Heat exchanger

Abstract

To reduce at least one of a work load and cost related to piping regarding a heat exchanger.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger for exchanging heat with a battery includes a plurality of first medium flow paths and a second medium flow path. The plurality of first medium flow paths are connected to a first port and configured to allow heat exchange medium to flow in a first direction. The plurality of first medium flow paths are arranged in parallel in a second direction. The plurality of first medium flow paths are configured to be coupled at an end portion opposite to the first port in the first direction. The second medium flow path is connected to a coupling unit that is a region where the plurality of first medium flow paths are coupled. The second medium flow path is connected to a second port at an end portion opposite to the coupling unit. The second medium flow path is configured such that the heat exchange medium flows in a direction opposite to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a heat exchanger for a battery mounted on an electric vehicle is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a battery system provided with a plurality of flow paths having different resistances of cooling water in order to suppress temperature differences occurring in a plurality of parts. In this battery system, an inflow part is provided on the front side of the vehicle, and an outflow part is provided on the rear side of the vehicle. The cooling water is accumulated in a tank and supplied from the tank to the inflow part through a pipe (specifically, a hose). The cooling water flowing out from the outflow part returns to the tank through the pipe. In this way, the cooling water is used to circulate within the battery system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to construct a heat exchange system in which a heat exchange medium circulates, a pipe is required outside the heat exchanger to return the heat exchange medium flowing out from the outflow part of the heat exchanger to the inflow part of the heat exchanger. Conventionally, since the inflow part and the outflow part are arranged at positions separated from each other in the front and rear of the vehicle, the work load and cost related to the connection of the pipe to the heat exchanger were large.

[0005] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to be able to provide a heat exchanger capable of reducing at least one of the work load and cost related to the connection of the pipe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with a battery mounted on an electric vehicle. The heat exchanger includes a first port and a second port for a heat exchange medium, a plurality of first medium flow paths, a second medium flow path, and a heat exchange surface. One of the first port and the second port functions as an inlet of the heat exchange medium, and the other of the first port and the second port functions as an outlet of the heat exchange medium.

[0007] The plurality of first medium flow paths are connected to the first port and are configured such that the heat exchange medium flows in a first direction. The plurality of first medium flow paths are arranged in parallel in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The plurality of first medium flow paths are configured to join at an end opposite to the first port in the first direction.

[0008] The second medium flow path is arranged in parallel with the plurality of first medium flow paths in the second direction. The second medium flow path is connected to a joint portion that is a region where the plurality of first medium flow paths join. The second medium flow path is further connected to the second port at an end opposite to the joint portion in the first direction. The second medium flow path is configured such that the heat exchange medium flows in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0009] The heat exchange surface is a heat exchange surface for performing heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the battery. The heat exchange surface is provided in a region corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of first medium flow paths and the second medium flow path.

[0010] In this heat exchanger, the heat exchange medium flows in the first direction and flows in a direction opposite to the first direction from the joint portion. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the inlet and the outlet at relatively close positions. According to the inlet and the outlet being arranged at relatively close positions, it is possible to reduce at least one of the work load and the cost related to the connection of piping to the heat exchanger.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the heat exchange surface may be provided in a region corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of first medium flow paths excluding the second medium flow path. The battery may be provided in a region corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of first medium flow paths.

[0012] When the first port functions as an inlet and the second port functions as an outlet, in the heat exchanger, the heat exchange medium from the inlet passes through a plurality of first medium flow paths, then through the second medium flow path, and flows out from the outlet. That is, the second medium flow path is located downstream of the plurality of first medium flow paths. Conversely, when the second port functions as an inlet and the first port functions as an outlet, in the heat exchanger, the heat exchange medium from the inlet passes through the second medium flow path, then through a plurality of first medium flow paths, and flows out from the outlet. That is, the second medium flow path is located upstream of the plurality of first medium flow paths. In the case of performing heat exchange in both the upstream-side medium flow path and the downstream-side medium flow path, variations in heat exchange capacity occur depending on the location.

[0013] According to a heat exchanger that does not perform heat exchange in the second medium flow path but performs heat exchange in a plurality of first medium flow paths, variations in heat exchange depending on the location can be suppressed.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second medium flow path can be provided between two of the plurality of first medium flow paths in the second direction and connected to the coupling portion and the second port. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress wasted space and efficiently arrange the second medium flow path in the heat exchanger.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first port may be a port common to a plurality of first medium flow paths. The plurality of first medium flow paths may correspond to the flow paths branched from the first port and be configured to join at an end opposite to the first port in the first direction. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce at least one of the work load and cost related to the piping connection to the heat exchanger compared to the case of preparing ports for each of the plurality of first medium flow paths as the first port.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the first port is a port common to a plurality of first medium flow paths, the plurality of first medium flow paths may correspond to flow paths branched so as to avoid the second port and may be configured to join at an end opposite to the first port in the first direction. The second port may be located closer to the joining portion than the first port in the first direction between two first medium flow paths and may be provided adjacent to a region where the plurality of first medium flow paths branch. According to such a configuration, the first port and the second port can be arranged in close proximity, and it is possible to reduce at least one of the work load and cost related to the connection of piping to the heat exchanger.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a first member and a second member that expand in a plate shape in a first direction and a second direction may be provided. The second member may be arranged opposite to the first member so as to be joined to the first member. A plurality of first medium flow paths and second medium flow paths may be provided between the first member and the second member. According to such a configuration, it is possible to manufacture a heat exchanger using a plate material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 9

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] The heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with the battery 200 mounted on an electric vehicle. Here, the electric vehicle means an automobile that runs using all or part of the electric energy stored in the battery 200 as the power of the vehicle. Examples of electric vehicles include electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles. Hereinafter, the electric vehicle will be simply referred to as a vehicle.

[0020] When viewed from above, the heat exchanger 100 has a generally rectangular outer shape, particularly an outer shape that is long in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The heat exchanger 100 having such an outer shape is installed, for example, below the floor of the vehicle.

[0021] The battery 200 is mounted on the vehicle so as to be placed on the upper surface of the heat exchanger 100, for example, below the floor of the vehicle. A heat conductive material 300 is provided between the heat exchanger 100 and the battery 200. Heat exchange between the heat exchanger 100 and the battery 200 is efficiently performed through the heat conductive material 300.

[0022] The heat exchanger 100 is configured such that a heat exchange medium flows inside. The heat exchanger 100 is configured to cool or heat the battery 200 by heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the battery 200. The heat exchange medium is, for example, cooling water.

[0023] The heat exchanger 100 is incorporated into the circulation system of the heat exchange medium. The heat exchanger 100 includes a heat exchanger main body 101, a first pipe P1, and a second pipe P2. The first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 function as connection parts with a pipe (not shown) installed in the vehicle for the circulation of the heat exchange medium. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned pipe located outside the heat exchanger 100 will be referred to as an external pipe.

[0024] The first pipe P1 functions as an inflow pipe for supplying the heat exchange medium flowing through the external pipe to the heat exchanger main body 101. The second pipe P2 functions as an outflow pipe for discharging the heat exchange medium from the heat exchanger main body 101 to the external pipe. The heat exchange medium flowing out through the second pipe P2 re-enters the heat exchanger main body 101 through the external pipe and the first pipe P1.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger main body 101 includes a flange portion 103. The first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 are provided on the flange portion 103 of the heat exchanger main body 101. The heat exchanger 100 is installed such that the flange portion 103 of the heat exchanger main body 101 faces the front of the vehicle. That is, the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 are provided on the front side of the vehicle in the heat exchanger 100.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchanger main body 101 includes a pair of plate-like members that are subjected to uneven processing to form a flow path for the heat exchange medium inside. Specifically, it includes a first plate-like member 110 and a second plate-like member 120 that spread in a plate shape in the front, rear, left, and right directions of the vehicle. The first plate-like member 110 and the second plate-like member 120 correspond to the first member and the second member of the heat exchanger.

[0027] The heat exchanger main body 101 is composed of the overlapping of the first plate-like member 110 and the second plate-like member 120. The first plate-like member 110 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum, or a metal with high corrosion resistance such as stainless steel. The second plate-like member 120 is made of the same or different material as the first plate-like member 110.

[0028] The second plate-like member 120 is disposed opposite to the first plate-like member 110 below the first plate-like member 110. The heat exchanger main body 101 is configured by joining the first plate-like member 110 and the second plate-like member 120 facing each other in this way. The joining is, for example, welding.

[0029] The first plate-like member 110 includes a rectangular portion 111 and a flange portion 113. The flange portion 113 is a part of the first plate-like member 110 that extends forward of the vehicle from the front end side of the vehicle in the rectangular portion 111. The flange portion 113 extends parallel to the surface of the rectangular portion 111 from the center in the vehicle width direction at the said end side. The vehicle width direction mentioned here means the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the vehicle on a horizontal plane and corresponds to the left-right direction of the vehicle. The first plate-like member 110 and the second plate-like member 120 are generally arranged parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0030] The first plate-like member 110 includes a plurality of convex portions 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d protruding upward in the rectangular portion 111. The convex portions 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d correspond to the region recessed upward when viewed from below the first plate-like member 110. According to the present embodiment, the upper surfaces of the convex portions 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d are flat and function as heat exchange surfaces for heat exchange between the battery 200 and the heat exchange medium. That is, the battery 200 is placed on the convex portions 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d via the heat conductive material 300.

[0031] The battery 200 includes four battery modules 201, 202, 203, 204 as shown in the figure. These battery modules 201, 202, 203, 204 are placed on the four heat exchange surfaces in the heat exchanger 100, that is, the upper surfaces of the convex portions 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d. At this time, one corresponding battery module among the four battery modules 201, 202, 203, 204 is placed on each of the four heat exchange surfaces.

[0032] On the flange portion 113 of the first plate-like member 110, a hole through which the heat exchange medium can pass and that communicates with the first pipe P1 is provided as the first port H1. In the flange portion 113, a hole through which the heat exchange medium can pass and that communicates with the second pipe P2 is provided as the second port H2.

[0033] The first port H1 corresponds to the first opening in the heat exchanger main body 101 and functions as an inlet for the heat exchange medium to the heat exchanger main body 101. The second port H2 corresponds to the second opening in the heat exchanger main body 101 and functions as an outlet for the heat exchange medium from the heat exchanger main body 101.

[0034] The first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 are connected to the first port H1 and the second port H2, for example, by welding. The external piping is connected to the heat exchanger 100 through the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2. As a modification, when the external piping is made of metal, the external piping may be directly connected to the first port H1 and the second port H2 without the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2, using welding or the like.

[0035] The second plate-like member 120 includes a rectangular portion 121 and a flange portion 123, similar to the first plate-like member 110. The flange portion 123 extends forward in the vehicle from the front end side of the rectangular portion 121 of the second plate-like member 120, similar to the flange portion 113.

[0036] The rectangular portion 121 is disposed opposite to the rectangular portion 111 of the first plate-like member 110. The flange portion 123 is disposed opposite to the flange portion 113 of the first plate-like member 110. The flange portion 113 of the first plate-like member 110 and the flange portion 123 of the second plate-like member 120 are overlapped to form the flange portion 103 of the heat exchanger main body 101.

[0037] The second plate-like member 120 includes, in the rectangular portion 121, a plurality of convex portions 121a protruding upward and a plurality of concave portions 121b, 121c recessed downward. The second plate-like member 120 has, in the flange portion 123, a concave portion 123r recessed downward.

[0038] In FIG. 2, a plurality of convex portions 121a provided on the second plate-like member 120 are indicated by thick solid lines, and a plurality of concave portions 121b, 121c, 123r provided on the second plate-like member 120 are indicated by broken lines. The space surrounded by the broken lines corresponds to a region that is recessed downward from the surroundings.

[0039] The plurality of convex portions 121a in the second plate-like member 120 correspond to a region that is recessed upward when viewed from below the second plate-like member 120, and the plurality of concave portions 121b, 121c, 123r in the second plate-like member 120 correspond to a region that protrudes downward when viewed from below the second plate-like member 120.

[0040] Inside the heat exchanger 100, in other words, between the first plate-like member 110 and the second plate-like member 120, due to the unevenness of the first plate-like member 110 and the second plate-like member 120, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of first medium flow paths 130 and one second medium flow path 140 are formed. The plurality of first medium flow paths 130 include eight medium flow paths 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138.

[0041] In the following, for the purpose of describing the present embodiment, when expressing the first medium flow path 130 in plural, the first medium flow path 130 may be understood to indicate these eight medium flow paths 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138. When expressing the first medium flow path 130 in singular, the singular first medium flow path 130 may be understood to indicate any one of the eight medium flow paths 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the plurality of first medium flow paths 130 and one second medium flow path 140 provided in the heat exchanger 100, as well as the flow of the heat exchange medium. FIG. 3 may be understood as a view of the heat exchanger 100 seen from above and representing it through the first plate-like member 110.

[0043] In FIG. 3, the portion indicated by the thick solid line may be understood as the portion where the first plate-like member 110 and the second plate-like member 120 are joined by welding. The portion indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 3 may be understood as the portion where the second plate-like member 120 is recessed downward. In FIG. 3, the hatched portion may be understood as the region where the convex portion 121a of the second plate-like member 120 abuts against the lower surface of the first plate-like member 110. The hatched portion may be welded. The hatched portion may be understood as the side wall of the flow path formed by the convex portion 121a of the second plate-like member 120. The arrow shown in FIG. 3 may be understood as conceptually indicating the flow of the heat exchange medium. FIG. 4 shows the IV-IV cross section of the heat exchanger body 101 in FIG. 3.

[0044] As can be understood from FIG. 3, the plurality of first medium flow paths 130 are connected to a common first port H1 and are configured such that a heat exchange medium can flow in from the first port H1. The second medium flow path 140 is connected to the second port H2 and is configured to be able to discharge the heat exchange medium to the external piping through the second port H2.

[0045] The plurality of first medium flow paths 130 are configured to flow the heat exchange medium flowing in from the first port H1 in the vehicle rear direction, which is the first direction. The second medium flow path 140 is configured to flow the heat exchange medium that has moved to the rear side of the heat exchanger 100 through the plurality of first medium flow paths 130 in the vehicle front direction, which is the direction opposite to the first direction.

[0046] The plurality of first medium flow paths 130 and one second medium flow path 140 are arranged in parallel in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, specifically, the vehicle width direction. The second medium flow path 140 is provided between two medium flow paths 134 and 135 that are located in the center in the vehicle width direction among the plurality of first medium flow paths 130.

[0047] The heat exchanger 100 has such a U-turn structure of the flow path. This U-turn structure enables the first port H1 and the second port H2, and further, the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 to be arranged in proximity.

[0048] According to the present embodiment, the first port H1 is provided in the heat exchanger main body 101 as a single port common to a plurality of first medium flow paths 130. The second port H2 is located behind the vehicle relative to the first port H1. The plurality of first medium flow paths 130 correspond to flow paths branched so as to avoid the second port H2, and are configured to join at an end on the side opposite to the first port H1 in the rearward direction of the vehicle.

[0049] Hereinafter, the region where the plurality of first medium flow paths 130 join at an end on the side opposite to the first port H1 in the rearward direction of the vehicle is referred to as a joining portion. In FIG. 3, the center of the joining portion is indicated by reference numeral C1. Hereinafter, the joining portion is denoted by reference numeral C1 and expressed as the joining portion C1. The joining portion C1 corresponds to the region where the illustrated arrows converge on the right side of FIG. 3, that is, the region where the heat exchange medium flowing through the medium flow paths 131 to 138 converges.

[0050] The second port H2 is located closer to the joining portion C1 than the first port H1 between two medium flow paths 134 and 135 among the plurality of first medium flow paths 130, and is provided adjacent to the region where the plurality of first medium flow paths 130 branch (that is, the region corresponding to the recess 123r).

[0051] Each of the first medium flow paths 130 is configured such that the heat exchange medium flowing in from the first port H1 flows in the first direction, that is, rearward of the vehicle to the joining portion C1. According to the present embodiment, each of the first medium flow paths 130 has a flow path structure in which the heat exchange medium meanders.

[0052] Each of the first medium flow paths 130 includes a first flow path FP1, a second flow path FP2, and a third flow path FP3. The first flow path FP1 is a flow path through which the heat exchange medium from the first port H1 flows rearward of the vehicle. The second flow path FP2 is a flow path downstream of the first flow path FP1, and is a flow path through which the heat exchange medium from the first flow path FP1 flows forward of the vehicle.

[0053] The third flow path FP3 is a flow path downstream of the second flow path FP2, and is a flow path through which the heat exchange medium from the second flow path FP2 flows rearward of the vehicle. The outlet of the third flow path FP3 is located rearward of the vehicle from the inlet of the first flow path FP1. Thereby, the heat exchange medium flowing into each of the first medium flow paths 130 flows in the first direction, specifically rearward of the vehicle, up to the joint portion C1.

[0054] The second medium flow path 140 is connected to the joint portion C1 of the plurality of first medium flow paths 130 and a second port H2 located at an end portion on the vehicle front side opposite to the joint portion C1, and constitutes a flow path of the heat exchange medium from the joint portion C1 to the second port H2.

[0055] That is, the second medium flow path 140 is configured such that the heat exchange medium flowing in from the joint portion C1 flows in the direction opposite to the first direction, that is, forward of the vehicle, up to the second port H2. The heat exchange medium that has flowed to the second port H2 flows out to the outside of the heat exchanger main body 101 through the second pipe P2 and flows through the external piping.

[0056] In the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment configured in this way, since the first port H1 and the second port H2 are arranged close to each other, the first pipe P1 as the inflow pipe and the second pipe P2 as the outflow pipe can be arranged close to each other.

[0057] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when forming the circulation system of the heat exchange medium, the external piping can be easily connected to the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2. In particular, it is not necessary to widely install the external piping in the vehicle, and the circulation system of the heat exchange medium can be configured in the vehicle with a short external piping.

[0058] As a result, according to the present embodiment, when configuring the circulation system of the heat exchange medium using the heat exchanger 100 and the external piping, the work load and cost related to the connection between the external piping including the installation of the external piping and the heat exchanger 100 can be reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the second medium flow path 140 is provided between two medium flow paths 134 and 135 among the plurality of first medium flow paths 130 in the second direction and is connected to the joint portion C1 and the second port H2. According to such a configuration, compared with the case where the second medium flow path 140 is formed at the left and right ends of the heat exchanger main body 101, the second medium flow path 140 can be efficiently arranged in the heat exchanger 100 while suppressing wasted space.

[0060] Such an arrangement corresponds to arranging the second medium flow path 140 in a region where the battery modules 201, 202, 203, and 204 are not arranged. According to the present embodiment, no heat exchange surface is provided in the second medium flow path 140 as a return flow path, and no battery module is placed in the corresponding region.

[0061] The heat exchange medium passing through the second medium flow path 140 has already exchanged heat with the battery 200 in the first medium flow path 130 located upstream thereof, has a small temperature difference from the battery 200, and has a reduced heat exchange capacity.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the battery 200 is not arranged on the second medium flow path 140, and a heat exchange surface is provided in a region corresponding to the upper surfaces of the plurality of first medium flow paths 130 excluding the second medium flow path 140 to perform heat exchange with the battery 200. Therefore, it is possible to perform heat exchange in a relatively spatially uniform manner between the heat exchanger 100 and the battery 200.

[0063] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first port H1 and the first pipe P1 are provided in common for the plurality of first medium flow paths 130. According to such a configuration, compared with the case where individual ports are prepared for each of the plurality of first medium flow paths 130 as the first port, it is possible to reduce at least one of the work load and cost related to the connection of the piping to the heat exchanger 100.

[0064] The above has described an example in which the first pipe P1 is an inlet pipe and the second pipe P2 is an outlet pipe. That is, an example of the heat exchanger 100 in which the first port H1 functions as an inlet and the second port H2 functions as an outlet has been described. However, the first pipe P1 of the heat exchanger 100 may be used as an outlet pipe, and the second pipe P2 may be used as an inlet pipe. That is, the first port H1 may be used as an outlet, and the second port H2 may be used as an inlet.

[0065] In this case, the heat exchange medium flows in from the second port H2, flows in the vehicle rear direction through the second medium flow path 140, branches at the joint C1, flows into a plurality of first medium flow paths 130, and flows out from the first port H1 through the plurality of first medium flow paths 130.

[0066] The fact that the first pipe P1 and the first port H1 may be used as an outlet pipe and an outlet, respectively, and that the second pipe P2 and the second port H2 may be used as an inlet pipe and an inlet, respectively, also applies to the second to fifth embodiments described later.

[0067] [Second Embodiment] Subsequently, the configuration of the heat exchanger 400 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6. The heat exchanger 400 according to the second embodiment corresponds to a modified example of the heat exchanger 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0068] The heat exchanger 400 according to the second embodiment includes a different number of first medium flow paths 430 from the heat exchanger 100 according to the first embodiment. The heat exchanger 400 according to the second embodiment is common to the heat exchanger 100 according to the first embodiment in many other respects. Therefore, hereinafter, parts having the same configuration as those of the heat exchanger 100 according to the first embodiment in the heat exchanger 400 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0069] Similar to the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 400 of the present embodiment includes a heat exchanger body 401, a first pipe P1, and a second pipe P2. The heat exchanger body 401 includes a first port H1 and a second port H2 at a flange portion 403.

[0070] Similar to the first embodiment, the heat exchanger main body 401 is formed by overlapping a first plate-like member 410 and a second plate-like member 420 that extend in a plate shape in the front-rear, left-right directions of the vehicle. The first plate-like member 410 and the second plate-like member 420 can be made of the same metal material as in the first embodiment.

[0071] The first plate-like member 410 is joined to the second plate-like member 420 facing the first plate-like member 410, for example, by welding. The first pipe P1 is connected to the first port H1 and communicates with the first port H1. The second pipe P2 is connected to the second port H2 and communicates with the second port H2.

[0072] The first plate-like member 410 includes a plurality of convex portions 411b and 411c that protrude upward and have the same shape as the convex portions 111b and 111c. The upper surfaces of the convex portions 411b and 411c are used as the mounting surface of the battery 200 and function as a heat exchange surface, similar to the first embodiment. The second plate-like member 420 includes a plurality of convex portions 421a, and a plurality of concave portions 421c and 423r, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0073] Inside the heat exchanger 400, a plurality of first medium flow paths 430 and one second medium flow path 440 are formed due to the unevenness of the first plate-like member 410 and the second plate-like member 420, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0074] FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the plurality of first medium flow paths 430 and the second medium flow path 440 provided in the heat exchanger 400 of the second embodiment, as well as the flow of the heat exchange medium. The meanings of the hatching, broken lines, and thick solid lines are the same as in FIG. 3.

[0075] The plurality of first medium flow paths 430 and the second medium flow path 440 are arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction in the heat exchanger main body 401. The plurality of first medium flow paths 430 are connected to a common first port H1 on the front side of the vehicle, similar to the first embodiment.

[0076] The plurality of first medium flow paths 430 in the heat exchanger 400 include four medium flow paths 433, 434, 435, and 436 corresponding to the medium flow paths 133, 134, 135, and 136 provided in the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment. Each of the medium flow paths 433, 434, 435, and 436 is configured in the same manner as the corresponding medium flow paths 133, 134, 135, and 136.

[0077] The plurality of first medium flow paths 430 are flow paths that branch so as to avoid the second port H2 from the common first port H1, and are joined at an end opposite to the first port H1 in the first direction (i.e., the rear direction of the vehicle). Also in the second embodiment, the region where the plurality of first medium flow paths 430 are joined is expressed as a joining portion and denoted by the reference sign C2.

[0078] The second medium flow path 440 is connected to the joining portion C2 of the plurality of first medium flow paths 430 on the rear side of the vehicle, similarly to the first embodiment, and is connected to the second port H2 on the front side of the vehicle. The second medium flow path 440 corresponds to the second medium flow path 140 provided in the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment and is configured in the same manner as the second medium flow path 140. The second medium flow path 440 is located between two medium flow paths 434 and 435 that are centrally located in the vehicle width direction among the plurality of first medium flow paths 430.

[0079] In this heat exchanger 400, the heat exchange medium that has flowed into the heat exchanger main body 401 through the first pipe P1 and the first port H1 branches at the inlets of the plurality of first medium flow paths 430 and flows in the first direction through the plurality of first medium flow paths 430. When this heat exchange medium flows to the ends of the plurality of first medium flow paths 430, it moves to the second medium flow path 440 through the joining portion C2, flows in a direction opposite to the first direction, and flows out from the second port H2 to the external pipe.

[0080] In the heat exchanger 400 of the present embodiment, the first port H1 and the second port H2 are arranged close to each other, similarly to the first embodiment. For this reason, the first pipe P1 as the inflow pipe and the second pipe P2 as the outflow pipe can be arranged close to each other. Therefore, when forming the circulation system of the heat exchange medium, it is possible to easily connect the external pipes to the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2.

[0081] [Third Embodiment] Subsequently, the configuration of the heat exchanger 500 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The heat exchanger 500 according to the third embodiment corresponds to a modified example of the heat exchanger 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0082] The heat exchanger 500 according to the third embodiment includes a first medium flow path 530 different from the heat exchanger 100 according to the first embodiment. The heat exchanger 500 according to the third embodiment is common with the heat exchanger 100 according to the first embodiment in many other respects. Therefore, hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration as those of the heat exchanger 100 according to the first embodiment in the heat exchanger 500, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] Similar to the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 500 of the present embodiment includes a heat exchanger body 501, a first pipe P1, and a second pipe P2. The heat exchanger body 501 includes a first port H1 and a second port H2 in a flange portion 503. The first pipe P1 is connected to the first port H1 and communicates with the first port H1. The second pipe P2 is connected to the second port H2 and communicates with the second port H2.

[0084] Similar to the first embodiment, the heat exchanger body 501 is configured by overlapping and joining a first plate-like member and a second plate-like member that extend in a plate shape in the front-rear, left-right directions of the vehicle. The joining may be welding.

[0085] Inside the heat exchanger 500, a plurality of first medium flow paths 530 and one second medium flow path 540 are formed as shown in FIG. 7 due to the unevenness of the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member. FIG. 7 shows the configurations of the plurality of first medium flow paths 530 and the second medium flow path 540 included in the heat exchanger 500 according to the third embodiment, as well as the flow of the heat exchange medium. The meanings of the hatching, broken lines, and thick solid lines are the same as those in FIG. 3.

[0086] The heat exchanger 500 includes convex portions 511a, 511b, 511c formed by a first plate-like member on a plurality of first medium flow paths 530. The convex portions 511a, 511b, 511c correspond to the convex portions 111a, 111b, 111c of the first embodiment. The upper surfaces of the convex portions 511a, 511b, 511c are used as the mounting surface of the battery 200 and function as a heat exchange surface, similar to the first embodiment.

[0087] The plurality of first medium flow paths 530 include six medium flow paths 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536 corresponding to the medium flow paths 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136 provided in the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0088] The plurality of first medium flow paths 530 are flow paths branched so as to avoid the second port H2 from the common first port H1, and are joined at an end opposite to the first port H1 in the first direction (i.e., the rear direction of the vehicle). Also in the third embodiment, the region where the plurality of first medium flow paths 530 are joined is expressed as a joining portion and represented by the reference sign C3.

[0089] The second medium flow path 540 is connected to the joining portion C3 of the plurality of first medium flow paths 530 on the rear side of the vehicle, similar to the first embodiment, and is connected to the second port H2 on the front side of the vehicle. The second medium flow path 540 corresponds to the second medium flow path 140 provided in the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0090] This second medium flow path 540 is located between two medium flow paths 534, 535 among the plurality of first medium flow paths 530. In this heat exchanger 500, the heat exchange medium flowing into the heat exchanger main body 501 through the first pipe P1 and the first port H1 branches at the inlets of the plurality of first medium flow paths 530 and flows in the first direction through the plurality of first medium flow paths 530. When this heat exchange medium flows to the ends of the plurality of first medium flow paths 530, it moves to the second medium flow path 540 through the joining portion C3, flows in the direction opposite to the first direction, and flows out from the second port H2 to the external pipe.

[0091] In the heat exchanger 500 of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 are arranged in proximity to each other. Therefore, when forming the circulation system of the heat exchange medium, an external pipe can be easily connected to the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2.

[0092] [Fourth Embodiment] Subsequently, the configuration of the heat exchanger 600 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The heat exchanger 600 of the fourth embodiment corresponds to a modified example of the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0093] The heat exchanger 600 of the fourth embodiment includes a different number of first medium flow paths 630 and second medium flow paths 640 from the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment. The heat exchanger 600 of the fourth embodiment is common with the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment in many other aspects. Therefore, hereinafter, the parts having the same configuration as those of the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment in the heat exchanger 600 will be given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0094] The heat exchanger 600 of the present embodiment includes a heat exchanger main body 601, one first pipe P1, and a plurality of second pipes P2. The heat exchanger main body 601 has a flange portion 603 that is wider in the vehicle width direction than in the first embodiment. The heat exchanger main body 601 includes one first port H1 and a plurality of second ports H2 in this flange portion 603.

[0095] The first pipe P1 is connected to the first port H1 and communicates with the first port H1. Each of the plurality of second pipes P2 is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of second ports H2 and communicates with the second port H2. As shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of second ports H2 include a port H21 and a port H22.

[0096] Similar to the first embodiment, the heat exchanger body 601 is formed by overlapping and joining a first plate-like member and a second plate-like member that extend in a plate shape in the front, rear, left, and right directions of the vehicle. Inside the heat exchanger 600, a plurality of first medium flow paths 630 and a plurality of second medium flow paths 640 are formed by the unevenness of the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member, as shown in FIG. 8. One first port H1 is provided in common to the plurality of first medium flow paths 630. Each of the plurality of second ports H2 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of second medium flow paths 640.

[0097] FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the plurality of first medium flow paths 630 and the plurality of second medium flow paths 640 provided in the heat exchanger 600 of the fourth embodiment, as well as the flow of the heat exchange medium. The meanings of the hatching, broken lines, and thick solid lines are the same as those in FIG. 3.

[0098] The heat exchanger 600 includes convex portions 611a, 611b, 611d formed by the first plate-like member on the plurality of first medium flow paths 630. The convex portions 611a, 611b, 611d correspond to the convex portions 111a, 111b, 111d of the first embodiment. The upper surfaces of the convex portions 611a, 611b, 611d are used as the mounting surface of the battery 200 and function as a heat exchange surface, similar to the first embodiment.

[0099] The plurality of first medium flow paths 630 in the heat exchanger 600 include six medium flow paths 631, 632, 633, 634, 637, 638 corresponding to the medium flow paths 131, 132, 133, 134, 137, 138 provided in the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0100] The plurality of first medium flow paths 630 are flow paths that branch so as to avoid the two second ports H2 from the common first port H1 and join at the end on the side opposite to the first port H1 in the first direction (i.e., the rear direction of the vehicle). Also in the fourth embodiment, the region where the plurality of first medium flow paths 630 join is expressed as a joining portion and represented by reference numerals C41 and C42. The joining portion C41 corresponds to the region where the medium flow paths 631, 632, 633 join. The joining portion C42 corresponds to the region where the medium flow paths 634, 637, 638 join.

[0101] The plurality of second medium flow paths 640 includes two medium flow paths 641 and 642 corresponding to the second medium flow path 140 provided in the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0102] The medium flow path 641 is provided between the medium flow path 632 and the medium flow path 633 in the vehicle width direction. The medium flow path 642 is provided between the medium flow path 634 and the medium flow path 637 in the vehicle width direction.

[0103] The medium flow path 641 is connected to the joint C41 of the medium flow paths 631, 632, and 633 at the rear side of the vehicle and is connected to the second port H2 at the front side of the vehicle. The heat exchange medium flowing in the first direction from the first port H1 through the medium flow paths 631, 632, and 633 flows into the medium flow path 641 from the joint C41 when it reaches the joint C41. The heat exchange medium flowing into the medium flow path 641 moves in the vehicle forward direction, which is the reverse direction of the first direction, to one port H21 of the second port H2 and flows out from the port H21 to the external pipe.

[0104] The medium flow path 642 is connected to the joint C42 of the medium flow paths 634, 637, and 638 at the rear side of the vehicle and is connected to the second port H2 at the front side of the vehicle. The heat exchange medium flowing in the first direction from the first port H1 through the medium flow paths 634, 637, and 638 flows into the medium flow path 642 from the joint C42 when it reaches the joint C42. The heat exchange medium flowing into the medium flow path 642 moves in the vehicle forward direction to the other port H22 of the second port H2 and flows out from the port H22 to the external pipe.

[0105] In the heat exchanger 600 of the present embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 are arranged in the narrow area at the front side of the vehicle. Therefore, when forming the circulation system of the heat exchange medium, it is possible to easily connect the external pipes to the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2.

[0106] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the heat exchanger 700 of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The heat exchanger 700 of the fifth embodiment corresponds to a modified example of the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0107] The heat exchanger 700 of the fifth embodiment includes a different number of second medium flow paths 740 from the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment. The heat exchanger 700 of the fifth embodiment is common with the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment in many other respects. Therefore, hereinafter, the parts having the same configuration as those of the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment in the heat exchanger 700 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0108] The heat exchanger 700 of the present embodiment includes a heat exchanger body 701, one first pipe P1, and a plurality of second pipes P2. The heat exchanger body 701 has a flange portion 703 that is wider in the vehicle width direction than in the first embodiment. The heat exchanger body 701 includes, in this flange portion 703, one first port H1 and a plurality of second ports H2.

[0109] The first pipe P1 is connected to the first port H1 and communicates with the first port H1. Each of the plurality of second pipes P2 is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of second ports H2 and communicates with the second port H2. As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of second ports H2 include a port H21 and a port H22.

[0110] Similar to the first embodiment, the heat exchanger body 701 is formed by overlapping and joining a first plate-like member and a second plate-like member that extend in a plate shape in the front-rear, left-right directions of the vehicle. Inside the heat exchanger 700, a plurality of first medium flow paths 730 and a plurality of second medium flow paths 740 are formed by the unevenness of the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member, as shown in FIG. 9. One first port H1 is provided in common to the plurality of first medium flow paths 730. Each of the plurality of second ports H2 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of second medium flow paths 740.

[0111] FIG. 9 shows the configurations of a plurality of first medium flow paths 730 and a plurality of second medium flow paths 740 included in the heat exchanger 700 of the fifth embodiment, as well as the flow of the heat exchange medium. The meanings of the hatching, dashed lines, and thick solid lines are the same as those in FIG. 3.

[0112] The heat exchanger 700 includes convex portions 711a, 711b, 711c, 711d formed by a first plate-like member on the plurality of first medium flow paths 730. The convex portions 711a, 711b, 711c, 711d correspond to the convex portions 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d of the first embodiment. The upper surfaces of the convex portions 711a, 711b, 711c, 711d are used as the mounting surfaces of the battery 200 and function as heat exchange surfaces, similar to the first embodiment.

[0113] The plurality of first medium flow paths 730 in the heat exchanger 700 include eight medium flow paths 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738 corresponding to the medium flow paths 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138 included in the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0114] The plurality of first medium flow paths 730 correspond to flow paths branched so as to avoid a plurality of second ports H2 from a common first port H1, and are joined at ends on the side opposite to the first port H1 in the first direction (i.e., the rear direction of the vehicle). Also in the fifth embodiment, the region where the plurality of first medium flow paths 730 are joined is expressed as a joining portion and represented by reference numerals C51 and C52. The joining portion C51 corresponds to the region where the medium flow paths 731, 732, 733, 734 are joined. The joining portion C52 corresponds to the region where the medium flow paths 735, 736, 737, 738 are joined.

[0115] The plurality of second medium flow paths 740 include two medium flow paths 741, 742 corresponding to the second medium flow path 140 included in the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0116] The medium flow path 741 is provided between the medium flow path 732 and the medium flow path 733 in the vehicle width direction. The medium flow path 742 is provided between the medium flow path 736 and the medium flow path 737 in the vehicle width direction.

[0117] The medium flow path 741 is connected to the junction C51 of the medium flow paths 731, 732, 733, and 734 at the rear side of the vehicle and is connected to the port H21 at the front side of the vehicle. The heat exchange medium flowing in the first direction from the first port H1 through the medium flow paths 731, 732, 733, and 734 flows into the medium flow path 741 from the junction C51 when it reaches the junction C51. The heat exchange medium flowing into the medium flow path 741 moves in the vehicle forward direction, which is the reverse direction of the first direction, to one of the ports H21 of the second port H2 and flows out from the port H21 to the external pipe.

[0118] The medium flow path 742 is connected to the junction C52 of the medium flow paths 735, 736, 737, and 738 at the rear side of the vehicle and is connected to the second port H2 at the front side of the vehicle. The heat exchange medium flowing in the first direction from the first port H1 through the medium flow paths 735, 736, 737, and 738 flows into the medium flow path 742 from the junction C52 when it reaches the junction C52. The heat exchange medium flowing into the medium flow path 742 moves in the vehicle forward direction to the other port H22 of the second port H2 and flows out from the port H22 to the external pipe.

[0119] In the heat exchanger 700 of the present embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 are arranged in a narrow area on the front side of the vehicle. Therefore, when forming the circulation system of the heat exchange medium, it is possible to easily connect the external pipes to the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2.

[0120] [Other Embodiments] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can take various forms. For example, the heat exchangers 100, 400, 500, 600, 700 according to the first to fifth embodiments include a serpentine medium flow path including a first flow path FP1, a second flow path FP2, and a third flow path FP3 as the first medium flow paths 130, 430, 530, 630, 730. However, the wall separating the first flow path FP1 and the second flow path FP2 and the wall separating between the second flow path FP2 and the third flow path FP3 may be removed. That is, the first medium flow paths 130, 430, 530, 630, 730 may be configured as straight flow paths in a non-serpentine first direction.

[0121] In addition, a plurality of first ports H1 functioning as inlets may be provided in each of the heat exchangers 100, 400, 500, 600, 700. The plurality of first ports H1 may be provided corresponding to each of the plurality of first medium flow paths.

[0122] The heat exchangers 100, 400, 500, 600, 700 may be arranged in the reverse front-back direction. The heat exchangers 100, 400, 500, 600, 700, the heat conductive material 300, and the battery 200 may be arranged in the reverse up-down direction and in the reverse up-down order. The heat exchangers 100, 400, 500, 600, 700 may be arranged in a direction rotated 90 degrees such that the flange portions 103, 403, 503, 603, 703 are arranged on the right side or the left side of the vehicle. The lengths of the long side and the short side of the heat exchangers 100, 400, 500, 600, 700 may be determined in consideration of the orientation of the heat exchangers 100, 400, 500, 600, 700 with respect to the vehicle and the size of the space below the vehicle floor, etc.

[0123] In addition, for the first medium flow paths 130, 430, 530, 630, 730, a heat exchange surface may be provided in a part of the region or the entire region, and heat exchange can be performed between the battery 200 and the heat exchange medium through this heat exchange surface.

[0124] The functions of one component in the above embodiment may be provided in a distributed manner among a plurality of components. The functions of a plurality of components may be integrated into one component. A part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. At least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of other above embodiments. All aspects included in the technical idea specified from the language described in the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0125] [The technical idea disclosed in this specification] It can be understood that the following technical idea is disclosed in this specification. [Item 1] A heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, A first port and a second port for a heat exchange medium, wherein one functions as an inlet of the heat exchange medium and the other functions as an outlet of the heat exchange medium, A plurality of first medium flow paths connected to the first port and configured such that the heat exchange medium flows in a first direction, the plurality of first medium flow paths being arranged in parallel in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and configured to be joined at an end opposite to the first port in the first direction, A second medium flow path arranged in parallel with the plurality of first medium flow paths in the second direction, connected to a joint portion which is a region where the plurality of first medium flow paths are joined, and further connected to the second port at an end opposite to the joint portion in the first direction, the second medium flow path being configured such that the heat exchange medium flows in a direction opposite to the first direction, A heat exchange surface for performing heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the battery, the heat exchange surface being provided in a region corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of first medium flow paths and the second medium flow path, A heat exchanger comprising the above. [Item 2] The heat exchanger according to Item 1, The heat exchange surface is provided in a region corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of first medium flow paths excluding the second medium flow path, The battery is a heat exchanger provided in a region corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of first medium flow paths. [Item 3] The heat exchanger according to Item 1 or Item 2, wherein the second medium flow path is provided between two of the plurality of first medium flow paths in the second direction and is connected to the joint portion and the second port. [Item 4] The heat exchanger according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the first port is a port common to the plurality of first medium flow paths, the plurality of first medium flow paths correspond to flow paths branched from the first port and are configured to be joined at an end portion on the side opposite to the first port in the first direction. [Item 5] The heat exchanger according to Item 3, wherein the first port is a port common to the plurality of first medium flow paths, the plurality of first medium flow paths correspond to flow paths branched so as to avoid the second port from the first port and are configured to be joined at an end portion on the side opposite to the first port in the first direction, the second port is located on the side of the joint portion closer to the first port than the first port in the first direction between the two first medium flow paths and is provided adjacent to a region where the plurality of first medium flow paths branch. [Item 6] The heat exchanger according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein a first member and a second member that spread in a plate shape in the first direction and the second direction are provided, the second member is disposed opposite to the first member so as to be joined to the first member, the plurality of first medium flow paths and the second medium flow path are provided between the first member and the second member.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0126] 100…Heat exchanger, 101…Heat exchanger body, 110…First plate member, 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d…Protrusions (heat exchange surfaces), 120…Second plate member, 130…First medium flow path, 140…Second medium flow path, 200…Battery, 300…Thermal conductive material, 400…Heat exchanger, 401…Heat exchanger body, 410…First plate member, 411b, 411c…Protrusions (heat exchange surfaces), 420…Second plate member, 430…First medium flow path, 440…Second medium flow path, 500…Heat exchanger, 501…Heat exchanger body, 511a, 511b, 511c…Protrusions (heat exchange surfaces), 530…First medium flow path, 540…Second medium flow path, 600…Heat exchanger, 601…Heat exchanger body, 611a, 611b, 611d…Protrusions (heat exchange surfaces), 630…First medium flow path, 640…Second medium flow path, 700…Heat exchanger, 701…Heat exchanger body, 711a, 711b, 711c, 711d…Protrusions (heat exchange surfaces), 730…First medium flow path, 740…Second medium flow path, C1, C2, C3, C41, C42, C51, C52…Joints, FP1…First flow path, FP2…Second flow path, FP3…Third flow path, H1…First port, H2…Second port, P1…First pipe, P2…Second pipe.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, a first port and a second port for a heat exchange medium, wherein one functions as an inlet of the heat exchange medium and the other functions as an outlet of the heat exchange medium, a plurality of first medium flow paths connected to the first port and configured such that the heat exchange medium flows in a first direction, wherein the plurality of first medium flow paths are arranged in parallel in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and are configured to join at an end opposite to the first port in the first direction, a second medium flow path arranged in parallel to the plurality of first medium flow paths in the second direction, connected to a joining portion which is a region where the plurality of first medium flow paths join, and further connected to the second port at an end opposite to the joining portion in the first direction, and configured such that the heat exchange medium flows in a direction opposite to the first direction, a heat exchange surface for performing heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the battery, and provided in a region corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of first medium flow paths and the second medium flow path, A heat exchanger comprising the above.

2. The heat exchanger according to Claim 1, wherein the heat exchange surface is provided in a region corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of first medium flow paths excluding the second medium flow path, and the battery is provided in a region corresponding to at least a part of the plurality of first medium flow paths.

3. The heat exchanger according to Claim 1, wherein the second medium flow path is provided between two of the plurality of first medium flow paths in the second direction and is connected to the joining portion and the second port.

4. The heat exchanger according to Claim 1, wherein the first port is a port common to the plurality of first medium flow paths, and the plurality of first medium flow paths correspond to flow paths branched from the first port and are configured to join at an end opposite to the first port in the first direction.

5. The heat exchanger according to Claim 3, wherein the first port is a port common to the plurality of first medium flow paths, and the plurality of first medium flow paths correspond to flow paths branched from the first port so as to avoid the second port and are configured to join at an end opposite to the first port in the first direction. The second port is a heat exchanger that is located closer to the joint side than the first port in the first direction between the two first medium flow paths and is provided adjacent to a region where the plurality of first medium flow paths branch. **Claim 6** A heat exchanger according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, comprising a first member and a second member that extend in a plate shape in the first direction and the second direction, wherein the second member is disposed opposite to the first member so as to be joined to the first member, and the plurality of first medium flow paths and the second medium flow path are provided between the first member and the second member.

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