heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger of a novel structure capable of efficiently removing bubbles from a circulating fluid. A heat exchanger (10) includes a heat exchange section (14) that adjusts the temperature of a circulating fluid, and a temperature-adjusted liquid chamber (76) is provided into which the circulating fluid whose temperature has been adjusted in the heat exchange section (14) flows. The temperature-adjusted liquid chamber (76) is provided with a filter (78) that removes air from the circulating fluid. A degassing port (50) is provided in a wall of the temperature-adjusted liquid chamber (76), and the filter (78) is provided at an angle toward an opening (52) of the degassing port (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical heat exchanger used for adjusting the temperature of a circulating fluid such as a myocardial protective solution or blood during surgery under cardiac arrest.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when performing surgeries such as those on the heart or large blood vessels, a technique has been adopted to facilitate the procedure by stopping the heartbeat of the heart. In surgeries using such a cardiac arrest method, a chemical solution such as a potassium solution is administered to stop the heart, but since the cardiac arrest caused by the chemical solution may damage the myocardium, cooling the myocardium to protect the myocardium has also been conventionally performed.

[0003] By the way, as a means for cooling the myocardium, for example, it is generally performed to cool the myocardium by lowering the temperature of a circulating fluid such as blood or a chemical solution (for example, a myocardial protective solution) and sending it into the coronary artery of the heart.

[0004] In this case, the temperature of the circulating fluid (cooling) is adjusted by a heat exchanger connected to the coronary artery of the heart or the like. The heat exchanger includes, for example, a heat exchanger body (3) that adjusts the temperature of the circulating fluid by heat exchange between the circulating fluid and a heat exchange medium, as in the medical heat exchanger (1) described in Japanese Patent No. 3742711 (Patent Document 1). A bubble trapping filter member (16) is provided in the biological circulation liquid flow chamber (13) into which the temperature-adjusted circulating fluid flows. Then, the circulating fluid that has passed through the bubble trapping filter member is sent into the body lumen (blood vessel) of the patient, so that the myocardium is cooled by the circulating fluid.

[0005] However, in the medical heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1, there was a risk that air in the biological circulation liquid flow chamber would not be sufficiently discharged to the outside through the bubble removal port (41) and would remain. In other words, even if bubbles trapped in the biological circulation liquid flow chamber by the bubble-capturing filter member move upward due to buoyancy, they may not be guided to the bubble removal port (41) but instead get caught in the pressure monitoring port (44), temperature monitoring port (45), port (57), etc., and remain there. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the bubble-capturing filter member is attached to the liquid flow chamber forming member (17), and the liquid flow chamber forming member is attached to the housing (2) to be positioned in a predetermined location. However, in such a filter mounting structure via another member (liquid flow chamber forming member), steps and other differences are easily formed between the other member and the housing, and bubbles tend to remain in these steps and other differences. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3742711 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention was made against the background described above, and its objective is to provide a novel heat exchanger structure that can efficiently remove air bubbles from the circulating fluid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The following describes embodiments of the present invention made to solve these problems. The components used in each embodiment described below can be used in any combination as much as possible.

[0009] That is, a first aspect of the present invention is a heat exchanger equipped with a heat exchange section for adjusting the temperature of a circulating liquid, wherein a post-temperature controlled liquid chamber into which the circulating liquid whose temperature has been controlled in the heat exchange section flows is provided, and a filter for removing air from the circulating liquid is provided in the post-temperature controlled liquid chamber. In the temperature-controlled liquid chamber, both sides of the filter are designated as a pre-degassing liquid chamber and a post-degassing liquid chamber. Liquid chamber after temperature adjustment The upper side on the wall Open A degassing port is provided. , applicable filter In the liquid chamber after temperature control Tilt in the vertical direction Furthermore, the direction of this inclination is such that the horizontal distance with respect to the extension line extending downward from the opening of the degassing port gradually decreases from bottom to top. Its distinguishing feature is that it is characterized by being.

[0010] In a heat exchanger structured according to this embodiment, the filter, which allows the passage of circulating fluid but restricts the passage of air mixed with the circulating fluid, is inclined toward the opening of the degassing port. As a result, the air filtered by the filter floats along the filter and is guided to the degassing port. This makes it easier for the air to be discharged to the outside through the degassing port without remaining in the liquid chamber after temperature control, and air mixed with the circulating fluid can be efficiently removed.

[0012] Also, According to the heat exchanger structured in this embodiment, since the degassing port is provided on the wall of the pre-degassing liquid chamber, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from entering the body and efficiently remove air mixed in the circulating fluid, compared to the case where the degassing port is provided on the post-degassing liquid chamber.

[0013] This invention 2 The manner of is, 1 In the heat exchanger described in the embodiment, the filter is an insert component that is insert-molded into the housing that constitutes the wall portion of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber.

[0014] According to the heat exchanger structured in this embodiment, the filter is directly attached to the housing by insert molding, eliminating the need for a separate component to fix the filter to the housing, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure.

[0015] Furthermore, compared with the case where the filter is attached to the housing via a separate member, it is difficult to form steps, unevenness, etc. on the attachment portion of the filter, and it is possible to reduce steps, unevenness, etc. on the wall portion of the liquid chamber after temperature adjustment. As a result, for example, it becomes difficult for air to remain in the liquid chamber after temperature adjustment after priming is completed, and air mixed in the circulating liquid can be efficiently removed.

[0016] The 3 aspect of the present invention is such that in the heat exchanger described in the or second first aspect, a temperature detection port for measuring the temperature in the liquid chamber after temperature adjustment is provided on the wall portion of the liquid chamber after temperature adjustment.

[0017] According to the heat exchanger having a structure according to this aspect, for example, when the temperature detection port itself protrudes into the liquid chamber after temperature adjustment, or when a temperature sensor inserted into the temperature detection port protrudes into the liquid chamber after temperature adjustment, it is difficult for problems such as bubbles being caught and remaining on the temperature detection port or the temperature sensor to occur.

[0018] The 4 aspect of the present invention is such that in the heat exchanger described in any one of the 3 first to

[0019] According to the heat exchanger having a structure according to this aspect, it is possible to visually check the state inside the deaeration port from the outside. For example, after visually confirming the state where air is accumulated in the deaeration port, it is also possible to discharge the air to the outside by opening the on-off valve of the deaeration port.

[0020] The 5 aspect of the present invention is such that in the heat exchanger described in any one of the 4 first to

[0021] According to the heat exchanger structured according to this aspect, air bubbles are efficiently guided to the degassing port without getting caught on the filter. Moreover, even with a filter having a flat shape, by being provided in an inclined manner, it is possible to secure a sufficient filter area and secure the flow rate of the circulating liquid required while effectively removing air.

[0022] In the aspect of the present invention 6 is, in the heat exchanger described in any one of the first to 5 wherein the filter is formed of a hydrophobic material.

[0023] According to the heat exchanger structured according to this aspect, since air bubbles are easily guided to the degassing port by easily moving along the filter, the discharge efficiency of air is improved.

[0024] In the aspect of the present invention 7 is, in the heat exchanger described in any one of the first to 5 wherein the filter is formed of a hydrophilic material.

[0025] According to the heat exchanger structured according to this aspect, the circulating liquid can more easily pass through the filter.

[0026] Further, the eighth aspect of the present invention is a heat exchanger provided with a heat exchange section for adjusting the temperature of the circulating liquid, wherein a post-temperature adjustment liquid chamber into which the circulating liquid temperature-adjusted in the heat exchange section flows is provided, and a filter for removing air in the circulating liquid is disposed in the post-temperature adjustment liquid chamber, and both sides of the filter in the post-temperature adjustment liquid chamber are a pre-degassing liquid chamber and a post-degassing liquid chamber Occasionally, a first liquid chamber wall member constituting the wall portion of the pre-degassing liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber wall member constituting the wall portion of the post-degassing liquid chamber [[ID=3I]] However, the wall portion of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber is formed by overlapping and fixing the openings of each other. with respect to the opening peripheral edge portion of the first liquid chamber wall member The outer edge of the filter is fixed and supported by insert molding, thereby positioning the filter between the pre-degassing liquid chamber and the post-degassing liquid chamber. which is characterized by being.

[0027] According to the heat exchanger structured in this embodiment, the filter is directly attached to the housing by insert molding, eliminating the need for a separate component to fix the filter to the housing, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure.

[0028] Furthermore, compared to cases where the filter is attached to the housing via a separate component, steps and irregularities are less likely to form on the filter mounting area, and steps and irregularities on the wall of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber can be reduced. As a result, for example, air is less likely to remain in the temperature-controlled liquid chamber after priming is complete, and air mixed with the circulating liquid can be efficiently removed.

[0030] Also, According to the heat exchanger structured in this embodiment, the first liquid chamber wall member is provided with an opening that connects to, for example, the heat exchange section, making it easier to remove the filter from the mold after molding, even if the filter is insert molded, thus facilitating the manufacture of the housing equipped with the filter.

[0031] This invention 9 The manner of this is as follows: 1st to 2nd 8 A heat exchanger according to any one of the embodiments is provided, wherein a bottom member is provided which is connected to the heat exchange section and has a circulating fluid inlet port for introducing the circulating fluid into the heat exchange section, and a flow diversion projection is provided on the portion of the bottom member facing the opening of the circulating fluid inlet port, projecting toward the circulating fluid inlet port, and guide protrusions extending in the circumferential direction of the bottom member are provided on both sides of the bottom member in the circumferential direction relative to the flow diversion projection.

[0032] In a heat exchanger with a structure according to this embodiment, the circulating fluid introduced into the bottom member from the circulating fluid inlet port comes into contact with the flow-dividing projection, splits to both sides of the projection, and flows circumferentially along the guide ridges of the bottom member. Because the flow of the circulating fluid is divided to both sides in the circumferential direction by the flow-dividing projection, the circulating fluid flows more smoothly inside the bottom member compared to the case without the flow-dividing projection, reducing the flow velocity of the circulating fluid, in other words, reducing pressure loss. Therefore, the circulating fluid that flows into the bottom member from the circulating fluid inlet port flows smoothly to the heat exchange section, achieving efficient supply of circulating fluid to the heat exchange section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present invention, air is less likely to remain in the liquid chamber after temperature control, and air can be efficiently removed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing a heat exchanger as a first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Front view of the heat exchanger shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Right side view of the heat exchanger shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Plan view of the heat exchanger shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Bottom view of the heat exchanger shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 3, section VI-VI [Figure 7] Figure 6, section VII-VII [Figure 8] Perspective view of the bottom member constituting the heat exchanger shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Enlarged plan view of the base member shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the bottom member shown in Figure 9, and corresponds to the XX cross-section in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 7 shows a magnified view of the main components of the heat exchanger. [Figure 12] Perspective view of the second liquid chamber wall member constituting the heat exchanger shown in Figure 1. [Figure 13]Enlarged cross-sectional view of the second liquid chamber wall member shown in Figure 11 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Figures 1 to 5 show a heat exchanger 10 as a first embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchanger 10 is a surface heat exchanger in which heat is exchanged by indirect contact between a circulating liquid and a heat exchange medium, and as shown in Figures 6 and 7, it has a structure in which a heat exchange section 14 is housed in a housing 12. In the following description, the vertical direction generally refers to the vertical direction in Figure 2.

[0037] More specifically, the housing 12 is made of a rigid synthetic resin and consists of a cylindrical housing body 16, a bottom member 18 that closes the lower opening of the housing body 16, and a lid member 20 that closes the upper opening of the housing body 16. The material used to form the housing 12 is not particularly limited and may be metal or glass, but preferably it is made of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin, and it is desirable that it be transparent or semi-transparent so that the internal space of the housing 12 can be visually inspected. Furthermore, the entire housing 12 does not need to be made of the same material; for example, the housing body 16, the bottom member 18, and the lid member 20 may be made of different materials.

[0038] The housing body 16 integrally comprises a cylindrical housing section 22 and a heat exchange medium inlet port 24 and a heat exchange medium outlet port 26 connected to the peripheral wall of the housing section 22. The peripheral wall of the housing section 22 is provided with mounting protrusions 28a and 28b that project from the outer surface, serving as connection parts for connecting to external devices such as blood reservoirs. Both the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 and the heat exchange medium outlet port 26 are substantially cylindrical in shape, extending from the lower part of the housing section 22 toward both radial sides of the housing section 22 and sloping downward toward the tip. Furthermore, the lumen of the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 and the lumen of the heat exchange medium outlet port 26 are both in communication with the lumen of the housing section 22. Note that the housing section 22 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may be elliptical, polygonal, or irregularly shaped. Furthermore, the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 and the heat exchange medium outlet port 26 are not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may be elliptical, polygonal, or irregularly shaped. Also, the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 and the heat exchange medium outlet port 26 may be provided separately from the housing body 16. Moreover, the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 and the heat exchange medium outlet port 26 may be provided in positions that are interchangeable. In addition, the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 and the heat exchange medium outlet port 26 may be formed separately from the housing cylinder 22 and attached to the peripheral wall of the housing cylinder 22.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5 to 10, the bottom member 18 is substantially disc-shaped or bottomed cylindrical, and its outer circumference is liquid-tightly fixed to the lower end of the housing body 16 around its entire circumference. In this embodiment, a projection extending from the bottom member 18 toward the housing cylinder portion 22 of the housing body 16 is fitted into a recess opening on the lower end surface of the housing cylinder portion 22 and fixed therein.

[0040] Furthermore, the bottom member 18 is provided with a circulating fluid inlet port 30. The circulating fluid inlet port 30 is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends forward (to the left in Figure 7) from the bottom member 18. When the bottom member 18 is attached to the housing body 16, the lumen of the circulating fluid inlet port 30 is in communication with the lumen of the housing cylinder portion 22 in the housing body 16.

[0041] Furthermore, the bottom member 18 is provided with a drug delivery port 32. This drug delivery port 32 extends diagonally downward while sloping forward from the bottom wall of the bottom member 18, and when the bottom member 18 is attached to the housing body 16, the lumen of the drug delivery port 32 is in communication with the lumen of the housing cylinder portion 22 in the housing body 16. In Figure 7, the drug delivery port 32 is covered by a removable cap 34.

[0042] As shown in Figures 8-10, the bottom member 18 is provided with a groove 36 extending radially from the opening of the circulating fluid inlet port 30. The groove 36 opens to the upper surface of the bottom wall of the bottom member 18, and on both sides in the width direction of the groove 36, there are bottom upper parts 38 located above the bottom surface of the groove 36. In short, the depth dimension of the bottom member 18 from the upper end of the peripheral wall is greater in the groove 36 than in the bottom upper parts 38, 38 outside the groove 36. The position of the bottom surface of the groove 36 in the vertical direction is approximately constant along the length. The upper surface of the bottom upper parts 38 slopes downward as it moves away from the circulating fluid inlet port 30. Therefore, the depth dimension of the groove 36 from the bottom upper parts 38 decreases as it moves away from the circulating fluid inlet port 30.

[0043] A circulating fluid inlet port 30 is opened at one end of the groove 36, and a flow diversion projection 40 is provided at the other end of the groove 36. The flow diversion projection 40 protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the groove 36 toward the circulating fluid inlet port 30 at the portion of the peripheral wall of the bottom member 18 opposite the opening of the circulating fluid inlet port 30. The width dimension of the flow diversion projection 40 in the circumferential direction of the bottom member 18 gradually decreases toward the tip. In particular, the tip portion has a convex curved shape toward the outward side (towards the protruding tip side), and the base portion has a concave curved shape toward the outward side (both sides in the circumferential direction). The lower end of the flow diversion projection 40 is continuous with the bottom surface of the groove 36 of the bottom member 18, and the upper end of the flow diversion projection 40 reaches above the bottom upper parts 38, 38.

[0044] Guide ridges 42 are provided on the upper bottom parts 38, 38. The guide ridges 42 are protrusions that project upward from the upper surface of the upper bottom parts 38, and extend for a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the bottom member 18 toward the circulating fluid inlet port 30 from both sides of the flow diversion projection 40. One end of the guide ridge 42 in the circumferential direction is located circumferentially away from the flow diversion projection 40, and the other end of the guide ridge 42 in the circumferential direction is located circumferentially away from the opening of the circulating fluid inlet port 30. The guide ridges 42 are provided so as to face the inner surface of the circumferential wall of the bottom member 18, separated on the inner circumferential side. Since the upper surface of the upper bottom parts 38 slopes downward toward the flow diversion projection 40, and the upper ends of the guide ridges 42 extend substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction, the height dimension of the guide ridges 42 protruding from the upper bottom parts 38 gradually decreases from the flow diversion projection 40 side toward the circulating fluid inlet port 30 side. The circulating fluid flows into the bottom member 18 from the circulating fluid inlet port 30, collides with the flow-dividing projection 40, then flows along the guide ridge 42 and is guided back to the circulating fluid inlet port 30. This configuration ensures that the flow of the circulating fluid is not obstructed, and the bottom member 18 can be efficiently filled with circulating fluid. The upper surface of the guide ridge 42 is located at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the flow-dividing projection 40 in the vertical direction.

[0045] As shown in Figures 7 and 11, the lid member 20 has an overall inverted bottomed cylindrical shape, and in this embodiment, it is composed of two divided members fixed to each other at the upper bottom wall and the peripheral wall. That is, the lid member 20 of this embodiment is composed of a first liquid chamber wall member 44 fixed to the upper end of the housing body 16 and a second liquid chamber wall member 46 fixed to the first liquid chamber wall member 44.

[0046] The first liquid chamber wall member 44 has its lower end fixed to the upper end of the housing body 16 by means of welding or other means, and is equipped with an inclined opening 48 that opens diagonally upward at the front (left side in Figure 11). The area around this inclined opening 48 is planar inclined upward and backward.

[0047] Furthermore, a substantially cylindrical degassing port 50 is provided in the upper wall portion of the first liquid chamber wall member 44, and the lower opening 52 of the degassing port 50 is formed on the inner surface of the upper wall of the first liquid chamber wall member 44, so that the lumen of the degassing port 50 communicates with the internal space of the first liquid chamber wall member 44 (the pre-degassing liquid chamber 80, described later). The peripheral portion of the opening 52 of the degassing port 50 may include a tapered shape such as a curved surface or an inclined plane that gradually widens downwards. This ensures that the guidance of bubbles to the degassing port 50, described later, is efficiently achieved not only by the filter 78 described later, but also by the tapered shape of the peripheral portion of the opening of the degassing port 50. When a tapered surface is provided in the opening 52 of the degassing port 50, the tapered surface may extend to a position continuous with the filter 78 described later, or it may be provided at a position away from the filter 78 via a plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction. In Figures 7 and 11, the degassing port 50 is blocked by a removable cap 54.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a substantially cylindrical pressure detection port 56 is provided on the peripheral wall portion of the first liquid chamber wall member 44, the lumen of the pressure detection port 56 is in communication with the internal space of the first liquid chamber wall member 44, and a male screw is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the pressure detection port 56. The pressure detection port 56 may be fitted with a cap having a female screw corresponding to the male screw on the outer circumferential surface of the pressure detection port 56.

[0049] Furthermore, since the internal space of the lid member 20 can be visually inspected from the outside, it is preferable that at least the base end (root portion) of the degassing port 50 be made transparent. In this embodiment, the entire housing 12 is made transparent, but the housing body 16, bottom member 18, and lid member 20 may be opaque. Also, the lid member 20 may be given a textured finish. In addition, the transparency of each member may be made different, such as making the first liquid chamber wall member 44 transparent and the second liquid chamber wall member 46 opaque.

[0050] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the second liquid chamber wall member 46 is equipped with a substantially cylindrical circulating fluid outlet port 58 that extends forward, and the lumen of the circulating fluid outlet port 58 is in communication with the internal space of the second liquid chamber wall member 46. Furthermore, the second liquid chamber wall member 46 is provided with a temperature detection port 60, and a temperature detection member 62 is inserted through the temperature detection port 60. The cylindrical base portion 64 of the temperature detection member 62 is fixed to the second liquid chamber wall member 46 at the temperature detection port 60, and the test tube-shaped tip portion 66 is inserted through the temperature detection port 60 into the degassed liquid chamber 82, which will be described later, making it possible to measure the temperature of the circulating fluid in the degassed liquid chamber 82.

[0051] The second liquid chamber wall member 46 is provided to close the inclined opening 48 of the first liquid chamber wall member 44, and the lid member 20 is formed by the liquid-tight fixation of the second liquid chamber wall member 46 to the first liquid chamber wall member 44. In this embodiment, a projection provided in the inclined opening 48 of the first liquid chamber wall member 44 is fitted into a recess provided in the second liquid chamber wall member 46 and fixed therein.

[0052] The lid member 20 has a lower end portion, which is made up of the first liquid chamber wall member 44, that is liquid-tightly fixed to the upper end portion of the housing body 16. In this embodiment, a projection provided on the lower end portion of the first liquid chamber wall member 44 is fitted into a recess that opens to the upper end surface of the housing body 16 and fixed in place.

[0053] Thus, the bottom member 18 is attached so as to cover the lower part of the housing cylinder portion 22 in the housing body 16, and the lid member 20 is attached so as to cover the upper part of the housing cylinder portion 22. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the hollow housing 12 is composed of the housing body 16, the bottom member 18, and the lid member 20. The circulating fluid inlet port 30 and the drug administration port 32 of the bottom member 18, the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 and the heat exchange medium outlet port 26 of the housing body 16, and the circulating fluid outlet port 58, the degassing port 50, the temperature detection port 60, and the pressure detection port 56 of the lid member 20 are all connected to the internal space of the housing 12.

[0054] A heat exchange section 14 is housed in the internal space of the housing 12, which has the structure described above. As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 11, the heat exchange section 14 is equipped with a plurality of heat transfer tubes 68. The heat transfer tubes 68 are elongated, small-diameter cylindrical in shape and are preferably made of a material that has excellent corrosion resistance to the circulating fluid and heat exchange medium described later, as well as high thermal conductivity. For example, they are made of copper, aluminum, iron (stainless steel), or alloys thereof. In addition, the heat transfer tubes 68 in this embodiment extend linearly in the vertical direction to prevent air from remaining in the lumen of the heat transfer tubes 68 and to reduce turbulence in the circulating fluid flowing through the lumen of the heat transfer tubes 68. However, the heat transfer tubes 68 are not limited to a straight cylindrical shape; for example, they can be curved as appropriate to increase the contact area with the heat exchange medium described later and improve the efficiency of heat exchange. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape, number, and arrangement of the heat transfer tubes 68 are not limited to any particular shape; for example, they may be elliptical, polygonal, or irregularly shaped. Moreover, for example, fins can be provided on the outer surface of the heat transfer tubes 68 to improve the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0055] Furthermore, the heat transfer tubes 68 are arranged as a group of tubes bundled together in a roughly cylindrical shape. The lower ends of these heat transfer tubes 68 are positioned relative to each other by a lower support plate 70 made of urethane or the like, and the upper ends are positioned relative to each other by an upper support plate 72 also made of urethane or the like. Both the lower support plate 70 and the upper support plate 72 are roughly disc-shaped members made of synthetic resin or the like, and they liquid-tightly seal the spaces between the multiple heat transfer tubes 68 in the tube group, and protrude outwards from the outer circumference of the tube group and are fixed to the housing body 16. The support plates 70 and 72 may be molded with holes for inserting the heat transfer tubes 68, and then the heat transfer tubes 68 may be inserted into the holes and bonded, or they may be formed in a state where they are fixed to the heat transfer tubes 68 and the housing cylinder 22 by, for example, filling the inner circumference of both axial ends of the housing cylinder 22 with potting resin while the heat transfer tubes 68 are set in the inner circumference of the housing cylinder 22 and molding.

[0056] Furthermore, the lower support plate 70 is fixed to the lower end of the housing cylinder 22, and the upper support plate 72 is fixed to the upper end of the housing cylinder 22, thereby supporting the multiple heat transfer tubes 68 so that they extend vertically within the inner circumference of the housing cylinder 22. As a result, the lower openings of the heat transfer tubes 68 communicate with the circulating fluid inlet port 30 and the chemical solution administration port 32 through the internal space of the bottom member 18, while the upper openings communicate with the circulating fluid outlet port 58 and the degassing port 50 through the internal space of the lid member 20.

[0057] The inner circumferential surface of the housing cylinder portion 22 in the housing body 16 gradually narrows upward, and in this embodiment, it has a tapered shape with a gradually decreasing diameter. As a result, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the inner circumferential surface of the housing cylinder portion 22 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube group consisting of multiple heat transfer tubes 68 decreases as you go upward.

[0058] Furthermore, the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 and the heat exchange medium outlet port 26 are interconnected through the spaces between the heat transfer tubes 68, and the spaces between these heat transfer tubes 68 are liquid-tightly separated from the internal spaces of the bottom member 18 and the lid member 20 (the pre-temperature-controlled liquid chamber 74 and the post-temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76, which will be described later) by support plates 70 and 72.

[0059] As the heat exchange unit 14 is housed in the housing 12, a pre-temperature controlled liquid chamber 74 is formed on the lower side of the heat exchange unit 14, with its walls composed of a bottom member 18 and a lower support plate 70, while a post-temperature controlled liquid chamber 76 is formed on the upper side of the heat exchange unit 14, with its walls composed of a lid member 20 and an upper support plate 72.

[0060] The pre-temperature control liquid chamber 74 is formed by the internal space of the bottom member 18, and the circulating fluid inlet port 30 and the chemical solution administration port 32 are connected to it, as are the lower ends of the inner lumens of the multiple heat transfer tubes 68.

[0061] The temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76 is formed by the internal space of the lid member 20, and the degassing port 50, pressure detection port 56, circulating liquid outlet port 58, and temperature detection port 60 are connected to it, as are the inner lumens of the multiple heat transfer tubes 68. The temperature detection member 62, which is inserted through the temperature detection port 60, has its tip 66 protruding into the temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76.

[0062] In this configuration, a filter 78 is provided in the temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76. The filter 78 is a polymer membrane that allows the passage of circulating liquid while restricting the passage of air. In this embodiment, it is a flat membrane and is positioned in a stretched state within the temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76, spreading upwards and downwards at an angle. More specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the filter 78 is provided to block the inclined opening 48 of the first liquid chamber wall member 44, and it spreads outward at an angle towards the rear (to the right in Figure 11) as it approaches the opening 52 of the degassing port 50 from below upwards. As a result, the filter 78 is fixedly supported all around by the wall portion defining the temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76. In particular, its lower end is supported by the lower part of the cylindrical peripheral wall of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76, and its upper end is supported by the wall portion of the upper bottom of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76. Note that in Figures 7 and 11, the thickness of the filter 78 is shown to be thicker than it actually is for clarity.

[0063] In this embodiment, the filter 78 is pre-set in the mold for the first liquid chamber wall member 44 during the molding of the first liquid chamber wall member 44 and is insert-molded, thus forming an insert component of the insert-molded product of the first liquid chamber wall member 44. The filter 78 is integrally attached to the first liquid chamber wall member 44 by welding its periphery to it or by inserting it into the interior. As a result, the outer edge of the filter 78 is directly fixed around the entire circumference to the opening periphery of the inclined opening 48 in the first liquid chamber wall member 44 that constitutes the housing 12. Consequently, steps and irregularities are less likely to form between the filter 78 and the first liquid chamber wall member 44. Furthermore, steps and irregularities are less likely to form in the portion of the filter 78 that is positioned relative to the second liquid chamber wall member 46, which is fixed to the first liquid chamber wall member 44. In short, steps or irregularities are not required on the inner surface of the wall of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76 to support the filter 78, and after the priming process described later is completed, air is less likely to remain in the temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76.

[0064] The material used to form the filter 78 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be formed from a hydrophobic polymer material such as polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, or fluororesin. By forming the filter 78 from a hydrophobic material, air bubbles can move more easily along the filter 78 and be efficiently guided to the degassing port 50, thereby improving the efficiency of air discharge. However, the filter 78 may also be formed from a hydrophilic polymer material, and if the filter 78 is made from a hydrophilic material, the circulating liquid can pass through the filter 78 more easily. It is also possible to obtain the filter 78 by applying a hydrophilic treatment to the surface of a thin film formed from a hydrophobic polymer material, or by applying a hydrophobic treatment to the surface of a thin film formed from a hydrophilic polymer material. The filter 78 can also be made to have a combination of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity as appropriate, depending on the required performance.

[0065] The filter 78 is placed in the temperature-controlled liquid chamber 76, which is divided into two parts on either side of the filter 78. That is, a pre-degassing liquid chamber 80 is formed behind the filter 78, with multiple heat transfer tubes 68, a degassing port 50, and a pressure detection port 56 connected to it, while a post-degassing liquid chamber 82 is formed in front of the filter 78, with a circulating liquid outlet port 58 and a temperature detection port 60 connected to it. In this embodiment, in the lid member 20, the wall portion of the pre-degassing liquid chamber 80 and the degassing port 50 are integrally formed in the first liquid chamber wall member 44, and the wall portion of the post-degassing liquid chamber 82 and the circulating liquid outlet port 58 are integrally formed in the second liquid chamber wall member 46. The pressure in the pre-degassing liquid chamber 80 can be measured by a pressure sensor (not shown) via the pressure detection port 56, and the temperature in the post-degassing liquid chamber 82 can be measured by the temperature detection port 60, which is equipped with a temperature detection member 62.

[0066] The heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment, having such a structure, is used with the circulating fluid inlet port 30 and circulating fluid outlet port 58 connected to an extracorporeal circulation circuit (not shown), and the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 and heat exchange medium outlet port 26 connected to a heat exchange medium circulation circuit (not shown).

[0067] An extracorporeal circulation circuit aims to supply oxygen and prevent myocardial damage to a patient in cardiac arrest by circulating blood and administering a cardioplegic solution. The extracorporeal circulation circuit in this embodiment consists of a circuit incorporating an artificial lung, a heat exchanger, and a blood pump to temporarily replace the functions of the heart and lungs, and a circuit for injecting cardioplegic solution into the heart. The circulating fluid can preferably be crystalloid cardioplegic solution, blood, or a blood-added cardioplegic solution obtained by mixing crystalloid cardioplegic solution with blood. The composition of the crystalloid cardioplegic solution is not particularly limited, but it is generally a high-potassium solution that carries the oxygen necessary for myocardial protection. Furthermore, although a heat exchanger 10 for a cardioplegic circuit is illustrated in this embodiment, the heat exchanger according to the present invention is not necessarily used only in cardioplegic circuits, but can also be applied, for example, to a heat exchanger for an artificial cardiopulmonary bypass circuit used to induce a hypothermic state in a patient.

[0068] The heat exchange medium circulation circuit includes a pump for circulating the heat exchange medium, as well as a temperature control device for cooling or heating the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium can be any fluid that can flow through the heat exchange medium circulation circuit, but preferably a liquid such as water is used.

[0069] When using the heat exchanger 10, a priming process is first performed. That is, by filling the circulating fluid from the circulating fluid inlet port 30 to the circulating fluid outlet port 58 with circulating fluid, the circulating fluid inlet port 30, chemical administration port 32, pre-temperature control liquid chamber 74, multiple heat transfer tubes 68, post-temperature control liquid chamber 76, circulating fluid outlet port 58, degassing port 50, and pressure detection port 56 located on the circulating fluid path are filled with circulating fluid and air is discharged.

[0070] Specifically, by introducing circulating fluid from the circulating fluid inlet port 30 with the degassing port 50 open, air is discharged to the outside from the degassing port 50 until the pre-degassing liquid chamber 80 is filled with circulating fluid. Furthermore, air mixed in the circulating fluid filling the pre-degassing liquid chamber 80 is filtered out by the filter 78 and rises along the filter 78 as bubbles, which are then discharged to the outside from the degassing port 50 located on the upper wall of the pre-degassing liquid chamber 80. In addition, as circulating fluid enters the post-degassing liquid chamber 82 through the filter 78, the air in the post-degassing liquid chamber 82 is discharged from the circulating fluid outlet port 58 to an extracorporeal circulation circuit (not shown), and the air is discharged outside the circulation circuit by an air trap provided in the extracorporeal circulation circuit. Note that in Figures 7 and 11, a cap 54 is attached to the degassing port 50, but the cap 54 is removed when priming is performed, and priming is carried out with tubes (not shown) connected to the degassing port 50. Furthermore, the pressure detection port 56 is sealed to a liquid-tight state, either with a pressure sensor (not shown) inserted or without a pressure sensor inserted.

[0071] In this configuration, the filter 78 is inclined toward the degassing port 50, and more specifically, it is inclined upward toward the opening 52 of the degassing port 50. As a result, bubbles that rise along the filter 78 are guided toward the degassing port 50, and air is efficiently discharged from the degassing port 50 to the outside. Therefore, air is less likely to remain in the pre-degassing liquid chamber 80 after the priming process, and air in the circulating liquid can be effectively removed.

[0072] In particular, since the circulating liquid in the pre-degassing liquid chamber 80, which may contain air bubbles, is in contact with the lower surface of the diagonally positioned filter 78, air bubbles filtered from the circulating liquid by the filter 78 float up along the filter 78 due to buoyancy. Therefore, it is possible to stably guide the air bubbles to the degassing port 50.

[0073] Furthermore, because the filter 78 has a flat shape, air bubbles are efficiently guided in a direction parallel to the surface of the filter 78 and led to the degassing port 50. Moreover, because the filter 78 is positioned at an angle, it is possible to secure a large surface area for the filter 78 even with a flat shape, thereby increasing the flow rate of the circulating fluid passing through the filter 78.

[0074] Furthermore, since the filter 78 is directly fixed to the first liquid chamber wall member 44 of the housing 12 by insert molding, steps and irregularities are less likely to form on the inner surface of the first liquid chamber wall member 44 where the filter 78 is attached, compared to the case where the filter 78 is indirectly attached to the first liquid chamber wall member 44 via another component. Therefore, air is less likely to remain after the priming process is completed, and efficient air discharge is achieved. In addition, steps and irregularities are less likely to form on the inner surface of the second liquid chamber wall member 46 where the filter 78 is attached, preventing air from remaining after the priming process is completed.

[0075] When introducing circulating fluid from the circulating fluid inlet port 30, the circulating fluid that flows into the inner circumference of the bottom member 18 from the circulating fluid inlet port 30 flows through the groove 36 toward the flow-dividing projection 40 provided on the peripheral wall of the bottom member 18. The flow of circulating fluid is then divided to both sides in the circumferential direction upon contact with the flow-dividing projection 40. In this embodiment, since the flow-dividing projection 40 narrows toward the tip side, which is the circulating fluid inlet port 30 side, the flow of circulating fluid is efficiently divided to both sides in the circumferential direction by the flow-dividing projection 40. As a result, the flow of circulating fluid that flows into the inside of the bottom member 18 from the circulating fluid inlet port 30 is not blocked by the peripheral wall of the bottom member 18 which is approximately perpendicular to the flow, but is smoothly guided to both sides in the circumferential direction. Therefore, turbulence that causes air bubbles to be drawn in is less likely to occur, and the inside of the bottom member 18 can be quickly filled with circulating fluid.

[0076] Furthermore, guide ridges 42, 42 are provided on both sides of the bottom member 18 in the circumferential direction relative to the flow diversion projection 40, extending circumferentially from the flow diversion projection 40 toward the circulating fluid inlet port 30. As a result, the flow of circulating fluid, which has been divided to both sides in the circumferential direction by the flow diversion projection 40, is guided circumferentially along the outer circumference of the bottom member 18 by the guide ridges 42, 42. Consequently, the flow of circulating fluid whose direction has been changed by the flow diversion projection 40 is less likely to collide with the flow of circulating fluid that flows in from the circulating fluid inlet port 30 and flows radially through the center of the bottom member 18, thus reducing the likelihood of turbulence caused by flow collisions.

[0077] The circulating fluid inlet port 30 opens to the end face of the groove 36 and is located below the upper surface of the bottom upper parts 38, 38. Therefore, the flow of circulating fluid flowing in from the circulating fluid inlet port 30 and the flow of circulating fluid flowing over the bottom upper parts 38, 38 guided by the guide protrusions 42, 42 are formed at offset positions from each other in the vertical direction, making it less likely for them to collide.

[0078] The outer periphery where the guide ridges 42, 42 are provided is a shallower bottom section 38, 38 than the groove section 36. As a result, the flow of circulating fluid separated by the flow-dividing projection 40 flows closer to the end opening of the heat transfer tube 68. Therefore, the circulating fluid introduced into the inside of the bottom member 18 is easily guided into the lumen of the heat transfer tube 68, and the introduction of the circulating fluid into the heat exchange section 14 can be efficiently achieved. Moreover, the bottom section 38 gradually slopes upward from the flow-dividing projection 40 side towards the circulating fluid inlet port 30 side, approaching the end opening of the heat transfer tube 68. Therefore, even on the circulating fluid inlet port 30 side, the circulating fluid flowing over the bottom section 38 is effectively introduced into the lumen of the heat transfer tube 68.

[0079] After the priming process is completed, the heat exchanger 10 adjusts the temperature of the circulating fluid, and the temperature-adjusted circulating fluid is supplied to the extracorporeal circulation circuit. Specifically, the heat exchange medium sent to the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 is discharged from the heat exchange medium outlet port 26 through the gaps provided between the multiple heat transfer tubes 68. The circulating fluid that enters the heat exchanger 10 from the circulating fluid inlet port 30 then indirectly comes into contact with the heat exchange medium as it passes through the lumen of the heat transfer tubes 68, and heat exchange (transfer) occurs between the circulating fluid and the heat exchange medium via the heat transfer tubes 68. As a result, the temperature of the circulating fluid is adjusted, and the circulating fluid that has been temperature-adjusted in the heat exchange section 14 flows into the post-temperature-adjusted liquid chamber 76 (pre-degassing liquid chamber 80). The temperature of the circulating fluid that has passed through the heat exchanger 10 is not particularly limited, but it is desirable that it be able to handle both cooling and heating. For example, by cooling the circulating fluid used in cardiac arrest, the myocardium is protected during cardiac arrest, and by supplying the circulating fluid to the patient after it has been warmed to body temperature when cardiac arrest is resolved, the metabolic function of the patient's heart can be restored to a normal state. If the system is capable of both cooling and warming, the circulating fluid used for cooling and the circulating fluid used for warming may be the same or different.

[0080] Since the heat exchange medium is introduced into the inner circumferential space of the housing cylinder 22 from the bottom and discharged from the bottom, it does not easily flow to the upper part of the housing cylinder 22. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the housing cylinder 22 is tapered, becoming smaller in diameter towards the top, and the distance between the opposing surfaces of the inner circumferential surface of the housing cylinder 22 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube group consisting of multiple heat transfer tubes 68 gradually decreases towards the top. As a result, the heat exchange medium introduced from the bottom of the housing cylinder 22 has its flow velocity reduced due to pressure loss suppressed and can easily flow to the upper part of the housing cylinder 22. Therefore, the heat exchange medium flowing in from the heat exchange medium inlet port 24 is supplied to the entire heat exchange section 14, improving the heat exchange efficiency between the circulating liquid and the heat exchange medium.

[0081] In this embodiment, the circulating fluid introduced into the heat exchange section 14 from the circulating fluid inlet port 30 flows through the lumen of the heat transfer tubes 68, while the heat exchange medium flows between the outer surfaces of the multiple heat transfer tubes 68. As a result, in the heat exchange section 14, the volume of the circulating fluid flow region (the lumen of the heat transfer tubes 68) is smaller than the volume of the heat exchange medium flow region (the gaps between the multiple heat transfer tubes 68). Therefore, the amount of priming fluid remaining in the heat exchange section 14 when priming is complete is reduced, thereby suppressing the dilution of the blood by the priming fluid entering the patient's body (blood vessels) from the extracorporeal circulation circuit.

[0082] Furthermore, a syringe or tube (not shown) can be connected to the drug administration port 32 to administer the drug to the circulating fluid as needed. In Figure 7, a cap 34 is attached to the drug administration port 32, but the cap 34 may be removed when administering the drug, or the cap may be removed in advance, a tube (not shown) may be connected, and the drug administration port 32 may be shut off by clamping the tube.

[0083] Even in the operating state after priming of the heat exchanger 10, air mixed in the circulating fluid is removed by the filter 78 and collected in the degassing port 50. The degassing port 50 is closed after priming is complete to prevent leakage of the circulating fluid from the degassing port 50. However, the state in which air is accumulating in the degassing port 50 can be visually confirmed from the outside because the first liquid chamber wall member 44, which includes the degassing port 50, is transparent. Therefore, if it is confirmed that air has accumulated in the degassing port 50, the air can be discharged to the outside by temporarily opening the degassing port 50. Since the degassing port 50 is closed by clamping the tube connected to the degassing port 50 after the completion of the priming process, when discharging air in the operating state of the heat exchanger 10, it is sufficient to temporarily release the clamp on the tube.

[0084] Furthermore, the temperature detection port 60 is provided on the wall of the degassed liquid chamber 82, which is filled with circulating liquid from which air has been removed by the filter 78. Even if the temperature detection member 62 is positioned to protrude from the temperature detection port 60 into the degassed liquid chamber 82, no air bubbles will adhere to the temperature detection member 62 and remain in the liquid chamber.

[0085] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited by its specific description. For example, in the above embodiment, the flow direction of the circulating fluid and the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange section 14 were intersecting, but both the circulating fluid and the heat exchange medium may flow in the vertical direction, in which case the flow direction of the circulating fluid and the flow direction of the heat exchange medium may be the same direction or opposite directions.

[0086] Furthermore, the filter 78 is not limited to a flat shape, but may also be a tapered cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter towards the top. In this case, the upper end of the filter 78 is positioned to surround the opening 52 of the degassing port 50, thereby guiding bubbles moving upward along the filter 78 to the degassing port 50. Moreover, the filter 78 may also be a curved plate, corrugated plate, or folded plate. Furthermore, the method of fixing the filter 78 to the housing body 16 is not limited to insert molding. Specifically, one method is to bond the filter 78 to the housing body 16 as a separate part from the housing body 16.

[0087] Furthermore, the housing 12 does not need to be entirely transparent; for example, only the lid member 20 that constitutes the upper wall portion of the housing 12 may be transparent, or only the degassing port 50 provided on the lid member 20 may be transparent. In order to check for the presence or absence of air bubbles from the outside, it is desirable that at least the base portion of the degassing port 50 be transparent or semi-transparent, and more preferably, the first liquid chamber wall member 44 that constitutes the wall portion of the pre-degassing liquid chamber 80 between the degassing port 50 may be transparent or semi-transparent, however, it is also possible to form the entire housing 12 from an opaque material.

[0088] The heat exchanger 10 may introduce the patient's blood into the circulating fluid flow path in order to reduce the physical burden on the patient. In this case, a service port connected to an external conduit for introducing blood into the circulating fluid flow path may be provided in the housing 12. The service port is positioned to allow the blood to be mixed into the circulating fluid before it passes through the filter 78, taking into consideration that air may be mixed in when connected to the external conduit. Specifically, the service port can be provided in the bottom member 18 or the first liquid chamber wall member 44 of the lid member 20, and for example, the pressure detection port 56 in the above embodiment can also be used as a service port. The blood reservoir for storing the blood introduced into the circulating fluid flow path can be attached to the outer surface of the housing cylinder 22 by mounting protrusions 28a and 28b provided on the housing 12, for example. Furthermore, the present invention originally includes all of the inventions described in (i) to (xi) below, and its structure and effects are noted below. The present invention (i) A heat exchanger comprising a heat exchange section for adjusting the temperature of a circulating liquid, wherein a post-temperature controlled liquid chamber into which the circulating liquid whose temperature has been controlled in the heat exchange section flows is provided, a filter for removing air from the circulating liquid is provided in the post-temperature controlled liquid chamber, a degassing port is provided in the wall of the post-temperature controlled liquid chamber, and the filter is provided at an angle toward the degassing port. (ii) The heat exchanger according to (i), wherein the temperature-controlled liquid chamber has a pre-degassing liquid chamber and a post-degassing liquid chamber on both sides of the filter, and the degassing port is provided in the wall of the pre-degassing liquid chamber. (iii) The heat exchanger according to (i) or (ii), wherein the filter is an insert component formed by insert molding into the housing that constitutes the wall portion of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber, (iv) A heat exchanger according to any one of (i) to (iii), wherein a temperature detection port for measuring the temperature in the temperature-controlled liquid chamber is provided in the wall of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber. (v) A heat exchanger according to any one of (i) to (iv), wherein at least the base portion of the degassing port is transparent. (vi) A heat exchanger as described in any one of (i) to (v), wherein the filter has a flat shape. (vii) A heat exchanger according to any one of (i) to (vi), wherein the filter is formed of a hydrophobic material. (viii) A heat exchanger according to any one of (i) to (vi) wherein the filter is formed of a hydrophilic material, (ix) A heat exchanger equipped with a heat exchange section for adjusting the temperature of a circulating liquid, wherein a post-temperature controlled liquid chamber into which the circulating liquid whose temperature has been controlled in the heat exchange section flows is provided, and a filter for removing air from the circulating liquid is provided in the post-temperature controlled liquid chamber, and both sides of the filter in the post-temperature controlled liquid chamber are designated as a pre-degassed liquid chamber and a post-degassed liquid chamber, and the filter is an insert component that is insert-molded into a housing that constitutes the wall of the post-temperature controlled liquid chamber. (x) The heat exchanger according to (ix), wherein the housing comprises a first liquid chamber wall member that constitutes the wall of the pre-degassing liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber wall member that constitutes the wall of the post-degassing liquid chamber, and the filter is attached to the first liquid chamber wall member of the housing. (xi) A heat exchanger according to any one of claims (i) to (x), wherein a bottom member is provided which is connected to the heat exchange section and has a circulating fluid inlet port for introducing the circulating fluid into the heat exchange section, the portion of the bottom member facing the opening of the circulating fluid inlet port is provided with a flow diversion projection projecting toward the circulating fluid inlet port, and guide protrusions extending in the circumferential direction of the bottom member are provided on both sides of the bottom member in the circumferential direction relative to the flow diversion projection. This includes inventions relating to the present invention. In the invention described in (i) above, the filter, which allows the passage of the circulating fluid but restricts the passage of air mixed with the circulating fluid, is inclined toward the opening of the degassing port. As a result, the air filtered by the filter floats along the filter and is guided to the degassing port. This makes it easier for the air to be discharged to the outside through the degassing port without remaining in the liquid chamber after temperature control, and air mixed with the circulating fluid can be efficiently removed. In the invention described in (ii) above, since the degassing port is provided on the wall of the pre-degassing liquid chamber, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from entering the body and to efficiently remove air mixed in the circulating fluid, compared to the case where the degassing port is provided in the post-degassing liquid chamber. In the invention described in (iii) above, by directly attaching the filter to the housing by insert molding, a separate component for fixing the filter to the housing is not required, resulting in a reduction in the number of parts and simplification of the structure. Furthermore, compared to the case where the filter is attached to the housing via a separate component, steps and irregularities are less likely to be formed at the filter mounting portion, and steps and irregularities on the wall of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber can be reduced. As a result, for example, air is less likely to remain in the temperature-controlled liquid chamber after priming is complete, and air mixed with the circulating liquid can be efficiently removed. In the invention described in (iv) above, for example, when the temperature detection port itself protrudes into the temperature-controlled liquid chamber, or when a temperature sensor inserted into the temperature detection port protrudes into the temperature-controlled liquid chamber, the problem of bubbles getting caught in and remaining in the temperature detection port or temperature sensor is less likely to occur. In the invention described in (v) above, it is possible to visually check the condition inside the degassing port from the outside. For example, it is possible to visually confirm that air is accumulating in the degassing port and then open the valve to open the degassing port to discharge the air to the outside. In the invention described in (vi) above, air bubbles are efficiently guided to the degassing port without getting caught in the filter. Moreover, even if the filter has a flat shape, a sufficient filter area can be secured by installing it at an angle, and the required flow rate of the circulating fluid can be secured while effectively removing air. In the invention described in (vii) above, the air bubbles are more easily guided to the degassing port by moving along the filter, thereby improving the efficiency of air discharge. In the invention described in (viii) above, the circulating fluid can pass through the filter more easily. In the invention described in (ix) above, by directly attaching the filter to the housing by insert molding, a separate component for fixing the filter to the housing is not required, resulting in a reduction in the number of parts and simplification of the structure. Furthermore, compared to the case where the filter is attached to the housing via a separate component, steps and irregularities are less likely to be formed at the filter mounting portion, and steps and irregularities on the wall of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber can be reduced. As a result, for example, air is less likely to remain in the temperature-controlled liquid chamber after priming is complete, and air mixed with the circulating liquid can be efficiently removed. In the invention described in (x) above, the first liquid chamber wall member is provided with an opening that connects to, for example, a heat exchange section, making it easier to remove the filter from the mold after molding, even if the filter is insert molded, thus facilitating the manufacture of a housing equipped with a filter. In the invention described in (xi) above, the circulating fluid introduced into the bottom member from the circulating fluid inlet port comes into contact with the flow-dividing projection, splits to both sides of the projection, and flows circumferentially along the guide ridges of the bottom member. Because the flow of the circulating fluid is divided to both sides in the circumferential direction by the flow-dividing projection, the circulating fluid flows more smoothly inside the bottom member compared to the case without the flow-dividing projection, reducing the flow velocity of the circulating fluid, in other words, reducing pressure loss. Therefore, the circulating fluid that flows into the bottom member from the circulating fluid inlet port flows smoothly to the heat exchange section, achieving efficient supply of circulating fluid to the heat exchange section. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10: Heat exchanger, 12: Housing, 14: Heat exchange section, 18: Bottom member, 40: Flow diversion projection, 42: Guide projection, 44: First liquid chamber wall member, 46: Second liquid chamber wall member, 50: Degassing port, 52: Opening, 60: Temperature detection port, 76: Liquid chamber after temperature control, 78: Filter, 80: Liquid chamber before degassing, 82: Liquid chamber after degassing

Claims

1. A heat exchanger equipped with a heat exchange section for adjusting the temperature of the circulating fluid, The heat exchange section is provided with a post-temperature controlled liquid chamber into which the temperature-controlled circulating liquid flows, and a filter is placed in the post-temperature controlled liquid chamber to remove air from the circulating liquid, with the sides of the filter in the post-temperature controlled liquid chamber being designated as a pre-degassing liquid chamber and a post-degassing liquid chamber. The temperature-controlled liquid chamber has a degassing port opening in the upper wall. The filter is inclined vertically within the temperature-controlled liquid chamber, and the direction of this inclination is such that the horizontal distance from the extension line extending downward from the opening of the degassing port gradually decreases from bottom to top. A heat exchanger characterized by the following features.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the filter is an insert component formed by insert molding into the housing that constitutes the wall portion of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a temperature detection port for measuring the temperature inside the temperature-controlled liquid chamber is provided in the wall of the temperature-controlled liquid chamber.

4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least the base portion of the degassing port is transparent.

5. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the filter has a flat shape.

6. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the filter is formed of a hydrophobic material.

7. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the filter is formed of a hydrophilic material.

8. A heat exchanger equipped with a heat exchange section for adjusting the temperature of the circulating fluid, The heat exchange section is provided with a post-temperature controlled liquid chamber into which the temperature-controlled circulating liquid flows, and a filter is placed in the post-temperature controlled liquid chamber to remove air from the circulating liquid, with the sides of the filter in the post-temperature controlled liquid chamber being designated as a pre-degassing liquid chamber and a post-degassing liquid chamber. The wall portion of the liquid chamber after temperature control is formed by the overlapping and fixing of the openings of the first liquid chamber wall member, which constitutes the wall portion of the liquid chamber before degassing, and the second liquid chamber wall member, which constitutes the wall portion of the liquid chamber after degassing. The outer edge of the filter is fixed and supported to the opening periphery of the first liquid chamber wall member by insert molding, thereby positioning the filter between the pre-degassing liquid chamber and the post-degassing liquid chamber. A heat exchanger characterized by the following features.

9. A bottom member is provided which is connected to the heat exchange section and has a circulating fluid inlet port for introducing the circulating fluid into the heat exchange section. The portion of the bottom member facing the opening of the circulating fluid inlet port is provided with a flow-diverting projection that protrudes toward the circulating fluid inlet port, The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein guide protrusions extending in the circumferential direction of the bottom member are provided on both sides of the bottom member in the circumferential direction relative to the flow diversion projection.

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