Heat exchanger

Abstract

This heat exchanger comprises: a plurality of stacked fluid layers (100); and a partition wall member (400) disposed between the fluid layers (100) adjacent to each other in the 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), and the second layer (120) includes a third component (M3) and a fourth component (M4). When viewed in the stacking direction (V1), the first component (M1) and the third component (M3) have locations overlapping each other, the second component (M2) and the fourth component (M4) have locations overlapping 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

Heat exchanger

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger of 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) interposed therebetween. In each fluid passage, corrugated fins (flow path members) are arranged along the flow direction thereof.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-63989

[0004] When a pressure difference occurs in the fluid flowing through the fluid passages in adjacent stages, the tube plate may be deformed by the pressure difference. When the tube plate is deformed, the size and shape of the flow paths in each stage through which the fluid flows change accordingly, and thus the performance (heat exchange capacity) of the heat exchanger may decrease.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger capable of suppressing a decrease in performance.

[0006] The heat exchanger according to the first aspect includes a plurality of stacked fluid layers (100) and a partition member (400) disposed between the adjacent fluid layers (100) in the 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) disposed with a first gap (S1) therebetween in a juxtaposition direction (V2) perpendicular to the stacking direction (V1) with respect to the first component (M1). The second layer (120) includes a third component (M3) and a fourth component (M4) disposed with a second gap (S2) therebetween in the juxtaposition direction (V2) with respect to the third component (M3). In the stacking direction (V1), there is a location where the first component (M1) and the third component (M3) overlap each other, a location where the second component (M2) and the fourth component (M4) overlap each other, and at least a part of the first gap (S1) and at least a part of the second gap (S2) are spaced apart from each other.

[0007] In the first embodiment, the partition member (400) is sandwiched between a part of the first gap (S1) and a part of the second gap (S2), or the partition member (400) is not sandwiched between the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2). This prevents the partition member (400) from being sandwiched between the entirety of the first gap (S1) and the entirety of the second gap (S2), thereby preventing 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), and thus preventing a decrease in the performance of the heat exchanger (1).

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

[0009] In the second embodiment, the partition member (400) is prevented from being sandwiched between the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2), so 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 suppressed.

[0010] A third embodiment is one in which, in the first or second embodiment, the dimensions of the first component (M1) are different from those of the third component (M3) in the direction of alignment (V2), and the dimensions of the second component (M2) are different from those of the fourth component (M4).

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

[0012] The fourth embodiment is one of the first to third embodiments in which the second component (M2) of the first layer (110) is located on one side (V11) of the stacking direction (V1) with respect to the second gap (S2) of the second layer (120), and 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).

[0013] In the fourth embodiment, the partition member (400) can be made not to be sandwiched between the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2).

[0014] In the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a portion of the first gap (S1) and a portion of the second gap (S2) intersect when viewed in the stacking direction (V1).

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

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

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

[0018] The seventh embodiment is one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the first component (M1) is one of the following members: a first flow channel member (111) that forms a flow channel for the first fluid (R1); a first spacer (113) that prevents the first fluid (R1) from leaking out of the first flow channel member (111); and a first header (112) that guides the first fluid (R1) into the first flow channel member (111); and the second component (M2) is arranged adjacent to the first component (M1) in the alignment direction (V2) among the first flow channel member (111), the first spacer (113), and the first header (112). The third component (M3) is one of the following members, and the third component (M3) is one of the following members: a second flow channel member (121) that forms a flow path for the second fluid (R2), a second spacer (123) that prevents the second fluid (R2) from leaking out of the second flow channel member (121) to the outside, and a second header (122) that guides the second fluid (R2) to the second flow channel member (121). The fourth component (M4) is one of the following members: the second flow channel member (121), the second spacer (123), and the second header (122) that are arranged adjacent to the third component (M3) in the alignment direction (V2). The first component (M1) is a different member from the second component (M2). The third component (M3) is a different member from the fourth component (M4).

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

[0020] The eighth aspect is one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein 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 a second fluid (R2), and the fourth component (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 embodiment, the first component (M1) can be made of a first flow channel member (1111), the second component (M2) can be made of a second flow channel member (1112), the third component (M3) can be made of a third flow channel member (1213), and the fourth component (M4) can be made of a fourth flow channel member (1214).

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

[0023] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 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. In each embodiment, modification, and drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions and their associated effects will not be repeated.

[0024] (1) Overall Configuration The heat exchanger (1) according to the embodiment is a device that performs heat exchange between multiple fluids (refrigerants). The heat exchanger (1) is formed from a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat exchanger (1) comprises a plurality of stacked fluid layers (100), a first plate member (200), a second plate member (300), and a partition wall member (400). The components of the heat exchanger (1) are joined to each other by, for example, brazing.

[0025] 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) of the first direction (V1). The first plate member (200) is located on the side (V11) of the first direction (V1) (uppermost layer). The first plate member (200) is equipped with a first pipe (P1), a second pipe (P2), a third pipe (P3), and a fourth pipe (P4). The first plate member (200) has four holes that penetrate it. Each of these four holes corresponds to one of the first pipes (P1) to the fourth pipe (P4), and the corresponding pipe from the first pipe (P1) to the fourth pipe (P4) is connected to each of the four holes. The first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2) are arranged with a gap between them along the second direction (V2). The second direction (V2) is perpendicular to the first direction (V1). Also, the second direction (V2) is parallel to the plate 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 the first fluid passage (F1) formed within 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), which will be described later, and is a passage that extends along the first direction (V1) within the heat exchanger (1). The second pipe (P2) communicates with the second fluid passage (F2) formed within 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), which will be described later, and is a passage that extends along the first direction (V1) within the heat exchanger (1). The third pipe (P3) communicates with the third fluid passage (F3) formed within the heat exchanger (1). The third fluid passage (F3) is formed by a header hole (H13), a third passage hole (413), and a header hole (H23), which will be described later. The fourth piping (P4) communicates with the fourth fluid passage (F4) formed inside the heat exchanger (1). The fourth fluid passage (F4) is formed by a header hole (H14), a fourth passage hole (414), and a header hole (H24), which will be described later.

[0029] The second plate member (300) is a flat plate-shaped member. The second plate member (300) faces the laminate (10) from the other direction side (V12) of the first direction (V1). The second plate member (300) is located furthest to the other direction side (V12) of the first direction (V1) (lowest layer).

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

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

[0032] The first flow channel member (111) forms a flow channel for the first fluid (R1). The first flow channel member (111) forms a flow channel extending along the second direction (V2). In this embodiment, the first flow channel member (111) has a corrugated shape. The first flow channel member (111) includes peaks (111a) that are convex on one side (V11) of the first direction (V1) and valleys (111b) that are convex on the other side (V12) of the first direction (V1). The valleys (111b) and peaks (111a) extend along directions parallel to each other. The first flow channel member (111) has a corrugated shape in which peaks (111a) and valleys (111b) are arranged alternately. The space (W1) enclosed by the valley (111b) and the partition wall member (400) and the space (W1) enclosed by the valley (111b) and the partition wall member (400) become the flow path for the first fluid (R1). The first flow path member (111) is positioned 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 positioned between the second portion (112b) and the first flow channel member (111). The first portion (112a) includes a flat plate-shaped first plate portion (112a1) and a plurality of first protrusions (112a2) projecting from the first plate portion (112a1) in a first direction (V1). In the first direction (V1), the dimensions of the first portion (112a) are smaller than the dimensions of the second portion (112b). As a result, a first space (G1) is formed between the first portion (112a) and the partition member (400). The plurality of first protrusions (112a2) are positioned in the first space (G1) with space between them. The first space (G1) is in communication with the passage of the first fluid (R1) formed by the first flow channel member (111). The second portion (112b) is in contact with the partition wall members (400) on both sides in the first direction (V1). As a result, no gap is formed between the second portion (112b) and the partition wall members (400).

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

[0035] A portion (R11) of the first fluid (R1) sent from the first piping (P1) through the first fluid passage (F1) is sent to the first space (G1) of the first upstream header (1121) (see Figure 5(a)). The first fluid (R11) then flows through the first flow channel member (111), and 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), it is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger (1) from the second piping (P2). The first upstream header (1121) guides the first fluid (R1) to the first flow channel member (111) by arranging a plurality of first protrusions (112a2) in the first space (G1) in such a way that the first fluid (R1) sent from the first space (G1) to the first flow channel member (111) is prevented from being sent to an uneven 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 that prevents the first fluid (R1) from leaking from the first flow channel member (111) to the outside of the first flow channel member (111). The first spacer (113) is formed in an annular shape. The first flow channel 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 members (400) on both sides in the first direction (V1).

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

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

[0040] The second header (122) includes a plate portion (122a), a plurality of second protrusions (122a2) projecting from the plate portion (122a) in a first direction (V1), and a flange portion (122a3) projecting from the plate portion (122a) in the first direction (V1). In the first direction (V1), the dimensions of the first portion (112a) are smaller than the dimensions of the second portion (112b). As a result, a second space (G2) is formed between the plate portion (122a) and the partition member (400). The plurality of second protrusions (122a2) are arranged in the second space (G2) with space between them. The second space (G2) is in communication with the passage of the second fluid (R2) formed by the second flow channel member (121).

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

[0042] A portion (R21) of the second fluid (R2) sent from the third piping (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 channel member (121), and is sent to the fourth fluid passage (F4) through the second space (G2) of the second downstream header (1222) (see Figure 5(b)). After flowing through the fourth fluid passage (F4), it is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger (1) from the fourth piping (P4). The second upstream header (1221) guides the second fluid (R2) to the second flow channel member (121) by arranging a plurality of second protrusions (122a2) in the second space (G2) in such a way that the second fluid (R2) sent from the second space (G2) to the second flow channel member (121) is prevented from being sent to an uneven 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 central heating. In this case, for example, heat exchange is performed between the first fluid (R1) flowing through the first layer (110) and the second fluid (R2) flowing through the second layer (120), so that 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. When the hot water is discharged through the second pipe (P2), it circulates through the pipes laid in the wall. As a result, the room is heated. Note that the heat exchanger (1) may be used in a water heater. The water heater supplies the hot water generated by the heat exchanger (1) through heat exchange between the first fluid (R1) and the second fluid (R2).

[0046] (4) First Example The first example will be described with reference to FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d). In FIG. 6(c), the illustration of the partition wall member (400) disposed between the first component (M1) and the second component (M2) and between the third component (M3) and the fourth component (M4) is omitted.

[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 arranged with a first gap (S1) in the second direction (V2) with respect to the second component (M2). 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 arranged 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 arranged with a second gap (S2) in the second direction (V2) with respect to 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 arranged adjacent to the third component (M3) in the second direction (V2).

[0049] The gaps (S1, S2) are formed, for example, due to component tolerances, circumstances during the manufacture of the heat exchanger (1) (for example, if there is no first gap (S1) 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 the second component (M2) may be damaged by receiving pressure from each other, so the first gap (S1) is formed), etc.

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

[0051] Viewed in the first direction (V1), the first component (M1) and the third component (M3) have overlapping portions, and the second component (M2) and the fourth component (M4) have overlapping portions. That is, 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. "Viewed in the first direction (V1)" means, in other words, "at the 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 component (M1) and a portion of the third component (M3) overlap with each other, and a portion of the second component (M2) and a portion of the fourth component (M4) also overlap with each other.

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

[0053] (5) As shown in Effect Figure 7, if, when viewed in the first direction (V1), the entirety of the first gap (S1) and the entirety of the second gap (S2) are not separated from each other but overlap, the partition member (400) will be sandwiched between the entirety of the first gap (S1) and the entirety of the second gap (S2). In this case, the portion (Z) of the partition member (400) facing the first gap (S1) or the second gap (S2) will be effectively affected by 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) will deform due to the pressure, which may cause a change in the size and shape of the first layer (110) and the second layer (120), potentially degrading the performance of the heat exchanger (1).

[0054] In contrast, in the present invention, as shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d), when viewed in the first direction (V1), the entirety of the first gap (S1) and the entirety of the second gap (S2) are spaced apart from each other along the second direction (V2) and do not overlap with 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 with the entirety of the second gap (S2), and a part of the third component (M3) or a part of the fourth component (M4) overlaps with the entirety of the first gap (S1). As a result, the entire portion (Z1) of the partition member (400) facing the second gap (S2) can be supported in contact with a part of the second component (M2), and furthermore, the entire portion (Z2) of the partition member (400) facing the first gap (S1) can be supported in contact with a part of the third component (M3). As a result, 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 suppress deformation of the partition wall member (400), thereby preventing a decrease in the performance of the heat exchanger (1).

[0055] Furthermore, in the second direction (V2), the dimensions of the first component (M1) may differ from those of the third component (M3), and the dimensions of the second component (M2) may differ from those of the fourth component (M4). This allows the first gap (S1) and the second gap (S2) to be easily separated 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), mainly explaining the configuration that differs from the first example. In Figure 8(c), the partition wall member (400) that is placed between the first part (M1) and the second part (M2) and the third part (M3) and the fourth part (M4) is not shown.

[0057] In the second example, when viewed in the first direction (V1), a part (S11) of the first gap (S1) and a part (S21) of the second gap (S2) intersect. When viewed in the first direction (V1), the parts of the first gap (S1) other than the intersection points (S11, S21) with the second gap (S2) and the parts of the second gap (S2) other than the intersection points (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 obtained by rotating the second gap (S2) around the intersection points (S11, S21). The partition member (400) is sandwiched between a portion (S11) of the first gap (S1) and a portion (S21) of the second gap (S2).

[0058] Viewed in the first direction (V1), at least a portion of the first gap (S1) (the portion of the first gap (S1) other than the portion (S11)) and at least a portion of the second gap (S2) (the portion other than the portion (S21)) are separated from each other and do not overlap. As a result, viewed in the first direction (V1), a portion of the first part (M1) or a portion of the second part (M2) overlaps with at least a portion of the second gap (S2), and a portion of the third part (M3) or a portion of the fourth part (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, in the partition member (400), the portion of the partition member (400) facing the first gap (S1) and / or the second gap (S2), excluding the portion facing the intersection (S11, S21), is supported by contacting a portion of any of the first component (M1) to the fourth component (M4). As a result, 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 suppress deformation of the partition wall member (400), thereby preventing a decrease in the performance of the heat exchanger (1).

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

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

[0061] While embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments described above may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the functions covered by this disclosure.

[0062] The designations "first," "second," "third," 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.

[0063] As described above, this disclosure is useful for heat exchangers.

[0064] 1 Heat exchanger 100 Fluid layer 110 First layer 111 First flow channel member 112 First header 113 First spacer 120 Second layer 121 Second flow channel member 122 Second header 123 Second spacer 400 Partition member M1 First component M2 Second component M3 Third component M4 Fourth component S1 First gap S2 Second gap V1 First direction (stacking direction)

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of stacked fluid layers (100) and partition members (400) disposed between adjacent fluid layers (100) in the 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 in the stacking direction (V1), the first layer (110) includes a first component (M1) and a second component (M2) disposed with a first gap (S1) between the first component (M1) and the alignment direction (V2) perpendicular to the stacking direction (V1), and the second layer (120) includes a third component (M3) and a fourth component (M4) disposed with a second gap (S2) between the third component (M3) and the alignment direction (V2). A heat exchanger in which, when viewed in the stacking direction (V1), the first component (M1) and the third component (M3) have portions that overlap each other, the second component (M2) and the fourth component (M4) have portions that overlap each other, and at least a portion of the first gap (S1) and at least a portion of the second gap (S2) are spaced apart from each other.

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

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in the direction of arrangement (V2), the dimensions of the first component (M1) are different from those of the third component (M3), and the dimensions of the second component (M2) are different from those of the fourth component (M4).

4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second component (M2) of the first layer (110) is located on one side (V11) of the stacking direction (V1) with respect to the second gap (S2) of the second layer (120), and 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, when viewed in the stacking direction (V1), a portion of the first gap (S1) and a portion of the second gap (S2) intersect.

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 the inverse of the second gap (S2) of the second layer (120).

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

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein 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 a second fluid (R2), and the fourth component (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).

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