Heat exchanger

Abstract

The heat exchanger can improve the accuracy of the positional relationship between the components of the heat exchanger.SOLUTION: The heat exchanger 20 includes the heat exchange plate 30 having a plate shape and including the flow passage FP through which the heat medium flows, the first opening 43 connected to the upstream end of the flow passage FP, and the second opening 44 connected to the downstream end of the flow passage FP, the supply pipe 51 that supplies the heat medium to the flow passage FP, the discharge pipe 52 that discharges the heat medium from the flow passage FP, and the adapter 60 that is joined to the heat exchange plate 30, connects the supply pipe 51 to the first opening 43, and connects the discharge pipe 52 to the second opening 44. The first opening 43 and the second opening 44 are open in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchange plate 30. The adaptor 60 has locking parts 64a, 64b locked to at least one of the first opening 43 and the second opening 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle including a battery and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the battery. The heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger plate having a flow path formed therein, a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe connected to the flow path of the heat exchanger plate, and an adapter that fixes the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe to the heat exchanger plate. In the heat exchanger, a fluid supplied to the first connecting pipe flows through the flow path of the heat exchanger plate. The fluid that has flowed through the flow path of the heat exchanger plate is then discharged from the second connecting pipe. By circulating the fluid through the heat exchanger in this manner, the battery in contact with the heat exchanger plate is adjusted to an appropriate temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 4138176 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the heat exchanger described above, if the adapter is joined to the heat exchanger plate in a position that is displaced from its original position, the positional relationship between the first and second connecting pipes and the heat exchanger plate will no longer be the original positional relationship. In this regard, in order to manufacture the heat exchanger with precision, it is important to join the adapter to the heat exchanger plate with precision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A heat exchanger that solves the above problem comprises a plate-shaped heat exchange plate having a flow path through which a heat medium flows, a first opening connected to the upstream end of the flow path, and a second opening connected to the downstream end of the flow path; a supply pipe that supplies the heat medium to the flow path through the first opening; a discharge pipe that discharges the heat medium from the flow path through the second opening; and an adapter joined to the heat exchange plate and connecting the supply pipe to the first opening and the discharge pipe to the second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening open in the thickness direction of the heat exchange plate, and the adapter has a locking portion that locks onto at least one of the first opening and the second opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The heat exchanger may provide increased positional accuracy between components of the heat exchanger. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchange system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger of the heat exchange system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting pipe and an adapter of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting pipe and an adapter of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a partial side view of the heat exchanger of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the heat exchanger will be described below. <Configuration of the first embodiment> As shown in Fig. 1, a heat exchange system 10 is a device for adjusting the temperature of a heat exchange object 100 to an appropriate temperature by cooling or heating the heat exchange object 100. In the first embodiment, the heat exchange object 100 is a plurality of batteries mounted on an electric vehicle. More specifically, the batteries are cylindrical cells.

[0009] 1, the heat exchange system 10 includes a plurality of heat exchangers 20 and a plurality of pipes 90. Although not shown, the heat exchange system 10 also includes a pump that circulates a heat medium and a temperature control unit that adjusts the temperature of the heat medium. The heat medium is a liquid such as oil or water used for cooling and heating a heat exchange target 100. In another embodiment, the heat medium may be a gas such as air.

[0010] <Heat exchanger 20> 1, the heat exchanger 20 has an elongated configuration. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger 20 is referred to as a first direction D1, a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 is referred to as a second direction D2, and a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is referred to as a third direction D3. In the first embodiment, the third direction D3 is the direction in which the multiple heat exchangers 20 in the heat exchange system 10 are lined up.

[0011] 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 20 includes a heat exchange plate 30, a plurality of connecting pipes 50, two adapters 60, and a cap 70. In the first embodiment, the components of the heat exchanger 20 are made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

[0012] <Heat exchange plate 30> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat exchanger plate 30 constitutes the majority of the heat exchanger 20. The heat exchanger plate 30 is a long rectangular plate. The thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30 is the third direction D3. When the heat exchanger plate 30 is viewed from the thickness direction, the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger plate 30 is the first direction D1, and the short side direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "width direction") of the heat exchanger plate 30 is the second direction D2. The heat exchanger plate 30 is formed, for example, by additionally processing an extruded metal material. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchanger plate 30 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is approximately constant in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the heat exchanger plate 30 has multiple flow paths FP. The heat exchanger plate 30 also has two main walls 31, 32, two side walls 33, 34, and multiple partition walls 35-37. In the heat exchanger plate 30, the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the multiple partition walls 35-37 form a connection section 30A, a heat exchange section 30B, a sealing section 30C, and an inverted section 30D. In the following description, one end of the heat exchanger plate 30 in the longitudinal direction will be referred to as a first end, and the other end of the heat exchanger plate 30 in the longitudinal direction will be referred to as a second end. The first end is the end opposite the second end.

[0014] <Flow path FP> 3 and 4, the multiple flow paths FP include multiple first flow paths FP1 that form upstream portions of the multiple flow paths FP, and multiple second flow paths FP2 that form downstream portions of the multiple flow paths FP. The multiple first flow paths FP1 and the multiple second flow paths FP2 are aligned in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. Specifically, the multiple first flow paths FP1 are aligned closer to one side in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30, and the multiple second flow paths FP2 are aligned closer to the other side in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. In this respect, the first flow paths FP1 and the second flow paths FP2 are not aligned alternately in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0015] The direction in which the heat medium flows through the first flow paths FP1 is opposite to the direction in which the heat medium flows through the second flow paths FP2. Furthermore, the upstream ends of the first flow paths FP1 and the downstream ends of the second flow paths FP2 are located at a first end of the heat exchanger plate 30. On the other hand, the downstream ends of the first flow paths FP1 and the upstream ends of the second flow paths FP2 are located at a second end of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0016] In the first embodiment, the total number of first flow paths FP1 is equal to the total number of second flow paths FP2, but in other embodiments, the total number of first flow paths FP1 may be different from the total number of second flow paths FP2. The cross-sectional shape of the flow paths FP may be rectangular or circular. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of the flow paths FP do not have to be uniform across the multiple flow paths FP.

[0017] <Main walls 31, 32, side walls 33, 34, and partition walls 35 to 37> 3 and 4, the two main walls 31, 32 are rectangular plates. The thickness direction of the two main walls 31, 32 is the third direction D3. The two main walls 31, 32 face each other with a certain gap between them in the third direction D3. In this way, the two main walls 31, 32 cover the multiple flow paths FP from both sides in the thickness direction.

[0018] The two side walls 33, 34 are semi-cylindrical. The two side walls 33, 34 extend in the first direction D1. The two side walls 33, 34 face each other with a fixed gap in the second direction D2. The side wall 33 connects one end of the two main walls 31, 32 in the width direction, and the side wall 34 connects the other end of the two main walls 31, 32 in the width direction. In this way, the two side walls 33, 34 cover the multiple flow paths FP from both sides in the width direction. In this respect, it can be said that the multiple first flow paths FP1 are lined up from one side wall 34 to the other side wall 33. It can also be said that the multiple second flow paths FP2 are lined up from the other side wall 33 to one side wall 34.

[0019] The partition walls 35-37 are rectangular plates. The thickness direction of the partition walls 35-37 is the second direction D2. The partition walls 35-37 connect the two main walls 31, 32 in the third direction D3. Thus, the partition walls 35-37, together with the two main walls 31, 32 and the two side walls 33, 34, define the flow paths FP. The partition walls 35-37 include a plurality of first partition walls 35 that define the first flow paths FP1, a plurality of second partition walls 36 that define the second flow paths FP2, and a central partition wall 37 that defines the first flow paths FP1 and the second flow paths FP2 that are adjacent in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. In the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30, the central partition wall 37 is located at the center of the first partition walls 35 and the second partition walls 36.

[0020] <Connection part 30A> 3, the connection portion 30A is a portion of the heat exchanger plate 30 that supplies the heat medium to the first flow path FP1 and discharges the heat medium from the second flow path FP2. The connection portion 30A has a first through hole 41 and a second through hole 42 that penetrate the connection portion 30A in the plate thickness direction. The first through hole 41 and the second through hole 42 are aligned at intervals in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The first through hole 41 and the second through hole 42 have an oval shape when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0021] The first through holes 41 and the second through holes 42 penetrate the two main walls 31, 32 and the plurality of partition walls 35, 36. More specifically, the first through holes 41 are formed by removing portions of the plurality of first partition walls 35, so that all of the first flow paths FP1 are connected to the first through holes 41. On the other hand, the second through holes 42 are formed by removing portions of the plurality of second partition walls 36, so that all of the second flow paths FP2 are connected to the second through holes 42. However, the first through holes 41 and the second through holes 42 are provided so as to avoid the central partition wall 37. Therefore, the first flow paths FP1 and the second flow paths FP2 adjacent to each other in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30 are not connected to each other.

[0022] In the following description, an opening formed by the first through-hole 41 penetrating the main walls 31, 32 will be referred to as a "first opening 43," and an opening formed by the second through-hole 42 penetrating the main walls 31, 32 will be referred to as a "second opening 44." The first opening 43 and the second opening 44 are open in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The first opening 43 and the second opening 44 are positioned with an interval in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The first opening 43 is connected to the upstream ends of a plurality of first flow paths FP1, which are the upstream ends of the plurality of flow paths FP. The second opening 44 is connected to the downstream ends of a plurality of second flow paths FP2, which are the downstream ends of the plurality of flow paths FP.

[0023] The first opening 43 and the second opening 44 include two arc portions 45, 46 and two linear portions 47, 48. One arc portion 45 connects one ends of the two linear portions 47, 48 together, and the other arc portion 46 connects the other ends of the two linear portions 47, 48 together.

[0024] <Heat exchange section 30B> 1 and 2, the heat exchange section 30B is a section that heats or cools the heat exchange target 100 while in contact with the heat exchange target 100. The heat exchange section 30B is located between the connection section 30A and the inverted section 30D in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30. Since the heat exchange target 100 in the first embodiment is a plurality of cylindrical cells, the portions of the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the plurality of partition walls 35 to 37 that constitute the heat exchange section 30B are curved in an accordion-like manner. In other words, the portions of the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the plurality of partition walls 35 to 37 that constitute the heat exchange section 30B are curved in a corrugated plate-like manner.

[0025] <Sealing part 30C> As shown in Fig. 2, the sealing portion 30C constitutes a first end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30. The sealing portion 30C is a portion that seals the first end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30 so that the heat medium does not leak from the first end portion. In the sealing portion 30C, the two main walls 31, 32 that constitute the sealing portion 30C are welded in a tightly adhered state. At this time, the portions of the multiple partition walls 35 to 37 that constitute the sealing portion 30C are removed so that the two main walls 31, 32 are tightly adhered to each other.

[0026] <Reversing section 30D> 2, the reversing portion 30D constitutes a second end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30. The reversing portion 30D is a portion for connecting the downstream ends of the plurality of first flow paths FP1 and the upstream ends of the plurality of second flow paths FP2.

[0027] <Method of manufacturing the heat exchange plate 30> The manufacturing method of the heat exchanger plate 30 includes an extrusion step, a cutting step, a sealing step, and a pressing step.

[0028] The extrusion process is a process of extruding a metal material to form a first intermediate product that is long and has a uniform cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction. By performing the extrusion process, two main walls 31, 32, two side walls 33, 34, and a plurality of partition walls 35-37 are formed in the first intermediate product. In other words, a plurality of flow paths FP are formed in the first intermediate product. The cutting process is a process subsequent to the extrusion process. The cutting process is a process of cutting the first intermediate product into second intermediate products of a predetermined length. The sealing process is a process subsequent to the cutting process. The sealing process is a process of sealing a first end portion in the longitudinal direction of the second intermediate product. The pressing process is a process subsequent to the sealing process. The pressing process is a process of pressing a third intermediate product to form a connection portion 30A and a heat exchange portion 30B in the third intermediate product. That is, the pressing step is a step of forming the first through holes 41 and the second through holes 42 in the portion of the third intermediate product that will become the connection portion 30A, and a step of curving the portion of the third intermediate product that will become the heat exchange portion 30B into a corrugated shape. By performing the pressing step, the third intermediate product becomes the heat exchange plate 30.

[0029] <Connecting pipe 50> As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the multiple connecting pipes 50 include a supply pipe 51, a discharge pipe 52, a first branch pipe 53, and a second branch pipe 54. The supply pipe 51 is cylindrical. The supply pipe 51 has a small-diameter portion 50a having a small outer diameter, a large-diameter portion 50b having a large outer diameter, and an intermediate portion 50c connecting the small-diameter portion 50a and the large-diameter portion 50b. The inner and outer diameters of the intermediate portion 50c gradually increase in the axial direction of the supply pipe 51 from the small-diameter portion 50a toward the large-diameter portion 50b. The supply pipe 51 is formed, for example, by drawing a metal pipe. In the first embodiment, the discharge pipe 52, the first branch pipe 53, and the second branch pipe 54 have the same shape as the supply pipe 51. That is, the discharge pipe 52, the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 each have a small diameter portion 50a, a large diameter portion 50b and an intermediate portion 50c.

[0030] <Adapter 60> 2, one adapter 60 is configured to connect the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 to the heat exchanger plate 30, and the other adapter 60 is configured to connect the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 to the heat exchanger plate 30. In the following description, when distinguishing between the two adapters 60, the one adapter 60 will be referred to as the "first adapter 60" and the other adapter 60 will be referred to as the "second adapter 60."

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the adapter 60 has a base panel 61, a first cylindrical portion 62, a second cylindrical portion 63, and a plurality of locking portions 64. The base panel 61 has a rectangular plate shape. The first tubular portion 62 and the second tubular portion 63 have a cylindrical shape. The first tubular portion 62 and the second tubular portion 63 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the base panel 61. The axial direction of the first tubular portion 62 and the axial direction of the second tubular portion 63 coincide with the plate thickness direction of the base panel 61. The adapter 60 is formed, for example, by burring a metal plate. Therefore, holes are formed in the portions of the base panel 61 where the first tubular portion 62 and the second tubular portion 63 are provided. In other words, the base panel 61 has a portion that extends outward in the radial direction of the first tubular portion 62 from the base end of the first tubular portion 62 and a portion that extends outward in the radial direction of the second tubular portion 63 from the base end of the second tubular portion 63. In this respect, the base panel 61 can be said to have a "first flange" and a "second flange." Furthermore, in the base panel 61, the "first flange" and the "second flange" can be said to be integrated.

[0032] In the first embodiment, the total number of locking portions 64 is four. The four locking portions 64 are provided on the surface of the base panel 61 opposite to the surface on which the first tubular portion 62 and the second tubular portion 63 are provided. The four locking portions 64 are protrusions protruding from the base panel 61. The protruding direction of the four locking portions 64 relative to the base panel 61 is opposite to the protruding direction of the first tubular portion 62 and the second tubular portion 63 relative to the base panel 61. The four locking portions 64 include two first locking portions 64a and two second locking portions 64b. The two first locking portions 64a and the two second locking portions 64b are positioned at an interval in the longitudinal direction of the base panel 61. The two first locking portions 64a are positioned at an interval in the lateral direction of the base panel 61. Similarly, the two second locking portions 64b are positioned at an interval in the short-side direction of the base panel 61.

[0033] <Cap 70> 2, the cap 70 is configured to seal the inverted portion 30D of the heat exchanger plate 30. The cap 70 may be configured from a single member, or may be configured from two or more members. The cap 70 is configured so that the second end of the heat exchanger plate 30 can be inserted therein.

[0034] <Engagement Relationships of Components of Heat Exchanger 20> The engagement relationship of the components of the heat exchanger 20 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 7 to 9. For ease of explanation, some components are not shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, a supply pipe 51 and a discharge pipe 52 are joined to the first adapter 60, and a first branch pipe 53 and a second branch pipe 54 are joined to the second adapter 60. 7 , the small diameter portion 50a of the supply pipe 51 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60, and the first cylindrical portion 62 and the small diameter portion 50a of the supply pipe 51 are joined together. Furthermore, the small diameter portion 50a of the discharge pipe 52 is inserted into the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60, and the second cylindrical portion 63 and the small diameter portion 50a of the discharge pipe 52 are joined together. In this way, the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60 holds the supply pipe 51, and the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60 holds the discharge pipe 52.

[0036] Similarly, with the small diameter portion 50a of the first branch pipe 53 inserted into the first cylindrical portion 62 of the second adapter 60, the first cylindrical portion 62 and the small diameter portion 50a of the first branch pipe 53 are joined together. Also, with the small diameter portion 50a of the second branch pipe 54 inserted into the second cylindrical portion 63 of the second adapter 60, the second cylindrical portion 63 and the small diameter portion 50a of the second branch pipe 54 are joined together. In this way, the first cylindrical portion 62 of the second adapter 60 holds the first branch pipe 53, and the second cylindrical portion 63 of the second adapter 60 holds the second branch pipe 54.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2, 7 and 8, a first adapter 60 is joined to one of the main walls 31 constituting the connection portion 30A of the heat exchange plate 30, and a second adapter 60 is joined to the other main wall 32 constituting the connection portion 30A.

[0038] 8 , the first adapter 60, to which the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 are joined, is joined to one of the main walls 31 so as to cover the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 of the main wall 31. At this time, the first adapter 60 connects the supply pipe 51 to the first through hole 41 and connects the discharge pipe 52 to the second through hole 42. In this way, the supply pipe 51 and the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60 can supply the heat medium to the flow path FP through the first opening 43 of the heat exchanger plate 30. In addition, the discharge pipe 52 and the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60 can discharge the heat medium from the flow path FP through the second opening 44 of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0039] The second adapter 60, to which the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 are joined, is joined to the other main wall 32 so as to cover the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 of the other main wall 32. At this time, the second adapter 60 connects the first branch pipe 53 to the first through hole 41 and connects the second branch pipe 54 to the second through hole 42. Furthermore, when the two adapters 60 are joined to the heat exchanger plate 30, the axis of the supply pipe 51 coincides with the axis of the first branch pipe 53, and the axis of the discharge pipe 52 coincides with the axis of the second branch pipe 54.

[0040] The manner in which the first adapter 60 is joined to the main wall 31 is the same as the manner in which the second adapter 60 is joined to the main wall 32, so the following description will focus only on the manner in which the first adapter 60 is joined to the main wall 31.

[0041] The multiple locking portions 64 of the first adapter 60 are locked to the first opening 43 of the first through hole 41 and the second opening 44 of the second through hole 42. More specifically, the two first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60 are locked to the arc portions 45 of the first opening 43 of the main wall 31. Furthermore, the two second locking portions 64b of the first adapter 60 are locked to the arc portions 45 of the second opening 44 of the main wall 31. As a result, movement of the first adapter 60 in a direction perpendicular to the third direction D3 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30 is restricted. In other words, the first adapter 60 is positioned relative to the heat exchanger plate 30 in the direction perpendicular to the third direction D3.

[0042] The base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 is joined in surface contact with the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30. That is, the contact area between the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 and the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30, in other words, the joining area between the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 and the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30, is relatively wide. Furthermore, by joining the first adapter 60 to the heat exchanger plate 30, leakage of the heat medium from a gap between the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 and the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30 is suppressed.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 9, the reversing portion 30D of the heat exchanger plate 30 is joined to the cap 70 while inserted into the cap 70. The first flow paths FP1 of the heat exchanger plate 30 are connected to the second flow paths FP2 of the heat exchanger plate 30 via the internal space SP of the cap 70. In this way, the flow direction of the heat medium can be reversed at the second end of the heat exchanger plate 30, as shown by the thick arrow in Fig. 9.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the components of the heat exchanger 20 are joined by brazing. In other embodiments, the components of the heat exchanger 20 may be joined by other methods such as welding or adhesive bonding, as long as leakage of the heat medium through gaps between the components of the heat exchanger 20 can be prevented. Note that the components of the heat exchanger 20 may be formed by processing a clad plate in which an aluminum plate is coated with a brazing material. This reduces the number of steps required for brazing.

[0045] <Pipe 90> As shown in FIG. 1 , multiple pipes 90 connect two heat exchangers 20 arranged adjacent to each other. The pipes 90 include multiple first pipes 91 and multiple second pipes 92. The number of first pipes 91 and the number of second pipes 92 vary depending on the total number of heat exchangers 20 constituting the heat exchange system 10. The first pipe 91 connects the supply pipe 51 of one of the two adjacent heat exchangers 20 to the first branch pipe 53 of the other. On the other hand, the second pipe 92 connects the discharge pipe 52 of one of the two adjacent heat exchangers 20 to the second branch pipe 54 of the other. The pipes 90 may be a hose having appropriate elasticity or a rigid pipe.

[0046] <Operation of the First Embodiment> 1 , when adjusting the temperature of the heat exchange target 100, the heat exchange system 10 circulates a heat medium among a plurality of heat exchangers 20. The first pipe 91 corresponds to the outward path of the heat medium circulating through the heat exchange system 10, and the second pipe 92 corresponds to the return path of the heat medium circulating through the heat exchange system 10. In other words, the amount of heat medium flowing into the first flow path FP1 of the heat exchanger 20 is the amount of heat medium supplied to the supply pipe 51 of the heat exchanger 20 minus the amount of heat medium discharged from the first branch pipe 53 of the heat exchanger 20. On the other hand, the amount of heat medium flowing out from the second flow path FP2 of the heat exchanger 20 is the amount of heat medium discharged from the discharge pipe 52 of the heat exchanger 20 minus the amount of heat medium supplied to the second branch pipe 54 of the heat exchanger 20.

[0047] Furthermore, when the heat exchange system 10 cools the heat exchange target 100, it adjusts the temperature of the circulating heat medium to a temperature lower than the temperature of the heat exchange target 100. On the other hand, when the heat exchange system 10 heats the heat exchange target 100, it adjusts the temperature of the heat medium circulating through the heat exchange system 10 to a temperature higher than the temperature of the heat exchange target 100.

[0048] The heat exchanger 20 is supplied with a heat medium from a first pipe 91 connected to a supply pipe 51. The heat medium circulating through the heat exchanger 20 flows sequentially through a first flow path FP1, the internal space SP of the cap 70, and a second flow path FP2. That is, the heat medium flows through a heat exchange section 30B of the heat exchanger 20. In this way, the heat medium cools or heats the heat exchange target 100. The heat medium that reaches the downstream end of the second flow path FP2 is discharged from a second pipe 92 connected to a discharge pipe 52.

[0049] <Effects of the first embodiment> (1) As shown in FIG. 8 , the multiple locking portions 64 of the first adapter 60 are locked to the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 of the heat exchanger plate 30. In this way, the first adapter 60 is joined to the heat exchanger plate 30 while being positioned relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. The supply pipe 51 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60, and the discharge pipe 52 is inserted into the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60. In this way, the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 are joined to the first adapter 60 while being positioned relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. Therefore, the heat exchanger 20 can improve the positional accuracy of the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. For the same reason, the heat exchanger 20 can improve the positional accuracy of the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. This improves the workability when installing the heat exchanger 20 on an object such as a vehicle.

[0050] (2) As shown in Fig. 8, the first adapter 60 has two first locking portions 64a that engage with the first openings 43 of the heat exchanger plate 30 and two second locking portions 64b that engage with the second openings 44 of the heat exchanger plate 30. Therefore, the first adapter 60 is less likely to move relative to the heat exchanger plate 30 than when the first adapter 60 has only the first locking portions 64a that engage with the first openings 43 or only the second locking portions 64b that engage with the second openings 44. This allows the heat exchanger 20 to further improve the positional accuracy of the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. For the same reason, the heat exchanger 20 allows further improve the positional accuracy of the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0051] (3) For example, consider a comparative example in which the two first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60 lock onto the linear portion of the first opening 43, and the two second locking portions 64b of the first adapter 60 lock onto the linear portion of the second opening 44. In this comparative example, the first adapter 60 may move along the linear portion of the first opening 43 or along the linear portion of the second opening 44. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 8 , in the heat exchanger 20 according to the first embodiment, the first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60 lock onto the arc portion 45 of the first opening 43, and the second locking portions 64b of the first adapter 60 lock onto the arc portion 45 of the second opening 44. This makes it more difficult for the first adapter 60 to move relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. In this way, the heat exchanger 20 can further improve the positional accuracy of the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. For the same reason, the heat exchanger 20 can further improve the positional accuracy of the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 relative to the heat exchange plate 30.

[0052] (4) As shown by the hollow arrows in FIG. 7 , when the piping 90 is connected to the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52, a load acts on the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52. This load is transmitted to the first adapter 60 to which the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 are joined. In the first embodiment, the first adapter 60 is joined in surface contact with the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30. Therefore, the load acting on the first adapter 60 is transmitted to a portion of the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30 that is joined to the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60. Furthermore, a plurality of partition walls 35 to 37 are connected to the main wall 31 to which the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 is joined. As described above, the heat exchanger 20 can bear the above-mentioned load in a distributed manner among the first adapter 60, the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30, and the plurality of partition walls 35 to 37. Similarly, the heat exchanger 20 can bear the load when connecting the piping 90 to the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 in a distributed manner among the second adapter 60, the main wall 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30, and the partition walls 35 to 37. Therefore, when the above-mentioned load is applied to the heat exchanger 20, deformation of the adapter 60 and deformation of the main walls 31, 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30 can be suppressed.

[0053] (5) As shown in FIG. 7 , the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 is joined to the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30, thereby increasing the joint area between the first adapter 60 and the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30. Similarly, the base panel 61 of the second adapter 60 is joined to the main wall 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30, thereby increasing the joint area between the second adapter 60 and the main wall 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30. Therefore, the heat exchanger 20 can more disperse and bear the load acting when connecting the piping 90 to the supply pipe 51, the discharge pipe 52, the first branch pipe 53, and the second branch pipe 54. As a result, when the above-mentioned load is applied to the heat exchanger 20, deformation of the adapter 60 and deformation of the main walls 31, 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0054] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the heat exchanger 20 will be described below. The heat exchanger 20X according to the second embodiment differs from the heat exchanger 20 according to the first embodiment in the way the heat medium flows through the heat exchanger 20X. Therefore, the following description will focus on the parts that differ from the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted.

[0055] <Configuration of the second embodiment> 10 and 11, the heat exchanger 20X includes a heat exchanger plate 30X, a plurality of connecting pipes 50, two first adapters 60X1, and two second adapters 60X2. The first adapter 60X1 in the second embodiment connects the supply pipe 51 to the heat exchanger plate 30X and the first branch pipe 53 to the heat exchanger plate 30X. Similarly, the second adapter 60X2 in the second embodiment connects the discharge pipe 52 to the heat exchanger plate 30X and the second branch pipe 54 to the heat exchanger plate 30X. In this respect, the meaning of "first and second" in "first adapter and second adapter" is slightly different from that in the first embodiment.

[0056] The heat exchanger plate 30X has a plurality of flow paths FP. The heat exchanger plate 30X also has two main walls 31, 32, two side walls 33, 34, and a plurality of partition walls 38. Furthermore, in the heat exchanger plate 30X, the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the plurality of partition walls 38 form a heat exchange section 30B, a first connecting section 30E, a second connecting section 30F, a first sealing section 30G, and a second sealing section 30H.

[0057] The multiple flow paths FP are aligned in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The upstream ends of the multiple flow paths FP are located at a first end of the heat exchanger plate 30X, and the downstream ends of the multiple flow paths FP are located at a second end of the heat exchanger plate 30X.

[0058] The first connecting portion 30E and the second connecting portion 30F are located on both sides of the heat exchange portion 30B in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The first connecting portion 30E and the second connecting portion 30F correspond to the connecting portion 30A in the first embodiment. The first connecting portion 30E has a first through hole 41X. The first through hole 41X penetrates the two main walls 31, 32 and the multiple partition walls 38 in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X. More specifically, the first through hole 41X removes a portion of the multiple partition walls 38, so that all of the flow paths FP are connected to the first through hole 41X. Similarly, the second connecting portion 30F has a second through hole 42X. The second through hole 42X penetrates the two main walls 31, 32 and the multiple partition walls 38 in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X. More specifically, all of the flow paths FP are connected to the second through holes 42X by removing parts of the partition walls 38. The first through holes 41X and the second through holes 42X have an oval shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X.

[0059] In the following description, an opening formed by the first through hole 41X penetrating the two main walls 31, 32 will be referred to as a "first opening 43X," and an opening formed by the second through hole 42X penetrating the two main walls 31, 32 will be referred to as a "second opening 44X." The first opening 43X is connected to the upstream ends of the multiple flow paths FP. The second opening 44X is connected to the downstream ends of the multiple flow paths FP. The first opening 43X and the second opening 44X include two arc portions 45, 46 that form an arc shape and two linear portions 47, 48 that form a straight line. The lengths of the linear portions 47, 48 in the second embodiment are longer than the lengths of the linear portions 47, 48 in the first embodiment.

[0060] The first sealing portion 30G and the second sealing portion 30H correspond to the sealing portion 30C in the first embodiment. The first sealing portion 30G seals the multiple flow paths FP at a first end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The second sealing portion 30H seals the multiple flow paths FP at a second end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30X.

[0061] The first adapter 60X1 has a base panel 61, a first cylindrical portion 62, and a plurality of first locking portions 64a. The first cylindrical portion 62 extends from the center of the base panel 61. The axial direction of the first cylindrical portion 62 coincides with the thickness direction of the base panel 61. In the second embodiment, the total number of first locking portions 64a is four. The four first locking portions 64a are provided on the surface of the base panel 61 opposite the surface on which the first cylindrical portion 62 is provided. Two of the four first locking portions 64a are provided at each end of the base panel 61 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, at each end of the base panel 61 in the longitudinal direction, the two first locking portions 64a are positioned spaced apart in the lateral direction of the base panel 61. The base panel 61 has a portion that extends radially from the base end of the first cylindrical portion 62. In this respect, the base panel 61 can be said to have a "first flange."

[0062] The second adapter 60X2 has a base panel 61, a second cylindrical portion 63, and a plurality of second locking portions 64b. The second cylindrical portion 63 extends from the center of the base panel 61. The axial direction of the second cylindrical portion 63 coincides with the thickness direction of the base panel 61. In the second embodiment, the total number of second locking portions 64b is four. The four second locking portions 64b are provided on the surface of the base panel 61 opposite the surface on which the second cylindrical portion 63 is provided. Two of the four second locking portions 64b are provided at each end of the base panel 61 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, at each end of the base panel 61 in the longitudinal direction, the two second locking portions 64b are positioned spaced apart in the lateral direction of the base panel 61. The base panel 61 has a portion that extends radially from the base end of the second cylindrical portion 63. In this respect, the base panel 61 can be said to have a "second flange."

[0063] <Engagement Relationships of Components of Heat Exchanger 20X> At a first end side in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger 20X, the supply pipe 51 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60X1, and the first cylindrical portion 62 and the supply pipe 51 are joined together. The first adapter 60X1 is joined to the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30X so as to cover the first opening 43X of the main wall 31. In this way, the supply pipe 51 and the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60X1 can supply the heat medium to the flow path FP via the first opening 43X of the heat exchanger plate 30X.

[0064] Furthermore, the multiple first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60X1 are locked to the first openings 43X of the first through-holes 41X. More specifically, the two first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60X1 are locked to the arc portions 45 of the first openings 43X, and the two first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60X1 are locked to the arc portions 46 of the first openings 43X. In this way, the first adapter 60X1 is positioned relative to the heat exchanger plate 30X. Furthermore, the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60X1 is joined to the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30 in face-to-face contact.

[0065] Although the description is omitted, the same applies to the joining relationship between the first adapter 60X1 to which the first branch pipe 53 is joined and the main wall 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30X. At a second end side in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger 20X, the discharge pipe 52 is inserted into the second cylindrical portion 63 of the second adapter 60X2, and the second cylindrical portion 63 and the discharge pipe 52 are joined together. The second adapter 60X2 is joined to the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30X so as to cover the second opening 44X of the main wall 31. In this way, the discharge pipe 52 and the second cylindrical portion 63 of the second adapter 60X2 can discharge the heat medium from the flow path FP through the second opening 44X of the heat exchanger plate 30X.

[0066] Furthermore, the multiple second locking portions 64b of the second adapter 60X2 are locked to the second openings 44X of the second through-holes 42X. More specifically, the two second locking portions 64b of the second adapter 60X2 are locked to the arc portions 45 of the second openings 44X, and the two second locking portions 64b of the second adapter 60X2 are locked to the arc portions 46 of the second openings 44X. In this way, the second adapter 60X2 is positioned relative to the heat exchanger plate 30X. Furthermore, the base panel 61 of the second adapter 60X2 is joined to the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30 in face-to-face contact.

[0067] Although the description will be omitted, the same applies to the joining relationship between the second adapter 60X2 to which the second branch pipe 54 is joined and the main wall 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30X. <Operation of the Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, when adjusting the temperature of the heat exchange target 100, a heat medium is circulated in the heat exchanger 20X, as in the first embodiment. That is, the heat exchanger 20X is supplied with the heat medium from a first pipe 91 connected to a supply pipe 51. The heat medium circulating in the heat exchanger 20X flows through multiple flow paths FP of the heat exchange plate 30X from the first end toward the second end. That is, the heat medium flows through the heat exchange section 30B of the heat exchanger 20X. In this way, the heat medium cools or heats the heat exchange target 100. The heat medium that reaches the downstream end of the flow path FP is discharged from a second pipe 92 connected to a discharge pipe 52.

[0068] <Effects of the second embodiment> In addition to the effects (1) to (5) of the first embodiment, the second embodiment can also achieve the following effects.

[0069] (6) The upstream end of the flow path FP is located at a first end of the heat exchanger plate 30X in the longitudinal direction, and the downstream end of the flow path FP is located at a second end of the heat exchanger plate 30X in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the heat exchanger plate 30X, the heat medium flows from the first end to the second end of the heat exchanger plate 30X. In other words, the structure of the flow path FP through which the heat medium flows is simplified, and the structure of the heat exchanger 20X is simplified.

[0070] (7) In the first adapter 60X1, the first cylindrical portion 62 is disposed in the center of the base panel 61. Therefore, the load acting when the piping 90 is connected to the first cylindrical portion 62 is easily transmitted to the base panel 61 without being biased toward one end of the base panel 61 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the heat exchanger 20X can prevent localized high stress from occurring in areas due to the load. The same applies to the second adapter 60X2.

[0071] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 20 can also be used alone. In this case, it is preferable that one of the two first openings 43 is blocked, and one of the two second openings 44 is blocked. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the shape of the locking portion 64 of the adapter 60 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first locking portion 64a of the adapter 60 may be annular so that it can be locked around the periphery of the first opening 43 of the heat exchanger plate 30. In this case, the number of first locking portions 64a may be one. Furthermore, the two first locking portions 64a of the adapter 60 may be connected to form an arc, and the two second locking portions 64b of the adapter 60 may be connected to form an arc. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the total number of the locking portions 64 of the adapter 60 can be changed as appropriate. The same applies to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the locking portion 64 of the adapter 60 may be a type that utilizes its own elasticity to lock onto the heat exchange plate 30, such as a so-called snap fit. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the adapter 60 may include only the multiple first locking portions 64a, or may include only the multiple second locking portions 64b. When the adapter 60 includes only the multiple first locking portions 64a, the multiple first locking portions 64a preferably include two or more first locking portions 64a that lock onto the arc portions 45 of the first openings 43 of the heat exchanger plate 30, and two or more first locking portions 64a that lock onto the arc portions 46 of the first openings 43 of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the first piping 91 may be directly connected to the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60, or may be directly connected to the first cylindrical portion 62 of the second adapter 60. Similarly, the second piping 92 may be directly connected to the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60, or may be directly connected to the second cylindrical portion 63 of the second adapter 60. In this case, it can also be said that the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60 is the "supply pipe" and the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60 is the "discharge pipe." In other words, the first adapter 60, the supply pipe 51, and the discharge pipe 52 may be integrally configured. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the supply pipe 51 of one of two heat exchangers 20 arranged adjacent to each other in the third direction D3 may be directly connected to the first branch pipe 53 of the other. Similarly, the discharge pipe 52 of one of two heat exchangers 20 arranged adjacent to each other in the third direction D3 may be directly connected to the second branch pipe 54 of the other. In this case, the piping 90 is not required.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 may have a portion that forms a keyway when viewed from the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. In this case, it is preferable that the locking portion 64 of the adapter 60 has a shape that corresponds to the portion that forms the keyway. This makes it possible to position the adapter 60 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30 even if the number of locking portions 64 of the adapter 60 is small. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the shape of the first through hole 41, i.e., the shape of the first opening 43, may be circular or rectangular. The shape of the second through hole 42, i.e., the shape of the second opening 44, may be circular or rectangular. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the components of the heat exchanger 20, excluding the heat exchange plate 30, may be made of a non-metallic material such as resin. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0081] The heat exchanger plate 30 of the first embodiment may be configured so that the first flow passages FP1 and the second flow passages FP2 are aligned in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The battery as the heat exchange target 100 may be rectangular or pouch-shaped. In the first embodiment, the heat exchange section 30B of the heat exchange plate 30 preferably has a shape corresponding to the heat exchange target 100. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0082] <Summary of this embodiment> The heat exchanger comprises a plate-shaped heat exchange plate having a flow path through which a heat medium flows, a first opening connected to the upstream end of the flow path, and a second opening connected to the downstream end of the flow path; a supply pipe that supplies the heat medium to the flow path through the first opening; a discharge pipe that discharges the heat medium from the flow path through the second opening; and an adapter joined to the heat exchange plate and connecting the supply pipe to the first opening and the discharge pipe to the second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening open in the thickness direction of the heat exchange plate, and the adapter has a locking portion that locks onto at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

[0083] In the heat exchanger, the locking portion of the adapter locks into at least one of the first opening and the second opening provided in the heat exchange plate, thereby positioning the adapter relative to the heat exchange plate, thereby improving the positional accuracy between the components of the heat exchanger.

[0084] In the heat exchanger, it is preferable that the first opening and the second opening are arranged in the heat exchange plate at an interval in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, and that the locking portion includes a first locking portion that locks onto the first opening and a second locking portion that locks onto the second opening.

[0085] In the heat exchanger, the adapter has a first locking portion that locks into the first opening and a second locking portion that locks into the second opening. This makes the adapter less likely to move relative to the heat exchange plate compared to when the adapter has only the first locking portion that locks into the first opening or only the second locking portion that locks into the second opening. This allows for even greater positional accuracy between the components of the heat exchanger.

[0086] In the heat exchanger, it is preferable that the first opening and the second opening include arc portions that form an arc shape when viewed from the plate thickness direction, that a plurality of the first locking portions and the second locking portions are provided, that the plurality of first locking portions lock onto the arc portions of the first opening, and that the plurality of second locking portions lock onto the arc portions of the second opening.

[0087] For example, consider a case where multiple first locking portions are locked onto the linear portion of the first opening, and multiple second locking portions are locked onto the linear portion of the second opening. In this case, there is a possibility that the multiple first locking portions may move along the linear portion of the first opening, and the multiple second locking portions may move along the linear portion of the second opening. In this regard, in the heat exchanger, the multiple first locking portions are locked onto the arc portion of the first opening, and the multiple second locking portions are locked onto the arc portion of the second opening. Therefore, the heat exchanger can make it more difficult for the adapter to move relative to the heat exchange plate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10...heat exchange system, 20, 20X...heat exchanger, 30, 30X...heat exchange plate, 31, 32...main wall, 33, 34...side wall, 35...first partition wall, 36...second partition wall, 37...central partition wall, 38...partition wall, 41, 41X...first through hole, 42, 42X...second through hole, 43, 43X...first opening, 44, 44X...second opening, 45, 46...arc portion, 51...supply Supply pipe, 52...discharge pipe, 53...first branch pipe, 54...second branch pipe, 60, 60X1, 60X2...adapter, 61...base panel (first flange and second flange), 62...first cylindrical portion, 63...second cylindrical portion, 64...locking portion, 64a...first locking portion, 64b...second locking portion, 100...heat exchange object, FP...flow path, FP1...first flow path, FP2...second flow path

Claims

1. a plate-shaped heat exchanger plate having a flow path through which a heat medium flows, a first opening connected to an upstream end of the flow path, and a second opening connected to a downstream end of the flow path; a supply pipe that supplies the heat medium to the flow path through the first opening; a discharge pipe that discharges the heat medium from the flow path through the second opening; an adapter joined to the heat exchange plate, the adapter connecting the supply pipe to the first opening and the discharge pipe to the second opening; The first opening and the second opening open in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchange plate, The adapter has a locking portion that locks into at least one of the first opening and the second opening. heat exchanger.

2. The first opening and the second opening are provided in the heat exchange plate at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, The locking portion includes a first locking portion that locks with the first opening and a second locking portion that locks with the second opening. The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

3. The first opening and the second opening include an arc portion that forms an arc shape when viewed from the plate thickness direction, The first locking portion and the second locking portion are provided in plurality, the plurality of first locking portions are locked to the arc portion of the first opening; The second locking portions are locked to the arc portion of the second opening.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 2.

Images