Heat exchanger

Abstract

This heat exchanger (100) comprises a plurality of tubular members (10) through the interiors of which a first fluid can flow and a plurality of external fins (20) which extend along a second direction intersecting a first direction, which is the direction in which each of the plurality of tubular members extends, on the outer surface (10a) of each of the plurality of tubular members, wherein: a second fluid, which flows separately and independently from the first fluid, can flow between (in a gap (30) between) the plurality of external fins; and the tubular members (10) and the external fins (20) are integrally formed without seams at the bonding portions therebetween.

Description

heat exchanger

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly to a heat exchanger having a tubular member and fins provided on the outer surface of the tubular member.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A heat exchanger having a tubular member and fins provided on the outer surface of the tubular member is known.

[0003] In a configuration in which an aluminum plate (external fin) is attached to a pipe (tubular member) by brazing, insufficient penetration and diffusion of the brazing material and insufficient application of pressure may result in poor bonding at the joint between the external fin and the tubular member. Also, in a configuration in which the external fin is attached to the tubular member by welding, poor bonding may occur at the joint between the external fin and the tubular member. Poor bonding at the joint between the external fin and the tubular member reduces the mechanical strength of the heat exchanger and reduces the heat exchange efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is a demand for a heat exchanger that can suppress the decrease in mechanical strength and the decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0005] Patent No. 4050910

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger that can suppress a decrease in mechanical strength and a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the heat exchanger of the invention comprises a plurality of tubular members through which a first fluid can flow, and a plurality of external fins extending on the outer surface of each of the plurality of tubular members along a second direction that intersects with a first direction in which each of the plurality of tubular members extends, and a second fluid that flows separately and independently from the first fluid can flow between the plurality of external fins, and the tubular members and the external fins are formed as a seamless integral unit at the joints.

[0008] According to the present invention, since the tubular member and the external fins are seamlessly joined together, poor joining between the tubular member and the external fins can be prevented, and as a result, a heat exchanger can be provided that can prevent a decrease in mechanical strength and a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a heat exchanger of an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a core part of the heat exchanger of an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the core part of the heat exchanger of an embodiment, viewed in the Z2 direction; FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the core part of the heat exchanger of an embodiment, viewed in the X1 direction; FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an enlarged portion of a tubular member and external fins of the heat exchanger of an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a schematic view of one of a plurality of tubular members of the heat exchanger of an embodiment, viewed in the X1 direction; FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a cross section of a tubular member of the heat exchanger of an embodiment, taken along the X direction; FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an internal fin of a first modified example; FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an external fin of a second modified example; FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an external fin of a third modified example; FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an enlarged portion of a tubular member and external fins of a fourth modified example; FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a cross section of a tubular member of a fifth modified example, taken along the X direction; FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an internal fin of a sixth modified example; FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an internal fin of a seventh modified example; FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an internal fin of an eighth modified example; FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a core part of a ninth modified example. FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a core portion of a ninth modified example viewed in the Z2 direction.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Overall Configuration of Heat Exchanger) The configuration of a heat exchanger 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a heat exchanger 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, the direction in which the second fluid flows is referred to as a Z direction. One of the Z directions is referred to as a Z1 direction, and the other is referred to as a Z2 direction.

[0013] The heat exchanger 100 is mounted, for example, in a system (compressor) that compresses air used in aircraft air conditioning. The heat exchanger 100 exchanges heat with a first fluid and a second fluid. The heat exchanger 100 includes a core 1, a first inlet 2 for the first fluid, a first inlet 3 for the first fluid, a second inlet 4 for the second fluid, and a second inlet 5 for the second fluid. The first fluid flows in through the first inlet 2 for the first fluid, flows through the core 1, and flows out through the first inlet 3 for the first fluid. The second fluid flows in through the second inlet 4 for the second fluid, flows through the core 1, and flows out through the second inlet 5 for the second fluid.

[0014] The core 1 is a member through which the first fluid and the second fluid can flow, and includes a plurality of tubular members 10 and a plurality of external fins 20.

[0015] The first inlet 2 for the first fluid is a tubular member through which the first fluid can flow. The first inlet 2 for the first fluid is connected to the core portion 1.

[0016] The first inlet 3 for the first fluid is a tubular member through which the first fluid can flow. The first inlet 3 for the first fluid is connected to the core portion 1.

[0017] The second inlet 4 for the second fluid is an opening through which the second fluid can flow. The second inlet 4 for the second fluid is provided in the core portion 1 so as to face the second inlet 5 for the second fluid.

[0018] The second inlet 5 for the second fluid is an opening through which the second fluid can flow. The second inlet 5 for the second fluid is provided in the core portion 1.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the core unit 1 of the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the direction in which each of the multiple tubular members 10 extends is the X direction. The direction in which each of the multiple external fins 20 extends is the Y direction. One of the X directions is the X1 direction, and the other is the X2 direction. One of the Y directions is the Y1 direction, and the other is the Y2 direction. The "first direction" in the claims is the X direction. The "second direction" in the claims is the Y direction. The number of multiple tubular members 10 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the core unit 1 may have any number of tubular members 10. The number of multiple external fins 20 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the core unit 1 may have any number of external fins 20.

[0020] The multiple tubular members 10 are members through which a first fluid can flow. Specifically, a liquid can flow as the first fluid inside each of the multiple tubular members 10. The first fluid is, for example, oil. The first fluid may also be water, antifreeze, or the like. Furthermore, multiple internal fins 11 are provided in the internal space 10b of each of the multiple tubular members 10. The internal space 10b is the space inside the tubular member 10. The multiple internal fins 11 are plate-shaped members. The first fluid can flow between the multiple internal fins 11. Therefore, the first fluid flows between each of the multiple internal fins 11.

[0021] The external fins 20 are plate-shaped members and extend in a Y direction that intersects with the X direction. The second fluid can flow between the external fins 20.

[0022] (Method for manufacturing heat exchanger) The heat exchanger 100 is formed by additive manufacturing. That is, the method for manufacturing the heat exchanger 100 includes a step of integrally forming the plurality of tubular members 10 and the plurality of external fins 20 by additive manufacturing so that no seams are formed at the joints between them.

[0023] In the heat exchanger 100, the tubular member 10, the external fins 20, and the internal fins 11 are formed seamlessly and integrally at the joints by additive manufacturing. The tubular member 10, the external fins 20, and the internal fins 11 may be formed from the same material. The tubular member 10, the external fins 20, and the internal fins 11 may be formed to any thickness (wall thickness).

[0024] Specifically, the tubular member 10, the external fins 20, and the internal fins 11 are formed by additive manufacturing using metal powder. More specifically, the tubular member 10, the external fins 20, and the internal fins 11 are formed by powder bed fusion (PBF) as an additive manufacturing method. Powder bed fusion is an additive manufacturing method that forms a three-dimensional additively manufactured object by repeating a process of forming a layer of metal powder and a process of irradiating a shaped portion of the formed metal powder layer with a high-energy beam (laser light, electron beam, etc.) to sinter (melt and harden) the metal powder in the shaped portion. Note that the metal powder used in additive manufacturing, i.e., the tubular member 10, the external fins 20, or the internal fins 11, is made of, for example, aluminum (including aluminum alloys). In the case of aluminum, for example, it is a silicon-based aluminum alloy called Al-Si10-Mg.

[0025] (Shape of Core Portion) FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the core portion 1 of the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, viewed in the Z2 direction.

[0026] The core portion 1 has a circular shape when viewed in the Z2 direction. In other words, the length L1 of each of the multiple tubular members 10 in the X direction varies depending on the position in the Y direction so that the core portion 1 as a whole has a circular shape.

[0027] Furthermore, each of the multiple tubular members 10 has its X-direction ends 10c and 10d arc-shaped in accordance with its arrangement in the Y direction so that the core portion 1 as a whole has a circular shape.

[0028] Each of the X-direction end portions 10c and 10d of the tubular member 10 may be formed linearly and then processed to have an arcuate shape by cutting or the like. Alternatively, each of the X-direction end portions 10c and 10d of the tubular member 10 may be formed in advance to have an arcuate shape.

[0029] Furthermore, each of the plurality of external fins 20 has a different length L2 in the Y direction depending on its position in the X direction so that the core portion 1 has a circular shape as a whole.

[0030] Furthermore, each of the multiple external fins 20 has an arc-shaped end 20a and 20b in the Y direction corresponding to the arrangement in the X direction so that the core portion 1 has a circular shape as a whole.

[0031] Each of the Y-direction ends 20 a and 20 b of the external fin 20 may be formed linearly and then processed into an arc shape by cutting or the like. Alternatively, each of the Y-direction ends 20 a and 20 b of the external fin 20 may be formed in advance into an arc shape.

[0032] Each of the plurality of tubular members 10 and each of the plurality of external fins 20 are perpendicular to each other.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the core 1 of the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, viewed in the X1 direction.

[0034] The core portion 1 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the X1 direction. In other words, each of the external fins 20 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the X1 direction.

[0035] The multiple tubular members 10 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval P1 in the Y direction, and are also arranged side by side in the Z direction. The interval P1 is the distance between the tubular members 10 facing each other in the Y direction.

[0036] The multiple tubular members 10 are arranged in a staggered pattern such that the positions in the Y direction are shifted relative to the tubular members 10 adjacent to each other in the Z direction. In other words, the multiple tubular members 10 are arranged such that the positions in the Y direction of the tubular members 10 adjacent to each other in the Z direction are staggered.

[0037] (Joint Portion Between Tubular Member and External Fin) FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of a portion of the tubular member 10 and the external fin 20 of the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment.

[0038] The plurality of external fins 20 are provided on the outer surface 10a of each of the plurality of tubular members 10. Specifically, the plurality of external fins 20 are provided on the outer surface 10a at a predetermined first interval P2. The predetermined first interval P2 is the distance between the external fins 20 facing each other.

[0039] A second fluid that flows separately and independently from the first fluid can flow between the external fins 20 (gaps 30). Specifically, a gas can flow as the second fluid through the gaps 30. The second fluid is, for example, air.

[0040] Because the tubular member 10 and the external fins 20 are perpendicular to each other, the corners 13 at the joints between the tubular member 10 and the external fins 20 form a right angle. The corners 13 are joints through which the second fluid can flow. The corners 13 at the joints between the tubular member 10 and the external fins 20 are formed by the outer surface 10a of the tubular member 10 and the second side wall portions 20c of the external fins 20. The second side wall portions 20c are the side surfaces of the external fins 20.

[0041] The internal fins 11 are disposed inside the tubular member 10. Specifically, the internal fins 11 are disposed such that an end 11a of the internal fins 11 in the X1 direction is closer to the X2 direction than an end 10c of the tubular member 10 in the X1 direction.

[0042] The internal fins 11 are arranged such that the X2-direction end 11b of the internal fins 11 is closer to the X1-direction side than the X2-direction end 10d of the tubular member 10. In other words, the X-direction length L3 of the internal fins 11 is smaller than the X-direction length L1 of the tubular member 10.

[0043] Since the ends 10c and 10d of the tubular member 10 are arc-shaped, the lengths in the X direction are different between the Y1 and Y2 sides. Therefore, the length L1 of the tubular member 10 in the X direction is set to the shortest length of the tubular member 10 in the X direction.

[0044] The end 11a of the internal fin 11 may be formed so as to protrude further in the X1 direction than the end 10c of the tubular member 10, and then may be subjected to cutting processing or the like so as to be positioned further in the X2 direction than the end 10c of the tubular member 10.

[0045] Furthermore, the end 11 a of the internal fin 11 may be formed in advance so as to be positioned on the X2 direction side of the end 10 c of the tubular member 10 .

[0046] The end 11b of the internal fin 11 may be formed so as to protrude further in the X2 direction than the end 10d of the tubular member 10, and then cutting processing or the like may be performed so that the end 11b is positioned further in the X1 direction than the end 10d of the tubular member 10.

[0047] Furthermore, the end 11b of the internal fin 11 may be formed in advance so as to be positioned on the X1 direction side of the end 10d of the tubular member 10.

[0048] (Cross-section of tubular member along Y direction) FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one of the plurality of tubular members 10 of the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, viewed in the X1 direction.

[0049] Each of the multiple tubular members 10 has a wing-shaped cross section along the Y direction. Each of the multiple tubular members 10 is formed so that, of the Z-direction ends 10f and 10g, the end 10f having a larger width in the Y direction faces the inlet side for the second fluid. In other words, each of the multiple tubular members 10 is formed so that the end 10f having a larger width in the Y direction faces the Z2 direction.

[0050] Each of the multiple internal fins 11 is formed seamlessly and integrally with the inner circumferential surface 10e of the tubular member 10. Specifically, each of the multiple internal fins 11 has an end 11c in the Y1 direction and an end 11d in the Y2 direction that are formed seamlessly and integrally with the inner circumferential surface 10e of the tubular member 10.

[0051] The internal fins 11 are arranged at a predetermined second interval P3 in the Z direction. The internal fins 11 also divide the internal space 10b of each of the tubular members 10 into a plurality of spatial portions 10h. The spatial portions 10h are spaces through which the first fluid can flow. The second interval P3 is the distance between the internal fins 11 facing each other.

[0052] The first spacing P2 (see FIG. 5) between the plurality of external fins 20 is greater than the second spacing P3 between the plurality of internal fins 11.

[0053] (Cross-section of tubular member along X direction) FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the tubular member 10 of the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment along the X direction.

[0054] The internal fins 11 are so-called serrated fins. Each of the internal fins 11 extends linearly along the X direction. Each of the internal fins 11 includes a first side wall portion 11e.

[0055] The first side wall portion 11e is a side surface of the internal fin 11. A first communication portion 12 is provided in the first side wall portion 11e.

[0056] The first communication portions 12 are gaps (openings) that penetrate the internal fin 11 in the Z direction. The multiple first communication portions 12 are arranged in a staggered pattern such that the positions in the X direction of first communication portions 12 adjacent to each other in the Z direction are shifted from each other. In other words, the multiple first communication portions 12 are arranged such that the positions in the X direction of first communication portions 12 adjacent to each other in the Z direction are staggered.

[0057] (Effects of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0058] (First Effect of the Present Embodiment) According to the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the tubular member 10 and the external fins 20 are seamlessly and integrally formed at the joint portion, thereby preventing poor joints between the tubular member 10 and the external fins 20. As a result, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger 100 that can prevent a decrease in mechanical strength and a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0059] (Second Effect of the Present Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the internal space 10b of each of the tubular members 10 is divided into a plurality of spatial portions 10h by the internal fins 11, thereby increasing the heat exchange area between the tubular member 10 and the first fluid flowing inside the tubular member 10. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency between the first fluid and the second fluid via the core portion 1 can be improved.

[0060] (Third Effect of the Present Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the internal space 10b of the tubular member 10 is communicated in the Z direction by the first communication portion 12. Therefore, even if any of the plurality of spatial portions 10h is blocked, the first fluid can circulate in a direction intersecting the first direction (Z direction) by the first communication portion 12 located downstream of the blocking position. As a result, even if any of the plurality of spatial portions 10h is blocked by a foreign object, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency can be suppressed.

[0061] (Fourth Effect of the Present Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, even if the flow rate of the first fluid flowing into each spatial portion 10h is different, the first fluid repeatedly flows in and out of the spatial portions 10h adjacent in the Z direction. As a result, the distribution of the flow rate of the first fluid in each spatial portion 10h becomes more uniform. In other words, even if the flow rate of the first fluid flowing into each spatial portion 10h is different, it is possible to prevent the heat exchange efficiency from becoming uneven in each spatial portion 10h. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heat exchanger 100 from having uneven heat exchange efficiency in parts.

[0062] (Fifth Advantage of the Present Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the blade shape can reduce the resistance of the second fluid flowing along the Y direction (second direction), thereby suppressing an increase in pressure loss of the second fluid flowing between the plurality of external fins 20 (gaps 30).

[0063] (Sixth Advantage of the Present Embodiment) Furthermore, according to the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the joints between the tubular member 10 and the external fins 20 and the joints between the tubular member 10 and the internal fins 11 are both formed seamlessly and integrally, thereby preventing poor joining. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the joints are not formed seamlessly and integrally, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the mechanical strength of the heat exchanger 100 and a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 100.

[0064] [Modifications] (First Modification) Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the internal fins 111 of a first modification. Each of the multiple internal fins 111 has a wave-shaped configuration that periodically undulates with a constant width in the Z direction that intersects with the X direction. Each of the multiple internal fins 111 has a first side wall portion 111a. The first side wall portion 111a is a side surface of the internal fin 111.

[0065] (Effects of the First Modification) According to the first modification, the internal fins 111 have a wave-shaped configuration that periodically undulates at a constant width in the Z direction, which can generate turbulence in the first fluid flowing inside the tubular member 10. As a result, the amount of heat exchanged between the first fluid and the tubular member 10 increases. In other words, the efficiency of heat transfer from the first fluid to the tubular member 10 can be improved.

[0066] 9 is a schematic diagram showing an external fin 201 according to a second modification. Each of the external fins 201 has a wave shape that periodically undulates with a constant width in the X direction.

[0067] (Effects of the Second Modification) According to the second modification, the external fins 201 have a wave-shaped configuration that periodically undulates at a constant width in the X direction (first direction), which can generate turbulence in the second fluid flowing between the plurality of external fins 201. As a result, the amount of heat exchanged between the second fluid and the external fins 201 increases. In other words, the efficiency of heat transfer from the external fins 201 to the second fluid can be improved.

[0068] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an external fin 210 according to a third modification. A second communication portion 211 is provided in the second side wall portion 210a of each of the multiple external fins 210. The second communication portion 211 is a gap (opening) that penetrates the external fin 210 in the X direction.

[0069] (First effect of the third modification) According to the third modification, even if any of the gaps between the plurality of external fins 210 is blocked by a foreign object or the like, the second communication portion 211 located downstream of the blocked position allows the second fluid to circulate from the space between the external fins 210 adjacent in the X direction (first direction). As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat exchange efficiency when any of the gaps between the plurality of external fins 210 is blocked by a foreign object.

[0070] (Second Effect of the Third Modification) Furthermore, according to the third modification, the second communication portions 211 allow the second fluid to flow through each of the spaces between the multiple external fins 210. Therefore, even if the flow rate of the second fluid flowing into each space between the multiple external fins 210 is different, the second fluid repeatedly flows in and out of the spaces between the multiple external fins 210 adjacent in the X direction (first direction). This makes the distribution of the flow rate of the second fluid in each space between the multiple external fins 210 more uniform. In other words, even if the flow rate of the second fluid flowing into each space between the external fins 210 is different, it is possible to prevent uneven heat exchange efficiency in each space between the external fins 210. As a result, it is possible to prevent uneven heat exchange efficiency from occurring in the heat exchanger.

[0071] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of a portion of a tubular member 120 and an external fin 20 according to a fourth modified example. Each of the multiple tubular members 120 is joined to each of the multiple external fins 20 at its outer surface 120a. The corners 13 at the joints in the fourth modified example have an arc-shaped curved surface. In other words, the corners 13 have a fillet shape.

[0072] (Effects of the Fourth Modification) According to the fourth modification, interference between the second fluid flowing on the outer surface 120a of the tubular member 120 and the second fluid flowing between the plurality of external fins 20 (gaps 30) can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in resistance of the second fluid at the corners 13 of the joint portion. Here, interference between the second fluid flowing on the outer surface 120a of the tubular member 120 and the second fluid flowing between the plurality of external fins 20 (gaps 30) is generally known as aerodynamic interference or interference drag. Resistance can be suppressed by optimizing the fillet shape of the corners 13 of the joint portion when joining the tubular member 120 and the external fins 20. Note that when joining a tubular member formed from materials of uniform dimensions, such as by extrusion or rolling, to the external fins by brazing or welding, it is difficult to specify precise dimensions specifically designed to optimize the fillet shape of the corners of the joint portion between the tubular member and the external fins. Furthermore, the fillet shape of the corners of the joints after joining, which can be achieved by brazing or welding, is difficult to precisely control by adjusting the construction conditions. This makes it difficult to optimize the fillet shape of the corners of the joints between the tubular member and the external fins. However, the fourth modification assumes that the tubular member 120 and the external fins 20 are manufactured by additive manufacturing. Therefore, by comparing the fillet shape of the corners 13 of the joints between the manufactured tubular member 120 and the external fins 20 with the fillet shape of the corners in design data, such as a 3D model, the design data can be fine-tuned so that the fillet shape of the corners 13 of the joints between the manufactured tubular member 120 and the external fins 20 is the intended shape. As a result, the fillet shape of the corners 13 of the joints between the manufactured tubular member 120 and the external fins 20 can be easily optimized.

[0073] 12 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section along the X direction of a tubular member 130 of a fifth modified example. The tubular member 130 of the fifth modified example has a plurality of internal fins 131. Each of the plurality of internal fins 131 extends linearly along the X direction.

[0074] Furthermore, a first communication portion 132 through which the first fluid can flow along the Z direction is provided on each of the first side wall portions 131a of the plurality of internal fins 131 extending along the X direction.

[0075] The first communication portion 132 is a through-hole provided in the first side wall portion 131a and passing through the internal fin 131 in the Z direction. The internal fin 131 according to the fifth modified example is a so-called perforated fin.

[0076] The multiple first communicating portions 132 are arranged in a staggered pattern such that the positions in the X direction are shifted relative to first communicating portions 132 adjacent to each other in the Z direction. In other words, the multiple first communicating portions 132 are arranged such that the positions in the X direction of first communicating portions 132 adjacent to each other in the Z direction are staggered.

[0077] (First effect of the fifth modified example) According to the fifth modified example, even if any of the multiple spatial portions 130a is blocked by foreign matter, it is possible to prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0078] (Second Effect of Fifth Modification) Furthermore, according to the fifth modification, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the heat exchange efficiency from occurring in the heat exchanger 100 .

[0079] (Sixth Modification) Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an internal fin 140 of a sixth modification. The multiple internal fins 140 are plate-like members through which the first fluid can flow. The internal fins 140 have a wave-like shape that periodically undulates with a constant width in the Z direction. The internal fin 140 has a first communication portion 141. The first communication portion 141 is semi-cylindrical when viewed in the X direction, and is an opening that penetrates the internal fin 140 in the Z direction. The first communication portion 141 is provided in the first side wall portion 140a of the internal fin 140.

[0080] (Seventh Modification) Figure 14 shows an internal fin 150 of a seventh modification. The multiple internal fins 150 are plate-like members through which the first fluid can flow. The internal fins 150 have a wave-like shape that periodically undulates at a constant width in the Z direction. The internal fin 150 has a first communication portion 151. The first communication portion 151 has a triangular shape when viewed in the Z direction, and is an opening that penetrates the internal fin 150 in the Z direction. The first communication portion 151 is provided in the first side wall portion 150a of the internal fin 150.

[0081] (Eighth Modification) Figure 15 shows an internal fin 160 of an eighth modification. The internal fin 160 has a wave-shaped configuration that periodically undulates at a constant width in the Z direction. The internal fin 160 has a first communication portion 161. The first communication portion 161 has a triangular shape when viewed in the Z direction, and is an opening that penetrates the internal fin 160 in the Z direction. The first communication portion 161 is provided at both ends of the internal fin 160 in the Y direction. The first communication portion 161 is provided on the first side wall portion 160a of the internal fin 160.

[0082] 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a core portion 300 according to a ninth modification. The core portion 300 has a plurality of tubular members 310 and a plurality of external fins 320. A plurality of internal fins 311 are provided inside the plurality of tubular members 310 according to the ninth modification.

[0083] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a core unit 300 according to the ninth modification, viewed in the Z2 direction.

[0084] The core portion 300 of the ninth modification has a sector shape when viewed in the Z direction.

[0085] The tubular member 310 of the ninth modification has a curved shape. Specifically, the tubular member 310 is curved so that the central portion 310a protrudes in the Y1 direction more than the end portions 310b and 310c.

[0086] (Tenth Variation) The internal space 10b of the multiple tubular members (10, 120, or 310) does not have to be provided with internal fins (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160). Here, the internal space 10b is the space inside the tubular member (10, 120, or 310). However, it is preferable that the internal space 10b be provided with internal fins (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160).

[0087] (Eleventh Modification) The first side wall portion (11e, 111a, 131a, 140a, 150a, or 160a) of each of the multiple internal fins (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160) does not necessarily have to be provided with the first communication portion (12, 132, 141, 151, or 161). However, it is preferable that the first side wall portion (11e, 111a, 131a, 140a, 150a, or 160a) of each of the multiple internal fins (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160) be provided with the first communication portion (12, 132, 141, 151, or 161).

[0088] (Twelfth Modification) The cross section of each of the multiple tubular members (10, 120, or 310) taken along the Y direction does not have to be wing-shaped. For example, the cross section of each of the multiple tubular members (10, 120, or 310) taken along the Y direction may be circular. However, it is preferable that the cross section of each of the multiple tubular members (10, 120, or 310) taken along the Y direction be wing-shaped.

[0089] (Thirteenth Variation) The tubular member (10, 120, or 310), the internal fin (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160), or the external fin (20 or 320) may be formed by additive manufacturing other than powder bed fusion bonding.

[0090] (Fourteenth Modification) The internal fins (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the Y direction inside the tubular member (10, 120, or 310). In this case, a first communication portion through which the first fluid can flow along the Y direction may be provided in the first side wall portion (11e, 111a, 131a, 140a, 150a, or 160a) of the internal fin (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160).

[0091] (Fifteenth Variation) The multiple internal fins (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160) may be a mixture of linearly formed fins and wavy fins that periodically undulate with a constant width in a direction (Z direction) intersecting the X direction.

[0092] (Sixteenth Modification) The plurality of external fins (20 or 320) may be a mixture of linear fins and wavy fins that periodically undulate with a constant width in the X direction.

[0093] (17th Variant) The multiple tubular members (10, 120, or 310) may be a mixture of tubular members provided with internal fins (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160) and tubular members not provided with internal fins (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160).

[0094] (Eighteenth Variation) The first spacing P2 between the multiple external fins (20 or 320) may be the same as the second spacing P3 between the multiple internal fins (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160). Here, the first spacing P2 is the distance between the external fins (20 or 320) facing each other. Also, the first spacing P2 may be smaller than the second spacing P3. Here, the second spacing P3 is the distance between the internal fins (11, 111, 131, 140, 150, or 160) facing each other.

[0095] (19th Modification) The first fluid may be a gas, and the second fluid may be a liquid.

[0096] 1, 300 Core portion 2 First inlet 3 First inlet 4 Second inlet 5 Second inlet 10, 120, 130, 310 Tubular member 10a, 120a Outer surface 10b Internal space 10c, 10d, 10f, 10g End portion 10e Inner peripheral surface 10h, 130a Multiple space portions 11, 111, 131, 140, 150, 160, 311 Internal fin 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d End portion 11e, 111a, 131a, 140a, 150a, 160a First side wall portion 12, 132, 141, 151, 161 First communication portion 13 Corner portion 20, 201, 210, 320 External fin 20a, 20b Ends 20c, 210a Second side wall portion 30 Gap 100 Heat exchanger 211 Second communication portion 310a Central portion 310b Both end portions P2 First gap P3 Second gap

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of tubular members through which a first fluid can flow; and a plurality of external fins extending on the outer surface of each of the plurality of tubular members along a second direction intersecting a first direction in which each of the plurality of tubular members extends, wherein a second fluid that flows separately and independently from the first fluid can flow between the plurality of external fins, and the tubular members and the external fins are seamlessly formed as a single unit at their joints.

2. A heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal space of each of said plurality of tubular members is provided with a plurality of internal fins formed seamlessly and integrally with the inner peripheral surface of said tubular member, and said plurality of internal fins divide said internal space of each of said plurality of tubular members into a plurality of spatial portions.

3. A heat exchanger as described in claim 2, wherein a first side wall portion of each of the plurality of internal fins extending along the first direction is provided with a first communication portion through which the first fluid can flow along a direction intersecting the first direction.

4. A heat exchanger according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the plurality of internal fins has a wave shape that periodically undulates with a constant width in a direction intersecting with the first direction.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tubular members has a blade-shaped cross section along the second direction.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of external fins has a wave shape that periodically undulates with a constant width in said first direction.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a second side wall portion of each of the plurality of external fins is provided with a second communication portion through which the second fluid can flow along the first direction.

8. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of tubular members has corners at joints on said outer surface where said joints join with each of said plurality of external fins, said corners having an arcuate curved surface shape.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the tubular member, the external fins, and the internal fins are formed integrally from the same material with no joints.

Images