Stacked heat exchanger capable of switching flow path

Abstract

This stacked heat exchanger capable of switching a flow path comprises first, second and third flow path substrates in which first, second and third switching flow paths are formed, respectively, and which are stacked on one another in the vertical direction. The first switching flow path includes first and second sub flow paths extending in one direction and including first and second connection parts, which are spaced apart from each other only in a switching part, respectively. The second switching flow path includes first and second holes. The third switching flow path includes third and fourth sub flow paths extending in one direction and including third and fourth connection parts, which are spaced apart from each other only in the switching part, respectively.

Description

Euro-compatible stacked heat exchanger

[0001] The present invention relates to a stacked heat exchanger capable of switching flow paths, and more specifically, to a stacked heat exchanger manufactured by forming flow paths and switching sections on flat plates and then stacking the plates, wherein flow paths through which fluids of different temperatures flow can be formed alternately in the up, down, left, and right directions to form a complex flow path, the area of ​​the switching section is minimized, and flow rate deviation and differential pressure can be minimized.

[0002] A printed circuit heat exchanger is a type of heat exchanger that refers to a heat exchanger manufactured by forming microchannels on a flat plate using a chemical etching method and stacking them.

[0003] These printed circuit board (PCB) type heat exchangers offer the advantage of significantly reducing size relative to the same heat exchange capacity by minimizing volume and weight while maintaining a high heat exchange surface area. Furthermore, as they can be used in ultra-high temperature, ultra-high pressure, and even cryogenic environments, demand is increasing, particularly in the shipbuilding, marine, power generation, and hydrogen industries.

[0004] However, in the case of such printed circuit board type heat exchangers, as described in Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2556531, although they are stacked in the vertical direction, there was a problem in that the complex flow of fluids was limited because the flow paths between the stacked boards could not be connected.

[0005] Accordingly, as described in Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2085659, a technology was developed to induce complex fluid flow through flow channel connections between vertically stacked substrates; however, there was a problem in that the substrates had to be designed in a complex manner to facilitate flow channel connections between the vertical substrates, and it was difficult to form heat exchanger inlets and outlets where the flow channels are laminated or distributed.

[0006] Accordingly, the technical problem of the present invention is conceived from this point, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a stacked heat exchanger capable of flow path switching that allows for the formation of a composite flow path by enabling the alternating formation of flow paths in the up, down, left, and right directions through the flow path and the switching section for fluids of different temperatures, thereby improving ease of design and manufacturing by minimizing the area of ​​the switching section where the flow is switched when the composite flow path is formed, and in particular, minimizing flow rate deviation and differential pressure during flow switching.

[0007] A stacked heat exchanger according to one embodiment for realizing the objective of the present invention described above includes first, second, and third flow path substrates that are stacked together in the vertical direction, wherein first, second, and third switching flow paths are formed therein. The first switching flow path includes first and second sub-flow paths that each include first and second connecting portions that extend in one direction and are spaced apart from each other only at the switching portion. The second switching flow path includes first and second holes. The third switching flow path includes third and fourth sub-flow paths that each include third and fourth connecting portions that extend in one direction and are spaced apart from each other only at the switching portion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first connecting part, the first hole, and the fourth connecting part are aligned with each other in the vertical direction, and the second connecting part, the second hole, and the third connecting part are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first sub-flow path may include a first extension portion extending in one direction, the second sub-flow path may include a second extension portion extending in the same direction as the first extension portion, the third sub-flow path may include a third extension portion extending in an upward and downward direction aligned with the first extension portion, and the fourth sub-flow path may include a fourth extension portion extending in an upward and downward direction aligned with the second extension portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first fluid flowing into the first sub-flow channel flows into the fourth sub-flow channel through the first hole, and the second fluid flowing into the second sub-flow channel can flow into the third sub-flow channel through the second hole.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first sub-flow path further includes a first inclined portion extending between the first extension portion and the first connecting portion, and the second sub-flow path further includes a second inclined portion extending between the second extension portion and the second connecting portion, and each of the first and second inclined portions may be extended at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the first and second extension portions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the width of the first inclined portion decreases as it goes from the first extension portion to the first connecting portion, and the width of the second inclined portion decreases as it goes from the second extension portion to the second connecting portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, each of the first and second connecting portions has a circular shape and is connected to the ends of the first and second inclined portions, and each of the first and second holes may be formed in a circular shape.

[0014] In one embodiment, the circular shape of each of the first and second connecting portions and the circular shape of each of the first and second holes may be the same.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the first and second connecting portions has an elongated elliptical shape and is connected to the ends of the first and second inclined portions, and each of the first and second holes may be formed in an elongated elliptical shape.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first and second connecting portions and the third and fourth connecting portions may be arranged in a line with each other in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first and third flow boards.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first and second connecting portions and the third and fourth connecting portions may be arranged so as to be offset from each other in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first and third flow boards.

[0018] In one embodiment, another pair of first and second connecting parts adjacent to a pair of first and second connecting parts may be alternately arranged above and below a virtual reference line extending along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first flow board.

[0019] In one embodiment, a first flow path may be formed in the first flow path substrate that passes between the first transition flow paths adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction and extends only on the first flow path substrate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first flow path may be extended and diverted along the space between the mutually adjacent first diversion flow paths.

[0021] In one embodiment, the portion where the direction changes in the first Euro may be bent in a straight line or extended in a curve.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first flow path may extend in a straight line along the space between the adjacent first flow paths.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first channel may be formed such that its width is reduced in the portion adjacent to the first and second connecting portions.

[0024] In one embodiment, each of the first, second, and third flowboards can be manufactured by milling, laser, water jet, electrical discharge machining, or etching.

[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, in a stacked heat exchanger, the flow paths are connected to each other in the vertical direction to form a combined flow path in which a cooling flow path, a heating flow path, and a working fluid circulate together.

[0026] In particular, by interposing a second flow path substrate having a pair of holes between the first and third flow path substrates stacked in the vertical direction, the cooling fluid and the heating fluid can be induced to flow alternately in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction, thereby enabling the formation of a composite flow path through a relatively simple design.

[0027] Accordingly, through the configuration of the above-mentioned composite flow path, the limitation that only one cooling fluid or heating fluid can flow through a single substrate in the past can be overcome, thereby further improving heat exchange performance and maintaining excellent pressure resistance.

[0028] In addition, by forming the positions of the connecting parts in the switching section so that they are offset from each other in the horizontal direction, the problem of the width of the switching section increasing in the horizontal direction and thereby limiting the formation of the flow path of the stacked heat exchanger can be solved.

[0029] In addition, by forming the inclined portion extending from the extension portion to the connection portion such that its width decreases as it extends toward the connection portion, the horizontal area occupied by the transition portion is minimized, thereby minimizing the problem of the transition portion increasing in width in the horizontal direction.

[0030] In this case, even in the additionally extended passage between the above-mentioned transition passages, the width of the transition section is designed to decrease, thereby allowing for a more spacious space to be secured for forming the connection section.

[0031] In addition, by forming the above-mentioned connecting part in a circular shape and accordingly forming the second switching channel in a hole shape, it is possible to switch the channel with accurate alignment with minimal processing.

[0032] At this time, by forming the circular shape more widely into an elongated elliptical shape and the hole also more widely into the same elongated elliptical shape, and by expanding the overlapping area, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of differential pressure during flow path switching at the switching section, as well as minimize the flow rate deviation between the flow paths.

[0033] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a stacked heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating the Euro boards of Figure 1.

[0035] FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view cut along line I-I' of FIG. 1, FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view cut along line II-II' of FIG. 1, FIG. 3c is another example of a cross-sectional view cut along line I-I' of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3d is yet another example of a cross-sectional view cut along line I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a first flow path substrate in a stacked heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a first flow path substrate in a stacked heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the first Euro substrate of FIG. 5.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating flow path substrates in a stacked heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating flow path substrates in a stacked heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating flow path substrates in a stacked heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] <Explanation of Symbols>

[0043] 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15: Stacked heat exchanger

[0044] 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 : 1st Euro board

[0045] 100c, 101c, 102c, 103c, 104c, 105c : Transition part

[0046] 110, 113, 114, 115: 2nd Euro board

[0047] 120, 123, 124, 125 : 3rd Euro board

[0048] 130 : 4th Euro board

[0049] 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205 : 1st transition euro

[0050] 210, 230, 250, 270 : 1st Sub-Euro

[0051] 220, 240, 260, 280: 2nd Sub-Euro

[0052] 213, 233, 253, 273: 1st connecting part 223, 243, 263, 283: 2nd connecting part

[0053] 290, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 590 : 1st Euro

[0054] 400, 403, 404, 405: 2nd Transition Euro

[0055] 410, 430, 450, 470: Hole 1 420, 440, 460, 480: Hole 2

[0056] 500, 503, 504, 505: 3rd transition euro

[0057] 510, 550, 570: 3rd sub-euro 520, 560, 580: 4th sub-euro

[0058] 513, 553, 573: 3rd connection part 523, 563, 583: 4th connection part

[0059] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may take various forms, and embodiments are to be described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each figure. Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms.

[0060] The above terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0061] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0062] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a stacked heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the flow path substrates of FIG. 1. FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view cut along line I-I' of FIG. 1, FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view cut along line II-II' of FIG. 1, FIG. 3c is another example of a cross-sectional view cut along line I-I' of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3d is yet another example of a cross-sectional view cut along line I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0063] Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 3b, the stacked heat exchanger (10) according to the present embodiment includes first to fourth flow path substrates (100, 110, 120, 130) that are stacked in the vertical direction (third direction, Z) as shown.

[0064] In FIG. 1, each of the first to fourth flow boards (100, 110, 120, 130) is shown in a perspective view, but substantially, the first to fourth flow boards (100, 110, 120, 130) are stacked on top of each other, and cross-sectional views of the structure formed by such stacking are shown in FIG. 3a to 3d.

[0065] However, in the case of a total of four first to fourth flow boards stacked in the vertical direction as illustrated in FIG. 1, additional flow boards may be stacked in the vertical direction, such as by additionally stacking the fourth flow board (130) on the lower side of the first flow board (100) and additionally stacking the first flow board (100) on the upper side of the fourth flow board (130). Furthermore, the number of such stacked flow boards is not limited and can be varied in various ways considering the performance of the heat exchanger, etc.

[0066] That is, in FIG. 1, the first to fourth flow path boards (100, 110, 120, 130) are illustrated as the minimum units stacked in the vertical direction in the stacked heat exchanger (10), and other additional flow path boards are identical to the flow path boards illustrated in FIG. 1 in terms of stacking order, structure, and shape of each flow path board.

[0067] The structure and shape of each specific Euro board are described below.

[0068] First, the first flow board (100) is a substrate structure such as a plate extending in a first direction (X), and at this time, the extension length of the first flow board (100) or the width in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction (X) can be designed to vary in various ways.

[0069] As illustrated, the first flow channel (200) and the first flow channel (290) are formed in the first flow channel substrate (100) and extend in the first direction (X) in total. The first flow channel (200) and the first flow channel (290) are formed in a shape that is open to penetrate the first flow channel substrate (100), and can be formed through a processing process such as an etching process or a laser, but the manufacturing process is not limited.

[0070] The first switching channel (200) includes first and second sub-channels (210, 220) formed such that adjacent portions are spaced apart from each other, as shown in FIG. 2. At this time, the first sub-channel (210) extends from one end of the first channel substrate (100) to the switching portion (100c) as illustrated, and the second sub-channel (220) extends from the other end of the first channel substrate (100) to the switching portion (100c).

[0071] At this time, the first and second sub-flow paths (210, 220) are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the switching section (100c), so they are not connected to each other and are disconnected.

[0072] Meanwhile, the switching portion (100c) is exemplified as being formed in the central part of the first flow board (100) as shown in FIG. 1, but this is for convenience of explanation and is not limited thereto. That is, the switching portion (100c) is defined as an area where the flow is switched between the first to fourth flow boards (100, 110, 120, 130), and it does not necessarily need to be formed in the central part of the first flow board (100), but can be selectively formed at any location where flow switching is required in the first flow board (100).

[0073] Specifically, the first sub-flow path (210) includes a first extension part (211), a first inclined part (212), and a first connecting part (213), and the second sub-flow path (220) includes a second extension part (221), a second inclined part (222), and a second connecting part (223).

[0074] The first extension portion (211) extends along the first direction (X) from one end of the first Euro substrate (100), and the width of the first extension portion (211) can be designed to vary. The first inclined portion (212) extends from the end of the first extension portion (211) with a predetermined inclination with respect to the first direction (X), and the first connecting portion (213) is formed at the end of the first inclined portion (212). As illustrated, the first connecting portion (213) can be extended along the first direction (X) for a predetermined length, and the extension lengths of the first inclined portion (212) and the first connecting portion (213) can also be designed to vary.

[0075] The second extension portion (221) extends along the first direction (X) from the other end of the first Euro board (100), and the width of the second extension portion (221) can be designed to be the same as the width of the first extension portion (211). The second inclined portion (222) extends from the end of the second extension portion (221) with a predetermined slope with respect to the first direction (X), and the slope direction of the second inclined portion (222) may be parallel to the slope direction of the first inclined portion (212) and face each other. In addition, the second connecting portion (223) extends along the first direction (X) for a predetermined length at the end of the second inclined portion (222).

[0076] Accordingly, the first connecting part (213) and the second connecting part (223) are formed to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the second direction (Y) as illustrated, and their ends are formed to face each other in the second direction (Y). Accordingly, the first and second sub-flow paths (210, 220) are not connected to each other in the switching part (100c).

[0077] Additionally, in the drawing, the first sub-flow channel (210) is depicted without hatching, and the second sub-flow channel (220) is depicted with hatching. In the following description, the channels without hatching are connected by penetrating each other in the vertical direction, and the channels with hatching are connected by penetrating each other in the vertical direction. That is, the channels with hatching and the channels without hatching are not connected to each other, so fluid cannot pass through each other.

[0078] The first flow path (290) is a flow path that extends between adjacent first switching flow paths (200), and as illustrated, does not include a separate switching section and extends without interruption in the first direction (X). Accordingly, the fluid passing through the interior of the first flow path (290) is transmitted as is without switching.

[0079] As illustrated, the second Euro board (110) does not have a separate extended Euro formed therein, and first and second holes (410, 420) are formed as a second switching Euro (400) in the switching section (100c).

[0080] The first hole (410) is aligned with the first connecting part (213) of the first Euro board (100) in the vertical direction (third direction, Z), and the second hole (420) is aligned with the second connecting part (223) in the vertical direction. At this time, each of the first and second holes (410, 420) may have a circular shape, and the circumferential shape of the circular shape may match the circumferential shape of the outer surface of the first and second connecting parts (213, 223).

[0081] The third Euro board (120) has a shape similar to the first Euro board (100), but the extension direction of the sub-euro in the conversion part (100c) is symmetrical.

[0082] That is, as illustrated, a third switching channel (500) and a first channel (590) are formed in the third channel substrate (120) that extend in the first direction (X) overall. The third switching channel (500) is formed in a shape that is open to penetrate the third channel substrate (120), and it is the same that it can be formed through an etching process or a processing process such as a laser.

[0083] At this time, the first flow path (590) extends in the first direction (X) between the third switching flow paths (500) arranged adjacent to each other, in the same manner as the first flow path (290) formed on the first flow path substrate (100), and the fluid passing through the first flow path (590) also flows at a constant rate without separate switching.

[0084] The above third switching channel (500) includes third and fourth sub-channels (510, 520) formed such that adjacent portions in the switching section (100c) are spaced apart from each other.

[0085] Specifically, the third sub-flow path (510) includes a third extension part (511), a third inclined part (512), and a third connecting part (513), and the fourth sub-flow path (520) includes a fourth extension part (521), a fourth inclined part (522), and a fourth connecting part (523).

[0086] The third extension (511) extends along the first direction (X) from one end of the third Euro board (120) and can be aligned to overlap with the first extension (211) along the third direction (Z).

[0087] The third inclined portion (512) extends from the end of the third extension portion (511) with a predetermined slope with respect to the first direction (X), wherein the slope direction in which the third inclined portion (512) extends may be opposite to the slope direction in which the first inclined portion (212) extends. That is, if the first inclined portion (212) extends so as to be sloped toward the negative second direction (-Y), the third inclined portion (512) may extend so as to be sloped toward the positive second direction (+Y).

[0088] Accordingly, the third connecting part (513) connected to the end of the third inclined part (512) extends to a different side from the first connecting part (213).

[0089] The fourth extension (521) extends along the first direction (X) from the other end of the third Euro board (120), and the fourth extension (521) is aligned to overlap with the second extension (221) in the third direction (Z).

[0090] The fourth inclined section (522) extends from the end of the fourth extension section (521) with a predetermined inclination with respect to the first direction (X), and the inclination direction of the fourth inclined section (522) may be parallel to and facing the inclination direction of the third inclined section (512). Accordingly, the inclination direction of the fourth inclined section (522) may be opposite to the inclination direction of the second inclined section (222) located below.

[0091] In addition, at the end of the fourth inclined portion (522), the fourth connecting portion (523) is extended along the first direction (X) for a predetermined length.

[0092] Accordingly, the third connecting part (513) and the fourth connecting part (523) are formed to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the second direction (Y) as illustrated, and their ends are formed to face each other in the second direction (Y). At this time, the direction in which the third and fourth connecting parts (513, 523) are arranged is symmetrical, that is, opposite to the direction in which the first and second connecting parts (213, 223) are arranged.

[0093] In addition, the third and fourth sub-flows (510, 520) are not connected to each other in the switching section (100c), as with the first and second sub-flows (210, 220).

[0094] At this time, the third connecting part (513) is aligned with the second hole (420) in the third direction (Z), and the fourth connecting part (523) is aligned with the first hole (410) in the third direction (Z).

[0095] Ultimately, in the third direction (Z), that is, the vertical direction which is the stacking direction of the stacked heat exchanger (10), the first connecting part (213), the first hole (410), and the fourth connecting part (523) are connected so as to be aligned and open to each other, and the second connecting part (223), the second hole (420), and the third connecting part (513) are connected so as to be aligned and open to each other.

[0096] At this time, since the same fluid flows through the channels connected to be open to each other, the first fluid flowing through the first sub-channel (210) eventually passes through the first hole (410) and flows through the fourth sub-channel (520), and the second fluid flowing through the second sub-channel (220) passes through the second hole (420) and flows through the third sub-channel (510).

[0097] Of course, the flow directions of each of the first and second fluids may differ from each other, but the sub-flow paths through which each of the first and second fluids flows are set as described above. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, between the flow path substrates stacked in the third direction (Z), the first and second fluids can alternately switch and flow.

[0098] Furthermore, if a plurality of first sub-flow channels (210) are arranged in the second direction (Y), and first and second fluids flow alternately in the first sub-flow channels (210) in the second direction (Y), and the first flow channel (290) is located between the first sub-flow channels (210), then different fluids can also be alternately switched and flowed in the second direction (Y), as shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b. This can be applied equally to each of the other second to fourth sub-flow channels (220, 510, 520), as well as to the first sub-flow channels (210). Accordingly, a stacked heat exchanger (10) in which the first and second fluids flow alternately in the second direction (Y) can be manufactured.

[0099] Meanwhile, the fourth flow channel substrate (130) is laminated on top of the third flow channel substrate (120), and as illustrated, no separate flow channel is formed. Accordingly, it serves as a substrate that blocks the flow channel connection between the first flow channel substrate (100) additionally formed on top of the third flow channel substrate (120) and the fourth flow channel substrate (130).

[0100] As described above, in the stacked heat exchanger (10) described with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the flow path substrates (100, 110, 120, 130) can be manufactured through a processing process such as laser processing.

[0101] However, as shown in FIG. 3c and FIG. 3d, in the stacked heat exchanger (10a, 10b), the flow boards (100, 120) may be manufactured through a milling process, a laser processing process, a water jet processing process, an electrical discharge processing process, or an etching process.

[0102] At this time, if the stacked heat exchanger (10a) is manufactured through a milling process as in FIG. 3c, the first flow path substrate (100) may be manufactured to include the function of the second flow path substrate (110) in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b, and likewise, the third flow path substrate (120) may be manufactured to include the function of the fourth flow path substrate (130) in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b.

[0103] In this case, the first switching channel (200) may be formed in a part of the first channel board (100), and the first and second holes (430, 440) may be additionally formed at the points where the first and second connecting parts (213, 223) are located, and the third switching channel (500) may be formed in a part of the third channel board (120).

[0104] Thus, as illustrated, the first and third Euro substrates (100, 120) can be formed in a structure in which they are alternately stacked.

[0105] This is also the same for the stacked heat exchanger (10b) of FIG. 3d, so that even when the stacked heat exchanger (10b) is manufactured through an etching process, the first and third flow path substrates (100, 120) can be formed only in a structure in which they are alternately stacked.

[0106] In this case, the first switching channel (200) may be formed in a part of the first channel board (100), and the first and second holes (430, 440) may be additionally formed at the points where the first and second connecting parts (213, 223) are located, and the third switching channel (500) may be formed in a part of the third channel board (120).

[0107] However, in the stacked heat exchangers (10a, 10b) of FIG. 3c and FIG. 3d, a separate blocking plate (100a, 100b) must be provided to block the flow paths opened at the bottom.

[0108] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3c and FIG. 3d, when the stacked heat exchanger (10a, 10b) is manufactured through a milling process or an etching process, the open shape of the first sub-flow channel (210), the first flow channel (290, 590), and the fourth sub-flow channel (520) may have a square cross-section or a semicircular cross-section. However, such cross-sectional shapes may be manufactured in various shapes such as triangles or ellipses, and this can be manufactured variably by considering the process characteristics of the milling process or the etching process.

[0109] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a first flow path substrate in a stacked heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] In the stacked heat exchanger (11) according to the present embodiment, except that a first flow path (310) is additionally formed, it is substantially the same as the stacked heat exchanger (10) described with reference to FIG. 1, so a redundant description is omitted.

[0111] In FIG. 4, only the first flow path substrate (101) of the stacked heat exchanger (11) according to the present embodiment is shown, and the second to fourth flow path substrates are omitted from illustration as their shape or structure can be derived within an obvious range based on the description with reference to FIG. 1.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 4, in the case of the stacked heat exchanger (11) according to the present embodiment, a first switching channel (201) is formed in the first channel substrate (101).

[0113] At this time, the first switching channel (201) includes first and second sub-channels (230, 240), and each of the first and second sub-channels (230, 240) includes first and second extension sections (231, 241), first and second inclined sections (232, 242), first and second connecting sections (233, 243), and first and second additional extension sections (234, 244).

[0114] At this time, the first and second extension parts (231, 241), the first and second inclined parts (232, 242), and the first and second connecting parts (233, 243) are substantially the same as the first and second extension parts (211, 221), the first and second inclined parts (212, 222), and the first and second connecting parts (213, 223) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0115] However, the first additional extension part (234) is additionally extended in an inclined direction between the first extension part (231) and the first inclined part (232), and likewise, the second additional extension part (244) is additionally extended in an inclined direction between the second extension part (241) and the second inclined part (242).

[0116] In the case of the transition section (101c) where the first and second connecting sections (233, 243) are located, since the first and second connecting sections (233, 243) must be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the second direction (Y), as shown in FIG. 4, the width (L1) can be formed to increase along the second direction (Y). That is, the first flow board (101) can be formed in a shape in which the width (L1) increases in the transition section (101c).

[0117] Accordingly, the first additional extension (234) must be additionally extended in an inclined direction along the first direction (X) between the first extension (231) and the first inclined portion (232), and likewise, the second additional extension (244) must be additionally extended in an inclined direction between the second extension (241) and the second inclined portion (242).

[0118] Through this, when forming a flow path on the first flow path substrate (101), it is possible to form a flow path without interruption even when the width increases in the second direction (Y) at the transition portion (101c).

[0119] In particular, in the present embodiment, a first flow path (310) is additionally formed between the first transition flow paths (201) arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y), and as the first flow path (310) is formed, the width in the second direction (Y) from the transition section (101c) can be further increased. Accordingly, even if the width (L1) in the transition section (101c) is increased by forming the first and second additional extension sections (234, 244), it is possible to form a flow path without interruption.

[0120] Meanwhile, the first flow path (310) extends along the space between the adjacent first transition flow paths (201) and can extend from one end of the first flow path substrate (100) to the other end without being cut in the middle. At this time, in order for the first flow path (310) not to be cut in the middle, the first flow path (310) is divided into a plurality of sections (311, 312, 313, 314, 315) as shown in the illustration, and each sectioned part is extended with a direction changed according to the extension direction of the first transition flow paths (201).

[0121] For example, in the first flow path (310), the first flow path section (311) extends along the first direction (X), but the second flow path section (312) extends diagonally in a manner similar to the first additional extension section (234), and the third flow path section (313) extends again along the first direction (X). Additionally, the fourth flow path section (314) extends diagonally in a manner similar to the second additional extension section (244), and the fifth flow path section (315) extends again along the first direction (X) and extends in line with the first flow path section (311).

[0122] At this time, the degree of inclination of the second and fourth flow sections (312, 314) can be varied according to the position along the width direction (first direction, X) of the first flow board (100) of each of the first flow sections.

[0123] Furthermore, when the first Euro (310) is extended while changing direction as described above, FIG. 4 discloses a structure in which it changes into an angular shape forming a predetermined angle, but it is not limited thereto, and the part where the first Euro (310) changes direction may be flexibly formed into a curve.

[0124] This is also the same in the first transition channels (201), so that the part connecting the first and second extensions (231, 241) and the first and second additional extensions (234, 244) may be formed as a flexible curve.

[0125] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a first flow path substrate in a stacked heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the first flow path substrate of FIG. 5.

[0126] In the stacked heat exchanger (12) according to the present embodiment, except for the arrangement relationship of the switching section (102c), it is substantially the same as the stacked heat exchanger (11) described with reference to FIG. 4, so redundant description is omitted.

[0127] In FIG. 5, only the first flow path substrate (102) is shown in the stacked heat exchanger (12) according to the present embodiment, and the shape or structure of the second to fourth flow path substrates can be derived within an obvious range based on the description with reference to FIG. 1.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in the case of the stacked heat exchanger (12) according to the present embodiment, a first switching channel (202) is formed in the first channel substrate (102).

[0129] At this time, the first switching channel (202) includes first and second sub-channels (230, 240), and the configuration of each of the first and second sub-channels (230, 240) is as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, as previously explained, the portions of the first and second sub-channels (230, 240) that bend and extend can be flexibly extended in a curve.

[0130] Furthermore, a first flow path (320) may be additionally formed between the first transition flow paths (202), and the multiple sections (321, 322, 323, 324, 325) constituting the first flow path (320) have varying extension directions along the extension direction of the first transition flow path (202). In addition, the portion of the first flow path (320) that extends while bending may also be flexibly extended in a curve.

[0131] In the first switching channel (202) according to the present embodiment, the switching section (102c) in which the first and second connecting sections (233, 243) are formed is not formed in a line along the second direction (Y), but is formed so as to be out of position with respect to each other.

[0132] As described above, in the first switching channels (202) that are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction, the switching channel (102c) formed by the first and second connecting channels (233, 243) may be formed with respect to the second direction (Y), with one on the lower side and the other on the upper side.

[0133] That is, the switching parts (102c) are arranged alternately along the second direction (Y) with respect to the imaginary reference line (C-C'), such as the lower side, upper side, lower side, etc.

[0134] Thus, in the case of the first flow board (102) according to the present embodiment, the width (L2) along the second direction (Y) of the area where the transition portion (102c) is formed overall is reduced compared to the width (L1) of the first flow board (101) in FIG. 4.

[0135] Through this, the width of the second direction (Y) of the stacked heat exchanger (12) can be minimized overall, which ultimately reduces the density of the flow paths, thereby improving the ease of design. Furthermore, it may be possible to form more flow paths within the stacked heat exchanger of the same area, and thereby further improve the efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0136] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating flow path substrates in a stacked heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 7, the stacked heat exchanger (13) according to the present embodiment includes first to third flow path substrates (103, 113, 123) that are stacked together. At this time, FIG. 7 omits the fourth flow path substrate for convenience of explanation as in FIG. 2, and the first to third flow path substrates are individually shown in a plan view, but the structure can be configured substantially the same as in FIG. 1.

[0138] A first switching channel (203) and a first channel (330) are formed in the first channel substrate (103). At this time, the first channel (330) is exemplified as being formed as a pair on both sides of the first switching channel (203); however, this is merely a partial illustration for convenience of explanation, and substantially, the first channel (330) and the first switching channel (203) are formed alternately along the second direction (Y).

[0139] The first switching path (203) includes first and second sub-paths (250, 260) that are disconnected from each other.

[0140] The first sub-flow path (250) includes a first extension part (251), a first inclined part (252), and a first connecting part (253), and the second sub-flow path (260) includes a second extension part (261), a second inclined part (262), and a second connecting part (263).

[0141] The first extension portion (251) extends along the first direction (X) from one end of the first Euro substrate (103), the first inclined portion (252) extends from the end of the first extension portion (251) with a predetermined inclination with respect to the first direction (X), and the first connecting portion (253) is formed at the end of the first inclined portion (252).

[0142] Likewise, the second extension portion (261) extends along the first direction (X) from the other end of the first Euro board (103), the second inclined portion (262) extends from the end of the second extension portion (261) with a predetermined inclination with respect to the first direction (X), and the second connecting portion (263) is formed at the end of the second inclined portion (262). At this time, the inclination direction of the second inclined portion (262) and the inclination direction of the first inclined portion (252) are opposite to each other, and accordingly, the first and second connecting portions (253, 263) are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the second direction (Y).

[0143] At this time, the width of each of the first and second inclined sections (252, 262) decreases as it extends from the first and second extension sections (251, 261) to the first and second connecting sections (253, 263). That is, the width (B) of each of the first and second inclined sections (252, 262) is formed to decrease gradually from the width (A) of each of the first and second extension sections (251, 261) to the width (C) of each of the first and second connecting sections (253, 263).

[0144] In this way, as the width of each of the first and second inclined sections (252, 262) is reduced and extended, unlike the transition section (100c) in FIG. 2, the transition section (103c) in this embodiment has a relatively reduced area in the second direction (Y).

[0145] That is, the distance between the first and second connecting parts (253, 263) is reduced compared to FIG. 2, and accordingly, the area of ​​the switching part (100c) in the second direction (Y) is reduced overall.

[0146] Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the problem of the width increasing in the second direction (Y) in the first flow channel substrate (101, 102) can be minimized. That is, even if the first flow channel substrate (103) is formed as a rectangular plate structure, the density of the flow channels formed on the first flow channel substrate (103) can be reduced, thereby improving the ease of design and manufacturing as well as the heat exchange efficiency of the stacked heat exchanger (13).

[0147] In particular, in the present embodiment, the first flow path (330) can be formed in a straight line shape along the first direction (X), and the width (A) of the first flow path (330) can be formed to be the same as the width (A) of the first and second extensions (251, 261). Through this, the design and manufacturing of the first flow path (330) can be made easier.

[0148] Additionally, as illustrated, the second Euro board (113) does not have a separate extended Euro formed therein, and the first and second holes (430, 440) are formed as the second switching Euro (403) in the switching section (103c).

[0149] The first hole (430) is aligned with the first connecting part (253) of the first Euro board (103) in the vertical direction (third direction, Z), and the second hole (440) is aligned with the second connecting part (263) in the vertical direction. At this time, each of the first and second holes (430, 440) may have a circular shape, and the circumferential shape of the circular shape may match the circumferential shape of the outer surface of the first and second connecting parts (253, 263).

[0150] Furthermore, the third Euro board (123) has a shape similar to the first Euro board (103) as previously described, but the extension direction of the sub-euro in the conversion section (100c) is symmetrical.

[0151] That is, the third flow path (503) and the first flow path (330) described above are formed in the third flow path substrate (123), and the first flow path (330) is formed with the same structure and arrangement as described in the first flow path substrate (103).

[0152] The third switching channel (503) includes third and fourth sub-channels (550, 560) formed to be spaced apart from each other in the switching section (103c).

[0153] The third sub-flow path (550) includes a third extension part (551), a third inclined part (552), and a third connecting part (553), and the fourth sub-flow path (560) includes a fourth extension part (561), a fourth inclined part (562), and a fourth connecting part (563).

[0154] The third extension portion (551) extends along the first direction (X) from one end of the third Euro board (123), the third inclined portion (552) extends from the end of the third extension portion (551) with a predetermined inclination with respect to the first direction (X), and the third connecting portion (553) is formed at the end of the third inclined portion (552).

[0155] Likewise, the fourth extension portion (561) extends along the first direction (X) from the other end of the third Euro board (123), the fourth inclined portion (562) extends from the end of the fourth extension portion (561) with a predetermined inclination with respect to the first direction (X), and the fourth connecting portion (563) is formed at the end of the fourth inclined portion (562). At this time, the inclination direction of the fourth inclined portion (562) and the inclination direction of the third inclined portion (552) may face each other and be parallel, and accordingly, the third and fourth connecting portions (553, 563) are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the second direction (Y).

[0156] In addition, the formation direction of the third and fourth connecting parts (553, 563) is opposite to the formation direction of the first and second connecting parts (253, 263), which is symmetrical to each other.

[0157] At this time, each of the third and fourth inclined sections (552, 562) also extends from the third and fourth extension sections (551, 561) to the third and fourth connecting sections (553, 563), and its width decreases, and the range of decrease is the same as in the preceding first and second inclined sections (252, 262).

[0158] In this way, as the width of each of the third and fourth inclined sections (552, 562) is reduced and extended, unlike the transition section (100c) in FIG. 2, the transition section (103c) in this embodiment has a relatively reduced area in the second direction (Y).

[0159] As explained in FIG. 2 above, through the flow paths of the above-described flow paths (103, 113, 123), the first sub-flow path (250) is connected to the fourth sub-flow path (560) through the first hole (430) and the second sub-flow path (260) is connected to the third sub-flow path (550) through the second hole (440). Additionally, as explained above, the same fluid flows through the flow paths that are connected to be open to each other, so that the first and second fluids, which are different from each other, eventually flow alternately in the up and down directions.

[0160] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating flow path substrates in a stacked heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] The stacked heat exchanger (14) according to the present embodiment is identical to the stacked heat exchanger (13) described with reference to FIG. 7, except for the width of the first flow path (340), so the same reference numbers are used for identical components and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 8, in the stacked heat exchanger (14) according to the present embodiment, the first flow path (340) formed on the first flow path substrate (104) has its width reduced at the transition section (104c) (A->A').

[0163] That is, the first flow path (340) includes a first flow path section (341) and a second flow path section (342) extending in the first direction (X), and the width (A') of the second flow path section (342) extending from the transition section (104c) is formed to be smaller than the width (A) of the first flow path section (341).

[0164] As described above, the first flow path (340) is formed such that its width decreases at the transition section (104c) of the first transition flow path (204) and it extends in the first direction (X). Accordingly, the area where the first and second inclined sections (252, 262) and the first and second connecting sections (253, 263) are formed in the first transition flow path (204) can be secured more widely. That is, the density between the flow paths in the transition section (104c) can be further reduced.

[0165] This is the same for the first flow path (340) formed on the third flow path substrate (124), so that the width is reduced at the transition portion (104c) of the third transition flow path (504) (A->A') and extends in a straight line in the first direction (X). Through this, the area where the third and fourth inclined portions (552, 562) and the third and fourth connecting portions (553, 563) are formed can be secured more widely, and the density between the flow paths in the transition portion (104c) can be further reduced.

[0166] In this embodiment, the second switching channel (404) formed on the second channel substrate (114) includes first and second holes (450, 460), and these first and second holes (450, 460) have the same structure as in FIG. 7.

[0167] Accordingly, in this embodiment as well, the first sub-flow channel (250) is connected to the fourth sub-flow channel (560) through the first hole (450) and the second sub-flow channel (260) is connected to the third sub-flow channel (550) through the second hole (460), and the same fluid flows through the channels connected to be open to each other, so that the different first and second fluids flow alternately in the up and down directions.

[0168] However, the density of the flow paths in the above-mentioned conversion section (104c) can be further relaxed, making design and manufacturing easier, and furthermore, the differential pressure generated in each flow path of the above-mentioned stacked heat exchanger (14) can be induced uniformly, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0169] In particular, as the fluid flow path is switched in the switching section (103c), and as the width (C) of the first to fourth connecting sections (253, 263, 553, 563) becomes relatively narrow (A->C), a differential pressure may occur, and a flow rate deviation may occur. Accordingly, in the switching section (104c), the first flow path (340) is also formed such that the second flow path section (342) has a narrower width than the first flow path section (341), thereby inducing the same differential pressure to occur, and thus the flow rate deviation by flow path can be minimized.

[0170] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating flow path substrates in a stacked heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] The stacked heat exchanger (15) according to the present embodiment is identical to the stacked heat exchanger (14) described with reference to FIG. 8, except for the shape of the connecting parts (273, 283, 573, 583, 470, 480), so the same reference numbers are used for identical components and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0172] That is, referring to FIG. 9, in the stacked heat exchanger (15) according to the present embodiment, the shapes of the first and second connecting portions (273, 283) of the first switching channel (205) formed on the first channel substrate (105), the first and second holes (470, 480) of the second switching channel (405) formed on the second channel substrate (115), and the third and fourth connecting portions (573, 583) of the third switching channel (505) formed on the third channel substrate (125) are different from those in FIG. 8.

[0173] Other, the variation in width of the first and second Euro sections (351, 352) of the first Euro (350), other configurations (271, 272, 281, 282) of the first and second sub-Euros (270, 280) excluding the first and second connecting sections (273, 283), and other configurations (571, 572, 581, 582) of the third and fourth sub-Euros (570, 580) excluding the third and fourth connecting sections (573, 583) are the same as in FIG. 8, and a description that is redundant therewith is omitted.

[0174] Each of the first and second connecting portions (273, 283) is formed in an elongated elliptical shape so as to extend a predetermined length (D) from the ends of the first and second inclined portions (272, 282).

[0175] Likewise, each of the third and fourth connecting parts (573, 583) is also formed in an elongated elliptical shape so as to extend a predetermined length (D) from the ends of the third and fourth inclined parts (572, 582).

[0176] In addition, the first and second holes (470, 480) that overlap each other in the vertical direction in the transition section (105c) are also formed in an elongated elliptical shape that extends for a predetermined length (D).

[0177] Accordingly, the first connecting part (273) overlaps and aligns with the first hole (470) and the fourth connecting part (583) in the third direction (Z) and is formed with the same shape as the first connecting part (273), the first hole (470), and the fourth connecting part (583), so that the mutually open area of ​​the first connecting part (273), the first hole (470), and the fourth connecting part (583) is relatively increased.

[0178] Likewise, since the second connecting part (283) overlaps and aligns with the second hole (480) and the third connecting part (573) in the third direction (Z) and is formed with the same shape as the second connecting part (283), the second hole (480), and the third connecting part (573), the area of ​​the second connecting part (283), the second hole (480), and the third connecting part (573) that are open to each other is also relatively increased.

[0179] Thus, the open area where the fluid paths switch is increased, allowing the change in fluid flow direction to be performed more smoothly, and minimizing blockage of fluid movement or non-uniformity of flow rate during the fluid path switching process.

[0180] Furthermore, the extended length (D) can be selected and designed in various ways, and design optimization can be achieved by forming it to an optimal length (D) considering the fluid flow characteristics of the stacked heat exchanger.

[0181] According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, in a stacked heat exchanger, the flow paths are connected to each other in the vertical direction to form a combined flow path in which a cooling flow path, a heating flow path, and a working fluid circulate together.

[0182] In particular, by interposing a second flow path substrate having a pair of holes between the first and third flow path substrates stacked in the vertical direction, the cooling fluid and the heating fluid can be induced to flow alternately in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction, thereby enabling the formation of a composite flow path through a relatively simple design.

[0183] Accordingly, through the configuration of the above-mentioned composite flow path, the limitation that only one cooling fluid or heating fluid can flow through a single substrate in the past can be overcome, thereby further improving heat exchange performance and maintaining excellent pressure resistance.

[0184] In addition, by forming the positions of the connecting parts in the switching section so that they are offset from each other in the horizontal direction, the problem of the width of the switching section increasing in the horizontal direction and thereby limiting the formation of the flow path of the stacked heat exchanger can be solved.

[0185] In addition, by forming the inclined portion extending from the extension portion to the connection portion such that its width decreases as it extends toward the connection portion, the horizontal area occupied by the transition portion is minimized, thereby minimizing the problem of the transition portion increasing in width in the horizontal direction.

[0186] In this case, even in the additionally extended passage between the above-mentioned transition passages, the width of the transition section is designed to decrease, thereby allowing for a more spacious space to be secured for forming the connection section.

[0187] In addition, by forming the above-mentioned connecting part in a circular shape and accordingly forming the second switching channel in a hole shape, it is possible to switch the channel with accurate alignment with minimal processing.

[0188] At this time, by forming the circular shape more widely into an elongated elliptical shape and the hole also more widely into the same elongated elliptical shape, and by expanding the overlapping area, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of differential pressure during flow path switching at the switching section, as well as minimize the flow rate deviation between the flow paths.

[0189] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. Includes first, second, and third flow path substrates in which first, second, and third flow paths are formed, respectively, and which are stacked together in the vertical direction, and The above-mentioned first switching channel includes first and second sub-channels that each include first and second connecting portions that extend in one direction and are spaced apart from each other only at the switching portion, and The above-mentioned second switching channel includes first and second holes, and A stacked heat exchanger characterized by including third and fourth sub-flow paths, each having third and fourth connecting portions that are spaced apart from each other only at the switching portion, and the third switching flow path extends in one direction.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first connecting part, the first hole, and the fourth connecting part are aligned with each other in the vertical direction, and A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that the second connecting part, the second hole, and the third connecting part are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first sub-lubra includes a first extension portion extending in one direction, and The above second sub-lubra includes a second extension extending in the same direction as the first extension, and The above third sub-lubra includes a third extension that is aligned with the first extension in the vertical direction and extends, and A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that the above-mentioned fourth sub-flow path includes a fourth extension that is aligned with and extends in the vertical direction from the above-mentioned second extension.

4. In Paragraph 3, The first fluid flowing into the first sub-flow channel flows into the fourth sub-flow channel through the first hole, and A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that the second fluid flowing into the second sub-flow channel flows into the third sub-flow channel through the second hole.

5. In Paragraph 3, The first sub-lubra further includes a first inclined portion extending between the first extension portion and the first connecting portion, and The above second sub-lubra further includes a second inclined portion extending between the second extension portion and the second connecting portion, and A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that each of the first and second inclined portions is inclined and extended with respect to the extension direction of the first and second extension portions.

6. In Paragraph 5, The width of the first inclined portion decreases as it goes from the first extension portion to the first connecting portion, and A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that the width of the second inclined portion decreases as it goes from the second extension portion to the second connecting portion.

7. In Paragraph 5, Each of the first and second connecting parts has a circular shape and is connected to the ends of the first and second inclined parts, and A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that each of the first and second holes is formed in a circular shape.

8. In Paragraph 7, A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that the circular shape of each of the first and second connecting parts and the circular shape of each of the first and second holes are identical.

9. In Paragraph 5, Each of the first and second connecting parts has an elongated elliptical shape and is connected to the ends of the first and second inclined parts, and A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that each of the first and second holes is formed in an elongated elliptical shape.

10. In Paragraph 1, A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that the first and second connecting portions and the third and fourth connecting portions are arranged in a line with each other in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first and third flow boards.

11. In Paragraph 1, A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that the first and second connecting portions and the third and fourth connecting portions are arranged to be offset from each other in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first and third flow boards.

12. In Paragraph 11, Another pair of first and second connecting parts adjacent to a pair of first and second connecting parts is, A stacked heat exchanger characterized by being alternately arranged on the upper and lower sides of a virtual reference line extending along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first Euro board.

13. In Paragraph 1, A stacked heat exchanger characterized by having a first flow path formed on the first flow path substrate that passes between the first switching flow paths adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction and extends only on the first flow path substrate.

14. In Paragraph 13, the above-mentioned first Euro is, A stacked heat exchanger characterized by having a direction that changes and extends along the space between the first adjacent flow paths.

15. In Paragraph 14, A stacked heat exchanger characterized in that the portion where the direction changes in the first Euro is bent in a straight line or extended in a curve.

16. In Paragraph 13, the above-mentioned first Euro is, A stacked heat exchanger characterized by extending in a straight line along the space between the first adjacent flow paths.

17. In Paragraph 12, the above-mentioned first Euro is, A stacked heat exchanger characterized by being formed such that the width is reduced in the portion adjacent to the first and second connecting portions.

18. In paragraph 1, each of the first, second, and third Euro substrates is, A stacked heat exchanger characterized by being manufactured by milling, laser, water jet, electrical discharge machining, or etching.

Images