Heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger (20) comprises: a heat exchange plate (30) that has a flow passage (FP) through which a heat medium flows; and an adapter (60) that is joined to the heat exchange plate (30). The adapter (60) has: a first base panel that has a flat plate shape and includes a first cylindrical part (62) for supplying the heat medium to the flow passage (FP), a second cylindrical part (63) for discharging the heat medium from the flow passage (FP), a first support wall (611) for supporting the first cylindrical part (62) and covering a first opening (43), and a first joining wall (612) joined to a main wall (31); and a second base panel that has a flat plate shape and includes a second support wall (613) for supporting the second cylindrical part (63) and covering a second opening (44), and a second joining wall (614) joined to the main wall (31).

Description

heat exchanger

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle including a battery and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the battery and the battery. The heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger plate having a flow path therein, first and second connecting pipes connected to the flow path of the heat exchanger plate, and an adapter that secures the first and second connecting pipes to the heat exchanger plate. In the heat exchanger, fluid supplied to the first connecting pipe flows through the flow path of the heat exchanger plate. The fluid that has flowed through the flow path of the heat exchanger plate is then discharged from the second connecting pipe. By circulating the fluid through the heat exchanger in this manner, the battery in contact with the heat exchanger plate is adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

[0003] EP 4138176

[0004] When the heat exchanger described above is installed in a vehicle or other installation object, the first and second connecting pipes are connected to connecting pipes of other heat exchangers, piping for supplying fluid to the heat exchanger, piping for discharging fluid from the heat exchanger, etc. In this case, if a large load acts on the first and second connecting pipes of the heat exchanger, there is a risk that the adapter that secures the first and second connecting pipes to the heat exchanger plate will be deformed.

[0005] A heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plate-shaped heat exchange plate having a flow path through which a heat medium flows, a first opening connected to an upstream end of the flow path, and a second opening connected to a downstream end of the flow path, and an adapter joined to the heat exchange plate, wherein the heat exchange plate has two main walls covering the flow path from both sides in a plate thickness direction of the heat exchange plate, and partition walls connected to the two main walls and partitioning the flow path, and the first opening and the second opening are provided in one of the two main walls, and the adapter is The heat transfer device has a first cylindrical portion that supplies the heat medium to the flow path through a first opening, a second cylindrical portion that discharges the heat medium from the flow path through the second opening, a first base panel having a flat plate shape and including a first support wall that supports the first cylindrical portion and covers the first opening, and a first joining wall that is joined to one of the two main walls, and a second base panel having a flat plate shape and including a second support wall that supports the second cylindrical portion and covers the second opening, and a second joining wall that is joined to one of the two main walls.

[0006] The heat exchanger can suppress unintended deformation of the adapter when the pipe is connected.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchange system including a heat exchanger of a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a heat exchange plate of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting pipe and an adapter of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting pipe and an adapter of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a partial side view of a heat exchanger of a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

[0008] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of a heat exchanger will be described below. <Configuration of the first embodiment> As shown in Fig. 1, a heat exchange system 10 is a device for adjusting the temperature of a heat exchange object 100 to an appropriate temperature by cooling or heating the heat exchange object 100. In the first embodiment, the heat exchange object 100 is a plurality of batteries mounted on an electric vehicle. More specifically, the batteries are cylindrical cells.

[0009] 1, the heat exchange system 10 includes a plurality of heat exchangers 20 and a plurality of pipes 90. Although not shown, the heat exchange system 10 also includes a pump that circulates a heat medium and a temperature control unit that adjusts the temperature of the heat medium. The heat medium is a liquid such as oil or water used to cool and heat a heat exchange target 100. In another embodiment, the heat medium may be a gas such as air.

[0010] 1 , the heat exchanger 20 has an elongated shape. The longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger 20 is referred to as a first direction D1, a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 is referred to as a second direction D2, and a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is referred to as a third direction D3. In the first embodiment, the third direction D3 is the direction in which the multiple heat exchangers 20 in the heat exchange system 10 are arranged.

[0011] 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 20 includes a heat exchange plate 30, a plurality of connecting pipes 50, two adapters 60, and a cap 70. In the first embodiment, the components of the heat exchanger 20 are made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

[0012] <Heat Exchange Plate 30> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat exchange plate 30 constitutes the majority of the heat exchanger 20. The heat exchange plate 30 is a long rectangular plate. The thickness direction of the heat exchange plate 30 coincides with the third direction D3. When the heat exchange plate 30 is viewed from the thickness direction, the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30 coincides with the first direction D1, and the short side direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "width direction") of the heat exchange plate 30 coincides with the second direction D2. The heat exchange plate 30 is formed, for example, by additional processing of an extruded metal material. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange plate 30 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is approximately constant along the longitudinal direction.

[0013] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the heat exchanger plate 30 has multiple flow paths FP. The heat exchanger plate 30 also has two main walls 31, 32, two side walls 33, 34, and multiple partition walls 35-37. Furthermore, the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the multiple partition walls 35-37 of the heat exchanger plate 30 form a connection section 30A, a heat exchange section 30B, a sealing section 30C, and an inverted section 30D. In the following description, one end of the heat exchanger plate 30 in the longitudinal direction will be referred to as a first end, and the other end of the heat exchanger plate 30 in the longitudinal direction will be referred to as a second end. The first end is the end opposite the second end.

[0014] 3 and 4, the multiple flow paths FP include multiple first flow paths FP1 that constitute upstream portions of the multiple flow paths FP and multiple second flow paths FP2 that constitute downstream portions of the multiple flow paths FP. The multiple first flow paths FP1 and the multiple second flow paths FP2 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. Specifically, the multiple first flow paths FP1 are arranged side by side, leaning to one side in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30, and the multiple second flow paths FP2 are arranged side by side, leaning to the other side in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. In this respect, the first flow paths FP1 and the second flow paths FP2 are not arranged alternately side by side in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0015] The direction in which the heat medium flows through the first flow paths FP1 is opposite to the direction in which the heat medium flows through the second flow paths FP2. Furthermore, the upstream ends of the first flow paths FP1 and the downstream ends of the second flow paths FP2 are located at a first end of the heat exchanger plate 30. On the other hand, the downstream ends of the first flow paths FP1 and the upstream ends of the second flow paths FP2 are located at a second end of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0016] In the first embodiment, the total number of first flow paths FP1 is equal to the total number of second flow paths FP2, but in other embodiments, the total number of first flow paths FP1 may be different from the total number of second flow paths FP2. The cross-sectional shape of the flow paths FP may be rectangular or circular. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of the flow paths FP do not have to be uniform among the multiple flow paths FP.

[0017] <Main Walls 31, 32, Side Walls 33, 34, and Partition Walls 35-37> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the two main walls 31, 32 are rectangular plates. The thickness direction of the two main walls 31, 32 coincides with the third direction D3. The two main walls 31, 32 face each other with a fixed gap in the third direction D3. In this way, the two main walls 31, 32 cover the multiple flow paths FP from both sides in the thickness direction.

[0018] The two side walls 33, 34 are semi-cylindrical. The axial direction of the two side walls 33, 34 coincides with the first direction D1. The two side walls 33, 34 face each other with a fixed gap in the second direction D2. The side wall 33 connects one end of the two main walls 31, 32 in the width direction, and the side wall 34 connects the other end of the two main walls 31, 32 in the width direction. Thus, the two side walls 33, 34 cover the multiple flow paths FP from both sides in the width direction. In this respect, it can be said that the multiple first flow paths FP1 are arranged side by side from the side wall 34 toward the side wall 33. It can also be said that the multiple second flow paths FP2 are arranged side by side from the side wall 33 toward the side wall 34.

[0019] The partition walls 35-37 are rectangular plate-shaped. The thickness direction of the partition walls 35-37 coincides with the second direction D2. The partition walls 35-37 connect the two main walls 31, 32 in the third direction D3. Thus, the partition walls 35-37, together with the two main walls 31, 32 and the two side walls 33, 34, define the flow paths FP. The partition walls 35-37 include a plurality of first partition walls 35 that define the first flow paths FP1, a plurality of second partition walls 36 that define the second flow paths FP2, and a central partition wall 37 that defines the first flow paths FP1 and the second flow paths FP2 that are adjacent in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. In the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30, the central partition wall 37 is located at the center of the first partition walls 35 and the second partition walls 36.

[0020] 3 , the connection portion 30A is a portion of the heat exchanger plate 30 that supplies the heat medium to the first flow path FP1 and discharges the heat medium from the second flow path FP2. The connection portion 30A has a first through hole 41 and a second through hole 42 that penetrate the connection portion 30A in the plate thickness direction. The first through hole 41 and the second through hole 42 are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The first through hole 41 and the second through hole 42 have an oval shape when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0021] The first through holes 41 and the second through holes 42 penetrate the two main walls 31, 32 and the plurality of partition walls 35, 36. Specifically, the first through holes 41 are formed by removing portions of the plurality of first partition walls 35, so that all of the first flow paths FP1 are connected to the first through holes 41. On the other hand, the second through holes 42 are formed by removing portions of the plurality of second partition walls 36, so that all of the second flow paths FP2 are connected to the second through holes 42. However, the first through holes 41 and the second through holes 42 are provided so as to avoid the central partition wall 37. Therefore, the first flow paths FP1 and the second flow paths FP2 adjacent to each other in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30 are not connected to each other.

[0022] In the following description, the openings formed in the main wall 31 by the first through holes 41 penetrating the main wall 31 and the openings formed in the main wall 32 by the first through holes 41 penetrating the main wall 31 and the openings formed in the main wall 32 by the second through holes 42 penetrating the main wall 31 and the openings formed in the main wall 32 by the second through holes 42 penetrating the main wall 31 and the openings formed in the main wall 32 by the second through holes 42 are each referred to as a "second opening 44." The first opening 43 and the second opening 44 are open in the thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The first opening 43 and the second opening 44 are positioned at intervals in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The first opening 43 is connected to the upstream ends of a plurality of first flow paths FP1, which are the upstream ends of the plurality of flow paths FP. The second opening 44 is connected to the downstream ends of a plurality of second flow paths FP2, which are the downstream ends of the plurality of flow paths FP.

[0023] Each of the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 includes two arc portions 45, 46 and two linear portions 47, 48. The arc portion 45 connects one end of each of the linear portions 47, 48, and the arc portion 46 connects the other end of each of the linear portions 47, 48.

[0024] 1 and 2, the heat exchange section 30B is a section that heats or cools the heat exchange target 100 while in contact with the heat exchange target 100. The heat exchange section 30B is located between the connection section 30A and the inverted section 30D in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 30. Since the heat exchange target 100 in the first embodiment is a plurality of cylindrical cells, the portions of the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the plurality of partition walls 35 to 37 that constitute the heat exchange section 30B are curved in an accordion-like manner. In other words, the portions of the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the plurality of partition walls 35 to 37 that constitute the heat exchange section 30B are curved in a corrugated plate-like manner.

[0025] <Sealing portion 30C> As shown in Fig. 2, the sealing portion 30C constitutes the first end portion of the heat exchange plate 30. The sealing portion 30C is a portion that seals the first end portion of the heat exchange plate 30 so that the heat medium does not leak from the first end portion. In the sealing portion 30C, the two main walls 31, 32 that constitute the sealing portion 30C are welded to each other in a tight contact state. At this time, the portions of the multiple partition walls 35 to 37 that constitute the sealing portion 30C are removed so that the two main walls 31, 32 are tightly contacted with each other.

[0026] 2, the reversing portion 30D constitutes the second end portion of the heat exchanger plate 30. The reversing portion 30D is a portion for connecting the downstream ends of the plurality of first flow paths FP1 and the upstream ends of the plurality of second flow paths FP2.

[0027] <Method for Manufacturing Heat Exchanger Plate 30> The method for manufacturing the heat exchanger plate 30 includes an extrusion step, a cutting step, a sealing step, and a pressing step.

[0028] The extrusion process is a process of extruding a metal material to form a first intermediate product that is long and has a uniform cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction. By performing the extrusion process, two main walls 31, 32, two side walls 33, 34, and multiple partition walls 35-37 are formed in the first intermediate product. In other words, multiple flow paths FP are formed in the first intermediate product. The cutting process is a process that follows the extrusion process. The cutting process is a process of cutting the first intermediate product into second intermediate products of a predetermined length. The sealing process is a process that follows the cutting process. The sealing process is a process of sealing a first end portion in the longitudinal direction of the second intermediate product to form a third intermediate product. The pressing process is a process that follows the sealing process. The pressing process is a process of pressing the third intermediate product to form a connection portion 30A and a heat exchange portion 30B in the third intermediate product. That is, the pressing process includes a process of forming the first through holes 41 and the second through holes 42 in the portion of the third intermediate product that will become the connection portion 30A, and a process of bending the portion of the third intermediate product that will become the heat exchange portion 30B into a corrugated shape. By performing the pressing process, the third intermediate product becomes the heat exchange plate 30.

[0029] <Connecting Pipes 50> As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the multiple connecting pipes 50 include a supply pipe 51, a discharge pipe 52, a first branch pipe 53, and a second branch pipe 54. The supply pipe 51 is cylindrical. The supply pipe 51 includes a small-diameter portion 50a, a large-diameter portion 50b, and an intermediate portion 50c connecting the small-diameter portion 50a and the large-diameter portion 50b. The inner and outer diameters of the intermediate portion 50c gradually increase in the axial direction of the supply pipe 51 from the small-diameter portion 50a toward the large-diameter portion 50b. The supply pipe 51 is formed, for example, by drawing a metal pipe. In the first embodiment, the discharge pipe 52, the first branch pipe 53, and the second branch pipe 54 have the same shape as the supply pipe 51. That is, each of the discharge pipe 52, the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 has a small diameter portion 50a, a large diameter portion 50b and an intermediate portion 50c.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the small diameter portion 50a of the supply pipe 51 corresponds to the "first small diameter portion," and the large diameter portion 50b of the supply pipe 51 corresponds to the "first large diameter portion." Also, the small diameter portion 50a of the discharge pipe 52 corresponds to the "second small diameter portion," and the large diameter portion 50b of the discharge pipe 52 corresponds to the "second large diameter portion."

[0031] 2 , one adapter 60 is a component for connecting the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 to the heat exchanger plate 30, and the other adapter 60 is a component for connecting the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 to the heat exchanger plate 30. In the following description, when distinguishing between the two adapters 60, the one adapter 60 will be referred to as the "first adapter 60" and the other adapter 60 will be referred to as the "second adapter 60."

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the adapter 60 includes a base panel 61, a first cylindrical portion 62, a second cylindrical portion 63, and a plurality of locking portions 64. The base panel 61 is rectangular. The longitudinal direction of the base panel 61 coincides with the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. The first cylindrical portion 62 and the second cylindrical portion 63 are cylindrical. The first cylindrical portion 62 and the second cylindrical portion 63 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the base panel 61. The axial direction of the first cylindrical portion 62 and the axial direction of the second cylindrical portion 63 coincide with the thickness direction of the base panel 61. The adapter 60 is formed, for example, by burring a metal plate. Therefore, holes are formed in the base panel 61 in the areas where the first cylindrical portion 62 and the second cylindrical portion 63 are provided. In other words, the base panel 61 has a portion that extends outward in the radial direction of the first cylindrical portion 62 from the base end of the first cylindrical portion 62, and a portion that extends outward in the radial direction of the second cylindrical portion 63 from the base end of the second cylindrical portion 63.

[0033] In the first embodiment, the total number of locking portions 64 is four. The four locking portions 64 are provided on the surface of the base panel 61 opposite to the surface on which the first cylindrical portion 62 and the second cylindrical portion 63 are provided. The four locking portions 64 are protrusions protruding from the base panel 61. The protruding direction of the four locking portions 64 relative to the base panel 61 is opposite to the protruding direction of the first cylindrical portion 62 and the second cylindrical portion 63 relative to the base panel 61. The four locking portions 64 include two first locking portions 64a and two second locking portions 64b. The two first locking portions 64a and the two second locking portions 64b are positioned at an interval in the longitudinal direction of the base panel 61. The two first locking portions 64a are positioned at an interval in the lateral direction of the base panel 61. Similarly, the two second locking portions 64b are positioned at an interval in the short direction of the base panel 61.

[0034] 2, the cap 70 is a component for sealing the inverted portion 30D of the heat exchanger plate 30. The cap 70 may be made of a single member, or may be made of two or more members. The cap 70 is configured so that the second end of the heat exchanger plate 30 can be inserted therein.

[0035] <Engagement Relationships of Components of Heat Exchanger 20> The engagement relationships of the components of the heat exchanger 20 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 7 to 9. For ease of explanation, some components are not shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0036] 2 and 7 , the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 are joined to the first adapter 60, and the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 are joined to the second adapter 60. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , the small-diameter portion 50a of the supply pipe 51 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60, and the first cylindrical portion 62 and the small-diameter portion 50a of the supply pipe 51 are joined together. Furthermore, the small-diameter portion 50a of the discharge pipe 52 is inserted into the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60, and the second cylindrical portion 63 and the small-diameter portion 50a of the discharge pipe 52 are joined together. In this way, the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60 holds the supply pipe 51, and the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60 holds the discharge pipe 52.

[0037] In the first adapter 60, the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 62 is equal to the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 50a of the supply pipe 51. The inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 62 is smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 50b of the supply pipe 51. Similarly, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 63 is equal to the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 50a of the discharge pipe 52. The inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 63 is smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 50b of the discharge pipe 52. In other embodiments of the first adapter 60, the first cylindrical portion 62 and the second cylindrical portion 63 may be rectangular cylindrical. Furthermore, the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 may be rectangular cylindrical. In this case, it is preferable that the inner dimension of the first cylindrical portion 62 is smaller than the inner dimension of the large-diameter portion 50b of the supply pipe 51. It is also preferable that the inner dimension of the second cylindrical portion 63 is smaller than the inner dimension of the large-diameter portion 50b of the discharge pipe 52. The same applies to the second adapter 60 described later.

[0038] With the small diameter portion 50a of the first branch pipe 53 inserted into the first cylindrical portion 62 of the second adapter 60, the first cylindrical portion 62 and the small diameter portion 50a of the first branch pipe 53 are joined together. Also, with the small diameter portion 50a of the second branch pipe 54 inserted into the second cylindrical portion 63 of the second adapter 60, the second cylindrical portion 63 and the small diameter portion 50a of the second branch pipe 54 are joined together. In this way, the first cylindrical portion 62 of the second adapter 60 holds the first branch pipe 53, and the second cylindrical portion 63 of the second adapter 60 holds the second branch pipe 54.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2, 7 and 8, a first adapter 60 is joined to one of the main walls 31 that constitutes the connection portion 30A of the heat exchange plate 30, and a second adapter 60 is joined to the other main wall 32 that constitutes the connection portion 30A.

[0040] 8 , the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 covers the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 of the main wall 31 and is joined to the main wall 31. At this time, the first adapter 60 connects the supply pipe 51 to the first through hole 41 and the discharge pipe 52 to the second through hole 42. In this manner, the supply pipe 51 and the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60 can supply the heat medium to the flow path FP via the first opening 43 of the heat exchange plate 30. In addition, the discharge pipe 52 and the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60 can discharge the heat medium from the flow path FP via the second opening 44 of the heat exchange plate 30.

[0041] Furthermore, the base panel 61 of the second adapter 60 covers the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 of the main wall 32 and is joined to the main wall 32. At this time, the second adapter 60 connects the first branch pipe 53 to the first through hole 41 and connects the second branch pipe 54 to the second through hole 42. Furthermore, when the two adapters 60 are joined to the heat exchanger plate 30, the axis of the supply pipe 51 coincides with the axis of the first branch pipe 53, and the axis of the discharge pipe 52 coincides with the axis of the second branch pipe 54.

[0042] The joining manner of the first adapter 60 to the main wall 31 is the same as the joining manner of the second adapter 60 to the main wall 32, so the following explanation will be limited to the joining manner of the first adapter 60 to the main wall 31.

[0043] The multiple locking portions 64 of the first adapter 60 are locked to the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 of the main wall 31. More specifically, the two first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60 are locked to the arc portions 45 of the first opening 43 of the main wall 31. Furthermore, the two second locking portions 64b of the first adapter 60 are locked to the arc portions 45 of the second opening 44 of the main wall 31. As a result, movement of the first adapter 60 in a direction perpendicular to the third direction D3 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30 is restricted. In other words, the first adapter 60 is positioned relative to the heat exchanger plate 30 in the direction perpendicular to the third direction D3.

[0044] The base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 is joined in face-to-face contact with the main wall 31 of the heat exchange plate 30. That is, the contact area between the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 and the main wall 31 of the heat exchange plate 30, in other words, the joining area between the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 and the main wall 31 of the heat exchange plate 30, is relatively large. Furthermore, by joining the first adapter 60 to the heat exchange plate 30, leakage of the heat medium from the gap between the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 and the main wall 31 of the heat exchange plate 30 is suppressed.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the portion of the base panel 61 that covers the first opening 43 of the heat exchanger plate 30 is a first support wall 611, and the portion that is joined to the main wall 31 is a first joining wall 612. Here, the first support wall 611 supports the first cylindrical portion 62 by being connected to the base end of the first cylindrical portion 62. Similarly, the portion of the base panel 61 that covers the second opening 44 of the heat exchanger plate 30 is a second support wall 613, and the portion that is joined to the main wall 31 is a second joining wall 614. Here, the second support wall 613 supports the second cylindrical portion 63 by being connected to the base end of the second cylindrical portion 63.

[0046] Therefore, the portion of the base panel 61 corresponding to the first opening 43 of the main wall 31 corresponds to a "first base panel" having a first support wall 611 and a first joint wall 612. Similarly, the portion of the base panel 61 corresponding to the second opening 44 of the main wall 31 corresponds to a "second base panel" having a second support wall 613 and a second joint wall 614. In other words, when the base panel 61 is divided into two equal parts along the longitudinal direction, one of the two equal parts corresponds to the "first base panel," and the other of the two equal parts corresponds to the "second base panel." Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the "first base panel" and the "second base panel" are connected to each other in the direction in which the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 in the heat exchanger plate 30 are aligned.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 9 , the inverted portion 30D of the heat exchanger plate 30 is joined to the cap 70 while inserted into the cap 70. The first flow paths FP1 of the heat exchanger plate 30 are connected to the second flow paths FP2 of the heat exchanger plate 30 via the internal space SP of the cap 70. In this way, the flow direction of the heat medium can be reversed at the second end of the heat exchanger plate 30, as shown by the thick arrow in Fig. 9 .

[0048] In the first embodiment, the components of the heat exchanger 20 are joined by brazing. In other embodiments, the components of the heat exchanger 20 may be joined by other methods, such as welding or adhesive bonding, as long as leakage of the heat medium through gaps between the components of the heat exchanger 20 can be prevented. Note that the components of the heat exchanger 20 may be formed by processing a clad plate, which is an aluminum plate coated with a brazing material. This reduces the number of steps required for brazing.

[0049] 1 , a plurality of pipes 90 connect two heat exchangers 20 arranged adjacent to each other. The pipes 90 include a plurality of first pipes 91 and a plurality of second pipes 92. The number of first pipes 91 and the number of second pipes 92 vary depending on the total number of heat exchangers 20 constituting the heat exchange system 10. The first pipe 91 connects the supply pipe 51 of one of the two adjacent heat exchangers 20 to the first branch pipe 53 of the other. On the other hand, the second pipe 92 connects the discharge pipe 52 of one of the two adjacent heat exchangers 20 to the second branch pipe 54 of the other. The pipes 90 may be a hose having appropriate elasticity or a rigid pipe.

[0050] 1 , when adjusting the temperature of the heat exchange target 100, the heat exchange system 10 circulates a heat medium among a plurality of heat exchangers 20. The first pipe 91 corresponds to the outward path of the heat medium circulating through the heat exchange system 10, and the second pipe 92 corresponds to the return path of the heat medium circulating through the heat exchange system 10. In other words, the amount of heat medium flowing into the first flow path FP1 of the heat exchanger 20 is the amount of heat medium supplied to the supply pipe 51 of the heat exchanger 20 minus the amount of heat medium discharged from the first branch pipe 53 of the heat exchanger 20. On the other hand, the amount of heat medium flowing out of the second flow path FP2 of the heat exchanger 20 is the amount of heat medium discharged from the discharge pipe 52 of the heat exchanger 20 minus the amount of heat medium supplied to the second branch pipe 54 of the heat exchanger 20.

[0051] Furthermore, when the heat exchange system 10 cools the heat exchange target 100, it adjusts the temperature of the circulating heat medium to a temperature lower than the temperature of the heat exchange target 100. On the other hand, when the heat exchange system 10 heats the heat exchange target 100, it adjusts the temperature of the heat medium circulating through the heat exchange system 10 to a temperature higher than the temperature of the heat exchange target 100.

[0052] The heat exchanger 20 is supplied with a heat medium from a first pipe 91 connected to the supply pipe 51. The heat medium circulating through the heat exchanger 20 flows sequentially through the first flow path FP1, the internal space SP of the cap 70, and the second flow path FP2. That is, the heat medium flows through the heat exchange section 30B of the heat exchanger 20. In this way, the heat medium cools or heats the heat exchange target 100. The heat medium that reaches the downstream end of the second flow path FP2 is discharged from the second pipe 92 connected to the discharge pipe 52.

[0053] Advantages of the First Embodiment (1) As shown in FIG. 8 , the multiple locking portions 64 of the first adapter 60 are locked to the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 of the heat exchanger plate 30. Thus, the first adapter 60 is joined to the heat exchanger plate 30 in a positioned state. The supply pipe 51 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60, and the discharge pipe 52 is inserted into the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60. Thus, the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 are joined to the first adapter 60 in a positioned state. Therefore, the heat exchanger 20 can improve the positional accuracy of the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. For the same reason, the heat exchanger 20 can improve the positional accuracy of the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. This improves the workability when installing the heat exchanger 20 in an installation target such as a vehicle.

[0054] (2) As shown in Fig. 8 , the first adapter 60 has two first locking portions 64a that engage with the first openings 43 of the heat exchanger plate 30 and two second locking portions 64b that engage with the second openings 44 of the heat exchanger plate 30. Therefore, the first adapter 60 is less likely to move relative to the heat exchanger plate 30 than when the first adapter 60 has only the first locking portions 64a that engage with the first openings 43 or only the second locking portions 64b that engage with the second openings 44. This allows the heat exchanger 20 to further improve the positional accuracy of the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. For the same reason, the heat exchanger 20 allows further improve the positional accuracy of the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0055] (3) For example, consider a comparative example in which the two first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60 lock onto the linear portion of the first opening 43, and the two second locking portions 64b of the first adapter 60 lock onto the linear portion of the second opening 44. In this comparative example, there is a possibility that the first adapter 60 moves along the linear portion of the first opening 43 or along the linear portion of the second opening 44. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 8 , in the heat exchanger 20 according to the first embodiment, the first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60 lock onto the arc portion 45 of the first opening 43, and the second locking portions 64b of the first adapter 60 lock onto the arc portion 45 of the second opening 44. This makes it more difficult for the first adapter 60 to move relative to the heat exchanger plate 30. In this way, the heat exchanger 20 can further improve the positional accuracy of the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 relative to the heat exchange plate 30. For the same reason, the heat exchanger 20 can further improve the positional accuracy of the first branch pipe 53 and the second branch pipe 54 relative to the heat exchange plate 30.

[0056] (4) As shown by the hollow arrows in FIG. 7 , when the piping 90 is connected to the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52, a load acts on the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52. This load is transmitted to the first adapter 60 to which the supply pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52 are joined. In the first embodiment, the first support wall 611 supporting the first cylindrical portion 62 and the first joint wall 612 joined to the main wall 31 are both part of the flat base panel 61. Similarly, the second support wall 613 supporting the second cylindrical portion 63 and the second joint wall 614 joined to the main wall 31 are both part of the flat base panel 61. Therefore, the load acting on the first cylindrical portion 62 and the second cylindrical portion 63 is easily transmitted to the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30 via the base panel 61. In other words, the first support wall 611 and the second support wall 613 are less likely to deform due to a load acting on the first cylindrical portion 62 and the second cylindrical portion 63. Furthermore, the plurality of partition walls 35 to 37 that define the flow path FP are connected to the main wall 31 to which the first adapter 60 is joined. Therefore, the above-mentioned load is distributed to the base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 and the main wall 31 and the plurality of partition walls 35 to 37 of the heat exchanger plate 30. Therefore, when the above-mentioned load acts on the heat exchanger 20, deformation of the first adapter 60 can be suppressed.

[0057] (5) The base panel 61 of the first adapter 60 has a first support wall 611, a first joint wall 612, a second support wall 613, and a second joint wall 614. In other words, the "first base panel" and the "second base panel" are connected to each other. This increases the rigidity of the first adapter 60.

[0058] (6) The supply pipe 51 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60, and the discharge pipe 52 is inserted into the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60. Here, the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 50b of the supply pipe 51 is larger than the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60. Similarly, the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 50b of the discharge pipe 52 is larger than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60. Therefore, it is possible to connect a pipe 90 having an inner diameter larger than that of the first cylindrical portion 62 to the supply pipe 51, or to connect a pipe 90 having an inner diameter larger than that of the second cylindrical portion 63 to the discharge pipe 52.

[0059] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the heat exchanger 20 will now be described. The heat exchanger 20X according to the second embodiment differs from the heat exchanger 20 according to the first embodiment in the manner in which the heat medium flows through the heat exchanger 20X. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] 10 and 11 , a heat exchanger 20X includes a heat exchanger plate 30X, a plurality of connecting pipes 50, two first adapters 60X1, and two second adapters 60X2. The first adapter 60X1 in the second embodiment connects the supply pipe 51 to the heat exchanger plate 30X and the first branch pipe 53 to the heat exchanger plate 30X. Similarly, the second adapter 60X2 in the second embodiment connects the discharge pipe 52 to the heat exchanger plate 30X and the second branch pipe 54 to the heat exchanger plate 30X. In this respect, the meaning of "first and second" in "first adapter and second adapter" is slightly different from that in the first embodiment.

[0061] The heat exchanger plate 30X has multiple flow paths FP. The heat exchanger plate 30X also has two main walls 31, 32, two side walls 33, 34, and multiple partition walls 38. In the heat exchanger plate 30X, the two main walls 31, 32, the two side walls 33, 34, and the multiple partition walls 38 further define a heat exchange section 30B, a first connecting section 30E, a second connecting section 30F, a first sealing section 30G, and a second sealing section 30H.

[0062] The multiple flow paths FP are arranged side by side in the width direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The upstream ends of the multiple flow paths FP are located at a first end of the heat exchanger plate 30X, and the downstream ends of the multiple flow paths FP are located at a second end of the heat exchanger plate 30X.

[0063] The first connecting portion 30E and the second connecting portion 30F are located on both sides of the heat exchange portion 30B in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The first connecting portion 30E and the second connecting portion 30F correspond to the connecting portion 30A in the first embodiment. The first connecting portion 30E has a first through hole 41X. The first through hole 41X penetrates the two main walls 31, 32 and the multiple partition walls 38 in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X. More specifically, the first through hole 41X removes a portion of the multiple partition walls 38, so that all of the flow paths FP are connected to the first through hole 41X. Similarly, the second connecting portion 30F has a second through hole 42X. The second through hole 42X penetrates the two main walls 31, 32 and the multiple partition walls 38 in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X. More specifically, all of the flow paths FP are connected to the second through holes 42X by removing parts of the partition walls 38. The first through holes 41X and the second through holes 42X have an oval shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30X.

[0064] In the following description, the openings formed in the main wall 31 by the first through holes 41X penetrating the main wall 31 and the openings formed in the main wall 32 by the second through holes 42X penetrating the main wall 31 and the openings formed in the main wall 32 by the second through holes 42X penetrating the main wall 31 and the openings formed in the main wall 32 by the second through holes 42X penetrating the main wall 31 and the openings formed in the main wall 32 by the second through holes 42X are each referred to as the "second openings 44X." The first openings 43X are connected to the upstream ends of the multiple flow paths FP. The second openings 44X are connected to the downstream ends of the multiple flow paths FP. The first openings 43X and the second openings 44X include two arc-shaped portions 45, 46 and two linear portions 47, 48. The lengths of the linear portions 47, 48 in the second embodiment are longer than the lengths of the linear portions 47, 48 in the first embodiment.

[0065] The first sealing portion 30G and the second sealing portion 30H correspond to the sealing portion 30C in the first embodiment. The first sealing portion 30G seals the flow paths FP at a first end of the heat exchanger plate 30X. The second sealing portion 30H seals the flow paths FP at a second end of the heat exchanger plate 30X.

[0066] The first adapter 60X1 includes a first base panel 61X1, a first cylindrical portion 62, and a plurality of first locking portions 64a. The first cylindrical portion 62 is connected to the center of the first base panel 61X1. The axial direction of the first cylindrical portion 62 coincides with the thickness direction of the first base panel 61X1. In the second embodiment, the total number of first locking portions 64a is four. The four first locking portions 64a are provided on the surface of the first base panel 61X1 opposite the surface on which the first cylindrical portion 62 is provided. Two of the four first locking portions 64a are provided at each end of the first base panel 61X1 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, at each end of the first base panel 61X1 in the longitudinal direction, the two first locking portions 64a are positioned spaced apart in the lateral direction of the first base panel 61X1.

[0067] The second adapter 60X2 includes a second base panel 61X2, a second cylindrical portion 63, and a plurality of second locking portions 64b. The second cylindrical portion 63 is connected to the center of the second base panel 61X2. The axial direction of the second cylindrical portion 63 coincides with the thickness direction of the second base panel 61X2. In the second embodiment, the total number of second locking portions 64b is four. The four second locking portions 64b are provided on the surface of the second base panel 61X2 opposite the surface on which the second cylindrical portion 63 is provided. Two of the four second locking portions 64b are provided at each end of the second base panel 61X2 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, at each end of the second base panel 61X2 in the longitudinal direction, the two second locking portions 64b are spaced apart in the lateral direction of the second base panel 61X2.

[0068] <Engagement Relationship of Constituent Elements of Heat Exchanger 20X> At a first longitudinal end of the heat exchanger 20X, the supply pipe 51 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60X1, and the first cylindrical portion 62 and the supply pipe 51 are joined together. The first adapter 60X1 is also joined to the main wall 31 of the heat exchange plate 30X so as to cover the first opening 43X of the main wall 31. In this way, the supply pipe 51 and the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60X1 can supply the heat medium to the flow path FP via the first opening 43X of the heat exchange plate 30X.

[0069] Furthermore, the multiple first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60X1 are locked to the first opening 43X of the main wall 31. More specifically, the two first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60X1 are locked to the arc portions 45 of the first opening 43X, and the two first locking portions 64a of the first adapter 60X1 are locked to the arc portions 46 of the first opening 43X. In this way, the first adapter 60X1 is positioned relative to the heat exchange plate 30X. Furthermore, the first base panel 61X1 of the first adapter 60X1 is joined in face-to-face contact with the main wall 31 of the heat exchange plate 30.

[0070] In the second embodiment, the first base panel 61X1 can be said to have a first support wall 611 that covers the first opening 43X of the heat exchanger plate 30, and a first joining wall 612 that is joined to the main wall 31. Here, the first support wall 611 can be said to support the first cylindrical portion 62 at the point where it is connected to the base end of the first cylindrical portion 62.

[0071] Although not described here, the same applies to the joining relationship between the first adapter 60X1, to which the first branch pipe 53 is joined, and the main wall 32 of the heat exchanger plate 30X. At a second longitudinal end of the heat exchanger 20X, the second cylindrical portion 63 of the second adapter 60X2 is joined to the discharge pipe 52 with the discharge pipe 52 inserted into the second cylindrical portion 63. The second adapter 60X2 is joined to the main wall 31 of the heat exchanger plate 30X so as to cover the second opening 44X of the main wall 31. In this way, the discharge pipe 52 and the second cylindrical portion 63 of the second adapter 60X2 can discharge the heat medium from the flow path FP via the second opening 44X of the heat exchanger plate 30X.

[0072] Furthermore, the multiple second locking portions 64b of the second adapter 60X2 are locked to the second opening 44X of the main wall 31. More specifically, the two second locking portions 64b of the second adapter 60X2 are locked to the arc portion 45 of the second opening 44X, and the two second locking portions 64b of the second adapter 60X2 are locked to the arc portion 46 of the second opening 44X. In this way, the second adapter 60X2 is positioned relative to the heat exchange plate 30X. Furthermore, the second base panel 61X2 of the second adapter 60X2 is joined in face-to-face contact with the main wall 31 of the heat exchange plate 30.

[0073] In the second embodiment, the second base panel 61X2 can be said to have a second support wall 613 that covers the second opening 44X of the heat exchanger plate 30 and a second joining wall 614 that is joined to the main wall 31. Here, the second support wall 613 can be said to support the second cylindrical portion 63 by being connected to the base end of the second cylindrical portion 63.

[0074] Although not described here, the same applies to the joining relationship between the second adapter 60X2, to which the second branch pipe 54 is joined, and the main wall 32 of the heat exchange plate 30X. <Operation of Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, to adjust the temperature of the heat exchange target 100, a heat medium is circulated within the heat exchanger 20X, as in the first embodiment. That is, the heat medium is supplied to the heat exchanger 20X from the first piping 91 connected to the supply pipe 51. The heat medium circulating through the heat exchanger 20X flows through the multiple flow paths FP of the heat exchange plate 30X from the first end to the second end. That is, the heat medium flows through the heat exchange section 30B of the heat exchanger 20X. In this way, the heat medium cools or heats the heat exchange target 100. The heat medium that reaches the downstream end of the flow path FP is discharged from the second piping 92 connected to the discharge pipe 52.

[0075] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> In addition to the effects (1) to (4) and (6) of the first embodiment, the second embodiment can also achieve the following effects.

[0076] (7) The upstream end of the flow path FP is located at a first end of the heat exchanger plate 30X in the longitudinal direction, and the downstream end of the flow path FP is located at a second end of the heat exchanger plate 30X in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, in the heat exchanger plate 30X, the heat medium flows from the first end to the second end of the heat exchanger plate 30X. In other words, the configuration of the flow path FP through which the heat medium flows is simplified, and the configuration of the heat exchanger 20X is also simplified.

[0077] (8) In the first adapter 60X1, the first cylindrical portion 62 is disposed in the center of the first base panel 61X1. Therefore, the load acting when the piping 90 is connected to the first cylindrical portion 62 is easily transmitted to the first base panel 61X1 without being biased toward one end of the base panel 61 in the longitudinal direction. This prevents the heat exchanger 20X from experiencing localized high stress due to the load. The same applies to the second adapter 60X2.

[0078] <Modifications> The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 20 can be used alone. In this case, it is preferable that one of the two first openings 43 is closed, and one of the two second openings 44 is closed. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the shape of the locking portion 64 of the adapter 60 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first locking portion 64a of the adapter 60 may be annular so that it can be locked around the periphery of the first opening 43 of the heat exchanger plate 30. In this case, the number of first locking portions 64a may be one. Furthermore, the two first locking portions 64a of the adapter 60 may be connected to form an arc, and the two second locking portions 64b of the adapter 60 may be connected to form an arc. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the total number of the locking portions 64 of the adapter 60 can be changed as appropriate. The same applies to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the locking portions 64 of the adapter 60 may be locked to the heat exchange plate 30 using their own elasticity, such as a so-called snap fit. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0082] In the first embodiment, the adapter 60 may include only the multiple first locking portions 64 a, or may include only the multiple second locking portions 64 b. When the adapter 60 includes only the multiple first locking portions 64 a, the multiple first locking portions 64 a preferably include two or more first locking portions 64 a that lock onto the arc portions 45 of the first openings 43 of the heat exchanger plate 30, and two or more first locking portions 64 a that lock onto the arc portions 46 of the first openings 43 of the heat exchanger plate 30.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the first piping 91 may be directly connected to the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60, or may be directly connected to the first cylindrical portion 62 of the second adapter 60. Similarly, the second piping 92 may be directly connected to the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60, or may be directly connected to the second cylindrical portion 63 of the second adapter 60. In this case, it can also be said that the first cylindrical portion 62 of the first adapter 60 is the "supply pipe" and the second cylindrical portion 63 of the first adapter 60 is the "discharge pipe." In other words, the first adapter 60, the supply pipe 51, and the discharge pipe 52 may be configured as an integral part. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the supply pipe 51 of one of two heat exchangers 20 arranged adjacent to each other in the third direction D3 may be directly connected to the first branch pipe 53 of the other. Similarly, the discharge pipe 52 of one of two heat exchangers 20 arranged adjacent to each other in the third direction D3 may be directly connected to the second branch pipe 54 of the other. In this case, the piping 90 is not required.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the first opening 43 and the second opening 44 may have a portion that forms a keyway when viewed from the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate 30. In this case, it is preferable that the locking portion 64 of the adapter 60 has a shape that corresponds to the portion that forms the keyway. This makes it possible to position the adapter 60 relative to the heat exchanger plate 30 even if the number of locking portions 64 of the adapter 60 is small. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0086] In the first embodiment, the shape of the first through hole 41, i.e., the shape of the first opening 43, may be circular or rectangular. The shape of the second through hole 42, i.e., the shape of the second opening 44, may be circular or rectangular. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0087] In the first embodiment, the components of the heat exchanger 20, excluding the heat exchange plate 30, may be made of a non-metallic material such as resin. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0088] The heat exchange plate 30 of the first embodiment may be configured so that the first flow path FP1 and the second flow path FP2 are arranged side by side in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchange plate 30. A battery, which is an example of the heat exchange target 100, may be rectangular or pouch-shaped. In the first embodiment, it is preferable that the heat exchange section 30B of the heat exchange plate 30 has a shape corresponding to the heat exchange target 100. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0089] Summary of this embodiment The heat exchanger (20; 20X) includes a plate-shaped heat exchange plate (30; 30X) having a flow path (FP) through which a heat medium flows, a first opening (43; 43X) connected to an upstream end of the flow path (FP), and a second opening (44; 44X) connected to a downstream end of the flow path (FP), and an adapter (60; 60X1, 60X2) joined to the heat exchange plate (30; 30X). The heat exchange plate (30; 30X) has two main walls (31, 32) covering the flow path (FP) from both sides in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchange plate (30; 30X), and partition walls (35-37) connected to the two main walls (31, 32) and partitioning the flow path (FP). The first opening (43; 43X) and the second opening (44; 44X) are provided in one of the two main walls (31, 32). The adapter (60; 60X1, 60X2) includes a first cylindrical portion (62) that supplies the heat medium to the flow path (FP) through the first opening (43; 43X), a second cylindrical portion (63) that discharges the heat medium from the flow path (FP) through the second opening (44; 44X), a first support wall (611) that is a flat plate-shaped first base panel (61; 61X1) that supports the first cylindrical portion (62) and covers the first opening (43; 43X), and The housing has a first base panel (61; 61X1) including a first joining wall (612) joined to one of the two main walls (31, 32), and a flat second base panel (61; 61X2) including a second support wall (613) that supports the second tubular portion (63) and covers the second opening (44; 44X), and a second joining wall (614) joined to one of the two main walls (31, 32).

[0090] When connecting pipes or the like to the first and second cylindrical portions of the adapter, a load may act on the adapter. In the above configuration, the first support wall supporting the first cylindrical portion and the first joining wall joined to the main wall are both part of the flat first base panel. Similarly, the second support wall supporting the second cylindrical portion and the second joining wall joined to the main wall are both part of the flat second base panel. Therefore, the load acting on the first and second cylindrical portions is easily transmitted to the main wall of the heat exchanger plate via the first and second base panels. In other words, the first and second support walls are less likely to deform due to the load acting on the first and second cylindrical portions. Furthermore, the main wall to which the adapter is joined is connected to a partition wall that defines the flow path. Therefore, the load is distributed between the first and second base panels of the adapter and the main wall and partition wall of the heat exchanger plate. Therefore, the heat exchanger can suppress deformation of the adapter when the above-mentioned load acts on it.

[0091] In the heat exchanger (20), the first opening (43) and the second opening (44) are preferably arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction in one of the two main walls (31, 32). In the adapter (60), the first base panel (61) and the second base panel (61) are preferably connected to each other in a direction in which the first opening (43) and the second opening (44) are arranged side by side.

[0092] In the adapter, the first base panel and the second base panel are connected to each other, which makes the adapter more rigid than if the first base panel and the second base panel were separate.

[0093] The heat exchanger (20; 20X) preferably further includes a supply pipe (51) connected to the first cylindrical portion (62) and supplying the heat medium to the first cylindrical portion (62), and a discharge pipe (52) connected to the second cylindrical portion (63) and discharging the heat medium from the second cylindrical portion (63). The supply pipe (51) preferably has a first small-diameter portion (50a) inserted into the first cylindrical portion (62) and a first large-diameter portion (50b) having an inner dimension larger than that of the first cylindrical portion (62). The discharge pipe (52) preferably has a second small-diameter portion (50a) inserted into the second cylindrical portion (63) and a second large-diameter portion (50b) having an inner dimension larger than that of the second cylindrical portion (63).

[0094] The heat exchanger (20; 20X) is configured to connect a pipe having an inner dimension larger than that of the first cylindrical portion to a supply pipe, and a pipe having an inner dimension larger than that of the second cylindrical portion to a discharge pipe. In the heat exchanger (20; 20X), it is preferable that the adapter (60; 60X1, 60X2) has a locking portion (64) that locks with at least one of the first opening (43; 43X) and the second opening (44; 44X).

[0095] The adapter is positioned relative to the heat exchange plate via the locking portion, thereby improving the relative positional accuracy between the components of the heat exchanger.

[0096] 10...heat exchange system, 20, 20X...heat exchanger, 30, 30X...heat exchange plate, 31, 32...main wall, 33, 34...side wall, 35...first partition wall, 36...second partition wall, 37...central partition wall, 38...partition wall, 41, 41X...first through hole, 42, 42X...second through hole, 43, 43X...first opening, 44, 44X...second opening, 45, 46...arc portion, 51...supply pipe, 52...discharge pipe, 50a...small diameter portion (first small diameter portion, second small diameter portion), 50b...large diameter portion (first large diameter portion, diameter portion, second large diameter portion), 53...first branch pipe, 54...second branch pipe, 60, 60X1, 60X2...adapter, 61...base panel (first base panel, second base panel), 611...first support wall, 612...first joining wall, 613...second support wall, 614...second joining wall, 62...first cylindrical portion, 63...second cylindrical portion, 64...locking portion, 64a...first locking portion, 64b...second locking portion, 100...heat exchange object, FP...flow path, FP1...first flow path, FP2...second flow path

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising: a plate-shaped heat exchanger plate having a flow path through which a heat medium flows, a first opening connected to the upstream end of the flow path, and a second opening connected to the downstream end of the flow path; and an adapter joined to the heat exchanger plate, wherein the heat exchanger plate has two main walls covering the flow path from both sides in the plate thickness direction of the heat exchanger plate, and partition walls connected to the two main walls and dividing the flow path, the first opening and the second opening being provided in one of the two main walls, and the adapter comprising: a first cylindrical portion that supplies the heat medium to the flow path through the first opening; and a second cylindrical portion that discharges the heat medium from the flow path through the second opening; a first base panel having a flat plate shape, the first base panel including a first support wall that supports the first cylindrical portion and covers the first opening, and a first joining wall joined to one of the two main walls; A heat exchanger having a second base panel having a flat plate shape, the second base panel including a second support wall that supports the second cylindrical portion and covers the second opening, and a second joining wall that is joined to one of the two main walls.

2. A heat exchanger as described in claim 1, wherein the first opening and the second opening are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction in one of the two main walls, and in the adapter, the first base panel and the second base panel are connected to each other in the direction in which the first opening and the second opening are arranged side by side.

3. A heat exchanger as described in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a supply pipe connected to the first cylindrical portion and supplying the heat medium to the first cylindrical portion, and a discharge pipe connected to the second cylindrical portion and discharging the heat medium from the second cylindrical portion, wherein the supply pipe has a first small diameter portion inserted into the first cylindrical portion and a first large diameter portion having an inner dimension larger than that of the first cylindrical portion, and the discharge pipe has a second small diameter portion inserted into the second cylindrical portion and a second large diameter portion having an inner dimension larger than that of the second cylindrical portion.

4. A heat exchanger according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the adapter has a locking portion that locks into at least one of the first opening and the second opening.

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