Heat exchanger

Abstract

This heat exchanger is provided with a heat exchange core portion (1), an inlet tank (51), an inlet portion (31), and fins (9). The heat exchange core portion is formed by alternately laminating a plurality of first fluid passages (3), through which a first fluid flows, and a plurality of second fluid passages (2), through which a second fluid flows, in a predetermined lamination direction, and performs heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid. The inlet tank distributes the first fluid to the first fluid passage. The inlet portion is provided in the first fluid passage, and communicates the first fluid passage with the inside of the inlet tank. The fins are provided in the first fluid passage and promote heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid. The inlet portion and the heat exchange core portion overlap in the core width direction. The fins have an integrated structure with an introduction portion (93, 964) for changing the flow of the first fluid having entered the first fluid passage from the inlet tank from the passage longitudinal direction to the core width direction.

Description

heat exchanger CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-99582 filed on June 20, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger having a heat exchange core in which multiple refrigerant passages through which a refrigerant flows and multiple water passages through which cooling water flows are alternately stacked. The heat exchanger of Patent Document 1 has fins in the water passages to increase the heat transfer area. The heat exchanger of Patent Document 1 also has a cooling water tank for flowing cooling water into the multiple water passages, and the cooling water tank is positioned so as to overlap the heat exchange core. Furthermore, to ensure that cooling water flows evenly from the cooling water tank to the water passages, openings are formed on the cooling water inlet side of the water passage by, for example, cutting out the fins. The openings are not provided with fins.

[0004] International Publication No. 2017 / 109345

[0005] However, in the heat exchanger of Patent Document 1, the fins of the water passages are eliminated on the cooling water inlet side of the heat exchange core, even though the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant passages in that area. As a result, the heat transfer area between the cooling water and the refrigerant on the cooling water inlet side of the heat exchange core is reduced, resulting in a decrease in heat exchange performance.

[0006] In view of the above, the present disclosure aims to provide a heat exchanger that can allow a fluid to be subjected to heat exchange to flow evenly into a heat exchange core portion while suppressing a decrease in heat exchange performance.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure is formed by alternately stacking 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 in a predetermined stacking direction, and comprises: a heat exchange core portion for exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid; an inlet tank for distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passages; an inlet portion provided in the first fluid passage and connecting the first fluid passage with the interior of the inlet tank; and fins provided in the first fluid passage and promoting heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid, wherein the longitudinal direction of the first fluid passage is defined as the passage longitudinal direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the stacking direction and the passage longitudinal direction is defined as the core width direction, the inlet portion and the heat exchange core portion overlap in the core width direction, and the fins are fins of an integral structure having an introduction portion that changes the flow of the first fluid that has flowed from the inlet tank into the first fluid passage from the passage longitudinal direction to the core width direction.

[0008] According to this, by providing the first fluid passage with an integral fin having an inlet portion, the flow of the first fluid flowing from the inlet tank into the first fluid passage can be changed from the longitudinal direction of the passage to the width direction of the core. As a result, the first fluid can be evenly introduced into the heat exchange core. In this case, it is not necessary to remove the fin on the inlet side of the first fluid passage, which prevents a decrease in heat exchange performance.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing fins in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along V-V in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a heat exchanger according to another embodiment (1). FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a seal plate in another embodiment (2).

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] At least one member or part described with a reference numeral is provided unless otherwise specified, such as "one".

[0013] First Embodiment 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 exchanges heat between a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner mounted on a vehicle and a coolant that cools the object to be cooled, thereby cooling the coolant that absorbs heat from the object to be cooled. The object to be cooled may be, for example, a secondary battery of an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or the like.

[0014] 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 coolant corresponds to an example of the first fluid, and the refrigerant corresponds to an example of the second fluid.

[0015] 1, 2, and 3, the heat exchanger 100 includes a heat exchange core 1, a refrigerant tank 4, and a water tank 5. In this embodiment, as an example, brazing is used to join the components that make up the heat exchanger 100.

[0016] The heat exchange core 1 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the 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, alternately in a predetermined stacking direction.

[0017] 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.

[0018] As an example, the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment has a water tank 5 including a water inlet tank 51 and a water outlet tank 52. The water inlet tank 51 distributes the cooling water to the water passages 3. The water outlet tank 52 collects the cooling water that flows out of the water passages 3.

[0019] In this embodiment, the water passage 3 corresponds to an example of a first fluid passage, the refrigerant passage 2 corresponds to an example of a second fluid passage, and the water inlet tank 51 corresponds to an example of an inlet tank.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Here, the longitudinal direction of the tubes 20 is defined as the tube longitudinal direction. A direction perpendicular to both the tube longitudinal direction and the tube stacking direction is defined as the core width direction. In this embodiment, the tube longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coolant passage 3. Therefore, the tube longitudinal direction in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a passage longitudinal direction.

[0022] The arrangement and shape of the tubes 20 are not particularly limited. As an example, in the heat exchange core 1 of this embodiment, the tubes 20 are formed so that the longitudinal direction of the tubes is parallel to the refrigerant flow direction. Furthermore, the tubes 20 are formed by extrusion and have a flat, multi-hole cross section. In the heat exchange core 1, the tubes 20 are stacked and arranged at a predetermined interval so that the flat surfaces of their outer surfaces are parallel to and face each other.

[0023] In the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, a refrigerant tank 4 is provided on each side of the heat exchange core 1 in the tube longitudinal direction. The shape of the refrigerant tank 4 is not particularly limited. As an example, in this embodiment, the refrigerant tank 4 is formed in a box shape (i.e., a cube shape). A tube insertion hole 41 and a side plate insertion hole 42 are formed in a bottom surface 40 of the refrigerant tank 4, which is the surface facing the heat exchange core 1.

[0024] The longitudinal ends of each tube 20 are inserted into and joined to the tube insertion holes 41. The longitudinal ends of the tubes of a side plate 6 (described later) are inserted into and joined to the side plate insertion holes 42. The internal passages of each tube 20 communicate with the internal space of the refrigerant tank 4 (i.e., the refrigerant tank space).

[0025] Side plates 6 are provided at both ends in the tube stacking direction of the heat exchange core unit 1. The side plates 6 are formed in the shape of flat plates that are perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0026] Plate-shaped seal plates 7 are provided at both ends of the heat exchange core unit 1 in the core width direction. That is, the heat exchanger 100 includes a pair of seal plates 7. When viewed from the core width direction, the seal plates 7 are provided so as to overlap the entire surface of the heat exchange core unit 1. The seal plates 7 are joined to the refrigerant tank 4 and the side plates 6. The seal plates 7 and the tubes 20 are in contact with each other over at least a portion of the tube longitudinal direction.

[0027] The seal plate 7 is formed in a flat plate shape perpendicular to the core width direction. The seal plate 7 is provided with a tank portion 71. The tank portion 71 is a water tank forming member that forms the water tank space of the water tank 5. The tank portion 71 is formed in a container shape (i.e., a box shape or a bathtub shape) that is open on the side facing the heat exchange core portion 1. In other words, the tank portion 71 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape that is closed on the side opposite the heat exchange core portion 1.

[0028] The seal plate 7 has a through hole 73 that connects the water tank space inside the tank portion 71 with the water passage 3. The through hole 73 is provided in the seal plate 7 at a position corresponding to the tank portion 71.

[0029] There are no particular limitations on the shape and arrangement of the tank portion 71. As an example, in this embodiment, two tank portions 71 are provided on one of the pair of seal plates 7. The two tank portions 71 are arranged side by side in the tube longitudinal direction on one of the seal plates 7.

[0030] A water inlet pipe 81 is connected to one of the two tank parts 71, and a water outlet pipe 82 is connected to the other tank part 71. The water inlet pipe 81 is a water inlet part that allows cooling water to flow into the heat exchanger 100. The water outlet pipe 82 is a water outlet part that allows cooling water to flow out of the heat exchanger 100.

[0031] Hereinafter, of the two tank sections 71, the tank section 71 connected to the water inlet pipe 81 will be defined as the inlet tank section 711, and the tank section 71 connected to the water outlet pipe 82 will be defined as the outlet tank section 712. The inlet tank section 711 forms the water tank space of the water inlet tank 51. The outlet tank section 712 forms the water tank space of the water outlet tank 52.

[0032] The inlet tank portion 711 is disposed on one end side of the seal plate 7 in the longitudinal direction of the tubes. The outlet tank portion 712 is disposed on the other end side of the seal plate 7 in the longitudinal direction of the tubes. Each of the inlet tank portion 711 and the outlet tank portion 712 extends in the stacking direction and communicates with all of the water passages 3 of the heat exchange core portion 1.

[0033] The water inlet pipe 81 is disposed at one end in the stacking direction of the inlet tank portion 711. The water outlet pipe 82 is disposed at the other end in the stacking direction of the outlet tank portion 712. In this embodiment, as an example, the water inlet pipe 81 and the water outlet pipe 82 are provided so as to protrude outward from the tank portion 71 in the core width direction.

[0034] A refrigerant inlet 44 and a refrigerant outlet 45 are connected to the refrigerant tank 4. The refrigerant inlet 44 is a refrigerant inlet port through which the refrigerant flows into the refrigerant tank 4. The refrigerant outlet 45 is a refrigerant outlet port through which the cooling water flows out of the refrigerant tank 4.

[0035] In this embodiment, as an example, the refrigerant inlet 44 and the refrigerant outlet 45 are connected to the same refrigerant tank 4. Hereinafter, the refrigerant tank 4 to which the refrigerant inlet 44 and the refrigerant outlet 45 are connected is defined as a first refrigerant tank 401, and the refrigerant tank 4 to which the refrigerant inlet 44 and the refrigerant outlet 45 are not connected is defined as a second refrigerant tank 402.

[0036] More specifically, the refrigerant inlet 44 is disposed on one end side in the stacking direction of the first refrigerant tank 401. The refrigerant outlet 45 is disposed on the other end side in the stacking direction of the first refrigerant tank 401.

[0037] A partition member 46 that divides the refrigerant tank space in the stacking direction is provided in the first refrigerant tank 401. The partition member 46 divides the refrigerant tank space into an inlet-side space 471 that communicates with the refrigerant inlet portion 44 and an outlet-side space 472 that communicates with the refrigerant outlet portion 45.

[0038] As a result, the refrigerant that flows from the refrigerant inlet portion 44 into the inlet-side space 471 flows through the plurality of tubes 20 that communicate with the inlet-side space 471, and then flows into the second refrigerant tank 402. The refrigerant that flows into the second refrigerant tank 402 flows through the plurality of tubes 20 that communicate with the outlet-side space 472, then flows into the outlet-side space 472, and then flows out from the refrigerant outlet portion 45. In this way, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the refrigerant flow makes one U-turn.

[0039] The refrigerant tank 4, the side plate 6, the seal plate 7, and the spaces formed between adjacent tubes 20 form water passages 3 through which 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.

[0040] Fins 9 are arranged in the water passages 3 to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cooling water. As an example, in this embodiment, corrugated fins are used as the fins 9. As shown in FIG. 4 , the fins 9 are formed in a wave shape having plate-shaped plate portions 91 and peak portions 92 that separate adjacent plate portions 91 at a predetermined distance. The plate portions 91 provide a surface that extends along the tube longitudinal direction. The plate portions 91 can be provided by flat plates and will also be referred to as flat portions 91 in the following description.

[0041] The top portion 92 has a flat top plate portion that provides a narrow flat surface facing outward. A bend at a nearly right angle is provided between the top plate portion and the flat portion 91. The top plate portion is joined to the tubes 20, and the fins 9 and the tubes 20 are joined in a heat-transferable manner. If the width of the top plate portion is formed sufficiently narrow and the bend is formed with a large radius, the top portion 92 can be seen as a curved portion as a whole. Therefore, in the following description, the top portion 92 will also be referred to as a curved portion 92.

[0042] In this embodiment, the fins 9 are formed by roller forming a thin metal sheet material. The curved portions 92 of the fins 9 are joined to the tubes 20 by brazing.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, louvers 93 resembling oval windows are integrally formed on the flat surface 91 of the fin 9 by cutting and raising the flat surface 91. When viewed from the stacking direction, the louvers 93 are cut and raised at a predetermined angle relative to the flat surface 91. A plurality of louvers 93 are provided on the flat surface 91 along the tube longitudinal direction. Between adjacent louvers 93, inter-louver passages 94 are formed, through which cooling water can flow.

[0044] In the water passage 3, the cooling water flows along the longitudinal direction of the tube while passing through the inter-louver passage 94. Therefore, the flow direction of the cooling water in the water passage 3 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0045] 5, in this embodiment, the plurality of louvers 93 formed on one flat surface 91 are divided into an upstream louver group including the plurality of louvers 93 located upstream of the cooling water flow, and a downstream louver group including the plurality of louvers 93 located downstream of the cooling water flow. The louvers 93 belonging to the upstream louver group are cut and raised in a different direction than the louvers 93 belonging to the downstream louver group. In other words, the louvers 93 belonging to the upstream louver group and the downstream louver group are cut and raised in opposite directions.

[0046] Approximately the center of the flat portion 91 in the tube longitudinal direction, i.e., between the upstream louver group and the downstream louver group, is configured as a turning portion 95. No louvers 93 are formed in the turning portion 95, and the cooling water flow direction is reversed. In other words, the turning portion 95 is formed approximately parallel to the cooling water flow direction between the upstream louver group and the downstream louver group. The turning portion 95 reverses the cut-and-raised directions of the louvers 93 belonging to the upstream louver group and the downstream louver group, respectively.

[0047] The louvers 93 are arranged in equal numbers on the upstream and downstream sides of the turning portion 95 in the direction of the cooling water flow. In this embodiment, the multiple louvers 93 are arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary center line CL of the flat portion 91 in the direction of the cooling water flow.

[0048] Here, of the pair of seal plates 7, the seal plate 7 connected to the water tank 5 is defined as a first seal plate 701, and the seal plate 7 not connected to the water tank 5 is defined as a second seal plate 702. In this embodiment, the louvers 93 are inclined so that the closer they are to the second seal plate 702, the farther they are from the turning portion 95.

[0049] The water passage 3 is provided with an inlet section 31 and an outlet section 32. The inlet section 31 connects the water passage 3 to the interior of the water inlet tank 51. The outlet section 32 connects the water passage 3 to the interior of the water outlet tank 52. The inlet section 31 and the outlet section 32 are each provided at a connection section of the water passage 3 with the through-hole 73.

[0050] The inlet portion 31 and the heat exchange core portion 1 overlap in the core width direction. In other words, the inlet portion 31 is arranged so as to overlap with the heat exchange core portion 1 when viewed from the core width direction. Similarly, the outlet portion 32 and the heat exchange core portion 1 overlap in the core width direction. In other words, the outlet portion 32 is arranged so as to overlap with the heat exchange core portion 1 when viewed from the core width direction.

[0051] The louvers 93 of the fins 9 form a wall portion inclined with respect to the core width direction. Of the multiple louvers 93, the louvers 93 arranged at a position overlapping with the inlet portion 31 when viewed from the core width direction form an introduction wall portion inclined with respect to the flow of cooling water flowing from the water inlet tank 51 into the water passage 3.

[0052] Furthermore, by providing the louvers 93 that form the introduction wall portion on the fins 9, the flow of cooling water that has flowed from the water inlet tank 51 into the water passage 3 can be changed from the tube longitudinal direction to the core width direction. In other words, by providing the louvers 93 that form the introduction wall portion on the fins 9, the flow of cooling water in the core width direction can be promoted when it flows from the water inlet tank 51 into the water passage 3. Therefore, the louvers 93 of this embodiment correspond to an example of an introduction portion that changes the flow of cooling water that has flowed from the water inlet tank 51 into the water passage 3 from the tube longitudinal direction to the core width direction.

[0053] The louvers 93 are formed integrally with the fins 9. That is, the fins 9 of this embodiment are fins with an integral structure having the louvers 93, which are introduction portions. In other words, the fins 9 are formed integrally with the louvers 93, which are introduction portions. Furthermore, by providing the louvers 93 on the fins 9 as in this embodiment, it can be said that the fins 9 form introduction portions that change the flow of cooling water that has flowed from the water inlet tank 51 into the water passages 3 from the tube longitudinal direction to the core width direction.

[0054] As shown by the solid arrows in Figure 5, the cooling water that flows from the water inlet tank 51 into the water passage 3 through the inlet 31 flows along the wall surface of the louvers 93 toward the side farther from the inlet 31 in the core width direction (to the left side of the paper in Figure 5). In the water passage 3, the cooling water flows in the core width direction due to inertial force, but also branches and flows in the tube longitudinal direction due to the pressure difference between the inlet 31 side and the outlet 32 ​​side.

[0055] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the louvers 93 that form the inlet wall portion inclined with respect to the flow of cooling water flowing from the water inlet tank 51 into the water passage 3 are integrally formed with the fins 9. This allows the flow of cooling water flowing from the water inlet tank 51 into the water passage 3 to be changed from the tube longitudinal direction to the core width direction. As a result, it becomes possible to allow the cooling water to flow evenly into the heat exchange core 1. In this case, it is not necessary to eliminate the fins 9 on the inlet portion 31 side of the water passage 3, which prevents a decrease in heat exchange performance.

[0056] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the louvers 93 of the fins 9. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described below. Note that Fig. 6 corresponds to Fig. 5 described in the first embodiment.

[0057] 6 , in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, each flat surface 91 of the fin 9 is provided with a first louver 931 and a second louver 932 as louvers 93, which are formed at different angles relative to the flat surface 91. The angle of the first louver 931 is larger than the angle of the second louver 932. The first louver 931 is disposed closer to the end of the tube longitudinal direction than the second louver 932 (i.e., on the side farther from the turning portion 95).

[0058] There is no particular limitation on the number of first louvers 931 and second louvers 932. In this embodiment, for example, the number of first louvers 931 is the same as the number of second louvers 932.

[0059] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the first louvers 931 with a large cut-and-raise angle are arranged closer to the end of the tube in the longitudinal direction than the second louvers 932 with a small cut-and-raise angle. This allows the first louvers 931 with a large cut-and-raise angle to be arranged in a portion of the water passage 3 that overlaps with the inlet section 31 when viewed from the core width direction. This makes it possible to further promote the flow of cooling water in the core width direction when it flows from the water inlet tank 51 into the water passage 3.

[0060] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the configuration of the water tank 5 and the cut-and-raised direction of the louvers 93 of the fins 9. Only the differences from the second embodiment will be described below. Note that Fig. 7 corresponds to Fig. 5 described in the first embodiment.

[0061] 7 , in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the seal plate 7 has a bulging portion 72 that bulges (in other words, protrudes) outward from the heat exchange core portion 1. In this embodiment, the bulging portion 72 is formed by causing a portion of the seal plate 7 to bulge outward from the heat exchange core portion 1.

[0062] The shape and arrangement of the bulging portions 72 are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as an example, the bulging portions 72 are provided at both ends of the seal plate 7 in the tube longitudinal direction. The bulging portions 72 are formed to cover the refrigerant tank 4 from the outside in the core width direction. The inner wall surfaces of the bulging portions 72 on the end sides in the tube longitudinal direction are joined to the outer surface of the refrigerant tank 4.

[0063] The bulging portion 72 has a bent portion 74 bent inward in the stacking direction at its end in the tube longitudinal direction. The inner wall surface of the bent portion 74 is joined to the outer surface of the wall portion of the refrigerant tank 4 on the outer side in the tube longitudinal direction. The inner wall surface of the bulging portion 72 adjacent to the bent portion 74 is joined to the outer surface of the wall portion of the refrigerant tank 4 on the outer side in the core width direction.

[0064] As a result, a water tank space for the water tank 5 is formed inside the bulging portion 72, i.e., on the side facing the heat exchange core portion 1. Therefore, the bulging portion 72 in this embodiment is a water tank forming member that forms the water tank 5.

[0065] In this embodiment, as an example, two bulging portions 72 are provided on one of the pair of seal plates 7. Although not shown in the figure, one of the two bulging portions 72 is connected to a water inlet pipe 81, and the other bulging portion 72 is connected to a water outlet pipe 82.

[0066] Hereinafter, of the two bulge portions 72, the bulge portion 72 to which the water inlet pipe 81 is connected is defined as the inlet bulge portion 721, and the bulge portion 72 to which the water outlet pipe 82 is connected is defined as the outlet bulge portion 722.

[0067] The inlet bulge 721 is disposed on one end side of the seal plate 7 in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The outlet bulge 722 is disposed on the other end side of the seal plate 7 in the longitudinal direction of the tube. Each of the inlet bulge 721 and the outlet bulge 722 extends in the stacking direction and communicates with all of the water passages 3 in the heat exchange core 1.

[0068] In the fin 9 of this embodiment, the louvers 93 are inclined so that the closer they are to the second seal plate 702, the closer they are to the turning portion 95.

[0069] Here, since the water tank 5 in this embodiment is provided adjacent to the refrigerant tank 4, the inlet 31 of the water passage 3 is adjacent to the bottom surface 40 of the refrigerant tank 4. A gap (hereinafter referred to as a fin gap 900) is formed between the end 90 of the fin 9 in the tube longitudinal direction and the bottom surface 40 of the refrigerant tank 4.

[0070] The cooling water that flows from the water inlet tank 51 into the water passage 3 through the inlet portion 31 is branched into a first cooling water flow that flows through the fin gap 900 and a second cooling water flow that flows along the wall surface of the louver 93.

[0071] In the first cooling water flow, as shown by the dashed-dotted arrow in Fig. 7, the cooling water flows in the core width direction due to inertial force, and also branches off and flows in the tube longitudinal direction due to the pressure difference between the inlet 31 side and the outlet 32 ​​side. In the second cooling water flow, as shown by the solid-line arrow in Fig. 7, the cooling water is oriented in the core width direction by the louvers 93, and flows toward the outlet 32 ​​side while merging with the cooling water flow that branches off in the tube longitudinal direction from the first cooling water flow.

[0072] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the fin gaps 900 formed in the water passages 3 are used as flow paths for the cooling water to flow through. This allows the cooling water to flow more evenly into the heat exchange core 1.

[0073] 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.

[0074] (1) For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which two tank portions 71 or bulge portions 72 (hereinafter referred to as tank forming members 71, 72) are provided on one of a pair of seal plates 7, but the arrangement of the tank forming members 71, 72 is not limited to this form.

[0075] For example, one tank-forming member 71, 72 may be provided on one of the pair of seal plates 7, and one may be provided on the other seal plate 7. In this case, the water inlet pipe 81 may be connected to the tank-forming members 71, 72 provided on one seal plate 7, and the water outlet pipe 82 may be connected to the tank-forming members 71, 72 provided on the other seal plate 7.

[0076] Furthermore, two tank-forming members 71, 72 may be provided on one of the pair of seal plates 7, and two may be provided on the other seal plate 7. As an example, as shown in Fig. 8, an inlet bulge 721 and an outlet bulge 722 may be provided on one seal plate 7, and two bulges 72 may be provided on the other seal plate 7. The water inlet pipe 81 and the water outlet pipe 82 do not have to be connected to the bulge 72 provided on the other seal plate 7.

[0077] (2) In the above embodiment, the water inlet pipe 81 and the water outlet pipe 82 are provided so as to protrude outward in the core width direction from the tank portion 71. However, the arrangement of the water inlet pipe 81 and the water outlet pipe 82 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the water inlet pipe 81 and the water outlet pipe 82 may be provided so as to protrude outward in the stacking direction from the end of the tank portion 71 in the stacking direction. In this case, the water inlet pipe 81 and the water outlet pipe 82 may be provided at the end of the tank portion 71 on the same side in the stacking direction.

[0078] (3) In the above embodiment, the tubes 20 are arranged in one row in the core width direction in the heat exchange core unit 1, but the arrangement of the tubes 20 is not limited to this. For example, the tubes 20 may be stacked in multiple rows in the core width direction in the heat exchange core unit 1.

[0079] (4) In the above embodiment, the refrigerant tank 4 is formed in a box shape, but the configuration of the refrigerant tank 4 is not limited to this. For example, the refrigerant tank 4 may be configured to include a core plate and a tank main body. The core plate is a plate-shaped member into which the tubes 20 are inserted and joined. The tank main body, together with the core plate, defines the refrigerant tank space. In this case, the tank main body may be joined to the core plate.

[0080] (5) In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger 100 is made to make one U-turn. However, the refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger 100 is not limited to this. That is, the refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger 100 may be made to make two or more U-turns, or may not be made to make a U-turn. For example, the refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger 100 can be changed as desired by providing the partition member 46 in the second refrigerant tank 402 as well, changing the position or number of the partition members 46, or providing the refrigerant outlet portion 45 in a refrigerant tank 4 different from the refrigerant inlet portion 44.

[0081] The technical features of the heat exchanger disclosed in this specification are as follows: (Item 1) A heat exchanger includes a heat exchange core portion (1) formed by alternately stacking a plurality of first fluid passages (3) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (2) through which a second fluid flows in a predetermined stacking direction, the heat exchange core portion (1) exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid, an inlet tank (51) distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passages, an inlet portion (31) provided in the first fluid passages and communicating the first fluid passages with the inside of the inlet tank, and fins (9) provided in the first fluid passages and promoting heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid, wherein the longitudinal direction of the first fluid passages is defined as a passage longitudinal direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the stacking direction and the passage longitudinal direction is defined as a core width direction, the inlet portion and the heat exchange core portion overlap in the core width direction, The heat exchanger according to item 2, wherein the fins are fins of an integral structure having an introduction portion (93, 964) that changes the flow of the first fluid that has flowed from the inlet tank into the first fluid passage from the passage longitudinal direction to the core width direction. (Item 2) The heat exchanger according to item 1, wherein the introduction portion has an introduction wall portion (93) that is inclined with respect to the flow of the first fluid that has flowed from the inlet tank into the first fluid passage. (Item 3) The heat exchanger according to item 2, wherein the fins have a flat portion (91) parallel to the passage longitudinal direction, and a plurality of louvers (93) are provided on the flat portion along the passage longitudinal direction, the louvers being cut and raised at a predetermined angle relative to the flat portion, and the introduction wall portion is formed by at least a portion of the plurality of louvers. (Item 4) The heat exchanger according to item 3, wherein the plurality of louvers are arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary center line of the flat portion in the passage longitudinal direction. (Item 5) A heat exchanger according to item 3 or 4, wherein turning sections (95) formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the passage are provided between the plurality of louvers on the planar portion, and the louvers arranged upstream of the turning sections in the flow of the first fluid and the louvers arranged downstream of the turning sections in the flow of the first fluid are cut in opposite directions.(Item 6) The heat exchanger according to any one of Items 3 to 5, wherein at least two types of louvers are provided: first louvers (931) and second louvers (932) having a larger angle of incline than the first louvers, and the second louvers are arranged closer to the end of the passage in the longitudinal direction than the first louvers.

[0082] 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 comprising: a heat exchange core section (1) formed by alternately stacking a plurality of first fluid passages (3) through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second fluid passages (2) through which a second fluid flows in a predetermined stacking direction, the heat exchanger exchanging heat between the first fluid and the second fluid; an inlet tank (51) for distributing the first fluid to the first fluid passages; an inlet section (31) provided in the first fluid passages and connecting the first fluid passages with the inside of the inlet tank; and fins (9) provided in the first fluid passages and promoting heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid, wherein the longitudinal direction of the first fluid passages is defined as the passage longitudinal direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the stacking direction and the passage longitudinal direction is defined as the core width direction, the inlet section and the heat exchange core section overlap in the core width direction, The fins are integrally formed fins having an introduction portion (93, 964) that changes the flow of the first fluid that flows from the inlet tank into the first fluid passage from the longitudinal direction of the passage to the core width direction.

2. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the inlet portion has an inlet wall portion (93) inclined with respect to the flow of the first fluid that has flowed from the inlet tank into the first fluid passage.

3. A heat exchanger as described in claim 2, wherein the fin has a flat portion (91) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the passage, and a plurality of louvers (93) cut at a predetermined angle relative to the flat portion are provided along the longitudinal direction of the passage, and the introduction wall portion is constituted by at least a portion of the plurality of louvers.

4. A heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of louvers are arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary center line in the longitudinal direction of the passages on the flat surface portion.

5. A heat exchanger as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein turning sections (95) formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the passage are provided between the plurality of louvers on the flat surface, and the louvers arranged upstream of the turning section in the flow of the first fluid and the louvers arranged downstream of the turning section in the flow of the first fluid are cut in opposite directions.

6. A heat exchanger as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein at least two types of louvers are provided: first louvers (931) and second louvers (932) having a larger angle of incline than the first louvers, and the second louvers are positioned closer to the end of the passage in the longitudinal direction than the first louvers.

Images