Heat exchanger

Abstract

This heat exchanger is provided with a tank part (120) formed by brazing flat surfaces of a plurality of flat plate-shaped members (123, 126) arranged in a stacked manner. The flat plate-shaped members include a first flat plate-shaped member (123) and a second flat plate-shaped member (126). The first flat plate-shaped member (123) has a wall surface (123B) extending in the stacking direction of the plurality of flat plate-shaped members and in the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate-shaped member (123). The wall surface (123B) is formed with a bent section (20) bent by a load in a predetermined direction including a component in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface (123B). The bent section (20) is in contact with the second flat plate-shaped member (126), thereby fixing the first flat plate-shaped member (123) and the second flat plate-shaped member (126).

Description

Heat exchanger Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-192366 filed on October 31, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a heat exchanger.

[0003] Conventionally, a heat exchanger having a tank portion formed by joining a plurality of members is known. For example, the tank portion of the heat exchanger in Patent Document 1 is formed by brazing the bare surfaces at both longitudinal ends of the plurality of members in a temporarily fixed state. Note that the bare surface is a surface to which brazing material is not applied.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-122062

[0005] Here, a heat exchanger having a tank portion formed by overlapping the flat surfaces of a plurality of flat plate members and brazing the plurality of flat plate members is known. In this type of heat exchanger, even if the two locations at both longitudinal ends of the tank portion are temporarily fixed as in Patent Document 1, if looseness occurs in the central portion in the longitudinal direction, the flat surfaces of the flat plate members will separate in the stacking direction, and there is a possibility of poor brazing.

[0006] In view of the above points, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger capable of suppressing poor brazing.

[0007] To achieve the above object, a heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tank portion formed by brazing the flat surfaces of a plurality of flat plate members arranged in a stacked manner. As the flat plate members, it has a first flat plate member and a second flat plate member. The first flat plate member has a wall surface that extends in the stacking direction of the plurality of flat plate members and in the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate member. A bent portion is formed on the wall surface by a load in a predetermined direction including a component in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface. The bent portion abuts against the second flat plate member, and the first flat plate member and the second flat plate member are fixed.

[0008] According to this method, the first flat plate member and the second flat plate member are fixed together by being pressed down by the bent portion, thereby preventing the first flat plate member and the second flat plate member from separating in the stacking direction. This makes it possible to suppress brazing defects.

[0009] This is a perspective view of the heat exchanger in the first embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is a perspective view of the tank portion in the first embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is a view taken by arrow III in Figure 2. This is a view taken by arrow IV in Figure 2. This is a perspective view of the tank portion in the first embodiment. This is an enlarged front view showing a modified example of the header plate in the first embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is an enlarged front view showing a modified example of the header plate in the first embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is an enlarged front view showing a modified example of the header plate in the first embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is an enlarged front view showing a modified example of the header plate in the first embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is an enlarged front view showing a modified example of the header plate in the first embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is an enlarged front view showing a modified example of the header plate in the first embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is an enlarged front view showing the header plate in the second embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is a view taken by arrow XII in Figure 11. This is an enlarged front view showing the tank portion in the third embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is an enlarged front view showing the header plate in the fourth embodiment before the bent portion is bent. This is a view taken along arrow XV in Figure 14. This is a partially enlarged view showing a modified example of the header plate before the bent portion is folded in the fourth embodiment. This is a side view showing the tank header in the fifth embodiment. This is a side view showing a modified example of the tank header in the fifth embodiment. This is an enlarged front view showing the tank portion before the bent portion is folded in the sixth embodiment.

[0010] The following describes several embodiments for implementing this disclosure with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in a preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. If only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, other embodiments described in a preceding embodiment may be applied to the remaining parts of the configuration.

[0011] It is possible to combine parts that are explicitly shown as being combinable in each embodiment. Furthermore, if there are no particular problems with the combination, it is also possible to partially combine embodiments even if it is not explicitly shown as being combinable.

[0012] At least one of the components or parts described with a reference numeral is provided, unless otherwise specified, such as "one".

[0013] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the figures. The heat exchanger according to this embodiment is used, for example, in an air conditioning system for a vehicle. The heat exchanger is used as an evaporator or indoor gas cooler through which a high-pressure refrigerant flows. The indoor gas cooler is also a condenser.

[0014] The evaporator cools the conditioned air blown by the fan by exchanging heat with the refrigerant, which circulates within the refrigeration cycle and is depressurized by the expansion valve. The indoor gas cooler condenses the high-pressure cooling gas to liquefy it and sends the liquefied refrigerant to the evaporator. As a refrigerant, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) ２ ) is used. Although the evaporator and the indoor gas cooler have different roles, their basic structure is the same.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the general configuration of the heat exchanger 100 before the bent portion 20, which will be described later, is bent. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the upper tank portion 120 of the heat exchanger in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a view taken along arrow III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a view taken along arrow IV in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the upper tank portion 120 of the heat exchanger 100 after the bent portion 20 has been bent.

[0016] The upper tank section 120 refers to the section located on the upper side of the drawing in the extension direction. Similarly, the lower tank section 120 refers to the section located on the lower side of the drawing in the extension direction.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the heat exchanger 100 has, for example, a 2-2 turn structure and includes a core section 110 and tank sections 120 located above and below each core section 110. The heat exchanger 100 is composed of multiple components made of lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum or aluminum alloy. These components are assembled together by fitting, crimping, or fixing with a jig, and then brazed together with a brazing material to form a single unit.

[0018] The core portion 110 includes a tube 111, a fin 112, and a side plate (i.e., an insert) 113. Figure 1 shows a portion of the tube 111 and the fin 112.

[0019] Tube 111 has a flattened cross-sectional shape. Tube 111 allows refrigerant to circulate inside. Multiple tubes 111 are arranged in a row. The direction in which the tube 111 extends is defined as the extension direction. The direction in which the multiple tubes 111 are arranged in a row, and which is also perpendicular to the extension direction, is defined as the row direction.

[0020] Although not shown in the diagram, multiple tubes 111 are arranged as a first tube row and a second tube row. The first tube row and the second tube row are arranged in the width direction perpendicular to the extension direction and the row direction. The first tube row and the second tube row are arranged in series with respect to the airflow direction AR.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first tube row is positioned downwind of the airflow direction AR, and the second tube row is also positioned downwind of the airflow direction AR. The relative positions of the first and second tube rows with respect to the airflow direction AR may be reversed.

[0022] In this embodiment, for example, the tube 111 has a flattened, elongated hexagonal cross-section. Multiple tube holes are formed inside the tube 111 for the circulation of the refrigerant. Note that the shape of the tube 111 is not limited to a flattened, elongated hexagonal cross-section; other shapes are also possible. Furthermore, there are not necessarily multiple tube holes.

[0023] The fins 112 are formed into a corrugated shape using thin strip material. The tubes 111 and fins 112 are stacked alternately in the row direction. A pair of side plates 113 are provided outside the outermost fin 112 as reinforcing members.

[0024] A pair of tank sections 120 for collecting and dispersing refrigerant are connected to both ends of the tube 111 in the direction of extension. Two rows of refrigerant flow paths are formed in the tank section 120, corresponding to the core section 110. The upper tank section 120 is provided with an inlet 121 connected to one end of the refrigerant flow path on the leeward side in the airflow direction AR, for allowing refrigerant to flow in from the outside, and an outlet 122 connected to one end of the refrigerant flow path on the leeward side, for allowing refrigerant to flow out to the outside.

[0025] In the upper tank section 120, the downwind and upwind refrigerant flow paths are connected by a connecting passage (not shown). The two rows of refrigerant flow paths in the upper tank section 120 are each divided by a central partition plate 127 located in the center of the row. Side partition plates 128 are provided at one end of the two rows of refrigerant flow paths in the upper tank section 120, and at both ends of the two rows of refrigerant flow paths in the lower tank section 120.

[0026] The tank section 120 is provided at both ends of the core section 110 in the extension direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tank section 120 is constructed by stacking multiple plates 123 to 126. The stacking direction of the multiple plates 123 to 126 coincides with the extension direction. Also, the longitudinal direction of each plate 123 to 126 coincides with the row direction.

[0027] As an example, in this embodiment, the tank section 120 is constructed by stacking four plates 123 to 126. Specifically, the four plates 123 to 126 are a plate header 123, an intermediate plate 124, a stopper plate 125, and a tank header 126. Each of the plates 123 to 126 is formed by press working or the like.

[0028] The plate header 123 is a plate positioned in the tank section 120 closest to the core section 110. The plate header 123 corresponds to an example of the first flat plate member. The plate header 123 is joined to the intermediate plate 124.

[0029] The plate header 123 has a plate hole (not shown) into which the tip of the tube 111 is inserted. The opening shape of the plate hole in the plate header 123 is approximately the same as the outer circumference shape of the tube 111.

[0030] The intermediate plate 124 is positioned between the plate header 123 and the stopper plate 125. The intermediate plate 124 is joined to the plate header 123 and the stopper plate 125.

[0031] The intermediate plate 124 has plate holes (not shown) that constitute the flow path for the refrigerant. In this embodiment, for example, the plate holes of the intermediate plate 124 constitute the flow path for the refrigerant in the row direction. However, the flow path for the refrigerant formed by the plate holes of the intermediate plate 124 is not limited to a shape that extends in the row direction, but may have other shapes as well.

[0032] The stopper plate 125 is positioned between the intermediate plate 124 and the tank header 126. The stopper plate 125 is joined to the intermediate plate 124 and the tank header 126.

[0033] The stopper plate 125 has plate holes (not shown) that constitute a refrigerant flow path. In this embodiment, for example, the plate holes of the stopper plate 125 constitute a refrigerant flow path in the extending direction. However, the refrigerant flow path formed by the plate holes of the stopper plate 125 is not limited to a shape that extends in the extending direction, and may have other shapes.

[0034] The tank header 126 is a plate located in the tank section 120 at the position furthest from the core section 110. The tank header 126 corresponds to an example of a second flat plate-shaped member.

[0035] The tank header 126 has a flat plate portion 126A and a bulging portion 126B. The flat plate portion 126A is joined to the stopper plate 125. The bulging portion 126B bulges out from the flat plate portion 126A on the opposite side of the stopper plate 125. The bulging portion 126B constitutes a refrigerant flow path 126C that communicates with each of the multiple tubes 111 through the plate holes in the stopper plate 125.

[0036] Between the bulging portion 126B and the stopper plate 125, a refrigerant flow path 126C is formed, communicating with each of the multiple tubes 111 through the plate holes in the stopper plate 125. The refrigerant flow path 126C extends along the row direction. The width of the refrigerant flow path 126C is narrower in the width direction than the width of the plate holes in the stopper plate 125.

[0037] The widthwise edge of the plate header 123 is provided with a wall portion 123A perpendicular to the widthwise direction. The wall portion 123A is formed by bending the widthwise edge of the plate header 123 away from the core portion 110. The wall portion 123A provides a wall surface 123B that extends in the extension direction and the column direction.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, a bent portion 20 is formed on the wall surface 123B of the plate header 123 by a load in a predetermined direction that includes a component perpendicular to the wall surface 123B. The bend line FL when the bent portion 20 is bent includes a component in the stretching direction. In this embodiment, as an example, the bent portion 20 is bent by a load perpendicular to the wall surface 123B, and the bend line FL when the bent portion 20 is bent extends in the stretching direction.

[0039] The flat portion 126A of the tank header 126 has an abutting portion 30 against which the bent portion 20 abuts. The abutting portion 30 is formed on the outer surface of the flat portion 126A of the tank header 126, that is, on the surface opposite to the stopper plate 125. The outer surface of the flat portion 126A of the tank header 126 is a flat surface perpendicular to the extending direction. Therefore, the abutting portion 30 is formed on a flat surface perpendicular to the extending direction in the tank header 126.

[0040] In the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the bent portion 20 abuts against the tank header 126 (that is, contacts), and the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 are fixed. More specifically, the bent portion 20 abuts against the tank header 126, and the flat surface of the plate header 123 and the flat surface of the tank header 126 are fixed.

[0041] That is, in the heat exchanger 100 of the present embodiment, the bent portion 20 is bent by a load in a predetermined direction including a component in the direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B, so that the plate header 123 is fixed to the tank header 126. At this time, the bent portion 20 fixes the plate header 123 to the tank header 126 in a state where the tank header 126, the stopper plate 125, and the intermediate plate 124 are sandwiched.

[0042] In this way, by performing brazing in a state where the plates 123 to 126 are temporarily fixed by the bent portion 20, the plates 123 to 126 are brazed and joined to form the tank portion 120.

[0043] The abutting surfaces of the bent portion 20 and the abutting portion 30 are both bare surfaces on which no brazing material is arranged. The abutting portion 30 is formed at the end portion (that is, the corner portion) of the tank header 126 on the wall surface 123B side.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a plurality of bending portions 20 are provided side by side in the column direction on the wall surface 123B. The adjacent bending portions 20 are arranged at intervals from each other. As an example in this embodiment, the plurality of bending portions 20 are arranged at equal intervals in the column direction. Further, before the bending portion 20 is bent, through holes 40 are formed at positions closer to the core portion 110 than the bending portion 20 on the wall surface 123B of the plate header 123.

[0045] The heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment is configured such that the surface pressure between the flat surface of the plate header 123 and the flat surface of the tank header 126 increases as the bending amount of the bending portion 20 increases. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a portion 20A of the bending portion 20 on the tank header 126 side draws a line that is at least partially non-parallel to the column direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before being bent.

[0046] As an example in this embodiment, a portion 20A of the bending portion 20 on the tank header 126 side draws a line inclined with respect to the column direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before being bent. In other words, the bending portion 20 has a tapered shape portion inclined with respect to the extending direction and the column direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B as the portion 20A on the tank header 126 side. At least a part of the tapered shape portion abuts against the abutting portion 30.

[0047] The bending portion 20 is divided into two in the column direction. Specifically, the bending portion 20 has a first bending portion 201 and a second bending portion 202 which are two portions when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before being bent. As an example in this embodiment, the first bending portion 201 and the second bending portion 202 have a line-symmetric shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before the bending portion 20 is bent. The inclination directions of the tapered shape portions of the first bending portion 201 and the second bending portion 202 are different from each other.

[0048] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the bent portion 20 abuts against the contact portion 30 of the tank header 126, fixing the flat surface of the plate header 123 and the flat surface of the tank header 126. As a result, the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 are fixed by being pressed in the stretching direction by the bent portion 20, so that the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 do not separate in the stretching direction. This makes it possible to suppress brazing defects.

[0049] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the bent portion 20 has a first bent portion 201 and a second bent portion 202 that have a line-symmetrical shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before being bent. This makes it possible to increase the amount of deformation when each bent portion 201, 202 is bent (i.e., the amount of bending of each bent portion 201, 202). As a result, the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 can be fixed more firmly by each bent portion 201, 202. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the separation of the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 in the stretching direction, and thus more reliably suppress brazing defects.

[0050] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side is formed to draw a line that is inclined with respect to the column direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before it is bent. As a result, the surface pressure between the flat surface of the plate header 123 and the flat surface of the tank header 126 increases as the amount of bending of the bent portion 20 increases. Therefore, by increasing the amount of bending of the bent portion 20, the fixing force between the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 can be increased.

[0051] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the contact portion 30 is formed at the end of the wall surface 123B of the tank header 126. This allows the contact surfaces of the bent portion 20 and the contact portion 30 to be bare surfaces, thereby suppressing loosening of the fixing portion between the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 due to the melting of the brazing material during brazing.

[0052] As a variation, as shown in Figure 6, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side may be formed in a concave arc shape toward the opposite side of the tank header 126 (upper side of the paper in Figure 6) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before bending. Also, as a variation, as shown in Figure 7, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side may be formed in a convex arc shape toward the tank header 126 side (lower side of the paper in Figure 7) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before bending.

[0053] As an alternative modification, as shown in Figure 8, the bent portion 20 may not be divided, that is, there may be only one bent portion 20. As an alternative modification when the bent portion 20 is not divided, as shown in Figure 9, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side may be formed in a curved shape that is concave toward the opposite side of the tank header 126 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before it is bent. As an alternative modification when the bent portion 20 is not divided, as shown in Figure 10, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side may be formed in a curved shape that is convex toward the tank header 126 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before it is bent.

[0054] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The configuration of the bent portion 20 in this second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment. Below, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0055] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, a chamfered portion 20B is formed in the cross section perpendicular to the row direction of the portion of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side. In this embodiment, for example, the chamfered portion 20B is an R-chamfered portion formed by R-chamfering. Alternatively, the chamfered portion 20B may be a C-chamfered portion formed by C-chamfering.

[0056] The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in the heat exchanger 100 of the second embodiment. That is, it is possible to suppress the separation of the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 in the stretching direction, thereby suppressing brazing defects.

[0057] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, a chamfered portion 20B is formed on the cross section perpendicular to the column direction of the portion of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side. This allows the bent portion 20 to smoothly contact the contact portion 30 when bent. As a result, the initial load when bending the bent portion 20 can be reduced.

[0058] (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the bent portion 20 and the contact portion 30. Below, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0059] As shown in Figure 13, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side draws a line parallel to the column direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before it is bent.

[0060] The contact portion 30 is inclined with respect to the flat surface of the flat plate portion 126A of the tank header 126. That is, the contact portion 30 has an inclined surface 30A which is inclined with respect to the flat surface of the flat plate portion 126A of the tank header 126. The inclined surface 30A of the contact portion 30 is flat. The inclined surface 30A of the contact portion 30 is formed by recessing the flat plate portion 126A of the tank header 126.

[0061] The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in the heat exchanger 100 of the third embodiment. That is, it is possible to suppress the separation of the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 in the stretching direction, thereby suppressing brazing defects.

[0062] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the contact portion 30 is provided with an inclined surface 30A that is inclined with respect to the flat surface of the flat plate portion 126A of the tank header 126. As a result, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the surface pressure between the flat surface of the plate header 123 and the flat surface of the tank header 126 can be increased as the amount of bending of the bent portion 20 increases. Consequently, the fixing force between the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 can be increased by increasing the amount of bending of the bent portion 20.

[0063] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration around the bent portion 20. Below, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0064] As shown in Figure 14, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side draws a line parallel to the column direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B before it is bent.

[0065] As shown in Figure 15, the portion 20A of the bent section 20 on the tank header 126 side draws a line that is not parallel to the direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B (i.e., the width direction) in a cross section perpendicular to the row direction before bending.

[0066] As an example, in this embodiment, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side draws a line inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B in a cross section perpendicular to the row direction before bending. In other words, the bent portion 20, as the portion 20A on the tank header 126 side, has a tapered shape inclined with respect to the extension direction and the width direction in a cross section perpendicular to the row direction before bending.

[0067] The tapered portion is inclined such that the outer edge in the width direction is located downward (i.e., closer to the core portion 110). Alternatively, the tapered portion may be inclined such that the outer edge in the width direction is located upward (i.e., further away from the core portion 110).

[0068] In this embodiment, the outer edge of the lower end side (i.e., the core portion 110 side) of the through hole 40 is formed to be parallel to the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side in a cross section perpendicular to the column direction.

[0069] The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in the heat exchanger 100 of the fourth embodiment. That is, it is possible to suppress the separation of the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 in the stretching direction, thereby suppressing brazing defects.

[0070] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side is formed such that, in a cross section perpendicular to the row direction before bending, it draws a line inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B. As a result, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment as well, the surface pressure between the flat surface of the plate header 123 and the flat surface of the tank header 126 can be increased as the amount of bending of the bent portion 20 increases. Consequently, the fixing force between the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 can be increased by increasing the amount of bending of the bent portion 20.

[0071] As a modified example, as shown in Figure 16, in a cross section perpendicular to the row direction before the bent portion 20 is bent, the tapered portion of the portion 20A on the tank header 126 side of the bent portion 20 may be formed by chamfering. In this case, a chamfered portion 40A formed by chamfering may also be provided on the outer edge of the lower end of the through hole 40.

[0072] (Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the bent portion 20 and the tank header 126. Below, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0073] Although not shown in the illustration, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side draws a line parallel to the direction perpendicular to the wall surface 123B (i.e., the width direction) in a cross section perpendicular to the row direction before bending. In other words, the portion 20A of the bent portion 20 on the tank header 126 side is formed in a planar shape perpendicular to the extension direction.

[0074] As shown in Figure 17, the flat plate portion 126A located outside the widthwise direction of the bulging portion 126B in the tank header 126 is formed in a tapered shape that is inclined with respect to the extension direction and the width direction when viewed from the row direction. As a result, the contact portion 30 has a surface that is inclined with respect to the flat surface of the tank header 126 (i.e., a plane perpendicular to the extension direction).

[0075] The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in the heat exchanger 100 of the fifth embodiment. That is, it is possible to suppress the separation of the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 in the stretching direction, thereby suppressing brazing defects.

[0076] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment, the flat plate portion 126A located outside the widthwise direction of the bulging portion 126B of the tank header 126 is formed in a tapered shape that is inclined with respect to the stretching direction and the width direction when viewed from the row direction. As a result, in the heat exchanger 100 of this embodiment as well, the surface pressure between the flat surface of the plate header 123 and the flat surface of the tank header 126 can be increased as the amount of bending of the bent portion 20 increases. Consequently, the fixing force between the plate header 123 and the tank header 126 can be increased by increasing the amount of bending of the bent portion 20.

[0077] As a modification, as shown in Figure 18, the flat plate portion 126A located outside the width direction of the bulging portion 126B in the tank header 126 may be formed in an arc shape that is concave downwards (i.e., towards the core portion 110) when viewed from the row direction. Also, as a modification, although not shown in the figure, the flat plate portion 126A located outside the width direction of the bulging portion 126B in the tank header 126 may be formed in an arc shape that is convex upwards (i.e., towards the core portion 110) when viewed from the row direction.

[0078] (Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. This sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the bent portion 20. Below, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described. Note that the dashed line in Figure 19 indicates the position of the end face of the tank header 126.

[0079] As shown in Figure 19, a recess 20C is provided at the bending base of the bent portion 20. The recess 20C is formed by cutting out the bending base of the bent portion 20. This makes it possible to make the bent portion 20 easier to bend.

[0080] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, as follows.

[0081] For example, in the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the tank section 120 is constructed by stacking four plates 123 to 126, but the configuration of the tank section 120 is not limited to this form. For example, the tank section 120 may be constructed by stacking two plates, three plates, or five or more plates.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which a bulge 126B is provided on the tank header 126, which is the plate located furthest from the core portion 110 among the multiple plates constituting the tank portion 120. However, the shape of the tank header 126 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the tank header 126 may be formed in the shape of a flat plate.

[0083] The technical features of the heat exchanger disclosed herein are as follows: (Item 1) A heat exchanger comprising a tank section (120) formed by brazing together the flat surfaces of a plurality of stacked flat plate members (123, 126), wherein the flat plate members include a first flat plate member (123) and a second flat plate member (126), the first flat plate member having a wall surface (123B) extending in the stacking direction of the plurality of flat plate members and in the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate member, the wall surface having a bent portion (20) formed by bending due to a load in a predetermined direction including a component perpendicular to the wall surface, the bent portion abutting the second flat plate member, and fixing the first flat plate member and the second flat plate member. (Item 2) The heat exchanger according to Item 1, wherein the bend line (FL) when the bent portion is bent is non-parallel to the flat surface of the second flat plate member. (Item 3) The heat exchanger according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the surface pressure between the flat surface of the first flat plate member and the flat surface of the second flat plate member increases with increasing bending of the bent portion. (Item 4) The heat exchanger according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the portion (20A) of the bent portion on the side of the second flat plate member, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface before bending, draws a line that is at least partially non-parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate member. (Item 5) The heat exchanger according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the portion (20A) of the bent portion on the side of the second flat plate member, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface before bending, draws a line that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate member. (Item 6) The heat exchanger according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the bent portion, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface before bending, has two portions (201, 202). (Item 7) The heat exchanger according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the second flat plate-shaped member has a contact portion (30) against which the bent portion abuts, and the contact portion is formed on the flat surface of the second flat plate-shaped member. (Item 8) The heat exchanger according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the second flat plate-shaped member has a contact portion (30) against which the bent portion abuts, and the contact portion has a surface that is inclined with respect to the flat surface of the second flat plate-shaped member.(Item 9) The portion (20A) of the bent portion on the side of the second flat plate-shaped member has a line that is not parallel to the direction perpendicular to the wall surface in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction before bending, as described in any one of Items 1 to 8. (Item 10) The portion (20A) of the bent portion on the side of the second flat plate-shaped member has a line that is inclined to the direction perpendicular to the wall surface in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction before bending, as described in Item 9. (Item 11) The portion (20A) of the bent portion on the side of the second flat plate-shaped member has a chamfered portion (20B) formed on the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, as described in any one of Items 1 to 10. (Item 12) The portion (30) of the bent portion has a contact portion (30) that the bent portion contacts, and the contact surfaces of the bent portion and the contact portion are both bare surfaces where no brazing material is placed, as described in any one of Items 1 to 11. (Item 13) The heat exchanger according to Item 12, wherein the contact portion is formed at the wall-side end of the second flat plate-shaped member.

[0084] This disclosure is described in accordance with the embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the equivalence. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms that include only one, more, or fewer of those elements, fall within the scope and concept of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising a tank section (120) formed by brazing together the flat surfaces of a plurality of stacked flat plate members (123, 126), wherein the flat plate members include a first flat plate member (123) and a second flat plate member (126), the first flat plate member having a wall surface (123B) that extends in the stacking direction of the plurality of flat plate members and in the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate member, the wall surface having a bent portion (20) formed by bending due to a load in a predetermined direction including a component perpendicular to the wall surface, and the bent portion abutting against the second flat plate member, thereby fixing the first flat plate member and the second flat plate member.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the bend line (FL) when the bent portion is bent is non-parallel to the flat surface of the second flat plate-shaped member.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface pressure between the flat surface of the first flat plate member and the flat surface of the second flat plate member increases as the amount of bending of the bent portion increases.

4. The portion (20A) of the bent portion on the side of the second flat plate-shaped member, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface before being bent, at least a portion of which forms a line that is not parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate-shaped member, according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The portion (20A) of the bent portion on the second flat plate-shaped member side, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface before being bent, draws a line inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first flat plate-shaped member, according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bent portion has two parts (201, 202) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface before being bent.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second flat plate-shaped member has a contact portion (30) that the bent portion abuts against, and the contact portion is formed on the flat surface of the second flat plate-shaped member.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second flat plate-shaped member has a contact portion (30) that the bent portion abuts against, and the contact portion has a surface that is inclined with respect to the flat surface of the second flat plate-shaped member.

9. The portion of the bent portion on the side of the second flat plate-shaped member (20A) has lines that are not parallel to the direction perpendicular to the wall surface in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction before bending, according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The portion (20A) of the bent portion on the side of the second flat plate-shaped member has a line that is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the wall surface in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction before bending, according to claim 9.

11. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a chamfered portion (20B) is formed on the portion (20A) of the bent portion on the side of the second flat plate-shaped member, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second flat plate-shaped member has a contact portion (30) that the bent portion abuts against, and the contact surfaces of the bent portion and the contact portion are both bare surfaces in which no brazing material is placed.

13. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein the contact portion is formed at the wall-side end of the second flat plate-shaped member.

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