Heat exchangers and refrigeration cycle systems

Abstract

Conventional technology has the problem that it cannot prevent the header from corroding due to condensation water when the water absorption capacity of the protective cover decreases. [Solution] The heat exchanger 11 comprises a plurality of flattened tubes 61, fins, a lower header 96, and a water guiding member 90. The plurality of flattened tubes 61 extend vertically. The lower header 96 is connected to the ends of the plurality of flattened tubes 61. The water guiding member 90 covers a portion of the lower header 96. The water guiding member 90 guides condensed water to areas other than the lower header 96.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] It relates to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-92138), in a heat exchanger including a plurality of flat tubes extending in the vertical direction, fins disposed between adjacent flat tubes, and headers connected to ends of the plurality of flat tubes, a protective cover made of chelating resin is installed at the ends of the plurality of flat tubes, and by allowing the protective cover to absorb condensed water, a technique for suppressing corrosion of the headers due to condensed water is known.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In Patent Document 1, there is a problem that when the protective cover sufficiently absorbs condensed water and the water absorption capacity of the protective cover decreases, corrosion of the headers due to condensed water cannot be suppressed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The heat exchanger according to the first aspect includes a plurality of flat tubes, fins, headers, and a water guiding member. The plurality of flat tubes extend in the vertical direction. Refrigerant flows through the interiors of the plurality of flat tubes. The fins are disposed between adjacent flat tubes. The adjacent flat tubes are arranged along a first direction. The first direction is a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The headers are connected to ends of the plurality of flat tubes. The headers extend in the first direction. The water guiding member covers a part of the headers. The water guiding member guides condensed water to a region other than the headers.

[0005] In the heat exchanger according to the first aspect, the water guiding member guides condensed water to a region other than the headers. As a result, the heat exchanger can suppress corrosion of the headers due to condensed water.

[0006] The heat exchanger in the second view is the heat exchanger described in the first view, wherein the water guiding member has an inclined portion. The inclined portion is inclined with respect to the horizontal when viewed along the first direction.

[0007] The second type of heat exchanger utilizes the slope of the inclined section to efficiently drain condensation water.

[0008] The heat exchanger in the third aspect is the heat exchanger described in the second aspect, wherein the inclined section is inclined such that the windward side is lower.

[0009] The third type of heat exchanger, with this configuration, can prevent condensation water from flowing into the heat exchanger.

[0010] The heat exchanger in the fourth aspect is the heat exchanger described in the second aspect, wherein the inclined section is inclined such that the leeward side is lower.

[0011] The heat exchanger in the fourth perspective, with this configuration, can use wind power to drain condensation water from the inclined section.

[0012] The heat exchanger of the fifth aspect is the heat exchanger described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the water guiding member is located in a first region above the connection between the header and the plurality of flattened pipes.

[0013] The fifth aspect of the heat exchanger, with this configuration, can suppress corrosion caused by condensation water, particularly at the connections between the header and the multiple flat tubes, which are prone to corrosion.

[0014] The heat exchanger of the sixth aspect is the heat exchanger described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the water guiding member covers the windward side of the header.

[0015] The heat exchanger in the sixth perspective, with this configuration, can suppress corrosion of the connection between the header and the multiple flat tubes due to exposure to wind.

[0016] The heat exchanger according to the seventh aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and the water guiding member covers the leeward side of the header.

[0017] With such a configuration, the heat exchanger according to the seventh aspect can suppress the condensed water from flowing in from the leeward side and moving to the connection portion between the header and the plurality of flat tubes.

[0018] The heat exchanger according to the eighth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and the water guiding member is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0019] The heat exchanger according to the ninth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and the surface potential of the water guiding member is 50 mV or more lower than the surface potential of the plurality of flat tubes.

[0020] With the water guiding member serving as a sacrificial anode, the heat exchanger according to the ninth aspect can preferentially corrode the water guiding member over the plurality of flat tubes.

[0021] The heat exchanger according to the tenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and the thickness of the water guiding member is thicker than the thickness of the fins.

[0022] The heat exchanger according to the eleventh aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and the header is a lower header. The lower header is connected to the lower ends of the plurality of flat tubes.

[0023] The refrigeration cycle device according to the twelfth aspect includes the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of an outdoor unit. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of an outdoor heat exchanger. [Figure 4]It is a perspective view of a heat exchanger. [Figure 5] It is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the heat exchanger. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of a part of the water conducting member. [Figure 7] It is a view of the water conducting member seen along the first direction. [Figure 8] It is a view showing the process of attaching the water conducting member to a plurality of flat tubes 61. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of a part of the water conducting member.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] (1) Configuration of the Refrigeration Cycle Device FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device 1. The refrigeration cycle device 1 uses a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to cool or heat an object whose temperature is to be adjusted. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is an air conditioner that cools or heats the air in the target space. The refrigeration cycle device 1 may be, for example, a hot water supply device, a floor heating device, etc. Also, in this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is a multi-type air conditioner for buildings. The refrigeration cycle device 1 may be, for example, a central air conditioning type air conditioner, etc.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle device 1 mainly includes an indoor unit 20 and an outdoor unit 30. The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected by a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 52 to form a refrigerant circuit 50. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 50 is, for example, a single refrigerant such as R32 or a mixed refrigerant such as R454C. The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are communicably connected by a communication line 98.

[0027] (1-1) Indoor Unit The indoor unit 20 is provided, for example, on the ceiling of the target space. As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 20 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, an indoor expansion valve 23, and an indoor control unit 29.

[0028] The indoor heat exchanger 21 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the air in the target space. The indoor heat exchanger 21 is, for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having multiple fins and multiple heat transfer tubes.

[0029] The indoor fan 22 draws air from the target space into the indoor unit 20 and causes heat exchange to occur between the drawn-in air and the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21. The indoor fan 22 supplies the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 to the target space. The indoor fan 22 is, for example, a centrifugal fan such as a turbo fan or a sirocco fan.

[0030] The indoor expansion valve 23 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 50. The indoor expansion valve 23 is, for example, an electronically operated expansion valve with adjustable opening. The indoor control unit 29 controls the operation of each component of the indoor unit 20.

[0031] The indoor control unit 29 is configured to receive various signals transmitted from the operating remote control corresponding to the indoor unit 20. The indoor control unit 29 exchanges control signals and signals related to various settings with the outdoor control unit 39 of the outdoor unit 30 via the communication line 98.

[0032] (1-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 30 is installed outdoors, for example, on the roof of a building. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the outdoor unit 30. As shown in Figure 1-2, the outdoor unit 30 mainly comprises a casing 40, a compressor 31, a flow path switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, an outdoor expansion valve 34, an accumulator 35, an outdoor fan 36, and an outdoor control unit 39. The outdoor unit 30 also has an intake pipe 54a, a discharge pipe 54b, gas refrigerant piping 54c, 54e, and liquid refrigerant piping 54d.

[0033] The suction pipe 54a connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the suction side of the compressor 31. An accumulator 35 is provided in the suction pipe 54a. The discharge pipe 54b connects the discharge side of the compressor 31 to the flow path switching valve 32. The gas refrigerant piping 54c connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The liquid refrigerant piping 54d connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51. An outdoor expansion valve 34 is provided in the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. A liquid side shut-off valve 37 is provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant piping 54d and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51. The gas refrigerant piping 54e connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 52. A gas side shut-off valve 38 is provided at the connection between the gas refrigerant piping 54e and the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 52. The liquid-side shut-off valve 37 and the gas-side shut-off valve 38 are valves that are opened and closed manually.

[0034] The casing 40 houses a compressor 31, a flow path switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, an outdoor expansion valve 34, an accumulator 35, an outdoor fan 36, an outdoor control unit 39, an intake pipe 54a, a discharge pipe 54b, gas refrigerant piping 54c, 54e, and liquid refrigerant piping 54d. As shown in Figure 2, the casing 40 has a bottom frame 42 that spans a pair of mounting legs 41, support columns 43 that extend vertically from the corners of the bottom frame 42, a discharge grille 44 attached near the upper end of the support columns 43, and a front panel 45. Air intake ports 40a to 40c are provided on the sides of the casing 40, and an air outlet port 40e is provided on the top surface of the casing 40. The air outlet 40e is covered by an air outlet grille 44, and the outdoor fan 36 is positioned facing the air outlet grille 44. The bottom frame 42 forms the bottom surface of the casing 40, and the outdoor heat exchanger 33, accumulator 35, and compressor 31 are mounted on the bottom frame 42. The bottom frame 42 is in contact with the lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and functions as a drain pan to receive condensation water generated in the outdoor heat exchanger 33.

[0035] The compressor 31 draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the suction pipe 54a, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism, and discharges the compressed refrigerant to the discharge pipe 54b. The compressor 31 is, for example, a rotary type or a scroll type positive displacement compressor.

[0036] The flow path switching valve 32 is a mechanism that switches the flow path of the refrigerant between a first state and a second state. In the first state, as shown by the dashed line in the flow path switching valve 32 in Figure 1, the intake pipe 54a is connected to the gas refrigerant piping 54e and the discharge pipe 54b is connected to the gas refrigerant piping 54c. In the second state, as shown by the solid line in the flow path switching valve 32 in Figure 1, the intake pipe 54a is connected to the gas refrigerant piping 54c and the discharge pipe 54b is connected to the gas refrigerant piping 54e. During cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the first state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 in the order of outdoor heat exchanger 33, outdoor expansion valve 34, indoor expansion valve 23, indoor heat exchanger 21, and returns to the compressor 31. In the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator. The flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the second state during heating operation. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 in the order of indoor heat exchanger 21, indoor expansion valve 23, outdoor expansion valve 34, outdoor heat exchanger 33, and returns to the compressor 31. In the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a condenser.

[0037] The outdoor heat exchanger 33 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and the outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger 33 is composed of one or more heat exchangers 10. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is composed of three heat exchangers 11 that have basically the same structure (hereinafter, these three heat exchangers 11 may be referred to as heat exchangers 11a to 11c). The liquid refrigerant piping 54d is connected to the end of the lower header 96a of the heat exchanger 11a. The end of the upper header 95a of the heat exchanger 11a and the end of the upper header 95b of the heat exchanger 11b are connected by a header connecting pipe 55. The end of the lower header 96a of the heat exchanger 11a and the end of the lower header 96b of the heat exchanger 11b are connected by a header connecting pipe 56. The end of the upper header 95b of heat exchanger 11b and the end of the upper header 95c of heat exchanger 11c are connected by a header connecting pipe 57. The end of the lower header 96b of heat exchanger 11b and the end of the lower header 96c of heat exchanger 11c are connected by a header connecting pipe 58. The gas refrigerant pipe 54c is connected to the end of the upper header 95c of heat exchanger 11c. As shown in Figure 2, heat exchangers 11a to 11c are each positioned along the three sides of the casing 40, facing the air intake ports 40a to 40c.

[0038] During heating operation, the refrigerant flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 in the direction of the solid arrow shown in Figure 3. Specifically, the refrigerant flows into the lower header 96a of the heat exchanger 11a from the end of the lower header 96a via the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. A portion of the refrigerant that flows into the lower header 96a is divided into multiple flat pipes 61a of the heat exchanger 11a. The refrigerant that has been divided into the multiple flat pipes 61a flows upward through the multiple flat pipes 61a and flows into the upper header 95a of the heat exchanger 11a. The refrigerant that has flowed into the upper header 95a flows into the upper header 95b of the heat exchanger 11b via the header connecting piping 55. A portion of the refrigerant that has flowed into the lower header 96a flows into the lower header 96b of the heat exchanger 11b via the header connecting piping 56. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the lower header 96b is divided into multiple flat tubes 61b of the heat exchanger 11b. The refrigerant divided into the multiple flat tubes 61b flows upward through the multiple flat tubes 61b and flows into the upper header 95b. The refrigerant flowing into the upper header 95b flows into the upper header 95c of the heat exchanger 11c via the header connecting pipe 57. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the lower header 96b flows into the lower header 96c of the heat exchanger 11c via the header connecting pipe 58. The refrigerant flowing into the lower header 96c is divided into multiple flat tubes 61c of the heat exchanger 11c. The refrigerant divided into multiple flat tubes 61c flows upward through the multiple flat tubes 61c and flows into the upper header 95c. The refrigerant flowing into the upper header 95c flows out from the end of the upper header 95c via the gas refrigerant pipe 54c.

[0039] During cooling operation, the refrigerant flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 in the direction of the dashed arrow shown in Figure 3. The flow of the refrigerant during cooling operation is the opposite of the flow of the refrigerant during heating operation.

[0040] The structure of the multiple flattened tubes 61a to 61c, the upper headers 95a to 95c, and the lower headers 96a to 96c of the heat exchangers 11a to 11c will be described later as a description of the structure of the multiple flattened tubes 61, the upper header 95, and the lower header 96 of the heat exchanger 11.

[0041] The outdoor expansion valve 34 is a mechanism for regulating the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. The outdoor expansion valve 34 is, for example, an electronically operated expansion valve with adjustable opening. The accumulator 35 is a container that has a gas-liquid separation function, which separates the incoming refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

[0042] The outdoor fan 36 draws outdoor air into the outdoor unit 30 through intake ports 40a to 40c on the side of the casing 40, and performs heat exchange between the drawn-in air and the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The outdoor fan 36 blows out the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 upwards from the outlet 40e on the top surface of the casing 40. The outdoor fan 36 is, for example, an axial fan such as a propeller fan.

[0043] The outdoor control unit 39 controls the operation of each component of the outdoor unit 30. The outdoor control unit 39 exchanges control signals, various setting signals, etc., with the indoor control unit 29 of the indoor unit 20 via the communication line 98.

[0044] (1-3) Controller The indoor control unit 29 and the outdoor control unit 39 work together to function as a controller 99. The controller 99 controls the operation of the entire refrigeration cycle system 1.

[0045] For example, when the controller 99 receives an instruction to start cooling or heating operation from the operating remote control corresponding to the indoor unit 20, it switches the flow path switching valve 32 to the first state or the second state. The controller 99 then adjusts the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23, the rotation speed of the compressor 31, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 36, etc., so that the temperature of the target space reaches the temperature corresponding to the set temperature.

[0046] (2) Detailed structure of the heat exchanger Figure 4 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 11. Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the heat exchanger 11. As shown in Figure 4, the heat exchanger 11 mainly comprises a plurality of flattened tubes 61, a plurality of fins 71, an upper header 95, a lower header 96 (header), and a water guiding member 90. The plurality of flattened tubes 61, the plurality of fins 71, the upper header 95, the lower header 96, and the water guiding member 90 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. For example, the plurality of flattened tubes 61, the plurality of fins 71, the upper header 95, and the lower header 96 are integrally joined by brazing.

[0047] (2-1) Flat tube As shown in Figure 4, the multiple flattened tubes 61 extend vertically. As shown in Figure 5, each of the multiple flattened tubes 61 has two flattened surfaces P1 that serve as heat transfer surfaces. The flattened surfaces P1 are located on the longitudinal side of the cross-section of the flattened tube 61 when viewed along the vertical direction. The longitudinal length L1 of the cross-section of the flattened tube 61 is, for example, 20 mm. The transverse length L2 of the cross-section of the flattened tube 61 is, for example, 1.2 mm to 2 mm.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple flattened pipes 61 are arranged at regular intervals along the first direction. The regular interval is, for example, 8 mm. The first direction is perpendicular (intersecting) to the vertical direction. More specifically, the first direction is perpendicular (intersecting) to the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the flattened pipe 61 when viewed along the vertical direction. Therefore, the multiple flattened pipes 61 are arranged at regular intervals along the first direction such that each flattened surface P1 is perpendicular to the first direction. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the flattened pipe 61 is the airflow direction.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple flattened tubes 61 each have multiple refrigerant flow paths F1 inside. The refrigerant flows vertically through the multiple refrigerant flow paths F1. In the heat exchanger 11, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant flowing through the multiple refrigerant flow paths F1 and the outside air.

[0050] (2-2) Finn The multiple fins 71 are components that increase the heat transfer area of ​​the heat exchanger 11. The multiple fins 71 are so-called corrugated fins. As shown in Figure 4, the multiple fins 71 extend in the vertical direction. Each of the multiple fins 71 is positioned between adjacent flattened tubes 61 that are included in the multiple flattened tubes 61. As shown in Figure 5, each of the multiple fins 71 has multiple plate-shaped fin portions 81 and multiple curved portions 83. The multiple fin portions 81 are arranged along the vertical direction such that their plate surfaces are approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. The multiple curved portions 83 connect the multiple fin portions 81 in a corrugated manner along the vertical direction. In other words, the multiple fin portions 81 are connected in a corrugated manner in the vertical direction such that their plate surfaces are approximately parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple fins 71 are arranged so that the windward side of the multiple fins 71 protrudes from the multiple flattened pipes 61. By arranging the multiple fins 71 so that the windward side protrudes from the multiple flattened pipes 61, the temperature of the windward end of the multiple fins 71 approaches the temperature of the outdoor air. As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can reduce the amount of frost formation on the windward end of the multiple fins 71.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, each of the multiple fin sections 81 has multiple cut-up sections 813. The multiple cut-up sections 813 are arranged in the direction of airflow.

[0053] (2-3) Top header and bottom header The upper header 95 and lower header 96 are hollow members. As shown in Figure 4, the upper header 95 and lower header 96 extend in a first direction. The upper header 95 and lower header 96 are connected to the upper and lower ends of a plurality of flattened pipes 60, respectively.

[0054] For example, refrigerant flows into the upper header 95 from the end of the upper header 95. The refrigerant that flows into the upper header 95 is divided into multiple flat pipes 60. The refrigerant that has been divided into the multiple flat pipes 60 flows downward through the multiple flat pipes 60 and flows into the lower header 96. The refrigerant that has flowed into the lower header 96 flows out from the end of the lower header 96. For example, refrigerant flows into the lower header 96 from the end of the lower header 96. The refrigerant that has flowed into the lower header 96 is divided into multiple flat pipes 60. The refrigerant that has been divided into multiple flat pipes 60 flows upward through the multiple flat pipes 60 and flows into the upper header 95. The refrigerant that has flowed into the upper header 95 flows out from the end of the upper header 95. The solid arrows in Figure 4 show the flow of refrigerant when the refrigerant flows in from the end of the lower header 96 and flows out from the end of the upper header 95.

[0055] (2-4) Water guiding member Figure 6 is a perspective view of a part of the water guiding member 90. As shown in Figure 6, the water guiding member 90 covers a part of the lower header 96 (including cases where the water guiding member 90 covers the entire lower header 96). The water guiding member 90 guides condensed water to areas other than the lower header 96. The water guiding member 90 is formed, for example, by processing aluminum sheet metal. The thickness of the water guiding member 90 is, for example, 1 mm or more. The thickness of the water guiding member 90 is greater than the thickness of the fin 71. Preferably, the thickness of the water guiding member 90 is 10 times or more the thickness of the fin 71. As shown in Figure 6, the water guiding member 90 mainly has an inclined portion 91 and a first cover 92.

[0056] (2-4-1) Slope section Figure 7 is a view of the water guiding member 90 along the first direction. As shown in Figure 7, the inclined portion 91 is positioned in a first region R1 above the connection portion 62 between the lower header 96 and the multiple flat pipes 61. The first region R1 is, for example, the area within 10 cm above the upper end of the lower header 96.

[0057] The inclined portion 91 is inclined such that, when viewed along the first direction, the windward side is lower with respect to the horizontal. When viewed along the first direction, the inclination angle θ1 of the inclined portion 91 with respect to the horizontal is preferably 30 degrees or more. The inclined portion 91 has a first inclined portion 911 and a second inclined portion 912. The inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined portion 912 is greater than the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined portion 911.

[0058] Figure 8 shows the process of attaching the water guiding member 90 to multiple flat pipes 61. As shown in Figure 8, the inclined portion 91 has multiple notches 93 along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the flat pipe 61 for inserting the water guiding member 90 into the multiple flat pipes 61. The notches 93 have a U-shape with a width approximately equal to the length L2 in the short direction of the cross-section of the flat pipe 61. For example, after the multiple flat pipes 61, multiple fins 71, upper header 95, and lower header 96 are integrally joined by brazing, the water guiding member 90 is inserted into the multiple flat pipes 61 along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the flat pipes 61 using the notches 93, as shown in Figure 8. After the water guiding member 90 is inserted into the multiple flat pipes 61, the multiple flat pipes 61 and the water guiding member 90 are joined by brazing. After the water guiding member 90 is inserted into the multiple flat pipes 61, it is preferable to seal the portions of the multiple notches 93 located downwind of the multiple flat pipes 61 with a sealing member. In this embodiment, the water guiding member 90 is designed such that its surface potential is 50 mV or more lower than the surface potential of the multiple flat pipes 61.

[0059] (2-4-2) Cover 1 The first cover 92 covers the windward side of the lower header 96. When viewed from the windward side along the wind flow direction, it is preferable that at least the upper half of the lower header 96 is covered by the first cover 92.

[0060] The condensed water flows downward through the multiple flattened pipes 61 or multiple fins 71 to the inclined section 91. Once the condensed water reaches the inclined section 91, it flows through the inclined section 91 and the first cover 92 in that order, and falls into the drain pan below the first cover 92.

[0061] (3) Features (3-1) Conventionally, in a heat exchanger comprising multiple flattened tubes extending vertically, fins positioned between adjacent flattened tubes, and headers connected to the ends of the multiple flattened tubes, a technique is known in which protective covers made of chelate resin are installed at the ends of the multiple flattened tubes, and the protective covers absorb condensation water, thereby suppressing corrosion of the headers by condensation water.

[0062] Conventional technology has the problem that if the protective cover absorbs enough condensation water and its water absorption capacity decreases, it is not possible to prevent the header from corroding due to condensation water.

[0063] The heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of flattened tubes 61, fins 71, a lower header 96 (header), and a water guiding member 90. The plurality of flattened tubes 61 extend in the vertical direction. A refrigerant flows through the plurality of flattened tubes 61. The fins 71 are arranged between adjacent flattened tubes 61. Adjacent flattened tubes 61 are arranged along a first direction. The first direction is perpendicular (intersecting) to the vertical direction. The lower header 96 is connected to the ends of the plurality of flattened tubes 61. The lower header 96 extends in the first direction. The water guiding member 90 covers a portion of the lower header 96. The water guiding member 90 guides condensed water to areas other than the lower header 96.

[0064] In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the water guide member 90 guides condensed water to areas other than the lower header 96. As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can suppress corrosion of the lower header 96 due to condensed water.

[0065] (3-2) In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the water guiding member 90 has an inclined portion 91. The inclined portion 91 is inclined with respect to the horizontal when viewed along the first direction.

[0066] As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can efficiently drain condensation water by utilizing the slope of the inclined section 91.

[0067] (3-3) In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the inclined section 91 is tilted such that the windward side is lower.

[0068] As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can prevent condensation water from flowing into the heat exchanger 11.

[0069] (3-4) In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the water guiding member 90 is positioned in a first region above the connection between the lower header 96 and the plurality of flat pipes 61.

[0070] As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can suppress corrosion of the connection points between the lower header 96 and the multiple flat pipes 61 (for example, the brazing material at the connection points between the lower header 96 and the multiple flat pipes 61), which are particularly susceptible to corrosion, due to condensation water.

[0071] (3-5) In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the water guide member 90 covers the windward side of the lower header 96.

[0072] As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can suppress corrosion of the connection points between the lower header 96 and the multiple flattened pipes 61 due to exposure to wind.

[0073] (3-6) In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the water guiding member 90 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0074] (3-7) In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the surface potential of the water guiding member 90 is 50 mV or more lower than the surface potential of the multiple flattened pipes 61.

[0075] As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can corrode the water guiding member 90 preferentially over the multiple flattened pipes 61 by having the water guiding member 90 act as a sacrificial anode.

[0076] (3-8) In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the thickness of the water guiding member 90 is greater than the thickness of the fin 71.

[0077] (3-9) In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the lower header 96 is connected to the lower ends of a plurality of flattened tubes 61.

[0078] (3-10) The refrigeration cycle device 1 of this embodiment includes a heat exchanger 11.

[0079] (4) Variations (4-1) Variation 1A In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the inclined portion 91 was inclined such that, when viewed along the first direction, the windward side was lower with respect to the horizontal direction. However, the inclined portion 91 may also be inclined such that, when viewed along the first direction, the leeward side was lower with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0080] As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can use wind power to drain the condensation water on the inclined section 91.

[0081] (4-2) Modification 1B The heat exchanger 11 may further have a second cover 93. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the water guide member 90. As shown in Figure 9, the second cover 93 covers the leeward side of the lower header 96. When viewed from the leeward side along the airflow direction, it is preferable that at least the upper half of the lower header 96 is covered by the second cover 93.

[0082] As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can prevent condensation water from flowing back from the leeward side and moving to the connection between the lower header 96 and the multiple flattened pipes 61.

[0083] (4-3) Modification 1C In this embodiment, the inclined portion 91 had a plurality of notches 93 along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the flat pipe 61 for inserting the water guiding member 90 into a plurality of flat pipes 61. However, the inclined portion 91 may also have a plurality of notches 93 along the direction in which the flat pipe 61 extends for inserting the water guiding member 90 into a plurality of flat pipes 61. The notches 93 generally have the shape of the cross-section of the flat pipe 61. For example, the water guiding member 90 is inserted into a plurality of flat pipes 61 along the direction in which the flat pipe 61 extends, using the notches 93. After the water guiding member 90 is inserted into the plurality of flat pipes 61, the plurality of flat pipes 61, the plurality of fins 71, the upper header 95, the lower header 96, and the water guiding member 90 are integrally joined by brazing.

[0084] (4-4) While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1. Refrigeration cycle system 11 Heat exchanger 61 Multiple flattened tubes 62 Connection part 71 Fin 90 Water guiding member 91 Slope 96. Bottom Header (Header) R1 1st area [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0086] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-92138

Claims

1. Multiple flattened tubes (61) extending vertically through which a refrigerant flows, A fin (71) is positioned between adjacent flattened tubes arranged along a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, A header (96) is connected to the ends of the plurality of flattened tubes and extends in the first direction, A water-conducting member (90) covers a portion of the header and guides condensed water to the area other than the header, Equipped with, Heat exchanger (11).

2. The water guiding member has an inclined portion (91) that is inclined with respect to the horizontal when viewed along the first direction. The heat exchanger (11) according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned inclined section is sloped such that the windward side is lower. The heat exchanger (11) according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned inclined section is sloped such that the leeward side is lower. The heat exchanger (11) according to claim 2.

5. The water guiding member is positioned in a first region (R1) above the connection portion (62) between the header and the plurality of flat pipes. A heat exchanger (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The water guiding member covers the windward side of the header, A heat exchanger (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The water guiding member covers the leeward side of the header, A heat exchanger (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The water guiding member is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. A heat exchanger (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The surface potential of the water guiding member is 50 mV or more lower than the surface potential of the plurality of flattened pipes. A heat exchanger (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The thickness of the water guiding member is greater than the thickness of the fin. A heat exchanger (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. The header is a lower header connected to the lower end of the plurality of flattened pipes. A heat exchanger (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

12. A heat exchanger (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Equipped with, Refrigeration cycle device (1).

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