U.S. patent application number 10/368008 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-25 for stacked heat exchanger.
This patent application is currently assigned to CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yoshida, Hiroyuki, Yoshioka, Hiroki.
Application Number | 20030178189 10/368008 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27624631 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030178189 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoshida, Hiroyuki ; et
al. |
September 25, 2003 |
Stacked heat exchanger
Abstract
In each space 41, a plurality of outer fins 43 are stacked to be
arranged, and partition boards 45 are individually arranged between
the outer fins 43. At least on edges of each partition board 45 on
sides of tank formation portions 37, bent portions 47 and 49 bent
in the stacking direction of the tube sheets 29 are formed.
Moreover, the position in the stacking direction of an edge 61a of
a partition board 61 on a side of the tank formation portions 37,
37A, or 37B is different from the position in the stacking
direction of a joint portion of the tank formation potions 37, 37A,
or 37B, respectively.
Inventors: |
Yoshida, Hiroyuki;
(Sano-shi, JP) ; Yoshioka, Hiroki; (Aso-gun,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER
SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
27624631 |
Appl. No.: |
10/368008 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 53/62 20130101;
B01J 2219/2485 20130101; B01J 2219/2479 20130101; C01B 2203/044
20130101; H01M 8/0668 20130101; B01J 19/249 20130101; C01B 3/583
20130101; B01J 2219/2493 20130101; B01J 2219/2462 20130101; F28D
9/0043 20130101; B01D 2257/502 20130101; B01J 2219/2453 20130101;
B01J 2219/2459 20130101; B01J 2219/2458 20130101; B01J 2219/2474
20130101; C01B 2203/047 20130101; F28F 3/025 20130101; Y02E 60/50
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/166 |
International
Class: |
F28F 003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 19, 2002 |
JP |
P2002-41463 |
Mar 27, 2002 |
JP |
P2002-88747 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A stacked heat exchanger, comprising: a plurality of
plate-shaped tube sheets stacked, each including a fluid passage
formed inside; a plurality of tank formation portions, which are
mutually joined with each of said plurality of tube sheets and
formed to be projected in a stacking direction of said plurality of
tube sheets; a plurality of corrugated outer fins stacked to be
arranged in each of spaces formed between said plurality of tube
sheets; and a partition board arranged between said plurality of
outer fins, wherein a bent portion is formed at least on an edge of
said partition board on a side of said plurality of tank formation
portions, and the bent portion is bent in a stacking direction of
said plurality of tube sheets.
2. The stacked heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein said
bent portion includes a first bent portion and a second bent
portion formed on each of both edges of the partition board, the
first bent portion and the second bent portion being bent in
directions opposite to each other.
3. A stacked heat exchanger, comprising: a plurality of
plate-shaped tube sheets stacked, each including a fluid passage
formed inside; a plurality of tank formation portions, which are
mutually joined with each of said plurality of tube sheets and
formed to be projected in a stacking direction of said plurality of
tube sheets; a plurality of corrugated outer fins stacked to be
arranged in each of spaces formed between said plurality of tube
sheets; and a partition board arranged between said plurality of
outer fins, wherein a position of an edge of said partition board
on a side of said plurality of tank formation portions is set to be
different from a position in the stacking direction of a joint
portion of said rank formation portions.
4. The stacked heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein
projected heights of the tank formation portions joined to each
other are different from each other.
5. The stacked heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein fin
heights of said plurality of outer fins stacked in each of the
spaces are different from each other.
6. The stacked heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the
number of said plurality of outer fins that are stacked in each of
the spaces is set to an odd number.
7. The stacked heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein said
plurality of outer fins and said partition board carry a catalyst.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a stacked heat exchanger
including a plurality of plate-shaped tube sheets stacked with
fluid passages formed inside thereof.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Recently, automobiles using fuel cells have been developed.
In such development of the fuel cell automobiles, for example, a
methanol reformer for efficiently obtaining hydrogen from methanol
has been developed.
[0005] Reformed gas from the methanol reformer abounds in hydrogen
gas but contains undesirable carbon monoxide (CO). Therefore, it is
necessary to reduce carbon monoxide to a nonpoisonous
concentration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] FIG. 1 schematically shows a carbon monoxide removal
apparatus which is currently under development. In the carbon
monoxide removal apparatus, two preferential oxidation reactors
(PROX) 2 are connected in series to a down stream side of a
preferential oxidation reactor (PROX) 1 as a heat exchanger with
ducts D individually interposed therebetween.
[0007] On an inlet side of each of the two preferential oxidation
reactors 2, an oxide supply pipe 3 is opened.
[0008] PIG. 2 shows one of the preferential oxidation reactors 2 in
detail. In the preferential oxidation reactor 2, a core portion 5
is formed by stacking a plurality of plate-shaped tube sheets 4
with cooling water channels formed therein.
[0009] On both sides of each tube sheet 4, as shown in FIG. 3, tank
formation portions 4a are projectively formed. The tank formation
portions 4a are joined each other to form tank portions 6.
[0010] Between the tube sheets 4, spaces 7 are formed by the tank
formation portions 4a. Corrugated outer fins 8 are arranged in each
of the spaces 7.
[0011] In each space 7, the two outer fins 8 are stacked in two
layers with a partition board 9 interposed therebetween. The outer
fins 8 and the partition board 9 support a catalyst for efficient
oxidation of carbon monoxide.
[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, a side plate 10 is arranged on an upper
side of the core portion 5 in a stacking direction. In the side
plate 10, an inlet pipe 11 for cooling water and an outlet pipe 12
therefor are opened.
[0013] Each preferential oxidation reactor 2 is accommodated in a
heat treatment furnace in a state that the members are assembled,
and the members are soldered to each other.
[0014] In the above-described reactor 2, reformed gas from the
methanol reformer is introduced into each of the spaces 7. While
passing through the space 7, the reformed gas is efficiently
oxidized by the catalyst supported by the outer fins 8 and the
partition board 9, which are arranged in the space 7.
[0015] The reformed gas passing through the outer fins 8 and the
partition board 9 is cooled by the cooling water flown in the tube
sheets 4, and more efficient oxidation can be performed.
[0016] In the above-described preferential oxidation reactor 2, the
two outer fins 8 are stacked with the partition board 9 interposed
therebetween in each space 7. Accordingly, compared with the
preferential oxidation reactor with one outer fin provided in each
space, an area supporting the catalyst can be increased, and thus
carbon monoxide can be efficiently oxidized.
[0017] However, in such a preferential oxidation reactor, since the
two outer fins 8 are stacked with the partition board 9 interposed
therebetween in each space 7, as shown in FIG. 4, when the core
portion 5 is assembled, an edge 9a of each partition board 9 is
caught between the tank formation portions 4a of the tube sheets 4,
and a very small gap G is formed between the tank formation
portions 4a in some cases.
[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
stacked heat exchanger capable of easily and surely preventing the
partition board arranged between the outer fins from being caught
between the tank formation portions of the tube sheets.
[0019] A stacked heat exchanger according to a first aspect of the
present invention includes: a plurality of plate-shaped tube sheets
stacked, each including a fluid passage formed inside; a plurality
of tank formation portions, which are mutually joined to each of
the plurality of tube sheets and formed to be projected in a
stacking direction of the plurality of tube sheets; a plurality of
corrugated outer fins stacked to be arranged in each of spaces
formed between the plurality of tube sheets; and a partition board
arranged between the plurality of outer fins. A bent portion is
formed at least on an edge of the partition board on a side of the
plurality of tank formation portions, and the bent portion is bent
in a stacking direction of the plurality of tube sheets.
[0020] In the stacked heat exchanger, the bent portion may be
formed on each of both edges of the partition board and include a
first bent portion and a second bent portion, which are bent in
directions opposite to each other.
[0021] A stacked heat exchanger according to a second aspect of the
present invention includes: a plurality of plate-shaped tube sheets
stacked, each including a fluid passage formed inside; a plurality
of tank formation portions, which are mutually joined to each of
the plurality of tube sheets and formed to be projected in a
stacking direction of the plurality of the sheets; a plurality of
corrugated outer fins stacked to be arranged in each of spaces
formed between the plurality of tube sheets; and a partition board
arranged between the plurality of outer fins. A position of an edge
of the partition board on a side of the plurality of tank formation
portions is set to be different from a position in the stacking
direction of a joint portion of the tank formation portions.
[0022] In the stacked heat exchanger, projected heights of the tank
formation portions joined to each other may be different from each
other.
[0023] In the stacked heat exchanger, fin heights of the plurality
of outer fins stacked in each of the spaces are different from each
other.
[0024] In the stacked heat exchanger, the number of the plurality
of outer fins that are stacked in each of the spaces may be set to
an odd number.
[0025] In the stacked heat exchanger, the plurality of outer fins
and the partition board support a catalyst.
[0026] In the stacked heat exchanger of the first aspect, the
plurality of corrugated outer fins are stacked to be arranged with
the partition board interposed therebetween in each of the spaces
formed between the tube sheets. Fluid flowing through the space is
brought into contact with the outer fins and the partition
board.
[0027] The bent portion bent in the staking direction of the tube
sheets is formed at least on the edge of the partition board on the
side of the tank formation portions. The bent portion prevents the
partition board from being caught between the tank formation
portions of the rube sheets.
[0028] In the above-described stacked heat exchanger, the bent
portion bent in the stacking direction of the tube sheets is formed
on each of both edges of the partition board, and the outer fins
are arranged between the bent portions.
[0029] The outer fins to be arranged in both sides of the partition
board are individually located and positioned between first bent
portions and second bent portions, the first bent portions and the
second bent portions being bent in directions opposite to each
other. Accordingly, the outer fins can be surely and easily
arranged on the both sides of the partition board.
[0030] In the stacked heat exchanger of the second aspect, the
plurality of corrugated outer fins are stacked to be arranged with
the partition board interposed therebetween in each of the spaces
formed between the tube sheets. Fluid flowing through the space is
brought into contact with the outer fins and the partition
board.
[0031] Moreover, the position in the stacking direction of the edge
of the partition board on the side of the tank formation portions
is set to be different from the position in the stacking direction
of the joint portion of the tank formation portions. Accordingly,
the partition board is prevented to be caught between the tank
formation portions of the tube sheets.
[0032] In the stacked heat exchanger, the position in the stacking
direction of the edge of the partition board on the side of the
tank formation portions is set to be different from the position in
the stacking direction of the joint portion of the tank formation
portions by setting the projected heights of the tank formation
portions that are joined to each other to be different from each
other.
[0033] In the stacked heat exchanger, the position in the stacking
direction of the edge of the partition board on the side of the
tank formation portions is set to be different from the position in
the stacking direction of the joint portion of the tank formation
portions by setting the fin heights of the plurality of outer fins
stacked in the space to be different from each other.
[0034] In the stacked heat exchanger, the position in the stacking
direction of the edge of the partition board on the side of the
tank formation portions is set to be different from the position in
the stacking direction of the joint portion of the tank formation
portions by setting the number of the plurality of outer fins
stacked in the space to an odd number.
[0035] In the stacked heat exchanger, the outer fins and the
partition board support a catalyst for oxidation of carbon monoxide
of reformed gas from a methanol reformer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing a carbon
monoxide removal apparatus using preferential oxidation
reactors.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the preferential oxidation
reactor in detail.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a core portion of
FIG. 2 in detail.
[0039] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state that an edge
of one of partition boards is caught between tank formation
portions of tube sheets of FIG. 3.
[0040] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a main
portion of a stacked heat exchanger of FIG. 6 in detail.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a first embodiment of the
stacked heat exchanger according to the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a core portion of
the stacked heat exchanger of FIG. 6.
[0043] FIG. 8 is a front view showing a main portion of a second
embodiment of the stacked heat exchanger according to the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a bent portion formed
in the partition board of FIG. 8.
[0045] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of the
bent portion formed in the partition board.
[0046] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing another example of
the bent portion formed in the partition board.
[0047] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another example of the
bent portion formed in the partition board.
[0048] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a main portion of a third
embodiment of the stacked heat exchanger according to the present
invention.
[0049] FIG. 14 is a front view showing a main portion of a fourth
embodiment of the stacked heat exchanger according to the present
invention.
[0050] FIG. 15 is a front view showing a main portion of a fifth
embodiment of the stacked heat exchanger according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OP PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0051] A description will be made of embodiments shown in the
drawings in detail below.
[0052] (First Embodiment)
[0053] FIG. 5 shows a main portion of FIG. 6 in detail, and FIG. 6
shows a first embodiment of a stacked heat exchanger according to
the present invention.
[0054] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a
preferential oxidation reactor (PROX).
[0055] The stacked beat exchanger shown in FIG. 6 is composed by
arranging a side plate 23 on an upper side of a core portion
21.
[0056] On the side plate 23, an inlet pipe 25 for cooling water and
an outlet pipe 27 therefor are opened.
[0057] The stacked heat exchanger is formed substantially in a
cuboid. Reformed gas flown into the core portion 21 from the front
of the paper of FIG. 6 is passed through the core portion 21 and
then flown out from the back of the paper.
[0058] The core portion 21 is formed by stacking a plurality of
plate-shaped tube sheets 29 with cooling water passages formed
inside.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, each of the tube sheets 29 is composed
by arranging a not-shown inner fin made of, for example, aluminum,
between a first sheet member 31 and a second sheet member 33 made
of, for example, aluminum.
[0060] On an outer periphery of the first sheet member 31, an outer
periphery of the second sheet member 33 is fixed with caulking to
form a caulked portion 35.
[0061] On both sides of each tube sheet, tank formation portions 37
are projectively formed as shown in FIG. 7.
[0062] The tank formation portions 37 are projected from both faces
of the tube sheet 29 toward stacking directions.
[0063] The tank formation portions 37 are individually provided
with a connecting hole 37a for flowing the cooling water. Each
joint surface 37b is flatly formed around the connecting hole
37a.
[0064] The joint surfaces 37b of the tank formation portions 37
adjacent to each other are joined to each other by soldering to
form tank portions 39.
[0065] One of the tank portions 39 is connected to the inlet pipe
25, and the other is connected to the outlet pipe 27.
[0066] Between the tube sheets 29, spaces 41 are formed by the tank
formation portions 37. In each of the spaces 41, corrugated outer
fins 43 made of, for example, aluminum, are arranged.
[0067] In the space 41, the outer fins 43 are stacked in two layers
with a partition board 45 made of, for example, aluminum,
interposed therebetween.
[0068] The outer fins 43 and the partition board 45 support a
catalyst for efficient oxidation of carbon monoxide from the
reformed gas.
[0069] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, in edges of the
rectangular partition board 45 on sides of the tank formation
portions 37, bent portions bent in the stacking directions of the
tube sheets 29 are formed.
[0070] Each of the bent portions is divided at a middle of the edge
of the partition board 45 into a first bent portion 47 and a second
bent portion 49. The first bent portion 47 and the second bent
portion 49 are bent in the directions opposite to each other.
[0071] The outer fins 43 arranged on the both sides of the
partition board 45 are individually situated and positioned between
the first bent portions 47 and between the second bent portions 49,
the first bent portions 47 and the second portions 49 being bent in
the directions opposite to each other.
[0072] In this embodiment, the first bent portions 47 and the
second bent portions 49 are bent at a substantially right angle
with respect to the partition board 45.
[0073] In the above-described stacked heat exchanger, the
respective members are soldered to each other by accommodating the
members into the heat treatment furnace for baking in a state that
the members are assembled.
[0074] In the above-described stacked heat exchanger, the reformed
gas from the methanol reformer is introduced into each space 41.
While passing through the space 41, the reformed gas is efficiently
oxidized by the catalyst supported by the outer fins 43 and the
partition board 45, which are arranged in the space 41.
[0075] Moreover, the reformed gas passing through the outer fins 43
and the partition board 45 is cooled by the cooling water flowing
inside the tube sheets 29, and more efficient oxidation is
preformed.
[0076] In the above-described stacked heat exchanger, the outer
fins 43 are stacked in two layers with the partition board 45
interposed therebetween in each space 41, and the outer fins 43 and
the partition board 45 support the catalyst. Accordingly, compared
with a stacked heat exchanger with one outer fin provided in the
space, an area supporting the catalyst can be increased, and thus
carbon monoxide can be oxidized more efficiently.
[0077] Furthermore, in the above-described heat exchanger, the bent
portions 47 and 49, which are bent in the stacking directions of
the tube sheets 29, are formed at least on the edges of the
partition board 45 on the sides of the tank formation portions 37.
Accordingly, the possibility that the partition board 45 arranged
between the outer fins 43 is caught between the tank formation
portions 37 of the tube sheets 29 can be easily and surely
eliminated.
[0078] In the above-described stacked heat exchanger, the outer
fins 43 arranged on the both sides of the partition board 45 are
individually situated and positioned between the first bent
portions 47 and between the second bent portions 49. Each of the
first bent portions 47 and each of the second bent portions 49 are
separated at the middle of the edge and bent in the directions
opposite to each other. Accordingly, the outer fins 43 are surely
and easily arranged on the both sides of the partition board
45.
[0079] (Second Embodiment)
[0080] FIG. 8 shows a main portion of a second embodiment of the
stacked heat exchanger according to the present invention. In this
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a first bent portion 47A and a
second bent portion 49A are formed on each of both sides of the
rectangular partition board 45.
[0081] The first bent portion 47A and the second bent portion 49A
are bent in the directions opposite to each other by an angle
.theta. smaller than 90 degrees, for example, about 45 degrees,
with respect to the partition board 45.
[0082] Note that the members in this embodiment similar to those in
the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and
detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0083] In this embodiment, the effects similar to those of the
first embodiment can be obtained. However, in this embodiment, the
bent angle of the first bent portion 47A and the second bent
portion 49A is set to the angle e smaller than 90 degrees, for
example, about 45 degrees. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, each of
the outer fins 43 is only positioned in a wave direction thereof by
the first bent portion 47A or the second bent portion 49A. The edge
of the outer fin 43 is prevented from abutting directly on the
first bent portion 47A or the second bent portion 49A to be
restricted.
[0084] Noted that, in this embodiment, on both sides of a first
bent portion 47B, second bent portions 49B bent in the opposite
direction to the first bent portion 47B may be formed as shown in
FIG. 10.
[0085] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the
description has been made of the example that the two outer fins 43
are stacked in each space 41. However, the present invention is not
limited to such embodiments, and the present invention can be
applied to, for example, a case that an even number of outer fins
43, such as four outer fins 43, are stacked in each space 41.
[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second
embodiments, the description has been made of the example that the
bent portions 47 and 49 are formed on the both edges of the
partition board 45. However, the present invention is not limited
to such embodiments. For example, when the tank formation portion
is formed on only one side of each tube sheet, the bent portion may
be formed at least on the side where the tank formation portion is
formed.
[0087] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the
description has been made of the example that the bent portion
formed in each edge of the partition board 45 is constituted of the
first bent portion 47 or 47A and the second bent portion 49 or 49A,
which are separated in the edge and bent to the opposite directions
to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to
such embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the both edges
of the partition board 45 may be bent to the directions opposite to
each other without dividing each of the edges to form bent portions
51 and 53. Moreover, bent portions 55 and 57 may be formed by
bending the edges of the partition board 45 to the same direction
as shown in FIG. 12.
[0088] (Third Embodiment)
[0089] FIG. 13 shows a main portion of a third embodiment of the
stacked heat exchanger according to the present invention. In this
embodiment, projected heights of tank formation portions 37A and
37B which are joined to each other are set to heights H1 an H2
different from each other.
[0090] Specifically, in this embodiment, the height HI of the tank
formation portion 37A projected from the each tube sheet 29
downward in the drawing is set to be smaller than the height H2 of
the tank formation portion 37B projected from the each tube sheet
29 upward in the drawing.
[0091] For example, the height H1 of the tank formation portion 37A
projected downward is set to 1 mm, and the height H2 of the tank
formation portion 37B projected upward is set to 2 mm.
[0092] Meanwhile, in the space 41, the outer fins 43 are stacked in
two layers. Between the outer fins 43, for example, a partition
board 61 having a wall thickness same as that of the outer fins 43
is arranged.
[0093] The upper and lower outer fins 43 have a same height.
[0094] The partition board 61 is completely flat with no bent
portion formed in the edges.
[0095] Accordingly, the position in the stacking direction of an
edge portion 61a of the partition board 61 on the side of the tank
formation portions 37A and 37B is different from the position in
the stacking direction of a joint portion 63 of the tank formation
portions 37A and 37B.
[0096] Note that the members in this embodiment similar to those in
the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and
detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0097] In this embodiment, the position in the stacking direction
of the edge portion 61a of the partition board 61 on the side of
the tank formation portions 37A and 37B is set to be different from
the position in the stacking direction of the joint portion 63 of
the tank formation portions 37A and 37B. Accordingly, the
possibility that the partition board 61 arranged between the outer
fins 43 may be caught between the tank formation portions 37A and
37B of the tube sheets 29 can be easily and surely eliminated.
[0098] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the partition board
61 moves toward the side of the tank formation portions 37A and
37B, the partition board 61 hits against a side face of the tank
formation portion 37B projected upward and then stops. Accordingly,
the possibility that the partition board 61 may be caught between
the tank formation portions 37A and 37B can be eliminated.
[0099] In this embodiment, the projected heights of the tank
formation portions 37A and 37B joined to each other are set to the
height H1 and H2 different from each other. Accordingly, the
position in the stacking direction of the edge portion 61a of the
partition board 61 on the side of the tank formation portions 37A
and 37B can be easily and surely set to be different from the
position in the stacking direction of the joint portion 63 of the
tank formation portions 37A and 37B.
[0100] In this embodiment, the description has been made of the
example that the difference between the height H1 of the tank
formation portion 37A projected downward and the height H2 of the
tank formation portion 37B projected upward is set to 1 mm, but the
difference can be set to, for example, about 0.3 mm to 2 mm.
[0101] (Fourth Embodiment)
[0102] FIG. 14 shows a main portion of a fourth embodiment of the
stacked heat exchanger according to the present invention. In this
embodiment, fin heights of outer fins 43A and 43B stacked in two
layers in the space 41 are set to height H3 and H4 different from
each other.
[0103] Specifically, in this embodiment, the height H3 of the outer
fin 43A arranged in the upper layer of the space 41 in the drawing
is set to be larger than the height H4 of the outer fin 43B
arranged in the lower layer in the drawing.
[0104] For example, the height H3 of the outer fin 43A in the upper
layer is set to 2 mm, and the height H4 of the outer fin 43B in the
lower layer is set to 1 mm.
[0105] Between the outer fins 43A and 43B, the partition board 61
is arranged.
[0106] Meanwhile, the height of the tank formation portion 37
projected downward is the same as that of the tank formation
portion 37 projected upward.
[0107] Accordingly, the position in the stacking direction of the
edge portion 61a of the partition board 61 on the side of the tank
formation portions 37 is different from the position in the
stacking direction of the joint portion 63 of the tank formation
portions 37.
[0108] Note that the members in this embodiment similar to those in
the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and
detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0109] In this embodiment, the fin heights of the outer fins 43A
and 43B stacked in a plurality of layers in the space 41 are set to
the height H3 and H4 different from each other. Accordingly, the
possibility that the partition board 61 arranged between the outer
fins 43A and 43B may be caught between the tank formation portions
37 of the tube sheets 29 can be easily and surely eliminated.
[0110] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the partition board
61 moves toward the side of the tank formation portions 37, the
partition board 61 hits against a side face of the tank formation
portion 37 projected upward and then stops. Accordingly, the
possibility that the partition board 61 may be caught between the
tank formation portions 37 can be eliminated.
[0111] In this embodiment, the fin height H3 and H4 of the outer
fins 43A and 43B stacked in the space 41 are set to the heights H3
and H4 different from each other. Accordingly, the position in the
stacking direction of the edge portion 61a of the partition board
61 on the side of the tank formation portions 37 can be easily and
surely set to be different from the position in the stacking
direction of the joint portion 63 of the tank formation portions
37.
[0112] In this embodiment, the description has been made of the
example that the difference between the height H3 of the outer fin
43A in the upper layer and the height H4 of the outer fin 43B in
the lower layer set to 1 mm, but the difference can be set to, for
example, about 0.3 mm to 2 mm.
[0113] (Fifth Embodiment)
[0114] FIG. 15 shows a main portion of a fifth embodiment of the
stacked heat exchanger according to the present invention. In this
embodiment, outer fins 43C are stacked in a plurality of layers in
the space 41, and the number of layers is set to an odd number.
[0115] Specifically, in this embodiment, three outer fins 43C are
arranged in the space 41.
[0116] The outer fins 43C have a same height.
[0117] Between the outer fins 43C, the partition boards 61 are
individually arranged.
[0118] Meanwhile, the height of the tank formation portion 37
projected downward is the same as that of the tank formation
portion 37 projected upward.
[0119] Accordingly, the position in the stacking direction of the
edge portion 61a of the partition board 61 on the side of the tank
formation portions 37 can be set to be different from the position
in the stacking direction of the joint portion 63 of the tank
formation portions 37.
[0120] Note that, in this embodiment, the similar members to those
in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and
detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0121] In this embodiment, the height of the tank formation portion
37 projected downward is set to the same height as the tank
formation portion 37 projected upward, and the outer fins 41C are
arranged in three layers in the space 41. Accordingly, the
possibility that the partition boards 61 individually arranged
between the outer fins 43 may be caught between the tank formation
portions 37 of the tube sheets 29 can be easily and sorely
eliminated.
[0122] Specifically, in this embodiment, when each partition board
61 moves toward the side of the tank formation portions 37, the
partition board 61 hits against the side face of the tank formation
portion 37 projected upward or the tank formation portion 37
projected downward and then stops. Accordingly, the possibility
that the partition boards 61 may be caught between the tank
formation portions 37 can be eliminated.
[0123] In this embodiment, since the outer fins 43c are arranged in
the odd number of layers in the space 41, the positions in the
stacking direction of the edge portions 61a of the partition boards
61 on the side of the tank formation portions 37 can be easily and
surely set to be different from the position in the stacking
direction of the joint portion 63 of the tank formation portions
37.
[0124] In the above-described embodiments, the description has been
made of the examples that the present invention is applied to the
stacked heat exchanger composed of the preferential oxidation
reactors (PROX). However, the present invention is not limited to
such embodiments, and the present invention can be widely applied
to stacked hear exchangers such as an evaporator for fuel
evaporation constituting a system for fuel cells and an evaporator
for air conditioning of an automobile.
[0125] In the above-described embodiments, the description has been
made of the example that the tank formation portions 37 are formed
on the both sides of each tube sheet 29 so as to be opposite to
each other. However, the present invention is not limited to such
embodiments. For example, the present invention can be applied to
the stacked heat exchanger including a tank formation portion only
on one side of each tube sheet.
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