Heat exchanger passage switching device

A heat exchanger passage switching device according to an embodiment includes: a communication tube having an internal passage communicating with a heat exchange passage for performing heat exchange inside a heat exchanger, and one or more communication holes communicating with the internal passage; and at least one chamber having an insertion hole into which the communication tube is inserted to slidably support the communication tube inserted in the insertion hole. The communication tube is capable of switching a communication state between the one or more communication holes and the at least one chamber by a relative position of the communication tube to the at least one chamber in an axial direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger passage switching device.

BACKGROUND

Heat exchangers are used in various devices, plants, etc., for the purpose of heating or cooling fluids. There are various types of heat exchangers; for example, a heat exchanger in which a heat exchanger core composed of a laminate of plates is housed inside a cylindrical casing is known (Patent Document 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Problems to be Solved

However, when a heat exchanger core is formed by stacking plates as in Patent Document 1, the shape of the heat exchanger core is inevitably restricted. In response to this, in recent years, a heat exchanger core of a heat exchanger has been manufactured by additive manufacturing using a 3D printer, with markedly improved performance. By producing the heat exchanger core by additive manufacturing, it is possible to significantly reduce the constraints on the shape of the heat exchanger core.

However, for example, due to constraints on the size of the additive manufacturing device, many of the products obtained by additive manufacturing are relatively small products. Therefore, in order to exchange heat of a relatively large amount of fluid using the heat exchanger core produced by additive manufacturing, it is conceivable to connect multiple heat exchanger cores to secure a heat exchangeable flow rate.

In order to connect multiple heat exchanges cores, it is generally conceivable to connect heat exchanger cores by piping or the like.

However, when changing the number of heat exchanger cores to be connected or when switching the flow of fluid through the heat exchanger cores between parallel and counter flow, it is often necessary to temporarily stop the use of the heat exchanger to change the connection passage by piping.

In view of the above, an object of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger passage switching device that can easily change the distribution passage of fluid flowing through the heat exchanger.

Solution to the Problems

(1) A heat exchanger passage switching device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a communication tube having an internal passage communicating with a heat exchange passage for performing heat exchange inside a heat exchanger, and one or more communication holes communicating with the internal passage; and at least one chamber having an insertion hole into which the communication tube is inserted to slidably support the communication tube inserted in the insertion hole. The communication tube is capable of switching a communication state between the one or more communication holes and the at least one chamber by a relative position of the communication tube to the at least one chamber in an axial direction.

Advantageous Effects

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to easily change the distribution passage of fluid flowing through the heat exchanger by the heat exchanger passage switching device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is intended, however, that unless particularly identified, dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, and the like of components described in the embodiments shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

(Heat Exchanger Subject to Passage Switching)

First, an overview of a heat exchanger subject to passage switching by a heat exchanger passage switching device according to some embodiments will be described.

FIG.1is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger core1of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment. The heat exchanger core1shown inFIG.1is a heat exchanger core1used in a heat exchanger10for exchanging heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, and includes a body part2and a covering part3attached to the body part2. The first fluid and the second fluid may each be a liquid or a gas, but the temperatures of both are usually different. Although not limited, the body part2can have a rectangular cuboid shape. In the case where the body part2has a rectangular cuboid shape, a rectangular lid member3a, which is the covering part3, is attached to one end2aof the body part2in the longitudinal direction. The covering part3may be detachably attached to the body part2by fastening with bolts or the like, or may be irreversibly attached by welding or with adhesive or the like.

The heat exchanger core1shown inFIG.1may be used, for example, while being attached to a housing (not shown) of the heat exchanger10. Alternatively, the heat exchanger core1shown inFIG.1may be used while being installed on a mount or supported by a tube (not shown) connected to the heat exchanger core1, without being attached to the housing. In this case, the heat exchanger core1shown inFIG.1itself serves as the heat exchanger10.

FIG.2is an end view of a section cut along the dotted line L1ofFIG.1.

As shown inFIG.2, the body part2according to an embodiment has first passages21through which the first fluid mainly flows and second passages22through which the second fluid mainly flows as heat exchange passages for heat exchange inside the heat exchanger10(heat exchanger core1). The first passages21and the second passages22are each formed so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the body part2(the direction perpendicular to the paper inFIG.2). The first passages21and the second passages22are alternately arranged in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body part2. The first passage21and the second passage22that are adjacent to each other are separated by a partition wall23. The numbers of first passages21and second passages22, that is, the number of partition walls23is not limited to the number shown inFIG.2, and can be designed to any number.

Each first passage21and each second passage22may be divided into a plurality of divided passages21aand a plurality of divided passages22aby a plurality of dividing walls24,25, respectively. In this case, the numbers of divided passages21aand22a, that is, the number of dividing walls25is not limited to the number shown inFIG.2, and can be designed to any number.

As shown inFIG.1, the heat exchanger core1according to an embodiment includes a first fluid first header passage4, a first fluid second header passage5, a second fluid first header passage6, and a second fluid second header passage7.

The first fluid first header passage4communicates with an end portion of each first passage21on the upper side inFIG.1. The first fluid second header passage5communicates with an end portion of each first passage21on the lower side inFIG.1.

The second fluid first header passage6communicates with an end portion of each second passage22on the upper side inFIG.1. The second fluid second header passage7communicates with an end portion of each second passage22on the lower side inFIG.1.

In the example shown inFIG.1, the headers8,9are provided on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the body part2. For convenient of explanation, the header8on the upper side inFIG.1is referred to as a first header8, and the header9on the lower side inFIG.1is referred to as a second header9.

In the heat exchanger core1according to an embodiment shown inFIG.1, a fluid supplied to one of the first fluid first header passage4or the first fluid second header passage5flows through each first passage21and then is discharged from the other of the first fluid first header passage4or the first fluid second header passage5.

Similarly, in the heat exchanger core1according to an embodiment shown inFIG.1, a fluid supplied to one of the second fluid first header passage6or the second fluid second header passage7flows through each second passage22and then is discharged from the other of the second fluid first header passage6or the second fluid second header passage7.

In the heat exchanger core1according to an embodiment shown inFIG.1, the fluid flowing through the first passage21and the fluid flowing through the second passage22exchange heat via the partition wall23.

The body part2of the heat exchanger core1according to an embodiment shown inFIG.1is difficult to manufacture by laminating plates or casting due to the complexity of the structure. Therefore, it is preferable that the body part2is produced by additive manufacturing using metal powder as a raw material. In this case, the body part2is an additive manufactured body of metal powder. The metal powder used for additive manufacturing the body part2is not particularly limited, but powder of stainless steel or titanium may be used. On the other hand, since the structure of the lid member3ais not as complicated as the body part2, the lid member3amay be produced by casting or the like, or may be produced by additive manufacturing with metal powder in the same way as the body part2.

In the following, as an example of a heat exchanger subject to passage switching by a heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, the heat exchanger core1(heat exchanger10) according to the above-described embodiment will be described. However, the heat exchanger subject to passage switching by the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments is not limited to the heat exchanger core1(heat exchanger10) according to the above-described embodiment, but may be a plate heat exchanger, for example.

(Overall Configuration of Heat Exchanger Passage Switching Device)

FIG.3is a perspective view of a schematic appearance of the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view IV ofFIG.3and schematically shows the internal structure of the heat exchanger passage switching device50.

FIG.5is a cross-sectional view V ofFIG.3and schematically shows the internal structure of the heat exchanger passage switching device50.

FIGS.6A,6B, and6Care each a partial enlarged view ofFIG.4.

FIG.6Dis a schematic perspective view for describing the structure of a communication tube.

The heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments includes at least one chamber101and at least one communication tube201. In the embodiment shown inFIGS.3to5, the heat exchanger passage switching device50includes four chambers101and four communication tubes201.

The heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments may be arranged at a distance along the axial direction AX of the communication tube201by a protrusion length of a fixed tube300, which will be described later, from the heat exchanger10which is the target of passage switching.

In the following description, the axial direction AX of the communication tube201, which is the extension direction of the communication tube201, may simply be referred to as the axial direction AX. Further, in the following description, one side along the axial direction AX, the side opposite to the heat exchanger10across the chamber, is defined as the front side, and the other side along the axial direction AX is defined as the back side.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, as shown inFIG.3, the dimension D of the heat exchanger passage switching device50in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W, F in the directions perpendicular to the axial direction AX. In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.4and5, multiple chambers101are stacked along the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber101in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimension D of the heat exchanger passage switching device50in the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber101in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W, F in the directions perpendicular to the axial direction AX.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, the communication tube201has an internal passage202extending along the axial direction AX of the communication tube201and one or more communication holes203communicating with the internal passage202(seeFIG.6D). The communication hole203penetrates between the inner peripheral surface of the communication tube201, i.e., the inner wall surface constituting the internal passage202and the outer peripheral surface of the communication tube201along the radial direction of the communication tube201. A plurality of communication holes203may be provided along the circumferential direction of the communication tube201.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, the internal passage202extends to the back end surface of the communication tube201and forms an opening204at this end surface. In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, the internal passage202communicates with the interior of a fixed tube300, which will be described later, at the opening204.

The communication tube201has a front shaft portion205that can protrude frontward from a front surface of a housing103that forms the frontmost chamber101.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, the worker can change the relative position of the communication tube201with respect to the chamber in the axial direction AX by moving the front shaft portion205along the axial direction AX.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, each chamber101has an insertion hole102into which the communication tube201is inserted to slidably support the communication tube201inserted in the insertion hole102.

More specifically, each chamber101has at least one fixed tube300which is fixed to each chamber101and inside which the insertion hole102is formed. The at least one fixed tube300has a through hole305formed for each chamber101and penetrating a tube wall301of the fixed tube300to allow communication between the insertion hole102and each chamber101. When moved to a relative position where any of the through holes305overlaps the one or more communication holes203, the communication tube201allows communication between the internal passage202and the chamber101corresponding to the through hole305that overlaps the communication hole203, and blocks communication between the internal passage202and the chamber101corresponding to the through hole305that does not overlap the communication hole203.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, only one chamber101can communicate with the internal passage202, and the chamber101communicating with the internal passage202can be switched by changing the relative position.

Thus, in the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, the communication tube201is capable of switching the communication state between the communication hole203and the chamber101by the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX.

For example, in the state shown inFIGS.4and6A, the chamber101that communicates with the internal passage202is only the frontmost chamber101. For example, in the state shown inFIG.6B, the chamber101that communicates with the internal passage202is only the second chamber101counting from the front side.

As shown inFIG.6C, when the relative position is changed so that the communication hole203overlaps none of the through holes305, the internal passage202is blocked from communicating with all the chambers101.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, the fixed tube300protrudes backward from a back surface of a housing103that forms the backmost chamber101. The backward protruding end of the fixed tube300is connected to, for example, a surface13of the heat exchanger core1facing the front side, or a header pipe (not shown) protruding from the outer surface. In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, the fixed tube300communicates with any of the header passages4,5,6,7of the heat exchanger core1.

As described above, since the internal passage202communicates with the interior of the fixed tube300at the opening204, the internal passage202communicates with any of the header passages4,5,6,7of the heat exchanger core1.

(Illustrative Example of Passage Switching)

Hereinafter, as shown inFIGS.4and5, the passage switching when the heat exchanger passage switching device50has four communication tubes201and four chambers101will be described specifically.

Here, the fluid flow will be described separately for a first passage group G1including two communication tubes201and two chambers101of the four communication tubes201and four chambers101, and a second passage group G2including the other two communication tubes201and two chambers101.

InFIGS.4and5, two chambers101on the front side and two communication tubes201on the left side in the figures belong to the first passage group G1, and two chambers101on the back side and two communication tubes201on the right side in the figures belong to the second passage group G2.

Of the two chambers101on the front side belonging to the first passage group G1, the frontmost chamber101is referred to as a 1-1 chamber111, and the second chamber101counted from the front side is referred to as a 1-2 chamber112. Of the two chambers101on the back side belonging to the second passage group G2, the backmost chamber101is referred to as a 2-1 chamber121, and the second chamber101counted from the back side is referred to as a 2-2 chamber122.

The 1-1 chamber111of the first passage group G1is provided with an inflow portion104afor inflow of a fluid from the outside, and the first fluid is introduced from the outside thereto. Further, the 1-2 chamber112is provided with a discharge portion105afor discharge of a fluid in the 1-2 chamber112to the outside.

The internal passage202of one communication tube201(1-1 communication tube211) of the two communication tubes201of the first passage group G1is connected to the first fluid first header passage4of the heat exchanger10, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201(1-2 communication tube212) is connected to the first fluid second header passage5of the heat exchanger10.

The 2-1 chamber121of the second passage group G2is provided with an inflow portion104bfor inflow of a fluid from the outside, and the second fluid is introduced from the outside thereto. Further, the 2-2 chamber122is provided with a discharge portion105bfor discharge of a fluid in the 2-2 chamber122to the outside.

The internal passage202of one communication tube201(2-1 communication tube221) of the two communication tubes201of the second passage group G2is connected to the second fluid first header passage6of the heat exchanger10, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201(2-2 communication tube222) is connected to the second fluid second header passage7of the heat exchanger10.

FIG.7Ais a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and corresponds toFIG.4which is the cross-sectional view IV ofFIG.3.

FIG.7Bis a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and corresponds toFIG.5which is the cross-sectional view V ofFIG.3.

FIG.8Ais a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and corresponds toFIG.4which is the cross-sectional view IV ofFIG.3.

FIG.8Bis a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and corresponds toFIG.5which is the cross-sectional view V ofFIG.3.

In such a case, the flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211of the first passage group G1communicates with the 1-1 chamber111, and the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212communicates with the 1-2 chamber112is as follows.

As shown inFIG.7A, the first fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104ato the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211and then the first fluid first header passage4, the first passage21, and the first fluid second header passage5in the heat exchanger10in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid second header passage5flows through the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112through the discharge portion105ato the outside.

Further, the flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211communicates with the 1-2 chamber112, and the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212communicates with the 1-1 chamber111is as follows.

As shown inFIG.8A, the first fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104ato the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage of the 1-2 communication tube212and then the first fluid second header passage5, the first passage21, and the first fluid first header passage4in the heat exchanger10in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header passage4flows through the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112through the discharge portion105ato the outside.

Thus, according to some embodiments, by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the first fluid in the first passage21can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber111to which the first fluid is introduced from the outside and the 1-2 chamber112from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

The flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221of the second passage group G2communicates with the 2-1 chamber121, and the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222communicates with the 2-2 chamber122is as follows.

As shown inFIG.7B, the second fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221and then the second fluid first header passage6, the second passage22, and the second fluid second header passage7in the heat exchanger10in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header passage7flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122through the discharge portion105bto the outside.

The flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221communicates with the 2-2 chamber122, and the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222communicates with the 2-1 chamber121is as follows.

As shown inFIG.8B, the second fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222and then the second fluid second header passage7, the second passage22, and the second fluid first header passage6in the heat exchanger10in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header passage6flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122through the discharge portion105bto the outside.

Thus, according to some embodiments, by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the second fluid in the second passage22can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber121to which the second fluid is introduced from the outside and the 2-2 chamber122from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

In some embodiments, when the passage switching state in the first passage group G1is the state shown inFIG.7Awhile the passage switching state in the second passage group G2is the state shown inFIG.7B, or when the passage switching state in the first passage group G1is the state shown inFIG.8Awhile the passage switching state in the second passage group G2is the state shown inFIG.8B, the flows of the first fluid and the second fluid in the heat exchanger core1are parallel flow.

Further, in some embodiments, when the passage switching state in the first passage group G1is the state shown inFIG.7Awhile the passage switching state in the second passage group G2is the state shown inFIG.8B, or when the passage switching state in the first passage group G1is the state shown inFIG.8Awhile the passage switching state in the second passage group G2is the state shown inFIG.7B, the flows of the first fluid and the second fluid in the heat exchanger core1are counter flow.

Further, according to some embodiments, by switching the communication state between the 1-1 chamber111and the 1-2 chamber112of the first passage group G1and the 2-1 communication tube221and the 2-2 communication tube222of the second passage group G2, the first fluid can be circulated through the second passage22, and the flow of the first fluid in the second passage22can be reversed, without changing the 1-1 chamber111to which the first fluid is introduced from the outside and the 1-2 chamber112from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

Similarly, according to some embodiments, by switching the communication state between the 2-1 chamber121and the 2-2 chamber122of the second passage group G2and the 1-1 communication tube211and the 1-2 communication tube212of the first passage group G1, the second fluid can be circulated through the first passage21, and the flow of the second fluid in the first passage21can be reversed, without changing the 2-1 chamber121to which the second fluid is introduced from the outside and the 2-2 chamber122from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, four chambers101are stacked along the axial direction AX, but two chambers101of the four chambers101may constitute a first switching unit51for switching the flow of the first fluid, and the other two chambers101may constitute a second switching unit52for switching the flow of the second fluid.

FIG.9is a perspective view of a schematic appearance of a heat exchanger passage switching device50having a first switching unit and a second switching unit.

FIG.10Ais a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and shows the cross-sectional view Xa ofFIG.9.

FIG.10Bis a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and shows the cross-sectional view Xb ofFIG.9.

FIG.11Ais a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and shows the cross-sectional view Xa ofFIG.9.

FIG.11Bis a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and shows the cross-sectional view Xb ofFIG.9.

The heat exchanger passage switching device50shown inFIG.9is provided with a first switching unit51and a second switching unit52each of which includes two communication tubes201and two chambers101stacked along the axial direction AX. The first switching unit51and the second switching unit52are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX.

In each of the first switching unit51and the second switching unit52, the two chambers101have two insertion holes102into which the two communication tubes201are inserted, respectively, as in the above-described embodiments.

In each of the first switching unit51and the second switching unit52, each of the two communication tubes201is configured to select which one of the two chambers101to be communicated with the communication hole203by the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101, as in the above-described embodiments.

For example, as described later, the first switching unit51may have a configuration corresponding to the above-described first passage group G1. Further, as described later, the second switching unit52may have a configuration corresponding to the above-described second passage group G2.

In the first switching unit51, the chamber101on the front side is referred to as a 1-1 chamber111, and the chamber101on the back side is referred to as a 1-2 chamber112.

In the second switching unit52, the chamber101on the back side is referred to as a 2-1 chamber121, and the chamber101on the front side is referred to as a 2-2 chamber122.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, as shown inFIG.9, the dimension D of the heat exchanger passage switching device50in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W, F in the directions perpendicular to the axial direction AX. In the heat exchanger passage switching device50according to some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.10A and10B, multiple chambers101are stacked along the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber101in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimension D of the heat exchanger passage switching device50in the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber101in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W, F in the directions perpendicular to the axial direction AX.

The 1-1 chamber111of the first switching unit51is provided with an inflow portion104afor inflow of a fluid from the outside, and the first fluid is introduced from the outside thereto. Further, the 1-2 chamber112is provided with a discharge portion105afor discharge of a fluid in the 1-2 chamber112to the outside.

The internal passage202of one communication tube201(1-1 communication tube211) of the two communication tubes201of the first switching unit51is connected to the first fluid first header passage4of the heat exchanger10, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201(1-2 communication tube212) is connected to the first fluid second header passage5of the heat exchanger10.

The 2-1 chamber121of the second switching unit52is provided with an inflow portion104bfor inflow of a fluid from the outside, and the second fluid is introduced from the outside thereto. Further, the 2-2 chamber122is provided with a discharge portion105bfor discharge of a fluid in the 2-2 chamber122to the outside.

The internal passage202of one communication tube201(2-1 communication tube221) of the two communication tubes201of the second switching unit52is connected to the second fluid first header passage6of the heat exchanger10, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201(2-2 communication tube222) is connected to the second fluid second header passage7of the heat exchanger10.

In such a case, the flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211of the first switching unit51communicates with the 1-1 chamber111, and the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212communicates with the 1-2 chamber112is as follows.

As shown inFIG.10A, the first fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104ato the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211and then the first fluid first header passage4, the first passage21, and the first fluid second header passage5in the heat exchanger10in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid second header passage5flows through the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112through the discharge portion105ato the outside.

Further, the flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211communicates with the 1-2 chamber112, and the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212communicates with the 1-1 chamber111is as follows.

As shown inFIG.11A, the first fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104ato the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage of the 1-2 communication tube212and then the first fluid second header passage5, the first passage21, and the first fluid first header passage4in the heat exchanger10in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header passage4flows through the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112through the discharge portion105ato the outside.

Thus, according to the embodiment shown inFIG.9, by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the first fluid in the first passage21can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber111to which the first fluid is introduced from the outside and the 1-2 chamber112from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

The flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221of the second switching unit52communicates with the 2-1 chamber121, and the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222communicates with the 2-2 chamber122is as follows.

As shown inFIG.10B, the second fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221and then the second fluid first header passage6, the second passage22, and the second fluid second header passage7in the heat exchanger10in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header passage7flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122through the discharge portion105bto the outside.

The flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221communicates with the 2-2 chamber122, and the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222communicates with the 2-1 chamber121is as follows.

As shown inFIG.11B, the second fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222and then the second fluid second header passage7, the second passage22, and the second fluid first header passage6in the heat exchanger10in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header passage6flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122through the discharge portion105bto the outside.

Thus, according to the embodiment shown inFIG.9, by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the second fluid in the second passage22can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber121to which the second fluid is introduced from the outside and the 2-2 chamber122from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

In some embodiments, when the passage switching state in the first switching unit51is the state shown inFIG.10Awhile the passage switching state in the second switching unit52is the state shown inFIG.10B, or when the passage switching state in the first switching unit51is the state shown inFIG.11Awhile the passage switching state in the second switching unit52is the state shown inFIG.11B, the flows of the first fluid and the second fluid in the heat exchanger core1are parallel flow.

Further, in some embodiments, when the passage switching state in the first switching unit51is the state shown inFIG.10Awhile the passage switching state in the second switching unit52is the state shown inFIG.11B, or when the passage switching state in the first switching unit51is the state shown inFIG.11Awhile the passage switching state in the second switching unit52is the state shown inFIG.10B, the flows of the first fluid and the second fluid in the heat exchanger core1are counter flow.

(Heat Exchanger Passage Switching Device Capable of Switching Passages of Multiple Heat Exchanger Cores)

Hereinafter, a heat exchanger passage switching device capable of switching passages of multiple heat exchanger cores1will be described.

FIG.12is a perspective view of a schematic appearance of a heat exchanger passage switching device150according to an embodiment capable of switching passages of two heat exchanger cores1.

FIG.13Ais a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and corresponds to the cross-sectional view XIII ofFIG.12.

FIG.13Bis a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and corresponds to the cross-sectional view XIV ofFIG.12.

FIG.13Cis a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and corresponds to the cross-sectional view XIV ofFIG.12.

FIG.14Ais a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and corresponds to the cross-sectional view XIII ofFIG.12.

FIG.14Bis a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and corresponds to the cross-sectional view XIV ofFIG.12.

FIG.14Cis a conceptual diagram for describing the flow of fluid and corresponds to the cross-sectional view XIV ofFIG.12.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device150capable of switching passages of multiple heat exchanger cores1, the same components as those of the heat exchanger passage switching device50shown inFIG.3are associated with the same reference numerals and not described again in detail.

The heat exchanger passage switching device150capable of switching passages of multiple heat exchanger cores1may include at least eight communication tubes201and at least six chambers101stacked along the axial direction AX.

The heat exchanger passage switching device150capable of switching passages of multiple heat exchanger cores1shown inFIG.12includes six chambers101and eight communication tubes201.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device150according to some embodiments, as shown inFIG.12, the dimension D of the heat exchanger passage switching device150in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W, F in the directions perpendicular to the axial direction AX. In the heat exchanger passage switching device150according to some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.13A and13B, multiple chambers101are stacked along the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber101in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimension D of the heat exchanger passage switching device50in the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber101in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W, F in the directions perpendicular to the axial direction AX.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device150capable of switching passages of multiple heat exchanger cores1, the at least six chambers101may have at least eight insertion holes102into which the at least eight communication tubes201are inserted, respectively.

Each of the at least eight communication tubes201may be configured to select which one of the at least six chambers101to be communicated with the communication hole203by the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101. Specifically, as with the heat exchanger passage switching device50shown inFIG.3, the device may have the same configuration as that shown inFIGS.4,5, and6A to6D.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device150shown inFIG.12, the six chambers101have eight insertion holes102into which the eight communication tubes201are inserted, respectively.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device150shown inFIG.12, each of the eight communication tubes201is configured to select which one of the six chambers101to be communicated with the communication hole203by the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101.

(Illustrative Example of Passage Switching of Two Heat Exchanger Cores)

Hereinafter, the passage switching of two heat exchanger cores1using the heat exchanger passage switching device150shown inFIG.12will be described specifically.

Here, the fluid flow will be described separately for a first passage group G1including four communication tubes201and three chambers101of the eight communication tubes201and six chambers101, and a second passage group G2including the other four communication tubes201and three chambers101.

InFIG.12, three chambers101on the front side and four communication tubes201on the left side in the figures belong to the first passage group G1, and three chambers101on the back side and four communication tubes201on the right side in the figures belong to the second passage group G2.

Of the three chambers101on the front side belonging to the first passage group G1, the frontmost chamber101is referred to as a 1-1 chamber111, the third chamber101counted from the front side is referred to as a 1-2 chamber112, and the second chamber101counted from the front side and disposed between the 1-1 chamber111and the 1-2 chamber112is referred to as a 1-3 chamber113. Of the three chambers101on the back side belonging to the second passage group G2, the backmost chamber101is referred to as a 2-1 chamber121, the third chamber101counted from the back side is referred to as a 2-2 chamber122, and the second chamber101counted from the back side and disposed between the 2-1 chamber121and the 2-2 chamber122is referred to as a 2-3 chamber123.

Of the two heat exchanger cores1shown inFIG.12, the heat exchanger core1on the upper side in the figure is referred to as a first heat exchanger core1A, and the heat exchanger core1on the lower side in the figure is referred to as a second heat exchanger core1B.

The 1-1 chamber111of the first passage group G1is provided with an inflow portion104a, and the 1-2 chamber112is provided with a discharge portion105a.

The internal passage202of the uppermost communication tube201(1-1 communication tube211) of the four communication tubes201of the first passage group G1inFIG.12is connected to the first fluid first header passage4of the first heat exchanger core1A, and the internal passage202of the second communication tube201(1-2 communication tube212) from the top is connected to the first fluid second header passage5of the first heat exchanger core1A.

The internal passage202of the third communication tube201(1-3 communication tube213) from the top is connected to the first fluid first header passage4of the second heat exchanger core1B, and the internal passage202of the lowermost communication tube201(1-4 communication tube214) is connected to the first fluid second header passage5of the second heat exchanger core1B.

The 2-1 chamber121of the second passage group G2is provided with an inflow portion104b, and the 2-2 chamber122is provided with a discharge portion105b.

The internal passage202of the uppermost communication tube201(2-1 communication tube221) of the four communication tubes201of the second passage group inFIG.12is connected to the second fluid first header passage6of the first heat exchanger core1A, and the internal passage202of the second communication tube201(2-2 communication tube222) from the top is connected to the second fluid second header passage7of the first heat exchanger core1A.

The internal passage202of the third communication tube201(2-3 communication tube223) from the top is connected to the second fluid first header passage6of the second heat exchanger core1B, and the internal passage202of the lowermost communication tube201(2-4 communication tube224) is connected to the second fluid second header passage7of the second heat exchanger core1B.

(Case of Parallel Connection and Countercurrent Flow)

With reference toFIGS.13A and13B, an example of passage switching when the first fluid and the second fluid are distributed in countercurrent flow to the first heat exchanger core1A and the second heat exchanger core1B that are connected in parallel will be described.

In this case, in the first passage group G1, for example, the internal passages202of the 1-2 communication tube211and the 1-4 communication tube214communicate with the 1-1 chamber111, and the internal passages202of the 1-1 communication tube211and the 1-3 communication tube213communicate with the 1-2 chamber112.

Further, in the second passage group G2, for example, the internal passages202of the 2-1 communication tube221and the 2-3 communication tube223communicate with the 2-1 chamber121, and the internal passages202of the 2-2 communication tube222and the 2-4 communication tube224communicate with the 2-2 chamber122.

As shown inFIG.13A, the first fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104ato the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212and then the first fluid second header passage5, the first passage21, and the first fluid first header passage4in the first heat exchanger core1A in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header passage4of the first heat exchanger core1A flows through the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112through the discharge portion105ato the outside.

Similarly, the first fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104ato the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage202of the 1-4 communication tube214and then the first fluid second header passage5, the first passage21, and the first fluid first header passage4in the second heat exchanger core1B in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header passage4of the second heat exchanger core1B flows through the internal passage202of the 1-3 communication tube213into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112through the discharge portion105ato the outside.

As shown inFIG.13B, the second fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221and then the second fluid first header passage6, the second passage22, and the second fluid second header passage7in the first heat exchanger core1A in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header passage7flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122through the discharge portion105bto the outside.

Similarly, the second fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-3 communication tube223and then the second fluid first header passage6, the second passage22, and the second fluid second header passage7in the second heat exchanger core1B in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header passage7flows through the internal passage202of the 2-4 communication tube224into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122through the discharge portion105bto the outside.

(Case of Parallel Connection and Parallel Flow)

With reference toFIGS.13A and13C, an example of passage switching when the first fluid and the second fluid are distributed in parallel flow to the first heat exchanger core1A and the second heat exchanger core1B that are connected in parallel will be described.

In this case, in the first passage group G1, as inFIG.13Adescribed above, for example, the internal passages202of the 1-2 communication tube211and the 1-4 communication tube214communicate with the 1-1 chamber111, and the internal passages202of the 1-1 communication tube211and the 1-3 communication tube213communicate with the 1-2 chamber112.

Further, in the second passage group G2, for example, the internal passages202of the 2-2 communication tube222and the 2-4 communication tube224communicate with the 2-1 chamber121, and the internal passages202of the 2-1 communication tube221and the 2-3 communication tube223communicate with the 2-2 chamber122.

The first fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 1-1 chamber111flows inside the first heat exchanger core1A and the second heat exchanger core1B, as described with reference toFIG.13A.

As shown inFIG.13C, the second fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222and then the second fluid second header passage7, the second passage22, and the second fluid first header passage6in the first heat exchanger core1A in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header passage6flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122through the discharge portion105bto the outside.

Similarly, the second fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-4 communication tube224and then the second fluid second header passage7, the second passage22, and the second fluid first header passage6in the second heat exchanger core1B in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header passage6flows through the internal passage202of the 2-3 communication tube223into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122through the discharge portion105bto the outside.

(Case of Series Connection and Countercurrent Flow)

With reference toFIGS.14A and14B, an example of passage switching when the first fluid and the second fluid are distributed in countercurrent flow to the first heat exchanger core1A and the second heat exchanger core1B that are connected in series will be described.

In this case, in the first passage group G1, for example, the internal passage202of the 1-4 communication tube214communicates with the 1-1 chamber111, the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211communicates with the 1-2 chamber112, and the internal passages202of the 1-2 communication tube212and the 1-3 communication tube213communicate with the 1-3 chamber113.

Further, in the second passage group G2, for example, the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221communicates with the 2-1 chamber121, the internal passage202of the 2-4 communication tube224communicates with the 2-2 chamber122, and the internal passages202of the 2-2 communication tube222and the 2-3 communication tube223communicate with the 2-3 chamber123.

As shown inFIG.14A, the first fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104ato the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage202of the 1-4 communication tube214and then the first fluid second header passage5, the first passage21, and the first fluid first header passage4in the second heat exchanger core1B in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header passage4of the second heat exchanger core1B flows through the internal passage202of the 1-3 communication tube213into the 1-3 chamber113.

The first fluid in the 1-3 chamber113flows through the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212and then the first fluid second header passage5, the first passage21, and the first fluid first header passage4in the first heat exchanger core1A in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid first header passage4of the first heat exchanger core1A flows through the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112through the discharge portion105ato the outside.

As shown inFIG.14B, the second fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221and then the second fluid first header passage6, the second passage22, and the second fluid second header passage7in the first heat exchanger core1A in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header passage7flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222into the 2-3 chamber122.

The second fluid in the 2-3 chamber122flows through the internal passage202of the 2-3 communication tube223and then the second fluid first header passage6, the second passage22, and the second fluid second header passage7in the second heat exchanger core1B in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid second header passage7flows through the internal passage202of the 2-4 communication tube224into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122through the discharge portion105bto the outside.

(Case of Series Connection and Parallel Flow)

With reference toFIGS.14A and14C, an example of passage switching when the first fluid and the second fluid are distributed in parallel flow to the first heat exchanger core1A and the second heat exchanger core1B that are connected in series will be described.

In this case, in the first passage group G1, for example, as inFIG.14Adescribed above, for example, the internal passage202of the 1-4 communication tube214communicates with the 1-1 chamber111, the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211communicates with the 1-2 chamber112, and the internal passages202of the 1-2 communication tube212and the 1-3 communication tube213communicate with the 1-3 chamber113.

Further, in the second passage group G2, for example, the internal passage202of the 2-4 communication tube224communicates with the 2-1 chamber121, the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221communicates with the 2-2 chamber122, and the internal passages202of the 2-2 communication tube222and the 2-3 communication tube223communicate with the 2-3 chamber123.

The first fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 1-1 chamber111flows inside the first heat exchanger core1A and the second heat exchanger core1B, as described with reference toFIG.14A.

As shown inFIG.14C, the second fluid introduced from the outside through the inflow portion104bto the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-4 communication tube224and then the second fluid second header passage7, the second passage22, and the second fluid first header passage6in the second heat exchanger core1B in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header passage6flows through the internal passage202of the 2-3 communication tube223into the 2-3 chamber123.

The second fluid in the 2-3 chamber123flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222and then the second fluid second header passage7, the second passage22, and the second fluid first header passage6in the first heat exchanger core1A in this order. Then, the fluid flowing out of the second fluid first header passage6flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122through the discharge portion105bto the outside.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.12, six chambers101are stacked along the axial direction AX, but three chambers101of the six chambers101may constitute a first switching unit151for switching the flow of the first fluid, and the other three chambers101may constitute a second switching unit152for switching the flow of the second fluid.

FIG.15is a perspective view of a schematic appearance of a heat exchanger passage switching device150having a first switching unit and a second switching unit.

The first switching unit151and the second switching unit152may be arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX.

For example, the first switching unit151may have a configuration corresponding to the first passage group G1of the heat exchanger passage switching device150shown inFIG.12. Further, the second switching unit152may have a configuration corresponding to the second passage group G2of the heat exchanger passage switching device150shown inFIG.12. Thereby, as with the heat exchanger passage switching device150shown inFIG.12, in the two heat exchanger cores1, the first fluid and the second fluid can be circulated in parallel connection and countercurrent flow, in parallel connection and parallel flow, in series connection and countercurrent flow, and in series connection and parallel flow.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device150according to some embodiments, as shown inFIG.15, the dimension D of the heat exchanger passage switching device150in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W, F in the directions perpendicular to the axial direction AX. In the heat exchanger passage switching device150shown inFIG.15, multiple chambers101are stacked along the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber101in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimension D of the heat exchanger passage switching device150shown inFIG.15in the axial direction AX. Therefore, the dimension d of each chamber101in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimensions W, F in the directions perpendicular to the axial direction AX.

FIG.16is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing a heat insulation layer disposed between adjacent chambers.

In the heat exchanger passage switching device50,150according to some embodiments, the fluids flowing through the chambers101adjacent in the axial direction AX have different temperatures. Therefore, for example, as shown inFIG.16, a heat insulation layer107may be provided between the chambers101adjacent along the axial direction AX.

In the case where the same fluid flows through two adjacent chambers101, the temperature of the fluid raised (or lowered) by heat exchange in the heat exchanger core1may be lowered (raised) due to heat exchange between the two adjacent chambers101, which may decrease the heat exchange efficiency.

In view of this, in the heat exchanger passage switching device50,150according to some embodiments, the heat insulation layer107may be provided at least between the chambers101through which the same fluid flows, among the chambers101adjacent in the axial direction AX.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes modifications to the embodiments described above, and embodiments composed of combinations of those embodiments.

The contents described in the above embodiments would be understood as follows, for instance.

(1) A heat exchanger passage switching device50,150according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a communication tube201having an internal passage202communicating with a heat exchange passage for performing heat exchange inside a heat exchanger10, and one or more communication holes203communicating with the internal passage202; and at least one chamber101having an insertion hole102into which the communication tube201is inserted to slidably support the communication tube201inserted in the insertion hole102. The communication tube201is capable of switching a communication state between the communication hole203and the chamber101by a relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX.

With the above configuration (1), it is possible to switch the communication state between the heat exchange passage (first passage21and second passage22) inside the heat exchanger10and the chamber101outside the heat exchanger10with a simple configuration.

(2) In some embodiments, in the above configuration (1), the at least one chamber101has at least one fixed tube300which is fixed to each chamber101and inside which the insertion hole102is formed. The at least one fixed tube300has a through hole305formed corresponding to each chamber101and penetrating a tube wall301of the fixed tube300to allow communication between the insertion hole102and each chamber101. When the communication tube201is moved to a relative position where any through hole305overlaps the one or more communication holes203, the communication tube201allows communication between the internal passage202and the chamber101corresponding to the through hole305that overlaps the one or more communication holes203, and blocks communication between the internal passage202and the chamber101corresponding to the through hole305that does not overlap the one or more communication holes203.

With the above configuration (2), since the communication state between the internal passage202of the communication tube201and the chamber101can be switched based on whether one or more communication holes203of the communication tube201overlap the through hole305formed in the fixed tube300, it is possible to switch the communication state between the heat exchange passage (first passage21and second passage22) inside the heat exchanger10and the chamber101outside the heat exchanger10with a simple configuration. Further, when the fixed tube300is connected to the heat exchange passage (first passage21and second passage22) of the heat exchanger10subject to passage switching, since it is not necessary to change the relative position between the chamber101and the heat exchanger10, the device configuration can be simplified.

(3) In some embodiments, in the above configuration (1) or (2), the switching device includes at least two communication tubes201. The at least one chamber101includes at least two chambers10stacked along the axial direction AX. The at least two chambers101have at least two insertion holes102into which the at least two communication tubes201are inserted, respectively Each of the at least two communication tubes201is configured to select which one of the at least two chambers101to be communicated with the communication hole203by the relative position to the chamber101.

In the above configuration (3), attention is paid to the two communication tubes201and the two chambers101.

It is assumed that a fluid is introduced from the outside to one of the two chambers101, and the fluid is discharged from the other chamber101to the outside. Further, the internal passage202of one of the two communication tubes201is connected to one end of the heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201is connected to the other end of the heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10.

In such a case, the flow of fluid when the internal passage202of one communication tube201communicates with one chamber101, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201communicates with the other chamber101is as follows.

The fluid introduced from the outside to one chamber101flows through the internal passage202of one communication tube201and then flows from one end to the other end of the heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10. Then, the fluid flowing out of the other end of the heat exchange passage flows through the internal passage202of the other communication tube201into the other chamber101and is then discharged from the other chamber101to the outside.

Further, the flow of fluid when the internal passage202of one communication tube201communicates with the other chamber101, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201communicates with one chamber101is as follows.

The fluid introduced from the outside to one chamber101flows through the internal passage202of the other communication tube201and then flows from the other end to one end of the heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10. Then, the fluid flowing out of one end of the heat exchange passage flows through the internal passage202of one communication tube201into the other chamber101and is then discharged from the other chamber101to the outside.

Thus, with the above configuration (3), by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of fluid in the heat exchange passage can be reversed without changing the chamber101to which the fluid is introduced from the outside and the chamber101from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

(4) In some embodiments, in any one of the above configurations (1) to (3), the switching device includes at least four communication tubes201. The at least one chamber101includes at least four chambers10stacked along the axial direction AX. The at least four chambers101have at least four insertion holes102into which the at least four communication tubes201are inserted, respectively Each of the at least four communication tubes201is configured to select which one of the at least four chambers101to be communicated with the communication hole203by the relative position to the chamber101.

In the above configuration (4), attention is paid to the four communication tubes201and the four chambers101. The fluid flow will be discussed separately for a first passage group G1including two communication tubes201and two chambers101of the four communication tubes201and four chambers101, and a second passage group G2including the other two communication tubes201and two chambers101.

It is assumed that the first fluid is introduced from the outside to one chamber101(1-1 chamber111) of the two chambers101of the first passage group G1, and the fluid is discharged from the other chamber101(1-2 chamber112) to the outside. Further, the internal passage202of one communication tube201(1-1 communication tube211) of the two communication tubes201of the first passage group G1is connected to one end of the first heat exchange passage (e.g., first passage21) of the heat exchanger10subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201(1-2 communication tube212) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10.

It is assumed that the second fluid is introduced from the outside to one chamber101(2-1 chamber121) of the two chambers101of the second passage group G2, and the fluid is discharged from the other chamber101(2-2 chamber122) to the outside. Further, the internal passage202of one communication tube201(2-1 communication tube221) of the two communication tubes201of the second passage group G2is connected to one end of the second heat exchange passage (e.g., second passage22) of the heat exchanger10subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201(2-2 communication tube222) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10.

The heat exchanger10subject to passage switching is configured to be able to exchange heat between the fluid flowing through the first heat exchange passage and the fluid flowing through the second heat exchange passage.

In such a case, the flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211of the first passage group G1communicates with the 1-1 chamber111, and the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212communicates with the 1-2 chamber112is as follows.

The first fluid introduced from the outside to the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211and then flows from one end to the other end of the first heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10. Then, the fluid flowing out of the other end of the first heat exchange passage flows through the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112to the outside.

Further, the flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211communicates with the 1-2 chamber112, and the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212communicates with the 1-1 chamber111is as follows.

The first fluid introduced from the outside to the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212and then flows from the other end to one end of the first heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10. Then, the fluid flowing out of one end of the first heat exchange passage flows through the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112to the outside.

Thus, with the above configuration (4), by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange passage can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber111to which the first fluid is introduced from the outside and the 1-2 chamber112from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

The flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221of the second passage group G2communicates with the 2-1 chamber121, and the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222communicates with the 2-2 chamber122is as follows.

The second fluid introduced from the outside to the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221and then flows from one end to the other end of the second heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10. Then, the fluid flowing out of the other end of the second heat exchange passage flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122to the outside.

The flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221communicates with the 2-2 chamber122, and the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222communicates with the 2-1 chamber121is as follows.

The second fluid introduced from the outside to the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222and then flows from the other end to one end of the second heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10. Then, the fluid flowing out of one end of the second heat exchange passage flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122to the outside.

Thus, with the above configuration (4), by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange passage can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber121to which the second fluid is introduced from the outside and the 2-2 chamber122from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

Further, in the above configuration (4), by switching the communication state between the 1-1 chamber111and the 1-2 chamber112of the first passage group G1and the 2-1 communication tube221and the 2-2 communication tube222of the second passage group G2, the first fluid can be circulated through the second heat exchange passage, and the flow of the first fluid in the second heat exchange passage can be reversed, without changing the 1-1 chamber111to which the first fluid is introduced from the outside and the 1-2 chamber112from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

Similarly, in the above configuration (4), by switching the communication state between the 2-1 chamber121and the 2-2 chamber122of the second passage group G2and the 1-1 communication tube211and the 1-2 communication tube212of the first passage group G1, the second fluid can be circulated through the first heat exchange passage, and the flow of the second fluid in the first heat exchange passage can be reversed, without changing the 2-1 chamber121to which the second fluid is introduced from the outside and the 2-2 chamber122from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

(5) In some embodiments, in any one of the above configurations (1) to (3), the switching device includes a first switching unit51and a second switching unit52each of which includes at least two communication tubes201and at least two chambers101stacked along the axial direction AX. The first switching unit51and the second switching unit52are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX.

In each of the first switching unit51and the second switching unit52, the at least two chambers101have at least two insertion holes102into which the at least two communication tubes201are inserted, respectively.

In each of the first switching unit51and the second switching unit52, each of the at least two communication tubes201is configured to select which one of the at least two chambers101to be communicated with the communication hole203by the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101.

In the above configuration (5), attention is paid to the two communication tubes201and the two chambers101of each of the first switching unit51and the second switching unit52.

It is assumed that the first fluid is introduced from the outside to one chamber101(1-1 chamber111) of the two chambers101of the first switching unit51, and the fluid is discharged from the other chamber101(1-2 chamber112) to the outside. Further, the internal passage202of one communication tube201(1-1 communication tube211) of the two communication tubes201of the first switching unit51is connected to one end of the first heat exchange passage (e.g., first passage21) of the heat exchanger10subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201(1-2 communication tube212) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10.

It is assumed that the second fluid is introduced from the outside to one chamber101(2-1 chamber121) of the two chambers101of the second switching unit52, and the fluid is discharged from the other chamber101(2-2 chamber122) to the outside. Further, the internal passage202of one communication tube201(2-1 communication tube221) of the two communication tubes201of the second switching unit52is connected to one end of the second heat exchange passage (e.g., second passage22) of the heat exchanger10subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of the other communication tube201(2-2 communication tube222) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10.

The heat exchanger10subject to passage switching is configured to be able to exchange heat between the fluid flowing through the first heat exchange passage and the fluid flowing through the second heat exchange passage.

In such a case, the flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211of the first switching unit51communicates with the 1-1 chamber111, and the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212communicates with the 1-2 chamber112is as follows.

The first fluid introduced from the outside to the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211and then flows from one end to the other end of the first heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10. Then, the fluid flowing out of the other end of the first heat exchange passage flows through the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112to the outside.

Further, the flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211communicates with the 1-2 chamber112, and the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212communicates with the 1-1 chamber111is as follows.

The first fluid introduced from the outside to the 1-1 chamber111flows through the internal passage202of the 1-2 communication tube212and then flows from the other end to one end of the first heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10. Then, the fluid flowing out of one end of the first heat exchange passage flows through the internal passage202of the 1-1 communication tube211into the 1-2 chamber112and is then discharged from the 1-2 chamber112to the outside.

Thus, with the above configuration (5), by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange passage can be reversed without changing the 1-1 chamber111to which the first fluid is introduced from the outside and the 1-2 chamber112from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

The flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221of the second switching unit52communicates with the 2-1 chamber121, and the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222communicates with the 2-2 chamber122is as follows.

The second fluid introduced from the outside to the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221and then flows from one end to the other end of the second heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10. Then, the fluid flowing out of the other end of the second heat exchange passage flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122to the outside.

The flow of fluid when the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221communicates with the 2-2 chamber122, and the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222communicates with the 2-1 chamber121is as follows.

The second fluid introduced from the outside to the 2-1 chamber121flows through the internal passage202of the 2-2 communication tube222and then flows from the other end to one end of the second heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10. Then, the fluid flowing out of one end of the second heat exchange passage flows through the internal passage202of the 2-1 communication tube221into the 2-2 chamber122and is then discharged from the 2-2 chamber122to the outside.

Thus, with the above configuration (5), by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange passage can be reversed without changing the 2-1 chamber121to which the second fluid is introduced from the outside and the 2-2 chamber122from which the fluid is discharged to the outside.

Further, with the above configuration (5), since the first switching unit51and the second switching unit52are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX, the dimension of the heat exchanger passage switching device50,150along the axial direction AX can be reduced.

(6) In some embodiments, in any one of the above configurations (1) to (3), the switching device includes at least eight communication tubes201. The at least one chamber101includes at least six chambers10stacked along the axial direction AX. The at least six chambers101have at least eight insertion holes102into which the at least eight communication tubes201are inserted, respectively Each of the at least eight communication tubes201is configured to select which one of the at least six chambers101to be communicated with the communication hole203by the relative position to the chamber101.

In the above configuration (6), attention is paid to the eight communication tubes201and the six chambers101. The fluid flow will be discussed separately for a first passage group G1including four communication tubes201and three chambers101of the eight communication tubes201and six chambers101, and a second passage group G2including the other four communication tubes201and three chambers101.

It is assumed that the first fluid is introduced from the outside to one chamber101(1-1 chamber111) of the three chambers101of the first passage group G1, and the fluid is discharged from another chamber101(1-2 chamber112) to the outside.

Further, the internal passage202of one communication tube201(1-1 communication tube211) of the four communication tubes201of the first passage group G1is connected to one end of the first heat exchange passage (e.g., first passage21) of the first heat exchanger (e.g., first heat exchanger core1A) subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of another communication tube201(1-2 communication tube212) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger.

Further, the internal passage202of still another communication tube201(1-3 communication tube213) of the four communication tubes201of the first passage group G1is connected to one end of the first heat exchange passage (e.g., first passage21) of the second heat exchanger (e.g., second heat exchanger core1B) subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of the remaining one communication tube201(1-4 communication tube214) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger.

Similarly, it is assumed that the second fluid is introduced from the outside to one chamber101(2-1 chamber121) of the three chambers101of the second passage group G2, and the fluid is discharged from another chamber101(2-2 chamber122) to the outside.

Further, the internal passage202of one communication tube201(2-1 communication tube221) of the four communication tubes201of the second passage group G2is connected to one end of the second heat exchange passage (e.g., second passage22) of the first heat exchanger (e.g., first heat exchanger core1A) subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of another communication tube201(2-2 communication tube222) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange passage (e.g., second passage22) of the first heat exchanger.

Further, the internal passage202of still another communication tube201(2-3 communication tube223) of the four communication tubes201of the second passage group G2is connected to one end of the second heat exchange passage (e.g., second passage22) of the second heat exchanger (e.g., second heat exchanger core1B) subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of the remaining one communication tube201(2-4 communication tube224) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger.

The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger subject to passage switching are configured to be able to exchange heat between the fluid flowing through the first heat exchange passage and the fluid flowing through the second heat exchange passage.

With the above configuration (6), by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger can be reversed, and the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger can be reversed, without changing the 1-1 chamber111to which the first fluid is introduced from the outside and the 1-2 chamber112from which the fluid is discharged to the outside. Further, the first heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger can be connected in series and can be connected in parallel.

With the above configuration (6), by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger can be reversed, and the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger can be reversed, without changing the 2-1 chamber121to which the second fluid is introduced from the outside and the 2-2 chamber122from which the fluid is discharged to the outside. Further, the second heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger can be connected in series and can be connected in parallel.

Further, with the above configuration (6), the first fluid can be circulated through the second heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger, and the flow of the first fluid in the second heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger can be reversed.

With the above configuration (6), the second fluid can be circulated through the first heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger, and the flow of the second fluid in the first heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger can be reversed.

With the above configuration (6), the first fluid can be circulated through the second heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger, and the flow of the first fluid in the second heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger can be reversed.

With the above configuration (6), the second fluid can be circulated through the first heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger, and the flow of the second fluid in the first heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger can be reversed.

(7) In some embodiments, in any one of the above configurations (1) to (3), the switching device includes a first switching unit151and a second switching unit152each of which includes at least four communication tubes201and at least three chambers101stacked along the axial direction AX. The first switching unit151and the second switching unit152are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX.

In each of the first switching unit and the second switching unit, the at least three chambers101have at least four insertion holes102into which the at least four communication tubes201are inserted, respectively.

In each of the first switching unit151and the second switching unit152, each of the at least four communication tubes201is configured to select which one of the at least three chambers101to be communicated with the communication hole203by the relative position to the chamber101.

In the above configuration (7), attention is paid to the four communication tubes201and the three chambers101of each of the first switching unit151and the second switching unit152.

It is assumed that the first fluid is introduced from the outside to one chamber101(1-1 chamber111) of the three chambers101of the first switching unit151, and the fluid is discharged from another chamber101(1-2 chamber112) to the outside.

Further, the internal passage202of one communication tube201(1-1 communication tube211) of the four communication tubes201of the first switching unit151is connected to one end of the first heat exchange passage (e.g., first passage21) of the first heat exchanger (e.g., first heat exchanger core1A) subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of another communication tube201(1-2 communication tube212) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger.

Further, the internal passage202of still another communication tube201(1-3 communication tube213) of the four communication tubes201of the first switching unit is connected to one end of the first heat exchange passage (e.g., first passage21) of the second heat exchanger (e.g., second heat exchanger core1B) subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of the remaining one communication tube201(1-4 communication tube214) is connected to the other end of the first heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger.

Similarly, it is assumed that the second fluid is introduced from the outside to one chamber101(2-1 chamber121) of the three chambers101of the second switching unit, and the fluid is discharged from another chamber101(2-2 chamber122) to the outside.

Further, the internal passage202of one communication tube201(2-1 communication tube221) of the four communication tubes201of the second switching unit is connected to one end of the second heat exchange passage (e.g., second passage22) of the first heat exchanger (e.g., first heat exchanger core1A) subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of another communication tube201(2-2 communication tube222) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger.

Further, the internal passage202of still another communication tube201(2-3 communication tube223) of the four communication tubes201of the second switching unit is connected to one end of the second heat exchange passage (e.g., second passage22) of the second heat exchanger (e.g., second heat exchanger core1B) subject to passage switching, and the internal passage202of the remaining one communication tube201(1-4 communication tube224) is connected to the other end of the second heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger.

The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger subject to passage switching are configured to be able to exchange heat between the fluid flowing through the first heat exchange passage and the fluid flowing through the second heat exchange passage.

With the above configuration (7), by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger can be reversed, and the flow of the first fluid in the first heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger can be reversed, without changing the 1-1 chamber111to which the first fluid is introduced from the outside and the 1-2 chamber112from which the fluid is discharged to the outside. Further, the first heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger can be connected in series and can be connected in parallel.

With the above configuration (7), by changing the relative position of the communication tube201to the chamber101in the axial direction AX, the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger can be reversed, and the flow of the second fluid in the second heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger can be reversed, without changing the 2-1 chamber121to which the second fluid is introduced from the outside and the 2-2 chamber122from which the fluid is discharged to the outside. Further, the second heat exchange passage of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchange passage of the second heat exchanger can be connected in series and can be connected in parallel.

Further, with the above configuration (7), since the first switching unit151and the second switching unit152are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the axial direction AX, the dimension of the heat exchanger passage switching device150along the axial direction AX can be reduced.

(8) In some embodiments, in any one of the above configurations (3) to (7), at least two chambers101have inflow portions104a,104band discharge portions105a,105bas openings that allow a fluid to flow between the inside and outside of the chambers101regardless of the relative position of the communication tube201.

With the above configuration (8), since the fluid can be introduced from the outside to one chamber101of the at least two chambers101, the fluid supplied from the outside to the heat exchanger passage switching device50,150can be supplied to the heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10subject to passage switching. Further, with the above configuration (8), since the fluid can be discharged from another chamber101of the at least two chambers101to the outside, the fluid flowing from the heat exchange passage of the heat exchanger10can be discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger passage switching device50,150.

(9) In some embodiments, in any one of the above configurations (3) to (8), a heat insulation layer107is disposed between the chambers101that are adjacent to each other along the axial direction AX.

With the above configuration (9), it is possible to suppress undesired heat transfer between the chambers101adjacent along the axial direction AX and suppress a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

(10) In some embodiments, in any one of the above configurations (1) to (9), the dimension d of the at least one chamber101in the axial direction AX is smaller than the dimension W, H in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AX.

In the heat exchanger subject to passage switching, such as the heat exchanger core1(heat exchanger10) according to the above-described embodiments and the plate heat exchanger, one end and the other end of the heat exchange passage may be relatively apart from each other due to the structure. Even in such a case, with the above configuration (10), for example, even if two or more communication tubes201are separated in a direction intersecting the axial direction AX of the communication tubes201, the dimension of the heat exchanger passage switching device50,150in the axial direction AX can be reduced.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST