Shell-and-plate type heat exchanger and refrigerating device

Abstract

To enhance heat exchange efficiency of a whole plate laminated body.SOLUTION: A partition member (5) is arranged between a plate laminated body (30) and a refrigerant inlet (21). The partition member (5) extends along a first direction that is a lamination direction of the plate laminated body (30). The partition member (5) comprises a plurality of communication holes (50). The plurality of communication holes (50) are opened at positions opposed to a central heat exchange part (35), a first heat exchange part (36), and a second heat exchange part (37) toward the plate laminated body (30).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shell-and-plate heat exchanger and a refrigeration system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an evaporator including a pressure vessel into which a refrigerant flows, a plurality of heat transfer tube support plates spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel, and a group of heat transfer tubes extending through the plurality of heat transfer tube support plates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-072343 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the invention of Patent Document 1, even if there is variation in the flow rate of the refrigerant in the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel when the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant inlet to the refrigerant outlet of the pressure vessel, the variation in the flow rate of the refrigerant in the longitudinal direction is reduced because the refrigerant also flows in the longitudinal direction between multiple heat transfer tube support plates.

[0005] In contrast, in the case of a shell-and-plate heat exchanger having a plate stack having a plurality of heat transfer plates stacked and joined to each other, the refrigerant flowing between the plurality of heat transfer plates cannot flow in the stacking direction.

[0006] Therefore, if there is variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing in the stacking direction of the plate stack, the heat exchange of the refrigerant will be carried out without eliminating the variation, resulting in a problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency of the entire plate stack.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to increase the heat exchange efficiency of the plate stack as a whole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a shell-and-plate heat exchanger comprising: a shell (11) having an internal space (15); and a plate stack (30) having a plurality of heat transfer plates (40) stacked and joined to one another and housed in the internal space (15), wherein the shell (11) exchanges heat between a refrigerant that has flowed into the internal space (15) of the shell (11) and a heat medium that has flowed into a heat medium flow path (32) of the plate stack (30), the shell (11) being provided at a lower portion thereof and allowing a refrigerant to flow into the internal space (15); and a partition member (5) extending along a first direction, which is a direction in which the plate stack (30) is spaced apart from the plate stack (30), such that when the plate stack (30) is equally divided into three in the first direction, a portion located at the center in the first direction is a central heat exchange section (35), a portion located closer to one end in the first direction than the central heat exchange section (35) is a first heat exchange section (36), and a portion located closer to the other end in the first direction than the central heat exchange section (35) is a second heat exchange section (37). The partition member (5) has a plurality of communication holes (50) that open toward the plate stack (30) at positions facing the central heat exchange section (35), the first heat exchange section (36), and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0009] In the first aspect, the partition members (5) reduce the variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing in the first direction, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the plate stack (30) as a whole.

[0010] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a shell-and-plate type heat exchanger according to the first aspect, wherein the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61) extending along the first direction, and an internal flow path (55) through which the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) flows is provided below the first partition plate (61), and the internal flow path (55) extends along the first direction and guides the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) to a position below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37), and and a second flow path (57) that is bent back at an end of the first flow path (56) in the first direction and guides the refrigerant that has passed through the first flow path (56) to a position below the central heat exchange section (35), and the communication hole (50) includes a first communication hole (58) that is provided in the first partition plate (61), communicates with the first flow path (56) and opens toward the plate stack (30), and a second communication hole (59) that is provided in the first partition plate (61), communicates with the second flow path (57), and opens toward the plate stack (30).

[0011] In the second aspect, the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) is guided via the first flow path (56) to a position below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37), and the refrigerant that has passed through the first flow path (56) is guided to a position below the central heat exchange section (35), thereby reducing variation in the flow rate of the refrigerant in the first direction.

[0012] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the shell-and-plate heat exchanger of the first aspect, wherein the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61) extending along the first direction and a second partition plate (62) disposed below the first partition plate (61) and extending along the first direction, a downstream end of the refrigerant inlet (21) is connected to the second partition plate (62), and between the first partition plate (61) and the second partition plate (62), An internal flow path (55) is provided through which the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) flows, and the communication hole (50) is provided in the first partition plate (61) and includes a first communication hole (68) that is connected to the internal flow path (55) and opens toward the plate stack (30), and the second partition plate (62) is provided with a plurality of second communication holes (69) that are connected to the internal flow path (55) and open to the side opposite the plate stack (30).

[0013] In the third aspect, the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet (21) is guided via the internal flow path (55) to a position below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37), and gas refrigerant is allowed to flow out through the first communication hole (68) and liquid refrigerant is allowed to flow out through the second communication hole (69). This reduces variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing in the first direction.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to the plate-and-shell type heat exchanger of the first aspect, wherein the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61) extending along the first direction, and below the first partition plate (61) is provided an internal flow path (55) through which the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) flows, and the communication hole (50) is provided in the first partition plate (61), communicates with the internal flow path (55) and opens toward the plate stack (30), and includes an agitator (82) disposed in the internal flow path (55) for agitating liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant.

[0015] In the fourth aspect, when the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant that flows in through the refrigerant inlet (21) are caused to flow in the first direction, the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant are stirred by the stirring member (82), thereby making it possible to reduce variation in the ratio of the liquid refrigerant to the gas refrigerant in the first direction.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a shell-and-plate heat exchanger according to the first aspect, wherein the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61) extending along the first direction and a second partition plate (62) disposed below the first partition plate (61) and extending along the first direction, an upper flow path (76) is provided between the first partition plate (61) and the second partition plate (62), and a lower flow path (77) is provided between the first partition plate (61) and the second partition plate (62). A lower flow path (77) is provided below, through which the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) flows, and the communication hole (50) is provided in the first partition plate (61) and includes an upper communication hole (78) that is connected to the upper flow path (76) and opens toward the plate stack (30), and the second partition plate (62) is provided with a plurality of lower communication holes (79) that are connected to the upper flow path (76) and the lower flow path (77).

[0017] In the fifth aspect, the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet (21) is circulated in the first direction through the lower flow path (77) and then guided to a position below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37) through the upper flow path (76). This mixes the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant and reduces variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing in the first direction.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a shell-and-plate type heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a variation between a dryness fraction of the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the central heat exchange section (35) and a dryness fraction of the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37) is 70% or less, and a variation between a mass flow rate of the liquid refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the central heat exchange section (35) and a mass flow rate of the liquid refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37) is 30% or less.

[0019] In the sixth aspect, by appropriately setting the dryness fraction of the refrigerant and the mass flow rate of the liquid refrigerant in the first direction, the heat exchange efficiency of the plate stack (30) as a whole can be increased.

[0020] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a shell-and-plate type heat exchanger according to the sixth aspect, wherein a variation between a dryness fraction of the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the central heat exchange section (35) and a dryness fraction of the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37) is 40% or less, and a variation between a mass flow rate of the liquid refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the central heat exchange section (35) and a mass flow rate of the liquid refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37) is 20% or less.

[0021] In the seventh aspect, by appropriately setting the dryness fraction of the refrigerant and the mass flow rate of the liquid refrigerant in the first direction, it is possible to increase the heat exchange efficiency of the plate stack (30) as a whole.

[0022] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the plate-and-shell heat exchanger of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the refrigerant inlet (21) is provided at a central position in the first direction in a lower part of the shell (11).

[0023] In the eighth aspect, by providing the refrigerant inlet (21) at a central position in the first direction, the refrigerant that flows from the refrigerant inlet (21) into the internal space (15) can be evenly distributed toward both ends in the first direction.

[0024] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a shell-and-plate heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the refrigerant inlet (21) is provided at a position shifted in the first direction from a central position in the first direction at the lower part of the shell (11).

[0025] In the ninth aspect, by providing the refrigerant inlet (21) at a position shifted in the first direction from the center position in the first direction, the refrigerant inlet (21) can be disposed at any position.

[0026] The tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the shell-and-plate type heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein, among the plurality of communication holes (50), the hole diameter d1 of the communication hole (50) closest to the refrigerant inlet (21) and the hole diameter d2 of the communication hole (50) farthest from the refrigerant inlet (21) satisfy the condition d1 < d2.

[0027] In the tenth aspect, by setting the hole diameter of the communication hole (50) so that the refrigerant easily flows into the communication hole (50) at a position far from the refrigerant inlet (21), the variation in the distribution amount of the refrigerant can be suppressed.

[0028] The eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the shell-and-plate type heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61) extending along the first direction, the refrigerant inlet (21) is provided at a position displaced in the first direction from the central position in the first direction at the lower part of the shell (11), one end in the first direction of the first partition plate (61) is defined as a first end (91), the other end is defined as a second end (92), the distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the first end (91) is longer than the distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the second end (92), when viewed from the plate thickness direction of the first partition plate (61), the side of the first partition plate (61) closer to the first end (91) than the refrigerant inlet (21) is defined as a first region, the side of the first partition plate (61) closer to the second end (92) than the refrigerant inlet (21) is defined as a second region, and among the plurality of communication holes (50), the hole diameter d3 of the communication hole (50) formed in the first region and the hole diameter d4 of the communication hole (50) formed in the second region satisfy the condition d3 > d4.

[0029] In the eleventh aspect, by setting the hole diameters of the communication holes (50) in the first region and the second region so that the refrigerant easily flows into the communication hole (50) in the first region where the distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) in the first partition plate (61) is long, the variation in the distribution amount of the refrigerant can be suppressed.

[0030] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a shell-and-plate heat exchanger according to the fifth aspect, wherein the refrigerant inlet (21) is provided at a position shifted in a stacking direction from a center position in the first direction at a lower part of the shell (11), one end of the second partition plate (62) in the first direction is a first end (91) and the other end is a second end (92), and a distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the first end (91) is a distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the second end (92). a first region is a region on the first end (91) side of the second partition plate (62) relative to the refrigerant inlet (21), and a second region is a region on the second end (92) side of the refrigerant inlet (21), the first region being longer than the distance to the refrigerant inlet (21), and a second region is a region on the second end (92) side of the refrigerant inlet (21) relative to the refrigerant inlet (21), and among the multiple lower communication holes (79), a hole diameter d5 of the lower communication hole (79) formed in the first region and a hole diameter d6 of the lower communication hole (79) formed in the second region satisfy the condition that d5>d6.

[0031] In the twelfth aspect, the hole diameters of the lower communication holes (79) in the first and second regions are set so that the refrigerant easily flows through the lower communication holes (79) in the first region, which is located a long distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) in the second partition plate (62), thereby suppressing variation in the amount of refrigerant distributed.

[0032] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to the shell-and-plate heat exchanger of the second aspect, wherein the refrigerant inlet (21) is provided at a position shifted in the first direction from a central position in the first direction at the lower part of the shell (11), one end of the first partition plate (61) in the first direction is designated as a first end (91) and the other end is designated as a second end (92), a distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the first end (91) is longer than a distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the second end (92), when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the first partition plate (61), a first region is a side of the first end (91) of the first flow path (56) from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the refrigerant inlet (21), and a second region is a side of the second end (92) of the refrigerant inlet (21), and a flow path width L1 of the first region and a flow path width L2 of the second region satisfy a condition that L1>L2.

[0033] In the thirteenth aspect, the flow path widths of the first and second regions are set so that the refrigerant easily flows through the first region, which is located a long distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) in the first flow path (56), thereby making it possible to reduce variation in the amount of refrigerant distributed.

[0034] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigeration system comprising a shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) of any one of the first to fifth aspects, and a refrigerant circuit (1a) through which a refrigerant flows to be subjected to heat exchange in the shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10).

[0035] In a fourteenth aspect, a refrigeration system including a shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a shell-and-plate heat exchanger. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a shell-and-plate heat exchanger. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the plate stack. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the partition member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the shell-and-plate heat exchanger of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a shell-and-plate heat exchanger. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B1 of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B2-B2 of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9, showing a partition member according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 10 of a partition member according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the shell-and-plate heat exchanger of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a shell-and-plate heat exchanger. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C1-C1 of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C2-C2 of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C3-C3 of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the shell-and-plate heat exchanger of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a shell-and-plate heat exchanger. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the configuration of the partition member of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the position of the refrigerant inlet. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the configuration of the partition member of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the position of the refrigerant inlet. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a plan view showing the configuration of the partition member of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the position of the refrigerant inlet. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a plan view showing the configuration of the partition member of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the position of the refrigerant inlet. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a plan view showing the configuration of the partition member of the ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, a shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) (hereinafter referred to as "heat exchanger") is provided in a refrigeration system (1). The refrigeration system (1) has a refrigerant circuit (1a) filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (1a) has a compressor (2), a radiator (3), a pressure reduction mechanism (4), and a heat exchanger (10) serving as an evaporator. The pressure reduction mechanism (4) is, for example, an expansion valve. The refrigerant circuit (1a) performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0038] The refrigeration system (1) is an air conditioner. The air conditioner may be a cooling only machine, a heating only machine, or an air conditioner that switches between cooling and heating. In this case, the air conditioner has a switching mechanism (e.g., a four-way switching valve) that switches the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The refrigeration system (1) may be a water heater, a chiller unit, a cooling device that cools the air inside a storage unit, or the like. The cooling device cools the air inside a refrigerator, a freezer, a container, or the like.

[0039] <Heat exchanger> 2 and 3, the heat exchanger 10 includes a shell 11 and a plate stack 30. The plate stack 30 is housed in the internal space 15 of the shell 11.

[0040] A refrigerant flows into the internal space (15) of the shell (11). The refrigerant includes a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat medium flowing through the plate stack (30). In this manner, the heat exchanger (10) functions as an evaporator by evaporating the refrigerant that has flowed into the internal space (15) of the shell (11). The heat medium may be, for example, water or brine.

[0041] <shell> The shell (11) has a tubular body (12), a first closing member (13), and a second closing member (14). The tubular body (12) is composed of a cylindrical member that extends horizontally and is open at both axial ends.

[0042] The first closing member (13) is a disk-shaped member. The first closing member (13) closes the opening at one end side (the left end side in FIG. 2) of the cylindrical body (12). The first closing member (13) is attached to the cylindrical body (12) by welding.

[0043] The second closing member (14) is a disk-shaped member. The second closing member (14) closes the opening at the other end (the right end in FIG. 2) of the cylindrical body (12). The second closing member (14) is attached to the cylindrical body (12) by welding.

[0044] The shell (11) defines an internal space (15) by the cylindrical body (12), the first closing member (13), and the second closing member (14). Liquid refrigerant is stored in the internal space (15). The internal space (15) accommodates a plate stack (30).

[0045] The cylindrical body (12) is provided with a refrigerant inlet (21) and a refrigerant outlet (22). The refrigerant inlet (21) is provided at the bottom of the cylindrical body (12). The refrigerant is introduced into the internal space (15) through the refrigerant inlet (21). The refrigerant inlet (21) is provided at the center of the lower part of the shell (11) in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30).

[0046] The refrigerant outlet (22) is provided at an upper portion of the cylindrical body (12). The refrigerant evaporated in the internal space (15) is discharged from the refrigerant outlet (22) to the outside of the shell (11). The refrigerant inlet (21) and the refrigerant outlet (22) are connected to the refrigerant circuit (1a).

[0047] The first closing member (13) is provided with a heat medium inlet (23) and a heat medium outlet (24). The heat medium inlet (23) and the heat medium outlet (24) are tubular members.

[0048] The heat medium inlet (23) penetrates the first blocking member (13). The heat medium inlet (23) is connected to a heat medium introduction passage (33) of the plate stack (30). The heat medium inlet (23) supplies a heat medium to the plate stack (30). Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant that has flowed into the internal space (15) of the shell (11) and the heat medium that has flowed into a heat medium flow passage (32) of the plate stack (30) (described later).

[0049] The heat medium outlet (24) penetrates the first blocking member (13) at a position above the heat medium inlet (23). The heat medium outlet (24) is connected to the heat medium discharge path (34) of the plate stack (30). The heat medium outlet (24) discharges the heat medium from the plate stack (30).

[0050] Plate Stack The plate stack (30) has a plurality of heat transfer plates (40) that are stacked and joined together. The plate stack (30) is accommodated in the internal space (15) of the shell (11) with the stacking direction of the heat transfer plates (40) oriented horizontally. In the following description, the stacking direction of the plate stack (30) is referred to as a first direction.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4, the heat transfer plate (40) includes a first plate (40a) and a second plate (40b). In the plate stack (30), the first plates (40a) and the second plates (40b) are stacked alternately. In the following description, the left side of the first plate (40a) and the second plate (40b) in Fig. 4 is referred to as the front side, and the right side of the first plate (40a) and the second plate (40b) in Fig. 5 is referred to as the back side.

[0052] <Heat medium introduction path, heat medium outlet path> The first plate (40a) has an inlet convex portion (41a) and an outlet convex portion (43a). The inlet convex portion (41a) and the outlet convex portion (43a) are formed by bulging a part of the first plate (40a) toward the front surface side.

[0053] The inlet protrusion (41a) is formed in the lower part of the first plate (40a). A first inlet hole (42a) is formed in the center of the inlet protrusion (41a). The first inlet hole (42a) is a circular hole that penetrates the first plate (40a) in the thickness direction.

[0054] The outlet protrusion (43a) is formed on the upper part of the first plate (40a). A first outlet hole (44a) is formed in the center of the outlet protrusion (43a). The first outlet hole (44a) is a circular hole that penetrates the first plate (40a) in the thickness direction.

[0055] The second plate (40b) has an inlet recess (41b) and an outlet recess (43b). The inlet recess (41b) and the outlet recess (43b) are formed by protruding a part of the second plate (40b) toward the rear surface side.

[0056] The inlet recess (41b) is formed in the lower part of the second plate (40b). The second inlet hole (42b) is formed in the center of the inlet recess (41b). The second inlet hole (42b) is a circular hole penetrating the second plate (40b) in the thickness direction. The inlet recess (41b) is formed at a position corresponding to the inlet protrusion (41a) of the first plate (40a). The second inlet hole (42b) is formed at a position corresponding to the first inlet hole (42a) of the first plate (40a).

[0057] The outlet recess (43b) is formed in the upper part of the second plate (40b). A second outlet hole (44b) is formed in the center of the outlet recess (43b). The second outlet hole (44b) is a circular hole penetrating the second plate (40b) in the thickness direction. The outlet recess (43b) is formed at a position corresponding to the outlet protrusion (43a) of the first plate (40a). The second outlet hole (44b) is formed at a position corresponding to the first outlet hole (44a) of the first plate (40a).

[0058] In the plate stack 30, the peripheral edge of the first plate 40a and the peripheral edge of the second plate 40b adjacent to the rear surface of the first plate 40a are joined together by welding along the entire periphery. Alternatively, they may be joined together by brazing.

[0059] In the plate stack (30), the first inlet hole (42a) of the first plate (40a) overlaps with the second inlet hole (42b) of the second plate (40b) adjacent to the front surface side of the first plate (40a). The overlapping edges of the first inlet hole (42a) and the second inlet hole (42b) are joined by welding around the entire periphery. Alternatively, they may be joined by brazing. The first inlet hole (42a) and the second inlet hole (42b) communicate with a heat medium flow path (32) described later and introduce a heat medium into the heat medium flow path (32).

[0060] In the plate stack (30), the first outlet hole (44a) of the first plate (40a) overlaps with the second outlet hole (44b) of the second plate (40b) adjacent to the front surface side of the first plate (40a). The overlapping edges of the first outlet hole (44a) and the second outlet hole (44b) are joined by welding around the entire periphery. Alternatively, they may be joined by brazing. The first outlet hole (44a) and the second outlet hole (44b) communicate with a heat medium flow path (32) described later and guide the heat medium from the heat medium flow path (32).

[0061] In the plate stack (30), a heat medium introduction passage (33) is formed by the inlet convex portion (41a) and the first inlet hole (42a) of the first plate (40a) and the inlet concave portion (41b) and the second inlet hole (42b) of the second plate (40b).

[0062] In the plate stack (30), the outlet convex portion (43a) and the first outlet hole (44a) of the first plate (40a) and the outlet concave portion (43b) and the second outlet hole (44b) of the second plate (40b) form a heat medium discharge passage (34).

[0063] The heat medium inlet passage (33) is a passage extending in the stacking direction of the heat transfer plates (40) in the plate stack (30). The heat medium inlet passage (33) is a passage isolated from the internal space (15) of the shell (11) and connects all the heat medium flow passages (32) to the heat medium inlet (23).

[0064] The heat medium outlet path (34) is a passage extending in the stacking direction of the heat transfer plates (40) in the plate stack (30). The heat medium outlet path (34) is a passage isolated from the internal space (15) of the shell (11) and connects all the heat medium flow paths (32) to the heat medium outlets (24).

[0065] <Refrigerant flow path, heat medium flow path> The plate stack (30) has refrigerant channels (31) and heat medium channels (32). A plurality of refrigerant channels (31) and a plurality of heat medium channels (32) are formed with a heat transfer plate (40) interposed therebetween. The refrigerant channels (31) and the heat medium channels (32) are separated from each other by the heat transfer plate (40). The first plate (40a) and the second plate (40b) each have repeated elongated ridge-like projections and recesses.

[0066] The first plate (40a) is provided with first front-side protrusions (45a) and first back-side protrusions (47a) that are alternately arranged. The first front-side protrusions (45a) bulge toward the front side of the first plate (40a). The first back-side protrusions (47a) bulge toward the back side of the first plate (40a).

[0067] The second plate (40b) is provided with second front-side protrusions (47b) and second rear-side protrusions (45b) that are alternately arranged. The second front-side protrusions (47b) bulge toward the front side of the second plate (40b). The second rear-side protrusions (45b) bulge toward the rear side of the second plate (40b).

[0068] The refrigerant flow path (31) is a flow path sandwiched between the front surface of the first plate (40a) and the back surface of the second plate (40b). The refrigerant flow path (31) is a flow path that communicates with the internal space (15) of the shell (11) and through which the refrigerant flows.

[0069] Specifically, the refrigerant flow path (31) includes a flow path formed between the front surface of the first back side convex portion (47a) and the back surface of the second front side convex portion (47b), and a space formed between the first front side convex portion (45a) and the second back side convex portion (45b).

[0070] The heat medium flow path (32) is a flow path sandwiched between the back surface of the first plate (40a) and the front surface of the second plate (40b). The heat medium flow path (32) is a flow path through which the heat medium flows, isolated from the internal space (15) of the shell (11).

[0071] Specifically, the heat medium flow path (32) includes a flow path formed between the back surface of the first front-side convex portion (45a) and the front surface of the second back-side convex portion (45b), and a space formed between the first back-side convex portion (47a) and the second front-side convex portion (47b).

[0072] <Flow of heat transfer medium and refrigerant> The flow of the heat medium and the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 10 will now be described. Note that in Fig. 4, the flow of the heat medium is indicated by arrows.

[0073] 4, the heat medium flows into the heat medium inlet (23) through the heat medium introduction passage (33). The heat medium flowing through the heat medium introduction passage (33) flows through the heat medium flow passage (32) from the first inlet hole (42a) and the second inlet hole (42b) toward the first outlet hole (44a) and the second outlet hole (44b).

[0074] Specifically, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium introduction passage (33) flows into the heat medium flow path (32). The heat medium flows through the heat medium flow path (32) and at the same time passes through a space formed between the first back side convex portion (47a) and the second front side convex portion (47b) and flows into the heat medium flow path (32) adjacent to the upper side of the heat medium flow path (32). In this manner, the heat medium flows upward while flowing over both side ends of the heat transfer plate (40).

[0075] Next, the flow of the refrigerant will be described. In the refrigerant circuit (1a), the refrigerant that has passed through the pressure reducing mechanism (4) flows toward the heat exchanger (10). The liquid refrigerant flows from the refrigerant inlet (21) into the internal space (15) of the shell (11). In the internal space (15), the liquid refrigerant is stored up to near the upper end of the plate stack (30). The plate stack (30) is immersed in the liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant stored in the internal space (15) is at a relatively low pressure. The low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path (32).

[0076] Specifically, the refrigerant flow path (31) and the heat medium flow path (32) are adjacent to each other with the heat transfer plate (40) interposed therebetween, so that when the heat medium flows through the heat medium flow path (32), the liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat medium and evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant moves from the refrigerant flow path (31) upward beyond the plate stack (30). The evaporated refrigerant flows out of the refrigerant outlet (22) into the refrigerant circuit.

[0077] <About partition materials> Incidentally, the shell-and-plate type heat exchanger (10) of the present embodiment is configured with a plate stack (30) having a plurality of heat transfer plates (40) that are stacked and joined to one another, so that the refrigerant flowing between the plurality of heat transfer plates (40) cannot flow in the stacking direction.

[0078] Therefore, if there is variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30), the variation will not be eliminated and heat exchange of the refrigerant will be carried out, resulting in a problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency of the plate stack (30) as a whole.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the heat exchange efficiency of the plate stack (30) as a whole.

[0080] As shown in Figure 2, when the plate stack (30) is divided equally into three sections in the stacking direction, the section located in the center of the stacking direction is called a central heat exchange section (35), the section located on one end side of the central heat exchange section (35) in the stacking direction (the left end side in Figure 2) is called a first heat exchange section (36), and the section located on the other end side of the central heat exchange section (35) in the stacking direction (the right end side in Figure 2) is called a second heat exchange section (37).

[0081] 3, the heat exchanger (10) includes a partition member (5). The partition member (5) reduces variation in the ratio of liquid refrigerant to gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the central heat exchange section (35) and the ratio of liquid refrigerant to gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0082] Specifically, the partition member (5) is disposed below the plate stack (30). The partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61), a pair of guide plates (52), and a first side wall portion (63).

[0083] The first partition plate (61) separates the plate stack (30) from the refrigerant inlet (21). The first partition plate (61) extends in the internal space (15) of the shell (11) between the first closing member (13) and the second closing member (14) along the stacking direction of the plate stack (30).

[0084] Hereinafter, the stacking direction of the plate stack (30) is referred to as a first direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2), and the width direction of the first partition plate (61) perpendicular to the first direction is referred to as a second direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3).

[0085] The first side wall portion (63) is formed by bending the edge portions of both ends in the second direction of the first partition plate (61) so as to be inclined downward. Both ends in the second direction of the first side wall portion (63) abut against the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body (12) of the shell (11).

[0086] As a result, the partition member (5) has an internal flow path (55). The internal flow path (55) extends along the stacking direction of the plate stack (30). The refrigerant that flows in from the refrigerant inlet (21) flows through the internal flow path (55). The internal flow path (55) is provided in a space surrounded by the first partition plate (61), the first side wall portion (63), the cylindrical body (12), the first closing member (13), and the second closing member (14).

[0087] The pair of guide plates (52) are provided below the first partition plate (61). The pair of guide plates (52) extend along the stacking direction of the plate stack (30) with a gap between them in the second direction. Both ends of the pair of guide plates (52) in the first direction are disposed inward of both ends of the first partition plate (61) in the first direction (see FIG. 5). As a result, a gap is provided between the left end of the guide plate (52) and the first closing member (13) and between the right end of the guide plate (52) and the second closing member (14).

[0088] The pair of guide plates (52) are inclined downward so as to widen outward in the second direction of the first partition plate (61). The lower ends of the pair of guide plates (52) abut against the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body (12) of the shell (11).

[0089] As a result, the internal flow path (55) includes a first flow path (56) and a second flow path (57). The first flow path (56) is defined by a space provided between the pair of guide plates (52). The first flow path (56) guides the refrigerant that has flowed in from the refrigerant inlet (21) to a position below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0090] The second flow path (57) is defined by a space between first side wall portions (63), which are bent portions at both ends in the second direction of the first partition plate (61), and the guide plate (52). The second flow path (57) is folded back at the end of the first flow path (56) in the first direction, and guides the refrigerant that has passed through the first flow path (56) to a position below the central heat exchange section (35).

[0091] 5 and 6, the partition member (5) has a first communication hole (58) and a second communication hole (59). The first communication hole (58) and the second communication hole (59) are provided in the first partition plate (61).

[0092] The first communication holes (58) communicate with the first flow paths (56) and open toward the plate stack (30). The first communication holes (58) are provided at intervals in the first and second directions of the first partition plate (61). The first communication holes (58) discharge gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant flowing through the first flow paths (56).

[0093] The second communication holes (59) communicate with the second flow paths (57) and open toward the plate stack (30). The second communication holes (59) are provided at intervals in the first direction of the first partition plate (61). The second communication holes (59) discharge liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant flowing through the second flow paths (57).

[0094] In this manner, the refrigerant that has flowed into the internal space (15) of the shell (11) from the refrigerant inlet (21) passes through the first flow passage (56) of the partition member (5) and flows in the first direction. This allows the refrigerant to be distributed to the central heat exchange section (35), the first heat exchange section (36), and the second heat exchange section (37) in the plate stack (30).

[0095] Here, it is preferable that the variation between the dryness fraction of the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the central heat exchange section (35) and the dryness fraction of the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37) is 70% or less, particularly 40% or less.

[0096] Furthermore, it is preferable that the variation between the mass flow rate of the liquid refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the central heat exchange section (35) and the mass flow rates of the liquid refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37) be 30% or less, particularly 20% or less.

[0097] -Effects of embodiment 1- According to the feature of this embodiment, the partition members (5) reduce the variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30), thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the plate stack (30) as a whole.

[0098] According to the features of this embodiment, the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) is guided via the first flow path (56) to a position below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37), and the refrigerant that has passed through the first flow path (56) is guided to a position below the central heat exchange section (35), thereby reducing variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30).

[0099] According to the features of this embodiment, by appropriately setting the dryness fraction of the refrigerant and the mass flow rate of the liquid refrigerant in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30), the heat exchange efficiency of the plate stack (30) as a whole can be improved.

[0100] According to a feature of this embodiment, by providing the refrigerant inlet (21) at the center position in the first direction, the refrigerant that flows from the refrigerant inlet (21) into the internal space (15) can be evenly distributed toward both ends in the first direction.

[0101] According to a feature of the present embodiment, a refrigeration system including a shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) and a refrigerant circuit (1a) through which a refrigerant flows for heat exchange in the shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10) is provided. This makes it possible to provide a refrigeration system including the shell-and-plate heat exchanger (10).

[0102] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described.

[0103] 7, the heat exchanger (10) includes a partition member (5). The partition member (5) reduces variation in the ratio of liquid refrigerant to gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the central heat exchange section (35) and the ratio of liquid refrigerant to gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0104] The partition member (5) is disposed below the plate stack (30). The partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61), a second partition plate (62), and a first side wall portion (63).

[0105] 8, the first partition plate (61) extends in a first direction. The second partition plate (62) is disposed below the first partition plate (61) and extends in the first direction. The first side wall portion (63) extends along the peripheral edges of the first partition plate (61) and the second partition plate (62) and connects the first partition plate (61) and the second partition plate (62).

[0106] As a result, the partition member (5) is formed of a box-shaped member having an internal flow path (55). The partition member (5) extends in the first direction between the first closing member (13) and the second closing member (14) in the internal space (15) of the shell (11).

[0107] The downstream end of the refrigerant inlet (21) is connected to the second partition plate (62). The refrigerant inlet (21) is disposed below the central heat exchange section (35) of the plate stack (30).

[0108] The refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) flows through the internal flow path (55). The internal flow path (55) guides the refrigerant, which has flowed from the refrigerant inlet (21) to a position below the central heat exchange section (35), to positions below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0109] The partition member (5) has a first communication hole (68) and a second communication hole (69). The first communication hole (68) is provided in the first partition plate (61). The second communication hole (69) is provided in the second partition plate (62).

[0110] The first communication holes (68) communicate with the internal flow paths (55) and open toward the plate stack (30). A plurality of first communication holes (68) are provided at intervals in the first and second directions of the first partition plate (61) (see FIG. 9). The first communication holes (68) discharge gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant flowing through the internal flow paths (55).

[0111] 9, the pitch of the first communication holes (68) aligned in the first direction is changed as appropriate. Specifically, the pitch (P1) between adjacent first communication holes (68) near the refrigerant inlet (21) is made larger than the pitch (P2) between adjacent first communication holes (68) at the ends in the first direction.

[0112] With this configuration, the refrigerant is more likely to be discharged from the end position in the first direction of the internal flow path (55). This prevents most of the gas refrigerant that has flowed from the refrigerant inlet (21) into the internal flow path (55) from being discharged toward the central heat exchange section (35), and makes it easier to distribute the refrigerant to the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0113] The second communication holes (69) communicate with the internal flow paths (55) and open toward the opposite side to the plate stack (30). A plurality of second communication holes (69) are provided at intervals in the first and second directions of the second partition plate (62) (see FIG. 10). The second communication holes (69) discharge liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant flowing through the internal flow paths (55).

[0114] 10, the pitch between the second communication holes (69) aligned in the first direction is changed as appropriate. Specifically, the pitch (P1) between adjacent second communication holes (69) near the refrigerant inlet (21) is made larger than the pitch (P2) between adjacent second communication holes (69) at the ends in the first direction.

[0115] With this configuration, the refrigerant is more likely to be discharged from the end position in the first direction of the internal flow path (55). This prevents most of the liquid refrigerant that has flowed from the refrigerant inlet (21) into the internal flow path (55) from being discharged toward the central heat exchange section (35), and makes it easier to distribute the refrigerant to the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0116] The refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant inlet (21) toward the partition member (5) passes through the internal flow passages (55) of the partition member (5) and flows in the first direction, thereby distributing the refrigerant to the central heat exchange section (35), the first heat exchange section (36), and the second heat exchange section (37) of the plate stack (30).

[0117] -Effects of embodiment 2- According to the features of this embodiment, the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) is guided via the internal flow path (55) to a position below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37), and gas refrigerant is allowed to flow out from the first communication hole (68) and liquid refrigerant is allowed to flow out from the second communication hole (69). This reduces variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30).

[0118] Variation of the Second Embodiment 11, the first communication holes (68) lined up in the first direction are arranged at the same pitch. Specifically, the pitch (P1) between adjacent first communication holes (68) near the refrigerant inlet (21) and the pitch (P2) between adjacent first communication holes (68) at the ends in the first direction are set to the same value.

[0119] Meanwhile, the hole diameters of the first communication holes (68) aligned in the first direction are appropriately changed. Specifically, the hole diameter d2 of the first communication hole (68) at the end position in the first direction is made larger than the hole diameter d1 of the first communication hole (68) located closer to the refrigerant inlet (21).

[0120] That is, among the plurality of communication holes (50), the diameter d1 of the communication hole (50) at the position closest to the refrigerant inlet (21) and the diameter d2 of the communication hole (50) at the position farthest from the refrigerant inlet (21) are set to satisfy the condition d1 < d2.

[0121] With such a configuration, it becomes easier for the refrigerant to be discharged from the end position in the first direction in the internal flow path (55). As a result, most of the gaseous refrigerant flowing into the internal flow path (55) from the refrigerant inlet (21) is suppressed from being discharged toward the central heat exchange section (35), and it becomes easier to distribute the refrigerant to the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0122] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the pitches of the second communication holes (69) arranged in the first direction are the same. Specifically, the pitch (P1) between the adjacent second communication holes (69) at a position close to the refrigerant inlet (21) and the pitch (P2) between the adjacent second communication holes (69) at the end position in the first direction are set to the same size.

[0123] On the other hand, the diameters of the second communication holes (69) arranged in the first direction are appropriately changed. Specifically, the diameter d2 of the second communication hole (69) at the end position in the first direction is made larger than the diameter d1 of the second communication hole (69) at a position close to the refrigerant inlet (21).

[0124] With such a configuration, it becomes easier for the refrigerant to be discharged from the end position in the first direction in the internal flow path (55). As a result, most of the liquid refrigerant flowing into the internal flow path (55) from the refrigerant inlet (21) is suppressed from being discharged toward the central heat exchange section (35), and it becomes easier to distribute the refrigerant to the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0125] <<Embodiment 3>> As shown in FIG. 13, the heat exchanger (10) includes a partition member (5). The partition member (5) reduces the variation in the ratio of the liquid refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant contained in the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the central heat exchange section (35) and the ratio of the liquid refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant contained in the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37), respectively.

[0126] The partition member (5) is disposed below the plate stack (30). The partition member (5) has an internal flow path (55) through which the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) flows. The partition member (5) includes a first partition plate (61), a second partition plate (62), a first side wall portion (63), and a second side wall portion (64). The internal flow path (55) includes an upper flow path (76) and a lower flow path (77).

[0127] As also shown in Fig. 14, the first partition plate (61) extends in the first direction. The second partition plate (62) is disposed below the first partition plate (61) and extends in the first direction. The first side wall portion (63) extends along the peripheral edges of the first partition plate (61) and the second partition plate (62) and connects the first partition plate (61) and the second partition plate (62). The second side wall portion (64) extends downward from the peripheral edge of the second partition plate (62). A lower end of the second side wall portion (64) abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body (12) of the shell (11).

[0128] As a result, an upper flow path (76) is defined between the first partition (61), the second partition (62), and the first side wall (63). A lower flow path (77) is defined between the second partition (62), the second side wall (64), and the cylindrical body (12).

[0129] The refrigerant inlet (21) communicates with the lower flow path (77). The refrigerant that flows in through the refrigerant inlet (21) flows through the lower flow path (77). The refrigerant inlet (21) is provided in the lower part of the shell (11) at a central position in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30).

[0130] The partition member (5) has an upper communication hole (78) and a lower communication hole (79). The upper communication hole (78) is provided in the first partition plate (61). The lower communication hole (79) is provided in the second partition plate (62).

[0131] The upper communication holes (78) communicate with the upper flow paths (76) and open toward the plate stack (30). The upper communication holes (78) are provided at intervals in the first and second directions of the first partition plate (61) (see FIG. 15). The upper communication holes (78) discharge the refrigerant flowing through the upper flow paths (76).

[0132] The lower communication hole (79) communicates the lower flow path (77) with the upper flow path (76). The lower communication holes (79) are provided at intervals in the first and second directions of the second partition plate (62) (see FIG. 16 ). The number of the lower communication holes (79) is smaller than the number of the upper communication holes (78). The lower communication holes (79) open at a position away from the refrigerant inlet (21). The lower communication holes (79) discharge the refrigerant flowing through the lower flow path (77) to the upper flow path (76).

[0133] 17, the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) flows through the lower flow path (77). The lower flow path (77) guides the refrigerant, which has flowed from the refrigerant inlet (21) to a position below the central heat exchange section (35), to a position below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0134] The refrigerant that flows into the lower flow passage (77) flows through the lower communication hole (79) toward the upper flow passage (76). The upper flow passage (76) guides the refrigerant that flows from the lower communication hole (79) to a position below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37) to a position below the central heat exchange section (35), the first heat exchange section (36), and the second heat exchange section (37), respectively. The refrigerant flowing through the upper flow passage (76) is discharged through the upper communication hole (78) toward the plate stack (30).

[0135] -Effects of embodiment 3- According to the features of this embodiment, the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) is circulated in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30) through the lower flow path (77), and is then guided to a position below the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37) through the upper flow path (76). This mixes the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant and reduces variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30).

[0136] Fourth Embodiment 18, the heat exchanger (10) includes a partition member (5). The partition member (5) reduces variation in the ratio of liquid refrigerant to gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the central heat exchange section (35) and the ratio of liquid refrigerant to gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant subjected to heat exchange in the first heat exchange section (36) and the second heat exchange section (37).

[0137] Specifically, the partition member (5) is disposed below the plate stack (30). The partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61), a stirring member (82), and a first side wall portion (63).

[0138] The first partition plate (61) separates the plate stack (30) from the refrigerant inlet (21). The first partition plate (61) extends in the first direction between the first closing member (13) and the second closing member (14) in the internal space (15) of the shell (11).

[0139] The first side wall portion (63) is formed by bending the edge portions of both ends in the second direction of the first partition plate (61) so as to be inclined downward. Both ends in the second direction of the first side wall portion (63) abut against the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body (12) of the shell (11).

[0140] As a result, the partition member (5) has an internal flow path (55). The internal flow path (55) extends along the stacking direction of the plate stack (30). The refrigerant that flows in from the refrigerant inlet (21) flows through the internal flow path (55). The internal flow path (55) is provided in a space surrounded by the first partition plate (61), the first side wall portion (63), the cylindrical body (12), the first closing member (13), and the second closing member (14).

[0141] The agitating member (82) is disposed in the internal flow path (55). The agitating member (82) is made of a porous material, for example, a mesh material. The gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant flowing through the internal flow path (55) are agitated when passing through the agitating member (82).

[0142] As also shown in Fig. 20, the partition member (5) has a communication hole (50). The communication hole (50) is provided in the first partition plate (61). The communication hole (50) communicates with the internal flow path (55) and opens toward the plate stack (30). A plurality of communication holes (50) are provided at intervals in the first and second directions of the first partition plate (61). The communication holes (50) discharge the refrigerant flowing through the internal flow path (55).

[0143] -Effects of embodiment 4- According to a feature of the present embodiment, when the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant contained in the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) are caused to flow in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30), the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant are stirred by the stirring member (82), thereby making it possible to reduce variation in the ratio of the liquid refrigerant to the gas refrigerant in the stacking direction of the plate stack (30).

[0144] Fifth Embodiment Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described.

[0145] 21 and 22, the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61), a pair of guide plates (52), and a first side wall portion (63). The partition member (5) has an internal flow path (55). The internal flow path (55) extends in a first direction. The internal flow path (55) includes a first flow path (56) and a second flow path (57).

[0146] The partition member (5) has a plurality of communication holes (50). The communication holes (50) include a first communication hole (58) and a second communication hole (59). The first communication hole (58) and the second communication hole (59) are provided in the first partition plate (61).

[0147] The first communication hole (58) communicates with the first flow path (56). The first communication holes (58) are provided in a plurality of spaces in the first and second directions of the first partition plate (61). The second communication hole (59) communicates with the second flow path (57). The second communication holes (59) are provided in a plurality of spaces in the first direction of the first partition plate (61).

[0148] The refrigerant inlet (21) is provided at a position shifted in the first direction from the center in the first direction of the lower part of the shell (11). One end of the first partition plate (61) in the first direction is called a first end (91), and the other end is called a second end (92). The distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the first end (91) is longer than the distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the second end (92).

[0149] When viewed in the thickness direction of the first partition plate (61), a first region is a portion of the first partition plate (61) closer to the first end portion (91) than the refrigerant inlet (21), and a second region is a portion of the first partition plate (61) closer to the second end portion (92) than the refrigerant inlet (21). The first region and the second region are divided into left and right regions with respect to a center line passing through the center of the refrigerant inlet (21).

[0150] Of the multiple communication holes (50), the hole diameter d3 of the communication hole (50) formed in the first region and the hole diameter d4 of the communication hole (50) formed in the second region are set so as to satisfy the condition d3>d4.

[0151] -Effects of the fifth embodiment- According to a feature of this embodiment, by setting the hole diameter of the communication hole (50) so that the refrigerant flows easily through the communication hole (50) located far from the refrigerant inlet (21), it is possible to suppress variation in the amount of refrigerant distributed.

[0152] Sixth Embodiment Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described.

[0153] 23 and 24, the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61), a pair of guide plates (52), and a first side wall portion (63). The partition member (5) has an internal flow path (55). The internal flow path (55) extends in a first direction. The internal flow path (55) includes a first flow path (56) and a second flow path (57).

[0154] The partition member (5) has a plurality of communication holes (50). The communication holes (50) include a first communication hole (58) and a second communication hole (59). The first communication hole (58) and the second communication hole (59) are provided in the first partition plate (61).

[0155] The first communication hole (58) communicates with the first flow path (56). The first communication holes (58) are provided in a plurality of spaces in the first and second directions of the first partition plate (61). The second communication hole (59) communicates with the second flow path (57). The second communication holes (59) are provided in a plurality of spaces in the first direction of the first partition plate (61).

[0156] The refrigerant inlet (21) is provided at a position shifted in the first direction from the center in the first direction of the lower part of the shell (11). One end of the first partition plate (61) in the first direction is called a first end (91), and the other end is called a second end (92). The distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the first end (91) is longer than the distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the second end (92).

[0157] Here, when viewed in the thickness direction of the first partition plate (61), the side of the first end plate (91) closer to the refrigerant inlet (21) of the first partition plate (61) is defined as a first region, and the side of the second end plate (92) closer to the refrigerant inlet (21) is defined as a second region.

[0158] In the first flow path (56), a flow path width L1 of the first region and a flow path width L2 of the second region are set so as to satisfy the condition L1>L2.

[0159] Specifically, in the first region, the first flow path (56) has a constant flow path width. In the second region, the flow path width of the first flow path (56) is narrowest at the end on the second end (92) side. The flow path width of the first flow path (56) gradually narrows from the first region to the second region. That is, in the first flow path (56), the refrigerant flows more easily in the first region, which has a larger flow path width, than in the second region, which has a smaller flow path width.

[0160] -Effects of embodiment 6- According to a feature of the present embodiment, the flow path widths of the first and second regions are set so that the refrigerant easily flows through the first region, which is located a long distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) in the first flow path (56), thereby making it possible to reduce variation in the amount of refrigerant distributed.

[0161] Seventh Embodiment Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the second embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described.

[0162] 25 and 26, the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61), a second partition plate (62), and a first side wall portion (63). The partition member (5) has an internal flow path (55). The internal flow path (55) extends along a first direction.

[0163] The downstream end of the refrigerant inlet (21) is connected to the second partition (62). The refrigerant inlet (21) is provided in a position shifted in the first direction from the center in the first direction of the lower part of the shell (11).

[0164] The partition member (5) has a plurality of communication holes (50). The communication holes (50) include a first communication hole (68) and a second communication hole (69). The first communication holes (68) are provided at intervals in the first direction and the second direction of the first partition plate (61). The second communication holes (69) are provided at intervals in the first direction and the second direction of the second partition plate (62).

[0165] One end of the first partition plate (61) in the first direction is referred to as a first end (91), and the other end is referred to as a second end (92). The distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the first end (91) is longer than the distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the second end (92).

[0166] Here, when viewed in the thickness direction of the first partition plate (61), the side of the first end plate (91) closer to the refrigerant inlet (21) of the first partition plate (61) is defined as a first region, and the side of the second end plate (92) closer to the refrigerant inlet (21) is defined as a second region.

[0167] Among the communication holes (50) formed in the first partition plate (61), the hole diameter d3 of the first communication hole (68) formed in the first region and the hole diameter d4 of the first communication hole (68) formed in the second region are set so as to satisfy the condition d3>d4.

[0168] Furthermore, among the communication holes (50) formed in the second partition plate (62), the hole diameter d5 of the second communication hole (69) formed in the first region and the hole diameter d6 of the second communication hole (69) formed in the second region are set so as to satisfy the condition d5>d6.

[0169] -Effects of embodiment 7- According to the features of this embodiment, by setting the hole diameters of the communication holes (50) in the first region and the second region so that the refrigerant flows easily through the communication holes (50) in the first region, which is located a long distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) in the first partition plate (61) and the second partition plate (62), it is possible to suppress variation in the amount of refrigerant distributed.

[0170] Eighth embodiment Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described.

[0171] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61), a second partition plate (62), a first side wall portion (63), and a second side wall portion (64). The partition member (5) has an internal flow path (55). The internal flow path (55) extends in the first direction. The internal flow path (55) includes an upper flow path (76) and a lower flow path (77).

[0172] The refrigerant inlet (21) communicates with the lower flow path (77). The refrigerant inlet (21) is provided in a position shifted from the center in the first direction in the lower part of the shell (11).

[0173] The partition member (5) has a plurality of communication holes (50). The communication holes (50) include an upper communication hole (78) and a lower communication hole (79). The upper communication holes (78) are provided at intervals in the first and second directions of the first partition plate (61). The upper communication holes (78) communicate with the upper flow path (76). The lower communication holes (79) are provided at intervals in the first and second directions of the second partition plate (62). The lower communication holes (79) communicate with the upper flow path (76) and the lower flow path (77).

[0174] One end of the second partition plate (62) in the first direction is referred to as a first end (91), and the other end is referred to as a second end (92). The distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the first end (91) is longer than the distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the second end (92).

[0175] Here, when viewed in the thickness direction of the second partition plate (62), the side of the second partition plate (62) closer to the first end (91) than the refrigerant inlet (21) is defined as a first region, and the side of the second end (92) than the refrigerant inlet (21) is defined as a second region.

[0176] Among the multiple lower communicating holes (79), the hole diameter d5 of the lower communicating hole (79) formed in the first region and the hole diameter d6 of the lower communicating hole (79) formed in the second region are set so as to satisfy the condition d5>d6.

[0177] -Effects of embodiment 8- According to the features of this embodiment, the hole diameters of the lower communication holes (79) of the first and second regions are set so that the refrigerant can easily flow through the lower communication holes (79) of the first region, which is located a long distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) of the second partition plate (62), thereby suppressing variation in the amount of refrigerant distributed.

[0178] 《Embodiment 9》 Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the fourth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described.

[0179] 29, the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61), a stirring member (82), and a first side wall portion (63). The partition member (5) has an internal flow path (55). The internal flow path (55) extends in a first direction.

[0180] The refrigerant inlet (21) communicates with the internal flow path (55). The refrigerant inlet (21) is provided in a position shifted from the center in the first direction in the lower part of the shell (11).

[0181] The partition member (5) has a plurality of communication holes (50). The communication holes (50) are provided at intervals in the first direction and the second direction of the first partition plate (61). The communication holes (50) communicate with the internal flow path (55).

[0182] One end of the first partition plate (61) in the first direction is referred to as a first end (91), and the other end is referred to as a second end (92). The distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the first end (91) is longer than the distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) to the second end (92).

[0183] Here, when viewed in the thickness direction of the first partition plate (61), the side of the first end plate (91) closer to the refrigerant inlet (21) of the first partition plate (61) is defined as a first region, and the side of the second end plate (92) closer to the refrigerant inlet (21) is defined as a second region.

[0184] Among the multiple communication holes (50), the hole diameter d3 of the communication hole (50) formed in the first region and the hole diameter d4 of the communication hole (50) formed in the second region are set so as to satisfy the condition d3>d4.

[0185] -Effects of embodiment 9- According to the features of this embodiment, the hole diameters of the communication holes (50) in the first and second regions are set so that the refrigerant can easily flow through the communication holes (50) in the first region, which is located a long distance from the refrigerant inlet (21) in the first partition plate (61), thereby making it possible to reduce variation in the amount of refrigerant distributed.

[0186] Other Embodiments Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. In addition, the elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be appropriately combined or substituted. In addition, the descriptions "first," "second," "third," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words. [Industrial Applicability]

[0187] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a shell-and-plate heat exchanger and a refrigeration device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 1 Refrigeration equipment 1a Refrigerant circuit 5 Partitioning material 10. Shell and plate heat exchanger 11. Shell 15. Interior Space 21 Refrigerant inlet 30 Plate stack 32 Heat transfer medium flow path 35 Central heat exchange section 36 1st heat exchange section 37 Second heat exchange section 40 Heat transfer plate 50 Communication hole 55 Internal flow path 56 First Channel 57 Second Stream 58 1st communication hole 59 2nd communication hole 68 1st communication hole 69 2nd communication hole 76 Upper channel 77 Lower channel 78 Upper communication hole 79 Lower communication hole 82 Stirring member 91 First end 92 Second end

Claims

1. A shell-and-tube heat exchanger comprising a shell (11) having an internal space (15), and a plate stack (30) having a plurality of heat transfer plates (40) laminated and joined to each other and accommodated in the internal space (15), the heat exchanger being configured to exchange heat between a refrigerant flowing into the internal space (15) of the shell (11) and a heat medium flowing into a heat medium flow path (32) of the plate stack (30), a refrigerant inlet (21) provided at a lower portion of the shell (11) for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the internal space (15), a partition member (5) disposed between the plate stack (30) and the refrigerant inlet (21) and extending along a first direction which is the stacking direction of the plate stack (30), when the plate stack (30) is equally divided into three parts in the first direction, a portion located at the center in the first direction is a central heat exchange portion (35), a portion located on one end side in the first direction with respect to the central heat exchange portion (35) is a first heat exchange portion (36), and a portion located on the other end side in the first direction with respect to the central heat exchange portion (35) is a second heat exchange portion (37), the partition member (5) has a plurality of communication holes (50) opening toward the plate stack (30) at positions facing the central heat exchange portion (35), the first heat exchange portion (36), and the second heat exchange portion (37), the partition member (5) has a first partition plate (61) extending along the first direction and a second partition plate (62) disposed below the first partition plate (61) and extending along the first direction, an upper flow path (76) is provided between the first partition plate (61) and the second partition plate (62), a lower flow path (77) through which the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inlet (21) flows is provided below the second partition plate (62), the communication holes (50) are provided in the first partition plate (61) and include upper communication holes (78) communicating with the upper flow path (76) and opening toward the plate stack (30), a plurality of lower communication holes (79) communicating with the upper flow path (76) and the lower flow path (77) are provided in the second partition plate (62). A shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

2. The shell-and-tube heat exchanger according to Claim 1, wherein the number of the lower communication holes (79) is smaller than the number of the upper communication holes (78). A shell-and-tube heat exchanger.

3. In the shell and plate type heat exchanger according to Claim 1 or 2, the width direction of the first partition plate (61) orthogonal to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the upper communication hole (78) is provided outside the lower communication hole (79) in the second direction. A shell and plate type heat exchanger.

4. In the shell and plate type heat exchanger according to Claim 1 or 2, the plate laminate (30) has a heat medium introduction passage (33) and a heat medium discharge passage (34). A shell and plate type heat exchanger.

5. A shell and plate type heat exchanger (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, and a refrigerant circuit (1a) through which refrigerant that exchanges heat with the shell and plate type heat exchanger (10) flows. A refrigeration device.

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