Heat exchange module

Abstract

To provide a heat exchange module which enables reduction of a space occupied by the heat exchange module, and enables suppression of unevenness in temperature of a heat medium.SOLUTION: A heat exchange module comprises a flat and cylindrical base member 11, and a heat exchanger branched from the base member 11. The base member 11 comprises a flow passage 11A connecting a first end portion 11E1 of the base member 11 and a second end portion 11E2 opposite to the first end portion 11E1, and a plurality of strut parts 21 positioned in the flow passage 11A. A direction in which the flow passage 11A extends is a flow direction DF, and a direction orthogonal to the flow direction DF is a longitudinal direction DL. The plurality of strut parts 21 include first strut parts 21A and second strut parts 21B. The first strut part 21A and the second strut part 21B are positioned apart from each other in the longitudinal direction DL. The first strut part 21A is positioned apart from the second end portion 11E2, and the second strut part 21B is positioned apart from the first end portion 11E1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchange module. [Background technology]

[0002] One example of a temperature control system includes a pair of pipe units extending along the extension direction and multiple heat exchangers positioned between the pipe units. Each heat exchanger has a plate shape along a plane defined by the extension direction and a width direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The multiple heat exchangers are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of each pipe unit. Each heat exchanger is located within the heat exchanger and has a passage through which a heat medium passes.

[0003] Each pipe unit has a cylindrical shape. One of the pair of pipe units is supplied with a heat medium before heat exchange, and the other pipe unit is discharged with the heat medium after heat exchange through the passages of the heat exchangers (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-180876 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Because the pipe unit has a cylindrical shape, a space is created around the pipe unit that makes it difficult to arrange components constituting the temperature control system or the temperature control target of the temperature control system, and as a result, the space occupied by the temperature control system tends to be larger than the size of the temperature control system itself. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A heat exchange module for solving the above problem includes a base member having a flat cylindrical shape and a heat exchanger branching from the base member. The base member includes a flow path connecting a first end of the base member to a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of support columns located within the flow path. The direction in which the flow path extends is the flow direction, and the direction perpendicular to the flow direction is the longitudinal direction. The plurality of support columns include first support columns and second support columns. The first support columns and the second support columns are located apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, the first support columns being located apart from the second end, and the second support columns being located apart from the first end.

[0007] The flat base member of the heat exchange module reduces the space occupied by the heat exchange module, allowing it to be installed in a small space. Furthermore, the heat medium flowing through the flow path collides with the support columns, and the heat medium flows along the longitudinal direction through the gaps between the end of the base member and the support columns in the flow direction. This reduces variations in the temperature of the heat medium.

[0008] In the above heat exchange module, the first support portion may include a portion located closer to the first end than the second support portion in the flow direction, and the second support portion may include a portion located closer to the second end than the first support portion in the flow direction.

[0009] In the heat exchange module, the first support pillars do not overlap the second support pillars at least partially in the flow direction, so the heat medium flowing in the flow path can easily flow along the longitudinal direction, which makes it easier for the heat medium to mix in the flow path.

[0010] In the above heat exchange module, the base member may have a first side surface along a plane defined by the flow direction and the longitudinal direction, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and each support portion may connect the first side surface and the second side surface to each other.

[0011] According to the heat exchange module, each support portion connects the first side and the second side to each other, so that the base member can withstand a higher heat medium pressure than when the first side and the second side are not connected to each other.

[0012] In the above heat exchange module, the base member may have a side surface along a plane defined by the flow direction and the longitudinal direction, and the side surface may have a connection portion to which the heat exchanger is connected.

[0013] According to the heat exchange module, it is possible to place an object to be subjected to heat exchange along the side surface of the base member.

[0014] In the heat exchange module, the flow direction may be a direction in which the heat medium flows, and each support portion may have a rib shape extending along the flow direction.

[0015] According to the heat exchange module, the heat medium can flow along the support pillars, and therefore the flow of the heat medium is less likely to be obstructed by the support pillars.

[0016] In the above heat exchange module, the first support column includes a third end in the flow direction and a fourth end opposite the third end, the second support column includes a fifth end in the flow direction and a sixth end opposite the fifth end, the end of the first support column that is a shorter distance from the first end of the base member in the flow direction is the third end of the first support column, the end of the second support column that is a shorter distance from the second end of the base member in the flow direction is the sixth end of the second support column, and the position of the fourth end of the first support column and the position of the fifth end of the second support column may be the same in the flow direction.

[0017] In the heat exchange module, since the flow path is divided in the longitudinal direction by only either the first support column or the second support column, the flow path width is less likely to be narrowed compared to when the flow path is divided in the longitudinal direction by both the first support column and the second support column, which makes it easier for the heat medium to flow.

[0018] In the above heat exchange module, the plurality of support columns may include a plurality of either the first support columns or the second support columns, and the other of the first support columns and the second support columns may be positioned between the one of the first support columns and the second support columns in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] According to the heat exchange module, when the heat medium flows from the first support column to the second support column or from the second support column to the first support column, the flow of the heat medium is changed at the boundary between the two types of support columns, which facilitates mixing of the heat medium in the longitudinal direction, thereby suppressing temperature variations of the heat medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the heat exchange module of the present disclosure, the space occupied by the heat exchange module can be reduced and the variation in the temperature of the heat medium can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a heat exchange module according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a heat exchange device including three heat exchange modules. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the base member along a plane defined by the flow direction and the longitudinal direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of a base member included in the heat exchange module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] One embodiment of a heat exchange module will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. [Heat exchange module] The heat exchange modules will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows two heat exchange modules.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchange module 10 includes a base member 11 and a heat exchanger 12. The base member 11 has a flat, cylindrical shape. The base member 11 is a resin molded product. The base member 11 includes a first cylindrical portion 11M1 and a second cylindrical portion 11M2. The first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second cylindrical portion 11M2 are connected to each other by an intermediate portion 11M3 located between the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0024] Each of the cylindrical portions 11M1, 11M2 of the base member 11 has a flow path 11A through which the heat medium flows. The direction in which the heat medium flows, i.e., the direction in which the flow path 11A extends, is the flow direction DF. The direction perpendicular to the flow direction DF is the longitudinal direction DL. The direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the flow direction DF and the longitudinal direction DL is the thickness direction DT. The first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second cylindrical portion 11M2 are aligned along the longitudinal direction DL. This results in two flow paths 11A aligned along the longitudinal direction DL. The two flow paths 11A are composed of a first flow path 11A1 included in the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and a second flow path 11A2 included in the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0025] The outer shape of the base member 11 is a rectangular parallelepiped whose width along the longitudinal direction DL is larger than its width along the flow direction DF. The outer shape of the base member 11 is a flat rectangular parallelepiped because its width along the thickness direction DT is smaller than its width along the flow direction DF and its width along the longitudinal direction DL.

[0026] The base member 11 has a first side surface 11S1 and a second side surface 11S2. The first side surface 11S1 is along a plane defined by the flow direction DF and the longitudinal direction DL. The second side surface 11S2 faces the first side surface 11S1 in the thickness direction DT. The first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 are part of a plane that defines the flow paths 11A1 and 11A2 of the cylindrical portions 11M1 and 11M2, respectively. Therefore, the base member 11 has two pairs of a first side surface 11S1 and a second side surface 11S2 facing the first side surface 11S1.

[0027] Each of the side surfaces 11S1, 11S2 has a connection portion to which the heat exchanger 12 is connected. Of the connection portions, the connection portion that protrudes from the first side surface 11S1 is the first connection portion 11C1. The first connection portion 11C1 has a cylindrical shape extending along the thickness direction DT. Of the connection portions, the connection portion that protrudes from the second side surface 11S2 is the second connection portion 11C2. The second connection portion 11C2 has a cylindrical shape extending along the thickness direction DT. This makes it possible to arrange objects to be subjected to heat exchange along the side surfaces 11S1, 11S2 of the base member 11.

[0028] Each of the cylindrical portions 11M1 and 11M2 has a pair of fitting claws 11FC protruding from the cylindrical portion 11M1 and 11M2. The pair of fitting claws 11FC sandwich the cylindrical portion 11M1 and 11M2 to which the fitting claws 11FC are connected in the longitudinal direction DL. Each of the fitting claws 11FC is located at a first cylindrical end of the cylindrical portion 11M1 and 11M2 in the flow direction DF.

[0029] The base member 11 has a flange portion 11F. The flange portion 11F is connected to a second cylindrical end of the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and a second cylindrical end of the second cylindrical portion 11M2. In the longitudinal direction DL, the first flange end of the flange portion 11F protrudes from the first cylindrical portion 11M1, and the second flange end of the flange portion 11F protrudes from the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0030] The flange portion 11F has four fitting holes 11FH. Each fitting hole 11FH penetrates the flange portion 11F in the flow direction DF. In the longitudinal direction DL, a first pair of fitting holes 11FH sandwich the first cylindrical portion 11M1, and a second pair of fitting holes 11FH sandwich the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0031] The base member 11 includes a sealing member 11SL. The sealing member 11SL is fitted onto the outer surface of each of the cylindrical portions 11M1, 11M2. The sealing member 11SL is located at a first cylindrical end of each of the cylindrical portions 11M1, 11M2 in the flow direction DF. The sealing member 11SL has an annular shape that extends over the entire circumferential direction of the cylindrical portions 11M1, 11M2.

[0032] The heat exchangers 12 branch off from the base member 11. The heat exchangers 12 include a main body 12A. When attached to the base member 11, the main body 12A has a rectangular shape along a plane defined by the thickness direction DT and the longitudinal direction DL. Each heat exchanger 12 includes two connection parts 12C arranged along the longitudinal direction DL. Each connection part 12C has a cylindrical shape extending along the thickness direction DT. An end of each connection part 12C protrudes from the main body 12A in the thickness direction DT.

[0033] Two heat exchangers 12 are attached to one base member 11. Of each heat exchanger 12, the first heat exchanger 12 is connected to the first connecting portion 11C1 of each cylindrical portion 11M1, 11M2. At this time, the first connected portion 12C is connected to the first connecting portion 11C1 of the first cylindrical portion 11M1, and the second connected portion 12C is connected to the first connecting portion 11C1 of the second cylindrical portion 11M2. The second heat exchanger 12 is connected to the second connecting portion 11C2 of each cylindrical portion 11M1, 11M2. At this time, the first connected portion 12C is connected to the second connecting portion 11C2 of the first cylindrical portion 11M1, and the second connected portion 12C is connected to the second connecting portion 11C2 of the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0034] The main body 12A has a flow path 12A1 which is a passage for the heat medium. A first end of the flow path 12A1 is connected to the first connected part 12C, and a second end of the flow path 12A1 is connected to the second connected part 12C. When the heat exchanger 12 is connected to the base member 11, the flow path 12A1 has a folded line shape with a bending point located at an end in the thickness direction DT.

[0035] The heat exchanger 12 includes a plurality of reinforcing members 12B. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the heat exchanger 12 includes three reinforcing members 12B. Each reinforcing member 12B extends along the thickness direction DT when the heat exchanger 12 is attached to the base member 11. The three reinforcing members 12B are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction DL. Each reinforcing member 12B is attached to the outer surface of the main body portion 12A so as to be sandwiched between parts of the flow paths 12A1 in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0036] The main body 12A of the heat exchanger 12 is formed, for example, from a laminated film. Therefore, the main body 12A is flexible and expands when a heat medium is supplied into the main body 12A. The laminated film has two or more layers. The laminated film has, for example, a resin film and a metal foil. The connection portion 12C is formed from a resin. Each reinforcing member 12B is formed, for example, from a metal.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2, the heat exchange device can include, for example, three or more heat exchange modules 10. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the heat exchange device includes three heat exchange modules 10. In the flow direction DF, a first heat exchange module 10A, a second heat exchange module 10B, and a third heat exchange module 10C are arranged in the order shown. Each of the heat exchange modules 10A, 10B, and 10C has a structure similar to that of the heat exchange module 10 described above.

[0038] When assembling the heat exchange device, the fitting claws 11FC of the base member 11 of the second heat exchange device 10B are attached to the fitting holes 11FH of the base member 11 of the first heat exchange module 10A. Furthermore, the fitting claws 11FC of the base member 11 of the third heat exchange module 10C are attached to the fitting holes 11FH of the base member 11 of the second heat exchange module 10B. As a result, the first flow paths 11A1 of the base members 11 are connected to each other, and the second flow paths 11A2 of the base members 11 are connected to each other. At this time, the gaps between the flow paths 11A are sealed by the sealing members 11SL.

[0039] A member for closing the end opposite to the end connected to the second heat exchange module 10B is attached to the base member 11 of the first heat exchange module 10A. Furthermore, the base member 11 of the third heat exchange module 10C is connected, for example, to a supply pipe SP for supplying the heat medium before heat exchange to the first cylindrical portion 11M1, and to a discharge pipe DP for discharging the heat medium after heat exchange to the second cylindrical portion 11M2.

[0040] When the heat exchange device is in use, an object to be heat exchanged is placed between adjacent heat exchangers 12 in the flow direction DF. When the heat medium pressurized by a pump (not shown) is supplied from the supply pipe SP to the first cylindrical portion 11M1 of the base member 11 of the third heat exchange module 10C, part of the heat medium is supplied from the first cylindrical portion 11M1 of the base member 11 of the second heat exchange module 10B to the first cylindrical portion 11M1 of the base member 11 of the first heat exchange module 10A.

[0041] Furthermore, a portion of the heat medium supplied to the first cylindrical portion 11M1 of each base member 11 is supplied to the heat exchanger 12 connected to the base member 11, and then passes through the flow path 12A1 of the heat exchanger 12 and is supplied to the second cylindrical portion 11M2 of that base member 11. When the heat medium passes through the flow path 12A1 of the heat exchanger 12, heat exchange occurs between the heat medium and the object via the main body 12A of the heat exchanger 12. As a result, the object is cooled or heated by the heat medium.

[0042] The heat medium supplied to the second cylindrical portions 11M2 included in the base member 11 of each of the heat exchange modules 10A, 10B, 10C flows toward the discharge pipe DP through a flow path 11A defined by the three second cylindrical portions 11M2.

[0043] Alternatively, the supply pipe SP may be connected to the second cylindrical portion 11M2 of the base member 11 of the third heat exchange module 10C, and the discharge pipe DP may be connected to the first cylindrical portion 11M1 of the base member 11 of the third heat exchange module 10C. In this case, the heat medium is supplied from the flow path 11A connecting the second cylindrical portions 11M2 of the base members 11 to the flow path 11A connecting the first cylindrical portions 11M1 of the base members 11. At this time, a portion of the heat medium supplied to the second cylindrical portion 11M2 of each base member 11 flows from the second cylindrical portion 11M2 toward the first cylindrical portion 11M1 through the heat exchanger 12 connected to each base member 11.

[0044] In the heat exchange device, the number of base members 11 connected in the heat exchange device can be easily changed by using the fitting claws 11FC and fitting holes 11FH provided in each base member 11. Therefore, with the heat exchange module 10, the size of the space occupied by the heat exchange device can be easily changed depending on the size of the space in which the heat exchange device is installed.

[0045] In the heat exchange module 10, the heat exchangers 12 extending along the thickness direction are connected to both sides of the flat base member 11 in the thickness direction. This forms a space surrounded by the two heat exchangers 12 and the base member 11, in which an object to be heat exchanged is placed. Therefore, in the space in which a heat exchange device including multiple heat exchange modules 10 is installed, it is unlikely that there will be a space that is devoid of both the components that form the heat exchange module 10 and the object to be heat exchanged. This makes it possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the space in which the heat exchange device is installed.

[0046] In the heat exchanger, the flow paths 11A for flowing the heat medium in the first flow direction DF and the flow paths 11A for flowing the heat medium in the second flow direction DF opposite to the first flow direction DF are arranged at the same position in the thickness direction DT. Therefore, the space occupied by the heat exchanger can be made smaller than when the flow paths for supplying the heat medium to the heat exchanger 12 and the flow paths for discharging the heat medium from the heat exchanger 12 are arranged at different positions in the thickness direction DT.

[0047] [Base material] The base member 11 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. FIG. 3 shows the cross-sectional structure of the base member 11 along a plane defined by the flow direction DF and the longitudinal direction DL.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the base member 11 includes the flow path 11A. The flow path 11A connects the first end 11E1 of the base member 11 to the second end 11E2 opposite the first end 11E1. As described above, the base member 11 includes the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second cylindrical portion 11M2. The ends of the cylindrical portions 11M1 and 11M2 in the flow direction DF are the first end 11E1 and the second end 11E2 of the base member 11. The first cylindrical portion 11M1 includes the first flow path 11A1, and the second cylindrical portion 11M2 includes the second flow path 11A2. Each of the flow paths 11A1 and 11A2 extends from one end to the other end of the cylindrical portion 11M1 or 11M2 in the flow direction DF.

[0049] In the base member 11, the second cylindrical portion 11M2 has a structure in which the first cylindrical portion 11M1 is upside down in the longitudinal direction DL. Therefore, in the following, the shape of the first cylindrical portion 11M1 will be described in detail, while a detailed description of the shape of the second cylindrical portion 11M2 will be omitted.

[0050] The base member 11 includes a plurality of support columns 21 located within the flow path 11A. The plurality of support columns 21 include a first support column 21A and a second support column 21B. The first support column 21A and the second support column 21B are located apart from each other in the longitudinal direction DL. The first support column 21A is located apart from the second end portion 11E2, and the second support column 21B is located apart from the first end portion 11E1.

[0051] According to the heat exchange module 10 of the present disclosure, the flat base member 11 reduces the space occupied by the heat exchange module 10, allowing the heat exchange module 10 to be installed in a narrow space. Furthermore, the heat medium flowing through the flow path 11A collides with the support columns 21, and the heat medium can flow along the longitudinal direction DL through gaps between the support columns 21 and the ends 11E1 and 11E2 of the base member 11 in the flow direction DF. This reduces variations in the temperature of the heat medium.

[0052] Each support column 21 has a rib shape extending along the flow direction DF. This allows the heat transfer medium to flow along the support columns 21, so the flow of the heat transfer medium is less likely to be obstructed by the support columns 21. Each support column 21 has a plate shape extending along the flow direction DF. Each support column 21 has a plate shape extending along a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the flow direction DF and the longitudinal direction DL. Each support column 21 may have a plate shape that intersects the plane defined by the flow direction DF and the longitudinal direction DL at an angle other than perpendicular.

[0053] The first support column 21A may include a portion located closer to the first end 11E1 than the second support column 21B in the flow direction DF, and the second support column 21B may include a portion located closer to the second end 11E2 than the first support column 21A in the flow direction DF. In this case, the first support column 21A does not overlap the second support column 21B in at least a portion of the flow direction DF, so that the heat transfer medium flowing in the flow path 11A easily flows along the longitudinal direction DL. This makes it easier for the heat transfer medium to mix in the flow path 11A.

[0054] 3, the entire first support column 21A is located closer to the first end 11E1 than the second support column 21B in the flow direction DF. The entire second support column 21B is located closer to the second end 11E2 than the first support column 21A in the flow direction DF. In this case, the first support column 21A and the second support column 21B, which are located apart in the longitudinal direction DL, are also located at different positions in the flow direction DF, so that the heat medium flowing inside the flow path 11A flows more easily along the longitudinal direction DL.

[0055] The first support column 21A includes a third end 21A1 and a fourth end 21A2 opposite the third end 21A1 in the flow direction DF. The second support column 21B includes a fifth end 21B1 and a sixth end 21B2 opposite the fifth end 21B1 in the flow direction DF. The end of the first support column 21A that is closest to the first end 11E1 of the base member 11 in the flow direction DF is the third end 21A1 of the first support column 21A. The end of the second support column 21B that is closest to the second end 11E2 of the base member 11 in the flow direction DF is the sixth end 21B2 of the second support column 21B.

[0056] In the example shown in Fig. 3, a gap is located between the fourth end 21A2 of the first support column 21A and the fifth end 21B1 of the second support column 21B in the flow direction DF. As a result, the flow path 11A is divided in the longitudinal direction DL by only one of the first support column 21A and the second support column 21B. Therefore, the flow path width is less likely to be narrowed compared to when the flow path 11A is divided in the longitudinal direction by both the first support column 21A and the second support column 21B. Furthermore, the heat transfer medium can flow through the gap between the first support column 21A and the second support column 21B in the flow direction DF. As a result, the heat transfer medium flows more easily.

[0057] The multiple support columns 21 may include multiple first support columns 21A or multiple second support columns 21B. In this case, the other of the first support columns 21A and the second support columns 21B may be located between the other in the longitudinal direction DL. This causes the flow of the heat medium to change at the boundary between the two types of support columns 21A and 21B while the heat medium flows from the first support columns 21A to the second support columns 21B, or from the second support columns 21B to the first support columns 21A. This makes it easier for the heat medium to mix in the longitudinal direction DL. As a result, variation in the temperature of the heat medium is suppressed.

[0058] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the multiple support columns 21 located in one flow path 11A include multiple second support columns 21B. The multiple support columns 21 include one first support column 21A and two second support columns 21B. In the longitudinal direction DL, the first support column 21A is located in the center of the flow path 11A. Of the second support columns 21B, the first second support column 21B is located higher than the first support column 21A in the longitudinal direction DL, and the second second support column 21B is located lower than the first support column 21A in the longitudinal direction DL. As a result, one first support column 21A is sandwiched between two second support columns 21B in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0059] The plurality of support pillars 21 located in one flow path 11A may include a plurality of first support pillars 21A. For example, when the plurality of support pillars 21 include two first support pillars 21A and one second support pillar 21B, it is sufficient that one second support pillar 21B is sandwiched between two first support pillars 21A in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0060] The base member 11 has a through hole 11HC located in the flow path 11A. The through hole 11HC penetrates the base member 11 in the thickness direction DT. The through hole 11HC is located approximately in the center of the flow path 11A in the flow direction DF. The through hole 11HC is connected to a space defined by the second connection portion 11C2 of the base member 11. As a result, the heat medium in the flow path 11A is supplied to the heat exchanger 12 connected to the base member 11 through the through hole 11HC and the second connection portion 11C2.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows the structure of the base member 11 as viewed from a viewpoint opposite to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction DL and the thickness direction DT. As shown in FIG. 4, the base member 11 has the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2. The first side surface 11S1 is aligned along a plane defined by the flow direction DF and the longitudinal direction DL. The second side surface 11S2 faces the first side surface 11S1 in the thickness direction DT. Each support column 21 connects the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 to each other. Because each support column 21 connects the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 to each other, the base member 11 can withstand a higher heat transfer medium pressure than if the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 were not connected to each other.

[0062] 4, the first support column 21A connects the first side surface 11S1 to the second side surface 11S2 at approximately the center of the first cylindrical portion 11M1 in the longitudinal direction DL. Of the second support columns 21B, the first second support column 21B connects the first side surface 11S1 to the second side surface 11S2 above the first support column 21A in the longitudinal direction DL. Of the second support columns 21B, the second second support column 21B connects the first side surface 11S1 to the second side surface 11S2 below the first support column 21A in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0063] Since the positions where each support section 21 connects the first side surface 11S1 to the second side surface 11S2 do not overlap in the longitudinal direction DL, the base member 11 is reinforced over a wide range in the longitudinal direction DL by the support sections 21. This allows the base member 11 to withstand a higher pressure of the heat medium than when the base member 11 includes only one support section 21.

[0064] As described above, according to one embodiment of the heat exchange module, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Because the base member 11 is flat, the space occupied by the heat exchange module 10 can be reduced, and as a result, the heat exchange module 10 can be installed in a narrow space. In addition, the heat medium flowing through the flow path 11A collides with each support member 21, and the heat medium can flow along the longitudinal direction DL through the gap between the end of the base member 11 in the flow direction DF and the support member 21. This makes it possible to suppress variations in the temperature of the heat medium.

[0065] (2) Because the first support pillar 21A does not overlap the second support pillar 21B at least partially in the flow direction DF, the heat transfer medium flowing in the flow path 11A easily flows along the longitudinal direction DL, which makes it easier for the heat transfer medium to mix in the flow path 11A.

[0066] (3) Since each support portion 21 connects the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 to each other, the base member 11 can withstand a higher heat transfer medium pressure than when the first side surface 11S1 and the second side surface 11S2 are not connected to each other.

[0067] (4) It is possible to place objects for heat exchange along the side surfaces 11S1 and 11S2 of the base member 11.

[0068] (5) Since the support pillars 21 have a ribbed shape, the heat transfer medium can flow along the support pillars 21, and the flow of the heat transfer medium is less likely to be obstructed by the support pillars 21.

[0069] (6) In the longitudinal direction DL, the flow path 11A is divided only by either the first support pillar 21A or the second support pillar 21B, so the width of the flow path is less likely to be narrowed, which makes it easier for the heat transfer medium to flow.

[0070] (7) While the heat medium flows from the first support column 21A to the second support column 21B, or from the second support column 21B to the first support column 21A, the flow of the heat medium is changed at the boundary between the two types of support columns 21A and 21B. This makes it easier for the heat medium to mix in the longitudinal direction DL. As a result, the temperature variation of the heat medium is suppressed.

[0071] The above-described embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. [Strut section] In the flow direction DF, the position of the fourth end 21A2 of the first support column portion 21A and the position of the fifth end 21B1 of the second support column portion 21B may be the same. In this case, too, the same effect as that of (6) above can be obtained.

[0072] The first support column 21A may include a portion located closer to the first end 11E1 than the second support column 21B in the flow direction DF, while the entire second support column 21B may overlap with the first support column 21A in the flow direction DF. Alternatively, the second support column 21B may include a portion located closer to the second end 11E2 than the first support column 21A in the flow direction DF, while the entire first support column 21A may overlap with the second support column 21B in the flow direction DF.

[0073] The multiple support columns 21 may include a plurality of first support columns 21A and a plurality of second support columns 21B. In this case, at least one of the following may be satisfied: one second support column 21B is located between two first support columns 21A in the longitudinal direction DL; or one first support column 21A is located between two second support columns 21B in the longitudinal direction DL.

[0074] The plurality of support columns 21 may include only support columns 21 that are positioned differently in the longitudinal direction DL but are positioned the same in the flow direction DF. In other words, the plurality of support columns 21 may include only support columns 21 whose ends are positioned equal to each other in the flow direction DF.

[0075] The support pillars 21 included in the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the support pillars 21 included in the second cylindrical portion 11M2 may differ from each other in at least one of the number of support pillars 21 and their arrangement.

[0076] [Base material] The base member 11 may include only one of the first cylindrical portion 11M1 and the second cylindrical portion 11M2. In this case, in the heat exchanger, the heat medium supply pipe SP is connected to the base member 11 located at one end in the flow direction DF, and the heat medium discharge pipe DP is connected to the base member 11 located at the other end in the flow direction DF. In addition, in each base member 11, a through hole 11HC for supplying the heat medium to the heat exchanger 12 and a through hole 11HC for discharging the heat medium from the heat exchanger 12 may be located within one flow path 11A.

[0077] [Heating medium] The heat medium supplied to the heat exchange module 10 may be a refrigerant or a heat medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10...Heat exchange module 10A...First heat exchange module 10B...Second heat exchange module 10C...Third heat exchange module 11...Base member 11A...flow path 11C1...First connection part 11C2...Second connection part 11E1...First end 11E2…Second end 11S1…1st side 11S2…Second side 12...Heat exchanger 21...Strut part 21A…1st pillar part 21B…Second pillar part DF...flow direction DL: Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. a base member having a flat cylindrical shape; a heat exchanger branching from the base member, The base member is a flow path connecting a first end of the base member to a second end opposite the first end; a plurality of support posts located within the flow path; The direction in which the flow path extends is the flow direction, and the direction perpendicular to the flow direction is the longitudinal direction, the plurality of support columns include a first support column and a second support column, the first support column and the second support column are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, the first strut is located away from the second end; The second support portion is located away from the first end. Heat exchange module.

2. the first support column includes a portion located closer to the first end than the second support column in the flow direction, The second support column includes a portion located closer to the second end than the first support column in the flow direction. The heat exchange module of claim 1 .

3. The base member is a first side surface along a plane defined by the flow direction and the longitudinal direction; a second side surface opposite the first side surface, Each support portion connects the first side surface and the second side surface to each other. The heat exchange module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The base member is a side surface along a plane defined by the flow direction and the longitudinal direction; The side surface has a connection portion to which the heat exchanger is connected. The heat exchange module according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The flow direction is a direction in which the heat medium flows, Each support portion has a rib shape extending along the flow direction. The heat exchange module according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the first support column includes a third end portion and a fourth end portion opposite to the third end portion in the flow direction, the second support column includes a fifth end and a sixth end opposite to the fifth end in the flow direction, an end of the first support column portion that is closer to the first end of the base member in the flow direction than the third end of the first support column portion; an end of the second support column portion that is closer to the second end of the base member in the flow direction than the sixth end of the second support column portion; In the flow direction, the position of the fourth end of the first support column portion and the position of the fifth end of the second support column portion are the same. The heat exchange module of claim 2 .

7. The plurality of support columns include: a plurality of the first support columns and a plurality of the second support columns; The other of the first support column portion and the second support column portion is located between the first support column portion and the second support column portion in the longitudinal direction. The heat exchange module according to claim 2 or 6.

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