Heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger which may improve heat exchange efficiency while preventing increase in the size of the heat exchanger.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger 100 includes a heat exchange core 15 having tubes 1 which are elongated in one direction, and an inlet side tank part 23I and an outlet side tank part 23O connected to the tubes 1. The inlet side tank part 23I and the outlet side tank part 23O each have a header tank 7 communicating with the outside. At least one of the header tanks 7 is disposed in an area from one end to the other end in a length direction L of the tube 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a heat exchanger (first heat medium-second heat medium heat exchanger) that includes a heat exchange core in which multiple tubes are stacked, and a case that houses the heat exchange core, and that is configured to flow a first heat medium inside the tubes and a second heat medium between the heat exchange core and the case. In such a heat exchanger, an inlet header tank and an outlet header tank that serve as the inlet and outlet ports for the first heat medium to the tubes are provided on one end or on the outside of both ends in the extending direction (length direction) of the tubes (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0032094 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional structure, there is a limit to improving the heat exchange efficiency, especially in vehicle applications. Usually, when the capacity (heat exchange efficiency) of a heat exchanger is increased, the length of the tubes is increased to secure an area where heat exchange can be performed. However, when there is a demand for miniaturization, such as in a vehicle-mounted heat exchanger, the heat exchanger needs to be placed in a fixed space, and there is a limit to increasing the length of the tubes. Specifically, in the case of a heat exchanger having a configuration as described in Patent Document 1, an inlet header tank and a header tank are provided at the end of the tube in the extending direction, and the length of the tubes is restricted in order to prevent an increase in the external size of the heat exchanger (to maintain the size). For this reason, there is a possibility that the area where the first heat medium and the second heat medium can exchange heat cannot be sufficiently secured.

[0005] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for smaller, more efficient heat exchangers, and in response to this, there is a demand for a heat exchange core structure that can ensure the maximum tube length within a set dimension.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a heat exchanger capable of increasing heat exchange efficiency while preventing an increase in the size of the heat exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising a heat exchange core having a tube that is long in one direction and an inlet side tank portion and an outlet side tank portion connected to the tube, wherein the inlet side tank portion and the outlet side tank portion each have a header tank communicating with the outside, and at least one of the header tanks is disposed between one end and the other end of the tube in the longitudinal direction. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger that can improve heat exchange efficiency while preventing an increase in the size of the heat exchanger. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a heat exchange core of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a tank portion of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a tank portion of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 2 is a front view showing a portion of a tank portion of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a tank portion of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 2 is a side view showing a portion of a tank portion of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 12 show an example of an embodiment of the present invention, in which parts with the same reference numerals indicate parts with the same functions, and duplicated explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] <Heat exchanger> FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a heat exchanger 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the inside of a case 10. As shown in FIG.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment accommodates a heat exchange core (not shown in FIG. 1) in a case 10 made of resin or the like, and exchanges heat between a first heat medium m1 and a second heat medium m2. The case 10 has, for example, a first cover 101 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a second cover 102 having a flat plate shape. The heat exchange core is housed in the case 10 at its main portion, and two pad portions 9 are exposed from the first cover 101. Each pad portion 9 has a refrigerant inlet 9A and a refrigerant outlet 9B communicating with the heat exchange core. The refrigerant inlet 9A and the refrigerant outlet 9B are arranged to be aligned on one side surface of the first cover 101. On the side surface of the first cover 101, an inlet 103A and an outlet 103B of the second heat medium m2 are provided to be aligned with the refrigerant inlet 9A and the refrigerant outlet 9B.

[0013] The first heat medium m1 is a refrigerant (e.g., carbon dioxide (CO 2 The second heat medium m2 is a heat medium different from the first heat medium m1 (for example, cooling water (LCC or water), antifreeze, or cooling oil). In this embodiment, the refrigerant refers to a circulating medium in a refrigerant circuit that undergoes state changes in a heat pump (compression, condensation, expansion, evaporation). On the other hand, the second heat medium m2 refers to a circulating medium in a heat medium circuit that includes, for example, an internal combustion engine or a radiator, and absorbs and releases heat without undergoing state changes like a refrigerant. In the following description, the first heat medium m1 is referred to as the "refrigerant m1", and the second heat medium m2 is simply referred to as the "heat medium m2".

[0014] <Heat exchange core> FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main internal configuration (heat exchange core 15) of the heat exchanger 100, and FIG. 3 is a plan view, both of which omit some components such as the first cover 101 and the pad portion 9.

[0015] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the heat exchange core 15 has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape overall, and in this example has a core portion 15A formed by stacking multiple tubes 1 each having an approximately flat rectangular shape (strip shape) that is long in one direction, and a tank portion 23 (an inlet side tank portion 23I and an outlet side tank portion 23O).

[0016] In the following description, the first, second and third directions which are perpendicular to each other in the heat exchanger 100 are defined based on the tube 1. Specifically, the first direction along the longitudinal direction of the tube 1 is defined as the length direction L, the second direction along the lateral direction of the tube 1 is defined as the width direction W, and the third direction along the stacking direction of the tubes 1 is defined as the height direction H. Fig. 3 is a plan view seen from the height direction H. In this example, multiple tubes 1 (16 in this example) are stacked in the height direction H, and multiple tubes 1 (4 in this example) are also arranged in parallel in the width direction W.

[0017] The inlet side tank portion 23I and the outlet side tank portion 23O have the same configuration. Each of the inlet side tank portion 23I and the outlet side tank portion 23O has a header tank 7 and a diversion tank 55 communicating (connected) thereto. The header tank 7 of the inlet side tank portion 23I communicates with a refrigerant inlet 9A (see FIG. 1) provided in one pad portion 9, and the header tank 7 of the outlet side tank portion 23O communicates with a refrigerant outlet 9B (see FIG. 1) provided in the other pad portion 9.

[0018] The inlet side tank portion 23I and the outlet side tank portion 23O are arranged facing each other in an upright state in the height direction H with respect to the second cover of the case 10. Both ends of the tube 1 in the length direction L are connected to the inlet side tank portion 23I and the outlet side tank portion 23O. In other words, the tube 1 (core portion 15A) is arranged between the inlet side tank portion 23I and the outlet side tank portion 23O. The space in which the tube 1 is arranged between the inlet side tank portion 23I and the outlet side tank portion 23O is hereinafter referred to as the "core portion arrangement space CS."

[0019] Refrigerant m1 flows into the header tank 7 of the inlet tank section 23I from outside the heat exchanger 100 through the refrigerant inlet 9A. The refrigerant m1 that flows into the header tank 7 is divided into multiple tubes 1 by the flow diversion tank 55. The tubes 1 are formed into a substantially flattened rectangular shape (striped shape) by extrusion molding, for example, and are provided therein with a flow passage through which the first heat medium (refrigerant in this example) m1 flows. In the outlet tank section 23O, the refrigerant m1 that has passed through the tubes 1 passes through the flow diversion tank 55 and merges in the header tank 7. The refrigerant m1 is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger 100 through the refrigerant outlet 9B.

[0020] The heat exchange core 15 is formed by integrating the aluminum components that make up the heat exchange core 15 by brazing for aluminum or the like.

[0021] 2 and 3, in this embodiment, at least one of the header tanks 7 is disposed between one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction L of the tube 1 (on the core portion 15A side, on the core portion arrangement space CS side). In this manner, a large dimension (length) in the longitudinal direction L of the tube 1 can be ensured.

[0022] More preferably, the header tanks 7 of both the inlet side tank portion 23I and the outlet side tank portion 23O are disposed between the inlet side tank portion 23I and the outlet side tank portion 23O (on the core portion 15A side, on the core portion arrangement space CS side). Furthermore, the two header tanks 7 are disposed aligned on one side in the width direction W of the core portion arrangement space CS (for example, near one end in the width direction W).

[0023] In this way, by arranging each of the pair of header tanks between one end and the other end of the tubes 1 in the length direction L, the tube dimension (length) in the length direction L of the tubes 1 can be maximized. Furthermore, by arranging the pair of header tanks 7 aligned on one side in the width direction W, the dimension in the width direction W of the core portion arrangement space CS can be maximized. In other words, it is possible to increase the width of each tube 1 or increase the number of tubes 1 in the width direction W. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently secure an area in which the refrigerant m1 and the heat medium m2 can exchange heat while preventing an increase in the size of the heat exchanger 100, and it is possible to improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0024] <Tank section> The tank portion 23 of this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 8. Fig. 4 is an external perspective view showing the tank portion 23 (for example, the inlet side tank portion 23I). Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tank portion 23, and Fig. 6 is a front view of a part of the tank portion 23 as viewed from the core portion arrangement space CS side in the longitudinal direction L.

[0025] The outlet side tank section 23O has the same configuration as the inlet side tank section 23I, except that it has the function of merging the refrigerant m1 that has flowed through the tube 1, whereas the inlet side tank section 23I splits the refrigerant m1 and circulates it through the tube 1. Therefore, the following configuration of the tank section 23 will be described without distinguishing between the two.

[0026] 4, the tank portion 23 has a first plate 3, a second plate 4, a flow dividing means 5, and a header tank cover 20, which together form a header tank 7 and a flow dividing tank 55. The tank portion 23 is connected to all of the tubes 1 that form the heat exchange core 15 (see FIG. 2).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the first plate 3 is a substantially rectangular flat plate member having a plurality of first tube insertion holes 31 and a plurality of communication holes 32. The first plate 3 has an inner side surface S1 facing (close to) the core part arrangement space CS and an outer side surface S2 opposite to (distant from) the core part arrangement space CS. The first tube insertion hole 31 is a long hole through which the tube 1 is inserted, which is provided through the first plate 3. The first tube insertion holes 31 are provided in a matrix shape of 4 columns in the width direction W and 16 rows in the height direction H in this example, corresponding to the number and positions of the tubes 1. The plurality of communication holes 32 are provided through the first plate 3 on one side of the first plate 3 in the width direction W (for example, near one end of the width direction W). The communication holes 32 are a plurality (eight in this example) of, for example, round holes arranged in the height direction H. Further, a plurality of first protrusions 33 protruding outward in the width direction W are provided at both ends (both sides) of the first plate 3 in the width direction W at predetermined intervals in the height direction H.

[0028] A header tank cover 20 is attached to one surface (inner surface S1) of the first plate 3. The header tank cover 20 has a cover portion 201 having a substantially semi-cylindrical (tunnel) shape and an engagement protrusion 202. The first plate 3 is provided with an engagement groove 34 extending in the height direction H so as to sandwich the plurality of communication holes 32 on both sides in the width direction W. The engagement protrusion 202 of the header tank cover 20 engages with the engagement groove 34, so that the header tank cover 20 abuts (fits tightly against) the inner surface S1 of the first plate 3 while continuously covering the plurality of communication holes 32 (see FIG. 4). A predetermined space (first header space) partitioned by the header tank cover 20 and the first plate 3 becomes the header tank 7 in this embodiment. The header tank 7 communicates with a refrigerant inlet 9A (refrigerant outlet 9B) and communicates with a pipe connected to the outside of the heat exchanger 100 via the refrigerant inlet 9A.

[0029] The second plate 4 is a substantially rectangular flat plate member having a plurality of second tube insertion holes 41 and a plurality of communication holes 42. The second plate 4 has an inner side surface S3 facing (close to) the core part arrangement space CS and an outer side surface S4 opposite (far from) the core part arrangement space CS. The second tube insertion hole 41 is a long hole through which the tube 1 is inserted, which is provided by penetrating the second plate 4. The second tube insertion holes 41 are provided in a matrix shape of four columns in the width direction W and sixteen rows in the height direction H in this example, corresponding to the number and positions of the tubes 1. The communication holes 42 are provided through the second plate 4 on one side in the width direction of the second plate 4 (for example, near one end of the width direction W). The communication holes 42h are a plurality (eight in this example) of, for example, round holes arranged in the height direction H. In addition, a plurality of second protrusions 43 protruding outward in the width direction W (in the direction in which the width increases) are provided at predetermined intervals in the height direction H on both ends (both sides) of the second plate 4 in the width direction W. The second plate 4 is disposed overlapping the first plate 3 in the length direction L such that its inner surface S3 abuts against the outer surface S2 of the first plate 3.

[0030] In this example, the diverting means 5 is a rectangular plate-like member having an inner surface S5 close to the core portion arrangement space CS and an outer surface S6 far from the core portion arrangement space CS. The diverting means 5 is, for example, a diverting plate having a plurality of diverting channels 5A provided on the inner surface S5. The diverting channels 5A extend along the width direction W of the diverting means (diverting plate) 5, and a plurality of diverting channels (eight in this example) are provided in the height direction H without merging with each other. The diverting plate 5 has a predetermined thickness D in the length direction L, and the diverting channels 5A are formed, for example, by extrusion molding so that a part of the thickness D is hollowed out in a substantially U-shape. The diverting channels 5A reach both ends in the width direction W, that is, both ends of the diverting channels 5A are open. The diverting plate 5 is arranged overlapping the second plate 4 in the length direction L so that its inner surface S5 abuts against the outer surface S4 of the second plate 4.

[0031] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are arranged overlapping in the longitudinal direction L so that one surface of each plate (the outer surface S2 of the first plate 3 and the inner surface S3 of the second plate 4) abuts, and the tube 1 is held by the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41.

[0032] The first protrusion 33 of the first plate 3 and the second protrusion 43 of the second plate 4 are provided at positions offset from each other in the height direction H. In this example, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 hold the tube 1, for example, with their upper ends (upper edges) aligned in the height direction H. A state in which the upper ends (upper edges) of both plates 3, 4 are aligned in the height direction H to hold the tube 1 is referred to as a "tube holding state." When the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are in the tube holding state, the first protrusion 33 of the first plate 3 and the second protrusion 43 of the second plate 4 are provided at different positions in the height direction H. In addition, in the tube holding state, the first protrusion 33 and the second protrusion 43 are provided so as to be staggered in a side view seen from the width direction W.

[0033] Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a part of the tank portion 23 as viewed from the width direction W, and is a partially enlarged view of the first plate 3, the second plate 4, the tube 1, and the flow dividing plate 5. For the sake of convenience, the tube 1 is omitted from the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 at the top in Fig. 7.

[0034] The first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 are formed to have the same size and shape, but are formed at different positions in the first plate 3 and the second plate 4. Fig. 7 shows the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 in a tube holding state, in which the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 overlap each other at parts including their centers, while the upper end 31U of the first tube insertion hole 31 and the upper end 41U of the second tube insertion hole 41 are vertically offset in the height direction H, and the lower end 31D of the first tube insertion hole 31 and the lower end 41D of the second tube insertion hole 41 are also vertically offset. The tube 1 is inserted into the area where the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 overlap, and in this example, one tube 1 is held by the lower end 31D of the first tube insertion hole 31 and the upper end 41U of the second tube insertion hole 41 and fixed in a predetermined position. A clearance C is generated between the top surface of the tube 1 and the top end 31U of the first tube insertion hole 31, and a clearance C' is generated between the bottom surface of the tube 1 and the bottom end 41D of the second tube insertion hole 41. A brazing material is accumulated in these clearances C, C' during a brazing process, and the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 and / or the tube 1 are brazed together. In this embodiment, for example, the sizes (and shapes) of the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 are the same, and the clearances C, C' are also the same.

[0035] The flow distribution plate 5 has thin portions 51 and thick portions 52 arranged alternately in the height direction H so as to have a substantially U-shape (substantially C-shape) in a side view seen from the width direction W, thereby forming a plurality of distribution channels 5A. One distribution channel 5A is formed so as to straddle two tubes 1 adjacent to each other vertically in the height direction H and cover the ends of these tubes. The inner surface S5 of the flow distribution plate 5 is covered by the second plate 4, thereby forming a plurality (eight) of predetermined independent spaces (second header spaces). This second header space serves as the flow distribution tank 55 in this embodiment.

[0036] The shunt flow passage 5A (shunt tank 55) reaches both ends in the width direction W of the shunt plate 5. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the shunt flow passages 5A (shunt tank 55) are positioned so that they communicate with the communication hole 32 of the first plate 3 and the communication hole 42 of the second plate 4 on one side in the width direction W. The communication hole 32 and the communication hole 42 are provided at positions where they are substantially overlapped when the communication hole 32 of the first plate 3 and the communication hole 42 of the second plate 4 are overlapped with their upper ends aligned. Although not shown in FIG. 6, in each of the inlet side tank portion 23I and the outlet side tank portion 23O, a header tank cover 20 is attached in contact with the inner surface S1 of the first plate 3 to form the header tank 7.

[0037] In this way, the header tank 7 and all the tubes 1 are connected via the communication holes 32, 42 and the flow distribution plate 5 (flow distribution tank 55). In detail, the refrigerant m1 that flows into the refrigerant inlet 9A flows into the header tank 7 of the inlet side tank portion 23I, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 3. Then, from the header tank 7, the refrigerant is divided by the eight communication holes 32 of the first plate 3 and the communication hole 42 of the second plate 4, and reaches the eight branch channels 5A aligned in the height direction H. In each of the eight branch channels 5A, the refrigerant flows into the four rows of tubes 1 aligned in the width direction W, and exchanges heat with the heat medium m2.

[0038] The refrigerant m1 that reaches the eight branch paths 5A of the branch plate 5 of the outlet side tank section 23O merges in the header tank 7 via the eight communication holes 32 of the first plate 3 and the eight communication holes 42 of the second plate 4, and is discharged to the outside from the refrigerant outlet 9B.

[0039] In this embodiment, the header tank 7 of the inlet side tank portion 23I and the header tank 7 of the outlet side tank portion 23O are both arranged between one end and the other end of the tube 1 (core portion 15A) in the longitudinal direction L and aligned on one side of the core portion 15A in the width direction W. That is, the pair of header tanks 7 are arranged so as to face the core portion arrangement space CS (on the core portion arrangement space CS side of the tank portion 23).

[0040] As a result, when the size of the heat exchanger 100 is maintained, the dimension (length) of the tubes 1 in the length direction L can be maximized compared to a configuration in which the header tank 7 is arranged outside the end of the tubes 1 in the length direction L (outside the core portion 15A). Also, for example, compared to a case in which the header tank 7 is arranged at a diagonal position of the core portion arrangement space CS, the core portion arrangement space CS in the width direction W can be maximized, so it is possible to increase the width of each tube 1 or increase the number of tubes 1 in the width direction W. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved while preventing an increase in the size of the heat exchanger 100.

[0041] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the design freedom of the header tank 7 while ensuring the maximum dimensions of the tubes 1. For example, even if there is concern about deterioration in the pressure resistance of the header tank 7, it is possible to thicken the header tank 7 to an extent that a predetermined pressure resistance can be ensured while ensuring the maximum dimensions of the tubes 1. In other words, even if the size of the header tank 7 itself is increased, this embodiment does not affect the dimension of the tubes 1 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0042] The refrigerant m1 that flows into the header tank 7 of the inlet side tank portion 23I is divided by the communication hole 32 of the first plate 3 and the communication hole 42 of the second plate 4, reaches each division flow path 5A of the division plate 5 as it is, and flows into each tube 1. The refrigerant m1 flows from each tube 1 through the division flow path 5A of the outlet side tank portion 23O, the division plate 5, the communication hole 32 of the first plate 3, and the communication hole 42 of the second plate 4, joins in the header tank 7 of the outlet side tank portion 23O, and flows out from the refrigerant outlet 9B to the outside. By dividing and joining the flows at positions close to the refrigerant inlet 9A and the refrigerant outlet 9B, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of drift in the heat exchange core 15.

[0043] Also, the distribution plate 5, which is the pipe (distribution tank 55) connecting the header tank 7 and each tube 1, has many small-volume distribution channels 5A (eight in this example). Specifically, the distribution channels 5 have a small volume in the height direction H, so that each channel can distribute the refrigerant to two tubes 1 arranged above and below in the height direction H. In particular, in the case of a refrigerant m1 (e.g., carbon dioxide) used at high pressure, the piping connecting the header tank 7 and each tube 1 is required to withstand a certain pressure. In such a case, if the piping has a single-chamber structure without a distribution channel, or if the volume per distribution channel is large (e.g., large enough to distribute the refrigerant to three or more tubes 1 in the height direction H per distribution channel), the piping must be thickened to ensure the predetermined withstand pressure, which results in an increase in the size of the tank section 23. In this embodiment, the piping connecting the header tank 7 and each tube 1 is configured with the flow distribution plate 5, and a large number of (for example, five or more) flow distribution paths 5A are provided with a small volume, so that it is possible to ensure a predetermined pressure resistance even if the flow distribution plate 5 is made thin overall. By making the flow distribution plate 5 thin, the dimension of the flow distribution plate 5 in the longitudinal direction L can also be reduced, and as a result, the length of the tubes 1 can be further increased.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 that hold the tubes 1 are provided with communication holes 32 and 42 that communicate the flow dividing plate 5 and the header tank 7, respectively, to divide the refrigerant m1. In some conventional heat exchangers, a partition is provided in the header tank to improve heat exchange efficiency, and the flow path of the refrigerant m1 in the heat exchange core 15 is folded back multiple times. In this case, there are problems such as a complex structure in the header tank and an increase in the number of parts. In contrast, in this embodiment, parts such as a partition for dividing the flow in the header tank 7 are not required. In addition, the communication holes 32 and 42 can be formed by punching or the like at the same time as the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41, respectively, so that no separate parts for dividing the flow in the header tank 7 are required, and the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0045] 3, the refrigerant m1 flows in the length direction L from the core portion arrangement space CS toward the outside of the core portion 15, is regulated by the flow dividing plate 5 and flows in the width direction W along the dividing path 5A, and then flows again in the length direction L from the outside of the core portion 15 toward the core portion arrangement space CS, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 3. This makes it easier for the refrigerant m1 to reach areas far from the refrigerant inlet 9A and the refrigerant outlet 9B, which also helps to prevent drift.

[0046] <How to fix the tank> In this embodiment, in the tube holding state, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 need to be fixed with a predetermined vertical offset in the height direction H. In this case, it is important to position the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 and fix them accurately and efficiently so as to ensure a clearance C between the tube 1 and the first tube insertion hole 31 and a clearance C' between the tube 1 and the second tube insertion hole 41.

[0047] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are positioned and fixed by the fixing member 6. The fixing member 6 further positions and fixes the two plates 3, 4 and the flow dividing plate 5, and closes the openings at both ends in the width direction W of the flow dividing channel 5A.

[0048] 8 and 5, the fixing member 6 is, for example, a cap plate 6 made of a single plate-like member. More specifically, the cap plate 6 is a flat member whose short side is in the length direction L and whose long side is in the height direction H, and has a plurality of insertion holes 61 arranged in a staggered pattern and a cap portion 63 capable of closing the opening of the branch channel 5A.

[0049] The multiple insertion holes 61 include a first insertion hole 61A into which the first protrusion 33 of the first plate 3 is inserted, and a second insertion hole 61B into which the second protrusion 43 of the second plate 4 is inserted. In this example, the first insertion holes 61A are arranged in a plurality (seven in this case) in the height direction H at a position close to the core portion arrangement space CS in the length direction L. The second insertion holes 61B are arranged in a plurality (eight in this case) in the height direction H at a position far from the core portion arrangement space CS in the length direction L. The seven first insertion holes 61A and the eight second insertion holes 61B are provided at positions shifted vertically in the height direction H, so that the insertion holes 61 are arranged in a staggered pattern overall.

[0050] Seven first protrusions 33 of the first plate 3 are provided at positions where they can be inserted (engaged) into the first insertion holes 61A, and eight second protrusions 43 of the second plate 4 are provided at positions where they can be inserted (engaged) into the second insertion holes 61B. The cap plate 6 positions and fixes the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 in a state where the upper and lower ends (upper and lower edges) in the height direction H are aligned (tube holding state), with the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 positioned at predetermined positions shifted up and down in the height direction.

[0051] The cap portion 63 is a portion provided on the long side of the cap plate 6 far from the core portion arrangement space CS in the longitudinal direction L, and has eight tongue portions 63A aligned in the height direction H corresponding to the eight branch channels 5A. Engagement protrusions 64 are provided on both sides in the height direction H of each tongue portion 63A.

[0052] Furthermore, the thick portion 52 of the flow dividing plate 5 has engagement recesses 53 cut out at both sides in the height direction H (see FIG. 7). By fitting the engagement recesses 53 of the flow dividing plate 5 into the engagement protrusions 64 of the cap portion 63, the openings of the respective flow paths 5A are closed by the cap portion 63 (tongue portions 63A), and the flow dividing plate 5 is fixed to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 via the cap plate 6.

[0053] An example of a method for assembling the tank section 23 will be described below. First, the tube 1 is fixed to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4. That is, the outer surface S2 of the first plate 3 and the inner surface S3 of the second plate 4 are overlapped so that the opening area of ​​the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 is maximized (so that the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 almost completely overlap), and the tube 1 is inserted in this state. The first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 have the same size (and shape), and the width direction W of each is a necessary and sufficient dimension for inserting the tube 1, and the height direction H is set to be larger than the dimension (thickness) of the tube 1 in the height direction H.

[0054] Then, the inner surface S5 of the flow distribution plate 5 is overlapped on the outer surface S4 of the second plate 4, and fixed by the cap plate 6. Specifically, the first protrusion 33 of the first plate 3 is inserted into the first insertion hole 61A of the cap plate 6, and the second protrusion 43 is inserted into the second insertion hole 61B of the cap plate 6. As a result, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are positioned and fixed at a predetermined position with the upper and lower ends (upper side and lower side) in the height direction H aligned. In detail, the first tube insertion hole 31 of the first plate 3 and the second tube insertion hole 41 of the second plate partially overlap including their centers, and partially shift up and down in the height direction H, so that, for example, the lower end 31D of the first tube insertion hole 31 abuts on the lower surface of the tube 1, and the upper end 41U of the second tube insertion hole 41 abuts on the upper surface of the same tube 1. As a result, a clearance C is created between the upper surface of the tube 1 and the upper end 31U of the first tube insertion hole 31, and a clearance C' (which in this example has a value equivalent to the clearance C) is created between the lower surface of the tube 1 and the lower end 41D of the second tube insertion hole 41, so that the tube 1 is fixed to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 (see Figure 7).

[0055] The engaging recess 53 of the flow distribution plate 5 and the engaging protrusion 64 of the cap portion 63 are fitted together to fix the flow distribution plate 5 to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4. At the same time, the flow distribution passage 5A is closed by the cap portion 63. In this embodiment, both ends in the width direction W are fixed by the cap plate 6.

[0056] In this state, the fixation is achieved only by the engagement between the insertion holes 61 and the first protrusions 33 and the second protrusions 43, and the engagement (fitting) between the engagement recesses 53 and the engagement protrusions 64 of the cap portion 63. In other words, the fixation by the cap plate 6 is a temporary fixation that maintains the assembled state of the heat exchange core 15 until it is placed in a brazing furnace. Although it is a temporary fixation, the cap plate 6 is configured to reliably engage (fit) with the first plate 3, the second plate 4, and the flow dividing plate 5 so that they will not come apart from each other during normal handling (transportation, transfer, etc.) up until the brazing process.

[0057] The assembled heat exchange core 15 is brazed in a later brazing process (not explained in this embodiment). A brazing material is attached to at least one surface of the assembled parts (on the surface or the like), and is brazed in a later brazing process. For example, the brazing material attached to at least one of the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 accumulates in the clearances C, C' in the brazing process, and the tube 1 is brazed to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4.

[0058] In this embodiment, since the tube 1 is held by the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41, there is no need to process the ends of the tube 1 in the length direction L. Although the tubes may be subjected to end surface processing, end surface processing is costly and there are problems such as the hole of the tube that serves as the flow path for the refrigerant m1 at the end of the tube becoming clogged with solder. In this embodiment, since there is no need to process the end surface of the tube 1, the risk of the flow path in the tube 1 becoming clogged with solder is reduced and the cost of end surface processing can also be reduced.

[0059] In a configuration in which the tubes are held by shifting the positions of multiple plates (multiple tube insertion holes), accurate positioning of the multiple plates (multiple tube insertion holes) is important. In this embodiment, the cap plate 6 enables the positioning (positioning in a state in which the tubes 1 are held by each other) and fixing (temporarily fixing) of the first plate 3 and the second plate 4. That is, by inserting the first protrusion 33 and the second insertion hole 61B into the first insertion hole 61A and the second insertion hole 61B arranged in a staggered pattern in the cap plate 6, respectively, the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 are shifted up and down in the height direction H, a predetermined clearance C is generated between the tube 1 and the first tube insertion hole 31, and both plates 3 and 4 can be fixed at a predetermined position where a predetermined clearance C' is generated between the tube 1 and the second tube insertion hole 41.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 can be positioned and fixed by one cap plate 6 (two plates are required for fixing on both sides in the width direction W). The cap plate 6 can also be considered a positioning member that adjusts the vertical sliding amount of the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 to an appropriate value. This can increase the work efficiency when assembling the first plate 3 and the second plate 4, and improve the assembly accuracy. Since an appropriate clearance C (C') can be secured, the occurrence of brazing defects can be suppressed.

[0061] The larger the clearance C (C'), the better the insertability of the tube 1. However, if the clearance C (C') is too large, the area in which the tube 1 is held by only one of the first plate 3 or the second plate 4 becomes large, and pressure resistance may deteriorate. In addition, from the viewpoint of functioning as a brazing puddle, if the clearance C (C') is too large relative to the amount of brazing material, brazing failure may occur (insufficient brazing material for the clearance C (C')). For these reasons, the clearance C (C') is appropriately set to be large enough to allow the tube 1 to be easily inserted, and small enough to ensure brazing clogging in the brazing process. As an example, the clearance C (C') is about 0.03 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably about 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, and more preferably about 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0062] In addition, compared to a structure in which multiple plates are fixed by fastening screws (bolts) while shifting them, the number of parts can be reduced, and the efficiency of assembly work can be significantly improved. For example, in a structure in which the ends in the height direction H (the upper or lower sides of the first plate 3 and the second plate 4) are fixed, especially by fastening screws, it is necessary to secure fixing areas above and below the core part, and the number of stacked layers of the tubes 1 is reduced if it is to be contained within the volume that can be mounted on a vehicle. In contrast, in this embodiment, the ends in the width direction W of the tubes 1 are fixed by a plate-shaped cap plate 6 as fixing areas. This makes it possible to position and fix the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 without reducing the number of stacked layers of the tubes 1 in the core part 15A.

[0063] In addition, the positions of the first protrusions 33 of the first plate 3 and the second protrusions 43 of the second plate 4 (the first insertion holes 61A and second insertion holes 61B into which they are inserted) are arranged in a staggered pattern. This makes it easy to distinguish which one is to be engaged with, and since the first insertion holes 61A and second insertion holes 61B are different in number and positions, mistakes in assembling the first plate 3 and the second plate can be prevented.

[0064] Furthermore, the cap plate 6 is a flat member without any irregularities in the width direction W, and the protrusion amount in the width direction W of the first protrusion 34 of the first plate 3 and the second protrusion 44 of the second plate 4 may be, for example, approximately the same as the thickness of the cap plate 6. Therefore, compared to a structure in which both plates are fixed by fastening with screws or the like, the area required for fixing can be minimized, and an increase in the size of the heat exchanger 100 can be suppressed. Alternatively, a large area can be secured for arranging the heat exchange core 15.

[0065] Furthermore, the cap plate 6 can position and fix the diversion plate 5 to the first plate 3 and second plate 4, and can also close the opening of the diversion plate 5. Conventionally, the diversion channel has been closed using a "cap" type closure member that has an edge covering the outer periphery of the diversion channel and covers the opening and the outer periphery as a whole, a "crosspiece lid" type closure member that engages a crosspiece (engagement portion) erected on a flat member with the diversion channel to close the opening, or an "insertion lid" type closure member that inserts a flat member into a slit in the diversion channel to cover the opening. In these cases, there have been problems with brazing defects and complicated closing work due to the complicated shapes of the diversion channel and the closure member.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the first plate 3, the second plate 4 and the flow dividing means 5 can be fixed in appropriate positions by engaging with the cap plate 6, thereby simplifying the assembly work and improving the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0067] In addition, the openings of the shunt flow paths 5A can be closed as a whole by the cap plate 6 having a simple flat shape, which suppresses the occurrence of brazing defects and makes the closing work easy. Although the shunt flow paths 5A are separated into multiple paths, the openings of these paths can be closed as a whole by the single cap plate 6, which improves the efficiency of assembly work in each stage, particularly compared to a structure in which the shunt flow paths 5A are closed individually.

[0068] <Second heat transfer medium flow path> Next, the flow path of the heat medium m2 (second heat medium) in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9 to Fig. 12. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the heat exchanger 100 as viewed from the height direction H, and Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the inside (heat exchange core 15) of the heat exchanger 100 in a see-through manner, with the pad portion 9 omitted. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 9, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 9.

[0069] As shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11, the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment has a case 10 that houses a heat exchange core 15, and the interior of the core portion 15A (tube 1) forms part of the flow path of the first heat medium (refrigerant m1), and the space between the core portion 15A (tube 1) and the case 10 forms a flow path of the second heat medium (heat medium m2).

[0070] As shown in Figs. 10 to 12, the core part 15A of the heat exchange core 15 of this embodiment has, for example, tubes 1 and fins (outer fins) 25 (not shown in Figs. 2, 3, 7, etc.) stacked alternately in the height direction H. The fins 25 are plate-like members formed by arranging a plurality of strip-like members in the width direction W, each of which is formed to have unevenness in the height direction H. For example, the tubes 1 of each layer (four rows in this example) and the fins 25 of one plate-like member are stacked alternately. The thickness of the fins 25 in the height direction H (difference in size between the unevenness) is, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably about 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and the fins 25 are generally capable of passing the heat medium m2 through the gaps between the unevenness. For example, a brazing material is attached to the surface of the fins 25, and the fins 25 and the tubes 1 are brazed in a brazing process.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, at least one of the header tanks 7 of the tank section 23 (the inlet side tank section 23I, the outlet side tank section 23O) is arranged between one end and the other end of the tube 1 in the longitudinal direction L (on the side of the core section arrangement space CS).

[0072] In addition, at least one of the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B is disposed between one end and the other end (on the core portion arrangement space CS side) of the tube 1 in the longitudinal direction L. This ensures the tube dimensions in the extending direction of the tube 1.

[0073] Preferably, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the header tank 7 of the inlet side tank portion 23I and the header tank 7 of the outlet side tank portion 23O are arranged between one end and the other end of the tube 1 in the longitudinal direction L, and the pair of header tanks 7 are aligned on one side in the width direction W.

[0074] Furthermore, both the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B are disposed between the pair of header tanks 7. Since the space between the pair of header tanks 7 is a dead space, the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B are also aligned to one side in the width direction W of the tubes 1 (the same side as the header tanks 7, for example, one side of the case 10) and disposed in the dead space. As shown in FIG. 10, the header tank 7 is disposed at a position overlapping with the refrigerant inlet 9A and the refrigerant outlet 9B (shown by dashed lines) in the height direction H. Therefore, in the following explanations of FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, the header tank 7 of the inlet side tank portion 23I may be replaced with the refrigerant inlet 9A, and the header tank 7 of the outlet side tank portion 23O may be replaced with the refrigerant outlet 9B.

[0075] Preferably, the header tank 7 (the refrigerant inlet 9A communicating therewith) of the inlet tank 23I and the header tank 7 (the refrigerant outlet 9B communicating therewith) of the outlet tank 23O, the heat medium inlet 103A, and the heat medium outlet 103B are arranged so as to overlap at least partially along the length direction L of the tube 1. More specifically, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9, when a certain imaginary line VL is defined along the length direction L of the tube 1 in a plan view seen from the height direction H, the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B, the refrigerant inlet 9A, and the refrigerant outlet 9B are arranged so as to be located on the imaginary line VL (without deviating from the imaginary line VL). In this embodiment, the pad portion 9 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped and is attached to the heat exchange core 15 by bolts 9C or the like. In this example, the pad portion 9 is arranged with its longitudinal direction aligned along the width direction W of the heat exchanger 100 (the refrigerant inlet 9A (refrigerant outlet 9B) and the bolts 9C are aligned in the width direction W). However, the pad portion 9 may also be arranged with its longitudinal direction aligned along the length direction L of the heat exchanger 100 (the refrigerant inlet 9A (refrigerant outlet 9B) and the bolts 9C are aligned in the length direction L). Regardless of the orientation of the pad portion 9, the refrigerant inlet 9A (refrigerant outlet 9B) is in the position shown in FIG. 9.

[0076] As a result, when the entire case 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the case 10 is generally partitioned into, for example, a storage area (storage chamber) 10A of the core portion 15A having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and an inlet / outlet forming area 10B for the refrigerant m1 and the heat medium m2 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 9. The storage area 10A and the inlet / outlet forming area 10B are arranged in parallel in the length direction L so that their longitudinal directions are aligned with each other.

[0077] In conventional heat exchangers, the heat medium inlet and the heat medium outlet are generally arranged, for example, apart from the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant m1, on both sides of the tube (core) in the length direction L or on both sides of the width direction W so as to sandwich the tube. In these cases, there is a problem that the size of the heat exchanger increases if a large core arrangement space CS is to be secured. In addition, the refrigerant inlet, refrigerant outlet, heat medium inlet, and heat medium outlet may be arranged in a dispersed manner, for example, in positions opposite each other, but in such cases, there is a problem that the workability when attaching piping to these cannot be improved.

[0078] In this embodiment, the header tank 7 is disposed on the core arrangement space CS side to maximize the dimension of the tube 1 in the length direction L. Furthermore, a pair of heat medium inlets 103A and heat medium outlets 103B are disposed in the dead space resulting from the formation of the header tank 7. In particular, the heat medium inlet 103A and heat medium outlet 103B, and the refrigerant inlet 9A and refrigerant outlet 9B are disposed so as to be located on the same imaginary line VL (without deviating from the imaginary line VL). In the configuration of the heat exchange core 15 that maximizes the dimension of the tube 1 in the length direction L by devising the arrangement of the header tank 7, even when the tube 1 is accommodated in a case 10 having the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B, the case 10 can be prevented from becoming large. In addition, the size of the accommodation area 10A relative to the size of the case 10 can be ensured to be large. This makes it possible to maximize the tube dimension (length) in the length direction L of the tube 1 while suppressing the increase in size of the heat exchanger 100. In addition, the dimension of the width direction W of the core portion arrangement space CS can be expanded, which results in the possibility of expanding the width of each tube 1 or increasing the number of tubes 1 in the width direction W, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0079] In addition, since the refrigerant inlet 9A, the refrigerant outlet 9B, the heat medium inlet 103A, and the heat medium outlet 103B are concentrated on one side (side surface) of the heat exchanger 100, the pipes can be easily attached to the heat exchanger 100, improving work efficiency. In addition, the layout of the work space (work area) for attaching the pipes can be prevented from becoming complicated, which also improves the efficiency of the pipe attachment work.

[0080] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 10, the case 10 is provided therein with a guide portion 12 that regulates the flow path of the heat medium m2.

[0081] The guide portion 12 is, for example, a thick portion provided inside a corner portion of the case 10 nearest the heat medium inlet 103A, and is provided so as to protrude from an end portion in the width direction W of the inner wall of the case 10 toward the heat exchange core 15 side. In this embodiment, the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B are arranged on the core portion arrangement space CS side. The heat medium m2 flowing in from the heat medium inlet 103A is guided by the guide portion 12 to the vicinity of the connection portion between the inlet side tank portion 23I and the tube 1. The guide portion 12 prevents the heat medium m2 from accumulating in the nearest corner portion, and makes it easier for the heat medium m2 to flow to the other side in the width direction W (near the end portion opposite the heat medium inlet 103A). For the same reason, the guide portion 12 is also provided inside a corner portion of the case 10 nearest the heat medium outlet 103B.

[0082] 10 and 11, the heat exchanger 100 has a first flow passage (vertical flow passage) 13 that circulates the heat medium m2 in the height direction H in the case 10. From the viewpoint of improving the heat exchange efficiency, it is desirable to arrange the heat exchange core 15 as closely as possible in the case 10 (the storage area 10A of the case 10), but on the other hand, it is necessary to sufficiently circulate the heat medium m2 to an area away from the heat medium inlet 103A. In this embodiment, a part of the side surface (left side surface in FIG. 10) opposite to the side surface (right side surface in FIG. 10) where the heat medium inlet 103A of the case 10 (first cover 101) is provided is partially protruded outward in the width direction W to provide the wide portion 13. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the length in the width direction W of the tank portion 23 (e.g., the flow distribution plate 5) is longer than the length in the width direction W of the core portion 15A (four rows of tubes 1), and the end of the tank portion 23 protrudes outward from the core portion 15A. Using this protruding portion, the wide portion 13 is provided in the case 10 (the first case 101 and the second case 102) near both ends of the core portion 15A in the width direction W. The core portion 15A is not arranged in the wide portion 13, and the flow resistance is smaller than that of the core portion 15A, so the heat medium m2 easily flows into the wide portion 13. This wide portion 13 is a first flow passage 13 (vertical flow passage) that circulates the heat medium m2 that flows in from the heat medium inlet 103A along the height direction H. The first flow passage 13 (wide portion) is also provided on the opposite side (the other end side in the width direction W) of the heat medium outlet 103B across the core portion 15A. The first flow passage 13 allows the heat medium m2 to circulate in the height direction H at a position far from the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B across the core portion 15A.

[0083] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 100 has a second flow passage (horizontal flow passage) 13 that circulates the heat medium m2 flowing in from the heat medium inlet 103A in the width direction W toward the other end side in the width direction W (the direction of the first flow passage 13).

[0084] The second flow passage 14 (14A) is, for example, a clearance formed between the tank portion 23 (inlet side tank portion 23I, outlet side tank portion 23O) and the fin 25. In the core portion 15A, the dimension of the fin 25 in the length direction L is set to be shorter than that of the tube 1, and the tube 1 is laminated so that both ends in the length direction L are exposed from the fin 25, and both are brazed. As a result, a clearance is generated between the end of the fin 25 in the length direction L and the first plate 3. The fin 25 has a predetermined height (for example, 1 mm to 3 mm), and the second flow passage 14A (horizontal flow passage) is formed by the clearance between the end of the fin 25 and the first plate 3.

[0085] In the core portion 15A, a plurality of tubes 1 and fins 25 are alternately stacked in the height direction H, and the second flow passages 14A are formed in each layer in the height direction H. That is, the second flow passages 14 (14A) allow the heat medium m2 to circulate between the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B and distant positions sandwiched between them and the core portion 15A in each layer in the height direction H.

[0086] The heat medium m2 in the case 10 flows through the gap formed between the tube 1 and the fin 25, and the flow is guided by the guide portion 12, the first flow passage 13, and the second flow passage 14 (14A). That is, the heat medium m2 flowing in from the heat medium inlet 103A provided on one side of the tube 1 in the width direction W is guided to the second flow passage 14A by the guide portion 12 on the inlet tank portion 23I side. The heat medium m2 that flows horizontally through the second flow passage 14A and reaches the other side of the width direction W (for example, the other end in the case 10) flows vertically via the first flow passage 13. The heat medium m2 flowing on the other side of the width direction W passes through the second flow passage 14A on the outlet tank portion 23O side, and is guided by the guide portion 12 to the heat medium outlet 103B.

[0087] With this configuration, the flow of the heat medium m2 can be guided (controlled) particularly in areas far from the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B, and uneven flow of the heat medium m2 within the case 10 can be suppressed, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0088] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the second flow passage (horizontal flow passage) 14. The second flow passage (horizontal flow passage) 14 (14B) may be a thin-walled portion provided in a part (inner wall) of the case 10. Specifically, a part of the inner side of the upper surface of the case 10 in the height direction H is hollowed out from one end side to the other end side in the width direction W, for example, to form the thin-walled portion 14B. In this case, the space formed by the core portion 15A (the fin 25 of the uppermost layer) and the thin-walled portion 14B becomes the second flow passage 14B. That is, the second flow passage 14B in this example is formed only in the uppermost part of the core portion 15A. The flow of the heat medium m2 is the same as that in the second flow passage 14A (only in the uppermost layer).

[0089] It is to be noted that both second flow passage 14A formed by the clearance between short fin 25 and first plate 3, and second flow passage 14B formed by a thin portion provided in case 10 may be provided.

[0090] In addition, in the above embodiment, the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 are of equal size and the clearances C and C' are also of equal values, but the sizes of the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 and / or the values ​​of the clearances C and C' may be different values.

[0091] <Modification> In the above embodiment, a single flow dividing plate 5 having a plurality of divided channels 5A is exemplified as the flow dividing means 5. However, the flow dividing means 5 is not limited to this configuration, and may be, for example, a collection of a plurality of independent flow dividing channels. Specifically, for example, the eight flow dividing channels 5A of the flow dividing plate 5 described above may be separated from each other. In this case, caps for closing the openings of the flow dividing channels 5A are also provided separately and independently. The caps are, for example, substantially semicircular flat plate members capable of closing the openings of the flow dividing channels 5A. Alternatively, they may be plate-shaped caps capable of closing the openings of all the flow dividing channels 5A as a whole. The fixing members 6 are, for example, clips provided in a plurality along the height direction H at the ends of the first plate 3 in the width direction W.

[0092] The assembly method is as follows: First, the outer surface S2 of the first plate 3 is brought into contact with the inner surface S3 of the second plate 4, the tubes 1 are inserted into the first tube insertion holes 31 and the second tube holes 32, and the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are slid up and down in the height direction H to fix the tubes 1. The ends of the tubes 1 protruding from the outer surface S4 of the second plate 4 (for example, two tubes 1 adjacent to each other above and below in the height direction H) are covered with the shunt channels 5A, and caps are brought into contact with the openings at both ends in the width direction W of the shunt channels 5A. In this state, the second plate 4, the caps, and the shunt channels 5A are gripped together from the sides by the clips of the first plate 3 to fix them in place.

[0093] In this case, positioning protrusions are provided on the first plate 3 and the second plate 4, for example near their upper edges, and by aligning the positioning protrusions, the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube hole 32 are shifted a predetermined amount in the height direction H (creating clearances C, C').

[0094] Incidentally, the heat exchanger 100 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 tube 3. First Plate 4. Second Plate 5. Diverting means (diverting plate) 5A branch flow path 6 Fixing member (cap plate) 7 Header Tank 9 Pad section 9A through hole 10 Cases 10A Containment Area (Containment Room) 10B Inlet / exit forming area 12 Guide section 13 First passage (wide section) 14 2nd flow path 14B Thin wall part 15 Heat exchange core 15A Core 20 Header tank cover 9A Refrigerant inlet 9B Refrigerant outlet 23 Tank section 23I Inlet tank section 23O Outlet side tank section 25 Fin (outer fin) 32,42 Communication hole 55 Diversion tank 61 Insertion hole 63 Cap part 63A Tongue part 64 Engagement protrusion 100 heat exchanger 103A Heat medium inlet 103B Heat medium outlet 201 Cover part 202 Engagement protrusion CS core placement space

Claims

1. A heat exchanger including a heat exchange core having a tube that is long in one direction and an inlet side tank portion and an outlet side tank portion that are connected to the tube, the inlet side tank portion and the outlet side tank portion each have a header tank communicating with the outside, At least one of the header tanks is disposed between one end and the other end of the tube in the longitudinal direction. A heat exchanger characterized by:

2. The pair of header tanks are disposed between one end and the other end of the tube in the longitudinal direction.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 .

3. The tube has a flat shape, and the pair of header tanks are disposed on one side of the tube in a width direction.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 .

4. The tube is laminated in multiple layers, The inlet side tank portion and the outlet side tank portion each include a plate for holding a plurality of said tubes; a dividing means for connecting the header tank and a plurality of the tubes, The flow dividing means is The tube has a plurality of shunt channels extending along a width direction of the tube in a stacking direction of the tube.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 .

5. In each of the inlet side tank portion and the outlet side tank portion, The header tank is provided on one side surface of the plate.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4.

6. the plate has a communication hole that communicates the flow dividing means with the header tank; 5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4.

7. A case for housing the heat exchange core, The inside of the tube becomes a part of a flow path of a first heat medium, and the space between the tube and the case becomes a flow path of a second heat medium.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 .

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