Flow path member manufacturing method, flow path member, and heat exchanger

Abstract

This flow path member manufacturing method comprises a formation step for forming a fluid flow path in a plate material (J) by stamping the plate material (J) using a die (400). The fluid flow path comprises a first flow path (Z1) that extends in a first direction (VA) and a second flow path (Z2) that communicates with the first flow path (Z1) and extends in a second direction (VB) different from the first direction (VA). The flow path member (111) comprises a first protrusion (11A1) that forms the first flow path (Z1) and a second protrusion (11A2) that forms the second flow path (Z2). Shaping surfaces (410A, 420A) of the die (400) have a first shaping part (413A) and a second shaping part (423A). In the formation step, the plate material (J) is stamped using the die (400) in a state in which a first shaping end part (413A1) and a second shaping end part (423A1) are separated from each other by a gap (M).

Description

Method for manufacturing a flow path member, the flow path member, and a heat exchanger

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a flow path member, the flow path member, and a heat exchanger.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger of Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a plurality of stages of fluid passages are formed using a corrugated flow path member by stacking tube plates (partition members) with a pair of spacer bars (spacer members) interposed therebetween. In each fluid passage, corrugated fins (flow path members) are disposed along the flow direction thereof.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-63989

[0004] When a plate-like member is press-worked into a corrugated shape to form a corrugated flow path member having a meandering, bent, or otherwise folded flow path (fluid passage), excessive pressure is applied to the bent portions of the flow path compared to the straight portions, resulting in deformation, cracking, or other damage, which may reduce the performance (heat exchange capacity) of the heat exchanger.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a flow path member, a heat exchanger, and a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger that can suppress a decrease in the performance of the heat exchanger while having a bent flow path.

[0006] A method for manufacturing a flow channel member according to the first embodiment is a method for manufacturing a corrugated flow channel member (111) used in a heat exchanger (1) to form a fluid flow channel, and includes a forming step of forming the fluid flow channel in the plate material (J) by pressing the plate material (J) with a mold (400), wherein the fluid flow channel includes a first flow channel (Z1) extending along a first direction (VA) and a second flow channel that is connected to the first flow channel (Z1) and is in a direction different from the first direction (VA). The flow channel member (111) includes a second flow channel (Z2) extending along (VB), and the flow channel member (111) includes a first projection (11A1) that forms the first flow channel (Z1) and a second projection (11A2) that forms the second flow channel (Z2), the first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1) being connected to or located around the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2), and the molding surface (410A, 420A) has a first molding section (413A) located at a location corresponding to the first protrusion (11A1) and a second molding section (423A) located at a location corresponding to the second protrusion (11A2). In the forming process, the first molding end (413A1) of the first molding section (413A) located at a location corresponding to the first end (11A11) and the second molding end (423A1) of the second molding section (423A) located at a location corresponding to the second end (11A21) are spaced apart (M) from each other, and the sheet material (J) is pressed by the mold (400).

[0007] In the first embodiment, the flow channel member (111) has a bent flow channel, while suppressing a decrease in the performance of the heat exchanger (1).

[0008] In the second embodiment, the first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1) is located around the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2), a first through hole (11C) is formed in the first end (11A11) and a second through hole (12C) is formed in the second end (11A21) and a second through hole (11A21) is formed.

[0009] In the second embodiment, fluid can be delivered from the first channel (Z1) to the second channel (Z2) using through holes (11C, 12C).

[0010] In the third embodiment, in the second embodiment, the forming step is to hold the portion of the plate material (J) corresponding to the portion (11B) located between the first end (11A11) and the second end (11A21) with a holding component (430), and then press the portion of the plate material (J) that will form the first protrusion (11A1) and the portion that will form the second protrusion (11A2) with the mold (400) to form the first through hole (11C) and the second through hole (12C).

[0011] In the third embodiment, through holes (11C, 12C) can be formed using the retaining component (430).

[0012] The flow channel member of the fourth embodiment is a corrugated flow channel member (111) used in a heat exchanger (1) to form a fluid flow channel, wherein the fluid flow channel includes a first flow channel (Z1) extending along a first direction (VA) and a second flow channel (Z2) that is a flow channel following the first flow channel (Z1) and extends along a second direction (VB) which is a different direction from the first direction (VA), and the flow channel member (111) has a first projection (11A1) that forms the first flow channel (Z1) The first protrusion (11A1) includes a second projection (11A2) that forms the second flow path (Z2), the first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1) being located around the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2), the first end (11A11) having a first through hole (11C) that penetrates the first end (11A11), and the second end (11A21) having a second through hole (12C) that penetrates the second end (11A21).

[0013] In the fourth embodiment, the flow channel member (111) has a bent flow channel while suppressing a decrease in the performance of the heat exchanger (1).

[0014] The heat exchanger of the fifth embodiment includes the flow channel member (111) described in the fourth embodiment.

[0015] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of the first layer of the heat exchanger. Figure 3 is a plan view of the second layer of the heat exchanger. Figure 4 is a plan view of the partition wall member. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger. Figure 6 is a plan view of the first flow channel member. Figure 7(a) is a cut end view of the first flow channel member. Figure 7(b) is a cut end view of Figure 7(a) from IIIb to IIIb. Figure 8(a) is a plan view of the molding surface of the first lower mold. Figure 8(b) is a plan view of the molding surface of the second lower mold. Figure 8(c) is a plan view of the molding surface of the lower holding part. Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are schematic diagrams showing the state of manufacturing the first flow channel member by press working. Figure 10 is a plan view of a modified example of the first flow channel member. Figure 11 is a plan view showing the molding surface of a mold for manufacturing the modified example of the first flow channel member shown in Figure 10.

[0016] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. Since the drawings are for conceptual explanation of this disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding. In each embodiment, modification, and drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions and their associated effects will not be repeated.

[0017] (1) Overall Configuration The heat exchanger (1) according to the embodiment is a device that performs heat exchange between multiple fluids (refrigerants). The heat exchanger (1) is formed from a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat exchanger (1) comprises a plurality of stacked fluid layers (100) and partition members (200). The components of the heat exchanger (1) are joined to each other by, for example, brazing.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, fluid flows through each of the multiple fluid layers (100). The multiple fluid layers (100) are stacked along a first direction (V1). The first direction (V1) indicates the stacking direction of the multiple fluid layers (100). The multiple fluid layers (100) include a first layer (110) and a second layer (120). The first layer (110) and the second layer (120) are stacked alternately along the first direction (V1). The first layer (110) and the second layer (120) are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction (V1). Different types of fluid flow through the first layer (110) and the second layer (120).

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first layer (110) includes a first flow channel member (111) and a first spacer member (112). The first flow channel member (111) forms a flow channel for the first fluid. In this embodiment, the first flow channel member (111) forms a curved flow channel. The first flow channel member (111) has a corrugated shape. The first flow channel member (111) includes a peak (111a) that is convex in one direction (V11) of the first direction (V1) and a valley (111b) that is convex in the other direction (V12) of the first direction (V1). The valley (111b) and the peak (111a) extend along directions parallel to each other. The direction in which the valley (111b) and the peak (111a) extend indicates the direction in which the first flow channel member (111) extends. The first flow channel member (111) allows the first fluid to flow along the direction in which the valleys (111b) and peaks (111a) extend. The flow channel member (111) has a corrugated shape with alternating peaks (111a) and valleys (111b). The first flow channel space (W1), enclosed by the peaks (111a) and the partition wall member (200), and the second flow channel space (W2), enclosed by the valleys (111b) and the partition wall member (200), form the flow channels for the first fluid. The first spacer member (112) is a member that prevents the first fluid from leaking from the first flow channel member (111) to the outside of the first flow channel member (111). The first spacer member (112) is formed in an annular shape. The first flow channel member (111) is positioned inside the first spacer member (112). The first spacer member (112) is in contact with the partition wall members (200) on both sides in the first direction (V1).

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the second layer (120) includes a second flow channel member (121) and a second spacer member (122). The second flow channel member (121) forms a flow channel for the second fluid. In this embodiment, the second flow channel member (121) forms a flow channel extending along the second direction (V2). The second flow channel member (121) has a corrugated shape. The second spacer member (122) is a member for preventing the second fluid from leaking from the second flow channel member (121) to the outside of the second flow channel member (121). The second spacer member (122) includes a first spacer portion (122a) and a second spacer portion (122b). The second flow channel member (121) is positioned between the first spacer portion (122a) and the second spacer portion (122b). The second spacer member (122) is in contact with the partition wall members (200) on both sides in the first direction (V1).

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the partition member (200) is a flat plate-shaped member. The partition member (200) is placed between the first layer (110) and the second layer (120) which are adjacent in the first direction (V1).

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, in each of the first spacer member (112), the second spacer member (122), and the partition wall member (200), a first side surface (1121, 1221, 201) and a first recess (1122, 1222, 202) and a second recess (1123, 1223, 203) are provided on the other side (V32) in the third direction (V3). The first recess (1122, 1222, 202) and the second recess (1123, 1223, 203) are spaced apart in the second direction (V2). Each of the first spacer member (112), the second spacer member (122), and the partition wall member (200) is provided with a second side surface (1124, 1224, 204) and a third recess (1125, 1225, 205) recessed to the second side surface (1124, 1224, 204) on one side (V21) of the second direction (V2). Each of the first spacer member (112), the second spacer member (122), and the partition wall member (200) is provided with a third side surface (1126, 1226, 206) and a fourth recess (1127, 1227, 207) recessed to the third side surface (1126, 1226, 206) on the other side (V22) of the second direction (V2). The spaces formed by the first recesses (1122, 1222, 202) communicate with each other to form the first space (T1). The spaces formed by the second recesses (1123, 1223, 203) communicate with each other to form the second space (T2). The spaces formed by the third recesses (1125, 1225, 205) communicate with each other to form the third space (T3). The spaces formed by the fourth recesses (1127, 1227, 207) communicate with each other to form the fourth space (T4). The first space (T1) communicates with the flow path of the first flow path member (111) through the gap (U1) formed between the first spacer member (112) and the first flow path member (111). The second space (T2) communicates with the flow path of the first flow path member (111) through the gap (U2) formed between the first spacer member (112) and the first flow path member (111). The first space (T1) and the second space (T2) do not communicate with the second flow channel member (121) because they face the second spacer portion (122b). The third space (T3) and the fourth space (T4) do not communicate with the first flow channel member (111) because they face the first spacer member (112).The third space (T3) and the fourth space (T4) face the second flow channel member (121) and communicate with the second flow channel member (121). The first direction (V1), the second direction (V2), and the third direction (V3) are perpendicular to each other.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first spacer member (112), the second spacer member (122), and the partition wall member (200) are arranged in a space enclosed by plate-shaped members (P13, P22, P32, 300). Plate-shaped members (P13) are fixed to the first sides (1121, 1221, 201) of the first spacer member (112), the second spacer member (122), and the partition wall member (200). A first pipe (P11) and a second pipe (P12) are provided on the plate-shaped member (P13). The first pipe (P11) communicates with the first space (T1). The second pipe (P12) communicates with the second space (T2). Plate-shaped members (P22) are fixed to the first spacer member (112), the second spacer member (122), and the second side surfaces (1124, 1224, 204) of the partition wall member (200). A third pipe (P21) is provided on the plate-shaped member (P22). The third pipe (P21) communicates with the third space (T3). Plate-shaped members (P32) are fixed to the third side surfaces (1126, 1226, 206) of the first spacer member (112), the second spacer member (122), and the partition wall member (200). A fourth pipe (P31) is provided on the plate-shaped member (P32). The fourth pipe (P31) communicates with the fourth space (T4).

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first fluid is sent to the first space (T1) through the first pipe (P11). The first fluid sent to the first space (T1) flows through the channel of the first flow channel member (111) and is then sent to the second space (T2). The first fluid sent to the second space (T2) is discharged through the second pipe (P12). The second fluid is sent to the third space (T3) through the third pipe (P21). The second fluid sent to the third space (T3) flows through the channel of the second flow channel member (121) and is then sent to the fourth space (T4). The first fluid sent to the fourth space (T4) is discharged through the fourth pipe (P31).

[0025] The heat exchanger (1) is used, for example, in a heating appliance such as central heating. In this case, heat exchange occurs between a first fluid flowing through the flow path of a first flow path member (111) and a second fluid flowing through the flow path of a second flow path member (121), so that the first fluid, which is water, is heated by the heat of the second fluid, which is propane or carbon dioxide, and becomes hot water. This hot water is discharged through the second pipe (P2) and circulates through pipes laid inside the wall. As a result, the room is heated. The heat exchanger (1) may also be used in a water heater. The water heater supplies hot water generated by the heat exchanger (1) through heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0026] (2) First flow channel member The first flow channel member (111) will be described below.

[0027] As shown in Figures 6 to 7(b), the fluid channel formed by the first fluid channel member (111) includes a first fluid channel (Z1) and a second fluid channel (Z2). The first fluid channel (Z1) and the second fluid channel (Z2) form a bent fluid channel. The first fluid channel (Z1) extends along the first fluid channel direction (VA), guiding the first fluid so that it flows in the first fluid channel direction (VA). After flowing through the first fluid channel (Z1), the first fluid flows into the second fluid channel (Z2) and flows through the second fluid channel (Z2). The second fluid channel (Z2) is a continuation of the first fluid channel (Z1). The second fluid channel (Z2) extends along a second fluid channel direction (VB) different from the first fluid channel direction (VA), guiding the first fluid so that it flows in the second fluid channel direction (VB). In this embodiment, the second flow path direction (VB) is perpendicular to the first flow path direction (VA). Furthermore, both the first flow path direction (VA) and the second flow path direction (VB) are perpendicular to the first direction (V1). After the first fluid finishes flowing through the first flow path (Z1), it then flows through the second flow path (Z2), thereby changing the direction of flow of the first fluid from the first flow path direction (VA) to the second flow path direction (VB).

[0028] The first flow channel member (111) includes a projection (11A). The projection (11A) is the portion of the corrugated first flow channel member (111) between adjacent valleys (111b) (see Figure 1). The projection (11A) has a shape in which the peaks (111a) located between adjacent valleys (111b) protrude in a first direction (V1). The projection (11A) has a shape that protrudes along the projection direction (V1) while curving or bending so as to form a first flow channel space (W1) on its inside. The projection (11A) includes a first projection (11A1) and a second projection (11A2). The first projection (11A1) forms a first flow channel (Z1) and extends along the first flow channel direction (VA). The fact that the first projection (11A1) extends along the first flow direction (VA) indicates that the peak (111a) included in the first projection (11A1) extends along the first flow direction (VA). The second projection (11A2) forms the second flow path (Z2) and extends along the second flow direction (VB). The fact that the second projection (11A2) extends along the second flow direction (VB) indicates that the peak (111a) included in the second projection (11A2) extends along the second flow direction (VB). The first projection (11A1) is positioned at a distance from the second projection (11A2).

[0029] The first projection (11A1) includes a first end (11A11). The first end (11A11) is the downstream end of the first projection (11A1). The second projection (11A2) includes a second end (11A21). The second end (11A21) is the upstream end of the second projection (11A2). The first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1) is located around the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2), and is positioned at a distance from the second end (11A21). The intermediate section (11B) of the first flow channel member (111), located between the first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1) and the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2), has a flat shape. Viewed in the first direction (V1), a first virtual line (L1) extending along the first flow direction (VA) while passing through the first end (11A11) of the first protrusion (11A1), and a second virtual line (L2) extending along the second flow direction (VB) while passing through the second end (11A21) of the second protrusion (11A2), intersect at an intermediate point (11B).

[0030] A first through-hole (11C) is formed at the first end (11A11) of the first protrusion (11A1), penetrating the first end (11A11). The first through-hole (11C) communicates with the first flow path space (W1) (see Figure 1) of the first flow path (Z1) and the space above the intermediate section (11B). A second through-hole (12C) is formed at the second end (11A21) of the second protrusion (11A2), penetrating the second end (11A21). The second through-hole (12C) communicates with the first flow path space (W1) of the second flow path (Z2) and the space above the intermediate section (11B).

[0031] In the first flow path (Z1), the first fluid flowing through the first flow path space (W1) flows in the first flow path direction (VA) and, upon reaching the first end (11A11), is sent through the first through hole (11C) to the space above the intermediate section (11B). A portion of the first fluid sent to the space above the intermediate section (11B) is sent through the second through hole (12C) to the first flow path space (W1) of the second flow path (Z2) and flows through the first flow path space (W1) in the second flow path direction (VB). Another portion of the first fluid sent to the space above the intermediate section (11B) is sent to the second flow path space (W2) (see Figure 1) of the second flow path (Z2) and flows through the second flow path space (W2) in the second flow path direction (VB).

[0032] Furthermore, through holes are also formed at the upstream end of the first protrusion (11A1), the downstream end (11A22) of the second protrusion (11A2), and the end (11A31) of the third protrusion (11A3) that forms the third flow path (Z3) following the second flow path (Z2).

[0033] (3) Method for manufacturing the first flow channel member The method for manufacturing the first flow channel member (111) will be described. In this embodiment, the explanation will focus on the first flow channel (Z1), the second flow channel (Z2), and the manufacturing method.

[0034] As shown in Figures 8(a) to 9(b), the first flow channel member (111) is manufactured by pressing a flat plate material (J) with a mold (400). In this embodiment, a holding component (430) is also used when manufacturing the first flow channel member (111). That is, the manufacturing apparatus for the first flow channel member (111) includes a mold (400) for forming a first projection (11A1) and a second projection (11A2) on the plate material (J), and a holding component (430) for forming a first through hole (11C) at the first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1) and a second through hole (12C) at the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2). The mold (400) includes a first mold (410) and a second mold (420).

[0035] The first mold (410) forms a first flow channel (Z1) (see Figure 6) in the sheet material (J). The first mold (410) includes a first upper mold (411) and a first lower mold (412). The molding surface (410A) of the first mold (410) (the molding surface (411A) of the first upper mold (411) and the molding surface (412A) of the first lower mold (412)) has a wave shape that matches the shape of the first protrusion (11A1) that forms the first flow channel (Z1). The molding surface (410A) of the first mold (410) is located in a place corresponding to the first protrusion (11A1) and includes a first molding section (413A) for forming the first protrusion (11A1). The first molded portion (413A) is located in a position corresponding to the first end portion (11A11) and includes a first molded end portion (413A1) for forming the first end portion (11A11). The first molded end portion (413A1) is located at the tip of the first molded portion (413A).

[0036] The second mold (420) forms a second flow channel (Z2) in the sheet material (J). The second mold (420) includes a second upper mold (421) and a second lower mold (422). The molding surface (420A) of the second mold (420) (the molding surface (421A) of the second upper mold (421) and the molding surface (422A) of the second lower mold (422)) has a wave shape that matches the shape of the second protrusion (11A2) that forms the second flow channel (Z2). The molding surface (420A) of the second mold (420) is located in a place corresponding to the second protrusion (11A2) and includes a second molding section (423A) for forming the second protrusion (11A2). The second molded section (423A) is located in a position corresponding to the second end (11A21) and includes a second molded end (423A1) for forming the second end (11A21). The second molded end (423A1) is located at the tip of the second molded section (423A).

[0037] The retaining part (430) forms an intermediate section (11B) in the sheet metal (J). The retaining part (430) includes an upper retaining part (431) and a lower retaining part (432). The upper retaining part (431) is connected to the press machine (Y1) via an elastic member such as a spring. The forming surface (430A) of the retaining part (430) (the forming surface (431A) of the upper retaining part (431) and the forming surface (432A) of the lower retaining part (432)) is flat. In the first direction (V1), the difference (D) between the height of the molding surface (432A) of the lower holding portion (432) and the respective heights of the molding surface (412A) of the first lower mold (412) and the molding surface (422A) of the second lower mold (422) is approximately the same as the distance between the peak (111a) and the valley (111b) of the first flow channel member (111).

[0038] As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), a holding component (430) is positioned between the first mold (410) and the second mold (420), and a sheet material (J) is positioned between the molding surfaces (411A, 421A, 431A) and the molding surfaces (412A, 422A, 432A). The first upper mold (411), the second upper mold (421), and the upper holding component (431) are lowered by the press machine (Y1), thereby pressing the sheet material (J) between the molding surfaces (411A, 421A, 431A) and the molding surfaces (412A, 422A, 432A). As a result, a first flow path (Z1) and a second flow path (Z2) are formed in the sheet material (J), and the first flow path member (111) is manufactured.

[0039] By positioning a holding component (430) between the first mold (410) and the second mold (420), the sheet material (J) is pressed by the first mold (410) and the second mold (420) with a gap between them, such that in the first mold (410), the first molded end (413A1) located at a position corresponding to the first end (11A11) of the first molding section (413A), and in the second mold (420), the second molded end (423A1) located at a position corresponding to the second end (11A21) of the second molding section (423A), are positioned apart from each other.

[0040] When pressing the sheet metal (J) with the die (400), the sheet metal (J) is held by the holding component (430) by sandwiching the intermediate portion (11B) of the sheet metal (J) with the corresponding portion (J1) between the forming surfaces (431A, 432A) of the holding component (430), while the first portion (J2) that forms the first protrusion (11A1) and the second portion (J3) that forms the second protrusion (11A2) of the sheet metal (J) are pressed by the forming surfaces (411A, 421A) and forming surfaces (412A, 422A) of the die (400). At this time, the first portion (J2) and the second portion (J3) of the sheet metal (J) are deformed into a corrugated shape, so that the first protrusion (11A1) is formed at the first portion (J2) and the second protrusion (11A2) is formed at the second portion (J3). At this time, the portion (J1) of the plate material (J) corresponding to the intermediate portion (11B) is held by the holding component (430), causing the first end portion (11A11) of the first portion (J2) and the second end portion (11A21) of the second protrusion (11A2) to break off and protrude from the intermediate portion (11B). As a result, a first through hole (11C) is formed at the first end portion (11A11) of the first protrusion (11A1), and a second through hole (12C) is formed at the second end portion (11A21) of the second protrusion (11A2) (see Figures 7 to 7(b)). As a result, a first flow channel member (111) including a first flow channel (Z1) and a second flow channel (Z2) is manufactured. The holding component (430) is used to form the through holes (11C, 12C).

[0041] (4) Effects As described above, the molding surface (400A) of the mold (400) has a first molding section (413A) located in a place corresponding to the first protrusion (11A1) and a second molding section (423A) located in a place corresponding to the second protrusion (11A2). In the molding process of the first flow channel member (111), the mold (400) presses the sheet material (J) with the first molding end (413A1) of the first molding section (413A) located in a place corresponding to the first end (11A11) and the second molding end (423A1) of the second molding section (423A) located in a place corresponding to the second end (11A21) with a distance (M) between them. As a result, a gap (M) exists between the first molded end (413A1) and the second molded end (423A1), which extend in different directions from each other. This prevents excessive pressure from being applied to the area between the first molded end (413A1) and the second molded end (423A1) in the sheet material (J) during pressing, i.e., the area where the flow path of the first flow path member (111) bends. Consequently, a decrease in the performance of the heat exchanger (1) can be prevented.

[0042] Furthermore, in order to manufacture a mold for forming a single channel having a bent shape, the shape of the molding surface that forms the bend of the channel in the mold is complex (fine), so the tools used to manufacture the mold also become thinner, increasing the manufacturing time and cost of the mold. However, in this embodiment, since a gap (M) is left between the first molding end (413A1) of the first molding section (413A) and the second molding end (423A1) of the second molding section (423A) in the mold (400), it is possible to suppress the molding surface of the mold (400) from becoming a complex shape. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the manufacturing time and cost of the mold (400).

[0043] (5) Modified Example As shown in Figure 10, the first through hole (11C) (see Figure 7(a)) is not formed at the first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1), and the second through hole (12C) is not formed at the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2). In this case, there is no intermediate section (11B) (see Figure 6) between the first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1) and the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2). In this case, the first end (11A11) of the first protrusion (11A1) and the second end (11A21) of the second protrusion (11A2) are connected via a connecting portion (11D), thereby connecting the first flow channel space (W1) formed inside the first protrusion (11A1) with the first flow channel space (W1) formed inside the second protrusion (11A2). The connecting portion (11D) has a shape that protrudes along the protrusion direction (V1) while being curved or bent, so as to form a space (W3) on its inside that communicates with the first flow channel spaces (W1, W11) of the first protrusion (11A1) and the first flow channel spaces (W1, W12) of the second protrusion (11A2). In this embodiment, the space (W3) of the connecting portion (11D) is narrower than the first flow path spaces (W1, W11) of the first protrusion (11A1) and the first flow path spaces (W1, W12) of the second protrusion (11A2).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 11, in this case, the first flow path member (111) is manufactured by pressing a flat plate material (J) with a mold (400). The first flow path member (111) is manufactured using one mold (400) without using a holding component (430). The molding surface (400A) of the mold (400) (upper mold and lower mold) is located at a position corresponding to the first protruding portion (11A1), and includes a first molding portion (413A) for forming the first protruding portion (11A1), a second molding portion (423A) located at a position corresponding to the second protruding portion (11A2) and for forming the second protruding portion (11A2), and a third molding portion (433A) located at a position corresponding to the third protruding portion (11A3) and for forming the third protruding portion (11A3). On the molding surface (400A) of the mold (400), a first molding end portion (413A1) corresponding to the first end portion (11A11) of the first molding portion (413A) and a second molding end portion (423A1) corresponding to the second end portion (11A21) of the second molding portion (423A) are arranged with a gap (M) therebetween. The first protruding portion (11A1) and the first molding portion (413A) extend along the first flow path direction (VA). The second protruding portion (11A2) and the second molding portion (423A) extend along the second flow path direction (VB). The first molding portion (413A) and the second molding portion (423A) extend along different directions. The second molding end portion (423A1) is located around the first molding end portion (413A1). The first molding end portion (413A1) and the second molding end portion (423A1) are arranged close to each other.

[0045] When pressing the plate material (J) with the mold (400), a first portion pressed by the first molding end portion (413A1) and a second portion pressed by the second molding end portion (423A1) in the plate material (J) are deformed slightly larger than the first molding end portion (413A1) and the second molding end portion (423A1) in the tendency of being pressed and bulging. As a result, a connecting portion (11D) is formed between the first portion and the second portion of the plate material (J). As a result, the first end portion (11A11) of the first protruding portion (11A1) and the second end portion (11A21) of the second protruding portion (11A2) are connected via the connecting portion (11D).

[0046] In addition, in the modification example, when manufacturing the first flow path member (111) shown in FIG. 10, the holding component (430) is not used.

[0047] In addition, a connecting portion (11D1) corresponding to the connecting portion (11D) is also formed between the end portion (11A22) of the second protruding portion (11A2) and the end portion (11A31) of the third protruding portion (11A3).

[0048] As described above, the embodiments and modification examples have been explained. It will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Also, the above embodiments, modification examples, and other embodiments may be appropriately combined or substituted as long as the functions of the object of the present disclosure are not impaired.

[0049] The descriptions such as "first", "second", "third",... described above are used to distinguish the phrases to which these descriptions are given, and do not limit even the number and order of those phrases.

[0050] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a method of manufacturing a flow path member, a flow path member, and a heat exchanger.

[0051] 1 Heat exchanger 11A1 First protruding portion 11A11 First end portion 11A2 Second protruding portion 11A21 Second end portion 11C First through hole 12C Second through hole 111 First flow path member (flow path member) 200 Partition member 400 Mold 410A Forming surface 413A First forming portion 420A Forming surface 423A Second forming portion J Plate material M Interval VA First flow path direction (first direction) VB Second flow path direction (second direction) Z1 First flow path Z2 Second flow path

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a corrugated flow channel member (111) used in a heat exchanger (1) to form a fluid flow channel, comprising a forming step of forming the fluid flow channel in a plate material (J) by pressing the plate material (J) with a mold (400), wherein the fluid flow channel includes a first flow channel (Z1) extending along a first direction (VA) and a second flow channel (Z2) that is connected to the first flow channel (Z1) and extends along a second direction (VB) which is a different direction from the first direction (VA), wherein the flow channel member (111) includes a first projection (11A1) that forms the first flow channel (Z1) and a second projection (11A2) that forms the second flow channel (Z2), wherein the first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1) is connected to the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2) or is located around the second end (11A21), A method for manufacturing a flow channel member, wherein the molding surface (410A, 420A) of the mold (400) has a first molding section (413A) located at a location corresponding to the first protrusion (11A1) and a second molding section (423A) located at a location corresponding to the second protrusion (11A2), and in the forming step, the mold (400) presses the plate material (J) with the mold (400) with a first molding end (413A1) located at a location corresponding to the first end (11A11) of the first molding section (413A) and a second molding end (423A1) located at a location corresponding to the second end (11A21) of the second molding section (423A) with a distance (M) between them.

2. The method for manufacturing a flow channel member according to claim 1, wherein the first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1) is located around the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2), a first through hole (11C) is formed in the first end (11A11) that penetrates the first end (11A11), and a second through hole (12C) is formed in the second end (11A21) that penetrates the second end (11A21).

3. The method for manufacturing a flow channel member according to claim 2, wherein in the forming step, the portion of the plate material (J) corresponding to the portion (11B) located between the first end (11A11) and the second end (11A21) is held by a holding component (430), and the portion of the plate material (J) where the first protrusion (11A1) and the portion where the second protrusion (11A2) is formed is pressed by the mold (400) to form the first through hole (11C) and the second through hole (12C).

4. A corrugated flow channel member (111) used in a heat exchanger (1) to form a fluid flow channel, wherein the fluid flow channel includes a first flow channel (Z1) extending along a first direction (VA) and a second flow channel (Z2) that is a flow channel following the first flow channel (Z1) and extending along a second direction (VB) which is a different direction from the first direction (VA), the flow channel member (111) includes a first projection (11A1) that forms the first flow channel (Z1) and a second projection (11A2) that forms the second flow channel (Z2), the first end (11A11) of the first projection (11A1) is located around the second end (11A21) of the second projection (11A2), A flow channel member having a first through hole (11C) formed in the first end (11A11) and a second through hole (12C) formed in the second end (11A21).

5. A heat exchanger comprising the flow channel member (111) described in claim 4.

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