US20070039717A1 - Heat exchanger unit and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents
Heat exchanger unit and method of manufacturing the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070039717A1 US20070039717A1 US11/502,497 US50249706A US2007039717A1 US 20070039717 A1 US20070039717 A1 US 20070039717A1 US 50249706 A US50249706 A US 50249706A US 2007039717 A1 US2007039717 A1 US 2007039717A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pipe section
- tubes
- heat exchanger
- outer pipe
- section
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 10
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 claims description 49
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 47
- 239000010405 anode material Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 17
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 17
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 16
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 12
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 4
- OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methanol Chemical compound OC OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910001868 water Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- CSCPPACGZOOCGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetone Chemical compound CC(C)=O CSCPPACGZOOCGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000002528 anti-freeze Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 2
- OHMHBGPWCHTMQE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C(Cl)Cl OHMHBGPWCHTMQE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000881 Cu alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000002576 ketones Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- TXEYQDLBPFQVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetrafluoromethane Chemical compound FC(F)(F)F TXEYQDLBPFQVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
- H01L23/34—Arrangements for cooling, heating, ventilating or temperature compensation ; Temperature sensing arrangements
- H01L23/46—Arrangements for cooling, heating, ventilating or temperature compensation ; Temperature sensing arrangements involving the transfer of heat by flowing fluids
- H01L23/473—Arrangements for cooling, heating, ventilating or temperature compensation ; Temperature sensing arrangements involving the transfer of heat by flowing fluids by flowing liquids
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/03—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits
- F28D1/0308—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other
- F28D1/0325—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having lateral openings therein for circulation of the heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another
- F28D1/0333—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by paired plates touching each other the plates having lateral openings therein for circulation of the heat-exchange medium from one conduit to another the plates having integrated connecting members
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/03—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits
- F28D1/0366—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with plate-like or laminated conduits the conduits being formed by spaced plates with inserted elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
- F28D2021/0019—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for
- F28D2021/0028—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for cooling heat generating elements, e.g. for cooling electronic components or electric devices
- F28D2021/0029—Heat sinks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2240/00—Spacing means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
- F28F3/025—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations the means being corrugated, plate-like elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/0001—Technical content checked by a classifier
- H01L2924/0002—Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a heat exchanger unit and a method of manufacturing the same.
- a stacked-type heat exchanger unit 9 shown in FIG. 20 is known.
- electronic components 4 are arranged between the tubes 92 to be cooled by a heat medium flowing in the tubes 92 through side surfaces thereof.
- This kind of heat exchanger unit is for example disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-320005.
- ends of the tubes 92 are connected to a first header 94 and a second header 95 . Because the first header 94 and the second header 95 are provided as individual parts, the number of parts increases. As such, manufacturing costs are likely to increase.
- the tubes 92 are fixed to the first header 94 and the second header 95 . Therefore, it is difficult to change spaces between adjacent tubes 92 . With this, it is difficult to insert the electronic components 4 between the tubes 92 so that both of the side surfaces of the electronic components 4 properly contact the tubes 92 .
- FIG. 21 Another stacked-type heat exchanger unit is known, as shown in FIG. 21 .
- tubes 92 are arranged such that electronic components 4 are interposed between the adjacent tubes 92 .
- communication members 93 are disposed between the tubes 92 so that the tubes 92 communicate with each other through the communication members 93 .
- This kind of heat exchanger unit is for example disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-26215.
- the tubes 92 and the communication members 93 are provided as individual parts. It is necessary to connect the communication members 93 to the tubes 92 . As such, manufacturing costs are likely to increase. Further, it is difficult to improve productivity.
- a heat exchanger unit has a plurality of tubes each having a flat body section and at least one of an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section extending from the body section in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the body section and defining an opening at an end.
- the body section defines a passage through which a heat medium flows.
- Each of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section has a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion.
- the first portion and the second portion of the inner pipe section have an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first portion and the second portion of the outer pipe section.
- the tubes are stacked such that the body sections are spaced from each other for performing heat exchange between the heat medium and an object existing between the adjacent body sections, and the inner pipe section is received in the outer pipe section, to thereby form a header part for permitting communication between the adjacent body sections.
- the inner pipe section is received in the outer pipe section such that the first portion of the inner pipe section overlaps the first portion of the outer pipe section, and the second portions of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section are located on opposite sides of the overlapped first portions in an axial direction of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section.
- the passages of the adjacent tubes are communicated with each other through the inner pipe sections and the outer pipe sections, which are coupled to each other. As such, it is not necessary to use an additional member for coupling the adjacent tubes. Thus, the number of parts reduces and manufacturability improves.
- the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section are coupled by joining side walls thereof.
- the header part has an inner diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the inner and outer pipe sections. Therefore, flow resistance in the header part is reduced, and pressure loss in the header part is suppressed. Accordingly, the heat medium can be distributed substantially equally into the plural tubes. As a result, heat exchange is properly performed.
- the inner pipe section has the second portion that has the outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first portion of the outer pipe section.
- the outer pipe section has the second portion that has the inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first portion of the inner pipe section. Therefore, the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section do not have portions that contact and push each other in the axial direction of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section while the inner pipe section is inserted in the outer pipe section.
- a heat exchanger unit has a plurality of tubes each having a flat body section and at least one of an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section extending from the body section in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the body section and defining an opening at an end.
- the body section defines a passage through which a heat medium flows.
- the outer pipe section has a flange portion at the end. An end of the flange has a diameter larger than an inner diameter of a remaining portion of the outer pipe section.
- the tubes are stacked such that the inner pipe section is inserted in the outer pipe section in a condition that a brazing material is disposed between the flange of the outer pipe section and the inner pipe section.
- a brazing material is melted and then hardened, an outer side wall of the inner pipe section and an inner side wall of the outer pipe section are brazed to each other.
- the brazing material is easily held by the flange while the inner pipe section is inserted in the outer pipe section. Furthermore, the brazing material can easily flow between the outer side wall of the inner pipe section and the inner side wall of the outer pipe section. Accordingly, the adjacent tubes are easily and properly joined to each other.
- the heat exchanger unit according to the first aspect and the second aspect can provide an electronic component cooling unit, manufactured with a reduced cost.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of a heat exchanger unit having a heat exchanger and electronic components according to a first example embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a header part of the heat exchanger according to the first example embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a joint portion between an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section, which construct the header part, according to the first example embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flange of an outer pipe section having a taper shape according to a modification of the first example embodiment
- FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flange of an outer pipe section including a perpendicular flat wall according to another modification of the first example embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flange of an outer pipe section including a bent portion according to further another modification of the first example embodiment
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tube of the heat exchanger, partly including a cross-section, according to the first example embodiment
- FIG. 8 is an explanatory side view of tubes before the tubes are coupled together according to the first example embodiment
- FIG. 9 is an explanatory side view of the tubes when the tubes are coupled together according to the first example embodiment.
- FIG. 10A to 10 D are schematic cross-sectional views of a part of the heat exchanger for showing manufacturing steps, in which FIG. 10A shows a condition that the tubes are coupled through a spacing jig between them; FIG. 10B shows a condition that the tubes have been brazed; FIG. 10C shows a condition that an electronic component is placed between the tubes; and FIG. 10D shows a condition that the electronic component is held between the tubes;
- FIG. 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an introduction pipe and an inlet port of the heat exchanger according to the first example embodiment
- FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part according to a second example embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part according to a third example embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part according to a fourth example embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a plan view of a plate including a pair of outer plates for a tube of a heat exchanger according to a fifth example embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the plate taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 15 ;
- FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part according to the fifth example embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part according to a sixth example embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part as a comparative example
- FIG. 20 is a side view of a stacked-type heat exchanger unit of a prior art.
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a stacked-type heat exchanger unit of another prior art.
- the heat exchanger unit 10 of the first example embodiment has a heat exchanger 1 through which a heat medium 5 flows.
- the heat exchanger unit 10 performs heat exchange between the heat medium 5 and a heat exchanging object existing between tubes 2 of the heat exchanger 1 .
- electronic components 4 are disposed between the tubes 2 as the heat exchanging object.
- This heat exchanger unit 10 for example constructs a part of a power conversion apparatus.
- the heat exchanger 1 is formed of a stack of tubes 2 .
- the electronic components 4 are arranged between the adjacent tubes 2 .
- Each of the electronic components 4 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape.
- the electronic component 4 for example includes a power element therein for controlling high power.
- an electrode for power supply extends from one of longitudinal side walls of the electronic component 4 and an electrode for controlling the power extends from the opposite longitudinal side wall of the electronic component 4 .
- the electronic components 4 are interposed between the tubes 2 such that a first main surface and a second main surface of each electronic component 4 are in contact with outer surfaces of the tubes 2 . As such, the electronic components 4 are cooled by the heat medium 5 flowing in the tubes 2 through the first and second main surfaces. Namely, the electronic components 4 and the tubes 2 are alternately arranged. Further, end tubes 2 are disposed at both ends of the stack of tubes 2 and electronic components 4 .
- the heat exchanger 1 forms a supply header part (hereafter, a first header part) 11 and a discharge header part (hereafter, a second header part) 12 at ends of the tubes 2 .
- the adjacent tubes 2 communicate with each other through the first header part 11 and the second header part 12 .
- the tubes 2 are stacked such that the electronic components 4 are sandwiched from both sides.
- Each of the tubes 2 has a body section and projecting pipe sections 22 at ends of the body section.
- the body section has generally a flat tubular shape and defines a passage 21 therein through which the heat medium flows 5 .
- the projecting pipe sections 22 project from the body section in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body section. In other words, the projecting pipe sections 22 project in a direction parallel to a stacking direction (up and down direction in FIG. 1 ) of the tubes 2 . Each of the projecting pipe section 22 forms an opening that opens in the stacking direction at an end.
- the first header part 11 and the second header part 12 are formed by coupling the projecting pipe sections 22 of the adjacent tubes 2 and joining side walls of the projecting pipe sections 22 .
- FIG. 2 shows a manufacturing step of the heat exchanger 1 . In the illustrated step, spacing jigs 6 are placed between the adjacent tubes 2 .
- the passages 21 of the adjacent body sections communicate with each other through the first header part 11 and the second header part 12 .
- the heat medium 5 is distributed into the passages 21 from the first header part 11 .
- the heat medium 5 having passed through the passages 21 flows into the second header part 12 and is discharged from the heat exchanger 1 .
- each tube 2 except the end tubes 2 , has an inner pipe section 222 on one side (lower side in FIG. 2 ) and an outer pipe section 223 on the opposite side (upper side in FIG. 2 ) as the projecting pipe sections 22 .
- the inner pipe section 222 defines a passage therein and forms an opening at an end.
- the outer pipe section 223 defines a passage therein and forms an opening at an end.
- the tubes 2 are stacked such that the inner pipe sections 222 are received in the outer pipe sections 223 of the adjacent tubes 2 .
- the first header part 11 and the second header part 12 are constructed by inner pipe sections 222 and the outer pipe sections 223 .
- Each of the inner pipe sections 222 has an extending wall portion 227 a , an adjacent wall portion 225 a , and an overlapping wall portion 224 a .
- the extending wall portion 227 a extends from the body section of the tube 2 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the passage 21 . That is, the extending wall portion 227 a generally forms a base portion of the inner pipe section 222 .
- the adjacent wall portion 225 a extends from the extending wall portion 227 a and connects to the overlapping wall portion 224 a.
- the outer pipe section 223 has an extending wall portion 227 b , an adjacent wall portion 225 b , an overlapping wall portion 224 b . Further, the outer pipe section 223 has a flange portion 226 .
- the extending wall portion 227 b extends from the body section of the tube 2 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the passage 21 . That is, the extending wall portion 227 b generally forms a base portion of the outer pipe section 223 .
- the adjacent wall portion 225 b extends from the extending wall portion 227 b and connects to the overlapping wall portion 224 b.
- the flange portion 226 radially expands from an end of the overlapping wall portion 224 b and defines the end of the outer pipe section 223 .
- the flange 226 In a cross-sectional plane defined parallel to an axis of the outer pipe section 223 , the flange 226 has a curled-shape outwardly curling toward the end of the outer pipe section 223 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the shape of the flange 226 is not limited to the illustrated example of FIG. 3 .
- the flange 226 can have a taper shape linearly expanding toward the end of the outer pipe section 223 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the flange 226 forms a wall extends from an end of the overlapping wall portion 224 b in a direction substantially perpendicular to the overlapping wall portion 224 b , as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the flange 226 radially expands from the end of the overlapping wall portion 224 b , bends and further extends in a direction parallel to the overlapping wall portion 224 b , as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 of the adjacent tubes 2 are coupled such that the overlapping wall portion 224 a of the inner pipe section 222 overlaps the overlapping wall portion 224 b of the outer pipe section 223 .
- the adjacent wall portions 225 a , 225 b are located on opposite sides of the overlapping wall portions 224 a , 224 b in the axial direction of the inner and outer pipe sections 222 , 223 . Namely, each of the adjacent wall portions 225 a , 225 b is located downstream or upstream of the overlapping wall portions 224 a , 224 b.
- the extending wall portion 227 a of the inner pipe section 222 has an outer diameter Dt larger than an outer diameter Dk of the overlapping wall portion 224 a . Further, the extending wall portion 227 a of the inner pipe section 222 and the extending wall portion 227 b of the outer pipe section 223 , which are opposed to each other, have a generally equal inner diameter.
- each of the tubes 2 is constructed of a stack of metal plates having high heat conductivity such as aluminum plates or copper plates.
- the metal plates are joined by a jointing method such as by brazing.
- the tube 2 has a pair of outer plates 27 , a middle plate 28 interposed between the outer plates 27 , and inner fins 29 interposed between the outer plates 27 and the middle plate 28 .
- the inner fins 29 have a corrugated shape, for example.
- the passage 21 is defined by spaces formed between the middle plate 28 and the outer plates 27 .
- the heat exchanger 1 has an introduction pipe 31 for introducing the heat medium 5 into the heat exchanger 1 and a discharge pipe 32 for discharging the heat medium 5 from the heat exchanger 1 .
- the introduction pipe 31 and the discharge pipe 32 are respectively coupled to an inlet port 13 and an outlet port 14 of the end tube 2 x that is located at an outermost layer of the stack of tubes 2 (the bottom end tube in FIG. 1 ).
- the heat medium 5 is introduced in the first header 11 through the introduction pipe 31 and the inlet port 13 and discharged from the second header 12 through the outlet port 14 and the discharge pipe 32 .
- the ends 33 of the introduction pipe 31 and the discharge pipe 32 are engaged with inner walls of the projecting portions 24 of the end tube 2 x .
- the flanges 34 contact the ends of the projecting portions 24 .
- the ends 33 of the introduction pipe 31 and the discharge pipe 32 do not enter the inside of the outer plate 27 of the tube 2 x . Accordingly, it is less likely that the passage 21 of the end tube 2 x will be closed by the ends 33 .
- Each of the outer plates 27 includes a portion for forming the body section and portions for forming the first header part 11 and the second header part 12 .
- the portion for forming the body section includes a flat wall for making contact with the electronic components 4 so as to receive heat from the electronic components 4 .
- the portions for forming the first header part 11 and the second header part 12 are formed at longitudinal ends of the outer plate 27 .
- the portions for forming the first header part 11 and the second header part 12 are characterized by the projecting pipe sections 22 and diaphragm portions 23 .
- the projecting pipe sections 22 project from the flat wall portion of the outer plate 27 in the direction perpendicular to the flat wall portion.
- Each of the diaphragm portions 23 is defined by the peripheral portion of the base of the projecting pipe section 22 .
- the diaphragm portions 23 is defined by an annular portion with a predetermined width (diameter) on the periphery of the base of the projecting pipe section 22 .
- the projecting pipe sections 22 are coupled such that portions between the adjacent tubes 2 are connected in the stacking direction, thereby to form the first header part 11 and the second header part 12 .
- the projecting pipe sections 22 provide strength such that the header pipe 11 and the second header 12 are not buckled with respect to the stacking direction.
- each of the tubes 2 constructed of the above outer plates 27 has the flat body section 20 , the diaphragm portions 23 and the projecting pipe sections 22 , as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the projecting pipe sections 22 of the adjacent tubes 2 are coupled in a socket and spigot manner. That is, the projecting pipe sections 22 includes the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 .
- the inner pipe section 222 is inserted in the outer pipe section 223 .
- the end tubes located at the outermost layers of the heat exchanger 1 have different outer plates.
- An outer plate located at the outermost end (uppermost end in FIG. 1 ) of the heat exchanger 1 which is on a side opposite to the introduction pipe 31 and the discharge pipe 32 , does not have the projecting pipe sections 22 .
- This outer plate forms the ends of the first header 11 and the second header 12 .
- the outer plate located at the outermost end (lowermost end in FIG. 1 ) of the heat exchanger 1 has the projecting portions 24 to which the introduction pipe 31 and the discharge pipe 32 are connected.
- the inner pipe section 222 is received in the outer pipe section 223 .
- a predetermined clearance is defined between the inner side wall of the outer pipe section 223 and the outer side wall of the inner pipe section 222 such that the inner pipe section 222 can be inserted in the outer pipe section 223 during the coupling.
- the inner side wall of the outer pipe section 223 and the outer side wall of the inner pipe section 222 are joined by brazing. Thus, the clearance is sealed by brazing.
- the heat exchanger 1 is produced in the following manner. First, the flat tubes 2 having the inner pipe sections 222 and the outer pipe sections 223 are formed. As shown in FIG. 2 , the overlapping wall portion 224 a and the adjacent wall portion 225 a of the inner pipe section 222 have the outer diameter D 1 smaller than the inner diameter D 2 of the overlapping wall portion 224 b and the adjacent wall portion 225 b of the outer pipe section 223 . Also, the flange 226 is formed at the end of the outer pipe section 223 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the outer diameter Dt of the extending wall portion 227 a is larger than the outer diameter Dk of the overlapping wall portion 224 a of the inner pipe section 222 .
- the tubes 2 are stacked in a condition that the spacing jigs 6 are placed between the adjacent tubes 2 , as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
- the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 of the adjacent tubes 2 are engaged by inserting the inner pipe section 222 into the outer pipe section 223 in a condition that a wire brazing material 15 having a ring-shape is arranged between the flange 226 of the outer pipe section 223 and the inner pipe section 222 .
- an outer diameter Dp of the flange 226 is larger than an outer diameter Dr of the wire brazing material 15 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the inner pipe section 222 is inserted into the outer pipe section 223 until the flat body section 20 of the tube 2 contacts the spacing jig 6 , as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 A.
- the wire brazing material 15 is melted.
- the brazing material 15 is hardened, so the outer side wall of the inner pipe section 222 and the inner side wall of the outer pipe section 223 are brazed to each other. In this way, the plural tubes 2 are stacked.
- the brazed projecting pipe sections 22 have rigidity in the axial direction, that is, in the stacking direction so that the pipe sections 22 are not buckled even if pressure having the magnitude that can deform the diaphragm portions 23 is applied.
- the spacing jig 6 has a thickness slightly larger than a thickness of the electronic component 4 . Therefore, there are clearances between the tubes 2 and the electronic component 4 at the stage shown in FIG. 10C .
- the heat exchanger 1 is pressed in the stacking direction.
- the diaphragm portions 23 receive pressure through the projecting pipe sections 22 . Therefore, the diaphragm portions 23 are deformed inside of the tubes 2 , that is, in a direction parallel to the axis of the header parts 11 , 12 , as shown in FIG. 10D .
- the electronic components 4 are constructed as semiconductor modules having semiconductor elements such as IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) and diodes.
- the semiconductor modules construct part of an inverter for an automobile.
- As the heat medium 5 water containing ethylene glycol antifreeze liquid is used, for example.
- the electronic components 4 can be held in directly contact with the tubes 2 .
- insulation plates such as ceramic plates or heat conductive grease can be interposed between the electronic components 4 and the tubes 2 .
- the projecting pipe sections 22 are coupled by joining the side walls, as shown in FIG. 2 . Therefore, the passage areas of the first header part 11 and the second header part 12 are ensured by the inner diameter of the projecting pipe sections 22 . Namely, the passage diameter of the first header part 11 and the second header part 12 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the projecting pipe sections 22 . As such, a flow resistance in the first header 11 and the second header 12 is reduced, and therefore pressure loss in the first header 11 and the second header 12 is reduced. With this, the heat medium 5 is substantially equally distributed into the plural tubes 2 . As a result, the plural electronic components 4 are equally cooled.
- the outer diameter D 1 of the overlapping wall portion 224 a and the adjacent wall portion 225 b of the inner pipe section 222 is smaller than the inner diameter D 2 of the overlapping wall portion 224 b and the adjacent wall portion 225 b of the outer pipe section 223 . Therefore, it is less likely that the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 will push each other. As such, the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 do not receive load in the axial direction of the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 .
- the electronic components 4 are placed in the tubes 2 , as shown in FIG. 10C . Then, the stack of tubes 2 are compressed in the stacking direction. As such, the tubes 2 contact the electronic components 4 , as shown in FIG. 10D . If the tubes 2 are partly deformed before the electronic components 4 are placed, it is difficult to place the electronic components 4 between the tubes 2 . Therefore, it is significant to reduce the deformation of the tubes 2 during the stacking.
- the outer pipe section 223 has the flange 226 at the end. Therefore, it is easy to arrange the wire brazing material 15 between the flange 226 and the inner pipe section 222 , which is opposed to the flange 226 . Further, the melted brazing material 15 easily flows in the space defined between the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 along the flange 226 . Accordingly, the adjacent tubes 2 are easily and properly joined. Thus, the heat exchanger 1 is easily manufactured.
- the outer diameter Dt of the extending wall portion 227 a is larger than the outer diameter Dk of the overlapping wall portion 224 a .
- the wire brazing material 15 can be pressed against the flange 226 by the extending wall portion 227 a of the inner pipe section 222 . Therefore, it is less likely that the wire brazing material 15 will be displaced. As such, the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 are properly brazed.
- each of intermediate tubes 2 is constructed of the pair of outer plates 27 , the middle plate 28 and the inner fins 29 .
- the intermediate tubes 2 are the tubes 2 that are located in a middle section of the stack of the tubes 2 . That is, the intermediate tubes 2 are the tubes 2 other than the end tubes 2 .
- the outer plates 27 , the middle plate 28 and the inner fins 29 are separately formed into the predetermined shapes such as by pressing. Then, the outer plates 27 , the middle plate 28 and the inner fins 29 are joined to each other.
- the tubes 2 having drawn cup structure can be produced. Accordingly, the tubes 2 are easily manufactured.
- the end tubes 2 can be formed of the outer plates 27 , the middle plate 28 and the inner fins 29 .
- the inner fins 29 are formed at desired positions. Because the inner fins 29 are not arranged at positions corresponding to the first header 11 and the second header 12 , it is easy to process the first header 11 and the second header 12 .
- each of the tubes 2 has double layered passages 21 in the stacking direction. Therefore, it is less likely that heat will be transferred between the adjacent electronic components 4 arranged on opposite sides of the tube 2 . As such, even if the temperature of the electronic component 4 arranged on one side of the tube 2 is rapidly increased, the electronic component 4 arranged on the opposite side of the tube 2 will not be affected.
- the inner diameter of the extending wall portion 227 a and the inner diameter of the extending wall portion 227 b that is opposite to the extending wall portion 227 a in the same tube 2 have the equal inner diameter. Therefore, the diaphragm portion 23 on one side of the tube 2 and the diaphragm portion 23 on the opposite side of the same tube 2 have the same diameter. Accordingly, the amount of deformation is equal in the pair of diaphragm portions 23 in the same tube 2 .
- the outer diameter Dp of the flange 226 is larger than the outer diameter Dr of the wire brazing material 15 , as shown in FIG. 3 . Therefore, the wire brazing material 15 is easily and properly held between the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 , at the flange 226 . Also, when the brazing material 15 melts, the melted brazing material 15 easily flows between the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 without overflowing from the flange 226 .
- the heat exchanger unit 10 can be easily manufactured in the above manner. Further, it is less likely that the tubes 2 will be deformed during the stacking. Also, the manufacturing cost reduces.
- the outer plates 27 , the middle plate 28 and the inner fins 29 of the tube 2 are made of the following metal plates.
- the outer plate 27 has a core 271 made of aluminum.
- the outer surface of the outer plate 27 is defined by a bare surface 274 of the core 271 . That is, the aluminum of the core 271 is bared to the outside of the tube 2 .
- the material for the core 271 As the material for the core 271 , another material such as copper (including copper alloy) may be used, in place of aluminum (including aluminum alloy) However, aluminum is preferably used in view of efficiency, corrosion resistance, weight, and the like.
- the outer plates 27 are joined to the middle plate 28 such that inner surfaces of the ends of the outer plates 27 contact the surfaces of the ends of the middle plate 28 . Namely, the ends of the middle plate 28 are held between the ends of the outer plates 27 .
- the middle plate 28 is made of a brazing sheet having a core 281 made of aluminum and a brazing material 282 disposed on both surfaces of the core 281 .
- the inner fin 29 is made of a brazing sheet having a core and a brazing material disposed on both surfaces of the core.
- the core of the inner fin 29 is made of aluminum containing zinc.
- each inner fin 29 is made of aluminum containing zinc. Therefore, the core of the inner fins 29 has an electrical potential (corrosion potential) lower than that of the core 271 of the outer plate 27 . Because the inner fin 29 is more likely to be corroded than the outer plate 27 , the corrosion of the outer plate 27 is reduced.
- the heat exchanger unit 10 of the second example embodiment have the structure similar to that of the first example embodiment other than the outer plates 27 , the middle plate 28 and the inner fins 29 .
- advantageous effects similar to those of the first example embodiment are also provided in the second example embodiment.
- the outer plate 27 is made of a brazing sheet having the core 271 and a sacrificial anode material 273 on an inner surface.
- the outer surface of the outer plate 27 which makes contact with the electronic components 4 , is the bare surface 274 , similar to the second example embodiment.
- the core of the inner fin 29 is made of a material having a potential (corrosion potential) higher than that of the sacrificial anode material 273 .
- the core of the inner fin 29 has a potential difference with respect to the sacrificial anode material 273 in a range between 0 and +50 mV.
- the tubes 2 will corrode and the heat medium 5 will leak from the tubes due to the corrosion.
- the sacrificial anode material 273 since the inner surface of the core 271 of the outer plate 27 is covered with the sacrificial anode material 273 , the sacrificial anode material 273 is selectively corroded. Therefore, it is less likely that the core 271 will corrode. Because the corrosion of the outer plate 27 in its thickness direction is restricted, it is less likely that the tubes 2 will have holes due to corrosion.
- the heat exchanger unit 10 of the third example embodiment provides advantageous effect similar to those of the first and second example embodiments.
- the tubes 2 are easily assembled. Since the brazing material 272 is disposed on the inner surfaces of the outer plates 27 , it is easy to join the outer plates 27 each other and with the inner fins 29 . Further, the brazing material 272 is also disposed on the inner surface of the projecting pipe section 22 , it is not necessary to use the wire brazing material 15 as the first to third example embodiments. As such, the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 are easily and properly brazed through the brazing material 272 .
- the core 281 of the middle plate 28 is made of aluminum containing zinc, the core 281 has a potential (corrosion potential) lower than that of the core 271 of the outer plate 27 . Therefore, the middle plate 28 is more likely to be corroded than the outer plate 27 . As such, corrosion of the outer plate 27 is reduced.
- the heat exchanger unit 10 of the fourth example embodiment provides advantageous effects similar to those of the third example embodiment.
- FIGS. 15 to 17 A fifth example embodiment of the heat exchanger unit 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17 .
- the pair of outer plates 27 that makes a first side and a second side of one tube 2 is formed from a single plate.
- productivity of the outer plates 27 improves. Further, productivity of the heat exchanger 1 improves.
- the heat exchanger unit 10 of the fifth example embodiment provides advantageous effects similar to those of the fourth example embodiment.
- the aluminum plate 270 has the brazing material 272 on a surface corresponding to the inner surface of the tube 20 .
- the outer plates 27 of the first to third example embodiments can be formed of the method of the fifth example embodiment.
- the outer plate 27 is formed of a brazing sheet shown in FIG. 18 .
- the sacrificial anode material 273 is disposed on the inner surface of the core 271 . Further, the brazing material 272 is disposed on the inner surface of the sacrificial anode material 273 .
- a metal material in which zinc is added to aluminum can be used.
- the sacrificial anode material 273 is selectively corroded so as to reduce the corrosion of the core 271 . Therefore, it is not always necessary that the materials of the cores of the middle plate 28 and the inner fin 29 contain zinc. Structural parts other than the outer plate 27 are similar to those of the fourth example embodiment.
- the heat exchanger 1 and the electronic components cooling unit 10 of the sixth example embodiment provide advantageous effects similar to those of the fourth example embodiment.
- the outer plates 27 of the sixth embodiment can be formed in a manner similar to the fifth example embodiment.
- FIG. 19 shows a comparative example of a heat exchanger.
- the outer pipe section 223 has a step 229 for limiting the amount of insertion of the inner pipe section 222 in the outer pipe section 223 .
- the insertion length or depth of the inner pipe section 222 in the outer pipe section 223 is limited when the end of the inner pipe section 222 contacts the step 229 .
- a portion of the outer pipe section 223 that is adjacent to the body section of the outer pipe section 223 , i.e. a portion lower than the step 229 in FIG. 19 has an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the inner pipe section 222 .
- a portion of the outer pipe section 223 that is adjacent to the end of the outer pipe section 223 , i.e., a portion above the step 229 in FIG. 19 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inner pipe section 222 .
- the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 19 has a structure similar to that of the heat exchanger 1 shown in FIG. 1 , other than the structure of the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 .
- the diaphragm portions 23 are likely to be deformed when the tubes 2 are coupled through the engagement of the inner pipe sections 222 and the outer pipe sections 223 . Namely, the ends of the inner pipe sections 222 contact the steps 229 during the stacking. Therefore, if the dimensions (e.g., length) of the projecting pipe sections 22 and the pressure applied during the stacking are uneven, the projecting pipe sections 22 receive loads in the stacking direction. As a result, the diaphragm portions 23 formed on the peripheries of the bases of the projecting pipe sections 22 are likely to be deformed.
- the diaphragm portions 23 are likely to be deformed before the electronic components 4 are arranged in the heat exchanger.
- the spaces between the tubes 2 have been narrowed due to the deformation of the diaphragm portions 23 before the arrangement of the electronic components 4 . Therefore, it is difficult to arrange the electronic components 4 between the tubes 2 .
- the heat exchanger is compressed in the stacking direction after the arrangement of the electronic components 4 so that the tubes 2 closely contact the electronic components 4 .
- the diaphragm portions 23 are already deformed before the compression of the heat exchanger, it is likely to be difficult to properly bring the tubes 2 in close contact with the electronic components 4 .
- the outer diameter D 1 of the overlapping wall portion 224 a and the adjacent wall portion 225 a of the inner pipe section 222 is smaller than the inner diameter D 2 of the overlapping wall portion 224 b and the adjacent wall portion 225 b of the outer pipe section 223 .
- the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 have the adjacent wall portions 225 a , 225 b in addition to the overlapping wall portions 224 a , 224 b , respectively.
- the outer diameter of the adjacent wall portion 225 a of the inner pipe section 222 is smaller than the inner diameter of the overlapping wall portion 224 b and the adjacent wall portion 225 b of the outer pipe section 223 . Also, the inner diameter of the adjacent wall portion 225 b of the outer pipe section 223 is larger than the outer diameter of the overlapping wall portion 224 a of the inner pipe section 222 . Therefore, the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 do not push each other when engaging each other in the axial direction during the stacking. Therefore, it is less likely that the inner pipe section 222 and the outer pipe section 223 will receive loads in the axial direction, that is, in the insertion direction.
- a limiting portion such as the step 229 shown in FIG. 19 can be additionally employed.
- the limiting portion is formed at a position (depth) such that it does not contact the end of the inner pipe section 222 at least in a proper manufacturing step in which the spacing jig 6 is used between the tubes 2 .
- the limiting portion can be employed to provide supplemental effects such as reinforcement of the outer pipe section 223 , stopper for restricting excess insertion of the inner pipe section 222 , and positioning means at a position where the spacing jig 6 is not used.
- the electronic components 4 are placed between the tubes 2 so that heat exchange is performed between the heat medium 5 flowing in the tubes 2 and the electronic components 4 .
- the heat exchanging object is not limited to the electronic components 4 .
- the object can be air passing between the adjacent tubes 2 .
- heat exchange is performed between the heat medium 5 flowing in the tubes 2 and the air passing between the adjacent tubes 2 .
- tubes of another device can be arranged between the tubes 2 so that heat exchange is performed between the heat medium 5 flowing in the tubes 2 and a fluid flowing in the tubes of the another device.
- devices other than the electronic components 4 can be arranged as the heat exchanging object.
- the heat medium 5 is not limited to water containing ethylene glycol antifreeze liquid.
- hot fluid or any other fluid can be used as the heat medium 5 .
- natural refrigerant such as water or ammonia, carbon fluoride refrigerant such as Fluorinate (3M), fleon refrigerant such as HCFC123 or HFC134a, alcohol refrigerant such as alcohol or methanol, ketone refrigerant such as acetone can be used as the heat medium 5 .
- the electronic components 4 arranged between the tubes 2 are not limited to the semiconductor module used for the automobile inverter.
- the electronic components 4 can be a semiconductor module used for another device such as motor-driven inverters of industrial devices and inverters of air conditioner systems for buildings. Further, the electronic components 4 are not limited to the above semiconductor modules.
- the electronic components 4 can include power transistors, power-FET, IGBT, and the like.
- the outer diameter of the inner pipe section 222 is larger than the inner diameter of the outer pipe section 223 at the expanding wall portion 227 a .
- the outer diameter of the inner pipe section 222 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer pipe section 223 thoroughly from its base portion to its end.
- the diaphragm portions 23 are deformed into the inside of the tubes 2 so that the spaces between the adjacent tubes 2 are narrowed so as to hold the electronic components 4 .
- the electronic components 4 can be held in another way.
- the spaces between the adjacent tubes 2 can be widened by deforming the diaphragm portions 23 toward the outside of the tubes 2 once, before the electronic components 4 are placed between the tubes 2 . Then, after the electronic components 4 are placed in the spaces between the tubes 2 , the spaces are narrowed, thereby holding the electronic components 4 .
- the surfaces of the middle plate 28 are coated with the brazing material.
- the ends of the outer plates 27 can be easily brazed to the ends of the middle plate 28 .
- the brazing materials disposed on the outer plates 27 , the middle plate 28 and the inner fins 29 a metallic material having a fusing point lower than that of the material of the core of the respective plates 27 to 29 can be used.
- the brazing material is made of aluminum having a fusing point lower than that of the aluminum of the core.
- the tubes 2 are brazed in the condition that the spacing jigs 6 are arranged between the tubes 2 . Therefore, the adjacent tubes 2 can be easily and properly held with desired spaces. As such, the electronic components 4 can be easily arranged between the tubes 2 .
- the sectional shape of the first and second header parts 11 , 12 are not limited to a circle, but may include other circular or generally round shapes such as an ellipse or any other shapes.
- the term “diameter” is not limited to a dimension of the circle, but includes a dimension of another circular or generally round shape.
- heat exchanger unit 10 can be implemented by variable combinations of the above example embodiments.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
- Cooling Or The Like Of Semiconductors Or Solid State Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A heat exchanger unit has tubes each having a body section and at least one of an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section extending from the body section and defining an opening at an end. Each of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section has a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion. The tubes are stacked such that the body sections are spaced from each other. Further, the inner pipe section is received in the outer pipe section such that the first portion of the inner pipe section overlaps the first portion of the outer pipe section, and the second portions of the inner and outer pipe sections are located on opposite sides of the overlapped first portions. The first and second portions of the inner pipe section have an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first and second portions of the outer pipe section.
Description
- This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-238869 filed on Aug. 19, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to a heat exchanger unit and a method of manufacturing the same.
- For example, a stacked-type heat exchanger unit 9 shown in
FIG. 20 is known. In the heat exchanger unit 9,electronic components 4 are arranged between thetubes 92 to be cooled by a heat medium flowing in thetubes 92 through side surfaces thereof. This kind of heat exchanger unit is for example disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-320005. - In the heat exchanger unit 9, ends of the
tubes 92 are connected to afirst header 94 and asecond header 95. Because thefirst header 94 and thesecond header 95 are provided as individual parts, the number of parts increases. As such, manufacturing costs are likely to increase. - Further, the
tubes 92 are fixed to thefirst header 94 and thesecond header 95. Therefore, it is difficult to change spaces betweenadjacent tubes 92. With this, it is difficult to insert theelectronic components 4 between thetubes 92 so that both of the side surfaces of theelectronic components 4 properly contact thetubes 92. - Another stacked-type heat exchanger unit is known, as shown in
FIG. 21 . In theheat exchanger unit 90 shown inFIG. 21 ,tubes 92 are arranged such thatelectronic components 4 are interposed between theadjacent tubes 92. Further,communication members 93 are disposed between thetubes 92 so that thetubes 92 communicate with each other through thecommunication members 93. This kind of heat exchanger unit is for example disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-26215. - Also in this
heat exchanger 90, thetubes 92 and thecommunication members 93 are provided as individual parts. It is necessary to connect thecommunication members 93 to thetubes 92. As such, manufacturing costs are likely to increase. Further, it is difficult to improve productivity. - According to a first aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger unit has a plurality of tubes each having a flat body section and at least one of an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section extending from the body section in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the body section and defining an opening at an end. The body section defines a passage through which a heat medium flows. Each of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section has a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion. The first portion and the second portion of the inner pipe section have an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first portion and the second portion of the outer pipe section.
- The tubes are stacked such that the body sections are spaced from each other for performing heat exchange between the heat medium and an object existing between the adjacent body sections, and the inner pipe section is received in the outer pipe section, to thereby form a header part for permitting communication between the adjacent body sections. Also, the inner pipe section is received in the outer pipe section such that the first portion of the inner pipe section overlaps the first portion of the outer pipe section, and the second portions of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section are located on opposite sides of the overlapped first portions in an axial direction of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section.
- Accordingly, the passages of the adjacent tubes are communicated with each other through the inner pipe sections and the outer pipe sections, which are coupled to each other. As such, it is not necessary to use an additional member for coupling the adjacent tubes. Thus, the number of parts reduces and manufacturability improves.
- Also, the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section are coupled by joining side walls thereof. As such, the header part has an inner diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the inner and outer pipe sections. Therefore, flow resistance in the header part is reduced, and pressure loss in the header part is suppressed. Accordingly, the heat medium can be distributed substantially equally into the plural tubes. As a result, heat exchange is properly performed.
- Further, the inner pipe section has the second portion that has the outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first portion of the outer pipe section. Similarly, the outer pipe section has the second portion that has the inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first portion of the inner pipe section. Therefore, the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section do not have portions that contact and push each other in the axial direction of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section while the inner pipe section is inserted in the outer pipe section.
- Accordingly, it is less likely that the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section will receive loads in the axial direction. Even if the lengths of the inner pipe sections and the outer pipe sections are slightly uneven, loads in the axial direction are reduced. Further, it is less likely that the inner pipe section, the outer pipe section and portions on the periphery of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section will receive stress and be deformed unnecessarily while the tubes are stacked.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger unit has a plurality of tubes each having a flat body section and at least one of an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section extending from the body section in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the body section and defining an opening at an end. The body section defines a passage through which a heat medium flows. The outer pipe section has a flange portion at the end. An end of the flange has a diameter larger than an inner diameter of a remaining portion of the outer pipe section.
- The tubes are stacked such that the inner pipe section is inserted in the outer pipe section in a condition that a brazing material is disposed between the flange of the outer pipe section and the inner pipe section. When the brazing material is melted and then hardened, an outer side wall of the inner pipe section and an inner side wall of the outer pipe section are brazed to each other.
- Since the outer pipe section has the flange, the brazing material is easily held by the flange while the inner pipe section is inserted in the outer pipe section. Furthermore, the brazing material can easily flow between the outer side wall of the inner pipe section and the inner side wall of the outer pipe section. Accordingly, the adjacent tubes are easily and properly joined to each other.
- For example, electronic components can be arranged between the body section of the tubes, as the object for heat exchange. As such, the heat exchanger unit according to the first aspect and the second aspect can provide an electronic component cooling unit, manufactured with a reduced cost.
- Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like reference numbers and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a heat exchanger unit having a heat exchanger and electronic components according to a first example embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a header part of the heat exchanger according to the first example embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a joint portion between an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section, which construct the header part, according to the first example embodiment; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flange of an outer pipe section having a taper shape according to a modification of the first example embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flange of an outer pipe section including a perpendicular flat wall according to another modification of the first example embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flange of an outer pipe section including a bent portion according to further another modification of the first example embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tube of the heat exchanger, partly including a cross-section, according to the first example embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is an explanatory side view of tubes before the tubes are coupled together according to the first example embodiment; -
FIG. 9 is an explanatory side view of the tubes when the tubes are coupled together according to the first example embodiment; -
FIG. 10A to 10D are schematic cross-sectional views of a part of the heat exchanger for showing manufacturing steps, in whichFIG. 10A shows a condition that the tubes are coupled through a spacing jig between them;FIG. 10B shows a condition that the tubes have been brazed;FIG. 10C shows a condition that an electronic component is placed between the tubes; andFIG. 10D shows a condition that the electronic component is held between the tubes; -
FIG. 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an introduction pipe and an inlet port of the heat exchanger according to the first example embodiment; -
FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part according to a second example embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part according to a third example embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part according to a fourth example embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a plan view of a plate including a pair of outer plates for a tube of a heat exchanger according to a fifth example embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the plate taken along line XVI-XVI inFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part according to the fifth example embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part according to a sixth example embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a heat exchanger adjacent to a header part as a comparative example; -
FIG. 20 is a side view of a stacked-type heat exchanger unit of a prior art; and -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a stacked-type heat exchanger unit of another prior art. - A first example embodiment of a
heat exchanger unit 10 will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 through 11 . Theheat exchanger unit 10 of the first example embodiment has aheat exchanger 1 through which aheat medium 5 flows. Theheat exchanger unit 10 performs heat exchange between theheat medium 5 and a heat exchanging object existing betweentubes 2 of theheat exchanger 1. For example,electronic components 4 are disposed between thetubes 2 as the heat exchanging object. Thisheat exchanger unit 10 for example constructs a part of a power conversion apparatus. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theheat exchanger 1 is formed of a stack oftubes 2. Theelectronic components 4 are arranged between theadjacent tubes 2. Each of theelectronic components 4 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. Theelectronic component 4 for example includes a power element therein for controlling high power. Although not illustrated, an electrode for power supply extends from one of longitudinal side walls of theelectronic component 4 and an electrode for controlling the power extends from the opposite longitudinal side wall of theelectronic component 4. - Further, the
electronic components 4 are interposed between thetubes 2 such that a first main surface and a second main surface of eachelectronic component 4 are in contact with outer surfaces of thetubes 2. As such, theelectronic components 4 are cooled by theheat medium 5 flowing in thetubes 2 through the first and second main surfaces. Namely, theelectronic components 4 and thetubes 2 are alternately arranged. Further,end tubes 2 are disposed at both ends of the stack oftubes 2 andelectronic components 4. - Also, the
heat exchanger 1 forms a supply header part (hereafter, a first header part) 11 and a discharge header part (hereafter, a second header part) 12 at ends of thetubes 2. Theadjacent tubes 2 communicate with each other through thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12. - In the
heat exchanger 1, thetubes 2 are stacked such that theelectronic components 4 are sandwiched from both sides. Each of thetubes 2 has a body section and projectingpipe sections 22 at ends of the body section. The body section has generally a flat tubular shape and defines apassage 21 therein through which the heat medium flows 5. - The projecting
pipe sections 22 project from the body section in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body section. In other words, the projectingpipe sections 22 project in a direction parallel to a stacking direction (up and down direction inFIG. 1 ) of thetubes 2. Each of the projectingpipe section 22 forms an opening that opens in the stacking direction at an end. Thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12 are formed by coupling the projectingpipe sections 22 of theadjacent tubes 2 and joining side walls of the projectingpipe sections 22.FIG. 2 shows a manufacturing step of theheat exchanger 1. In the illustrated step, spacingjigs 6 are placed between theadjacent tubes 2. - The
passages 21 of the adjacent body sections communicate with each other through thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12. For example, theheat medium 5 is distributed into thepassages 21 from thefirst header part 11. Theheat medium 5 having passed through thepassages 21 flows into thesecond header part 12 and is discharged from theheat exchanger 1. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , eachtube 2, except theend tubes 2, has aninner pipe section 222 on one side (lower side inFIG. 2 ) and anouter pipe section 223 on the opposite side (upper side inFIG. 2 ) as the projectingpipe sections 22. Theinner pipe section 222 defines a passage therein and forms an opening at an end. Likewise, theouter pipe section 223 defines a passage therein and forms an opening at an end. Thetubes 2 are stacked such that theinner pipe sections 222 are received in theouter pipe sections 223 of theadjacent tubes 2. Thus, thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12 are constructed byinner pipe sections 222 and theouter pipe sections 223. - Each of the
inner pipe sections 222 has an extendingwall portion 227 a, anadjacent wall portion 225 a, and an overlappingwall portion 224 a. The extendingwall portion 227 a extends from the body section of thetube 2 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of thepassage 21. That is, the extendingwall portion 227 a generally forms a base portion of theinner pipe section 222. Theadjacent wall portion 225 a extends from the extendingwall portion 227 a and connects to the overlappingwall portion 224 a. - Likewise, the
outer pipe section 223 has an extendingwall portion 227 b, anadjacent wall portion 225 b, an overlappingwall portion 224 b. Further, theouter pipe section 223 has aflange portion 226. The extendingwall portion 227 b extends from the body section of thetube 2 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of thepassage 21. That is, the extendingwall portion 227 b generally forms a base portion of theouter pipe section 223. Theadjacent wall portion 225 b extends from the extendingwall portion 227 b and connects to the overlappingwall portion 224 b. - The
flange portion 226 radially expands from an end of the overlappingwall portion 224 b and defines the end of theouter pipe section 223. In a cross-sectional plane defined parallel to an axis of theouter pipe section 223, theflange 226 has a curled-shape outwardly curling toward the end of theouter pipe section 223, as shown inFIG. 3 . However, the shape of theflange 226 is not limited to the illustrated example ofFIG. 3 . - For example, the
flange 226 can have a taper shape linearly expanding toward the end of theouter pipe section 223, as shown inFIG. 4 . Alternatively, theflange 226 forms a wall extends from an end of the overlappingwall portion 224 b in a direction substantially perpendicular to the overlappingwall portion 224 b, as shown inFIG. 5 . Further, theflange 226 radially expands from the end of the overlappingwall portion 224 b, bends and further extends in a direction parallel to the overlappingwall portion 224 b, as shown inFIG. 6 . - As shown in
FIG. 2 , theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 of theadjacent tubes 2 are coupled such that the overlappingwall portion 224 a of theinner pipe section 222 overlaps the overlappingwall portion 224 b of theouter pipe section 223. Also, theadjacent wall portions wall portions outer pipe sections adjacent wall portions wall portions - Further, an outer diameter D1 of the
inner pipe section 222 is smaller than an inner diameter D2 of theouter pipe section 223 at least at the overlappingwall portions adjacent wall portions wall portion 224 a and theadjacent wall portion 225 a of theinner pipe section 222 is smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the overlappingwall portion 224 b and theadjacent wall portion 225 b of theouter pipe section 223, as shown inFIG. 2 . - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the extendingwall portion 227 a of theinner pipe section 222 has an outer diameter Dt larger than an outer diameter Dk of the overlappingwall portion 224 a. Further, the extendingwall portion 227 a of theinner pipe section 222 and the extendingwall portion 227 b of theouter pipe section 223, which are opposed to each other, have a generally equal inner diameter. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , each of thetubes 2 is constructed of a stack of metal plates having high heat conductivity such as aluminum plates or copper plates. The metal plates are joined by a jointing method such as by brazing. For example, thetube 2 has a pair ofouter plates 27, amiddle plate 28 interposed between theouter plates 27, andinner fins 29 interposed between theouter plates 27 and themiddle plate 28. Theinner fins 29 have a corrugated shape, for example. Thepassage 21 is defined by spaces formed between themiddle plate 28 and theouter plates 27. - Further, the
outer plates 27, themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29 are brazed to each other. Themiddle plate 28 has a rectangular shape. As shown inFIG. 2 , themiddle plate 28 is formed with circular holes (openings) 284 at longitudinal ends, i.e., at positions corresponding to thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12. The ends of themiddle plate 28 can be held between the ends of theouter plates 27. Alternatively, the ends of themiddle plate 28 can be bent to hold the ends of theouter plate 27, as shown inFIG. 7 . - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theheat exchanger 1 has anintroduction pipe 31 for introducing theheat medium 5 into theheat exchanger 1 and adischarge pipe 32 for discharging theheat medium 5 from theheat exchanger 1. Theintroduction pipe 31 and thedischarge pipe 32 are respectively coupled to aninlet port 13 and anoutlet port 14 of theend tube 2 x that is located at an outermost layer of the stack of tubes 2 (the bottom end tube inFIG. 1 ). Theheat medium 5 is introduced in thefirst header 11 through theintroduction pipe 31 and theinlet port 13 and discharged from thesecond header 12 through theoutlet port 14 and thedischarge pipe 32. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , theend tube 2 x has projectingportions 24 at longitudinal ends of thetube 2 x. The projectingportions 24 projects from the body section of theend tube 2 x in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body section. The projectingportions 24 form openings at ends. Theinlet port 13 and theoutlet port 14 are defined by the openings of the projectingportions 24. Theintroduction pipe 31 and thedischarge pipe 32 are engaged with the projectingportions 24 of theend tube 2 x. - The projecting
portions 24 are for example formed by burring. Each of the projectingportions 24 extends approximately 2 mm from the main wall of the body section of thetube 2 in the direction substantially perpendicular to the main wall. Each of theintroduction pipe 31 and thedischarge pipe 32 has aflange 34 at a position approximately 2 mm from anend 33 that forms an opening. - The ends 33 of the
introduction pipe 31 and thedischarge pipe 32 are engaged with inner walls of the projectingportions 24 of theend tube 2 x. For example, theflanges 34 contact the ends of the projectingportions 24. As such, the ends 33 of theintroduction pipe 31 and thedischarge pipe 32 do not enter the inside of theouter plate 27 of thetube 2 x. Accordingly, it is less likely that thepassage 21 of theend tube 2 x will be closed by the ends 33. - Each of the
outer plates 27 includes a portion for forming the body section and portions for forming thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12. The portion for forming the body section includes a flat wall for making contact with theelectronic components 4 so as to receive heat from theelectronic components 4. The portions for forming thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12 are formed at longitudinal ends of theouter plate 27. - The portions for forming the
first header part 11 and thesecond header part 12 are characterized by the projectingpipe sections 22 anddiaphragm portions 23. The projectingpipe sections 22 project from the flat wall portion of theouter plate 27 in the direction perpendicular to the flat wall portion. Each of thediaphragm portions 23 is defined by the peripheral portion of the base of the projectingpipe section 22. Namely, thediaphragm portions 23 is defined by an annular portion with a predetermined width (diameter) on the periphery of the base of the projectingpipe section 22. The projectingpipe sections 22 are coupled such that portions between theadjacent tubes 2 are connected in the stacking direction, thereby to form thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12. The projectingpipe sections 22 provide strength such that theheader pipe 11 and thesecond header 12 are not buckled with respect to the stacking direction. - Namely, each of the
tubes 2 constructed of the aboveouter plates 27 has theflat body section 20, thediaphragm portions 23 and the projectingpipe sections 22, as shown inFIG. 8 . The projectingpipe sections 22 of theadjacent tubes 2 are coupled in a socket and spigot manner. That is, the projectingpipe sections 22 includes theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223. Theinner pipe section 222 is inserted in theouter pipe section 223. - Each
tube 2 is constructed of two types ofouter plates 27. A first typeouter plate 27 has theinner pipe sections 222 at the longitudinal ends as the projectingpipe sections 22. A second typeouter plate 27 has theouter pipe sections 223 at the longitudinal ends as the projectingpipe sections 22. In onetube 2, the first typeouter plate 27 and the second typeouter plate 27 are joined such that theinner pipe sections 222 and theouter pipe sections 223 project outwardly and in opposite direction to each other. Further, in theheat exchanger 1, the first type outer plates and the second type outer plates are stacked alternately and in opposite directions. - The end tubes located at the outermost layers of the
heat exchanger 1 have different outer plates. An outer plate located at the outermost end (uppermost end inFIG. 1 ) of theheat exchanger 1, which is on a side opposite to theintroduction pipe 31 and thedischarge pipe 32, does not have the projectingpipe sections 22. This outer plate forms the ends of thefirst header 11 and thesecond header 12. Also, the outer plate located at the outermost end (lowermost end inFIG. 1 ) of theheat exchanger 1 has the projectingportions 24 to which theintroduction pipe 31 and thedischarge pipe 32 are connected. - As described above, the
inner pipe section 222 is received in theouter pipe section 223. A predetermined clearance is defined between the inner side wall of theouter pipe section 223 and the outer side wall of theinner pipe section 222 such that theinner pipe section 222 can be inserted in theouter pipe section 223 during the coupling. The inner side wall of theouter pipe section 223 and the outer side wall of theinner pipe section 222 are joined by brazing. Thus, the clearance is sealed by brazing. - The
heat exchanger 1 is produced in the following manner. First, theflat tubes 2 having theinner pipe sections 222 and theouter pipe sections 223 are formed. As shown inFIG. 2 , the overlappingwall portion 224 a and theadjacent wall portion 225 a of theinner pipe section 222 have the outer diameter D1 smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the overlappingwall portion 224 b and theadjacent wall portion 225 b of theouter pipe section 223. Also, theflange 226 is formed at the end of theouter pipe section 223. As shown inFIG. 3 , the outer diameter Dt of the extendingwall portion 227 a is larger than the outer diameter Dk of the overlappingwall portion 224 a of theinner pipe section 222. - Next, the
tubes 2 are stacked in a condition that the spacing jigs 6 are placed between theadjacent tubes 2, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 . Specifically, theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 of theadjacent tubes 2 are engaged by inserting theinner pipe section 222 into theouter pipe section 223 in a condition that awire brazing material 15 having a ring-shape is arranged between theflange 226 of theouter pipe section 223 and theinner pipe section 222. Here, an outer diameter Dp of theflange 226 is larger than an outer diameter Dr of thewire brazing material 15, as shown inFIG. 3 . - At this time, the
inner pipe section 222 is inserted into theouter pipe section 223 until theflat body section 20 of thetube 2 contacts thespacing jig 6, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 A. Next, thewire brazing material 15 is melted. Thereafter, thebrazing material 15 is hardened, so the outer side wall of theinner pipe section 222 and the inner side wall of theouter pipe section 223 are brazed to each other. In this way, theplural tubes 2 are stacked. - Here, the brazed projecting
pipe sections 22 have rigidity in the axial direction, that is, in the stacking direction so that thepipe sections 22 are not buckled even if pressure having the magnitude that can deform thediaphragm portions 23 is applied. - The
spacing jig 6 is interposed between thetubes 2 until thewire brazing material 15 is hardened, as shown inFIG. 10A . After thebrazing material 15 is hardened and the brazed portions are fixed, thespacing jig 6 is removed, as shown inFIG. 10B . Then, theelectronic component 4 is placed between theadjacent tubes 2, as shown inFIG. 10C . - The
spacing jig 6 has a thickness slightly larger than a thickness of theelectronic component 4. Therefore, there are clearances between thetubes 2 and theelectronic component 4 at the stage shown inFIG. 10C . After the pluralelectronic components 4 are placed between thestacked tubes 2, theheat exchanger 1 is pressed in the stacking direction. At this time, thediaphragm portions 23 receive pressure through the projectingpipe sections 22. Therefore, thediaphragm portions 23 are deformed inside of thetubes 2, that is, in a direction parallel to the axis of theheader parts FIG. 10D . - Namely, in the condition shown in
FIG. 10C , that is, before applying the pressure, thetubes 2 are in condition stacked with spaces slightly larger than the thickness of theelectronic components 4. Also in this condition, thetubes 2 are connected through the projectingpipe sections 22. Then, when pressure is applied to thestacked tubes 2, the spaces between theadjacent tubes 2 are reduced so that thetubes 2 becomes in contact with theelectronic components 4. Accordingly, theelectronic components 4 are held between thetubes 2, as shown inFIG. 10D . - For example, the
electronic components 4 are constructed as semiconductor modules having semiconductor elements such as IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) and diodes. The semiconductor modules construct part of an inverter for an automobile. As theheat medium 5, water containing ethylene glycol antifreeze liquid is used, for example. - The
electronic components 4 can be held in directly contact with thetubes 2. Alternatively, insulation plates such as ceramic plates or heat conductive grease can be interposed between theelectronic components 4 and thetubes 2. - Next, advantageous effects of the first example embodiment will be described. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thepassages 21 of theadjacent tubes 2 are communicated with each other through the projectingpipe sections 22, which are coupled to each other. The projectingpipe sections 22 are integrally formed into thetube 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to couple thetubes 2 by using separate members. As such, the number of components reduces. Also, theheat exchanger 1 is easily manufactured. - The projecting
pipe sections 22 are coupled by joining the side walls, as shown inFIG. 2 . Therefore, the passage areas of thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12 are ensured by the inner diameter of the projectingpipe sections 22. Namely, the passage diameter of thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the projectingpipe sections 22. As such, a flow resistance in thefirst header 11 and thesecond header 12 is reduced, and therefore pressure loss in thefirst header 11 and thesecond header 12 is reduced. With this, theheat medium 5 is substantially equally distributed into theplural tubes 2. As a result, the pluralelectronic components 4 are equally cooled. - Also, the outer diameter D1 of the overlapping
wall portion 224 a and theadjacent wall portion 225 b of theinner pipe section 222 is smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the overlappingwall portion 224 b and theadjacent wall portion 225 b of theouter pipe section 223. Therefore, it is less likely that theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 will push each other. As such, theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 do not receive load in the axial direction of theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223. - Namely, even if the
inner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 have small dimensional errors in the axial direction, it is less likely that theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 receive loads in the axial direction. Therefore, it is less likely that the projectingpipe sections 22 and the peripheral portions of the projectingpipe sections 22 such as thediaphragm portions 23 will receive stress and be deformed while thetubes 2 are stacked. - After the
tubes 2 are stacked, theelectronic components 4 are placed in thetubes 2, as shown inFIG. 10C . Then, the stack oftubes 2 are compressed in the stacking direction. As such, thetubes 2 contact theelectronic components 4, as shown inFIG. 10D . If thetubes 2 are partly deformed before theelectronic components 4 are placed, it is difficult to place theelectronic components 4 between thetubes 2. Therefore, it is significant to reduce the deformation of thetubes 2 during the stacking. - Further, the
outer pipe section 223 has theflange 226 at the end. Therefore, it is easy to arrange thewire brazing material 15 between theflange 226 and theinner pipe section 222, which is opposed to theflange 226. Further, the meltedbrazing material 15 easily flows in the space defined between theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 along theflange 226. Accordingly, theadjacent tubes 2 are easily and properly joined. Thus, theheat exchanger 1 is easily manufactured. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the outer diameter Dt of the extendingwall portion 227 a is larger than the outer diameter Dk of the overlappingwall portion 224 a. When thetubes 2 are stacked, thewire brazing material 15 can be pressed against theflange 226 by the extendingwall portion 227 a of theinner pipe section 222. Therefore, it is less likely that thewire brazing material 15 will be displaced. As such, theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 are properly brazed. - The
tubes 2 have thediaphragm portions 23 on the peripheries of the projectingpipe sections 22. Therefore, the spaces between theadjacent tubes 2 are easily adjusted with deformation of thediaphragm portions 23, as shown inFIGS. 10C and 10D . Accordingly, theelectronic components 4 are easily and securely held between theadjacent tube 2. Further, theelectronic components 4 can be in close contact with thetubes 2. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , at least each ofintermediate tubes 2 is constructed of the pair ofouter plates 27, themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29. Here, theintermediate tubes 2 are thetubes 2 that are located in a middle section of the stack of thetubes 2. That is, theintermediate tubes 2 are thetubes 2 other than theend tubes 2. Theouter plates 27, themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29 are separately formed into the predetermined shapes such as by pressing. Then, theouter plates 27, themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29 are joined to each other. By this, thetubes 2 having drawn cup structure can be produced. Accordingly, thetubes 2 are easily manufactured. Also, theend tubes 2 can be formed of theouter plates 27, themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29. - In addition, it is easy to form the
inner fins 29 at desired positions. Because theinner fins 29 are not arranged at positions corresponding to thefirst header 11 and thesecond header 12, it is easy to process thefirst header 11 and thesecond header 12. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , each of thetubes 2 has double layeredpassages 21 in the stacking direction. Therefore, it is less likely that heat will be transferred between the adjacentelectronic components 4 arranged on opposite sides of thetube 2. As such, even if the temperature of theelectronic component 4 arranged on one side of thetube 2 is rapidly increased, theelectronic component 4 arranged on the opposite side of thetube 2 will not be affected. - In the
tube 2, the inner diameter of the extendingwall portion 227 a and the inner diameter of the extendingwall portion 227 b that is opposite to the extendingwall portion 227 a in thesame tube 2 have the equal inner diameter. Therefore, thediaphragm portion 23 on one side of thetube 2 and thediaphragm portion 23 on the opposite side of thesame tube 2 have the same diameter. Accordingly, the amount of deformation is equal in the pair ofdiaphragm portions 23 in thesame tube 2. - Further, the projecting
pipe sections 22 are easily shaped. First, the extendingwall portions adjacent wall portions portions wall portion 227 a of theinner pipe section 222 and the extendingwall portion 227 b of theouter pipe section 223 have the equal diameter, the pair of projectingpipe sections 22, that is, theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223, are formed by using the same die at the first stage of the shaping. Accordingly, productivity improves. - Further, the outer diameter Dp of the
flange 226 is larger than the outer diameter Dr of thewire brazing material 15, as shown inFIG. 3 . Therefore, thewire brazing material 15 is easily and properly held between theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223, at theflange 226. Also, when thebrazing material 15 melts, the meltedbrazing material 15 easily flows between theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 without overflowing from theflange 226. - Accordingly, the
heat exchanger unit 10 can be easily manufactured in the above manner. Further, it is less likely that thetubes 2 will be deformed during the stacking. Also, the manufacturing cost reduces. - Next, a second example embodiment of the
heat exchanger unit 10 will be described with reference toFIG. 12 . Theouter plates 27, themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29 of thetube 2 are made of the following metal plates. - The
outer plate 27 has a core 271 made of aluminum. The outer surface of theouter plate 27 is defined by abare surface 274 of thecore 271. That is, the aluminum of thecore 271 is bared to the outside of thetube 2. - As the material for the
core 271, another material such as copper (including copper alloy) may be used, in place of aluminum (including aluminum alloy) However, aluminum is preferably used in view of efficiency, corrosion resistance, weight, and the like. - The
outer plates 27 are joined to themiddle plate 28 such that inner surfaces of the ends of theouter plates 27 contact the surfaces of the ends of themiddle plate 28. Namely, the ends of themiddle plate 28 are held between the ends of theouter plates 27. Themiddle plate 28 is made of a brazing sheet having a core 281 made of aluminum and abrazing material 282 disposed on both surfaces of thecore 281. - Although not illustrated in
FIG. 12 , theinner fin 29 is made of a brazing sheet having a core and a brazing material disposed on both surfaces of the core. The core of theinner fin 29 is made of aluminum containing zinc. - In the second example embodiment, structural parts other than the
outer plates 27, themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29 are similar to those of the first example embodiment. As such, the description of like parts will not be repeated, hereafter. - In the second example embodiment, the
electronic components 4 directly contact thetubes 2 through thebare surfaces 274 of theouter plates 27. Because thebare surfaces 274 are not coated with the brazing material and the like, the outer surface of thetube 2 is smooth. Therefore, thermal contact resistance between theelectronic components 4 and theouter plates 27 reduces. As such, cooling efficiency improves. - Further, the core of each
inner fin 29 is made of aluminum containing zinc. Therefore, the core of theinner fins 29 has an electrical potential (corrosion potential) lower than that of thecore 271 of theouter plate 27. Because theinner fin 29 is more likely to be corroded than theouter plate 27, the corrosion of theouter plate 27 is reduced. - The
heat exchanger unit 10 of the second example embodiment have the structure similar to that of the first example embodiment other than theouter plates 27, themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29. In addition to the above advantageous effects, advantageous effects similar to those of the first example embodiment are also provided in the second example embodiment. - Next, a third example embodiment of the
heat exchanger unit 10 will be described with reference toFIG. 13 . As shown inFIG. 13 , theouter plate 27 is made of a brazing sheet having thecore 271 and asacrificial anode material 273 on an inner surface. - As the
sacrificial anode material 273, a metal material in which zinc is added to aluminum is used, for example. In this case, because the corrosion of thecore 271 of theouter plate 27 is restricted by selectively corroding thesacrificial anode material 273, the material of the core of theinner fin 29 is not always necessary to contain zinc. - The outer surface of the
outer plate 27, which makes contact with theelectronic components 4, is thebare surface 274, similar to the second example embodiment. Further, the core of theinner fin 29 is made of a material having a potential (corrosion potential) higher than that of thesacrificial anode material 273. For example, the core of theinner fin 29 has a potential difference with respect to thesacrificial anode material 273 in a range between 0 and +50 mV. - Other structural parts are similar to those of the
heat exchanger unit 10 of the second example embodiment. - In the
heat exchanger unit 10 of the third example embodiment, it is less likely that thetubes 2 will corrode and theheat medium 5 will leak from the tubes due to the corrosion. In other words, since the inner surface of thecore 271 of theouter plate 27 is covered with thesacrificial anode material 273, thesacrificial anode material 273 is selectively corroded. Therefore, it is less likely that thecore 271 will corrode. Because the corrosion of theouter plate 27 in its thickness direction is restricted, it is less likely that thetubes 2 will have holes due to corrosion. - The core of the
inner fin 29 has the potential higher than that of thesacrificial anode material 273 of theouter fin 27, and has the potential difference in the range between 0 and +50 mV. Because the potential of theinner fin 29 is close to the potential of thesacrificial anode material 273 of theouter fin 27, corrosion speed of thesacrificial anode material 273, which is selectively corroded, is reduced. If the potential difference is large the corrosion of thesacrificial anode material 273 enhances. - In addition to the above effects, the
heat exchanger unit 10 of the third example embodiment provides advantageous effect similar to those of the first and second example embodiments. - Next, a fourth example embodiment of the
heat exchanger unit 10 will be described with reference toFIG. 14 . As shown inFIG. 14 , abrazing material 272 is disposed on the inner surface of thecore 271 of theouter plate 27. Further, sides of the pair ofouter plates 27 are directly joined. In thecore 281 of themiddle plate 28, zinc is added. Other structural parts are similar to those of the third example embodiment. - In this case, the
tubes 2 are easily assembled. Since thebrazing material 272 is disposed on the inner surfaces of theouter plates 27, it is easy to join theouter plates 27 each other and with theinner fins 29. Further, thebrazing material 272 is also disposed on the inner surface of the projectingpipe section 22, it is not necessary to use thewire brazing material 15 as the first to third example embodiments. As such, theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 are easily and properly brazed through thebrazing material 272. - Since the
core 281 of themiddle plate 28 is made of aluminum containing zinc, thecore 281 has a potential (corrosion potential) lower than that of thecore 271 of theouter plate 27. Therefore, themiddle plate 28 is more likely to be corroded than theouter plate 27. As such, corrosion of theouter plate 27 is reduced. - In addition to the above advantageous effects, the
heat exchanger unit 10 of the fourth example embodiment provides advantageous effects similar to those of the third example embodiment. - A fifth example embodiment of the
heat exchanger unit 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the pair ofouter plates 27 that makes a first side and a second side of onetube 2 is formed from a single plate. - Namely, as shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16 , the pair ofouter plates 27 for onetube 2 is formed of asingle aluminum plate 270 in which sections corresponding to theouter plates 27 are continuous through a connectingportion 276. Theplate 270 is formed by such as pressing. Thealuminum plate 270 is folded at the connectingportion 276, so thetube 2 shown inFIG. 17 is formed. While folding theplate 270, themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29 are placed so that themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29 are sandwiched between the foldedplate 270. Structural parts other than theouter plates 27 are similar to those of the fourth example embodiment. - In the fifth example embodiment, productivity of the
outer plates 27 improves. Further, productivity of theheat exchanger 1 improves. In addition to the above advantageous effects, theheat exchanger unit 10 of the fifth example embodiment provides advantageous effects similar to those of the fourth example embodiment. - In the illustration of
FIGS. 16 and 17 , thealuminum plate 270 has thebrazing material 272 on a surface corresponding to the inner surface of thetube 20. Alternatively, theouter plates 27 of the first to third example embodiments can be formed of the method of the fifth example embodiment. - A sixth example embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 18 . Theouter plate 27 is formed of a brazing sheet shown inFIG. 18 . In the brazing sheet, thesacrificial anode material 273 is disposed on the inner surface of thecore 271. Further, thebrazing material 272 is disposed on the inner surface of thesacrificial anode material 273. As thesacrificial anode material 273, a metal material in which zinc is added to aluminum can be used. - In this case, the
sacrificial anode material 273 is selectively corroded so as to reduce the corrosion of thecore 271. Therefore, it is not always necessary that the materials of the cores of themiddle plate 28 and theinner fin 29 contain zinc. Structural parts other than theouter plate 27 are similar to those of the fourth example embodiment. - Since the
sacrificial anode material 273 will be corroded prior to thecore 271, the corrosion of thecore 271 is reduced. Therefore, corrosion of theouter plate 27 in its thickness direction is restricted. As such, it is less likely that thetubes 2 will form holes due to corrosion. - In addition to the above effects, the
heat exchanger 1 and the electroniccomponents cooling unit 10 of the sixth example embodiment provide advantageous effects similar to those of the fourth example embodiment. Further, theouter plates 27 of the sixth embodiment can be formed in a manner similar to the fifth example embodiment. -
FIG. 19 shows a comparative example of a heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger ofFIG. 19 , theouter pipe section 223 has astep 229 for limiting the amount of insertion of theinner pipe section 222 in theouter pipe section 223. In this case, the insertion length or depth of theinner pipe section 222 in theouter pipe section 223 is limited when the end of theinner pipe section 222 contacts thestep 229. - A portion of the
outer pipe section 223 that is adjacent to the body section of theouter pipe section 223, i.e. a portion lower than thestep 229 inFIG. 19 has an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of theinner pipe section 222. A portion of theouter pipe section 223 that is adjacent to the end of theouter pipe section 223, i.e., a portion above thestep 229 inFIG. 19 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of theinner pipe section 222. - When the
tubes 2 are stacked, theinner pipe sections 222 are inserted in theouter pipe sections 223 so that the ends of theinner pipe sections 222 contact thesteps 229 of theouter pipe sections 223. The heat exchanger shown inFIG. 19 has a structure similar to that of theheat exchanger 1 shown inFIG. 1 , other than the structure of theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223. - In the heat exchanger shown in
FIG. 19 , however, thediaphragm portions 23 are likely to be deformed when thetubes 2 are coupled through the engagement of theinner pipe sections 222 and theouter pipe sections 223. Namely, the ends of theinner pipe sections 222 contact thesteps 229 during the stacking. Therefore, if the dimensions (e.g., length) of the projectingpipe sections 22 and the pressure applied during the stacking are uneven, the projectingpipe sections 22 receive loads in the stacking direction. As a result, thediaphragm portions 23 formed on the peripheries of the bases of the projectingpipe sections 22 are likely to be deformed. - In other words, the
diaphragm portions 23 are likely to be deformed before theelectronic components 4 are arranged in the heat exchanger. In this case, the spaces between thetubes 2 have been narrowed due to the deformation of thediaphragm portions 23 before the arrangement of theelectronic components 4. Therefore, it is difficult to arrange theelectronic components 4 between thetubes 2. Also, the heat exchanger is compressed in the stacking direction after the arrangement of theelectronic components 4 so that thetubes 2 closely contact theelectronic components 4. However, if thediaphragm portions 23 are already deformed before the compression of the heat exchanger, it is likely to be difficult to properly bring thetubes 2 in close contact with theelectronic components 4. - On the contrary, in the
heat exchanger 1 of the first example embodiment, the outer diameter D1 of the overlappingwall portion 224 a and theadjacent wall portion 225 a of theinner pipe section 222 is smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the overlappingwall portion 224 b and theadjacent wall portion 225 b of theouter pipe section 223. Namely, theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 have theadjacent wall portions wall portions - The outer diameter of the
adjacent wall portion 225 a of theinner pipe section 222 is smaller than the inner diameter of the overlappingwall portion 224 b and theadjacent wall portion 225 b of theouter pipe section 223. Also, the inner diameter of theadjacent wall portion 225 b of theouter pipe section 223 is larger than the outer diameter of the overlappingwall portion 224 a of theinner pipe section 222. Therefore, theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 do not push each other when engaging each other in the axial direction during the stacking. Therefore, it is less likely that theinner pipe section 222 and theouter pipe section 223 will receive loads in the axial direction, that is, in the insertion direction. - Namely, even if the dimensions (e.g., length) of the
inner pipe sections 222 and theouter pipe sections 223 are slightly different, it is less likely that theinner pipe sections 222 and theouter pipe sections 223 will receive loads in the axial direction. Therefore, it is less likely that the projectingpipe sections 22 and the peripheral portions of the projectingpipe sections 22 will receive stress and deform. Also in the second to sixth example embodiments, similar advantageous effects can be provided. - In the first to sixth example embodiments, a limiting portion such as the
step 229 shown inFIG. 19 can be additionally employed. In such a case, however, it is preferable that the limiting portion is formed at a position (depth) such that it does not contact the end of theinner pipe section 222 at least in a proper manufacturing step in which thespacing jig 6 is used between thetubes 2. Namely, in this case, the limiting portion can be employed to provide supplemental effects such as reinforcement of theouter pipe section 223, stopper for restricting excess insertion of theinner pipe section 222, and positioning means at a position where thespacing jig 6 is not used. - In the above first to sixth embodiments, the
electronic components 4 are placed between thetubes 2 so that heat exchange is performed between theheat medium 5 flowing in thetubes 2 and theelectronic components 4. However, the heat exchanging object is not limited to theelectronic components 4. For example, the object can be air passing between theadjacent tubes 2. As such, heat exchange is performed between theheat medium 5 flowing in thetubes 2 and the air passing between theadjacent tubes 2. Alternatively, tubes of another device can be arranged between thetubes 2 so that heat exchange is performed between theheat medium 5 flowing in thetubes 2 and a fluid flowing in the tubes of the another device. Further, devices other than theelectronic components 4 can be arranged as the heat exchanging object. - Also, the
heat medium 5 is not limited to water containing ethylene glycol antifreeze liquid. For example, hot fluid or any other fluid can be used as theheat medium 5. For example, natural refrigerant such as water or ammonia, carbon fluoride refrigerant such as Fluorinate (3M), fleon refrigerant such as HCFC123 or HFC134a, alcohol refrigerant such as alcohol or methanol, ketone refrigerant such as acetone can be used as theheat medium 5. - The
electronic components 4 arranged between thetubes 2 are not limited to the semiconductor module used for the automobile inverter. Theelectronic components 4 can be a semiconductor module used for another device such as motor-driven inverters of industrial devices and inverters of air conditioner systems for buildings. Further, theelectronic components 4 are not limited to the above semiconductor modules. For example, theelectronic components 4 can include power transistors, power-FET, IGBT, and the like. - In the above example embodiments, the outer diameter of the
inner pipe section 222 is larger than the inner diameter of theouter pipe section 223 at the expandingwall portion 227 a. Instead, the outer diameter of theinner pipe section 222 can be smaller than the inner diameter of theouter pipe section 223 thoroughly from its base portion to its end. - Also, the
adjacent wall portions wall portions inner pipe section 222 is inserted in theouter pipe section 223. That is, theadjacent wall portions wall portions heat medium 5 in thefirst header part 11 and thesecond header part 12. - In the above example embodiments, the
diaphragm portions 23 are deformed into the inside of thetubes 2 so that the spaces between theadjacent tubes 2 are narrowed so as to hold theelectronic components 4. Theelectronic components 4 can be held in another way. For example, the spaces between theadjacent tubes 2 can be widened by deforming thediaphragm portions 23 toward the outside of thetubes 2 once, before theelectronic components 4 are placed between thetubes 2. Then, after theelectronic components 4 are placed in the spaces between thetubes 2, the spaces are narrowed, thereby holding theelectronic components 4. - In the above example embodiments, the surfaces of the
middle plate 28 are coated with the brazing material. Thus, the ends of theouter plates 27 can be easily brazed to the ends of themiddle plate 28. - Further, as the brazing materials disposed on the
outer plates 27, themiddle plate 28 and theinner fins 29, a metallic material having a fusing point lower than that of the material of the core of therespective plates 27 to 29 can be used. For example, when the core is made of aluminum, the brazing material is made of aluminum having a fusing point lower than that of the aluminum of the core. - In the above example embodiments, the
tubes 2 are brazed in the condition that the spacing jigs 6 are arranged between thetubes 2. Therefore, theadjacent tubes 2 can be easily and properly held with desired spaces. As such, theelectronic components 4 can be easily arranged between thetubes 2. - In the above embodiments, the sectional shape of the first and
second header parts - Further, the
heat exchanger unit 10 can be implemented by variable combinations of the above example embodiments. - The example embodiments of the present invention are described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example embodiments, but may be implemented in other ways without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims (26)
1. A heat exchanger unit comprising a plurality of tubes, each tube having a flat body section and at least one of an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section extending from the body section in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the body section and defining an opening at an end, the body section defining a passage through which a heat medium flows, wherein
each of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section includes a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion,
the tubes are stacked such that the body sections are spaced from each other for performing heat exchange between the heat medium and an object existing between the adjacent body sections and the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section are coupled to each other and joined through side walls thereof, thereby to construct a header part that allows communication between adjacent body sections, wherein
the inner pipe section is disposed in the outer pipe section such that the first portion of the inner pipe section overlaps the first portion of the outer pipe section, and the second portions of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section are located on opposite sides of the overlapped first portions in an axial direction of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section, and
the first portion and the second portion of the inner pipe section have an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first portion and the second portion of the outer pipe section.
2. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1 , wherein
the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section are brazed to each other,
the outer pipe section has a flange at an end, and an end of the flange has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the first portion of the outer pipe section.
3. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1 , wherein
the inner pipe section further includes a third portion that extends between the body section and the second portion and defines a base portion of the inner pipe section, and
the third portion has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first portion of the inner pipe section.
4. A heat exchanger unit comprising a plurality of tubes, each tube having a flat body section and at least one of an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section extending from the body section in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the body section and defining an opening at an end, the body section defining a passage through which a heat medium flows, wherein
the tubes are stacked such that the body sections are spaced from each other for performing heat exchange between the heat medium and an object existing between the adjacent body sections, and the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section are coupled such that an outer side wall of the inner pipe section is brazed to an inner side wall of the outer pipe section, thereby to construct a header part that allows communication between adjacent body sections,
the outer pipe section has a flange at an end, and
the flange has a diameter larger than an inner diameter of a remaining portion of the outer pipe section.
5. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1 , wherein the object is an electronic component.
6. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1 , wherein
the body section of each tube has a diaphragm portion on a periphery of each of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section, and
the diaphragm portion is deformed in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the header part.
7. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 6 , wherein
each of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section includes a third portion adjacent to the body section, and
the third portion of the inner pipe section has an inner diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of the third portion of the outer pipe section.
8. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1 , wherein
each of the tubes that are located at other than ends of a stack of tubes has a pair of outer plates, a middle plate and corrugated inner fins,
the middle plate is disposed between the outer plates,
the inner fins are disposed between the outer plates and the middle plate, and
the passages are defined by spaces between the outer plates and the middle plate.
9. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 8 , wherein each of the outer plates includes a core made of a metallic material, and an outer surface of the tube is defined by a bare surface of the core.
10. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 8 , wherein each of the outer plates is formed of a brazing sheet that has a core and a sacrificial anode material disposed on a surface of the core, and an inner surface of the tube is defined by the sacrificial anode material.
11. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 8 , wherein the pair of outer plates is directly brazed at ends thereof.
12. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 11 , wherein each of the outer plates has a brazing material on a surface that defines an inner surface of the tube.
13. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 11 , wherein
each of the outer plates is formed of a brazing sheet having a core, a sacrificial anode material disposed on a surface of the core, and a brazing material disposed on the sacrificial anode material, and
an inner surface of the tube is defined by the brazing material.
14. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 8 , wherein the pair of outer plates is formed of a single plate member.
15. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 8 , wherein each of the outer plates has a core, and each of the inner fins is made of a material having an electric potential lower than that of the core of the outer plate.
16. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 10 , wherein each of the inner fins has a core made of a material having an electric potential higher than that of the sacrificial anode material of the outer plate.
17. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 16 , wherein the core of the inner fin has a potential difference with respect to the sacrificial anode material in a range between 0 and +50 mV.
18. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 8 , wherein each of the outer plates has a core, and the middle plate is made of a material having an electric potential lower than that of the core of the outer plate.
19. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1 , further comprising:
an electronic component arranged between the tubes such that the electronic component is cooled by the heat medium flowing in the tubes.
20. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1 , wherein the outer pipe section has no portion that contacts the end of the inner pipe section in the axial direction of the outer pipe section.
21. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger unit, the method comprising:
forming tubes, wherein each tube has a body section having a flat tubular shape and at least one of an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section that extend from the body section in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the body section, each of the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section has a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, the first portion and the second portion of the inner pipe section have an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first portion and the second portion of the outer pipe section; and
stacking the tubes such that the inner pipe section is inserted in the outer pipe section of the adjacent tube, wherein the first portion of the inner pipe section overlaps the first portion of the outer pipe section, and the second portions of the inner and outer pipe sections are disposed on opposite sides of the overlapped first portions in an axial direction of the inner and outer pipe sections.
22. The method according to claim 21 , further comprising:
joining an outer side wall of the inner pipe section and an inner side wall of the outer pipe section in a condition that a spacing jig is placed between the adjacent tubes.
23. The method according to claim 21 , wherein the inner side wall of the outer pipe section has no portion that contacts an end of the inner pipe section when the inner pipe section is inserted in the outer pipe section.
24. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger unit, the method comprising:
forming tubes, wherein each tube has a body section having a flat tubular shape and at least one of an inner pipe section and an outer pipe section that extend from the body section in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the body section and define an opening at an end, and the outer pipe section has a flange at an end;
stacking the tubes such that the inner pipe section is inserted in the outer pipe section of the adjacent tube in a condition that a brazing material is placed between the flange of the outer pipe section and the inner pipe section; and
brazing an outer side wall of the inner pipe section and an inner side wall of the outer pipe section.
25. The method according to claim 24 , wherein
the brazing material is a ring-shaped wire brazing material, and
the flange has an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the wire brazing material.
26. The method according to claim 24 , wherein the inner pipe section and the outer pipe section are brazed in a condition that a spacing jig is placed between the adjacent tubes.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2005-238869 | 2005-08-19 | ||
JP2005238869A JP4552805B2 (en) | 2005-08-19 | 2005-08-19 | Laminated heat exchanger and manufacturing method thereof |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070039717A1 true US20070039717A1 (en) | 2007-02-22 |
Family
ID=37763273
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/502,497 Abandoned US20070039717A1 (en) | 2005-08-19 | 2006-08-10 | Heat exchanger unit and method of manufacturing the same |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070039717A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4552805B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102006038463A1 (en) |
Cited By (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060243422A1 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2006-11-02 | Denso Corporation | Liquid-cooled semiconductor unit for cooling high-power semiconductor elements that are enclosed in modules |
US20090107655A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-04-30 | Katsuyuki Kajiura | Semiconductor cooling apparatus |
US20100181057A1 (en) * | 2008-10-03 | 2010-07-22 | Danfoss Drives A/S | Flow distributor assembly and a cooling unit with a flow distributor assembly |
US20120205086A1 (en) * | 2011-02-14 | 2012-08-16 | Denso Corporation | Heat exchanger |
US20130045411A1 (en) * | 2010-05-05 | 2013-02-21 | Mahle International Gmbh | Cooling device |
US20140038119A1 (en) * | 2012-08-01 | 2014-02-06 | Dana M. Goski | Reinforced refractory containers |
US20140140118A1 (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2014-05-22 | Denso Corporation | Connection structure and inverter |
US20160219758A1 (en) * | 2014-12-23 | 2016-07-28 | Denso Corporation | Electric power convertor |
EP2660531A4 (en) * | 2010-12-28 | 2017-08-23 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Automotive Thermal Systems Co., Ltd. | Method for manufacturing hot-water heater, and hot-water heater manufactured thereby |
JP2018074060A (en) * | 2016-11-01 | 2018-05-10 | 株式会社デンソー | Multilayer heat exchanger, and manufacturing method of multilayer heat exchanger |
WO2018127639A1 (en) * | 2017-01-06 | 2018-07-12 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Heat-exchanger plate intended for thermal regulation of a unit for storing electrical energy, associated battery module and exchanger |
US20180252479A1 (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-06 | Dana Canada Corporation | Heat Exchanger For Cooling Multiple Layers Of Electronic Modules |
CN108541182A (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-14 | 达纳加拿大公司 | Multiple layers of the heat exchanger for cooling down electronic module |
CN109844942A (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2019-06-04 | 株式会社电装 | Laminated type heat exchanger |
US10462931B2 (en) | 2014-10-28 | 2019-10-29 | Denso Corporation | Heat exchanger |
CN110731010A (en) * | 2017-06-09 | 2020-01-24 | 株式会社电装 | Laminated heat exchanger and method for manufacturing the same |
WO2021185992A1 (en) * | 2020-03-20 | 2021-09-23 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Device for thermal regulation of at least one electronic component |
US20220046831A1 (en) * | 2019-04-26 | 2022-02-10 | Denso Corporation | Power conversion device |
EP4138176A1 (en) * | 2021-08-17 | 2023-02-22 | Borgwarner Emissions Systems Spain, S.L.U. | Heat exchange device for batteries |
US20230272977A1 (en) * | 2020-08-25 | 2023-08-31 | Sanden Corporation | Heat exchanger |
EP4160130A4 (en) * | 2020-06-02 | 2023-11-15 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Heat exchanger |
US20230417497A1 (en) * | 2019-10-07 | 2023-12-28 | Epff Electrical Pipe For Fluid Transport Ab | Prevention of microbiological growth in heat exchangers |
EP4358234A1 (en) * | 2022-10-17 | 2024-04-24 | Borgwarner Inc. | Cooling module for batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle |
WO2024088857A1 (en) * | 2022-10-28 | 2024-05-02 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Heat exchanger having corrosion protection |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN103999213A (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2014-08-20 | 丰田自动车株式会社 | Semiconductor module |
JP5960540B2 (en) * | 2012-08-01 | 2016-08-02 | 株式会社日本自動車部品総合研究所 | Semiconductor stack unit |
FR2999696B1 (en) * | 2012-12-18 | 2018-09-14 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | FLAT TUBE FOR EXHAUST AIR HEAT EXCHANGER AND HEAT EXCHANGER OF CORRESPONDING SUPERVISION AIR HEAT. |
JP5949616B2 (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2016-07-13 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Stacked cooler |
DE102014005149B4 (en) * | 2014-04-08 | 2016-01-21 | Modine Manufacturing Company | Brazed heat exchanger |
KR102612584B1 (en) * | 2016-09-01 | 2023-12-12 | 현대모비스 주식회사 | apparatus with direct cooling pathway for cooling both sides of stack type power semiconductor |
JP2018040513A (en) * | 2016-09-06 | 2018-03-15 | 株式会社デンソー | Tube for heat exchanger, and heat exchanger |
WO2018225477A1 (en) * | 2017-06-09 | 2018-12-13 | 株式会社デンソー | Stacked heat exchanger and method for producing same |
KR102298138B1 (en) * | 2017-07-28 | 2021-09-06 | 현대모비스 주식회사 | Cooling apparatus for power semiconductor |
KR102001205B1 (en) * | 2018-01-15 | 2019-07-18 | 주식회사 고산 | Heat exchanger for power semiconductor cooling of eco-friendly vehicle |
WO2021106347A1 (en) * | 2019-11-27 | 2021-06-03 | 株式会社デンソー | Heat-exchanger tube |
DE102019133871B4 (en) * | 2019-12-11 | 2024-03-14 | Semikron Elektronik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Capacitor arrangement with a capacitor and with a liquid cooling device |
JP7443630B1 (en) | 2023-03-15 | 2024-03-05 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Heat exchanger and air conditioner equipped with it |
JP7455290B1 (en) | 2023-06-01 | 2024-03-25 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Heat exchangers and air conditioners |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8061A (en) * | 1851-04-22 | Smtjt-machine | ||
US6070428A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 2000-06-06 | Showa Aluminum Corporation | Stack type evaporator |
US20020038701A1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2002-04-04 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Heat exchanger |
US6542365B2 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2003-04-01 | Denso Corporation | Coolant cooled type semiconductor device |
US20050121173A1 (en) * | 2003-12-03 | 2005-06-09 | Mitsuharu Inagaki | Stacked type cooler |
US20050133210A1 (en) * | 2003-12-18 | 2005-06-23 | Mitsuharu Inagaki | Easily assembled cooler |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH01303799A (en) * | 1988-06-01 | 1989-12-07 | Hitachi Ltd | Refrigerant flow passage structure |
JP4089595B2 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2008-05-28 | 株式会社デンソー | Refrigerant cooling type double-sided cooling semiconductor device |
JP4265509B2 (en) * | 2003-12-03 | 2009-05-20 | 株式会社デンソー | Stacked cooler |
JP4107267B2 (en) * | 2004-06-15 | 2008-06-25 | 株式会社デンソー | Stacked cooler |
JP2006000514A (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2006-01-05 | Sankyo Kk | Game machine |
-
2005
- 2005-08-19 JP JP2005238869A patent/JP4552805B2/en active Active
-
2006
- 2006-08-10 US US11/502,497 patent/US20070039717A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-08-17 DE DE102006038463A patent/DE102006038463A1/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8061A (en) * | 1851-04-22 | Smtjt-machine | ||
US6070428A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 2000-06-06 | Showa Aluminum Corporation | Stack type evaporator |
US6542365B2 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2003-04-01 | Denso Corporation | Coolant cooled type semiconductor device |
US6845012B2 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2005-01-18 | Denso Corporation | Coolant cooled type semiconductor device |
US20050040515A1 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2005-02-24 | Denso Corporation | Coolant cooled type semiconductor device |
US7027302B2 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2006-04-11 | Denso Corporation | Coolant cooled type semiconductor device |
US20020038701A1 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2002-04-04 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Heat exchanger |
US20050121173A1 (en) * | 2003-12-03 | 2005-06-09 | Mitsuharu Inagaki | Stacked type cooler |
US20050133210A1 (en) * | 2003-12-18 | 2005-06-23 | Mitsuharu Inagaki | Easily assembled cooler |
Cited By (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060243422A1 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2006-11-02 | Denso Corporation | Liquid-cooled semiconductor unit for cooling high-power semiconductor elements that are enclosed in modules |
US20090107655A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-04-30 | Katsuyuki Kajiura | Semiconductor cooling apparatus |
US8120914B2 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2012-02-21 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki | Semiconductor cooling apparatus |
US8794301B2 (en) * | 2008-10-03 | 2014-08-05 | Danfoss Drivers A/S | Flow distributor assembly and a cooling unit with a flow distributor assembly |
US20100181057A1 (en) * | 2008-10-03 | 2010-07-22 | Danfoss Drives A/S | Flow distributor assembly and a cooling unit with a flow distributor assembly |
US20130045411A1 (en) * | 2010-05-05 | 2013-02-21 | Mahle International Gmbh | Cooling device |
EP2660531A4 (en) * | 2010-12-28 | 2017-08-23 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Automotive Thermal Systems Co., Ltd. | Method for manufacturing hot-water heater, and hot-water heater manufactured thereby |
US9472489B2 (en) * | 2011-02-14 | 2016-10-18 | Denso Corporation | Heat exchanger |
US20120205086A1 (en) * | 2011-02-14 | 2012-08-16 | Denso Corporation | Heat exchanger |
US20140038119A1 (en) * | 2012-08-01 | 2014-02-06 | Dana M. Goski | Reinforced refractory containers |
US10378823B2 (en) * | 2012-08-01 | 2019-08-13 | Allied Mineral Products, Inc. | Reinforced refractory containers |
US9565792B2 (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2017-02-07 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Connection structure and inverter |
US20140140118A1 (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2014-05-22 | Denso Corporation | Connection structure and inverter |
US10462931B2 (en) | 2014-10-28 | 2019-10-29 | Denso Corporation | Heat exchanger |
US20160219758A1 (en) * | 2014-12-23 | 2016-07-28 | Denso Corporation | Electric power convertor |
US9961807B2 (en) * | 2014-12-23 | 2018-05-01 | Denso Corporation | Electric power convertor |
JP2018074060A (en) * | 2016-11-01 | 2018-05-10 | 株式会社デンソー | Multilayer heat exchanger, and manufacturing method of multilayer heat exchanger |
US10962309B2 (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2021-03-30 | Denso Corporation | Stacked heat exchanger |
CN109844942A (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2019-06-04 | 株式会社电装 | Laminated type heat exchanger |
US20190264984A1 (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2019-08-29 | Denso Corporation | Stacked heat exchanger |
FR3061765A1 (en) * | 2017-01-06 | 2018-07-13 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | PLATE FOR HEAT EXCHANGER FOR THERMAL REGULATION OF AN ELECTRIC ENERGY STORAGE UNIT, EXCHANGER AND BATTERY MODULE THEREFOR |
WO2018127639A1 (en) * | 2017-01-06 | 2018-07-12 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Heat-exchanger plate intended for thermal regulation of a unit for storing electrical energy, associated battery module and exchanger |
CN108541182A (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-14 | 达纳加拿大公司 | Multiple layers of the heat exchanger for cooling down electronic module |
US10928141B2 (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2021-02-23 | Dana Canada Corporation | Heat exchanger for cooling multiple layers of electronic modules |
US20180252479A1 (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2018-09-06 | Dana Canada Corporation | Heat Exchanger For Cooling Multiple Layers Of Electronic Modules |
CN110731010A (en) * | 2017-06-09 | 2020-01-24 | 株式会社电装 | Laminated heat exchanger and method for manufacturing the same |
US20220046831A1 (en) * | 2019-04-26 | 2022-02-10 | Denso Corporation | Power conversion device |
US12178023B2 (en) * | 2019-04-26 | 2024-12-24 | Denso Corporation | Power conversion device |
US20230417497A1 (en) * | 2019-10-07 | 2023-12-28 | Epff Electrical Pipe For Fluid Transport Ab | Prevention of microbiological growth in heat exchangers |
US12203712B2 (en) * | 2019-10-07 | 2025-01-21 | Alfa Laval Corporate Ab | Prevention of microbiological growth in heat exchangers |
WO2021185992A1 (en) * | 2020-03-20 | 2021-09-23 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Device for thermal regulation of at least one electronic component |
FR3108396A1 (en) * | 2020-03-20 | 2021-09-24 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Thermal regulation device for at least one electronic component |
EP4160130A4 (en) * | 2020-06-02 | 2023-11-15 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Heat exchanger |
US20230272977A1 (en) * | 2020-08-25 | 2023-08-31 | Sanden Corporation | Heat exchanger |
EP4138176A1 (en) * | 2021-08-17 | 2023-02-22 | Borgwarner Emissions Systems Spain, S.L.U. | Heat exchange device for batteries |
EP4358234A1 (en) * | 2022-10-17 | 2024-04-24 | Borgwarner Inc. | Cooling module for batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle |
EP4358233A1 (en) * | 2022-10-17 | 2024-04-24 | Borgwarner Inc. | Cooling module for batteries of an electric or hybrid vehicle |
WO2024088857A1 (en) * | 2022-10-28 | 2024-05-02 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Heat exchanger having corrosion protection |
FR3141514A1 (en) * | 2022-10-28 | 2024-05-03 | Valeo Systemes Thermiques | Heat exchanger with protection against corrosion |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE102006038463A1 (en) | 2007-03-15 |
JP4552805B2 (en) | 2010-09-29 |
JP2007053307A (en) | 2007-03-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20070039717A1 (en) | Heat exchanger unit and method of manufacturing the same | |
US8151868B2 (en) | Easily assembled cooler | |
US5898995A (en) | Method of manufacture of a primary heat exchanger jacketed by a secondary heat exchanger | |
CN203190861U (en) | Multi-hole folding micro-channel flat pipe for heat dissipation | |
US20050011637A1 (en) | Heat exchanger and tube for heat exchanger | |
US6883600B2 (en) | Heat exchanger with dual heat-exchanging portions | |
US20080121386A1 (en) | Method of manufacturing header tank for heat exchanger and heat exchanger having the header tank | |
JP3567133B2 (en) | How to assemble a heat exchanger | |
US20070062677A1 (en) | Heat exchanger | |
JP4107267B2 (en) | Stacked cooler | |
WO2017064940A1 (en) | Heat exchanger | |
US20130220585A1 (en) | Tube for heat exchanger | |
CN104019544A (en) | Water heater and method for forming water heater | |
US10147667B2 (en) | Cooler module, and method for manufacturing cooler module | |
JP2007212084A (en) | Heat exchanger | |
US20080245513A1 (en) | Tube for heat exchanger and method of manufacturing tube | |
CN109844942B (en) | Laminated heat exchanger | |
JP2012097920A (en) | Heat exchanger | |
JP2001215095A (en) | Heat exchanger | |
JP2009248169A (en) | Manufacturing method of cold plate | |
JP6674262B2 (en) | Heat exchanger and method of manufacturing the same | |
JP2018124034A (en) | Tube for heat exchanger | |
WO2010116730A1 (en) | Heat exchanger and method for producing the same | |
JP2005203732A (en) | Cooler | |
US8448698B2 (en) | Tube for heat exchanger |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DENSO CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:INAGAKI, MITSUHARU;ABEI, JUN;GOCHO, KENTA;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:018178/0906;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060721 TO 20060726 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |