Heat exchanger and refrigeration apparatus

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger capable of easily suppressing deviation of a flow rate of a heating medium in a flow passage.SOLUTION: A heat exchange device (100) is formed by stacking a plurality of plates in a first direction, and includes a flow port (142a), a communication path (162), and a flow path (220). The communication path allows the heat medium flowing in from the flow port to flow along the first direction. The flow path allows the heat medium flowing through the communication path to flow along a surface of the plate. The plurality of plates includes a first plate (110, 120a, 130) and a second plate (120b). The first plate has a first through hole (111, 121, 131) constituting a part of the communication passage. The second plate is disposed between the plurality of first plates. The second plate has a second through hole (125) forming a part of the communication path. An area of the second through hole in a plan view of the second plate is smaller than an area of the first through hole in a plan view of the first plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration device. [Background technology]

[0002] A plate-type heat exchanger is known in which multiple plates are stacked at predetermined intervals to form flow paths through which a first refrigerant flows and flow paths through which a second refrigerant flows alternately in the stacking direction, thereby allowing heat exchange between the two refrigerants.

[0003] In a plate-type heat exchanger, most of the refrigerant (heat medium) that flows in from the flow port and through the connecting passages flows downstream, resulting in a decrease in the amount of refrigerant that flows into the passages near the flow port, resulting in a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.Patent Document 1 (JP 2002-139292 A) discloses a plate-type heat exchanger that has a refrigerant distribution means provided in the refrigerant intake passage to suppress unevenness in the flow rate of the refrigerant that flows into multiple passages. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is not easy and takes time to fix the refrigerant distribution means inside the cylindrical refrigerant intake passage without rotating it.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a heat exchanger that can easily suppress a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by an imbalance in the flow rate of a heat medium flowing into a plurality of flow paths. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A heat exchanger according to a first aspect is a heat exchanger in which a plurality of plates are stacked in a first direction. The heat exchanger includes a circulation port, a communication passage, and a flow path. The circulation port allows the heat medium to flow in. The communication passage causes the heat medium that has flowed in from the circulation port to flow along the first direction. The flow path causes the heat medium that has flowed through the communication passage to flow along the surfaces of the plates.

[0007] The plurality of plates includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a first through hole that forms a part of the communication path. The second plate is disposed between the plurality of first plates. The second plate has a second through hole that forms a part of the communication path. The area of ​​the second through hole in the second plate in a plan view is smaller than the area of ​​the first through hole in the first plate in a plan view.

[0008] Because the area of ​​the second through-holes in a plan view is smaller than that of the first through-holes, part of the heat medium flowing through the communicating passage comes into contact with the wall surface of the second plate exposed to the communicating passage. Therefore, the wall surface of the second plate exposed to the communicating passage functions as a baffle plate, obstructing the flow of the heat medium in the communicating passage along the first direction. As a result, most of the heat medium flowing through the communicating passage is prevented from flowing downstream, preventing imbalances in the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the multiple flow paths.

[0009] Furthermore, the assembly of the heat exchanger is simple because it is only necessary to stack the second plate, in which the second through holes are formed, between the first plates.

[0010] Therefore, according to this heat exchanger, it is possible to easily suppress a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by an imbalance in the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the plurality of flow paths.

[0011] A heat exchanger according to a second aspect is the heat exchanger according to the first aspect, further comprising a third plate, the third plate being disposed between the first plates and having a third through hole that forms a part of the communication passage. The third plate is disposed at a position farther from the flow port than the second plate. The area of ​​the third through hole in a plan view of the third plate is smaller than the area of ​​the second through hole in a plan view of the second plate.

[0012] By further including a third plate having third through holes formed therein, each of which has an area smaller than that of the second through holes, the heat exchanger can effectively prevent most of the heat medium flowing through the communication passage from flowing downstream, thereby more effectively preventing uneven distribution of the heat medium flow through the communication passage.

[0013] A heat exchanger according to a third aspect is the heat exchanger according to the second aspect, wherein the first through holes in the first plate have a circular shape in a plan view, and the second through holes in the second plate and the third through holes in the third plate have an arc portion and a straight portion in a plan view.

[0014] A heat exchanger according to a fourth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the third aspect, wherein the straight portion connects both ends of the arc portion, and the straight portion is formed closer to the flow path than the arc portion.

[0015] A heat exchanger according to a fifth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the fourth aspect, wherein the straight portion connects both ends of the arc portion, and the arc portion is formed closer to the flow path than the straight portion.

[0016] A heat exchanger according to a sixth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the third aspect, wherein the arc portion includes a first arc portion and a second arc portion facing each other, the linear portion includes a first linear portion and a second linear portion facing each other, and the first arc portion is formed closer to the flow path than the first linear portion and the second linear portion.

[0017] A heat exchanger of a seventh aspect is the heat exchanger of the second aspect, wherein the shape of the first through hole in a planar view of the first plate, the shape of the second through hole in a planar view of the second plate, and the shape of the third through hole in a planar view of the third plate are circular.

[0018] A heat exchanger according to an eighth aspect includes any one of the heat exchangers according to the first aspect to the seventh aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigeration device 1 equipped with a first heat exchanger 100. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first heat exchanger 100. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first heat exchanger 100. [Figure 4] 10 is a plan view comparing the shapes of the outer holes 121. FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic arrangement of plates. [Figure 6] 10 is a plan view showing the shape of a restriction hole 125 of a first heat exchanger 100 according to a first modification. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a plan view showing the shape of a restriction hole 125 of a first heat exchanger 100 according to a second modification. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 shows a heat exchanger 500 according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] First Embodiment (1) Refrigeration unit 1 First, a refrigeration system 1 including a first heat exchanger 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The refrigeration system 1 is a binary refrigerant cycle device that performs heating and cooling operations in an air-conditioned space (not shown), such as the interior of a building, by executing a vapor compression cycle.

[0021] The refrigeration system 1 heats or cools water and uses the water to perform heating and cooling operations in a space to be air-conditioned (not shown). The refrigeration system 1 has a first heat exchanger 100, a second heat exchanger 300, a first refrigerant circuit 10, a second refrigerant circuit 20, a water circuit 30, and a control unit 40. As will be described in detail below, the refrigeration system 1 is configured such that a first refrigerant circulates in the first refrigerant circuit 10, a second refrigerant having a lower boiling point than the first refrigerant circulates in the second refrigerant circuit 20, and water circulates in the water circuit 30. Although not limited thereto, in this embodiment, the water circuit 30 is installed indoors and the second refrigerant circuit 20 is installed outdoors. The first refrigerant circuit 10 may be installed either indoors or outdoors, or a portion of it may be installed either indoors or outdoors.

[0022] The second refrigerant is an example of a heat medium.

[0023] (1-1) 1st heat exchanger 100 The first heat exchanger 100 exchanges heat between a first refrigerant circulating through the first refrigerant circuit 10 and a second refrigerant circulating through the second refrigerant circuit 20. The first heat exchanger 100 has first flow ports 141a and 141b, second flow ports 142a and 142b, a first flow path 210, and a second flow path 220.

[0024] First flow path 210 is a flow path through which a first refrigerant flows. First flow path 210 is provided between first flow port 1410a and first flow port 141b. Second flow path 220 is a flow path through which a second refrigerant flows. Second flow path 220 is formed between second flow port 142a and second flow port 142b. The first refrigerant flowing through first flow path 210 exchanges heat with the second refrigerant passing through second flow path 220. A detailed structure of first heat exchanger 100 will be described later.

[0025] (1-2)Second heat exchanger 300 The second heat exchanger 300 exchanges heat between the first refrigerant circulating through the first refrigerant circuit 10 and the water circulating through the water circuit 30. The second heat exchanger 300 has first flow ports 341a and 341b, second flow ports 342a and 342b, a first flow path 410, and a second flow path 420.

[0026] First flow path 410 is a flow path through which the first refrigerant flows. First flow path 410 is provided between first flow port 341a and first flow port 341b. Second flow path 420 is a flow path through which water flows. Second flow path 420 is formed between second flow port 342a and second flow port 342b. The first refrigerant flowing through first flow path 410 exchanges heat with the water passing through second flow path 420.

[0027] (1-3) 1st refrigerant circuit 10 In the first refrigerant circuit 10, a first refrigerant is heated or cooled. The first refrigerant circuit 10 is composed of a compressor 11, a four-way switching valve 12, an expansion valve 13, a first flow path 210 of a first heat exchanger 100, and a first flow path 410 of a second heat exchanger 300. The compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the expansion valve 13, the first flow path 210 of the first heat exchanger 100, and the first flow path 410 of the second heat exchanger 300 are connected by piping, and the first refrigerant circulates inside. In this embodiment, the first refrigerant is propane.

[0028] The compressor 11 draws in the low-pressure first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 10 through a suction port 11a, compresses it, and discharges it from a discharge port 11b as a high-pressure first refrigerant.

[0029] The four-way switching valve 12 has a first port 12a, a second port 12b, a third port 12c, and a fourth port 12d. Based on instructions from the control unit 40, the four-way switching valve 12 switches between a first state and a second state, in which the communication states of the first port 12a, the second port 12b, the third port 12c, and the fourth port 12d are different. In the first state, the first port 12a and the second port 12b are communicated with each other, and the third port 12c and the fourth port 12d are communicated with each other. In the second state, the first port 12a and the fourth port 12d are communicated with each other, and the second port 12b and the third port 12c are communicated with each other.

[0030] The first port 12a is connected to the discharge portion 11b of the compressor 11. The second port 12b is connected to the first flow port 341a of the second heat exchanger 300. The third port 12c is connected to the suction portion 11a of the compressor 11. The fourth port 12d is connected to the first flow port 141a of the first heat exchanger 100.

[0031] The expansion valve 13 adjusts the flow rate of the first refrigerant circulating through the first refrigerant circuit 10, and functions as a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of the first refrigerant.

[0032] One end of the expansion valve 13 is connected to the first flow port 141b of the first heat exchanger 100. The other end of the expansion valve 13 is connected to the first flow port 341b of the second heat exchanger 300.

[0033] (1-4)Second refrigerant circuit 20 In the second refrigerant circuit 20, a second refrigerant is heated or cooled. The second refrigerant circuit 20 is composed of a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, an expansion valve 23, a heat source heat exchanger 24, and a second flow path 220 of the first heat exchanger 100. The compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the expansion valve 23, the heat source heat exchanger 24, and the second flow path 220 of the first heat exchanger 100 are connected by piping, and the second refrigerant circulates inside. In this embodiment, the second refrigerant is carbon dioxide.

[0034] The compressor 21 draws in the low-pressure second refrigerant in the second refrigerant circuit 20 through the suction port 21a, compresses it, and discharges it from the discharge port 21b as the high-pressure second refrigerant.

[0035] The four-way switching valve 22 has a first port 22a, a second port 22b, a third port 22c, and a fourth port 22d. Based on instructions from the control unit 40, the four-way switching valve 22 switches between a first state and a second state, in which the communication states of the first port 22a, the second port 22b, the third port 22c, and the fourth port 22d are different. In the first state, the first port 22a and the second port 22b are communicated with each other, and the third port 22c and the fourth port 22d are communicated with each other. In the second state, the first port 22a and the fourth port 22d are communicated with each other, and the second port 22b and the third port 22c are communicated with each other.

[0036] The first port 22a is connected to the discharge portion 21b of the compressor 21. The second port 22b is connected to the second flow port 142a of the first heat exchanger 100. The third port 22c is connected to the suction portion 21a of the compressor 21. The fourth port 22d is connected to one end of the heat source heat exchanger 24.

[0037] The expansion valve 23 adjusts the flow rate of the second refrigerant circulating through the second refrigerant circuit 20, and functions as a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of the second refrigerant.

[0038] One end of the expansion valve is connected to the second flow port 142b of the first heat exchanger 100. The other end of the expansion valve is connected to the other end of the heat source heat exchanger .

[0039] The heat source heat exchanger 24 exchanges heat between the second refrigerant circulating in the second refrigerant circuit 20 and a heat source (for example, outdoor air).

[0040] (1-5) Water circuit 30 Water that has exchanged heat with the first refrigerant circulates in the water circuit 30. The water circuit 30 is composed of a water circulation pump 31, a water storage tank 32, a second flow path 420 of the second heat exchanger 300, and a utilization heat exchanger 33. The water circulation pump 31, the water storage tank 32, the second flow path 420 of the second heat exchanger 300, and the utilization heat exchanger 33 are connected by piping, and water circulates inside.

[0041] The water circulation pump 31 circulates water inside the water circuit 30. The water circulation pump 31 draws water from the inside of the water circuit 30 through an intake port 31a and discharges the water from an outlet port 31b.

[0042] The intake section 31 a is connected to the second flow port 342 b of the second heat exchanger 300 .

[0043] The water storage tank 32 stores water heated or cooled by the second heat exchanger 300 to heat or cool (in other words, provide heating or cooling) the air in the space to be air-conditioned. The water storage tank 32 has a water intake section 32a that takes in water circulating through the water circuit 30, and a drainage section 32b that discharges the stored water.

[0044] The water intake portion 32a is connected to the discharge portion 31b of the water circulation pump 31. The water discharge portion 32b is connected to the second flow port 342a of the second heat exchanger 300.

[0045] The utilization heat exchanger 33 exchanges heat between the water circulating through the water circuit 30 and the air in the space to be air-conditioned (not shown). The utilization heat exchanger 33 is disposed inside the space to be air-conditioned so that the water passing through it can exchange heat with the air in the space to be air-conditioned. One end of the utilization heat exchanger 33 is connected to the discharge portion 31b of the water circulation pump 31. The other end of the utilization heat exchanger 33 is connected to the second flow port 342a of the second heat exchanger 300. The number of utilization heat exchangers 33 included in the water circuit 30 may be one, or, as shown in FIG. 1, may be two or more.

[0046] (1-6) Control unit 40 The control unit 40 controls the compressors 11, 21, the four-way switching valves 12, 22, the expansion valves 13, 23, and the water circulation pump 31. Although not shown in the figure, the control unit 40 is electrically connected to the compressors 11, 21, the four-way switching valves 12, 22, the expansion valves 13, 23, and the water circulation pump 31 so as to be able to send and receive control signals.

[0047] (1-7) Operation of Refrigeration Device 1 The refrigeration device 1 performs heating operation and cooling operation.

[0048] (1-7-1) Heating operation The heating operation is an operation in which the refrigeration device 1 heats the water in the water circuit 30. In the heating operation, the control unit 40 sets the four-way switching valves 12, 22 to the first state, drives the compressors 11, 21 and the water circulation pump 31, and controls the opening degrees of the expansion valves 13, 23.

[0049] (1-7-1-1) Second refrigerant circuit 20 Compressor 21 draws low-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant from second refrigerant circuit 20 through suction port 21a and discharges it as high-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant from discharge port 21b. The high-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant passes through four-way selector valve 22, first through first port 22a and then second port 22b, and reaches second flow path 220 through second outlet 142a of first heat exchanger 100. In second flow path 220 of first heat exchanger 100, the high-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant condenses into high-pressure liquid-phase second refrigerant. At this time, the second refrigerant releases heat to the first refrigerant passing through first flow path 210. The high-pressure liquid-phase second refrigerant reaches expansion valve 23. Expansion valve 23, set to an appropriate opening, reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid-phase second refrigerant to form a low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid second refrigerant. The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid second refrigerant evaporates in heat source heat exchanger 24 to form a low-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant. At this time, the second refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat source. The low-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant passes through four-way selector valve 22 in this order, via fourth port 22d and third port 22c, and is then drawn into compressor 21 via suction port 21a.

[0050] (1-7-1-2) 1st refrigerant circuit 10 Compressor 11 draws low-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant from first refrigerant circuit 10 through suction port 11a and discharges it as high-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant from discharge port 11b. The high-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant passes through four-way selector valve 12, first port 12a and then second port 12b, and reaches first flow path 410 from first outlet 341a of second heat exchanger 300. In first flow path 410 of second heat exchanger 300, the high-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant condenses into high-pressure liquid-phase first refrigerant. At this time, the first refrigerant releases heat to water passing through second flow path 420. The high-pressure liquid-phase first refrigerant reaches expansion valve 13. Expansion valve 13, set to an appropriate opening, reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid-phase first refrigerant to a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase first refrigerant. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase first refrigerant passes through first flow port 141b of first heat exchanger 100, and then evaporates in first flow path 210 to become low-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant. At this time, the first refrigerant absorbs heat from the second refrigerant passing through second flow path 220. The low-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant passes through four-way selector valve 12 via fourth port 12d and third port 12c in this order, and is then drawn into compressor 11 from suction port 11a.

[0051] (1-7-1-3) Water circuit 30 The water circulation pump 31 draws water circulating through the water circuit 30 through the intake section 31a and discharges it through the discharge section 31b. A portion of the discharged water passes through the water intake section 32a and is stored in the water storage tank 32, while the remainder passes through the utilization heat exchanger 33. Both the water stored in the water storage tank 32 and the water passing through the utilization heat exchanger 33 release heat to the air in the air-conditioned space. In other words, the water stored in the water storage tank 32 and the water passing through the utilization heat exchanger 33 heat the air in the air-conditioned space. After passing through the discharge section 32b, the water stored in the water storage tank 32 passes through the second flow port 342a of the second heat exchanger 300 and reaches the second flow path 420. The water that has passed through the utilization heat exchanger 33 passes through the second flow port 342a of the second heat exchanger 300 and reaches the second flow path 420. The water that reaches second flow path 420 of second heat exchanger 300 absorbs heat from the first refrigerant passing through first flow path 410. The water that has absorbed the heat is drawn into water circulation pump 31 from suction port 31a.

[0052] (1-7-2) Cooling operation The cooling operation is an operation in which the refrigeration device 1 cools the water in the water circuit 30. In the cooling operation, the control unit 40 sets the four-way switching valves 12, 22 to the second state, drives the compressors 11, 21 and the water circulation pump 31, and controls the opening degrees of the expansion valves 13, 23.

[0053] (1-7-2-1) Second refrigerant circuit 20 Compressor 21 draws low-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant from second refrigerant circuit 20 through suction port 21a and discharges it as high-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant from discharge port 21b. The high-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant passes through four-way selector valve 22, first through first port 22a and then through fourth port 22d, to reach heat-source heat exchanger 24. In heat-source heat exchanger 24, the high-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant condenses into high-pressure liquid-phase second refrigerant. At this time, the second refrigerant releases heat to the heat source. The high-pressure liquid-phase second refrigerant reaches expansion valve 23. Expansion valve 23, with an appropriate opening, reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid-phase second refrigerant to form a low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid second refrigerant. The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid second refrigerant passes through second flow port 142b of first heat exchanger 100 and then evaporates in second flow path 220 to form a low-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant. At this time, the second refrigerant absorbs heat from the first refrigerant passing through second flow path 220. The low-pressure gas-phase second refrigerant passes through four-way switching valve 22 via second port 22b and third port 22c in this order, and is then drawn into compressor 21 via suction port 21a.

[0054] (1-7-2-2) 1st refrigerant circuit 10 Compressor 11 draws low-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant from first refrigerant circuit 10 through suction port 11a and discharges it as high-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant from discharge port 11b. The high-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant passes through four-way selector valve 12, first port 12a and then fourth port 12d, and reaches first flow path 210 through first outlet 141b of first heat exchanger 100. In first flow path 210 of first heat exchanger 100, the high-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant condenses into high-pressure liquid-phase first refrigerant. At this time, the first refrigerant releases heat to the second refrigerant passing through second flow path 220. The high-pressure liquid-phase first refrigerant reaches expansion valve 13. Expansion valve 13, with an appropriate opening, reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid-phase first refrigerant to a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase first refrigerant. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase first refrigerant passes through first flow port 341b of second heat exchanger 300, and then evaporates in first flow path 410 to become low-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant. At this time, the first refrigerant absorbs heat from the second refrigerant passing through second flow path 420. The low-pressure gas-phase first refrigerant passes through four-way selector valve 12 via second port 12b and third port 12c in this order, and is then drawn into compressor 11 from suction port 11a.

[0055] (1-7-2-3) Water circuit 30 The water circulation pump 31 draws water circulating through the water circuit 30 through the intake section 31a and discharges it from the discharge section 31b. A portion of the discharged water passes through the water intake section 32a and is stored in the water storage tank 32, while the remainder passes through the utilization heat exchanger 33. Both the water stored in the water storage tank 32 and the water passing through the utilization heat exchanger 33 absorb heat from the air in the air-conditioned space. In other words, the water stored in the water storage tank 32 and the water passing through the utilization heat exchanger 33 cool the air in the air-conditioned space. After passing through the discharge section 32b, the water stored in the water storage tank 32 passes through the second flow port 342a of the second heat exchanger 300 and reaches the second flow path 420. The water that has passed through the utilization heat exchanger 33 passes through the second flow port 342a of the second heat exchanger 300 and reaches the second flow path 420. The water that reaches second flow path 420 of second heat exchanger 300 releases heat to the first refrigerant passing through first flow path 410. The water that has released the heat is drawn into water circulation pump 31 from suction port 31a.

[0056] (2) 1st heat exchanger 100 (2-1) Overall structure The first heat exchanger 100 is a plate-type heat exchanger composed of a plurality of plates. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the first heat exchanger 100. Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first heat exchanger 100. Specifically, Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of upper inner holes 112, 122, and 132 and outer holes 111, 121, and 131 (all of which will be described later). In Fig. 3, the flow directions of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant during heating operation are indicated by arrows.

[0057] The first heat exchanger 100 includes, as plates, a plurality of first heat transfer plates 110, a plurality of partition walls 120, a plurality of second heat transfer plates 130, a first end frame 140, and a second end frame 150. The first heat exchanger 100 has a first flow path 210 and a second flow path 220 therein.

[0058] The first heat transfer plate 110, the partition wall 120, and the second heat transfer plate 130 have the same outer periphery shape and size. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the first heat transfer plate 110, the partition wall 120, the second heat transfer plate 130, the first end frame 140, and the second end frame 150 have a strip-like outer shape.

[0059] The plurality of first heat transfer plates 110 and the plurality of second heat transfer plates 130 are stacked alternately between the first end frame 140 and the second end frame 150, with partition walls 120 sandwiched between them. The number of the plurality of first heat transfer plates 110 and the number of the plurality of second heat transfer plates 130 is not particularly limited and is set appropriately depending on the required performance. The first end frame 140, the first heat transfer plates 110, the partition walls 120, the second heat transfer plates 130, and the second end frame 150 are integrally joined by, but not limited to, diffusion bonding, for example.

[0060] In the following description, for convenience, the longitudinal direction of the first heat transfer plate 110, the partition wall 120, and the second heat transfer plate 130 may be referred to as the longitudinal direction DL. Furthermore, the width direction of the first heat transfer plate 110, the partition wall 120, and the second heat transfer plate 130 may be referred to as the width direction DW. Furthermore, the thickness direction (in other words, the stacking direction) of the first heat transfer plate 110, the partition wall 120, and the second heat transfer plate 130 may be referred to as the thickness direction DT (see the arrows shown in some of the drawings for both directions). Furthermore, the up and down directions referred to in the following description correspond to the "up" and "down" shown in some of the drawings.

[0061] The first heat exchanger 100 is an example of a heat exchanger. The thickness direction DT is an example of a first direction. The second flow path 220 is an example of a flow path.

[0062] (2-2) Detailed configuration (2-2-1) First heat transfer plate 110 The first heat transfer plate 110, together with the adjacently stacked partition walls 120, forms a first flow path 210. The first heat transfer plate 110 has two outer holes 111, two inner holes 112, two headers 113, and a plurality of recesses 114 formed therein.

[0063] The outer holes 111 are through-holes through which the second refrigerant flows. The outer holes 111 penetrate the first heat transfer plate 110 along the thickness direction DT. The outer holes 111 are circular in a plan view of the first heat transfer plate 110. The outer holes 111 are formed between an upper edge 110eu of the first heat transfer plate 110 and the header 113, and between a lower edge 110eb of the first heat transfer plate 110 and the header 113, in a plan view of the first heat transfer plate 110.

[0064] The inner holes 112 are through holes through which the first refrigerant flows. The inner holes 112 penetrate the first heat transfer plate 110 along the thickness direction DT. The inner holes 112 are circular in a plan view of the heat transfer plate 110a.

[0065] The header 113 communicates between the inner hole 112 and the recess 114, and diverts a portion of the first refrigerant flowing through a first communication passage 161 (described later) to the recess 114. The surface of the header 113 is flush with the bottom 114b of the recess 114. In a plan view of the first heat transfer plate 110, the header 113 does not overlap with the outer hole 111 but overlaps with the inner hole 112.

[0066] One of the two headers 113 is a rectangular region surrounded by a boundary 110b extending in the width direction DW between the upper outer hole 111 and the inner hole 112, both end edges 110es in the width direction DW, and the upper ends of the multiple recesses 114 in a plan view of the first heat transfer plate 110. The other of the two headers 113 is a rectangular region surrounded by a boundary 110b extending in the width direction DW between the lower outer hole 111 and the inner hole 112, both end edges 110es in the width direction DW, and the lower ends of the multiple recesses 114 in a plan view of the first heat transfer plate 110. The two headers 113 have the same outer periphery shape and size. The header 113 has multiple protrusions 133i provided on its surface (see FIG. 3).

[0067] The recesses 114 are grooves through which the first refrigerant diverted by the header 113 flows. The multiple recesses 114 are formed in the center of the first heat transfer plate 110 in the longitudinal direction DL. The recesses 114 are linear along the longitudinal direction DL. A plurality of recesses 114 (approximately 130 in this embodiment, but not limited to) are formed at predetermined intervals along the width direction DW. Adjacent recesses 114 are separated by wall portions 114a. One end of each recess 114 contacts the upper header 113, and the other end contacts the lower header 113.

[0068] (2-2-2) Bulkhead 120 The partition walls 120 separate the first heat transfer plate 110 and the second heat transfer plate 130 in the thickness direction DT. The partition walls 120 include a plurality of first partition walls 120a, one second partition wall 120b, and one third partition wall 120c. As will be described in detail later, the first partition wall 120a, the second partition wall 120b, and the third partition wall 120c have different areas of their outer holes 121. FIG. 4 is a plan view comparing the shapes of the outer holes 121. In the following description, the first partition wall 120a, the second partition wall 120b, and the third partition wall 120c may be collectively referred to as partition walls 120.

[0069] (2-2-2-1) First bulkhead 120a The first partition wall 120a is a flat plate in which two outer holes 121 and two inner holes 122 are formed.

[0070] The outer holes 121 are through-holes through which the second refrigerant flows. The outer holes 121 penetrate the first partition wall 120a along the thickness direction DT. The outer holes 121 have the same shape and size as the outer holes 111 of the first heat transfer plate 110. Furthermore, the outer holes 121 are formed at positions that overlap with the outer holes 111 of the heat transfer plate 110a when the first partition wall 120a is stacked on the first heat transfer plate 110.

[0071] The inner holes 122 are through-holes through which the first refrigerant flows. The inner holes 122 penetrate the first partition wall 120a along the thickness direction DT. The inner holes 122 have the same shape and size as the inner holes 112 of the heat transfer plate 110a. Furthermore, the inner holes 122 are formed at positions that overlap with the inner holes 112 of the heat transfer plate 110a when the first partition wall 120a is stacked on the first heat transfer plate 110.

[0072] (2-2-2-2) Second bulkhead 120b The second partition wall 120b differs from the first partition wall 120a in that a restriction hole 125 is formed instead of the outer hole 121. The restriction hole 125 is a through hole whose area in a plan view of the second partition wall 120b is smaller than that of the outer hole 121. The area of ​​the restriction hole 125 is also smaller than that of the outer hole 111 of the first heat transfer plate 110 and the outer hole 131 (described later) of the second heat transfer plate 130. The restriction hole 125 is an example of a second through hole.

[0073] The restriction hole 125 has an arc portion 125a and a straight portion 125b in a plan view of the second partition wall 120b. The straight portion 125b connects both ends of the arc portion 125a. The straight portion 125b is formed closer to the flow paths 210 and 220 than the arc portion 125a. As shown in FIG. 4, the arc portion 125a is an arc with the same radius as the radius of the outer hole 121.

[0074] (2-2-2-3) Third bulkhead 120c The third partition wall 120c differs from the first partition wall 120a in that a restriction hole 126 is formed instead of the outer hole 121. The restriction hole 126 is a through hole whose area in a plan view of the third partition wall 120c is smaller than that of the restriction hole 125. The area of ​​the restriction hole 125 is also smaller than that of the outer hole 111 of the first heat transfer plate 110, the outer hole 131 (described later) of the second heat transfer plate 130, and the outer hole 121 of the first partition wall 120a. The restriction hole 126 is an example of a third through hole.

[0075] The restriction hole 126 has an arc portion 126a and a linear portion 126b in a plan view of the third partition wall 120c. The linear portion 126b connects both ends of the arc portion 126a. The linear portion 126b is formed closer to the flow paths 210 and 220 than the arc portion 126a. As shown in FIG. 4, the arc portion 126a is an arc with the same radius as the radius of the outer hole 121. The linear portion 126b is formed at a position farther from the flow paths 210 and 220 in the longitudinal direction DL than the linear portion 126b.

[0076] (2-2-3) Second heat transfer plate 130 The second heat transfer plate 130 is adjacent to the partition wall 120 on the surface opposite to the first heat transfer plate 110. The second heat transfer plate 130 forms a second flow path 220 together with the adjacent partition wall 120 stacked thereon. The second heat transfer plate 130 has two outer holes 131, two inner holes 132, two headers 133, and a plurality of recesses 134 formed therein.

[0077] The outer holes 131 are through-holes through which the second refrigerant flows. The outer holes 131 penetrate the second heat transfer plate 130 along the thickness direction DT. The outer holes 131 have the same shape and size as the outer holes 111 of the first heat transfer plate 110 and the outer holes 121 of the partition walls 120. Furthermore, the outer holes 131 are formed at positions that overlap with the outer holes 121 of the partition walls 120 and the restriction holes 125, 126 when the partition walls 120 are stacked on the second heat transfer plate 130.

[0078] The inner holes 132 are through-holes through which the first refrigerant flows. The inner holes 132 penetrate the second heat transfer plate 130 along the thickness direction DT. The inner holes 132 have the same shape and size as the inner holes 112 of the first heat transfer plate 110 and the inner holes 122 of the partition walls 120. Furthermore, the inner holes 132 are formed at positions that overlap with the inner holes 122 of the partition walls 120 when the partition walls 120 are stacked on the second heat transfer plate 130.

[0079] The header 133 communicates between the outer holes 131 and the recesses 134, and diverts a portion of the second refrigerant flowing through second communication passages 162 (described later) to the recesses 134. The surface of the header 133 is flush with the bottom 134b of the recesses 134. The header 133 overlaps with the outer holes 131 and the inner holes 132 in a plan view of the second heat transfer plate 130.

[0080] One of the two headers 133 is a rectangular area surrounded by the upper edge 130eu of the second heat transfer plate 130, both end edges 130es in the width direction DW, and the upper ends of the multiple recesses 134 in a plan view of the second heat transfer plate 130. The other of the two headers 133 is a rectangular area surrounded by the lower edge 130eb of the second heat transfer plate 130, parts of both end edges 130es in the width direction DW, and the lower ends of the multiple recesses 134 in a plan view of the second heat transfer plate 130. The two headers 133 have the same shape and size. The header 133 has multiple protrusions 133i provided on its surface (see FIG. 3).

[0081] The header 133 has a seal portion 133s. The seal portion 133s prevents the first refrigerant flowing through the inner hole 132 from flowing into the header 133. The seal portion 133s is a protrusion formed to surround the inner hole 132 in a plan view of the second heat transfer plate 130. The seal portion 133s protrudes from the surface of the header 133 to the same height as the wall portion 134a that separates adjacent recesses 134.

[0082] The recesses 134 are grooves through which the second refrigerant diverted by the header 133 flows. The recesses 134 are linear along the longitudinal direction. A plurality of recesses 134 (approximately 130 in this embodiment, although this is not limited thereto) are formed at predetermined intervals along the width direction DW. Adjacent recesses 134 are separated by wall portions 134a. One end of each recess 134 contacts the upper header 133, and the other end contacts the lower header 133.

[0083] (2-2-4) First End Frame 140 and Second End Frame 150 The first end frame 140 is a plate-like member having first flow ports 141a and 141b and second flow ports 142a and 142b.

[0084] The first flow ports 141a and 141b are through holes formed in the first end frame 140. The first refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger 100 from the first flow ports 141a and 141b. The first flow port 141a is disposed at a position communicating with the inner holes 112, 122, and 132 formed above. The first flow port 141b is disposed at a position communicating with the inner holes 112, 122, and 132 formed below.

[0085] The second flow ports 142a and 142b are through holes formed in the first end frame 140. The second refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger 100 from the second flow ports 142a and 142b. The second flow port 142a is disposed at a position communicating with the outer holes 111, 121, and 131 formed above. The second flow port 142b is disposed at a position communicating with the outer holes 111, 121, and 131 formed below.

[0086] (2-2-5) Assembly of the first heat exchanger 100 The first flow paths 210 are formed by stacking the partition walls 120 on the first heat transfer plate 110 and closing the openings of the recesses 114 with the surfaces of the partition walls 120. As a result, the first flow paths 210 cause the first refrigerant that has flowed through first communication paths 161 (described below) to flow along the surface of the first heat transfer plate 110.

[0087] The second flow paths 220 are formed by stacking the partition walls 120 on the second heat transfer plate 130 and closing the openings of the recesses 134 with the surfaces of the partition walls 120. As a result, the second flow paths 220 allow the second refrigerant that has flowed through second communication paths 162 (described below) to flow along the surface of the second heat transfer plate 130.

[0088] By stacking the first heat transfer plate 110, the partition wall 120, and the second heat transfer plate 130, the inner holes 112, 122, and 132 communicate with each other to form a first communication passage 161 through which the first refrigerant flowing in from the first circulation ports 141a and 141b flows along the thickness direction DT. Furthermore, by stacking the first heat transfer plate 110, the partition wall 120, and the second heat transfer plate, the outer holes 111, 121, and 131 and the restriction holes 125 and 126 communicate with each other to form a second communication passage 162 through which the second refrigerant flowing in from the second circulation ports 142a and 142b flows along the thickness direction DT.

[0089] By stacking the first end frame 140 on the stacked first heat transfer plate 110, partition wall 120, and second heat transfer plate 130, the first circulation port 141 communicates with the first communication passage 161, and the second circulation port 142 communicates with the second communication passage 162.

[0090] The partition wall 120 is stacked on the second heat transfer plate 130, and the surface of the partition wall 120 comes into contact with the surface of the seal portion 133s, so that the seal portion 133s prevents the first refrigerant flowing through the inner hole 132 from flowing into the header 133 (see Figure 3).

[0091] 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the arrangement of the plates. As shown in FIG. 5, the second partition wall 120b is stacked between a plate group P in which a plurality of second heat transfer plates 130, first partition walls 120a, and first heat transfer plates 110 are stacked in this order. Similarly, the third partition wall 120c is also stacked between the plate groups P. The third partition wall 120c is positioned farther from the first flow ports 141a, 141b and the second flow ports 142a, 142b than the second partition wall 120b. In other words, both the second partition wall 120b and the third partition wall 120c are stacked between the first heat transfer plate 110 and the second heat transfer plate 130.

[0092] The first heat transfer plate 110, the first partition wall 120a, and the second heat transfer plate 130 are an example of a first plate. The outer holes 111, 121, and 131 are an example of a first through hole. The second partition wall 120b is an example of a second plate. The third partition wall 120c is an example of a third plate. The second communication passage 162 is an example of a communication passage. The second circulation port 142a is an example of a circulation port.

[0093] (2-3) Flow of the first and second refrigerants (2-3-1) Flow of the first refrigerant In cooling operation, the first refrigerant that flows into first flow port 141a of first heat exchanger 100 flows through upper first communication passage 161. A portion of the first refrigerant flowing through first communication passage 161 passes through upper header 113 and flows into first flow path 210 (recess 114). The first refrigerant that flows into first flow path 210 flows along the longitudinal direction DL, and then passes through lower header 113 and flows into lower first communication passage 161. The first refrigerant that flows into first communication passage 161 flows out of first heat exchanger 100 through first flow port 141b.

[0094] In heating operation, the first refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to that in cooling operation. Specifically, the first refrigerant that flows into first circulation port 141b of first heat exchanger 100 flows through lower first communication passage 161. A portion of the first refrigerant flowing through first communication passage 161 passes through lower header 113 and flows into first flow path 210 (recess 114). The first refrigerant that flows into first flow path 210 flows along the longitudinal direction DL, and then passes through upper header 113 and flows into upper first communication passage 161. The first refrigerant that flows into first communication passage 161 flows out of first heat exchanger 100 through first circulation port 141a (see arrow A in FIG. 3 ).

[0095] (2-3-2) Flow of the second refrigerant In cooling operation, the second refrigerant that flows into second flow port 142b of first heat exchanger 100 flows through lower second communication passage 162. A portion of the second refrigerant flowing through second communication passage 162 passes through lower header 133 and flows into second flow passage 220 (recess 134). The second refrigerant that flows into second flow passage 220 flows along the longitudinal direction DL, and then passes through upper header 133 and flows into upper second communication passage 162. The second refrigerant that flows into second communication passage 162 flows out of first heat exchanger 100 through second flow port 142a.

[0096] In heating operation, the second refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to that in cooling operation. Specifically, the second refrigerant that flows into second flow port 142a of first heat exchanger 100 flows through upper second communication passage 162 (see arrow B in FIG. 3). A portion of the second refrigerant flowing through second communication passage 162 passes through upper header 133 and flows into second flow passage 220 (recess 134). The second refrigerant that flows into second flow passage 220 flows along the longitudinal direction DL, and then passes through lower header 133 and flows into lower second communication passage 162. The second refrigerant that flows into second communication passage 162 flows out of first heat exchanger 100 through second flow port 142b.

[0097] (3) Features (3-1) The first heat exchanger 100 is a heat exchanger in which multiple plates are stacked in the thickness direction DT. The first heat exchanger 100 includes a second circulation port 142a, a second communication passage 162, and a second flow path 220. A second refrigerant, which is a heat medium, flows into the second circulation port 142a. The second communication passage 162 allows the heat medium that flows in from the second circulation port 142a to flow along the thickness direction DT. The second flow path 220 allows the second refrigerant that flows through the second communication passage 162 to flow along the surface of the plate.

[0098] The multiple plates include a first heat transfer plate 110, a second heat transfer plate 130, a first partition wall 120a (first plate), and a second partition wall 120b (second plate). The first heat transfer plate 110 has an outer hole 111 that forms part of the second communication passage 162 formed therein. The second heat transfer plate 130 has an outer hole 131 that forms part of the second communication passage 162 formed therein. The first partition wall 120a has an outer hole 121 that forms part of the second communication passage 162 formed therein. The second partition wall 120b is stacked between the first heat transfer plate 110 and the second heat transfer plate 130. The second partition wall 120b has a restriction hole 125 that forms part of the second communication passage 162 formed therein. The area of ​​the restriction hole 125 in the second partition wall 120b in a planar view is smaller than the area of ​​the outer hole 111 in the first heat transfer plate 110 in a planar view, the area of ​​the outer hole 131 in the second heat transfer plate 130 in a planar view, and the area of ​​the outer hole 121 in the first partition wall 120a in a planar view.

[0099] Because the area of ​​restriction hole 125 in a plan view is smaller than that of outer holes 111, 121, and 131, part of the second refrigerant flowing through second communication passage 162 comes into contact with the wall surface of second partition wall 120b exposed to second communication passage 162. Therefore, the wall surface of second partition wall 120b exposed to second communication passage 162 functions as a baffle plate, obstructing the flow of the second refrigerant in second communication passage 162 along thickness direction DT. As a result, most of the second refrigerant flowing through second communication passage 162 is prevented from flowing downstream, thereby preventing unevenness in the flow rate of the second refrigerant flowing into multiple second flow ports 142a.

[0100] In addition, the assembly of the first heat exchanger 100 is simple because it is only necessary to stack the second partition wall 120b, which has the regulating hole 125 formed therein, between the first heat transfer plate 110 and the second heat transfer plate 130 in place of the first partition wall 120a.

[0101] Therefore, according to the first heat exchanger 100, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by an imbalance in the flow rate of the second refrigerant flowing into the plurality of second flow paths 220 can be easily suppressed.

[0102] (3-2) The multiple plates further include a third partition wall 120c (third plate) that is stacked between the first heat transfer plate 110 and the second heat transfer plate 130 (first plate) and has a restriction hole 126 that forms part of the second communication passage 162. The third partition wall 120c is disposed at a position farther from the second flow port 142a than the second partition wall 120b. The area of ​​the restriction hole 126 in the third partition wall 120c in a plan view is smaller than the area of ​​the restriction hole 125 in the second partition wall 120b in a plan view.

[0103] By further including third partition wall 120c in which restriction hole 126 having an area smaller than that of restriction hole 125 is formed, most of the second refrigerant flowing through second communication passage 162 is effectively prevented from flowing downstream. Therefore, first heat exchanger 100 can more effectively prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by an imbalance in the flow rate of the second refrigerant flowing into the plurality of second flow passages 220.

[0104] (3-3) The outer holes 111 in the first heat transfer plate 110 in a plan view and the outer holes 131 in the second heat transfer plate 130 in a plan view are circular in shape. The restriction holes 125 in the second partition wall 120b in a plan view and the restriction holes 126 in the third partition wall 120c in a plan view have arc portions 125a, 126a and linear portions 125b, 126b.

[0105] (3-4) Straight portion 125b connects both ends of arc portion 125a. Straight portion 126b connects both ends of arc portion 126a. Straight portions 125b, 126b are formed closer to flow channels 210, 220 than arc portions 125a, 126a.

[0106] (3-5) The refrigeration device 1 includes a first heat exchanger 100 .

[0107] (4) Variations (4-1) Variation 1 The shape of the restriction hole 125 may be such that a straight portion 125b connects both ends of a circular arc portion 125a, and the circular arc portion 125a is formed closer to the flow paths 210, 220 than the straight portion 125b. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the shape of the restriction hole 125 of the first heat exchanger 100 according to Modification 1. Similarly, the restriction hole 126 may also be formed such that the circular arc portion 126a is closer to the flow paths 210, 220 than the straight portion 126b (see Fig. 6).

[0108] (4-2) Variation 2 Regarding the shape of the restriction hole 125, the arc portion 125a may include a first arc portion 125aa and a second arc portion 125ab that face each other, and the linear portion 125b may include a first linear portion 125ba and a second linear portion 125bb that face each other. The first arc portion 125aa is formed closer to the flow paths 210, 220 than the first linear portion 125ba and the second linear portion 125bb. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the shape of the restriction hole 125 of the first heat exchanger 100 according to Modification 2. Similarly, the restriction hole 126 may also include two arc portions 126a and two linear portions 126b, with one of the two arc portions 126a being formed closer to the flow path than the two linear portions 126b (see FIG. 7).

[0109] (4-3) Variation 3 The shapes of the outer holes 111, 121, 131 in a plan view of the first heat transfer plate 110, the first partition 120, and the second heat transfer plate 130, the shape of the restriction hole 125 in a plan view of the second partition 120b, and the shape of the restriction hole 125 in a plan view of the third partition 120c may all be circular.

[0110] (4-4) Variation 4 In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of plates includes two plates (second partition 120b and third partition 120c) having restriction holes 125, 126 formed therein, but the plurality of plates may include only one plate having restriction holes formed therein, or may include three or more plates having restriction holes formed therein.

[0111] (4-5) Variation 5 In the above-described embodiment, one second partition wall 120b and one third partition wall 120c are stacked between the first heat transfer plate 110 and the second heat transfer plate 130. However, a plurality of plates having the restriction holes 125, 126 formed therein may be stacked adjacent to each other. For example, two second partition walls 120b may be stacked adjacent to each other between the first heat transfer plate 110 and the second heat transfer plate 130.

[0112] (4-6) Variation 6 The restriction holes may be formed in a location other than the partition walls 120. For example, restriction holes may be formed in some of the first heat transfer plates 110, or restriction holes may be formed in some of the second heat transfer plates 130.

[0113] (4-7) Variation 7 In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of through holes constituting the second communication passage 162 include restriction holes, but the plurality of through holes constituting the second communication passage 162 and the first communication passage 161 may also include restriction holes.

[0114] Second Embodiment (1) Overall structure In the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 100 includes the partition wall 120. However, the partition wall may be omitted if the heat exchanger has a second plate having second through holes formed therein whose area is smaller than that of the first through holes in a plan view of the first plate. Fig. 8 shows a heat exchanger 500 according to a second embodiment.

[0115] The heat exchanger 300 includes plates: a plurality of first heat transfer plates 510, a plurality of second heat transfer plates 520, one third heat transfer plate 530, one first end frame 540, and one second end frame 550. The first heat transfer plate 510, the second heat transfer plate 520, and the third heat transfer plate 530 are plate-like members formed in the same rectangular shape. As will be described in detail later, by stacking the first heat transfer plate 510, the second heat transfer plate 520, and the third heat transfer plate 530, first flow paths 610 and second flow paths 620 are formed alternately in the thickness direction DT. The first flow path 610 is an example of a flow path. The up, down, left, and right directions referred to in the following description correspond to the "up," "down," "left," and "right" shown in FIG. 8. (1-1) First heat transfer plate 510 The first heat transfer plate 510 has a corrugated fin with a corrugated cross section formed in the center of one surface. In this embodiment, the corrugations of the first heat transfer plate 510 are formed so that the peaks form a herringbone pattern with a convex shape facing upward. The first heat transfer plate 510 has two first through holes 510a, two first passing holes 510b, and two headers 510c formed therein.

[0116] The first through holes 510a are through holes and are formed on the upper left side and the lower right and left side.

[0117] The first through holes 510b are through holes and are formed on the upper right side and the lower left side.

[0118] The headers 510c are formed around the first through holes 510a. One of the two headers 510c diverts a portion of the second refrigerant flowing through the first through holes 510a to the corrugated fins, and the other guides the second refrigerant that has passed through the corrugated fins to the other first through holes 510a.

[0119] (1-2) Second heat transfer plate 520 The second heat transfer plate 520 has a corrugated fin with a corrugated cross section formed in the center of one surface. In this embodiment, the corrugations of the second heat transfer plate 520 are formed so that the peaks form a herringbone pattern with a downward convexity. The second heat transfer plate 520 has two second through holes 520a, two second passing holes 520b, and a header 520c.

[0120] The second through holes 520a are through holes. The second through holes 520a are formed on the upper right side and the lower left side. The second through holes 520a are formed at positions that overlap and communicate with the first through holes 510b when the first heat transfer plate 510 and the second heat transfer plate 520 are stacked. The size and shape of the second through holes 520a are the same as those of the first through holes 510b.

[0121] The second through holes 520b are through holes. The second through holes 520b are formed on the upper left and lower right sides. The second through holes 520b are formed at positions that overlap and communicate with the first through holes 510a when the first heat transfer plate 510 and the second heat transfer plate 520 are stacked. The size and shape of the second through holes 520b are the same as those of the first through holes 510a.

[0122] The headers 520c are formed around the second through holes 520a. One of the two headers 520c diverts a portion of the first refrigerant flowing through the second through holes 520a to the corrugated fins, and the other guides the first refrigerant that has passed through the corrugated fins to the other second through holes 520a.

[0123] (1-3) Third heat transfer plate 530 The third heat transfer plate 530 differs from the second heat transfer plate 520 in that restriction holes 530a are formed instead of the second through holes 520b. The function and shape of the restriction holes 530a are similar to those of the restriction holes 125 and 126 in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. The restriction holes 530a are an example of second through holes.

[0124] (1-4) First end frame 540 and second end frame 550 The first end frame 540 is a plate-shaped member having first flow ports 541a and 541b through which the second refrigerant flows and second flow ports 542a and 542b through which the first refrigerant flows in. The first flow ports 541a and 541b and the second flow ports 542a and 542b are through holes.

[0125] The first flow ports 541a and 541b are formed at positions that communicate with the first flow holes 510a and the second through holes 520b when the first end frame 540 is stacked on the first heat transfer plate 510 and the second heat transfer plate 520, respectively.

[0126] The second communication ports 542a, 542b are formed at positions that communicate with the first through hole 510b and the second communication hole 520a when the first end frame 540 is stacked on the first heat transfer plate 510 and the second heat transfer plate 520, respectively.

[0127] (1-5) Assembly of the heat exchanger 500 The first heat transfer plates 510 and the second heat transfer plates 520 are alternately stacked, thereby forming first flow paths 610 and second flow paths 620 alternately in the stacking direction DS.

[0128] More specifically, the surface of the second heat transfer plate 520 on which the corrugated fins are not formed is stacked on the corrugated fins of the first heat transfer plate 510, thereby forming a second flow path 620 between the corrugated fins of the first heat transfer plate 510 and the second heat transfer plate 520. The second flow path 620 causes the second refrigerant that has flowed through a first communication path 561 (described below) to flow along the surface of the first heat transfer plate 510.

[0129] Furthermore, by stacking the surface of the first heat transfer plate 510 on which no corrugated fins are formed on the corrugated fins of the second heat transfer plate 520, a first flow path 610 is formed between the corrugated fins of the second heat transfer plate 520 and the first heat transfer plate 510. The first flow path 610 causes the first refrigerant that has flowed through a second communication path 562 (described later) to flow along the surface of the second heat transfer plate 520.

[0130] Although detailed description will be omitted, the first flow path 610 is also formed when the first end frame 540 is stacked on the second heat transfer plate 520. Similarly, the second flow path 620 is also formed when the first end frame 540 is stacked on the first heat transfer plate 510.

[0131] The third heat transfer plate 530 is stacked at an arbitrary position (for example, approximately the center in the thickness direction DT) in place of the second heat transfer plate 520. Therefore, a first flow path 610 is also formed between the corrugated fins of the third heat transfer plate 530 and the first heat transfer plate 510.

[0132] By stacking the first heat transfer plate 510, the second heat transfer plate 520, and the third heat transfer plate 530, the first communication holes 510a, the second through holes 520b, and the restriction holes 530a are connected to each other to form a first communication passage 561 through which the second refrigerant flowing in from the first communication ports 541a, 541b flows along the thickness direction DT. Furthermore, by stacking the first heat transfer plate 510, the second heat transfer plate 520, and the third heat transfer plate 530, the first through holes 510b and the second communication holes 520a are connected to each other to form a second communication passage 562 through which the first refrigerant flowing in from the second communication ports 542a, 542b flows along the thickness direction DT.

[0133] When the first end frame 540 is stacked on the stacked first heat transfer plate 510, second heat transfer plate 520, and third heat transfer plate 530, the first circulation ports 541a, 541b are connected to the first communication passage 561, and the second circulation ports 542a, 542b are connected to the second communication passage 562.

[0134] The first heat transfer plate 510 and the second heat transfer plate 520 are an example of a first plate. The first circulation hole 510a and the second passing hole 520b are an example of a first through hole. The third heat transfer plate 530 is an example of a second plate. The first circulation port 541a is an example of a circulation port. The first communication passage 561 is an example of a communication passage.

[0135] (2) Features Like the restriction holes 125 and 126 of the first heat exchanger 100, the restriction hole 530a also functions as a baffle plate that partially obstructs the flow of the second refrigerant along the thickness direction DT in the first communication passage 561. As a result, the heat exchanger 500 can easily suppress a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by an imbalance in the flow rate of the second refrigerant flowing into the multiple second flow passages 620.

[0136] (3) Variations (3-1) Variation 1 The heat exchanger 500 may further include a fourth heat transfer plate in which a restriction hole having an area in a plan view of the plate smaller than that of the restriction hole 530a is formed. The fourth heat transfer plate is an example of a third plate.

[0137] (3-2) Variation 2 The third heat transfer plate 530 may have restriction holes formed in place of the second through holes 520a. Also, the third heat transfer plate 530 may have restriction holes formed in place of both the second through holes 520a and the second through holes 520b. <Conclusion> Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1: Refrigeration equipment 100: 1st heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 110: First heat transfer plate (first plate) 111: Outer hole (first through hole) 120: Bulkhead 121: Outer hole (first through hole) 120a: First partition (first plate) 120b: Second partition (second plate) 125: Restriction hole (second through hole) 120c: Third partition (third plate) 126: Restriction hole (second through hole) 130: Second heat transfer plate (first plate) 131: Outer hole (first through hole) 125a: Arc section 125aa: First arc section 125ab: Second arc section 125b: Straight section 125ba: 1st straight section 125bb: 2nd straight section 126a: Arc section 126b: Straight section 142a: 2nd distribution port (distribution port) 162: Second Passage (Passage) 210: First flow path 220: Second flow path (flow path) 500: Heat exchanger 510: First heat transfer plate (first plate) 510a: 1st communication hole (1st through hole) 520: Second heat transfer plate (first plate) 520b: 2nd passage hole (1st through hole) 530: Third heat transfer plate 530a: Regulation hole (second through hole) 541a: 1st distribution port (distribution port) 561: 1st Passageway (Passageway) 610: First flow path (flow path) 620: Second flow path DT: Thickness direction (first direction) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0139] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-139292

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (100, 500) in which a plurality of plates are stacked in a first direction, a flow port (142a, 541a) through which the heat transfer medium flows; a communication passage (162, 561) through which the heat medium flowing in from the flow port flows along the first direction; a flow path (220, 610) for causing the heat transfer medium that has flowed through the communication path to flow along the surface of the plate; Equipped with The plurality of plates include: a first plate (110, 120a, 130, 510, 520) in which a first through hole (111, 121, 131, 510a, 520b) constituting a part of the communication passage is formed; a second plate (120b, 530) stacked between the plurality of first plates and having a second through hole (125, 530a) that forms a part of the communication path; Including, The area of ​​the second through hole in a plan view of the second plate is an area smaller than the area of ​​the first through hole in a plan view of the first plate; heat exchanger.

2. The plurality of plates include: The device further includes a third plate (120c) stacked between the plurality of first plates and having a third through hole (126) formed therein and constituting a part of the communication path, The third plate is the second plate is disposed at a position farther from the flow port than the second plate; The area of ​​the third through hole in a plan view of the third plate is an area smaller than the area of ​​the second through hole in a plan view of the second plate; The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

3. The shape of the first through hole in a plan view of the first plate is It is circular, The shape of the second through hole in a plan view of the second plate and the shape of the third through hole in a plan view of the third plate are having arcuate portions (125a, 126a) and straight portions (125b, 126b); 3. The heat exchanger of claim 2.

4. The straight portion is the arc portion is formed closer to the flow path than the arc portion, and the arc portion is formed closer to the flow path than the arc portion.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3.

5. The straight portion is connecting both ends of the arc portion; The arc portion is formed closer to the flow path than the straight portion, 5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4.

6. The arc portion is It includes a first arc portion (125aa) and a second arc portion (125ab) facing each other, The straight portion is It includes a first linear portion (125ba) and a second linear portion (125bb) facing each other, The first arc portion is is formed closer to the flow path than the first straight portion and the second straight portion, 4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3.

7. The shape of the first through hole in a plan view of the first plate, the shape of the second through hole in a plan view of the second plate, and the shape of the third through hole in a plan view of the third plate are It is circular, 3. The heat exchanger of claim 2.

8. A refrigeration system (1) comprising a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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