heat exchanger

Abstract

To suppress deterioration in the performance of a heat exchanger. [Solution] The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of stacked fluid layers (100) and a partition member (400) arranged between adjacent fluid layers (100) in a stacking direction (V1) of the plurality of fluid layers (100). The multiple fluid layers (100) include a first layer (110) and a second layer (120) adjacent to each other in the stacking direction (V1), the first layer (110) includes a first part (M1) and a second part (M2), the second layer (120) includes a third part (M3) and a fourth part (M4), and when viewed in the stacking direction (V1), the first part (M1) and the third part (M3) have a portion where they overlap each other, and the second part (M2) and the fourth part (M4) have a portion where they overlap each other, and at least a portion of the first gap (S1) and at least a portion of the second gap (S2) are separated from each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which fluid passages are formed in multiple stages by stacking tube plates (partition members) with a pair of spacer bars (spacer members) sandwiched between them. Corrugated fins (flow path members) are arranged in each fluid passage along the flow direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 4-63989 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If a pressure difference occurs in the fluid flowing through the fluid passages between adjacent stages, the tube plates may be deformed by the pressure difference. If the tube plates are deformed, the size and shape of the flow passages in each stage through which the fluid flows may change, which may result in a decrease in the performance (heat exchange capacity) of the heat exchanger.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger that can suppress performance degradation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The heat exchanger of the first aspect comprises a plurality of stacked fluid layers (100) and a partition member (400) disposed between adjacent fluid layers (100) in a stacking direction (V1) of the plurality of fluid layers (100), wherein the plurality of fluid layers (100) include a first layer (110) and a second layer (120) adjacent to each other in the stacking direction (V1), and the first layer (110) is disposed with a first gap (S1) between it and a first component (M1) in an arrangement direction (V2) perpendicular to the stacking direction (V1). The second layer (120) includes a third component (M3) and a fourth component (M4) arranged with a second gap (S2) in the arrangement direction (V2) relative to the third component (M3), and when viewed in the stacking direction (V1), there is a portion where the first component (M1) and the third component (M3) overlap each other, and there is a portion where the second component (M2) and the fourth component (M4) overlap each other, and at least a portion of the first gap (S1) and at least a portion of the second gap (S2) are separated from each other.

[0007] In the first aspect, the partition wall member (400) is sandwiched between part of the first gap (S1) and part of the second gap (S2), or the partition wall member (400) is not sandwiched between the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2). This prevents the partition wall member (400) from being sandwiched between the entire first gap (S1) and the entire second gap (S2). This prevents the partition wall member (400) from being deformed due to the pressure difference between the first fluid (R1) flowing through the first layer (110) and the second fluid (R2) flowing through the second layer (120), thereby preventing a decrease in the performance of the heat exchanger (1).

[0008] In the second aspect, in the first aspect, all of the first gaps (S1) and all of the second gaps (S2) are spaced apart from each other when viewed in the stacking direction (V1).

[0009] In the second aspect, the partition member (400) can be prevented from being sandwiched between the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2), and therefore, deformation of the partition member (400) due to the pressure difference between the first fluid (R1) flowing through the first layer (110) and the second fluid (R2) flowing through the second layer (120) can be effectively prevented.

[0010] The third aspect is the first or second aspect, wherein in the arrangement direction (V2), the dimensions of the first part (M1) are different from the dimensions of the third part (M3), and the dimensions of the second part (M2) are different from the dimensions of the fourth part (M4).

[0011] In the third aspect, the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2) can be easily separated from each other when viewed in the stacking direction (V1).

[0012] The fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the second part (M2) of the first layer (110) is located on one side (V11) of the stacking direction (V1) of the second gap (S2) of the second layer (120), and the third part (M3) of the second layer (120) is located on the other side (V12) of the stacking direction (V1) of the first gap (S1) of the first layer (110).

[0013] In the fourth aspect, the partition member (400) can be prevented from being sandwiched between the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2).

[0014] In a fifth aspect, in the first aspect, a part of the first gap (S1) and a part of the second gap (S2) intersect with each other when viewed in the stacking direction (V1).

[0015] In the fifth aspect, when viewed in the stacking direction (V1), another part of the first gap (S1) and another part of the second gap (S2) do not overlap with each other, thereby preventing the partition member (400) from being sandwiched between the entire first gap (S1) and the entire second gap (S2).

[0016] The sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, wherein, when viewed in the stacking direction (V1), the first gap (S1) of the first layer (110) has a shape that is an inverted version of the second gap (S2) of the second layer (120).

[0017] In the sixth aspect, the first layer (110) and the second layer (120) can be arranged so that a portion of the first gap (S1) intersects a portion of the second gap (S2) when viewed in the stacking direction (V1).

[0018] A seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first component (M1) is any one of a first flow path member (111) that forms a flow path for a first fluid (R1), a first spacer (113) that prevents the first fluid (R1) from leaking from the first flow path member (111) to the outside, and a first header (112) that guides the first fluid (R1) to the first flow path member (111), and the second component (M2) is disposed adjacent to the first component (M1) of the first flow path member (111), the first spacer (113), and the first header (112) in the arrangement direction (V2). The third part (M3) is any one of a second flow path member (121) forming a flow path for the second fluid (R2), a second spacer (123) for preventing the second fluid (R2) from leaking from the second flow path member (121) to the outside, and a second header (122) for guiding the second fluid (R2) to the second flow path member (121), and the fourth part (M4) is any one of the second flow path member (121), the second spacer (123), and the second header (122) that is arranged adjacent to the third part (M3) in the arrangement direction (V2). The first part (M1) is a member different from the second part (M2). The third part (M3) is a member different from the fourth part (M4).

[0019] In the seventh aspect, the first part (M1) and the second part (M2) can be composed of any of the first flow path member (111), the first spacer (113), and the first header (112), and the third part (M3) and the fourth part (M4) can be composed of any of the second flow path member (121), the second spacer (123), and the second header (122).

[0020] The eighth aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first part (M1) is a first flow path member (1111) that forms a flow path for a first fluid (R1), the second part (M2) is a second flow path member (1112) that forms a flow path for the first fluid (R1) and is separate from the first flow path member (1111), the third part (M3) is a third flow path member (1213) that forms a flow path for a second fluid (R2), and the fourth part (M4) is a fourth flow path member (1214) that forms a flow path for the second fluid (R2) and is separate from the third flow path member (1213).

[0021] In the eighth aspect, the first component (M1) can be constituted by a first flow path member (1111), the second component (M2) can be constituted by a second flow path member (1112), the third component (M3) can be constituted by a third flow path member (1213), and the fourth component (M4) can be constituted by a fourth flow path member (1214). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first layer. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second layers of the heat exchanger. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the first and second layers showing the flow direction of the first fluid, and Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the first and second layers showing the flow direction of the second fluid. [Figure 6]Fig. 6(a) is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the first part and the second part, Fig. 6(b) is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the third part and the fourth part, Fig. 6(c) is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the first part to the fourth part, and Fig. 6(d) is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first part to the fourth part. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the partition member that may occur when the entire first gap and the entire second gap overlap when viewed in the stacking direction. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(a) is a plan view showing a modified example of the positional relationship between the first part and the second part, Fig. 8(b) is a plan view showing a modified example of the positional relationship between the third part and the fourth part, and Fig. 8(c) is a plan view showing a modified example of the positional relationship between the first part to the fourth part. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the first to fourth flow path members. [Figure 10] Fig. 10(a) is a plan view showing a modified first layer, Fig. 10(b) is a plan view showing a modified second layer, and Fig. 10(c) is a cross-sectional view showing modified first and second layers of a heat exchanger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since each drawing is intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding. In each embodiment, modified example, and drawing, the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference symbols, and detailed descriptions and descriptions of the accompanying effects will not be repeated.

[0024] (1) Overall structure The heat exchanger (1) according to the embodiment is a device that exchanges heat among a plurality of fluids (refrigerants). The heat exchanger (1) is made of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat exchanger (1) includes a plurality of stacked fluid layers (100), a first plate member (200), a second plate member (300), and a partition member (400). The components of the heat exchanger (1) are joined to each other by, for example, brazing.

[0025] A fluid flows through each of the multiple fluid layers (100). The multiple fluid layers (100) are stacked along a first direction (V1). The first direction (V1) indicates the stacking direction of the multiple fluid layers (100). The multiple fluid layers (100) include a first layer (110) and a second layer (120). The first layer (110) and the second layer (120) are stacked alternately along the first direction (V1). The first layer (110) and the second layer (120) are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction (V1). Different types of fluid flow through the first layer (110) and the second layer (120).

[0026] The first plate member (200) is a flat plate-shaped member. The first plate member (200) faces the layer member (110) from one side (V11) in the first direction (V1). The first plate member (200) is located closest to the one side (V11) in the first direction (V1) (topmost stage). A first pipe (P1), a second pipe (P2), a third pipe (P3), and a fourth pipe (P4) are arranged on the first plate member (200). Four holes penetrating the first plate member (200) are formed in the first plate member (200). The four holes correspond to the first pipe (P1) to the fourth pipe (P4), respectively, and each of the four holes is connected to a corresponding pipe from the first pipe (P1) to the fourth pipe (P4). The first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2) are arranged at a distance from each other along a second direction (V2). The second direction (V2) is perpendicular to the first direction (V1). The second direction (V2) is parallel to the surface of the first plate member (200).

[0027] The first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2) are connected to the first layer (110). The first fluid (R1) sent from the first pipe (P1) to the first layer (110) flows through the first layer (110) and is then discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger (1) through the second pipe (P2). The third pipe (P3) and the fourth pipe (P4) are connected to the second layer (120). The second fluid (R2) sent from the third pipe (P3) to the second layer (120) flows through the second layer (120) and is then discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger (1) through the fourth pipe (P4). The first fluid (R1) and the second fluid (R2) flow in opposite directions.

[0028] The first pipe (P1) communicates with a first fluid passage (F1) formed in the heat exchanger (1). The first fluid passage (F1) is formed by a header hole (H11), a first passage hole (411), and a header hole (H21) described below, and is a passage extending in the first direction (V1) in the heat exchanger (1). The second pipe (P2) communicates with a second fluid passage (F2) formed in the heat exchanger (1). The second fluid passage (F2) is formed by a header hole (H12), a second passage hole (412), and a header hole (H22) described below, and is a passage extending in the first direction (V1) in the heat exchanger (1). The third pipe (P3) communicates with a third fluid passage (F3) formed in the heat exchanger (1). The third fluid passage (F3) is defined by a header hole (H13), a third passage hole (413), and a header hole (H23) described below. The fourth pipe (P4) communicates with a fourth fluid passage (F4) formed in the heat exchanger (1). The fourth fluid passage (F4) is defined by a header hole (H14), a fourth passage hole (414), and a header hole (H24) described below.

[0029] The second plate member (300) is a flat plate-shaped member. The second plate member (300) faces the stack (10) from the other side (V12) in the first direction (V1). The second plate member (300) is located at the furthest side (V12) in the first direction (V1) (lowest level).

[0030] The partition member (400) is a flat plate-shaped member. The partition member (400) is disposed between a first layer (110) and a second layer (120) adjacent to each other in the first direction (V1). The partition member (400) has passage holes (410) formed therein. The passage holes (410) are holes that penetrate the partition member (400) in the first direction (V1). The passage holes (410) include a first passage hole (411) connected to the first pipe (P1), a second passage hole (412) connected to the second pipe (P2), a third passage hole (413) connected to the third pipe (P3), and a fourth passage hole (414) connected to the fourth pipe (P4).

[0031] (2) First layer As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first layer (110) includes a first flow path member (111), a pair of first headers (112), and a first spacer (113).

[0032] The first flow path member (111) forms a flow path for the first fluid (R1). The first flow path member (111) forms a flow path extending in the second direction (V2). In this embodiment, the first flow path member (111) has a corrugated plate shape. The first flow path member (111) includes peaks (111a) that are convex toward one side (V11) of the first direction (V1) and valleys (111b) that are convex toward the other side (V12) of the first direction (V1). The valleys (111b) and the peaks (111a) extend in directions parallel to each other. The first flow path member (111) has a corrugated plate shape in which the peaks (111a) and the valleys (111b) are alternately arranged. A space (W1) surrounded by the valleys (111b) and the partition member (400) and a space (W1) surrounded by the valleys (111b) and the partition member (400) form a flow path for the first fluid (R1). The first flow path member (111) is disposed between a pair of first headers (112).

[0033] The first header (112) includes a first portion (112a) and a second portion (112b). The first portion (112a) is disposed between the second portion (112b) and the first flow path member (111). The first portion (112a) includes a flat first flat portion (112a1) and a plurality of first protrusions (112a2) protruding from the first flat portion (112a1) in the first direction (V1). The dimension of the first portion (112a) is smaller than the dimension of the second portion (112b) in the first direction (V1). This forms a first space (G1) between the first portion (112a) and the partition member (400). The first protrusions (112a2) are disposed at intervals in the first space (G1). The first space (G1) is in communication with the passage of the first fluid (R1) formed by the first flow path member (111). The second portion (112b) is in contact with the partition member (400) on both sides in the first direction (V1). This prevents a gap from being formed between the second portion (112b) and the partition member (400).

[0034] The pair of first headers (112) includes a first upstream header (1121) located upstream (on one side (V21) of the second direction (V2)) and a first downstream header (1122) located downstream (on the other side (V22) of the second direction (V2)). A header hole (H11) connected to the first pipe (P1) through a first passage hole (411) of the partition wall member (400) is formed in a first portion (112a) of the first upstream header (1121). A header hole (H14) connected to the fourth pipe (P4) through a second passage hole (412) of the partition wall member (400) is formed in a second portion (112b) of the first upstream header (1121). A first space (G1) of the first upstream header (1121) communicates with the first fluid passage (F1). The first portion 112a of the first downstream header 1122 has a header hole H12 formed therein, which is connected to the second pipe P2 via the second passage hole 412 of the partition wall member 400. The second portion 112b of the first downstream header 1122 has a header hole H13 formed therein, which is connected to the third pipe P3 via the third passage hole 413 of the partition wall member 400. The first space G1 of the first downstream header 1122 communicates with the second fluid passage F2. The second portion 112b is sandwiched between the partition wall members 400 on both sides in the first direction V1.

[0035] A portion (R11) of the first fluid (R1) sent from the first pipe (P1) through the first fluid passage (F1) is sent to the first space (G1) of the first upstream header (1121) (see FIG. 5(a)). Then, the first fluid (R11) flows through the first flow path member (111), and then is sent to the second fluid passage (F2) through the first space (G1) of the first downstream header (1122). After flowing through the second fluid passage (F2), the first fluid (R11) is discharged from the second pipe (P2) to the outside of the heat exchanger (1). The first upstream header (1121) has a plurality of first protrusions (112a2) arranged in the first space (G1) to guide the first fluid (R1) to the first flow path member (111) in a manner that prevents the first fluid (R1) sent from the first space (G1) to the first flow path member (111) from being sent to a biased location.

[0036] The second fluid (R2) flowing through the fluid passages (F2, F4) passes through the first layer (110) without being sent to the first space (G1).

[0037] The first spacer (113) is a member for preventing the first fluid (R1) from leaking from the first flow path member (111) to the outside of the first flow path member (111). The first spacer (113) is formed in an annular shape. The first flow path member (111) and a pair of first headers (112) are arranged inside the first spacer (113). The first spacer (113) is in contact with the partition wall members (400) on both sides in the first direction (V1).

[0038] (3) Second layer The second layer (120) includes a second flow path member (121), a pair of second headers (122), and a second spacer (123).

[0039] The second flow path member (121) forms a flow path for the second fluid (fluid) (R2). The second flow path member (121) forms a flow path extending in the second direction (V2). In this embodiment, the second flow path member (121) has a corrugated plate shape (see FIG. 3).

[0040] The second header (122) includes a plate portion (122a), a plurality of second protrusions (122a2) protruding in the first direction (V1) from the plate portion (122a), and a flange portion (122a3) protruding in the first direction (V1) from the plate portion (122a). The dimension of the first portion (112a) is smaller than the dimension of the second portion (112b) in the first direction (V1). This defines a second space (G2) between the plate portion (122a) and the partition member (400). The second protrusions (122a2) are spaced apart from one another in the second space (G2). The second space (G2) is in communication with a passage for the second fluid (R2) defined by the second flow path member (121).

[0041] The pair of second headers (122) includes a second upstream header (1221) located upstream (on the other side (V22) of the second direction (V2)) and a second downstream header (1222) located downstream (on one side (V21) of the second direction (V2)). The plate portion (122a) of the second upstream header (1221) is formed with a header hole (H22) connected to the second pipe (P2) via the second passage hole (412) of the partition member (400), and a header hole (H23) connected to the third pipe (P3) via the third passage hole (413) of the partition member (400). The second space (G2) of the second upstream header (1221) is in communication with the third fluid passage (F3) connected thereto. The plate portion (122a) of the second downstream header (1222) has a header hole (H21) formed therein, which is connected to the first pipe (P1) through the first passage hole (411) of the partition member (400). The plate portion (122a) of the second downstream header (1222) has a header hole (H24) formed therein, which is connected to the fourth pipe (P4) through the fourth passage hole (414) of the partition member (400). The second space (G2) of the second downstream header (1222) communicates with the fourth fluid passage (F4). Flanges (122a3) are disposed around the header hole (H22) of the second upstream header (1221) and the header hole (H21) of the second downstream header (1222). The flanges (122a3) are in contact with the partition member (400).

[0042] A portion (R21) of the second fluid (R2) sent from the third pipe (P3) through the third fluid passage (F3) is sent to the second space (G2) of the second upstream header (1221). The second fluid (R21) then flows through the second flow path member (121), and is then sent to the fourth fluid passage (F4) through the second space (G2) of the second downstream header (1222) (see FIG. 5(b)). After flowing through the fourth fluid passage (F4), the second fluid (R21) is discharged from the fourth pipe (P4) to the outside of the heat exchanger (1). The second upstream header (1221) has a plurality of second protrusions (122a2) arranged in the second space (G2) to guide the second fluid (R2) to the second flow path member (121) so as to prevent the second fluid (R2) sent from the second space (G2) to the second flow path member (121) from being sent to a biased location.

[0043] The first fluid (R1) flowing through the fluid passages (F1, F3) passes through the second layer (120) without being sent to the second space (G2).

[0044] The second spacer (123) is a member for preventing the second fluid (R2) from leaking from the second flow path member (121) to the outside of the second flow path member (121). The second spacer (123) is formed in an annular shape. The second flow path member (121) and a pair of second headers (122) are arranged inside the second spacer (123). The second spacer (123) is in contact with the partition wall members (400) on both sides in the first direction (V1).

[0045] The heat exchanger (1) is used, for example, in a heating appliance such as a central heating system. In this case, for example, heat exchange occurs between a first fluid (R1) flowing through the first layer (110) and a second fluid (R2) flowing through the second layer (120), whereby the first fluid (R1), which is water, is heated by the heat of the second fluid (R2), which is propane or carbon dioxide, and becomes hot water. The hot water is discharged through the second pipe (P2) and circulates through pipes laid inside the wall. As a result, the room is heated. The heat exchanger (1) may also be used in a water heater. The water heater supplies the hot water generated by the heat exchanger (1) through the heat exchange between the first fluid (R1) and the second fluid (R2).

[0046] (4) Example 1 The first example will be described with reference to Figures 6(a) to 6(d). In Figure 6(c), the partition member (400) disposed between the first and second components (M1, M2) and the third and fourth components (M3, M4) is not shown.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d), the first layer 110 includes a first component M1 and a second component M2. The first component M1 is disposed relative to the second component M2 with a first gap S1 in the second direction V2. The first component M1 is any one of the first flow path member 111, the first header 112, and the first spacer 113. The second component M2 is any one of the first flow path member 111, the first header 112, and the first spacer 113 that is disposed adjacent to the first component M1 in the second direction V2.

[0048] The second layer (120) includes a third component (M3) and a fourth component (M4). The third component (M3) is disposed with a second gap (S2) in the second direction (V2) from the fourth component (M4). The third component (M3) is any one of the second flow path member (121), the second header (122), and the second spacer (123). The fourth component (M4) is any one of the second flow path member (121), the second header (122), and the second spacer (123) that is disposed adjacent to the third component (M3) in the second direction (V2).

[0049] The gaps (S1, S2) are formed due to, for example, component tolerances, circumstances during the manufacture of the heat exchanger (1) (for example, if the first gap (S1) does not exist during the manufacture of the heat exchanger (1) and the adjacent first component (M1) and second component (M2) are tightly arranged, the first component (M1) and second component (M2) may be damaged by pressure being applied to each other, so the first gap (S1) is formed).

[0050] The first component (M1) and the third component (M3) are functionally the same component (for example, the first component (M1) is the first header (112) and the third component (M3) is the second header (122)). The first component (M1) and the third component (M3) may be functionally different components (for example, the first component (M1) is the first flow path component (111) and the third component (M3) is the second header (122)). The second component (M2) and the fourth component (M4) are functionally the same component. The second component (M2) and the fourth component (M4) may be functionally different components.

[0051] When viewed in the first direction (V1), the first component (M1) and the third component (M3) have a portion where they overlap, and the second component (M2) and the fourth component (M4) have a portion where they overlap. That is, when viewed in the first direction (V1), at least a portion of the first component (M1) and at least a portion of the third component (M3) overlap, and at least a portion of the second component (M2) and at least a portion of the fourth component (M4) overlap. "When viewed in the first direction (V1)" means, in other words, "at a cut end surface when the first component (M1) and the fourth component (M4) of the first layer (110), the third component (M3) and the fourth component (M4) of the second layer (120), and the partition member (400) located between the first layer (110) and the second layer (120) are cut along the first direction (V1)." When viewed in the first direction (V1), a portion of the first part (M1) and a portion of the third part (M3) overlap each other, and a portion of the second part (M2) and a portion of the fourth part (M4) overlap each other.

[0052] When viewed in the first direction (V1), the entire first gap (S1) and the entire second gap (S2) are spaced apart from each other along the second direction (V2) and do not overlap each other. The second component (M2) of the first layer (110) is located on one side (V11) of the second gap (S2) of the second layer (120) in the first direction (V1), and the third component (M3) of the second layer (120) is located on the other side (V12) of the first gap (S1) of the first layer (110) in the first direction (V1). The partition member (400) is not sandwiched between the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2).

[0053] (5) Effects As shown in Fig. 7, if the entire first gap (S1) and the entire second gap (S2) were not spaced apart but overlapped as viewed in the first direction (V1), the partition member (400) would be sandwiched between the entire first gap (S1) and the entire second gap (S2). This would effectively affect the portion (Z) of the partition member (400) facing the first gap (S1) or the second gap (S2) due to the pressure difference between the first fluid (R1) flowing through the first layer (110) and the second fluid (R2) flowing through the second layer (120). As a result, the portion (Z) of the partition member (400) would be deformed by the pressure, which would cause changes in the size and shape of the first layer (110) and the second layer (120), potentially resulting in a deterioration in the performance of the heat exchanger (1).

[0054] In contrast, in the present application, as shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d), when viewed in the first direction (V1), the entire first gap (S1) and the entire second gap (S2) are separated from each other along the second direction (V2) and do not overlap each other. In other words, when viewed in the first direction (V1), a part of the first component (M1) or a part of the second component (M2) overlaps the entire second gap (S2), and a part of the third component (M3) or a part of the fourth component (M4) overlaps the entire first gap (S1). This allows the entire portion (Z1) of the partition member (400) facing the second gap (S2) to be in contact with and supported by a part of the second component (M2), and further, the entire portion (Z2) of the partition member (400) facing the first gap (S1) to be in contact with and supported by a part of the third component (M3). As a result, deformation of the partition member (400) due to the pressure difference between the first fluid (R1) flowing through the first layer (110) and the second fluid (R2) flowing through the second layer (120) can be suppressed, and therefore, deterioration in the performance of the heat exchanger (1) can be suppressed.

[0055] Furthermore, in the second direction (V2), the dimension of the first component (M1) may be different from the dimension of the third component (M3), and the dimension of the second component (M2) may be different from the dimension of the fourth component (M4). This makes it possible to easily separate the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2) by utilizing the dimensional difference between the first component (M1) and the third component (M3) and the dimensional difference between the second component (M2) and the fourth component (M4).

[0056] (6) Second Example The second example will be described with reference to Figures 8(a) to 8(c), focusing on the differences from the first example. In Figure 8(c), the partition member (400) disposed between the first and second components (M1, M2) and the third and fourth components (M3, M4) is not shown.

[0057] In the second example, when viewed in the first direction (V1), a portion (S11) of the first gap (S1) and a portion (S21) of the second gap (S2) intersect. When viewed in the first direction (V1), a portion of the first gap (S1) other than the intersection (S11, S21) with the second gap (S2) and a portion of the second gap (S2) other than the intersection (S11, S21) with the first gap (S1) are spaced apart from each other. When viewed in the first direction (V1), the first gap (S1) has a shape that is an inversion of the second gap (S2). Specifically, when viewed in the first direction (V1), the first gap (S1) has a shape that is an inversion of the second gap (S2) rotated around the intersection (S11, S21). The partition member (400) is sandwiched between a part (S11) of the first gap (S1) and a part (S21) of the second gap (S2).

[0058] When viewed in the first direction (V1), at least a portion of the first gap (S1) (a portion other than the portion (S11) of the first gap (S1)) and at least a portion of the second gap (S2) (a portion other than the portion (S21)) are separated from each other and do not overlap with each other. As a result, when viewed in the first direction (V1), a portion of the first component (M1) or a portion of the second component (M2) overlaps with at least a portion of the second gap (S2), and a portion of the third component (M3) or a portion of the fourth component (M4) overlaps with at least a portion of the first gap (S1). As a result, a portion of the partition member 400 facing the second gap (S2) can be supported by contacting a portion of the first component (M1) or a portion of the second component (M2), and further, a portion of the partition member 400 facing the first gap (S1) can be supported by contacting a portion of the third component (M3) or a portion of the fourth component (M4). In the second example, the portions of the partition member 400 facing the first gap (S1) and / or the second gap (S2) other than the portions facing the intersections (S11, S21) are supported by contacting a portion of any of the first component (M1) to the fourth component (M4). As a result, deformation of the partition member (400) due to the pressure difference between the first fluid (R1) flowing through the first layer (110) and the second fluid (R2) flowing through the second layer (120) can be suppressed, and therefore, deterioration in the performance of the heat exchanger (1) can be suppressed.

[0059] (7) Third Example 9, the first flow path member (111) may include a first flow path portion (1111) and a second flow path portion (1112). The second flow path member (121) may include a third flow path portion (1213) and a fourth flow path portion (1214). In this case, the positional relationship between the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2) may be defined as shown in the first or second example above, with the first component (M1) as the first flow path portion (1111), the second component (M2) as the second flow path portion (1112), the third component (M3) as the third flow path portion (1213), and the fourth component (M4) as the fourth flow path portion (1214).

[0060] (8) Example 4 As shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(c), the first layer (110) includes a first flow path member (111) and a first spacer (113), but may not include a pair of first headers (112). The second layer (120) includes a second flow path member (121) and a second spacer (123), but may not include a pair of second headers (122). In this case, the first component (M1) is either the first flow path member (111) or the first spacer (113), and the second component (M2) is the other of the first flow path member (111) or the first spacer (113). The third component (M3) is either the second flow path member (121) or the second spacer (123), and the fourth component (M4) is the other of the second flow path member (121) or the second spacer (123).

[0061] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate as long as the functionality of the subject matter of the present disclosure is not impaired.

[0062] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the terms to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the terms. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for heat exchangers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 heat exchanger 100 fluid layer 110 1st layer 111 first flow path member 112 First Header 113 First spacer 120 2nd layer 121 second flow path member 122 Second Header 123 Second spacer 400 Partition wall member M1 First part M2 2nd part M3 3rd part M4 4th part S1 First gap S2 Second gap V1 1st direction (stacking direction)

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of stacked fluid layers (100); and a partition member (400) disposed between adjacent fluid layers (100) in a stacking direction (V1) of the plurality of fluid layers (100), The plurality of fluid layers (100) include a first layer (110) and a second layer (120) adjacent to each other in the stacking direction (V1), the first layer (110) includes a first component (M1) and a second component (M2) arranged with a first gap (S1) from the first component (M1) in an arrangement direction (V2) perpendicular to the stacking direction (V1), the second layer (120) includes a third component (M3) and a fourth component (M4) disposed with a second gap (S2) from the third component (M3) in the arrangement direction (V2), A heat exchanger in which, when viewed in the stacking direction (V1), the first component (M1) and the third component (M3) have a portion where they overlap each other, the second component (M2) and the fourth component (M4) have a portion where they overlap each other, and at least a portion of the first gap (S1) and at least a portion of the second gap (S2) are separated from each other.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein all of the first gaps (S1) and all of the second gaps (S2) are spaced apart from each other when viewed in the stacking direction (V1).

3. 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, in the arrangement direction (V2), the dimension of the first component (M1) is different from the dimension of the third component (M3), and the dimension of the second component (M2) is different from the dimension of the fourth component (M4).

4. the second component (M2) of the first layer (110) is located on one side (V11) of the second gap (S2) of the second layer (120) in the stacking direction (V1); 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the third component (M3) of the second layer (120) is located on the other side (V12) of the stacking direction (V1) with respect to the first gap (S1) of the first layer (110).

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the first gap (S1) and a portion of the second gap (S2) intersect with each other when viewed in the stacking direction (V1).

6. 6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein, when viewed in the stacking direction (V1), the first gap (S1) of the first layer (110) has a shape that is an inverted version of the second gap (S2) of the second layer (120).

7. the first component (M1) is any one of a first flow path member (111) that forms a flow path for a first fluid (R1), a first spacer (113) that prevents the first fluid (R1) from leaking from the first flow path member (111) to the outside, and a first header (112) that guides the first fluid (R1) to the first flow path member (111); the second component (M2) is any one of the first flow path member (111), the first spacer (113), and the first header (112) that is arranged adjacent to the first component (M1) in the arrangement direction (V2), the third component (M3) is any one of a second flow path member (121) that forms a flow path for the second fluid (R2), a second spacer (123) that prevents the second fluid (R2) from leaking from the second flow path member (121) to the outside, and a second header (122) that guides the second fluid (R2) to the second flow path member (121), 6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the fourth component (M4) is any one of the second flow path member (121), the second spacer (123), and the second header (122) that is arranged adjacent to the third component (M3) in the arrangement direction (V2).

8. the first component (M1) is a first flow path member (1111) that forms a flow path for a first fluid (R1); the second component (M2) is a second flow path member (1112) that forms a flow path for the first fluid (R1) and is separate from the first flow path member (1111), the third component (M3) is a third flow path member (1213) that forms a flow path for the second fluid (R2), 6. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 5, wherein the fourth component (M4) forms a flow path for the second fluid (R2) and is a fourth flow path member (1214) separate from the third flow path member (1213).

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