Ion exchanger

Abstract

To provide an ion exchanger capable of suppression of decrease in ion exchange efficiency.SOLUTION: An ion exchanger 10 is assembled with a plurality of housing parts 21 parallel to each other, a plurality of ion exchange resins 60 each housed in the plurality of housing parts 21, and an inflow conduit 30 extending in the parallel direction of the plurality of housing parts 21 and allowing cooling water to flow into the plurality of housing parts 21. Each of the housing part 21 has a bottom wall 22. The inflow conduit 30 has a plurality of inflow side communication parts 35, a first taper part 33, and a second taper part 34. A decrease degree of a flow passage surface area of the inflow conduit 30 in the second taper part 34 is larger than the decrease degree of a flow passage surface area of the inflow conduit 30 in the first taper part 33. The second taper part 34 communicates with a housing part 21 in the most downstream side in the flow direction among the plurality of housing parts 21 via the inflow side communication part 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ion exchanger. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, fuel cells have been designed to suppress temperature rise during power generation by using cooling water circulating inside the fuel cell. When ions are eluted into the cooling water as the fuel cell generates power, the conductivity of the cooling water increases. This can result in a decrease in the performance of the fuel cell due to electrical leakage through the cooling water. For this reason, fuel cells are connected to ion exchangers that remove ions from the cooling water by passing the cooling water through ion exchange resin.

[0003] The ion exchanger described in Patent Document 1 includes a case and a plurality of cartridges that are detachably attached to the case. The cartridges are filled with ion exchange resin.

[0004] The case is provided with a plurality of cartridge accommodating spaces arranged in parallel, each accommodating a plurality of cartridges. An inlet passage and an outlet passage are formed in the lower and upper parts of the case. The inlet passages extend in the direction in which the cartridge accommodating spaces are arranged in parallel and communicate with the lower parts of each cartridge accommodating space. The outlet passages extend in the direction in which the cartridge accommodating spaces are arranged in parallel and communicate with the upper parts of each cartridge accommodating space.

[0005] The cooling water flows from the bottom to the top of the case through the inlet passage and then flows out of the case through the outlet passage. As the cooling water passes through the ion exchange resin in each cartridge, ions are removed from the cooling water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-229152 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the ion exchanger described in Patent Document 1, cooling water flows in the parallel direction of the cartridge housing space within the inlet passage, but flows from bottom to top within each cartridge. That is, the flow direction of the cooling water changes as the cooling water flows from the inlet passage toward each cartridge. However, due to inertial force, the cooling water flowing through the inlet passage tends to flow toward the downstream side of the inlet passage rather than toward each cartridge. In this case, the cartridge located downstream of the inlet passage among multiple cartridges tends to have a higher cooling water flow rate. Therefore, the cartridge located downstream of the inlet passage is more likely to have deteriorated ion exchange resin. As a result, the cooling water flow rate tends to be higher in cartridges with deteriorated ion exchange resin, which may reduce the ion exchange efficiency of the ion exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An ion exchanger for solving the above problem includes a plurality of storage units arranged in parallel, a plurality of ion exchange resins respectively stored in the plurality of storage units, and an inlet pipe extending in the parallel direction of the plurality of storage units and for introducing cooling water into the plurality of storage units, wherein, when the flow direction of the cooling water flowing through the inlet pipe is simply defined as the flow direction, each of the storage units has a bottom wall, and the inlet pipe has a plurality of communication parts that open to each of the bottom walls and communicate between an internal space of the inlet pipe and an internal space of each of the storage units in a radial direction of the inlet pipe, a first tapered part whose flow path cross-sectional area decreases toward the downstream side in the flow direction, and a second tapered part provided downstream of the first tapered part and whose flow path cross-sectional area decreases toward the downstream side, wherein the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe at the second tapered part is greater than the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe at the first tapered part, and the second tapered part is connected via the communication part to the storage unit that is most downstream of the plurality of storage units in the flow direction.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the second tapered portion of the inflow pipe is connected to the most downstream storage unit via the communication portion. The degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe is greater in the second tapered portion than in the first tapered portion. Therefore, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing through the inflow pipe is lower in the second tapered portion than in the first tapered portion. This allows the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the most downstream storage unit to be reduced compared to when the inflow pipe does not have the second tapered portion. Therefore, by adjusting the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe at the second tapered portion, the flow rates of the cooling water flowing into the multiple storage units can be more uniform. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the ion exchange efficiency of the ion exchanger. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ion exchanger according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an inlet pipe in the ion exchanger of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a case in the ion exchanger of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an outlet pipe in the ion exchanger of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state before resin is injected into the cavity that molds the inlet pipe, and FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state after resin has been injected into the same cavity. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state before resin is injected into the cavity that molds the outflow pipe, and FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state after resin has been injected into the same cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the ion exchanger will be described with reference to FIGS. (Overall configuration of ion exchanger 10) 1, the ion exchanger 10 is connected to a cooling circuit C through which cooling water for cooling a fuel cell flows, for example. The ion exchanger 10 removes ions contained in the cooling water.

[0012] The ion exchanger 10 includes a case 20 and two cartridges 40. Each cartridge 40 is configured to be detachable from the case 20. (Overall configuration of Case 20) The case 20 includes two storage sections 21, a connecting section 27, an inlet pipe 30, and an outlet pipe 36. The two storage sections 21 are arranged in parallel with a gap between them. The connecting section 27 connects the two storage sections 21. The inlet pipe 30 allows cooling water to flow into the two storage sections 21. The outlet pipe 36 allows cooling water to flow out of the two storage sections 21. The case 20 is formed, for example, from a thermoplastic resin material.

[0013] (Configuration of the storage section 21) As shown in FIG. 2 , each storage section 21 has a bottom wall 22, a peripheral wall 23, and a protruding portion 24. The bottom wall 22 is circular in plan view. The peripheral wall 23 protrudes upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall 22. The protruding portion 24 protrudes upward from around the center of the bottom wall 22. The protruding portion 24 is annular and surrounds the entire center of the bottom wall 22. The peripheral walls 23 of the two storage sections 21 are connected by a connecting portion 27.

[0014] An insertion opening 25, through which the cartridge 40 is inserted, is formed at the end of the peripheral wall 23 opposite the bottom wall 22. The insertion opening 25 opens upward. That is, the housing section 21 has a cylindrical shape with a closed lower end. A female screw 26 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion opening 25.

[0015] (Configuration of inlet pipe 30) 3, the inflow pipe 30 extends linearly below the two storage sections 21 in the arrangement direction of the two storage sections 21. The inflow pipe 30 extends parallel to an imaginary line connecting the centers of the bottom walls 22 of the two storage sections 21 at a position away from the imaginary line in the surface direction of the bottom walls 22. The cross-sectional shape of the flow path of the inflow pipe 30 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is circular.

[0016] 2, the inflow pipe 30 is formed integrally with each bottom wall 22. The internal space of the inflow pipe 30 and the internal space of each storage section 21 are separated only by each bottom wall 22. In other words, the inflow pipe 30 has a peripheral wall 31 that forms part of each bottom wall 22. The peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30 is exposed to the internal space of each storage section 21.

[0017] The inflow pipe 30 has a first connection port 32 connected to the cooling circuit C. The first connection port 32 protrudes further outward from the accommodation portion 21 than the accommodation portion 21. The cooling water flowing through the cooling circuit C flows into the inflow pipe 30 through the first connection port 32.

[0018] Hereinafter, the flow direction of the cooling water flowing through the inlet pipe 30 will be simply referred to as the flow direction. In addition, of the two storage sections 21, the storage section 21 located upstream in the flow direction will be referred to as storage section 21A, and the storage section 21 located downstream will be referred to as storage section 21B. Storage section 21B is the storage section 21 located furthest downstream in the flow direction.

[0019] The inflow pipe 30 has a first tapered section 33 and a second tapered section 34. The first tapered section 33 and the second tapered section 34 are sections in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage decreases toward the downstream side in the flow direction. The second tapered section 34 is provided continuously downstream from the first tapered section 33. The degree of reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage of the inflow pipe 30 at the second tapered section 34 is greater than the degree of reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage of the inflow pipe 30 at the first tapered section 33. Note that the "degree of reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage" refers to the degree of inclination of the inner surface of the flow passage with respect to the central axis of the flow passage.

[0020] The portion of inflow pipe 30 where peripheral wall 31 is formed by bottom wall 22 of accommodation section 21A is first tapered section 33. The thickness of the portion of bottom wall 22 of accommodation section 21A that forms peripheral wall 31 of inflow pipe 30 is constant. That is, the portion of the inner surface of bottom wall 22 of accommodation section 21A that is the outer peripheral surface of first tapered section 33 is inclined with respect to the central axis of inflow pipe 30 and extends along the inner peripheral surface of first tapered section 33.

[0021] The portion of inflow pipe 30 where peripheral wall 31 is formed by bottom wall 22 of accommodation section 21B is second tapered section 34. The thickness of the portion of bottom wall 22 of accommodation section 21B that forms peripheral wall 31 of inflow pipe 30 is constant. That is, the portion of the inner surface of bottom wall 22 of accommodation section 21B that is the outer peripheral surface of second tapered section 34 is inclined with respect to the central axis of inflow pipe 30 and extends along the inner peripheral surface of second tapered section 34.

[0022] The boundary between the first tapered portion 33 and the second tapered portion 34 of the inflow pipe 30 is located between the two storage portions 21. A part of the boundary between the first tapered portion 33 and the second tapered portion 34 is formed by a connecting portion 27.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the inflow pipe 30 has two inflow side communicating portions 35 that open to each bottom wall 22. Each inflow side communicating portion 35 communicates the internal space of the inflow pipe 30 with the internal space of the storage portion 21 in the radial direction of the inflow pipe 30. The inflow side communicating portion 35 includes a through-hole that penetrates the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30. The internal spaces of the two inflow side communicating portions 35 have the same shape and size. The opening of each inflow side communicating portion 35 in the bottom wall 22 is substantially rectangular in plan view. The inflow side communicating portion 35 is an example of a "communicating portion."

[0024] The inlet-side communicating portion 35, which opens into the bottom wall 22 of the storage portion 21A, is located at a position offset from the center of the bottom wall 22 and midway along the length of the first tapered portion 33. In other words, the first tapered portion 33 communicates with the storage portion 21A via the inlet-side communicating portion 35.

[0025] The inlet-side communicating portion 35, which opens into the bottom wall 22 of the storage portion 21B, is located at a position offset from the center of the bottom wall 22 and is provided continuous with the tip end of the second tapered portion 34. In other words, the second tapered portion 34 communicates with the storage portion 21B via the inlet-side communicating portion 35.

[0026] 4, the internal space of each inlet-side communicating section 35 is expanded radially outward more than the internal spaces of the first tapered section 33 and the second tapered section 34. Each inlet-side communicating section 35 bulges downward in a dome shape from the bottom wall 22. The cross-sectional shape and size of each inlet-side communicating section 35 perpendicular to the flow direction are constant in the flow direction.

[0027] (Configuration of Outlet Pipe 36) 3, the outflow pipe 36 extends linearly below the two storage sections 21 in the direction in which the two storage sections 21 are arranged. The outflow pipe 36 extends on an imaginary axis connecting the centers of the bottom walls 22 of the two storage sections 21. The outflow pipe 36 extends parallel to the inflow pipe 30. The cross-sectional shape of the flow path perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the outflow pipe 36 is circular.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the outflow pipe 36 is formed integrally with each bottom wall 22. The internal space of the outflow pipe 36 and the internal space of each storage section 21 are separated only by each bottom wall 22. In other words, the outflow pipe 36 has a peripheral wall 37 that forms part of each bottom wall 22. The peripheral wall 37 of the outflow pipe 36 is exposed to the internal space of each storage section 21.

[0029] The outflow pipe 36 has a second connection port 38 connected to the cooling circuit C. The second connection port 38 protrudes further toward the outer periphery of the accommodation portion 21 than the accommodation portion 21. The cooling water flowing inside the outflow pipe 36 flows into the cooling circuit C through the second connection port 38.

[0030] The second connection port 38 of the outflow pipe 36 faces the opposite side from the first connection port 32 of the inflow pipe 30 in the arrangement direction of the two storage sections 21. Therefore, the cooling water flowing in the outflow pipe 36 flows in the same direction as the cooling water flowing in the inflow pipe 30. For this reason, hereinafter, the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the outflow pipe 36 as well as the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the inflow pipe 30 will be simply referred to as the flow direction.

[0031] The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the outflow pipe 36 increases toward the downstream side in the flow direction. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the outflow pipe 36 decreases toward the upstream side in the flow direction. The degree of reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the outflow pipe 36 is the same as the degree of reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the inflow pipe 30 in the first tapered section 33, for example.

[0032] The thickness of the portion of each bottom wall 22 that forms the peripheral wall 37 of the outflow pipe 36 is constant. That is, the inner surface of each bottom wall 22 that forms the outer peripheral surface of the outflow pipe 36 is inclined with respect to the central axis of the outflow pipe 36 and extends along the inner peripheral surface of the outflow pipe 36. The inner surface of the general portion of each bottom wall 22 that is different from the portions that form the inflow pipe 30 and the outflow pipe 36 is a plane that extends parallel to the central axes of the inflow pipe 30 and the outflow pipe 36.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3 , the outflow pipe 36 has two outflow-side communicating portions 39 that open to each bottom wall 22. Each outflow-side communicating portion 39 connects the internal space of the outflow pipe 36 to the internal space of the storage portion 21 in the radial direction of the outflow pipe 36. The outflow-side communicating portion 39 includes a through-hole that penetrates the peripheral wall 37 of the outflow pipe 36. The internal spaces of the two outflow-side communicating portions 39 have the same shape and size. The internal space of each outflow-side communicating portion 39 has the same shape and size as the internal space of each inflow-side communicating portion 35. The opening of each outflow-side communicating portion 39 in the bottom wall 22 is substantially rectangular in plan view. The opening of each outflow-side communicating portion 39 is surrounded by the protrusion 24.

[0034] The outlet-side communicating portion 39 opening into the bottom wall 22 of the storage portion 21A is provided in the center of the bottom wall 22, at the base end of the outlet pipe 36. The outlet-side communicating portion 39 opening into the bottom wall 22 of the storage portion 21B is provided in the center of the bottom wall 22, midway along the length of the outlet pipe 36.

[0035] The internal space of each outlet-side communicating portion 39 is expanded radially outward compared to the internal space of the remaining portion of the outflow pipe 36. Each outlet-side communicating portion 39 bulges downward in a dome shape from the bottom wall 22. The cross-sectional shape and size of each outlet-side communicating portion 39 perpendicular to the flow direction are constant in the flow direction.

[0036] (Overall configuration of cartridge 40) 2 and 5, the cartridge 40 includes a cap 41, a flow path member 45, a lid member 50, and an ion exchange resin 60. The cap 41 is housed inside the housing portion 21 through the insertion opening 25. The flow path member 45 forms a flow path through which cooling water flows inside the cap 41. The lid member 50 is joined to the cap 41. The ion exchange resin 60 is housed inside the cap 41. The cap 41, the flow path member 45, and the lid member 50 are formed of, for example, a thermoplastic resin material.

[0037] (Cap 41 configuration) The cap 41 has a top wall 42 and a peripheral wall 43. The top wall 42 is circular in plan view. The peripheral wall 43 protrudes downward from the outer periphery of the top wall 42. The cap 41 is cylindrical with a closed upper end.

[0038] A male thread 44 that meshes with the female thread 26 of the accommodating portion 21 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 43. By screwing the cap 41 onto the accommodating portion 21, the cartridge 40 is detachably attached to the case 20.

[0039] A first seal ring 71 is attached to a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 43 above the male threads 44. The first seal ring 71 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the cap 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 21.

[0040] (Configuration of flow path member 45) The flow path member 45 has a pipe portion 46, an annular portion 47, and a plurality of first support portions 48.

[0041] The pipe portion 46 is cylindrical and extends vertically in the center of the interior of the cap 41. The upper end of the pipe portion 46 opens toward the inner surface of the top wall 42. There is a gap between the upper end of the pipe portion 46 and the top wall 42. The lower end of the pipe portion 46 opens toward the outflow side communication portion 39. The lower end of the pipe portion 46 is located inside the protrusion 24.

[0042] The annular portion 47 is annular and surrounds the upper end of the pipe portion 46. The annular portion 47 is fitted into the interior of the upper end of the cap 41. The first support portions 48 connect the outer peripheral surface of the pipe portion 46 and the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 47 at multiple locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the pipe portion 46 .

[0043] A second seal ring 72 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 47. The second seal ring 72 seals between the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 47 and the inner circumferential surface of the cap 41. A disk-shaped mesh member is integrated with the flow path member 45 by insert molding. The mesh member is formed from a thin metal plate such as stainless steel. The mesh member covers the lower surfaces of the annular portion 47 and the plurality of first support portions 48. The mesh member has a plurality of through holes that penetrate the mesh member in the thickness direction. Each through hole is sized to allow the passage of cooling water while preventing the passage of ion exchange resin 60.

[0044] (Configuration of the lid member 50) The cover member 50 has an inner annular portion 51, an outer annular portion 52, and a plurality of second support portions 53.

[0045] 5, the inner annular portion 51 is annular and surrounds the lower end of the pipe portion 46. The lower end of the inner annular portion 51 is located inside the protruding portion 24. The outer annular portion 52 is annular and surrounds the inner annular portion 51. The outer annular portion 52 is joined to the cap 41 in a state where it is fitted inside the lower end portion of the cap 41.

[0046] The plurality of second support portions 53 connect the outer peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 51 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer annular portion 52 at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the inner annular portion 51 . A third seal ring 73 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the inner annular portion 51. The third seal ring 73 seals between the inner circumferential surface of the inner annular portion 51 and the outer circumferential surface of the pipe portion .

[0047] A fourth seal ring 74 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer annular portion 52. The fourth seal ring 74 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the outer annular portion 52 and the inner peripheral surface of the cap 41. A disk-shaped mesh member is integrated with the lid member 50 by insert molding. This mesh member covers the lower surface of the lid member 50. This mesh member has the same configuration as the mesh member integrated with the flow path member 45.

[0048] (Configuration of ion exchange resin 60) The ion exchange resin 60 is filled in the space inside the cap 41 around the pipe portion 46 and between the annular portion 47 and the lid member 50 .

[0049] The cooling water that flows into the interior of the storage unit 21 from the inlet pipe 30 through the inlet-side communicating portion 35 passes through a mesh member integrated with the cover member 50, and reaches the region inside the cap 41 filled with ion exchange resin 60. As the cooling water passes through the ion exchange resin 60, ions are removed from the cooling water through ion exchange by the ion exchange resin 60. After passing through the ion exchange resin 60, the cooling water passes through a mesh member integrated with the flow path member 45 and then flows into the interior of the pipe portion 46 through the opening at the upper end of the pipe portion 46. The cooling water then flows into the interior of the outlet pipe 36 from the lower end of the pipe portion 46 and then flows out of the outlet pipe 36 into the cooling circuit C.

[0050] (Manufacturing method of case 20) Next, a method for manufacturing the case 20 will be described. The manufacturing method of the case 20 includes a molding step of integrally molding the two storage portions 21, the inlet pipe 30, and the outlet pipe 36 by injecting resin R into a cavity 80a formed in a mold 80.

[0051] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a), the mold 80 includes two first dies 81, a second die 85, a third die 88, and a fourth die 89. Each first die 81 forms the inner surface of each storage section 21. The second die 85 forms the inner surface of the inlet pipe 30. The third die 88 forms the inner surface of the outlet pipe 36. The fourth die 89 forms the outer surface of the case 20.

[0052] Each first mold 81 has a first molding portion 82 and two second molding portions 83, 84. The first molding portion 82 molds the inner surface of the storage portion 21. The second molding portion 83 molds the inner surface of the inlet side communicating portion 35. The second molding portion 84 molds the inner surface of the outlet side communicating portion 39.

[0053] A portion of the molding surface 82a that molds the inner surface of the bottom wall 22 of each first molding portion 82 extends along the outer peripheral surface of the second mold 85 so that the thickness of the cavity 80a formed between the molding surface 82a and the outer peripheral surface of the second mold 85, i.e., the vertical distance, is constant. In addition, another portion of the molding surface 82a extends along the outer peripheral surface of the third mold 88 so that the thickness of the cavity 80a formed between the molding surface 82a and the outer peripheral surface of the third mold 88, i.e., the vertical distance, is constant.

[0054] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the second molding portion 83 protrudes downward from the molding surface 82a. Each second molding portion 83 is configured to be able to hold the second mold 85 by fitting the second mold 85. More specifically, the second molding portion 83 of the first mold 81 that molds the inner surface of the storage portion 21A has a fitting hole 83a into which the second mold 85 fits. The second molding portion 83 of the first mold 81 that molds the inner surface of the storage portion 21B has a fitting recess 83b into which the tip of the second mold 85 fits. The second mold 85 and the fitting recess 83b form a spigot structure.

[0055] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the second molding portion 84 protrudes downward from the molding surface 82a. Each second molding portion 84 is configured to be able to hold the third mold 88 by fitting the third mold 88. More specifically, the second molding portion 84 of the first mold 81 that molds the inner surface of the storage portion 21A has a fitting recess 84a into which the tip of the third mold 88 fits. The second molding portion 84 of the first mold 81 that molds the inner surface of the storage portion 21B has a fitting hole 84b into which the third mold 88 fits. The third mold 88 and the fitting recess 84a form a spigot structure.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 6( a) and 6(b), the second die 85 has a columnar shape corresponding to the shape of the inlet pipe 30. The second die 85 has a first tapered portion 86 and a second tapered portion 87. The first tapered portion 86 forms the inner surface of the first tapered portion 33. The second tapered portion 87 forms the inner surface of the second tapered portion 34. The first tapered portion 86 and the second tapered portion 87 are portions in which the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second die 85 decreases toward the tip of the second die 85. The second tapered portion 87 is provided continuously from the tip of the first tapered portion 86. The degree of reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the second tapered portion 87 is greater than the degree of reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the first tapered portion 86.

[0057] When the second die 85 is fitted to each second molding portion 83, the first tapered molding portion 86 fits into the fitting hole 83a, and the tip of the second tapered molding portion 87 fits into the fitting recess 83b. 7(a) and 7(b), the third die 88 has a columnar shape corresponding to the shape of the outflow pipe 36. The cross-sectional area of ​​the third die 88, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the third die 88, decreases toward the tip of the third die 88.

[0058] The fourth mold 89 is, for example, a split mold divided into a plurality of parts. The fourth mold 89 forms a cavity 80a for molding the case 20 between the first mold 81, the second mold 85, and the third mold 88.

[0059] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a), in the molding process, the mold 80 is clamped to form a cavity 80a between each of the first mold 81, the second mold 85, the third mold 88, and the fourth mold 89.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6(b) and 7(b), in the molding process, the second mold 85 is fitted to each second molding portion 83, and the third mold 88 is fitted to each second molding portion 84, and molten resin R is injected into the cavity 80a in the mold 80.

[0061] Thereafter, the mold 80 is cooled, thereby solidifying the resin R in the cavity 80a, thereby forming the case 20. After molding, the case 20 is removed from the mold 80, which has been opened.

[0062] 6(b), in the molding process, two inlet-side communicating sections 35 having the same shape and size of their internal spaces are molded by each second molding section 83. In other words, in the molding process, an inlet-side communicating section 35 that communicates the internal space of the first tapered section 33 with the internal space of the storage section 21A is molded, and an inlet-side communicating section 35 that communicates the internal space of the second tapered section 34 with the internal space of the storage section 21B is molded.

[0063] 7(b), in the molding process, two outlet-side communicating sections 39 having the same shape and size of the internal space are molded by each second molding section 84. In other words, in the molding process, two outlet-side communicating sections 39 that respectively communicate the internal space of the outflow pipe 36 with the internal spaces of the storage sections 21A and 21B are molded.

[0064] <Operation of this embodiment> The second tapered portion 34 of the inflow pipe 30 is connected to the accommodation portion 21B via the inflow-side connecting portion 35. The degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe 30 is greater in the second tapered portion 34 than in the first tapered portion 33. Therefore, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing through the inflow pipe 30 is lower in the second tapered portion 34 than in the first tapered portion 33. This reduces the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the accommodation portion 21B compared to a case in which the inflow pipe 30 does not have the second tapered portion 34, for example, when the inflow pipe 30 has only the first tapered portion 33. Therefore, by adjusting the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe 30 at the second tapered portion 34, the flow rates of the cooling water flowing into the two accommodation portions 21 can be more easily equalized.

[0065] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The inflow pipe 30 has two inflow-side communicating portions 35, a first tapered portion 33, and a second tapered portion 34. The second tapered portion 34 communicates with the storage portion 21B via the inflow-side communicating portions 35.

[0066] According to the above configuration, the decrease in the ion exchange efficiency in the ion exchanger 10 can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, when the inflow pipe 30 is molded by injection molding, the first tapered portion 33 and the second tapered portion 34 function as a draft gradient of the second mold 85. This improves the releasability of the second mold 85.

[0067] (2) The first tapered portion 33 communicates with the accommodation portion 21A via the inlet-side communication portion . When molding the inflow pipe 30 by injection molding, a cylindrical second mold 85 is required to mold the inner surface of the inflow pipe 30. Here, for example, if the second tapered portion 34 communicates with two or more housing portions 21, including the housing portion 21B, the proportion of the second tapered portion 34 in the entire inflow pipe 30 increases. Therefore, compared to when the inflow pipe 30 does not have the second tapered portion 34, the proportion of the portion of the second mold 85 that molds the inner surface of the second tapered portion 34, i.e., the proportion of the second tapered molding portion 87, increases, resulting in a larger area of ​​small cross-sectional area in the second mold 85. As a result, the strength of the second mold 85 may be insufficient, and the second mold 85 may be deformed by the injection pressure of the resin R. In this case, the moldability of the case 20 of the ion exchanger 10 may be reduced.

[0068] In this regard, according to the above configuration, the second tapered portion 34 communicates with the storage portion 21B, and the first tapered portion 33 communicates with the storage portion 21A. This reduces the proportion of the second tapered portion 34 in the entire inflow pipe 30. This prevents the strength of the second die 85 from becoming insufficient. This makes it possible to simultaneously prevent a decrease in the ion exchange efficiency of the ion exchanger 10 and a decrease in the formability of the case 20 of the ion exchanger 10.

[0069] (3) The thickness of the portion of each bottom wall 22 that constitutes the peripheral wall 31 of the inlet pipe 30 is constant. According to the above configuration, the thickness of the portion of the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30 that is formed by each bottom wall 22 is constant. Therefore, when the inflow pipe 30 is molded by injection molding, the occurrence of sink marks due to variations in the thickness of the peripheral wall 31 of the inflow pipe 30 can be suppressed.

[0070] (4) The shape and size of the internal spaces of the two inlet-side communicating portions 35 are identical to each other. According to the above configuration, the difference in flow rate of the cooling water flowing from the inlet pipe 30 into the two accommodation portions 21 tends to depend on the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe 30 in the second tapered portion 34. As a result, by adjusting the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe 30 in the second tapered portion 34, it becomes easier to adjust the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the two accommodation portions 21.

[0071] (5) The internal space of each inlet-side communicating portion 35 is expanded radially outward beyond the internal spaces of the first tapered portion 33 and the second tapered portion 34 . According to the above configuration, when the housing portions 21 and the inflow pipe 30 are integrally molded by injection molding, the second molded portion 83, which molds the inner surface of the inflow-side communicating portion 35, is larger in the radial direction of the inflow pipe 30 than the second mold 85, which molds the inner surface of the inflow pipe 30. Therefore, the second molded portion 83 can be provided in the two first molded portions 82, which mold the inner surfaces of the two housing portions 21, respectively. Furthermore, each second molded portion 83 can be provided with a fitting hole 83a or a fitting recess 83b into which the second mold 85 fits. By performing injection molding with the second mold 85 fitted to each second molded portion 83, deformation of the second mold 85 due to the pressure of the resin R during injection molding can be suppressed. This suppresses deterioration in moldability of the case 20 of the ion exchanger 10.

[0072] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0073] The internal space of each inlet-side communicating portion 35 does not have to be expanded radially outward beyond the internal spaces of the first tapered portion 33 and the second tapered portion 34. The inlet-side communicating portion 35 may be, for example, a through-hole that penetrates the peripheral wall 31 of the inlet pipe 30 in the radial direction.

[0074] The shapes and sizes of the internal spaces of the plurality of inlet-side communication portions 35 may be different from one another. The thickness of the portion of each bottom wall 22 that constitutes the peripheral wall 31 of the inlet pipe 30 does not have to be uniform.

[0075] The internal space of the inflow pipe 30 and the internal space of each storage section 21 do not have to be separated by the bottom wall 22. In this case, for example, the inflow pipe 30 may have a main flow path having a first tapered section 33 and a second tapered section 34, and a plurality of branch flow paths branching from the main flow path and opening on the bottom walls 22 of the two storage sections 21. In this modified example, the branch flow paths correspond to the "communication section."

[0076] The second tapered portion 34 may be connected via the inlet-side connecting portion 35 to each of two or more storage portions 21, including the storage portion 21B located most downstream in the flow direction. The ion exchanger 10 may include three or more storage sections 21 arranged in parallel and three or more cartridges 40 housed in each of these storage sections 21. In this case, for example, it is preferable that the second tapered section 34 communicates with the storage section 21 located most downstream in the flow direction, and the first tapered section 33 communicates with each of the other storage sections 21.

[0077] The first tapered section 33 and the second tapered section 34 do not have to be continuous. For example, another tapered section may be provided between the first tapered section 33 and the second tapered section 34. Also, a straight section extending linearly along the central axis of the inflow pipe 30 may be provided between the first tapered section 33 and the second tapered section 34. When another tapered section is provided between the first tapered section 33 and the second tapered section 34, it is preferable that the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inflow pipe 30 is greater toward the downstream side of the tapered section. Furthermore, when three or more storage sections 21 are present, it is preferable that all of the storage sections 21 are connected to different tapered sections.

[0078] The ion exchanger 10 is not limited to applications in the cooling circuit C of a fuel cell, but can also be applied to various devices that require ion exchange of cooling water. <Additional Notes> The above embodiment includes the configurations described in the following supplementary notes.

[0079] and an inlet pipe extending in a direction parallel to the plurality of storage sections and introducing cooling water into the plurality of storage sections, wherein, when the flow direction of the cooling water flowing through the inlet pipe is simply defined as the flow direction, each of the storage sections has a bottom wall, and the inlet pipe has a plurality of communication sections that open into each of the bottom walls and communicate between an internal space of the inlet pipe and an internal space of each of the storage sections in a radial direction of the inlet pipe, a first tapered section whose flow path cross-sectional area decreases toward a downstream portion in the flow direction, and a second tapered section provided downstream of the first tapered section and whose flow path cross-sectional area decreases toward a downstream portion, wherein the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe at the second tapered section is greater than the degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe at the first tapered section, and the second tapered section is in communication with the storage section that is most downstream in the flow direction among the plurality of storage sections via the communication section.

[0080] [Appendix 2] The ion exchanger according to [Appendix 1], wherein the first tapered section is connected via the communication section to a storage section that is upstream of the most downstream storage section in the flow direction among the plurality of storage sections.

[0081] [Appendix 3] An ion exchanger according to [Appendix 1] or [Appendix 2], wherein the internal space of the inlet pipe and the internal space of each of the storage sections are separated by each of the bottom walls, and the thickness of the portion of each of the bottom walls that constitutes the peripheral wall of the inlet pipe is constant.

[0082] [Appendix 4] An ion exchanger according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 3], wherein the internal space of the inlet pipe and each of the internal spaces of the storage section are separated by each of the bottom walls, and the internal spaces of the plurality of communication sections have the same shape and size.

[0083] [Appendix 5] An ion exchanger according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 4], wherein the internal space of each of the communication sections is expanded radially outward more than the internal spaces of the first tapered section and the second tapered section. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] C…Cooling circuit R…Resin 10...Ion exchanger 20…case 21, 21A, 21B... Housing section 22...Bottom wall 23...peripheral wall 24...Protruding part 25...insertion slot 26...Female thread 27...Connection part 30…Inflow pipe 31...peripheral wall 32...First connection port 33...First tapered section 34...Second tapered section 35…Inflow side communication part 36...Outflow pipe 37...peripheral wall 38...Second connection port 39...Outflow side communication part 40...Cartridge 41...Cap 42...Top wall 43...peripheral wall 44...Male thread 45...Flow path member 46...Pipe section 47...Ring section 48...First support part 50...Cover member 51...Inner annular part 52...Outer annular part 53…Second support part 60...Ion exchange resin 71...1st seal ring 72...Second seal ring 73...Third seal ring 74...4th seal ring 80...Mold 80a...cavity 81…Type 1 82...First molding section 82a…molding surface 83…Second molding section 83a...Fitting hole 83b...Mating recess 84...Second molding section 84a...Mating recess 84b…Fitting hole 85…2nd type 86...First tapered forming section 87...Second tapered forming section 88…3rd type 89...4th type

Claims

1. A plurality of storage units arranged in parallel; A plurality of ion exchange resins respectively accommodated in the plurality of accommodation sections; an inlet pipe extending in a direction parallel to the plurality of storage units and for introducing cooling water into the plurality of storage units, When the flow direction of the cooling water flowing through the inlet pipe is simply defined as the flow direction, Each of the receptacles has a bottom wall; The inlet pipe is a plurality of communication portions that open to the bottom walls and communicate an internal space of the inlet pipe with an internal space of each of the storage portions in a radial direction of the inlet pipe; a first tapered portion in which a flow path cross-sectional area decreases toward a downstream side in the flow direction; a second tapered portion provided downstream of the first tapered portion, the second tapered portion having a flow path cross-sectional area that decreases toward the downstream side, a degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe at the second tapered portion is greater than a degree of reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet pipe at the first tapered portion, the second tapered portion is in communication with the storage portion that is located most downstream in the flow direction among the plurality of storage portions via the communication portion; Ion exchanger.

2. the first tapered portion is in communication with the storage portion, among the plurality of storage portions, that is located upstream in the flow direction relative to the storage portion located most downstream, via the communication portion; 2. The ion exchanger of claim 1.

3. an internal space of the inlet pipe and an internal space of each of the storage portions are separated by each of the bottom walls; The thickness of a portion of each of the bottom walls that constitutes a peripheral wall of the inlet pipe is constant.

2. The ion exchanger of claim 1.

4. the internal space of the inlet pipe and each of the internal spaces of the storage portion are separated by each of the bottom walls, The shapes and sizes of the internal spaces of the plurality of communication portions are identical to each other.

2. The ion exchanger of claim 1.

5. an internal space of each of the communication portions is expanded radially outward relative to the internal spaces of the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion; 2. The ion exchanger of claim 1.

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