Heat exchanger

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a heat exchanger that makes it possible to increase heat exchange efficiency while preventing an increase in the size of the heat exchanger. [Solution] A heat exchanger 100 comprises a heat exchange core 15 having: tubes 1 which are long in one direction; and an inlet-side tank part 23I and an outlet-side tank part 23O which are connected to the tubes 1. Each of the inlet-side tank part 23I and the outlet-side tank part 23O has a header tank 7 communicating with the outside. At least one header tank 7 is disposed between one end and the other end in the length direction L of the tubes 1.

Description

heat exchanger

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

[0002] Conventionally, a heat exchanger (first heat medium-second heat medium heat exchanger) has been known that includes a heat exchange core formed by stacking multiple tubes and a case that houses the heat exchange core, and that is configured so that a first heat medium flows inside the tubes and a second heat medium flows between the heat exchange core and the case. In such a heat exchanger, an inlet header tank and an outlet header tank, which serve as the inlet and outlet ports for the first heat medium to the tubes, are provided on the outside of one end or both ends in the extension direction (length direction) of the tubes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0032094

[0004] However, conventional structures have limitations on improving heat exchange efficiency, particularly in automotive applications. Typically, increasing the tube length to ensure a sufficient heat exchange area is considered when improving the heat exchanger's capacity (heat exchange efficiency). However, when compactness is required, such as in automotive heat exchangers, the heat exchanger must be placed in a limited space, which places a limit on how long the tubes can be extended. Specifically, in the case of a heat exchanger configured as described in Patent Document 1, an inlet header tank and a header tank are provided at the ends of the tubes in the extension direction, and the tube length is restricted in order to prevent an increase in the external size of the heat exchanger (maintain the size). As a result, there is a possibility that a sufficient area for heat exchange between the first heat medium and the second heat medium cannot be ensured.

[0005] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for smaller and more efficient heat exchangers, and accordingly, there is a demand for a heat exchange core structure that can ensure the maximum tube length within the specified dimensions.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a heat exchanger that can improve heat exchange efficiency while preventing an increase in the size of the heat exchanger.

[0007] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising a heat exchange core having a tube that is long in one direction and an inlet tank portion and an outlet tank portion connected to the tube, wherein the inlet tank portion and the outlet tank portion each have a header tank that communicates with the outside, and at least one of the header tanks is positioned between one end and the other end of the tube in the longitudinal direction.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger that can improve heat exchange efficiency while preventing an increase in the size of the heat exchanger.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a heat exchange core of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tank unit of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a tank unit of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a part of the tank unit of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the tank unit of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a part of the tank unit of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 12 show an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and in the figures, parts with the same reference numerals indicate parts with the same functions, and duplicated explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] <Heat Exchanger> FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a heat exchanger 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the inside of a case 10. As shown in FIG.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1 , a heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment houses a heat exchange core (not shown in FIG. 1 ) in a case 10 made of resin or the like, and performs heat exchange between a first heat medium m1 and a second heat medium m2. The case 10 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped first cover 101 and a flat second cover 102. The heat exchange core has a main portion housed within the case 10, with two pad portions 9 exposed through the first cover 101. Each pad portion 9 has a refrigerant inlet 9A and a refrigerant outlet 9B communicating with the heat exchange core. The refrigerant inlet 9A and the refrigerant outlet 9B are aligned on one side of the first cover 101. On that side of the first cover 101, an inlet 103A and an outlet 103B for the second heat medium m2 are provided, aligned with the refrigerant inlet 9A and the refrigerant outlet 9B.

[0013] The first heat medium m1 is a refrigerant (e.g., carbon dioxide (CO ２ The first heat medium m1 is a natural refrigerant such as R290 or R134a, or a fluorocarbon refrigerant such as R134a or R1234yf, and the second heat medium m2 is a heat medium different from the first heat medium m1 (for example, coolant (LCC or water), antifreeze, or cooling oil). In this embodiment, the refrigerant refers to a circulating medium in a refrigerant circuit that undergoes state changes in a heat pump (compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation). On the other hand, the second heat medium m2 refers to a circulating medium in a heat medium circuit that includes, for example, an internal combustion engine or a radiator, and that absorbs and releases heat without undergoing state changes like a refrigerant. In the following description, the first heat medium m1 will be referred to as "refrigerant m1," and the second heat medium m2 will be simply referred to as "heat medium m2."

[0014] <Heat Exchange Core> FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main internal configuration (heat exchange core 15) of the heat exchanger 100, and FIG. 3 is a plan view, both of which omit some components such as the first cover 101 and the pad portion 9.

[0015] 2 and 3, the heat exchange core 15 has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape overall, and in this example has a core portion 15A formed by stacking multiple approximately flat rectangular (strip-shaped) tubes 1 that are long in one direction, and a tank portion 23 (an inlet side tank portion 23I and an outlet side tank portion 23O).

[0016] In the following description, the first, second, and third directions, which are perpendicular to each other in the heat exchanger 100, are defined based on the tube 1. Specifically, the first direction along the longitudinal direction of the tube 1 is defined as the length direction L, the second direction along the short side direction of the tube 1 is defined as the width direction W, and the third direction along the stacking direction of the tubes 1 is defined as the height direction H. Figure 3 is a plan view seen from the height direction H. In this example, multiple tubes 1 (16 in this example) are stacked in the height direction H, and multiple tubes 1 (4 in this example) are also arranged in parallel in the width direction W.

[0017] The inlet-side tank section 23I and the outlet-side tank section 23O have the same configuration. Each of the inlet-side tank section 23I and the outlet-side tank section 23O has a header tank 7 and a shunt tank 55 that communicates (connects) with the header tank 7. The header tank 7 of the inlet-side tank section 23I communicates with a refrigerant inlet 9A (see FIG. 1) provided in one pad section 9, and the header tank 7 of the outlet-side tank section 23O communicates with a refrigerant outlet 9B (see FIG. 1) provided in the other pad section 9.

[0018] The inlet-side tank portion 23I and the outlet-side tank portion 23O are arranged upright and facing each other in the height direction H relative to the second cover of the case 10. Both ends of the tube 1 in the length direction L are connected to the inlet-side tank portion 23I and the outlet-side tank portion 23O. In other words, the tube 1 (core portion 15A) is arranged between the inlet-side tank portion 23I and the outlet-side tank portion 23O. The space in which the tube 1 is arranged between the inlet-side tank portion 23I and the outlet-side tank portion 23O is hereinafter referred to as the "core portion arrangement space CS."

[0019] Refrigerant m1 flows from outside the heat exchanger 100 into the header tank 7 of the inlet-side tank portion 23I through the refrigerant inlet 9A. The refrigerant m1 that flows into the header tank 7 is divided into multiple tubes 1 by the diversion tank 55. The tubes 1 are formed into a generally flattened rectangular shape (strip shape) by extrusion, for example, and are provided with flow passages therein through which the first heat medium (refrigerant in this example) m1 flows. In the outlet-side tank portion 23O, the refrigerant m1 that has passed through the tubes 1 passes through the diversion tank 55 and joins in the header tank 7. The refrigerant m1 is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger 100 through the refrigerant outlet 9B.

[0020] The heat exchange core 15 is formed by integrating the aluminum components that make up the heat exchange core 15 using aluminum brazing or the like.

[0021] 2 and 3, in this embodiment, at least one of the header tanks 7 is disposed between one end and the other end of the tube 1 in the longitudinal direction L (on the core portion 15A side, on the core portion arrangement space CS side). This allows the tube 1 to have a large dimension (length) in the longitudinal direction L.

[0022] More preferably, the header tanks 7 of both the inlet-side tank portion 23I and the outlet-side tank portion 23O are disposed between the inlet-side tank portion 23I and the outlet-side tank portion 23O (on the core portion 15A side, on the core portion arrangement space CS side). Furthermore, the two header tanks 7 are disposed aligned on one side in the width direction W of the core portion arrangement space CS (for example, near one end in the width direction W).

[0023] In this way, by arranging each of the pair of header tanks 7 between one end and the other in the longitudinal direction L of the tubes 1, the tube dimension (length) in the longitudinal direction L of the tubes 1 can be maximized. Furthermore, by arranging the pair of header tanks 7 aligned on one side in the width direction W, the dimension in the width direction W of the core arrangement space CS can be maximized. In other words, it is possible to increase the width of each tube 1 or increase the number of tubes 1 in the width direction W. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the heat exchanger 100, while ensuring a sufficient area in which the refrigerant m1 and the heat medium m2 can exchange heat, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0024] <Tank portion> The tank portion 23 of this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4 to 8. Figure 4 is an external perspective view showing the tank portion 23 (for example, the inlet-side tank portion 23I). Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tank portion 23, and Figure 6 is a front view of a portion of the tank portion 23 as seen from the core portion arrangement space CS side in the longitudinal direction L.

[0025] The outlet side tank section 23O has the same configuration as the inlet side tank section 23I, except that it has the function of merging the refrigerant m1 that has flowed through the tube 1, while the inlet side tank section 23I splits the refrigerant m1 and circulates it through the tube 1.Therefore, the following description of the configuration of the tank section 23 will be given without distinguishing between the two.

[0026] 4, the tank section 23 has a first plate 3, a second plate 4, a flow dividing means 5, and a header tank cover 20, which together form a header tank 7 and a flow dividing tank 55. The tank section 23 is connected to all of the tubes 1 that make up the heat exchange core 15 (see FIG. 2).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5 , the first plate 3 is a generally rectangular flat plate member having a plurality of first tube insertion holes 31 and a plurality of communication holes 32. The first plate 3 has an inner surface S1 facing (close to) the core portion arrangement space CS and an outer surface S2 opposite (far from) the core portion arrangement space CS. The first tube insertion holes 31 are elongated holes that penetrate the first plate 3 and through which the tubes 1 are inserted. In this example, the first tube insertion holes 31 are arranged in a matrix of four columns in the width direction W and sixteen rows in the height direction H to correspond to the number and positions of the tubes 1. The plurality of communication holes 32 penetrate the first plate 3 and are provided on one side of the first plate 3 in the width direction W (e.g., near one end in the width direction W). The communication holes 32 are a plurality (eight in this example) of, for example, circular holes aligned in the height direction H. Furthermore, a plurality of first protrusions 33 protruding outward in the width direction W are provided at both ends (both sides) of the first plate 3 in the width direction W at predetermined intervals in the height direction H.

[0028] A header tank cover 20 is attached to one surface (inner surface S1) of the first plate 3. The header tank cover 20 has a substantially semi-cylindrical (tunnel)-shaped cover portion 201 and an engaging protrusion 202. The first plate 3 is provided with engaging grooves 34 extending in the height direction H so as to sandwich the plurality of communication holes 32 on both sides in the width direction W. The engaging protrusions 202 of the header tank cover 20 engage with the engaging grooves 34, causing the header tank cover 20 to abut (closely contact) against the inner surface S1 of the first plate 3 while continuously covering the plurality of communication holes 32 (see FIG. 4 ). A predetermined space (first header space) defined by the header tank cover 20 and the first plate 3 corresponds to the header tank 7 in this embodiment. The header tank 7 is in communication with a refrigerant inlet 9A (refrigerant outlet 9B) and, via this, is in communication with piping connected to the outside of the heat exchanger 100.

[0029] The second plate 4 is a generally rectangular flat plate member having a plurality of second tube insertion holes 41 and a plurality of communication holes 42. The second plate 4 has an inner surface S3 facing (close to) the core arrangement space CS and an outer surface S4 opposite (far from) the core arrangement space CS. The second tube insertion holes 41 are elongated holes that penetrate the second plate 4 and through which the tubes 1 are inserted. In this example, the second tube insertion holes 41 are arranged in a matrix of four columns in the width direction W and sixteen rows in the height direction H to correspond to the number and positions of the tubes 1. The plurality of communication holes 42 penetrate the second plate 4 and are provided on one side of the second plate 4 in the width direction (e.g., near one end in the width direction W). The communication holes 42h are a plurality (eight in this example) of circular holes, for example, aligned in the height direction H. In addition, a plurality of second protrusions 43 that protrude outward in the width direction W (in the direction in which the width increases) are provided at predetermined intervals in the height direction H on both ends (both sides) of the second plate 4 in the width direction W. The second plate 4 is disposed overlapping the first plate 3 in the length direction L so that its inner surface S3 abuts against the outer surface S2 of the first plate 3.

[0030] In this example, the flow dividing means 5 is a rectangular plate-like member having an inner surface S5 close to the core arrangement space CS and an outer surface S6 far from the core arrangement space CS. The flow dividing means 5 is, for example, a flow dividing plate having multiple flow paths 5A formed on the inner surface S5. The flow paths 5A extend along the width direction W of the flow dividing means (flow dividing plate) 5 and are provided in multiple numbers (eight in this example) without merging with each other in the height direction H. The flow dividing plate 5 has a predetermined thickness D in the length direction L, and the flow paths 5A are formed, for example, by extrusion molding to hollow out a portion of the thickness D in a generally U-shaped shape. The flow paths 5A reach both ends in the width direction W, i.e., both ends of the flow paths 5A are open. The flow dividing plate 5 is arranged overlapping the second plate 4 in the length direction L so that its inner surface S5 abuts the outer surface S4 of the second plate 4.

[0031] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are arranged overlapping in the longitudinal direction L so that one surface of each plate (the outer surface S2 of the first plate 3 and the inner surface S3 of the second plate 4) abuts, and the tube 1 is held by the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41.

[0032] The first protrusions 33 of the first plate 3 and the second protrusions 43 of the second plate 4 are positioned at offset positions in the height direction H. In this example, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 hold the tube 1, for example, with their upper ends (upper edges) aligned in the height direction H. The state in which the plates 3, 4 are aligned, for example, with their upper ends (upper edges) aligned in the height direction H to hold the tube 1 is referred to as the "tube holding state." When the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are in the tube holding state, the first protrusions 33 of the first plate 3 and the second protrusions 43 of the second plate 4 are positioned at different positions in the height direction H. Furthermore, in the tube holding state, the first protrusions 33 and the second protrusions 43 are arranged in a staggered pattern in a side view seen from the width direction W.

[0033] 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the tank portion 23 as viewed from the width direction W, and is a partially enlarged view of the first plate 3, the second plate 4, the tube 1, and the flow dividing plate 5. For the sake of convenience, the tube 1 is omitted from the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 at the top in FIG.

[0034] The first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 are formed to have the same size and shape, but are formed at different positions within the first plate 3 and the second plate 4. Figure 7 shows the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 in a tube holding state. In this state, the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 partially overlap, including their central portions, while the upper end 31U of the first tube insertion hole 31 and the upper end 41U of the second tube insertion hole 41 are vertically offset in the height direction H, and the lower end 31D of the first tube insertion hole 31 and the lower end 41D of the second tube insertion hole 41 are also vertically offset. The tube 1 is inserted into the overlapping area of ​​the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41. In this example, one tube 1 is held and fixed in place by the lower end 31D of the first tube insertion hole 31 and the upper end 41U of the second tube insertion hole 41. A clearance C is created between the upper surface of the tube 1 and the upper end 31U of the first tube insertion hole 31, and a clearance C' is created between the lower surface of the tube 1 and the lower end 41D of the second tube insertion hole 41. Brazing material accumulates in these clearances C and C' during the brazing process, brazing the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 and / or the tube 1. In this embodiment, for example, the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 have the same size (and shape), and the clearances C and C' are also the same.

[0035] The flow dividing plate 5 has thin portions 51 and thick portions 52 arranged alternately in the height direction H so as to have a generally U-shape (or a generally C-shape) in a side view seen from the width direction W, thereby forming a plurality of dividing channels 5A. Each dividing channel 5A spans two adjacent tubes 1 in the height direction H and covers the ends of these tubes. The inner surface S5 of the flow dividing plate 5 is covered by the second plate 4, thereby forming a plurality (eight) of independent predetermined spaces (second header spaces). These second header spaces serve as the flow dividing tanks 55 in this embodiment.

[0036] The shunt flow paths 5A (shunt tank 55) reach both ends in the width direction W of the shunt plate 5. That is, as shown in FIG. 6 , the shunt flow paths 5A (shunt tank 55) are positioned so that they communicate with the communication holes 32 of the first plate 3 and the communication holes 42 of the second plate 4 on one side in the width direction W. The communication holes 32 and 42 are positioned so that they substantially overlap when the communication holes 32 of the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are overlapped with their upper ends aligned. Although not shown in FIG. 6 , a header tank cover 20 is attached to the inner surface S1 of the first plate 3 in each of the inlet-side tank portion 23I and the outlet-side tank portion 23O, thereby forming the header tank 7.

[0037] In this way, the header tank 7 and all of the tubes 1 are connected via the communication holes 32, 42 and the flow dividing plate 5 (flow dividing tank 55). More specifically, refrigerant m1 that flows into the refrigerant inlet 9A flows into the header tank 7 of the inlet-side tank section 23I, as shown by the dashed-dotted line in Figure 3. From the header tank 7, the refrigerant is divided by the eight communication holes 32 in the first plate 3 and the eight communication holes 42 in the second plate 4, and reaches eight branch channels 5A aligned in the height direction H. The refrigerant further flows into each of the eight branch channels 5A into four rows of tubes 1 aligned in the width direction W, where it exchanges heat with the heat medium m2.

[0038] The refrigerant ml that reaches the eight branch paths 5A of the branch plate 5 of the outlet side tank section 23O then passes through the eight communication holes 32 of the first plate 3 and the eight communication holes 42 of the second plate 4, joins together in the header tank 7, and is discharged to the outside through the refrigerant outlet 9B.

[0039] In this embodiment, the header tank 7 of the inlet-side tank portion 23I and the header tank 7 of the outlet-side tank portion 23O are both arranged between one end and the other in the longitudinal direction L of the tube 1 (core portion 15A) and aligned on one side of the core portion 15A in the width direction W. In other words, the pair of header tanks 7 are arranged so as to face the core portion arrangement space CS (on the core portion arrangement space CS side of the tank portion 23).

[0040] As a result, while maintaining the size of the heat exchanger 100, the dimension (length) of the tubes 1 in the longitudinal direction L can be maximized compared to a configuration in which the header tank 7 is arranged outside the end of the tubes 1 in the longitudinal direction L (outside the core portion 15A). Also, for example, compared to a configuration in which the header tank 7 is arranged diagonally across the core portion arrangement space CS, the core portion arrangement space CS in the width direction W can be maximized, making it possible to increase the width of each tube 1 or increase the number of tubes 1 in the width direction W. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved while preventing an increase in the size of the heat exchanger 100.

[0041] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in designing the header tank 7 while ensuring the maximum dimensions of the tubes 1. For example, even if there is a concern that the pressure resistance of the header tank 7 may deteriorate, it is possible to thicken the header tank 7 to an extent that a predetermined pressure resistance can be ensured while ensuring the maximum dimensions of the tubes 1. In other words, even if the size of the header tank 7 itself is increased, this embodiment does not affect the dimension of the tubes 1 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0042] The refrigerant m1 that flows into the header tank 7 of the inlet-side tank 23I is diverted by the communication holes 32 of the first plate 3 and the communication holes 42 of the second plate 4, reaches each diverging channel 5A of the flow dividing plate 5, and flows into each tube 1. The refrigerant m1 flows from each tube 1 through the diverging channel 5A of the outlet-side tank 23O, the flow dividing plate 5, the communication holes 32 of the first plate 3, and the communication holes 42 of the second plate 4, joins in the header tank 7 of the outlet-side tank 23O, and flows out through the refrigerant outlet 9B to the outside. By diverging and joining the refrigerant m1 at positions close to the refrigerant inlet 9A and the refrigerant outlet 9B, it is possible to prevent uneven flow in the heat exchange core 15.

[0043] Furthermore, the shunt plate 5, which serves as the piping (shunt tank 55) connecting the header tank 7 and each tube 1, has many small-volume shunt channels 5A (eight in this example). Specifically, the shunt channels 5 have a small volume in the height direction H, so that each shunt channel 5 is small enough to shunt the refrigerant to two tubes 1 arranged above and below in the height direction H. In particular, in the case of a refrigerant m1 (e.g., carbon dioxide) used at high pressure, the piping connecting the header tank 7 and each tube 1 is required to withstand a certain pressure. In such a case, if the piping has a single-chamber structure without shunt channels, or if the volume per shunt channel is large (e.g., large enough to shunt the refrigerant to three or more tubes 1 in the height direction H), the piping must be thick to ensure the required pressure resistance, which results in an increase in the size of the tank portion 23. In this embodiment, the piping connecting the header tank 7 and each tube 1 is configured with the flow dividing plate 5, and a large number of (for example, five or more) flow paths 5A are provided with a small volume, so it is possible to ensure a predetermined pressure resistance even if the flow dividing plate 5 is thinned overall. By thinning the flow dividing plate 5, the dimension of the flow dividing plate 5 in the longitudinal direction L can also be reduced, and as a result, the length of the tubes 1 can be further increased.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4, which hold the tubes 1, are provided with communication holes 32 and 42, respectively, that connect the flow dividing plate 5 and the header tank 7, thereby dividing the refrigerant m1. In some conventional heat exchangers, a partition is provided in the header tank to improve heat exchange efficiency, causing the refrigerant m1 flow path in the heat exchange core 15 to bend back and forth multiple times. This configuration creates problems such as a complex header tank structure and an increased number of parts. In contrast, this embodiment eliminates the need for a partition or other parts for dividing the refrigerant m1 within the header tank 7. Furthermore, the communication holes 32 and 42 can be formed simultaneously with the first tube insertion holes 31 and the second tube insertion holes 41, respectively, by punching or other processes, eliminating the need for additional parts for dividing the refrigerant m1 within the header tank 7 and reducing the number of parts.

[0045] 3, the refrigerant m1 flows from the refrigerant inlet 9A to the tube 1 or from the tube 1 to the refrigerant outlet 9B in the length direction L from the core portion arrangement space CS toward the outside of the core portion 15, is restricted by the flow dividing plate 5 to flow in the width direction W along the divided flow path 5A, and then flows again in the length direction L from the outside of the core portion 15 toward the core portion arrangement space CS. This makes it easier for the refrigerant m1 to reach areas far from the refrigerant inlet 9A and the refrigerant outlet 9B, which also helps prevent uneven flow.

[0046] <Method of Fixing the Tank Section> In this embodiment, in the tube holding state, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 need to be fixed with a predetermined vertical offset in the height direction H. In this case, it is important to accurately and efficiently position the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 and fix them together so as to ensure a clearance C between the tube 1 and the first tube insertion hole 31 and a clearance C' between the tube 1 and the second tube insertion hole 41.

[0047] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are positioned and fixed by the fixing member 6. The fixing member 6 further positions and fixes the first and second plates 3 and 4 and the flow dividing plate 5, and closes the openings at both ends in the width direction W of the dividing channel 5A.

[0048] 8 and 5, the fixing member 6 is, for example, a cap plate 6 made of a single plate-like member. More specifically, the cap plate 6 is a flat member whose short sides are in the length direction L and whose long sides are in the height direction H, and has a plurality of insertion holes 61 arranged in a staggered pattern and cap portions 63 that can close the openings of the shunt channels 5A.

[0049] The multiple insertion holes 61 include first insertion holes 61A into which the first protrusions 33 of the first plate 3 are inserted and second insertion holes 61B into which the second protrusions 43 of the second plate 4 are inserted. In this example, the first insertion holes 61A are arranged in multiple numbers (seven in this example) in the height direction H at positions close to the core portion arrangement space CS in the length direction L. The second insertion holes 61B are arranged in multiple numbers (eight in this example) in the height direction H at positions far from the core portion arrangement space CS in the length direction L. The seven first insertion holes 61A and the eight second insertion holes 61B are positioned at positions offset vertically in the height direction H, such that the insertion holes 61 are arranged in a staggered pattern overall.

[0050] Seven first protrusions 33 of the first plate 3 are provided at positions where they can be inserted into (engaged with) the first insertion holes 61A, and eight second protrusions 43 of the second plate 4 are provided at positions where they can be inserted into (engaged with) the second insertion holes 61B. The cap plate 6 positions and fixes the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 in a state where the upper and lower ends (upper and lower edges) in the height direction H are aligned (tube holding state), with the first tube insertion holes 31 and the second tube insertion holes 41 positioned at predetermined positions offset vertically in the height direction.

[0051] The cap portion 63 is a portion provided on the long side of the cap plate 6 far from the core portion arrangement space CS in the length direction L, and has eight tongue portions 63A aligned in the height direction H corresponding to the eight branch flow paths 5A. Engagement protrusions 64 are provided on both sides of each tongue portion 63A in the height direction H.

[0052] Furthermore, the thick portion 52 of the flow dividing plate 5 has engagement recesses 53 cut out of portions on both sides in the height direction H (see FIG. 7 ). By fitting the engagement recesses 53 of the flow dividing plate 5 into the engagement protrusions 64 of the cap portion 63, the openings of the respective flow paths 5A are closed by the cap portion 63 (tongue portions 63A), and the flow dividing plate 5 is fixed to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 via the cap plate 6.

[0053] An example of a method for assembling the tank portion 23 will now be described. First, the tube 1 is fixed to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4. That is, the outer surface S2 of the first plate 3 and the inner surface S3 of the second plate 4 are overlapped so that the opening area defined by the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 is maximized (so that the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 almost completely overlap), and the tube 1 is inserted in this state. The first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 have the same size (and shape), and each has a width W that is sufficient for inserting the tube 1, and a height H that is greater than the height dimension (thickness) of the tube 1.

[0054] The inner surface S5 of the flow distribution plate 5 is then placed on the outer surface S4 of the second plate 4, and they are fixed together by the cap plate 6. Specifically, the first protrusion 33 of the first plate 3 is inserted into the first insertion hole 61A of the cap plate 6, and the second protrusion 43 is inserted into the second insertion hole 61B of the cap plate 6. As a result, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 are positioned and fixed in predetermined positions with their upper and lower ends (upper and lower edges) aligned in the height direction H. Specifically, the first tube insertion hole 31 of the first plate 3 and the second tube insertion hole 41 of the second plate partially overlap, including their centers, and partially misaligned in the height direction H. For example, the lower end 31D of the first tube insertion hole 31 abuts against the lower surface of the tube 1, and the upper end 41U of the second tube insertion hole 41 abuts against the upper surface of the same tube 1. As a result, a clearance C is created between the upper surface of the tube 1 and the upper end 31U of the first tube insertion hole 31, and a clearance C' (in this example, a value equivalent to the clearance C) is created between the lower surface of the tube 1 and the lower end 41D of the second tube insertion hole 41, and the tube 1 is fixed to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 (see Figure 7).

[0055] The engaging recesses 53 of the flow dividing plate 5 are fitted into the engaging protrusions 64 of the cap portions 63 to fix the flow dividing plate 5 to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4. At the same time, the dividing flow passage 5A is closed by the cap portions 63. In this embodiment, the flow dividing plate 5 is fixed at both ends in the width direction W by the cap plates 6.

[0056] In this state, the heat exchange core 15 is fixed only by the engagement (fitting) between the insertion holes 61 and the first protrusions 33 and second protrusions 43, and the engagement (fitting) between the engagement recesses 53 and the engagement protrusions 64 of the cap portion 63. In other words, the fixation by the cap plate 6 is a temporary fixation that maintains the assembled state of the heat exchange core 15 until it is placed in a brazing furnace. Although it is a temporary fixation, the cap plate 6 is configured to reliably engage (fit) with the first plate 3, the second plate 4, and the flow dividing plate 5 so that they will not come apart during normal handling (transportation, transfer, etc.) up until the brazing process.

[0057] The assembled heat exchange core 15 is brazed in a subsequent brazing process (description of which is omitted in this embodiment). A brazing material is attached to at least one surface of the assembled parts (on the surface, etc.), and brazing is performed in the subsequent brazing process. For example, the brazing material attached to at least one of the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 accumulates in the clearances C, C' in the brazing process, and the tube 1 is brazed to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4.

[0058] In this embodiment, because the tube 1 is held by the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41, there is no need to process the end faces of the tube 1 in the longitudinal direction L. While end face processing is sometimes performed on tubes, this process is costly and poses problems such as the possibility of the tube holes, which serve as the flow paths for the refrigerant m1, becoming clogged with brazing at the tube ends. In this embodiment, because end face processing of the tube 1 is not required, the risk of the flow paths in the tube 1 becoming clogged with brazing is reduced, and the cost of end face processing can also be reduced.

[0059] In a configuration in which tubes are held by shifting the positions of multiple plates (multiple tube insertion holes), accurate positioning of the multiple plates (multiple tube insertion holes) is important. In this embodiment, the cap plate 6 enables the positioning (positioning while holding the tube 1) and fixation (temporary fixation) of the first plate 3 and the second plate 4. That is, by inserting the first protrusions 33 and the second insertion holes 61A and 61B into the staggered first insertion holes 61A and second insertion holes 61B of the cap plate 6, respectively, the first tube insertion holes 31 and the second tube insertion holes 41 are shifted up and down in the height direction H, creating a predetermined clearance C between the tube 1 and the first tube insertion hole 31, and creating a predetermined clearance C' between the tube 1 and the second tube insertion hole 41, thereby fixing the two plates 3 and 4 at predetermined positions.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 can be positioned and fixed with one cap plate 6 (two cap plates are required to fix both sides in the width direction W). The cap plate 6 can also be considered a positioning member that adjusts the vertical sliding amount of the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 to an appropriate value. This improves work efficiency when assembling the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 and improves assembly accuracy. Since an appropriate clearance C (C') can be ensured, the occurrence of brazing defects can be reduced.

[0061] The larger the clearance C (C'), the easier it is to insert the tube 1. However, if the clearance C (C') is too large, the area in which the tube 1 is held by only one of the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 becomes large, which may result in a deterioration in pressure resistance. Furthermore, from the perspective of functioning as a brazing filler metal pool, if the clearance C (C') is too large relative to the amount of brazing filler metal, it may result in poor brazing (insufficient brazing filler metal relative to the clearance C (C')). For these reasons, the clearance C (C') is appropriately set to be large enough to facilitate the insertion of the tube 1 and small enough to ensure reliable brazing filler metal clogging during the brazing process. As an example, the clearance C (C') is approximately 0.03 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably approximately 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, and more preferably approximately 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0062] Furthermore, compared to a structure in which multiple plates are fixed in a shifted position by fastening screws (bolts), the number of parts can be reduced, significantly improving the efficiency of assembly. For example, in a structure in which the plates are fixed at their ends in the height direction H (the upper or lower edges of the first plate 3 and the second plate 4), particularly by fastening screws, it is necessary to secure fixing areas above and below the core portion, which reduces the number of stacked tubes 1 when trying to fit within the volume that can be installed in a vehicle. In contrast, in this embodiment, the ends of the tubes 1 in the width direction W are fixed using plate-shaped cap plates 6 as fixing areas. This makes it possible to position and fix the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 without reducing the number of stacked tubes 1 in the core portion 15A.

[0063] Furthermore, the positions of the first protrusions 33 of the first plate 3 and the second protrusions 43 of the second plate 4 (the first insertion holes 61A and second insertion holes 61B into which they are inserted) are arranged in a staggered pattern, which makes it easy to distinguish which one is mating with which, and also prevents mistakes when assembling the first plate 3 and the second plate 4 because the first insertion holes 61A and second insertion holes 61B are different in number and position.

[0064] Furthermore, the cap plate 6 is a flat member with no irregularities in the width direction W, and the protrusion amount in the width direction W of the first protrusion 34 of the first plate 3 and the second protrusion 44 of the second plate 4 may be, for example, approximately the same as the thickness of the cap plate 6. Therefore, compared to a structure in which the two plates are fastened together by, for example, screws, the area required for fastening can be minimized, and an increase in the size of the heat exchanger 100 can be suppressed. Alternatively, a larger area can be secured for arranging the heat exchange core 15.

[0065] Furthermore, the cap plate 6 can position and fix the flow dividing plate 5 to the first plate 3 and the second plate 4, and can also close the opening of the flow dividing plate 5. Conventionally, to close the shunt channel, a "cap" type closure member has been used, which has a rim that covers the outer periphery of the shunt channel and integrally covers the opening and the outer periphery, a "bridge closure" type closure member in which a ridge (engagement portion) on a flat member is engaged with the shunt channel to close the opening, or an "insertion closure" type closure member in which a flat member is inserted into a slit in the shunt channel to cover the opening. In these cases, the complicated shapes of the shunt channel and the closure member have led to problems such as poor brazing and complicated closing work.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the first plate 3, the second plate 4 and the flow diverter 5 can be fixed in the appropriate positions by engaging with the cap plate 6, thereby simplifying the assembly work and improving the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0067] Furthermore, the openings of the shunt flow paths 5A can be closed as a single unit using the cap plate 6, which has a simple flat shape, thereby preventing the occurrence of brazing defects and facilitating the closing work. Although the shunt flow paths 5A are separated into multiple parts, the openings can be closed as a single unit using a single cap plate 6, which significantly improves the efficiency of assembly work, particularly compared to a structure in which each shunt flow path 5A is closed individually.

[0068] <Flow path of second heat medium> Next, the flow path of the heat medium m2 (second heat medium) in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. Figure 9 is a plan view of the heat exchanger 100 as seen from the height direction H, and Figure 10 is a plan view showing the interior (heat exchange core 15) of the heat exchanger 100 in a see-through manner, with the pad portion 9 omitted. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 9, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 9.

[0069] As shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11, the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment has a case 10 that houses a heat exchange core 15, and the interior of the core portion 15A (tube 1) forms part of the flow path of the first heat medium (refrigerant m1), and the space between the core portion 15A (tube 1) and the case 10 forms the flow path of the second heat medium (heat medium m2).

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 , the core portion 15A of the heat exchange core 15 of this embodiment includes, for example, tubes 1 and fins (outer fins) 25 (not shown in FIGS. 2 , 3 , 7 , etc.) stacked alternately in the height direction H. The fins 25 are plate-like members formed by arranging, in the width direction W, a plurality of strip-shaped members formed to have concave and convex shapes in the height direction H. For example, each layer (four rows in this example) of tubes 1 and a single plate-like member fin 25 are stacked alternately. The thickness of the fins 25 in the height direction H (the dimensional difference between the concave and convex shapes) is, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, allowing the heat transfer medium m2 to flow through the gaps between the concave and convex shapes of the fins 25 as a whole. For example, a brazing material is attached to the surface of the fins 25, and the fins 25 and the tubes 1 are brazed together in a brazing process.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, at least one of the header tanks 7 of the tank section 23 (the inlet side tank section 23I and the outlet side tank section 23O) is arranged between one end and the other end of the tube 1 in the longitudinal direction L (on the side of the core section arrangement space CS).

[0072] In addition, at least one of the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B is disposed between one end and the other end (on the core arrangement space CS side) of the tube 1 in the longitudinal direction L. This ensures the tube dimensions in the extending direction of the tube 1.

[0073] Preferably, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the header tank 7 of the inlet-side tank section 23I and the header tank 7 of the outlet-side tank section 23O are arranged between one end and the other in the longitudinal direction L of the tube 1, and this pair of header tanks 7 are aligned on one side in the width direction W.

[0074] Furthermore, both the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B are disposed between the pair of header tanks 7. Because there is dead space between the pair of header tanks 7, the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B are also aligned with one side in the width direction W of the tubes 1 (the same side as the header tanks 7, for example, one side surface of the case 10) and disposed in this dead space. As shown in Figure 10, the header tank 7 is disposed in a position overlapping the refrigerant inlet 9A and the refrigerant outlet 9B (shown by dashed lines) in the height direction H. Therefore, in the following descriptions of Figures 9 to 12, the header tank 7 of the inlet-side tank section 23I may be referred to as the refrigerant inlet 9A, and the header tank 7 of the outlet-side tank section 23O may be referred to as the refrigerant outlet 9B.

[0075] Preferably, the header tank 7 (refrigerant inlet 9A communicating therewith) of the inlet-side tank 23I and the header tank 7 (refrigerant outlet 9B communicating therewith) of the outlet-side tank 23O, the heat medium inlet 103A, and the heat medium outlet 103B are arranged so as to at least partially overlap along the longitudinal direction L of the tube 1. More specifically, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9 , when a virtual line VL is defined along the longitudinal direction L of the tube 1 in a plan view seen from the height direction H, the heat medium inlet 103A, the heat medium outlet 103B, the refrigerant inlet 9A, and the refrigerant outlet 9B are arranged so as to be positioned on the virtual line VL (without deviating from the virtual line VL). In this embodiment, the pad 9 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is attached to the heat exchange core 15 with bolts 9C or the like. In this example, the pad portion 9 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is along the width direction W of the heat exchanger 100 (the refrigerant inlet 9A (refrigerant outlet 9B) and the bolt 9C are aligned in the width direction W). However, the pad portion 9 may also be arranged so that its longitudinal direction is along the length direction L of the heat exchanger 100 (the refrigerant inlet 9A (refrigerant outlet 9B) and the bolt 9C are aligned in the length direction L). Regardless of the orientation of the pad portion 9, the refrigerant inlet 9A (refrigerant outlet 9B) is located at the position shown in FIG. 9 .

[0076] As a result, when the entire case 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the case 10 is generally partitioned into, for example, a storage area (storage chamber) 10A for the core portion 15A, which has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an inlet / outlet forming area 10B for the refrigerant m1 and the heat medium m2, which also has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 9. The storage area 10A and the inlet / outlet forming area 10B are arranged side by side in the length direction L so that their longitudinal directions are aligned.

[0077] In conventional heat exchangers, the heat medium inlet and outlet are typically located away from the inlet and outlet for the refrigerant m1, on either side of the tube (core) in the longitudinal direction L or on either side of the tube in the width direction W. In these cases, securing a large core placement space CS results in a problem of an increased size of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the refrigerant inlet, refrigerant outlet, heat medium inlet, and heat medium outlet may be located in a dispersed manner, for example, facing each other, but this also results in a problem of difficulty in improving the workability of installing piping.

[0078] In this embodiment, the header tank 7 is positioned on the core arrangement space CS side to maximize the dimension of the tubes 1 in the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, a pair of heat medium inlets 103A and heat medium outlets 103B are positioned in the dead space created by forming the header tank 7. In particular, the heat medium inlets 103A and heat medium outlets 103B, and the refrigerant inlets 9A and refrigerant outlets 9B are positioned so that they are all located on the same imaginary line VL (without deviating from the imaginary line VL). In a heat exchange core 15 configuration that maximizes the dimension of the tubes 1 in the longitudinal direction L by devising an arrangement of the header tank 7, even when the tubes are housed in a case 10 having a heat medium inlet 103A and a heat medium outlet 103B, the case 10 can be prevented from becoming large. Furthermore, the size of the housing area 10A relative to the size of the case 10 can be ensured to be large. This allows the tube dimension (length) in the longitudinal direction L of the tubes 1 to be maximized while suppressing an increase in the size of the heat exchanger 100. In addition, the width direction W dimension of the core arrangement space CS can be expanded, which results in the possibility of expanding the width of each tube 1 or increasing the number of tubes 1 in the width direction W, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0079] Furthermore, since the refrigerant inlet 9A, the refrigerant outlet 9B, the heat medium inlet 103A, and the heat medium outlet 103B are concentrated on one side (side) of the heat exchanger 100, the pipes can be easily attached to the heat exchanger 100, improving work efficiency. Furthermore, the layout of the work space (work area) for attaching the pipes can be prevented from becoming complicated, which also improves the efficiency of the pipe attachment work.

[0080] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 10, the case 10 is provided therein with a guide portion 12 that regulates the flow path of the heat medium m2.

[0081] The guide portion 12 is, for example, a thick portion provided inside a corner of the case 10 nearest the heat medium inlet 103A, and is provided so as to protrude from an end of the inner wall of the case 10 in the width direction W toward the heat exchange core 15. In this embodiment, the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B are disposed on the core arrangement space CS side. The heat medium m2 flowing in from the heat medium inlet 103A is guided by the guide portion 12 to the vicinity of the connection between the inlet-side tank portion 23I and the tube 1. The guide portion 12 prevents the heat medium m2 from accumulating in the nearest corner and facilitates its flow to the other side in the width direction W (near the end opposite the heat medium inlet 103A). For the same reason, the guide portion 12 is also provided inside a corner of the case 10 nearest the heat medium outlet 103B.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the heat exchanger 100 has a first flow passage (vertical flow passage) 13 that allows the heat medium m2 to flow in the height direction H within the case 10. From the perspective of improving heat exchange efficiency, it is desirable to arrange the heat exchange core 15 as tightly as possible within the case 10 (the storage area 10A of the case 10). However, it is also necessary to ensure that the heat medium m2 flows sufficiently to areas away from the heat medium inlet 103A. In this embodiment, a portion of the side surface (left side surface in FIG. 10 ) of the case 10 (first cover 101) opposite the side surface where the heat medium inlet 103A is provided (the right side surface in FIG. 10 ) partially protrudes outward in the width direction W to form a wide portion 13. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10 , the length in the width direction W of the tank portion 23 (e.g., the flow distribution plate 5) is longer than the length in the width direction W of the core portion 15A (four rows of tubes 1), and the end of the tank portion 23 protrudes outward from the core portion 15A. Using these protruding portions, wide-width portions 13 are provided in the case 10 (first case 101 and second case 102) near both ends of the core portion 15A in the width direction W. The core portion 15A is not disposed in the wide-width portions 13, and the flow resistance is smaller than that of the core portion 15A, so the heat medium m2 easily flows into the wide-width portions 13. These wide-width portions 13 are first flow paths 13 (vertical flow paths) that allow the heat medium m2 flowing in from the heat medium inlet 103A to flow along the height direction H. Another first flow path 13 (wide portion) is also provided on the opposite side of the core portion 15A from the heat medium outlet 103B (the other end side in the width direction W). The first flow path 13 allows the heat medium m2 to flow in the height direction H at a position farther away from the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B across the core portion 15A.

[0083] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 100 has a second flow passage (horizontal flow passage) 13 that circulates the heat medium m2 that flows in from the heat medium inlet 103A in the width direction W toward the other end side in the width direction W (toward the first flow passage 13).

[0084] The second flow passage 14 (14A) is, for example, a clearance formed between the tank portion 23 (inlet-side tank portion 23I, outlet-side tank portion 23O) and the fin 25. In the core portion 15A, the fin 25 is set to have a dimension in the longitudinal direction L that is shorter than that of the tube 1, and the tube 1 is stacked and brazed so that both ends in the longitudinal direction L are exposed from the fin 25. This creates a clearance between the end of the fin 25 in the longitudinal direction L and the first plate 3. The fin 25 has a predetermined height (for example, 1 mm to 3 mm), and the clearance between the end of the fin 25 and the first plate 3 forms the second flow passage 14A (horizontal flow passage).

[0085] In the core portion 15A, a plurality of tubes 1 and fins 25 are alternately stacked in the height direction H, and the second flow passages 14A are formed in each layer in the height direction H. That is, the second flow passages 14 (14A) allow the heat medium m2 to circulate between the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B and distant positions across the core portion 15A in each layer in the height direction H.

[0086] The heat medium m2 in the case 10 flows through the gaps formed between the tubes 1 and the fins 25, and its flow is guided by the guide portion 12, the first flow passage 13, and the second flow passage 14 (14A). That is, the heat medium m2 that flows in through the heat medium inlet 103A provided on one side of the tube 1 in the width direction W is guided to the second flow passage 14A by the guide portion 12 on the inlet-side tank portion 23I side. The heat medium m2 that flows horizontally through the second flow passage 14A and reaches the other side in the width direction W (e.g., the other end of the case 10) flows vertically via the first flow passage 13. The heat medium m2 flowing on the other side in the width direction W passes through the second flow passage 14A on the outlet-side tank portion 23O side and is guided by the guide portion 12 to the heat medium outlet 103B.

[0087] With this configuration, the flow of the heat medium m2 can be guided (controlled), particularly in areas far from the heat medium inlet 103A and the heat medium outlet 103B, thereby suppressing uneven flow of the heat medium m2 within the case 10 and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0088] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the second flow passage (horizontal flow passage) 14. The second flow passage (horizontal flow passage) 14 (14B) may be a thin-walled portion provided in a portion (inner wall) of the case 10. Specifically, a portion of the inner top surface of the case 10 in the height direction H is hollowed out from one end to the other end in the width direction W to form the thin-walled portion 14B. In this case, the space formed by the core portion 15A (the topmost fin 25) and the thin-walled portion 14B becomes the second flow passage 14B. In other words, the second flow passage 14B in this example is formed only in the topmost portion of the core portion 15A. The flow of the heat transfer medium m2 is the same as in the case of the second flow passage 14A (only in the topmost layer).

[0089] It is also possible to provide both second flow passages 14A formed by the clearance between short fins 25 and first plate 3, and second flow passages 14B formed by thin-walled portions provided in case 10.

[0090] In addition, in the above embodiment, the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 are of equal size, and the clearances C and C' are also of equal values, but the sizes and / or clearances C and C' of the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube insertion hole 41 may be different values.

[0091] <Modifications> In the above embodiment, a single flow dividing plate 5 having multiple divided channels 5A was used as the flow dividing means 5. However, the flow dividing means 5 is not limited to this configuration and may be, for example, a collection of multiple independent divided channels. Specifically, the eight divided channels 5A of the flow dividing plate 5 described above may be separated from one another. In this case, caps that close the openings of the divided channels 5A are also provided separately and independently. The caps may be, for example, substantially semicircular flat plate members that can close the openings of the divided channels 5A. Alternatively, they may be plate-shaped caps that can integrally close the openings of all the divided channels 5A. Furthermore, the fixing members 6 may be, for example, clips that are provided in plurality along the height direction H at the ends of the first plate 3 in the width direction W.

[0092] The assembly method is as follows: First, the outer surface S2 of the first plate 3 is brought into contact with the inner surface S3 of the second plate 4, the tubes 1 are inserted into the first tube insertion holes 31 and the second tube holes 32, and the first plate 3 and second plate 4 are slid up and down in the height direction H to secure the tubes 1. The ends of the tubes 1 protruding from the outer surface S4 of the second plate 4 (e.g., two tubes 1 adjacent to each other in the height direction H) are covered with the shunt channels 5A, and caps are placed on the openings at both ends in the width direction W of the shunt channels 5A. In this state, the clips of the first plate 3 are used to grip the second plate 4, caps, and shunt channels 5A together from the sides to secure them together.

[0093] In this case, positioning protrusions are provided on the first plate 3 and the second plate 4, for example near the upper edges, and by aligning the positioning protrusions, the first tube insertion hole 31 and the second tube hole 32 are shifted a predetermined amount in the height direction H (creating clearances C, C').

[0094] The heat exchanger 100 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0095] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tube 3 First plate 4 Second plate 5 Flow dividing means (flow dividing plate) 5A Flow dividing passage 6 Fixing member (cap plate) 7 Header tank 9 Pad portion 9A Through hole 10 Case 10A Accommodation area (accommodation chamber) 10B Inlet / outlet forming area 12 Guide portion 13 First flow passage (wide portion) 14 Second flow passage 14B Thin portion 15 Heat exchange core 15A Core portion 20 Header tank cover 9A Refrigerant inlet 9B Refrigerant outlet 23 Tank portion 23I Inlet-side tank portion 23O Outlet-side tank portion 25 Fin (outer fin) 32, 42 Communication hole 55 Flow dividing tank 61 Insertion hole 63 Cap portion 63A Tongue portion 64 Engagement protrusion 100 Heat exchanger 103A Heat medium inlet 103B Heat medium outlet 201 Cover portion 202 Engagement protrusion CS Core portion arrangement space

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising a heat exchange core having a tube that is long in one direction, and an inlet side tank section and an outlet side tank section connected to the tube, wherein the inlet side tank section and the outlet side tank section each have a header tank communicating with the outside, and at least one of the header tanks is disposed between one end and the other end of the tube in the longitudinal direction.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a pair of said header tanks are disposed between one end and the other end of said tube in the longitudinal direction.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the tubes are flat and a pair of the header tanks are disposed on one side of the tubes in the width direction.

4. A heat exchanger as described in claim 1, characterized in that the tubes are stacked in multiple layers, the inlet side tank section and the outlet side tank section each have a plate that holds the multiple tubes and a diversion means that connects the header tank and the multiple tubes, and the diversion means has a plurality of diversion channels that extend along the width direction of the tubes in the stacking direction of the tubes.

5. A heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that the inlet tank section and the outlet tank section each have a header tank provided on one surface of the plate.

6. A heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that the plate has a communication hole that connects the flow dividing means and the header tank.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a case that houses the heat exchange core, the interior of the tubes being a part of a flow path of a first heat medium, and the space between the tubes and the case being a flow path of a second heat medium.

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