PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER

Abstract

 The present invention is characterized in that: a plurality of heat transfer plate pairs each having their one surfaces opposed to each other are stacked on each other to form a first flow channel between the one surfaces and form a second flow channel between the other surfaces; in each of the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs, each of the one surfaces opposed to each other has bottoms and peaks extending in a Z-axis direction to be arranged alternately in a Y-axis direction to form a plurality of peak pairs each formed of the opposed peaks and arranged in the Y-axis direction; and at least one of the plurality of peak pairs have their peaks opposed to each other with a clearance therebetween.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-017866, and the disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-017866 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a plate heat exchanger formed by stacking a plurality of heat transfer plates on each other.

BACKGROUND

[0003] As shown in Fig. 20, conventionally known is a plate heat exchanger 500 formed of a plurality of heat transfer plates 501 stacked on each other (see Patent Literature 1). Specifically, each of the plurality of heat transfer plates 501 has one surface and the other surface, each on which recesses and projections having the same size are alternately and repeatedly disposed so that the recesses on the one surface are in a front-back relationship with the projections on the other surface and the projections on the one surface are in a front-back relationship with the recesses on the other surface. These heat transfer plates 501 are stacked on each other so that first flow channels Ra through which a first fluid medium can be circulated and second flow channels Rb through which a second fluid medium can be circulated are alternately formed with the heat transfer plates 501 respectively interposed therebetween. Each of the first flow channels Ra shares the same sectional area with each of the second flow channels Rb.

[0004] In the plate heat exchanger 500, the first fluid medium flows within the first flow channels Ra and the second fluid medium flows within the second flow channels Rb to thereby allow the first fluid medium and the second fluid medium to exchange heat via the heat transfer plates 501 respectively defining the first flow channels Ra and the second flow channels Rb.

[0005] In the aforementioned plate heat exchanger 500, when, for example, a fluid medium that causes phase change as a result of heat exchange (i.e., a fluid medium having different characteristics from those of the second fluid medium) is used as one fluid medium (i.e., first fluid medium), the heat exchange of the first fluid medium with the second fluid medium forms liquid film on the surfaces of the heat transfer plates 501 respectively defining the first flow channels. Thus, in order to obtain sufficient heat exchange performance, it is necessary that the first fluid medium within the first flow channels Ra has a larger velocity than the velocity of the second fluid medium within the second flow channels Rb to thereby disturb flow of the liquid film.

[0006] However, since each of the first flow channels Ra and each of the second flow channels Rb share the same sectional area with each other, it is difficult that the first fluid medium has a sufficiently larger velocity than the velocity of the second fluid medium, that is, no sufficient difference in velocity is made between the first fluid medium and the second fluid medium. Consequently, the aforementioned plate heat exchanger 500 fails to achieve sufficient heat exchange performance.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Literature 1: JP 3222546 U

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a plate heat exchanger capable of obtaining sufficient heat exchange performance even when heat is exchanged between a first fluid medium and a second fluid medium having different characteristics from each other.

Solution to Problem

[0009] A plate heat exchanger of the present invention includes: a plurality of heat transfer plate pairs each including two heat transfer plates each having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the two heat transfer plates stacked on each other to have their first surfaces opposed to each other in a first direction orthogonal to the first surface, in which in a state where the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs are stacked on each other to have their second surfaces opposed to each other in the first direction, a first flow channel through which a first fluid medium can be circulated in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is formed between each two opposed first surfaces, and a second flow channel through which a second fluid medium can be circulated in the second direction is formed between each two opposed second surfaces, in each of the plurality of heat transfer plates included in the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs, the first surface includes: at least one first surface side ridge extending along the second direction; and at least one first surface side valley extending along the second direction, the second surface includes: at least one second surface side valley being in a front-back relationship with the first surface side ridge of the first surface; and at least one second surface side ridge being in a front-back relationship with the first surface side valley of the first surface, in each of the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs, the first surface side ridge and the first surface side valley are alternately disposed in a third direction orthogonal to each of the first direction and the second direction of each of the opposed first surfaces to allow a plurality of ridge pairs formed of opposed first surface side ridges to be arranged in the third direction, the plurality of ridge pairs arranged in the third direction include at least one first ridge pair and at least one second ridge pair, in the at least one first ridge pair, the opposed first surface side ridges are opposed to each other with a clearance therebetween in the first direction, and in the at least one second ridge pair, the opposed first surface side ridges are in abutting contact with each other.

[0010] The plate heat exchanger can be configured such that at least one of the opposed first surface side ridges forming the at least one first ridge pair includes at least one groove crossing the first surface side ridge in the third direction at an intermediate position in the second direction of the first surface side ridge.

[0011] The plate heat exchanger can be configured such that a plurality of second surface side ridges of one of the opposed second surfaces and a plurality of second surface side ridges of an other one of the opposed second surfaces are disposed to be displaced from each other in the third direction so as not to be in contact with each other.

[0012] The plate heat exchanger can be configured such that the plurality of second surface side ridges of the one of the opposed second surfaces are opposed to the plurality of second surface side valleys of the other one of the opposed second surfaces, and the plurality of second surface side valleys of the one of the opposed second surfaces are opposed to the plurality of second surface side ridges of the other one of the opposed second surfaces.

[0013] The plate heat exchanger can be configured such that at least one of the opposed second surfaces includes at least one barrier ridge extending in a direction crossing the second direction, and the at least one barrier ridge is in abutting contact with the plurality of second surface side ridges of an other one of the opposed second surfaces.

[0014] The plate heat exchanger can be configured such that each of the at least one barrier ridge is disposed on each of the opposed second surfaces, and the at least one barrier ridge of the one of the opposed second surfaces and the at least one barrier ridge of the other one of the opposed second surfaces are disposed at different positions in the second direction.

[0015] The plate heat exchanger can be configured such that, in each of the opposed second surfaces, a peak of the at least one barrier ridge and peaks of the plurality of second surface side ridges are located at the same position in the first direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] 

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a plate heat exchanger according to this embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plate heat exchanger.

Fig. 3 is a view of a first heat transfer plate of the plate heat exchanger, as seen from its first surface side.

Fig. 4 is a view of the first heat transfer plate as seen from its second surface side.

Fig. 5 is a view of a second heat transfer plate of the plate heat exchanger, as seen from its first surface side.

Fig. 6 is a view of the second heat transfer plate as seen from its second surface side.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of an enclosed portion shown with VII in Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of an enclosed portion shown with VIII in Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of an enclosed portion shown with X in Fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of an enclosed portion shown with XI in Fig. 6.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a part of the plurality of heat transfer plates stacked on each other in transverse cross section.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a schematic view for describing a configuration of flow channels of the plate heat exchanger.

Fig. 16 is a view showing flow of a first fluid medium within a first flow channel.

Fig. 17 is a view showing flow of a second fluid medium within a second flow channel.

Fig. 18 is a partially enlarged view of a part of a main heat transfer portion of a heat transfer plate according to another embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a conventional plate heat exchanger.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0017] A plate heat exchanger of this embodiment includes: a plurality of heat transfer plate pairs each including two heat transfer plates each having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the two heat transfer plates stacked on each other to have their first surfaces opposed to each other in a first direction orthogonal to the first surface, in which in a state where the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs are stacked on each other to have their second surfaces opposed to each other in the first direction, a first flow channel through which a first fluid medium can be circulated in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is formed between each two opposed first surfaces, and a second flow channel through which a second fluid medium can be circulated in the second direction is formed between each two opposed second surfaces, in each of the plurality of heat transfer plates included in the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs, the first surface includes: at least one first surface side ridge extending along the second direction; and at least one first surface side valley extending along the second direction, the second surface includes: at least one second surface side valley being in a front-back relationship with the first surface side ridge of the first surface; and at least one second surface side ridge being in a front-back relationship with the first surface side valley of the first surface, in each of the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs, the first surface side ridge and the first surface side valley are alternately disposed in a third direction orthogonal to each of the first direction and the second direction of each of the opposed first surfaces to allow a plurality of ridge pairs formed of opposed first surface side ridges to be arranged in the third direction, the plurality of ridge pairs arranged in the third direction include at least one first ridge pair and at least one second ridge pair, in the at least one first ridge pair, the opposed first surface side ridges are opposed to each other with a clearance therebetween in the first direction, and in the at least one second ridge pair, the opposed first surface side ridges are in abutting contact with each other.

[0018] Since the first surface side ridges of the first ridge pair are opposed to each other with a clearance therebetween as described above, the heat transfer plates (first surfaces) defining the first flow channel have a large clearance in the first direction and thus increase the sectional area of the first flow channel, and the heat transfer plates (second surfaces) defining the second flow channel at the position corresponding to the first ridge pair (that is, the same position in the third direction) have a smaller clearance in the first direction and thus decrease the sectional area of the second flow channel, as compared with the configuration that the first surface side ridges opposed to each other at the same position are in abutting contact each other. Thus, a difference in sectional area is increased between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. This configuration easily increases a difference between the velocity of the first fluid medium flowing within the first flow channel and the velocity of the second fluid medium flowing within the second flow channel, and can consequently obtain sufficient heat exchange performance even in the case where heat is exchanged between the first fluid medium and the second fluid medium having different characteristics.

[0019] The plate heat exchanger can be configured such that at least one of the opposed first surface side ridges forming the at least one first ridge pair includes at least one groove crossing the first surface side ridge in the third direction at an intermediate position in the second direction of the first surface side ridge.

[0020] The configuration that the first surface side ridge forming the first ridge pair is provided with a portion (groove) having a rib shape increases the strength of the portion.

[0021] The plate heat exchanger can be configured such that a plurality of second surface side ridges of one of the opposed second surfaces and a plurality of second surface side ridges of an other one of the opposed second surfaces are disposed to be displaced from each other in the third direction so as not to be in contact with each other.

[0022] Such a configuration that the opposed second surface side ridges in the opposed second surfaces are displaced from each other in the third direction so as not to be in contact with each other enables the second fluid medium to migrate to the third direction when the second fluid medium flows in the second direction within the second flow channel formed between the opposed second surfaces. This suppresses deviation in flow (rate) in the third direction of the second fluid medium, and can as a result prevent degraded heat exchange performance resulting from the deviation.

[0023] In this case, the configuration can be such that the plurality of second surface side ridges of the one of the opposed second surfaces are opposed to the plurality of second surface side valleys of the other one of the opposed second surfaces, and the plurality of second surface side valleys of the one of the opposed second surfaces are opposed to the plurality of second surface side ridges of the other one of the opposed second surfaces.

[0024] According to such a configuration, the second flow channel extends to meander in the third direction as viewed from the second direction (see Fig. 13). This configuration allows the clearance (specifically, clearance in the first direction) of the opposed second surfaces to be constant or substantially constant at different positions in the third direction, and can thus further suppress deviation in flow of the second fluid medium in the third direction. As a result, degraded heat exchange performance resulting from the deviation can be more securely prevented.

[0025] The plate heat exchanger can be configured such that at least one of the opposed second surfaces includes at least one barrier ridge extending in a direction crossing the second direction, and the at least one barrier ridge is in abutting contact with the plurality of second surface side ridges of an other one of the opposed second surfaces.

[0026] According to such a configuration, when the second fluid medium flows within the second flow channel, specifically, flows through the second surface side valleys, the second fluid medium collides with the barrier ridge to cause disturbance (e.g., turbulence), thereby increasing heat exchange performance.

[0027] In this case, the configuration can be such that each of the at least one barrier ridge is disposed on each of the opposed second surfaces, and the at least one barrier ridge of the one of the opposed second surfaces and the at least one barrier ridge of the other one of the opposed second surfaces are disposed at different positions in the second direction.

[0028] When the barrier ridge of each of the opposed two second surfaces is disposed at the same position in the second direction, the width (i.e., the dimension in the first direction) of the second flow channel at the position is made small or eliminated to thereby excessively increase the circulating resistance of the second flow channel. However, when the barrier ridge of the one of the opposed second surfaces and the barrier ridge of the other one of the opposed second surfaces are disposed at different positions in the second direction as in the configuration above, the width of the flow channel at different positions are securely obtained to prevent the circulating resistance of the second flow channel from being too large. Further, since the second fluid medium collides with each of the barrier ridges formed on each of the one of the opposed second surfaces and the other one of the opposed second surfaces, the flow of the second fluid medium within the second flow channel can be sufficiently disturbed.

[0029] Further, the configuration can be such that, in each of the opposed second surfaces, a peak of the at least one barrier ridge and peaks of the plurality of second surface side ridges are located at the same position in the first direction.

[0030] Such a configuration forms no area communicating in the second direction within the second flow channel, that is, no area through which the second fluid medium flowing in the second direction can pass without colliding with the heat transfer plates (see Fig. 13). This configuration can prevent occurrence of deviation in flow of the second fluid medium, and can thus prevent degraded heat exchange performance resulting from the deviation in flow.

[0031] As described above, according to this embodiment, a plate heat exchanger capable of obtaining sufficient heat exchanger performance even when heat is exchanged between a first fluid medium and a second fluid medium having different characteristics from each other.

[0032] Hereinafter, a description will be given on one embodiment of the present invention with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 17.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a plate heat exchanger according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred also to simply as "heat exchanger") includes a plurality of heat transfer plates 2, 3 stacked on each other in a certain direction. Further, the plate heat exchanger 1 includes a pair of frame plates (end plates) 4 arranged to have the plurality of heat transfer plates 2, 3 sandwiched therebetween from the outside in the certain direction. Flow channels Ra and Rb through which a fluid medium A and a fluid medium B respectively can be circulated are each formed between each adjacent ones of the plurality of heat transfer plates 2, 3. A specific configuration is given below.

[0034] The heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment includes three or more heat transfer plates 2, 3 each having a rectangular shape, and these three or more heat transfer plates 2, 3 include two types of heat transfer plates. In the description hereinafter, one of the two types of heat transfer plates 2, 3 is referred to also as a first heat transfer plate 2 while the other one of the two types of heat transfer plates 2, 3 is referred to also as a second heat transfer plate 3. A direction in which the heat transfer plates 2, 3 are stacked on each other (i.e., the certain direction) is represented as an X-axis direction (first direction) in the orthogonal coordinate system, a direction in which a short side of each of the plurality of heat transfer plates 2, 3 extends is represented as a Y-axis direction (third direction) of the orthogonal coordinate system, and a direction in which a long side of each of the plurality of the heat transfer plates 2, 3 extends is represented as a Z-axis direction (second direction) of the orthogonal coordinate system.

[0035] These two types of heat transfer plates, that is, the first heat transfer plate 2 and the second heat transfer plate 3 share the common configuration. Thus, hereinafter, a description will be first given on the common configuration of the first heat transfer plate 2 and the second heat transfer plate 3.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 6, each of the heat transfer plates 2, 3 includes: a heat transfer portion 20, 30 having a first surface Sa1, Sb1 and a second surface Sa2, Sb2 opposite to the first surface Sa1, Sb1; and an annular fitting portion 21, 31 that extends from the entire outer peripheral edge of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the heat transfer portion 20, 30. The heat transfer plate 2, 3 is formed by press molding of a metal plate (thin plate).

[0037] The heat transfer portion 20, 30 extends in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, and has a thickness in the X-axis direction. With this configuration, the first surface Sa1, Sb1, and the second surface Sa2, Sb2 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 of each of the plurality of heat transfer plates 2, 3 stacked on each other in the X-axis direction are arranged in the X-axis direction. The heat transfer portion 20, 30 of this embodiment has a rectangular shape elongated in the Z-axis direction when viewed from the X-axis direction (see Fig. 3 to Fig. 6).

[0038] The heat transfer position 20, 30 includes a recess 22, 32 and a projection 23, 33. The heat transfer portion 20, 30 of this embodiment has a plurality of recesses 22, 32 and a plurality of projections 23, 33 on each of the first surface Sa1, Sb1, and the second surface Sa2, Sb2.

[0039] As described above, the heat transfer plate 2, 3 of this embodiment is formed by press molding of a metal plate. Thus, the recesses 22, 32 of the first surface Sa1, Sb1 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 are in a front-back relationship with the projections 23, 33 of the second surface Sa2, Sb2 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30. Further, the projections 23, 33 of the first surface Sa1, Sb1 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 are in a front-back relationship with the recesses 22, 32 of the second surface Sa2, Sb2 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30. That is, in the heat transfer portion 20, 30, the portions in which the recesses 22, 32 of the first surface Sa1, Sb1 are formed serve as the projections 23, 33 of the second surface Sa2, Sb2, and the portions in which the projections 23, 33 of the first surface Sa1, Sb1 are formed serve as the recesses 22, 32 of the second surface Sa2, Sb2.

[0040] Specifically, the heat transfer portion 20, 30 includes: a main heat transfer portion 25, 35 disposed at the center in the Z-axis direction; opening edge portions 200p, 201p. 202p, 203p, 300p, 301p, 302p, 303p respectively having openings 200, 201, 202, 203, 300, 301, 302, 303; and a weir portion 26, 36 disposed between the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 and the opening edge portion 200p, 201p. 202p, 203p, 300p, 301p, 302p, 303p.

[0041] The heat transfer portion 20, 30 of this embodiment has at least two openings 200, 201, 202, 203, 300, 301, 302, 303 in each of one end and the other end in the Z-axis direction of the heat transfer portion 20, 30. More specifically, the heat transfer portion 20, 30 has two openings 200, 203, 300, 303 at the one end in the Z-axis direction thereof, and two openings 201, 202, 301, 302 at the other end in the Z-axis direction thereof.

[0042] The two openings 200, 203, 300, 303 at the one end of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 are disposed away from each other in the Y-axis direction. The two openings 201, 202, 301, 302 at the other end of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 are disposed away from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0043] The opening edge portion 200p, 300p of one opening 200, 300 at the one end of the heat transfer portion 20, 30, and the opening edge portion 201p, 301p of one opening 201, 301 at the other end of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 are recessed as viewed from a side of the first surface Sa1, Sb1. On the other hand, the opening edge portions 200p, 201p, 300p, 301p are projected as viewed from a side of the second surface Sa2, Sb2.

[0044] The opening edge portions 200p, 201p, 300p, 301p projected as viewed from the second surface Sa2, Sb2 side have such a displacement in the X-axis direction (i.e., position in the X-axis direction) as to be in abutting contact with the opening edge portions 200p, 201p, 300p, 301p of the adjacent heat transfer plate 2, 3.

[0045] In contrast, the opening edge portion 203p, 303p of the other opening 203, 303 in the one end of the heat transfer portion 20, 30, and the opening edge portion 202p, 302p of the other opening 202, 302 in the other end of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 are projected as viewed from the first surface Sa1, Sb1 side. On the other hand, the opening edge portions 202p, 203p, 302p, 303p are recessed as viewed from the second surface Sa2, Sb2 side.

[0046] The opening edge portions 202p, 203p, 302p, 303p projected as viewed from the first surface Sa1, Sb1 side have such a displacement in the X-axis direction (i.e., position in the X-axis direction) as to be in abutting contact with the opening edge portions 202p, 203p, 302p, 303p of the adjacent heat transfer plate 2, 3. In Fig. 3 to Fig. 6, the recessed opening edge portions 200p, 201p, 202p, 203p, 300p, 301p, 302p, 303p, and bottom parts (most recessed parts) of recessed portions of the weir portion 26, 36 (i.e., first surface side recesses 225, 325 and second surface side recesses 226, 326, which will be described later) are shown in stippling to allow the relationship between the projected portions and the recessed portions of the first surface Sa1, Sb1 and the second surface Sa2, Sb2 to be distinguishable.

[0047] In the heat transfer portion 20, 30 of this embodiment, the one opening 200, 300 at the one end in the Z-axis direction and the one opening 201, 301 at the other end in the Z-axis direction are located diagonal to each other. The other opening 203, 303 at the one end in the Z-axis direction and the other opening 202, 302 at the other end in the Z-axis direction are located diagonal to each other.

[0048] The main heat transfer portion 25, 35 is a portion having a rectangular shape as viewed from the X-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, and Fig. 12, the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 includes, in the first surface Sa1, Sb1: at least one first flow channel forming valley (first surface side valley) 221, 321 extending along the Z-axis direction; at least one first flow channel forming ridge (first surface side ridge) 231, 331 extending along the Z-axis direction; and at least one barrier back valley 223, 323 extending in a direction crossing the Z-axis direction. The main heat transfer portion 25, 35 of this embodiment includes, in the first surface Sa1, Sb1: a plurality of the first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321; a plurality of the first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331; and a plurality of the barrier back valleys 223, 323. The plurality of first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 and the plurality of barrier back valleys 223, 323 are included in the aforementioned plurality of recesses 22, 32 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30. The plurality of first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 are included in the aforementioned plurality of projections 23, 33 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30.

[0049] In Fig. 7 and Fig. 10, the recessed first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 and bottom parts (most recessed parts) of the barrier back valleys 223, 323 are shown in stippling to allow the relationship between the projected portions and the recessed portions in the first surface Sa1, Sb1 to be distinguishable.

[0050] Each of the plurality of barrier back valleys 223, 323 continuously extends from one end to the other end in the Y-axis direction of the main heat transfer portion 25, 35. Each of the plurality of barrier back valleys 223, 323 of this embodiment extends straight in the Y-axis direction.

[0051] The plurality of barrier back valleys 223, 323 are disposed at intervals from each other in the Z-axis direction. The plurality of barrier back valleys 223, 323 of this embodiment are disposed at equal intervals from each other in the Z-axis direction, except a barrier back valley 223A, 323A disposed at one end in the Z-axis direction (i.e., the upper end in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5). A distance between this barrier back valley 223A, 323A disposed at the one end and one end of the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 adjacent in the Z-axis direction to this barrier back valley 223A, 323A is half or substantially half the distance between each two barrier back valleys 223, 323 adjacent in the Z-axis direction to each other at another position.

[0052] The plurality of barrier back valleys 223, 323 disposed as above divide the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 on the first surface Sa1, Sb1 side into a plurality of areas (first surface side divided areas) D1 arranged in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, for example, six barrier back valleys 223, 323 divide the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 into seven first surface side divided areas D1.

[0053] In each of the plurality of first surface side divided areas D1, the plurality of first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 extend in the Z-axis direction and are disposed at intervals from each other in the Y-axis direction. In each of the plurality of first surface side divided areas D1, each of the plurality of first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 extends in the Z-axis direction between each two first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 adjacent in the Y-axis direction to each other. That is, in each of the first surface side divided areas D1, the first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 and the first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 are arranged alternately in the Y-axis direction.

[0054] Each of the plurality of first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 and each of the plurality of first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 extend from one end to the other end in the Z-axis direction of the first surface side divided area D1. Thus, the first flow channel forming valley 221, 321 has an end on the barrier back valley 223, 323 side continuing to the barrier back valley 223, 323.

[0055] In the first surface side divided area D1, each of the first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 shares the same depth with the depth of each of the barrier back valleys 223, 323. That is, the position in the X-axis direction of the bottom of each of the first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 coincides with the position in the X-axis direction of the bottom of each of the barrier back valleys 223, 323.

[0056] In each of the first surface side divided areas D1 of this embodiment, the first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 and the first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 are disposed alternately in the Y-axis direction so that the central positions in the Y-axis direction of the first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 and the central positions in the Y-axis direction of the first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 are laid at the same intervals (at the same pitch) (see Fig. 7, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, and Fig. 12). The first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 and the first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 arranged alternately form a projection-recess group, which is arranged so that the first flow channel forming ridge 231, 331 located at the center in the Y-axis direction of the projection-recess group is displaced by 1/2 pitch in the Y-axis direction relative to a vertical centerline CL extending in the Z-axis direction at the central position of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 5). It should be noted that the above pitch corresponds to a distance between the central positions of the first flow channel forming valley 221, 321 and the first flow channel forming ridge 231, 331 adjacent to each other (see reference sign P in Fig. 9 and Fig. 12).

[0057] The plurality of first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 disposed in the first surface side divided area D1 include two types of first flow channel forming ridges with their peaks located at different positions (heights) in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the plurality of first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 disposed in the first surface side divided area D1 include: first flow channel forming ridges of a first type (hereinafter referred to as "first ridges") 231A, 331A; and first flow channel forming ridges of a second type (hereinafter referred to as "second ridges") 231B, 331B higher than the first ridges 231A, 331A.

[0058] In the first surface side divided area D1, the second ridges 231B, 331B are disposed at every other position relative to the first ridges 231A, 331A. That is, one first ridge 231A, 331A is disposed between each two second ridges 231B, 331B adjacent in the Y-axis direction to each other.

[0059] In the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 of this embodiment, the first surface side divided areas D1 share the same configuration. Thus, the first ridges 231A, 331A of the respective first surface side divided areas D1 are arranged straight in the Z-axis direction (that is, arranged in the same straight line). Further, the second ridges 231B, 331B of the respective first surface side divided areas D1 are arranged straight in the Z-axis direction. Further, the first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 of the respective first surface side divided areas D1 are arranged straight in the Z-axis direction.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 11, and Fig. 12, the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 includes, in the second surface Sa2, Sb2: second flow channel forming valleys (second surface side valleys) 222, 322 formed on the back sides of the respective first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 of the first surface Sa1, Sb1; and second flow channel forming ridges (second surface side ridges) 232, 332 formed on the back sides of the respective first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 of the first surface Sa1, Sb1. The main heat transfer portion 25, 35 further includes, in the second surface Sa2, Sb2, barrier ridges 233, 333 formed on the back sides of the respective barrier back valleys 223, 323 of the first surface Sa1, Sb1. That is, the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 includes, in the second surface Sa2, Sb2: at least one second flow channel forming valley 222, 322 extending along the Z-axis direction; and at least one second flow channel forming ridge 232, 332 extending along the Z-axis direction. Further, the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 includes, in the second surface Sa2, Sb2: at least one barrier ridge 233, 333 extending in a direction crossing the Z-axis direction. The main heat transfer portion 25, 35 of this embodiment includes, in the second surface Sa2, Sb2: a plurality of second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322; a plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332; and a plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333. The plurality of second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 are included in the aforementioned plurality of recesses 22, 32 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30. Further, the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 and the plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 are included in the aforementioned plurality of projections 23, 33 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30.

[0061] In Fig. 8 and Fig. 11, the recessed second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 are shown in stippling to allow the relationship between the projected portion and the recessed portions in the first surface Sa1, Sb1 to be distinguishable.

[0062] Each of the plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 continuously extends from one end to the other end in the Y-axis direction of the main heat transfer portion 25, 35. Each of the plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 of this embodiment extends straight in the Y-axis direction.

[0063] The plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 are disposed at intervals from each other in the Z-axis direction. The plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 of this embodiment are disposed at equal intervals from each other in the Z-axis direction, except a barrier ridge 233A, 333A disposed at one end in the Z-axis direction (i.e., the upper end in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6). A distance between this barrier ridge 233A, 333A disposed at the one end and one end of the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 adjacent in the Z-axis direction to this barrier ridge 233A, 333A is half or substantially half the distance between each two barrier ridges 233, 333 adjacent in the Z-axis direction to each other at another position.

[0064] The plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 disposed as above divide the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 on the second surface Sa2, Sb2 side into a plurality of areas (second surface side divided areas) D2 arranged in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, for example, six barrier ridges 233, 333 divide the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 into seven second surface side divided areas D2. Each of the second surface side divided areas D2 of this embodiment is formed on the back side of the corresponding one of the plurality of first surface side divided areas D1 of the first surface Sa1, Sb1.

[0065] In each of the plurality of second surface side divided areas D2, the plurality of second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 extend in the Z-axis direction and are disposed at intervals from each other in the Y-axis direction. In each of the plurality of second surface side divided areas D2, each of the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 extends in the Z-axis direction between each two second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 adjacent in the Y-axis direction to each other. That is, in each of the second surface side divided areas D2, the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 and the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 are arranged alternately in the Y-axis direction.

[0066] Each of the plurality of second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 and each of the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 extend from one end to the other end in the Z-axis direction of the second surface side divided area D2. Thus, the second flow channel forming ridge 232, 332 has an end on the barrier ridge 233, 333 side, continuing to the barrier ridge 233, 333.

[0067] In the second surface side divided area D2, each of the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 shares the same height with the height of each of the barrier ridges 233, 333. That is, the position in the X-axis direction of the peak of each of the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 coincides with the position in the X-axis direction of the peak of each of the barrier ridges 233, 333.

[0068] In each of the second surface side divided areas D2 of this embodiment, the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 and the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 are disposed alternately in the Y-axis direction so that the central positions in the Y-axis direction of the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 and the central positions in the Y-axis direction of the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 are laid at the same intervals (at the same pitch) (see Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 11, and Fig. 12). The second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 and the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 arranged alternately form a projection-recess group, which is arranged so that the second flow channel forming valley 222, 322 located at the center in the Y-axis direction of the projection-recess group is displaced by 1/2 pitch in the Y-axis direction relative to the vertical centerline CL of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 6). It should be noted that the above pitch corresponds to a distance between the central positions of the second flow channel forming valley 222, 322 and the second flow channel forming ridge 232, 332 adjacent to each other (see reference sign P in Fig. 9 and Fig. 12).

[0069] The plurality of second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 disposed in the second surface side divided area D2 include two types of second flow channel forming valleys with their bottoms located at different positions (depth) in the X-axis direction, specifically include: second flow channel forming valleys of a first type (hereinafter referred to as "first valleys") 222A, 322A; and second flow channel forming valleys of a second type (hereinafter referred to as "second valleys") 222B, 322B deeper than the first valleys 222A, 322A. These first valleys 222A, 322A are formed on the back sides of the respective first ridges 231A, 331A of the first surface Sa1, Sb1, and these second valleys 222B, 322B are formed on the back sides of the respective second ridges 231B, 331B of the first surface Sa1, Sb1.

[0070] In the second surface side divided area D2, the second valleys 222B, 322B are disposed at every other position relative to the first valleys 222A, 322A. That is, one first valley 222A, 322A is disposed between each two second valleys 222B, 322B adjacent in the Y-axis direction to each other.

[0071] In the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 of this embodiment, the second surface side divided areas D2 share the same configuration. Thus, the first valleys 222A, 322A of the respective second surface side divided areas D2 are arranged straight in the Z-axis direction (that is, arranged in the same straight line). Further, the second valleys 222B, 322B of the respective second surface side divided areas D2 are arranged straight in the Z-axis direction. Further, the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the respective second surface side divided areas D2 are arranged straight in the Z-axis direction.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig .6, the weir portion 26, 36 is disposed on one side and the other side in the Z-axis direction of the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 in the heat transfer portion 20, 30. That is, the heat transfer portion 20, 30 includes a pair of weir portions 26, 36. Each of the pair of weir portions 26, 36 of this embodiment is a triangular portion having its boundary with the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 serving as a bottom side and having a peak located at an intermediate position between two openings 200, 201, 202, 203, 300, 301, 302, 303 disposed on one end or the other end in the Z-axis direction of the heat transfer portion 20, 30.

[0073] Each of the pair of weir portions 26, 36 is a portion configured to spread, in the Y-axis direction, the fluid medium A, B flowing through the opening 200, 201, 202, 203, 300, 301, 302, 303 toward the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 along the first surface Sa1, Sb1 or the second surface Sa2, Sb2, or to gather, in the Y-axis direction, the fluid medium A, B flowing from the main heat transfer portion 25, 35 toward the opening 200, 201, 202, 203, 300, 301, 302, 303 along the first surface Sa1, Sb1 or the second surface Sa2, Sb2 (see Fig. 16 or Fig. 17).

[0074] Specifically, each of the pair of weir portions 26, 36 includes a plurality of first surface side recesses 225, 325 and a plurality of first surface side projections 235, 335 in the first surface Sa1, Sb1. The first surface side recesses 225, 325 and the first surface side projections 235, 335 are disposed alternately with each other in directions inclined to one side and the other side relative to the Z-axis direction. The plurality of first surface side recesses 225, 325 are included in the aforementioned plurality of recesses 22, 32 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30, and the plurality of first surface side projections 235, 335 are included in the aforementioned plurality of projections 23, 33 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30.

[0075] The weir portion 26, 36 includes a plurality of second surface side recesses 226, 326 and a plurality of second surface side projections 236, 336 in the second surface Sa2, Sb2. The plurality of second surface side recesses 226, 326 and the plurality of second surface side projections 236, 336 are formed on the back sides of the respective first surface side recesses 225, 325 or the respective first surface side projections 235, 335 located at the corresponding positions in the first surface Sa1, Sb1. Specifically, the second surface side recesses 226, 326 and the second surface side projections 236, 336 are disposed alternately in directions inclined to one side and the other side relative to the Z-axis direction. The plurality of second surface side recesses 226, 326 are included in the aforementioned plurality of recesses 22, 32 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30, and the plurality of second surface side projections 236, 336 are included in the aforementioned plurality of projections 23, 33 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30.

[0076] The first heat transfer plates 2 and the second heat transfer plates 3 each include the heat transfer portion 20, 30 configured as above.

[0077] Next, a description will be given on different configurations between the first heat transfer plates 2 and the second heat transfer plates 3.

[0078] The fitting portion 21 of each of the first heat transfer plates 2 extends from the outer peripheral edge of the heat transfer portion 20 to a side of the first surface Sa1 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). On the other hand, the fitting portion 31 of each of the second heat transfer plates 3 extends from the outer peripheral edge of the heat transfer portion to a side of the second surface Sb2 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 6).

[0079] The first heat transfer plates 2 and the second heat transfer plates 3 configured as above are, as shown in Fig. 2, stacked on each other in the X-axis direction to have their first surfaces Sa1, Sb1 opposed to each other or to have their second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other. That is, in each of the plurality of heat transfer plates 2, 3, the first surface Sa1, Sb1 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 is opposed to the first surface Sa1, Sb1 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 of the adjacent heat transfer plate 2, 3 on one side in the X-axis direction, and the second surface Sa2, Sb2 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 is opposed to the second surface Sa2, Sb2 of the heat transfer portion 20, 30 of the adjacent heat transfer plate 2, 3 on the other side in the X-axis direction.

[0080] In so doing, the plurality of heat transfer plates 2, 3 are stacked on each other so that the fitting portion 21, 31 of one of each two heat transfer plates 2, 3 adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction is fitted to the fitting portion 21, 31 of the other one of each two heat transfer plates 2, 3 adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction.

[0081] Specifically, in the plurality of heat transfer plates 2, 3 arranged in the X-axis direction, each two adjacent heat transfer plates (i.e., first heat transfer plate 2 and second heat transfer plate 3) are stacked on each other to have their first surfaces Sa1, Sb1 opposed to each other so that a heat transfer plate pair 5 is formed. The heat transfer plate pair 5 includes a plurality of the heat transfer plate pairs 5 (see Fig. 2). The plurality of heat transfer plate pairs 5 are stacked on each other to have their second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other. When the heat transfer plate pairs 5 are stacked, the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs 5 are stacked on each other with every other heat transfer plate pair 5 turning 180° upside down about a virtual line extending in the X-axis direction.

[0082] In each of the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs 5, the corresponding ones of the first surface side divided areas D1 (specifically, located respectively at the same positions in the Z-axis direction) of the first surfaces Sa1, Sb1 opposed to each other are disposed to be opposed to each other. In each of the opposed first surface side divided areas D1 (first surfaces Sa1, Sb1), the first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 and the first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 are alternately arranged with each other in the Y-axis direction so that a plurality of ridge pairs 6 each formed by the opposed first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 are disposed in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 13.

[0083] In the plurality of ridge pairs 6 disposed in the Y-axis direction, at least one ridge pair (first ridge pair) 6A has the opposed first ridges 231A, 331A opposed to each other with a clearance therebetween in the X-axis direction. In the remaining ridge pairs (second ridge pairs) 6B, the opposed second ridges 231B, 331B are in abutting contact with each other. In each of the heat transfer plate pairs 5, the first ridge pairs 6A and the second ridge pairs 6B are disposed alternately with each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0084] In each of the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs 5, the plurality of barrier back valleys 223, 323 of the opposed first surfaces Sa1, Sb1 are opposed to each other. With this configuration, columnar spaces S1 extending along the Y-axis direction from one end to the other end of the heat transfer portions 20, 30 are formed at the positions corresponding to the respective barrier back valleys 223, 323 of the first surfaces Sa1, Sb1, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0085] In each two adjacent heat transfer plate pairs 5, as aforementioned, one heat transfer plate pair 5 is turned 180° upside down about the virtual line extending in the X-axis direction relative to the other heat transfer plate pair 5. The dimension in the Z-axis direction of the second surface side divided area D2 at the one end in the Z-axis direction of each of the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 is half or substantially half the dimension in the Z-axis direction of the other second surface side divided areas D2. Thus, the second surface side divided areas D2 of the opposed second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 are opposed to each other to be displaced from each other in the Z-axis direction.

[0086] In each adjacent two heat transfer plate pairs 5 of this embodiment, the second surface side divided areas D2 of the second surface Sa2, Sb2 of one heat transfer plate pair 5 and the second surface side divided areas D2 of the second surface Sa2, Sb2 of the other heat transfer plate pair 5 are opposed to each other to be displaced by a half pitch in the Z-axis direction (i.e., by the distance corresponding to the dimension in the Z-axis direction of the second surface side divided area D2 on the one end in the Z-axis direction) from each other. That is, the barrier ridges 233, 333 of one second surface Sa2, Sb2 of the opposed second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 and the barrier ridges 233, 333 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2 are disposed at different positions in the Z-axis direction. In the example of this embodiment, each of the barrier ridges 233, 333 of the one second surface Sa2, Sb2 and each of the barrier ridges 233, 333 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2 are disposed to be displaced by a half pitch in the Z-axis direction.

[0087] With this configuration, each of the barrier ridges 233, 333 of the one second surface Sa2, Sb2 is in abutting contact with the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 arranged at intervals from each other in the Y-axis direction in the other second surface Sa2, Sb2, and each of the barrier ridges 233, 333 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2 is in abutting contact with the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 arranged at intervals from each other in the Y-axis direction in the one second surface Sa2, Sb2. In each of the second flow channels Rb formed between the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2, this configuration eliminates an area that allows straight flow in the Z-axis direction from one end to the other end in the Y-axis direction of the heat transfer portions 20, 30, as shown in Fig. 13. That is, a second fluid medium B collides with the barrier ridges 233, 333 of any one of the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other while the second fluid medium B flows from one end to the other end in the Z-axis direction of the heat transfer portions 20, 30.

[0088] At positions in the Z-axis direction where no barrier ridges 233, 333 are arranged on the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other, each of the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of one second surface Sa2, Sb2 and each of the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2 are disposed to be displaced from each other in the Y-axis direction so as not to be in contact with each other.

[0089] In the heat transfer portion 20, 30 of this embodiment, where a pitch is represented by a distance between the center in the Y-axis direction of a second flow channel forming valley 222, 322 and the center in the Y-axis direction of a second flow channel forming ridge 232, 332 adjacent to the second flow channel forming valley 222, 322, the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 and the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 in each of the second surface side divided areas D2 are displaced by a half pitch relative to their linearly symmetrical arrangement to the vertical centerline CL as a symmetric axis (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 6). The second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 and the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the second surfaces opposed to each other are disposed so that the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the one second surface Sa2, Sb2 and the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2 are opposed to each other and the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 of the one second surface Sa2, Sb2 and the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2 are opposed to each other. That is, in the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other, the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 and the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 in each of the second surface side divided areas D2 are opposed to each other to be displaced by a pitch from each other.

[0090] As described above, the plurality of heat transfer plates 2, 3 are stacked on each other as described above for forming a heat transfer plate group to thereby form the first flow channels Ra through which a first fluid medium A can be circulated in the Z-axis direction respectively between the first surfaces Sa1, Sb1 and form the second flow channels Rb through which the second fluid medium B can be circulated in the Z-axis direction respectively between the second surfaces Sb1, Sb2.

[0091] In this heat transfer plate group, the openings 200, 201, 202, 203, 300, 301, 302, 303 located at corresponding positions of the heat transfer portions 20, 30 are continuous in the X-axis direction. Further, the opening edge portions 200p, 201p, 202p, 203p, 300p, 301p, 302p, 303p opposed to each other and projecting toward the opposed opening edge portions 200p, 201p, 202p, 203p, 300p, 301p, 302p, 303p are in abutting contact with each other. This configuration forms a first inflow channel Pa1 for supplying the first fluid medium A into the first flow channels Ra, a first outflow channel Pa2 for causing the first fluid medium A to flow out of the first flow channels Ra, a second inflow channel Pb1 for supplying the second fluid medium B into the second flow channels Rb, and a second outflow channel Pb2 for causing the second fluid medium B to flow out of the second flow channels Rb (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 15).

[0092] Each of the pair of frame plates 4 is thicker than each of the heat transfer plates 2, 3 to secure the strength of the heat exchanger 1.

[0093] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, one frame plate 4A of the pair of frame plates 4 includes: a plate body 41A having a thick plate shape and extending in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction; a frame fitting portion 42A extending from the entire outer peripheral edge of the plate body 41A in a direction crossing the plane of the plate body 41; and a plurality of nozzles 43 extending from the plate body 41A.

[0094] The plate body 41A has such a shape as to correspond to the heat transfer portion 20, 30 of the heat transfer plate 2, 3. The plate body 41A of this embodiment has a rectangular shape elongated in the Z-axis direction.

[0095] The plate body 41A has through holes penetrating therethrough in the Z-axis direction at positions respectively overlapping the first inflow channel Pa1, the first outflow channel Pa2, the second inflow channel Pb1, and the second outflow channel Pb2, as viewed from the X-axis direction. That is, the plate body 41A of this embodiment has the through holes at its corners.

[0096] The frame fitting portion 42A extends from the outer peripheral edge of the plate body 41A to the side of the heat transfer plates 2, 3.

[0097] Each of the plurality of nozzles 43 has a tubular shape, and extends in the X-axis direction from a position corresponding to each of the through holes of the plate body 41A. Each nozzle 43 has a hollow portion communicating with the corresponding through hole of the plate body 41A. This configuration allows the hollow portion of the nozzle 43 to communicate with the first inflow channel Pa1, the first outflow channel Pa2, the second inflow channel Pb1, or the second outflow channel Pb2.

[0098] Another frame plate 4B of the pair of frame plates 4 includes: a plate body 41B having a thick plate shape and extending in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction; and a frame fitting portion 42B extending from the entire outer peripheral edge of the plate body 41B in a direction crossing the plane of the plate body 41B.

[0099] The plate body 41B has such a shape as to correspond to the heat transfer portion 20, 30 of the heat transfer plate 2, 3. The plate body 41B of this embodiment has a rectangular shape elongated in the Z-axis direction.

[0100] The frame fitting portion 42B extends from the outer peripheral edge of the plate body 41B to the opposite side of the heat transfer plates 2, 3, i.e., to the side away from the heat transfer plates 2, 3.

[0101] The pair of frame plates 4A, 4B configured as above have the heat transfer plate group sandwiched therebetween from the outside in the X-axis direction.

[0102] In so doing, the frame fitting portion 42A of the one frame plate 4A is fitted onto the fitting portion 31 of the heat transfer plate 3 adjacent in the X-axis direction. On the other hand, the fitting portion 21 of the heat transfer plate 2 adjacent in the X-axis direction is fitted onto the frame fitting portion 42B of the other frame plate 4B.

[0103] In the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, the abutted portions between each of the frame plates 4 and the adjacent heat transfer plate 2, 3, and the abutted portions between each two adjacent heat transfer plates 2, 3 are brazed together. This configuration allows the plurality of heat transfer plates 2, 3 and the pair of frame plates 4 to be integrally (mechanically) connected to each other, and the opposed surfaces (abutted portions) of each adjacent two heat transfer plates 2, 3 to be sealed.

[0104] In the heat exchanger 1 configured as above, the first fluid medium A supplied from the outside to the first inflow channel Pa1 flows into each of the plurality of first flow channels Ra through the first inflow channel Pa1, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 15. The first fluid medium A flows in the Z-axis direction between the openings 202, 203, 302, 303 disposed at diagonal positions of the heat transfer portions 20, 30 in each of the plurality of first flow channels Ra, and flows out to the first outflow channel Pa2 (see Fig. 16). The second fluid medium B supplied from the outside to the second inflow channel Pb1 flows into each of the plurality of second flow channels Rb through the second inflow channel Pb1. The second fluid medium B flows in the Z-axis direction between the openings 200, 201, 300, 301 disposed at diagonal positions of the heat transfer portions 20, 30 in each of the plurality of second flow channels Rb, and flows out to the second outflow channel Pb2 (see Fig. 17).

[0105] At this time, the first fluid medium A circulated through the first flow channels Ra and the second fluid medium B circulated through the second flow channels Rb exchange heat via the heat transfer plates 2, 3 (the heat transfer portions 20, 30) that separate the first flow channels Ra and the second flow channels Rb. As a result, the first fluid medium A is condensed or evaporated in the course of being circulated within the first flow channels Ra in the Z-axis direction.

[0106] In the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, a fluid medium, such as fluorocarbons, that causes phase change as a result of heat exchange is used as the first fluid medium A, and water or the like is used as the second fluid medium B, without limitation thereto.

[0107] As in the case of the above heat exchanger 1, the first ridges 231A, 331A (i.e., first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331) at a position of each of the first ridge pairs 6A are opposed to each other with a clearance therebetween in the X-axis direction to thereby achieve a large clearance in the X-axis direction between the heat transfer plates 2, 3 (first surfaces Sa1, Sb1) defining each of the first flow channels Ra, as compared with the case where the first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 are in abutting contact with each other at the position (see Fig. 13). This configuration increases the sectional area of the first flow channel Ra.

[0108] On the other hand, the first ridges 231A, 331A at the position of each of the first ridge pairs 6A are opposed to each other with a clearance therebetween in the X-axis direction to thereby achieve a small clearance in the X-axis direction between the heat transfer plates 2, 3 (second surfaces Sa2, Sb2) defining each of the second flow channels Rb at a position corresponding to the first ridge pair 6A in the Y-axis direction of the second flow channel Rb adjacent to the above first flow channel Ra, as compared with the case where the first ridges 231A, 331A are in abutting contact with each other at the position (see Fig. 13). This configuration decreases the sectional area of the second flow channel Rb.

[0109] In the heat exchanger 1, this configuration increases the difference in the sectional areas between the first flow channel Ra and the second flow channel Rb, as compared with the case where the first ridges 231A, 331A opposed to each other in each of the plurality of first ridge pairs 6A are in abutting contact with each other. This causes a large difference in the velocity between the first fluid medium A circulating through the first flow channels Ra and the second fluid medium B flowing through the second flow channels Rb in the heat exchanger 1, as a result of which sufficient heat exchange performance can be obtained even in the case where, for example, heat exchange is carried out between the first fluid medium A and the second fluid medium B having different characteristics, such as fluorocarbon and water as described above.

[0110] In the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, each of the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of one second surface Sa2, Sb2 and each of the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2 are disposed to be displaced from each other in the Y-axis direction so as not to be in contact from each other at positions in the Z-axis direction where no barrier ridges 233, 333 are disposed on the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other.

[0111] This configuration also enables the second fluid medium B to migrate to the Y-axis direction when the second fluid medium B flows in the Z-axis direction within the second flow channel Rb formed between the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other. That is, with the configuration that the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other are in contact (abutting contact) with each other, the contact portions between these second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 restrict the second fluid medium B from migrating to the Y-axis direction when the second fluid medium B flows in the Z-axis direction within the second flow channel Rb (i.e., flows along the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 and the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332). This suppresses deviation in flow (rate) in the Y-axis direction of the second fluid medium B, and can as a result prevent degraded heat exchange performance resulting from the deviation.

[0112] In the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of one second surface Sa2, Sb2 out of the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other are opposed to the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2, and the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 of the one second surface Sa2, Sb2 are opposed to the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2. According to such a configuration, the second flow channel Rb extends in the Y-axis direction so as to meander as viewed from the Z-axis direction (see Fig. 13), thereby making constant or substantially constant the distance (distance in the X-axis direction) between the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other at different positions in the Y-axis direction. This further suppresses deviation in flow in the Y-axis direction of the second fluid medium B (in other words, suppresses the flow from concentrating in some area in the Y-axis direction), and can thus more securely prevent degraded heat exchange performance resulting from the deviation.

[0113] In the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, the second surface Sa2, Sb2 includes the plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 extending in a direction crossing the Z-axis direction, and each of the plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 is in abutting contact with corresponding ones of the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the opposed second surface Sa2, Sb2. According to such a configuration, when the second fluid medium B flows within the second flow channel Rb, specifically, flows along the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322, the second fluid medium B collides with the barrier ridges 233, 333 to cause disturbance (e.g., turbulence), thereby increasing heat exchange performance (heat exchange efficiency).

[0114] In the heat exchanger 1, when the barrier ridges 233, 333 of the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other are disposed respectively at the same positions in the Z-axis direction, the width (i.e., the dimension in the X-axis direction) of the second flow channel Rb at the positions is made small or eliminated to thereby excessively increase the circulating resistance of the second flow channel Rb. However, when each of the plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 of the one second surface Sa2, Sb2 out of the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other, and each of the plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2 are disposed at different positions in the Z-axis direction from each other (see Fig. 14) as in the case of the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, the width of the flow channel is securely obtained at different positions in the Z-axis direction to prevent the circulating resistance of the second flow channel Rb from being too large. Further, since the second fluid medium B collides with each of the barrier ridges 233, 333 formed on each of the one second surface Sa2, Sb2 and the other second surface Sa2, Sb2, the flow of the second fluid medium B within the second flow channel Rb can be sufficiently disturbed.

[0115] In the heat exchanger 1 of this embodiment, the peaks of the barrier ridges 233, 333 and the peaks of the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 in each of the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other share the same position in the X-axis direction. Such a configuration forms no area communicating in the Z-axis direction within the second flow channel Rb, in other words, no area through which the second fluid medium B flowing in the Z-axis direction can pass without colliding with the heat transfer plates 2, 3 (see Fig. 13). That is, the second fluid medium B collides with the barrier ridges 233, 333 even when it flows within the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 of the one second surface Sa2, Sb2 (that is, within spaces between the respective second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 adjacent to each other of the one second surface Sa2, Sb2) or when it flows within the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2 (that is, within spaces between the respective second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 adjacent to each other of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2). This configuration can prevent occurrence of deviation in flow of the second fluid medium B (specifically, deviation resulting from flow concentrating in an area through which the fluid medium B can pass without the collision), and can as a result prevent degraded heat exchange performance resulting from the deviation in flow.

[0116] It is a matter of course that the plate heat exchanger of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, a configuration of an embodiment may be added to a configuration of another embodiment, and part of a configuration of an embodiment may be replaced by a configuration of another embodiment. Further, part of a configuration of an embodiment may be deleted.

[0117] The heat exchanger 1 of the aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where the plurality of barrier ridges 233, 333 are disposed on each of the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the barrier ridges 233, 333 are disposed on any one of the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 opposed to each other. The configuration can further be such that no barrier ridge 233, 333 is formed on the second surfaces Sa2, Sb2, or that only one barrier ridge 233, 333 is disposed thereon.

[0118] The aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where each of the barrier ridges 233, 333 extends straight from one end to the other end in the Y-axis direction of the heat transfer portion 20, 30, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the barrier ridge 233, 333 extends in a direction crossing the Z-axis direction. The configuration can further be such that the barrier ridge 233, 333 is disposed within a partial range (area) in the Y-axis direction of the heat transfer portion 20, 30. The configuration can still further be such that the barrier ridge 233, 333 is bent or curved at one or more positions. The configuration can yet further be such that the barrier ridge 233, 333 extends intermittently.

[0119] The aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where the peaks of the barrier ridges 233, 333 are located at the same position in the X-axis direction as the peaks of the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332, that is, the barrier ridges 233, 333 share the same height with the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the peaks of the barrier ridges 233, 333 are located at a higher or lower position than the peaks of the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332.

[0120] The heat exchanger 1 of the aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where the flow channel forming valleys (i.e., first flow channel forming valleys 221, 321 and second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322) and the flow channel forming ridges (i.e., first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 and second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332) are disposed at one end to the other end in the Y-axis direction of each of the divided areas D1, D2, and extend straight in the Z-axis direction, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that each of the flow channel forming ridges 221, 222, 321, 322 and each of the flow channel forming ridges 231, 232, 331, 332 are inclined relative to the Z-axis direction, or are bent or curved at one or more positions. That is, the configuration can be such that each of the flow channel forming ridges 221, 222, 321, 322 and each of the flow channel forming ridges 231, 232, 331, 332 extend along the Z-axis direction. The configuration can further be such that each of the flow channel forming ridges 221, 222, 321, 322 and each of the flow channel forming ridges 231, 232, 331, 332 are disposed in a partial range (area) in the Z-axis direction of the divided area D1, D2 or the heat transfer portion 20, 30. The configuration can still further be such that each of the flow channel forming ridges 221, 222, 321, 322 and each of the flow channel forming ridges 231, 232, 331, 332 extend intermittently.

[0121] The heat exchanger 1 of the aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where the peaks of the first ridges 231A, 331A are located at the center in the X-axis direction between the peak position of the second ridges 231B, 331B and the bottom position of the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322, without limitation thereto. The peaks of the first ridges 231A, 331A can be located at any position in the X-axis direction as long as they are located more on a side of the bottoms of the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322 than the peaks of the second ridges 231B, 331B, and more on a side of the peaks of the second ridges 231B, 331B than the bottoms of the second flow channel forming valleys 222, 322.

[0122] The heat exchanger 1 of the aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where, in a ridge group formed of the plurality of the first flow channel forming ridges 231, 331 disposed at intervals from each other in the Y-axis direction, the first ridges 231A, 331A and the second ridges 231B, 331B are disposed alternately, in other words, each of the first ridges 231A, 331A is disposed between each two second ridges 231, 331B adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that a plurality of first ridges 231A, 331A are disposed between each two second ridges 231B, 331B adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction. For example, when P ≥ 0.9, the number of first ridges 231A, 331A disposed between each two second ridges 231B, 331B adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction is preferably two or less in terms of strength.

[0123] The configuration can further be such that the number of first ridges 231A, 331A disposed between each two second ridges 231B, 331B adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction is different depending on the portion (area) of the heat transfer portion 20, 30.

[0124] The configuration can still further be such that each of the first ridges 231A, 331A has at least one (one in the examples shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19) groove 2310, 3310 crossing the first ridge 231A, 331A in the Y-axis direction.

[0125] In the portions of each of the heat transfer plate pairs 5 forming the first ridge pairs 6A, the first ridges 231A, 331A opposed to each other are not in abutting contact with each other (i.e., the first ridges 231A, 331A are opposed to each other with clearances respectively therebetween). This configuration has lower strength resisting a force applied in a direction in which the first ridges 231A, 331A are brought close to each other, than the configuration that the first ridges 231A, 331A are in abutting contact with each other. However, the portion (i.e., groove 2310, 3310) having a rib shape provided to the first ridge 231A, 331A forming each of the first ridge pairs 6A, as in the above configuration, can increase the strength of the portion.

[0126] It is not necessary that all the first ridges 231A, 331A have the grooves 2310, 3310. For example, the configuration can be such that the grooves 2310, 3310 are provided to only some of the first ridges 231A, 331A in a portion sharing a boundary with other portions of each of the heat transfer portion 20, 30, such as peripheral edge portions of each of the main heat transfer portions 25, 35 or the weir portions 26, 36 of each of the main heat transfer portions 25, 35, since these portions are likely to have lower strength.

[0127] The heat exchanger 1 of the aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where, in the opposed second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 of each adjacent two heat transfer plate pairs 5, the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the one second surface Sa2, Sb2 and the plurality of second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the other second surface Sa2, Sb2 are disposed to be displaced from each other in the Y-axis direction so as not to be in contact with each other, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the second flow channel forming ridges 232, 332 of the opposed second surfaces Sa2, Sb2 are in abutting contact with each other.

[0128] No specific configuration of the flow channels in the heat exchanger 1 is limited. For example, in the heat exchanger 1 of the aforementioned embodiment, the flow channels Ra, Rb are connected in parallel with each other between the inflow channels Pa1, Pb1 and the outflow channels Pa2, Pb2, but the circulating channels of the heat exchanger 1 (that is, the flow channels through which the fluid media A, B flow into and out of the heat exchanger 1) can include portions connected in series or portions connected in parallel with each other.

[0129] The heat exchanger 1 of the aforementioned embodiment includes only the first heat transfer plates 2 and the second heat transfer plates 3 as the heat transfer plates, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that, in the heat exchanger 1, a heat transfer plate group formed of heat transfer plates having different configurations from the heat transfer plates 2, 3 of the aforementioned embodiment is stacked on at least one of one end and the other end in the Z-axis direction of the heat transfer plate group formed of the first heat transfer plates 2 and the second heat transfer plates 3 stacked on each other.

[0130] The present invention has been appropriately and sufficiently described as above through embodiments with reference to the drawings for the purpose of expressing the present invention, but it shall be recognized by those skilled in the art that the aforementioned embodiments could be easily modified and/or improved. Accordingly, it shall be construed that modified embodiments or improved embodiments exploited by those skilled in the art are covered by the scope of the claims unless the modified embodiments or improved embodiments depart from the scope of the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0131] 

1: Plate heat exchanger

2: First heat transfer plate (heat transfer plate)

3: Second heat transfer plate (heat transfer plate)

20, 30: Heat transfer portion

200, 201, 202, 203, 300, 301, 302, 303: Opening

200p, 201p, 202p, 203p, 300p, 301p, 302p, 303p: Opening edge portion

21, 31: Fitting portion

22, 32: Recess

221, 321: First flow channel forming valley (first surface side valley)

222, 322: Second flow channel forming valley (second surface side valley)

222A, 322A: First valley (second flow channel forming valley, second surface side valley)

222B, 322B: Second valley (second flow channel forming valley, second surface side valley)

223, 223A, 323, 323A: Barrier back valley

225, 325: First surface side recess

226, 326: Second surface side recess

23, 33: Projection

231, 331: First flow channel forming ridge (first surface side ridge)

231A, 331A: First ridge (first flow channel forming ridge, first surface side ridge)

231B, 331B: Second ridge (first flow channel forming ridge, first surface side ridge)

2310, 3310: Groove

232, 332: Second flow channel forming ridge (second surface side ridge)

233, 233A, 333, 333A: Barrier ridge

235, 335: First surface side projection

236, 336: Second surface side projection

25, 35: Main heat transfer portion

26, 36: Weir portion

4, 4A, 4B: Frame plate

41A, 41B: Plate body

42A, 42B: Frame fitting portion

43: Nozzle

5: Heat transfer plate pair

6: Ridge pair

6A: First ridge pair

6B; Second ridge pair

500: Plate heat exchanger

501: Heat transfer plate

A: First fluid medium (fluid medium)

B: Second fluid medium (fluid medium)

CL: Vertical centerline

D1: First surface side divided area

D2: Second surface side divided area

Pa1: First inflow channel

Pa2: First outflow channel

Pb1: Second inflow channel

Pb2: Second outflow channel

Ra: First flow channel (flow channel)

Rb: Second flow channel (flow channel)

S1: Columnar space

Sa1, Sb1: First surface

Sa2, Sb2: Second surface

Claims

1. A plate heat exchanger comprising:

a plurality of heat transfer plate pairs each comprising two heat transfer plates each having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the two heat transfer plates stacked on each other to have their first surfaces opposed to each other in a first direction orthogonal to the first surface, wherein

in a state where the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs are stacked on each other to have their second surfaces opposed to each other in the first direction, a first flow channel through which a first fluid medium can be circulated in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is formed between each two opposed first surfaces, and a second flow channel through which a second fluid medium can be circulated in the second direction is formed between each two opposed second surfaces,

in each of the plurality of heat transfer plates included in the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs,

the first surface comprises: at least one first surface side ridge extending along the second direction; and at least one first surface side valley extending along the second direction,

the second surface comprises: at least one second surface side valley being in a front-back relationship with the first surface side ridge of the first surface; and at least one second surface side ridge being in a front-back relationship with the first surface side valley of the first surface,

in each of the plurality of heat transfer plate pairs, the first surface side ridge and the first surface side valley are alternately disposed in a third direction orthogonal to each of the first direction and the second direction of each of the opposed first surfaces to allow a plurality of ridge pairs formed of opposed first surface side ridges to be arranged in the third direction,

the plurality of ridge pairs arranged in the third direction comprise at least one first ridge pair and at least one second ridge pair,

in the at least one first ridge pair, the opposed first surface side ridges are opposed to each other with a clearance therebetween in the first direction, and

in the at least one second ridge pair, the opposed first surface side ridges are in abutting contact with each other.

2. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein
at least one of the opposed first surface side ridges forming the at least one first ridge pair comprises at least one groove crossing the first surface side ridge in the third direction at an intermediate position in the second direction of the first surface side ridge.

3. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of second surface side ridges of one of the opposed second surfaces and a plurality of second surface side ridges of an other one of the opposed second surfaces are disposed to be displaced from each other in the third direction so as not to be in contact with each other.

4. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of second surface side ridges of the one of the opposed second surfaces are opposed to the plurality of second surface side valleys of the other one of the opposed second surfaces, and the plurality of second surface side valleys of the one of the opposed second surfaces are opposed to the plurality of second surface side ridges of the other one of the opposed second surfaces.

5. The plate heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein

at least one of the opposed second surfaces comprises at least one barrier ridge extending in a direction crossing the second direction, and

the at least one barrier ridge is in abutting contact with the plurality of second surface side ridges of an other one of the opposed second surfaces.

6. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein

each of the at least one barrier ridge is disposed on each of the opposed second surfaces, and

the at least one barrier ridge of the one of the opposed second surfaces and the at least one barrier ridge of the other one of the opposed second surfaces are disposed at different positions in the second direction.

7. The plate heat exchanger according to claim 5 or 6 wherein, in each of the opposed second surfaces, a peak of the at least one barrier ridge and peaks of the plurality of second surface side ridges are located at the same position in the first direction.

Drawing