heat exchanger

Abstract

The objective is to ensure sealing performance in heat exchangers. [Solution] The heat exchanger (1) comprises a plate-shaped first flow path member (40) having a first refrigerant passage (45) through which a first refrigerant (W1) flows on its first surface (44), a first spacer (50) surrounding the first outer periphery (41) of the first flow path member (40), a plate-shaped second flow path member (60) having a second refrigerant passage (64) through which a second refrigerant (W2) flows, and a second spacer (70) surrounding the second outer periphery (61) of the second flow path member (60). The first back surface (46) of the first flow path member (40) is formed flat. The first back surface (46) rests on the second spacer (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger.

Background Art

[0002] Various techniques for heat exchangers have been disclosed. For example, the heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which fluid passages are formed in multiple stages by stacking tube plates with a pair of spacer bars interposed therebetween. Wave-shaped fins are arranged in each fluid passage along the flow direction thereof.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, in this type of heat exchanger, a configuration in which a refrigerant passage is provided on the surface of a plate-shaped flow path member is known. If there is a blank portion that does not constitute the refrigerant passage on the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the flow path member, it is disadvantageous in terms of cost. From the viewpoint of cost reduction, it is desirable that the surface of the flow path member has as few blank portions as possible and is occupied by the refrigerant passage.

[0005] Therefore, the plate-shaped flow path member provided with the refrigerant passage on the surface and the spacer surrounding the outer peripheral portion of the flow path member are divided into separate members. Since the blank portion (not constituting the refrigerant passage) on the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the flow path member can be reduced, it is advantageous in terms of cost.

[0006] However, in the above configuration in which the flow path member and the spacer are divided into separate members, when a plurality of sets of the flow path member and the spacer are prepared and stacked on each other, the refrigerant leaks into the gap between the flow path member and the spacer. The refrigerant flowing through one flow path member and the refrigerant flowing through the other flow path member are mixed with each other.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to ensure sealing performance in heat exchangers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of this disclosure relates to a heat exchanger (1). This heat exchanger (1) comprises a plate-shaped first flow path member (40) having a first refrigerant passage (45) through which a first refrigerant (W1) flows on its first surface (44), a first spacer (50) surrounding the first outer periphery (41) of the first flow path member (40), a plate-shaped second flow path member (60) having a second refrigerant passage (64) through which a second refrigerant (W2) flows, and a second spacer (70) surrounding the second outer periphery (61) of the second flow path member (60), wherein the first back surface (46) of the first flow path member (40) is formed flat and the first back surface (46) rests on the second spacer (70).

[0009] According to the first embodiment, the joint between the first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) and the second spacer (70) becomes a sealing portion.

[0010] The first refrigerant passage (45) on the first surface (44) of the first flow path member (40) and the second refrigerant passage (64) of the second flow path member (60) are sealed to each other at the seal portion. The first refrigerant (W1) flowing through the first refrigerant passage (45) and the second refrigerant (W2) flowing through the second refrigerant passage (64) are separated from each other at the seal portion, making it difficult for them to mix.

[0011] The heat exchanger (1) can be sealed.

[0012] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to a heat exchanger (1) according to the first aspect. In this heat exchanger (1), the first flow channel member (40) has a base (47) on which the second spacer (70) is placed.

[0013] According to the second embodiment, the joint between the base (47) of the first flow channel member (40) and the second spacer (70) can be made into a sealing portion.

[0014] A third aspect of this disclosure relates to a heat exchanger (1) according to the second aspect. In this heat exchanger (1), the base (47) is located on the first outer periphery (41).

[0015] According to the third embodiment, the layout of the base (47) becomes easier.

[0016] A fourth aspect of this disclosure relates to a heat exchanger (1) according to the second aspect. In this heat exchanger (1), the base (47) is positioned in the first intermediate portion (48) on the inner circumference (I) side of the first outer circumference (41).

[0017] According to the fourth embodiment, the layout of the base (47) becomes easier.

[0018] A fifth aspect of this disclosure relates to a heat exchanger (1) according to the first aspect. In this heat exchanger (1), the second refrigerant passage (64) is provided on the second surface (62) of the second flow channel member (60), the second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60) is formed flat, and the second back surface (63) rests on the first spacer (50).

[0019] According to the fifth embodiment, the joint between the second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60) and the first spacer (50) can be made into a sealing portion.

[0020] A sixth aspect of this disclosure relates to a heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. In this heat exchanger (1), the first refrigerant passage (45) is formed on the first surface (44) by etching.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, when the first refrigerant passage (45) is formed by etching on the first surface (44) of the first flow path member (40), if there is a blank portion that does not constitute the first refrigerant passage (45) on the first outer peripheral portion (41) of the first surface (44) of the first flow path member (40), it is disadvantageous in terms of cost. Therefore, the plate-like first flow path member (40) in which the first refrigerant passage (45) is provided on the first surface (44) and the first spacer (50) surrounding the first outer peripheral portion (41) of the first flow path member (40) are divided into separate members. Since the blank portion (not constituting the first refrigerant passage (45)) on the first outer peripheral portion (x0) of the first surface (44) of the first flow path member (40) can be reduced, it is advantageous in terms of cost.

[0022] The seventh aspect of the present disclosure is directed to the heat exchanger (1) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. In this heat exchanger (1), the first flow path member (40) and the second spacer (70) are diffusion bonded.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, since the first back surface (46) of the first flow path member (40) is placed on the second spacer (70), it becomes easy to press and diffusion bond the first flow path member (40) and the second spacer (70).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the first laminate (10) of the heat exchanger (1) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the second laminate (20) of the heat exchanger (1) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the assembly of the heat exchanger (1) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the lamination of the first laminate (10) and the second laminate (20) in the heat exchanger (1) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows the lamination of the first laminate (10) and the second laminate (20) in the heat exchanger (1) according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows the stacking of the first laminate (10) and the second laminate (20) in the heat exchanger (1) according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the stacking of the first laminate (10) and the second laminate (20) in the heat exchanger (1) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the stacking of the first laminate (10') and the second laminate (20') in a conventional heat exchanger (1'). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. Since the drawings are for conceptual explanation of this disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding.

[0026] <First Embodiment> (heat exchanger) The first embodiment will be described. The first direction (X), the second direction (Y), and the third direction (Z) intersect each other (more specifically, are orthogonal) (see Figure 3). The heat exchanger (1) is made up of multiple layer members stacked in the third direction (Z).

[0027] In this example, the third direction (Z) is the up-and-down direction, one of the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) is the left-to-right direction within the horizontal direction, and the other of the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) is the front-to-back direction within the horizontal direction. One side of the third direction (Z) (Z1) is upward, and the other side of the third direction (Z) (Z2) is downward.

[0028] The heat exchanger (1) comprises a first laminate (10), a second laminate (20), an outer plate (32), a first side plate (33), and a second side plate (34).

[0029] (Layer 1) Figure 1 shows the first laminate (10) of the heat exchanger (1). The first laminate (10) of the heat exchanger (1) comprises a first flow channel member (40) and a first spacer (50). In Figure 1, for clarity, the first gap (H1) between the first flow channel member (40) and the first spacer (50) is shown larger than it actually is.

[0030] The first flow channel member (40) is plate-shaped. The first flow channel member (40) has its thickness in the third direction (Z) and extends in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The first flow channel member (40) has a rectangular shape with its length in the first direction (X) and its width in the second direction (Y).

[0031] The first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40) includes a first side (41a), a second side (41b), a third side (41c), and a fourth side (41d). The first side (41a) and the second side (41b) extend in a first direction (X). The first side (41a) and the second side (41b) are aligned with each other in a second direction (Y). The first side (41a) is located on one side (Y1) of the second direction (Y). The second side (41b) is located on the other side (Y2) of the second direction (Y). The first side (41a) and the second side (41b) are parallel to each other.

[0032] The third side (41c) and the fourth side (41d) extend in the second direction (Y). The third side (41c) and the fourth side (41d) are aligned with each other in the first direction (X). The third side (41c) is located on one side (X1) of the first direction (X). The fourth side (41d) is located on the other side (X2) of the first direction (X). The third side (41c) and the fourth side (41d) are parallel to each other.

[0033] An inlet (42) and an outlet (43) are provided on the first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40). The inlet (42) and the outlet (43) are located on the first side (41a). The inlet (42) and the outlet (43) are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X) on the first side (41a). The inlet (42) is located one side (X1) of the center of the first direction (X) on the first side (41a). The outlet (43) is located on the other side (X2) of the center of the first direction (X) on the first side (41a).

[0034] The first flow channel member (40) includes a first surface (44) on one side (Z1) in the third direction (Z) and a first back surface (46) on the other side (Z2) in the third direction (Z). A first refrigerant passage (45) is provided on the first surface (44) of the first flow channel member (40). A first refrigerant (W1) flows through the first refrigerant passage (45). The first refrigerant (W1) is, for example, propane or carbon dioxide.

[0035] The first refrigerant passage (45) is formed on the first surface (44) of the first flow channel member (40) by etching. Etching is a molding or surface processing technique that utilizes the corrosive action of chemicals.

[0036] The first refrigerant passage (45) has a folded structure. The starting point of the first refrigerant passage (45) is the inlet (42) on the first side (41a). The ending point of the first refrigerant passage (45) is the outlet (43) on the first side (41a). The first refrigerant passage (45) extends in a zigzag pattern between the inlet (42) and the outlet (43) on the first surface (44) of the first flow path member (40).

[0037] In the first refrigerant passage (45), the first refrigerant (W1) flows from the inlet (42) to the outlet (43). More specifically, in the first refrigerant passage (45), the first refrigerant (W1) starts from the inlet (42) on the first side (41a), moves in a zigzag pattern along the first surface (44), and reaches the outlet (43) on the first side (41a).

[0038] As will be described in more detail later, the first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) is formed to be flat.

[0039] The first spacer (50) is frame-shaped and plate-shaped. The first spacer (50) has its thickness in the third direction (Z) and extends in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The first spacer (50) is a rectangular frame shape with its length in the first direction (X) and its width in the second direction (Y).

[0040] The first inner circumference (51) of the first spacer (50) surrounds the first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40). The first inner circumference (51) of the first spacer (50) corresponds to the first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40). The inner diameter of the first inner circumference (51) of the first spacer (50) is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40).

[0041] The first spacer (50) includes a large member (50a) and a small member (50b). The large member (50a) is roughly U-shaped, opening to one side (Y1) in the second direction (Y). The first inner circumference (51) of the large member (50a) surrounds the second side (41b), third side (41c), and fourth side (41d) of the first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40). The small member (50b) extends in the first direction (X). The first inner circumference (51) of the small member (50b) surrounds the middle portion in the first direction (X) of the first side (41a) of the first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40).

[0042] In the first spacer (50), a first inflow space (53a) is formed between the end of one side (X1) of the small member (50b) in the first direction (X) and the large member (50a). In the first spacer (50), a first outflow space (53c) is formed between the end of the other side (X2) of the small member (50b) in the first direction (X) and the large member (50a). The first inflow space (53a) is in communication with the inlet (42). The first outflow space (53c) is in communication with the outlet (43).

[0043] A notch (54) recessed toward the inner circumference is provided in the portion of the outer circumference (52) of the first spacer (50) corresponding to the third side (41c) of the first flow channel member (40). A notch (54) recessed toward the inner circumference is also provided in the portion of the outer circumference (52) of the first spacer (50) corresponding to the fourth side (41d) of the first flow channel member (40).

[0044] A first gap (H1) is formed between the first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40) and the first inner circumference (51) of the first spacer (50). The first gap (H1) is, for example, 1 mm or less.

[0045] (Layer 2) Figure 2 shows the second laminate (20) of the heat exchanger (1). In Figure 2, for clarity, the second gap (H2) between the second flow channel member (60) and the second spacer (70) is shown larger than it actually is. The second laminate (20) of the heat exchanger (1) comprises the second flow channel member (60) and the second spacer (70). The second flow channel member (60) is plate-shaped. The second flow channel member (60) has its thickness in the third direction (Z) and extends in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The second flow channel member (60) has a rectangular shape with its length in the first direction (X) and its width in the second direction (Y).

[0046] The second flow channel member (60) is a corrugated sheet. The second flow channel member (60) is formed into a corrugated shape by pressing. The second flow channel member (60) vibrates so as to propagate in the second direction (Y) and amplitude in the third direction (Z).

[0047] The second flow channel member (60) includes a second surface (62) on one side (Z1) in the third direction (Z) and a second back surface (63) on the other side (Z2) in the third direction (Z). Both the second surface (62) and the second back surface (63) are formed in a wavy shape.

[0048] A second refrigerant passage (64) is provided on the second surface (62) of the second flow channel member (60). A second refrigerant passage (64) is also provided on the second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60). The second refrigerant passage (64) extends in the first direction (X). A second refrigerant (W2) flows through the second refrigerant passage (64). The second refrigerant (W2) is, for example, water.

[0049] The second spacer (70) is plate-shaped. The second spacer (70) has its thickness in the third direction (Z) and extends in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The second spacer (70) has a rectangular shape with its length in the first direction (X) and its width in the second direction (Y).

[0050] The second spacer (70) includes two small spacers (70a). The two small spacers (70a) are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the second direction (Y). The second inner circumference (71) of the second spacer (70) surrounds the second outer circumference (61) of the second flow channel member (60). More specifically, the second inner circumference (71) of the second spacer (70) surrounds one side (Y1) and the other side (Y2) of the second outer circumference (61) of the second flow channel member (60) in the second direction (Y) by sandwiching them with the two small spacers (70a).

[0051] Two notches (73) are formed on the outer circumference (72) of a small spacer (70a) located on one side (Y1) in the second direction (Y) of the second spacer (70). The two notches (73) are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the first direction (X). The two notches (73) of the second spacer (70) correspond to the first inlet space (53a) and the first outlet space (53c) of the first spacer (50).

[0052] The end (70b) of the second spacer (70) on the other side (X2) in the first direction (X) protrudes further on the other side (X2) in the first direction (X) than the second flow channel member (60). A second inflow space (74a) is formed on the inner circumference side of the end (70b) of the second spacer (70) on the other side (X2) in the first direction (X) of the pair of small spacers (70a) (between the ends (70b) of the other side (X2) in the first direction (X) of the second spacer (70).

[0053] The end (70b) of the second spacer (70) on one side (X1) in the first direction (X) protrudes further in the first direction (X1) than the second flow channel member (60). A second outflow space (74b) is formed on the inner circumference side of the end (70b) of the second spacer (70) on one side (X1) in the first direction (X) (between the ends (70b) of the pair of small spacers (70a) on one side (X1) in the first direction (X)).

[0054] The second inflow space (74a) and the second outflow space (74b) correspond to the notches (54) of the first spacer (50).

[0055] A second gap (H2) is formed between the second outer circumference (61) of the second flow channel member (60) and the second inner circumference (71) of the second spacer (70). The second gap (H2) is, for example, 1 mm or less.

[0056] (Assembly of heat exchanger) Figure 3 shows the assembly of the heat exchanger (1). The first stack (10) and the second stack (20) are stacked in the third direction (Z). These constitute one set, and multiple sets may be further stacked. The outer plate (32) is placed on the outermost side (Z1) and the outermost side (Z2) of the third direction (Z), respectively.

[0057] The outer plate (32) has its thickness in the third direction (Z) and extends in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The outer plate (32) has a rectangular shape with its length in the first direction (X) and its width in the second direction (Y).

[0058] A set consisting of a first laminate (10) and a second laminate (20) stacked in the third direction (Z) is sandwiched between outer plates (32) from one side (Z1) and the other side (Z2) in the third direction (Z). A joined body is formed by joining these together by diffusion bonding.

[0059] The first side plate (33) is positioned on one side (Y1) of the joint in the second direction (Y). The first side plate (33) has the second direction (Y) as the thickness direction and extends in the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

[0060] A first inlet pipe (33a) and a first outlet pipe (33b) are provided on the first side plate (33). The first inlet pipe (33a) and the first outlet pipe (33b) are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the first direction (X). The first inlet pipe (33a) is located on one side (X1) of the first direction (X). The first outlet pipe (33b) is located on the other side (X2) of the first direction (X).

[0061] The first inlet pipe (33a) communicates with the inlet (42) on the first side (41a) of the first flow channel member (40) through the first inlet space (53a) of the first spacer (50) and the notch (73) of the second spacer (70). The first outlet pipe (33b) communicates with the outlet (43) on the first side (41a) of the first flow channel member (40) through the first outlet space (53c) of the first spacer (50) and the notch (73) of the second spacer (70).

[0062] The second side plates (34) are positioned on one side (X1) and the other side (X2) of the joint in the first direction (X). The second side plates (34) have the first direction (X) as the thickness direction and extend in the second direction (Y) and the third direction (Z).

[0063] A second inlet pipe (34a) is provided in the second side plate (34) located on the other side (X2) of the first direction (X). The second inlet pipe (34a) communicates with the second flow channel member (60) through the second inlet space (74a) of the second spacer (70) and the notch (54) of the first spacer (50).

[0064] A second outflow pipe (34b) is provided in the second side plate (34) located on one side (X1) in the first direction (X). The second outflow pipe (34b) communicates with the second flow channel member (60) through the second outflow space (74b) of the second spacer (70) and the notch (54) of the first spacer (50).

[0065] (Refrigerant flow) The first refrigerant (W1) flows through the first inlet pipe (33a) of the first side plate (33), and through the first inlet space (53a) of the first spacer (50) and the notch (73) of the second spacer (70), to the inlet (42) on the first side (41a) of the first flow path member (40).

[0066] The first refrigerant (W1) flows into the first refrigerant passage (45) on the first surface (44) of the first flow channel member (40) through the inlet (42). The first refrigerant (W1) flows through the first refrigerant passage (45) from the inlet (42) to the outlet (43), zigzagging from one side (X1) to the other side (X2) in the first direction (X). The first refrigerant (W1) flows out of the first refrigerant passage (45) through the outlet (43) on the first side (41a) of the first flow channel member (40).

[0067] The first refrigerant (W1) flows through the first outlet space (53c) of the first spacer (50) and the notch (73) of the second spacer (70) to the first outlet pipe (33b) of the first side plate (33).

[0068] The second refrigerant (W2) flows through the second inlet pipe (34a) of the second side plate (34) on the other side (X2) of the first direction (X), and flows into the second refrigerant passage (64) on the second surface (62) and second back surface (63) of the second flow path member (60) through the second inlet space (74a) of the second spacer (70) and the notch (54) of the first spacer (50). The second refrigerant (W2) flows through the second refrigerant passage (64) of the second flow path member (60) from the other side (X2) of the first direction (X) to the one side (X1).

[0069] The second refrigerant (W2) flows out from the second refrigerant passage (64) on the second surface (62) and second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60), and flows through the second outflow space (74b) of the second spacer (70) and the notch (54) of the first spacer (50) to the second outflow pipe (34b) of the second side plate (34) on one side (X1) in the first direction (X).

[0070] The first refrigerant (W1) flowing through the first refrigerant passage (45) and the second refrigerant (W2) flowing through the second refrigerant passage (64) exchange heat with each other.

[0071] (Lamination of the first and second layers) Figure 4 shows the stacking of the first laminate (10) and the second laminate (20) in the heat exchanger (1). Figure 4 is the IV cross-section of Figures 1-3. For simplicity, the case where there is only one set of the first laminate (10) and the second laminate (20) is shown as an example. For clarity, the widths of the first refrigerant passage (45) and the second refrigerant passage (64) in Figure 4 are shown larger than they actually are.

[0072] The first stack (10) and the second stack (20) are stacked in the third direction (Z). The first stack (10) is positioned one side (Z1) of the third direction (Z) relative to the second stack (20). The second stack (20) is positioned the other side (Z2) of the third direction (Z) relative to the first stack (10).

[0073] An outer plate (32) is positioned on one side (Z1) in the third direction (Z) relative to the first stack (10). An outer plate (32) is positioned on the other side (Z2) in the third direction (Z) relative to the second stack (20).

[0074] The first flow channel member (40), the first spacer (50), the second flow channel member (60), and the second spacer (70) are all made of metal.

[0075] The first refrigerant passage (45) is formed on the first surface (44) of the first flow channel member (40). More specifically, the first refrigerant passage (45) is formed on the first surface (44) of the first flow channel member (40) by etching.

[0076] The first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) is formed flat. The first back surface (46) extends straight in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y).

[0077] The second surface (62) and second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60) are formed in a wavy shape by pressing. The second refrigerant passage (64) is formed on the second surface (62) and second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60).

[0078] The second inner circumference portion (71) of the second spacer (70) protrudes further inward than the first inner circumference portion (51) of the first spacer (50).

[0079] The first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) rests on the surface (75) of the second spacer (70). More specifically, the portion of the first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) near the first outer circumference (41) rests on the surface (75) of the second spacer (70).

[0080] The first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) and the front surface (75) of the second spacer (70) are joined to each other. More specifically, the first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) and the front surface (75) of the second spacer (70) are diffusion-bonded to each other.

[0081] Diffusion bonding is a method for joining metals together, also known as thermocompression bonding. In diffusion bonding, two metals are brought into close contact, and pressure is applied at a high temperature that does not melt the metals, thereby joining the metal surfaces together.

[0082] The joint between the first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) and the front surface (75) of the second spacer (70) is a seal portion (S).

[0083] (Effects and Benefits) The first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) rests on the front surface (75) of the second spacer (70). Therefore, the joint between the first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) and the front surface (75) of the second spacer (70) forms a seal (S).

[0084] The first refrigerant passage (45) on the first surface (44) of the first flow path member (40) and the second refrigerant passage (64) on the second surface (62) and second back surface (63) of the second flow path member (60) are sealed to each other at the seal portion (S). The first refrigerant (W1) flowing through the first refrigerant passage (45) and the second refrigerant (W2) flowing through the second refrigerant passage (64) are separated from each other at the seal portion (S), making it difficult for them to mix.

[0085] The heat exchanger (1) can be sealed.

[0086] Figure 8 shows the lamination of the first laminate (10') and the second laminate (20') in a conventional heat exchanger (1'). Conventionally, when the first flow channel member (40') (second flow channel member (60')) and the first spacer (50') (second spacer (70')) are separated as separate members, it was necessary to interpose an intermediate plate (31') as a partition wall member between the first laminate (10') (first flow channel member (40') and first spacer (50')) and the second laminate (20') (second flow channel member (60') and second spacer (70')).

[0087] In this embodiment, the intermediate plate (31') is not required, which reduces the number of parts in the heat exchanger (1). This reduces the manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger (1).

[0088] When the first refrigerant passage (45) is formed by etching on the first surface (44) of the first flow channel member (40), if there is a blank area on the first outer circumference (41) of the first surface (44) of the first flow channel member (40) that does not constitute the first refrigerant passage (45), it becomes disadvantageous in terms of cost. Therefore, the plate-shaped first flow channel member (40) on which the first refrigerant passage (45) is provided on the first surface (44) and the first spacer (50) surrounding the first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40) are separated into separate components. This makes it possible to reduce the blank area (that does not constitute the first refrigerant passage (45)) on the first outer circumference (41) of the first surface (44) of the first flow channel member (40), which is advantageous in terms of cost.

[0089] Since the first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) rests on the front surface (75) of the second spacer (70), it becomes easier to apply pressure in the third direction (Z) to the first flow channel member (40) and the second spacer (70) to induce diffusion bonding.

[0090] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components similar to those in the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. Figure 5 shows the stacking of the first laminate (10) and the second laminate (20) in the heat exchanger (1).

[0091] Multiple first stacks (10) and multiple second stacks (20) are stacked alternately in the third direction (Z).

[0092] The second refrigerant passage (64) is formed on the second surface (62) of the second flow channel member (60). More specifically, the second refrigerant passage (64) is formed on the second surface (62) of the second flow channel member (60) by etching.

[0093] The second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60) is formed flat. The second back surface (63) extends straight in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y).

[0094] The second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60) rests on the front surface (55) of the first spacer (50).

[0095] The second inner circumference portion (71) of the second spacer (70) and the first inner circumference portion (51) of the first spacer (50) protrude inward in stages as you move from one side (Z1) to the other side (Z2) in the third direction (Z).

[0096] The second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60) is diffusely bonded to the front surface (55) of the first spacer (50).

[0097] The joint between the second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60) and the front surface (55) of the first spacer (50) can be made into a sealing portion (S).

[0098] It is advantageous to stack multiple sets of the first laminate (10) (first flow channel member (40) and first spacer (50)) and the second laminate (20) (second flow channel member (60) and second spacer (70)).

[0099] The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0100] <Third Embodiment> A third embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components similar to those in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. Figure 6 shows the stacking of the first laminate (10) and the second laminate (20) in the heat exchanger (1).

[0101] Multiple first stacks (10) and multiple second stacks (20) are stacked alternately in the third direction (Z).

[0102] The second inner circumference portion (71) of the second spacer (70) protrudes further inward than the first inner circumference portion (51) of the first spacer (50).

[0103] The first flow channel member (40) has a base (47). The base (47) is positioned on the first outer periphery (41) of the first surface (44) of the first flow channel member (40). The width of the base (47) is greater than the width of the groove that partitions the first refrigerant passage (45).

[0104] A second spacer (70) is placed on the base (47) of the first flow channel member (40).

[0105] The base (47) of the first flow channel member (40) and the second spacer (70) are diffusion-bonded to each other.

[0106] The joint between the base (47) of the first flow channel member (40) and the second spacer (70) can be made into a sealing portion (S).

[0107] Since the base (47) is positioned on the first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40), the layout of the base (47) becomes easier.

[0108] It is advantageous to stack multiple sets of the first laminate (10) (first flow channel member (40) and first spacer (50)) and the second laminate (20) (second flow channel member (60) and second spacer (70)).

[0109] The other configurations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

[0110] <Fourth Embodiment> A fourth embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components similar to those in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted. Figure 7 shows the stacking of the first laminate (10) and the second laminate (20) in the heat exchanger (1).

[0111] Multiple first stacks (10) and multiple second stacks (20) are stacked alternately in the third direction (Z).

[0112] The second inner circumference portion (71) of the second spacer (70) protrudes further inward than the first inner circumference portion (51) of the first spacer (50).

[0113] The first flow channel member (40) has a base (47). The base (47) is positioned on the first intermediate portion (48) of the first surface (44) of the first flow channel member (40). The first intermediate portion (48) is located on the inner circumference side (I) of the first outer circumference (41).

[0114] The width of the base (47) is greater than the width of the groove that partitions the first refrigerant passage (45).

[0115] A second spacer (70) is placed on the base (47) of the first flow channel member (40).

[0116] The base (47) of the first flow channel member (40) and the second spacer (70) are diffusion-bonded to each other.

[0117] The joint between the base (47) of the first flow channel member (40) and the second spacer (70) can be made into a sealing portion (S).

[0118] Since the base (47) is positioned in the first intermediate section (48) of the first flow path member (40), the layout of the base (47) becomes easier.

[0119] It is advantageous to stack multiple sets of the first laminate (10) (first flow channel member (40) and first spacer (50)) and the second laminate (20) (second flow channel member (60) and second spacer (70)).

[0120] The other configurations are the same as in the third embodiment.

[0121] <Other Embodiments> The first inner circumference (51) of the first spacer (50) may surround only two sides of the first outer circumference (41) of the first flow channel member (40) that are parallel to each other, sandwiching them from both sides.

[0122] The first flow channel member (40) and the first spacer (50), and the second flow channel member (60) and the second spacer (70) do not have to be rectangular in shape. The first flow channel member (40) and the first spacer (50), and the second flow channel member (60) and the second spacer (70) may be polygonal in shape other than a rectangle, or circular in shape, for example.

[0123] The first surface (44) and the second surface (62) may face downwards, and the first back surface (46) and the second back surface (63) may face upwards.

[0124] The first laminate (10) (first flow channel member (40) and first spacer (50)) and the second laminate (20) (second flow channel member (60) and second spacer (70)) may be stacked horizontally rather than vertically.

[0125] An intermediate plate (31') (see Figure 8) may be interposed between the first laminate (10) (first flow channel member (40) and first spacer (50)) and the second laminate (20) (second flow channel member (60) and second spacer (70)).

[0126] The first flow channel member (40), the first spacer (50), the second flow channel member (60), and the second spacer (70) may be joined by, for example, brazing, rather than by diffusion bonding.

[0127] The first refrigerant passage (45) and the second refrigerant passage (64) may be formed by means other than etching, such as pressing or cutting.

[0128] Although embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The above embodiments, modifications, and elements of other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate.

[0129] The designations "1st," "2nd," "3rd," etc., mentioned above are used to distinguish between the terms to which these designations are attached, and do not limit the number or order of those terms. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] I Inner side W1 First Refrigerant W2 Second Refrigerant 1 heat exchanger 40 First flow channel member 41 First outer perimeter 44 1st surface 45 First refrigerant passage 46 Reverse side of page 1 47 units 48. First Intermediate Section 50 First Spacer 51 1st inner circumference 60 Second flow channel member 61 Second outer perimeter 62 2nd surface 63 Reverse side of page 2 64 Second refrigerant passage 70 Second Spacer 71 2nd inner circumference

Claims

1. A plate-shaped first flow channel member (40) has a first refrigerant passage (45) through which the first refrigerant (W1) flows, provided on its first surface (44), A first spacer (50) surrounds the first outer peripheral portion (41) of the first flow channel member (40), A plate-shaped second flow path member (60) is provided with a second refrigerant passage (64) through which a second refrigerant (W2) flows, The second flow channel member (60) is further provided with a second spacer (70) surrounding the second outer peripheral portion (61), The first back surface (46) of the first flow channel member (40) is formed flat, The first back surface (46) is a heat exchanger placed on the second spacer (70).

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first flow channel member (40) has a base (47) on which the second spacer (70) is placed.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the base (47) is arranged on the first outer circumference (41).

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the base (47) is positioned in the first intermediate portion (48) which is on the inner circumference side (I) of the first outer circumference (41).

5. The second refrigerant passage (64) is provided on the second surface (62) of the second flow path member (60), The second back surface (63) of the second flow channel member (60) is formed flat, The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the second back surface (63) is placed on the first spacer (50).

6. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first refrigerant passage (45) is formed on the first surface (44) by etching.

7. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first flow channel member (40) and the second spacer (70) are diffusion-bonded.

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