Heat exchanger

Abstract

In this heat exchanger, a plurality of first fluid passages (2) and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) are alternately stacked and disposed, and a heat exchange core part (1) for exchanging heat between a first fluid and a second fluid is formed. The heat exchanger comprises a first tank (4) and a second tank (5). The first tank performs at least one among the distribution of the first fluid to the first fluid passages and the collection of the first fluid that flows out from the first fluid passages. The second tank performs at least one among the distribution of the second fluid to the second fluid passages and the collection of the second fluid that flows out from the second fluid passages. When viewed from the stacking direction of the first fluid passages and the second fluid passages, the first tank is disposed between the second tank and the heat exchange core part. A first tank formation member (40) that forms the first tank is provided with second fluid communication parts (500) that communicate the second tank and the second fluid passages.

Description

heat exchanger CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-142198 filed on September 1, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a first fluid and a second fluid. The heat exchanger in Patent Document 1 includes a heat exchange section in which a plurality of substantially flat heat transfer plates are stacked at intervals. A pair of end plates is provided at both ends of the heat transfer plates in the stacking direction of the heat exchange section.

[0004] JP 2021-025764 A

[0005] In the heat exchanger of Patent Document 1, the collection and distribution tank for the first fluid and the collection and distribution tank for the second fluid are arranged at the four corners of a rectangular end plate, which may make it difficult to reduce the thickness of the heat exchanger in the direction in which the tanks for the first fluid and the second fluid are arranged.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the size of a heat exchanger.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a heat exchanger in which a plurality of first fluid passages through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages through which a second fluid flows are alternately stacked, and a heat exchange core portion is formed to exchange heat between the first fluid and the second fluid, the heat exchanger comprising: a first tank that performs at least one of distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passages and collecting the first fluid flowing out of the first fluid passages; and a second tank that performs at least one of distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passages and collecting the second fluid flowing out of the second fluid passages, wherein the first tank is disposed between the second tank and the heat exchange core portion when viewed from the stacking direction of the first fluid passages and the second fluid passages, and a first tank forming member that forms the first tank is provided with a second fluid communication portion that communicates the second tank and the second fluid passages.

[0008] This allows the first tank and the second tank to be disposed close to each other, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the heat exchanger.

[0009] Furthermore, a heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a heat exchanger in which a plurality of first fluid passages through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages through which a second fluid flows are alternately stacked, and a heat exchange core portion is formed to exchange heat between the first fluid and the second fluid, the heat exchanger comprising: a first tank that performs at least one of distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passages and collecting the first fluid flowing out of the first fluid passages; and a second tank that performs at least one of distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passages and collecting the second fluid flowing out of the second fluid passages, wherein the first fluid passages are stacked to form a plurality of rows, a plurality of first tanks are provided so as to be connected to ends of the plurality of rows, and the second tank is formed by the space between the plurality of first tanks, and at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the second tank is formed by the outer surface of the first tank.

[0010] This allows the first tank and the second tank to be disposed close to each other, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the heat exchanger.

[0011] 1. A perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment. An exploded perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. A front view showing a heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. An exploded perspective view showing a portion of a heat exchange core unit according to the first embodiment. A V-V cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. An explanatory view showing a refrigerant tank and a water tank according to the first embodiment. An explanatory view showing a refrigerant tank-forming member of one refrigerant tank according to the first embodiment. An explanatory view showing a refrigerant tank-forming member of the other refrigerant tank according to the first embodiment. A IX-IX cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. A X-X cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. An explanatory view for explaining refrigerant flow and coolant flow in the first embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing a portion of a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing a portion of a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing a portion of a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing another portion of a heat exchanger according to the fourth embodiment. An explanatory view showing a refrigerant tank-forming member of one refrigerant tank according to a fifth embodiment. An explanatory view showing a refrigerant tank-forming member of the other refrigerant tank according to the fifth embodiment. An explanatory view for explaining refrigerant flow and coolant flow in the fifth embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing a portion of one side of a tube longitudinal direction of a heat exchanger according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the other side in the tube longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger in the sixth embodiment. Fig. 14 is an explanatory view showing a refrigerant tank forming member of the refrigerant tank in the sixth embodiment. Fig. 15 is an explanatory view for explaining a refrigerant flow and a coolant flow in the sixth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the heat exchanger in the seventh embodiment. Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to an eighth embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, the other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0013] In each embodiment, it is possible to combine parts that are specifically expressly possible to combine with each other. Furthermore, even if it is not expressly expressly possible to combine, it is also possible to combine parts of embodiments with each other, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0014] A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure is applied to a water-refrigerant heat exchanger that cools a cooling object by exchanging heat between a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner mounted on a vehicle and a cooling water that cools the cooling object.

[0015] In this embodiment, for example, carbon dioxide (e.g., R744) is used as the refrigerant, and water or antifreeze is used as the coolant. Note that in this embodiment, the refrigerant corresponds to an example of the first fluid, and the coolant corresponds to an example of the second fluid.

[0016] 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 100 includes a heat exchange core 1 that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and a cooling water. The heat exchange core 1 is formed by stacking a plurality of refrigerant passages 2 through which the refrigerant flows and a plurality of water passages 3 through which the cooling water flows.

[0017] The heat exchanger 100 includes a refrigerant tank 4 and a water tank 5. The refrigerant tank 4 distributes the refrigerant to the refrigerant passages 2 and / or collects the refrigerant flowing out from the refrigerant passages 2. The water tank 5 distributes the cooling water to the water passages 3 and / or collects the cooling water flowing out from the water passages 3. As an example, the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment has a pair of refrigerant tanks 4 and a pair of water tanks 5 disposed on either side of the heat exchange core 1.

[0018] In this embodiment, the refrigerant passage 2 corresponds to an example of a first fluid passage, the water passage 3 corresponds to an example of a second fluid passage, the refrigerant tank 4 corresponds to an example of a first tank, and the water tank 5 corresponds to an example of a second tank.

[0019] 3 and 4, the heat exchanger 100 has a plurality of tubes 20 through which a refrigerant flows. The tubes 20 are refrigerant passage forming members that form the refrigerant passages 2.

[0020] Here, the longitudinal direction of the tubes 20 is defined as the tube longitudinal direction. The stacking direction of the refrigerant passages 2 and the water passages 3, i.e., the stacking direction of the tubes 20, is defined as the tube stacking direction. The direction perpendicular to both the tube longitudinal direction and the tube stacking direction is defined as the core thickness direction.

[0021] There are no particular limitations on the arrangement and shape of the tubes 20. As an example, in the heat exchange core 1 of this embodiment, the tubes 20 are stacked in two rows in the core thickness direction. In other words, the refrigerant passages 2 are stacked in two rows.

[0022] Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat exchange core portions are provided with a one-side core portion 11 arranged on one side in the core thickness direction and an other-side core portion 12 arranged on the other side in the core thickness direction. The tubes 20 constituting the one-side core portion 11 and the tubes 20 constituting the other-side core portion 12 are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from the core thickness direction.

[0023] 5, the present embodiment employs tubes having a flat, multi-hole cross section formed by extrusion as the tubes 20. In the heat exchange core 1, the tubes 20 are stacked at a predetermined interval so that the flat surfaces of their outer surfaces are parallel to and face each other.

[0024] 2 and 3 , side plates 6 are provided at both ends of the heat exchange core 1 in the tube stacking direction. The side plates 6 are formed like plates that have surfaces parallel to the flat surfaces of the tubes 20 and extend parallel to the tube longitudinal direction. When viewed from the tube stacking direction, the side plates 6 overlap both the tubes 20 that make up the one core portion 11 and the tubes 20 that make up the other core portion 12. Both tube longitudinal ends of the side plates 6 are joined to the refrigerant tank 4. In this embodiment, as an example, the side plates 6 are inserted into and joined to a refrigerant tank forming member 40 that forms the refrigerant tank 4.

[0025] Plate-shaped seal plates 7 are provided at both ends of the heat exchange core 1 in the core thickness direction. When viewed from the core thickness direction, the seal plates 7 are provided so as to overlap the entire surface of the heat exchange core 1. The seal plates 7 are joined to the refrigerant tank 4 and the side plates 6.

[0026] The seal plate 7 and the space formed between the adjacent tubes 20 form water passages 3 through which the cooling water flows. Therefore, in the heat exchange core 1, heat exchange can be performed between the refrigerant flowing through the tubes 20 and the cooling water flowing around the tubes 20.

[0027] Fins 8 that promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cooling water are arranged in the water passage 3. There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the fins 8. As an example, in this embodiment, offset fins are used as the fins 8, which are formed by partially cutting and raising a plurality of portions in a thin metal plate.

[0028] Next, the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 in this embodiment will be described. The refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 each extend in the tube stacking direction. When viewed from the tube stacking direction, the refrigerant tank 4 is disposed between the water tank 5 and the heat exchange core unit 1. In other words, when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5, the refrigerant tank 4 is disposed between the water tank 5 and the heat exchange core unit 1. In other words, the refrigerant tank 4, the water tank 5, and the heat exchange core unit 1 are disposed on the same straight line parallel to the tube longitudinal direction. As an example, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4 forms part of the inner wall surface of the water tank 5.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the heat exchanger 100 has a refrigerant tank forming member 40 that forms the refrigerant tank 4 and a water tank forming member 50 that forms the water tank 5.

[0030] The water tank forming member 50 defines a water tank space 50a of the water tank 5 inside. In this embodiment, as an example, the water tank forming member 50 is formed in a bathtub shape. The water tank forming member 50 is formed to have an arc-shaped cross section when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the water tank 5 (i.e., the tube stacking direction).

[0031] The water tank forming member 50 is joined to the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4 opposite the heat exchange core unit 1. A water tank space 50a is formed by the water tank forming member 50 and the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4 opposite the heat exchange core unit 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the water tank forming member 50 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank space 50a is constant from one end to the other end in the tube stacking direction.

[0032] 6, 7, and 8, the refrigerant tank forming member 40 has a plurality of plate-like members 41 to 45. The refrigerant tank 4 is formed by stacking the plurality of plate-like members 41 to 45.

[0033] In this embodiment, as an example, the refrigerant tank forming member 40 has a plate header 41, an intermediate plate 42, a partition plate 43, a first tank plate 44, and a second tank plate 45 as a plurality of plate-like members.

[0034] The tubes 20 are joined to the plate header 41. The first tank plate 44 defines a refrigerant tank space 40a for the refrigerant tank 4 therein. The second tank plate 45, together with the water tank forming member 50, defines a water tank space 50a.

[0035] 9 , the intermediate plate 42 and the partition plate 43 form a plurality of refrigerant communication passages 400. The refrigerant communication passages 400 connect the refrigerant passages 2 of the tubes 20 with the refrigerant tank space 40a. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant communication passages 400 correspond to an example of a first fluid communication portion.

[0036] 10 , the refrigerant tank-forming member 40 is provided with a plurality of water communication passages 500. That is, the plate header 41, the intermediate plate 42, the partition plate 43, the first tank plate 44, and the second tank plate 45 form a plurality of water communication passages 500. The water communication passages 500 are communication portions that communicate the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core unit 1 with the water tank space 50a. In this embodiment, the refrigerant tank-forming member 40 corresponds to an example of the first tank-forming member 40, and the water communication passages 500 correspond to an example of a second fluid communication portion.

[0037] The plate header 41 has a U-shaped cross section (in other words, a bathtub or U-shape) when viewed from the tube stacking direction. Specifically, the plate header 41 is composed of a flat portion 401 and two side portions 402. The flat portion 401 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and extends in the tube stacking direction. The side portions 402 extend from both ends of the flat portion 401 in the core thickness direction toward the side opposite the heat exchange core portion 1. The flat portion 401 and the two side portions 402 are formed integrally.

[0038] 7 and 8 , the flat surface 401 of the plate header 41 is provided with a plurality of tube insertion holes 411 and a plurality of header through-holes 412 that penetrate the flat surface 401 from the front to the back. Tubes 20 are inserted into and joined to the tube insertion holes 411. The header through-holes 412 communicate with the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core 1. The header through-holes 412 form part of a plurality of water communication passages 500.

[0039] When viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the multiple tube insertion holes 411 are provided at positions overlapping with the tubes 20 that communicate with them. Therefore, the tube insertion holes 411 are provided in two rows in the core thickness direction so as to correspond to the tubes 20 that constitute one core portion 11 and the tubes 20 that constitute the other core portion 12.

[0040] There are no particular limitations on the shape and arrangement of the header through holes 412. In this embodiment, as an example, the header through holes 412 are arranged between adjacent tube insertion holes 411. The header through holes 412 are formed in the shape of elongated holes extending over the entire area of ​​the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41 in the core thickness direction. In other words, the header through holes 412 are formed so as to extend from one end side to the other end side of the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41 in the core thickness direction.

[0041] The intermediate plate 42 is formed of a plate-like member having a plurality of intermediate refrigerant through-holes 421 and a plurality of intermediate water through-holes 422 penetrating from the front to the back of the intermediate plate 42. One plate surface of the intermediate plate 42 is joined to the surface of the plate header 41 opposite to the heat exchange core 1. The other plate surface of the intermediate plate 42 is joined to the partition plate 43.

[0042] As a result, the intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421 communicates with the refrigerant passage 2 of the tube 20. The intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421 forms part of the multiple refrigerant communication passages 400. The intermediate water through-hole 422 communicates with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core unit 1 via the header through-hole 412. The intermediate water through-hole 422 forms part of the multiple water communication passages 500.

[0043] In this embodiment, as an example, the intermediate refrigerant through-holes 421 are formed in an elongated hole shape extending in the core thickness direction. When viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the multiple intermediate refrigerant through-holes 421 are provided at positions overlapping with the open ends of the tubes 20 that communicate with them. Each intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421 communicates with both the tubes 20 that constitute one core portion 11 and the tubes 20 that constitute the other core portion 12 that are adjacent in the core thickness direction.

[0044] The intermediate water through hole 422 communicates with the header through hole 412 of the plate header 41. When viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the intermediate water through hole 422 is provided at a position overlapping with the header through hole 412 of the plate header 41. When viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the intermediate water through hole 422 is formed in a shape corresponding to the header through hole 412.

[0045] The partition plate 43 is formed of a plate-like member having a plurality of partition refrigerant through-holes 431 and a plurality of partition water through-holes 432 penetrating from the front to the back of the partition plate 43. One plate surface of the partition plate 43 is joined to the surface of the intermediate plate 42 opposite to the surface joined to the plate header 41. The other plate surface of the partition plate 43 is joined to the first tank plate 44.

[0046] As a result, the partition refrigerant through holes 431 communicate with the refrigerant passages 2 of the tubes 20 via the intermediate refrigerant through holes 421. The partition refrigerant through holes 431 form part of the plurality of refrigerant communication passages 400.

[0047] The partition water through-hole 432 communicates with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core unit 1 via the header through-hole 412 and the intermediate water through-hole 422. The partition water through-hole 432 forms part of a plurality of water communication passages 500.

[0048] In this embodiment, as an example, the partition refrigerant through-hole 431 is disposed on one side of the center in the core thickness direction of the partition plate 43. The partition refrigerant through-hole 431 is provided at a position overlapping with a part of the intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0049] The partition water through hole 432 is disposed on the other side of the center in the core thickness direction of the partition plate 43. The partition water through hole 432 is provided at a position overlapping with a part of the intermediate water through hole 422 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0050] The first tank plate 44 is formed of a plate-like member having refrigerant grooves 441 and first water grooves 442 that penetrate the first tank plate 44 from front to back. One plate surface of the first tank plate 44 is joined to the surface of the partition plate 43 opposite to the surface that is joined to the intermediate plate 42. The other plate surface of the first tank plate 44 is joined to the second tank plate 45.

[0051] As a result, the refrigerant groove 441 forms the refrigerant tank space 40a. The first water groove 442 communicates with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core 1 via the header through-hole 412, the intermediate water through-hole 422, and the partition water through-hole 432. The first water groove 442 forms part of the multiple water communication passages 500.

[0052] In this embodiment, for example, the refrigerant grooves 441 are located on one side of the center in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44. The refrigerant grooves 441 extend in the tube stacking direction. In this embodiment, for example, the refrigerant grooves 441 are arranged in two rows in the core thickness direction. When viewed in the tube longitudinal direction, each refrigerant groove 441 is arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of each of the multiple partition refrigerant through holes 431.

[0053] The first water grooves 442 are disposed on the other side of the center of the first tank plate 44 in the core thickness direction. The first water grooves 442 extend in the tube stacking direction. In this embodiment, as an example, the first water grooves 442 are arranged in two rows in the core thickness direction. Each first water groove 442 is arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of each of the plurality of partition water through holes 432 when viewed in the tube longitudinal direction.

[0054] The second tank plate 45 is formed of a plate-like member provided with a second water groove portion 451 that penetrates from the front to the back of the second tank plate 45. One plate surface of the second tank plate 45 is joined to the surface of the first tank plate 44 opposite the surface that is joined to the partition plate 43. The other plate surface of the second tank plate 45 faces the inner wall surface of the water tank forming member 50 with a gap therebetween.

[0055] As a result, the second water groove 451 is in communication with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core 1 via the header through-hole 412, the intermediate water through-hole 422, the partition water through-hole 432, and the first water groove 442. The second water groove 451 forms part of the multiple water communication passages 500.

[0056] The second water grooves 451 are arranged so as to overlap with the first water grooves 442 when viewed in the tube longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, as an example, the second water grooves 451 are arranged on the other side of the center of the second tank plate 45 in the core thickness direction. The second water grooves 451 extend in the tube stacking direction. Two rows of the second water grooves 451 are arranged in the core thickness direction. The second water grooves 451 are formed in a shape corresponding to the first water grooves 442 when viewed in the tube longitudinal direction.

[0057] In this embodiment, the intermediate refrigerant through-holes 421 in the intermediate plate 42 and the partition refrigerant through-holes 431 in the partition plate 43 form a refrigerant communication passage 400. In addition, the header through-holes 412 in the plate header 41, the intermediate water through-holes 422 in the intermediate plate 42, the partition water through-holes 432 in the partition plate 43, the first water grooves 442 in the first tank plate 44, and the second water grooves 451 in the second tank plate 45 form a water communication passage 500.

[0058] Here, of the pair of refrigerant tanks 4, the refrigerant tank 4 on one side in the longitudinal direction of the tube is defined as one-side refrigerant tank 4A, and the refrigerant tank 4 on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the tube is defined as the other-side refrigerant tank 4B. Also, of the pair of water tanks 5, the water tank 5 on one side in the longitudinal direction of the tube is defined as one-side water tank 5A, and the water tank 5 on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the tube is defined as the other-side water tank 5B.

[0059] 1 and 2, one end of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A in the tube stacking direction is provided with a refrigerant inlet port 461 for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A. One end of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B in the tube stacking direction is provided with a refrigerant outlet port 462 for allowing the refrigerant to flow out of the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B.

[0060] In this embodiment, as an example, the refrigerant inlet port 461 and the refrigerant outlet port 462 are each connected to the surface of the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41 that faces the heat exchange core unit 1. The refrigerant inlet port 461 and the refrigerant outlet port 462 are each provided outside the side plate 6 in the tube stacking direction.

[0061] A water inlet port 521 is provided at one end of the other water tank 5B in the tube stacking direction to allow cooling water to flow into the water tank space 50a of the other water tank 5B. A water outlet port 522 is provided at one end of the one water tank 5A in the tube stacking direction to allow cooling water to flow out of the water tank space 50a of the one water tank 5A.

[0062] In this embodiment, as an example, the water inlet port 521 and the water outlet port 522 are each connected to the upper surface of the water tank forming member 50 (i.e., the surface on one end side in the tube longitudinal direction).

[0063] The first refrigerant tank 4A has an inlet-side communication passage 471 that connects the refrigerant inlet port 461 to the refrigerant tank space 40a of the first refrigerant tank 4A. The second refrigerant tank 4B has an outlet-side communication passage 472 that connects the refrigerant outlet port 462 to the refrigerant tank space 40a of the second refrigerant tank 4B.

[0064] 7 and 8, a first communication hole 413 is provided in the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41, penetrating from the front to the back of the flat portion 401. The first communication hole 413 communicates with the refrigerant inlet port 461 or the refrigerant outlet port 462.

[0065] The intermediate plate 42 is provided with a second communication hole 423 that penetrates from the front to the back of the plate 42. The second communication hole 423 communicates with the refrigerant inlet port 461 or the refrigerant outlet port 462 via the first communication hole 413.

[0066] A third communication hole 433 is provided in the partition plate 43, penetrating from the front to the back of the plate. The third communication hole 433 communicates with the refrigerant inlet port 461 or the refrigerant outlet port 462 via the first communication hole 413 or the second communication hole 423.

[0067] When viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tube, the first communication hole 413, the second communication hole 423, and the third communication hole 433 are each positioned so as to overlap a portion of the refrigerant groove 441. When viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tube, the first communication hole 413, the second communication hole 423, and the third communication hole 433 each overlap both of the two rows of the refrigerant groove 441.

[0068] In this embodiment, as an example, the first communication hole 413 is located at one end, in the tube stacking direction, of the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41. The second communication hole 423 is located at one end, in the tube stacking direction, of the intermediate plate 42. The third communication hole 433 is located at one end, in the tube stacking direction, of the partition plate 43.

[0069] As a result, as shown in Figure 3, an inlet side communicating passage 471 and an outlet side communicating passage 472 are formed by the first communicating hole 413 in the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41, the second communicating hole 423 in the intermediate plate 42, and the third communicating hole 433 in the partition plate 43.

[0070] Next, the flow of the refrigerant and the flow of the cooling water in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

[0071] The refrigerant flows from the refrigerant inlet port 461 into the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A through the inlet-side communication passage 471. Then, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 9, the refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is distributed to the multiple tubes 20 through the multiple refrigerant communication passages 400. The refrigerant that has flowed through the multiple tubes 20 is collected in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B through the multiple refrigerant communication passages 400 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B.

[0072] On the other hand, water flows into the water tank space 50a of the other-side water tank 5B from the water inlet port 521. Then, as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 10, the cooling water that has flowed into the water tank space 50a of the other-side water tank 5B is introduced into the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core 1 via multiple water communication passages 500. The cooling water that has flowed through the water passage 3 returns to the water tank space 50a of the one-side water tank 5A via the multiple water communication passages 500 of the one-side water tank 5A.

[0073] In this embodiment, as described above, the header through-holes 412 are formed to extend over the entire area in the core thickness direction in the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the communication portion of the water communication passage 500 with the water passage 3 (i.e., the inlet and outlet portion for the cooling water) extends over the entire area in the core thickness direction.

[0074] 7 and 8 , among the through holes 412, 422, 432 and grooves 442, 451 that form the water communication passage 500, the partition water through hole 432 of the partition plate 43 has the smallest flow path cross-sectional area for the cooling water. Here, the sum of the flow path cross-sectional areas of all the partition water through holes 432 formed in the partition plate 43 is defined as the total small passage cross-sectional area. In this case, the total small passage cross-sectional area is equal to or greater than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port 521.

[0075] 11, the solid arrows indicate the flow of the refrigerant, and the hollow arrows indicate the flow of the cooling water. As shown in Fig. 11, in the heat exchange core 1 of this embodiment, the flow direction of the refrigerant through the refrigerant passage 2 is opposite to the flow direction of the cooling water through the water passage 3. In other words, the refrigerant and the cooling water flow in countercurrent fashion in the heat exchange core 1.

[0076] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, when viewed from the tube stacking direction, the refrigerant tank 4 is disposed between the water tank 5 and the heat exchange core 1. This allows the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 to be disposed in close proximity (i.e., as close as possible), making it possible to reduce the size of the heat exchanger 100.

[0077] More specifically, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 is parallel to the tube longitudinal direction, which prevents the refrigerant tank 4 or the water tank 5 from protruding in the core thickness direction beyond the heat exchange core unit 1. This allows the length of the heat exchanger 100 in the core thickness direction where the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 are arranged to be shortened. In other words, when viewed from the tube stacking direction, the length of the heat exchanger 100 in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the water tank 5, the refrigerant tank 4, and the heat exchange core unit 1 can be shortened. As a result, the heat exchanger 100 can be made more compact.

[0078] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, a water communication passage 500 is formed inside the refrigerant tank 4, connecting the water tank 5 with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core unit 1. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, the fins 8 can be arranged up to the end of the water passage 3 in the longitudinal direction of the tubes, thereby ensuring a sufficient heat transfer area for the coolant in the heat exchange core unit 1. This makes it possible to ensure heat exchange performance.

[0079] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the communicating portion of the water communication passage 500 with the water passage 3 is formed so as to extend over the entire area in the core thickness direction. This makes it possible to increase the passage cross-sectional area of ​​the communicating portion of the water communication passage 500 with the water passage 3. As a result, for example, it is possible to improve the distribution performance of the cooling water flowing out of the water communication passage 500 to the water passage 3.

[0080] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the total small passage cross-sectional area, which is the sum of the passage cross-sectional areas of all the partition water through holes 432 formed in the partition plate 43, is set to be equal to or greater than the passage cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet port 521. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in water flow resistance in the partition water through hole 432, which has the smallest passage cross-sectional area among the water communication passages 500.

[0081] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the shapes of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5. Note that Fig. 12 corresponds to Fig. 10 described in the first embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Figure 12, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, a water communication passage 500 that connects the water tank space 50a of the water tank 5 and the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core section 1 is provided on the outer periphery of the refrigerant tank forming member 40 of the refrigerant tank 4.

[0083] In this embodiment, as an example, the water communication passages 500 are provided on both outer sides in the core thickness direction of the refrigerant tank 4. The water communication passages 500 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the refrigerant tank forming member 40 in the core thickness direction.

[0084] The water tank forming member 50 of the water tank 5 is made of resin. The water tank forming member 50 is formed to cover the refrigerant tank 4 from the outside. A communication gap 50c is formed between the inner wall surface of the water tank forming member 50 and the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4. A seal-side through-hole 71 that penetrates from front to back is provided at the end of the seal plate 7 on the outer side in the tube longitudinal direction (i.e., on the refrigerant tank 4 side).

[0085] The water tank space 50a of the water tank 5 communicates with the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core 1 via the communication gap 50c and the seal-side through-hole 71. Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication gap 50c and the seal-side through-hole 71 form a water communication passage 500.

[0086] The inner end of the water tank forming member 50 in the longitudinal direction of the tube is joined to the outer surface of the seal plate 7. The joint between the water tank forming member 50 and the seal plate 7 is located inside the seal-side through-hole 71 in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0087] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the water communication passage 500 is provided on the outer periphery of the refrigerant tank-forming member 40. This eliminates the need to form the water communication passage 500 in the refrigerant tank-forming member 40. In other words, it is no longer necessary to provide through holes or grooves for forming the water communication passage 500 in the plate-like members 41 to 45 of the refrigerant tank-forming member 40. This simplifies the configuration of the refrigerant tank 4.

[0088] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the water communication passages 500 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line in the core thickness direction of the refrigerant tank forming member 40. This allows the cooling water to flow into the water passages 3 from both sides in the core thickness direction, thereby improving the distribution performance of the cooling water.

[0089] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the shapes of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5. Note that Fig. 13 corresponds to Fig. 10 described in the first embodiment.

[0090] 13 , in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, two refrigerant tanks 4 are provided at each end of the heat exchange core 1 in the tube longitudinal direction so as to be connected to the ends of the two rows of tubes 20. In other words, two refrigerant tanks 4 are provided so as to be connected to the ends of the two rows of refrigerant passages 2.

[0091] The water tank 5 is formed by the space between the two refrigerant tanks 4. At this time, the outer surfaces of the refrigerant tanks 4 form at least a part of the inner wall surface of the water tank 5.

[0092] In this embodiment, as an example, the heat exchanger 100 has a lid 55 that connects the outer ends of the tubes in the longitudinal direction of the two refrigerant tanks 4. The lid 55 is formed in a plate shape that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubes. A water inlet port 521 or a water outlet port 522 is connected to the lid 55.

[0093] The water tank 5 is formed by the lid portion 55 and the space between the two refrigerant tanks 4. In other words, the water tank space 50a is formed by the lid portion 55 and the space between the two refrigerant tanks 4. At this time, the inner surface of the lid portion 55 in the tube longitudinal direction and the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4 form the inner wall surface of the water tank 5.

[0094] The seal plate 7 is joined to the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4 in the core thickness direction. As a result, the space between the seal plate 7 and the refrigerant tank 4 forms a water communication passage 500 that connects the water tank space 50a and the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core 1.

[0095] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the water tank 5 is formed by the space between the two refrigerant tanks 4. This allows the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 to be disposed in close proximity (i.e., as close as possible), thereby reducing the size of the heat exchanger 100. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a separate water tank forming member for forming the water tank, the configuration of the water tank 5 can be simplified.

[0096] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shapes of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5. Fig. 14 corresponds to Fig. 9 described in the first embodiment. Fig. 15 corresponds to Fig. 10 described in the first embodiment.

[0097] 14 and 15 , the refrigerant tank 4 of this embodiment has a refrigerant tank plate 48 instead of the first plate and the second plate of the first embodiment. One plate surface of the refrigerant tank plate 48 is joined to the surface of the partition plate 43 opposite to the surface joined to the intermediate plate 42.

[0098] Furthermore, the refrigerant tank 4 has an internal space forming portion 49 that forms the refrigerant tank space 40a inside the water tank space 50a. The internal space forming portion 49 is disposed inside the water tank forming member 50. The outer surface of the internal space forming portion 49 forms a part of the inner wall surface of the water tank 5.

[0099] The internal space forming portion 49 has a semicircular cross section (i.e., bathtub-shaped or U-shaped) perpendicular to the tube stacking direction. The internal space forming portion 49 is connected to the other plate surface of the refrigerant tank plate 48. The internal space forming portion 49 is disposed in the center of the refrigerant tank plate 48 in the core thickness direction. The internal space forming portion 49 may be formed integrally with the refrigerant tank plate 48, or may be provided as a separate body.

[0100] The refrigerant tank plate 48 is provided with a first tank groove 481 that communicates with the refrigerant tank space 40a and a second tank groove 482 that communicates with the water tank space 50a. The first tank groove 481 and the second tank groove 482 are formed to penetrate the refrigerant tank plate 48 from the front to the back.

[0101] The first tank groove 481 is disposed in the center in the core thickness direction of the refrigerant tank plate 48. The first tank groove 481 communicates with the partition refrigerant through-hole 431 of the partition plate 43. The intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421 of the plate header 41, the partition refrigerant through-hole 431 of the partition plate 43, and the first tank groove 481 form a refrigerant communication passage 400.

[0102] The second tank grooves 482 are arranged on both outer sides in the core thickness direction of the first tank grooves 481 in the refrigerant tank plate 48. The second tank grooves 482 communicate with the partition water through holes 432 of the partition plate 43. A water communication passage 500 is formed by the header through holes 412 of the plate header 41, the intermediate water through holes 422 of the intermediate plate 42, the partition water through holes 432 of the partition plate 43, and the second tank grooves 482.

[0103] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the refrigerant tank 4 is provided with the internal space forming portion 49 that forms the refrigerant tank space 40a inside the water tank space 50a. This allows the grooves for forming the refrigerant tank space 40a to be smaller in the plate-like members 41 to 45. This prevents a decrease in the strength of the refrigerant tank 4 due to the provision of the grooves in the plate-like members 41 to 45, thereby improving the pressure resistance of the refrigerant tank 4.

[0104] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the plurality of plate-like members 41 to 45 of the refrigerant tank 4. Note that Fig. 16 corresponds to Fig. 7 described in the first embodiment. Fig. 17 corresponds to Fig. 8 described in the first embodiment.

[0105] First, the multiple plate-like members 41 to 45 that form the one-side refrigerant tank 4A will be described. Here, the plate header 41 of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is defined as the one-side plate header 41A. The intermediate plate 42 of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is defined as the one-side intermediate plate 42A. The partition plate 43 of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is defined as the one-side partition plate 43A. The first tank plate 44 of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is defined as the one-side first tank plate 44A. The second tank plate 45 of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A is defined as the one-side second tank plate 45A.

[0106] 16 , in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the one-side second tank plate 45A is provided with a row of second water grooves 451 in the core thickness direction. The second water grooves 451 are arranged in a range from the other end side of the one-side second tank plate 45A in the core thickness direction (the lower side of the paper in FIG. 16 ) to one-quarter of the way in the core thickness direction.

[0107] In the first tank plate 44A on one side, a first water groove 442 is formed in a shape that corresponds to the second water groove 451 when viewed in the tube longitudinal direction. The first water groove 442 is provided so as to overlap the second water groove 451 when viewed in the tube longitudinal direction. In other words, the first water groove 442 is disposed in a range from the other end side in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44A to one-fourth of the way in the core thickness direction.

[0108] The first tank plate 44A on one side is formed with a first refrigerant groove 441a, a second refrigerant groove 441b, and a third refrigerant groove 441c as refrigerant grooves that define the refrigerant tank space 40a. The first refrigerant groove 441a is disposed on one side of the first tank plate 44A in the core thickness direction relative to the first water groove 442, and in a range from the other end to the center in the core thickness direction.

[0109] The second refrigerant groove 441b and the third refrigerant groove 441c are arranged on the other side of the first refrigerant groove 441a in the core thickness direction. The second refrigerant groove 441b and the third refrigerant groove 441c are each stacked in two rows in the core thickness direction. The second refrigerant groove 441b is arranged below the third refrigerant groove 441c (to the right of the paper surface in FIG. 16 ).

[0110] In this embodiment, the second refrigerant grooves 441b are arranged in a range extending from the lower end face of the first tank plate 44A to one-third of the way in the tube stacking direction, and the third refrigerant grooves 441c are arranged in a range extending from the upper end face of the first tank plate 44A to two-thirds of the way in the tube stacking direction.

[0111] The one-side partition plate 43A is provided with a plurality of lower partition refrigerant through-holes 431a, a plurality of middle partition refrigerant through-holes 431b, and a plurality of upper partition refrigerant through-holes 431c as partition refrigerant through-holes. The lower partition refrigerant through-holes 431a are positioned below the middle partition refrigerant through-holes 431b. The upper partition refrigerant through-holes 431c are positioned above the middle partition refrigerant through-holes 431b.

[0112] The lower partition refrigerant through-hole 431a is provided so as to overlap the first refrigerant groove 441a and the two rows of second refrigerant grooves 441b when viewed in the tube longitudinal direction. That is, the lower partition refrigerant through-hole 431a extends from one end of the one-side partition plate 43A in the core thickness direction to a range of three-quarters of the way in the core thickness direction.

[0113] The middle partition refrigerant through-holes 431b and the upper partition refrigerant through-holes 431c have the same shape and are arranged to overlap with the two rows of third refrigerant grooves 441c when viewed in the tube longitudinal direction. That is, the middle partition refrigerant through-holes 431b and the upper partition refrigerant through-holes 431c extend from one end of the one-side partition plate 43A in the core thickness direction to the center of the one-side partition plate 43A in the core thickness direction.

[0114] The lower partition refrigerant through-holes 431a are arranged in a range extending from the lower end face of the one-side partition plate 43A to one-third of the way in the tube stacking direction. The upper partition refrigerant through-holes 431c are arranged in a range extending from the upper end face of the one-side partition plate 43A to one-third of the way in the tube stacking direction. The middle partition refrigerant through-holes 431b are arranged near the center of the one-side partition plate 43A. That is, the middle partition refrigerant through-holes 431b are arranged between the lower partition refrigerant through-holes 431a and the upper partition refrigerant through-holes 431c of the one-side partition plate 43A.

[0115] The one-side partition plate 43A is provided with a plurality of partition water through holes 432 so as to overlap with the first water groove portions 442 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tube. That is, the partition water through holes 432 extend from the other end side of the one-side partition plate 43A in the core thickness direction to a range of 1 / 4 of the core thickness direction.

[0116] The one-side intermediate plate 42A is formed with a plurality of intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 similar to those in the first embodiment, and a plurality of intermediate water through holes 422 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0117] A flat surface 401 of one side plate header 41A is formed with a plurality of tube insertion holes 411 similar to those in the first embodiment, and a plurality of header through holes 412 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0118] In this embodiment, the intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421 in the one-side intermediate plate 42A, and the lower partition refrigerant through-hole 431a, middle partition refrigerant through-hole 431b, and upper partition refrigerant through-hole 431c in the one-side partition plate 43A form a refrigerant communication passage 400. In addition, the header through-hole 412 in the one-side plate header 41A, the intermediate water through-hole 422 in the one-side intermediate plate 42A, the partition water through-hole 432 in the one-side partition plate 43A, the first water groove 442 in the one-side first tank plate 44A, and the second water groove 451 in the one-side second tank plate 45A form a water communication passage 500.

[0119] Next, the multiple plate-like members 41 to 45 that form the other-side refrigerant tank 4B will be described. Here, the plate header 41 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B is defined as the other-side plate header 41B. The intermediate plate 42 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B is defined as the other-side intermediate plate 42B. The partition plate 43 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B is defined as the other-side partition plate 43B. The first tank plate 44 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B is defined as the other-side first tank plate 44B. The second tank plate 45 of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B is defined as the other-side second tank plate 45B.

[0120] 17 , in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the other-side second tank plate 45B is provided with two rows of second water grooves 451 in the core thickness direction. The two rows of second water grooves 451 are arranged in a range from one end side of the one-side second tank plate 45B in the core thickness direction (the upper side of the paper in FIG. 17 ) to halfway in the core thickness direction.

[0121] The other-side first tank plate 44B has a first water groove 442 formed in a shape corresponding to the second water groove 451 of the other-side second tank plate 45B when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. The first water groove 442 is provided so as to overlap with the second water groove 451 of the other-side second tank plate 45B when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0122] That is, the other-side first tank plate 44B is provided with two rows of first water grooves 442 in the core thickness direction. The two rows of first water grooves 442 are arranged in a range from one end side of the other-side first tank plate 44B in the core thickness direction to half of the way along the core thickness direction.

[0123] The other-side first tank plate 44B is formed with a fourth refrigerant groove 441d and a fifth refrigerant groove 441e as refrigerant grooves that define the refrigerant tank space 40a. The fourth refrigerant groove 441d and the fifth refrigerant groove 441e are located on the other side of the other-side first tank plate 44B in the core thickness direction relative to the first water groove 442. The fourth refrigerant groove 441d and the fifth refrigerant groove 441e are each stacked in two rows in the core thickness direction. The fourth refrigerant groove 441d is located below the fifth refrigerant groove 441e (to the right of the paper surface in FIG. 17 ).

[0124] In this embodiment, for example, the fourth refrigerant groove 441d is disposed in a range extending from the lower end face of the other first tank plate 44B to two-thirds of the way in the tube stacking direction, and the fifth refrigerant groove 441e is disposed in a range extending from the upper end face of the other first tank plate 44B to one-third of the way in the tube stacking direction.

[0125] The other-side partition plate 43B is formed with a plurality of partition refrigerant through holes 431 similar to those in the first embodiment, and a plurality of partition water through holes 432 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0126] The other-side intermediate plate 42B is formed with a plurality of intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 similar to those in the first embodiment, and a plurality of intermediate water through holes 422 similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0127] A plurality of tube insertion holes 411 similar to those in the first embodiment and a plurality of header through holes 412 similar to those in the first embodiment are formed in the flat portion 401 of the other plate header 41B.

[0128] In the present embodiment, the intermediate refrigerant through-holes 421 in the other-side intermediate plate 42B and the partition refrigerant through-holes 431 in the other-side partition plate 43B form a refrigerant communication passage 400. In addition, the header through-holes 412 in the other-side plate header 41B, the intermediate water through-holes 422 in the other-side intermediate plate 42B, the partition water through-holes 432 in the other-side partition plate 43B, the first water grooves 442 in the other-side first tank plate 44B, and the second water grooves 451 in the other-side second tank plate 45B form a water communication passage 500.

[0129] 16 , among the plurality of intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the one-side intermediate plate 42A, those that communicate with the lower partition refrigerant through holes 431a are defined as lower intermediate refrigerant through holes 421a. Among the plurality of intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the one-side intermediate plate 42A, those that communicate with the middle partition refrigerant through holes 431b are defined as middle intermediate refrigerant through holes 421b. Among the plurality of intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the one-side intermediate plate 42A, those that communicate with the upper partition refrigerant through holes 431c are defined as upper intermediate refrigerant through holes 421c.

[0130] Of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the one-side plate header 41A, those that communicate with the lower intermediate refrigerant through holes 421a are defined as lower tube insertion holes 411a. Of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the one-side plate header 41A, those that communicate with the middle intermediate refrigerant through holes 421b are defined as middle tube insertion holes 411b. Of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the one-side plate header 41A, those that communicate with the upper intermediate refrigerant through holes 421c are defined as upper tube insertion holes 411c.

[0131] Although not shown, among the multiple tubes 20 constituting the heat exchange core unit 1, those joined to the lower tube insertion holes 411a are defined as lower tubes. Among the multiple tubes 20 constituting the heat exchange core unit 1, those joined to the middle tube insertion holes 411b are defined as middle tubes. Among the multiple tubes 20 constituting the heat exchange core unit 1, those joined to the upper tube insertion holes 411c are defined as upper tubes.

[0132] 17, of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the other-side plate header 41B, the one into which the lower tube is inserted and joined is defined as a first tube insertion hole 411d. Of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the other-side plate header 41B, the one into which the middle tube is inserted and joined is defined as a second tube insertion hole 411e. Of the multiple tube insertion holes 411 in the other-side plate header 41B, the one into which the lower tube is inserted and joined is defined as a third tube insertion hole 411f.

[0133] The first tube insertion hole 411d, the second tube insertion hole 411e, and the third tube insertion hole 411f are arranged in the planar portion 401 of the other side plate header 41B in the order of first tube insertion hole 411d, second tube insertion hole 411e, and third tube insertion hole 411f from the bottom side.

[0134] Of the multiple intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the other-side intermediate plate 42B, one that communicates with the first tube insertion hole 411d is defined as a first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d. Of the multiple intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the other-side intermediate plate 42B, one that communicates with the second tube insertion hole 411e is defined as a second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e. Of the multiple intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 in the other-side intermediate plate 42B, one that communicates with the third tube insertion hole 411f is defined as a third intermediate refrigerant through hole 421f.

[0135] The first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d, the second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e and the third intermediate refrigerant through hole 421f are arranged on the other side intermediate plate 42B in the order of the first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d, the second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e and the third intermediate refrigerant through hole 421f from the bottom side.

[0136] Of the multiple partition refrigerant through holes 431 in the other-side partition plate 43B, those that communicate with the first intermediate refrigerant through holes 421d are defined as first partition refrigerant through holes 431d. Of the multiple partition refrigerant through holes 431 in the other-side partition plate 43B, those that communicate with the second intermediate refrigerant through holes 421e are defined as second partition refrigerant through holes 431e. Of the multiple partition refrigerant through holes 431 in the other-side partition plate 43B, those that communicate with the third intermediate refrigerant through holes 421f are defined as third partition refrigerant through holes 431f.

[0137] The first partition refrigerant through-hole 431d and the second partition refrigerant through-hole 431e communicate with the fourth refrigerant groove 441d. The third partition refrigerant through-hole 431f communicates with the fifth refrigerant groove 441e. The first partition refrigerant through-hole 431d, the second partition refrigerant through-hole 431e, and the third partition refrigerant through-hole 431f are arranged in this order from the bottom on the other-side partition plate 43B.

[0138] 16, a fourth communication hole 413a is provided in the flat portion 401 of the one-side plate header 41A, penetrating the flat portion 401 from the front to the back. The fourth communication hole 413a communicates with the refrigerant inlet port 461.

[0139] The intermediate plate 42A has a fifth communication hole 423a penetrating from the front to the back of the plate 42A, which communicates with the refrigerant inlet port 461 via the fourth communication hole 413a.

[0140] One side partition plate 43A has a sixth communication hole 433a penetrating from the front to the back thereof. Sixth communication hole 433a communicates with refrigerant inlet port 461 via fourth communication hole 413a and fifth communication hole 423a. Fourth communication hole 413a, fifth communication hole 423a, and sixth communication hole 433a are each positioned so as to overlap a portion of first refrigerant groove 441a when viewed in the tube longitudinal direction.

[0141] In this embodiment, for example, the fourth communication hole 413a is located at the upper end of the flat portion 401 of the one-side plate header 41A, the fifth communication hole 423a is located at the upper end of the one-side intermediate plate 42A, and the sixth communication hole 433a is located at the upper end of the one-side partition plate 43A.

[0142] As a result, an inlet side communicating passage 471 is formed by the fourth communicating hole 413a in the flat portion 401 of the one side plate header 41A, the fifth communicating hole 423a in the one side intermediate plate 42A, and the sixth communicating hole 433a in the one side partition plate 43A.

[0143] 17, a seventh communication hole 413b is provided in the flat portion 401 of the other plate header 41B, penetrating the flat portion 401 from the front to the back. The seventh communication hole 413b communicates with the refrigerant outlet port 462.

[0144] The other-side intermediate plate 42B is provided with an eighth communication hole 423b that penetrates from the front to the back of the plate 42B. The eighth communication hole 423b communicates with the refrigerant outlet port 462 via the seventh communication hole 413b.

[0145] The other-side partition plate 43B has a ninth communication hole 433b penetrating from the front to the back. The ninth communication hole 433b communicates with the refrigerant outflow port 462 via the seventh communication hole 413b and the eighth communication hole 423b. The seventh communication hole 413b, the eighth communication hole 423b, and the ninth communication hole 433b are each positioned so as to overlap a portion of each of the two rows of fifth refrigerant grooves 441e when viewed in the tube longitudinal direction.

[0146] In this embodiment, for example, the seventh communication hole 413b is located at the upper end of the flat portion 401 of the other-side plate header 41B, the eighth communication hole 423b is located at the upper end of the other-side intermediate plate 42B, and the ninth communication hole 433b is located at the upper end of the other-side partition plate 43B.

[0147] As a result, an outflow side communicating passage 472 is formed by the seventh communicating hole 413b in the flat portion 401 of the other side plate header 41B, the eighth communicating hole 423b in the other side intermediate plate 42B, and the ninth communicating hole 433b in the other side partition plate 43B.

[0148] Next, the flow of refrigerant in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0149] In the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant inlet port 461 through the inlet-side communication passage 471 into the first refrigerant groove 441a, which is part of the refrigerant tank space 40a of the first refrigerant tank 4A. As shown by the dashed arrow Y1 in FIG. 16 , the refrigerant that has flowed into the first refrigerant groove 441a flows from the top to the bottom of the first refrigerant groove 441a and flows into the lower partition refrigerant through-hole 431a.

[0150] The refrigerant that has flowed into the lower partition refrigerant through-hole 431a flows through the lower partition refrigerant through-hole 431a from the other side to one side in the core thickness direction, as indicated by dashed arrow Y2 in Fig. 16, and then flows into the fourth refrigerant groove 441d and the lower intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421a. The refrigerant that has flowed into the lower intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421a flows through the lower tube and into the first intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421d of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B.

[0151] The refrigerant that flows into the first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d flows from one side to the other side in the core thickness direction through the first intermediate refrigerant through hole 421d, as shown by the dashed arrow Y3 in Figure 17, and flows into the fourth refrigerant groove portion 441d, which is part of the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other side refrigerant tank 4B, through the first partition refrigerant through hole 431d.

[0152] The refrigerant that has flowed into the fourth refrigerant groove 441d flows from the bottom to the top of the fourth refrigerant groove 441d, passes through the second partition refrigerant through hole 431e, and flows into the second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e as indicated by a dashed arrow Y4 in Fig. 17. The refrigerant that has flowed into the second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e flows from the other side to the one side in the core thickness direction through the second intermediate refrigerant through hole 421e as indicated by a dashed arrow Y5 in Fig. 17, and flows into the inner tube.

[0153] The refrigerant that has flowed into the middle tube flows through the middle intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421b and the middle partition refrigerant through-hole 431b into the third refrigerant groove 441c, which is part of the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one refrigerant tank 4A. As indicated by dashed arrow Y6 in FIG. 16 , the refrigerant that has flowed into the third refrigerant groove 441c flows from the bottom to the top of the third refrigerant groove 441c and then flows into the upper tube through the upper partition refrigerant through-hole 431c and the upper intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421c.

[0154] The refrigerant that has flowed into the upper tube flows through the third intermediate refrigerant through-hole 421f and the third partition refrigerant through-hole 431f into the fifth refrigerant groove 441e, which is part of the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other refrigerant tank 4B. As shown by the dashed arrow Y7 in FIG. 17 , the refrigerant that has flowed into the fifth refrigerant groove 441e flows from the bottom to the top of the fifth refrigerant groove 441e, and then flows through the outlet-side communicating passage 472 and out of the refrigerant outlet port 462.

[0155] 18 , the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment has a first path P1, a second path P2, and a third path P3 as a path configuration through which the refrigerant flows. The first path P1 collects the refrigerant distributed from below the first refrigerant groove 441a in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A to below the fourth refrigerant groove 441d in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B. The second path P2 collects the refrigerant distributed from above the fourth refrigerant groove 441d in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other-side refrigerant tank 4B to below the third refrigerant groove 441c in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one-side refrigerant tank 4A. The third path P3 collects the refrigerant distributed above the third refrigerant groove portion 441c in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the one side refrigerant tank 4A into the fifth refrigerant groove portion 441e in the refrigerant tank space 40a of the other side refrigerant tank 4B.

[0156] The term "path" refers to a group of tubes that allow the same type of fluid distributed from the same distribution space to flow in the same direction toward the same collection space.

[0157] 18, the filled arrows (i.e., solid arrows) indicate the flow of refrigerant, and the hollow arrows indicate the flow of cooling water. As shown in Fig. 18, in the heat exchange core unit 1 of this embodiment, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the first path P1 and the third path P of the refrigerant passage 2 is opposite to the flow direction of the cooling water flowing through the water passage 3. In other words, in the heat exchange core unit 1, the refrigerant flowing through the first path P1 and the third path P3 and the cooling water flowing through the water passage 3 flow in counterflow directions.

[0158] In this embodiment, by changing the configuration of the through holes and grooves formed in the plate-like members 41 to 45 of the refrigerant tank forming member 40, it is possible to change the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant passage 2 of the heat exchange core 1. This makes it possible to adjust the heat exchange capacity between the refrigerant and the coolant in the heat exchanger 100.

[0159] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the water passage 3 and the water tank 5 of the heat exchange core 1. Note that Figures 19 and 20 correspond to Figure 10 described in the first embodiment. Figure 21 corresponds to Figure 7 described in the first embodiment.

[0160] 19 and 20 , the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment includes a partition member 9 that divides the water passage 3 of the heat exchange core 1 into two in the core thickness direction. The partition member 9 is made of, for example, a metal plate. The partition member 9 is connected to the side plates 6 at both ends in the tube stacking direction.

[0161] Here, of the two water passages 3 divided by the partition member 9, the water passage located on one side of the core thickness direction is defined as the one-side water passage 31, and the water passage located on the other side of the core thickness direction is defined as the other-side water passage 32.

[0162] 19 , the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment has a first water tank 51 and a second water tank 52 as the one-side water tank 5A. The first water tank 51 is disposed on one side of the second water tank 52 in the core thickness direction. The first water tank 51 distributes cooling water to the one-side water passages 31. The second water tank 52 collects the cooling water that has flowed through the other-side water passages 32.

[0163] Although not shown, the first water tank 51 is provided with a water inlet port through which cooling water flows into the water tank space 50a of the first water tank 51. The second water tank 52 is provided with a water outlet port through which cooling water flows out of the water tank space 50a of the second water tank 52.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 20 , in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the other-side water tank 5B collects the cooling water that has flowed through the one-side water passage 31 and distributes the cooling water to the other-side water passage 32 .

[0165] Next, the plurality of plate-like members 41 to 45 that form the refrigerant tank 4 of this embodiment will be described.

[0166] 21 , in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, two rows of second water grooves 451 are provided in the second tank plate 45 in the core thickness direction. One of the two rows of second water grooves 451 is disposed in a range from one end side of the second tank plate 45 in the core thickness direction (upper side of the paper in FIG. 21 ) to one-quarter of the way in the core thickness direction. The other of the two rows of second water grooves 451 is disposed in a range from the other end side of the second tank plate 45 in the core thickness direction (lower side of the paper in FIG. 21 ) to one-quarter of the way in the core thickness direction.

[0167] In the first tank plate 44, the first water groove portion 442 is formed in a shape corresponding to the second water groove portion 451 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. The first water groove portion 442 is provided so as to overlap with the second water groove portion 451 of the second tank plate 45 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0168] That is, two rows of a plurality of first water grooves 442 are provided in the first tank plate 44 in the core thickness direction. One of the two rows of first water grooves 442 is arranged in a range from one end of the first tank plate 44 in the core thickness direction to one-quarter of the way along the core thickness direction. The other of the two rows of second water grooves 451 is arranged in a range from the other end of the first tank plate 44 in the core thickness direction to one-quarter of the way along the core thickness direction.

[0169] The first tank plate 44 is provided with two rows of refrigerant grooves 441 in the core thickness direction. The two rows of refrigerant grooves 441 are disposed between two rows of second water grooves 451.

[0170] One of the two rows of refrigerant grooves 441 is disposed closer to one end than the center in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44. The other of the two rows of refrigerant grooves 441 is disposed closer to the other end than the center in the core thickness direction of the first tank plate 44.

[0171] The partition plate 43 has two rows of partition water through holes 432 arranged in the core thickness direction. One of the two rows of partition water through holes 432 is arranged in a range from one end of the partition plate 43 in the core thickness direction to one-quarter of the way through in the core thickness direction. The other of the two rows of partition water through holes 432 is arranged in a range from the other end of the partition plate 43 in the core thickness direction to one-quarter of the way through in the core thickness direction.

[0172] A partition refrigerant through hole 431 is provided between the two rows of partition water through holes 432 in the partition plate 43. The partition refrigerant through hole 431 is disposed near the center of the partition plate 43 in the core thickness direction.

[0173] The intermediate plate 42 is formed with a plurality of intermediate refrigerant through holes 421 similar to those in the first embodiment. The intermediate plate 42 also has a plurality of intermediate water through holes 422 arranged in two rows in the core thickness direction.

[0174] The two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 are arranged so as to overlap with the two rows of partition water through holes 432 in the partition plate 43 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tube. That is, the intermediate water through hole 422 at one end of the core thickness direction of the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 is arranged so as to overlap with the partition water through hole 432 at one end of the core thickness direction of the two rows of partition water through holes 432 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tube. The intermediate water through hole 422 at the other end of the core thickness direction of the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 is arranged so as to overlap with the partition water through hole 432 at the other end of the core thickness direction of the two rows of partition water through holes 432 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0175] In this embodiment, as an example, the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 each extend from the end side to the center side in the core thickness direction of the intermediate plate 42 .

[0176] Similar to the first embodiment, a plurality of tube insertion holes 411 are provided in the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41. In addition, a plurality of header through holes 412 are provided in two rows in the core thickness direction in the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41.

[0177] The two rows of header through holes 412 are arranged so as to overlap with the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 in the intermediate plate 42 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. That is, the header through hole 412 at one end of the core thickness direction of the two rows of header through holes 412 is arranged so as to overlap with the intermediate water through hole 422 at one end of the core thickness direction of the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. The header through hole 412 at the other end of the core thickness direction of the two rows of header through holes 412 is arranged so as to overlap with the partition water through hole 432 at the other end of the core thickness direction of the two rows of intermediate water through holes 422 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0178] In this embodiment, as an example, the two rows of header through holes 412 each extend from an end side to a center side in the core thickness direction of the intermediate plate 42 .

[0179] As described above, multiple plate-like members 41 to 45 are configured, and therefore, in this embodiment, two water communication passages 500 are formed in the refrigerant tank 4. Of the two water communication passages 500, the water communication passage 500 located at one end in the core thickness direction is defined as the one-side water communication passage 500a. Of the two water communication passages 500, the water communication passage 500 located at the other end in the core thickness direction is defined as the other-side water communication passage 500b.

[0180] Next, the flow of cooling water in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG.

[0181] In the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the cooling water flows from the water inlet port into the water tank space 50a of the first water tank 51. The cooling water that has flowed into the water tank space 50a of the first water tank 51 flows into the one-side water passage 31 via the one-side water communication passage 500a, as shown by the solid arrow Y10 in Figure 19.

[0182] The cooling water that flows into the one-side water passage 31 flows into the water tank space 50a of the other-side water tank 5B via the one-side water communication passage 500a, as shown by the solid arrow Y20 in Fig. 20. The cooling water that flows into the water tank space 50a of the other-side water tank 5B flows into the other-side water passage 32 via the other-side water communication passage 500b, as shown by the solid arrow Y30 in Fig. 20. The cooling water that flows into the other-side water passage 32 flows into the water tank space 50a of the second water tank 52 via the other-side water communication passage 500b, as shown by the solid arrow Y40 in Fig. 19, and flows out from the water outlet port.

[0183] 22, the filled arrows (i.e., solid arrows) indicate the flow of refrigerant, and the hollow arrows indicate the flow of cooling water. As shown in Fig. 22, in the heat exchange core unit 1 of this embodiment, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 2 is opposite to the flow direction of the cooling water flowing through the other-side water passage 32. In other words, in the heat exchange core unit 1, the cooling water flowing through the other-side water passage 32 and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 2 flow in opposite directions.

[0184] In this embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, a partition member 9 is provided in the heat exchange core 1, and the configuration of the through holes and grooves formed in the plate-like members 41 to 45 of the refrigerant tank forming member 40 is changed, thereby changing the flow of coolant in the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core 1. This makes it possible to adjust the heat exchange capacity between the refrigerant and coolant in the heat exchanger 100.

[0185] Seventh Embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The seventh embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configurations of the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5. Note that Fig. 23 corresponds to Fig. 9 described in the first embodiment.

[0186] 23 , in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, a part of the water tank forming member 50 that forms the water tank 5 constitutes a reinforcing portion 501 that reinforces the refrigerant tank 4. The reinforcing portion 501 suppresses deformation of the refrigerant tank forming member 40 due to an increase in the internal pressure of the refrigerant tank space 40a. The shape and arrangement of the reinforcing portion 501 are not particularly limited.

[0187] In this embodiment, as an example, the water tank forming member 50 has a plate-shaped reinforcing portion 501 and a water space forming portion 502 that forms the water tank space 50a. The reinforcing portion 501 is disposed at a location that overlaps with the refrigerant tank space 40a of the refrigerant tank 4 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction. One surface of the reinforcing portion 501 is joined to the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4. More specifically, the one surface of the reinforcing portion 501 is joined to the surface of the second tank plate 45 opposite to the surface that is joined to the first tank plate 44.

[0188] The water space forming portion 502 has a U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the tube stacking direction (in other words, a bathtub shape). When viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the water space forming portion 502 is arranged in a position that does not overlap with the refrigerant tank space 40a of the refrigerant tank 4. Specifically, when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction, the water space forming portion 502 is arranged in a position that overlaps with the tubes 20 that constitute the one core portion 11. In this case, the reinforcing portion 501 is arranged in a position that overlaps with the tubes 20 that constitute the other core portion 12 when viewed from the tube longitudinal direction.

[0189] In the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the strength of the portion of the refrigerant tank 4 where the refrigerant tank space 40a is formed is reduced, which may result in reduced pressure resistance. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a reinforcing portion 501 that reinforces the refrigerant tank 4 is formed by a part of the water tank forming member 50 that forms the water tank 5. This allows the reinforcing portion 501 to reinforce the portion of the refrigerant tank 4 where the refrigerant tank space 40a is formed, thereby improving the pressure resistance of the refrigerant tank 4. In the present embodiment, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, so improving the pressure resistance of the refrigerant tank 4 is very effective.

[0190] Eighth Embodiment Next, an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The eighth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configurations of the tubes 20, the refrigerant tank 4, and the water tank 5.

[0191] 24, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 are each provided only on one side in the tube longitudinal direction of the heat exchange core 1. The tubes 20 are bent in a U-shape (i.e., hairpin shape).

[0192] The refrigerant tank 4 distributes and collects the refrigerant to the refrigerant passages 2 in the U-shaped tubes 20. The water tank 5 distributes cooling water to the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core 1 via water communication passages 500 formed in the refrigerant tank 4. The water tank 5 is provided with a water inlet port 521.

[0193] The tubes 20 are covered by a cover portion 30. The cover portion 30 and spaces formed between adjacent tubes 20 form water passages 3 of the heat exchange core portion 1. A water outlet port 522 is provided at the end of the cover portion 30 farther from the refrigerant tank 4 to allow the cooling water that has flowed through the water passages 3 to flow out. The end of the cover portion 30 on the refrigerant tank 4 side is joined to the refrigerant tank 4.

[0194] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the refrigerant tank 4 and the water tank 5 are each provided only on one side in the tube longitudinal direction of the heat exchange core 1. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies the configuration of the heat exchanger 100.

[0195] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as follows within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0196] (1) For example, in the above-described embodiment, the refrigerant passages 2 are stacked in two rows in the thickness direction of the heat exchange core 1, but the arrangement of the refrigerant passages 2 is not limited to this. For example, the refrigerant passages 2 may be stacked in three or more rows, or may be arranged in a single row.

[0197] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the communication portion of the water communication passage 500 with the water passage 3 was formed to extend over the entire area of ​​the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41 in the core thickness direction, but the shape of the water communication passage 500 is not limited to this. For example, the communication portion of the water communication passage 500 with the water passage 3 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the flat portion 401 of the plate header 41 in the core thickness direction.

[0198] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the water tank-forming member 50 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank space 50a is constant from the top to the bottom (i.e., from one end to the other end in the tube stacking direction). However, the water tank-forming member 50 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the water tank-forming member 50 may be formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the water tank space 50a decreases from the top, where the water inlet port 521 is connected, to the bottom. This improves the distribution of coolant to the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core 1.

[0199] (4) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a plurality of plate-like members 41 to 45 were provided as the refrigerant tank-forming member 40, but the configuration of the refrigerant tank-forming member 40 is not limited to this. For example, a block-shaped structure may be provided as the refrigerant tank-forming member 40. In this case, the refrigerant tank space 40a, the refrigerant communication passage 400, the water communication passage 500, etc. may be formed by providing through holes or the like in the block-shaped structure.

[0200] (5) In the above embodiment, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle, but the refrigerant is not limited to this. For example, a subcritical refrigeration cycle may be configured using an HFC refrigerant (specifically, R134a) or an HFO refrigerant (e.g., R1234yf) as the refrigerant, in which the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant.

[0201] The technical features of the heat exchanger disclosed in this specification are as follows: (Item 1) A heat exchanger in which a plurality of first fluid passages (2) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) through which a second fluid flows are alternately stacked to form a heat exchange core section (1) for exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid, the heat exchanger comprising: a first tank (4) that performs at least one of distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passages and collecting the first fluid flowing out of the first fluid passages, and a second tank (5) that performs at least one of distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passages and collecting the second fluid flowing out of the second fluid passages, the first tank being disposed between the second tank and the heat exchange core section when viewed in the stacking direction of the first fluid passages and the second fluid passages, and a first tank forming member (40) that forms the first tank being provided with a second fluid communication section (500) that communicates the second tank with the second fluid passages. (Item 2) The heat exchanger according to item 1, wherein the first tank-forming member (40) has a plurality of plate-like members (41 to 45), and the first tank is formed by stacking the plurality of plate-like members. (Item 3) The heat exchanger according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first tank-forming member is formed with a first fluid communication portion (400) that communicates the first tank with the first fluid passage. (Item 4) The heat exchanger according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein a portion of the second tank-forming member (50) that forms the second tank constitutes a reinforcing portion (501) that reinforces the first tank.(Item 5) A heat exchanger in which a plurality of first fluid passages (2) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) through which a second fluid flows are alternately stacked to form a heat exchange core portion (2) that exchanges heat between the first fluid and the second fluid, the heat exchanger comprising: a first tank (4) that performs at least one of distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passages and collecting the first fluid flowing out of the first fluid passages; and a second tank (5) that performs at least one of distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passages and collecting the second fluid flowing out of the second fluid passages, the first fluid passages are stacked to form a plurality of rows, a plurality of the first tanks are provided so as to be connected to ends of the plurality of rows, the second tank is formed by spaces between the plurality of first tanks, and at least a portion of an inner wall surface of the second tank is formed by an outer surface of the first tank.

[0202] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and forms, including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger in which a plurality of first fluid passages (2) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) through which a second fluid flows are alternately stacked to form a heat exchange core section (1) for exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid, the heat exchanger comprising: a first tank (4) for distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passages and / or collecting the first fluid flowing out of the first fluid passages; and a second tank (5) for distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passages and / or collecting the second fluid flowing out of the second fluid passage, the first tank being disposed between the second tank and the heat exchange core section when viewed from the stacking direction of the first fluid passages and the second fluid passages, and a first tank forming member (40) forming the first tank is provided with a second fluid communication section (500) for communicating the second tank and the second fluid passages.

2. A heat exchanger as described in claim 1, wherein the first tank forming member (40) has a plurality of plate-like members (41 to 45), and the first tank is formed by stacking the plurality of plate-like members.

3. A heat exchanger as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first tank forming member is formed with a first fluid communication portion (400) that connects the first tank and the first fluid passage.

4. A heat exchanger as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein a portion of a second tank forming member (50) forming the second tank constitutes a reinforcing portion (501) that reinforces the first tank.

5. A heat exchanger in which a plurality of first fluid passages (2) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (3) through which a second fluid flows are alternately stacked to form a heat exchange core portion (2) for exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid, the heat exchanger comprising: a first tank (4) for distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passages and / or collecting the first fluid flowing out from the first fluid passages; and a second tank (5) for distributing the second fluid to the second fluid passages and / or collecting the second fluid flowing out from the second fluid passages, the first fluid passages are stacked to form a plurality of rows, a plurality of the first tanks are provided so as to be connected to ends of the plurality of rows, the second tank is formed by the spaces between the plurality of first tanks, and at least a portion of the inner wall surface of the second tank is formed by the outer surface of the first tank.

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