U.S. patent application number 11/607884 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for heat exchange plate.
This patent application is currently assigned to Xenesys Inc.. Invention is credited to Toyoaki Matsuzaki.
Application Number | 20070151717 11/607884 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38002021 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070151717 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matsuzaki; Toyoaki |
July 5, 2007 |
Heat exchange plate
Abstract
A heat exchange plate has a main heat transfer section and a
fluid guiding portion having first and second sub-patterns of
irregularity, respectively. The second pattern of irregularity
includes projections and recesses. At least a part of straight or
curved lines along which the projections and recesses are aligned
has an end located in a predetermined position of an edge of the
plate, which forms at least one of inlet and outlet portions and
another end that does not coincide with the end located on a
boundary between the fluid guiding portion and the main heat
transfer section.
Inventors: |
Matsuzaki; Toyoaki;
(Tagata-Gun, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RADER FISHMAN & GRAUER PLLC
LION BUILDING
1233 20TH STREET N.W., SUITE 501
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
Xenesys Inc.
Hyogo-Ken
JP
|
Family ID: |
38002021 |
Appl. No.: |
11/607884 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 3/044 20130101;
F28D 9/0031 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/166 |
International
Class: |
F28F 3/00 20060101
F28F003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 9, 2005 |
JP |
2005-356957 |
Claims
1. A heat exchange plate, which is formed of a metallic plate
having a predetermined pattern of irregularity, the heat exchange
plate being to be combined to one or more other heat exchange plate
having a same structure so as to be placed one upon another to form
a heat exchanger in which heat exchange is to be made between heat
exchange fluids that come into contact with opposite first and
second surfaces of the heat exchange plate, respectively, the heat
exchange plate comprising: (i) a main heat transfer section serving
as a central portion having a first sub-pattern of irregularity for
forming a part of the predetermined pattern of irregularity and
(ii) at least one fluid guiding portion having a second sub-pattern
of irregularity which is different from the first sub-pattern of
irregularity and form a remaining part of the predetermined pattern
of irregularity, said fluid guiding portion being disposed in a
predetermined position over a predetermined area in a vicinity of
an edge of the plate, which forms at least one of inlet and outlet
portions for the heat exchange fluids in cooperation with an edge
of the other plate combined with the heat exchange plate to form
the heat exchanger; wherein: the second sub-pattern of irregularity
of the fluid guiding portion comprises a plurality of projections
provided on the first surface of the plate in a predetermined
aligned state and a plurality of recesses denting in an opposite
direction to a projecting direction of the projections, each of
said recesses being placed in an intermediate position between two
or more projections; each of said projections comprises a top
portion having a substantially flat section with a predetermined
area and an outer peripheral portion having a substantially conical
surface or curved surfaces, said projections being aligned in a
straight or curved line so that one of the projections is
surrounded by the other projections that are placed at regular
intervals; each of said recesses comprises a bottom portion having
a substantially flat section with a predetermined area and an inner
peripheral portion having a curved surface that is continuously
connected to the outer peripheral portion of each of the
projections with which the recess is surrounded, said recesses
being aligned in a straight or curved line in parallel with an
aligning line of the projections; and at least a part of a
plurality of straight or curved lines along which said projections
and said recesses are aligned on the fluid guiding portion has an
end that is located in said predetermined position of the edge of
the plate, which forms said at least one of inlet and outlet
portions, and another end that does not coincide with said end and
is located on a boundary between said fluid guiding portion and
said main heat transfer section.
2. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
plate has a square or rectangular shape; said at least one of inlet
and outlet portions for the heat exchange fluids is provided on a
part or over an entire length of at least one of edges of the
plate; and said projections and said recesses of said fluid guiding
portion are aligned linearly in a direction that is parallel or
perpendicular to the edge of the plate.
3. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said
projections are aligned at predetermined intervals on a basis of a
matrix arrangement in two directions that are in parallel or
perpendicular to the edge of the plate and at right angles to each
other, and each of said recesses is placed in a center of a minimum
square area defined by four projections located in respective four
corners of the square area so as to provide a similar matrix
arrangement to the matrix arrangement of the projections; said
projections and said recesses provide a substantially sinusoidal
wave in cross-section of the plate in aligning directions along
which said projections and said recesses are aligned at regular
intervals for the matrix arrangement; and an intermediate portion
between the projection and another projection adjacent thereto on
the first surface of the plate and an intermediate portion between
the recess and another recess adjacent thereto on the first surface
thereof are placed in an intermediate level between the bottom
portion of said recess and the top portion of the projection in the
projecting direction of the projections.
4. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said at
least one of inlet and outlet portions for the heat exchange fluids
is provided in a form of an opening formed in the plate, for at
least one of the heat exchange fluids; and said projections and
said recesses in the fluid guiding portion are aligned on a basis
of a curved arrangement in which lines of alignment for the
projections and recesses are directed from an outer edge of said
opening to the boundary between said fluid guiding portion and said
main heat transfer section, and then gradually curved from a
perpendicular direction to the outer edge of the opening toward a
perpendicular direction to the boundary between the fluid guiding
portion and the main transfer section.
5. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 4, wherein: said
plate has a square or rectangular shape; said at least one of inlet
and outlet portions for the heat exchange fluids is provided in a
form of an opening formed in the plate, for one of the heat
exchange fluids and is provided on a part or over an entire length
of at least one of edges of the plate for another heat exchange
fluid; and at least part of said projections in the fluid guiding
portion are placed on the basis of said curved arrangement and
simultaneously placed in a vicinity of a line connecting the
predetermined position of the edge of the plate to the boundary
between said fluid guiding portion and said main heat transfer
section so as to be aligned linearly, and no recess is placed in a
linear arrangement of the projections.
6. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each of
the projections of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of said
fluid guiding portion, which project from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding projection, which
projects from the second surface of the plate so as to correspond
to the recess formed on the first surface of the plate; and each of
the recesses of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of said
fluid guiding portion, which dent from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding recess, which dents from
the second surface of the plate so as to correspond to the
projection formed on the first surface of the plate, thus providing
a same sub-pattern of irregularity on the opposite surfaces of the
plate.
7. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 2, wherein: each of
the projections of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of said
fluid guiding portion, which project from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding projection, which
projects from the second surface of the plate so as to correspond
to the recess formed on the first surface of the plate; and each of
the recesses of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of said
fluid guiding portion, which dent from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding recess, which dents from
the second surface of the plate so as to correspond to the
projection formed on the first surface of the plate, thus providing
a same sub-pattern of irregularity on the opposite surfaces of the
plate.
8. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 3, wherein: each of
the projections of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of said
fluid guiding portion, which project from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding projection, which
projects from the second surface of the plate so as to correspond
to the recess formed on the first surface of the plate; and each of
the recesses of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of said
fluid guiding portion, which dent from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding recess, which dents from
the second surface of the plate so as to correspond to the
projection formed on the first surface of the plate, thus providing
a same sub-pattern of irregularity on the opposite surfaces of the
plate.
9. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 4, wherein: each of
the projections of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of said
fluid guiding portion, which project from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding projection, which
projects from the second surface of the plate so as to correspond
to the recess formed on the first surface of the plate; and each of
the recesses of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of said
fluid guiding portion, which dent from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding recess, which dents from
the second surface of the plate so as to correspond to the
projection formed on the first surface of the plate, thus providing
a same sub-pattern of irregularity on the opposite surfaces of the
plate.
10. The heat exchange plate as claimed in claim 5, wherein: each of
the projections of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of said
fluid guiding portion, which project from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding projection, which
projects from the second surface of the plate so as to correspond
to the recess formed on the first surface of the plate; and each of
the recesses of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of said
fluid guiding portion, which dent from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding recess, which dents from
the second surface of the plate so as to correspond to the
projection formed on the first surface of the plate, thus providing
a same sub-pattern of irregularity on the opposite surfaces of the
plate.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates a heat exchange plate, which
is formed of a metallic plate and to be used in combination with
the other heat exchange plates having the same structure so that
they are combined in parallel and integrally with each other to
form a heat exchanger, and especially to such a heat exchange plate
that permits to provide an integrally combined state for the heat
exchanger in which an appropriate heat exchange can be made between
heat exchange fluids, while causing the heat exchange fluids to
flow smoothly over the opposite surfaces of the heat exchange
plate, respectively, to ensure sufficient heat exchange
performance, thus enhancing heat exchange efficiency.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] If there is a demand that heat transfer coefficient is
increased to enhance heat exchange efficiency, utilizing a heat
exchanger by which transfer of heat (i.e., heat exchange) is made
between a high temperature fluid and a low temperature fluid, a
plate-type heat exchanger has conventionally been used widely. The
plate-type heat exchanger has a structure in which a plurality of
heat transfer plates are placed parallelly one upon another at
prescribed intervals so as to form passages, which are separated by
means of the respective heat transfer plates. A high temperature
fluid and a low temperature fluid flow alternately in the
above-mentioned passages to make heat exchange through the
respective heat transfer plates. Japanese Patent Provisional
Publication No. H3-91695 describes an example of such a plate-type
heat exchanger as a conventional prior art and illustrates it in
FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0005] In the conventional plate-type heat exchanger, gasket
members formed of elastic material are placed between the adjacent
two plates to make the distance between them constant and define
passages for fluid. However, a high pressure of the heat exchange
fluid flowing between the plates may cause deformation of the
gasket member, thus disabling an appropriate separation of the
fluids from being ensured or leading to an unfavorable variation in
distance between the plates. In such a case, an effective heat
exchange may not be carried out, thus causing a problem. In view of
these facts, the conventional heat exchanger involves a problem
that the heat exchange fluids can be utilized only in a pressure
range in which the gasket member withstands.
[0006] There has recently been proposed a heat exchanger having a
structure in which metallic thin plates, which are placed at
predetermined intervals, are joined together, without using any
gasket members, at their ends by welding to assemble the plates
into a single unit so as to form passages for heat exchange fluids,
on the opposite sides of the respective plates. Japanese Patent
Provisional Publication No. 2003-194490 describes, as an example of
an invention made by the present inventor, a heat exchange unit in
which heat transfer plates formed of metallic thin plates are
aligned in parallel with each other so as to be apart from each
other, these plates are welded at their periphery excepting one
side into a united body having an opening, and the opening is
closed by an end plate.
[0007] The conventional heat exchangers have structures as
described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Nos. H3-91695
and 2003-194490. According to the heat exchanger having a structure
as described in Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No.
2003-194490, and namely such a type of heat exchanger in which no
gasket is used and no opening is formed on the plate, openings
serving as inlet and outlet portions for fluids can be provided at
an edge of the plate, thus making it possible to make the inlet and
outlet portions larger than the conventional plate having the
opening. As a result, resistance of the heat exchange fluids as
introduced into or discharged from the heat exchanger can be
reduced remarkably.
[0008] Such inlet and outlet portions for the fluids are not
provided over an entire length of the edge of the plate, but
provided only in a part such as a corner of the plate, due to
combining of adjacent two plates together into the heat exchanger.
It is therefore necessary to expand, after introduction of the heat
exchange fluid from the inlet portion, flow of the heat exchange
fluid fully to a width of the plate to increase a contact area of
the flowing heat exchange fluid with the plate.
[0009] However, if the heat transfer section of the plate has a
constant pattern of irregularity, projections and recesses that are
provided with emphasis on heat transfer capacity cause resistance
against the heat exchange fluid introduced from the inlet portion.
As a result, the heat exchange fluid actually flows in the shortest
path having the minimum resistance as if the fluid directly flows
from the side of the inlet portion to the side of the outlet
portion. It is therefore difficult to expand the flow of the heat
exchange fluid fully to a width of the plate, thus causing problems
that the fluid cannot reach regions away from the shortest path,
and especially, the fluid cannot reach edge sides, which are
laterally away from the inlet and outlet portions, and the heat
exchange fluid cannot easily reach over the entire heat transfer
surface of the plate. Therefore, a sufficient area by which an
effective heat exchange is made between the heat transfer fluid and
the heat transfer surface, cannot be ensured, thus resulting in
difficulty in improvement of effectiveness of heat transfer made
between the two heat exchange fluids between which the plate is
placed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An object of the present invention, which was made to solve
the above-mentioned problems, is therefore to provide a heat
exchange plate, which is provided in the vicinity of at least one
of inlet and outlet portions of the plate for the heat exchange
fluids with a sub-pattern of irregularity that is appropriately
formed with emphasis on heat transfer capacity and smooth flow of
the fluids, to cause the heat exchange fluids flowing on the
opposite surfaces of the plate to spread into every corner of the
plate, thus permitting to maximize the heat transfer capacity
relative to the heat exchange fluids.
[0011] In order to attain the aforementioned object, a heat
exchange plate of the first aspect of the present invention, which
is formed of a metallic plate having a predetermined pattern of
irregularity, the heat exchange plate being to be combined to one
or more other heat exchange plate having a same structure so as to
be placed one upon another to form a heat exchanger in which heat
exchange is to be made between heat exchange fluids that come into
contact with opposite first and second surfaces of the heat
exchange plate, respectively, the heat exchange plate comprises:
(i) a main heat transfer section serving as a central portion
having a first sub-pattern of irregularity for forming a part of
the predetermined pattern of irregularity and (ii) at least one
fluid guiding portion having a second sub-pattern of irregularity
which is different from the first sub-pattern of irregularity and
form a remaining part of the predetermined pattern of irregularity,
the fluid guiding portion being disposed in a predetermined
position over a predetermined area in a vicinity of an edge of the
plate, which forms at least one of inlet and outlet portions for
the heat exchange fluids in cooperation with an edge of the other
plate combined with the heat exchange plate to form the heat
exchanger; wherein: the second sub-pattern of irregularity of the
fluid guiding portion comprises a plurality of projections provided
on the first surface of the plate in a predetermined aligned state
and a plurality of recesses denting in an opposite direction to a
projecting direction of the projections, each of the recesses being
placed in an intermediate position between two or more projections;
each of the projections comprises a top portion having a
substantially flat section with a predetermined area and an outer
peripheral portion having a substantially conical surface or curved
surfaces, the projections being aligned in a straight or curved
line so that one of the projections is surrounded by the other
projections that are placed at regular intervals; each of the
recesses comprises a bottom portion having a substantially flat
section with a predetermined area and an inner peripheral portion
having a curved surface that is continuously connected to the outer
peripheral portion of each of the projections with which the recess
is surrounded, the recesses being aligned in a straight or curved
line in parallel with an aligning line of the projections; and at
least a part of a plurality of straight or curved lines along which
the projections and the recesses are aligned on the fluid guiding
portion has an end that is located in the predetermined position of
the edge of the plate, which forms the at least one inlet and
outlet portions, and another end that does not coincide with the
end and is located on a boundary between the fluid guiding portion
and the main heat transfer section.
[0012] According to the first aspect of the present invention,
there is provided, in the predetermined position over the
predetermined area in the vicinity of the edge of the plate, which
forms at least one of inlet and outlet portions for the heat
exchange fluids, with the fluid guiding portion in which the
projections and the recesses are aligned in a linear line or a
curved line between the inlet and/or outlet portion and the main
heat transfer section. When the plurality of plates having the
above-mentioned structure are placed one upon another so that the
top portions of the projections or projecting portions provided on
the back side of the recesses of the plate come into contact with
the top portions of the projections or projecting portions provided
on the back side of the recesses of the other adjacent plate, and
combined together to form an assembly unit for a heat exchanger,
there are formed, in the fluid guiding portion between the adjacent
two plates, a passage that extends directly and linearly or
curvedly from the inlet and/or outlet portion to the main heat
transfer section, as well as a passage that is formed by a simple
combination of linear passages and has the minimum restriction in
change in flowing direction of the heat exchange fluid between the
inlet and/or outlet portion and the main heat transfer section.
When the heat exchange fluid flows in the passages in the fluid
guiding portion of the plate, the fluid smoothly passes through the
fluid guiding portion to be introduced uniformly into the main heat
transfer section or discharged rapidly from the outlet portion.
Especially, the fluid can uniformly flow from the fluid guiding
portion side to the boundary side to be introduced into the main
heat transfer section, with the result that the heat exchange fluid
spread into every corner of the main heat transfer section to cause
almost all area of the plate to serve as an effective heat transfer
member. It is therefore possible to ensure an appropriate heat
transfer between the plate and the heat exchange fluid to increase
an amount of heat transfer, thus performing an effective heat
exchange between the heat exchange fluids and providing a higher
capacity heat exchanger.
[0013] In the second aspect of the heat exchange plate of the
present invention, there may be adopted a structure in which the
plate has a square or rectangular shape; the at least one of inlet
and outlet portions for the heat exchange fluids is provided on a
part or over an entire length of at least one of edges of the
plate; and the projections and the recesses of the fluid guiding
portion are aligned linearly in a direction that is parallel or
perpendicular to the edge of the plate.
[0014] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the
aligning direction of the projections and the recesses of the fluid
guiding portion is in parallel or perpendicular to the side of the
square or rectangular plate. When the plurality of plates are
placed one upon another and combined together to form an assembly
unit for a heat exchanger, there are formed, between the adjacent
two plates, passages that extend linearly in the longitudinal and
lateral directions along which the projections and the recesses are
aligned and intersect at right angles. In case where the inlet and
outlet portions for the heat exchange fluid are placed on the side
edges of the plate and the fluid flows into and out of the fluid
guiding portion in a perpendicular direction to the aligning
direction of the fluid guiding portion and the main heat transfer
section, the heat exchange fluid introduced into a gap between the
plates on the inlet side passes directly through the passages of
the fluid introducing portion and then turns at right angles so as
to be able to reach the main heat transfer section. It is therefore
possible to cause the heat exchange fluid to flow uniformly from
the fluid guiding portion to every corner of the main heat transfer
section including regions away from an inlet portion thereof so
that passage configuration varies in accordance with the
introducing and discharging directions of the fluid. Accordingly,
the heat exchange fluid can spread into every corner of the plate
to facilitate heat transfer between the plate and the fluid, thus
improving the heat exchange performance.
[0015] In the third aspect of the heat exchange plate of the
present invention, there may be adopted a structure in which the
projections are aligned at predetermined intervals on a basis of a
matrix arrangement in two directions that are in parallel or
perpendicular to the edge of the plate and at right angles to each
other, and each of the recesses is placed in a center of a minimum
square area defined by four projections located in respective four
corners of the square area so as to provide a similar matrix
arrangement to the matrix arrangement of the projections; the
projections and the recesses provide a substantially sinusoidal
wave in cross-section of the plate in aligning directions along
which the projections and the recesses are aligned at regular
intervals for the matrix arrangement; and an intermediate portion
between the projection and another projection adjacent thereto on
the first surface of the plate and an intermediate portion between
the recess and another recess adjacent thereto on the first surface
thereof are placed in an intermediate level between the bottom
portion of the recess and the top portion of the projection in the
projecting direction of the projections.
[0016] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the
projections and the recesses are provided at regular intervals on
the basis of the matrix arrangement, and the intermediate portion
between the adjacent two projections and the intermediate portion
between the adjacent two recesses has a curve shape at the fluid
guiding portion provides a curved configuration having a regularly
cyclic variation in irregularity in the aligning directions of the
projections and the recesses. It is therefore possible to control
pressure loss between the plates of the assembly unit for the heat
exchanger and achieve smooth flow of the heat exchange fluid and
smooth heat transfer therefore, thus improving the heat exchange
performance. Further, a smooth curved shape in the predetermined
directions makes it possible to disperse force applied to the
plate, enhance strength to cope with a fluid having high pressure
and improve formability of the plate. In addition, even when
seawater is introduced as one of the heat exchange fluids into the
gap between the plates, biological stain may not easily attach to
the curved surface, thus preventing deterioration of performance
for a long period of time.
[0017] In the fourth aspect of the heat exchange plate of the
present invention, there may be adopted a structure in which the at
least one of inlet and outlet portions for the heat exchange fluids
is provided in a form of an opening formed in the plate, for at
least one of the heat exchange fluids; and the projections and the
recesses in the fluid guiding portion are aligned on a basis of a
curved arrangement in which lines of alignment for the projections
and recesses are directed from an outer edge of the opening to the
boundary between the fluid guiding portion and the main heat
transfer section, and then gradually curved from a perpendicular
direction to the outer edge of the opening toward a perpendicular
direction to the boundary between the fluid guiding portion and the
main transfer section.
[0018] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the
projections and the recesses in the fluid guiding portion are
aligned on the basis of the curved arrangement having a line
connecting the opening to the main heat transfer section, in
accordance with the configuration of the plate having the opening
formed as the inlet and/or outlet portion for the heat exchange
fluid. When the plurality of plates are placed one upon another and
combined together to form an assembly unit for a heat exchanger,
there are obtained, between the plates, passages that extend
continuously curvedly in accordance with the arrangement of the
projections and the recesses and communicate with each other. In
case where the fluid flows into and out of the fluid guiding
portion through the opening, the heat exchange fluid introduced
into a gap between the plates through the opening on the inlet side
passes directly through the curved passages of the fluid
introducing portion so as to be able to reach the main heat
transfer section. It is therefore possible to cause the heat
exchange fluid to flow uniformly from the fluid guiding portion to
every corner of the main heat transfer section including regions
away from an inlet portion thereof so that passage configuration
varies in accordance with the introducing and discharging
directions of the fluid. Accordingly, the heat exchange fluid can
spread into every corner of the plate to facilitate heat transfer
between the plate and the fluid, thus improving the heat exchange
performance.
[0019] In the fifth aspect of the heat exchange plate of the
present invention, there may be adopted a structure in which the
plate has a square or rectangular shape; the at least one of inlet
and outlet portions for the heat exchange fluids is provided in a
form of an opening formed in the plate, for one of the heat
exchange fluids and is provided on a part or over an entire length
of at least one of edges of the plate for another heat exchange
fluid; and at least part of the projections in the fluid guiding
portion are placed on the basis of the curved arrangement and
simultaneously placed in a vicinity of a line connecting the
predetermined position of the edge of the plate to the boundary
between the fluid guiding portion and the main heat transfer
section so as to be aligned linearly, and no recess is placed in a
linear arrangement of the projections.
[0020] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the
inlet and/or outlet portions for the heat exchange fluid is
provided, in addition to the opening, in the predetermined region
at the edge of the plate and at least part of the projections
formed on the basis of the curved arrangement provides the linear
arrangement in the vicinity of the straight line connecting the
inlet and/or outlet portions to the main heat transfer section. As
a result, the corresponding recess portions formed on the back side
of the projections on the second surface of the plate are aligned
linearly to provide a main section for the passage for the fluid on
the second surface of the plate. It is therefore possible to cause
the fluid, which passes through the opening and flows on the first
surface of the plate, to flow appropriately between the opening and
the main heat transfer section, and simultaneously cause the other
fluid, which flows along the second surface of the plate, but does
not pass through the opening, to flow smoothly between the inlet
and/or outlet portions at the edge of the plate and the main heat
transfer section, so as to perform heat transfer between the heat
transfer fluids through the plate having the first and second
surfaces, thus improving the heat exchange performance between the
fluids.
[0021] In the sixth aspect of the heat exchange plate of the
present invention, there may be adopted a structure in which each
of the projections of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of the
fluid guiding portion, which project from the first surface of the
plate, has a same shape as a corresponding projection, which
projects from the second surface of the plate so as to correspond
to the recess formed on the first surface of the plate; and each of
the recesses of the second sub-pattern of irregularity of the fluid
guiding portion, which dent from the first surface of the plate,
has a same shape as a corresponding recess, which dents from the
second surface of the plate so as to correspond to the projection
formed on the first surface of the plate, thus providing a same
sub-pattern of irregularity on the opposite surfaces of the
plate.
[0022] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the
fluid guiding portion provides on the first surface of the plate
with the sub-pattern of irregularity and on the second surface of
the plate with the reverse sub-pattern of irregularity so that the
projections on the first surface of the plate corresponds to the
recesses on the second surface thereof. As a result, when the
plurality of plates are placed one upon another and combined
together to form an assembly unit for a heat exchanger, the
adjacent gaps between the adjacent two pairs of plates, which gaps
include regions defined by the projections and the recesses, have a
similar configuration in accordance with the projections-recesses
relationship provided on the first and second surfaces of the
plate.
[0023] It is therefore possible to impart the same heat transfer
environment on the opposite surfaces of the plate to the heat
transfer fluids passing through gaps between the plates.
Accordingly, proper heat transfer between the fluids through the
plates can progress, without being affected by flowing state of the
fluids and characteristic property thereof, thus permitting
effective heat exchange between the heat exchange fluids.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a heat exchange
plate according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a
flowing state of a fluid between the heat exchange plates according
to the first a heat exchanger;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a view schematically illustrating a flowing state
of the fluid on a surface of a fluid guiding portion of the heat
exchange plate according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of each of portions "A" and "B"
as shown in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line V-V in
FIG. 4;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line VI-VI in
FIG. 4;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a gap formed
between the heat exchange plates according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another gap
formed between the heat exchange plates according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of the heat exchange
plate according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a view schematically illustrating a flowing state
of the fluids on the opposite surfaces of the fluid guiding portion
of the heat exchange plate according to the second embodiment of
the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion "E" as shown in
FIG. 10;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XII-XII
in FIG. 11;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
XIII-XIII in FIG. 11;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a schematic structural view of the heat exchange
plate according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a view schematically illustrating a flowing state
of the fluids on the opposite surfaces of the fluid guiding portion
of the heat exchange plate according to the third embodiment of the
present invention;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XVI-XVI
in FIG. 15;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
XVII-XVII in FIG. 15;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 15; and
[0042] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XIX-XIX
in FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment of the Present Invention
[0043] Now, the first embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG. 1 is
a schematic structural view of a heat exchange plate according to
the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a
perspective view schematically illustrating a flowing state of a
fluid between the heat exchange plates according to the first
embodiment of the present invention, which are assembled into a
unit for a heat exchanger; FIG. 3 is a view schematically
illustrating a flowing state of the fluid on a surface of a fluid
guiding portion of the heat exchange plate according to the first
embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of
each of portions "A" and "B" as shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a
cross-sectional view cut along the line V-V in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a
cross-sectional view cut along the line VI-VI in FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is
a cross-sectional view illustrating a gap formed between the heat
exchange plates according to the first embodiment of the present
invention; and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating
another gap formed between the heat exchange plates according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] As shown in the above-mentioned figures, the heat exchange
plate 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention
is formed of a metallic plate having a rectangular shape. The heat
exchange plate is provided, in each of places in the vicinity of
the predetermined edges of the plate for serving as inlet and
outlet portions for heat exchange fluids, with a fluid guiding
portion 10 having a sub-pattern of irregularity (i.e., the second
sub-pattern of irregularity), which includes a plurality of
projections 11 and a plurality of recesses 12.
[0045] The projections 11 having a predetermined bulge shape are
formed on the upper surface of the plate so as to align at regular
intervals on the basis of a matrix arrangement. Each of the
recesses 12 is formed in an intermediate portion between the
adjacent projections 11 so as to dent in the opposite direction to
the projecting direction of the projections 11.
[0046] The fluid guiding portions 10 are disposed in the respective
regions in the vicinity of opposite short edges of the rectangular
plate, so as to extend over the inlet and outlet portions for the
heat exchange fluids in the longitudinal direction of each of the
plates as assembled into a unit for a heat exchanger and extend
over the entire length of the edge of the plate in the lateral
direction thereof. The fluid guiding portion 10 includes the
projections 11 and the recesses 12 that are aligned at regular
intervals in the directions, which is in parallel or perpendicular
to the edge of the plate.
[0047] Each of the projections 11 includes a top portion 11a
provided in the form of a circular flat section and an outer
peripheral surface, which has a rotationally symmetrical curved
shape so as to continuously extend from the top portion 11a and
broaden toward a lower side. The projections 11 are aligned on the
surface of the plate at regular intervals on the basis of a matrix
arrangement in two directions that are in parallel or perpendicular
to the edge of the plate.
[0048] Each of the recesses 12 includes a bottom portion 12a
provided in the form of a circular flat section and an inner
peripheral surface, which has a rotationally symmetrical curved
shape so as to continuously extend from the outer peripheral
surface of the projection 11. The recess 12 is formed on the
surface of the plate so as to dent in the opposite direction to the
projecting direction of the projection 11. The recesses 12 are
aligned on the basis of the matrix arrangement in the same manner
as the projections 11 so that each of the recesses 12 is placed in
a central position of the smallest square area defined by four
projections 11.
[0049] The projections 11 and the recesses 12 are aligned at
regular intervals with the result that the outer peripheral
surfaces of the projections 11 and the inner peripheral surfaces of
the recesses 12 provide a substantially sinusoidal wave in
cross-sections of the projections 11 and the recesses 12 in the
aligning direction thereof. Transitional curved sections 13 are
provided in a central position between the adjacent two projections
11 and in a central position between the adjacent two recesses 12
so as to smoothly connect the curved surfaces of the projections 11
and the recesses 12. The transitional curved sections 13 are
provided in the concave shape relative to the projections 11 and in
the convex shape relative to the recesses 12. The transitional
curved sections 13 are placed at a level, which corresponds to an
intermediate level between the bottom portion 12a of the recess 12
and the top portion 11a of the projection 11.
[0050] The outer peripheral surface of the projection 11 and the
inner peripheral surface of the recess 12 are directly and smoothly
connected to each other and the closest adjacent projections 11 and
the closest adjacent recesses 12 are disposed continuously through
the transitional curved sections 13, which are placed at four
corners of a square defined by adjacent four projections 11 or
adjacent four recesses 12. As a result, the plate is provided with
the second sub-pattern of irregularity in which the entire surface
has a smoothly continuous curved surface. Therefore, it is possible
to disperse force applied to the plate, enhance strength thereof to
cope with high pressure of the fluid and improve formability of the
plate.
[0051] In such a fluid guiding portion 10, the recesses 12 provide
on the other (i.e., lower) surface of the plate with the same
configuration as the projections 11 and the projections 11 provide
on the surface of the plate with the same configuration as the
recesses 12, so as to provide on the opposite surfaces of the plate
with the same second sub-pattern of irregularity.
[0052] The above-described heat exchange plate 1 is placed on the
other heat exchange plate having the same structure so that they
face each other on the same side and the top portions 11a of the
projections 11 of the former plate in the fluid guiding portion 10
come into contact with the corresponding top portions 11a of the
projections 11 of the latter plate and top portions of projections
(not shown) of the former plate, which forms the first sub-pattern
of irregularity, in the main heat transfer section 16 come into
contact with the corresponding top portions of the projections of
the latter plate, to form a combined unit, and then the thus formed
combined unit is combined to the other combined units in the same
manner, to form a heat exchanger that has gaps, i.e., passages. The
heat exchange fluids flow in these passages to make heat exchange
between one of these fluids coming into contact with the upper
surface of the plate and the other of these fluids coming into
contact with the lower surface of thereof. The plates are combined
integrally with each other in this manner so that the projections
come into contact with each other, thus enhancing strength. As a
result, even when a high pressure is applied between the plates,
the heat exchanger cannot be easily deformed. Variation in distance
between the plates can be prevented, thus permitting to cope with a
case in which there is a large difference in pressure between the
heat exchange fluids.
[0053] In the fluid guiding portion 10 in the gap 14 formed between
the two adjacent plates of the thus combined plates 1 in which the
top portions 11a of the projections 11 of the plate come into
contact with the top portions 11a of the projections 11 of the
other plate, the corresponding outer peripheral surfaces of the
projections 11 of these plates 10, excluding the contacting top
portions 11a face each other with a predetermined distance kept
therebetween, the corresponding transition curved portions 13 of
these plates 10 face each other with a predetermined distance kept
therebetween, and the corresponding recesses 12 having a smaller
height than the transition curved portions 13 face each other with
a predetermined distance kept therebetween. Gaps formed between the
corresponding outer peripheral surfaces of the projections 12
communicate with gaps formed between the corresponding recesses 12
to form straight passages. Such passages extend linearly in lateral
and longitudinal directions along which the projections 11 and the
recesses 12 are aligned, so as to intersect each other to
communicate with each other, while varying periodically the
cross-sectional area (see FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0054] On the other hand, in the gap 15 formed on the opposite side
relative to the plate, the same pattern of irregularity provides
the same structure with the result that the passage extends
linearly, while expanding and reducing in a repeated manner, and
such a passage intersects the other passages so as to communicate
therewith, thus providing a braided passage structure (see FIGS. 7
and 8) in the same manner as described above. When a heat exchanger
composed of the plates as combined in a manner as described above
is placed in use so that one of the both sides of each plate is
placed horizontally or vertically, the main passages, i.e., the
gaps each of which is defined by the alternating corresponding
recesses 12 and transition curved portions 13, are kept
horizontally or vertically. The plate is provided on the lower
surface side with the reverse pattern of irregularity to the upper
surface side so that the projections on the upper surface of the
plate correspond to the recesses on the lower surface of the plate
on the basis of the same pattern of irregularity. These plates are
placed one upon another on the same side, resulting in deviation of
position of the projections and recesses by a half length of the
distance between them. Except for this matter, the same conditions
are kept for each of the gaps between the plates.
[0055] Now, description will be given below of operation of the
heat exchanger that is composed of the heat exchange plates 1
according to the embodiment of the present invention. There is the
assumption that the unit, into which the heat exchange plates 1
placed parallelly one upon another are assembled, is provided at
the corners of the respective upper and lower sides of the plate
with openings communicating with the gap 14 and the other openings
communicating with the gap 15. The respective heat exchange fluids
are introduced into the unit from the openings serving as the inlet
portions and discharged from the other openings serving as the
outlet portions so that the heat exchange fluids alternately flow
in the respective gaps between the plates in the position of the
main heat transfer section 16, based on a counter-flowing
system.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, the gap 14 formed between the adjacent
two heat exchange plates 1 is provided on the opposite upper and
lower sides with upper and lower regions, respectively. The upper
region of the gap 14 is defined by the opposing upper fluid guiding
portions 10 of the adjacent two heat exchange plates 1, and the
lower region thereof is defined by the opposing lower fluid guiding
portions 10 thereof. The upper region of the gap 14 has the first
sub-region on the left-hand side of FIG. 2 and the second
sub-region on the right-hand side thereof. The lower region of the
gap 14 also has the first sub-region on the left-hand side of FIG.
2 and the second sub-region on the right-hand side thereof.
[0057] The gap 15 formed between the adjacent two heat exchange
plates 1 is provided on the opposite upper and lower sides with
upper and lower regions, respectively, in the same manner as the
gap 14. The upper region of the gap 15 is defined by the opposing
upper fluid guiding portions 10 of the adjacent two heat exchange
plates 1, and the lower region thereof is defined by the opposing
lower fluid guiding portions 10 thereof. The upper region of the
gap 15 has the first sub-region on the left-hand side of FIG. 2 and
the second sub-region on the right-hand side thereof. The lower
region of the gap 15 also has the first sub-region on the left-hand
side of FIG. 2 and the second sub-region on the right-hand side
thereof.
[0058] The heat exchange fluid is introduced laterally, as shown in
FIG. 2 by a solid arrow, into the gap 14 from the first sub-region
of the upper region thereof to flow therein. The other heat
exchange fluid flowing in the gap 15, which is placed adjacently to
the above-mentioned gap 14 so as to be separated therefrom by the
heat exchange plate 1, is discharged outside, as shown in FIG. 2 by
a solid arrow, from the second sub-region of the upper region of
the gap 15. The gaps 14, 15, which are defined between the plates
by configurations of the projections 11 and the recesses 12, extend
continuously and linearly in the longitudinal and lateral
directions along which projections 11 and the recesses 12 are
aligned, to form passage sections in which the heat exchange fluid
flows so that the passage section intersects the other passage
section so as to communicate therewith.
[0059] The heat exchange fluid flowing in the gap 14 is discharged
outside, as shown in FIG. 2 by a solid arrow, from the second
sub-region of the lower region of the gap 14. The other heat
exchange fluid is introduced laterally, as shown in FIG. 2 by a
solid arrow, into the gap 15 from the first sub-region of the lower
region thereof to flow therein.
[0060] The heat exchange fluid first flows horizontally in the
upper region of the gap 14 with its introducing power and then
flows vertically into a region defined by the main heat transfer
sections 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). More specifically, the heat
exchange fluid flows horizontally and vertically to reach smoothly
and uniformly the edge of the main heat transfer section 16, while
repeating confluence and divergence at intersections of the
passages. The heat exchange fluid can reach uniformly the edge of
the main heat transfer section 16, so as to spread smoothly over
every corner of the opposite surfaces of the heat exchange plate
1.
[0061] On the other hand, with respect to the discharge of the heat
exchange fluid, this fluid flowing horizontally in a uniformly
distributed amount travels from the edge of the main heat transfer
section 16 to enter the fluid guiding portion 10, and flows
horizontally and then vertically into the outlet portion. More
specifically, the heat exchange fluid flows horizontally and
vertically to reach smoothly and uniformly the opening serving as
the outlet portion, while repeating confluence and divergence at
intersections of the passages. It is therefore possible to receive
the heat exchange fluid from the edge of the main heat transfer
section 16 and then cause it to flow smoothly, thus avoiding a
problem of adverse effect of irregular flow of the fluid in the
main heat transfer section 16 due to clogging of the heat exchange
fluid.
[0062] In the different gap 15, the passages, which mainly include
the recesses 12 provided on the bask side of the projections 11,
and the transitional curved sections 13, extend vertically and
horizontally in the same manner as the gap 14. However, a portion
of the gap 15, which corresponds to the inlet portion of the gap
14, serves as the outlet portion, and a portion of the gap, which
corresponds to the outlet portion of the gap 14, serves as the
inlet portion. The other heat exchange fluid in the gap 15 has the
similar flowing behavior to the heat exchange fluid in the gap 14.
More specifically, the other heat exchange fluid flows horizontally
at the fluid guiding portion 10 on the inlet portion side, and then
travels vertically to reach smoothly and uniformly the edge of the
main heat transfer section 16. The other heat exchange fluid
travels from the edge of the main heat transfer section 16 through
the vertical and horizontal passages in the fluid guiding portion
10 on the outlet side to the outlet portion to be discharged
outside.
[0063] It is therefore possible to control pressure loss in the
passages for the two kinds of heat exchange fluids in the fluid
guiding portions 10 to cause the respective fluids to pass through
the gaps 14, 15 toward the main heat transfer section 16.
Accordingly, the two kinds of heat exchange fluids can spread into
every corner of the main heat transfer sections 16 to facilitate
heat transfer between the plate and the fluid, thus improving the
heat exchange performance. In addition, the heat transfer between
the fluid guiding portions 10 and the two kinds of heat exchange
fluids also progresses, when these heat exchange fluids flow
between the respective gaps 14, 15, which have the configuration
caused by the sub-pattern of irregularity and extend between the
fluid guiding portions 10. Therefore, the heat exchange between the
fluids can be achieved and the general heat exchange performance of
the plate can be improved by the heat exchange at the fluid guiding
portions 10.
[0064] According to the heat exchange plate 1 according to the
first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided, in
the predetermined position over the predetermined area in the
vicinity of the edge of the plate 1, which forms the inlet and
outlet portions for the heat exchange fluids, with the fluid
guiding portion 10 in which the projections 11 and the recesses 12
are aligned in a linear line between the inlet and outlet portions
and the main heat transfer section 16. When the plurality of plates
having the above-mentioned structure are placed one upon another
and combined together to form an assembly unit for a heat
exchanger, there are formed, in the regions coming into contact
with the fluid guiding portions 10 in the gaps 14, 15 between the
plates, a passage that extends directly and linearly from the inlet
and outlet portions to the main heat transfer section 16, as well
as a passage that is formed by a simple combination of linear
passages and has the minimum restriction in change in flowing
direction of the heat exchange fluid between the inlet and outlet
portions and the main heat transfer section 16. When the heat
exchange fluid flows in the passages in the fluid guiding portions
10 of the plates, the fluid smoothly passes through the fluid
guiding portions 10 to be introduced uniformly into the main heat
transfer section 16 or discharged rapidly from the outlet portion.
Especially, when the heat exchange fluid flows to the main heat
transfer section 16, the heat exchange fluid introduced into the
gap between the plates travels horizontally and linearly in the
passages at the fluid guiding portions 10, turns at right angles,
and then flows vertically to reach the main heat transfer section
16. It is therefore possible to cause the heat exchange fluid to
flow uniformly from the fluid guiding portions 10 to every corner
of the main heat transfer section 16 including regions away from an
inlet portion thereof, with the result that the heat exchange fluid
can spread into every corner of the main heat transfer section 16
to cause almost all area of the plate to serve as an effective heat
transfer member. It is therefore possible to ensure an appropriate
heat transfer between the plate and the heat exchange fluid to
increase an amount of heat transfer, thus performing an effective
heat exchange between the heat exchange fluids and providing a
higher capacity heat exchanger.
Second Embodiment of the Present Invention
[0065] Now, the second embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13. FIG. 9
is a schematic structural view of the heat exchange plate according
to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a
view schematically illustrating a flowing state of the fluids on
the opposite surfaces of the fluid guiding portion of the heat
exchange plate according to the second embodiment of the present
invention; FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion "E" as shown in
FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
XII-XII in FIG. 11; and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view cut along
the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 11.
[0066] The heat exchange plate 2 according to the second embodiment
of the present invention is identical to that of the first
embodiment of the present invention in that the plate is formed of
a metallic plate having a rectangular shape and provided with a
fluid guiding portion 20 having a sub-pattern of irregularity
(i.e., the second sub-pattern of irregularity), which includes a
plurality of projections 21 and a plurality of recesses 22. The
plate 2 is different from that of the first embodiment of the
present invention in that predetermined opposite regions of each of
the upper and lower sides of the plate serve as the inlet and
outlet portions in use of the assembled unit for the heat
exchanger, respectively, and the projections 21 and the recesses 22
are aligned linearly and obliquely in accordance with the positions
of the inlet and outlet portions.
[0067] The fluid guiding portions 20 are provided in the vicinity
of the respective short sides of the heat exchange plate 2 and have
a longitudinal length so as to correspond to the inlet and outlet
portions for the heat exchange fluids in the unit for the heat
exchanger, into which the plates are assembled, and a lateral
length extending over the entire short side of the plate. The
projections 21 and the recesses 22 are aligned along straight lines
that directly extend from the inlet and outlet portions to the edge
of the main heat transfer section 26 in oblique directions relative
to the respective edges of the rectangular plate at the
predetermined intervals.
[0068] Each of the projections 21 is identical to the projection 11
of the first embodiment of the present invention in that the
projection 21 includes a top portion 21a provided in the form of a
circular flat section and an outer peripheral surface, which has a
curved shape so as to continuously extend from the top portion 21a
and broaden toward a lower side. However, the projections 21 of the
second embodiment of the present invention are different from the
projections 11 of the first embodiment of the present invention in
that the projections 21 are aligned on the surface of the plate
along straight lines that are located at the predetermined
intervals so as to be oblique relative to the edge of the
plate.
[0069] Each of the recesses 22 includes a bottom portion 22a and an
inner peripheral surface, which has a curved shape so as to
continuously extend from the outer peripheral surface of the
surrounding projection 21. The recess 22 is formed on the surface
of the plate so as to dent in the opposite direction to the
projecting direction of the projection 21. The recesses 12 are
aligned along oblique straight lines relative to the edge of the
plate in the same manner as the above-mentioned projections 21, so
that each of the recesses 22 is placed in a central position of the
smallest rhomboid area defined by four projections 21.
[0070] The projections 21 and the recesses 22 are aligned at
regular intervals with the result that the outer peripheral
surfaces of the projections 21 and the inner peripheral surfaces of
the recesses 22 provide a substantially sinusoidal wave in
cross-sections of the projections 21 and the recesses 22 in the
aligning direction thereof. Transitional curved sections 23 are
provided in a central position between the adjacent two projections
21 and in a central position between the adjacent two recesses 22
so as to smoothly connect the curved surfaces of the projections 21
and the recesses 22. The plate is provided with the second
sub-pattern of irregularity in which the entire surface has a
smoothly continuous curved surface over the fluid guiding portion
20 including regions between the projections 21 and the recesses
22, in the same manner as the first embodiment of the present
invention. Therefore, it is possible to disperse force applied to
the plate, enhance strength thereof to cope with high pressure of
the fluid and improve formability of the plate.
[0071] In such a fluid guiding portion 20, the recesses 22 provide
on the other (i.e., lower) surface of the plate with the same
configuration as the projections 21 and the projections 21 provide
on the surface of the plate with the same configuration as the
recesses 22, so as to provide on the opposite surfaces of the plate
with the same second sub-pattern of irregularity.
[0072] The above-described heat exchange plate 2 is placed on the
other heat exchange plate having the same structure so that they
face each other on the same side and the top portions 21a of the
projections 21 of the former plate in the fluid guiding portion 20
come into contact with the corresponding top portions 21a of the
projections 21 of the latter plate and top portions of projections
(not shown) of the former plate, which forms the first sub-pattern
of irregularity, in the main heat transfer section 26 come into
contact with the corresponding top portions of the projections of
the latter plate, to form a combined unit, and then the thus formed
combined unit is combined to the other combined units in the same
manner as the first embodiment of the present invention, to form a
heat exchanger that has gaps, i.e., passages. In the fluid guiding
portion 20 in the gap 24 formed between the two adjacent plates of
the thus combined plates 2 in which the top portions 21a of the
projections 21 of the plate come into contact with the top portions
21a of the projections 21 of the other plate, the corresponding
outer peripheral surfaces of the projections 21 of these plates 2,
excluding the contacting top portions 21a face each other with a
predetermined distance kept therebetween, the corresponding
transition curved portions 23 of these plates 2 face each other
with a predetermined distance kept therebetween, and the
corresponding recesses 22 having a smaller height than the
transition curved portions 23 face each other with a predetermined
distance kept therebetween. Gaps formed between the corresponding
outer peripheral surfaces of the projections 22 communicate with
gaps formed between the corresponding recesses 22 to form straight
passages in an oblique direction. The adjacent passages are aligned
so as to intersect each other to communicate with each other (see
FIGS. 12 and 13).
[0073] On the other hand, in the gap 25 formed on the opposite side
relative to the plate, the same pattern of irregularity provides
the same structure with the result that the passage extends
linearly, while expanding and reducing in a repeated manner, and
such a passage intersects the other passages so as to communicate
therewith, thus providing a braided passage structure (see FIGS. 12
and 13) in the same manner as described above. When a heat
exchanger composed of the plates as combined in a manner as
described above is placed in use so that one of the both sides of
each plate is placed horizontally or vertically, the main passages,
i.e., the gaps each of which is defined by the alternating
corresponding recesses 22 and transition curved portions 23, are
kept horizontally or vertically. The plate is provided on the lower
surface side with the reverse pattern of irregularity to the upper
surface side so that the projections on the upper surface of the
plate correspond to the recesses on the lower surface of the plate
on the basis of the same pattern of irregularity. These plates are
placed one upon another on the same side, resulting in deviation of
position of the projections and recesses by a half length of the
distance between them. Except for this matter, the same conditions
are kept for each of the gaps between the plates.
[0074] Now, description will be given below of operation of the
heat exchanger that is composed of the heat exchange plates 2
according to the embodiment of the present invention. There is the
assumption that the unit, into which the heat exchange plates 1
placed parallelly one upon another are assembled, is provided, at
the upper corner defined by the upper lateral side and the side
longitudinal side of the plate and the lower corner defined by the
lower lateral side and the side longitudinal side thereof, of the
corners of the plate, with openings communicating with the gap 24
and the other openings communicating with the gap 25. The
respective heat exchange fluids are introduced in an oblique
direction from fluid supply sections 61, 71 into the unit through
the openings serving as the inlet portions and discharged from the
other openings serving as the outlet portions to fluid recover
sections 62, 72 so that the heat exchange fluids alternately flow
in the respective gaps between the plates based on a
counter-flowing system.
[0075] In the upper fluid guiding portion 20 of each heat exchange
plate 2, one of the heat exchange fluids is introduced obliquely
from the upper corner, which is defined by the upper lateral side
and the side longitudinal side of the plate, into the gap 24 formed
on one side of the plate, to flow therein. The other heat exchange
fluid as flowing in the other gap 25, which is placed oppositely to
the above-mentioned gap 24 relative to the heat exchange plate 2,
is discharged outside from the upper corner that is placed
oppositely to the above-mentioned upper corner. The gaps 24, 25,
which are defined between the plates by configurations of the
projections 21 and the recesses 22, extend continuously and
linearly in the oblique direction along which the projections 21
and the recesses 22 are aligned, to form passage sections in which
the heat exchange fluid flows so that the passage section
intersects the other passage section so as to communicate
therewith.
[0076] On the other hand, in the lower fluid guiding portion 20,
the heat exchange fluid, which has flown in the gap 24, is
discharged outside from the lower corner, which is placed
oppositely to the above-mentioned introducing position. The other
heat exchange fluid is obliquely introduced into the other gap 25
from the inlet portion, which is placed oppositely to the
above-mentioned outlet portion, to flow therein.
[0077] The heat exchange fluid first flows obliquely in the upper
region of the gap 24 with its introducing power into the fluid
guiding portion 20 and then flows mainly in the initial traveling
direction, while repeating divergence and confluence at
intersections of the passages, to reach smoothly and uniformly the
edge of the main heat transfer sections 26 (see arrows indicated in
solid lines in FIG. 10). The heat exchange fluid can uniformly
reach the edge of the main heat transfer sections 26 to cause the
heat exchange fluid to flow to every areas on the opposite surfaces
of the main heat transfer section 26 of the heat transfer plate 2
in this manner.
[0078] On the other hand, with respect to the discharge of the heat
exchange fluid, this fluid flowing horizontally in a uniformly
distributed amount travels from the edge of the main heat transfer
section 26 to enter the fluid guiding portion 20, flows obliquely
along the passages defined by the projections 21 and the recesses
22, and then reaches the outlet portion, while repeating confluence
and divergence at intersections of the passages. More specifically,
the heat exchange fluid flows obliquely and reach smoothly the
opening serving as the outlet portion. It is therefore possible to
receive uniformly the heat exchange fluid from the edge of the main
heat transfer section 26 and then cause it to flow smoothly, thus
avoiding a problem of adverse effect of irregular flow of the fluid
in the main heat transfer section 26 due to clogging of the heat
exchange fluid.
[0079] In the different gap 25, the passages, which mainly include
the recesses 22 provided on the bask side of the projections 21,
and the transitional curved sections 23, extend vertically and
horizontally in the same manner as the gap 24. However, a portion
of the gap 25, which corresponds to the inlet portion of the gap
24, serves as the outlet portion, and a portion of the gap, which
corresponds to the outlet portion of the gap 24, serves as the
inlet portion. The other heat exchange fluid in the gap 25 has the
similar flowing behavior to the heat exchange fluid in the gap 24.
More specifically, the other heat exchange fluid flows obliquely at
the fluid guiding portion 20 on the inlet portion side to reach
smoothly and uniformly the edge of the main heat transfer section
26. The other heat exchange fluid travels from the edge of the main
heat transfer section 26 through the obliquely extending passages
in the fluid guiding portion 20 on the outlet side to the outlet
portion to be discharged outside (see arrows indicated in broken
lines in FIG. 10).
[0080] It is therefore possible to cause the respective heat
exchange fluids to pass through the gaps 24, 25 in the fluid
guiding portion 20 toward the main heat transfer section 26.
Accordingly, the two kinds of heat exchange fluids can spread into
every corner of the main heat transfer sections 26 to facilitate
heat transfer between the plate and the fluid, thus improving the
heat exchange performance in the same manner as the first
embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the general heat
exchange performance of the plates can be improved by the heat
exchange at the fluid guiding portions 20.
[0081] According to the heat exchange plate according to the second
embodiment of the present invention, the projections 21 and the
recesses 22 are aligned linearly in the oblique direction between
the inlet and outlet portions and the main heat transfer section
26. When the plurality of plates having the above-mentioned
structure are placed one upon another and combined together to form
an assembly unit for a heat exchanger, there are formed between the
plates, the passages that extend directly and linearly from the
inlet and outlet portions to the main heat transfer section 26.
When the heat exchange fluid flows in the passages in the fluid
guiding portions 20 of the plates, the fluid smoothly and obliquely
passes through the fluid guiding portions 20 to be introduced
uniformly into the main heat transfer section 26 or discharged
rapidly from the outlet portion. Especially, when the heat exchange
fluid flows to the main heat transfer section 26, the heat exchange
fluid flows uniformly from the side of the fluid guiding portion 20
into a boundary position relative to the main heat transfer section
26. Accordingly, the heat exchange fluid can flow uniformly to
every corner of the main heat transfer section 26 to cause almost
all area of the plate to serve as an effective heat transfer
member. It is therefore possible to ensure an appropriate heat
transfer between the plate and the heat exchange fluid to increase
an amount of heat transfer, thus performing an effective heat
exchange between the heat exchange fluids and providing a higher
capacity heat exchanger.
Third Embodiment of the Present Invention
[0082] Now, the third embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 19. FIG. 14
is a schematic structural view of the heat exchange plate according
to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 15 is a view
schematically illustrating a flowing state of the fluids on the
opposite surfaces of the fluid guiding portion of the heat exchange
plate according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line XVI-XVI in
FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line
XVII-XVII in FIG. 15; FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view cut along
the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 15; and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional
view cut along the line XIX-XIX in FIG. 15.
[0083] The heat exchange plate 3 according to the third embodiment
of the present invention is identical to that of the first
embodiment of the present invention in that the plate is formed of
a metallic plate having a rectangular shape and provided with a
fluid guiding portion 30 having a sub-pattern of irregularity
(i.e., the second sub-pattern of irregularity), which includes a
plurality of projections 31 and a plurality of recesses 32. The
plate 3 is different from that of the first embodiment of the
present invention in that the plate has openings 50 formed on the
opposite sides of the plate in the longitudinal direction thereof,
and each of the openings 50 is surrounded with a fluid guiding
portion 30 in which projections 31 and recesses 32 are aligned
along curved lines extending from a periphery of the opening 50 to
an edge of a main heat transfer section 37.
[0084] The above-mentioned fluid guiding portion 30, which is
provided on each of the opposite sides of the heat exchange plate 3
having a rectangular shape in the longitudinal direction, i.e., on
each of the short sides of the plate, has an area that extends in
the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange plate 3 by a
predetermined distance, which is longer than the length of the
opening 50 and extends in the lateral direction of the plate over
the whole lateral length thereof. The projections 31 and the
recesses 32 are provided on the opposite sides of the fluid guiding
portion 30, between which the opening 50 is formed, so as to be
symmetrical to each other relative to the center of the opening 50.
The projections 31 and the recesses 32 are aligned along curved
lines extending from the opening 50 to the edge of the main heat
transfer section 37.
[0085] Each of the projections 31 is identical to the projection of
the first embodiment of the present invention in that the
projection 31 includes a top portion 31a provided in the form of a
circular flat section and an outer peripheral surface, which has a
curved shape so as to continuously extend from the top portion 31a
and broaden toward a lower side. However, the projections 31 of the
third embodiment of the present invention are different from the
projections 11 of the first embodiment of the present invention in
that they are aligned along the curved lines, which extend from the
edge of the opening 50 to the edge of the main heat transfer
section 37, so as to be apart from each other.
[0086] Each of the recesses 32 includes, at positions in which the
projections 31 are aligned along the curved lines in the fluid
guiding portion 30, a bottom portion 32a and an inner peripheral
surface, which has a curved shape so as to continuously extend from
the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding projection 31. The
recess 32 is formed on the surface of the plate so as to dent in
the opposite direction to the projecting direction of the
projection 31. The recesses 32 are aligned along the curved lines,
which extend from the edge of the opening 50 to the edge of the
main heat transfer section 37, in the same manner as the
above-mentioned projections 31, but the recesses 32 are provided in
the different irregular pattern from the projections 31.
[0087] The projections 31 and the recesses 32 are aligned so as to
provide the respective continuous cross-sections along the curved
lines. Transitional curved sections 33, 34 are provided in a
central position between the adjacent two projections 31 and in a
central position between the adjacent two recesses 32 so as to
smoothly connect the curved surfaces of the projections 31 and the
recesses 32. The transitional curved section 33 for the adjacent
two projections 31 is different in shape from the transitional
curved section 34 for the adjacent two recesses 32. The plate is
provided with the second sub-pattern of irregularity in which the
entire surface has a smoothly continuous curved surface over the
fluid guiding portion 30 including regions between the projections
31 and the recesses 32, in this manner. Therefore, it is possible
to disperse force applied to the plate, enhance strength thereof to
cope with high pressure of the fluid and improve formability of the
plate.
[0088] In such a fluid guiding portion 30, the recesses 32 provide
on the other (i.e., lower) surface of the plate with the same
configuration as the projections 31 so as to form the projections
35 on the other surface thereof and the projections 31 provide on
the surface of the plate with the same configuration as the
recesses 32 so as to form the recesses 36 on the other surface
thereof. However, the aligned projections 31 and the aligned
recesses 32 are not common in regularity to each other and have an
inversed relationship of the opposite surfaces of the plate, so as
not to provide on the opposite surfaces of the plate with the same
second sub-pattern of irregularity in the same manner as the first
and second embodiments of the present invention.
[0089] The above-described heat exchange plate 3 is placed on the
other heat exchange plate having the same structure so that they
face each other on the same side and the top portions 31a of the
projections 31 of the former plate in the fluid guiding portion 30
come into contact with the corresponding top portions 31a of the
projections 31 of the latter plate and top portions of projections
(not shown) of the former plate, which forms the first sub-pattern
of irregularity, in the main heat transfer section 37 come into
contact with the corresponding top portions of the projections of
the latter plate, to form a combined unit, and then the thus formed
combined unit is combined to the other combined units in the same
manner as the first embodiment of the present invention, to form a
heat exchanger that has gaps, i.e., passages. In the fluid guiding
portion 30 in the gap 38 formed between the two adjacent plates of
the thus combined plates 3 in which the top portions 31a of the
projections 31 of the plate come into contact with the top portions
31a of the projections 31 of the other plate, the corresponding
outer peripheral surfaces of the projections 31 of these plates 3,
excluding the contacting top portions 31a face each other with a
predetermined distance kept therebetween, the corresponding
transition curved portions 33 of these plates 3 face each other
with a predetermined distance kept therebetween, and the
corresponding recesses 32 having a smaller height than the
transition curved portions 33 face each other with a predetermined
distance kept therebetween. Gaps formed between the corresponding
outer peripheral surfaces of the projections 32 communicate with
gaps formed between the corresponding recesses 32 to form curved
passages in the curved lines along which the projections 31 and the
recesses 32 are aligned. The adjacent passages are aligned so as to
intersect each other to communicate with each other (see FIGS. 16
to 19).
[0090] In the adjacent gap 39 separated by the plate, the
projections 35 and the recesses 36 in the fluid guiding portion 30
do not provide on the opposite surfaces of the plate with the same
second sub-pattern of irregularity. As a result, the passage
including the gaps, which are formed between the outer peripheries
of the projections 35 and the recesses, as well as between the
transitional curved sections 34 so as to communicate with each
other, is quite different from the passage formed in the gap 38. On
the other plate by which the above-mentioned gap 39 is defined, the
recesses 36 and the transitional curved sections 34 are aligned in
a vertical direction or an oblique direction so as to provide
passages extending linearly in the vertical direction or a
direction with a slightly inclined angle therefrom.
[0091] Now, description will be given below of operation of the
heat exchanger that is composed of the heat exchange plates 3
according to the embodiment of the present invention. There is the
assumption that, in the unit, into which the heat exchange plates 3
placed parallelly one upon another are assembled, the plate has the
opening 50 serving as the inlet portion through which one of the
heat exchange fluids is introduced into the gap 38, and the other
opening 50 serving as the outlet portion from which the
above-mentioned heat exchange fluid is discharged. In addition,
additional openings are provided on the upper and lower sides of
the unit so as to communicate with the gap 39. The other heat
exchange fluid is introduced vertically from the additional opening
serving as the inlet portion and the above-mentioned other heat
exchange fluid is discharged from the other additional opening
serving as the outlet portion so that the heat exchange fluids
alternately flow in the respective gaps between the plates based on
a counter-flowing system.
[0092] In the upper fluid guiding portion 30 of each heat exchange
plate 3, one of the heat exchange fluids is introduced from the
opening 50 in the fluid guiding portion 30 to flow therein. The
other heat exchange fluid as flowing in the other gap 39, which is
placed oppositely to the above-mentioned gap 38 relative to the
heat exchange plate 3, is discharged outside from the upper side of
the unit. In the gap 38, the projections 31 and the recesses 32
aligned along the curved lines so as to form a plurality of
passages in which one of the heat exchange fluids flows. In the gap
39 in which the other heat exchange fluid flows, a plurality of
passages is provided so as to extend linearly in the vertical
direction or an oblique direction in accordance with the
arrangement of the projections 35 and the recesses 36 and intersect
each other.
[0093] On the other hand, in the lower fluid guiding portion 30,
the heat exchange fluid, which has flown in the gap 38, is
discharged outside from the other opening 50. The other heat
exchange fluid is vertically introduced into the other gap 39 from
the inlet portion, which is placed oppositely to the
above-mentioned outlet portion, to flow therein.
[0094] The heat exchange fluid is first spread out from the opening
50 in the gap 38 with its introducing power into the fluid guiding
portion 30, and a part of the fluid directly flows to the main heat
transfer section 37 below the opening 50, but a remaining major
part thereof flows along the curved lines along which the
projections 31 and the recesses 32 are aligned, while repeating
divergence and confluence at intersections of the passages, to
reach smoothly and uniformly the edge of the main heat transfer
sections 37 (see arrows indicated in solid lines in FIG. 15). The
heat exchange fluid can uniformly reach the edge of the main heat
transfer sections 37 to cause the heat exchange fluid to flow to
every areas on the opposite surfaces of the main heat transfer
section 37 of the heat transfer plate 3 in this manner.
[0095] On the other hand, with respect to the discharge of the heat
exchange fluid, this fluid flowing horizontally in a uniformly
distributed amount travels from the edge of the main heat transfer
section 37 to enter the fluid guiding portion 30, and a part of the
fluid directly flows and come into the opening 50, which is placed
below the main heat transfer section 37, but a remaining major part
thereof flows along the curved lines along which the projections 31
and the recesses 32 are aligned, and come into the opening 50,
while repeating divergence and confluence at intersections of the
passages. More specifically, the heat exchange fluid flows in the
curved passages and reach smoothly the opening 50 serving as the
outlet portion. It is therefore possible to receive uniformly the
heat exchange fluid from the edge of the main heat transfer section
37 and then cause it to flow smoothly, thus avoiding a problem of
adverse effect of irregular flow of the fluid in the main heat
transfer section 37 due to clogging of the heat exchange fluid.
[0096] In the different gap 39, the passages, which mainly include
the recesses 32 provided on the bask side of the projections 31,
and the transitional curved sections 33, extend vertically or in a
direction with a slightly inclined angle. Consequently, the inlet
side of the gap 38 serves as the outlet side of the gap 39 and the
outlet side of the gap 38 serves as the inlet side of the gap 39,
in the same manner as the first and second embodiments of the
present invention. The other heat exchange fluid in the gap 39
flows in the passages, which extend vertically or in a direction
with slightly inclined angle from the edge of the fluid guiding
portion 30 on the inlet side thereof, to reach smoothly and
uniformly the edge of the main heat transfer section 37. The other
heat exchange fluid travels from the edge of the main heat transfer
section 37 through the passages extending vertically or in the
direction with the slightly inclined angle in the fluid guiding
portion 30 on the outlet side to the outlet portion to be
discharged outside (see arrows indicated in broken lines in FIG.
15).
[0097] It is therefore possible to cause the respective heat
exchange fluids to pass through the gaps 38, 39 in the fluid
guiding portion 30 toward the main heat transfer section 37.
Accordingly, the two kinds of heat exchange fluids can spread into
every corner of the main heat transfer sections 37 to facilitate
heat transfer between the plate and the fluid, thus improving the
heat exchange performance in the same manner as the first
embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the general heat
exchange performance of the plates can be improved by the heat
exchange at the fluid guiding portions 30.
[0098] According to the heat exchange plate according to the third
embodiment of the present invention, the projections 31 and the
recesses 32 in the fluid guiding portion 30 are aligned along the
curved lines extending from the opening 50 to the main heat
transfer section 37 in accordance with the structure of the plate,
which has the openings 50 serving as the inlet and outlet portions
for the heat exchange fluid. When the plurality of plates having
the above-mentioned structure are placed one upon another and
combined together to form an assembly unit for a heat exchanger,
there are formed in the gaps 38, 39 between the plates, the
passages that extend curvedly along the curved lines along which
the projections 31 and the recesses 32 are aligned and communicate
with each other. When the heat exchange fluid, which is in
particularly introduced in the gap between the plates from the
opening 50 on the inlet side, is introduced into the passages in
the fluid guiding portions 30 of the plates through the opening 50
and discharged therefrom, the fluid can directly flow to come into
the main heat transfer section 37 through the curved passages in
the fluid guiding portion 30, thus making it possible to cause the
heat exchange fluid to flow uniformly into every corner of the main
heat transfer section 37, which includes portions of the main heat
transfer section 37 that are apart from the opening 50, from the
side of the fluid guiding portion 30. It is therefore possible to
ensure an appropriate heat transfer between the plate and the heat
exchange fluid, thus providing a higher capacity heat exchanger.
The inlet and/or outlet portions for the other heat exchange fluid
is provided in the predetermined region at the edge of the plate
and at least part of the projections 31 formed on the basis of the
curved arrangement provides the linear arrangement in the vicinity
of the straight line connecting the inlet and/or outlet portions to
the main heat transfer section 37. As a result, the corresponding
recess portions 36 formed on the back side of the projections 31 on
the second surface of the plate are aligned linearly to provide a
main section for the passage for the fluid on the second surface of
the plate. It is therefore possible to cause the fluid, which
passes through the opening and flows on the first surface of the
plate, to flow appropriately between the opening and the main heat
transfer section 37, and simultaneously cause the other fluid,
which flows along the second surface of the plate, to flow smoothly
between the inlet and/or outlet portions at the edge of the plate
and the main heat transfer section 37, so as to perform heat
transfer between the heat transfer fluids through the plate having
the first and second surfaces, thus improving the heat exchange
performance between the fluids.
[0099] The heat exchange plate according to the above-described
third embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which
the projections 31 and the recesses 32 are aligned along the curved
lines in view of the positions of the openings 50 serving as the
inlet and outlet portions for the heat exchange fluid. The present
invention is not limited only to such an embodiment. Even when the
inlet and outlet portions for the heat exchange fluid are provided
in the form of opening, the projections 31 and the recesses 32 may
be aligned linearly. In addition, even when the inlet and outlet
portions for the heat exchange fluid are provided in the vicinity
of the edges of the plate, the projections 31 and the recesses 32
may be aligned along the curved lines. An appropriate selection of
a structure to adapt a positional relationship between the inlet
and outlet portions of the heat exchange fluid and the main heat
transfer section so as to provide the optimum flowing condition of
the heat exchange fluid.
[0100] In the heat exchange plate according to each of the
above-described first to third embodiments of the present
invention, any desired structural features may be applied, except
for providing the fluid guiding portion in accordance with the
positions and characteristic features of the inlet and outlet
portions for the heat exchange fluid and the main heat transfer
section. The heat exchange plate of the present invention may have
a desired shape in a peripheral portion and openings formed in
desired positions so as to be capable of being used as a heat
exchange plate for a heat exchanger in which a plurality of plates
are directly connected to each other by welding or brazing the
plates at their peripheries or diffusion bonding the plates at
connection portions including the top portions of the projections
thereof, or a plate-type heat exchanger in which a plurality of
plates are placed one upon another, with gasket members placed
therebetween, and subjected to a pressing process for imparting an
external pressure to them to form a combined unit.
* * * * *