heat exchanger

Abstract

To easily and accurately position a connecting member constituting an inlet or an outlet of a refrigerant with respect to a header tank, thereby circulating the refrigerant as intended.SOLUTION: A connection member 40 is fixed to a header tank 20 and has at least one of a refrigerant inlet 40a and an outlet, and a refrigerant passage 43 one end of which communicates with the inlet 40a or the outlet. The connection member 40 is formed so as to penetrate the header tank 20 in the radial direction. The other end of the refrigerant passage 43 is open to a portion of the connection member 40 located inside the header tank 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger having tubes through which a refrigerant flows. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, air conditioners and various cooling devices use heat exchangers equipped with tubes through which a refrigerant flows. This type of heat exchanger has a header tank to which the ends of multiple tubes are connected, and the refrigerant supplied from the outside flows into the header tank. The refrigerant that flows into the header tank is divided into multiple tubes and exchanges heat with the outside while flowing inside the tubes, and then the refrigerant is combined and discharged to the outside (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a receiver-tank connecting member is fixed to a header tank. The receiver-tank connecting member is a member for connecting the header tank to the receiver so that the receiver can communicate with the header tank, and the fixing surface of the receiver-tank connecting member that is fixed to the header tank is formed to fit along the outer surface of the header tank.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, a connecting member-shaped receiving portion for receiving a refrigerant is fixed to a header tank. The fixing surface of this receiving portion that is fixed to the header tank is also formed to fit along the outer surface of the header tank.

[0005] In Patent Document 3, an inlet-side joint member for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the header tank and an outlet-side joint member for allowing the refrigerant to flow out are fixed to the header tank. The fixing surfaces of the inlet-side joint member and the outlet-side joint member that are fixed to the header tank are also formed to fit along the outer surface of the header tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5120572 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6631359 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-3183 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As described above, when fixing a block-shaped member (hereinafter referred to as a connecting member) for allowing refrigerant to flow in or out of the header tank to the header tank, the general fixing method is to form the fixing surface of the connecting member that is fixed to the header tank into a curved surface that matches the shape of the outer surface of the header tank, and then perform tack welding or the like while the fixing surface is pressed evenly against the outer surface of the header tank, and then join them by furnace brazing.

[0008] However, because the fixing surface of the connecting member is a curved surface that fits along the outer surface of the header tank, there is no structure for positioning the connecting member relative to the header tank, and the connecting member is prone to moving along the outer surface of the header tank, which results in variations in the fixing position of the connecting member.

[0009] Furthermore, before brazing the connection members, either temporary welding or holding with a jig or the like is required, and either method requires a lot of work.

[0010] Furthermore, if the fixing position of the connecting member varies, the refrigerant flow holes of the connecting member will be misaligned with the holes in the header tank, resulting in an increase in pressure loss when the refrigerant passes through, and the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing into the header tank will not be as intended, which may make it impossible to meet the required performance of the heat exchanger.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and its purpose is to enable the connecting member that constitutes the refrigerant inlet or outlet to be easily and accurately positioned relative to the header tank, thereby allowing the refrigerant to flow as intended. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present disclosure can be based on a heat exchanger in which a connecting member having at least one opening, an inlet for allowing a refrigerant to flow into the header tank and an outlet for allowing a refrigerant to flow out of the header tank, is fixed to a header tank connected to ends of a plurality of tubes. The connecting member is formed to radially penetrate the header tank, the opening is formed in a portion of the connecting member located outside the header tank, and the connecting member is formed with a refrigerant passage having one end communicating with the opening, and the other end of the refrigerant passage can open to a portion of the connecting member located inside the header tank.

[0013] With this configuration, when the connecting member is fixed to the header tank, it penetrates the header tank radially, so that at least two points of the connecting member are supported or held by the header tank. This allows the connecting member to be positioned in the header tank without temporary welding or fixing with a jig, and prevents the connecting member from shifting from the header tank. Furthermore, because the opening of the connecting member in the header tank is positioned and oriented as intended, an increase in pressure loss is avoided and variation in flow rate is reduced.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a tip end of the connecting member in the direction of penetration of the header tank is formed so as to protrude to the outside of the header tank through an insertion hole formed in the header tank and is fixed to the header tank by crimping. With this configuration, the tip end of the connecting member can be easily and firmly fixed to the header tank, making it even less likely that the connecting member will become misaligned.

[0015] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, the insertion hole of the header tank is polygonal, and the tip of the connecting member in the penetration direction has a shape corresponding to the shape of the insertion hole. With this configuration, rotation of the connecting member is suppressed when the tip of the connecting member is inserted into the insertion hole of the header tank, and positioning is performed more accurately.

[0016] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerant passage includes a first passage having one end connected to the opening and extending to a portion of the connecting member located inside the header tank, and a second passage communicating with the other end of the first passage and extending in a direction intersecting the first passage, and the second passage opens into the portion of the connecting member located inside the header tank.

[0017] With this configuration, for example, when refrigerant flows from the first passage of the connecting member into the inside of the header tank, the refrigerant that has flowed through the first passage flows into the second passage, and the direction of the refrigerant flow can be changed within the second passage, allowing the refrigerant to flow in a desired direction. Furthermore, although the first passage and the second passage intersect, both passages can be easily formed by machining the connecting member.

[0018] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the second passage extends in the direction of the central axis of the header tank. This allows, for example, when refrigerant flows from the second passage into the header tank, the refrigerant flow can be aligned in the direction of the central axis of the header tank, allowing for smooth inflow. Furthermore, the refrigerant distribution is improved, reducing pressure loss.

[0019] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the second passage is open to both sides of the header tank in the central axis direction at a portion of the connecting member located inside the header tank. With this configuration, for example, when refrigerant flows from the second passage into the header tank, the refrigerant can flow in both directions in the central axis direction of the header tank.

[0020] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, an opening area of ​​the second passage on one side in the central axis direction and an opening area of ​​the second passage on the other side in the central axis direction can be set to be the same.

[0021] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the opening area of ​​the second passage on one side in the central axis direction can be made different from the opening area of ​​the second passage on the other side in the central axis direction, which means that the amount of refrigerant flowing in and out can be adjusted by adjusting the opening area, thereby enabling the refrigerant to flow as desired.

[0022] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerant pipe communicating with the opening is fixed to the connection member by a fastening member.

[0023] In the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerant pipe communicating with the opening is brazed to the connection member, eliminating the need for a fastening member and reducing the number of parts.

[0024] In the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the leading end of the connecting member in the direction in which the header tank is penetrated is brazed to the header tank, thereby improving the airtightness of the penetration portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] As described above, the connecting member having at least one of an inlet and an outlet is formed to radially penetrate the header tank, and the refrigerant passage opens inside the header tank, so the connecting member can be easily and accurately positioned relative to the header tank, allowing the refrigerant to flow as intended. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from the rear. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the heat exchanger. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the heat exchanger and a battery. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of an inlet-side connecting member of the heat exchanger as viewed from above. [Figure 5] 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion where an inlet-side connecting member is fixed, showing a state where a refrigerant pipe is connected. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion where an inlet-side connecting member is fixed, showing a state before a refrigerant pipe is connected. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger, viewed from below, in the vicinity of an inlet-side connecting member. [Figure 8] 8 is a view equivalent to FIG. 7 showing the inlet side connecting member before being fixed. [Figure 9] 7 is a view equivalent to FIG. 6, but showing a case in which the opening area on the front side of the downstream passage is larger than the opening area on the rear side. [Figure 10] 7 is a view equivalent to FIG. 6, but showing a case in which the opening area on the front side of the downstream passage is smaller than the opening area on the rear side. [Figure 11] 4 and shows a connection member according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] 5 and shows a connection member according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 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 exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0028] 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 first to fourth batteries B1 to B4. The first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 are intended to supply power to a traction 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 or a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle may be a plug-in hybrid that can be charged from a commercial power source or the like.

[0029] In this embodiment, four batteries, first to fourth batteries B1 to B4, are mounted, with the first battery B1 located at the rearmost position and the fourth battery B4 located at the frontmost position, but the number of batteries is not limited to four. Each of the first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 contains a plurality of cells (not shown). The first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 are elongated in the left-right direction and are arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction. The first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 have the same shape and size, but may be different from each other.

[0030] 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 the drawings, but this is defined merely for the convenience of explanation and does not limit the directions during actual use or manufacturing, and the front-rear direction can also be mounted so that it corresponds to the left-right direction of the automobile.

[0031] The heat exchanger 1 includes first to eighth tubes 11 to 18, a right header tank 20, a left header tank 30, an inlet-side connecting member 40, an outlet-side connecting member 50, and a bypass piping 60. The first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are flat, plate-like tubes extending in the left-right direction and made of, for example, an aluminum alloy. They are arranged in the front-rear direction at intervals. The front-rear direction is defined as a predetermined direction, and the direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction in a plan view is defined as the left-right direction. The first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 may all be the same or different from one another. In this embodiment, the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are all the same. Note that the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 may extend in the front-rear direction. In this case, a configuration having a front header tank and a rear header tank is provided, and the predetermined direction in which the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are arranged is defined as the left-right direction.

[0032] The first tube 11 and the second tube 12 are arranged close to each other in the front-to-rear direction to form a pair. The first battery B1 is placed on the upper surfaces of the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. The front-to-rear dimensions of the first tube 11 and the second tube 12 are set shorter than the front-to-rear dimension of the first battery B1.

[0033] The third tube 13 and the fourth tube 14 are spaced forward from the second tube 12 and are arranged close to each other in the front-to-rear direction, forming a pair. The distance between the third tube 13 and the fourth tube 14 is the same as the distance between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. The distance between the second tube 12 and the third tube 13 is set wider than the distance between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. A second battery B2 is placed on the upper surface of the third tube 13 and the fourth tube 14.

[0034] The fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16 are spaced forward from the fourth tube 14 and are arranged close to each other in the front-to-rear direction, forming a pair. The distance between the fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16 is the same as the distance between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. The distance between the fourth tube 14 and the fifth tube 15 is also set to the same as the distance between the second tube 12 and the third tube 13. A third battery B3 is placed on the upper surface of the fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16.

[0035] The seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18 are spaced forward from the sixth tube 16 and are arranged close to each other in the front-to-rear direction, forming a single pair. The distance between the seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18 is the same as the distance between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. The distance between the sixth tube 16 and the seventh tube 17 is also set to the same as the distance between the second tube 12 and the third tube 13. A fourth battery B4 is placed on the upper surfaces of the seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18. The number of tubes can be changed depending on the number of batteries. For example, if one battery is added, two tubes can be added, and if one battery is removed, two tubes can be removed. Furthermore, one tube or three or more tubes can be placed under one battery.

[0036] The left header tank 30 is positioned to the left of the first to fourth batteries B1 to B4 and extends in the front-to-rear direction, which is the direction in which the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18 are arranged. 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 a rear closing plate 31. A front closing plate 32 is provided at a position rearward from the front end of the left header tank 30, and this front closing plate 32 closes the front portion of the left header tank 30. The front closing plate 32 is located forward of the eighth tube 18. The rear closing plate 31 and the front closing plate 32 are brazed to the left header tank 30.

[0037] The left header tank 30 is provided with first to third left-side partition plates 33, 34, and 35 between the rear closing plate 31 and the front closing plate 32. The first to third left-side partition plates 33, 34, and 35 are also brazed to the left header tank 30. The first left-side partition plate 33 is provided between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. The second left-side partition plate 34 is provided between the third tube 13 and the fourth tube 14. The third left-side 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 first left space R1 is formed between the rear blocking plate 31 and the first left partition plate 33, a second left space R2 is formed between the first left partition plate 33 and the second left partition plate 34, a third left space R3 is formed between the second left partition plate 34 and the third left partition plate 35, and a fourth left space R4 is formed between the third left partition plate 35 and the front blocking plate 32.

[0038] The left header tank 30 is provided with a metal (aluminum alloy) bypass pipe 60. The bypass pipe 60 connects the first left space R1 and the fourth left space R4, which are separated in the front-rear direction, and extends in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the bypass pipe 60 includes a first pipe member 61 connected to the first left space R1, a second pipe member 63 connected to the fourth left space R4, and an intermediate pipe member 62 connecting the first pipe member 61 and the second pipe member 63, and is configured to be adjustable in length. The first left space R1 and the fourth left space R4 communicate with each other via the bypass pipe 60. The bypass pipe 60 does not have to have an adjustable length and may be configured, for example, as a single member. Furthermore, the bypass pipe 60 is not essential to the present invention, and a path configuration in which the bypass pipe 60 can be omitted may be used.

[0039] A left bracket 37 is brazed to the left header tank 30 in a portion forward of the front blocking plate 32. A left positioning hole 37a is formed in the left bracket 37, through which the left positioning pin P1 shown in Figure 3 is inserted. The left positioning pin P1 is fixed to, for example, a battery case, and is a member for positioning the heat exchanger 1.

[0040] The right-side 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-side header tank 30. The right-side header tank 20 is connected to the right ends (other ends) of the first to eighth tubes 11 to 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the rear end of the right-side header tank 20 is closed by an outlet-side connecting member 50. The outlet-side connecting member 50 is a block-shaped member made of, for example, an aluminum alloy, and is used to allow the refrigerant to flow to the outside after flowing through the tubes 11 to 18 that make up the heat exchanger 1. The outlet-side connecting member 50 is formed with an outlet 50a to which a discharge pipe (not shown) for discharging the refrigerant is connected.

[0041] A front closure plate 22 is provided at a position rearward from the front end of the right header tank 20, and this front closure plate 22 closes the front portion of the right header tank 20. The front closure plate 22 is located forward of the eighth tube 18. The outlet-side connecting member 50 and the front closure plate 22 are brazed to the right header tank 20.

[0042] The right-side header tank 20 is provided with first to third right-side partition plates 23, 24, and 25 between the outflow-side connecting member 50 and the front blocking plate 22. The first to third right-side partition plates 23, 24, and 25 are also brazed to the right-side header tank 20. The first right-side partition plate 23 is provided between the first tube 11 and the second tube 12. The second right-side partition plate 24 is provided between the second tube 12 and the third tube 13. The third right-side partition plate 25 is provided between the fourth tube 14 and the fifth tube 15. As a result, the inside of the right header tank 20 is formed with a first right space S1 between the outflow-side connecting member 50 and the first right-side partition plate 23, a second right space S2 between the first right-side partition plate 23 and the second right-side partition plate 24, a third right-side space S3 between the second right-side partition plate 24 and the third right-side partition plate 25, and a fourth right space S4 between the third right-side partition plate 25 and the front blocking plate 22. The first right space S1 is in communication with the outlet 50a of the outflow-side connecting member 50.

[0043] A right bracket 27 is brazed to the right header tank 20 in a portion forward of the front blocking plate 22. The right bracket 27 has a right cutout 27a through which the right positioning pin P2 shown in Figure 3 is inserted. The right positioning pin P2 is fixed to, for example, a battery case, and is a member for positioning the heat exchanger 1.

[0044] An inlet-side connecting member 40 is fixed to the right-side header tank 20. The inlet-side connecting member 40 is a block-shaped member made of aluminum alloy and has an inlet (opening) 40a for allowing refrigerant to flow into the right-side header tank 20. It may also be referred to as a connection block, for example. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , a refrigerant pipe 70 for allowing refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger 1 is fixed to the inlet-side connecting member 40 with fastening members 71. The refrigerant pipe 70 is also made of an aluminum alloy, and refrigerant decompressed by, for example, an expansion valve (not shown) flows into the refrigerant pipe 70 from its upstream side. An aluminum alloy fixing member 70a is attached to the downstream end of the refrigerant pipe 70. As shown in FIG. 5 , the fixing member 70a has a cylindrical tube portion 70b that protrudes downward. A communication hole 70c that communicates with the refrigerant pipe 70 is formed inside the tube portion 70b. Furthermore, a through-hole 70d, through which the fastening member 71 is inserted, is formed in the fixing member 70a at a portion horizontally spaced forward from the tube portion 70b.

[0045] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the inlet-side connecting member 40 is formed so as to penetrate the right-side header tank 20 in the vertical direction. That is, as also shown in Figure 8, the inlet-side connecting member 40 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes an upper portion 41 that is disposed outside the right-side header tank 20, and a protruding portion 42 that is inserted into the right-side header tank 20. When the inlet-side connecting member 40 is attached to the right-side header tank 20, the longitudinal direction of the upper portion 41 corresponds to the front-to-rear direction. A step 41a is formed on the underside of the upper portion 41 so that the front portion is positioned higher than the rear portion. Meanwhile, the top surface of the upper portion 41 is the same height from the front portion to the rear portion. Therefore, the thickness (vertical dimension) of the upper portion 41 is thinner at the front portion than at the rear portion.

[0046] 5, the front-rear dimension of upper portion 41 is set to be approximately the same as the front-rear dimension of fixing member 70a of refrigerant pipe 70. A threaded hole 41b into which a fastening member 71 is threaded is formed in upper portion 41 directly below through hole 70d. Fastening member 71 is formed, for example, with a bolt or screw, and can be detachably fixed to upper portion 41 by inserting fastening member 70a through through hole 70d of fixing member 70a and threading it into threaded hole 41b to tighten it.

[0047] The protrusion 42 is offset rearward from the center of the upper portion 41 in the front-to-rear direction, and has a cylindrical shape that protrudes downward from the underside of the rear portion of the upper portion 41. Meanwhile, an insertion hole 20a, into which the protrusion 42 is inserted, is formed in the upper portion of the peripheral wall of the right header tank 20 so as to penetrate the peripheral wall in the thickness direction. The insertion hole 20a has the same circular cross-sectional shape as the base end of the protrusion 42. The base end of the protrusion 42 is inserted into the insertion hole 20a and brazed to the inner surface of the insertion hole 20a to ensure an airtight state.

[0048] An insertion hole 20b is formed in the lower portion of the peripheral wall of the right header tank 20 so as to penetrate the peripheral wall in the thickness direction. The insertion hole 20b is located directly below the insertion hole 20a and is smaller in size than the insertion hole 20a. The insertion hole 20b has a polygonal shape. In this embodiment, the insertion hole 20b is rectangular, but the shape is not limited to this and may be triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal, for example.

[0049] A convex portion 42a is formed at the tip of the protruding portion 42 in the direction of penetration into the right header tank 20. The convex portion 42a is formed so as to protrude from the right header tank 20 to the outside of the right header tank 20 through an insertion hole 20b formed in the right header tank 20 and is fixed to the right header tank 20 by crimping. Specifically, with the convex portion 42a inserted into the insertion hole 20b, the portion of the convex portion 42a protruding from the right header tank 20 is plastically deformed from the outside using a crimping tool (not shown) so as to be pressed against the periphery of the insertion hole 20b. After the crimping, when brazing each part, brazing the convex portion 42a to the periphery of the insertion hole 20b ensures airtightness. Note that crimping is not essential, and the convex portion 42a may be brazed without being crimped.

[0050] The protrusion 42a has a shape corresponding to the shape of the insertion hole 20b, and in this embodiment, has the same rectangular cross section as the shape of the insertion hole 20b. This makes it difficult for the inflow-side connecting member 40 to rotate about the axis of the protrusion 42 relative to the right-side header tank 20 when the protrusion 42a is inserted into the insertion hole 20b, thereby stabilizing the inflow-side connecting member 40. Note that this effect is achieved until the brazing is complete, and once the brazing is complete, the inflow-side connecting member 40 is fixed to the right-side header tank 20 by the brazing.

[0051] 8, a tip side surface 42c extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the protrusion 42 is formed at the base end of the convex portion 42a of the protrusion 42. When the protrusion 42 is inserted into the insertion hole 20b, the tip side surface 42c is positioned so as to abut against or face the inner surface of the right-side header tank 20 with a small gap between them. The tip side surface 42c is brazed to the inner surface of the right-side header tank 20.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, a guide surface 42d is formed on the outer surface of the protrusion 42, continuing from the tip side surface 42c. The guide surface 42d is formed so that the portion continuing from the tip side surface 42c is closest to the axis of the protrusion 42 and radially moves away from the axis of the protrusion 42 toward the base end of the protrusion 42. The guide surfaces 42d are formed on both radial sides, and the formation of the guide surfaces 42d gives the protrusion 42 a tapered shape. This allows the protrusion 42 to be inserted smoothly into the insertion hole 20a even if there is some misalignment.

[0053] 1 and other figures, an inlet 40a is formed in the rear portion of the top surface of the upper portion 41, i.e., in the portion of the inlet-side connecting member 40 that is located outside the right-side header tank 20. This inlet 40a is circular and opens upward.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, a refrigerant passage 43 is formed in the inlet-side connecting member 40. The upper end (one end) of the refrigerant passage 43 is the upstream end in the refrigerant flow direction and is connected to the inlet 40a. The refrigerant passage 43 extends downward through the rear part of the upper part 41 and the inside of the protruding part 42. The lower end (other end) of the refrigerant passage 43 opens into a part of the protruding part 42 that is located inside the right header tank 20.

[0055] Specifically, the refrigerant passage 43 includes an upstream passage (first passage) 43a and a downstream passage (second passage) 43b. The upstream passage 43a and the downstream passage 43b can be easily formed, for example, by machining (drilling) a block-shaped member. The upstream passage 43a has an upper end connected to the inlet 40a and extends to a portion of the inlet connecting member 40 located inside the right header tank 20. The upper portion of the upstream passage 43a has a larger cross-sectional area than the lower portion. The cylindrical portion 70b of the fixing member 70a is inserted into the upper portion of the upstream passage 43a, thereby connecting the refrigerant piping 70 and the upstream passage 43a. A seal 200, such as an O-ring, is disposed between the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 70b and the inner surface of the upper portion of the upstream passage 43a.

[0056] The downstream passage 43b is connected to a lower end (the other end) of the upstream passage 43a and extends in a direction intersecting the upstream passage 43a. Specifically, the upstream passage 43a extends in the radial direction of the right header tank 20, while the downstream passage 43b extends in the central axial direction of the right header tank 20 (the front-rear direction in this example). The downstream passage 43b is formed to penetrate the protruding portion 42 in the radial direction, and opens toward the front side (one side in the central axial direction of the right header tank 20) ​​and the rear side (the other side in the central axial direction of the right header tank 20) ​​at portions of the protruding portion 42 located inside the right header tank 20.

[0057] In this embodiment, the front opening area and the rear opening area of ​​the downstream passage 43b are set to be the same. That is, the shape of the front opening of the downstream passage 43b is the same as the shape of the rear opening, and may be, for example, circular. The flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out from the downstream passage 43b to the front side and the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out from the downstream passage 43b to the rear side may be the same or different. The flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out from the downstream passage 43b to the front side and the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out from the downstream passage 43b to the rear side can be changed by changing the front opening area and the rear opening area, respectively.

[0058] For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the front opening diameter D1 of the downstream passage 43b may be made larger than the rear opening diameter D2, thereby making the front opening area of ​​the downstream passage 43b larger than the rear opening area. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 10, the front opening diameter D1 of the downstream passage 43b may be made smaller than the rear opening area, thereby making the front opening area of ​​the downstream passage 43b smaller than the rear opening area.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flows in through the inlet-side connecting member 40 and flows out through the outlet-side connecting member 50. However, the refrigerant may alternatively flow in through the connecting member 50 and flow out through the connecting member 40. In this case, an outlet for allowing the refrigerant to flow out of the right-side header tank 20 is formed on the upper surface of the connecting member 40. The fixing position of the connecting member 40 is not limited to the position shown in the figure, and it may also be fixed to the left-side header tank 30. The fixing positions of the inlet-side connecting member 40 and the outlet-side connecting member 50 can be set depending on the path of the refrigerant piping 70 and the number of tubes 11-18. The number of tubes 11-18 is not limited to eight, but may be seven or fewer, or nine or more.

[0060] 11 and 12 show an example of connecting the refrigerant pipe 70 to the right header tank 20 using a connecting member 400 according to a modified embodiment. The connecting member 400 has a connecting cylindrical portion 401 into which the downstream side of the refrigerant pipe 70 is inserted, and a protruding portion 402 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the connecting cylindrical portion 401 and is formed so as to penetrate radially through the right header tank 20. The connecting cylindrical portion 401 is a portion located outside the right header tank 20, and an opening 401a is formed at the upper end of this connecting cylindrical portion 401. The opening 401a is an inlet for allowing refrigerant to flow into the right header tank 20. The outer surface of the refrigerant pipe 70 is brazed to the inner surface of the connecting cylindrical portion 401.

[0061] The upper end of the refrigerant passage 403 is in communication with the opening 401a and extends downward inside the connecting cylindrical portion 401 and the protruding portion 402. The lower end of the refrigerant passage 403 opens into a portion of the protruding portion 402 that is located inside the right header tank 20. Similar to the refrigerant passage 43, the refrigerant passage 403 includes an upstream passage (first passage) 403a and a downstream passage (second passage) 403b. The downstream passage 403b opens toward the front and rear. In addition, a protrusion 402a is formed at the tip of the protruding portion 402 and protrudes outward from the insertion hole 20b of the right header tank 20. The protrusion 402a may be fixed to the periphery of the insertion hole 20b by crimping, or may be brazed without being fixed by crimping.

[0062] (Brazing of inlet side connection member) When fixing the inflow side connecting member 40 to the right header tank 20, first, the protruding portion 42 of the inflow side connecting member 40 is inserted into the insertion hole 20a of the right header tank 20, and then the convex portion 42a is inserted into the insertion hole 20b. As a result, the protruding portion 42 is supported or held at two points, the peripheral edge of the insertion hole 20a and the peripheral edge of the insertion hole 20b. Therefore, without temporary welding or fixing with a jig, the inflow side connecting member 40 is positioned in the right header tank 20 and misalignment of the inflow side connecting member 40 with respect to the right header tank 20 is suppressed. By transporting the inflow side connecting member 40 in this state into a brazing furnace, all parts can be brazed at once.

[0063] Since the opening position and orientation of the inlet-side connecting member 40 in the right-side header tank 20 are maintained as intended during transportation and brazing, an increase in pressure loss is avoided and fluctuations in flow rate are reduced. In particular, by fixing the protrusion 42a by crimping, the inlet-side connecting member 40 is more effectively prevented from shifting.

[0064] The same applies to the modified example, in which the protruding portion 402 of the connecting member 400 is inserted into the insertion hole 20a of the right header tank 20, and brazing can be performed with the protruding portion 402a inserted into the insertion hole 20b.

[0065] (heat exchanger path) 1 to 3, the left header tank 30 is provided with first to third left-side partition plates 33, 34, and 35 for dividing the interior of the left header tank 30 into a first left-side space R1, a second left-side space R2, a third left-side space R3, and a fourth left-side space R4. The right header tank 20 is provided with first to third right-side partition plates 23, 24, and 25 for dividing the interior of the right header tank 20 into a first right-side space S1, a second right-side space S2, a third right-side space S3, and a fourth right-side space S4. By dividing the interiors 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 first to sixth passes PS1 to PS6.

[0066] Specifically, the first path PS1 is formed by the second tube 12 communicating with the right-side second space S2 and the left-side second space R2. The second path PS2 is formed by the third tube 13 communicating with the left-side second space R2 and the right-side third space S3. The third path PS3 is formed by the fourth tube 14 communicating with the right-side third space S3 and the left-side third space R3. The fourth path PS4 is formed by the fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16 communicating with the left-side third space R3 and the right-side fourth space S4. The fifth path PS5 is formed by the seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18 communicating with the right-side fourth space S4 and the left-side fourth space R4. The sixth path PS6 is formed by the first tube 11 communicating with the left-side first space R1 and the right-side first space S1.

[0067] A first pass PS1, a second pass PS2, a third pass PS3, a fourth pass PS4, a fifth pass PS5, and a sixth pass PS6 are located in this order from upstream to downstream in the refrigerant flow direction.

[0068] (refrigerant flow) In the heat exchanger 1 configured as described above, refrigerant flows from the refrigerant pipe 70 through the inlet-side connecting member 40 into the right-side second space S2 of the right header tank 20. Because the downstream passage 43b opens to the front and rear, the refrigerant can be diverted in both the front and rear directions. The refrigerant that flows into the right-side second space S2 flows leftward through the second tube 12, then flows into the left-side second space R2, and then flows through the third tube 13. The refrigerant that flows rightward through the third tube 13 flows into the right-side third space S3 and then flows through the fourth tube 14. The refrigerant that flows leftward through the fourth tube 14 flows into the left-side third space R3 and then flows through the fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16. The refrigerant that flows rightward through the fifth tube 15 and the sixth tube 16 flows into the right-side fourth space S4 and then flows through the seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18. The refrigerant that flows to the left through the seventh tube 17 and the eighth tube 18 flows into the left-side fourth space R4 and then flows into the bypass piping 60. The refrigerant that flows into the bypass piping 60 flows into the left-side first space R1, flows to the right through the first tube 11, and then flows into the right-side first space S1. The refrigerant that flows into the right-side first space S1 flows out from the outlet-side connecting member 50.

[0069] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, according to this embodiment, the protruding portion 42 of the inflow-side connecting member 40 is formed to radially penetrate the right-side header tank 20, and the base end of the protruding portion 42 can be inserted into the insertion hole 20a of the right-side header tank 20, and the convex portion 42a of the protruding portion 42 can be inserted into the insertion hole 20b of the right-side header tank 20. This allows the base end and tip end of the protruding portion 42 of the inflow-side connecting member 40 to be supported or held by the right-side header tank 20, so that the inflow-side connecting member 40 can be easily and accurately positioned with respect to the right-side header tank 20. Because the inflow-side connecting member 40 can be accurately positioned, the opening direction of the refrigerant passage 43 opening inside the right-side header tank 20 can be oriented in the designed direction, thereby enabling the refrigerant to flow as intended.

[0070] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the 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 to cool, for example, a battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 heat exchanger 11~18 Tubes 1~8 20 Right side header tank 20b Insertion hole 40 Connecting member 40a Entrance (opening) 42 Protrusion 43 Refrigerant passage 43a Upstream Passage (1st Passage) 43b Downstream passage (2nd passage) 70 Refrigerant piping 71 Fastening members

Claims

1. A heat exchanger in which a header tank connected to ends of a plurality of tubes is fixed with a connecting member having at least one opening of an inlet for allowing a refrigerant to flow into the header tank and an outlet for allowing a refrigerant to flow out of the header tank, The connecting member is formed to penetrate the header tank in a radial direction, the opening is formed in a portion of the connecting member that is located outside the header tank, The connecting member has a refrigerant passage formed therein, the refrigerant passage having one end communicating with the opening. The other end of the refrigerant passage is open to a portion of the connecting member located inside the header tank.

2. 2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, a leading end of the connecting member in the direction of penetration of the header tank so as to protrude to the outside of the header tank through an insertion hole formed in the header tank, and is fixed to the header tank by crimping.

3. 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, The insertion hole of the header tank is polygonal, A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a tip end of the connecting member in a penetration direction has a shape corresponding to a shape of the insertion hole.

4. 4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, the refrigerant passage includes a first passage having one end connected to the opening and extending to a portion of the connecting member located inside the header tank, and a second passage communicating with the other end of the first passage and extending in a direction intersecting the first passage, a heat exchanger including a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being characterized in that the second passage is open to a portion of the connecting member located inside the header tank;

5. 5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the second passage extends in a direction of a central axis of the header tank.

6. 6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, a second passage that opens to both one and the other sides of the header tank in the direction of the central axis of the header tank at a portion of the connecting member that is located inside the header tank;

7. 7. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, a heat exchanger, characterized in that an opening area of ​​the second passage on one side in the central axis direction and an opening area of ​​the second passage on the other side in the central axis direction are set to be the same;

8. 7. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, a heat exchanger, wherein an opening area of ​​the second passage on one side in the central axis direction is different from an opening area of ​​the second passage on the other side in the central axis direction;

9. 9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a refrigerant pipe communicating with the opening is fixed to the connecting member by a fastening member.

10. 9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a refrigerant pipe communicating with the opening is brazed to the connecting member.

11. 11. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, a connecting member having a tip end portion in a direction in which the connecting member penetrates the header tank, the tip end portion being brazed to the header tank;

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