of the heat exchanger 1 can be reduced.

[0057] Furthermore, since the housing 3 has the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 on the side wall section 32, the fluid flows along the XY plane when it enters the housing 3 and when it passes through the gaps between the plates, thus reducing pressure loss. Because the outer circumferential flange sections 214 and 224 are formed on the first plate 21 and the second plate 22, and because these outer circumferential flange sections are tapered and fitted together by brazing adjacent plates in the Z-direction, the plates can be positioned within the XY plane. This means the plates only need to be stacked in a specific order, which improves processability.

[0058] Furthermore, the fluid flow path can be delimited by means of the fluid guide vanes 210 and 220 on the outer circumferential flange sections 214 and 224. In other words, there is no need to delimit the flow path through the housing 3 or any other component, and the design of the heat exchanger 1 can be simplified.

[0059] Furthermore, by providing the outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224 within the outer circumferential edge of the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 over the entire area except at the position opposite the first distribution flow path 28, fluid can be allowed to flow more efficiently into the flow path between the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34.

[0060] Furthermore, by stacking and connecting the first connecting section 215B of the first closure section 215 and the second connecting section 225B of the second closure section 225, a connecting surface between these two can be easily created, and leakage of fluid in the closure section 29A can be suppressed.

[0061] Furthermore, the fact that the second closure section 225 has a cover section 225C, which covers the end of the first connection section 215B, prevents fluid flowing in from the inlet opening 33 from moving directly towards the end of the first connection section 215B. This reduces the pressure of the fluid on the connection point of the first connection section 215B and the second connection section 225B and prevents chemical denaturation of the connection point, deformation due to pressure, or damage.

[0062] Furthermore, the strength of the housing 3 can be improved by having the stepped section 322A surrounding the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 on the short side wall section 322, which is a surface section, even when a cuboid housing 3 is used and the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 are provided on the side wall section 32, thus achieving space utilization efficiency. Furthermore, by brazing the tubes 5, 6 to the inlet opening 33 and outlet opening 34 respectively, the load is prevented from concentrating at the attachment point of the tubes 5, 6 if an external force acts from the outside in a direction that tilts the tubes 5, 6.Furthermore, in the case that the diameter of the pipes 5, 6 has been increased to reduce the flow path resistance, or the like, since the brazed joint surface of the pipes 5, 6 is larger and the joint strength of the pipes 5, 6 is increased, the step section 322A can limit deformation of the short side wall section 322, even though a large deformation force acts on the short side wall section 322 when an external force acts on the pipes 5, 6.

[0063] Furthermore, because the stage section 322A has a step in which the inner area 322B projects more towards the outside of the housing 3 than the outer area 322C, the interior space of the housing 3 is increased at the positions where the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 are formed. This allows the first distribution flow path 28 to be enlarged.

[0064] Furthermore, the strength of the opening side of the housing 3 can be improved by forming the widening section 324 on the housing 3. Additionally, the shape can be simplified by having the inner area 322B and the widening section 324 run along the same plane, compared to an embodiment in which the stepped section and the widening section are positioned in different planes.

[0065] Furthermore, by forming the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 within the short side wall section 322, which is a surface section, at positions adjacent to the first corner sections 3A, whose relative strength can be easily ensured, a decrease in the strength of the housing 3 due to the formation of the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 can be limited.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiment, but also includes modifications such as those listed below, and the like, including further embodiments and the like that can fulfill the object of the invention. For example, in the foregoing embodiment of the invention, the first corner sections 2A, on which the concave section 26 was formed, and the second corner sections 2B, on which the through-holes 212, 222, 231 were formed, are positioned on different diagonals, but the first distribution flow path and the through-holes and the second distribution flow path are not limited to this positional ratio.For example, it is also possible not to form the first corner sections 2A and the second corner sections 2B as end sections of diagonals L1, L2, but to form them as end sections of parallel straight lines on the long sides of the plates 21, 22 and to design the concave section 26 and the through holes 212, 222, 231 in such a way that the first fluid and the second fluid flow parallel to each other.

[0067] Furthermore, in the preceding embodiment of the invention, the concave section 26 was formed by the fact that the plates 21, 22, 24 of the layer body 2 have the shape of a rectangle from which corner sections have been removed. However, a concave section can also be formed by other shapes, and a concave section can also be formed by cutting into one side of a rectangle without removing corner sections. In other words, a so-called "concave section" only needs to be recessed inwards with respect to a certain shape that the outer circumferential section has (for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from above, a circular shape when viewed from above, or the like).

[0068] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 are arranged at a position adjacent to one of the two first corner sections 3A. However, the concave section forming the first distribution flow path and the inlet opening and the outlet opening are not limited to being arranged near corner sections; for example, they can also be located in the central section of the sides on which the inlet opening and the outlet opening are provided. In other words, the inlet opening and the outlet opening can be positioned at suitable locations on the housing according to the positional conditions of the heat exchanger and other devices, the type of pipe routing, or the like.For example, at least one of the inlet opening and outlet opening can be located on the long side wall section 321 or on the side of the base plate 4 instead of on the short side wall section 322. Furthermore, depending on the layout, the inlet opening and outlet opening can be located, for example, at an upstream and a downstream position along parallel lines of the fluid guide vanes 210, 220, instead of at diagonally opposite positions.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment of the invention, the layer body 2 and the housing 3 are cuboid in shape and rectangular when viewed from the Z direction, but the layer body and the housing only need to have a coordinated shape and their outer shape can, for example, also be a different shape, such as a circular cylindrical shape or the like.

[0070] Furthermore, in the present embodiment of the invention, the opening section 29B of the first plate 21 is simply open, but the first plate can also have a shape that partially covers the opening section. For example, as shown in Fig. Figure 13 shows a variation in which the first plate 21 also has an extension section 216 that transitions into the outer circumferential flange section 214. In the Fig. In the modified example shown in Figure 13, the extension section 216 is formed on the concave section 211 and projects from the main section (the plate section along the XY plane) of the first plate 21 towards the top, and the extent of the projection is less than the distance between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22.

[0071] In this modified example, the extension section 216 is formed on all first plates 21. The extension section 216 is formed approximately in the area of ​​half the total length of the concave section 211, but it can also be formed along the entire length of the concave section 211.

[0072] The extension section 216 is positioned such that it covers the opening section 29B from the side of the inlet opening 33 or the outlet opening 34, thereby reducing the opening size of the opening section 29B when viewed from the X-direction. In other words, the original opening size of the opening section 29B is determined by the product of the distance between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 and the dimensions of the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 in the Y-direction, and the essential opening size is reduced by the area (projection area) of the extension section 216 as viewed from the X-direction.

[0073] If the extension section 216, which reduces the opening size of the opening section 29B, is provided, the flow rate of the first fluid entering the flow path for the first fluid can be limited. When distributing the fluid flowing from the inlet opening 33 into the housing 3 in the Z-direction, it can easily happen that the flow rate at a position in the Z-direction is higher the closer the position is to the inlet opening 33, and lower the further the position is from the inlet opening 33. By limiting the flow rate, especially in the central section in the Z-direction near the inlet opening 33, it is easier to ensure the flow rate at positions further away from the inlet opening 33, and differences in flow rate between respective positions in the Z-direction can be reduced.

[0074] In the Fig.In the modified example shown in Figure 13, all first plates 21 have the same extension section 216; however, the projection area of ​​the extension section can differ among the first plates, or only some first plates may have an extension section. In other words, the projection area (especially the height) of the extension section of a first plate located close to the inlet opening 33 can be increased such that the opening size of the opening section 29B becomes smaller the closer its position in the Z direction is to the inlet opening 33, and an extension section can also be provided exclusively on first plates located close to the inlet opening 33.Furthermore, if the diameter of the inlet opening is sufficiently large compared to the height of the layer body, or if flow rate differences do not easily arise due to the pressure of the fluid or its viscosity or the like, or the like, the extension section can also be omitted.

[0075] Furthermore, if the extension section is provided, the extension section should be provided on the first and second plates where the side on which the outer circumferential flange section protrudes and the side on which the opening section is provided coincide.

[0076] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the fluid flow paths are delimited by means of the fluid guide walls 210, 220 of the outer circumferential flange sections 214, 224; however, the layered body can also delimit the fluid flow paths together with the housing or other components. For example, the outer circumferential flange sections may not be provided on a portion of the outer circumferential edge of the first plate and the second plate, and the inner surface of the housing or another component may form a fluid flow path on this portion.

[0077] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second closure section 225 has a cover section 225C that covers the end of the first connection section 215B; however, a cover section can also be provided on the side of the first closure section 215. Furthermore, due to the plate material, the joining method, the types of fluids, the pressure of the fluids, or the like, chemical denaturation of the joints or pressure-induced deformations or damage may not readily occur, and in such cases, the cover section can also be omitted.

[0078] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first locking section 215 and the second locking section 225 are both connected by a wall-shaped section 215A, 225A and a connecting section 215B, 225B, but the shape of the locking sections is not limited to this. For example, a locking section extending towards the other can also be provided on only one of the first and second plates.

[0079] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the step section 322A has a step in which the inner area 322B projects more towards the outside of the housing 3 than the outer area 322C, but, for example, in the case that interference with other components is more likely due to a projection towards the outside, the step section can also have a step in which the inner area projects towards the inside.

[0080] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface area 322B and the expansion section 324 run in the same plane. However, the height of the stepped section can also be greater or lesser than the expansion size of the expansion section, and these dimensions can be adjusted appropriately according to the strength requirements and the relationships to other components and the like. Furthermore, the expansion section can be formed on the housing as needed, and in the case that, for example, the plate of the lowest section is relatively small, the expansion section need not be formed.

[0081] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the inlet opening 33 and the outlet opening 34 are formed at positions adjacent to a first corner section 3A, but the positions of the inlet opening and the outlet opening can, for example, also be located in the middle section of the short side wall section 322 in the Y direction and can be arranged in a suitable manner according to the routing of the pipes and the like.

[0082] One embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the heat exchanger according to the above embodiment, but includes a wide variety of aspects that are encompassed in the basic concept of the invention and in the claims. Furthermore, individual configurations can also be selectively combined in a suitable manner to fulfill or achieve at least part of the problem and effect described above. For example, in the above embodiment, the shapes, materials, arrangements, sizes, and the like of the individual design elements can be suitably modified according to the specific use of the invention. Explanation of reference symbols

[0083] 1: Heat exchanger; 2: Layer body; 20: Outer circumferential section; 21: First plate; 212: Through-hole; 214, 224: Outer circumferential flange section; 215: First closure section; 215A: First wall-shaped section; 215B: First connecting section; 216: Extension section; 210, 220: Fluid baffle; 22: Second plate; 222: Through-hole; 225: Second closure section; 225A: Second wall-shaped section; 225B: Second connecting section; 225C: Cover section; 26: Concave section; 27: Second distribution flow path; 28: First distribution flow path; 29A: Closure section; 29B: Opening section; 2A: First corner section; 2B: Second corner section; 3: Housing; 32: Side wall section; 322: Short side wall section (surface section); 322A: Step section; 322B: Inner side area; 322C: Outer side area; 324: Widening section; 33: Inlet opening; 34: Outlet opening; 3A: First corner section; 3B: Second corner section; 4: Base plate QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] JP 2011-127819 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Heat exchanger comprising a layered body in which a flow path for a first fluid and a flow path for a second fluid are alternately formed in the layering direction by alternating the stacking of a first plate and a second plate, a housing in the shape of a tube with a base, which accommodates the layered body and on which one side is open in the layering direction, and a base plate provided on the side of the housing opening, and characterized by , that the housing has an inlet opening and an outlet opening on a side wall section running along the layering direction, through which the first fluid passes and the first plate and the second plate each have an outer circumferential flange section projecting from the outer circumferential edge in the layering direction, and the outer circumferential flange section in relation to the The outer circumferential flange section of the plate adjacent to the protruding side is positioned on the outside, tapered, fitted, and connected. and between the first plate and second plate adjacent in the layering direction, at a position opposite the inlet or outlet opening, an opening section is formed which is open to the space between the plates, which forms the flow path of the first fluid, and a closing section is formed which closes the space between the plates, which forms the flow path of the second fluid. [2] Heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized by , that a first distribution flow path is formed on the housing, connected to the inlet opening or the outlet opening and running in the layering direction. and at least one section of the several first plates or second plates has an extension section that transitions into the outer circumferential flange section and reduces the opening size of the opening section. [3] Heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the outer circumferential flange section has a fluid guide vane, which runs along the flow direction of the first fluid and the second fluid in the layered body, wherein the fluid guide walls are connected to a first plate and a second plate that are adjacent to each other. [4] Heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized by , that the outer circumferential flange section is provided within the outer circumferential edge of the first plate and the second plate, except at the position opposite the first distribution flow path, throughout the entire area. [5] Heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the closure section has a first closure section formed on the first plate and a second closure section formed on the second plate, wherein the first closure section comprises a first wall-shaped section extending towards the side opposite the protruding side, and a first connecting section extending from the tip of the first wall-shaped section towards the inlet or outlet opening, respectively, and the second closure section has a second wall-shaped section extending towards the protruding side, and a second connecting section extending from the tip of the second wall-shaped section towards the inlet or outlet opening, respectively. and the first connecting section and the second connecting section are intersecting. [6] Heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized bythat the first closure section or the second closure section has a cover section which transitions into one end of one of the first connecting section and the second connecting section and covers one end of the other of these two from the side of the inlet opening.

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