HEAT EXCHANGER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-095925, filed on Jun. 13, 2024, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to heat exchangers.

BACKGROUND

In general, a heat exchanger in which two types of fluid flow paths are formed alternately by stacking a plurality of plates are known as a heat exchanger provided in a vehicle, etc. In such heat exchangers, the pressure loss is reduced by matching the in-plane direction of the plate rather than matching the direction in which the fluid flows in and out with the stacking direction. As a heat exchanger having an inflow and outflow direction of such fluid, it is proposed that a cooling water inlet and outlet are formed on the side of the outer peripheral wall of the cylindrical casing, and that a gap is secured between the outer peripheral wall of the casing and the outer perimeter of the core to allow cooling water to flow in the plate stacking direction of the core (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). In the heat exchanger described in Patent Literature 1, cooling water introduced into the interior of the casing from the outer wall is distributed longitudinally and then passed through the interior of the core to be derived from the outer wall.

• [Patent Literature 1] Japanese unexamined Patent Application Publication Number 2011-127819

SUMMARY

The plurality of plates forming the core of the heat exchanger have through-holes, etc. formed for fluid to pass through, and in order for these to be in the desired state of connection, the in-plane deviation between the plates needs to be suppressed. However, in the heat exchanger described in Patent Literature 1, a core was formed by stacking a plurality of tubes consisting of a first plate and a second plate, making it difficult to stack the tubes accurately, and improvement in workability was desirable.

The present disclosure is made in light of the above-mentioned problems and is intended to provide a heat exchanger that can improve workability while reducing pressure loss.

To solve the above problem, a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure comprises a laminated body in which a flow path for a first fluid and a flow path for a second fluid are alternately formed in a stacking direction by alternatingly stacking a first plate and a second plate, a bottom tube-shaped case housing the laminated body and opening one side of the stacking direction, and a base plate provided on an open side of the case, the case having an inlet and outlet through which the first fluid passes in a sidewall portion extending along the stacking direction, the first plate and the second plate each having an outer circumferential flange portion protruding in the stacking direction from an outer circumferential edge, the outer circumferential flange portion being taper-joined to the outer circumferential flange portion of another plate adjacent to the protruding side, and between the first plate and the second plate adjacent to each other in the stacking direction, an opening portion that opens the gap between the plates to form a flow path for the first fluid and a closing portion that closes the gap between the plates to form a flow path for the second fluid are formed at a position facing the inlet or the outlet.

According to this aspect, since the case has an inlet and an outlet in the sidewall portion, the first fluid can flow in a direction that intersects the layering direction when flowing into the case and passing between the plates, reducing pressure loss. In addition, an outer circumferential flange portion is formed in the first plate and the second plate, and by taper fitting the outer circumferential flange portions in the plates adjacent to the stacking direction, the plates can be positioned in the in-plane direction, and the plates can be superimposed in a predetermined order to improve workability.

The case may have a first distribution channel formed extending in the stacking direction sequentially to the inlet or outlet, and at least a portion of the plurality of the first plate or the second plate may have an extension continuous to the outer circumferential flange portion to reduce the open area of the opening. According to this aspect, reducing the open area of the opening portion can limit the flow rate of the first fluid flowing into the flow path for the first fluid. When the first fluid flowing into the case from the inlet is dispensed in the stacking direction, the position closer to the inlet in the stacking direction is more likely to have a higher flow rate, and the position farther from the inlet is more likely to have a smaller flow rate. Limiting the flow rate, especially at a position close to the inlet, makes it easier to secure the flow rate even at a position far from the inlet, and can reduce the difference in flow rate between each position in the stacking direction.

The outer circumferential flange portion has fluid guide walls extending along the flow direction of the first fluid and the second fluid in the laminated body, and the fluid guide walls may be joined together in the first plate and the second plate adjacent to each other. According to this aspect, the outer circumferential flange portion can define a flow path of the fluid. That is, there is no need to define a flow path by the case or other member and the structure of the heat exchanger can be simplified.

The outer circumferential flange portion may be provided throughout the circumferential edge of the first plate and the second plate, except for positions opposite the first distribution channel. According to this aspect, fluid can flow into the flow path between the inlet and outlet more efficiently.

The blockage portion may have a first blockage portion formed in the first plate and a second blockage portion formed in the second plate, the first blockage portion having a first wall-like portion extending opposite the protruding side and a first joint portion extending from a tip of the first wall-like portion towards the inlet or the outlet, the second blockage portion having a second wall-like portion extending toward the protruding side and a second joint extending from a tip of the second wall-like portion towards the inlet or outlet, and the first joint and the second joint may be superimposed and joined together. According to this aspect, it is easy to secure the joint area between the first joint portion and the second joint portion, and fluid leakage at the blockage portion may be suppressed.

The first blockage portion or the second blockage portion may have a cover portion that covers the other end from the side of the inlet continuously at one end of the first joint portion and the second joint portion. According to this aspect, it is inhibited that fluid flowing from the inlet directly towards the tip of the first joint portion or the second joint portion. This can reduce the pressure of the fluid applied to the joint portion between the first joint portion and the second joint portion and can reduce chemical degeneration of the joint portions and deformation or damage due to pressure.

According to the heat exchanger according to the present disclosure, workability can be improved while reducing pressure loss.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 A perspective view illustrating a laminated body of heat exchangers and base plates according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 A cross-sectional view through the outlet pipe of the heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 A cross-sectional view through the inlet pipe of the heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a part of FIG. 3 enlarged.

FIG. 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the other part of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 A plan view illustrating the bottom plate of the heat exchanger laminated body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 A plan view illustrating a first plate of a laminated body of heat exchangers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 A plan view illustrating a second plate of a laminated body of heat exchangers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 A cross-sectional view through a second distribution flow path of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 A side view illustrating a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 A side view of a laminated body of heat exchangers and a base plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 A side view of a laminated body of heat exchangers and base plates of a variant of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a laminated body 2 in which a flow path for a first fluid (cooling water in the present embodiment) and a flow path for a second fluid (oil in the present embodiment) are alternately formed in the Z direction (stacking direction), a bottomed tubular case 3 containing the laminated body 2 and opening one side in the Z direction, and a base plate 4 provided on the open side of case 3. Case 3 has an inlet 33 and an outlet 34 through which the first fluid passes in the sidewall portion 32 extending along the Z direction. The outer perimeter 20 of the laminated body 2 is formed along the inner surface of the sidewall portion 32 of case 3 and has recess portions 26 that are spaced from the inner surface of the sidewall portion 32 at portions opposite the inlet 33 and the outlet 34. The recess portion 26 forms a first distribution channel 28 between the outer perimeter 20 of the laminated body 2 and the inner surface of the sidewall portion 32 in which the first fluid flows along the Z direction.

In addition, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 each have an outer circumferential flange portion 214 and 224 protruding in the Z direction from the outer circumferential edge, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The outer circumferential flange portions 214 and 224 are taper-joined to the outer circumferential flange portions 214 and 224 of other plates adjacent to the protruding side. Between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 adjacent to each other in the Z direction, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, at a position opposite the inlet 33 or the outlet 34, an opening portion 29B is formed which opens the space between the plates which serves as a flow path for the first fluid (cooling water), and a closing portion 29A is formed which closes the space between the plates which serves as a flow path for the second fluid (oil).

Case 3 is also rectangular and has a first fluid passing through the inlet 33 and outlet 34 and a step portion 322A formed around the inlet 33 or outlet 34 in the short side sidewall portion 322 as a planar portion of the sidewall portion 32 (see FIG. 11).

Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the laminated body 2 and the base plate 4 of the heat exchanger 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the outlet pipe 6 of the heat exchanger 1, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view passing through an inlet pipe 5 of a heat exchanger 1, FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of FIG. 3, FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the bottom plate 23 of the laminated body 2, FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the first plate 21 of the laminated body 2, FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the second plate 22 of the laminated body 2, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view passing through a second distribution channel (in this embodiment where the first fluid is cooling water and the second fluid is oil, a flow path that connects the oil flow paths in the stacking direction of the core among the oil flow paths formed alternately with the water paths) 27 of the heat exchanger 1, FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the heat exchanger, and FIG. 12 is a side view of the laminated body 2 and base plate 4.

Heat exchanger 1 are used in cooling water systems of automobiles (vehicles), for example. The automobile to which the heat exchanger 1 is provided may have only an internal combustion engine as the driving source, may have an internal combustion engine and a motor, may have only a motor, and a heat exchanger 1 is provided to cool the heating portion in each driving method. Cooling water is exemplified as the fluid used for cooling, and hydraulic oils and other oils are exemplified as the fluid to be cooled, but these fluids can be selected as appropriate according to the driving method of the automobile, the type of heating portion, the required cooling performance, etc. In the present embodiment, the fluid used for cooling is the first fluid and the fluid to be cooled is the second fluid, but in addition to the fluid used for cooling being the second fluid, it is also possible to use the fluid to be cooled as the first fluid. In the following description, the first fluid is cooling water and the second fluid is oil.

The heat exchanger 1 comprises a flat rectangular case 3, as described below, with the thickness direction of case 3 (the direction in which case 3 has an opening as described below) in the Z direction, with the long side direction of case 3 in the XY plane, which is a plane orthogonal to the Z direction, and the short side direction in the Y direction. In addition, in the following, the side on which case 3 opens in the Z direction (the side on which base plate 4 is provided, the bottom side in FIGS. 1 to 4) is the lower side, the opposite side (the upper side in FIGS. 1 to 4) is the upper side, and these may be simply referred to as the upper and lower sides, but the upper and lower sides in the Z direction are for convenience, and may not match the vertical direction upper and lower sides in the actual use state.

The heat exchanger 1 further comprises an inlet pipe 5 and an outlet pipe 6 in addition to the laminated body 2, case 3 and base plate 4. The heat exchanger 1 has two rotational symmetry with respect to the rotational axis extending in the Z direction as well as passing through the intersection points of diagonal lines L1 and L2 described below, and has a symmetrical shape between the inlet side and the outlet side. That is, when the heat exchanger 1 is rotated 180° around this rotation axis, the shape before rotation matches the shape after rotation.

In the laminated body 2, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are alternately stacked in the Z direction to alternately configure the flow path for the first fluid (cooling water flow path) and the flow path for the second fluid (oil flow path) in the Z direction, and the laminated body 2 further includes the bottom plate 23 and the top plate 24, as also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The laminated body 2 is formed in a rectangular form as a whole by being stacked in the Z direction with each plate 21 to 24 extending along the XY plane (in-plane direction along the XY plane). The two virtual diagonals as seen from the Z direction of the laminated body 2 are the first diagonal line L1 and the second diagonal line L2, the pair of corners connected by the first diagonal line L1 is the first corner portion 2A, and the pair of corners connected by the second diagonal line L2 is the second corner portion 2B (see FIGS. 1, 7, 8, and 9).

In the laminated body 2, a second plate 22 is overlaid on the bottom plate 23 (that is, opposite side of the base plate 4) and a first plate 21 is overlaid thereon. The top plate 24 is overlaid on the second plate 22 and is shaped similarly to the first plate 21 unless otherwise explained. A fin plate 25 is provided on the upper side of the second plate 22 and lower side of the first plate 21 to form a flow path for the second fluid. In contrast, a flow path for a first fluid is formed between the upper side of the first plate 21 and the lower side of the second plate 22. It should be noted that each plate comprising the laminated body 2 can use, for example, a clad material of aluminum.

The bottom plate 23, unlike other plates, as shown in FIG. 7, does not have recess portions as described below and is formed in a rectangular plate. The bottom plate 23 has a through hole 231 formed in the second corner portion 2B, a plurality of convex portions 232 formed in the top surface, and an outer circumferential flange portion 233 projecting upward in the Z direction from the outer circumferential edge.

The first plate 21 has a recess portion 211 formed in the first corner portion 2A, a through hole 212 formed in the second corner portion 2B, a plurality of convex portions 213 formed in the upper surface and convex on the upper side, an outer circumferential flange portion 214 projecting upward in the Z direction from the outer circumferential edge, and a first blockage portion 215 (see FIG. 5) extending downward in the first corner portion 2A, as also shown in FIG. 8. The first plate 21 is formed with a recess portion 211 due to the rectangular corners being formed in an ablated plate shape.

The second plate 22 has a recess portion 221 formed in the first corner portion 2A, a through hole 222 formed in the second corner portion 2B, a plurality of convex portions 223 formed on the lower surface and convex on the lower side, an outer circumferential flange portion 224 projecting upward in the Z direction from the outer circumferential edge, and a second occlusion portion 225 (see FIG. 5) extending upward in the first corner portion 2A, as also shown in FIG. 9. The second plate 22 forms a recess portion 221 because the rectangular corners are formed in an ablated plate.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the top plate 24 has a recess portion 241, a plurality of convex portions 243, and an outer circumferential flange portion 244, similar to the first plate 21 (see FIG. 8), and although a portion of the rectangle is ablated in shape, it differs from the first plate 21 in that no through-holes are formed.

The circumferential flange portions 214, 224, 233, and 244 are formed in portions of each plate peripheral edge excluding recess portions (that is, all but the positions opposite the first distribution channel 28), and are tapered portions with an incline relative to the Z direction such that they are outwardly facing upward (i.e., the area surrounded by the circumferential flange portion is greater) as they are protruding, particularly as shown in FIG. 6. This causes the circumferential flanges of the lower plate to taper mating and brazing together in the Z direction such that the circumferential flanges of the upper side plate are located outwardly relative to the circumferential flanges of the upper side adjacent plate. For example, the outer circumferential flange portion 214 of the first plate 21 is located outside the outer circumferential flange portion 224 of the second plate 22 adjacent to the upper side, and the outer circumferential flange portion 224 of the second plate 22 is located outside the outer circumferential flange portion 214 of the first plate 21 adjacent to the upper side.

By brazing the outer circumferential flanges together in this manner, a plurality of plates are assembled, resulting in a rectangular laminated body 2 as a whole as shown in FIG. 2. The laminated body 2 may be stacked and assembled in case 3 or may be housed in case 3 after being assembled outside case 3.

Among the circumferential flange portions 214, 224, 233, and 244, the portion extending along the X direction becomes the fluid guide walls 210, 220, 230, and 240, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 10. The first fluid and the second fluid flow along diagonal lines L1 and L2, as described below, and the fluid guide walls 210, 220, 230, and 240 extending along the long side direction X direction have relatively small angles of inclination with respect to the flow direction of the first fluid and the second fluid. When the outer circumferential flanges 214, 224, 233, and 244 are joined together, the fluid guide walls 210, 220, 230, and 240 are also joined together. This allows the first fluid and the second fluid to flow along the inner surface of the fluid guide wall 210, 220, 230, and 240 so that no fluid flows from either side of the Y direction into case 3.

In the laminated body 2 after assembly, the recess portions 211, 221, and 241 overlap each other, and a recess portion 26 is formed in the vicinity of the first corner portion 2A with respect to the central portion in the Y direction of the sidewall portion of the outer perimeter 20 of the laminated body 2. The through holes 212, 222, and 231 overlap each other to form a second distribution channel 27 through which the second fluid can pass along the Z direction.

In the first plate 21, a flange portion is formed extending from the perimeter of the through hole 212 towards the upper side, and in the second plate 22, a flange portion is formed extending from the perimeter of the through-hole 222 towards the lower side, where these flange portions are joined together (see FIG. 6). This allows the space between the upper side of the first plate 21 and the lower side of the second plate 22 to be compartmented with the second distribution channel 27 so that the second fluid passing through the second distribution channel 27 does not flow into this space. In contrast, the space between the lower side of the first plate 21 and the upper side of the second plate 22 is in communication with the second distribution channel 27.

The laminated body 2 is partitioned with space between the plates and outer space (space within case 3) other than the recess portions 26 because the outer circumferential flange portions 214, 224, 233, and 244 are formed. In the recess portion 26, the space between the lower side of the first plate 21 and the upper side of the second plate 22 is partitioned from the outer space by the first blockage portion 215 and the second blockage portion 225 are joined to form the blockage portion 29A, and an opening portion 29B is formed between the upper side of the first plate 21 and the lower side of the second plate 22, which is in communication with the outer space (see FIG. 5). The blockage portion 29A is formed between the through holes 212 and 222 and the circumferential flanges 214 and 224 extending in the Y direction to the position of the long side of the plate (see FIGS. 2, 8, and 9).

Case 3 is formed in a bottom cylinder with a bottom plate portion 31 and a cylindrical sidewall portion 32 continuous on the outer perimeter of the bottom plate portion 31, and is rectangular in view of the Z direction.

The bottom plate portion 31 is formed in a rectangular plate along the XY plane, with corners connected by the first diagonal line L1 and the second diagonal line L2 described above. In case 3, the pair of corners connected by first diagonal line L1 is set as first corner portion 3A, and the pair of corners connected by second diagonal line L2 is set as second corner portion 3B.

The sidewall portion 32 has a pair of long side sidewall portion 321 corresponding to a long side of the bottom plate 31, a pair of short side sidewall portion 322 corresponding to a short side, and a total of four curved surfaces 323 located between the long side sidewall portion 321 and short side sidewall portion 322.

Each of the pair of short side sidewall portion 322 is formed with an inlet 33 and an outlet 34 through which the first fluid passes. The inlet 33 and outlet 34 are formed in the short side sidewall portion 322 at a central portion in the Z direction and closer to the first corner portion 3A than the central portion in the Y direction. That is, the inlet 33 and the outlet 34 are positioned adjacent to each of the diagonal pairs of first corner portion 3A of the pair of short sides of a rectangular shape when case 3 is viewed from the Z direction.

Each of the pair of short side sidewall portion 322, which are planar portions of the sidewalls 32, has a step portion 322A formed around the inlet 33 or outlet 34 as shown in FIG. 11. Specifically, the step portion 322A is formed in a straight line extending along the Z direction at a position sandwiching the inlet 33 or outlet 34 from the Y direction as viewed from the X direction. The rectangular region surrounded by the two lines, the line portion that virtualizes the top ends of the two lines, and the line portion that virtualizes the bottom ends, becomes the inner region 322B in which the inlet 33 or outlet 34 is disposed. The region sandwiching the inner region 322B from the Y direction in the short side sidewall portion 322 becomes the outer region 322C.

The step portion 322A has a step in an orientation in which the inner region 322B protrudes outwardly of case 3 than the outer region 322C. The short side sidewall portion 322 has a constant wall thickness between the inner region 322B and the outer region 322C, that is, in the inner region 322B, the inner and outer dimensions of case 3 are enlarged.

The sidewall portion 32 has an enlarged magnification portion 324 at the lower edge that is the open side of case 3. The bottom plate 23 is larger in external dimensions than the other plates and a magnification portion 324 is provided for mounting the bottom plate 23. The magnification of the magnification portion 324 (step height relative to other parts) is equal to the step height of the step portion 322A. This allows the inner region 322B and the magnification portion 324 to be smoothly connected, and the inner region 322B and the magnification portion 324 extend along the same plane.

The base plate 4 is formed in a flat plate and is provided to block the opening of case 3. The base plate 4 is formed with a pair of through holes 41 for passage of the second fluid and a plurality of mounting holes for attachment to other equipment. With the laminated body 2 housed in case 3 and the base plate 4 attached to case 3, the through hole 41 and the second distribution channel 27 are in communication. In the present embodiment, the second fluid flow path and through hole 41 in other equipment shall be connected directly, but a pipe or the like may be attached relative to the base plate 4 to introduce and derive fluid.

The inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 are cylindrical members through which the first fluid passes, and are liquid tightly brazed connected to each of the inlet 33 and outlet 34. The inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 have an outer diameter that is approximately the same as the inner diameter of each of the inlet 33 and outlet 34. In order to reduce the fluid resistance, the inner diameter of the inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 is relatively large (about ø15 mm). The inlet pipe 5 and the outlet pipe 6 preferably have a small amount of protrusion into case 3, but are not particularly limited in terms of the detailed structure or the structure for the connection.

In the heat exchanger 1 as described above, for example, by heating with the laminated body 2 contained in case 3, the wax material provided on the surface of each part of the laminated body 2 melts and cools, solidifying the wax material and joining each part. Specifically, the outer circumferential flanges of adjacent plates are joined together with the bottom or top surface of the plate and the tip of the convex portion of the plate. The inner surface (lower surface) of the bottom plate portion 31 of case 3 and the top plate 24 are also joined in the same manner.

The relationship between each part of case 3 and the laminated body 2 and the flow of fluid will now be described. The external dimensions of the rectangular tubular sidewall portion 32 are approximately equal or slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the rectangular laminated body 2. That is, the laminated body 2, except for the recess portion 26, has its outer perimeter 20 along the inner surface of the sidewall portion 32. Also, since the inlet 33 and outlet 34 are provided in the vicinity of the first corner portion 3A and the recess portion 26 is provided in the vicinity of the first corner portion 2A, the recess portion 26 is provided in each of the portions opposite the inlet 33 and the portion opposite the outlet 34.

In this way, a gap is formed between case 3 and the laminated body 2 at the recess portion 26 between the outer perimeter 20 and the inner surface of the sidewall portion 32, which is the first distribution channel 28. As described above, an opening portion 29B is formed between the upper side of the first plate 21 and the lower side of the second plate 22, so that the space between the first distribution channel 28 and the upper side of the first plate 21 and the lower side of the second plate 22 is in communication.

The first fluid is introduced from the inlet pipe 5 into case 3 and derived from the outlet pipe 6. The first fluid introduced into the inlet 33 by the inlet pipe 5 reaches the first distribution channel 28. In the first distribution channel 28, the first fluid can flow along the Z direction and into the space between the upper side of the first plate 21 and the lower side of the second plate 22. That is, the first fluid is dispensed in the Z direction and flows into each of the plurality of spaces between the upper side of the first plate 21 and the lower side of the second plate 22.

In the laminated body 2, the first fluid flows from one of the pair of first corner portions 2A towards the other to reach the first distribution channel 28 on the outlet 34 side. The first fluid flowing from each of the spaces between the upper side of the first plate 21 and the lower side of the second plate 22 into the first distribution channel 28 on the outlet 34 side flows along the Z direction towards the outlet 34. That is, the dispensed first fluid is again aggregated. The first fluid is then derived from the outlet 34 by the outlet pipe 6.

The second fluid is introduced and derived into the laminated body 2 with one of the pair of through holes 41 as an inlet and the other as an outlet. The second fluid flowing from one of the pair of through holes 41 into the second dispensing channel 27 can flow along the Z direction and can flow into the space between the lower side of the first plate 21 and the upper side of the second plate 22. That is, the second fluid is dispensed in the Z direction and flows into each of the plurality of spaces between the lower side of the first plate 21 and the upper side of the second plate 22.

In the laminated body 2, the second fluid flows from one of the pair of second corner portions 2B towards the other to reach the other second distribution channel 27. The second fluid flowing from each of the spaces between the lower side of the first plate 21 and the upper side of the second plate 22 into the other second distribution channel 27 flows along the Z direction towards the other through hole 41. That is, the dispensed second fluid is again aggregated. The second fluid is then derived externally from the other through hole 41.

Preferably, when the first fluid and the second fluid flow as described above, the direction of flow in the X direction is opposite to each other. That is, the second fluid is preferably introduced into case 3 from the through hole 41 that is closer to the outlet 34 in the X direction of the pair of through holes 41. Depending on conditions such as fluid type and flow rate, the first fluid and the second fluid may flow in the same direction in the X direction.

Next, details of the structure of the portion of the laminated body 2 opposite the inlet 33 or outlet 34 will be described. The first blockage portion 215 is formed throughout the recess portion 211 and has a first wall-like portion 215A extending towards the lower side opposite the protruding side and a first joint portion 215B extending along the XY plane from the tip of the first wall-like portion 215A towards the inlet 33 or outlet 34 (see FIG. 5). The second blockage portion 225 is formed throughout the recess portion 221 and has a second wall-like portion 225A extending upwardly, a second joint portion 225B extending along the XY plane from the tip of the second wall-like portion 225A towards the inlet 33 or outlet 34, and a cover portion 225C continuous to the tip of the second joint portion 225B.

The first joint portion 215B and the second joint portion 225B are superimposed and joined together. The cover portion 225C extends to stand up towards the top side and covers the tip of the first joint portion 215B from the side of the inlet 33 or outlet 34. That is, the joint portion between the first joint portion 215B and the second joint portion 225B is covered by a cover portion 225C. The first joint portion 215B and the second joint portion 225B are joined by braze, and the joint is provided extending in the Y direction to the position of the long side of the plate, even between the through holes 212, 222 and the circumferential flanges 214, 224. The circumferential flange portions 214, 224 are also formed at locations opposite the through holes 212, 222 on the short side of the plate. That is, in the vicinity of through holes 212, 222, plates 21, 22 are braze joined not only at outer circumferential flange portions 214, 224 but also at first and second joint portions 215B and 225B. This increases the liquid-tight reliability of the plate joint near the long side of the plates 21 and 22. The cover portion 225C is formed only at a location along the recess portions 211 and 221 (see FIGS. 2, 8, and 9). The outer circumferential flange portions 214 and 224 are provided to a position opposite the through holes 212 and 222 on the short side of the plate to concentrate the flow of the first fluid in the vicinity of the first distribution channel 28.

In this way, according to the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is no need to enlarge case 3 relative to the laminated body 2 by forming a recess portion 26 in the outer periphery of the laminated body 2 in which the portion opposite the inlet 33 and the outlet 34 is opposite, and by forming the first distribution channel 28 by the recess portion 26. At this time, because the distance in the XY plane through which the first fluid passes is shortened by forming the recess portion 26, although it is necessary to slightly increase the laminated body 2 to compensate for this, the recess portion 26 is locally formed, and the outer perimeter of the laminated body 2 is along the inner surface of the sidewall portion 32 of case 3, so it is possible to suppress the large size of the laminated body 2. In this way, the entire heat exchanger 1 can be miniaturized while ensuring the dispensing performance of the fluid by the first distribution channel 28 formed by the recess portion 26.

Also, since the inlet 33 and outlet 34 are arranged at a location adjacent each of the pair of diagonal first corner portions 3A, the distance in the XY plane through which the first fluid flows along the first diagonal line L1 in the laminated body 2 can be increased, and the laminated body 2 is easy to miniaturize, thus making the entire heat exchanger 1 easy to miniaturize.

Also, since each plate 21, 22, 24 of the laminated body 2 has an ablated shape of the rectangular corners, the recess portion 26 can be easily formed, and the shape of the laminated body 2 can be suppressed from being complicated.

Also, with through holes 212, 222, 231 formed in second corner portion 2B, second distribution channel 27 is formed in a pair of corner portions 2B, and the second fluid after dispensing flows along second diagonal line L2. This allows for a longer distance in the XY plane that passes through the second fluid as well, making the laminated body 2 more compact and consequently more compact the entire heat exchanger 1.

Furthermore, the first corner portion 2A formed by the recess portion 26 and the second corner portion 2B formed by the through holes 212, 222, 231 are different, that is, the first distribution channel 28 and the second distribution channel 27 are provided for different corners so that the laminated body 2 can be used spatially efficiently and the entire heat exchanger 1 can be miniaturized.

Also, since case 3 has an inlet 33 and an outlet 34 in the sidewall portion 32, the first fluid can flow along the XY plane and reduce pressure loss when flowing into case 3 and passing between plates. The outer circumferential flanges 214 and 224 are formed in the first plate 21 and second plate 22, and the outer circumferential flanges 214 and 224 are tapered and braze-bonded in the plates next to each other in the Z-direction, allowing the plates to be positioned in the XY plane, allowing the plates to be stacked in a predetermined order, and improving workability.

The circumferential flange portions 214 and 224 can also have fluid guide walls 210 and 220 to define a fluid flow path by the circumferential flange portions 214 and 224. That is, there is no need to define a flow path by case 3 or other members, and the structure of the heat exchanger 1 can be simplified.

Also, the circumferential flange portions 214 and 224 are provided throughout the outer perimeter of the first plate 21 and the second plate 22, except for positions opposite the first distribution channel 28, allowing fluid to flow more efficiently into the flow path between the inlet 33 and the outlet 34.

In addition, the superimposed bonding of the first joint portion 215B of the first blockage portion 215 and the second joint portion 225B of the second blockage portion 225 makes it easier to secure these bonding areas and to suppress fluid leakage in the blockage portion 29A.

Also, the second blockage portion 225 has a cover portion 225C that covers the tip of the first joint portion 215B, preventing fluid flowing through the inlet 33 from directly toward the tip of the first joint portion 215B. This can reduce the pressure of the fluid applied to the interface between the first joint portion 215B and second joint portion 225B, and can reduce chemical degeneration of the interface and deformation or damage due to pressure.

In addition, the step portion 322A surrounds the inlet 33 and outlet 34 in the short side sidewall portion 322, which is a flat part, so that the rigidity of case 3 can be improved even if a rectangular case 3 is adopted and the sidewall portion 32 is provided with the inlet 33 and outlet 34 to make use of the space efficient. Also, since the pipes 5 and 6 are attached to the inlet 33 or outlet 34 by braze, stresses can be avoided from the roots to which the pipes 5 and 6 are attached when the external force acts in the direction of deflation of the pipes 5 and 6 from the outside. In addition, in cases such as when the diameter of pipes 5 and 6 is increased to reduce the flow path resistance, the braze joint area of pipes 5 and 6 increases the joint strength of pipes 5 and 6, so when the external force acts on pipes 5 and 6, a large deformation force is exerted on the short side sidewall portion 322, but deformation of the short side sidewall portion 322 can be suppressed by step portion 322A.

Also, the internal space of case 3 is enlarged at the position where the inlet 33 and outlet 34 are formed by the step portion 322A having a step in an orientation in which the inner region 322B protrudes outwardly of case 3 than the outer region 322C. This can expand the first distribution channel 28.

In addition, the magnification portion 324 is formed in case 3 to improve the rigidity of the open side of case 3. Further, the inner region 322B and the magnification portion 324 extend along the same plane, which can simplify the shape compared to configurations in which the step and magnification are located on different planes.

In addition, the formation of the inlet 33 and outlet 34 in a position adjacent to the first corner portion 3A, which is relatively rigid, of the short side sidewall portion 322, which is a planar portion, can inhibit the decrease in rigidity of case 3 by forming the inlet 33 and outlet 34.

It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes other configurations, etc., in which the object of the present disclosure can be achieved, and variations, etc., such as those shown below are also included in the present disclosure. For example, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the positional relationship between the first distribution channel and the through hole and the second distribution channel is not limited to, although the first corner portion 2A formed by the recess portion 26 and the second corner portion 2B formed by the through hole 212, 222, 231 are located on different diagonal lines. For example, it is also possible to design recess portion 26 and through holes 212, 222, 231 such that first and second fluids flow parallel to each other as both ends of the line portions parallel to the long sides of the plates 21, 22, without first corner portion 2A and second corner portion 2B being both ends of diagonal lines L1, L2.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, each plate 21, 22, 24 of the laminated body 2 was assumed to have a recess portion 26 formed by the rectangular corner being ablated in shape, but other shapes may form a recess, and a recess may be formed so as to cut out a side of the rectangle without ablated corners. That is, “recess portion” may be recessed relative to a predetermined shape (for example, planar visibly rectangular, planar visibly circular, etc.) of the outer perimeter of the laminated body.

Also, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the recesses and inlets and outlets for forming the first distribution flow path are not limited to those disposed proximate the corners, but may be, for example, central portions of the side on which the inlets and outlets are provided, although the inlets 33 and outlets 34 are arranged adjacent each of the pair of first corner portions 3A that are diagonal. That is, the inlet and outlet can also be set to the appropriate position in the case depending on the position relationship between the heat exchanger and other equipment, the routing of piping, etc. For example, at least one of the inlet and outlet may be provided on the long side sidewall portion 321 and the base plate 4 side rather than the short side sidewall portion 322. Also, the inlet and outlet may be provided at upstream and downstream positions of parallel lines of the fluid guide walls 210, 220, for example, to suit the layout, rather than at diagonal positions.

Also, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the laminated body 2 and case 3 are rectangular in terms of the Z direction, but the laminated body and case may have a shape corresponding to each other, for example, other shapes such as cylindrical shapes.

Also, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the first plate 21 was to simply open the opening portion 29B, but the first plate may be shaped to partially cover the opening. For example, the first plate 21 may have a continuous extension portion 216 in the outer circumferential flange portion 214, as shown by way of variation in FIG. 13. In the variant illustrated in FIG. 13, the extension portion 216 is formed in the recess portion 211 and protrudes upwardly from the body portion of the first plate 21 (a plate-like portion along the XY plane), and its protruding dimensions are smaller than the spacing between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22.

In the variant, an extension portion 216 is formed in all of the plurality of first plates 21. The extension portion 216 shall be formed in a range of about half the entire recess portion 211, but may be formed over the entire recess portion 211.

The extension portion 216 is provided to cover the opening portion 29B from the side of the inlet 33 or outlet 34, thereby reducing the open area of the opening portion 29B as viewed from the X direction. That is, the original open area of the opening portion 29B is determined by the product of the spacing between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 and the Y-direction dimensions of the first plate 21 and the second plate 22, but the substantially open area is reduced by the area of the extension portion 216 (projected area) as viewed from the X direction.

Providing an extension portion 216 that reduces the open area of the opening portion 29B can limit the flow rate of the first fluid flowing into the flow path for the first fluid. When the first fluid flowing from the inlet 33 into case 3 is dispensed in the Z direction, the closer the position in the Z direction to the inlet 33, the greater the flow rate, and the further away the position from the inlet 33, the smaller the flow rate. Limiting the flow rate, especially at the Z direction center near the inlet 33, makes it easier to secure the flow rate even at a position far from the inlet 33, and can reduce the difference in flow rate between each position in the Z direction.

Although the variant shown in FIG. 13 assumes that all first plates 21 have similar extension portions 216, the projected area of the extension portions may be different between the plurality of first plates, or only some first plates may have extension portions. That is, the projected area (particularly height) of the extension portion of the first plate close to the inlet 33 may be increased such that the position close to the inlet 33 in the Z direction reduces the open area of the opening portion 29B, and the extension may be provided only on the first plate close to the inlet 33. In addition, the extension portion may be omitted if the diameter of the inlet is sufficiently large to the height of the laminated body, or if the flow rate difference is unlikely to occur due to the pressure or viscosity of the fluid, etc.

In addition, if an extension portion is provided, an extension portion may be provided on the plate that matches the side on which the outer circumferential flange protrudes and the side on which the opening is provided, among the first plate and the second plate.

Also, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, fluid flow paths were defined by the fluid guide walls 210, 220 of the outer circumferential flange portions 214, 224, although the laminated body may define fluid flow paths with a case or other member. For example, there is no outer circumferential flange portion provided at a portion of the circumferential edge of the first plate and the second plate, in which the inner surface or other member of the case may form a fluid flow path.

Also, in the embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the second blockage portion 225 has a cover portion 225C covering the tip of the first joint portion 215B, although the cover portion may also be provided on the first blockage portion 215 side. In addition, depending on the material of the plate, the bonding method, the type of fluid, the pressure of the fluid, etc., chemical modification of the bonding point, deformation or damage due to the pressure may be less likely, and in such cases, the cover part may be omitted.

Also, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, both the first blockage portion 215 and second blockage portion 225 are joined with the wall portions 215A, 225A and the joint portions 215B, 225B, but the form of the blockage portion is not limited to this. For example, only one of the first plate and the second plate may be provided with a blockage portion extending towards the other.

Also, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the step portion 322A assumes that the inner region 322B has a step in an orientation that protrudes outwardly of case 3 than the outer region 322C, but if, for example, the step is prone to interference with other parts due to the outer projection, the step portion may have a step in an orientation in which the inner region protrudes inwardly.

Also, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the inner region 322B and the magnification portion 324 extend along the same plane, but the height of the step may be greater than or smaller than the magnification portion, and these dimensions may be set accordingly depending on the stiffness and relationship to other parts, etc. Also, the case may have a magnification portion formed as needed, for example, if the bottom plate is relatively small, the magnification portion may not be formed.

Also, in the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, an inlet 33 and an outlet 34 are formed at a location adjacent to the first corner portion 3A, but the location of the inlet and outlet may be, for example, the central portion in the Y direction of the short side sidewall portion 322, and may be set accordingly depending on the turn of the pipe, etc.

While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to heat exchangers according to the embodiments described above, but includes all aspects included in the concepts and claims of the disclosure. Also, each configuration may be optionally selectively combined to satisfy at least a portion of the above-described challenges and effects. For example, in the above embodiments, the shape, material, arrangement, size, etc. of each constituent element may be varied as appropriate depending on the specific use aspects of the present disclosure.

Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of examples/embodiments.

“One or more” includes a function being performed by one element, a function being performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first element and the second element are both elements, but they are not the same element.

The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the phrase at least one of successive elements separated by the word “and” (e.g., “at least one of A and B”) is to be interpreted the same as the term “and/or” and as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or direct contact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and/or wireless connections, among others. Uses of “e.g.” and “such as” in the specification are to be construed broadly and are used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples.

While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted.

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context. All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.