Heat exchanger

Abstract

To actualize reliable brazing by enabling a necessary amount of flux to be brought into a header tank without enlarging a clearance between a partition plate and a slit when constructing the partition plate to be inserted from the slit of the header tank.SOLUTION: In a first header tank 30, a partition plate 33 is provided for parting a tube into a plurality of paths. The partition plate 33 is brazed to the first header tank 30. In the first header tank 30, a slit 30a for the partition plate 33 to be inserted therein is formed extending in the peripheral direction. In the partition plate 33, a storage structure A for storing the flux to be brought into the first header tank 30 is provided to be set in the plate thickness of the partition plate 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger including a tube through which a refrigerant flows.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in air conditioners and various cooling devices, a heat exchanger including a tube through which a refrigerant flows is used. This type of heat exchanger includes a header tank to which ends of a plurality of tubes are connected, and the header tank is configured to allow a refrigerant supplied from the outside to flow in.

[0003] As disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a partition plate may be provided in the header tank. By partitioning the inside of the header tank into a plurality of spaces with this partition plate, a plurality of tubes are divided into a plurality of paths.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when a partition plate is provided in the header tank as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a method of brazing the partition plate to the header tank in the furnace. That is, when brazing the partition plate to the header tank, the nocorok brazing method using a flux can be used. In this nocorok brazing method, when the clad material is heated in a nitrogen gas atmosphere, the flux applied to the brazing portion in advance is activated, and the oxide film formed on the surface of the aluminum alloy plate material clad with the brazing material is broken. After that, when the temperature is raised until it exceeds the temperature at which the brazing material becomes a liquid phase, the melted brazing material reaches the plate material surface beyond the oxide film and contributes to the brazing joint with the mating part. That is, a flux needs to be present at the brazing location.

[0006] However, when attempting to braze a partition plate to the header tank of Patent Document 1, since the header tank is composed of parts, a slit is formed in the header tank, and the partition plate is inserted through this slit for brazing. At this time, since it is necessary to surely braze the peripheral edge of the slit and the partition plate over the entire circumference, the clearance between the two is set with priority given to brazing properties, and only an extremely narrow clearance is allowed. Therefore, it was difficult to supply the flux to the inside of the header tank through the slit.

[0007] On the other hand, since the header tank of Patent Document 2 is divided into two in the radial direction, it is possible to adopt a method of sandwiching the partition plate without adopting a structure of inserting the partition plate through a slit as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, if the flux is applied inside the header tank, it is considered that the required amount of flux can be supplied.

[0008] However, when the header tank is divided into two as in Patent Document 2, the number of parts increases, leading to an increase in the assembly man-hours. In addition, brazing of the two parts constituting the header tank is also required, and quality control due to an increase in the brazing locations becomes a problem.

[0009] The present disclosure is made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to, in the case of having a structure in which a partition plate is inserted from a slit of a header tank, without enlarging the clearance between the partition plate and the slit, bring in a necessary amount of flux into the header tank to realize reliable brazing.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to premise a heat exchanger including a first header tank connected to one end portions of a plurality of tubes arranged in a predetermined direction and extending in the predetermined direction, and a second header tank connected to the other end portions of the tubes and extending in the predetermined direction. In the first header tank, a partition plate for dividing the inside of the first header tank into a plurality of spaces to divide the tubes into a plurality of paths arranged in the predetermined direction is provided so as to intersect a central axis of the first header tank, and the partition plate is brazed to the first header tank. In the first header tank, a slit serving as an insertion hole for inserting the partition plate is formed so as to extend in a circumferential direction of the first header tank. In the partition plate, a housing structure for housing a flux to be brought into the inside of the first header tank is provided so as to fit within a plate thickness of the partition plate.

[0011] According to this configuration, during the manufacture of the heat exchanger, before the partition plate is housed in the slit of the first header tank, the flux can be housed in the housing structure of the partition plate. When inserting the partition plate in which the flux is housed into the slit, since the housing structure fits within the plate thickness of the partition plate, even if the clearance between the partition plate and the slit is set to a narrow clearance optimal for brazing, the housing structure does not interfere with the peripheral edge portion of the slit. In the furnace, the flux housed in the housing structure of the partition plate is activated inside the first header tank, so that the oxide films formed on the partition plate and the first header tank are destroyed. Therefore, the brazing property between the partition plate and the first header tank is improved.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, the housing structure includes a first recess formed on one surface in the thickness direction of the partition plate for accommodating flux, and a portion corresponding to the first recess on the other surface in the thickness direction of the partition plate is constituted by a flat surface.

[0013] According to this configuration, the flux can be sufficiently accommodated in the first recess on one surface of the partition plate. In this case, since the portion corresponding to the back side of the first recess in the partition plate is flat, the clearance between the partition plate and the slit can be maintained in an optimal state. That is, when a recess for accommodating flux is formed on one surface of the partition plate, it is possible to prevent the other surface of the partition plate from being affected.

[0014] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, the housing structure includes a second recess formed on the other surface in the thickness direction of the partition plate for accommodating flux, and a portion corresponding to the second recess on one surface in the thickness direction of the partition plate is constituted by a flat surface.

[0015] According to this configuration, the flux can also be sufficiently accommodated in the second recess on the other surface of the partition plate, so that the soldering property can be further improved. In this case, since the portion corresponding to the back side of the second recess in the partition plate is flat, the clearance between the partition plate and the slit can be optimally maintained.

[0016] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the housing structure is away from the soldering site of the partition plate to the first header tank in a direction approaching the center of the partition plate. According to this configuration, since the housing structure is not located at the soldering site to the first header tank, the clearance between the partition plate and the slit can be appropriately maintained over the entire circumference.

[0017] Since the partition plate according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is composed of a double-sided clad material with brazing material clad on one surface and the other surface in the thickness direction, the flux accommodated in the first recess can break the oxide film on one surface of the partition plate and its periphery, and the flux accommodated in the second recess can break the oxide film on the other surface of the partition plate and its periphery. Thereby, the brazing property of both surfaces of the partition plate can be improved.

[0018] In the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, since the first recess and the second recess are provided so as not to overlap each other when the partition plate is viewed from the thickness direction, while improving the brazing property of both surfaces of the partition plate, local thinning of the partition plate can be avoided and the strength can be ensured.

[0019] In the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, since a plurality of the first recesses and the second recesses are provided respectively, the flux can be dispersed and accommodated over a wide range. Thereby, while keeping the depth of each recess shallow and maintaining the strength of the partition plate, a sufficient amount of the flux can be ensured.

[0020] In the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, at the tip of the insertion direction of the partition plate, a caulking portion is formed to protrude in the insertion direction. In the first header tank, a through hole is formed to project the caulking portion of the partition plate inserted from the slit to the outside of the first header tank, and the caulking portion can be caulked and fixed to the first header tank in a state of protruding to the outside of the first header tank from the through hole.

[0021] Thereby, the partition plate can be temporarily fixed to the first header tank so that the relative position does not shift, and then it can be carried into the brazing furnace, so that brazing can be surely performed while appropriately maintaining the clearance between the partition plate and the slit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] As described above, since the flux accommodation structure is provided on the partition plate so as to fit within the plate thickness, when the partition plate is inserted from the slit of the first header tank, the necessary amount of flux can be brought into the inside of the first header tank without expanding the clearance between the partition plate and the slit, and reliable brazing can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0025] Figures 1 to 3 show a heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat exchanger 1 is a battery cooler for cooling the first to fourth batteries B1 to B4. The first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 are for supplying power to a traveling motor (not shown) mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Therefore, the heat exchanger 1 is also mounted on an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or the like. The hybrid vehicle may be a plug-in hybrid that can be charged from a commercial power supply or the like.

[0026] In the present embodiment, a case where four batteries, i.e., the first to fourth batteries B1 to B4, are mounted and the first battery B1 is arranged at the rearmost position and the fourth battery B4 is arranged at the foremost position will be described. However, the number of batteries is not limited to four. A plurality of cells (not shown) are built into each of the first to fourth batteries B1 to B4. Also, the first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 are shaped long in the left-right direction and are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction. The first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 have the same shape and size, but may be different from each other.

[0027] The first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 and the heat exchanger 1 are housed in a battery case (not shown). In the description of this embodiment, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction are defined as shown in each figure. However, this is only for the convenience of explanation and does not limit the direction during actual use or the manufacturing direction. It can also be mounted such that the front-rear direction becomes the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0028] The heat exchanger 1 includes first to eighth tubes 11 to 18, a right header tank 20, a left header tank 30, an inflow side connection member 40, an outflow side connection member 50, and a bypass pipe 60. The first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are flat plate-like tubes extending in the left-right direction, and are made of, for example, an aluminum alloy or the like, and are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction is a predetermined direction, and the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction in a plan view is the left-right direction. The first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 may all be the same, or may be different from each other. In the present embodiment, the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are all the same. Incidentally, the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 may extend in the front-rear direction. In this case, it has a configuration including a front header tank and a rear header tank, and the predetermined direction, which is the direction in which the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are arranged, is the left-right direction.

[0029] The first tube 11 and the second tube 12 are arranged close to each other in the front-rear direction, constituting one set. The first battery B1 is placed on the upper surfaces of the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. The dimension of the first tube 11 and the second tube 12 in the front-rear direction is set shorter than the dimension of the first battery B1 in the front-rear direction.

[0030] The third tube 13 and the fourth tube 14 are separated forward from the second tube 12 and are arranged close to each other in the front-rear direction, constituting one set. The interval between the third tube 13 and the fourth tube 14 is the same as the interval between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. Also, the interval between the second tube 12 and the third tube 13 is set wider than the interval between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. The second battery B2 is placed on the upper surfaces of the third tube 13 and the fourth tube 14.

[0031] The fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16 are arranged such that they are separated forward from the fourth tube 14 and are close to each other in the front-rear direction, forming a set. The interval between the fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16 is the same as the interval between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. Also, the interval between the fourth tube 14 and the fifth tube 15 is set to be the same as the interval between the second tube 12 and the third tube 13. The third battery B3 is placed on the upper surfaces of the fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16.

[0032] The seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18 are arranged such that they are separated forward from the sixth tube 16 and are close to each other in the front-rear direction, forming a set. The interval between the seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18 is the same as the interval between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. Also, the interval between the sixth tube 16 and the seventh tube 17 is set to be the same as the interval between the second tube 12 and the third tube 13. The fourth battery B4 is placed on the upper surfaces of the seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18. Note that the number of tubes can be changed according to the number of batteries. For example, if the number of batteries increases by one, the number of tubes can be increased by two, and if the number of batteries decreases by one, the number of tubes can be decreased by two. Also, one tube can be arranged under one battery, or three or more tubes can be arranged.

[0033] The left header tank (the first header tank) 30 is positioned to the left of the first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 and extends in the front-rear direction, which is the direction in which the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are arranged. The left ends (one ends) of the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are connected to the left header tank 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the rear end of the left header tank 30 is closed by the rear closing plate 31. A front closing plate 32 is provided at a portion of the left header tank 30 that is separated rearward from the front end, and the front portion of the left header tank 30 is closed by this front closing plate 32. The front closing plate 32 is positioned in front of the eighth tube 18. The rear closing plate 31 and the front closing plate 32 are brazed to the left header tank 30.

[0034] In the left header tank 30, between the rear closing plate 31 and the front closing plate 32, first to third left partition plates 33, 34, and 35 are provided. The partition plates 33 to 35 can also be called partition plates that partition the inside of the left header tank 30. The first to third left partition plates 33, 34, and 35 are also brazed to the left header tank 30. The first left partition plate 33 is provided between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. The second left partition plate 34 is provided between the third tube 13 and the fourth tube 14. The third left partition plate 35 is provided between the sixth tube 16 and the seventh tube 17. As a result, inside the left header tank 30, a left first space R1 between the rear closing plate 31 and the first left partition plate 33, a left second space R2 between the first left partition plate 33 and the second left partition plate 34, a left third space R3 between the second left partition plate 34 and the third left partition plate 35, and a left fourth space R4 between the third left partition plate 35 and the front closing plate 32 are formed.

[0035] Although details will be described later, a bypass pipe 60 is provided in the left header tank 30. The bypass pipe 60 has a rear pipe component 61 connected to the left first space R1, a front pipe component 63 connected to the left fourth space R4, and an intermediate pipe component 62 connecting the rear pipe component 61 and the front pipe component 63. The left first space R1 and the left fourth space R4 communicate with each other via the bypass pipe 60.

[0036] A left bracket 37 is brazed to the front part of the left header tank 30 in front of the front closing plate 32. A left positioning hole 37a through which a left positioning pin P1 shown in FIG. 3 is inserted is formed in the left bracket 37. The left positioning pin P1 is fixed to, for example, a battery case or the like, and is a member for positioning the heat exchanger 1.

[0037] The right header tank (second header tank) 20 is positioned to the right of the first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 and extends in the front-rear direction substantially parallel to the left header tank 30. The right ends (other ends) of the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are connected to the right header tank 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the rear end portion of the right header tank 20 is blocked by an outflow side connection member 50. The outflow side connection member 50 is a block-shaped member made of, for example, an aluminum alloy, and is for allowing the refrigerant flowing through each of the tubes 11 to 18 constituting the heat exchanger 1 to flow out to the outside. An outlet 50a to which a discharge pipe (not shown) for discharging the refrigerant is connected is formed in the outflow side connection member 50.

[0038] A front closing plate 22 is provided at a portion of the front end portion of the right header tank 20 that is separated rearward, and the front side portion of the right header tank 20 is blocked by this front closing plate 22. The front closing plate 22 is located in front of the eighth tube 18. The outflow side connection member 50 and the front closing plate 22 are brazed to the right header tank 20.

[0039] Between the outflow side connection member 50 and the front closing plate 22, first to third right partition plates 23, 24, 25 are provided in the right header tank 20. The first to third right partition plates 23, 24, 25 are also brazed to the right header tank 20. The first right partition plate 23 is provided between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. The second right partition plate 24 is provided between the second tube 12 and the third tube 13. The third right partition plate 25 is provided between the fourth tube 14 and the fifth tube 15. As a result, inside the right header tank 20, a right first space S1 between the outflow side connection member 50 and the first right partition plate 23, a right second space S2 between the first right partition plate 23 and the second right partition plate 24, a right third space S3 between the second right partition plate 24 and the third right partition plate 25, and a right fourth space S4 between the third right partition plate 25 and the front closing plate 22 are formed. The right first space S1 communicates with the outlet 50a of the outflow side connection member 50.

[0040] On the front side of the right header tank 20, in front of the front closing plate 22, a right bracket 27 is brazed. The right bracket 27 is formed with a right notch 27a through which the right positioning pin P2 shown in Fig. 3 is inserted. The right positioning pin P2 is fixed to, for example, a battery case or the like, and is a member for positioning the heat exchanger 1.

[0041] An inlet side connection member 40 is fixed to the right header tank 20. The inlet side connection member 40 is a block-shaped member made of an aluminum alloy having an inlet (opening) 40a for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the right header tank 20, and can also be called, for example, a connection block or the like. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a refrigerant pipe (not shown) for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger 1 is connected to the inlet side connection member 40, and for example, the refrigerant decompressed by an expansion valve (not shown) flows in from the upstream side of the refrigerant pipe. The configuration of the inlet side connection member 40 is not limited to what is shown.

[0042] (Path of the heat exchanger) As described above, in the left header tank 30, first to third left partition plates 33, 34, 35 are provided for partitioning the inside of the left header tank 30 into a left first space R1, a left second space R2, a left third space R3, and a left fourth space R4. Also, in the right header tank 20, first to third right partition plates 23, 24, 25 are provided for partitioning the inside of the right header tank 20 into a right first space S1, a right second space S2, a right third space S3, and a right fourth space S4. By partitioning the inside of the left header tank 30 and the right header tank 20 into spaces R1 to R4 and S1 to S4 respectively, the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are divided into the first to sixth paths PS1 to PS6.

[0043] Specifically, a first path PS1 is formed by a second tube 12 communicating with a right second space S2 and a left second space R2. Also, a second path PS2 is formed by a third tube 13 communicating with the left second space R2 and a right third space S3. Also, a third path PS3 is formed by a fourth tube 14 communicating with the right third space S3 and a left third space R3. Also, a fourth path PS4 is formed by a fifth tube 15 and a sixth tube 16 communicating with the left third space R3 and a right fourth space S4. Also, a fifth path PS5 is formed by a seventh tube 17 and an eighth tube 18 communicating with the right fourth space S4 and a left fourth space R4. Further, a sixth path PS6 is formed by a first tube 11 communicating with the left first space R1 and the right first space S1.

[0044] In the direction of the refrigerant flow from upstream to downstream, the first path PS1, the second path PS2, the third path PS3, the fourth path PS4, the fifth path PS5, and the sixth path PS6 are located in order.

[0045] (Bypass pipe) A bypass pipe (metal pipe) 60 is provided in the left header tank 30. The bypass pipe 60 is connected to a left first space R1 and a left fourth space R4 separated in the front-rear direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The rear end portion (one end portion) of the bypass pipe 60 is fixed to the left header tank 30 by brazing while being connected to the left first space R1. The front end portion (the other end portion) of the bypass pipe 60 is fixed to the left header tank 30 by brazing while being connected to the left fourth space R4.

[0046] Specifically, the bypass pipe 60 is divided into three pipe components in the front-rear direction, namely, a rear pipe component 61, an intermediate pipe component 62, and a front pipe component 63, and is configured to be length-adjustable. The rear pipe component 61, the intermediate pipe component 62, and the front pipe component 63 are arranged in the front-rear direction along the longitudinal direction of the left header tank 30, and these pipe components 61 to 63 constitute a single bypass pipe 60. In this embodiment, the case where the bypass pipe 60 is divided into three pipe components 61 to 63 in the front-rear direction will be described. However, for example, it may be divided into two pipe components, or may be divided into four or more pipe components. The rear pipe component 61, the intermediate pipe component 62, and the front pipe component 63 are made of an aluminum alloy.

[0047] (Partition plate) The first to third left partition plates 33 to 35 and the first to third right partition plates 23 to 25 are members for dividing the inside of the left header tank 30 and the right header tank 20 into a plurality of spaces, thereby dividing the tubes 11 to 18 into a plurality of paths PS1 to PS6 arranged in the front-rear direction. The first to third left partition plates 33 to 35 are provided so as to intersect (specifically, be orthogonal to) the central axis of the left header tank 30. Also, the first to third right partition plates 23 to 25 are provided so as to intersect (specifically, be orthogonal to) the central axis of the right header tank 20. The first to third left partition plates 33 to 35 provided in the left header tank 30 and the first to third right partition plates 23 to 25 provided in the right header tank 20 are the same. Hereinafter, the structure of the first left partition plate 33 and the attachment structure of the first left partition plate 33 to the left header tank 30 will be described.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the state before the first left partition plate 33 is inserted into the left header tank 30, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the left header tank 30 where the first left partition plate 33 is provided. On the upper side of the left header tank 30, a slit 30a for inserting the first left partition plate 33 is formed so as to extend in the circumferential direction. The slit 30a continuously extends over an area of approximately half of the circumferential direction of the left header tank 30, that is, an area of 180° around the central axis of the left header tank 30. In this embodiment, since the slit 30a opens upward with respect to the left header tank 30, the insertion direction of the first left partition plate 33 into the left header tank 30 is from top to bottom. Note that since the left header tank 30 may face any direction during manufacturing, the insertion direction of the first left partition plate 33 may be horizontal or obliquely downward.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, on the lower side of the left header tank 30, a through hole 30b is formed for protruding the caulked portion 33c (described later) of the first left partition plate 33 inserted from the slit 30a outward from the left header tank 30. The circumferential dimension of the left header tank 30 in the through hole 30b is set shorter than the dimension in the same direction of the slit 30a. Also, the dimension of the left header tank 30 in the central axis direction in the through hole 30b is set the same as the dimension in the same direction of the slit 30a.

[0050] The first left partition plate 33 is made of a plate material of an aluminum alloy and has a main body plate portion 33a, an extension plate portion 33b extending upward from the main body plate portion 33a, and a caulked portion 33c formed at the lower part of the main body plate portion 33a. Brazing materials are clad on both a surface 33d and the other surface 33e in the thickness direction of the first left partition plate 33, and the first left partition plate 33 is composed of a so-called double-sided clad material. The thickness of the first left partition plate 33 is not limited, but can be, for example, 0.8 mm or more or 1.0 mm or more.

[0051] The main body plate portion 33a has a disc shape with the same diameter as the inner diameter of the left header tank 30. The peripheral portions 33f, 33f of the main body plate portion 33a have an arc shape extending along the inner surface of the left header tank 30, and are the portions brazed to the inner surface of the left header tank 30. The extending plate portion 33b is the portion disposed in the slit 30a in a state where the first left partition plate 33 is completely inserted into the left header tank 30, and extends in the circumferential direction of the left header tank 30 corresponding to the shape of the slit 30a. Further, the outer edge portion 33g of the extending plate portion 33b protrudes outward from the left header tank 30 from the slit 30a in a state where the first left partition plate 33 is completely inserted into the left header tank 30.

[0052] The circumferential dimension of the extending plate portion 33b is set to be slightly shorter than the circumferential dimension of the slit 30a. Further, the thickness of the extending plate portion 33b is set according to the width of the slit 30a, and airtightness is ensured by reliably brazing both surfaces in the thickness direction of the extending plate portion 33b to the peripheral edge portion of the slit 30a respectively. Specifically, the thickness of the extending plate portion 33b is made thinner than the width of the slit 30a by a predetermined dimension so that brazing material and flux can easily spread between the extending plate portion 33b and the peripheral edge portion of the slit 30a. However, this predetermined dimension is extremely short to improve brazing property and is managed to be a narrow clearance. Such dimensions can be set according to various brazing conditions. Also, the thickness of the extending plate portion 33b is set to be the same as the thickness of the main body plate portion 33a.

[0053] The caulking portion 33c is formed in a plate shape so as to protrude from the insertion-direction tip portion (lower end portion) of the first left partition plate 33 in the insertion direction (downward direction). The thickness of the caulking portion 33c is set to be the same as the thickness of the main body plate portion 33a. This caulking portion 33c is a portion that is caulked and fixed to the left header tank 30 in a state of protruding outward from the through hole 30b to the outside of the left header tank 30. For example, the caulking portion 33c protruding from the through hole 30b can be caulked and fixed with a caulking tool or the like (not shown) from the outside of the left header tank 30. Caulking tools and the like are well known in the art.

[0054] Caulking and fixing is a fixing means for temporary fixing. The caulking portion 33c is brazed to the inner surface of the through hole 30b of the left header tank 30 by a brazing process after temporary fixing to ensure airtightness. The protruding amount of the caulking portion 33c from the through hole 30b can be set to, for example, 0.5 mm or more, but is not limited thereto, and any dimension that allows caulking and fixing may be used.

[0055] The first left partition plate 33 is provided with an accommodation structure A for accommodating the flux to be brought into the inside of the left header tank 30 so as to fit within the plate thickness of the first left partition plate 33. The accommodation structure A includes a first recess 36 (shown in FIG. 9) formed on one surface 33d in the thickness direction of the first left partition plate 33, in which the flux is accommodated, and a second recess 37 (shown in FIG. 10) formed on the other surface 33e in the thickness direction of the first left partition plate 33, in which the flux is accommodated. As also shown in FIG. 7, three first recesses 36 are provided, and all of them are spaced apart in a direction approaching the center portion (indicated by point O) of the first left partition plate 33 from the brazing sites (extended plate portion 33b, caulking portion 33c, peripheral portion 33f) of the first left partition plate 33 to the left header tank 30. The three first recesses 36 are arranged at equal intervals so as to surround point O. The number of the first recesses 36 is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more. Also, the first recess 36 may be formed on point O. Also, the first recesses 36 may be arranged at unequal intervals.

[0056] The shape of each first recess 36 is circular. The inner diameter of the first recess 36 is not particularly limited, but can be set to, for example, 1 / 3 or less or 1 / 4 or less of the inner diameter of the left header tank 30. The depth of the first recess 36 is not particularly limited, but can be set to, for example, 1 / 3 or less, 1 / 4 or less of the thickness dimension of the first left partition plate 33. Note that the first recess 36 may have a shape other than circular, such as a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, an elongated shape, or the like.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 10, three second recesses 37 are provided in the same manner as the first recesses 36. The position of the second recess 37 around the point O is different from the position of the first recess 36 around the point O. When the first left partition plate 33 is viewed from the thickness direction, one second recess 37 is located between the first recesses 36 and 34 adjacent in the circumferential direction, and one first recess 36 is located between the second recesses 37 and 35 adjacent in the circumferential direction. That is, the first recess 36 and the second recess 37 are provided so as not to overlap each other when the first left partition plate 33 is viewed from the thickness direction. The number, shape, and dimensions of the second recess 37 can be arbitrarily set in the same manner as the first recess 36.

[0058] The portion corresponding to the first recess 36 on the other surface 33e in the thickness direction of the first left partition plate 33 is constituted by a flat surface. That is, the portion corresponding to the back of the first recess 36 on the other surface 33e of the first left partition plate 33 does not bulge due to the formation of the first recess 36. Therefore, only the second recess 37 is formed on the other surface 33e of the first left partition plate 33, and there is no shape protruding from the surface 33e.

[0059] Also, the portion corresponding to the second recess 37 on one surface 33d in the thickness direction of the first left partition plate 33 is also constituted by a flat surface. That is, the portion corresponding to the back of the second recess 37 on one surface 33d of the first left partition plate 33 does not bulge due to the formation of the second recess 37. Therefore, only the first recess 36 is formed on one surface 33d of the first left partition plate 33, and there is no shape protruding from the surface 33d.

[0060] As a result, since the housing structure A fits within the thickness of the first left partition plate 33, even if the clearance between the slit 30a and the first left partition plate 33 is set to be as narrow as optimal for brazing, when inserting the first left partition plate 33 into the slit 30a, both surfaces 33d, 33e of the first left partition plate 33 will not interfere with the peripheral edge of the slit 30a.

[0061] When forming the first left partition plate 33, a high pressure can be applied to the material using a mold (not shown). For example, various press forming methods, forging forming methods, etc. can be used. Thereby, even if the first recess 36 is formed, the other surface 33e of the first left partition plate 33 can be made flat, and even if the second recess 37 is formed, one surface 33d of the first left partition plate 33 can be made flat.

[0062] Also, after forming the first left partition plate 33, flux is stored in the first recess 36 and the second recess 37. Specifically, by applying liquid flux to the inner surfaces of the first recess 36 and the second recess 37 and drying it, the flux can be held in each recess 36, 37.

[0063] In addition, when the area of one surface 33d of the first left partition plate 33 is, for example, 150 mm 2 When it is set like this, for example, by making the diameters of the three first recesses 36 be 1.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and the depths be 0.2 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less, the amount of flux required for brazing can be stored in the first recess 36. That is, when the unit area of the first left partition plate 33 is B, it is preferable to hold the flux with a volume calculated by 0.01 - 0.03×B on one surface 33d, and the dimensions of each first recess 36 can be set so that this volume can be obtained with the three first recesses 36. The same applies to the other surface 33e.

[0064] (During the manufacture of the heat exchanger) When manufacturing the heat exchanger 1, necessary components such as the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18, the right header tank 20, the left header tank 30, the partition plates 23 to 25, 33 to 35, the inflow side connection member 40, the outflow side connection member 50, the bypass pipe 60, etc. are prepared. Then, the components are assembled as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, when inserting the first left partition plate 33 into the slit 30a of the left header tank 30, since the flux accommodation structure A is accommodated within the plate thickness of the first left partition plate 33, even if the clearance between the first left partition plate 33 and the slit 30a is set to an optimal narrow clearance for brazing, the accommodation structure A will not interfere with the peripheral edge of the slit 30a. By completely inserting the first left partition plate 33 into the slit 30a, the flux can be accommodated inside the left header tank 30. Further, after completely inserting the first left partition plate 33 into the slit 30a, the caulking portion 33c is caulked and fixed to the left header tank 30. Thereby, the first left partition plate 33 can be temporarily fixed to the left header tank 30 without temporarily welding or fixing it with a jig. The caulking and fixing may be performed as necessary. The same applies to the other partition plates 34, 35, 23 to 25.

[0066] After that, by transporting it into the brazing furnace, brazing of each part is performed at once. When the flux is heated and activated in the furnace, the oxide films of each part are destroyed. Also, the brazing material melts and flows to the brazing location. Next, it is cooled down to the temperature at which the brazing material solidifies. This is the cooling process, and by going through the cooling process, brazing of each part can be performed at once.

[0067] (Flow of refrigerant) In the heat exchanger 1 configured as described above, the refrigerant flows into the right second space S2 of the right header tank 20 via the inflow-side connection member 40. After the refrigerant flowing into the right second space S2 flows through the second tube 12 to the left, it flows into the left second space R2 and then through the third tube 13. The refrigerant flowing through the third tube 13 to the right flows into the right third space S3 and then through the fourth tube 14. The refrigerant flowing through the fourth tube 14 to the left flows into the left third space R3 and then through the fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16. The refrigerant flowing through the fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16 to the right flows into the right fourth space S4 and then through the seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18. The refrigerant flowing through the seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18 to the left flows into the left fourth space R4 and then into the bypass pipe 60. The refrigerant flowing into the bypass pipe 60 flows into the left first space R1, then flows through the first tube 11 to the right and into the right first space S1. The refrigerant flowing into the right first space S1 flows out from the outflow-side connection member 50.

[0068] (Operation and Effect of Embodiment) As described above, according to this embodiment, before the first left partition plate 33 is accommodated in the slit 30a of the left header tank 30, the flux can be accommodated in the accommodation structure A of the first left partition plate 33. Then, when inserting the first left partition plate 33 accommodating the flux into the slit 30a, since the accommodation structure A is within the plate thickness of the first left partition plate 33, even if the clearance between the first left partition plate 33 and the slit 30a is set to an optimally narrow clearance for brazing, the accommodation structure A will not interfere with the peripheral portion of the slit 30a, and the workability is good. Also, when inserting the first left partition plate 33, since the flux is accommodated inside the first recess 36 and the second recess 37, even if one surface 33d or the other surface 33e of the first left partition plate 33 hits the peripheral portion of the slit 30a, there is no risk of the flux being scraped off at the peripheral portion of the slit 30a, and the desired amount of flux can be brought into the inside of the left header tank 30.

[0069] In the brazing furnace, since the flux is accommodated in the accommodation structure A of the first left partition plate 33, the required amount of flux can be supplied to a desired location. The supply amount of the flux can be set in advance, and since this flux is activated inside the left header tank 30, the oxide film formed on the first left partition plate 33 and the left header tank 30 can be sufficiently destroyed. Therefore, the brazing property between the first left partition plate 33 and the left header tank 30 is improved. The same applies to the other partition plates 34, 35, 23 to 25.

[0070] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be construed in a limiting sense. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0071] As described above, the heat exchanger according to the present invention can be used, for example, when cooling a battery or the like.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 1 Heat exchanger 11 to 18 First to eighth tubes 20 Right header tank (second header tank) 23 to 25 First to third right partition plates 30 Left header tank (first header tank) 30a Slit 30b Through hole 33 to 35 First to third left partition plates 33c Caulked portion 36 First recess 37 Second recess A Accommodation structure R1 Left first space R2 Left second space

Claims

1. In a heat exchanger comprising a first header tank connected to one ends of a plurality of tubes arranged in a predetermined direction and extending in the predetermined direction, and a second header tank connected to the other ends of the tubes and extending in the predetermined direction, in the first header tank, a partition plate for dividing the tubes into a plurality of paths arranged in the predetermined direction by partitioning the inside of the first header tank into a plurality of spaces is provided so as to intersect the central axis of the first header tank, and the partition plate is brazed to the first header tank, in the first header tank, a slit for inserting the partition plate is formed so as to extend in the circumferential direction, a heat exchanger, wherein the partition plate is provided with an accommodation structure for accommodating a flux introduced into the inside of the first header tank so as to be within the plate thickness of the partition plate.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the accommodation structure is formed on one surface in the thickness direction of the partition plate and includes a first recess for accommodating the flux, and a heat exchanger, wherein a portion corresponding to the first recess on the other surface in the thickness direction of the partition plate is formed of a flat surface.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the accommodation structure is formed on the other surface in the thickness direction of the partition plate and includes a second recess for accommodating the flux, and a heat exchanger, wherein a portion corresponding to the second recess on the one surface in the thickness direction of the partition plate is formed of a flat surface.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the accommodation structure is away from a brazing portion of the partition plate to the first header tank in a direction approaching the central portion of the partition plate.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the partition plate is made of a double-sided clad material in which brazing materials are clad on one surface and the other surface in the thickness direction.

6. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first recess and the second recess are provided so as not to overlap each other when the partition plate is viewed from the thickness direction.

7. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein a plurality of the first recesses and a plurality of the second recesses are provided respectively.

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, At the tip of the insertion direction of the partition plate, a caulking portion is formed to protrude in the insertion direction, In the first header tank, a through hole is formed to project the caulking portion of the partition plate inserted from the slit to the outside of the first header tank, The heat exchanger is characterized in that the caulking portion is caulked and fixed to the first header tank in a state of protruding from the through hole to the outside of the first header tank.

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