Heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger which enables simplification of connection of a pipeline and achieves high versatility.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange modules. Each of the heat exchange modules includes one or more first medium passages and a second medium passage. The one or more first medium passages are configured so that a heat exchange medium flowing from a distribution structure through a first port flows in a first direction from a first end to a second end. The second medium passage includes: a first connection end connected to a second port; and a second connection end located at the opposite side of the first connection end in the first direction. The second connection end is connected to the second ends of the one or more first medium passages. The second medium passage is configured so that the heat exchange medium from the second ends of the one or more first medium passages flows in a reverse direction of the first direction from the second connection end to the first connection end and flows out to a confluent structure through the second port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, heat exchangers for batteries mounted on electric vehicles are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a battery system provided with multiple flow paths with different cooling water resistances in order to suppress temperature differences occurring in multiple locations. In this battery system, an inlet is provided at the front of the vehicle and an outlet is provided at the rear of the vehicle. Coolant is accumulated in a tank and supplied from the tank to the inlet through piping (specifically, a hose). The coolant flowing out from the outlet returns to the tank through the piping. In this way, the coolant is used to circulate within the battery system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-106272 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to construct a heat exchange system in which a heat exchange medium circulates, piping is required outside the heat exchanger to return the heat exchange medium flowing from the outlet of the heat exchanger to the inlet of the heat exchanger. In conventional heat exchange systems, the workload and cost required for connecting such piping is high. Furthermore, there has been no known technology for configuring a heat exchanger that simplifies the piping connection while maintaining the versatility of the heat exchanger.

[0005] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to provide a highly versatile heat exchanger that allows for simplified piping connections. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, the heat exchanger including a plurality of heat exchange modules, a distribution section, and an outflow section.

[0007] The distribution section includes an inlet structure and a distribution structure connected to the plurality of heat exchange modules and configured to distribute the heat exchange medium flowing from the inlet structure to the plurality of heat exchange modules.

[0008] The outlet section includes a confluence structure connected to the plurality of heat exchange modules and configured to confluence the heat exchange media flowing in from the plurality of heat exchange modules, and an outlet structure configured to discharge the heat exchange media that has been confluenced in the confluence structure.

[0009] Each of the plurality of heat exchange modules includes a first port, a second port, one or more first medium flow paths, a second medium flow path, and a heat exchange surface.

[0010] The first port functions as an inlet for the heat exchange medium connected to the distribution structure, and the second port functions as an outlet for the heat exchange medium connected to the confluence structure.

[0011] The one or more first medium flow paths have a first end connected to the first port and a second end opposite the first end in the first direction, and are configured so that the heat exchange medium flowing from the distribution structure through the first port flows in the first direction from the first end to the second end.

[0012] The second medium flow path is arranged in parallel to the one or more first medium flow paths in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and includes a first connection end connected to the second port and a second connection end located opposite the first connection end in the first direction.

[0013] The second medium flow path is configured such that a second connection end is connected to the second ends of one or more first medium flow paths, and the heat exchange medium from the second ends of the one or more first medium flow paths flows from the second connection end to the first connection end in a direction opposite to the first direction and flows out into the confluence structure through the second port.

[0014] The heat exchange surface is a heat exchange surface for exchanging heat between the heat exchange medium and the battery. The heat exchange surface is provided in an area corresponding to at least a portion of one or more first medium flow paths and a second medium flow path. The plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged in parallel in the second direction.

[0015] In this heat exchanger, the heat exchange medium flows through the first medium flow path in a first direction and then flows through the second medium flow path in a direction opposite to the first direction, and the inlet and outlet of each heat exchange module can be arranged in close proximity.

[0016] By arranging the inlet and outlet of each heat exchange module in close proximity, it is possible to arrange the distribution section and outlet section of the multiple heat exchange modules in close proximity, thereby enabling the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger to be arranged in close proximity.

[0017] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger that can simplify the connection of piping. It is also significant that according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the heat exchanger can be configured using a plurality of heat exchange modules.

[0018] In other words, by changing the combination of heat exchange modules used in the heat exchanger, it is possible to configure a heat exchanger that is compatible with various types of electric vehicles. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a highly versatile heat exchanger that allows for simplified piping connections.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the heat exchanger may include a connecting part in which the distribution part and the outflow part are integrally formed. The connecting part can be connected to the first port and the second port of the plurality of heat exchange modules. The use of such a connecting part facilitates assembly of the heat exchanger. The connecting part may be a plate-like connecting part that is elongated in the second direction and has a flow path for the heat exchange medium therein.

[0020] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the heat exchanger may further include a fixing structure for fixing the plurality of heat exchange modules to each other in the second direction. By providing the fixing structure, it is possible to hold the plurality of heat exchange modules in an appropriate position.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of heat exchange modules may include one or more first medium flow paths arranged in parallel in the second direction. The plurality of first medium flow paths may be coupled to each other at the second end. Each of the plurality of heat exchange modules may be configured such that the heat exchange medium flowing through the plurality of first medium flow paths joins at the second end and flows through the second medium flow path to the second port.

[0022] This configuration allows the heat exchange medium to flow appropriately over a wide heat exchange surface, and therefore, with a heat exchanger that exchanges heat through multiple first medium flow paths, it is possible to reduce variations in heat exchange depending on the location.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second medium flow path may be provided between two of the plurality of first medium flow paths and connected to the second ends of the two first medium flow paths and the second port. This configuration allows the second medium flow path to be efficiently arranged within the heat exchanger while reducing wasted space.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first port may be a port common to a plurality of first medium flow paths, which allows for a simpler connection between the distribution structure and the heat exchange module than when a first port is provided for each of the plurality of first medium flow paths.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second port may be located between two first medium flow paths, closer to the second end than the first port in the first direction. The multiple first medium flow paths may be configured as flow paths branching from the first port to avoid the second port. With this configuration, the first port can be shared, while the first port and the second port can be arranged in close positions, simplifying the connection between the distribution structure and the confluence structure and the heat exchange module. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the heat exchanger body, showing the internal configuration of the heat exchanger body in a transparent manner. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic plan view of a heat exchanger illustrating a flow of a heat exchange medium, showing an enlarged portion of the heat exchanger and further showing the internal configuration of the heat exchanger in a transparent manner. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic plan view of a heat exchanger body illustrating a flow of a heat exchange medium, showing an enlarged portion of the heat exchanger body and further showing the internal configuration of the heat exchanger body in a transparent manner. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchange module. [Figure 9] Figure 9A is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the heat exchange module perpendicular to the first direction, Figure 9B is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration (first example) of the fixing structure of the heat exchanger body, and Figure 9C is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration (second example) of the fixing structure of the heat exchanger body. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the heat exchanger showing an enlarged view of connecting parts. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger taken along line XII-XII. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting part taken along line XIII-XIII. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a heat exchanger showing the internal configuration of a heat exchanger body of a second embodiment in a transparent manner. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a heat exchanger body of a second embodiment, showing an enlarged portion of the heat exchanger body and further showing the internal configuration of the heat exchanger body in a transparent manner, for explaining the flow of a heat exchange medium. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17A is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 17B is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18A is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a sixth embodiment, and FIG. 18B is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] The heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat with a battery 170 mounted on an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle here refers to an automobile that runs using electrical energy stored in the battery 170 as all or part of its power. Examples of electric vehicles include electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles. Hereinafter, an electric vehicle will be simply referred to as a vehicle.

[0028] The heat exchanger 100 has a thin thickness in the height direction, which is the normal direction to the plane of FIG. 1, and has a roughly rectangular outer shape that is elongated in a first direction along a plane perpendicular to the height direction. The heat exchanger 100 is installed in the vehicle, for example, so that the first direction is parallel to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The heat exchanger 100 is installed so that the height direction corresponds to the upward direction of the vehicle.

[0029] The heat exchanger 100 is installed, for example, under the floor of the vehicle. The battery 170 is mounted on the vehicle, for example, under the floor of the vehicle, so as to be placed on the upper surface of the heat exchanger 100 as shown in FIG. 2. A thermally conductive material 190 is provided between the heat exchanger 100 and the battery 170. Heat exchange between the heat exchanger 100 and the battery 170 is performed through the thermally conductive material 190.

[0030] 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 100 has a heat exchange surface 100A on its upper surface. The heat exchanger 100 is configured to cool or heat the battery 170 by heat exchange between a heat exchange medium flowing inside the heat exchanger 100 and the battery 170 through the heat exchange surface 100A and a thermally conductive material 190. The heat exchange medium is, for example, coolant. The heat exchanger 100 is incorporated into a circulation system of the heat exchange medium.

[0031] The heat exchanger 100 includes a heat exchanger body 110 and a connecting part 150. The heat exchanger body 110 includes a plurality of heat exchange modules 120. The plurality of heat exchange modules 120 are arranged in parallel in a height direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0032] Each heat exchange module 120 has fixing structures 121F, 125F for mutually fixing adjacent heat exchange modules 120 on side edges extending parallel to the first direction of the heat exchange module 120. However, the heat exchange modules 120 located at both ends do not have fixing structures 121F, 125F on side edges where there are no adjacent heat exchange modules 120.

[0033] In the heat exchanger body 110, the multiple heat exchange modules 120 are connected to each other in the second direction via fixing structures 121F, 125F. That is, the heat exchanger body 110 is assembled by connecting and fixing the multiple heat exchange modules 120, each of which is an independent component, to each other, as shown in Fig. 3. Each of the multiple heat exchange modules 120 is connected to an adjacent heat exchange module 120 in the second direction among the multiple heat exchange modules 120.

[0034] The connecting part 150 is a plate-like part that is elongated in the second direction and is connected to the heat exchanger body 110. The connecting part 150 includes a distribution structure 150A, a confluence structure 150B, a first pipe P1, and a second pipe P2. The first pipe P1 corresponds to the supply port of the heat exchange medium and constitutes an inlet for the heat exchange medium to the heat exchanger 100. In other words, the first pipe P1 corresponds to the inlet structure.

[0035] The first pipe P1 is connected to a heat exchange medium supply tube (not shown) and supplies the heat exchange medium supplied from upstream in the heat exchange medium circulation system to the inside of the heat exchanger 100, as shown in Fig. 4. The supplied heat exchange medium flows from the first pipe P1 into the distribution structure 150A.

[0036] The distribution structure 150A is connected to the plurality of heat exchange modules 120 and is configured to distribute the heat exchange medium flowing in from the first pipe P1 to each of the plurality of heat exchange modules 120 (see FIG. 6). The heat exchange medium distributed to each of the heat exchange modules 120 circulates inside the heat exchange module 120 and flows into the confluence structure 150B.

[0037] The confluence structure 150B is connected to multiple heat exchange modules 120 and is configured to confluence the heat exchange medium flowing in from the multiple heat exchange modules 120. The heat exchange medium that has been confluenced in the confluence structure 150B flows out downstream of the circulation system from the second pipe P2. The second pipe P2 corresponds to the discharge port of the heat exchange medium and constitutes the outlet of the heat exchange medium from the heat exchanger 100. In other words, the second pipe P2 corresponds to the outlet structure.

[0038] In this way, the heat exchange medium is supplied to the heat exchanger 100 from the upstream of the circulation system through the first pipe P1, used for heat exchange with the battery 170, and then discharged from the heat exchanger 100 to the downstream of the circulation system through the second pipe P2.

[0039] 5, 6, and 7, each of the heat exchange modules 120 has a first port 1201 and a second port 1202 for a heat exchange medium. In FIG. 5, the configuration of the heat exchanger body 110 that is hidden when the heat exchanger body 110 is viewed from above is shown transparently by dashed lines.

[0040] The first port 1201 serves as an inlet for the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange module 120 , and the second port 1202 serves as an outlet for the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange module 120 .

[0041] As shown in Fig. 6, the first port 1201 is connected to the distribution structure 150A of the connecting part 150. The second port 1202 is connected to the confluence structure 150B of the connecting part 150. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the heat exchanger 100, and the components of the heat exchanger 100 that are hidden when viewed from above are shown transparently by dashed lines. However, Fig. 6 does not show the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2. The thick arrows in Fig. 6 indicate the flow of the heat exchange medium.

[0042] 7, like Fig. 5, the configuration of the heat exchanger body 110 that is hidden when viewed from above is shown transparently by dashed lines. The thick arrows shown in Fig. 7 indicate the flow of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger body 110.

[0043] 8 and 9A, the heat exchange module 120 includes a first plate-shaped member 121 and a second plate-shaped member 125. The heat exchange module 120 is formed by overlapping the first plate-shaped member 121 and the second plate-shaped member 125.

[0044] The first plate-shaped member 121 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-shaped member 125 is made of the same material as the first plate-shaped member 121 or a different material.

[0045] The second plate-shaped member 125 is disposed opposite the first plate-shaped member 121. The heat exchange module 120 is formed by joining the first plate-shaped member 121 and the second plate-shaped member 125, which face each other. The joining is performed by, for example, welding.

[0046] 5 to 8 and 9A, each heat exchange module 120 includes a plurality of first medium flow paths 120A, 120B extending in a first direction and one second medium flow path 120E. The plurality of first medium flow paths 120A, 120B and the one second medium flow path 120E are arranged in parallel with each other in the second direction.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the plurality of first medium flow paths 120A, 120B are two first medium flow paths 120A, 120B. One second medium flow path 120E is located between the two first medium flow paths 120A, 120B.

[0048] Each of the first medium flow paths 120A, 120B is configured by two partition walls extending in the first direction, and multiple narrow flow paths 120C extending in the first direction, specifically three narrow flow paths 120C, arranged in parallel in the second direction. The partition walls are configured by ridges 125A, 125B (see FIG. 8) described later.

[0049] Each of the first media flow paths 120A, 120B has a first end E11 connected to a first port 1201 common to the multiple first media flow paths 120A, 120B, and a second end E12 located opposite the first end E11 in the first direction.

[0050] Each of the first medium flow paths 120A, 120B is configured so that the heat exchange medium flowing in through the first port 1201 from the distribution structure 150A (see Figures 6 and 7) of the connecting part 150 flows in a first direction from the first end E11 to the second end E12.

[0051] The second medium flow path 120E includes a first connection end E21 connected to the second port 1202 and a second connection end E22 located on the opposite side of the first connection end E21 in the first direction. The second connection end E22 is connected to the second ends E12 of the multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B.

[0052] The second medium flow path 120E is configured so that the heat exchange medium from the second ends E12 of the multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B flows in a direction opposite to the first direction from the second connection end E22 toward the first connection end E21, and flows out into the confluence structure 150B (see Figure 6) through the second port 1202.

[0053] 8, the first port 1201 is provided in the first plate-shaped member 121 of the heat exchange module 120. Specifically, the first port 1201 is provided upstream in the first direction of the first plate-shaped member 121. The first port 1201 is a hole through which the heat exchange medium can pass.

[0054] The second port 1202 is provided downstream of the first port 1201 in the first direction, i.e., on the second end E12 side, adjacent to the first port 1201. The second port 1202 is located between the two first medium flow paths 120A and 120B in the second direction. Similar to the first port 1201, the second port 1202 is a hole through which the heat exchange medium can pass.

[0055] The first plate-shaped member 121 has a first port 1201 and a second port 1202, as well as multiple upwardly protruding protrusions 121A, 121B, and 121C. The protrusions 121A, 121B, and 121C are arranged in a U-shape. Each of the protrusions 121A and 121B is provided corresponding to each of the multiple first medium flow paths 120A and 120B. The protrusion 121C is provided at a position corresponding to the second end E12 of the first medium flow paths 120A and 120B, and is arranged to connect the multiple protrusions 121A and 121B in the second direction.

[0056] The plurality of protrusions 121A, 121B, 121C correspond to regions recessed upward when viewed from below the first plate-shaped member 121. Each of the plurality of protrusions 121A, 121B, 121C is provided in the heat exchange module 120 to form an internal space between the first plate-shaped member 121 and the second plate-shaped member 125.

[0057] The upper surfaces of the multiple protrusions 121A, 121B, 121C are at the same height, flat, and function as a heat exchange surface 100A for heat exchange between the battery 170 and the heat exchange medium. That is, the battery 170 is placed on the protrusions 121A, 121B, 121C, which are areas corresponding to the first medium flow paths 120A, 120B, with the heat conductive material 190 interposed therebetween.

[0058] The fixing structures 121F for connecting and fixing the heat exchange module 120 to the adjacent heat exchange module 120 are provided on the side edges of the first plate-shaped member 121.

[0059] The second plate-shaped member 125 has a plurality of protruding strips 125A, 125B protruding upward at positions corresponding to the protruding portions 121A, 121B of the first plate-shaped member 121. The area surrounded by the dashed line shown in Fig. 8 corresponds to the area overlapping with the protruding portions 121A, 121B, 121C.

[0060] The second plate-shaped member 125 further includes recesses 125D and 125E that are independent of each other at a position corresponding to the first ends E11 of the first medium flow paths 120A and 120B and a position corresponding to the second medium flow path 120E.

[0061] The multiple protrusions 125A, 125B in the second plate-shaped member 125 correspond to regions recessed upward when viewed from below the second plate-shaped member 125. The multiple recesses 125D, 125E in the second plate-shaped member 125 correspond to regions recessed downward when viewed from above the second plate-shaped member 125, and correspond to regions protruding downward when viewed from below the second plate-shaped member 125.

[0062] The recess 125D is provided in a U-shape so as to extend laterally from the position corresponding to the first port 1201 as the center and to avoid the position corresponding to the second port 1202. The recess 125D extends to the vicinity of the ridges 125A and 125B, and in particular to a position where it overlaps with the ridges 121A and 121B of the first plate-like member 121.

[0063] The recess 125E extends in a first direction from a position overlapping with the second port 1202 of the first plate-like member 121 to a position overlapping with the protrusion 121C of the first plate-like member 121 to form a second media flow path 120E connected to the second port 1202 and multiple first media flow paths 120A, 120B.

[0064] That is, the recess 125E is provided so as to extend in the first direction from the first connection end E21 to the second connection end E22 of the second medium flow path 120E. The recess 125E is provided so as to be separated from the recess 125D in an area adjacent to it, that is, so as not to communicate with the recess 125D.

[0065] The second plate-shaped member 125 is provided with a fixing structure 125F, similar to the first plate-shaped member 121. However, the fixing structure 125F of the second plate-shaped member 125 is provided on a side edge of the second plate-shaped member 125 opposite to the side edge of the second plate-shaped member 125 that is arranged adjacent to the fixing structure 121F of the first plate-shaped member 121 when the second plate-shaped member 125 is superimposed on the first plate-shaped member 121.

[0066] When the heat exchanger body 110 is assembled, the fixing structure 125F of the second plate-shaped member 125 faces the fixing structure 121F provided on the first plate-shaped member 121 of the adjacent heat exchange module 120 and engages with the fixing structure 121F of the first plate-shaped member 121, as shown in Figure 9B.

[0067] The engaging portions of the fixing structure 121F of the first plate-shaped member 121 and the fixing structure 125F of the second plate-shaped member 125 may be joined. Examples of joining include joining by adhesive or welding. By this joining, adjacent heat exchange modules 120 are firmly fixed to each other in the second direction.

[0068] In more detail, the fixing structure 125F has a protrusion 1251 on its upper surface as shown in FIG. 9B, and the fixing structure 121F arranged above the fixing structure 125F has an upwardly recessed recess 1211 on its lower surface that engages with the protrusion 1251.

[0069] Adjacent heat exchange modules 120 can be positioned relative to each other by the engagement between the protrusions 1251 and the recesses 1211. According to one example, adjacent heat exchange modules 120 can be fixed to each other in the second direction by the protrusions 1251 contacting the side walls of the recesses 1211 in the second direction. According to another example, in order to absorb assembly variations in the second direction, the protrusions 1251 and the side walls of the recesses 1211 may not contact each other and may have a gap (see FIG. 9C ). That is, to absorb assembly variations in the second direction of the heat exchange modules 120, a structure for restricting movement in the second direction does not need to be provided. In this case, a locking structure such as a locking claw for restricting movement in the second direction may be provided on the surface where the protrusions 1251 and the recesses 1211 contact each other.

[0070] 9A, multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B and one second medium flow path 120E are formed inside the heat exchange module 120, i.e., between the first plate-shaped member 121 and the second plate-shaped member 125, due to the concave-convex structure of the first plate-shaped member 121 and the second plate-shaped member 125. In the multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B, the partition walls that define the narrow flow path 120C correspond to the ridges 125A, 125B of the second plate-shaped member 125.

[0071] When the heat exchange module 120 is assembled, the ridges 125A and 125B of the second plate-shaped member 125 contact the back surface of the first plate-shaped member 121. Alternatively, the ridges 125A and 125B of the second plate-shaped member 125 are bonded to the back surface of the first plate-shaped member 121. Examples of bonding include bonding with an adhesive and welding.

[0072] Around the periphery of the U-shaped internal space formed by the convex portions 121A, 121B, and 121C of the first plate-shaped member 121, which is the internal space of the heat exchange module 120, the back surface of the first plate-shaped member 121 is joined to the front surface of the second plate-shaped member 125. However, the first plate-shaped member 121 is not joined to the second plate-shaped member 125 in areas that overlap with the concave portions 125D and 125E of the second plate-shaped member 125.

[0073] By such joining, a flow path for the heat exchange medium is formed between the first plate-shaped member 121 and the second plate-shaped member 125, from the first port 1201 through the first medium flow paths 120A, 120B and the second medium flow path 120E to the second port 1202, so as to prevent leakage of the heat exchange medium.

[0074] The multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B have a U-shaped recess 125D at the first end E11, thereby configuring the paths as branched paths that avoid the first port 1201 and the second port 1202. The heat exchange medium flowing from the distribution structure 150A into each heat exchange module 120 moves through the multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B in a first direction through the first port 1201 and the U-shaped recess 125D, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, to the second end E12 of the multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B.

[0075] The second ends E12 of the multiple first medium flow channels 120A, 120B are connected to each other between the first medium flow channels 120A, 120B and function as a connecting portion that connects the multiple first medium flow channels 120A, 120B. The second ends E12 of the multiple first medium flow channels 120A, 120B are connected to the second connecting end E22 of the second medium flow channel 120E.

[0076] Therefore, the heat exchange medium that has moved to the second end E12 of the multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B joins at the second end E12, flows in the opposite direction to the first direction from the second connection end E22 of the second medium flow path 120E, and moves to the first connection end E21 of the second medium flow path 120E.

[0077] The heat exchange medium further flows out through the second port 1202 and flows into the confluence structure 150B of the connecting part 150. In the confluence structure 150B, the heat exchange medium from the multiple heat exchange modules 120 is combined and flows out of the heat exchanger 100 through the second pipe P2.

[0078] 10, the distribution structure 150A and the merging structure 150B of the connecting part 150 are also configured using plate-like members, similar to the heat exchange module 120. As shown in Fig. 10, the connecting part 150 includes a first plate-like member 151 and a second plate-like member 155 that are elongated in the second direction as components of the distribution structure 150A and the merging structure 150B.

[0079] The first plate-shaped member 151 has a plurality of protrusions 151A, 151B extending in the second direction. The plurality of protrusions 151A, 151B correspond to regions recessed upward when viewed from below the first plate-shaped member 151. Each of the plurality of protrusions 151A, 151B is provided to form an internal space between the first plate-shaped member 155 and the second plate-shaped member 155 that functions as flow paths 1501, 1502 for the heat exchange medium.

[0080] The protrusion 151A has a communication hole H1 in the center in the second direction that communicates with the first pipe P1, and the protrusion 151B has a communication hole H2 in the center in the second direction that communicates with the second pipe P2.

[0081] The second plate-shaped member 155 is a flat plate-shaped member having an outer edge shape that corresponds to the outer edge shape of the first plate-shaped member 151. The second plate-shaped member 155 has a plurality of communication holes 155A that communicate with the first ports 1201 of the plurality of heat exchange modules 120 at positions that overlap the convex portions 151A of the first plate-shaped member 151, in accordance with the arrangement of the first ports 1201 in the heat exchanger body 110. Each of the plurality of communication holes 155A is arranged so as to communicate with a corresponding one of the plurality of first ports 1201.

[0082] The second plate-shaped member 155 further has a plurality of communication holes 155B that communicate with the second ports 1202 of the plurality of heat exchange modules 120, at positions that overlap the protrusions 151B of the first plate-shaped member 151, in accordance with the arrangement of the second ports 1202 in the heat exchanger body 110. Each of the plurality of communication holes 155B is arranged so as to communicate with a corresponding one of the plurality of second ports 1202.

[0083] The second plate-shaped member 155 described above is disposed opposite the first plate-shaped member 151. The connecting part 150 is formed by joining the first plate-shaped member 151 and the second plate-shaped member 155, which face each other, joining a first pipe P1 to the first plate-shaped member 151 so as to communicate with the communication hole H1, and connecting a second pipe P2 to the first plate-shaped member 151 so as to communicate with the communication hole H2. The first plate-shaped member 151 and the second plate-shaped member 155 are in contact with each other around the protrusions 151A and 151B and are joined together.

[0084] For example, the second plate-shaped member 155 is joined to the surface of the heat exchanger body 110 so that the first port 1201 of the heat exchanger body 110 is in communication with the communication hole 155A, and further so that the second port 1202 is in communication with the communication hole 155B.

[0085] Thereafter, the first plate-shaped member 151 is joined to the second plate-shaped member 155. Thereafter, the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 are joined to the first plate-shaped member 151. The joining may be by welding, for example. In this manner, the connecting part 150 may be joined and fixed to the heat exchanger body 110, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 11, and 12. As another example, the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 may be joined to the first plate-shaped member 151 before the second plate-shaped member 155 is joined to the first plate-shaped member 151. Thereafter, the second plate-shaped member 155 and the first plate-shaped member 151 may be joined.

[0086] Due to the configuration of the first plate-shaped member 151 and the second plate-shaped member 155 described above, inside the connecting part 150, i.e., between the first plate-shaped member 151 and the second plate-shaped member 155, there is provided a flow path 1501 through which the heat exchange medium flows in from the first pipe P1, and a flow path 1502 through which the heat exchange medium flows in from the multiple heat exchange modules 120, as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0087] The distribution structure 150A described above corresponds to the structure of the connecting part 150 that forms the communication hole H1, the flow path 1501, and the communication hole 155A. The confluence structure 150B corresponds to the structure of the connecting part 150 that forms the communication hole 155B, the flow path 1502, and the communication hole H2.

[0088] 12 and 13, the heat exchange medium that flows into flow path 1501 through first pipe P1 and communication hole H1 passes through communication hole 155A and is distributed to the multiple heat exchange modules 120. The heat exchange medium that flows into the multiple heat exchange modules 120 from second ports 1202 through communication hole 155B joins together in flow path 1502 and is discharged downstream of the circulation system through communication hole H2 and second pipe P2.

[0089] According to the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment described above, the heat exchange medium flows in a first direction through the first medium flow paths 120A and 120B, and then flows in a direction opposite to the first direction through the second medium flow path 120E. This configuration of the heat exchanger 100 allows the inlet (first port 1201) and outlet (second port 1202) of each heat exchange module 120 to be disposed close to each other.

[0090] Since the inlet and outlet of each heat exchange module 120 are located close to each other, the first pipe P1 and the second pipe P2 can be located close to the heat exchanger 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when a circulation system of a heat exchange medium including the heat exchanger 100 is configured, the connection of piping to the heat exchanger 100 can be simplified.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 is configured using a plurality of heat exchange modules 120. Therefore, by changing the number of heat exchange modules 120 used in the heat exchanger 100, it is possible to configure heat exchangers 100 of sizes suitable for various types of electric vehicles. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly versatile heat exchanger 100 that allows for simplified piping connections. The fourth to seventh embodiments described below disclose modified examples of the heat exchanger 100 that relate to this effect.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the heat exchange module 120 can be formed by combining a first plate-shaped member 121 and a second plate-shaped member 125 that are formed by press working. The connecting part 150 can also be formed by combining a first plate-shaped member 151 and a second plate-shaped member 155 that are formed by press working. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the number of steps required to manufacture the heat exchanger 100 can be reduced by press working.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the distribution structure 150A and the merging structure 150B are integrally formed as a connecting part 150. By using such a connecting part 150, the assembly of the heat exchanger 100 is easy.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 includes fixing structures 121F and 125F for fixing the plurality of heat exchange modules 120 to each other in the second direction. By providing the fixing structures 121F and 125F, it is possible to suppress the effects of vehicle vibration, keep the plurality of heat exchange modules 120 in an appropriate position, and improve durability.

[0095] According to this embodiment, the heat exchange medium is circulated through the first medium flow paths 120A and 120B on both sides of the second medium flow path 120E, thereby allowing the heat exchange medium to flow appropriately over a wide area. In particular, heat exchange is not performed in the second medium flow path 120E, but rather in the first medium flow paths 120A and 120B, thereby reducing variations in heat exchange over a wide area.

[0096] According to this embodiment, by arranging multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B on either side of the second medium flow path 120E, it is also significant that wasted space can be reduced and the second medium flow path 120E can be efficiently arranged within the heat exchanger 100.

[0097] According to this embodiment, the first port 1201 is common to the multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B. According to this embodiment, the connection between the distribution structure 150A and the heat exchange module 120 can be simplified compared to when a first port is provided for each of the multiple first medium flow paths 120A, 120B. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an excellent heat exchanger 100.

[0098] [Second embodiment] Next, the configuration of a heat exchanger 200 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. The heat exchanger 200 corresponds to a modified example of the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0099] The heat exchanger 200 has the same configuration as the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment, except that it includes first medium flow paths 220A, 220B having a different configuration from the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, parts of the heat exchanger 200 that have the same configuration as the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. In Fig. 14, the outline of the connecting part 150 is shown by a dashed dotted line, and the detailed configuration of the connecting part 150 will not be shown.

[0100] A heat exchanger 200 of this embodiment includes a heat exchange module 220 having serpentine first medium flow paths 220A, 220B instead of the heat exchange module 120 of the first embodiment. The heat exchange module 220 includes ridges 221, 222, 223, 224 having a shape different from that of the first embodiment, located below the protrusions 121A, 121B, instead of the ridges 125A, 125B of the first embodiment. In Figures 14 and 15, the configuration of the heat exchange module 220 that is hidden when viewed from above is shown transparently by dashed lines.

[0101] The meandering first medium flow paths 220A, 220B are formed by a combination of the ridges 221, 222 and the convex portion 121A, and a combination of the ridges 223, 224 and the convex portion 121B. The multiple first medium flow paths 220A, 220B are connected by the convex portion 121C.

[0102] The ridges 221, 222 are configured so that, below the ridge 121A, the heat exchange medium flowing from the recess 125D into the ridge 121A moves in the first direction to the most downstream point in the first direction of the ridge 121A, then makes a U-turn and moves in the opposite direction to the first direction, then moves to the most upstream point in the first direction of the ridge 221, then makes a U-turn and moves in the first direction, and finally moves to the second end E12 of the first medium flow path 220A. In Figure 15, the flow of the heat exchange medium is indicated by thick arrows.

[0103] Similarly, the ridges 223, 224 are configured so that, below the ridge 121B, the heat exchange medium flowing from the recess 125D into the ridge 121B moves in a first direction to the most downstream point in the first direction of the ridge 121B, then makes a U-turn and moves in the opposite direction to the first direction, and then moves further to the most upstream point in the first direction of the ridge 223, then makes a U-turn and moves in the first direction, and moves to the second end E12 of the first medium flow path 220B.

[0104] As in the first embodiment, the heat exchange medium that has moved to the second end E12 moves to the second medium flow path 120E connected to the second end E12, and then moves through the second medium flow path 120E in the direction opposite to the first direction, from the second port 1202 to the merging structure 150B of the connecting part 150. The heat exchanger 200 configured in this way also achieves the same effects as the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0105] [Third embodiment] Next, the configuration of a heat exchanger 300 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. The heat exchanger 300 of the third embodiment corresponds to a modified example of the heat exchanger 100 of the first embodiment.

[0106] The heat exchanger 300 of the third embodiment includes a heat exchanger body 310 and a connecting part 150 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. The heat exchanger body 310 includes a plurality of heat exchange modules 320.

[0107] The heat exchange module 320 does not include the fixing structures 121F and 125F, unlike the heat exchange module 120 of the first embodiment. The heat exchange module 320 is configured similarly to the heat exchange module 120 of the first embodiment, except that it does not include the fixing structures 121F and 125F.

[0108] In the third embodiment, the heat exchange modules 320 are connected and fixed in the second direction through the connecting parts 150. If the fixing of the heat exchange modules 320 in the second direction is sufficient only through the connecting parts 150, the heat exchange modules 320 do not need to be provided with the fixing structures 121F and 125F as in the present embodiment.

[0109] [Other embodiments] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be modified in various ways. For example, the number of heat exchange modules 120, 220, 320 constituting the heat exchangers 100, 200, 300 is not limited to four. The heat exchangers 100, 200, 300 may be modified to include less than four or five or more heat exchange modules 120, 220, 320.

[0110] For example, a heat exchanger 400 according to a fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 17A is configured by combining three heat exchange modules 120 and a connecting part 450. A heat exchanger 500 according to a fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 17B is configured by combining two heat exchange modules 120 and a connecting part 550.

[0111] The connecting parts 450 and 550 may be understood to have the same configuration as the connecting part 150 of the first embodiment, except for the length in the second direction and the number of communication holes 155A and 155B. The heat exchangers 400 and 500 may include the heat exchange module 220 of the second embodiment or the heat exchange module 320 of the third embodiment instead of the heat exchange module 120 of the first embodiment.

[0112] In addition, the heat exchange modules 120, 220, 320 constituting the heat exchangers 100, 200, 300 are not limited to heat exchange modules of the same length. That is, the heat exchangers 100, 200, 300 may be configured by combining heat exchange modules 120, 220, 320 having different lengths in the first direction with connecting parts 150.

[0113] 18A is configured by combining two heat exchange modules 120L that are relatively short in the first direction, two heat exchange modules 120H that are relatively long in the first direction, and a connecting part 150. The heat exchange modules 120L, 120H may be understood to have the same configuration as the heat exchange module 120 of the first embodiment, except that the lengths in the first direction are different and the numbers of fixing structures 121F, 125F are accordingly different.

[0114] 18B is configured by combining three heat exchange modules 120L that are short in the first direction and a connecting part 450. In this way, it is also possible to configure the heat exchanger 700 using only short heat exchange modules 120L as the heat exchange modules 120.

[0115] Each of the heat exchange modules 120 may be provided with only one of the first medium flow paths 120A, 120B. That is, each of the heat exchange modules 120 may be configured with one first medium flow path 120A or one first medium flow path 120B and one second medium flow path 120E. Similarly, each of the heat exchange modules 220 may be configured with one first medium flow path 220A or one first medium flow path 220B and one second medium flow path 120E.

[0116] The heat exchangers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 may be positioned in a reversed position relative to the vehicle. That is, the heat exchangers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 may be positioned within the vehicle so that the first direction of the heat exchangers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 faces toward the front of the vehicle rather than toward the rear of the vehicle, and the connecting pieces 150, 450, and 550 are located at the rear of the vehicle. The heat exchangers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 may be positioned within the vehicle so that the first direction faces toward the right or left of the vehicle.

[0117] The first pipe P1 may be used as an outlet for the heat exchange medium, and the second pipe P2 may be used as an inlet for the heat exchange medium. That is, the heat exchangers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 may be used such that the heat exchange medium flows into the heat exchangers 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 through the second pipe P2 and is discharged downstream in the circulation system through the first pipe P1. In this case, the first port 1201 of the heat exchange module 120 functions as an outlet, and the second port 1202 functions as an inlet.

[0118] The connecting parts 150, 450, and 550 are parts in which the first pipe P1 and the distribution structure 150A as the distribution part and the second pipe P2 and the merging structure 150B as the outflow part are integrally formed. However, the distribution part and the outflow part may be configured as separate parts independently.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, the upper surface of the heat exchange module 120 facing the second medium flow path 120E is located lower than the upper surfaces of the heat exchange module 120 facing the first medium flow paths 120A and 120B, and therefore does not function as the heat exchange surface 100A. However, the upper surface of the heat exchange module 120 facing the second medium flow path 120E may be positioned at the same height as the upper surfaces of the heat exchange module 120 facing the first medium flow paths 120A and 120B. In this way, the heat exchange module 120 may be configured so that the upper surface of the heat exchange module 120 facing the second medium flow path 120E also functions as the heat exchange surface 100A.

[0120] The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components. The functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. At least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. All aspects included in the technical idea identified from the wording of the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] [Technical idea disclosed in this specification] It can be understood that the present specification discloses the following technical idea. [Item 1] A heat exchanger for exchanging heat with a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, a plurality of heat exchange modules; a distribution section including an inlet structure and a distribution structure connected to the plurality of heat exchange modules and configured to distribute the heat exchange medium flowing through the inlet structure to the plurality of heat exchange modules; an outlet portion including: a confluence structure connected to the plurality of heat exchange modules and configured to confluence the heat exchange medium flowing in from the plurality of heat exchange modules; and an outlet structure configured to discharge the heat exchange medium confluenced at the confluence structure; Equipped with Each of the plurality of heat exchange modules comprises: a first port serving as an inlet for the heat exchange medium, the first port being connected to the distribution structure; a second port connected to the confluence structure and functioning as an outlet for the heat exchange medium; one or more first medium flow paths each having a first end connected to the first port and a second end located opposite the first end in a first direction, the first medium flow paths configured such that the heat exchange medium flowing from the distribution structure through the first port flows in the first direction from the first end to the second end; a second medium flow path arranged in parallel to the one or more first medium flow paths in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second medium flow path comprising a first connection end connected to the second port and a second connection end located on the opposite side of the first connection end in the first direction, the second connection end being connected to the second ends of the one or more first medium flow paths, and configured so that the heat exchange medium from the second ends of the one or more first medium flow paths flows from the second connection end to the first connection end in a direction opposite to the first direction and flows out into the merging structure through the second port; a heat exchange surface for exchanging heat between the heat exchange medium and the battery, the heat exchange surface being provided in an area corresponding to at least a portion of the one or more first medium flow paths and the second medium flow path; Equipped with The heat exchanger, wherein the plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged in parallel in the second direction. [Item 2] Item 1. The heat exchanger according to item 1, a connecting part in which the distribution part and the outflow part are integrally formed, the connecting part being a plate-like connecting part elongated in the second direction and having a flow path for the heat exchange medium therein; a heat exchanger, wherein the connecting piece is connected to the first ports and the second ports of the plurality of heat exchange modules; [Item 3] The heat exchanger according to item 1 or 2, a fixing structure for fixing the plurality of heat exchange modules to each other in the second direction; The heat exchanger further comprises: [Item 4] The heat exchanger according to any one of items 1 to 3, Each of the plurality of heat exchange modules has, as the one or more first medium flow paths, a plurality of first medium flow paths arranged in parallel in the second direction, connected to each other at the second end, and is configured so that the heat exchange medium flowing through the plurality of first medium flow paths merges at the second end and flows through the second medium flow path to the second port. [Item 5] Item 4. The heat exchanger according to item 4, the second medium flow path is provided between two first medium flow paths among the plurality of first medium flow paths and is connected to the second end portions of the two first medium flow paths and the second port; the first port is a port common to the plurality of first medium flow paths, the second port is located between the two first medium flow paths on the second end side of the first port in the first direction, A heat exchanger in which the plurality of first medium flow paths are configured as flow paths branching from the first port so as to avoid the second port. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700... Heat exchanger, 100A... Heat exchange surface, 110, 310... Heat exchanger body, 120, 120L, 120H, 220, 320... Heat exchange module, 120A, 120B, 220A, 220B... First medium flow path, 120E... Second medium flow path, 121... First plate-shaped member, 121A, 121B, 121C... Convex portion, 121F, 125F... Fixing structure, 125... Second plate-shaped member, 125A, 125B... Convex strip, 125D, 125E... Concave portion, 150, 450, 550... Connecting part , 150A... distribution structure, 150B... confluence structure, 151... first plate-shaped member, 151A, 151B... convex portion, 155... second plate-shaped member, 155A, 155B... communication hole, 170... battery, 190... thermal conductive material, 221, 222, 223, 224... convex strips, 1201... first port, 1202... second port, 1211... recess, 1251... convex portion, 1501, 1502... flow path, E11... first end, E12... second end, E21... first connecting end, E22... second connecting end, H1, H2... communication hole, P1... first pipe, P2... second pipe.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger for exchanging heat with a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, a plurality of heat exchange modules; a distribution section including an inlet structure and a distribution structure connected to the plurality of heat exchange modules and configured to distribute the heat exchange medium flowing through the inlet structure to the plurality of heat exchange modules; an outlet portion including: a confluence structure connected to the plurality of heat exchange modules and configured to confluence the heat exchange medium flowing in from the plurality of heat exchange modules; and an outlet structure configured to discharge the heat exchange medium confluenced at the confluence structure; Equipped with Each of the plurality of heat exchange modules comprises: a first port serving as an inlet for the heat exchange medium, the first port being connected to the distribution structure; a second port connected to the confluence structure and functioning as an outlet for the heat exchange medium; one or more first medium flow paths each having a first end connected to the first port and a second end located opposite the first end in a first direction, the first medium flow paths configured such that the heat exchange medium flowing from the distribution structure through the first port flows in the first direction from the first end to the second end; a second medium flow path arranged in parallel to the one or more first medium flow paths in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second medium flow path comprising a first connection end connected to the second port and a second connection end located on the opposite side of the first connection end in the first direction, the second connection end being connected to the second ends of the one or more first medium flow paths, and configured so that the heat exchange medium from the second ends of the one or more first medium flow paths flows from the second connection end to the first connection end in a direction opposite to the first direction and flows out into the merging structure through the second port; a heat exchange surface for exchanging heat between the heat exchange medium and the battery, the heat exchange surface being provided in an area corresponding to at least a portion of the one or more first medium flow paths and the second medium flow path; Equipped with The heat exchanger, wherein the plurality of heat exchange modules are arranged in parallel in the second direction.

2. 2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, a connecting part in which the distribution part and the outflow part are integrally formed, the connecting part being a plate-like connecting part elongated in the second direction and having a flow path for the heat exchange medium therein; a heat exchanger, wherein the connecting piece is connected to the first ports and the second ports of the plurality of heat exchange modules;

3. 2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, a fixing structure for fixing the plurality of heat exchange modules to each other in the second direction; The heat exchanger further comprises:

4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Each of the plurality of heat exchange modules has, as the one or more first medium flow paths, a plurality of first medium flow paths arranged in parallel in the second direction, connected to each other at the second end, and is configured so that the heat exchange medium flowing through the plurality of first medium flow paths merges at the second end and flows through the second medium flow path to the second port.

5. 5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, the second medium flow path is provided between two first medium flow paths among the plurality of first medium flow paths and is connected to the second end portions of the two first medium flow paths and the second port; the first port is a port common to the plurality of first medium flow paths, the second port is located between the two first medium flow paths on the second end side of the first port in the first direction, A heat exchanger in which the plurality of first medium flow paths are configured as flow paths branching from the first port so as to avoid the second port.

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