heat exchanger

Abstract

An oil cooler 2 as a heat exchanger is provided with a male plate 100 having an upper surface 100a as a first surface with which cooling water, that is the heat medium, contacts, the upper surface 100a having a plurality of linearly extending protrusions 104 formed thereon.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a heat exchanger in which a plurality of plate members are laminated, and flow paths through which gas or oil flows and flow paths through which cooling water flows are alternately formed in the lamination direction of the plate members (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The heat exchanger of Patent Document 1 has an embossing or a protruding body provided in the first flow path, but there is a demand for a heat exchanger with higher heat exchange performance.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a heat exchanger with high heat exchange performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, there is provided a heat exchanger including a first plate having a first surface in contact with a heat medium, and a plurality of first protrusions linearly extending are formed on the first surface.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the heat exchanger of the present invention, the heat exchange performance is improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [[ID= [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of oil cooler 2. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of oil cooler 2. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of plate assembly 60. [Figure 5] This is an exploded view of the joint where two plate assemblies 60 are stacked on top of each other. [Figure 6] This is a top view of Mail Plate 100. [Figure 7] This is a bottom view of Mail Plate 100. [Figure 8] This is a top view of the female plate 110. [Figure 9] This is a bottom view of the female plate 110. [Figure 10] This is a top view of plate assembly 60. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of plate assembly 60. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of cooling water. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of oil. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the oil cooler 2 in modified example 18. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] <Overview of the heat exchange system> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchange system 1. The heat exchange system 1 comprises an oil cooler 2, an engine 3, an oil pump 4, a radiator 5, a water pump 6, an oil passage 7, and a cooling water passage 8.

[0011] The oil cooler 2 is a heat exchanger. The oil cooler 2 performs heat exchange between the high-temperature engine oil discharged from the engine 3 and the low-temperature cooling water cooled by the radiator 5.

[0012] The oil flow path 7 is a flow path through which engine oil flows. The oil flow path 7 is connected by pipes between the engine 3 and the oil cooler 2, between the oil cooler 2 and the oil pump 4, and between the oil pump 4 and the engine 3, respectively, and circulates the engine oil in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1.

[0013] The high-temperature engine oil discharged from the engine 3 is supplied to the oil cooler 2. The engine oil is cooled by the oil cooler 2 and then supplied to the oil pump 4. The engine oil is supplied to the engine 3 by the oil pump 4.

[0014] The cooling water flow path 8 is a flow path through which cooling water flows. The cooling water flow path 8 is connected by pipes between the radiator 5 and the water pump 6, between the water pump 6 and the oil cooler 2, and between the oil cooler 2 and the radiator 5, respectively, and circulates the cooling water in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1.

[0015] The cooling water discharged from the radiator 5 is supplied to the oil cooler 2 by the water pump 6. The cooling water cools the engine oil in the oil cooler 2 and becomes high-temperature. The high-temperature cooling water is supplied from the oil cooler 2 to the radiator 5. The cooling water is cooled by the radiator 5.

[0016] <Structure of the oil cooler> FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of the oil cooler 2. The oil cooler 2 includes a bottom flange 10 and a heat exchange section 20. [[ID=|23]]

[0017] (Bottom flange) The bottom flange 10 is a component for attaching the oil cooler 2 to other structures such as the engine block. The bottom flange 10 is made of a metal plate. The bottom flange 10 has a plurality of through holes 11, oil outlet inlets 12a, 12b, and coolant outlet inlets 13a, 13b. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the oil cooler 2.

[0018] Here, the vertical direction is defined as the direction parallel to the thickness of the bottom flange 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as the front-to-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the vertical and front-to-back directions is defined as the left-to-right direction.

[0019] The through-holes 11 are holes for screw fastening. The through-holes 11 are holes that penetrate the bottom flange 10 vertically. The through-holes 11 are provided on the outer edge of the bottom flange 10 so as not to overlap with the mounting portion of the heat exchange unit 20. In this embodiment, six through-holes 11 are provided in the bottom flange 10. The oil cooler 2 is attached to other structures by fitting bolts (not shown) into the through-holes 11 and fastening the bolts to other structures.

[0020] The oil inlets 12a and 12b are openings through which engine oil flows. In this embodiment, the rear opening of the bottom flange 10 is used as the oil inlet 12a, and the front opening is used as the oil outlet 12b.

[0021] The cooling water inlets and outlets 13a and 13b are openings through which cooling water flows. In this embodiment, the rear opening of the bottom flange 10 is used as the cooling water inlet 13a, and the front opening is used as the cooling water outlet 13b. The cooling water inlet 13a has a small diameter opening 14a and a large diameter opening 15a. The small diameter opening 14a is provided extending from the lower surface to the upper surface of the bottom flange 10 and is connected to the large diameter opening 15a. The large diameter opening 15a extends upward from the small diameter opening 14a to the upper surface of the bottom flange 10. In a top view, the large diameter opening 15a is larger than the small diameter opening 14a, and is provided so that the small diameter opening 14a is positioned inside the large diameter opening 15a. The cooling water outlet 13b has a small diameter opening 14b and a large diameter opening 15b. The structure of the small diameter opening 14b and the large diameter opening 15b is the same as the structure of the small diameter opening 14a and the large diameter opening 15a.

[0022] (Heat exchange part) The heat exchange section 20 is a structure that forms separate passages for the engine oil and coolant fluids, and performs heat exchange between the two fluids flowing through each passage. The heat exchange section 20 comprises a bottom plate 30, a stacked section 40, and a top plate 50. The heat exchange section 20 is constructed by stacking the stacked section 40 on the upper surface of the bottom plate 30, and then stacking the top plate 50 on the upper surface of the stacked section 40.

[0023] (Bottom plate) The bottom plate 30 is a component positioned at the bottom of the heat exchange section 20 and attached to the bottom flange 10. The bottom plate 30 is attached to the lower surface of the bottom plate of the laminated section 40. In this embodiment, the bottom plate 30 is the mail plate 100, which will be described later.

[0024] (Laminated section) The laminated section 40 is a structure in which plate members are stacked vertically to form separate passages for engine oil and coolant. The laminated section 40 is made by stacking multiple plate assemblies 60 and joining them by brazing. In this embodiment, the laminated section 40 is made by stacking four plate assemblies 60.

[0025] (Plate assembly) The plate assembly 60 includes a male plate 100, a female plate 110, and fins 120. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the plate assembly 60. The plate assembly 60 is constructed by stacking the male plate 100 on top and the female plate 110 on the bottom, with the fins 120 placed in between. Inside the plate assembly 60, a space is formed by the male plate 100 and the female plate 110, which functions as a second passage 132 through which engine oil flows.

[0026] Figure 5 shows the female plate 110 positioned on top and the male plate 100 positioned on the bottom. When the two plate assemblies 60 are stacked, the female plate 110 and the male plate 100 are positioned at the joint as shown in Figure 5. A space is formed at the joint of the two plate assemblies 60 by the female plate 110 and the male plate 100, which functions as a first flow path 131 through which cooling water flows.

[0027] (Configuration of the oil cooler's flow path) Figure 2(b) is a simplified cross-section of position IIb in Figure 2(a). The bottom plate 30 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom flange 10. Female plates 110 and male plates 100 are provided alternately in the vertical direction on top of the bottom plate 30.

[0028] The space formed by placing the female plate 110 on top of the male plate 100 is the first channel 131. The space formed by placing the male plate 100 on top of the female plate 110 is the second channel 132. The first channel 131 and the second channel 132 are formed alternately in the vertical direction. The first channel 131 and the second channel 132 are independent of each other because they are separated by the male plate 100 and the female plate 110.

[0029] Cooling water flows in through the cooling water inlet 13a and into the first flow path 131. After flowing through the first flow path 131, the cooling water reaches the cooling water outlet 13b. The cooling water flows out from the cooling water outlet 13b into the radiator 5.

[0030] Engine oil flows in through the oil inlet 12a and into the second passage 132. After flowing through the second passage 132, the engine oil reaches the oil outlet 12b. The engine oil then flows out of the oil outlet 12b to the oil pump 4.

[0031] (Mail plate) The mail plate 100 is a component that performs heat exchange between two fluids (engine oil and coolant) flowing between its upper and lower surfaces. The mail plate 100 is a metal plate that is slightly smaller than the bottom flange 10. Figure 6 is a top view of the mail plate 100. In a top view, the mail plate 100 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape with its longer side extending in the front-to-back direction and its shorter side extending in the left-to-right direction. The mail plate 100 has an upper surface 100a on which linear projections 104 are formed, a lower surface 100b on which linear grooves 105 are formed, an edge portion 106 that forms oil outlet inlets 102a and 102b, and an edge portion 107 that forms coolant outlet inlets 103a and 103b.

[0032] The oil inlets 102a and 102b are openings through which engine oil flows. The oil inlets 102a and 102b are located at one of the four corners of the mail plate 100, at diagonal positions. The size of the openings of the oil inlets 102a and 102b is larger than the oil inlets 12a and 12b of the bottom flange 10. In this embodiment, the opening at the rear right of the mail plate 100 in Figure 6 is used as the oil inlet 102a, and the opening at the front left of the mail plate 100 is used as the oil outlet 102b. The edges 106 of the oil inlets 102a and 102b protrude upward, and their upper surfaces are flat.

[0033] The cooling water inlets 103a and 103b are openings through which cooling water flows. The cooling water inlets 103a and 103b are located at a pair of diagonal positions on the four corners of the mail plate 100 where the oil inlets 102a and 102b are not provided. In this embodiment, the opening at the rear left of the mail plate 100 in Figure 6 is used as the cooling water inlet 103a, and the opening at the front right is used as the cooling water outlet 103b. The size of the openings of the cooling water inlets 103a and 103b is the same as that of the large diameter openings 15a and 15b. The edge portion 107 protrudes downward, and its lower surface is flat. The shape of the edge portion 107 matches the shape of the large diameter openings 15a and 15b. The length of the downward protrusion of the edge portion 107 matches the depth of the large diameter openings 15a and 15b.

[0034] The projection 104 is a projection that disturbs the fluid flow on the upper surface 100a, protruding upward from a flat portion of the upper surface 100a and extending in a straight line when viewed from above. Multiple projections 104 are provided on the upper surface 100a. The upper surface 100a is divided into two regions 108a and 108b, and the multiple projections 104 are provided in each of the regions 108a and 108b.

[0035] Regions 108a and 108b are areas that partition the upper surface 100a. Regions 108a and 108b are rectangles that extend in the front-to-back direction. Regions 108a and 108b partition the upper surface 100a in a substantially symmetrical manner from left to right. In this embodiment, the region provided on the left side of the upper surface 100a is region 108a, and the region provided on the right side is region 108b.

[0036] For the purpose of this explanation, the protrusions 104 provided in each region 108a and 108b will be referred to as protrusions 104a and 104b, respectively. The multiple protrusions 104a provided in region 108a are arranged to be parallel to each other, and the multiple protrusions 104b provided in region 108b are also arranged to be parallel to each other. Furthermore, the protrusions 104a extend in a direction intersecting the protrusions 104b. When viewed from above, the multiple protrusions 104a and 104b form a so-called herringbone pattern.

[0037] The height of the projection 104 is approximately half the height of the space (first channel 131) formed when the female plate 110 is placed on top of the male plate 100, as shown in Figure 11. The projection 104 has a joint portion 101 of point-like projections. The joint portion 101 is provided at the position where the projection 104 and projection 114 intersect when the female plate 110 is placed on top of the male plate 100 in a top view.

[0038] The grooves 105 are grooves that disrupt the flow of fluid on the lower surface 100b. Figure 7 is a lower view of the mail plate 100. Multiple grooves 105 are provided so as to be recessed upward from the flat portion of the lower surface 100b, and each extends in a straight line when viewed from below. Since the grooves 105 and projections 104 are formed by press working, the grooves 105 have the same shape as the projections 104 when viewed in the vertical direction. The grooves 105 overlap with the projections 104 when viewed from below. In other words, each groove 105 is provided on the lower surface 100b in pairs with a projection 104 of the same shape. The lower surface 100b is divided into two regions 108c and 108d, and the multiple grooves 105 are provided in each of the regions 108c and 108d.

[0039] Regions 108c and 108d are areas that partition the bottom surface 100b. Regions 108c and 108d are rectangles that extend in the front-to-back direction. Regions 108c and 108d partition the bottom surface 100b approximately symmetrically from left to right. In this embodiment, the area provided on the right side of the bottom surface 100b is region 108c, and the area provided on the left side is region 108d. Also, the area provided on the back surface of region 108a is region 108c, and the area provided on the back surface of region 108b is region 108d.

[0040] For the purpose of explanation, the grooves 105 provided in regions 108c and 108d are referred to as grooves 105a and 105b, respectively. Each groove 105a and 105b is paired with a projection 104a and 104b of the same shape. The multiple grooves 105a provided in region 108c are arranged to be parallel to each other, and the multiple grooves 105b provided in region 108d are also arranged to be parallel to each other. Furthermore, grooves 105a extend in a direction intersecting grooves 105b. When viewed from below, the multiple grooves 105a and 105b form a so-called herringbone pattern.

[0041] (Female Plate) The female plate 110, like the male plate 100, is a component that performs heat exchange between two fluids (engine oil and coolant) flowing between its upper and lower surfaces. The female plate 110 is a metal plate material of the same size as the male plate 100. Figure 8 is a top view of the female plate 110. In a top view, the female plate 110 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape with its longer side extending in the front-to-back direction and its shorter side extending in the left-to-right direction. The female plate 110 has an upper surface 110a with linear grooves 115 formed thereon, a lower surface 110b with linear protrusions 114 formed thereon, an edge portion 116 that forms oil outlet inlets 112a, 112b, and an edge portion 117 that forms coolant outlet inlets 113a, 113b.

[0042] The oil inlets 112a and 112b are openings through which engine oil flows. The oil inlets 112a and 112b are located at one of the four corners of the female plate 110, at diagonal positions. The size of the openings of the oil inlets 112a and 112b is the same as that of the oil inlets 102a and 102b. In this embodiment, the opening at the rear right of the female plate 110 in Figure 8 is used as the oil inlet 112a, and the opening at the front left of the female plate 110 is used as the oil outlet 112b. The edges 116 of the oil inlets 112a and 112b protrude downward, and their lower surfaces are flat.

[0043] The coolant inlets 113a and 113b are openings through which coolant flows. The coolant inlets 113a and 113b are located at a pair of diagonal positions on the female plate 110 where the oil inlets 112a and 112b are not provided. In this embodiment, the opening at the rear left of the female plate 110 in Figure 8 is used as the coolant inlet 113a, and the opening at the front right is used as the coolant outlet 113b. The size of the openings of the coolant inlets 113a and 113b is the same as that of the coolant inlets 103a and 103b. The edge portion 117 protrudes upward, and its upper surface is flat. The shape of the edge portion 117 is consistent with the shape of the edge portion 107.

[0044] Here, we will describe the oil outlets 102a, 102b and 112a, 112b. In the male plate 100, the edges 106 that form the oil outlets 102a, 102b protrude upward from the upper surface 100a. In the female plate 110, the edges 116 that form the oil outlets 112a, 112b protrude downward from the upper surface 110a. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2(b), when the female plate 110 is placed on top of the male plate 100, the edges 106 and 116 are connected. Also, the upper and lower second flow paths 132 are connected through the oil outlets 102a, 102b and 112a, 112b. Therefore, since the upper and lower second flow paths 132 are connected in each second flow path 132, all second flow paths 132 are connected through oil outlet inlets 102a, 102b and oil outlet inlets 112a, 112b.

[0045] Next, the cooling water inlets 103a, 103b and 113a, 113b will be described. In the male plate 100, the edges 107 that form the cooling water inlets 103a, 103b protrude downward from the upper surface 100a. In the female plate 110, the edges 117 that form the cooling water inlets 113a, 113b protrude upward from the upper surface 110a. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2(b), when the male plate 100 is placed on top of the female plate 110, the edges 107 and 117 are connected. Also, the upper and lower first flow paths 131 are connected through the cooling water inlets 103a, 103b and 113a, 113b. Therefore, since the upper and lower first flow paths 131 are connected in each first flow path 131, all first flow paths 131 are connected through the cooling water inlets 103a, 103b and 113a, 113b.

[0046] Here, the coolant inlets 103a, 103b and 113a, 113b are open to the first flow path 131, but the oil inlets 102a, 102b and 112a, 112b are closed to the first flow path 131. Also, the oil inlets 102a, 102b and 112a, 112b are open to the second flow path 132, but the coolant inlets 103a, 103b and 113a, 113b are closed to the second flow path 132. Therefore, the first flow path 131 is independent of the second flow path 132.

[0047] The grooves 115 are grooves that disrupt the flow of fluid on the upper surface 110a. Multiple grooves 115 are provided so as to be recessed downward from the flat portion of the upper surface 110a, and each groove extends in a straight line when viewed from above. The upper surface 110a is divided into two regions 118a and 118b, and the multiple grooves 115 are provided in each of the regions 118a and 118b.

[0048] Regions 118a and 118b are areas that partition the upper surface 110a. Regions 118a and 118b are rectangles that extend in the front-to-back direction. Regions 118a and 118b partition the upper surface 110a in a substantially symmetrical manner from left to right. In this embodiment, the region provided on the left side of the upper surface 110a is region 118a, and the region provided on the right side is region 118b.

[0049] For the purpose of this explanation, the grooves 115 provided in the respective regions 118a and 118b will be referred to as grooves 115a and 115b. The multiple grooves 115a provided in region 118a are arranged to be parallel to each other, and the multiple grooves 115b provided in region 118b are also arranged to be parallel to each other. Furthermore, grooves 115a extend in a direction intersecting grooves 115b. When viewed from above, the multiple grooves 115 form a so-called herringbone pattern.

[0050] The projections 114 are protrusions that disrupt the fluid flow on the lower surface 110b, projecting downward from the flat portion of the lower surface 110b and extending in a straight line when viewed from below. Figure 9 is a bottom view of the female plate 110. Multiple projections 114 are provided on the lower surface 110b. Since the projections 114 and grooves 115 are formed by press working, the projections 114 have the same shape as the grooves 115 when viewed in the vertical direction. The projections 114 overlap with the grooves 115 when viewed from below. In other words, each projection 114 is provided on the lower surface 110b in pairs with a groove 115 of the same shape. The lower surface 110b is divided into two regions 118c and 118d, and multiple projections 114 are provided in each of the regions 118c and 118d.

[0051] Regions 118c and 118d are areas that partition the lower surface 110b. Regions 118c and 118d are rectangles that extend in the front-to-back direction. Regions 118c and 118d partition the lower surface 110b in a substantially symmetrical manner from left to right. In this embodiment, the area provided on the right side of the lower surface 110b is region 118c, and the area provided on the left side is region 118d. Furthermore, the area provided on the back surface of region 118a is region 118c, and the area provided on the back surface of region 118b is region 118d.

[0052] For the purpose of explanation, the protrusions 114 provided in each region 118c and 118d are referred to as protrusions 114a and 114b, respectively. Each protrusion 114a and 114b is paired with grooves 115a and 115b of the same shape. In other words, the multiple protrusions 114a provided in region 118c are arranged to be parallel to each other, and the multiple protrusions 114b provided in region 118d are also arranged to be parallel to each other. Furthermore, the protrusions 114a extend in a direction intersecting the protrusions 114b. Note that the multiple protrusions 114 form a so-called herringbone pattern when viewed from below. Also, when the male plate 100 and the female plate 110 are stacked, the protrusions 114 are arranged in a direction intersecting the protrusions 104 when viewed from below.

[0053] As shown in Figure 11, the height of the projection 114 is approximately half the height of the space (first channel 131) formed when the female plate 110 is placed on top of the male plate 100. The projection 114 joins the projection 104 by contacting the joint 101, forming a joint 111 with a point-shaped recess that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the projection 114. The point-shaped projection of the joint 101 and the point-shaped recess of the joint 111 are paired. The joint 111 is provided at the position where the projections 104 and 114 intersect when the female plate 110 is placed on top of the male plate 100 in a view from below.

[0054] (fin) The fin 120 is a component that complicates the flow of the fluid passing through it and also exchanges heat with the fluid. The fin 120 is a metal component formed by combining thin plates extending in the front-back and up-down directions with thin plates extending in the left-right and up-down directions in a rectangular shape, forming numerous rectangular holes, and has a flat plate-like outer shape. The thickness of the fin 120 is approximately the same as the height of the space (second flow path 132) formed by the male plate 100 and the female plate 110, as shown in Figure 11. The upper surface of the fin 120 is in contact with the lower surface 100b. The lower surface of the fin 120 is in contact with the upper surface 110a.

[0055] (Top plate) The top plate 50 is a component positioned as the uppermost layer of the heat exchange section 20. The top plate 50 is a type of female plate 110, and has a shape that eliminates the oil outlets 112a and 112b and the cooling water outlets 113a and 113b from the female plate 110. Therefore, in the top plate 50, components identical to those of the female plate 110 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The top plate 50 has an upper surface 110a with linear grooves 115 formed thereon and a lower surface 110b with linear protrusions 114 formed thereon. The top plate 50 is joined to the upper surface of the male plate 100, which is the uppermost layer of the laminated section 40, by brazing. As a result, the oil outlets 102a and 102b of the male plate 100, which are joined to the lower surface of the top plate 50, are closed.

[0056] <Oil cooler operation> The operation of the oil cooler 2 will now be explained. Inside the oil cooler 2, the coolant flows through the first passage 131. The engine oil flows through the second passage 132. The first passage 131 and the second passage 132 are adjacent to each other, separated by the male plate 100 or the female plate 110. Therefore, the coolant and engine oil exchange heat through the male plate 100 or the female plate 110. In other words, the hot engine oil is cooled by the cold coolant. Conversely, the cold coolant is heated by the hot engine oil.

[0057] (cooling water) As shown by the arrows in Figure 2(b), cooling water is supplied from the cooling water channel 8 to the cooling water inlet 13a. The cooling water flows from the cooling water inlet 13a into the lowest first channel 131. The cooling water flows into all of the first channels 131 through the cooling water inlets 103a and 113a.

[0058] As shown by the arrows in Figure 12, the cooling water flows from the cooling water inlets 103a and 113a, spreading throughout the entire first flow path 131. The cooling water then flows into the cooling water outlets 103b and 113b.

[0059] A portion of the incoming cooling water comes into contact with the protrusions 104 and 114 as it flows through the first channel 131. Because the protrusions 104 and 114 protrude vertically, the cooling water that comes into contact with them generates a vertical flow. Furthermore, because the protrusions 104 and 114 are positioned to intersect with the direction of the cooling water flow, the cooling water that comes into contact with them generates a horizontal flow corresponding to the angle of intersection. In addition, the protrusions 104 and 114 come into contact at the joints 101 and 111, causing the protrusions 104 and 114 at those positions to become columnar. Consequently, a portion of the cooling water generates a flow that avoids the columnar protrusions 104 and 114. In this way, the cooling water generates a complex flow as it flows through the first channel 131.

[0060] As the coolant flows through the first channel 131, it exchanges heat with the engine oil via the male plate 100 and the female plate 110. The surface area of ​​the male plate 100 increases by the amount of the protrusion 104. Similarly, the surface area of ​​the female plate 110 increases by the amount of the protrusion 114. Here, the more the contact area between the coolant and the heat-exchanging components increases, the higher the efficiency of heat exchange by the coolant. Therefore, the efficiency of heat exchange by the coolant flowing through the first channel 131 is high.

[0061] The coolant flows through the respective first flow paths 131 and into the coolant outlets 103b and 113b. The coolant flows through the coolant outlets 103b and 113b to the coolant outlet 13b. From the coolant outlet 13b, the coolant flows through the coolant flow path 8 to the radiator 5.

[0062] (Engine oil) As shown by the arrows in Figure 2(b), engine oil is supplied from the oil passage 7 to the oil inlet 12a. The engine oil flows from the oil inlet 12a into the lowest layer, the second passage 132. The engine oil flows into all of the second passages 132 through the oil inlets 102a and 112a.

[0063] As shown by the arrows in Figure 13, the engine oil flows from the oil inlets 102a and 112a, spreading throughout the entire second flow path 132. The engine oil then flows into the oil outlets 102b and 112b.

[0064] As the incoming engine oil flows through the second passage 132, it comes into contact with the fins 120. The engine oil also flows through the holes and grooves 105 and 115 formed in the fins 120. The engine oil flowing through the second passage 132 comes into contact with the fins 120 and flows through the grooves 105 and 115, generating flow in the left-right and up-down directions.

[0065] As the engine oil flows through the second passage 132, it exchanges heat with the coolant via the male plate 100, the female plate 110, and the fins 120. Since the fins 120 are in contact with the lower surface 100b and the upper surface 110a, heat is transferred between the fins 120 and the male plate 100, and between the fins 120 and the female plate 110. In other words, the fins 120 increase the surface area over which the engine oil exchanges heat. Also, the surface area of ​​the male plate 100 increases by the amount of the grooves 105. Similarly, the surface area of ​​the female plate 110 increases by the amount of the grooves 115. Therefore, the efficiency of heat exchange by the engine oil flowing through the second passage 132 is high.

[0066] As the engine oil flows through the second passage 132, it passes over the fins 120. The fins 120 make it difficult for the engine oil to flow through the second passage 132. As a result, the pressure loss in the second passage 132 increases. However, the upper and lower surfaces of the fins 120 are in contact with the grooves 105 and 115. Since the size of the grooves 105 and 115 is larger than the size of the passage inside the fins 120, some of the engine oil passing through the fins 120 flows from inside the fins 120 into the grooves 105 and 115.

[0067] The engine oil flows through the respective second passages 132 and into the oil outlets 102b and 112b. The engine oil flows through the oil outlets 102b and 112b to the oil outlet 12b. From the oil outlet 12b, the engine oil flows through the oil passage 7 to the oil pump 4.

[0068] <Effects> In the above embodiment, the oil cooler 2 has an upper surface 100a or a lower surface 110b in contact with the cooling water, and the upper surface 100a is provided with a plate (male plate 100 or female plate 110) on which a plurality of linearly extending protrusions 104, 114 are formed.

[0069] The formation of protrusions 104 and 114 on the plate that come into contact with the coolant increases the contact area between the coolant and the plate. As the contact area between the coolant and the plate increases during heat exchange, the efficiency of heat exchange by the coolant increases, thus increasing the efficiency of heat exchange by the oil cooler 2.

[0070] Furthermore, when the coolant comes into contact with the protrusion 104, the flow of the coolant changes along the protrusion 104. Consequently, the flow of the coolant becomes more complex. The more complex the flow of the coolant, the higher the efficiency of heat exchange by the coolant, and therefore the higher the efficiency of heat exchange by the oil cooler 2.

[0071] Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 104 and 114 of the oil cooler 2 according to this embodiment each extend so as to intersect with the direction in which the cooling water flows.

[0072] Multiple protrusions 104 and 114 extend so as to intersect with the direction of the cooling water flow. When the cooling water comes into contact with the protrusions 104 and 114, a flow of cooling water is generated that corresponds to the angle at which the direction of the cooling water flow intersects with the protrusions 104 and 114. Therefore, the cooling water generates a complex flow, which increases the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0073] Furthermore, the upper surface 100a or lower surface 110b of the oil cooler 2 according to this embodiment is divided into regions 108a and 108b, or regions 118c and 118d, which extend in the direction of the flow of the cooling water, respectively, and of the multiple protrusions 104, 114, the protrusion 104a in region 108a and the protrusion 104b in region 108b, or the protrusion 114a in region 118c and the protrusion 114b in region 118d, extend in directions that intersect each other.

[0074] The upper surface 100a or the lower surface 110b is divided into regions 108a and 108b, or regions 118c and 118d, which extend in the direction of the cooling water flow, respectively. Of the protrusions 104 and 114, protrusion 104a in region 108a and protrusion 104b in region 108b, or protrusion 114a in region 118c and protrusion 114d in region 118d, extend in directions that intersect each other. As a result, the direction of the cooling water flow in region 108a differs from the direction of the cooling water flow in region 108b. Alternatively, the direction of the cooling water flow in region 118c differs from the direction of the cooling water flow in region 118d. Therefore, the cooling water generates a complex flow, which increases the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0075] Furthermore, the plate of the oil cooler 2 according to this embodiment further includes a lower surface 100b on the opposite side of the upper surface 100a or an upper surface 110a on the opposite side of the lower surface 110b, which come into contact with the engine oil that exchanges heat with the cooling water, and a plurality of linearly extending grooves 105, 115 are formed on the lower surface 100b or the upper surface 110a.

[0076] The plate has a lower surface 100b opposite to the upper surface 100a, or an upper surface 110a opposite to the lower surface 110b, with which the engine oil that exchanges heat with the coolant comes into contact. Multiple linear grooves 105, 115 are formed on the lower surface 100b or upper surface 110a, causing the lower surface 100b or upper surface 110a to have a wave-like shape. Consequently, the contact area between the engine oil and the plate increases. The more the contact area between the engine oil and the component that comes into contact during heat exchange increases, the more efficient the heat exchange by the engine oil becomes, thus increasing the efficiency of heat exchange by the oil cooler 2.

[0077] Furthermore, the wavy shape of the lower surface 100b or upper surface 110a allows the engine oil to flow along the grooves 105 and 115. As a result, the engine oil generates a complex flow, which increases the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0078] Furthermore, the coolant and engine oil exchange heat via the plates. Not only is the efficiency of heat exchange between the upper surface 100a or lower surface 110b and the coolant increased, but the efficiency of heat exchange between the lower surface 100b or upper surface 110a and the engine oil is also increased, thus increasing the overall heat exchange efficiency of the oil cooler 2.

[0079] Furthermore, the multiple grooves 105 and 115 of the oil cooler 2 according to this embodiment each extend so as to intersect with the direction in which the engine oil flows.

[0080] Multiple grooves 105 and 115 extend so as to intersect with the direction of engine oil flow. When engine oil flows along the grooves 105 and 115, an engine oil flow is generated that corresponds to the angle at which the direction of engine oil flow intersects with the grooves 105 and 115. Therefore, the engine oil generates a complex flow, which increases the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0081] Furthermore, the lower surface 100b or upper surface 110a of the oil cooler 2 according to this embodiment is divided into regions 108c and 108d, or regions 118a and 118b, which extend in the direction of engine oil flow, respectively, and among the multiple grooves 105, 115, the groove 105a in region 108c and the groove 105b in region 108d, or the groove 115a in region 118a and the groove 115b in region 118b, extend in directions that intersect each other.

[0082] The lower surface 100b or the upper surface 110a is divided into regions 108c and 108d, or regions 118a and 118b, which extend in the direction of engine oil flow, respectively. Of the grooves 105 and 115, groove 105a in region 108c and groove 105b in region 108d, or groove 115a in region 118a and groove 115b in region 118b, extend in directions that intersect each other. As a result, the direction of engine oil flow in region 108c differs from the direction of engine oil flow in region 108d. Alternatively, the direction of engine oil flow in region 118a differs from the direction of engine oil flow in region 118b. Therefore, the engine oil generates a complex flow, which increases the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0083] Furthermore, the oil cooler 2 according to this embodiment further includes fins 120 that diffuse the flow of cooling water or engine oil, which contact either at least one of the plurality of protrusions 104 and the lower surface 100b, or at least one of the plurality of protrusions 114 and the upper surface 110a.

[0084] The flow of coolant or engine oil is diffused by fins 120 that diffuse the flow of coolant or engine oil by contacting either one of the multiple protrusions 104 and the lower surface 100b, or either one of the multiple protrusions 114 and the upper surface 110a. As a result, the area in contact with the plate of coolant or engine oil increases, and the amount of heat exchange between the coolant or engine oil and the plate increases. Consequently, the overall heat exchange efficiency of the oil cooler 2 is increased.

[0085] Furthermore, since the fin 120 is in contact with either the projection 104 or the lower surface 100b, or with either the projection 114 or the upper surface 110a, the fin 120 is in contact with the plate. Consequently, the number of components that exchange heat with the coolant or engine oil increases. As a result, the overall heat exchange efficiency of the oil cooler 2 is increased.

[0086] As mentioned above, the fins 120 increase the efficiency of heat exchange. On the other hand, since the fins 120 increase resistance in the coolant or engine oil flow path, the pressure loss in the flow path increases. Here, since the fins 120 contact either the protrusions 104 or the lower surface 100b, at the contact point, the fins 120 contact the grooves formed between the multiple protrusions 104 or the grooves 105 formed on the lower surface 100b. Alternatively, since the fins 120 contact either the protrusions 114 or the upper surface 110a, at the contact point, the fins 120 contact the grooves formed between the multiple protrusions 114 or the grooves 115 formed on the upper surface 110a. Since these grooves function as flow paths for coolant or engine oil, the pressure loss in the flow path decreases. In other words, the effect of increasing the efficiency of heat exchange by the fins 120 is obtained while suppressing the increase in pressure loss in the flow path.

[0087] Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 104, 114 of the oil cooler 2 according to this embodiment overlap with the multiple grooves 105, 115 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 100a or the lower surface 110b.

[0088] Multiple protrusions 104, 114 overlap with multiple grooves 105, 115 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 100a or lower surface 110b, so that the protrusions 104 and grooves 105, or the protrusions 114 and grooves 115, are in the same position on the front and back surfaces of the plate. Here, in order to provide grooves 105, 115 on the lower surface 100b or upper surface 110a, the thickness of the plate would need to be greater than the depth of the grooves 105, 115. However, since the protrusions 104 and grooves 105, or the protrusions 114 and grooves 115, are in the same position on the front and back surfaces of the plate, the grooves 105 can be provided from the lower surface 100b relative to the protrusion of the protrusion 104, or the grooves 115 can be provided from the upper surface 110a relative to the protrusion of the protrusion 114, so that the plate can be made thinner. As a result, the oil cooler 2 becomes thinner.

[0089] Furthermore, the oil cooler 2 according to this embodiment has a lower surface 110b or an upper surface 100a in contact with the cooling water, and further comprises a plate on the lower surface 110b or upper surface 100a on which a plurality of linearly extending protrusions 114, 104 are formed, with the upper surface 100a facing the lower surface 110b.

[0090] The oil cooler 2 has a lower surface 110b or an upper surface 100a that comes into contact with the coolant, and the lower surface 110b or upper surface 100a has a plate on which a plurality of linearly extending protrusions 114, 104 are formed. Here, because the upper surface 100a and the lower surface 110b are facing each other, the coolant flows between the upper surface 100a and the lower surface 110b. Therefore, the coolant comes into contact not only with the protrusions 104 but also with the protrusions 114, causing the coolant to generate a more complex flow. As a result, the efficiency of heat exchange is increased.

[0091] Furthermore, at least one of the multiple protrusions 104 of the oil cooler 2 according to this embodiment is in contact with the multiple protrusions 114.

[0092] At least one of the multiple protrusions 104 is in contact with multiple protrusions 114, so that the contact portion of the two protrusions forms a column or wall between the upper surface 100a and the lower surface 110b. Consequently, the cooling water flows to avoid the column or wall, generating a more complex flow. As a result, the efficiency of heat exchange is increased.

[0093] Furthermore, because columns or walls are formed between the plates, the oil cooler 2 has high strength against forces acting in opposing directions on the plates.

[0094] Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 104 of the oil cooler 2 according to this embodiment each extend in a direction that intersects with the multiple protrusions 114.

[0095] Because each of the multiple protrusions 104 extends in a direction that intersects with the multiple protrusions 114, the direction of the wave-like shape formed on the upper surface 100a and the direction of the wave-like shape formed on the lower surface 110b are different. Therefore, when the cooling water flows between the upper surface 100a and the lower surface 110b, the cooling water generates a complex flow. As a result, the efficiency of heat exchange is increased.

[0096] <Variation> You may apply a combination of the changes described below.

[0097] (1) Variation 1 Immediately after the start of operation of the heat exchange system 1, the temperature of the engine oil may be lower than the temperature of the coolant. In this case, the oil cooler 2 performs heat exchange between the low-temperature engine oil and the high-temperature water. As a result, the engine oil is heated and the water is cooled.

[0098] (2) Modification example 2 The configuration of the heat exchange system 1 may vary. For example, the oil pump 4 and water pump 6 may be located in different positions. Also, the engine 3 may be replaced with a transmission or a motor. In this case, the engine oil would be replaced with transmission oil or motor oil.

[0099] (3) Modification example 3 The fluid that exchanges heat with water may be a gas. For example, the oil cooler 2 functions as an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler in an EGR system that recirculates exhaust gas from the engine 3 and mixes it with the intake gas of the engine 3. The EGR cooler takes in a portion of the exhaust gas discharged from the engine 3, exchanges heat between the exhaust gas and water, and cools the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas cooled by the EGR cooler is then mixed with the intake gas of the engine 3. In this case, the heat exchange system 1 is modified by removing the oil pump 4, and the oil passage 7 becomes the gas passage.

[0100] (4) Modification 4 The flow directions of the engine oil and coolant may be different. In other words, in this embodiment, the engine oil flows from the oil passage 7 in the order of oil inlet 12a, oil inlet 112a, second passage 132, oil outlet 112b, and oil outlet 12b, but it may also flow from the oil passage 7 in the order of oil outlet 12b, oil outlet 112b, second passage 132, oil inlet 112a, and oil inlet 12a. Similarly, the coolant may flow from the coolant passage 8 in the order of coolant outlet 13b, coolant outlet 103b, first passage 131, coolant inlet 103a, and coolant inlet 13a.

[0101] (5) Variation 5 The multiple protrusions 104, 114 do not necessarily have to extend in a direction that intersects the direction of the coolant flow. In this case, at least one of the multiple protrusions 104, 114 extends parallel to the direction of the coolant flow.

[0102] (6) Variation 6 The upper surface 100a or the lower surface 110b does not necessarily have to be divided into regions 108a and 108b, or regions 118c and 118d, which extend in the direction of the flow of the cooling water. Furthermore, among the multiple protrusions 104 or protrusions 114, the protrusion 104a in region 108a and the protrusion 104b in region 108b, or the protrusion 114a in region 118c and the protrusion 114b in region 118d, do not necessarily have to extend in directions that intersect each other. In this case, the upper surface 100a or the lower surface 110b is not divided into two regions. Also, on the upper surface 100a or the lower surface 110b, the multiple protrusions 104 or protrusions 114 may extend parallel to each other or in directions that intersect each other.

[0103] (7) Variation 7 The plate does not necessarily have to have multiple linearly extending grooves 105 or grooves 115 formed on its lower surface 100b or upper surface 110a. In this case, the lower surface 100b or upper surface 110a may be flat. Furthermore, the lower surface 100b or upper surface 110a may be embossed, or have protrusions or bosses.

[0104] (8) Variation 8 The multiple grooves 105, 115 do not necessarily have to extend in a direction that intersects the direction of engine oil flow. In this case, at least one of the multiple grooves 105, 115 extends parallel to the direction of engine oil flow.

[0105] (9) Modification 9 The lower surface 100b or the upper surface 110a does not have to be divided into regions 108c and 108d, or regions 118a and 118b, which extend in the direction of engine oil flow, and among the multiple grooves 105 or grooves 115, the groove 105a in region 108c and the groove 105b in region 108d, or the groove 115a in region 118a and the groove 115b in region 118b do not have to extend in directions that intersect each other. In this case, the lower surface 100b or the upper surface 110a is not divided into two regions. Also, on the lower surface 100b or the upper surface 110a, the multiple grooves 105 or grooves 115 may extend parallel to each other or may extend in directions that intersect each other.

[0106] (10) Variation 10 The oil cooler 2 does not need to have fins 120 that contact the lower surface 100b or the upper surface 110a. In this case, the fins 120 are not provided in the second flow path 132.

[0107] (11) Variation 11 The oil cooler 2 may also include fins 120 that contact the protrusions 104 and 114. In this case, for example, the height of the protrusions 104 and 114 or the height of the fins 120 may be changed so that the fins 120 are provided in the first flow path 131 to contact the protrusions 104 and 114.

[0108] (12) Variation 12 The multiple protrusions 104, 114 do not necessarily have to overlap with the multiple grooves 105, 115 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 100a or the lower surface 110b. In this case, since the multiple protrusions 104, 114 are offset from the multiple grooves 105, 115 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 100a or the lower surface 110b, the plate becomes thicker by the depth of the grooves 105, 115.

[0109] (13) Variation 13 The oil cooler 2 may consist of only one of either the male plate 100 or the female plate 110. For example, the stacked section 40 can be made by alternately stacking the male plate 100 and plates other than the female plate 110 in the vertical direction, or by alternately stacking the female plate 110 and plates other than the male plate 100 in the vertical direction.

[0110] (14) Variation 14 Multiple protrusions 104, 114 do not need to be in contact with each other. In this case, for example, the height of the multiple protrusions 104, 114 is lower than half the height of the first channel 131 and the second channel 132.

[0111] (15) Variation 15 The multiple protrusions 104, 114 do not necessarily have to extend in a direction that intersects with the other multiple protrusions 114, 104. In this case, at least one of the multiple protrusions 104, 114 extends parallel to the other multiple protrusions 114, 104.

[0112] (16) Variation 16 The multiple protrusions 104, 114 and the multiple grooves 105, 115 do not have to be straight. The lines formed by the multiple protrusions 104, 114 and the multiple grooves 105, 115 include not only straight lines but also curves and broken lines. Therefore, the multiple protrusions 104, 114 and the multiple grooves 105, 115 may be curved or broken lines. Broken lines include, for example, V-shapes, inverted V-shapes, X-shapes, and shapes that combine these shapes.

[0113] (17) Variation 17 The multiple protrusions 104, 114 and grooves 105, 115 may be composed of multiple types of lines. In this case, for example, the multiple protrusions 104, 114 and grooves 105, 115 may consist of straight and curved shapes on a single plate.

[0114] (18) Variation 18 In this embodiment, engine oil and coolant flow into or out of the oil cooler 2 through oil inlets 12a, 12b and coolant inlets 13a, 13b, but other structures are also possible. For example, as shown in Figure 14, oil inlets 52a, 52b and coolant inlets 53a, 53b may be provided on the top plate 50. The oil inlets 52a, 52b and coolant inlets 53a, 53b are tubular members attached to openings provided at the four corners of the top plate 50. In a top view, the member attached to the right rear is the oil inlet 52a, the member attached to the left front is the oil outlet 52b, the member attached to the left rear is the coolant inlet 53a, and the member attached to the right front is the coolant outlet 53b. The oil inlets 52a, 52b are connected to the oil passage 7 and form the passage for engine oil. Similarly, the cooling water inlets 53a and 53b are connected to the cooling water flow path 8, forming a cooling water flow path.

[0115] (19) Variation 19 In this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 104, 114 and grooves 105, 115 are provided in the rectangular regions 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d, but they may also be provided in the other regions of the upper surface 100a, 110a and lower surface 100b, 110b. For example, in the mail plate 100, the size of the oil inlets 102a, 102b and the coolant inlets 103a, 103b is reduced only in the left-right direction, and they are positioned at the left-right ends of the mail plate 100, respectively. In this case, flat surfaces are formed on the upper surface 100a and the lower surface 100b between the oil inlet 102a and the coolant inlet 103a, and between the oil outlet 102b and the coolant outlet 103b. The protrusions 104 and grooves 105 are provided on these flat surfaces.

[0116] (20) Modification example 20 In this embodiment, regions 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, 118a, 118b, 118c, and 118d are rectangular rectangles, but they may also be squares.

[0117] (21) Variation 21 In this embodiment, the angle formed when projections 104a and 104b intersect with a straight line extending in the front-to-back direction as the center line in a top view is the same as the angle formed when projections 114a and 114b intersect with a straight line extending in the front-to-back direction as the center line in a top view, but they may be different. For example, the projections 104a and 104b may be arranged so that the angle formed when projections 104a and 104b intersect with a straight line extending in the front-to-back direction as the center line in a top view is 30 degrees, and the angle formed when projections 114a and 114b intersect with a straight line extending in the front-to-back direction as the center line in a top view is 120 degrees. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 2… Oil cooler (heat exchanger) 100... Mail Plate (Plate 1) 100a...Top surface (first surface) 100b…Bottom side (opposite side) 104...Protrusion (1st protrusion) 105...Groove 108a...Area (first area) 108b…Area (second area) 108c…Area (3rd area) 108d...Area (4th area) 110...Female Plate (2nd Plate) 110a...Bottom surface (second surface) 114...Protrusion (second protrusion) 120... Fins (diffusion members)

Claims

1. A first plate having a first surface in contact with a heat transfer medium, the first surface having a plurality of linearly extending first protrusions, A second plate having a second surface in contact with the heat transfer medium, the second surface having a plurality of linearly extending second protrusions. Equipped with, The first surface faces the second surface, The first projection has a point-like projection, The second projection has a dot-shaped recess that forms a joint together with the dot-shaped projection. heat exchanger.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first protrusions extends so as to intersect with the direction of flow of the heat transfer medium.

3. The first surface is divided into a first region and a second region, which extend in the direction of the flow of the heat transfer medium, The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, of the plurality of first protrusions, the protrusion in the first region and the protrusion in the second region extend in directions that intersect each other.

4. The first plate further comprises an opposite surface on the opposite side of the first surface to which a fluid that exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium comes into contact, The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of linearly extending grooves are formed on the opposite surface.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of grooves extends so as to intersect with the direction of fluid flow.

6. The opposite surface is divided into a third region and a fourth region, respectively, which extend in the direction of the fluid flow. The heat exchanger according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, of the plurality of grooves, the groove in the third region and the groove in the fourth region extend in directions that intersect each other.

7. A diffusion member that diffuses the flow of the heat transfer medium or fluid, which contacts at least one of the plurality of first protrusions and either of the opposite surfaces. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising the above.

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the plurality of first protrusions overlap with the plurality of grooves when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of first protrusions is in contact with the plurality of second protrusions.

10. Each of the aforementioned multiple first protrusions extends in a direction intersecting with the aforementioned multiple second protrusions. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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