Heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger capable of connecting an adapter and a plurality of flow passages of a heat exchange plate with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger 20 includes a heat exchange plate 30 having a plurality of flow passages FP through which a heat medium flows, a supply pipe 51 for supplying the heat medium to the plurality of flow passages FP, a discharge pipe 52 for discharging the heat medium from the plurality of flow passages FP, and an adapter 60 for connecting the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 to the heat exchange plate 30. The adapter 60 has a covering part 71 joined to an end part in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30 in a state of inserting the end part. A portion of the heat exchange plate 30 that is inserted into the covering portion 71 is provided with a cutout 41,42 that allows the plurality of flow passages FP of the heat exchange plate 30 to communicate with each other inside the covering portion 71.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 equipped with a battery and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the battery. The heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger plate having multiple flow paths therein, a fluid coupling having flow path pipes corresponding to fluid inlets and outlets for the heat exchanger, and an adapter that connects the fluid coupling to the heat exchanger plate. The adapter has multiple branch flow paths that branch the fluid flowing through the flow path pipe into multiple flow paths in the heat exchanger plate. In the heat exchanger, fluid supplied to the flow path pipe of the fluid coupling flows through the multiple flow paths in the heat exchanger plate via the multiple branch flow paths in the adapter. The battery in contact with the heat exchanger plate is adjusted to an appropriate temperature by the fluid flowing through the multiple flow paths in the heat exchanger plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 108539319 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the heat exchanger described above, the branch flow passages of the adapter connect the flow passage pipes of the fluid coupling to the multiple flow passages of the heat exchanger plate. This tends to make the adapter configuration complex. In other words, it is desirable to be able to easily connect the flow passage pipes of the fluid coupling to the multiple flow passages of the heat exchanger plate in the heat exchanger described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A heat exchanger that solves the above problem includes a heat exchange plate in the shape of a long rectangular plate and having a plurality of flow paths through which a heat medium flows, a supply pipe that supplies the heat medium to the plurality of flow paths, a discharge pipe that discharges the heat medium from the plurality of flow paths, and an adapter that is joined to the heat exchange plate and connects the supply pipe to upstream ends of the plurality of flow paths and connects the discharge pipe to downstream ends of the plurality of flow paths, wherein the plurality of flow paths extend in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate and are aligned in a width direction of the heat exchange plate that is perpendicular to both the plate thickness direction and the longitudinal direction, The heat exchange plate has two main walls that cover the multiple flow paths from both sides in the plate thickness direction, two side walls that connect the two main walls and cover the multiple flow paths from both sides in the width direction, and multiple partition walls that connect the two main walls and divide the multiple flow paths, and the adapter has a covering portion that is joined to the end of the heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction when the end is inserted into the covering portion, and the portion of the heat exchange plate that is inserted into the covering portion has a notch that connects the multiple flow paths inside the covering portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The heat exchanger can connect the adapter and the multiple flow paths of the heat exchange plate with a simple configuration. [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 an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger of the heat exchange system of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial side view of a heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger of the heat exchange system of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the heat exchanger of the heat exchange system of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger of the second embodiment. 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, the heat exchange system 10 is a device for adjusting the temperature of a heat exchange object 200 to an appropriate temperature by cooling or heating the heat exchange object 200. In the first embodiment, the heat exchange object 200 is a plurality of batteries mounted on an electric vehicle. More specifically, the batteries are cylindrical cells.

[0009] The heat exchange system 10 includes a plurality of heat exchangers 20 and a plurality of pipes 100. 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. In the first embodiment, the heat medium is a liquid such as oil or water that is used to cool and heat the heat exchange target 200. In other embodiments, the heat medium may be a gas such as air.

[0010] <Heat exchanger 20> 1 to 3, 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, the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 is referred to as a second direction D2, and the 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] 2 and 3, the heat exchanger 20 includes a heat exchange plate 30, a plurality of connecting pipes 50, an adapter 60, and a cap 90. 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. 2 to 5, the heat exchange plate 30 constitutes the majority of the heat exchanger 20. The heat exchange plate 30 is in the shape of a long rectangular plate. The thickness direction of the heat exchange plate 30 is the third direction D3. When the heat exchange plate 30 is viewed from the thickness direction, the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30 is the first direction D1, and the short side direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "width direction") of the heat exchange plate 30 is the second direction D2. The heat exchange plate 30 is formed, for example, by additionally processing an extruded metal material. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange plate 30 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is approximately constant along the longitudinal direction.

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

[0014] <Flow path FP> As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the multiple flow paths FP include multiple first flow paths FP1 constituting upstream portions of the multiple flow paths FP and multiple second flow paths FP2 constituting 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 toward one side of the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30, and the multiple second flow paths FP2 are aligned toward the other side of 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. In the first embodiment, the direction in which the heat medium flows through the multiple first flow paths FP1 is opposite to the direction in which the heat medium flows through the multiple second flow paths FP2. Furthermore, the upstream ends of the multiple first flow paths FP1 and the downstream ends of the multiple 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 plurality of first flow paths FP1 and the upstream ends of the plurality of second flow paths FP2 are located at a second end of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0015] 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.

[0016] <Main walls 31, 32, side walls 33, 34, and partition walls 35 to 37> 2 to 5, 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 plate thickness direction.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] <Connection part 30A> 4, 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 constitutes a first end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30. In the first embodiment, the thicknesses of the two main walls 31, 32 and the two side walls 33, 34 that constitute the connection portion 30A are thinner than the thicknesses of the two main walls 31, 32 and the two side walls 33, 34 that constitute the other portions. In other embodiments, these thicknesses may be equal.

[0020] The connecting portion 30A has a first notch 41 and a second notch 42 penetrating the connecting portion 30A in the plate thickness direction. The first notch 41 and the second notch 42 are aligned with a gap in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The first notch 41 and the second notch 42 form a rectangle when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The first notch 41 and the second notch 42 penetrate the two main walls 31, 32 and the multiple partition walls 35, 36. More specifically, the first notch 41 removes a portion of the multiple first partition walls 35, so that all of the first flow paths FP1 are connected to the first notch 41. On the other hand, the second notch 42 removes a portion of the multiple second partition walls 36, so that all of the second flow paths FP2 are connected to the second notch 42. However, the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 are provided 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.

[0021] In the following description, of the two main walls 31, 32 constituting the connection portion 30A, the portion between the side wall 33 and the first cutout 41 will be referred to as a first portion 43, and the portion between the side wall 34 and the second cutout 42 will be referred to as a second portion 44. Furthermore, of the two main walls 31, 32 constituting the connection portion 30A, the portion between the first cutout 41 and the second cutout 42 will be referred to as a central portion 45. In other words, the first portion 43 of the two main walls 31, 32 is the portion adjacent to the first cutout 41 in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The second portion 44 of the two main walls 31, 32 is the portion adjacent to the second cutout 42 in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The central portion 45 of the two main walls 31, 32 is the portion adjacent to both the first cutout 41 and the second cutout 42 in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. Furthermore, the central portions 45 of the two main walls 31 and 32 are connected only to the central partition wall 37 among the plurality of partition walls 35-37.

[0022] <Heat exchange section 30B> 2 and 3, the heat exchange section 30B is a section that heats or cools the heat exchange target 200 while in contact with the heat exchange target 200. The heat exchange section 30B is located between the connection section 30A and the inverted section 30C in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30. Since the heat exchange target 200 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.

[0023] <Reversing section 30C> 2 and 3, the reversing portion 30C constitutes a second end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30. The reversing portion 30C 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.

[0024] <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.

[0025] The extrusion process is a process for forming a first intermediate product that is long and has a uniform cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction by extruding a metal material. By performing the extrusion process, a first intermediate product is produced that has two main walls 31, 32, two side walls 33, 34, and a plurality of partition walls 35 to 37. In other words, a first intermediate product that has a plurality of flow paths FP is produced.

[0026] The cutting step is a step subsequent to the extrusion step, in which the first intermediate product is cut to a predetermined length to produce a second intermediate product. The pressing process is a process that follows the cutting process. The pressing process is a process of producing the heat exchanger plate 30 by pressing the second intermediate product. In the pressing process, the connection portion 30A and the heat exchange portion 30B are formed in the second intermediate product. In other words, the pressing process is a process of forming the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 in the portion of the second intermediate product that will become the connection portion 30A, and a process of bending the portion of the second intermediate product that will become the heat exchange portion 30B into a corrugated shape.

[0027] <Connecting pipe 50> 2 and 3, the plurality of connecting pipes 50 include a supply pipe 51 and a discharge pipe 52. The supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 are cylindrical. The supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 are portions to which the piping 100 is connected.

[0028] <Adapter 60> 2 and 3, the adapter 60 is configured to connect the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 to the heat exchanger plate 30. The adapter 60 includes a first adapter 70 and a second adapter 80.

[0029] The first adapter 70 has a covering portion 71 and a first flange 72 . The covering portion 71 has a cylindrical shape. The axial direction of the covering portion 71 is the first direction D1. In the first direction D1, the length of the covering portion 71 is longer than the lengths of the first cutouts 41 and the second cutouts 42 of the heat exchanger plate 30. The cross-sectional shape of the covering portion 71 perpendicular to the axial direction is an ellipse. In the cross-sectional shape of the covering portion 71, the short side direction is the third direction D3 and the long side direction is the second direction D2. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the covering portion 71 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0030] The first flange 72 has a rectangular plate shape. The first flange 72 extends from the base end of the covering portion 71 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the covering portion 71. The thickness direction of the first flange 72 coincides with the axial direction of the covering portion 71. The first flange 72 has two engagement recesses 73. The two engagement recesses 73 penetrate the first flange 72 in the thickness direction. The two engagement recesses 73 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the first flange 72. In the first embodiment, the two engagement recesses 73 are located at both ends of the first flange 71 in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the positions of the two engagement recesses 73 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the two engagement recesses 73 may be located at both ends of the first flange 71 in the lateral direction. When viewed in the thickness direction of the first flange 72, the engagement recesses 73 have a rectangular shape. The first adapter 70 is formed, for example, by burring a metal plate. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 2, the opening edge of the end surface of the first adapter 70 in the thickness direction is rounded in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion 71.

[0031] The second adapter 80 has a first cylindrical portion 81 , a second cylindrical portion 82 , and a second flange 83 . The first cylindrical portion 81 and the second cylindrical portion 82 are cylindrical. The second flange 83 is in the form of a long plate. The second flange 83 is in the form of a rectangular plate similar to the first flange 72. The second flange 83 extends outward in the radial direction of the first cylindrical portion 81 from the base end of the first cylindrical portion 81 and extends outward in the radial direction of the second cylindrical portion 82 from the base end of the second cylindrical portion 82. The thickness direction of the second flange 83 coincides with the axial direction of the first cylindrical portion 81 and the axial direction of the second cylindrical portion 82. The second flange 83 has two engaging protrusions 84. The two engaging protrusions 84 protrude in the thickness direction of the second flange 83. The protruding direction of the two engaging protrusions 84 from the second flange 83 is opposite to the protruding direction of the first cylindrical portion 81 and the second cylindrical portion 82 from the second flange 83. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the second flange 83, the engaging protrusion 84 has a rectangular shape. The two engaging protrusions 84 have shapes corresponding to the two engaging recesses 73 of the first adapter 70 and are provided at corresponding positions. That is, in the first embodiment, the two engaging protrusions 84 are located at both ends of the second flange 83 in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the two engaging protrusions 84 may be located at both ends of the second flange 83 in the lateral direction. The second adapter 80 is formed, for example, by burring a metal plate.

[0032] <Cap 90> 2 and 3, the cap 90 is configured to seal the inverted portion 30C of the heat exchanger plate 30. The cap 90 may be configured as a single member, or may be configured as two or more members. The cap 90 is configured so that the second end of the heat exchanger plate 30 can be inserted therein.

[0033] <Engagement Relationships of Components of Heat Exchanger 20> 2, 3, and 6 to 8, the engagement relationship between the components of the heat exchanger 20 will be described.

[0034] The connection portion 30A of the heat exchanger plate 30 is inserted into the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 and joined to the covering portion 71. More specifically, the inner surface of the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 is joined to the outer surfaces of the two main walls 31, 32 and the two side walls 33, 34 of the heat exchanger plate 30. At this time, the first adapter 70 and the heat exchanger plate 30 are flush with each other. That is, the surface of the first flange 72 of the first adapter 70 is flush with the end faces of the first portion 43, the second portion 44, and the central portion 45 of the two main walls 31, 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30, the end faces of the two side walls 33, 34, and the central partition wall 37. Furthermore, the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 is crimped to the connection portion 30A of the heat exchanger plate 30. In the following description, the portion of the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 that is crimped to the heat exchanger plate 30 will be referred to as the "crimped portion 74." 6, in the first embodiment, the crimping portion 74 is provided at the base end of the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70. In addition, the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 covers the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0035] 8, a supply pipe 51 and a discharge pipe 52 are joined to the second adapter 80. More specifically, the supply pipe 51 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 81 of the second adapter 80, and the first cylindrical portion 81 and the supply pipe 51 are joined together. Similarly, the discharge pipe 52 is inserted into the second cylindrical portion 82 of the second adapter 80, and the second cylindrical portion 82 and the discharge pipe 52 are joined together. In this manner, the first cylindrical portion 81 of the second adapter 80 holds the supply pipe 51, and the second cylindrical portion 82 of the second adapter 80 holds the discharge pipe 52. In this state, the axial direction of the supply pipe 51 and the axial direction of the discharge pipe 52 extend in the same direction.

[0036] 6 to 8, the second adapter 80 is joined to the first adapter 70 and the heat exchanger plate 30. More specifically, the second flange 83 of the second adapter 80 is joined to the first flange 72 of the first adapter 70. At this time, the two engagement protrusions of the second flange 83 are fitted into the two engagement recesses 73 of the first flange 72, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the second flange 83 of the second adapter 80 is joined to the end faces of the first portion 43, the second portion 44, and the central portion 45 of the two main walls 31, 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30, the end faces of the two side walls 33, 34, and the end face of the central partition wall 37. In the following description, the end faces of the first portion 43, the end faces of the second portion 44, and the end faces of the central portion 45 of the two main walls 31, 32, the end faces of the two side walls 33, 34, and the end face of the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchanger plate 30 are also referred to as "end faces of the connecting portion 30A in the first direction D1." The end faces of the connecting portion 30A in the first direction D1 are also end faces of the first end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0037] In this way, the connection portion 30A of the heat exchanger plate 30, the adapter 60, the supply pipe 51, and the discharge pipe 52 are integrated. As a result, the supply pipe 51 is connected only to the first notch 41 of the first notch 41 and the second notch 42. On the other hand, the discharge pipe 52 is connected only to the second notch 42 of the first notch 41 and the second notch 42. In other words, the supply pipe 51 is connected only to the first flow paths FP1 of the first flow paths FP1 and the second flow paths FP2, and the discharge pipe 52 is connected only to the second flow paths FP2 of the first flow paths FP1 and the second flow paths FP2.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 9, the inverted portion 30C of the heat exchanger plate 30 is joined to the cap 90 while inserted into the cap 90. The downstream ends of the first flow paths FP1 of the heat exchanger plate 30 are connected to the upstream ends of the second flow paths FP2 of the heat exchanger plate 30 via the internal space SP of the cap 90. 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.

[0039] <Method of assembling the heat exchanger 20> The method for assembling the heat exchanger 20 includes a first assembling step, a crimping step, a second assembling step, a third assembling step, a fourth assembling step, and a joining step.

[0040] The first assembling step is a step of inserting the connection portion 30A that constitutes the first end of the heat exchanger plate 30 into the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70. The crimping step is a step that follows the first assembling step. The crimping step is a step of crimping the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 to the connecting portion 30A of the heat exchanger plate 30. More specifically, the crimping step is a step of plastically deforming the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 toward the two main walls 31, 32 that constitute the connecting portion 30A of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 10 , the crimping portion 74 is formed, thereby positioning the first adapter 70 relative to the connection portion 30A of the heat exchanger plate 30. Furthermore, the crimping portion 74 allows the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 to contact the main walls 31, 32 that constitute the connection portion 30A in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. Therefore, in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30, the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 of the heat exchanger plate 30 are not connected via a gap between the main walls 31, 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30 and the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70. In another embodiment, the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 and the main walls 31, 32 that constitute the connection portion 30A may be joined so that no gap is formed between them. The crimping process is performed in a state where the surface of the first flange 72 of the first adapter 70 and the end face of the connection portion 30A of the heat exchanger plate 30 in the first direction D1 are aligned.

[0042] The second assembling step is a step of inserting the first cylindrical portion 81 and the second cylindrical portion 82 of the second adapter 80 into the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52, respectively. In the second assembling step, the supply pipe 51 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 81 until the axial end face of the supply pipe 51 contacts the second flange 83 of the second adapter 80. Similarly, the discharge pipe 52 is inserted into the second cylindrical portion 82 until the axial end face of the discharge pipe 52 contacts the second flange 83 of the second adapter 80.

[0043] The third assembling process is a process that follows the crimping process and the second assembling process. The third assembling process is a process of assembling the second adapter 80 to the first adapter 70. By performing the third assembling process, the two engaging protrusions 84 of the second adapter 80 fit into the two engaging recesses 73 of the first adapter 70, respectively. In this way, the second adapter 80 is positioned relative to the first adapter 70. Furthermore, the second flange 83 of the second adapter 80 contacts the first flange 72 of the first adapter 70 and the end face in the first direction D1 of the connection portion 30A of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0044] The fourth assembly step is a step of inserting the inverted portion 30C that constitutes the second end of the heat exchanger plate 30 into the cap 90. In order to position the cap 90 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30, the cap 90 may be crimped to the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0045] The joining process is a process subsequent to the third and fourth assembly processes. The joining process is a process of joining multiple components of the heat exchanger 20 that are positioned relative to one another. In the first embodiment, the multiple components of the heat exchanger 20 are joined by brazing. In other embodiments, the multiple components of the heat exchanger 20 may be joined by other methods, such as welding or adhesive bonding, as long as they can be joined in a manner that prevents leakage of the heat medium. At least one of the multiple components of the heat exchanger 20 may be formed by processing a clad plate made by covering an aluminum plate with a brazing material. This reduces the number of steps required for brazing.

[0046] <Piping 100> As shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of pipes 100 connect a plurality of heat exchangers 20. The pipes 100 include a first pipe 101 and a second pipe 102. The first pipe 101 and the second pipe 102 branch out according to the number of heat exchangers 20. The first pipe 101 is connected to the supply pipes 51 of the plurality of heat exchangers 20. On the other hand, the second pipe 102 is connected to the discharge pipes 52 of the plurality of heat exchangers 20.

[0047] <Operation of the First Embodiment> 1 , when adjusting the temperature of the heat exchange target 200, the heat exchange system 10 circulates a heat medium among a plurality of heat exchangers 20. The first pipe 101 corresponds to the outward path of the heat medium circulating through the heat exchange system 10, and the second pipe 102 corresponds to the return path of the heat medium circulating through the heat exchange system 10. In other words, the heat medium supplied from the first pipe 101 to the heat exchanger 20 is discharged to the second pipe 102 after circulating through the heat exchanger 20. When cooling the heat exchange target 200, the heat exchange system 10 adjusts the temperature of the circulating heat medium to a temperature lower than the temperature of the heat exchange target 200. On the other hand, when heating the heat exchange target 200, the heat exchange system 10 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 200.

[0048] The heat exchanger 20 is supplied with a heat medium from a first pipe 101 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 90, 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 200. The heat medium that reaches the downstream end of the second flow path FP2 is discharged from a second pipe 102 connected to a discharge pipe 52.

[0049] <Effects of the first embodiment> (1) By providing a first notch 41 at a first end of the heat exchanger plate 30 that is inserted into the covering portion 71 of the adapter 60, the first flow paths FP1 communicate with each other inside the covering portion 71 of the adapter 60. Furthermore, by providing a second notch 42 at a first end of the heat exchanger plate 30 that is inserted into the covering portion 71 of the adapter 60, the second flow paths FP2 communicate with each other inside the covering portion 71 of the adapter 60. In this way, the supply pipe 51 is connected to the upstream ends of the flow paths FP via the adapter 60, and the discharge pipe 52 is connected to the downstream ends of the flow paths FP via the adapter 60. Therefore, the heat exchanger 20 can connect the supply pipe 51 to the multiple flow paths FP of the heat exchanger plate 30 and the discharge pipe 52 to the multiple flow paths FP of the heat exchanger plate 30 with a simple configuration.

[0050] (2) The supply pipes 51 and the discharge pipes 52 are connected to the connection portion 30A, which is the first end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30. Therefore, in the heat exchanger 20, the supply pipes 51 and the discharge pipes 52 can be connected to the multiple flow paths FP of the heat exchanger plate 30 using a single adapter 60. In other words, the number of parts constituting the heat exchanger 20 is reduced.

[0051] (3) Consider a comparative example in which the two main walls 31, 32 do not include a central portion 45 at the first end of the heat exchanger plate 30. In this comparative example, of the central portion in the width direction of the first end of the heat exchanger plate 30, only the central partition wall 37 contacts the adapter 60. Therefore, during manufacturing and use of the heat exchanger 20, an unintended load may act on the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchanger plate 30. In contrast, in the heat exchanger 20 of the first embodiment, the two main walls 31, 32 include a central portion 45 at the first end of the heat exchanger plate 30. Therefore, of the central portion in the width direction of the first end of the heat exchanger plate 30, the portion that contacts the adapter 60 is the central partition wall 37 and the central portions 45 of the two main walls 31, 32. Therefore, during manufacturing and use of the heat exchanger 20, an unintended load is prevented from acting on the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0052] (4) When a single adapter 60 is provided with the covering portion 71, the first cylindrical portion 81, and the second cylindrical portion 82, the adapter 60 tends to be difficult to manufacture. In this regard, in the heat exchanger 20, the adapter 60 is configured by joining the first flange 72 of the first adapter 70 having the covering portion 71 and the second flange 83 of the second adapter 80 having the first cylindrical portion 81 and the second cylindrical portion 82. Therefore, the adapter 60 tends not to be difficult to manufacture.

[0053] (5) Consider a comparative example in which the first adapter 70 does not have the crimping portion 74. In this comparative example, the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 of the heat exchanger plate 30 are connected in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30 through a gap between the main walls 31, 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30 and the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70. As a result, there is a risk that some of the liquid supplied from the supply pipe 51 will be discharged from the discharge pipe 52 without flowing through the first flow path FP1. In other words, in the comparative example, there is a risk that the efficiency of heat exchange will decrease. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first adapter 70 of this embodiment has the crimping portion 74, so that the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 is in contact with the main walls 31, 32 that form the connection portion 30A in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. Therefore, the heat exchanger 20 can prevent some of the liquid supplied from the supply pipe 51 from being discharged from the discharge pipe 52 without flowing through the first flow path FP1, as in the comparative example described above. As a result, the heat exchanger 20 can prevent the efficiency of heat exchange from decreasing.

[0054] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the heat exchanger 20X 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> As shown in FIG. 11, the heat exchanger 20X includes a heat exchange plate 30X, a plurality of connecting pipes 50, and two adapters 60X1 and 60X2.

[0056] <Heat Exchange Plate 30X> 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 connection section 30D, and a second connection section 30E.

[0057] <Flow path FP> 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] <Connections 30D, 30E> The first connecting portion 30D and the second connecting portion 30E 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 30D and the second connecting portion 30E correspond to the connecting portion 30A in the first embodiment. The end face of the first connecting portion 30D in the first direction D1 is the end face of a first end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30. On the other hand, the end face of the second connecting portion 30E in the first direction D1 is the end face of a second end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0059] The first connection portion 30D has a first cutout 41. The first cutout 41 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 cutout 41X removes a portion of the multiple partition walls 38, so that the upstream ends of all the flow paths FP are connected to the first cutout 41X. The first cutout 41X has a rectangular shape when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X.

[0060] The second connection portion 30E has a second cutout 42X. The second cutout 42X penetrates the two main walls 31, 32 and the multiple partition walls 38 in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X. More specifically, the second cutout 42X removes a portion of the multiple partition walls 38, so that the downstream ends of all the flow paths FP are connected to the second cutout 42X. The second cutout 42X has a rectangular shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X. In other words, the second cutout 42X has the same shape as the first cutout 41X.

[0061] <Adapter 60X1, 60X2> The adapter 60X1 is configured to connect the supply pipe 51 to the first connection portion 30D of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The adapter 60X1 includes a first adapter 70 and a second adapter 80X1. The second adapter 80X1 has a first cylindrical portion 81 and a second flange 83. The base end of the first cylindrical portion 81 is connected to the center of the second flange 83.

[0062] The adapter 60X2 is configured to connect the discharge pipe 52 to the second connection portion 30E of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The adapter 60X2 includes a first adapter 70 and a second adapter 80X2. The second adapter 80X2 has a second cylindrical portion 82 and a second flange 83. The base end of the second cylindrical portion 82 is connected to the center of the second flange 83.

[0063] <Engagement Relationships of Components of Heat Exchanger 20X> The first connecting portion 30D of the heat exchanger plate 30X is joined to the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 of the adapter 60X1 while inserted into the covering portion 71. At this time, the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 is crimped to the first connecting portion 30D of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 covers the first notch 41X of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The supply pipe 51 is joined to the first cylindrical portion 81 of the second adapter 80X1 of the adapter 60X1 while inserted into the first cylindrical portion 81. Furthermore, the second flange 83 of the second adapter 80X1 is joined to the first flange 72 of the first adapter 70 and the end face of the first connecting portion 30D of the heat exchanger plate 30X in the first direction D1. In this way, the first connecting portion 30D of the heat exchanger plate 30X, the adapter 60X1, and the supply pipe 51 are integrated. As a result, the supply pipe 51 is connected to the plurality of first flow paths FP1 via the first cutouts 41X.

[0064] The second connection portion 30E of the heat exchanger plate 30X is inserted into and joined to the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 of the adapter 60X2. At this time, the covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 is crimped to the second connection portion 30E of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The covering portion 71 of the first adapter 70 covers the second notch 42X of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The discharge pipe 52 is inserted into and joined to the second cylindrical portion 82 of the second adapter 80X2 of the adapter 60X2. Furthermore, the second flange 83 of the second adapter 80X2 is joined to the first flange 72 of the first adapter 70 and the end face of the second connection portion 30E of the heat exchanger plate 30X in the first direction D1. In this way, the second connection portion 30E of the heat exchanger plate 30X, the adapter 60X2, and the discharge pipe 52 are integrated. As a result, the discharge pipe 52 is connected to the plurality of second flow paths FP2 via the second cutouts 42X.

[0065] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, when adjusting the temperature of the heat exchange target 200, a heat medium flows through the heat exchanger 20X, as in the first embodiment. That is, the heat exchanger 20X is supplied with the heat medium from the first pipe 101 connected to the supply pipe 51. The heat medium circulating through the heat exchanger 20X flows through the 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 200. The heat medium that reaches the downstream end of the flow path FP is discharged from the second pipe 102 connected to the discharge pipe 52.

[0066] <Effects of the second embodiment> In addition to the effects (1) and (4) of the first embodiment, the second embodiment can also achieve the following effects.

[0067] (5) 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 connecting portion 30D to the second connecting portion 30E of the heat exchanger plate 30X. In other words, the configuration of the flow path FP through which the heat medium flows is simplified, and the configuration of the heat exchanger 20X is simplified.

[0068] <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.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 20 can be used alone. The same applies to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the shapes of the first cutouts 41 and the second cutouts 42 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first cutouts 41 may be formed by cutting out at least a portion of the first partition walls 35, as long as they can connect the upstream ends of the first flow paths FP1. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the two main walls 31 and 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30 do not necessarily have the central portion 45 . In the adapter 60 of the first embodiment, the first adapter 70 and the second adapter 80 may be integrally molded. In this case, the shape of the first cylindrical portion 81 preferably corresponds to the flow path cross section of the multiple first flow paths FP1 of the heat exchanger plate 30. Similarly, the shape of the second cylindrical portion 82 preferably corresponds to the flow path cross section of the multiple second flow paths FP2 of the heat exchanger plate 30. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the piping 100 may be directly joined to the first cylindrical portion 81 and the second cylindrical portion 82 of the second adapter 80. In this case, the first cylindrical portion 81 of the second adapter 80 corresponds to the "supply pipe," and the second cylindrical portion 82 of the second adapter 80 corresponds to the "discharge pipe." In other words, the adapter 60, the "supply pipe," and the "discharge pipe" may be integrally configured. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0072] 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 battery serving as the heat exchange target 200 may be rectangular or pouch-shaped. The heat exchange section 30B of the heat exchange plate 30 preferably has a shape corresponding to the heat exchange target 200.

[0073] <Summary of this embodiment> The heat exchanger includes a heat exchange plate having a long rectangular plate shape and a plurality of flow paths through which a heat medium flows, a supply pipe for supplying the heat medium to the plurality of flow paths, a discharge pipe for discharging the heat medium from the plurality of flow paths, and an adapter joined to the heat exchange plate, connecting the supply pipe to upstream ends of the plurality of flow paths and connecting the discharge pipe to downstream ends of the plurality of flow paths, wherein the plurality of flow paths extend in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate and are aligned in a width direction of the heat exchange plate perpendicular to both the plate thickness direction and the longitudinal direction, and the heat exchange plate is arranged in a width direction perpendicular to both the plate thickness direction and the longitudinal direction. The plate has two main walls that cover the multiple flow paths from both sides in the plate thickness direction, two side walls that connect the two main walls and cover the multiple flow paths from both sides in the width direction, and multiple partition walls that connect the two main walls and divide the multiple flow paths, and the adapter has a covering portion that is joined to the end of the heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction when the end is inserted into the covering portion, and the portion of the heat exchange plate that is inserted into the covering portion has a notch that connects the multiple flow paths inside the covering portion.

[0074] A notch is provided at the end of the heat exchanger plate that is inserted into the covering portion of the adapter, thereby connecting multiple flow paths within the covering portion of the adapter. Thus, the supply pipe is connected to the upstream ends of the multiple flow paths, and the discharge pipe is connected to the downstream ends of the multiple flow paths. Therefore, the heat exchanger can simply connect the supply pipe to the multiple flow paths in the heat exchanger plate and the discharge pipe to the multiple flow paths in the heat exchanger plate. In other words, the heat exchanger can simply connect the adapter to the multiple flow paths in the heat exchanger plate.

[0075] In the heat exchanger, the multiple flow paths include multiple first flow paths that are aligned from one side wall to the other side wall and have upstream ends connected to the supply pipe, and multiple second flow paths that are aligned from the other side wall to the one side wall and have downstream ends connected to the discharge pipe, and the end of the heat exchange plate that is inserted into the covering portion is a first end where the upstream ends of the multiple first flow paths and the downstream ends of the multiple second flow paths are located, and the end of the heat exchange plate opposite to the first end is a second end where the downstream ends of the multiple first flow paths and the upstream ends of the multiple second flow paths are located, and the heat exchanger further includes a cap that covers the second end of the heat exchange plate and connects the downstream ends of the multiple first flow paths and the upstream ends of the multiple second flow paths, and the notches preferably include a first notch that connects the multiple first flow paths inside the covering portion and a second notch that connects the multiple second flow paths inside the covering portion.

[0076] The supply pipe and the discharge pipe are connected to a first end, which is one end in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger plate. Therefore, the heat exchanger can connect the supply pipe and the discharge pipe to multiple flow paths in the heat exchanger plate with a single adapter. As a result, the number of parts constituting the heat exchanger is reduced.

[0077] In the heat exchanger, it is preferable that, among the plurality of partition walls, the partition wall that separates the first flow path and the second flow path that are adjacent in the width direction is a central partition wall, the heat exchange plate is joined with the end face of the first end in contact with the adapter, and the portion of the two main walls that is inserted into the covering portion is located between the first notch and the second notch in the width direction and includes a central portion that connects to the central partition wall.

[0078] For example, if the portions of the two main walls of the heat exchanger plate that are inserted into the covering portion of the adapter do not include the central portion, only the central partition wall is in contact with the adapter in the center of the width direction of the heat exchanger plate. Therefore, there is a risk of unintended loads acting on the central partition wall of the heat exchanger plate during manufacturing and use of the heat exchanger. In contrast, in the heat exchanger configured as described above, the portions of the two main walls of the heat exchanger plate that are inserted into the covering portion of the adapter include the central portion. Therefore, the portions of the center of the width direction of the heat exchanger plate that are in contact with the adapter are the central partition wall and the central portions of the two main walls. Therefore, unintended loads acting on the central partition wall of the heat exchanger plate are suppressed during manufacturing and use of the heat exchanger.

[0079] In the heat exchanger, the adapter comprises a first adapter including the covering portion and a first flange extending from the covering portion, a first tubular portion that is joined to the supply pipe when the supply pipe is inserted, a second tubular portion that is joined to the discharge pipe when the discharge pipe is inserted, and a second adapter including a base end of the first tubular portion and a second flange that extends from the base end of the second tubular portion, and it is preferable that the first flange of the first adapter is joined to the second flange of the second adapter.

[0080] If a single adapter includes a covering portion, a first cylindrical portion, and a second cylindrical portion, the adapter is likely to be difficult to manufacture. In this regard, in the heat exchanger having the above configuration, the adapter is formed by joining a first flange of the first adapter having the covering portion and a second flange of the second adapter having the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. Therefore, the adapter is unlikely to be difficult to manufacture. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10...heat exchange system, 20...heat exchanger, 30, 30X...heat exchange plate, 31, 32...main wall, 33, 34...side wall, 35...first partition wall (partition wall), 36...second partition wall (partition wall), 37...central partition wall (partition wall), 41...first notch (notch), 42...second notch (notch), 43...first portion, 44...second portion, 45...central portion, 51...supply pipe, 52...discharge pipe , 60, 60X1, 60X2... adapter, 70... first adapter, 71... covering portion, 72... first flange, 73... engaging recess, 80, 80X1, 80X2... second adapter, 81... first cylindrical portion, 82... second cylindrical portion, 83... second flange, 84... engaging protrusion, 90... cap, 100... piping, 200... heat exchange object, FP... flow path, FP1... first flow path, FP2... second flow path

Claims

1. a heat exchange plate having a long rectangular plate shape and a plurality of flow paths through which a heat medium flows; a supply pipe for supplying the heat medium to the plurality of flow paths; a discharge pipe for discharging the heat medium from the plurality of flow paths; an adapter joined to the heat exchange plate, the adapter connecting the supply pipe to the upstream ends of the plurality of flow paths and connecting the discharge pipe to the downstream ends of the plurality of flow paths; The plurality of flow paths extend in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger plate and are aligned in a width direction of the heat exchanger plate that is perpendicular to both the plate thickness direction and the longitudinal direction, The heat exchange plate includes two main walls covering the plurality of flow paths from both sides in the plate thickness direction, two side walls connecting the two main walls and covering the plurality of flow paths from both sides in the width direction, and a plurality of partition walls connecting the two main walls and dividing the plurality of flow paths, the adapter has a covering portion joined to an end portion of the heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction in a state where the end portion is inserted into the covering portion, A portion of the heat exchange plate that is inserted into the covering portion is provided with a notch that allows the plurality of flow paths to communicate with each other inside the covering portion. heat exchanger.

2. the plurality of flow paths include a plurality of first flow paths aligned from one of the side walls toward the other of the side walls and having upstream ends connected to the supply pipe, and a plurality of second flow paths aligned from the other of the side walls toward the one of the side walls and having downstream ends connected to the discharge pipe, an end of the heat exchange plate inserted into the covering portion is a first end where upstream ends of the plurality of first flow paths and downstream ends of the plurality of second flow paths are located, and an end of the heat exchange plate opposite to the first end is a second end where downstream ends of the plurality of first flow paths and upstream ends of the plurality of second flow paths are located, a cap that covers the second end of the heat exchange plate and connects downstream ends of the first flow paths and upstream ends of the second flow paths; The cutouts include first cutouts that connect the first flow paths inside the covering portion, and second cutouts that connect the second flow paths inside the covering portion. The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

3. Among the plurality of partition walls, a partition wall that separates the first flow path and the second flow path adjacent to each other in the width direction is a central partition wall, the heat exchange plate is joined with the adapter in a state where an end surface of the first end portion is in contact with the adapter, The portions of the two main walls that are inserted into the covering portion are located between the first cutout and the second cutout in the width direction and include a central portion that is connected to the central partition wall.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 2.

4. The adapter is a first adapter including the covering portion and a first flange extending from the covering portion; a second adapter including a first cylindrical portion joined to the supply pipe when the supply pipe is inserted therein, a second cylindrical portion joined to the discharge pipe when the discharge pipe is inserted therein, and a second flange extending from a base end of the first cylindrical portion and a base end of the second cylindrical portion; The first flange of the first adapter is joined to the second flange of the second adapter. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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