heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention provides a heat exchanger that can improve the relative positional accuracy of the connection point between two connecting pipes. [Solution] The heat exchanger 20 comprises a heat exchange plate 30 having a plurality of first flow channels FP1 through which a heat transfer medium flows, and a first pipe 51 through which the heat transfer medium flows. The first pipe 51 has a first slit 561 that penetrates the first pipe 51 and is joined to the end in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30, connected to the plurality of first flow channels FP1 via the first slit 561.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle including a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of heat exchangers for heat-exchanging the plurality of battery cells. This heat exchanger includes a heat exchange plate provided with a flow path inside, a first connection pipe and a second connection pipe connected to the flow path of the heat exchange plate, and an adapter for fixing the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe to the heat exchange plate. In the heat exchanger, the fluid supplied to the first connection pipe flows through the flow path of the heat exchange plate. Then, the fluid that has flowed through the flow path of the heat exchange plate is discharged from the second connection pipe. By circulating the fluid through the heat exchange plate in this way, the plurality of battery cells in contact with the heat exchange plate are adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an electric vehicle as described above, it is common for a plurality of heat exchangers to be arranged side by side. In this case, the first connection pipe of a certain heat exchanger is connected to the second connection pipe of the heat exchanger adjacent on the right by a certain connecting pipe, and the second connection pipe of a certain heat exchanger is connected to the first connection pipe of the heat exchanger adjacent on the left by another connecting pipe. Therefore, when focusing on one heat exchanger, it is preferable that the relative positional accuracy of the connection pipe to which a certain connecting pipe is connected and the connection pipe to which another connecting pipe is connected is high.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A heat exchanger that solves the above problems comprises a heat exchange plate having a long rectangular plate shape and having a plurality of channels through which a heat transfer medium flows, and a connecting pipe through which the heat transfer medium flows, wherein the plurality of channels extend in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate, and the connecting pipe has a slit that penetrates the connecting pipe and is joined to the end of the heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction, connected to the plurality of channels through the slit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The heat exchanger can improve the relative positional accuracy of the connection point between the two connecting pipes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the heat exchange system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger of the heat exchange system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial side view of the heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the adapter of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a rear view of the adapter of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partial side view of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a partial side view of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the heat exchanger of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a partial side view of the heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view of the adapter of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a rear view of the adapter of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a partial side view of the heat exchanger of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (First Embodiment) The following describes a first embodiment of the heat exchanger. <Configuration of the first embodiment> As shown in Figure 1, the heat exchange system 10 is a device for adjusting the temperature of the heat exchange target 100 to an appropriate temperature by cooling or heating the heat exchange target 100. In the first embodiment, the heat exchange target 100 is a plurality of batteries installed in an electric vehicle. More specifically, the batteries are cylindrical cells.

[0009] The heat exchange system 10 comprises a plurality of heat exchangers 20 and a plurality of pipes 80. Although not shown in the figures, the heat exchange system 10 also comprises a pump for circulating a heat transfer medium and a temperature control unit for adjusting the temperature of the heat transfer medium. In the first embodiment, the heat transfer medium is a liquid such as oil or water used for cooling and heating the heat exchange target 100. In other embodiments, the heat transfer medium may be a gas such as air.

[0010] <Heat exchanger 20> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 20 has a long configuration. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger 20 will be referred to as the first direction D1, the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 will be referred to as the second direction D2, and the direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 will be referred to as the 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 aligned.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the heat exchanger 20 comprises a heat exchange plate 30, an adapter 50, and a cap 60. In the first embodiment, the components of the heat exchanger 20 are made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

[0012] <Heat exchange plate 30> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat exchange plate 30 constitutes most of the heat exchanger 20. The heat exchange plate 30 has a long rectangular plate shape. The plate thickness direction of the heat exchange plate 30 is the third direction D3. When the heat exchange plate 30 is viewed in the plate 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.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the heat exchange plate 30 has a plurality of flow paths FP extending in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30. The heat exchange plate 30 also has two main walls 31, 32, two side walls 33, 34, and a plurality of partition walls 35 to 37. Further, in the heat exchange plate 30, a connection portion 30A, a heat exchange portion 30B, and a reversal portion 30C are formed by the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the plurality of partition walls 35 to 37. Also, in the following description, one end in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30 is referred to as the first end, and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30 is referred to as the second end. The first end is the end opposite to the second end.

[0014] <Flow path FP> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the multiple flow channels FP include a plurality of first flow channels FP1 that constitute the upstream portion of the plurality of flow channels FP, and a plurality of second flow channels FP2 that constitute the downstream portion of the plurality of flow channels FP. The plurality of first flow channels FP1 and the plurality of second flow channels FP2 are arranged in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 30. Specifically, the plurality of first flow channels FP1 are arranged close to the first side wall 33, and the plurality of second flow channels FP2 are arranged close to the second side wall 34. In this respect, the first flow channels FP1 and the second flow channels FP2 are not arranged alternately in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 30. The direction in which the heat transfer medium flows through the plurality of first flow channels FP1 is from the first end to the second end of the heat exchange plate 30. On the other hand, the direction in which the heat transfer medium flows through the plurality of second flow channels FP2 is from the second end to the first end of the heat exchange plate 30. In this respect, the upstream ends of the plurality of first flow channels FP1 and the downstream ends of the plurality of second flow channels FP2 are located on the end face of the first end of the heat exchange plate 30. On the other hand, the downstream ends of the multiple first flow channels FP1 and the upstream ends of the multiple second flow channels FP2 are located on the end faces of the second end of the heat exchange plate 30.

[0015] In the first embodiment, the total number of first flow channels FP1 is equal to the total number of second flow channels FP2, but in other embodiments, the total number of first flow channels FP1 may differ from the total number of second flow channels FP2. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the flow channels FP may be rectangular or circular. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape of the multiple first flow channels FP1 and multiple second flow channels FP2 may or may not be constant.

[0016] <Main walls 31, 32, side walls 33, 34, and partition walls 35-37> As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the two main walls 31 and 32 are rectangular plate-shaped. The thickness direction of the two main walls 31 and 32 is the third direction D3. The two main walls 31 and 32 face each other in the third direction D3 with a certain distance between them. In this way, the two main walls 31 and 32 cover multiple flow channels FP from both sides in the thickness direction.

[0017] The two side walls 33 and 34 are semi-cylindrical in shape. The two side walls 33 and 34 extend in a first direction D1. The two side walls 33 and 34 face each other in a second direction D2 with a certain distance between them. The first side wall 33 connects one end of the two main walls 31 and 32 in the width direction, and the second side wall 34 connects the other end of the two main walls 31 and 32 in the width direction. In this way, the two side walls 33 and 34 cover multiple flow channels FP from both sides in the width direction. In this respect, it can be said that the multiple first flow channels FP1 are lined up from the first side wall 33 toward the second side wall 34. Also, it can be said that the multiple second flow channels FP2 are lined up from the second side wall 34 toward the first side wall 33.

[0018] Multiple partition walls 35-37 are rectangular plate-shaped. The thickness direction of the multiple partition walls 35-37 is the second direction D2. Multiple partition walls 35-37 connect two main walls 31, 32 in the third direction D3. In this way, multiple partition walls 35-37, together with the two main walls 31, 32 and the two side walls 33, 34, partition multiple flow paths FP. Multiple partition walls 35-37 include multiple first partition walls 35 that partition multiple first flow paths FP1, multiple second partition walls 36 that partition multiple second flow paths FP2, and a central partition wall 37 that partitions adjacent first flow paths FP1 and second flow paths FP2 in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 30. In the width direction of the heat exchange plate 30, the central partition wall 37 is located in the center of the multiple first partition walls 35 and the multiple second partition walls 36.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connection portion 30A constitutes the first end of the heat exchange plate 30. The connection portion 30A is the part of the heat exchange plate 30 that supplies the heat transfer medium to the first flow path FP1 and discharges the heat transfer medium from the second flow path FP2. In other words, the upstream end of the first flow path FP1 is open at the connection portion 30A, and the downstream end of the second flow path FP2 is also open.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the heat exchange section 30B is the part that heats or cools the heat exchange target 100 while in contact with it. The heat exchange section 30B is located in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30 between the connection section 30A and the reversal section 30C. Since the heat exchange target 100 in the first embodiment consists of multiple cylindrical cells, the portion of the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the multiple partition walls 35-37 that constitute the heat exchange section 30B is curved in a bellows-like manner. In other words, the portion of the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the multiple partition walls 35-37 that constitute the heat exchange section 30B is curved in a corrugated shape.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the reversal section 30C constitutes the second end of the heat exchange plate 30. The reversal section 30C is a part that connects the downstream ends of the multiple first flow channels FP1 and the upstream ends of the multiple second flow channels FP2. In other words, in the determination section, the downstream end of the first flow channel FP1 is open, and the upstream end of the second flow channel FP2 is open.

[0022] The method for manufacturing the heat exchange plate 30 includes, for example, an extrusion step of extruding a metal material, a cutting step of cutting the extruded material to a predetermined length, and a pressing step of pressing the cut extruded material in the thickness direction. Because the method for manufacturing the heat exchange plate 30 includes an extrusion step, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30 is substantially constant. The pressing step is a step of forming the heat exchange section 30B.

[0023] <Adapter 50> As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, the adapter 50 comprises a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, a connecting portion 53, and two protruding portions 54 and 55. The adapter 50 also includes a slit 56. The adapter 50 is the portion into which the connection portion 30A of the heat exchange plate 30 is inserted.

[0024] The first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 are cylindrical in shape. In the first embodiment, the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 have the same shape. The diameters of the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 are approximately half the length of the heat exchange plate 30 in the width direction. In other words, the diameter of the first pipe 51 is approximately the same as the distance between the first side wall 33 and the central partition wall 37 in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 30, and the diameter of the second pipe 52 is approximately the same as the distance between the second side wall 34 and the central partition wall 37 in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 30. The first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 are aligned axially and spaced apart in the width direction. Hereafter, the direction in which the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 are aligned will also be referred to as the alignment direction. The first pipe 51 corresponds to the "connecting pipe".

[0025] The connecting portion 53 connects the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 in the parallel direction. More specifically, the connecting portion 53 connects the outer circumferential surface of the first pipe 51 and the outer circumferential surface of the second pipe 52 in the parallel direction. In this respect, the connecting portion 53 is located between the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 in the parallel direction. The first protrusion 54 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the first pipe 51 along the parallel direction. The second protrusion 55 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the second pipe 52 along the parallel direction. The direction of protrusion of the first protrusion 54 is the opposite direction to the direction of protrusion of the second protrusion 55. In this respect, the connecting portion 53 is located between the two protrusions 54 and 55 in the parallel direction.

[0026] The slit 56 extends across the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 of the adapter 50, the connecting portion 53, and the two protrusions 54 and 55. The width direction of the slit 56 coincides with the axial direction of the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52. The width of the slit 56 is equivalent to the thickness of the heat exchange plate 30. The slit 56 penetrates the first pipe 51 in the thickness direction and also penetrates the second pipe 52 in the thickness direction. In the first embodiment, since the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 are cylindrical, the thickness direction of the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 is radial. Thus, the inner space of the first pipe 51 is connected to the outer space of the first pipe 51 via the slit 56. Similarly, the inner space of the second pipe 52 is connected to the outer space of the second pipe 52 via the slit 56. On the other hand, the slit 56 does not penetrate the connecting portion 53 and the two protrusions 54 and 55.

[0027] The adapter 50 has two clamping surfaces 61 and 62, a central contact surface 63, and two end contact surfaces 64 and 65, which face the slit 56. The two clamping surfaces 61 and 62 are planes perpendicular to the axial directions of the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52. The distance between the two clamping surfaces 61 and 62 corresponds to the width of the slit 56. The two clamping surfaces 61 and 62 are provided across the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52, the connecting portion 53, and the two protruding portions 54 and 55. The central contact surface 63 and the two end contact surfaces 64 and 65 are planes perpendicular to the two clamping surfaces 61 and 62, and are also planes along the direction of alignment. The central contact surface 63 is provided in the central part of the adapter 50 in the direction of alignment, across the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 and the connecting portion 53. The end contact surface 64 is provided across the first pipe 51 and the first protrusion 54. The end contact surface 65 is provided across the second pipe 52 and the second protrusion 55. The portion of the slit 56 provided on the first pipe 51 is the "first slit 561", and the portion of the slit 56 provided on the second pipe 52 is the "second slit 562".

[0028] In the first embodiment, the adapter 50 is an extrudeable metal material. That is, the method for manufacturing the adapter 50 includes an extrusion step of extruding the metal material and a cutting step of cutting the extruded material to a predetermined length. Here, the extrusion direction in the extrusion step is the axial direction of the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52. Furthermore, it is preferable that the cutting step cuts the extruded material to a predetermined length and simultaneously forms a slit 56. If a slit 56 is not formed in the cutting step, it is preferable that the method for manufacturing the adapter 50 further includes a step of forming a slit 56.

[0029] <Cap 60> As shown in Figure 2, the cap 60 is configured to seal the inverted portion 30C of the heat exchange plate 30. The cap 60 may be composed of a single component or of two or more components. The cap 60 is configured so that the second end of the heat exchange plate 30 can be inserted into it.

[0030] <Engagement relationships of components of the heat exchanger 20> As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the connection portion 30A of the heat exchange plate 30 is joined to the adapter 50 in a state where it is inserted into the slit 56 of the adapter 50. More specifically, the two main walls 31 and 32 of the connection portion 30A are joined to the two clamping surfaces 61 and 62 of the adapter 50, respectively. In addition, the end faces of the two main walls 31 and 32 of the connection portion 30A and the end face of the central partition wall 37 are joined to the central contact surface 63 of the adapter 50. Furthermore, the end face of the first side wall 33 of the connection portion 30A is joined to the end contact surface 64 of the adapter 50, and the end face of the second side wall 34 of the connection portion 30A is joined to the end contact surface 65 of the adapter 50. In this way, the connection portion 30A of the heat exchange plate 30 is joined to the adapter 50 without any gaps.

[0031] Here, the central contact surface 63 and the two end contact surfaces 64 and 65 of the adapter 50 are planes perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connection portion 30A of the heat exchange plate 30 relative to the adapter 50. The heat exchange plate 30 and the adapter 50 may be joined by, for example, brazing. In another embodiment, the connection portion 30A of the heat exchange plate 30 and the adapter 50 may be joined by welding.

[0032] The upstream ends of the multiple first flow channels FP1 are connected to the first pipe 51 of the adapter 50 via the first slit 561 (56) of the adapter 50. Similarly, the downstream ends of the multiple second flow channels FP2 are connected to the second pipe 52 of the adapter 50 via the second slit 562 (56) of the adapter 50. Since the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchange plate 30 is joined to the central contact surface 63 of the adapter 50, the first flow channels FP1 and the second flow channels FP2 partitioned by the central partition wall 37 are not connected inside the adapter 50. In other words, the first pipe 51 of the adapter 50 is not connected to the downstream ends of the multiple second flow channels FP2. Similarly, the second pipe 52 of the adapter 50 is not connected to the upstream ends of the multiple first flow channels FP1.

[0033] In the adapter 50, the first slit 561 and the second slit 562 are arc-shaped. The length S1 of the chord of the first slit 561 is shorter than the distance L11 between the first side wall 33 and the central partition wall 37 in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 30. On the other hand, the length S1 of the chord of the first slit 561 is longer than the distance L12 between the first flow path FP1 partitioned by the first side wall 33 and the first flow path FP1 partitioned by the central partition wall 37 in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 30. Similarly, the length S2 of the chord of the second slit 562 is shorter than the distance L21 between the second side wall 34 and the central partition wall 37 in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 30. On the other hand, the length S2 of the chord of the second slit 562 is longer than the distance L22 between the second flow path FP2 partitioned by the side wall 34 and the second flow path FP2 partitioned by the central partition wall 37 in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 30.

[0034] As shown in Figure 9, the reversal portion 30C of the heat exchange plate 30 is joined to the cap 60 while inserted into it. The downstream ends of the multiple first flow channels FP1 of the heat exchange plate 30 are connected to the upstream ends of the multiple second flow channels FP2 of the heat exchange plate 30 via the internal space SP of the cap 60. In this way, as shown by the thick arrows in Figure 9, the direction of flow of the heat transfer medium can be reversed at the second end of the heat exchange plate 30.

[0035] <Piping 80> As shown in Figure 1, multiple pipes 80 connect multiple heat exchangers 20. The pipes 80 may be elastic tubes or rigid steel pipes. The pipes 80 have a supply pipe 81 and a return pipe 82. The supply pipe 81 connects the first pipe 51 of one heat exchanger 20 to the first pipe 51 of the other heat exchanger 20 of two adjacent heat exchangers 20. On the other hand, the return pipe 82 connects the second pipe 52 of one heat exchanger 20 to the second pipe 52 of the other heat exchanger 20 of two adjacent heat exchangers 20.

[0036] <Operation of the First Embodiment> As shown by the thick arrows in Figure 1, when the heat exchange system 10 adjusts the temperature of the heat exchange target 100, it circulates a heat transfer medium between multiple heat exchangers 20. The supply pipe 81 corresponds to the supply path of the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat exchange system 10, and the return pipe 82 corresponds to the return path of the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat exchange system 10. In other words, the heat transfer medium supplied from the supply pipe 81 to the heat exchanger 20 is discharged into the return pipe 82 after circulating through the heat exchanger 20. Furthermore, when the heat exchange system 10 cools the heat exchange target 100, it adjusts the temperature of the circulating heat transfer medium to a temperature lower than the temperature of the heat exchange target 100. On the other hand, when the heat exchange system 10 heats the heat exchange target 100, it adjusts the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat exchange system 10 to a temperature higher than the temperature of the heat exchange target 100.

[0037] A heat transfer medium is supplied to the heat exchanger 20 from the supply pipe 81 connected to the first pipe 51. The heat transfer medium circulating in the heat exchanger 20 flows sequentially through multiple first flow paths FP1, the internal space SP of the cap 60, and multiple second flow paths FP2. In other words, the heat transfer medium flows through the heat exchange section 30B of the heat exchanger 20. In this way, the heat transfer medium cools or heats the heat exchange target 100. The heat transfer medium that reaches the downstream end of the multiple second flow paths FP2 is discharged from the return pipe 82 connected to the second pipe 52.

[0038] <Effects of the First Embodiment> (1) Two supply pipes 81 are connected to both ends of the first pipe 51 of the heat exchanger 20. In other words, the two supply pipes 81 are connected to both ends of a single first pipe 51 made of a single component. Similarly, two return pipes 82 are connected to both ends of the second pipe 52 of the heat exchanger 20. In other words, the two return pipes 82 are connected to both ends of a single second pipe 52 made of a single component. As a result, the heat exchanger 20 can improve the relative positional accuracy of the part of the first pipe 51 where the two supply pipes 81 are connected. Similarly, the heat exchanger 20 can improve the relative positional accuracy of the part of the second pipe 52 where the two return pipes 82 are connected. As a result, the workability when mounting multiple heat exchangers 20 on a vehicle or the like is improved.

[0039] (2) In the heat exchanger 20, the end of the heat exchange plate 30 is inserted into the slit 56 of the adapter 50. Therefore, the heat exchanger 20 can easily connect the first pipe 51 of the adapter 50 to the upstream end of the multiple first flow paths FP1 of the heat exchange plate 30. Similarly, the heat exchanger 20 can easily connect the second pipe 52 of the adapter 50 to the downstream end of the multiple second flow paths FP2 of the heat exchange plate 30.

[0040] (3) More specifically, the length S1 of the chord of the first slit 561 of the first pipe 51 of the adapter 50 is longer than the distance L12 between the two furthest apart first flow paths FP1 of the heat exchange plate 30. Therefore, the heat exchanger 20 can connect the first pipe 51 of the adapter 50 to the upstream end of all the first flow paths FP1 of the heat exchange plate 30. Similarly, the length S2 of the chord of the second slit 562 of the second pipe 52 of the adapter 50 is longer than the distance L22 between the two furthest apart second flow paths FP2 of the heat exchange plate 30. Therefore, the heat exchanger 20 can connect the second pipe 52 of the adapter 50 to the downstream end of all the second flow paths FP2 of the heat exchange plate 30.

[0041] (Second Embodiment) The following describes the heat exchanger 120 according to the second embodiment. Compared to the heat exchanger 20 according to the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 120 according to the second embodiment has a different configuration between the connection portion 30A of the heat exchange plate 30 and the adapter 50. For this reason, the following description will focus on the parts that differ from the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used for components common to both the first and second embodiments, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0042] <Configuration of the second embodiment> As shown in Figure 10, the heat exchanger 120 comprises a heat exchange plate 130 and an adapter 150.

[0043] <Heat exchange plate 130> As shown in Figure 11, the heat exchange plate 130 has multiple flow paths FP. The heat exchange plate 130 also has two main walls 31 and 32, two side walls 33 and 34, and multiple partition walls 35 to 37. Furthermore, the two main walls 31 and 32, the two side walls 33 and 34, and the multiple partition walls 35 to 37 of the heat exchange plate 130 constitute a connection section 130A, a heat exchange section 30B, and a reversal section 30C.

[0044] <Connection part 130A> The connection section 130A has a first notch 41 and a second notch 42 that penetrate the connection section 130A in the thickness direction. The first notch 41 and the second notch 42 are spaced apart in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 130. The first notch 41 and the second notch 42 form a rectangular shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the heat exchange plate 130. The first notch 41 and the second notch 42 penetrate two main walls 31, 32 and a plurality of partition walls 35, 36. Specifically, the first notch 41 removes a portion of the plurality of first partition walls 35, so all first flow paths FP1 are connected to the first notch 41. On the other hand, the second notch 42 removes a portion of the plurality of second partition walls 36, so all second flow paths FP2 are connected to the second notch 42. However, the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 are provided so as to avoid the central partition wall 37. Therefore, the first flow path FP1 and the second flow path FP2, which are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 130, are not connected.

[0045] In the following explanation, of the two main walls 31 and 32 constituting the connection section 130A, the portion between the first side wall 33 and the first notch 41 will be referred to as the first portion 43, and the portion between the second side wall 34 and the second notch 42 will be referred to as the second portion 44. Furthermore, of the two main walls 31 and 32 constituting the connection section 130A, the portion between the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 will be referred to as the central portion 45. In other words, the first portion 43 of the two main walls 31 and 32 is the portion adjacent to the first notch 41 in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 130. The second portion 44 of the two main walls 31 and 32 is the portion adjacent to the second notch 42 in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 130. The central portion 45 of the two main walls 31 and 32 is the portion adjacent to both the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 in the width direction of the heat exchange plate 130. Furthermore, the central portion 45 of the two main walls 31 and 32 is connected only to the central bulkhead 37 among the multiple bulkheads 35 to 37.

[0046] In the manufacturing method of the heat exchange plate 130 according to the second embodiment, the pressing step is preferably a step of forming the heat exchange portion 30B and punching out the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 of the connecting portion 130A. The manufacturing method of the heat exchange plate 130 according to the second embodiment may also include a cutting step of cutting the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 of the connecting portion 130A.

[0047] <Adapter 150> As shown in Figures 10, 12, and 13, the adapter 150 comprises a first pipe 151, a second pipe 152, and a covering portion 153. The adapter 150 also includes a slit 156. The adapter 150 is the portion into which the connection portion 130A of the heat exchange plate 130 is inserted.

[0048] The first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 are cylindrical in shape. In the second embodiment, the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 have the same shape. Unlike the first embodiment, the diameters of the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 do not need to be of a size related to the flow path FP of the heat exchange plate 130. The first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 are aligned axially and spaced apart in the direction of alignment.

[0049] The covering portion 153 is a long, columnar member. The longitudinal direction of the covering portion 153 is the direction of alignment. The length of the covering portion 153 in the direction of alignment is slightly longer than the length of the heat exchange plate 130 in the width direction. The covering portion 153 connects the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 in the direction of alignment.

[0050] The slit 156 is provided across the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 of the adapter 150 and the covering portion 153. The width direction of the slit 156 coincides with the axial direction of the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152. The width of the slit 156 is equivalent to the thickness of the heat exchange plate 130. The slit 156 penetrates the first pipe 151 in the thickness direction and also penetrates the second pipe 152 in the thickness direction. In the second embodiment, since the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 are cylindrical, the thickness direction of the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 is the radial direction.

[0051] Thus, the space inside the first pipe 151 is connected to the space inside the covering portion 153 via the slit 156. Similarly, the space inside the second pipe 152 is connected to the space inside the covering portion 153 via the slit 156. On the other hand, the slit 156 does not penetrate the covering portion 153. Furthermore, the slit 156 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the covering portion 153.

[0052] The adapter 150 has two clamping surfaces 161 and 162 and a contact surface 163, with the surfaces facing the slit 156. The two clamping surfaces 161 and 162 are planes perpendicular to the axial directions of the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152. The distance between the two clamping surfaces 161 and 162 corresponds to the width of the slit 156. The two clamping surfaces 161 and 162 are provided across the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 and the covering portion 153. The contact surface 163 is a plane perpendicular to the two clamping surfaces 161 and 162 and is also a plane along the direction of alignment. The contact surface 163 is provided across the first pipe 151 and the second pipe 152 and the covering portion 153. In the longitudinal direction of the covering portion 153, the contact surface 163 is separated into three parts by the slit 156.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the adapter 150 may be constructed by injection molding of a resin material. In this case, the adapter 150 may be constructed by insert molding.

[0054] <Engagement relationships of components of the heat exchanger 120> As shown in Figures 10 and 14, the connection portion 130A of the heat exchange plate 130 is joined to the adapter 150 in a state where it is inserted into the slit 156 of the adapter 150. The first notch 41 and the second notch 42 of the heat exchange plate 130 are covered by the covering portion 153 of the adapter 150. In addition, the two main walls 31 and 32 of the connection portion 130A are joined to the two clamping surfaces 161 and 162 of the adapter 150, respectively. The end faces of the first portion 43, the second portion 44 and the central portion 45 of the connection portion 130A and the end faces of the two side walls 33 and 34 are joined to the contact surface 163 of the adapter 150. In this way, the connection portion 130A of the heat exchange plate 130 is joined to the adapter 150 without any gaps.

[0055] Here, the contact surface 163 of the adapter 150 is a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the connection portion 130A of the heat exchange plate 130 relative to the adapter 150. The connection portion 130A of the heat exchange plate 130 and the adapter 150 may be joined by, for example, brazing. In other embodiments, the connection portion 130A of the heat exchange plate 130 and the adapter 150 may be joined by other methods such as welding.

[0056] As shown in Figure 14, when the heat exchanger 120 is viewed from a third direction D3, the first notch 41 of the heat exchange plate 130 and the space inside the first pipe 151 overlap. Therefore, the upstream ends of the multiple first flow channels FP1 are connected to the first pipe 151 of the adapter 150 via the first notch 41 of the heat exchange plate 130 and the slit 156 of the adapter 150. Similarly, when the heat exchanger 120 is viewed from the plate thickness direction, the second notch 42 of the heat exchange plate 130 and the space inside the second pipe 152 overlap. Therefore, the downstream ends of the multiple second flow channels FP2 are connected to the second pipe 152 of the adapter 150 via the second notch 42 of the heat exchange plate 130 and the slit 156 of the adapter 150. On the other hand, since the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchange plate 130 is joined to the contact surface 163 of the adapter 150, the first notch 41 and the second notch 42 are not connected inside the adapter 150. For this reason, the upstream ends of the multiple first flow channels FP1 are not connected to the second pipe 152 inside the adapter 150. Similarly, the downstream ends of the multiple second flow channels FP2 are not connected to the first pipe 151 inside the adapter 150.

[0057] <Operation of the second embodiment> A heat transfer medium is supplied to the heat exchanger 120 from the supply pipe 81 connected to the first pipe 151. The heat transfer medium circulating in the heat exchanger 120 flows sequentially through multiple first flow paths FP1, the internal space SP of the cap 60, and multiple second flow paths FP2. In other words, the heat transfer medium flows through the heat exchange section 30B of the heat exchanger 120. In this way, the heat transfer medium cools or heats the heat exchange target 100. The heat transfer medium that reaches the downstream end of the multiple second flow paths FP2 is discharged from the return pipe 82 connected to the second pipe 152.

[0058] <Effects of the second embodiment> The heat exchanger 120 according to the second embodiment can obtain the following effects in addition to the effect (1) of the heat exchanger 120 according to the first embodiment.

[0059] (4) In the heat exchanger 120, the first pipe 151 is connected to a plurality of first flow paths FP1 of the heat exchange plate 130 via the slit 156 and the first notch 41 of the heat exchange plate 130. In other words, by providing the first notch 41 in the heat exchange plate 130, the small-diameter first pipe 151 can be easily connected to the plurality of first flow paths FP1 of the heat exchange plate 130. Similarly, the second pipe 152 is connected to a plurality of second flow paths FP2 of the heat exchange plate 130 via the slit 156 and the second notch 42 of the heat exchange plate 130. In other words, by providing the second notch 42 in the heat exchange plate 130, the small-diameter second pipe 152 can be easily connected to the plurality of first flow paths FP1 of the heat exchange plate 130.

[0060] (5) In the heat exchanger 120, the end face of the connection portion 130A of the heat exchange plate 130 is joined to the contact surface 163 of the adapter 150. In this way, the heat exchanger 120 ensures airtightness at the joint between the heat exchange plate 130 and the adapter 150. Therefore, the adapter 150 does not require a portion to cover the two side walls 33 and 34 that constitute the connection portion 130A of the heat exchange plate 130. In this respect, the shape of the adapter 150 can be said to be simple. In other words, in the adapter 150 of the heat exchanger 120, it is not necessary to form a slit 156 so that a portion remains that covers the two side walls 33 and 34 that constitute the connection portion 130A of the heat exchange plate 130.

[0061] <Example of changes> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the configuration of the adapter 50 can be changed as appropriate. For example, if the first pipe 51 can be joined to the first side wall 33 and the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchange plate 30, and the second pipe 52 can be joined to the second side wall 34 and the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchange plate 30, the adapter 50 only needs to include the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52. Specifically, if the first pipe 51 has a thick wall, or if the first side wall 33 and the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchange plate 30 have a thick wall, the end contact surface 64 of the first pipe 51 can be joined to the first side wall 33 of the heat exchange plate 30, or the central contact surface 63 of the first pipe 51 can be joined to the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchange plate 30. Similarly, if the wall thickness of the second pipe 52 is thick, or if the thickness of the second side wall 34 and the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchange plate 30 is thick, the end contact surface 65 of the second pipe 52 can be joined to the second side wall 34 of the heat exchange plate 30, or the central contact surface 63 of the second pipe 52 can be joined to the central partition wall 37 of the heat exchange plate 30. In other words, the connecting portion 53 and the two protruding portions 54 and 55 of the adapter 50 become unnecessary. This modification further simplifies the shape of the adapter 50. Also, in this modification, the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 of the adapter 50 may be configured as separate parts.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 of the adapter 50 may have any shape that allows a heat transfer medium to flow through them. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of the first pipe 51 and the second pipe 52 may be polygonal.

[0064] In the first embodiment, if the diameter of the first pipe 51 of the adapter 50 and the diameter of the supply pipe 81 are significantly different, it is preferable that the heat exchanger 20 be provided with a relay pipe connecting the two. The same applies when the diameter of the second pipe 52 and the diameter of the return pipe 82 are significantly different. Furthermore, the same applies in the second embodiment.

[0065] In the first embodiment, both ends of the first pipe 51 of the adapter 50 may be narrowed so that their diameter is smaller than that of the intermediate section. In this case, the manufacturing method of the adapter 50 includes an extrusion step, a cutting step, and a narrowing step. The same applies to the second pipe 52 of the adapter 50.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the adapter 50 may be constructed by injection molding a resin material. In a second embodiment, the adapter 150 may be constructed by extruding a metal such as aluminum.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the heat transfer medium flows from the first end to the second end of the heat exchange plate 30, and then flows from the second end to the first end of the heat exchange plate 30. In other words, the heat transfer medium flows through the heat exchange plate 30 in one direction and then in another direction. In contrast, in the modified example, the heat exchanger 20 may be configured such that the heat transfer medium flows through the heat exchange plate 30 only in one direction. More specifically, the heat exchanger 20 preferably comprises a first adapter with a first pipe 51 and a second adapter with a second pipe 52. The first adapter with the first pipe 51 is attached to the first end of the heat exchange plate 30, and the second adapter with the second pipe 52 is attached to the second end of the heat exchange plate 30. In this case, the first pipe 51 is connected to the upstream end of the multiple flow paths FP of the heat exchange plate 30 via a first slit 561 of the first pipe 51. The second pipe 52 is connected to the downstream end of the multiple flow paths FP of the heat exchange plate 30 via a second slit 562 of the second pipe 52. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0068] The battery, which is the heat exchange target 100, may be rectangular or pouch-type. The heat exchange portion 30B of the heat exchange plate 30 is preferably shaped according to the heat exchange target 100.

[0069] <Summary of this embodiment> The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchange plate having a long rectangular plate shape and a plurality of channels through which a heat transfer medium flows, and connecting pipes through which the heat transfer medium flows, wherein the plurality of channels extend in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate, and the connecting pipes have slits that penetrate the connecting pipes and are joined to the ends of the heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction, connected to the plurality of channels through the slits.

[0070] In a heat exchanger, connecting pipes are connected to multiple flow paths in the heat exchange plate via slits. Therefore, the heat exchanger can supply a heat transfer medium from the connecting pipes to the multiple flow paths in the heat exchange plate, and discharge the heat transfer medium from the multiple flow paths in the heat exchange plate to the connecting pipes. Here, the connecting pipes are connected to the multiple flow paths in the heat exchange plate via slits. Therefore, pipes for supplying the heat transfer medium to the heat exchanger and pipes for discharging the heat transfer medium from the heat exchanger can be connected to both ends of the connecting pipe. In other words, two connecting pipes can be connected to both ends of the single connecting pipe. Therefore, the heat exchanger can improve the relative positional accuracy of the parts where the two connecting pipes are connected in the connecting pipe. As a result, the workability when incorporating the heat exchanger into equipment is improved.

[0071] In the heat exchanger described above, it is preferable that the connecting pipe is joined to the heat exchange plate such that the end of the heat exchange plate is inserted into the slit. In a heat exchanger, the ends of the heat exchange plates are inserted into the slits in the connecting pipes. Therefore, the heat exchanger can connect the slits in the connecting pipes to the multiple flow paths of the heat exchanger with a simple configuration.

[0072] In the heat exchanger described above, one end of the heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction is a first end, the other end of the heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction is a second end, the plurality of flow paths are a plurality of first flow paths through which the heat transfer medium flows from the first end to the second end, the connecting pipe is a first pipe connected to the upstream end of the plurality of first flow paths by being joined to the heat exchange plate with the first end of the heat exchange plate inserted into the first slit, which is a slit, and further comprises a second pipe through which the heat transfer medium flows and a cap attached to the second end of the heat exchange plate, the heat exchange plate further has a plurality of second flow paths through which the heat transfer medium flows from the second end to the first end, the cap connects the downstream end of the plurality of first flow paths and the upstream end of the plurality of second flow paths, the second pipe has a second slit that penetrates the second pipe and is preferably connected to the downstream end of the plurality of second flow paths by being joined to the heat exchange plate with the first end of the heat exchange plate inserted into the second slit.

[0073] The heat exchanger can allow the heat transfer medium to flow from the first piping into multiple first channels of the heat exchange plate. Subsequently, the heat exchanger can circulate the heat transfer medium through multiple first channels and multiple second channels. Then, the heat exchanger can discharge the heat transfer medium from multiple second channels of the heat exchange plate into the second piping. In this way, the heat exchanger can circulate the heat transfer medium within the heat exchange plate via the first and second piping.

[0074] In the heat exchanger described above, it is preferable that the adapter comprises a connecting pipe and a covering portion which is connected to the connecting pipe via the slit and joined to the heat exchange plate in a state in which the end of the heat exchange plate is inserted, and that the portion of the heat exchange plate inserted into the covering portion is provided with a notch which connects the slit to the plurality of flow paths.

[0075] In a heat exchanger, connecting pipes are connected to multiple flow paths in the heat exchange plate via slits in the connecting pipes and notches in the heat exchange plate. In other words, providing notches in the heat exchange plate makes it easier for connecting pipes to connect to multiple flow paths in the heat exchange plate. As a result, the design flexibility of the shape and size of the connecting pipes is increased. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10…Heat exchange system, 20…Heat exchanger, 30…Heat exchange plate, 31,32…Main wall, 33,34…Side wall, 35~37…Partition wall, 41…First notch (notch), 42…Second notch (notch), 50…Adapter, 51…First piping, 52…Second piping, 56…Slit, 561…First slit, 562…Second slit, 120…Heat exchanger, 130…Heat exchange plate, 150…Adapter, 151…First piping, 152…Second piping, 153…Covering part, 156…Slit, FP…Flow path, FP1…First flow path, FP2…Second flow path

Claims

1. A heat exchange plate having a long, rectangular shape and having multiple channels through which a heat transfer medium flows, The system includes a connecting pipe through which the heat transfer medium flows, The plurality of flow channels extend in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate, The connecting pipe has a slit that penetrates it and is joined to the end of the heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction, connecting to the plurality of flow paths through the slit. heat exchanger.

2. The connecting pipe is joined to the heat exchange plate with the end of the heat exchange plate inserted into the slit. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

3. One end of the heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction is the first end, and the other end of the heat exchange plate in the longitudinal direction is the second end. The plurality of flow paths are a plurality of first flow paths through which the heat transfer medium flows from the first end toward the second end, The connecting pipe is a first pipe that is connected to the upstream end of the plurality of first flow paths by being joined to the heat exchange plate with the first end of the heat exchange plate inserted into the first slit, which is the slit. A second pipe through which the heat transfer medium flows, The heat exchange plate further comprises a cap attached to the second end, The heat exchange plate further has a plurality of second channels through which the heat transfer medium flows from the second end toward the first end, The cap connects the downstream end of the plurality of first channels and the upstream end of the plurality of second channels. The second pipe has a second slit that penetrates it, and is joined to the heat exchange plate with the first end of the heat exchange plate inserted into the second slit, thereby connecting to the downstream end of the plurality of second flow paths. The heat exchanger according to claim 2.

4. The adapter comprises the aforementioned connecting pipe and a covering portion that is connected to the connecting pipe via the slit and joined to the heat exchange plate in a state in which the end of the heat exchange plate is inserted, Of the heat exchange plate, the portion inserted into the covering portion is provided with notches that connect the slits to the plurality of flow paths. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

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