Patent Description:
Conventionally, a plate heat exchanger has been frequently used as an evaporator for causing a fluid medium to evaporate and as a condenser for condensing a fluid medium (see <CIT> and <CIT>).

As shown in <FIG>, the plate heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>. In this plate heat exchanger <NUM>, the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> are stacked on each other in an X-axis direction to thereby form first flow channels Ra through which a first fluid medium A, which is to evaporate or to be condensed, is circulated, and second flow channels Rb through which a second fluid medium B for causing the first fluid medium A to evaporate or condense (i.e., the second fluid medium B to exchange heat with the first fluid medium A) is circulated. Further, the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> are stacked on each other in the X-axis direction to thereby form a first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 that communicates only with the first flow channels Ra and allows the first fluid medium A to flow into the first flow channels Ra, a first fluid medium discharge channel Ra2 that communicates only with the first flow channels Ra and allows the first fluid medium A to flow out of the first flow channels Ra, a second fluid medium supply channel Rb1 that communicates only with the second flow channels Rb and allows the second fluid medium B to flow into the second flow channels Rb, and a second fluid medium discharge channel Rb2 that communicates only with the second flow channels Rb and allows the second fluid medium B to flow out of the second flow channels Rb.

More specifically, each of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface in the X-axis direction. Each of the first surface and the second surface of the heat transfer plate <NUM> has a plurality of valleys and ridges (not numbered) formed thereon.

Each of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> has a first hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction, a second hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction, a third hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction, and a fourth hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction, which are located differently from each other. The first hole <NUM> is arranged in an area on one end side in a Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction of the heat transfer plate <NUM>, and among the area, arranged in one end portion in a Z-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The second hole <NUM> is arranged in the one end portion in the Z-axis direction of an area on the other end side in the Y-axis direction of the heat transfer plate <NUM>. The third hole <NUM> is arranged in the other end portion in the Z-axis direction of the area on the other end side in the Y-axis direction of the heat transfer plate <NUM>. The fourth hole <NUM> is arranged in the other end portion in the Z-axis direction of the area on the one end side in the Y-axis direction of the heat transfer plate <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Accordingly, the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> stacked on each other allow the ridges of the adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM> to cross and abut against each other, thereby forming the first flow channels Ra or the second flow channels Rb between the adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>. In this plate heat exchanger <NUM>, the first flow channels Ra and the second flow channels Rb are formed alternately with the heat transfer plates <NUM> respectively interposed therebetween.

The first holes <NUM> respectively of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> are lined up in the X-axis direction to form the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1. The second holes <NUM> respectively of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> are lined up in the X-axis direction to form the first fluid medium discharge channel Ra2. The third holes <NUM> respectively of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> are lined up in the X-axis direction to form the second fluid medium supply channel Rb1. The fourth holes <NUM> respectively of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> are lined up in the X-axis direction to form the second fluid medium discharge channel Rb2.

Accordingly, in the plate heat exchanger <NUM>, the first fluid medium A supplied to the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 passes through the first flow channels Ra to flow out into the first fluid medium discharge channel Ra2. The second fluid medium B supplied to the second fluid medium supply channel Rb1 passes through the second flow channels Rb to flow out into the second fluid medium discharge channel Rb2. This configuration allows the first fluid medium A and the second fluid medium B to exchange heat with each other via the heat transfer plates <NUM> disposed respectively between the first flow channels Ra and the second flow channels Rb.

In the plate heat exchanger <NUM>, the larger the number of heat transfer plates <NUM> to be stacked on each other, the larger the heat transfer area contributing to heat exchange, consequently being considered to increase heat exchange performance.

However, as the number of heat transfer plates <NUM> increases, the lengths in the X-axis direction respectively of the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1, the first fluid medium discharge channel Ra2, the second fluid medium supply channel Rb1, and the second fluid medium discharge channel Rb2 also increase depending on the number of heat transfer plates <NUM> to be stacked on each other.

That is, the first holes <NUM> respectively of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> are lined up to form the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1. The second holes <NUM> respectively of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> are lined up to form the first fluid medium discharge channel Ra2. The third holes <NUM> respectively of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> are lined up to form the second fluid medium supply channel Rb1. The fourth holes <NUM> respectively of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM> are lined up to form the second fluid medium discharge channel Rb2. Therefore, as the number of heat transfer plates <NUM> to be stacked on each other increases, the channel lengths respectively of the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1, the first fluid medium discharge channel Ra2, the second fluid medium supply channel Rb1, and the second fluid medium discharge channel Rb2 also increase depending on the number thereof.

As a result, as the number of heat transfer plates <NUM> to be stacked on each other increases, the circulating resistance of the first fluid medium A in the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 through which the first fluid medium A flows into the first flow channels Ra increases, making it difficult for the first fluid medium A to circulate in the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1. Accordingly, in the plate heat exchanger <NUM>, unevenness occurs between the amount of the first fluid medium A flowing into the first flow channels Ra on the inlet side of the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 and the amount of the first flow medium A flowing into the first flow channels Ra on the innermost side of the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1.

That is, in the plate heat exchanger <NUM>, the first fluid medium A is unevenly distributed into the plurality of first flow channels Ra arranged in the X-axis direction. As a result, the plate heat exchanger <NUM> has limitations to increase heat exchange performance (i.e., evaporating performance or condensing performance) even when the number of heat transfer plates <NUM> increases (i.e., the number of first flow channels Ra increases).

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a plate heat exchanger capable of suppressing uneven distribution of a first fluid medium into a plurality of first flow channels.

A plate heat exchanger according to the present invention includes: a plurality of heat transfer plates respectively having through holes penetrating therethrough in a certain direction at positions corresponding to each other, the plurality of heat transfer plates being stacked on each other in the certain direction to alternately form first flow channels through which a first fluid medium is circulated and second flow channels through which a second fluid medium is circulated, with the plurality of heat transfer plates
respectively interposed therebetween; and a flow channel forming member group extending in the certain direction at the position corresponding to the through holes of the plurality of heat transfer plates, in which the flow channel forming member group includes a plurality of flow channel forming members lined up in the certain direction and arranged to be placed between circumferential portions of the through holes of each adjacent heat transfer plates, at least two flow channel forming members out of the plurality of flow channel forming members respectively have through holes penetrating therethrough in the certain direction, the through holes of the at least two flow channel forming members communicate with each other to form a first fluid medium supply channel for supplying the first fluid medium to the first flow channels, and the first fluid medium supply channel includes: an introduction part that extends in the certain direction and through which the first fluid medium is externally introduced; a first branching part that is arranged at an intermediate portion of the plurality of heat transfer plates aligned in the certain direction and that allows the first fluid medium introduced through the introduction part to branch to one side and an other side in the certain direction; and a plurality of opening parts directly or indirectly communicating with the one side or the other side of the first branching part, the plurality of opening parts each open toward a corresponding one of the first flow channels at a plurality of locations in the certain direction.

In the plate heat exchanger, the configuration may be such that each of the plurality of flow channel forming members is arranged to be placed between circumferential portions of the through holes of each two heat transfer plates out of the plurality of heat transfer plates.

Further, in the plate heat exchanger, the configuration may be such that the first fluid medium supply channel includes at least one second branching part at each of a position between the first branching part and the plurality of opening parts communicating with the one side in the certain direction of the first branching part, and a position between the first
branching part and the plurality of opening parts communicating with the other side in the certain direction of the first branching part, in which the at least one second branching part allows the first fluid medium to branch to the one side and the other side in the certain direction.

An embodiment of the present invention will be hereinafter described with reference to the drawings attached.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a plate heat exchanger according to this embodiment includes a plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> stacked on each other in an X-axis direction (first direction) that is a certain direction. In addition to the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, a plate heat exchanger <NUM> according to this embodiment includes a plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> arranged respectively between adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Further, the plate heat exchanger <NUM> includes a pair of end plates <NUM>, <NUM>, between which the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> stacked on each other in the X-axis direction are arranged.

As shown in <FIG>, each of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> has a plate body <NUM>, <NUM> having a first surface Sa and a second surface Sb opposite to the first surface Sa in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the heat transfer plate <NUM>, <NUM> includes an annular fitting portion <NUM>, <NUM> connected to an outer periphery of the plate body <NUM>, <NUM> and extending to have a surface extending in a direction intersecting with the surface of the plate body <NUM>, <NUM>. In the plate body <NUM>, <NUM> of the heat transfer plate <NUM>, <NUM> of this embodiment, the first surface Sa and the second surface Sb face opposite to each other. That is, when the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> are stacked on each other in the X-axis direction, the first surfaces Sa of the plate bodies <NUM> and the first surfaces Sa of the plate bodies <NUM> are opposed to each other, and the second surfaces Sb of the plate bodies <NUM> and the second surfaces Sb of the plate bodies <NUM> are opposed to each other.

Each of the first surfaces Sa and the second surfaces Sb of the plate bodies <NUM>, <NUM> has a plurality of valleys <NUM>, <NUM> and a plurality of ridges <NUM>, <NUM> formed thereon. In <FIG>, the valleys <NUM>, <NUM> are shown by broken lines, and the ridges <NUM>, <NUM> are shown by solid lines respectively present between adjacent dashed lines.

Each of the plurality of valleys <NUM>, <NUM> and the plurality of ridges <NUM>, <NUM> extends in a direction inclined relative to a virtual line (not shown) extending in a Y-axis direction (second direction) orthogonal to the X-axis direction. The plurality of valleys <NUM>, <NUM> and the plurality of ridges <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged alternately with each other in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which they extend. The heat transfer plate <NUM>, <NUM> is formed by press molding of a metal plate. The valleys <NUM>, <NUM> on the first surface Sa are in a front-back relationship with the ridges <NUM>, <NUM> on the second surface Sb. The ridges <NUM>, <NUM> on the first surface Sa are in a front-back relationship with the valleys <NUM>, <NUM> on the second surface Sb.

The plate body <NUM>, <NUM> of the heat transfer plate <NUM>, <NUM> is formed into a rectangular shape as seen from the X-axis direction. The plate body <NUM>, <NUM> has through holes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> arranged respectively at corners thereof.

More specifically, the plate body <NUM>, <NUM> has, as the through holes, a first hole <NUM>, <NUM>, a second hole <NUM>, <NUM>, a third hole <NUM>, <NUM>, and a fourth hole <NUM>, <NUM>. The first hole <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged in one end portion in a Z-axis direction (third direction) orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in an area on one end side in the Y-axis direction of the plate body <NUM>, <NUM>. The second hole <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged in the one end portion in the Z-axis direction in an area on the other end side in the Y-axis direction of the plate body <NUM>, <NUM>. The third hole <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged in the other end portion in the Z-axis direction in the area on the other end side in the Y-axis direction of the plate body <NUM>, <NUM>. The fourth hole <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged in the other end portion in the Z-axis direction in the area on the one end side in the Y-axis direction of the plate body <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>, the second hole <NUM>, <NUM>, the third hole <NUM>, <NUM>, and the fourth hole <NUM>, <NUM> are circular holes. In this embodiment, the second hole <NUM>, <NUM>, the third hole <NUM>, <NUM>, and the fourth hole <NUM>, <NUM> share the same diameter. In contrast, the first hole <NUM>, <NUM> has a larger diameter than the diameters of the second hole <NUM>, <NUM>, the third hole <NUM>, <NUM>, and the fourth hole <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this embodiment, a circumferential portion of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM> and a circumferential portion of the second hole <NUM>, <NUM> bulge on the second surface Sb side. That is, the circumferential portion of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM> and the circumferential portion of the second hole <NUM>, <NUM> are recessed on the first surface Sa side. In contrast, a circumferential portion of the third hole <NUM>, <NUM> and a circumferential portion of the fourth hole <NUM>, <NUM> bulge on the first surface Sa side. That is, the circumferential portion of the third hole <NUM>, <NUM> and the circumferential portion of the fourth hole <NUM>, <NUM> are recessed on the second surface Sb side.

In this embodiment, the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> include two kinds of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>. In the two kinds of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, the valleys <NUM>, <NUM> and the ridges <NUM>, <NUM> on the plate bodies <NUM>, <NUM> are inclined in directions different from each other, and the annular fitting portions <NUM>, <NUM> extend in directions different from each other, but other configurations (i.e., the shapes and sizes of the contours of the plate bodies <NUM>, <NUM> as seen from the X-axis direction, and the arrangements and sizes of the first holes <NUM>, <NUM>, the second holes <NUM>, <NUM>, the third holes <NUM>, <NUM>, and the fourth holes <NUM>, <NUM> as seen from the X-axis direction) are common to each other.

Specifically, in one heat transfer plate <NUM> out of the two kinds of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, the valleys <NUM> and the ridges <NUM> are inclined downward as they advance from an intermediate position in the Z-axis direction toward both ends in the Z-axis direction. Further, the annular fitting portion <NUM> protrudes on the second surface Sb side of the plate body <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). In contrast, in the other heat transfer plate <NUM> out of the two kinds of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, the valleys <NUM> and the ridges <NUM> are inclined downward as they advance from the both ends in the Z-axis direction toward the intermediate position in the Z-axis direction, and the annular fitting portion <NUM> protrudes on the first surface side Sa of the plate body <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

Thus, in the plate heat exchanger <NUM> according to this embodiment, the two kinds of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged alternately with each other in the X-direction to have the first surfaces Sa opposed to each other and the second surfaces Sb opposed to each other, of each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the annular fitting portions <NUM>, <NUM> of each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> fit each other. The ridges <NUM>, <NUM> on the first surfaces Sa of each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> accordingly cross and abut against each other, and the ridges <NUM>, <NUM> on the second surfaces Sb of each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> cross and abut against each other.

As shown in <FIG>, some of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> each has at least one through hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction.

The plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> share the same outer shape (i.e., the contours thereof as seen from the X-axis direction and the contours thereof as seen from a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction) with each other. That is, the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> share the same configurations except for the number of through holes and the locations thereof.

A more specific description will be given. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> includes a plate-shaped body <NUM> having a first surface (not numbered) and a second surface (not numbered) opposite to the first surface in the X-axis direction, and a fitting portion <NUM> connected to at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the body <NUM>.

The body <NUM> has a thickness T1 in the X-axis direction that corresponds to the distance between each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the body <NUM> of this embodiment has an outer periphery <NUM> that includes an arc portion 400a and a linear portion 400b connecting both ends of the arc portion 400a. The arc portion 400a has a radius r1 that is larger than the radius of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>. In the body <NUM> of this embodiment, a shortest straight-line distance L1 from a center CP1 of the arc portion 400a to the linear portion 400b is shorter than the radius of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>.

Accordingly, in the plate heat exchanger <NUM> of this embodiment, a peripheral edge portion (i.e., a portion along the arc portion 400a) of each of the first surface and the second surface of the body <NUM> overlaps the circumferential portion of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM> when the hole center of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM> is made to coincide with the center CP1 of the arc portion 400a.

The fitting portion <NUM> can be fitted into the first hole <NUM>, <NUM> of the heat transfer plate <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, in this embodiment, the fitting portion <NUM> has an outer periphery that includes an arc portion 410a and a linear portion 410b connecting both ends of the arc portion 410a. A center CP2 of the arc portion 410a of the fitting portion <NUM> coincides with the center CP1 of the arc portion 410a of the body <NUM>. That is, the body <NUM> and the fitting portion <NUM> are concentric.

The arc portion 410a of the fitting portion <NUM> has a radius r2 that is the same as the radius of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>, or is slightly smaller than the radius of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>. In the fitting portion <NUM>, a shortest straight-line distance L2 from the center CP2 of the arc portion 410a to the linear portion 410b is shorter than the radius of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the shortest straight-line distance L2 from the center CP2 of the arc portion 410a to the linear portion 410b of the fitting portion <NUM> is the same as the shortest straight-line distance L1 from the center CP1 of the arc portion 400a of the body <NUM> to the linear portion 400b of the body <NUM>. That is, the linear portion 400b of the body <NUM> and the linear portion 410b of the fitting portion <NUM> are continuous to each other in the X-axis direction.

As shown in <FIG>, in the flow channel forming member <NUM> of this embodiment, the fitting portion <NUM> is connected only to the first surface of the body <NUM>. Thus, the fitting portion <NUM> has a thickness T2 in the X-axis direction that coincides with or substantially coincides with the total thickness of two metal plates (metal plates to be press-molded) respectively forming the heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., the total thickness of the circumferential portions of the first holes <NUM>, <NUM> of the heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> stacked on each other in the X-axis direction).

The common configurations of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> have been described as above. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> are arranged while being aligned with each other in the X-axis direction. On this premise, some of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> each has at least one through hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction depending on the location at which it is arranged. The plate heat exchanger <NUM> according to this embodiment is configured based on the premise that a first fluid medium Ais supplied from the flow channel forming members <NUM> located at one end in the X-axis direction of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> aligned with each other in the X-axis direction toward the flow channel forming member <NUM> located at the other end thereof. In this embodiment, the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> include a flow channel forming member <NUM> having no through hole, as the flow channel forming member <NUM> arranged on the other end side in the X-axis direction.

Specifically, the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> are lined up in the X-axis direction to correspond to the locations of the respective first holes <NUM>, <NUM> of the heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> stacked on each other in the X-axis direction (see <FIG>), thereby forming a flow channel forming member group 4A (see <FIG>). That is, the flow channel forming member group 4A extends in the X-axis direction inside the plate heat exchanger <NUM> (specifically, at a position corresponding to the respective first holes <NUM>, <NUM> of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>). The flow channel forming member group 4A is formed by the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> arranged to be aligned with each other in the X-axis direction inside the plate heat exchanger <NUM>.

On this premise, where a member arrangement segment S in which the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> aligned in the X-axis direction are arranged is defined, each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> arranged in a segment S1 that is a half or substantially a half of the member arrangement segment S on one side in the X-axis direction has, as the through hole <NUM>, a first through hole <NUM> arranged at a position corresponding to each other. That is, where the member arrangement segment S is sectioned into the first segment S1 and a second segment S2 at a boundary E1, which is an intermediate or a substantially intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of the member arrangement segment S, each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> arranged in the first segment S1 including one end in the X-axis direction has the first through hole <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first through hole <NUM> has a center that coincides with the centers CP1 and CP2 respectively of the arc portion 400a of the body <NUM> and the arc portion 410a of the fitting portion <NUM>.

Out of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM>, the flow channel forming member <NUM> at the boundary E1 between the first segment S1 and the second segment S2 has, as the through holes <NUM>, a second through hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction at a position displaced relative to the first through hole <NUM> in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, and a third through hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction and allowing the first through hole <NUM> and the second through hole <NUM> to communicate with each other. That is, the single flow channel forming member (hereinafter referred to as upstream side reference member) <NUM> lying at the intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> has, as the through holes <NUM>, the first through hole <NUM>, the second through hole <NUM>, and the third through hole <NUM>.

At least one flow channel forming member <NUM> on each of both sides in the X-axis direction of the upstream side reference member <NUM> has a fourth through hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction at a position corresponding to the second thorough hole <NUM> of the upstream side reference member <NUM>.

In this embodiment, out of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> present in each of the first segment S1 and the second segment S2, a plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> including a flow channel forming member <NUM> adjacent to the upstream side reference member <NUM>, which are aligned with each other from the boundary E1 to an intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of the first segment S1, and a plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> including a flow channel forming member <NUM> adjacent to the upstream side reference member <NUM>, which are aligned with each other from the boundary E1 to an intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of the second segment S2 each have the fourth through hole <NUM>.

That is, where each of the first segment S1 and the second segment S2 is sectioned into a third segment S3 and a fourth segment S4 at a boundary E2, which is an intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of the each of the segments S1 and S2, each of a plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> in the third segment S3 adjacent to the boundary E1 of the member arrangement segment S has the fourth through hole <NUM>.

In each of the first segment S1 and the second segment S2, the flow channel forming member <NUM> located at the boundary E2 has, as the through holes <NUM>, a fifth through hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction at a position displaced relative to the first through hole <NUM> and the fourth through hole <NUM> in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, and an elongated sixth through hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction and allowing the fourth through hole <NUM> and the fifth through hole <NUM> to communicate with each other.

That is, the single flow channel forming member (hereinafter referred to as downstream side reference member) <NUM> lying at the boundary E2 in each of the first segment S1 and the second segment S2 has, as the through holes <NUM>, the fourth through hole <NUM>, the fifth through hole <NUM>, and the sixth through hole <NUM>. The downstream side reference member <NUM> in one of the first segment S1 and the second segment S2 (in this embodiment, the first segment S1) has, as the through holes <NUM>, the first through hole <NUM> in addition to the fourth through hole <NUM>, the fifth through hole <NUM>, and the sixth through hole <NUM>.

In each of the third segment S3 and the fourth segment S4, at least one flow channel forming member <NUM> on each of both sides in the X-axis direction of the downstream side reference member <NUM> has a seventh through hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction at a position corresponding to the fifth through hole <NUM> of the downstream side reference member <NUM>.

In this embodiment, each of a plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> including the flow channel forming members <NUM> adjacent to the downstream side reference member <NUM>, specifically, each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> aligned with each other from the downstream side reference member <NUM> (boundary E2) to an intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of each of the third segment S3 and the fourth segment S4 between which the downstream side reference member <NUM> is present has the seventh through hole <NUM>.

The flow channel forming member <NUM> located at the intermediate portion in the X-axis direction in each of the third segment S3 and the fourth segment S4 has, as the through holes <NUM>, an eighth through hole <NUM> penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction, communicating with the seventh through hole <NUM>, and being open on the outer periphery of the flow channel forming member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the eighth through hole <NUM> is open in the linear portions 400b and 410b respectively forming the outer peripheries <NUM> and <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the fitting portion <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, each of the pair of end plates <NUM>, <NUM> includes a plate-shaped end plate body <NUM>, <NUM> configured to overlap the plate body <NUM>, <NUM> of the heat transfer plate <NUM>, <NUM>, and an annular fitting portion <NUM>, <NUM> extending from the entire outer periphery of the end plate body <NUM>, <NUM>. This annular fitting portion <NUM>, <NUM> can fit the annular fitting portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the heat transfer plate <NUM>, <NUM>.

One end plate <NUM> out of the pair of end plates <NUM>, <NUM> has through holes (not shown) corresponding respectively to the second hole <NUM>, <NUM>, the third hole <NUM>, <NUM>, and the fourth hole <NUM>, <NUM> of the heat transfer plate <NUM>, <NUM>.

Further, this end plate body <NUM> has a through hole (not shown) corresponding to an inner hole of the first through hole <NUM> of the flow channel forming member <NUM> arranged to correspond to the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the one end plate <NUM> includes four nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> arranged to correspond to the respective through holes of the end plate body <NUM>. These four nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> each have an inner hole, and have a tubular shape connected to the end plate body <NUM> with the inner hole communicating with the corresponding one of the through holes.

As shown in <FIG>, the plate heat exchanger <NUM> according to this embodiment has the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> stacked on each other in the X-axis direction. With the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> properly aligned in conformity to this arrangement of the heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, the body <NUM> of each flow channel forming member <NUM> is arranged between the first surfaces Sa of each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and the fitting portion <NUM> of each flow channel forming member <NUM> is fitted into the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this state, each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> brings its fitting portion <NUM> into tight contact with the adjacent flow channel forming member <NUM>. Each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> of this embodiment is arranged to allow the linear portions 400b, 410b included respectively in the outer peripheries <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the fitting portion <NUM> to be directed to an inner side (i.e., to an intermediate side in the Y-axis direction) of the heat transfer plate <NUM>, <NUM>. The pair of end plates <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to have the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> interposed therebetween, and the portions of the members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that are in tight contact with each other are joined to each other in a liquid tight manner.

In this embodiment, for example, intersecting points at which the ridges <NUM>, <NUM> of each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> cross and abut against each other, the annular fitting portions <NUM>, <NUM> fitted to each other, the circumferences of the first holes <NUM>, <NUM>, the circumferences of the second holes <NUM>, <NUM>, the circumferences of the third holes <NUM>, <NUM>, and the circumferences of the fourth holes <NUM>, <NUM> are brazed with each other. Further, the flow channel forming members <NUM> adjacent to each other are brazed together, and the outer peripheral edge portion of the body <NUM> of each flow channel forming member <NUM> is brazed with the circumferential portion of the corresponding first hole <NUM>, <NUM>.

With this configuration, in the plate heat exchanger <NUM> according to this embodiment, first flow channels Ra through which the first fluid medium A is circulated in the Y-axis direction and second flow channels Rb through which the second fluid medium B is circulated in the Y-axis direction are alternately formed in the X-axis direction with the heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> respectively interposed therebetween, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The second holes <NUM>, <NUM> of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> lined up in the X-axis direction form a first fluid medium discharge channel Ra2 that communicates only with the first flow channels Ra and allows the first fluid medium A to flow out of the first flow channels Ra (see <FIG>). The third holes <NUM>, <NUM> of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> lined up in the X-axis direction form a second fluid medium supply channel Rb1 that communicates only with the second flow channels Rb and allows the second medium B to flow into the second flow channels Rb. Further, the fourth holes <NUM>, <NUM> of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> lined up in the X-axis direction form a second fluid medium discharge channel Rb2 that communicates only with the second flow channels Rb and allows the second fluid medium B to flow out of the second flow channels Rb (see <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the plate heat exchanger <NUM> of this embodiment, the through holes of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> (i.e., the first through holes <NUM>, the second through holes <NUM>, the third through holes <NUM>, the fourth through holes <NUM>, the fifth through holes <NUM>, the sixth through holes <NUM>, the seventh through holes <NUM>, and the eighth through holes <NUM>) communicate with each other to form the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 that communicates only with the first flow channels Ra. This first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 allows the first fluid medium A to flow into each of the first flow channels Ra.

In this embodiment, the arrangement and number of the through holes of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> (i.e., the first through holes <NUM>, the second through holes <NUM>, the third through holes <NUM>, the fourth through holes <NUM>, the fifth through holes <NUM>, the sixth through holes <NUM>, the seventh through holes <NUM>, and the eighth through holes <NUM>) vary to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM>. The first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 is a channel configured to turn into paths for distributing the first fluid medium Ain the X-axis direction as it advances to the downstream side.

Specifically, the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 includes an upstream system US directly or indirectly connected to a supply source of the first fluid medium A, and a downstream system DS fluidically connected to the upstream system US.

The upstream system US includes an introduction part US1, a branching part (first branching part) US2 communicating with the introduction part US1, and a pair of branch flow channels US3 respectively communicating with the branching part US2. The introduction part US1 extends in the X-axis direction, and directly or indirectly communicates with a pipe (not shown) connected to the supply source of the first fluid medium A. The branching part US2 is arranged at an intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and allows the first fluid medium A introduced into the introducing part US1 to branch to one side and the other side in the X-axis direction. The branching part US2 of this embodiment is arranged at a position corresponding to the position between the adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> present at the intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and penetrates in the X-axis direction at a position different in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction from the introduction part US1. The pair of branch flow channels US3 each have a proximal end communicating with the branching part US2 and a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The pair of branch flow channels US3 respectively extend in the X-axis direction in a segment (first segment) S1 on one side and a segment (second segment) S2 on the other side in the X-axis direction with the branching part US2 therebetween.

In the upstream system US of this embodiment, the first through holes <NUM> respectively of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> are lined up to form the introduction part US1. The fourth through holes <NUM> respectively of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> are lined up to form the branch flow channels US3. Accordingly, the second through hole <NUM> of a flow channel forming member (an upstream side reference member) <NUM> at an intermediate portion in the X-axis direction forms the branching part US2. The third through hole <NUM> of the upstream side reference member <NUM> forms a communicating part US4 that allows the introduction part US1 and the branching part US2 to communicate with each other.

The downstream system DS includes a plurality of opening parts DS1 directly or indirectly communicating with the one side or the other side in the X-axis direction of the branching part US2. The plurality of opening parts DS1 directly or indirectly communicate with the distal ends of the branch flow channels US3 of the upstream system US, and are open toward the corresponding first flow channels Ra at a plurality of locations in the X-axis direction. The downstream system DS of this embodiment includes a most downstream branching part (second branching part) DS2 directly or indirectly communicating with the distal end of each of the branch flow channels US3 of the upstream system US. This downstream system DS also includes a pair of most downstream branch flow channels DS3 respectively extending in the X-axis direction in a segment (third segment) S3 on one side and a segment (fourth segment) S4 on the other side in the X-axis direction with the most downstream branching part DS2 therebetween. The most downstream branching part DS2 penetrates through the flow channel forming member <NUM> in the X-axis direction at a position different in the Y-axis direction from the introduction part US1 and the branch flow channels US3. The pair of most downstream branch flow channels DS3 each have a proximal end communicating with the most downstream branching part DS2 and a distal end opposite to the proximal end and communicating with the corresponding one of the opening parts DS1.

In the downstream system DS of this embodiment, the fifth through hole <NUM> of the downstream side reference member <NUM> forms the most downstream branching part DS2. Accordingly, the sixth through hole <NUM> of the downstream side reference member <NUM> forms a communicating part DS4 that allows each of the branch flow channels US3 and the corresponding most downstream branching part DS2 to communicate with each other.

The seventh through holes <NUM> of the flow channel forming members <NUM> in the segment (third segment) S3 on the one side in the X-axis direction of the most downstream branching part DS2, and the seventh through holes <NUM> of the flow channel forming members <NUM> in the segment (fourth segment) on the other side thereof are lined up respectively to form the most downstream branch flow channels DS3 communicating with the most downstream branching part DS2. The eighth through hole <NUM> of the flow channel forming member <NUM> at an intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of each of the third segment S3 and the fourth segment S4 forms each of the opening parts DS1 opening toward the first flow channels Ra.

The plate heat exchanger according to this embodiment has been described as above. In this plate heat exchanger <NUM>, when the first fluid medium A is supplied to the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 through a pipe (not shown) connected to the nozzle <NUM>, the first fluid medium A is circulated through the introduction part US1 in the X-axis direction. When reaching the intermediate portion (substantially intermediate) in the X-axis direction of the member arrangement segment S, the first fluid medium A passes through the communicating part US4 to reach the branching part US2. The branching part <NUM> communicates with the pair of branch flow channels US3 extending on both sides in the X-axis direction of the branching part <NUM>. Thus, the first fluid medium A is circulated through the pair of branch flow channels US3 from the branching part US2. That is, the first fluid medium A is distributed on both sides in the X-axis direction with the branching part US2 serving as a starting point. When the first fluid medium A is circulated through each of the branch flow channels US3 and reaches the intermediate portion of each of the first segment S1 and the second segment S2, the first fluid medium A passes through the communicating part DS4 of the flow channel forming member (downstream side reference member) <NUM> arranged at the intermediate portion to reach the most downstream branching part DS2.

The most downstream branching part DS2 communicates with the pair of most downstream branch flow channels DS3 extending on both sides in the X-axis direction of the most downstream branching part DS2. Thus, the first fluid medium A is circulated through the pair of most downstream branch flow channels DS3 from the most downstream branching part DS2. That is, the first fluid medium A is distributed to both sides in the X-axis direction with the most downstream branching part DS2 serving as a starting point.

When the first fluid medium A is circulated through each of the pair of most downstream branch flow channels DS3 to reach the intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of each of the segment on the one side and the segment on the other side of the downstream side reference member <NUM>, the first fluid medium A flows out of the opening part DS1 of the flow channel forming member <NUM> arranged at the intermediate portion toward the first flow channels Ra.

In each of the flow channel forming members <NUM> of this embodiment, the outer peripheries <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the fitting portion <NUM> have the linear portions 400b, 410b, respectively. The shortest straight-line distances L1, L2 from the centers CP1, CP2 of the arc portions 400a, 410a included in the outer peripheries <NUM>, <NUM> to the linear portions 400b, 410b, respectively are shorter than the radius of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the first fluid medium A that has flown out of the opening parts DS1 at the plurality of locations flows into at least one first flow channel Ra (a plurality of first flow channels Ra in this embodiment) located most closely thereto, while spreading in the X-axis direction in a space between the first holes <NUM>, <NUM> lined up in the X-axis direction and the linear portions 400b, 410b of the flow channel forming members <NUM>. That is, the supplied first fluid medium A is uniformly or substantially uniformly distributed to a plurality of locations in the X-axis direction through the routes sharing the same distance or substantially the same distance, and flows into each of the plurality of first flow channels Ra (close to each corresponding location where the first fluid medium A is distributed).

The first fluid medium A is circulated through the first flow channels Ra in the Y-axis direction, and then flows out through the first fluid medium discharge channel Ra2 and the nozzle <NUM> connected thereto.

As shown in <FIG>, on the other hand, when the second fluid medium B is supplied to the second fluid medium supply channel Rb <NUM> through a pipe (not shown) connected to the nozzle <NUM>, the second fluid medium B flows into the plurality of second flow channels Rb through the second fluid medium supply channel Rb1. The second fluid medium B is circulated through the second flow channels Rb in the Y-axis direction, and then flows out through the second fluid medium discharge channel Rb2 and the nozzle <NUM> connected thereto.

As described above, circulating the second fluid medium B through the second flow channels Rb when the first fluid medium A is circulated through the first flow channels Ra allows the first fluid medium A and the second fluid medium B to exchange heat via the heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> respectively defining the first flow channels Ra and the second flow channels Rb.

As described above, a plate heat exchanger <NUM> includes: a plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> respectively having first holes (through holes) <NUM>, <NUM> penetrating therethrough in an X-axis direction (a certain direction) at positions corresponding to each other, the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> being stacked on each other in the X-axis direction to alternately form first flow channels Ra through which a first fluid medium A is circulated and second flow channels Rb through which a second fluid medium B is circulated, with the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> respectively interposed therebetween; and a flow channel forming member group 4A extending in the X-axis direction at the position corresponding to the first holes (through holes) <NUM>, <NUM> of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The flow channel forming member group 4A includes a plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> lined up in the X-axis direction. At least two flow channel forming members <NUM> out of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> respectively have through holes <NUM> (first through holes <NUM>, second through holes <NUM>, third through holes <NUM>, fourth through holes <NUM>, fifth through holes <NUM>, sixth through holes <NUM>, seventh through holes <NUM>, eighth through holes <NUM>) penetrating therethrough in the X-axis direction, the through holes <NUM> of the at least two flow channel forming members <NUM> communicate with each other to form a first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 for supplying the first fluid medium A to the first flow channels Ra. The first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 includes: an introduction part US1 that extends in the X-axis direction and through which the first fluid medium A is externally introduced; a branching part (first branching part) US2 that is arranged at an intermediate portion of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> aligned in the X-axis direction and that allows the first fluid medium A introduced through the introduction part US1 to branch to one side and an other side in the X-axis direction; and a plurality of opening parts DS1 directly or indirectly communicating with the one side or the other side of the branching part US2, the plurality of opening parts DS1 each open toward a corresponding one of the first flow channels Ra at a plurality of locations in the X-axis direction.

According to the above configuration, the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 formed by the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM>, that is, formed by the flow channel forming member group 4A allows the first fluid medium A to branch (distribute) to the segment (first segment) S1 on the one side and the segment (second segment) S2 on the other side in the X-axis direction with reference to a position corresponding to a heat transfer plate <NUM>, <NUM> located at the intermediate portion in the X-axis direction among the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> stacked on each other in the X-axis direction.

This configuration allows the first fluid medium A circulating through the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 to reach the first flow channels Ra while being distributed to at least two locations in the X-axis direction. That is, the first fluid medium A flows out of the plurality of opening parts DS1 located at different positions in the X-axis direction while being circulated over the same or substantially the same distance from the branching part US2 to the first flow channels Ra.

Accordingly, the first fluid medium A is distributed to the plurality of locations in the X-axis direction to flow into each of the plurality of first flow channels Ra in a substantially uniform state (i.e., at a substantially uniform rate). Thus, the plate heat exchanger <NUM> according to this embodiment enables the first fluid medium A, which is to evaporate or to be condensed, to be supplied to the plurality of first flow channels Ra while suppressing uneven distribution (i.e., in a substantially uniform manner). This configuration can increase heat exchange performance.

In this embodiment, each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> is arranged to be placed between circumferential portions of the through holes (first holes) <NUM>, <NUM> of each two heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> out of the plurality of heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> are respectively arranged to correspond to the first flow channels Ra aligned in the X-axis direction with the second flow channels Rb respectively interposed therebetween, and each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> is arranged to be placed between the circumferential portions of the through holes (first holes) <NUM>, <NUM> of each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>. Such a configuration allows each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> to be retained by each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>. This configuration prevents positional displacement of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM>, and as a result reliably secures the communicating performance of the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 formed by the respective through holes of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 includes at least one most downstream branching part (second branching part) DS2 at each of a position between the branching part (first branching part) US2 and the plurality of opening parts DS1 communicating with the one side in the X-axis direction of the branching part US2, and at a position between the branching part US2 and the plurality of opening parts DS1 communicating with the other side in the X-axis direction of the branching part US2, in which the at least one most downstream branching part (second branching part) DS2 allows the first fluid medium A to branch to the one side and the other side in the X-axis direction, at least one each of the downstream-most branching parts (second branching parts) D2 being located.

According to the above configuration, the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 allows the first fluid medium A to sequentially branch to each of two segments (a segment (third segment) S3 on one side and a segment (fourth segment) S4 on the other side of each of the most downstream branching parts DS2) formed by further sectioning in the X-direction each of the first segment S1 and the second segment S2 in the member arrangement segment S.

This configuration allows the first fluid medium A circulating through the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 to sequentially branch in the X-axis direction not only in the upstream system US but also in the downstream system DS to reach the first flow channels Ra. That is, the first fluid medium A flows into the first flow channels Ra located at different positions in the X-axis direction, but the distances over which the first fluid medium A is circulated until it reaches the respective first flow channels Ra from the branching part US2 are the same or substantially same as each other.

Accordingly, the first fluid medium is distributed to the plurality of locations in the X-axis direction, to flow into each of the plurality of first flow channels Ra in a substantially uniform state (i.e., at a substantially uniform rate). Thus, the plate heat exchanger <NUM> according to this embodiment enables the first fluid medium A, which is to evaporate or to be condensed, to be supplied to the plurality of first flow channels Ra while suppressing uneven distribution (i.e., in a substantially uniform manner). This configuration can increase heat exchange performance.

It is a matter of course that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 through which the first fluid medium A is supplied to the first flow channels Ra is formed by the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM>, without limitation thereto. For example, the second fluid medium supply channel Rb <NUM> may also be formed by a plurality of flow channel forming members when the second fluid medium B is supplied to the second flow channels Rb while suppressing uneven distribution (i.e., substantially uniformly). The plurality of flow channel forming members in this case are configured in the same manner as in the flow channel forming members forming the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1.

The aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where the downstream system DS of the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 includes the most downstream branching part DS2 and the pair of most downstream branch flow channels DS3, without limitation thereto. For example, the configuration may be such that the opening parts DS1 of the downstream system DS are connected to the respective distal ends of the branch flow channels US3 of the upstream system US, and the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 branches in the X-axis direction at a single location (i.e., the branching part US2) so that the first fluid medium A flows toward the first flow channels Ra through the two opening parts DS1.

The downstream system DS of the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 may further include at least one branching system (second branching part) configured to distribute the first fluid medium A in the X-axis direction, the at least one branching system being an intermediate branching system that fluidically connects each of the branch flow channels US3 of the upstream system US with the corresponding one of the most downstream branching parts DS2.

In this case, the intermediate branching system may include: an intermediate branching part connected to an upstream flow channel (for example, each of the branch flow channels US3 of the upstream system US); and a pair of intermediate branch flow channels that each communicate with the intermediate branching part and extend in the X-axis direction in a segment on one side and a segment on the other side in the X-axis direction with the intermediate branching part therebetween. Each of the pair of intermediate branch flow channels has a distal end (terminal end) at an intermediate portion in the X-axis direction in each of the segment on the one side and the segment on the other side in which they extend, and the distal end is connected to a downstream portion (for example, the opening parts DS1) in the downstream system DS. In each of the plurality of flow channel forming channels <NUM>, the through holes in the number corresponding to the number of branching systems are arranged at different positions.

The aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where the outer peripheries <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the fitting portion <NUM> of each of the flow channel forming members <NUM> respectively include the arc portions 400a, 410a and the linear portions 400b, 410b, and the shortest straight-line distances L1, L2 from the centers CP1, CP2 of the arc portions 400a, 400b of the outer peripheries <NUM>, <NUM> to the linear portions 400b, 410b thereof are respectively smaller than the radius of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the first fluid medium A that has flown out through each of the opening parts DS1 flows into the plurality of first flow channels Ra located immediately close to the opening part DS1 (i.e., the first fluid medium A that has been distributed in the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 flows into all of the plurality of first flow channels Ra) while spreading in the X-axis direction. However, the aforementioned embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the configuration may be such that each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> has the outer peripheral edge portion of the body <NUM> placed between each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, at any position along the entire periphery of each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM>, a straight-line distance (or radius in the case where it has a circular shape) r1 from the center CP1 to the outer periphery <NUM> of the body <NUM> may be longer than the radius of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>. In this case, it is preferable that the contour shape of each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> be similar to the shape of the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this case, as shown in <FIG>, some of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> lined up in the X-axis direction each have the through hole (at least one of the first through hole <NUM>, the second through hole <NUM>, the third through hole <NUM>, the fourth through hole <NUM>, the fifth through hole <NUM>, the sixth through hole <NUM>, the seventh through hole <NUM>, and the eighth through hole <NUM>) similar to the aforementioned embodiment, so that only the opening parts DS1 respectively of the specific flow channel forming members <NUM> arranged at intervals from each other in the X-axis direction each communicate with a corresponding one of the first flow channels Ra.

In this case, the other first flow channels Ra (i.e., the plurality of first flow channels Ra corresponding to those flow channel forming members <NUM> each having no opening part DS1) communicate with each other via through holes (not numbered) penetrating through the heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> in the X-axis direction at a position away in the Y-axis direction from the first hole <NUM>, <NUM>. The configuration may be such that a flow channel formed by the plurality of first flow channels Ra communicating with each other via the through holes turns at least twice to allow the most downstream first flow channel Ra to be connected to the first fluid medium discharge channel Ra2.

This configuration allows the first fluid medium A to branch (distribute) at least once in the X-axis direction in the first fluid medium supply channel Ra1 and flow out to the first flow channels Ra through the plurality of opening parts DS1. With this configuration, the first fluid medium A has a uniform or a substantially uniform circulating distance. Thus, this configuration also produces the same operations and effects as those of the aforementioned embodiment.

The aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where the flow channel forming member (upstream side reference member) <NUM> in the intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of the member arrangement segment S has the single second through hole <NUM>, and the flow channel forming members <NUM> arranged on both sides of the upstream side reference member <NUM> each have the fourth through hole <NUM> at a position corresponding to the single second through hole <NUM>. However, the aforementioned embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the flow channel forming member (upstream side reference member) <NUM> at the intermediate portion in the X-axis direction of the member arrangement segment S has two second through holes <NUM> at different positions from each other. Then, the configuration may be such that the flow channel forming member <NUM> in the segment (first segment) S1 on one side in the X-axis direction of the upstream side reference member <NUM> has the fourth through hole <NUM> at a position corresponding to one of the two second through holes <NUM>, and the flow channel forming member <NUM> in the segment (second segment) S2 on the other side in the X-axis direction of the upstream side reference member <NUM> has the fourth through hole <NUM> at a position corresponding to the other one of the two second through holes <NUM>.

That is, the upstream system US is not limited to the configuration that the pair of branch flow channels US3 are connected to the branching part US2 formed by the single second through hole <NUM>. For example, the configuration may be such that the branching part US2 is formed by two second through holes <NUM>, and that the pair of branch flow channels US3 are connected respectively to different positions of the branching part US2.

The upstream side reference member <NUM> has the even number of second through holes <NUM> (branching parts US2). Then, the configuration may be such that the flow channel forming members <NUM> in the segment (first segment) S1 on one side in the X-axis direction of the upstream side reference member <NUM> have the fourth through holes <NUM> at positions respectively corresponding to half the number of second through holes <NUM> among the even number of second through holes <NUM> of the upstream side reference member <NUM>, and that the flow channel forming members <NUM> in the segment (second segment) S2 on the other side in the X-axis direction of the upstream side reference member <NUM> have the fourth through holes <NUM> at positions respectively corresponding to half the number of second through holes <NUM> among the even number of second through holes <NUM> of the upstream side reference member <NUM>, the half the number of second through holes <NUM> located at positions not corresponding to the fourth through holes <NUM> of the flow channel forming members <NUM> in the segment (first segment S1) on the one side. That is, the upstream system US may include a plurality of pairs of branch flow channels US3.

In this case, the lengths (positions of the leading ends) in the X-axis direction of the plurality of pairs of branch flow channels US3 may be different from each other, or may be the same as each other. The same applies also to the most downstream branching parts DS2 and the most downstream branch flow channels DS3 of the downstream system DS.

The aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where, in each of the flow channel forming members <NUM>, the fitting portion <NUM> is connected only to the first surface of the body <NUM>, without limitation thereto. For example, the fitting portion <NUM> may be connected to each of the first surface and the second surface of the body <NUM>. In this case, the thickness in the X-axis direction of the fitting portion <NUM> may correspond to the thickness of one of the heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>.

The aforementioned embodiment has been described by taking, for example, the case where the outer peripheral edge portion of the flow channel forming member <NUM> (body <NUM>) is placed between the circumferential portions of the through holes (first holes <NUM>, <NUM>) of each adjacent heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, without limitation thereto. For example, the configuration may be such that each of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole (first hole) <NUM>, <NUM> of each of the heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM>, and that the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> lined up in the X-axis direction, that is, the flow channel forming member group 4A is placed through the through holes (first holes) <NUM>, <NUM> of the heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> lined up in the X-axis direction.

In this case, it is preferable that the flow channel forming members <NUM> adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction be mechanically connected to each other. For example, the flow channel forming members <NUM> adjacent to each other may be connected to each other by recess and projection fitting.

The flow channel forming members <NUM> at both ends of the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> lined up in the X-axis direction (the plurality of flow channel forming members <NUM> integrally formed: the flow channel forming member group 4A) may be respectively supported by the endmost heat transfer plates <NUM>, <NUM> or by the end plates <NUM>, <NUM>. However, as the first fluid medium A is supplied only to the introduction part US1, it is a matter of course that the endmost flow channel forming member <NUM> is connected to the endmost heat transfer plate <NUM> or the end plate <NUM> in a liquid tight manner, and these through holes are set to have the size corresponding to the introduction part US1.

Claim 1:
A plate heat exchanger comprising:
a plurality of heat transfer plates (<NUM>, <NUM>) respectively having through holes (<NUM>, <NUM>) penetrating therethrough in a certain direction at positions corresponding to each other, the plurality of heat transfer plates being stacked on each other in the certain direction to alternately form first flow channels (Ra) through which a first fluid medium is circulated and second flow channels (Rb) through which a second fluid medium is circulated, with the plurality of heat transfer plates (<NUM>, <NUM>) respectively interposed therebetween; and
a flow channel forming member group (4A) extending in the certain direction at the position corresponding to the through holes (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the plurality of heat transfer plates (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein
the flow channel forming member group (4A) comprises a plurality of flow channel forming members (<NUM>) lined up in the certain direction and arranged to be placed between circumferential portions of the through holes (<NUM>, <NUM>) of each adjacent heat transfer plates (<NUM>, <NUM>),
at least two flow channel forming members out of the plurality of flow channel forming members (<NUM>) respectively have through holes (<NUM>) penetrating therethrough in the certain direction,
the through holes (<NUM>) of the at least two flow channel forming members communicate with each other to form a first fluid medium supply channel (Ra1) for supplying the first fluid medium to the first flow channels (Ra), and
the first fluid medium supply channel (Ra1) comprises:
an introduction part (US1) that extends in the certain direction and through which the first fluid medium is externally introduced;
a first branching part (US2) that is arranged at an intermediate portion of the plurality of heat transfer plates (<NUM>, <NUM>) aligned in the certain direction and that allows the first fluid medium introduced through the introduction part (US1) to branch to one side and an other side in the certain direction; and
a plurality of opening parts directly or indirectly communicating with the one side or the other side of the first branching part (US2), the plurality of opening parts each open toward a corresponding one of the first flow channels at a plurality of locations in the certain direction.