heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger that can suppress deformation and deterioration of the side tanks caused by fixing jigs during brazing. [Solution] The heat exchanger 1 comprises a core section 10 in which tubes 100 are arranged in an integrated manner, a side plate 13, and a side tank 60 having a flow path 64 for a heat transfer medium partitioned by a first tank member 601 and a second tank member 602 facing each other. Outside the flow path 64, at least in the area where the fixing jig Jw makes contact, the first tank member 601, the second tank member 602, and the side plate 13A are stacked to provide a fixing jig support section 110.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, in a heat exchanger (evaporator) for a vehicle, a heat exchanger in which tanks are disposed at the upper and lower portions, and tubes and fins are horizontally integrated between these upper and lower tanks is known. In this type of heat exchanger, in the assembly process, with all the fins assembled between the tubes, the fins and the tubes are fixed by brazing. In order to hold the assembled state during this brazing process and further ensure brazing properties by pressing the tubes with a certain force, the outside of the side plates on both sides including the fins and the tubes is wound with a wire so as to be bound and brazed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, a heat exchanger having a side tank that routes a flow path at a side portion of a core portion is known. Also in this heat exchanger, at the time of assembly, a fixing jig such as a wire is wound around and pressed against the side tank, the side plate, and the core portion to perform brazing (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] In the heat exchanger described in Patent Document 2, a wire is wound so as to pass through the outer surface of a cap that closes an opening at the other end side of the end plate portion of the flow path structure and the header tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the case of heat exchangers having side tanks, as described in Patent Document 2, there was a problem in that the side tanks would develop cosmetic defects or deformation when fixed with a fixing jig.

[0007] Figure 15 shows an example of brazing using a fixing jig Jw in a conventional heat exchanger 200. Figure 15(A) is a front view of the heat exchanger 200, Figure 15(B) is a side view, and Figure 15(C) is a cross-sectional view along the EE line in Figure 15(B), showing the area around the side tank 203.

[0008] As shown in Figure 15(A), the fixing jig Jw is wrapped around the core 201, side plate 202, and side tank 203 together. The fixing jig Jw is, for example, a wire, and is made of a metal material with a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the heat exchanger 200. The difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the two materials is used to tighten and fix the core with the fixing jig Jw, and then brazing is performed. As a result, particularly strong pressing force is applied to the corner portions of the heat exchanger 200 due to the tightening.

[0009] As shown in Figure 15(C), the side tank 203 is constructed by butting together a first tank member 204 (inner) that is closer to the core 201 and a second tank member 205 that is outer. The bulging portions of both members 204 and 205 divide the flow path 206 (inflow flow path 206A, outflow flow path 206B). The area indicated by the dashed circle on the outside in the direction of the flow path 206 (left-right direction in Figure 15(C)) is a two-layer region where the first tank member 204 and the second tank member 205 overlap. However, the strength is not sufficient to withstand the tightening force of the fixing jig Jw, and deformation occurs due to the tightening of the fixing jig Jw.

[0010] Furthermore, the fixing jig Jw is in direct contact with the surface of the side tank 203 (the bulging portion of the second tank member 205 which becomes the flow path 206), and is subjected to compressive force due to tightening. In particular, if the strength on the side of the side tank 203 outside the flow path 206 (the area indicated by the dashed circle) is insufficient and deformation of the side tank 203 occurs, the compressive force applied to the surface of the side tank 203 will also increase, as shown by the arrow in Figure 15(C). As a result, the side tank 203 will dent, resulting in a defective appearance. In addition, the plate thickness of the second tank member 205 constituting the flow path 206 may decrease due to deformation caused by tightening of the fixing jig Jw, which would be a major problem as it would degrade the performance of the side tank 203.

[0011] In view of these circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a heat exchanger that can suppress deformation and deterioration of the side tanks caused by fixing jigs during brazing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising: a core portion having tubes extending in a first direction arranged in a second direction; side plates disposed at the end of the core portion in the second direction; and a side tank having a flow path for a heat transfer medium partitioned by facing a first tank member and a second tank member, and disposed on the opposite side of the core portion in the second direction, sandwiching the side plates; wherein a fixing jig support portion is provided on the outside of the flow path in a third direction, at least at the portion in which a fixing jig abuts, by overlapping the first tank member, the second tank member and the side plates. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger that can suppress deformation and deterioration of the side tank due to the fixing jig during brazing, which is an excellent effect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1]It is a front view showing the overall configuration of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the (A) side tank and a side view showing the (B) guide part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a view showing a part of the configuration of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of the second tank member. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a front view showing the overall configuration of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a side view showing the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing the (A) side tank and a side view showing the (B) guide part according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a view showing a part of the configuration of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of the second tank member. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a view showing a conventional heat exchanger, and is (A) a front view, (B) a side view, and (C) a cross-sectional view.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figures 1 to 7 are examples of the first embodiment, and in Figures 1 to 7, parts denoted by the same reference numerals indicate parts with the same function, and redundant explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] <Heat exchanger> Figure 1 is a front view showing an example of a heat exchanger 1 according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a side view of the heat exchanger 1 shown in Figure 1, viewed from the left. The heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment includes a core section 10 consisting of a plurality of tubes 100, a side plate 13, a first header tank 11, a second header tank 12, and a side tank 60. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, directions are defined as follows: the direction in which a long tube 100 extends in one direction is the first direction, the direction in which the plurality of tubes 100 are accumulated is the second direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions is the third direction. Furthermore, the first direction is the Y-axis direction as shown in Figure 1, the second direction is the X-axis direction as shown in Figure 1, and the third direction is the Z-axis direction as shown in Figure 1, and these will be used to define directions in the heat exchanger 1 in subsequent drawings as well. In addition, "up" and "down" will be explained based on the state shown in Figure 1, with the first header tank 11 side being "up" and the second header tank side being "down".

[0017] More specifically, the core portion 10 consists of multiple tubes 100 extending in the Y-axis direction (first direction) arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction (second direction), with fins (not shown) provided between them. Side plates 13 (13A, 13B) are arranged parallel to the tubes 100 at both ends of the core portion 10 in the X-axis direction. The multiple tubes 100 constitute a first tube group 100a arranged on the far side in the Z-axis direction in Figure 1, and a second tube group 100b arranged on the near side in the Z-axis direction (see Figure 2). The first tube group 100a and the second tube group 100b are arranged parallel to each other in the Z-axis direction.

[0018] The first header tank 11 is long in the X-axis direction (its axis is aligned with the X-axis direction) and connects to the upper ends of the multiple tubes 100 in the Y-axis direction. The first header tank 11 is a cylindrical member with openings 111 and 112 at both ends in the longitudinal direction (extension direction). The second header tank 12 is long in the X-axis direction (its axis is aligned with the X-axis direction) and connects to the lower ends of the multiple tubes 100 in the Y-axis direction. The second header tank 12 is also a cylindrical member with openings 121 and 122 at both ends in the longitudinal direction (extension direction).

[0019] The two side plates 13 (13A, 13B) are positioned opposite each other, with the core portion 10 in between. The side tank 60 is located on one of the two side plates 13A, on the side plate 13A. More specifically, in the X-axis direction, it is positioned on the side opposite the core portion 10, with the side plate 13A in between.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the side tank 60 is a blocking means that closes one opening 111 of the first header tank 11, and is also a flow path 64 (inflow flow path 64A, outflow flow path 64B) that connects the inflow pipe 99A and outflow pipe 99B of the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) to the first header tank 11.

[0021] In this example of heat exchanger 1, the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows from the inlet pipe 99A into the inlet passage 64A of the side tank 60 and into the first header tank 11. Within the first header tank 11, the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows in the X-axis direction in the diagram and is divided into the first tube group 100a of the core section 10, where the first tube group 100a flows downward in the Y-axis direction in the diagram. Subsequently, the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) merges in the second header tank 12 and flows in the X-axis direction in the diagram, where the second tube group 100b of the core section 10 flows upward in the Y-axis direction in the diagram and returns to the first header tank 11.

[0022] The heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) in the first header tank 11 flows into the outlet passage 64B of the side tank 60 and out into the outlet pipe 99B. In other words, the heat exchanger 1 in this example has a so-called two-pass structure. In the core section 10, heat exchange takes place between the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flowing in the Y-axis direction in the tube 100 and a fluid (e.g., air) moving between the multiple tubes 100 along the Z-axis direction in the figure.

[0023] The first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12 function as distribution points to the multiple tubes 100 when the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows from inside the first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12 into the multiple tubes 100, and function as confluence points to the multiple tubes 100 when the heat transfer medium flows from the multiple tubes 100 into the first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12.

[0024] One opening 111 of the first header tank 11 is closed by the side tank 60, while the other opening 112 is closed by the cap 70A. In addition, the openings 121 and 122 at both ends of the second header tank 12 are closed by the caps 70B and 70C, respectively.

[0025] In the following description, the first header tank 11 (simply referred to as header tank 11) will be described as the main component of this embodiment, and the description of the second header tank 12 will be omitted. In addition, the side plate 13A on the side tank 60 side will be described, and the description of the side plate 13B on the opposite side will be omitted.

[0026] A partition plate (not shown) is provided inside the header tank 11. The partition plate is provided along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the header tank 11 so as to divide the inside of the header tank 11 into two regions in its short direction (Z-axis direction). The heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flowing in the two regions separated by the partition plate cannot enter the other. One region is connected to the inflow passage 64A of the side tank 60 and becomes the inflow side region, and the other region is connected to the outflow passage 64B of the side tank 60 and becomes the outflow side region. In Figure 1, the mounting state of the fixing jig Jw used in the brazing process is shown by a large dashed line.

[0027] <Side Tank> The side tank 60 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the side tank 60 and side plate 13A in isolation, with Figure 3(A) being a perspective view and Figure 3(B) being a diagram showing the guide portion 65 provided on the surface of the side tank 60 in isolation, which is a side view taken in the direction of arrow V in Figure 3(A).

[0028] Referring to Figure 2, the upper end of the side tank 60 in the Y-axis direction is provided with a heat exchanger side inlet / outlet 61 (heat exchanger side inlet 61A, heat exchanger side outlet 61B). These are connected to the opening 111 (inlet opening 111A, outlet opening 111B) of the first header tank 11. The lower end of the side tank 60 in the Y-axis direction is provided with a piping side inlet / outlet 62 (piping side inlet 62A, piping side outlet 62B). These are connected to a piping connection section 63 (inlet piping connection section 63A, outlet piping connection section 63B).

[0029] The side tank 60 has an inlet passage 64A and an outlet passage 64B. The inlet passage 64A and the outlet passage 64B are each configured in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the X-axis direction, and are arranged in a nested manner so as to be aligned along the Z-axis direction (in the YZ plane).

[0030] The inflow channel 64A has a straight section of the inflow channel (first channel) 641 (excluding the header tank 11 portion) through which a heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows in the Y-axis direction (extending in the Y-axis direction), and a bent section of the inflow channel (second channel) 642 that is continuous with the straight section of the inflow channel 641 and through which the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows in a different direction (Z-axis direction) (changing the flow direction). In this embodiment, the length of the inflow channel straight section 641 is longer than the length of the inflow channel bent section 642 (from the inflow channel bent section 642 to the pipe side inlet 62A).

[0031] The outlet channel 64B has a straight section of the outlet channel (first channel) 644 (excluding the header tank 11 portion) through which a heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows in the Y-axis direction (extending in the Y-axis direction), and a bent section of the outlet channel (second channel) 645 that is continuous with the first channel and through which the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows in a different direction (Z-axis direction) from the straight section of the outlet channel 644 (changing the flow direction). In this embodiment, the length of the straight section of the outlet channel 644 is longer than the length of the bent section of the outlet channel 645 (from the bent section of the outlet channel 645 to the pipe-side outlet 62B).

[0032] One end of the inflow channel 64A in the Y-axis direction (heat exchanger side inlet 61A) communicates with the inflow opening 111A of the first header tank 11, and the other end in the Y-axis direction (pipe side inlet 62A) communicates with the inflow pipe connection 63A. The inflow pipe 99A, shown by the dashed line, is connected to the inflow pipe connection 63A.

[0033] One end of the outflow channel 64B in the Y-axis direction (heat exchanger side outlet 61B) communicates with the outflow opening 111B of the first header tank 11, and the other end in the Y-axis direction (pipe side outlet 62B) communicates with the outflow pipe connection 63B. The outflow pipe 99B, shown by the dashed line, is connected to the outflow pipe connection 63B.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the side tank 60 is composed of a first tank member 601 and a second tank member 602, which are divided into two parts by a plane parallel to the YZ plane. In this example, the first tank member 601 is the inner surface facing the side plate 13A, and the second tank member 602 is the surface that constitutes the outer surface of the side tank 60. Above the first tank member 601 in the Y-axis direction (upper left in Figure 3(A)) is a heat exchanger side inlet and outlet 61 (heat exchanger side inlet 61A and heat exchanger side outlet 61B) that communicates with the opening 111 of the header tank 11. Above the second tank member 602 in the Y-axis direction (the surface facing the heat exchanger side inlet 61A and heat exchanger side outlet 61B) functions as a cap that closes the opening 111 of the header tank 11 and the heat exchanger side inlet and outlet 61 that communicates with it (see Figure 2). Since the side tank 60 also serves as a closing means (cap) for closing the opening 111 of the first header tank 11, a separate cap for closing the opening 111 is not required, thus reducing the number of parts.

[0035] In this embodiment, the surface on which the opening 111 of the header tank 11 (the heat exchanger-side inlet 61A and heat exchanger-side outlet 61B of the side tank 60 communicating with it) is located and the surface on which at least one of the piping-side inlet 62A and piping-side outlet 62B of the side tank 60 is located intersects. Here, as an example, the surface on which the opening 111 is located and the surface on which the piping-side inlet 62A and piping-side outlet 62B are located intersect.

[0036] In detail, the side tank 60 has its heat exchanger-side inlet 61A and heat exchanger-side outlet 61B arranged side-by-side along the Z-axis (in the YZ plane), while its piping-side inlet 62A and piping-side outlet 62B are arranged vertically along the Y-axis (in the XY plane). On the other hand, the piping-side inlet 62A and piping-side outlet 62B do not exist in the axial direction of the opening 111 (heat exchanger-side inlet / outlet 61) of the header tank 11, and are located below them in the Y-axis direction.

[0037] In the heat exchanger 1, it is necessary to accommodate the layout of the inlet and outlet piping 99 (inlet piping 99A and outlet piping 99B) on the refrigeration cycle side, and it may not be possible to position the piping-side inlet and outlet 62 along the axial direction of the opening 111 of the header tank 11 (directly on the opening 111). In such cases, it is necessary to provide a flow path along the side plate 13A that connects the heat exchanger 1 and the inlet and outlet piping 99 in a limited space and without interfering with the HVAC unit case. In this embodiment, the flow path to the inlet and outlet piping 99 is routed while being compactly housed in the HVAC unit case by the side tank 60.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the first tank member 601 has a substantially flat peripheral area and is configured in a half-split shape with a partially bulging interior. The second tank member 602 also has a substantially flat peripheral area and is configured in a half-split shape with a partially bulging interior. The bulging portions of the first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602 include curved surfaces, and the first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602 are positioned opposite each other so as to cover each other's open surfaces, and the flow path 64 is partitioned by bringing their flat surfaces into contact with each other.

[0039] The first tank member 601 engages (or crimps) the second tank member 602 with the claw portion 601A located on its periphery. The second tank member 602 engages (or crimps) with the header tank 11 with the claw portion 602A located on its periphery in the upper part of the Y-axis direction (upper left in Figure 3(A)), while sandwiching the first tank member 601.

[0040] In this embodiment, a fixing jig support portion 110 is provided on both sides of the side tank 60 (both outer sides in the Z-axis direction of the flow path 64), at least in the area where the fixing jig Jw (see Figure 1) used during assembly comes into contact (indicated by dashed circles in Figure 3(A)), by overlapping the first tank member 601, the second tank member 602, and the side plate 13A.

[0041] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2, showing the area around the side tank 60. The first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602 have substantially flat surfaces around the flow path 64 (inflow flow path 64A and outflow flow path 64B) that are in contact with each other. In detail, the first tank member 601 has a first inner flat region 611 between the inflow flow path 64A and the outflow flow path 64B, and first outer flat regions 612 on both sides in the Z-axis direction of the inflow flow path 64A and the outflow flow path 64B (flow path 64). The second tank member 602 has a second inner flat region 613 between the inflow flow path 64A and the outflow flow path 64B, and second outer flat regions 614 on both sides in the Z-axis direction of the inflow flow path 64A and the outflow flow path 64B (flow path 64). The first inner flat region 611 and the second inner flat region 613 are in contact, and the first outer flat region 612 and the second outer flat region 614 are in contact.

[0042] The side plate 13A has a plate portion 131 facing the first tank member 601 and rising portions 132 located at both ends of the plate portion 131 in the Z-axis direction. At least at the fixing jig support portion 110, a part of the rising portions 132 and the first tank member 601 are in contact. More specifically, at least at the fixing jig support portion 110, the tip of the rising portion 132 in the rising direction (end face Ts perpendicular to the rising direction (parallel to the thickness direction of the side plate 13A)) is in contact with the first outer flat region 612. The height of the rising portion 132 is higher than the height of the bulge portion (flow channel 64) of the first tank member 601 facing the plate portion 131. The rising height of the rising portion 132 allows for increased thickness of the fixing jig support portion 110, thereby increasing its strength. If the rising height of the rising portion 132 is made unnecessarily high, the strength will be weakened, and the size of the heat exchanger 1 will also be increased, so an appropriate height that increases strength is selected.

[0043] In this example, as shown in Figure 3(A), the rising end face Ts of the rising portion 132 abuts against the first outer flat region 612 over almost the entire length of the straight inflow channel section 641, and a portion of it functions as a fixing jig support portion 110. However, this is not limited to this example; a configuration in which only the rising tip (end face Ts) of the rising portion 132 abuts against the first outer flat region 612 may be selectively configured to only include the fixing jig support portion 110.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the fixing jig support portion 110 is the area where the rising portion 132 of the side plate 13A, the first outer flat region 612 of the first tank member 601, and the second outer flat region 614 of the second tank member 602 overlap. This makes it possible to increase the strength of the area where the fixing jig Jw is scheduled to contact (hereinafter referred to as the "jig contact area") on the side of the side tank 60 (outside in the direction of alignment of the flow paths 64 (Z-axis direction)).

[0045] The fixing jig support portion 110 is the part that the fixing jig (e.g., wire) Jw will contact (or is expected to contact) during the brazing process (see Figures 1 and 2). By making at least a portion of the side of the side tank 60 a strengthened fixing jig support portion 110, deformation due to the tightening of the fixing jig Jw becomes less likely to occur on the side (periphery) of the side tank 60. As the strength of the part of the side (periphery) of the side tank 60 that is expected to contact the jig is increased, the pressing force on the surface of the second tank member 602 that constitutes the flow path 64 of the side tank 60 can also be reduced. As a result, it is possible to avoid defects in the appearance of the side tank 60 due to deformation caused by tightening of the fixing jig Jw, and performance degradation due to a decrease in the plate thickness of the second tank member 602.

[0046] Furthermore, the first tank member 601, the second tank member 602, and the side plate 13A are existing configurations, and the strength of the area where the jig is to be in contact with the side (periphery) of the side tank 60 can be increased without adding any separate (dedicated) parts or configurations.

[0047] The position of the fixing jig support portion 110 may be set, for example, taking into consideration the effect of the tightening force of the fixing jig Jw on the side plate 13A. Specifically, both ends of the side plate 13A in its extending direction (Y-axis direction) are fixed to the first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12. Therefore, the side plate 13A has high rigidity against the tightening force of the fixing jig Jw in the vicinity of the first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12, while its rigidity against the tightening force of the fixing jig Jw weakens near the center in the extending direction of the side plate 13A. In other words, the side plate 13A (and the tube 100) is more prone to warping toward the center in the accumulation direction (X-axis direction) as it moves away from the first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12. In particular, if the side plate 13A warps, there is also the problem of displacement of the side tank 60.

[0048] Therefore, it is preferable that the fixing jig Jw for fixing the side tank 60 be wrapped around the area near the header tank 11 where the rigidity of the side plate 13A is relatively high, and the position of the fixing jig support portion 110 may be set accordingly. "Near the header tank 11" means, for example, the side of the side tank 60 that is closer to the header tank 11 than the center of the straight section 641 of the inflow channel 64 (in this case, the inflow channel 64A) which has a long flow path length. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, if the length in the longitudinal direction (extension direction) of the straight section 641 of the inflow channel 641 is L1, the fixing jig Jw is attached (wrapped) on the side closer to the header tank 11 than the position P1 which is half the length of L1, and the fixing jig support portion 110 is provided in accordance with the attachment position.

[0049] As described above, in this example, the inflow channel straight section 641 is constructed with three layers: the first tank member 601, the second tank member 602, and the side plate 13A (rising section 132), which can further increase the strength of the part of the side tank 60 that is to be contacted by the jig. However, at the very least, a jig support section 110 consisting of the first tank member 601, the second tank member 602, and the side plate 13A (rising section 132) stacked together should be provided in the part where the fixing jig Jw is attached.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a guide portion 65 that can contact the fixing jig Jw is provided on the surface of the second tank member 602 that constitutes the flow path 64. The guide portion 65 contacts the fixing jig Jw and restricts the movement of the fixing jig Jw to any position (positional displacement in the Y-axis direction). The guide portion 65 is also provided at the position where the fixing jig Jw should be attached. As described above, the fixing jig Jw has a suitable position for attachment, and by attaching the fixing jig Jw so as to contact the guide portion 65, it can be attached to the suitable position. In other words, the guide portion 65 can guide the fixing jig Jw to the fixing jig support portion 110.

[0051] Referring to Figure 3, the guide portion 65 has, for example, two convex portions 651 (651A, 651B) aligned in the Y-axis direction (a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the fixing jig Jw) and a concave portion 652 between them, and the fixing jig Jw is brought into contact with the concave portion 652 and held therein. For example, the two convex portions 651A, 651B are approximately hemispheres, and the concave portion 652 is a curved surface that smoothly continues from the convex portions 651A, 651B. Even the concave portion 652 is located at a position that protrudes (is high) from the surface of the bulge portion of the second tank member 602 that constitutes the flow path 64. The shape of the guide portion 65 is not limited to that shown, and any configuration that can hold the fixing jig Jw in a predetermined position is acceptable. For example, the overall shape may be approximately a rectangular parallelepiped, with a V-shaped or I-shaped groove provided as the concave portion 652 near the center, and the parts other than the groove being convex portions 651.

[0052] Figure 5 shows the second tank member 602 of the side tank 60, with Figure 5(A) being a plan view and Figure 5(B) being a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 5(A).

[0053] The guide portion 65 is provided at a position corresponding to the fixing jig support portion 110. Specifically, in the Y-axis direction, the guide portion 652 is provided at a position where it aligns with the fixing jig support portion 110 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, as an example, the first tank member 601, the second tank member 602, and the side plate 13A (rising portion 132) are stacked in three layers over almost the entire length of the straight section 641 of the inflow channel to increase strength. However, from the viewpoint of preventing deflection of the side plate 13A, there is a preferred mounting position for the fixing jig Jw. The guide portion 65 makes it possible to mount the fixing jig Jw at a preferred position. Furthermore, in the case where the fixing jig support portion 110 is selectively provided at a position where the fixing jig Jw can be attached, by bringing the fixing jig Jw into contact with the concave portion 652 of the guide portion 65, the fixing jig Jw can be reliably brought into contact with and held by the strengthened fixing jig support portion 110.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(B), the position of the guide portion 65 on the curved surface of the flow path 64 (second tank member 602) is set closer to the outside (towards the side of the side tank 60) in the direction of alignment of the flow paths 64 (64A, 64B) (Z-axis direction) than the most bulging part (top Pk) of the flow path 64. The flow path 64 is demarcated by a curved surface that bulges out a part of the second tank member 602, and the top Pk of the flow path 64 is the top Pk of this curved surface.

[0055] By positioning the guide portion 65 closer to the outside in the Z-axis direction of the flow path 64 than the top Pk of the flow path 64, it is possible to avoid direct contact between the fixing jig Jw and the other parts of the flow path 64 (curved surface) when the guide portion 65 holds the fixing jig Jw. The guide portion 65 is also part of the surface of the flow path 64 (second tank member 602), but if the tank member (second tank member 602) is manufactured by casting, such as die casting, the concave portion 652 (and convex portion 651) will have a partially increased plate thickness (wall thickness), resulting in higher strength than other areas. Alternatively, the tank member (second tank member 602) may be manufactured by press working. In that case, the concave portion 652 (and convex portion 651) will have the same plate thickness (wall thickness) as other areas, but the strength of other areas will also increase due to work hardening.

[0056] Furthermore, the guide portion 65 is a part that protrudes from a portion of the surface of the flow path 64, and when it comes into contact with the fixing jig Jw, the fixing jig Jw does not come into contact with other parts of the surface of the flow path 64. In other words, the guide portion 65 (concave portion 652) acts as a spacer, preventing the fixing jig Jw from coming into contact with the surface of other areas of the flow path 64, thus suppressing deformation of the flow path 64 of the side tank 60. As a result, not only is cosmetic defects suppressed, but performance degradation due to a reduction in the plate thickness of the flow path 64 is avoided. In addition, since the fixing jig Jw comes into contact with the guide portions 65 provided in each of the inflow flow path 64A and outflow flow path 64B, and the fixing jig support portions 110 on both sides of the flow path 64, the pressing force of the fixing jig Jw can be distributed, and deformation of the heat exchanger 1 due to localized stress concentration can be suppressed.

[0057] The position of the guide portion 65 can also be defined as follows. The flow path 64 is a curved surface formed by extending a part of the second tank member 602 in the opposite direction from the contact surface Cs (second inner flat region 613 and second outer flat region 614) with the first tank member 601. In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to this flow path 64 (Figure 5(B)), the angle α between the straight line connecting the second outer flat region 614, which constitutes part of the fixing jig support portion 110, and the guide portion 65 (part of the path of the fixing jig Jw), and the contact surface Cs is greater than the angle β between the tangent line TL (shown as a dashed line in Figure 5(B)) of the curved surface (flow path 64) passing through the second outer flat region 614 that constitutes the fixing jig support portion 110, and the contact surface Cs.

[0058] As an example, the angle θ between the normal to the guide portion 65 (concave portion 652) and the contact surface Cs is 60°.

[0059] By setting the guide portion 65 in this manner, contact between the guide portion 65 and the second tank member 602 that constitutes the flow path 64 can be avoided when the guide portion 65 supports the fixing jig Jw.

[0060] Figure 6 shows another example of the fixing jig support portion 110 and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 4. The fixing jig support portion 110 is not limited to a configuration in which the rising portion 132 is perpendicular to the surface of the first outer flat region 612 (the end face Ts of the rising portion 132 is in contact), but may also be bent inward or outward in the Z-axis direction to bring the inner or outer surface of the rising portion 132 into contact with the surface of the first outer flat region 612, thereby creating a three-layer structure.

[0061] Figure 7 shows another example of the fixing jig support section 110 and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 4. The second tank member 602 may not be bulged, and only the first tank member 601 may be bulged to partition the flow path 64. In this case, the guide section 65 is unnecessary, and the fixing jig Jw is held by the fixing jig support section 110. The fixing jig support section 110 is composed of three layers: the first tank member 601, the second tank member 602, and the side plate 13A, which can increase the strength of the area around the side tank 60 where the jig is to be in contact with the tank compared to conventional designs. Also, since there is no flow path 64 bulging outward, it is possible to avoid the fixing jig Jw pressing against the flow path 64.

[0062] Alternatively, a concave portion 652 may be provided in the fixing jig support portion 110 so that it can also serve as a guide portion 65.

[0063] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 14. Figures 8 to 14 are examples of the second embodiment, and in Figures 8 to 14, parts denoted by the same reference numerals indicate parts with the same function, and redundant explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

[0064] Furthermore, the reference numerals shown in Figures 8 to 14, which describe the second embodiment, will, in principle, be used only in the description of the second embodiment (Figures 8 to 14). Even if there are duplicate reference numerals shown in the first embodiment (Figures 1 to 7), the reference numerals shown in Figures 8 to 14 will take precedence in the description of the second embodiment.

[0065] <Heat exchanger> Figure 8 is a front view showing an example of a heat exchanger 1 according to the second embodiment, and Figure 9 is a side view of the heat exchanger 1 shown in Figure 8, viewed from the left. The heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment includes a core section 10 consisting of a plurality of tubes 100, a side plate 13, a first header tank 11, a second header tank 12, a side tank 60, and the like. The definition of direction in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the first direction is the Y-axis direction shown in Figure 8, the second direction is the X-axis direction shown in Figure 8, and the third direction is the Z-axis direction shown in Figure 8. "Up" and "down" are also explained based on the state shown in Figure 8, with the first header tank 11 side being "up" and the second header tank side being "down".

[0066] More specifically, the core portion 10 consists of multiple tubes 100 extending in the Y-axis direction (first direction) arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction (second direction), with fins (not shown) provided between them. Side plates 13 (13A, 13B) are arranged parallel to the tubes 100 at both ends of the core portion 10 in the X-axis direction. The multiple tubes 100 constitute a first tube group 100a arranged on the far side in the Z-axis direction in Figure 8, and a second tube group 100b arranged on the near side in the Z-axis direction (see Figure 9). The first tube group 100a and the second tube group 100b are arranged parallel to each other in the Z-axis direction.

[0067] The first header tank 11 is long in the X-axis direction (its axis is aligned with the X-axis direction) and connects to the upper ends of the multiple tubes 100 in the Y-axis direction. The first header tank 11 is a cylindrical member with openings 111 and 112 at both ends in the longitudinal direction (extension direction). The second header tank 12 is long in the X-axis direction (its axis is aligned with the X-axis direction) and connects to the lower ends of the multiple tubes 100 in the Y-axis direction. The second header tank 12 is also a cylindrical member with openings 121 and 122 at both ends in the longitudinal direction (extension direction).

[0068] The two side plates 13 (13A, 13B) are positioned opposite each other, with the core portion 10 in between. The side tank 60 is located on one of the two side plates 13A, on the side plate 13A. More specifically, in the X-axis direction, it is positioned on the side opposite the core portion 10, with the side plate 13A in between.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, the side tank 60 is a blocking means that closes one opening 111 of the first header tank 11, and is also a flow path 64 (inflow flow path 64A, outflow flow path 64B) that connects the inflow pipe 99A and outflow pipe 99B of the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) to the first header tank 11.

[0070] In this example of heat exchanger 1, the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows from the inlet pipe 99A into the inlet passage 64A of the side tank 60 and into the first header tank 11. Within the first header tank 11, the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows in the X-axis direction in the diagram and is divided into the first tube group 100a of the core section 10, where the first tube group 100a flows downward in the Y-axis direction in the diagram. Subsequently, the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) merges in the second header tank 12 and flows in the X-axis direction in the diagram, where the second tube group 100b of the core section 10 flows upward in the Y-axis direction in the diagram and returns to the first header tank 11.

[0071] The heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) in the first header tank 11 flows into the outlet passage 64B of the side tank 60 and out into the outlet pipe 99B. In other words, the heat exchanger 1 in this example has a so-called two-pass structure. In the core section 10, heat exchange takes place between the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flowing in the Y-axis direction in the tube 100 and a fluid (e.g., air) moving between the multiple tubes 100 along the Z-axis direction in the figure.

[0072] The first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12 function as distribution points to the multiple tubes 100 when the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows from inside the first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12 into the multiple tubes 100, and function as confluence points to the multiple tubes 100 when the heat transfer medium flows from the multiple tubes 100 into the first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12.

[0073] One opening 111 of the first header tank 11 is closed by the side tank 60, while the other opening 112 is closed by the cap 70A. In addition, the openings 121 and 122 at both ends of the second header tank 12 are closed by the caps 70B and 70C, respectively.

[0074] In the following description, the first header tank 11 (simply referred to as header tank 11) will be described as the main component of this embodiment, and the description of the second header tank 12 will be omitted. In addition, the side plate 13A on the side tank 60 side will be described, and the description of the side plate 13B on the opposite side will be omitted.

[0075] A partition plate (not shown) is provided inside the header tank 11. The partition plate is installed along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the header tank 11 so as to divide the inside of the header tank 11 into two regions in its short direction (Z-axis direction). The heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flowing in the two regions separated by the partition plate cannot enter the other. One region is connected to the inflow passage 64A of the side tank 60 and becomes the inflow side region, and the other region is connected to the outflow passage 64B of the side tank 60 and becomes the outflow side region. In Figure 8, the mounting state of the fixing jig Jw used in the brazing process is shown by a large dashed line.

[0076] <Side Tank> The side tank 60 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the side tank 60 in isolation, where Figure 10(A) is a perspective view and Figure 10(B) is a diagram showing the guide portion 65 provided on the surface of the side tank 60 in isolation, which is a side view taken along arrow V in Figure 10(A).

[0077] Referring to Figure 9, the upper end of the side tank 60 in the Y-axis direction is provided with a heat exchanger side inlet / outlet 61 (heat exchanger side inlet 61A, heat exchanger side outlet 61B). These are connected to the opening 111 (inlet opening 111A, outlet opening 111B) of the first header tank 11. The lower end of the side tank 60 in the Y-axis direction is provided with a piping side inlet / outlet 62 (piping side inlet 62A, piping side outlet 62B). These are connected to a piping connection section 63 (inlet piping connection section 63A, outlet piping connection section 63B).

[0078] The side tank 60 has an inlet passage 64A and an outlet passage 64B. The inlet passage 64A and the outlet passage 64B are each configured in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the X-axis direction, and are arranged in a nested manner so as to be aligned along the Z-axis direction (in the YZ plane).

[0079] The inflow channel 64A has a straight section of the inflow channel (first channel) 641 (excluding the header tank 11 portion) through which a heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows in the Y-axis direction (extending in the Y-axis direction), and a bent section of the inflow channel (second channel) 642 that is continuous with the straight section of the inflow channel 641 and through which the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows in a different direction (Z-axis direction) (changing the flow direction). In this embodiment, the length of the inflow channel straight section 641 is longer than the length of the inflow channel bent section 642 (from the inflow channel bent section 642 to the pipe side inlet 62A).

[0080] The outlet channel 64B has a straight section of the outlet channel (first channel) 644 (excluding the header tank 11 portion) through which a heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows in the Y-axis direction (extending in the Y-axis direction), and a bent section of the outlet channel (second channel) 645 that is continuous with the first channel and through which the heat transfer medium (refrigerant, cooling water, etc.) flows in a different direction (Z-axis direction) from the straight section of the outlet channel 644 (changing the flow direction). In this embodiment, the length of the straight section of the outlet channel 644 is longer than the length of the bent section of the outlet channel 645 (from the bent section of the outlet channel 645 to the pipe-side outlet 62B).

[0081] One end of the inflow channel 64A in the Y-axis direction (heat exchanger side inlet 61A) communicates with the inflow opening 111A of the first header tank 11, and the other end in the Y-axis direction (pipe side inlet 62A) communicates with the inflow pipe connection 63A. The inflow pipe 99A, shown by the dashed line, is connected to the inflow pipe connection 63A.

[0082] One end of the outflow channel 64B in the Y-axis direction (heat exchanger side outlet 61B) communicates with the outflow opening 111B of the first header tank 11, and the other end in the Y-axis direction (pipe side outlet 62B) communicates with the outflow pipe connection 63B. The outflow pipe 99B, shown by the dashed line, is connected to the outflow pipe connection 63B.

[0083] As shown in Figure 10, the side tank 60 is composed of a first tank member 601 and a second tank member 602, which are divided into two parts by a plane parallel to the YZ plane. In this example, the first tank member 601 is the inner surface facing the side plate 13A, and the second tank member 602 is the surface that constitutes the outer surface of the side tank 60. Above the first tank member 601 in the Y-axis direction (upper left in Figure 10(A)) is a heat exchanger side inlet / outlet 61 (heat exchanger side inlet 61A and heat exchanger side outlet 61B) that communicates with the opening 111 of the header tank 11. Above the second tank member 602 in the Y-axis direction (the surface facing the heat exchanger side inlet 61A and heat exchanger side outlet 61B) functions as a cap that closes the opening 111 of the header tank 11 and the heat exchanger side inlet / outlet 61 that communicates with it (see Figure 9). Since the side tank 60 also serves as a closing means (cap) for closing the opening 111 of the first header tank 11, a separate cap for closing the opening 111 is not required, thus reducing the number of parts.

[0084] In this embodiment, the surface on which the opening 111 of the header tank 11 (the heat exchanger-side inlet 61A and heat exchanger-side outlet 61B of the side tank 60 communicating with it) is located and the surface on which at least one of the piping-side inlet 62A and piping-side outlet 62B of the side tank 60 is located intersects. Here, as an example, the surface on which the opening 111 is located and the surface on which the piping-side inlet 62A and piping-side outlet 62B are located intersect.

[0085] In detail, the side tank 60 has its heat exchanger-side inlet 61A and heat exchanger-side outlet 61B arranged side-by-side along the Z-axis (in the YZ plane), while its piping-side inlet 62A and piping-side outlet 62B are arranged vertically along the Y-axis (in the XY plane). On the other hand, the piping-side inlet 62A and piping-side outlet 62B do not exist in the axial direction of the opening 111 (heat exchanger-side inlet / outlet 61) of the header tank 11, and are located below them in the Y-axis direction.

[0086] In the heat exchanger 1, it is necessary to accommodate the layout of the inlet and outlet piping 99 (inlet piping 99A and outlet piping 99B) on the refrigeration cycle side, and it may not be possible to position the piping-side inlet and outlet 62 along the axial direction of the opening 111 of the header tank 11 (directly on the opening 111). In such cases, it is necessary to provide a flow path along the side plate 13A that connects the heat exchanger 1 and the inlet and outlet piping 99 in a limited space and without interfering with the HVAC unit case. In this embodiment, the flow path to the inlet and outlet piping 99 is routed while being compactly housed in the HVAC unit case by the side tank 60.

[0087] As shown in Figure 10, the first tank member 601 has a substantially flat peripheral area and is configured in a half-split shape with a partially bulging interior. The second tank member 602 also has a substantially flat peripheral area and is configured in a half-split shape with a partially bulging interior. The bulging portions of the first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602 include curved surfaces, and the first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602 are positioned opposite each other so as to cover each other's open surfaces, and the flow path 64 is defined by bringing their flat surfaces into contact with each other.

[0088] The first tank member 601 engages (or crimps) the claw portion 601A located on its periphery with the second tank member 602. The second tank member 602 engages (or crimps) the claw portion 602A located on its periphery in the upper part of the Y-axis direction (upper left in Figure 10(A)) with the header tank 11, while sandwiching the first tank member 601.

[0089] In this embodiment, a fixing jig support section 110 is provided on both sides of the side tank 60 (both outer sides in the Z-axis direction of the flow path 64), with the first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602 stacked in at least three layers. The fixing jig Jw (see Figure 1), used during assembly, comes into contact with the fixing jig support section 110.

[0090] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the CC line in Figure 9, showing the area around the side tank 60. The first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602 have substantially flat surfaces around the flow path 64 (inflow flow path 64A and outflow flow path 64B) that are in contact with each other. In detail, the first tank member 601 has a first inner flat region 611 between the inflow flow path 64A and the outflow flow path 64B, and first outer flat regions 612 on both sides in the Z-axis direction of the inflow flow path 64A and the outflow flow path 64B (flow path 64). The second tank member 602 has a second inner flat region 613 between the inflow flow path 64A and the outflow flow path 64B, and second outer flat regions 614 on both sides in the Z-axis direction of the inflow flow path 64A and the outflow flow path 64B (flow path 64). The first inner flat region 611 and the second inner flat region 613 are in contact, and the first outer flat region 612 and the second outer flat region 614 are in contact.

[0091] Furthermore, the fixing jig support portion 110 is constructed by bending one of the first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602 to sandwich the other. In this example, the width (length in the Z-axis direction) of the first outer flat region 612 is made longer than that of the second outer flat region 614, and the tip 612A of the first outer flat region 612 is bent (folded back) and overlapped with the second outer flat region 614. The second outer flat region 614 is sandwiched between the first outer flat region 612 on both sides, resulting in a three-layer structure. These three layers are in contact with each other.

[0092] As a result, compared to the conventional structure (Figure 8) which consisted only of the overlap of the first tank member 204 and the second tank member 205, the strength of the area where the fixing jig Jw is scheduled to make contact (hereinafter referred to as the "jig contact area") on the side of the side tank 60 (outside in the direction of alignment of the flow paths 64 (Z-axis direction)) can be increased.

[0093] Alternatively, the second outer flat region 614 may be sandwiched between the first outer flat region 612 and crimped. In other words, the fixing jig support portion 110 may be a crimping portion that fixes the first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602. In other words, it may be a portion that serves both to support the fixing jig Jw and to fix both tank members 601 and 602.

[0094] The fixing jig support portion 110 is the part that the fixing jig (e.g., wire) Jw will come into contact with (or is expected to come into contact with) during the brazing process (see Figures 8 and 9). By providing a high-strength fixing jig support portion 110 on the side of the side tank 60, deformation due to the tightening of the fixing jig Jw is less likely to occur on the side (periphery) of the side tank 60. As the strength of the area where the jig is expected to come into contact on the side (periphery) of the side tank 60 is increased, the pressing force on the surface of the second tank member 602 that constitutes the flow path 64 of the side tank 60 can also be reduced. As a result, defects in the appearance of the side tank 60 due to deformation caused by tightening of the fixing jig Jw, and performance degradation due to a decrease in the plate thickness of the second tank member 602 can be avoided.

[0095] Furthermore, the first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602 are existing configurations, and the fixing jig support part 110 can be made up of only these two. Specifically, they can be formed simultaneously with the formation process of the claw parts 601A and 602A and the bending process (crimping process) of the claw parts 601A and 602A. Therefore, the strength of the parts of the side (periphery) of the side tank 60 that are to be contacted by the jig can be increased without adding any separate (dedicated) parts, configurations, or manufacturing processes.

[0096] The position of the fixing jig support portion 110 may be set, for example, taking into consideration the effect of the tightening force of the fixing jig Jw on the side plate 13A. Specifically, both ends of the side plate 13A in its extending direction (Y-axis direction) are fixed to the first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12. Therefore, the side plate 13A has high rigidity against the tightening force of the fixing jig Jw in the vicinity of the first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12, while its rigidity against the tightening force of the fixing jig Jw weakens near the center in the extending direction of the side plate 13A. In other words, the side plate 13A (and the tube 100) is more prone to warping toward the center in the accumulation direction (X-axis direction) as it moves away from the first header tank 11 and the second header tank 12. In particular, if the side plate 13A warps, there is also the problem of displacement of the side tank 60.

[0097] Therefore, it is preferable that the fixing jig Jw for fixing the side tank 60 be wrapped around the area near the header tank 11 where the rigidity of the side plate 13A is relatively high, and the position of the fixing jig support portion 110 may be set accordingly. "Near the header tank 11" means, for example, the side of the side tank 60 that is closer to the header tank 11 than the center of the straight section 641 of the inflow channel 64 (in this case, the inflow channel 64A) which has a long flow path length. More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, if the length in the longitudinal direction (extending direction) of the straight section 641 of the inflow channel 641 is L1, the fixing jig Jw is attached (wrapped) on the side closer to the header tank 11 than the position P1 which is half the length of L1, and the fixing jig support portion 110 is provided in accordance with the attachment position.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a guide portion 65 that can come into contact with the fixing jig Jw is provided on the surface of the second tank member 602 that constitutes the flow path 64. The guide portion 65 comes into contact with the fixing jig Jw and restricts the movement of the fixing jig Jw to any arbitrary position (positional displacement in the Y-axis direction).

[0099] Furthermore, the guide section 65 is provided at the position where the fixing jig Jw should be attached. As described above, the fixing jig Jw has a suitable position for attachment, and by attaching the fixing jig Jw so as to contact the guide section 65, it can be attached to the suitable position. In other words, the guide section 65 can guide the fixing jig Jw to the fixing jig support section 110.

[0100] Referring to Figure 10, the guide portion 65 has, for example, two convex portions 651 (651A, 651B) aligned in the Y-axis direction (a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the fixing jig Jw) and a concave portion 652 between them, and the fixing jig Jw is brought into contact with the concave portion 652 and held therein. For example, the two convex portions 651A, 651B are approximately hemispheres, and the concave portion 652 is a curved surface that smoothly continues from the convex portions 651A, 651B. Even the concave portion 652 is located at a position that protrudes (is high) from the surface of the bulge portion of the second tank member 602 that constitutes the flow path 64. The shape of the guide portion 65 is not limited to that shown, and any configuration that can hold the fixing jig Jw in a predetermined position is acceptable. For example, the overall shape may be approximately a rectangular parallelepiped, with a V-shaped or I-shaped groove provided as the concave portion 652 near the center, and the parts other than the groove being convex portions 651.

[0101] Figure 12 shows the second tank member 602 of the side tank 60, with Figure 12(A) being a plan view and Figure 12(B) being a cross-sectional view along the DD line in Figure 12(A).

[0102] The guide portion 65 is provided at a position corresponding to the fixing jig support portion 110. Specifically, in the Y-axis direction, the guide portion 655 is provided at a position where the concave portion 652 is aligned with the fixing jig support portion 110 (see Figure 10). By bringing the fixing jig Jw into contact with the concave portion 652 of the guide portion 65, the fixing jig Jw can be reliably brought into contact with and held by the strengthened fixing jig support portion 110.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(B), the position of the guide portion 65 on the curved surface of the flow path 64 (second tank member 602) is set to be closer to the outside (towards the side of the side tank 60) in the direction of alignment of the flow paths 64 (64A, 64B) (Z-axis direction) than the most bulging part (top Pk) of the flow path 64. The flow path 64 is defined by a curved surface that bulges out a part of the second tank member 602, and the top Pk of the flow path 64 is the top Pk of this curved surface.

[0104] By positioning the guide portion 65 closer to the outside in the Z-axis direction of the flow path 64 than the top Pk of the flow path 64, it is possible to avoid direct contact between the fixing jig Jw and the other parts of the flow path 64 (curved surface) when the guide portion 65 holds the fixing jig Jw. The guide portion 65 is also part of the surface of the flow path 64 (second tank member 602), but if the tank member (second tank member 602) is manufactured by casting, such as die casting, the concave portion 652 (and convex portion 651) will have a partially increased plate thickness (wall thickness), resulting in higher strength than other areas. Alternatively, the tank member (second tank member 602) may be manufactured by press working. In that case, the concave portion 652 (and convex portion 651) will have the same plate thickness (wall thickness) as other areas, but the strength of other areas will also increase due to work hardening.

[0105] Furthermore, the guide portion 65 is a part that protrudes from a portion of the surface of the flow path 64, and when the fixing jig Jw is held, the fixing jig Jw does not come into contact with other parts of the surface of the flow path 64. In other words, the guide portion 65 (concave portion 652) acts as a spacer, preventing the fixing jig Jw from coming into contact with the surface of other areas of the flow path 54, thus suppressing deformation of the flow path 64 of the side tank 60. As a result, not only is cosmetic defects suppressed, but performance degradation due to a reduction in the plate thickness of the flow path 64 is avoided. In addition, since the fixing jig Jw comes into contact with the guide portions 65 provided in each of the inflow flow path 64A and outflow flow path 64B, and the fixing jig support portions 110 on both sides of the flow path 64, the pressing force of the fixing jig Jw can be distributed, and deformation of the heat exchanger 1 due to localized stress concentration can be suppressed.

[0106] The position of the guide portion 65 can also be defined as follows. The flow path 64 is a curved surface formed by extending a part of the second tank member 602 in the opposite direction from the contact surface Cs (second inner flat region 613 and second outer flat region 614) with the first tank member 601. In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to this flow path 64 (Figure 12(B)), the angle α between the straight line connecting the second outer flat region 614, which constitutes part of the fixing jig support portion 110, and the guide portion 65 (part of the path of the fixing jig Jw), and the contact surface Cs is greater than the angle β between the tangent line TL (shown as a dashed line in Figure 12(B)) of the curved surface (flow path 64) passing through the second outer flat region 614 that constitutes the fixing jig support portion 110, and the contact surface Cs.

[0107] As an example, the angle θ between the normal to the guide portion 65 (concave portion 652) and the contact surface Cs is 60°.

[0108] By setting the guide portion 65 in this manner, contact between the guide portion 65 and the second tank member 602 that constitutes the flow path 64 can be avoided when the guide portion 65 supports the fixing jig Jw.

[0109] Figure 13 is a diagram showing another example of the fixing jig support portion 110, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 11. As shown in the same figure, a part of the side plate 13A may be brought into contact with the fixing jig support portion 110. Specifically, the side plate 13A has a plate portion 131 facing the first tank member 601 and rising portions 132 located at both ends of the plate portion 131 in the Z-axis direction, and the tip of the rising portion 132 in the rising direction (end face Ts perpendicular to the rising direction (parallel to the thickness direction of the side plate 13A)) may be brought into contact with the first outer flat region 612 to constitute the fixing jig support portion 110. The thickness of the fixing jig support portion 110 can be increased by the rising height of the rising portion 132 (resulting in a four-layer structure), which can further increase its strength.

[0110] Figure 14 shows another example of the fixing jig support section 110 and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 11. The second tank member 602 may not be bulged, and only the first tank member 601 may be bulged to partition the flow path 64. In this case, the guide section 65 is unnecessary, and the fixing jig Jw is held by the fixing jig support section 110. The fixing jig support section 110 has a three-layer structure consisting of the first tank member 601 and the second tank member 602, which can increase the strength of the area around the side tank 60 where the jig is to be in contact with the tank compared to conventional designs. Also, since there is no flow path 64 bulging outward, it is possible to avoid the fixing jig Jw pressing against the flow path 64. In this case as well, the rising portion 132 of the side plate 13A may be brought into contact with the first outer flat region 612.

[0111] Alternatively, a concave portion 652 may be provided in the fixing jig support portion 110 so that it can also serve as a guide portion 65.

[0112] Furthermore, the fixing jig support section 110 may be constructed of three or more layers by increasing the number of folds of the first tank member 601 and / or the second tank member 602.

[0113] In the first and second embodiments, the case where the fixing jig Jw is a wire was described as an example, but the fixing jig Jw is not limited to this. For example, a roughly U-shaped (or U-shaped) plate facing the opposite direction to the side plate 13A may be attached to the outside of the side tank 60 (on the second tank member 602 side) and tightened to fix it in place. Even in that case, the increased strength of the fixing jig support portion 110 can increase the strength of the area around the side tank 60 where the jig is to make contact.

[0114] Furthermore, increasing the amount of protrusion of the fixing jig support portion 110 in the Z-axis direction (left-right direction in Figures 6, 7, 13, and 14) increases strength, but this also increases the product size and the brazing area, so the amount of protrusion should be selected appropriately.

[0115] It should be noted that the heat exchanger 1 of the first embodiment and the heat exchanger 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 1 heat exchanger 10 Core section 11, 12 Header Tanks 13, 13A, 13B Side Plates 60 Side Tank 64 channels 64A Inflow channel 64B Outlet channel 65 Guide section 100 tubes 110 Fixing jig support section 121,122 Opening 131 Plate section 132 Upright section 200 heat exchanger 201 Core section 202 Side Plate 203 Side Tank 204 First Tank Component 205 Second Tank Component 601 First Tank Component 602 Second Tank Component 611 First inner flat area 612 First outer flat area 613 Second inner flat area 614 Second outer flat area 651, 651A, 651B convex part 652 Concave part Cs contact surface

Claims

1. A core section in which tubes extending in the first direction are arranged in a concentrated manner in the second direction, A side plate positioned at the end of the core portion in the second direction, The system comprises a first tank member and a second tank member facing each other, having a flow path for a heat transfer medium, and a side tank positioned on the opposite side of the core portion in the second direction, with the side plate in between. On the outer side of the third direction of the flow path, at least in the area where the fixing jig makes contact, the first tank member, the second tank member, and the side plate are stacked to provide a fixing jig support portion. A heat exchanger characterized by the following features.

2. A guide portion is provided on the surface of the flow path that can come into contact with the fixing jig. The heat exchanger according to feature 1.

3. The side plate has a plate portion facing the first tank member and raised portions located at both ends of the plate portion in the third direction, and at least at the fixing jig support portion, a part of the raised portion and the first tank member are in contact. The heat exchanger according to feature 1.

4. The guide portion protrudes from a part of the surface of the flow path and, when it comes into contact with the fixing jig, the fixing jig does not come into contact with the other parts of the surface. The heat exchanger according to feature 2.

5. The flow path is demarcated by a curved surface which is at least a part of the second tank member that is bulging out. The guide portion is provided at a position closer to the outside in the third direction of the flow path than the top of the curved surface. The heat exchanger according to feature 2.

6. The flow path is defined by a curved surface that extends at least a portion of the second tank member toward the side opposite to the contact surface with the first tank member. In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the aforementioned flow path, The angle between the straight line connecting the fixing jig support portion and the guide portion and the contact surface is, The angle between the tangent to the curved surface passing through the fixing jig support and the contact surface is greater than the angle between the tangent to the curved surface passing through the fixing jig support and the contact surface. The heat exchanger according to feature 2.

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