U.S. patent application number 13/416224 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-20 for heat exchanger.
This patent application is currently assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI. Invention is credited to Junki NAKAMURA, Motoaki OKUDA, Hiromi UEDA, Naoya YOKOMACHI.
Application Number | 20120234021 13/416224 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45977166 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120234021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OKUDA; Motoaki ; et
al. |
September 20, 2012 |
HEAT EXCHANGER
Abstract
A heat exchanger comprises a housing, a guide member, a return
member and a discharge member. The housing includes a plurality of
parallel flow passages. The housing includes a first end face and a
second end face each having openings. The guide member, the return
member and the discharge member are fixed to the first end face or
the second end face. The plurality of flow passages are connected
by the return member into a single flow passage. The guide member
and the discharge member are provided in the opening on a most
upstream side and a most downstream of the single flow passage,
respectively. At least one of the guide member, the return member
and the discharge member integrally includes an attachment portion
attached to the housing; and a protruding portion protruding more
than the attachment portion toward the housing and including an
inclined surface.
Inventors: |
OKUDA; Motoaki; (Kariya-shi,
JP) ; YOKOMACHI; Naoya; (Kariya-shi, JP) ;
UEDA; Hiromi; (Kariya-shi, JP) ; NAKAMURA; Junki;
(Kariya-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA
JIDOSHOKKI
Aichi-ken
JP
|
Family ID: |
45977166 |
Appl. No.: |
13/416224 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.2 ;
165/165 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 3/12 20130101; F25B
21/02 20130101; F28F 9/26 20130101; F25B 2321/023 20130101; B60H
1/00321 20130101; B60H 2001/003 20130101; F25B 2321/025 20130101;
F28F 3/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/3.2 ;
165/165 |
International
Class: |
F28F 3/00 20060101
F28F003/00; F25B 21/02 20060101 F25B021/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 18, 2011 |
JP |
2011-060234 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger comprising: a housing comprising a plurality of
parallel flow passages, the plurality of flow passages including a
first end and a second end; a first end face having openings open
to the first end of the plurality of flow passages; and a second
end face having openings open to the second end of the plurality of
flow passages; a guide member fixed to either the first face or the
second end face at a position of one of the openings and having a
guide channel; a return member, fixed to the first end face in a
manner to extend over a pair of the openings in the first end face
or fixed to the second end face in a manner to extend over a pair
of the openings in the second end face, for connecting the pair of
openings in a return manner; and a discharge member fixed to any
one of the first face and second end face at the position of one of
the openings and having a discharge channel, wherein the plurality
of flow passages are connected by the return member into a single
flow passage, the guide member is provided in the opening on a most
upstream side of the single flow passage, the discharge member is
provided in the opening on a most downstream side of the single
flow passage, and at least one of the guide member, the return
member and the discharge member integrally includes an attachment
portion attached to the housing; and a protruding portion
protruding more than the attachment portion toward the housing and
including an inclined surface inclining relative to a flow
direction.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the protruding
portion is fitted into the opening of the housing.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a seal member
is provided between the attachment portion and the housing.
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the guide
member comprises the protruding portion, the protruding portion
including the inclined surface for enlarging a cross section of the
flow passage as the protruding portion is farther from the guide
channel, and the discharge member comprises the protruding portion,
the protruding portion including the inclined surface for reducing
a cross section of the flow passage as the protruding portion is
closer to the discharge channel.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the guide,
return and discharge members comprising the attachment portion and
the protruding portion are made of resin.
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a
thermal member for exchanging heat with a heat medium in the flow
passage, wherein the thermal member includes a Peltier device
having a pair of heat sides, one of the heat sides absorbing heat
and the other dissipating heat; a first substrate brought into
contact with the one of the heat sides; and a first fin provided on
the first substrate, the first fin being located in the flow
passage.
7. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, wherein the thermal
member includes a second substrate brought into contact with the
other heat side of the Peltier device; and a second fin provided on
the second substrate, and the housing includes a first case where
the flow passage provided with the first fin therein is formed; and
a second case where the flow passage provided with the second fin
therein is formed.
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the housing
includes a first case and a second case that are stacked in a
thickness direction, wherein each of the first case and the second
case has the guide member, the return member and the discharge
member.
9. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein the flow
direction of a heat medium in the first case is opposed to the flow
direction of a second heat medium in the second case.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger.
[0002] A heat exchanger described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Publication No. 2001-4245 includes a box-shaped housing that opens
upward, partition plates for partitioning the inside of the housing
into a U-shaped flow passage, a guide tube defining a guide channel
communicating with an end of the flow passage, a discharge tube
defining a discharge channel communicating with the other end of
the flow passage, and a thermal member attached to the housing in a
manner to cover the opening of the housing. The thermal member
includes a plate covering the upper opening of the housing, a
Peltier device (thermoelectric conversion device) provided on the
plate, and fins extending into the flow passage from the plate.
Therefore, a heat medium introduced in the flow passage of the
housing from the guide tube flows through the housing while
exchanging heat with the fin, and is discharged from the discharge
tube.
[0003] A heat exchanger described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent
Publication No. 09-280772 includes a tubular housing, a tube plate
covering one end of the housing, a hemispherical member covering
the other end of the housing, and a heat transfer tube provided in
the housing. A heat medium is introduced from a guide channel
formed in proximity to the other end of the housing, exchanges heat
with the heat transfer tube, and is discharged from a drain channel
formed in proximity to the one end of the housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] However, the heat medium causes a pressure drop in areas
such as in proximity to the guide channel and the discharge channel
and in a return area. Accordingly, a need exists for a heat
exchanger having a structure that is easily formed and capable of
feeding a heat medium more smoothly.
[0005] According one aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger
comprising a housing, a guide member, a return member and a
discharge member is provided. The housing includes a plurality of
parallel flow passages. The plurality of flow passages includes a
first end and a second end; a first end face having openings open
to the first end of the plurality of flow passages; and a second
end face having openings open to the second end of the plurality of
flow passages. The guide member is fixed to either the first face
or the second end face at a position of one of the openings and
having a guide channel. The return member is fixed to the first end
face in a manner to extend over a pair of the openings in the first
end face or fixed to the second end face in a manner to extend over
a pair of the openings in the second end face, for connecting the
pair of openings in a return manner. The discharge member is fixed
to any one of the first face and second end face at the position of
one of the openings and having a discharge channel. The plurality
of flow passages are connected by the return member into a single
flow passage. The guide member is provided in the opening on a most
upstream side of the single flow passage. The discharge member is
provided in the opening on a most downstream side of the single
flow passage. At least one of the guide member, the return member
and the discharge member integrally includes an attachment portion
attached to the housing; and a protruding portion protruding more
than the attachment portion toward the housing and including an
inclined surface inclining relative to a flow direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a heat exchange system;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger;
[0008] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the heat
exchanger;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV
of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V of
FIG. 2;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI
of FIG. 2; and
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an elastic member.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a heat
exchange system 10 is provided for a vehicle, for example, and
includes a heat exchanger (heating and cooling unit) 1, a radiator
11, and an indoor heat exchanger 14. The radiator 11 is connected
to an engine 12 of the vehicle by a pipe 20. A pump 13 provided in
the middle of the pipe 20 circulates a first heat medium (coolant
fluid) between the engine 12 and the radiator 11. The first heat
medium receives heat from the engine 12 and releases the heat from
the radiator 11 to outside air.
[0014] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 1 is connected
to the radiator 11 in parallel with the engine 12 by a pipe 21
connected to the pipe 20. The first heat medium is cooled by
receiving cold from the heat exchanger 1 via the pipes 20 and 21.
Therefore, the first heat medium can be cooled by not only the
radiator 11 but also the heat exchanger 1.
[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 1 is connected
by a pipe 22 to the indoor heat exchanger 14. A pump 15 provided in
the middle of the pipe 22 circulates a second heat medium (coolant
fluid) between the heat exchanger 1 and the indoor heat exchanger
14. The second heat medium receives heat from the heat exchanger 1
to release the heat from the indoor heat exchanger 14 to indoor
air. Therefore, it is possible to heat the interior by the indoor
heat exchanger 14.
[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heat exchanger 1
includes a housing 3 and a plurality of Peltier modules (thermal
members) 2 provided in the housing 3. The housing 3 includes a
first case 40, a second case 50, and a converter case 6, which are
stacked in the thickness direction.
[0017] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first case 40 includes
a case body 41. The case body 41 is made of resin and molded with a
molding die. The case body 41 includes a top portion 41a, side
walls 41b extending downward from edges on both sides of the top
portion 41a, a first end face 41c extending downward from a front
edge of the top portion 41a, and a second end face 41d extending
downward from a back edge of the top portion 41a that are
integrally formed. A pair of partition plates 41j are formed on the
top portion 41a to extend from the front edge to the back edge to
partition the inside of the first case 40. A plurality of parallel
flow passages 46a and 46b are formed by the partition plates 41j in
the first case 40.
[0018] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the second case 50 includes
a case body 51. The case body 51 is made of resin and molded with a
molding die. The case body 51 includes a bottom portion 51a, side
walls 51b extending upward on edges on both sides of the bottom
portion 51a, a first end face 51c extending upward on a front edge
of the bottom portion 51a, and a second end face 51d extending
upward on a back edge of the bottom portion 51a that are integrally
formed. A pair of partition plates 51j are formed on the bottom
portion 51a to extend from the front edge to the back edge to
partition the inside of the second case 50. A plurality of parallel
flow passages 56a and 56b are formed by the partition plates 51j in
the second case 50.
[0019] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the case bodies 41 and
51 include beams 41h and 51h extending between the partition plates
41j and 51j and the side walls 41b and 51b. The beams 41h and 51h
are apart from the top portion 41a and the bottom portion 51a
respectively to avoid the blockage of the flow passages 46a, 46b,
56a and 56b. The case bodies 41 and 51 are partitioned into a
plurality of accommodating areas (for example, 10 accommodating
areas) by the beams 41h and 51h, the partition plates 41j and 51j,
and the side walls 41b and 51b. The upper part of each Peltier
module 2 is housed in each accommodating area of the case body 41.
The lower part of each Peltier module 2 is housed in each
accommodating area of the case body 51.
[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, first openings 41f and
51f open to the flow passages 46a, 46b, 56a and 56b are formed on
the first end faces 41c and 51c. Guide members 42 and 52 and
discharge members 43 and 53 are attached to the first end faces 41c
and 51c. Second openings 41g and 51g open to the flow passages 46a,
46b, 56a and 56b are provided in the second end faces 41d and 51d.
Return members 44 and 54 are attached to the second end faces 41d
and 51d.
[0021] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the guide members 42 and
52 and the discharge members 43 and 53 are made of resin and molded
with a molding die. The guide members 42 and 52 and the discharge
members 43 and 53 include plate-shaped attachment portions 42a,
43a, 52a, and 53a attached to the first end faces 41c and 51c. The
attachment portions 42a and 52a and the attachment portions 43a and
53a are integrally molded.
[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the guide members 42 and
52 include guide tubes 42b and 52b protruding from the attachment
portions 42a and 52a. Guide channels 42f and 52f communicating with
the first flow passages 46a and 56a are formed in the guide tubes
42b and 52b and the attachment portions 42a and 52a. The discharge
members 43 and 53 include discharge tubes 43b and 53b protruding
from the attachment portions 43a and 53a. Discharge channels 43f
and 53f communicating with the second flow passages 46b and 56b are
formed in the discharge tubes 43b and 53b and the attachment
portions 43a and 53a.
[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, protruding portions 42c,
43c, 52c and 53c protruding toward the cases 40 and 50 are formed
on the attachment portions 42a, 43a, 52a and 53a. Each protruding
portion 42c, 43c, 52c and 53c is generally triangular, and includes
an outer surface 42d, 43d, 52d and 53d and an inclined surface 42e,
43e, 52e and 53e, respectively. The protruding portions 42c, 43c
and 52c, 53c are fitted into the first openings 41f and 51f. Each
of the outer surface 42d, 43d, 52d and 53d contacts with an inner
circumferential surface of the first openings 41f and 51f. The
inclined surfaces 42e and 52e are inclined relative to the guide
channels 42f and 52f such that, as the inclined surfaces 42e and
52e are farther from the guide channels 42f and 52f, the cross
sections of the flow passages become larger. The inclined surfaces
43e and 53e are inclined relative to the discharge channels 43f and
53f such that, as the inclined surfaces 43e and 53e are closer to
the discharge channels 43f and 53f, the cross sections of the flow
passages become smaller.
[0024] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the attachment portions
42a, 43a, 52a and 53a define recesses along the first openings 41f
and 51f. Seal members 47a, 47b, 57a and 57b for providing fluid
tightness between the attachment portions 42a, 43a, 52a and 53a,
and the first end faces 41c and 51c are accommodated in the
recesses. The attachment portions 42a, 43a, 52a and 53a are
attached to outer surfaces of the first end faces 41c and 51c with
fittings such as screws.
[0025] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the return members 44
and 54 are made of resin and molded with a molding die. The return
members 44 and 54 include attachment portions 44a and 54a attached
to the second end faces 41d and 51d, and pairs of protruding
portions 44c and 54c protruding from the attachment portions 44a
and 54a. The protruding portions 44c and 54c are generally
triangular and include outer surfaces 44d and 54d and inclined
surfaces 44e and 54e.
[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the protruding portions
44c and 54c are fitted into the second openings 41g and 51g, and
the outer surfaces 44d and 54d come into contact with inner
circumferential surfaces of the second openings 41g and 51g. The
inclined surfaces 44e and 54e are inclined relative to the opposed
flow passages 46a, 46b, 56a and 56b toward the other flow passages
46a, 46b, 56a and 56b. Specifically, the inclined surface 44e is
inclined to approach the attachment portion 44a as the inclined
surface 44e extends away from the outer surfaces 44d and the
inclined surface 54e is inclined to approach the attachment portion
54a as the inclined surface 54e extends away from the outer
surfaces 54d. Accordingly, it is possible for a heat medium to
smoothly return and flow from the first flow passages 46a and 56a
to the second flow passages 46b and 56b. Concave portions are
formed along the second openings 41g and 51g in the attachment
portions 44a and 54a. Seal members 47c and 57c providing fluid
tightness between the attachment portions 44a and 54a and the
second end faces 41d and 51d are accommodated in the recesses. The
attachment portions 44a and 54a are attached to outer surfaces of
the second end faces 41d and 51d with fittings such as screws.
[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the case bodies 41 and 51
include a plurality of cylinder portions 41e and 51e protruding
outward from the side walls 41b and 51b. A metal tube 45 and 55 is
provided in each cylinder portion 41e and 51e. The metal tubes 45
and 55 are formed of metal such as brass and are inserted in
molding the case bodies 41 and 51. The metal tubes 45 and 55
penetrate the cylinder portions 41e and 51e in a height direction.
The first metal tube 45 includes a protruding end 45a protruding
from the cylinder portion 41e to the second metal tube 55. The
second metal tube 55 includes a protruding end 55a protruding from
the cylinder portion 51e to the first metal tube 45. The second
metal tube 55 has a smaller inner diameter than that of the first
metal tube 45. A female thread is formed on an inner
circumferential surface of the second metal tube 55.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 4, accommodating recesses 41m and 51m
and small recesses 41k and 51k are formed on opposed surfaces in
the case bodies 41 and 51. The central part (the Peltier devices 2a
and the substrates 2b and 2c) of the Peltier module 2 is housed in
the accommodating recesses 41m and 51m. The depths of the
accommodating recesses 41m and 51m are larger than the thickness of
the central part of the Peltier module 2. Specifically, the
thickness of the central part of the Peltier module 2 is smaller
than the distance between the bottom surface 41n of the
accommodating recess 41m and the bottom surface 51n of the
accommodating recesses 51m when the case bodies 41 and 51 are
assembled together. The small recesses 41k and 51k are formed along
outer regions of the accommodating recesses 41m and 51m. Elastic
members 8 and 9 are provided in the small recesses 41k and 51k.
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the elastic members 8 and 9 are
made of rubber and are in the form of annular plates. The widths 8a
and 9a of the elastic members 8 and 9 are larger than the
thicknesses 8b and 9b of the elastic members 8 and 9. The elastic
members 8 and 9 are formed in a manner to set the plate widths 8a
and 9a to a height direction and in a manner to be annular in a
longitudinal direction. The elastic members 8 and 9 are formed in a
square ring as similar to the small recesses 41k and 51k (see FIG.
4). The widths 8a and 9a are greater than the depths of the small
recesses 41k and 51k (see FIG. 4). Accordingly, the elastic members
8 and 9 contact with the substrates 2b and 2c of the Peltier module
2 in an elastically deformed state. The elastic deformation amounts
of the elastic members 8 and 9 are approximately 1 mm, for example.
The elastic members 8 and 9 provide fluid tightness between the
substrates 2b and 2c and the case bodies 41 and 51.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 4, an annular recess is formed
outside the Peltier modules 2 in the case body 41. A seal member 18
for providing fluid tightness between the case body 41 and the case
body 51 is provided in the recess. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a pair
of openings 48 are formed at the center of the top portion 41a of
the case body 41. The openings 48 are covered with the converter
case 6.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the converter case 6 is made of
aluminum and integrally includes a bottom portion 6a and an
external wall 6b extending upward on the periphery of the bottom
portion 6a. A plurality of ring portions 6c protruding outward are
formed on the external wall 6b. The ring portions 6c make contact
with ends of the first metal tubes 45. As illustrated in FIG. 4, an
annular recess is formed outside the opening 48 in the case body
41. A seal member 17 for providing fluid tightness between the case
body 41 and the converter case 6 is provided in the recess.
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cases 40 and 50 and the
converter case 6 are stacked in the thickness direction and joined
by connectors 7. The connector or bolt 7 integrally includes a head
portion 7a and a screw body 7b that is thinner than the head
portion 7a. A male thread is formed on an outer circumferential
surface of a screw body 7b. The screw body 7b penetrates through a
hole 6d of the ring portion 6c and the first metal tube 45, and is
threaded into the second metal tube 55. The head portion 7a
contacts with an end of the ring portion 6c. Alternatively, the
screw body 7b may penetrate through the first metal tube 45, may be
threaded to the second metal tube 55, and the head portion 7a may
make contact with the end of the first metal tube 45.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the Peltier module 2 that serves
as a thermal member includes Peltier devices 2a, the substrates 2b
and 2c, and fins 2d and 2e. The Peltier device 2a is formed of
different metals, conductors or semiconductors. The Peltier device
2a exerts the Peltier effect by the feed of direct current, absorbs
heat while either one of a first heat side and a second heat side
serves as a heat absorber, and dissipates heat while the other
serves as a heat dissipator. A plurality of Peltier devices 2a is
provided between the first and second substrates 2b and 2c. The
first heat side of the Peltier device 2a contacts with and is
soldered to the first substrate 2b, and the second heat side of the
Peltier device 2a contacts with and is soldered to the second
substrate 2c.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the fins 2d and 2e protrude from
the substrates 2b and 2c in a direction opposite to the Peltier
device 2a. The fins 2d and 2e are in the form of plate and zigzag.
Gaps 2f and 2g are formed between the zigzags. The gaps 2f and 2g
extend in longitudinal directions of the flow passages 46a, 46b,
56a and 56b in order not to block the flow passages 46a, 46b, 56a
and 56b.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a converter 16 is mounted on the
converter case 6. The converter 16 is electrically connected to
terminals 49 extending from the case body 41. The converter 16
converts a voltage input to the converter 16 into a predetermined
voltage to supply direct current to the terminals 49. Direct
current is supplied to the Peltier devices 2a of the Peltier
modules 2 (see FIG. 4) via non-illustrated wiring extending from
the terminals 49 within the case body 41. The supply of current
causes the Peltier device 2a to absorb heat via the first fin 2d
and the first substrate 2b, and dissipate heat via the second
substrate 2c and the second fin 2e.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first heat medium is supplied
by the pump 13 to the first case 40 via the pipes 20 and 21. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first heat medium is introduced
from the guide channel 42f to the first flow passage 46a, and is
discharged from the discharge channel 43f via the second flow
passage 46b. The first heat medium flows through the flow passages
46a and 46b and accordingly receives cold from the Peltier device
2a via the first fin 2d and the first substrate 2b (see FIG.
4).
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second heat medium is supplied
by the pump 15 to the second case 50 via the pipe 22. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second heat medium is introduced
from the guide channel 52f to the first flow passage 56a, and is
discharged from the discharge channel 53f via the second flow
passage 56b. The second heat medium flows through the flow passages
56a and 56b and accordingly receives heat from the Peltier device
2a via the second fin 2e and the second substrate 2c (see FIG. 4).
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second heat medium flows through the
indoor heat exchanger 14 to release heat into the indoor air.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the flow direction of the first
heat medium in the first case 40 is opposed to the flow direction
of the second heat medium in the second case 50. Therefore, a
difference between the heat absorption side and heat dissipation
side of the Peltier module 2 is small between the Peltier modules
2. Accordingly, the overall thermal efficiency is high.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first heat medium
contacts with the converter case 6 via the openings 48 of the case
body 41. The first heat medium receives the heat emitted from the
converter 16 via the converter case 6. Therefore, the first heat
medium cools the converter 16.
[0040] As described above, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the
heat exchanger 1 includes the housing 3, the guide members 42 and
52, the return members 44 and 54 and the discharge members 43 and
53. A plurality of parallel flow passages 46a, 46b, 56a and 56b are
formed in the housing 3. The housing 3 has the first end faces 41c
and 51c where the first openings 41f and 51f open to the first end
of the plurality of flow passages 46a, 46b, 56a and 56b are
provided, and the second end faces 41d and 51d where the second
openings 41g and 51g open to the second end of the plurality of
flow passages 46a, 46b, 56a and 56b are provided. The guide members
42 and 52 are fixed to the first end faces 41c and 51c at the
positions of the first openings 41f and 51f. The guide members 42
and 52 define the guide channels 42f and 52f therein. Each return
member 44 and 54 is fixed to the second end face 41d and 51d in a
manner to extend over a pairs of the second openings 41g and 51g
provided in the second end face 41d and 51d, for connecting the
pairs of the second openings 41g and 51g in a returned manner. The
discharge members 43 and 53 are fixed to the first end faces 41c
and 51c at the positions of the first openings 41f and 51f. The
discharge members define the discharge channels 43f and 53f
therein. The plurality of flow passages 46a and 46b and 56a and 56b
are connected by the return members 44 and 54 into single flow
passages. The guide members 42 and 52 are provided in the openings
41f and 51f on the most upstream sides of the single flow passages,
and the discharge members 43 and 53 are provided in the openings
41f and 51f on the most downstream sides of the single flow
passages. The guide members 42 and 52, the return members 44 and 54
and the discharge members 43 and 53 integrally include the
attachment portions 42a, 43a, 44a, 52a, 53a and 54a attached to the
housing 3, and the protruding portions 42c, 43c, 44c, 52c, 53c and
54c protruding toward the housing 3 more than the attachment
portions 42a, 43a, 44a, 52a, 53a and 54a and having the inclined
surfaces 42e, 43e, 44e, 52e, 53e and 54e inclining with respect to
the flow directions.
[0041] Therefore, the heat medium can be smoothly introduced,
returned, or discharged in the flow passages 46a, 46b, 56a and 56b
by the inclined surfaces 42e, 43e, 44e, 52e, 53e and 54e of the
protruding portions 42c, 43c, 44c, 52c, 53c and 54c. In addition,
the protruding portions 42c, 43c, 44c, 52c, 53c and 54c are
integrally formed with the attachment portions 42a, 43a, 44a, 52a,
53a and 54a attached to the housing 3. Accordingly, the protruding
portions 42c, 43c, 44c, 52c, 53c and 54c can be formed more easily
than the case where the protruding portions 42c, 43c, 44c, 52c, 53c
and 54c are integrally provided in the housing 3.
[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the protruding portions
42c, 43c, 44c, 52c, 53c and 54c are fitted into the openings 41f,
41g, 51f and 51g of the housing 3. Therefore, spaces between the
walls defining the openings 41f, 41g, 51f and 51g and the
protruding portions 42c, 43c, 44c, 52c, 53c and 54c are small or
eliminated. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the heat medium
from leaking from the spaces between the walls defining the
openings 41f, 41g, 51f and 51g and the protruding portions 42c,
43c, 44c, 52c, 53c and 54c. Moreover, it is possible to easily
position the protruding portions 42c, 43c, 44c, 52c, 53c and 54c
relative to the housing 3.
[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the seal members 47a, 47b,
47c, 57a, 57b and 57c are provided between the attachment portions
42a, 43a, 44a, 52a, 53a and 54a and the housing 3. Therefore, the
seal members 47a, 47b, 47c, 57a, 57b and 57c can regulate the
leakage of the heat medium in the housing 3 outside the housing 3
through the spaces between the attachment portions 42a, 43a, 44a,
52a, 53a and 54a and the housing 3. Moreover, since the seal
members 47a, 47b, 47c, 57a, 57b and 57c are provided between the
attachment portions 42a, 43a, 44a, 52a, 53a and 54a and the housing
3, the seal members 47a, 47b, 47c, 57a, 57b and 57c are unlikely to
prevent the insertion of the protruding portions 42c, 43c, 44c,
52c, 53c and 54c into the housing 3.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the guide members 42 and 52
include the protruding portions 42c and 52c, and the protruding
portions 42c and 52c include the inclined surfaces 42e and 52e that
enlarge the cross sections of the flow passages as the protruding
portions 42c and 52c are farther from the guide channels 42f and
52f. The discharge members 43 and 53 include the protruding
portions 43c and 53c, and the protruding portions 43c and 53c
include the inclined surfaces 43e and 53e that reduce the cross
sections of the flow passages as the protruding portions 43c and
53c are closer to the discharge channels 43f and 53f. Therefore,
the pressure drop upon the introduction of the heat medium from the
guide channels 42f and 52f to the flow passages 46a and 56a
decreases and the pressure drop upon the discharge of the heat
medium from the flow passages 46b and 56b to the discharge channels
43f and 53f decreases. Hence, it is possible to introduce and
discharge the heat medium to and from the flow passages 46a, 46b,
56a and 56b more smoothly.
[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the members 42, 43, 44, 52,
53 and 54 provided with the attachment portions 42a, 43a, 44a, 52a,
53a and 54a and the protruding portions 42c, 43c, 44c, 52c, 53c and
54c are made of resin. Therefore, the members 42, 43, 44, 52, 53
and 54 can be formed in a complicated shape easily compared with
those made of metal.
[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heat exchanger 1
includes the thermal members, or Peltier modules 2 for exchanging
heat with the heat medium in the flow passages 46a and 46b. The
thermal member includes: the Peltier device 2a having a pair of
heat sides, one of the heat sides absorbing heat and the other
dissipating heat; the first substrate 2b making contact with the
one of the heat sides; and the first fin 2d provided on the first
substrate 2b, the first fin 2d being located in the flow passages
46a and 46b. Therefore, cold from the one heat side of the Peltier
device 2a is transferred by the first fin 2d to the heat medium via
the first substrate 2b.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the thermal member, or Peltier
module 2 includes the second substrate 2c making contact with the
other heat side of the Peltier device 2a, and the second fin 2e
provided on the second substrate 2c. The housing 3 includes the
first case 40 where the flow passages 46a and 46b provided with the
first fin 2d therein are formed and the second case 50 where the
flow passages 56a and 56b provided with the second fin 2e therein
are formed. Therefore, cold from the one heat side of the Peltier
device 2a is transferred by the first fin 2d to the heat medium in
the first cast 4. The heat from the other heat side of the Peltier
device 2a is transferred by the second fin 2e to the heat medium in
the second case 50.
[0048] The present invention is not limited to the above
embodiment, and may be embodied as follows.
[0049] The heat exchange system 10 may be used for the heating or
cooling of the interior of a vehicle. When the heat exchange system
10 is used for cooling, the first case 40 is connected to the pipe
22, and the second case 50 is connected to the pipe 21.
[0050] The heat exchange system 10 may be used for the air
conditioning of the interior of a vehicle, may be used for the
cooling or heating of vehicle parts such as a battery, or may be
used for the cooling or heating of products other than a
vehicle.
[0051] The case bodies 41 and 51 may be made of resin or die cast
aluminum.
[0052] Baffle plates for changing the flow of the heat medium may
be integrally provided with the guide members 42 and 52, the
discharge members 43 and 53, or the return members 44 and 54.
[0053] The elastic members 8 and 9 may or may not be provided
between the Peltier module 2 and the case bodies 41 and 51.
Alternatively, either of the elastic members 8 and 9 may be
provided. Alternatively, the substrates 2b and 2c may be
elastically held by the case bodies 41 and 51 through a liquid
gasket. Alternatively, the small recesses 41k and 51k in the case
bodies 41 and 51 may be omitted, and elastic members may be
provided between the case bodies 41 and 51 and the substrates 2b
and 2c.
[0054] The heat media supplied to the cases 40 and 50 may be fluid
or gas.
[0055] The cases 40 and 50 may include the case bodies 41 and 51
made of resin and the metal tubes 45 and 55 made of metal.
Alternatively, the case bodies 41 and 51 may integrally or
separately include the case bodies 41 and 51 made of metal and the
metal tubes 45 and 55.
[0056] In the housing 3, the flow passages 46a and 46b for
exchanging heat with the heat absorption side of the Peltier module
(thermal member) 2 and the flow passages 56a and 56b for exchanging
heat with the heat dissipation side of the Peltier module (thermal
member) 2 may be formed. Alternatively, only the flow passages 46a
and 46b on the heat absorption side may be formed and the heat
dissipation side may exchange heat with the air, or a flow passage
on the heat dissipation side may be formed in another housing.
Alternatively, only the flow passages 56a and 56b on the heat
dissipation side may be formed in the housing 3, and the heat
absorption side may exchange heat with the air, or a flow passage
on the heat absorption side may be formed in another housing.
[0057] The guide member 42 and 52 and the discharge member 43 and
53 may be attached to the first end face 41c and 51c or the second
end face 41d and 51d of the housing 3. The return member 44 and 54
may be attached to the second end face 41d and 51d or the first end
face 41c and 51c of the housing 3. The guide members 42 and 52 and
the discharge members 43 and 53 may be attached to the same or
different end face of the housing 3. The return members 44 and 54
may be attached to an end face different from or same as an end
face of the housing 3 where the guide members 42 and 52 or the
discharge members 43 and 53 are attached.
[0058] In the housing 3, the parallel two flow passages 46a and 46b
and 56a and 56b may be formed. Alternatively, three or more
parallel flow passages may be formed, and the guide members 42 and
52, the discharge members 43 and 53, and the return members 44 and
54, which correspond to the flow passages, may be attached.
[0059] The inclined surfaces 42e, 43e, 44e, 52e, 53e and 54e of the
protruding portions 42c, 43c, 44c, 52c, 53c and 54c may be flat
surfaces or curved surfaces.
[0060] The thermal member may be the Peltier module 2, another
member that emits heat and supplies the heat to the heat medium, or
still another member that absorbs heat and supplies cold to the
heat medium.
[0061] The attachment portions 42a, 43a, 44a, 52a, 53a and 54a may
have a plate shape or another shape.
[0062] The thermal member 2 may include the fins 2d and 2e
extending into the flow-passages 46a, 46b, 56a and 56b, may include
one or more members adjacent to the housing 3 and in contact with
the heat media in the flow passages 46a, 46b, 56a and 56b, or may
be adjacent to the housing 3 to exchange heat with the heat media
in the flow passages 46a, 46b, 56a and 56b via the wall surface of
the housing 3.
* * * * *