Heat exchanger

Abstract

To achieve miniaturization of a heat exchanger.SOLUTION: In a heat exchanger, a plurality of refrigerant passages 2 where a refrigerant circulates and a plurality of water passages 3 where cooling water circulates are alternately stacked, and a heat exchange core part 1 for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the cooling water is formed. The heat exchanger includes: a refrigerant tank 4 for performing at least one of distribution of the refrigerant into the refrigerant passages and collection of the refrigerant which has flowed out of the refrigerant passages; and a water tank 5 for performing at least one of distribution of the cooling water into the water passages and collection of the cooling water which has flowed out of the water passages. When viewed from the stacking direction of the refrigerant passages and the water passages, a refrigerant tank is arranged between the water tank and the heat exchange core part. In a refrigerant tank forming member 40 for forming the refrigerant tank, a water communication part 500 for communicating the water tank and the water passages is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, Patent Document 1 describes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a first fluid and a second fluid. The heat exchanger of Patent Document 1 includes a heat exchange section in which a plurality of substantially flat heat transfer plates are stacked at intervals. A pair of end plates is provided at both ends in the stacking direction of the heat transfer plates in the heat exchange section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-025764 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the heat exchanger of Patent Document 1, the collection / distribution tank for the first fluid and the collection / distribution tank for the second fluid are arranged at the four corners of a rectangular end plate, which may make it difficult to reduce the thickness of the heat exchanger in the arrangement direction of the tanks for the first fluid and the tanks for the second fluid.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to reduce the size of a heat exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a heat exchanger according to claim 1 is a heat exchanger in which a plurality of first fluid passages (2) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) through which a second fluid flows are alternately stacked and a heat exchange core portion (1) for exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid is formed, a first tank (4) that performs at least one of distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passage and collecting the first fluid that has flowed out of the first fluid passage; a second tank (5) that performs at least one of distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passage and collecting the second fluid that has flowed out of the second fluid passage; the first tank is disposed between the second tank and the heat exchange core unit when viewed from a stacking direction of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage; A first tank forming member (40) that forms the first tank is provided with a second fluid communication part (500) that communicates between the second tank and the second fluid passage.

[0007] This allows the first tank (4) and the second tank (5) to be disposed close to each other, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the heat exchanger (100).

[0008] A heat exchanger according to claim 5 includes a heat exchanger in which a plurality of first fluid passages (2) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) through which a second fluid flows are alternately stacked and a heat exchange core portion (2) for exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid is formed, a first tank (4) that performs at least one of distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passage and collecting the first fluid that has flowed out of the first fluid passage; a second tank (5) that performs at least one of distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passage and collecting the second fluid that has flowed out of the second fluid passage; The first fluid passages are stacked and arranged to form a plurality of rows, a plurality of first tanks are provided so as to be connected to ends of the plurality of rows; The second tank is formed by spaces between the first tanks, The outer surface of the first tank forms at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the second tank.

[0009] This allows the first tank (4) and the second tank (5) to be disposed close to each other, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the heat exchanger (100).

[0010] In addition, the reference symbols in parentheses for each means described in this column and in the claims indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a heat exchange core unit in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 . [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a refrigerant tank and a water tank in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a refrigerant tank forming member of one refrigerant tank in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a refrigerant tank forming member of the other-side refrigerant tank in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] IX-IX cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. [Figure 10] XX cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a refrigerant flow and a cooling water flow in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a heat exchanger in a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a heat exchanger in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another part of the heat exchanger in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a refrigerant tank forming member of one refrigerant tank in the fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a refrigerant tank forming member of the other-side refrigerant tank in the fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a refrigerant flow and a cooling water flow in a fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of one side in the longitudinal direction of a tube of a heat exchanger according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the other side in the tube longitudinal direction of a heat exchanger in a sixth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a refrigerant tank forming member of the refrigerant tank in the sixth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a refrigerant flow and a cooling water flow in a sixth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a heat exchanger in a seventh embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to an eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same reference numerals may be used to designate parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, the other embodiment described previously may be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0013] It is possible to combine parts of each embodiment that are specifically indicated as being possible to combine with each other. In addition, even if it is not specifically indicated that the combination is possible, it is also possible to combine parts of each embodiment with each other, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0014] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure is applied to a water-refrigerant heat exchanger that cools a cooling object by exchanging heat between a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner mounted on a vehicle and a cooling water that cools the cooling object, and absorbs heat from the cooling object.

[0015] As an example, in this embodiment, carbon dioxide (e.g., R744) is used as the refrigerant, and water or antifreeze is used as the cooling water. In this embodiment, the refrigerant corresponds to an example of the first fluid, and the cooling water corresponds to an example of the second fluid.

[0016] 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 100 includes a heat exchange core part 1 that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and a cooling water. The heat exchange core part 1 is formed by stacking a plurality of refrigerant passages 2 through which the refrigerant flows and a plurality of water passages 3 through which the cooling water flows in an alternating manner.

[0017] The heat exchanger 100 includes a refrigerant tank 4 and a water tank 5. The refrigerant tank 4 performs at least one of distributing the refrigerant to the refrigerant passages 2 and collecting the refrigerant flowing out from the refrigerant passages 2. The water tank 5 performs at least one of distributing the cooling water to the water passages 3 and collecting the cooling water flowing out from the water passages 3. As an example, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, a pair of refrigerant tanks 4 and a pair of water tanks 5 are provided on either side of the heat exchange core unit 1.

[0018] In this embodiment, the refrigerant passage 2 corresponds to an example of a first fluid passage, and the water passage 3 corresponds to an example of a second fluid passage. The refrigerant tank 4 corresponds to an example of a first tank, and the water tank 5 corresponds to an example of a second tank.

[0019] 3 and 4, the heat exchanger 100 has a plurality of tubes 20 through which a refrigerant flows. The tubes 20 are refrigerant passage forming members that form the refrigerant passages 2.

[0020] Here, the longitudinal direction of the tubes 20 is defined as the tube longitudinal direction. The lamination direction of the refrigerant passages 2 and the water passages 3, i.e., the lamination direction of the tubes 20, is defined as the tube lamination direction. The direction perpendicular to both the tube longitudinal direction and the tube lamination direction is defined as the core thickness direction.

[0021] The arrangement and shape of the tubes 20 are not particularly limited. As an example, in the heat exchange core portion 1 of the present embodiment, the tubes 20 are stacked in two rows in the core thickness direction. In other words, the refrigerant passages 2 are stacked and arranged to form two rows.

[0022] Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat exchange core parts are provided as one-side core part 11 arranged on one side in the core thickness direction and another-side core part 12 arranged on the other side in the core thickness direction. The tubes 20 constituting the one-side core part 11 and the tubes 20 constituting the other-side core part 12 are arranged so as to overlap with each other when viewed from the core thickness direction.

[0023] As an example, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, a tube having a flattened multi-hole cross section formed by extrusion is used as the tube 20. In the heat exchange core 1, the tubes 20 are stacked with a predetermined interval between them so that the flat surfaces of the outer surfaces of the tubes 20 are parallel to each other and face each other.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, side plates 6 are provided at both ends of the heat exchange core unit 1 in the tube stacking direction. The side plates 6 are formed in a plate shape having a surface parallel to the flat surface of the tubes 20 and extending parallel to the tube longitudinal direction. When viewed from the tube stacking direction, the side plates 6 overlap both the tubes 20 constituting the one-side core unit 11 and the tubes 20 constituting the other-side core unit 12. Both ends of the side plates 6 in the tube longitudinal direction are joined to the refrigerant tank 4. As an example, in this embodiment, the side plates 6 are inserted into and joined to the refrigerant tank forming member 40 that forms the refrigerant tank 4.

[0025] Plate-shaped seal plates 7 are provided at both ends in the core thickness direction of the heat exchange core unit 1. When viewed from the core thickness direction, the seal plates 7 are provided so as to overlap the entire surface of the heat exchange core unit 1. The seal plates 7 are joined to the refrigerant tank 4 and the side plates 6.

[0026] The seal plate 7 and the space formed between the adjacent tubes 20 form water passages 3 through which the cooling water flows. Therefore, in the heat exchange core 1, heat exchange can be performed between the refrigerant flowing through the tubes 20 and the cooling water flowing around the tubes 20.

[0027] Fins 8 for promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cooling water are arranged in the water passage 3. The shape of the fins 8 is not particularly limited. As an example, in this embodiment, offset fins having a plurality of cut-and-raised portions partially formed in a metal sheet are used as the fins 8.

[0028] Next, the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 in this embodiment will be described. The refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 each extend in the tube stacking direction. When viewed from the tube stacking direction, the refrigerant tank 4 is disposed between the water tank 5 and the heat exchange core unit 1. In other words, when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5, the refrigerant tank 4 is disposed between the water tank 5 and the heat exchange core unit 1. That is, the refrigerant tank 4, the water tank 5, and the heat exchange core unit 1 are disposed on the same straight line parallel to the tube longitudinal direction. As an example, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4 constitutes a part of the inner wall surface of the water tank 5.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the heat exchanger 100 has a refrigerant tank forming member 40 that forms the refrigerant tank 4, and a water tank forming member 50 that forms the water tank 5.

[0030] The water tank forming member 50 defines a water tank space 50a of the water tank 5 therein. In this embodiment, as an example, the water tank forming member 50 is formed in a bathtub shape. The water tank forming member 50 is formed in an arc-shaped cross section when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the water tank 5 (i.e., the tube stacking direction).

[0031] The water tank forming member 50 is joined to the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4 opposite the heat exchange core unit 1. A water tank space 50a is formed by the water tank forming member 50 and the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4 opposite the heat exchange core unit 1. As an example, in this embodiment, the water tank forming member 50 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank space 50a is constant from one end side to the other end side in the tube stacking direction.

[0032] 6, 7 and 8, the refrigerant tank forming member 40 has a plurality of plate-like members 41 to 45. The refrigerant tank 4 is formed by arranging the plurality of plate-like members 41 to 45 in a stacked manner.

[0033] In this embodiment, as an example, the refrigerant tank forming member 40 has a plate header 41, an intermediate plate 42, a partition plate 43, a first tank plate 44, and a second tank plate 45 as a plurality of plate-like members.

[0034] The tubes 20 are joined to the plate header 41. The first tank plate 44 defines therein a refrigerant tank space 40a for the refrigerant tank 4. The second tank plate 45, together with the water tank forming member 50, defines a water tank space 50a.

[0035] 9, the intermediate plate 42 and the partition plate 43 form a plurality of refrigerant communication passages 400. The refrigerant communication passages 400 communicate the refrigerant passages 2 of the tubes 20 with the refrigerant tank space 40a. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant communication passages 400 correspond to an example of a first fluid communication portion.

[0036] 10, the refrigerant tank-forming member 40 is provided with a plurality of water communication passages 500. That is, the plate header 41, the intermediate plate 42, the partition plate 43, the first tank plate 44, and the second tank plate 45 form a plurality of water communication passages 500. The water communication passages 500 are communication parts that communicate the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core unit 1 with the water tank space 50a. In this embodiment, the refrigerant tank-forming member 40 corresponds to an example of the first tank-forming member 40, and the water communication passages 500 correspond to an example of the second fluid communication part.

[0037] The plate header 41 has a cross section that is U-shaped (in other words, bathtub-shaped or U-shaped) when viewed from the tube stacking direction. Specifically, the plate header 41 is composed of a flat portion 401 and two side portions 402. The flat portion 401 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and extends in the tube stacking direction. The side portions 402 extend from both ends of the flat portion 401 in the core thickness direction toward the side opposite the heat exchange core portion 1. The flat portion 401 and the two side portions 402 are formed integrally.

[0038] 7 and 8, the flat surface portion 401 of the plate header 41 is provided with a plurality of tube insertion holes 411 and a plurality of header through holes 412 penetrating the flat surface portion 401 from the front to the back. The tubes 20 are inserted into and joined to the tube insertion holes 411. The header through holes 412 communicate with the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core portion 1. The header through holes 412 form a portion of a plurality of water communication passages 500.

[0039] When viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the multiple tube insertion holes 411 are provided at positions overlapping with the tubes 20 that communicate with them. Therefore, the tube insertion holes 411 are provided in two rows in the core thickness direction so as to correspond to the tubes 20 that constitute the one-side core portion 11 and the tubes 20 that constitute the other-side core portion 12.

[0040] The shape and arrangement of the header through hole 412 are not particularly limited. As an example, in this embodiment, the header through hole 412 is arranged between adjacent tube insertion holes 411. The header through hole 412 is formed in an elongated hole shape extending over the entire area in the core thickness direction of the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41. In other words, the header through hole 412 is formed so as to extend from one end side to the other end side in the core thickness direction of the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41.

[0041] The intermediate plate 42 is formed of a plate-like member having a plurality of intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 and a plurality of intermediate water through holes 422 penetrating from the front to the back of the intermediate plate 42. One plate surface of the intermediate plate 42 is joined to the surface of the plate header 41 opposite to the heat exchange core 1. The other plate surface of the intermediate plate 42 is joined to the partition plate 43.

[0042] As a result, the intermediate refrigerant through hole 421 communicates with the refrigerant passage 2 of the tube 20. The intermediate refrigerant through hole 421 forms a part of the multiple refrigerant communication passages 400. The intermediate water through hole 422 communicates with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core unit 1 via the header through hole 412. The intermediate water through hole 422 forms a part of the multiple water communication passages 500.

[0043] As an example, in this embodiment, the intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 are formed in an elongated hole shape extending in the core thickness direction. When viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 are provided at positions overlapping with the open ends of the tubes 20 with which they communicate. Each intermediate refrigerant through hole 421 communicates with both the tube 20 constituting the one-side core portion 11 and the tube 20 constituting the other-side core portion 12 adjacent in the core thickness direction.

[0044] The intermediate water through hole 422 communicates with the header through hole 412 of the plate header 41. When viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the intermediate water through hole 422 is provided at a position overlapping with the header through hole 412 of the plate header 41. When viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the intermediate water through hole 422 is formed in a shape corresponding to the header through hole 412.

[0045] The partition plate 43 is formed of a plate-like member having a plurality of partition refrigerant through holes 431 and a plurality of partition water through holes 432 penetrating from the front to the back of the partition plate 43. One plate surface of the partition plate 43 is joined to the surface of the intermediate plate 42 opposite to the surface joined to the plate header 41. The other plate surface of the partition plate 43 is joined to the first tank plate 44.

[0046] As a result, the partition refrigerant through hole 431 communicates with the refrigerant passage 2 of the tube 20 via the intermediate refrigerant through hole 421. The partition refrigerant through hole 431 forms a part of the plurality of refrigerant communication passages 400.

[0047] The partition water through hole 432 communicates with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core unit 1 via the header through hole 412 and the intermediate water through hole 422. The partition water through hole 432 forms a part of a plurality of water communication passages 500.

[0048] As an example, in this embodiment, the partition refrigerant through hole 431 is disposed on one side of the center in the core thickness direction of the partition plate 43. The partition refrigerant through hole 431 is provided at a position overlapping with a part of the intermediate refrigerant through hole 421 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0049] The partition water through hole 432 is disposed on the other side of the center in the core thickness direction of the partition plate 43. The partition water through hole 432 is provided at a position overlapping with a part of the intermediate water through hole 422 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0050] The first tank plate 44 is formed of a plate-like member provided with a refrigerant groove 441 and a first water groove 442 that penetrate the first tank plate 44 from the front to the back. One plate surface of the first tank plate 44 is joined to the surface of the partition plate 43 opposite to the surface joined to the intermediate plate 42. The other plate surface of the first tank plate 44 is joined to the second tank plate 45.

[0051] As a result, the refrigerant groove 441 forms the refrigerant tank space 40a. The first water groove 442 communicates with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core 1 via the header through hole 412, the intermediate water through hole 422, and the partition water through hole 432. The first water groove 442 forms a part of a plurality of water communication passages 500.

[0052] As an example, in this embodiment, the refrigerant groove 441 is disposed on one side of the center in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44. The refrigerant groove 441 extends in the tube stacking direction. As an example, in this embodiment, the refrigerant groove 441 is provided in two rows in the core thickness direction. Each of the refrigerant grooves 441 is provided so as to overlap at least a portion of each of the partition refrigerant through holes 431 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0053] The first water groove portion 442 is disposed on the other side of the center portion in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44. The first water groove portion 442 extends in the tube stacking direction. As an example, in this embodiment, the first water groove portion 442 is provided in two rows in the core thickness direction. Each of the first water groove portions 442 is provided so as to overlap at least a portion of each of the multiple partition water through holes 432 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0054] The second tank plate 45 is formed of a plate-like member provided with a second water groove portion 451 that penetrates from the front to the back of the second tank plate 45. One plate surface of the second tank plate 45 is joined to the surface of the first tank plate 44 opposite to the surface joined to the partition plate 43. The other plate surface of the second tank plate 45 faces the inner wall surface of the water tank forming member 50 with a gap therebetween.

[0055] As a result, the second water groove portion 451 communicates with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core portion 1 via the header through hole 412, the intermediate water through hole 422, the partition water through hole 432, and the first water groove portion 442. The second water groove portion 451 forms a part of the multiple water communication passages 500.

[0056] The second water groove portion 451 is provided so as to overlap with the first water groove portion 442 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. In this embodiment as an example, the second water groove portion 451 is disposed on the other side of the center portion in the core thickness direction of the second tank plate 45. The second water groove portion 451 extends in the tube stacking direction. The second water groove portion 451 is provided in two rows in the core thickness direction. The second water groove portion 451 is formed in a shape corresponding to the first water groove portion 442 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0057] In this embodiment, a refrigerant communication passage 400 is formed by the intermediate refrigerant through hole 421 of the intermediate plate 42 and the partition refrigerant through hole 431 of the partition plate 43. A water communication passage 500 is formed by the header through hole 412 of the plate header 41, the intermediate water through hole 422 of the intermediate plate 42, the partition water through hole 432 of the partition plate 43, the first water groove portion 442 of the first tank plate 44, and the second water groove portion 451 of the second tank plate 45.

[0058] Here, of the pair of refrigerant tanks 4, the refrigerant tank 4 on one side in the longitudinal direction of the tube is defined as one-side refrigerant tank 4A, and the refrigerant tank 4 on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the tube is defined as the other-side refrigerant tank 4B. Also, of the pair of water tanks 5, the water tank 5 on one side in the longitudinal direction of the tube is defined as one-side water tank 5A, and the water tank 5 on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the tube is defined as the other-side water tank 5B.

[0059] 1 and 2, one end of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A in the tube stacking direction is provided with a refrigerant inlet port 461 for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A. One end of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B in the tube stacking direction is provided with a refrigerant outlet port 462 for allowing the refrigerant to flow out from the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B.

[0060] As an example, in this embodiment, the refrigerant inlet port 461 and the refrigerant outlet port 462 are each connected to the surface of the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41 facing the heat exchange core unit 1. The refrigerant inlet port 461 and the refrigerant outlet port 462 are each provided outside the side plate 6 in the tube stacking direction.

[0061] A water inlet port 521 for allowing cooling water to flow into the water tank space 50a of the other side water tank 5B is provided at one end side in the tube stacking direction of the other side water tank 5B. A water outlet port 522 for allowing cooling water to flow out from the water tank space 50a of the one side water tank 5A is provided at one end side in the tube stacking direction of the one side water tank 5A.

[0062] In this embodiment, as an example, the water inlet port 521 and the water outlet port 522 are each connected to the upper surface of the water tank forming member 50 (that is, the surface on one end side in the tube longitudinal direction).

[0063] The one-side refrigerant tank 4A has an inlet side communication passage 471 that communicates between the refrigerant inlet port 461 and the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A. The other-side refrigerant tank 4B has an outlet side communication passage 472 that communicates between the refrigerant outlet port 462 and the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B.

[0064] 7 and 8, a first communication hole 413 penetrating from the front to the back is provided in the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41. The first communication hole 413 communicates with the refrigerant inlet port 461 or the refrigerant outlet port 462.

[0065] The intermediate plate 42 is provided with a second communication hole 423 penetrating from the front to the back of the intermediate plate 42. The second communication hole 423 communicates with the refrigerant inlet port 461 or the refrigerant outlet port 462 via the first communication hole 413.

[0066] A third communication hole 433 penetrating the partition plate 43 from the front to the back is provided in the partition plate 43. The third communication hole 433 communicates with the refrigerant inlet port 461 or the refrigerant outlet port 462 via the first communication hole 413 and the second communication hole 423.

[0067] When viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tube, first communication hole 413, second communication hole 423, and third communication hole 433 are each provided at a position overlapping with a part of refrigerant groove portion 441. When viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tube, first communication hole 413, second communication hole 423, and third communication hole 433 each overlap both of the two rows of refrigerant groove portion 441.

[0068] As an example, in this embodiment, the first communication hole 413 is disposed at one end, in the tube stacking direction, of the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41. The second communication hole 423 is disposed at one end, in the tube stacking direction, of the intermediate plate 42. The third communication hole 433 is disposed at one end, in the tube stacking direction, of the partition plate 43.

[0069] As a result, as shown in Figure 3, an inlet side communicating passage 471 and an outlet side communicating passage 472 are formed by the first communicating hole 413 in the planar portion 401 of the plate header 41, the second communicating hole 423 in the intermediate plate 42, and the third communicating hole 433 in the partition plate 43.

[0070] Next, the flow of the refrigerant and the flow of the cooling water in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0071] The refrigerant flows from the refrigerant inlet port 461 into the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A through the inlet side communication passage 471. Then, as shown by the solid line arrows in Fig. 9, the refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is distributed to the multiple tubes 20 through the multiple refrigerant communication passages 400. The refrigerant that has flowed through the multiple tubes 20 is collected in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B through the multiple refrigerant communication passages 400 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B.

[0072] On the other hand, water flows into the water tank space 50a of the other-side water tank 5B from the water inlet port 521. Then, as shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 10, the cooling water that has flowed into the water tank space 50a of the other-side water tank 5B is introduced into the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core 1 via multiple water communication passages 500. The cooling water that has flowed through the water passage 3 is collected in the water tank space 50a of the one-side water tank 5A via the multiple water communication passages 500 of the one-side water tank 5A.

[0073] Here, in this embodiment, as described above, the header through-holes 412 are formed so as to extend over the entire area in the core thickness direction in the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10, the communication portion of the water communication passage 500 with the water passage 3 (i.e., the inlet / outlet portion for the cooling water) extends over the entire area in the core thickness direction.

[0074] 7 and 8, in this embodiment, among the through holes 412, 422, 432 and the grooves 442, 451 that form the water communication passage 500, the partition water through hole 432 of the partition plate 43 has the smallest flow passage cross-sectional area for the cooling water. Here, the sum of the passage cross-sectional areas of all the partition water through holes 432 formed in the partition plate 43 is defined as the total small passage cross-sectional area. In this case, the total small passage cross-sectional area is equal to or larger than the passage cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port 521.

[0075] In Fig. 11, the filled arrows (i.e., solid arrows) indicate the flow of the refrigerant, and the hollow arrows indicate the flow of the cooling water. As shown in Fig. 11, in the heat exchange core section 1 of this embodiment, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 2 is opposite to the flow direction of the cooling water flowing through the water passage 3. In other words, in the heat exchange core section 1, the refrigerant and the cooling water flow in countercurrent directions.

[0076] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, when viewed from the tube stacking direction, the refrigerant tank 4 is disposed between the water tank 5 and the heat exchange core 1. This allows the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 to be disposed in close proximity (i.e., as close as possible), making it possible to reduce the size of the heat exchanger 100.

[0077] More specifically, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 is parallel to the tube longitudinal direction, and it is possible to prevent the refrigerant tank 4 or the water tank 5 from protruding in the core thickness direction beyond the heat exchange core unit 1. Therefore, in the heat exchanger 100, the length in the core thickness direction of the arrangement portion of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 can be shortened. In other words, when viewed from the tube stacking direction, the length in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the water tank 5, the refrigerant tank 4, and the heat exchange core unit 1 in the heat exchanger 100 can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the heat exchanger 100.

[0078] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, a water communication passage 500 is formed inside the refrigerant tank 4, which communicates the water tank 5 with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core section 1. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, the fins 8 can be arranged up to the end side of the water passage 3 in the tube longitudinal direction, so that the heat transfer area of ​​the cooling water can be secured in the heat exchange core section 1. This makes it possible to secure heat exchange performance.

[0079] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the communicating portion of the water communication passage 500 with the water passage 3 is formed to extend over the entire area in the core thickness direction. This makes it possible to increase the passage cross-sectional area of ​​the communicating portion of the water communication passage 500 with the water passage 3. As a result, for example, the distribution performance of the cooling water flowing out from the water communication passage 500 to the water passage 3 can be improved.

[0080] In the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the total small passage cross-sectional area, which is the sum of the passage cross-sectional areas of all the partition water through holes 432 formed in the partition plate 43, is set to be equal to or larger than the passage cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port 521. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in water flow resistance in the partition water through hole 432, which has the smallest passage cross-sectional area among the water communication passages 500.

[0081] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the shapes of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5. Note that Fig. 12 is a drawing corresponding to Fig. 10 described in the first embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Figure 12, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, a water communication passage 500 that connects the water tank space 50a of the water tank 5 and the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core section 1 is provided on the outer circumferential side of the refrigerant tank forming member 40 of the refrigerant tank 4.

[0083] As an example, in this embodiment, the water communication passages 500 are provided on both outer sides in the core thickness direction of the refrigerant tank 4. The water communication passages 500 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the refrigerant tank forming member 40 in the core thickness direction.

[0084] The water tank forming member 50 of the water tank 5 is made of resin. The water tank forming member 50 is formed so as to cover the refrigerant tank 4 from the outside. A communication gap 50c is formed between the inner wall surface of the water tank forming member 50 and the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4. A seal side through hole 71 that penetrates from front to back is provided at the end of the seal plate 7 on the outer side in the tube longitudinal direction (i.e., on the refrigerant tank 4 side).

[0085] The water tank space 50a of the water tank 5 communicates with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core unit 1 via the communication gap 50c and the seal-side through hole 71. Therefore, in this embodiment, a water communication passage 500 is formed by the communication gap 50c and the seal-side through hole 71.

[0086] The inner end of the water tank forming member 50 in the longitudinal direction of the tube is joined to the outer surface of the seal plate 7. The joint between the water tank forming member 50 and the seal plate 7 is located inside the seal side through hole 71 in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0087] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the water communication passages 500 are provided on the outer periphery side of the refrigerant tank forming member 40. This eliminates the need to form the water communication passages 500 in the refrigerant tank forming member 40. In other words, it eliminates the need to provide through holes or grooves for forming the water communication passages 500 in the plate-shaped members 41-45 of the refrigerant tank forming member 40. This allows the configuration of the refrigerant tank 4 to be simplified.

[0088] In the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the water communication passages 500 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line in the core thickness direction of the refrigerant tank forming member 40. This allows the cooling water to flow into the water passages 3 from both sides in the core thickness direction, improving the distribution performance of the cooling water.

[0089] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the shapes of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5. Note that Fig. 13 is a drawing corresponding to Fig. 10 described in the first embodiment.

[0090] 13, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, two refrigerant tanks 4 are provided so as to be connected to the ends of two rows of tubes 20 at each end in the tube longitudinal direction of the heat exchange core section 1. In other words, two refrigerant tanks 4 are provided so as to be connected to the ends of two rows of the refrigerant passages 2.

[0091] The water tank 5 is formed by the space between the two refrigerant tanks 4. At this time, at least a part of the inner wall surface of the water tank 5 is formed by the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4.

[0092] As an example, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 has a lid portion 55 that connects the outer ends of the tubes in the longitudinal direction of two refrigerant tanks 4. The lid portion 55 is formed in a plate shape extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the tubes. A water inlet port 521 or a water outlet port 522 is connected to the lid portion 55.

[0093] Water tank 5 is formed by lid portion 55 and the space between two refrigerant tanks 4. In other words, water tank space 50a is formed by lid portion 55 and the space between two refrigerant tanks 4. At this time, the inner surface of lid portion 55 in the tube longitudinal direction and the outer surface of refrigerant tank 4 form the inner wall surface of water tank 5.

[0094] The seal plate 7 is joined to the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4 in the core thickness direction. As a result, a water communication passage 500 that communicates the water tank space 50a and the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core section 1 is formed by the space between the seal plate 7 and the refrigerant tank 4.

[0095] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the water tank 5 is formed by the space between the two refrigerant tanks 4. This allows the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 to be disposed in close proximity (i.e., as close as possible), thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the heat exchanger 100. Furthermore, since there is no need to separately provide a water tank forming member for forming the water tank, the configuration of the water tank 5 can be simplified.

[0096] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the shapes of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5. Fig. 14 is a drawing corresponding to Fig. 9 described in the first embodiment. Fig. 15 is a drawing corresponding to Fig. 10 described in the first embodiment.

[0097] 14 and 15, the refrigerant tank 4 of this embodiment has a refrigerant tank plate 48 instead of the first plate and the second plate in the first embodiment. One plate surface of the refrigerant tank plate 48 is joined to the surface of the partition plate 43 opposite to the surface joined to the intermediate plate 42.

[0098] Furthermore, the refrigerant tank 4 has an internal space forming portion 49 that forms the refrigerant tank space 40a inside the water tank space 50a. The internal space forming portion 49 is disposed inside the water tank forming member 50. An outer surface of the internal space forming portion 49 forms a part of the inner wall surface of the water tank 5.

[0099] The internal space forming portion 49 has a cross section perpendicular to the tube stacking direction formed in a semicircular arc shape (in other words, a bathtub shape or a U-shape). The internal space forming portion 49 is connected to the other plate surface of the refrigerant tank plate 48. The internal space forming portion 49 is disposed in the center of the refrigerant tank plate 48 in the core thickness direction. The internal space forming portion 49 may be formed integrally with the refrigerant tank plate 48, or may be provided as a separate body.

[0100] The refrigerant tank plate 48 is provided with a first tank groove 481 communicating with the refrigerant tank space 40a and a second tank groove 482 communicating with the water tank space 50a. The first tank groove 481 and the second tank groove 482 are formed to penetrate the refrigerant tank plate 48 from the front to the back.

[0101] The first tank groove 481 is disposed in the center in the core thickness direction of the refrigerant tank plate 48. The first tank groove 481 communicates with the partition refrigerant through hole 431 of the partition plate 43. A refrigerant communication passage 400 is formed by the intermediate refrigerant through hole 421 of the plate header 41, the partition refrigerant through hole 431 of the partition plate 43, and the first tank groove 481.

[0102] The second tank grooves 482 are disposed on both outer sides in the core thickness direction of the first tank grooves 481 in the refrigerant tank plate 48. The second tank grooves 482 communicate with the partition water through holes 432 of the partition plate 43. A water communication passage 500 is formed by the header through holes 412 of the plate header 41, the intermediate water through holes 422 of the intermediate plate 42, the partition water through holes 432 of the partition plate 43, and the second tank grooves 482.

[0103] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the refrigerant tank 4 is provided with the internal space forming portion 49 that forms the refrigerant tank space 40a inside the water tank space 50a. This allows the grooves for forming the refrigerant tank space 40a to be made smaller in the plate-like members 41-45. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in strength of the refrigerant tank 4 caused by providing the grooves in the plate-like members 41-45, thereby improving the pressure resistance of the refrigerant tank 4.

[0104] Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the multiple plate-like members 41-45 of the refrigerant tank 4. Fig. 16 is a drawing corresponding to Fig. 7 described in the first embodiment. Fig. 17 is a drawing corresponding to Fig. 8 described in the first embodiment.

[0105] First, the multiple plate-like members 41-45 forming the one-side refrigerant tank 4A will be described. Here, the plate header 41 of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is defined as the one-side plate header 41A. The intermediate plate 42 of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is defined as the one-side intermediate plate 42A. The partition plate 43 of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is defined as the one-side partition plate 43A. The first tank plate 44 of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is defined as the one-side first tank plate 44A. The second tank plate 45 of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is defined as the one-side second tank plate 45A.

[0106] 16, in the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the one-side second tank plate 45A is provided with a row of second water grooves 451 in the core thickness direction. The second water grooves 451 are arranged in a range from the other end side in the core thickness direction of the one-side second tank plate 45A (the lower side of the paper surface in FIG. 16) to ¼ of the way in the core thickness direction.

[0107] In the first tank plate 44A on one side, a first water groove 442 is formed in a shape corresponding to the second water groove 451 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. The first water groove 442 is provided so as to overlap with the second water groove 451 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. That is, the first water groove 442 is disposed in a range from the other end side in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44A on one side to 1 / 4 of the core thickness direction.

[0108] The first tank plate 44A on one side has a first refrigerant groove 441a, a second refrigerant groove 441b, and a third refrigerant groove 441c formed therein as refrigerant grooves that form the refrigerant tank space 40a. The first refrigerant groove 441a is disposed on one side of the first tank plate 44A in the core thickness direction relative to the first water groove 442, and in a range from the other end side to the center in the core thickness direction.

[0109] The second refrigerant groove 441b and the third refrigerant groove 441c are disposed on the other side of the first refrigerant groove 441a in the core thickness direction. The second refrigerant groove 441b and the third refrigerant groove 441c are each disposed in two rows stacked in the core thickness direction. The second refrigerant groove 441b is disposed below the third refrigerant groove 441c (to the right of the paper surface in FIG. 16).

[0110] In this embodiment, for example, the second refrigerant groove 441b is disposed in a range from a lower end face of the first tank plate 44A to 1 / 3 of the way in the tube stacking direction, and the third refrigerant groove 441c is disposed in a range from an upper end face of the first tank plate 44A to 2 / 3 of the way in the tube stacking direction.

[0111] The one-side partition plate 43A is provided with a plurality of lower partition refrigerant through holes 431a, a plurality of middle partition refrigerant through holes 431b, and a plurality of upper partition refrigerant through holes 431c as partition refrigerant through holes. The lower partition refrigerant through holes 431a are disposed below the middle partition refrigerant through holes 431b. The upper partition refrigerant through holes 431c are disposed above the middle partition refrigerant through holes 431b.

[0112] The lower partition refrigerant through hole 431a is provided so as to overlap with the first refrigerant groove portion 441a and the two rows of the second refrigerant groove portions 441b when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. That is, the lower partition refrigerant through hole 431a extends from one end side in the core thickness direction of the one-side partition plate 43A to a range of 3 / 4 in the core thickness direction.

[0113] The middle partition refrigerant through hole 431b and the upper partition refrigerant through hole 431c are formed in the same shape. The middle partition refrigerant through hole 431b and the upper partition refrigerant through hole 431c are provided so as to overlap with two rows of the third refrigerant groove portion 441c when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. That is, the middle partition refrigerant through hole 431b and the upper partition refrigerant through hole 431c extend from one end side in the core thickness direction of the one-side partition plate 43A to a range of the center in the core thickness direction.

[0114] The lower partition refrigerant through hole 431a is disposed in a range from a lower end face of the one-side partition plate 43A to 1 / 3 of the tube stacking direction. The upper partition refrigerant through hole 431c is disposed in a range from an upper end face of the one-side partition plate 43A to 1 / 3 of the tube stacking direction. The middle partition refrigerant through hole 431b is disposed near the center of the one-side partition plate 43A. That is, the middle partition refrigerant through hole 431b is disposed between the lower partition refrigerant through hole 431a and the upper partition refrigerant through hole 431c of the one-side partition plate 43A.

[0115] The one-side partition plate 43A is provided with a plurality of partition water through holes 432, when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, so as to overlap with the first water groove portion 442. That is, the partition water through holes 432 extend from the other end side in the core thickness direction of the one-side partition plate 43A to a range of 1 / 4 in the core thickness direction.

[0116] The one-side intermediate plate 42A is formed with a plurality of intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 similar to those in the first embodiment, and a plurality of intermediate water through holes 422 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0117] A flat surface portion 401 of one side plate header 41A is formed with a plurality of tube insertion holes 411 similar to those in the first embodiment, and a plurality of header through holes 412 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0118] In this embodiment, the intermediate refrigerant through hole 421 of the one-side intermediate plate 42A, and the lower partition refrigerant through hole 431a, the middle partition refrigerant through hole 431b, and the upper partition refrigerant through hole 431c of the one-side partition plate 43A form a refrigerant communication passage 400. In addition, the header through hole 412 of the one-side plate header 41A, the intermediate water through hole 422 of the one-side intermediate plate 42A, the partition water through hole 432 of the one-side partition plate 43A, the first water groove portion 442 of the one-side first tank plate 44A, and the second water groove portion 451 of the one-side second tank plate 45A form a water communication passage 500.

[0119] Next, the multiple plate-like members 41-45 forming the other-side refrigerant tank 4B will be described. Here, the plate header 41 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B is defined as the other-side plate header 41B. The intermediate plate 42 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B is defined as the other-side intermediate plate 42B. The partition plate 43 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B is defined as the other-side partition plate 43B. The first tank plate 44 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B is defined as the other-side first tank plate 44B. The second tank plate 45 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B is defined as the other-side second tank plate 45B.

[0120] 17, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the other-side second tank plate 45B is provided with two rows of second water groove portions 451 in the core thickness direction. The two rows of second water groove portions 451 are arranged in a range from one end side in the core thickness direction of the one-side second tank plate 45B (the upper side of the paper in FIG. 17) to 1 / 2 in the core thickness direction.

[0121] In the other-side first tank plate 44B, a first water groove portion 442 is formed in a shape corresponding to the second water groove portion 451 of the other-side second tank plate 45B when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. The first water groove portion 442 is provided so as to overlap with the second water groove portion 451 of the other-side second tank plate 45B when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0122] That is, the other-side first tank plate 44B is provided with two rows of the first water groove portions 442 in the core thickness direction. The two rows of the first water groove portions 442 are arranged in a range from one end side in the core thickness direction to 1 / 2 of the way in the core thickness direction of the other-side first tank plate 44B.

[0123] The other-side first tank plate 44B is formed with a fourth refrigerant groove 441d and a fifth refrigerant groove 441e as refrigerant grooves that form the refrigerant tank space 40a. The fourth refrigerant groove 441d and the fifth refrigerant groove 441e are disposed on the other side of the first water groove 442 in the core thickness direction in the other-side first tank plate 44B. The fourth refrigerant groove 441d and the fifth refrigerant groove 441e are each disposed in two rows stacked in the core thickness direction. The fourth refrigerant groove 441d is disposed below the fifth refrigerant groove 441e (on the right side of the paper in FIG. 17).

[0124] In this embodiment, for example, the fourth refrigerant groove 441d is disposed in a range from a lower end face of the other first tank plate 44B to 2 / 3 of the way in the tube stacking direction, and the fifth refrigerant groove 441e is disposed in a range from an upper end face of the other first tank plate 44B to 1 / 3 of the way in the tube stacking direction.

[0125] The other-side partition plate 43B is formed with a plurality of partition refrigerant through holes 431 similar to those in the first embodiment, and a plurality of partition water through holes 432 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0126] The other-side intermediate plate 42B is formed with a plurality of intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 similar to those in the first embodiment, and a plurality of intermediate water through holes 422 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0127] A flat surface portion 401 of the other-side plate header 41B is formed with a plurality of tube insertion holes 411 similar to those in the first embodiment, and a plurality of header through holes 412 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0128] In this embodiment, the intermediate refrigerant through hole 421 of the other-side intermediate plate 42B and the partition refrigerant through hole 431 of the other-side partition plate 43B form a refrigerant communication passage 400. In addition, the header through hole 412 of the other-side plate header 41B, the intermediate water through hole 422 of the other-side intermediate plate 42B, the partition water through hole 432 of the other-side partition plate 43B, the first water groove portion 442 of the other-side first tank plate 44B, and the second water groove portion 451 of the other-side second tank plate 45B form a water communication passage 500.

[0129] 16, among the multiple intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the one-side intermediate plate 42A, one that communicates with the lower partition refrigerant through hole 431a is defined as a lower intermediate refrigerant through hole 421a. Among the multiple intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the one-side intermediate plate 42A, one that communicates with the middle partition refrigerant through hole 431b is defined as a middle intermediate refrigerant through hole 421b. Among the multiple intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the one-side intermediate plate 42A, one that communicates with the upper partition refrigerant through hole 431c is defined as an upper intermediate refrigerant through hole 421c.

[0130] Of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the plate header 41A on one side, the one that communicates with the lower intermediate refrigerant through hole 421a is defined as a lower tube insertion hole 411a. Of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the plate header 41A on one side, the one that communicates with the middle intermediate refrigerant through hole 421b is defined as a middle tube insertion hole 411b. Of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the plate header 41A on one side, the one that communicates with the upper middle refrigerant through hole 421c is defined as an upper tube insertion hole 411c.

[0131] Although not shown, among the multiple tubes 20 constituting the heat exchange core part 1, the one joined to the lower tube insertion hole 411a is defined as a lower tube. Among the multiple tubes 20 constituting the heat exchange core part 1, the one joined to the middle tube insertion hole 411b is defined as a middle tube. Among the multiple tubes 20 constituting the heat exchange core part 1, the one joined to the upper tube insertion hole 411c is defined as an upper tube.

[0132] 17, of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the other-side plate header 41B, one into which a lower tube is inserted and joined is defined as a first tube insertion hole 411d. Of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the other-side plate header 41B, one into which a middle tube is inserted and joined is defined as a second tube insertion hole 411e. Of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the other-side plate header 41B, one into which a lower tube is inserted and joined is defined as a third tube insertion hole 411f.

[0133] The first tube insertion hole 411d, the second tube insertion hole 411e, and the third tube insertion hole 411f are arranged in the following order from the bottom side on the flat surface portion 401 of the other side plate header 41B: first tube insertion hole 411d, second tube insertion hole 411e, third tube insertion hole 411f.

[0134] Of the multiple intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the other-side intermediate plate 42B, one that communicates with the first tube insertion hole 411d is defined as a first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d. Of the multiple intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the other-side intermediate plate 42B, one that communicates with the second tube insertion hole 411e is defined as a second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e. Of the multiple intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the other-side intermediate plate 42B, one that communicates with the third tube insertion hole 411f is defined as a third intermediate refrigerant through hole 421f.

[0135] The first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d, the second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e and the third intermediate refrigerant through hole 421f are arranged in the other side intermediate plate 42B in the following order from the lower side: first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d, second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e, third intermediate refrigerant through hole 421f.

[0136] Of the multiple partition refrigerant through holes 431 in the other-side partition plate 43B, one that communicates with the first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d is defined as a first partition refrigerant through hole 431d. Of the multiple partition refrigerant through holes 431 in the other-side partition plate 43B, one that communicates with the second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e is defined as a second partition refrigerant through hole 431e. Of the multiple partition refrigerant through holes 431 in the other-side partition plate 43B, one that communicates with the third intermediate refrigerant through hole 421f is defined as a third partition refrigerant through hole 431f.

[0137] The first partition refrigerant through hole 431d and the second partition refrigerant through hole 431e communicate with the fourth refrigerant groove portion 441d. The third partition refrigerant through hole 431f communicates with the fifth refrigerant groove portion 441e. The first partition refrigerant through hole 431d, the second partition refrigerant through hole 431e, and the third partition refrigerant through hole 431f are arranged in the other-side partition plate 43B in the following order from the lower side: first partition refrigerant through hole 431d, second partition refrigerant through hole 431e, third partition refrigerant through hole 431f.

[0138] 16, a fourth communication hole 413a penetrating the flat surface portion 401 of the one-side plate header 41A from the front to the back is provided. The fourth communication hole 413a communicates with the refrigerant inlet port 461.

[0139] The one-side intermediate plate 42A is provided with a fifth communication hole 423a penetrating the plate from the front to the back. The fifth communication hole 423a communicates with the refrigerant inlet port 461 via the fourth communication hole 413a.

[0140] One-side partition plate 43A is provided with a sixth communication hole 433a penetrating the front and back of the plate. Sixth communication hole 433a communicates with refrigerant inlet port 461 via fourth communication hole 413a and fifth communication hole 423a. Fourth communication hole 413a, fifth communication hole 423a and sixth communication hole 433a are each provided at a position overlapping with a part of first refrigerant groove portion 441a when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0141] As an example, in this embodiment, the fourth communication hole 413a is disposed on the upper end side of the flat portion 401 of the one-side plate header 41A. The fifth communication hole 423a is disposed on the upper end side of the one-side intermediate plate 42A. The sixth communication hole 433a is disposed on the upper end side of the one-side partition plate 43A.

[0142] As a result, an inlet side communication passage 471 is formed by the fourth communication hole 413a of the flat portion 401 of the one side plate header 41A, the fifth communication hole 423a of the one side intermediate plate 42A, and the sixth communication hole 433a of the one side partition plate 43A.

[0143] 17, a seventh communication hole 413b penetrating the flat surface portion 401 of the other-side plate header 41B from the front to the back is provided. The seventh communication hole 413b communicates with the refrigerant outlet port 462.

[0144] The other-side intermediate plate 42B is provided with an eighth communication hole 423b penetrating the plate from the front to the back. The eighth communication hole 423b communicates with the refrigerant outlet port 462 via the seventh communication hole 413b.

[0145] The other-side partition plate 43B is provided with a ninth communication hole 433b penetrating from the front to the back. The ninth communication hole 433b communicates with the refrigerant outflow port 462 via the seventh communication hole 413b and the eighth communication hole 423b. The seventh communication hole 413b, the eighth communication hole 423b, and the ninth communication hole 433b are each provided at a position overlapping with a portion of each of the two rows of fifth refrigerant groove portions 441e when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0146] As an example, in this embodiment, the seventh communication hole 413b is disposed on the upper end side of the flat portion 401 of the other-side plate header 41B. The eighth communication hole 423b is disposed on the upper end side of the other-side intermediate plate 42B. The ninth communication hole 433b is disposed on the upper end side of the other-side partition plate 43B.

[0147] As a result, an outflow side communication passage 472 is formed by the seventh communication hole 413b of the flat portion 401 of the other side plate header 41B, the eighth communication hole 423b of the other side intermediate plate 42B, and the ninth communication hole 433b of the other side partition plate 43B.

[0148] Next, the flow of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0149] In the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant inlet port 461 through the inlet-side communication passage 471 into the first refrigerant groove 441a, which is a part of the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A. As shown by the dashed arrow Y1 in FIG. 16, the refrigerant that has flowed into the first refrigerant groove 441a flows from the upper side to the lower side in the first refrigerant groove 441a, and flows into the lower partition refrigerant through-hole 431a.

[0150] The refrigerant that has flowed into the lower partition refrigerant through hole 431a flows through the lower partition refrigerant through hole 431a from the other side to one side in the core thickness direction, as indicated by dashed arrow Y2 in Fig. 16, and flows into the fourth refrigerant groove portion 441d and the lower intermediate refrigerant through hole 421a. The refrigerant that has flowed into the lower intermediate refrigerant through hole 421a flows through the lower tube, and flows into the first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B.

[0151] The refrigerant that flows into the first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d flows from one side to the other side in the core thickness direction through the first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d, as shown by dashed arrow Y3 in Figure 17, and flows into the fourth refrigerant groove portion 441d, which is part of the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other side refrigerant tank 4B, through the first partition refrigerant through hole 431d.

[0152] The refrigerant that has flowed into the fourth refrigerant groove 441d flows from the bottom to the top of the fourth refrigerant groove 441d, and flows into the second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e through the second partition refrigerant through hole 431e, as indicated by a dashed arrow Y4 in Fig. 17. The refrigerant that has flowed into the second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e flows from the other side to one side in the core thickness direction through the second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e, as indicated by a dashed arrow Y5 in Fig. 17, and flows into the middle tube.

[0153] The refrigerant that has flowed into the middle tube flows through the middle intermediate refrigerant through hole 421b and the middle partition refrigerant through hole 431b into the third refrigerant groove 441c that is a part of the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A. As shown by the dashed arrow Y6 in FIG. 16, the refrigerant that has flowed into the third refrigerant groove 441c flows from the bottom to the top of the third refrigerant groove 441c, and flows into the upper tube through the upper partition refrigerant through hole 431c and the upper intermediate refrigerant through hole 421c.

[0154] The refrigerant that has flowed into the upper tube flows through the third intermediate refrigerant through hole 421f and the third partition refrigerant through hole 431f into the fifth refrigerant groove 441e that is a part of the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B. The refrigerant that has flowed into the fifth refrigerant groove 441e flows from the lower side to the upper side of the fifth refrigerant groove 441e as indicated by the dashed arrow Y7 in FIG. 17, and flows out of the refrigerant outflow port 462 through the outflow side communication passage 472.

[0155] In other words, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 18, a first path P1, a second path P2, and a third path P3 are formed as a path configuration through which the refrigerant flows. The first path P1 collects the refrigerant distributed from the lower side of the first refrigerant groove portion 441a in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A to the lower side of the fourth refrigerant groove portion 441d in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B. The second path P2 collects the refrigerant distributed from the upper side of the fourth refrigerant groove portion 441d in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B to the lower side of the third refrigerant groove portion 441c in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A. The third path P3 collects the refrigerant distributed above the third refrigerant groove 441c in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A into the fifth refrigerant groove 441e in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B.

[0156] It should be noted that a path refers to a group of tubes through which the same type of fluid distributed from the same distribution space flows in the same direction toward the same collecting space.

[0157] Here, in Fig. 18, filled arrows (i.e., solid arrows) indicate the flow of refrigerant, and hollow arrows indicate the flow of cooling water. As shown in Fig. 18, in the heat exchange core section 1 of this embodiment, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the first path P1 and the third path P of the refrigerant passage 2 is opposite to the flow direction of the cooling water flowing through the water passage 3. In other words, in the heat exchange core section 1, the refrigerant flowing through the first path P1 and the third path P3 and the cooling water flowing through the water passage 3 flow in counter directions.

[0158] In this embodiment, by changing the configuration of the through holes and grooves formed in the plate-like members 41-45 of the refrigerant tank forming member 40 from the first embodiment, it is possible to change the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant passage 2 of the heat exchange core 1. This makes it possible to adjust the heat exchange capacity between the refrigerant and the coolant in the heat exchanger 100.

[0159] Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The sixth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the water passage 3 and the water tank 5 of the heat exchange core 1. Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 correspond to Fig. 10 described in the first embodiment. Fig. 21 corresponds to Fig. 7 described in the first embodiment.

[0160] 19 and 20, the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment includes a partition member 9 that divides the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core unit 1 into two in the core thickness direction. The partition member 9 is made of, for example, a metal plate. The partition member 9 is connected to the side plates 6 at both ends in the tube stacking direction.

[0161] Here, of the two water passages 3 divided by the partition member 9, the water passage located on one side of the core thickness direction is defined as the one-side water passage 31, and the water passage located on the other side of the core thickness direction is defined as the other-side water passage 32.

[0162] As shown in Fig. 19, the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment has a first water tank 51 and a second water tank 52 as the one-side water tank 5A. The first water tank 51 is disposed on one side of the second water tank 52 in the core thickness direction. The first water tank 51 distributes cooling water to the one-side water passages 31. The second water tank 52 collects the cooling water that has flowed through the other-side water passages 32.

[0163] Although not shown in the drawings, the first water tank 51 is provided with a water inlet port through which the cooling water flows into the water tank space 50a of the first water tank 51. The second water tank 52 is provided with a water outlet port through which the cooling water flows out from the water tank space 50a of the second water tank 52.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 20, in the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the other-side water tank 5B collects the cooling water that has flowed through the one-side water passage 31, and distributes the cooling water to the other-side water passage 32.

[0165] Next, the plurality of plate-like members 41 to 45 that form the refrigerant tank 4 of this embodiment will be described.

[0166] As shown in Fig. 21, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the second tank plate 45 has two rows of second water grooves 451 arranged in the core thickness direction. One of the two rows of second water grooves 451 is disposed in a range from one end side of the second tank plate 45 in the core thickness direction (upper side of the paper in Fig. 21) to 1 / 4 of the core thickness direction. The other of the two rows of second water grooves 451 is disposed in a range from the other end side of the second tank plate 45 in the core thickness direction (lower side of the paper in Fig. 21) to 1 / 4 of the core thickness direction.

[0167] In the first tank plate 44, a first water groove portion 442 is formed in a shape corresponding to the second water groove portion 451 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. The first water groove portion 442 is provided so as to overlap with the second water groove portion 451 of the second tank plate 45 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0168] That is, the first tank plate 44 has two rows of first water grooves 442 in the core thickness direction. One of the two rows of first water grooves 442 is disposed in a range from one end side in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44 to 1 / 4 of the core thickness direction. The other of the two rows of second water grooves 451 is disposed in a range from the other end side in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44 to 1 / 4 of the core thickness direction.

[0169] The first tank plate 44 is provided with two rows of coolant grooves 441 in the core thickness direction. The two rows of coolant grooves 441 are disposed between the two rows of second water grooves 451.

[0170] One of the two rows of refrigerant grooves 441 is disposed on one end side of the center in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44. The other of the two rows of refrigerant grooves 441 is disposed on the other end side of the center in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44.

[0171] The partition plate 43 is provided with two rows of partition water through holes 432 in the core thickness direction. One of the two rows of partition water through holes 432 is arranged in a range from one end side in the core thickness direction of the partition plate 43 to 1 / 4 of the core thickness direction. The other of the two rows of partition water through holes 432 is arranged in a range from the other end side in the core thickness direction of the partition plate 43 to 1 / 4 of the core thickness direction.

[0172] A partition refrigerant through hole 431 is provided between the two rows of partition water through holes 432 in the partition plate 43. The partition refrigerant through hole 431 is disposed in the vicinity of the center of the partition plate 43 in the core thickness direction.

[0173] The intermediate plate 42 is formed with a plurality of intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 similar to those in the first embodiment. Moreover, the intermediate plate 42 is provided with a plurality of intermediate water through holes 422 in two rows in the core thickness direction.

[0174] The two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 are arranged so as to overlap with the two rows of partition water through holes 432 in the partition plate 43 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. That is, the intermediate water through hole 422 at one end side in the core thickness direction among the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 is arranged so as to overlap with the partition water through hole 432 at one end side in the core thickness direction among the two rows of intermediate water through holes 432 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. The intermediate water through hole 422 at the other end side in the core thickness direction among the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 is arranged so as to overlap with the partition water through hole 432 at the other end side in the core thickness direction among the two rows of partition water through holes 432 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0175] As an example, in this embodiment, the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 each extend from an end side to a center side in the core thickness direction of the intermediate plate 42.

[0176] A plurality of tube insertion holes 411 similar to those in the first embodiment are provided in the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41. In addition, a plurality of header through holes 412 are provided in two rows in the core thickness direction in the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41.

[0177] The two rows of header through holes 412 are arranged so as to overlap with the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 in the intermediate plate 42 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. That is, the header through hole 412 at one end side in the core thickness direction among the two rows of header through holes 412 is arranged so as to overlap with the intermediate water through hole 422 at one end side in the core thickness direction among the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. The header through hole 412 at the other end side in the core thickness direction among the two rows of header through holes 412 is arranged so as to overlap with the partition water through hole 432 at the other end side in the core thickness direction among the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0178] As an example, in this embodiment, the two rows of header through holes 412 each extend from an end side to a center side of the intermediate plate 42 in the core thickness direction.

[0179] Since the multiple plate-like members 41-45 are configured as described above, in this embodiment, two water communication passages 500 are formed in the refrigerant tank 4. Of the two water communication passages 500, the water communication passage 500 arranged at one end in the core thickness direction is defined as the one-side water communication passage 500a. Of the two water communication passages 500, the water communication passage 500 arranged at the other end in the core thickness direction is defined as the other-side water communication passage 500b.

[0180] Next, the flow of the cooling water in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0181] In the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the cooling water flows from the water inlet port into the water tank space 50a of the first water tank 51. The cooling water that has flowed into the water tank space 50a of the first water tank 51 flows into the one-side water passage 31 via the one-side water communication passage 500a, as shown by the solid arrow Y10 in FIG.

[0182] The cooling water that flows into the one-side water passage 31 flows into the water tank space 50a of the other-side water tank 5B via the one-side water communication passage 500a, as shown by the solid line arrow Y20 in Fig. 20. The cooling water that flows into the water tank space 50a of the other-side water tank 5B flows into the other-side water passage 32 via the other-side water communication passage 500b, as shown by the solid line arrow Y30 in Fig. 20. The cooling water that flows into the other-side water passage 32 flows into the water tank space 50a of the second water tank 52 via the other-side water communication passage 500b, as shown by the solid line arrow Y40 in Fig. 19, and flows out from the water outflow port.

[0183] Here, in Fig. 22, filled arrows (i.e., solid arrows) indicate the flow of refrigerant, and hollow arrows indicate the flow of cooling water. As shown in Fig. 22, in the heat exchange core section 1 of this embodiment, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 2 is opposite to the flow direction of the cooling water flowing through the other-side water passage 32. In other words, in the heat exchange core section 1, the cooling water flowing through the other-side water passage 32 and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 2 flow in opposite directions.

[0184] In this embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, a partition member 9 is provided in the heat exchange core unit 1, and the configuration of the through holes and grooves formed in the plate-like members 41-45 of the refrigerant tank forming member 40 is changed, thereby changing the flow of the cooling water in the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core unit 1. This makes it possible to adjust the heat exchange capacity between the refrigerant and the cooling water in the heat exchanger 100.

[0185] Seventh embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The seventh embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configurations of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5. Note that Fig. 23 is a drawing corresponding to Fig. 9 described in the first embodiment.

[0186] 23, in the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, a part of the water tank forming member 50 forming the water tank 5 constitutes a reinforcing portion 501 that reinforces the refrigerant tank 4. The reinforcing portion 501 suppresses deformation of the refrigerant tank forming member 40 due to an increase in the internal pressure of the refrigerant tank space 40a. The shape and arrangement of the reinforcing portion 501 are not particularly limited.

[0187] In this embodiment as an example, the water tank forming member 50 has a plate-shaped reinforcing portion 501 and a water space forming portion 502 that forms the water tank space 50a. The reinforcing portion 501 is disposed at a portion overlapping with the refrigerant tank space 40a of the refrigerant tank 4 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. One surface of the reinforcing portion 501 is joined to the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4. More specifically, the one surface of the reinforcing portion 501 is joined to a surface of the second tank plate 45 opposite to a surface joined to the first tank plate 44.

[0188] The water space forming portion 502 has a U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the tube stacking direction (in other words, a bathtub shape). When viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the water space forming portion 502 is disposed at a portion that does not overlap with the refrigerant tank space 40a of the refrigerant tank 4. Specifically, when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the water space forming portion 502 is disposed at a portion that overlaps with the tube 20 constituting the one-side core portion 11. At this time, the reinforcing portion 501 is disposed at a portion that overlaps with the tube 20 constituting the other-side core portion 12 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0189] Incidentally, in the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the strength of the portion of the refrigerant tank 4 where the refrigerant tank space 40a is formed is reduced, and this may result in a reduction in pressure resistance. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a reinforcing portion 501 that reinforces the refrigerant tank 4 is formed by a part of the water tank forming member 50 that forms the water tank 5. As a result, the portion of the refrigerant tank 4 where the refrigerant tank space 40a is formed can be reinforced by the reinforcing portion 501, thereby improving the pressure resistance of the refrigerant tank 4. In the present embodiment, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, so improving the pressure resistance of the refrigerant tank 4 is very effective.

[0190] Eighth embodiment Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The eighth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configurations of the tubes 20, the refrigerant tank 4, and the water tank 5.

[0191] 24, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 are each provided only on one side in the tube longitudinal direction with respect to the heat exchange core section 1. The tubes 20 are bent in a U-shape (i.e., hairpin shape).

[0192] The refrigerant tank 4 distributes and collects the refrigerant to the refrigerant passages 2 in the U-shaped tubes 20. The water tank 5 distributes cooling water to the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core 1 via water communication passages 500 formed in the refrigerant tank 4. The water tank 5 is provided with a water inlet port 521.

[0193] The tubes 20 are covered by a cover portion 30. The cover portion 30 and spaces formed between adjacent tubes 20 form water passages 3 of the heat exchange core portion 1. A water outlet port 522 is provided at the end of the cover portion 30 farther from the refrigerant tank 4 to allow the cooling water that has flowed through the water passages 3 to flow out. The end of the cover portion 30 on the refrigerant tank 4 side is joined to the refrigerant tank 4.

[0194] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 are each provided only on one side in the tube longitudinal direction with respect to the heat exchange core section 1. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the configuration of the heat exchanger 100.

[0195] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made as follows without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0196] (1) For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the refrigerant passages 2 are arranged in two stacked rows in the core thickness direction in the heat exchange core portion 1, but the arrangement of the refrigerant passages 2 is not limited to this. For example, the refrigerant passages 2 may be arranged in a stacked row to form three or more rows, or may be arranged in a single row.

[0197] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the communicating portion of the water communication passage 500 with the water passage 3 is formed to extend over the entire area of ​​the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41 in the core thickness direction, but the shape of the water communication passage 500 is not limited to this. For example, the communicating portion of the water communication passage 500 with the water passage 3 may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line of the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41 in the core thickness direction.

[0198] (3) In the above embodiment, the water tank forming member 50 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank space 50a is constant from the upper side to the lower side (i.e., from one end side to the other end side in the tube stacking direction), but the water tank forming member 50 is not limited to this form. For example, the water tank forming member 50 may be formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank space 50a decreases from the upper side where the water inlet port 521 is connected to the lower side. This can improve the distribution performance of the cooling water to the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core section 1.

[0199] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a plurality of plate-like members 41-45 are provided as refrigerant tank forming member 40, but the configuration of refrigerant tank forming member 40 is not limited to this. For example, a block-shaped structure may be provided as refrigerant tank forming member 40. In this case, the refrigerant tank space 40a, the refrigerant communication passage 400, the water communication passage 500, etc. may be formed by providing through holes or the like in the block-shaped structure.

[0200] (5) In the above embodiment, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is carbon dioxide, but the refrigerant is not limited to carbon dioxide. For example, a subcritical refrigeration cycle may be configured in which the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant by using an HFC refrigerant (specifically, R134a) or an HFO refrigerant (e.g., R1234yf) as the refrigerant.

[0201] The technical features of the heat exchanger disclosed in this specification are as follows: (Item 1) A heat exchanger including a plurality of first fluid passages (2) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) through which a second fluid flows, which are alternately stacked, and a heat exchange core portion (1) that exchanges heat between the first fluid and the second fluid, a first tank (4) that performs at least one of distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passage and collecting the first fluid that has flowed out of the first fluid passage; a second tank (5) that performs at least one of distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passage and collecting the second fluid flowing out of the second fluid passage; the first tank is disposed between the second tank and the heat exchange core unit when viewed from a stacking direction of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage, A heat exchanger, wherein a first tank forming member (40) that forms the first tank is provided with a second fluid communication part (500) that communicates between the second tank and the second fluid passage. (Item 2) The first tank-forming member (40) has a plurality of plate-shaped members (41-45), 2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first tank is formed by stacking the plurality of plate-like members. (Item 3) 3. The heat exchanger according to item 1 or 2, wherein a first fluid communication part (400) that communicates the first tank and the first fluid passage is formed in the first tank forming member. (Item 4) 4. The heat exchanger according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein a part of a second tank forming member (50) forming the second tank constitutes a reinforcing part (501) that reinforces the first tank. (Item 5) A heat exchanger including a plurality of first fluid passages (2) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) through which a second fluid flows, which are alternately stacked, and a heat exchange core portion (2) that exchanges heat between the first fluid and the second fluid is formed, a first tank (4) that performs at least one of distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passage and collecting the first fluid that has flowed out of the first fluid passage; a second tank (5) that performs at least one of distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passage and collecting the second fluid flowing out of the second fluid passage; The first fluid passages are arranged in a stack to form a plurality of rows, the first tank is provided in plurality so as to be connected to ends of the plurality of rows, The second tank is formed by spaces between the first tanks, A heat exchanger in which at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the second tank is formed by the outer surface of the first tank. [Explanation of symbols]

[0202] 1 Heat exchange core 2 Refrigerant passage (first fluid passage) 3 Water passage (second fluid passage) 4 Refrigerant tank (first tank) 5 Water tank (second tank) 40 Refrigerant tank forming member (first tank forming member) 500 Water communication section (second fluid communication section)

Claims

1. A heat exchanger in which a plurality of first fluid passages (2) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) through which a second fluid flows are alternately stacked to form a heat exchange core portion (1) for exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid, a first tank (4) for at least one of distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passage and collecting the first fluid flowing out of the first fluid passage; a second tank (5) for at least one of distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passage and collecting the second fluid flowing out of the second fluid passage; the first tank is disposed between the second tank and the heat exchange core unit when viewed from a stacking direction of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage, A heat exchanger, wherein a first tank forming member (40) forming the first tank is provided with a second fluid communication portion (500) that communicates the second tank with the second fluid passage.

2. The first tank forming member (40) has a plurality of plate-shaped members (41 to 45), The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein the first tank is formed by stacking the plurality of plate-like members.

3. 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first tank forming member is formed with a first fluid communication portion (400) that communicates the first tank with the first fluid passage.

4. 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a part of a second tank forming member (50) that forms the second tank constitutes a reinforcing portion (501) that reinforces the first tank.

5. A heat exchanger in which a plurality of first fluid passages (2) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) through which a second fluid flows are alternately stacked, and a heat exchange core portion (2) for exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid is formed, a first tank (4) for at least one of distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passage and collecting the first fluid flowing out of the first fluid passage; a second tank (5) for at least one of distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passage and collecting the second fluid flowing out of the second fluid passage; The first fluid passages are arranged in a stack to form a plurality of rows, The first tank is provided in plurality so as to be connected to ends of the plurality of rows, The second tank is formed by spaces between the first tanks, A heat exchanger in which at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the second tank is formed by the outer surface of the first tank.

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