Heat Exchanger

Abstract

The heat exchanger (5) of the present invention comprises: a plurality of heat transfer flat tubes (11) and a header (12), wherein the header (12) comprises: a first partition member (21) for dividing the internal space of a main body (20) into a refrigerant inflow portion (24) and an upper side portion (25); a second partition member (22) for dividing the upper side portion (25) into a connection portion (26) connected to the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes (11) and an opposite side portion (27); and a second partition member (22) for dividing the opposite side portion (27) into a windward portion (28) and a refrigerant inflow portion (24). The third partition member (23) of the leeward portion (29), the second partition member (22) is provided with a plurality of windward connecting holes (35) and a plurality of leeward connecting holes (36) that connect the windward portion (28) and the leeward portion (29) with the connecting portion (26), and the header (12) is provided with a regulating flow path (30) that allows the refrigerant to flow from the refrigerant inlet portion (24) to the windward portion (28) and the leeward portion (29), and allows the flow rate of the plurality of windward connecting holes (35) to be greater than the flow rate of the plurality of leeward connecting holes (36).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present invention relates to a heat exchanger. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a heat exchanger having a structure in which both ends of a heat transfer flat tube having a plurality of flow paths are respectively inserted into and connected to left and right headers, and the refrigerant is branched from one header to the heat transfer flat tubes (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] In an air conditioner using such a heat exchanger, when the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air, the heat exchange amount of the flow path located on the windward side of the heat transfer flat tube is large. Therefore, a technical solution is proposed to allow more refrigerant to flow in the flow path located on the windward side than in the flow path located on the leeward side of the same heat transfer flat tube. For example, a technical solution is proposed to have a partition member that divides the internal space of the header into a connection portion connected to the heat transfer flat tube and an opposite side portion of the heat transfer flat tube opposite to the connection portion, and a hole is provided in the partition member (see Patent Document 1). The hole is formed at a position that allows more refrigerant to flow into the flow path located on the upstream side relative to the air flow direction.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-37899

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-533819

[0006] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-27727 Summary of the invention

[0007] In this header, even if the holes of the partition member are formed at positions where more refrigerant flows into the flow path located on the upstream side with respect to the air flow direction, if the refrigerant is circulated in a state where the heat exchanger is tilted toward the downstream side in the air flow direction, more refrigerant will flow to the downstream side. This is because the refrigerant in the liquid phase is distributed at a lower position in the height direction in the internal space of the header due to the influence of gravity. That is, the proportion of the refrigerant flowing on the upstream side in the air flow direction changes from the desired proportion depending on the installation method of the heat exchanger or the installation method of the air conditioner.

[0008] The technology disclosed in the present invention has been accomplished in view of the above problems, and one of its objects is to obtain a heat exchanger that suppresses the ratio of the refrigerant flowing to the flow path located on the upstream side in the air flow direction from changing from a desired ratio.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a heat exchanger includes: a plurality of heat transfer flat tubes stacked in a manner that faces of a larger width face each other; and a header connected to the ends of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes and diverting refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes, the header having: a tubular main body; a first partition member dividing the internal space of the main body into a refrigerant inflow portion for refrigerant to flow in, and an upper side portion located above the refrigerant inflow portion; a second partition member dividing the upper side portion into a connection portion connected to the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes, and an opposite side portion located on the opposite side of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes relative to the connection portion; and a third partition member , which divides the opposite side portion into a windward portion and a leeward portion located on the leeward side of the windward portion where the external air flows, the second partition component is provided with a plurality of windward connecting holes and a plurality of leeward connecting holes, the plurality of windward connecting holes are arranged side by side in the stacking direction of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes and connect the windward portion with the connecting portion, the plurality of leeward connecting holes are arranged side by side in the stacking direction and connect the leeward portion with the connecting portion, and a regulating flow path is provided inside the header, which allows the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inlet portion to flow to the windward portion and the leeward portion, and allows the flow rate of the plurality of windward connecting holes to be greater than the flow rate of the plurality of leeward connecting holes.

[0010] The heat exchanger disclosed in the present invention can obtain a heat exchanger capable of suppressing the ratio of the refrigerant flowing to the flow path located on the upstream side in the air flow direction from changing from a desired ratio. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of an air conditioner to which the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 is applied.

[0012] Figure 2A It is a top view showing the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 2B It is a front view showing the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a header of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Horizontal cross-section of the header.

[0016] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Vertical cross-section of the header.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a header of a heat exchanger according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a header of a heat exchanger according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a header of a heat exchanger according to the third embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 9 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a header of a heat exchanger according to the fourth embodiment.

[0021] Fig.10 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of the header of the heat exchanger involved in Embodiment 5.

[0022] Fig.11 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a header of a heat exchanger according to the sixth embodiment.

[0023] Fig.12 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of a header of a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 6.

[0024] Fig.13 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a header of a heat exchanger according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the entire embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations.

[0026] Implementation Method 1

[0027] Air conditioner

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the air conditioner 1 to which the heat exchangers 4 and 5 according to the first embodiment are applied. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit 3. The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 4, and the outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 5, a compressor 6, an expansion valve 7, and a four-way valve 8.

[0029] During heating operation, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 6 of the outdoor unit 3 flows into the heat exchanger 4 serving as a condenser via the four-way valve 8. Figure 1 The refrigerant flows in the direction indicated by the black arrow shown. In the heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air and is liquefied. The liquefied high-pressure refrigerant passes through the expansion valve 7 and is decompressed, and flows into the heat exchanger 5 used as an evaporator as a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. In the heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air and is vaporized. The vaporized low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 6 through the four-way valve 8.

[0030] During cooling operation, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 6 of the outdoor unit 3 flows into the heat exchanger 5 serving as a condenser via the four-way valve 8. Figure 1 The refrigerant flows in the direction indicated by the white arrow shown in FIG. 5. In the heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air and is liquefied. The liquefied high-pressure refrigerant passes through the expansion valve 7 and is decompressed, and flows into the heat exchanger 4 used as an evaporator as a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. In the heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air and is vaporized. The vaporized low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 6 through the four-way valve 8.

[0031] Heat Exchanger

[0032] The heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 can be applied to either the heat exchanger 4 or the heat exchanger 5 , and a case where the heat exchanger is applied to the heat exchanger 5 used as an evaporator during heating operation will be described. Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a diagram for explaining the heat exchanger 5 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2A is a top view of the heat exchanger 5, Figure 2B It is a front view of the heat exchanger 5.

[0033] The heat exchanger 5 comprises: a plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11, which are stacked in a manner that the widest surfaces face each other and through which the refrigerant flows; a tubular header 12, which is connected to the ends of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 and divides the refrigerant to the heat transfer flat tubes 11; a tubular header 13, which is connected to the other ends of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 and merges the refrigerant flowing out of the heat transfer flat tubes 11; and a plurality of flat plate-shaped fins 14, which are connected to the heat transfer flat tubes 11. The heat transfer flat tubes 11 are arranged along the sides of the heat transfer flat tubes 11. Figure 2A The heat transfer flat tube 11 extends in a direction perpendicular to the external air flow direction indicated by the arrow in the middle, and its cross section is flat. Here, the external air is circulated by blowing air from a fan (not shown). The interior of the heat transfer flat tube 11 has a plurality of flow paths extending in the same direction as the extension direction of the heat transfer flat tube 11. The plurality of flow paths are arranged side by side in the width direction of the heat transfer flat tube 11 (the direction in which the external air flows). Figure 2B As shown, the heat transfer flat tubes 11 are stacked in the vertical direction with the flat surfaces (wide surfaces) of the side surfaces facing each other, and the left and right ends thereof are connected to the headers 12 and 13. In addition, a plurality of fins 14 are arranged between the headers 12 and 13 in a manner orthogonal to the heat transfer flat tubes 11. The low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has been decompressed by the expansion valve 7 is supplied to the header 12 through the pipe 15 and is branched to each heat transfer flat tube 11. When flowing through the heat transfer flat tubes 11, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the air through the fins 14 and is vaporized, and then flows out to the header 13. The refrigerant that merges in the header 13 is sucked into the compressor 6 through the pipe 16 and the four-way valve 8.

[0034] Headers

[0035] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 5 The header 12 involved in Embodiment 1 is described. In addition, in this specification, the heat transfer flat tube 11 side of the header 12 is referred to as the inner side, and the side of the header 12 opposite to the heat transfer flat tube 11 side is referred to as the outer side. In addition, the heat exchanger 5 is configured so that the length direction of the heat transfer flat tube 11, that is, the direction parallel to the flat surface of the heat transfer flat tube 11 is the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 5 is configured so that the stacking direction of the heat transfer flat tube 11, that is, the direction orthogonal to the flat surface of the heat transfer flat tube 11 is the vertical direction (up and down direction). In addition, a blower fan (not shown) is provided near the heat exchanger 5, and the blower fan sends external air to the heat exchanger 5. Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the header 12 of the heat exchanger 5 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 for Figure 3 A horizontal cross-sectional view of the header 12. Figure 5 for Figure 3 A vertical cross-sectional view of the header 12. Figure 3 The heat sink 14 is omitted in the figure.

[0036] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the header 12 includes a tubular main body 20 , a first partition member 21 disposed in the main body 20 , a second partition member 22 disposed in the main body 20 , and a third partition member 23 disposed in the main body 20 .

[0037] The main body 20 includes a cylindrical portion 20a extending in the vertical direction, a lower wall 20b closing the lower end opening of the cylindrical portion 20a, and an upper wall 20c closing the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion 20a. That is, the main body 20 is hollow. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the header 12 is in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be in a prism shape with a hollow interior.

[0038] The first partition member 21 is formed in a disk shape extending in the horizontal direction, and divides the internal space of the main body 20 into a refrigerant inlet 24 and an upper side portion 25 located above the refrigerant inlet 24. The first partition member 21 is arranged horizontally across the entire cylindrical portion 20a. Low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows from the expansion valve 7 through the pipe 15 into the refrigerant inlet 24.

[0039] The second partition member 22 is disposed in the upper side portion 25 and is in the shape of a rectangular plate extending in the vertical direction. The second partition member 22 divides the upper side portion 25 into a connection portion 26 connected to the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 and an opposite side portion 27 not connected to the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 and located on the opposite side of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 with respect to the connection portion 26. The second partition member 22 is disposed across the entire upper side portion 25 in the vertical direction.

[0040] The third partition member 23 is arranged in the opposite side portion 27, and is in the shape of a rectangular plate extending in the vertical direction, and divides the opposite side portion 27 into one end side and the other end side where the external air flows. In addition, the heat exchanger 5 is configured so that one end side is the upstream side (windward side) of the external air, and the other end is the downstream side (leeward side) of the external air. That is, the third partition member 23 is divided into a windward portion 28 (one end side) and a leeward portion 29 (the other end side) located on the leeward side of the external air flow relative to the windward portion 28. The upper end of the third partition member 23 is connected to the upper wall 20c. The lower end of the third partition member 23 is separated from the first partition member 21. Thus, a connecting passage 32 is provided between the lower end of the third partition member 23 and the first partition member 21. That is, a connecting passage 32 is provided at the lower end of the third partition member 23. The lower end of the third partition member 23 is an example of an end of the third partition member 23 in the vertical direction.

[0041] The second partition member 22 is provided with a plurality of windward communication holes 35 and a plurality of leeward communication holes 36. The plurality of windward communication holes 35 penetrate the second partition member 22. The plurality of windward communication holes 35 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and the windward portion 28 is communicated with the connection portion 26. The plurality of leeward communication holes 36 penetrate the second partition member 22. The plurality of leeward communication holes 36 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and the leeward portion 29 is communicated with the connection portion 26. The number of windward communication holes 35 and the number of leeward communication holes 36 are respectively less than the number of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 connected to the connection portion 26. The cross-sectional areas of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 and the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 are different depending on the vertical position. For example, the opening area (aperture) of a predetermined number of windward communication holes 35 located on the upper side of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 is larger than the opening area (aperture) of the windward communication holes 35 located on the lower side of the predetermined number of windward communication holes 35. Furthermore, the opening area (hole diameter) of a predetermined number of leeward communication holes 36 located on the upper side among the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 is larger than the opening area (hole diameter) of the leeward communication holes 36 located on the lower side of the predetermined number of leeward communication holes 36 .

[0042] In addition, the interior of the header 12 is provided with a windward inflow passage 31 provided in the first partition member 21, a connecting passage 32 provided in the lower end portion of the third partition member 23, a plurality of windward connecting holes 35, and a plurality of leeward connecting holes 36. The windward inflow passage 31 connects the refrigerant inflow portion 24 with the windward portion 28. The windward inflow passage 31 is composed of a through hole that vertically penetrates the first partition member 21. The refrigerant flows from the refrigerant inflow portion 24 into the windward inflow passage 31. The connecting passage 32 is also called a bypass passage.

[0043] In addition, a regulating flow path 30 is provided inside the header 12. The regulating flow path 30 includes a windward inflow path 31 and a communication path 32. The regulating flow path 30 allows the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inflow portion 24 to flow to the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29, and allows the flow rate of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 to be greater than the flow rate of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36.

[0044] In the header 12 of the above structure, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inflow portion 24 flows into the opposite side portion 27 from the windward inflow passage 31. A part of the refrigerant flowing into the opposite side portion 27 rises in the windward portion 28 and flows into the connecting portion 26 through the plurality of windward communication holes 35 to flow into the flow path on the windward side of the heat transfer flat tubes 11. On the other hand, the rest of the refrigerant flowing into the opposite side portion 27 flows into the leeward portion 29 through the communication passage 32. The refrigerant flowing into the leeward portion 29 rises in the leeward portion 29 and flows into the connecting portion 26 through the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 to flow into the flow path on the leeward side of the heat transfer flat tubes 11.

[0045] As described above, in the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 5 includes a plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 and a header 12. The plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 extend in the horizontal direction and are arranged side by side at intervals in the vertical direction, and refrigerant flows therethrough. The header 12 is connected to the ends of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 to divide the refrigerant into the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11. In addition, the header 12 includes a tubular main body 20, a first partition member 21, a second partition member 22, and a third partition member 23. The first partition member 21 divides the internal space of the main body 20 into a refrigerant inflow portion 24 into which the refrigerant flows, and an upper side portion 25 located above the refrigerant inflow portion 24. The second partition member 22 divides the upper side portion 25 into a connection portion 26 connected to the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11, and an opposite side portion 27 located on the opposite side of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 relative to the connection portion 26. The third partition member 23 divides the opposite side portion 27 into a windward portion 28 and a leeward portion 29 located on the leeward side of the windward portion 28 where the outside air flows. The second partition member 22 is provided with a plurality of windward communication holes 35 arranged in parallel in the vertical direction and connecting the windward portion 28 with the connection portion 26, and a plurality of leeward communication holes 36 arranged in parallel in the vertical direction and connecting the leeward portion 29 with the connection portion 26. The header 12 is provided with a regulating flow path 30 inside which the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inflow portion 24 flows toward the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29, and the flow rate of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 is greater than the flow rate of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36.

[0046] According to the above structure, since the opposite side portion 27 is divided into the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29 by the third partition member 23, even if the heat exchanger 5 is set in an inclined state, the refrigerant rising in the windward portion 28 will not move to the leeward portion 29 side. Therefore, compared with the case where the third partition member 23 is not provided, it is possible to suppress the ratio of the refrigerant flowing to the flow path located on the upstream side of the air flow direction from changing from a desired ratio. In addition, according to the above structure, since the flow rate of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 is greater than the flow rate of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36, more refrigerant can flow into the flow path on the windward side than into the flow path on the leeward side of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the flow rates of the windward communication holes 35 and the leeward communication holes 36 can be adjusted by adjusting the sizes of the respective parts of the regulating flow path 30 (the windward inflow path 31 and the communication path 32 ).

[0048] Furthermore, in the present embodiment 1, the regulating flow path 30 has a windward inflow path 31 and a connecting path 32. The windward inflow path 31 is provided in the first partition member 21, and connects the refrigerant inflow portion 24 with the windward portion 28 so that the refrigerant flows in from the refrigerant inflow portion 24. The connecting path 32 is provided at the lower end portion in the vertical direction of the third partition member 23. According to the above structure, the regulating flow path 30 can be configured with a relatively simple structure.

[0049] Implementation Method 2

[0050] Reference Figure 6 to Figure 7 , the header 12A according to Embodiment 2 is described. The heat exchanger 5 is arranged such that the length direction of the heat transfer flat tubes 11, that is, the direction parallel to the flat surface of the heat transfer flat tubes 11, is the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 5 is arranged such that the stacking direction of the heat transfer flat tubes 11, that is, the direction orthogonal to the flat surface of the heat transfer flat tubes 11, is the vertical direction. Figure 6 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a header 12A of a heat exchanger 5 according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a header 12A of a heat exchanger 5 according to the second embodiment.

[0051] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the header 12A of the second embodiment, the regulating flow path 30 includes the windward inflow path 31 and the leeward inflow path 33 , but does not include the communication path 32 , which is different from the header 12 of the first embodiment.

[0052] The windward inflow passage 31 is provided in the first partition member 21, and the refrigerant inflow portion 24 is communicated with the windward portion 28 so that the refrigerant flows in from the refrigerant inflow portion 24. The refrigerant flowing into the windward inflow passage 31 flows out to the windward portion 28. The leeward inflow passage 33 is provided in the first partition member 21, and the refrigerant inflow portion 24 is communicated with the leeward portion 29 so that the refrigerant flows in from the refrigerant inflow portion 24. The refrigerant flowing into the leeward inflow passage 33 flows out to the leeward portion 29. The cross-sectional area of ​​the windward inflow passage 31 (the area of ​​the cross section of the windward inflow passage 31 perpendicular to the extension direction of the windward inflow passage 31) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward inflow passage 33 (the area of ​​the cross section of the leeward inflow passage 33 perpendicular to the extension direction of the leeward inflow passage 33). Here, the area of ​​the horizontal cross section of the windward portion 28 may be larger than the area of ​​the horizontal cross section of the leeward portion 29, or may be equal to the area of ​​the horizontal cross section of the leeward portion 29. The regulating flow path 30 configured as described above allows the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inlet portion 24 to flow to the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29 via the windward inlet passage 31 and the leeward inlet passage 33, and allows the flow rate of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 to be greater than the flow rate of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36. In addition, when the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the windward portion 28 is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward portion 29, the cross-sectional area of ​​the windward inlet passage 31 may be equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward inlet passage 33.

[0053] Here, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the windward inflow passage 31 is set to A, the cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward inflow passage 33 is set to B, the sum of the opening areas of the multiple windward connecting holes 35 (total opening area) is set to C, and the sum of the opening areas of the multiple leeward connecting holes 36 (total opening area) is set to D, in this embodiment 2, A to D are set to satisfy at least one of the following relationships.

[0054] (1) D / C ≤ E = A / B

[0055] Here, E is a positive number, such as 2 or 3. In addition, E is not limited to this.

[0056] (2) A / B = C / D

[0057] In the header 12A of the above-described structure, a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inlet portion 24 flows from the windward inlet passage 31 into the windward portion 28 of the opposite side portion 27. The refrigerant flowing into the windward portion 28 rises in the windward portion 28 and flows into the connecting portion 26 through the plurality of windward communication holes 35 to flow into the flow path on the windward side of the heat transfer flat tubes 11. On the other hand, the remaining portion of the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inlet portion 24 flows from the leeward inlet passage 33 into the leeward portion 29 of the opposite side portion 27. The refrigerant flowing into the leeward portion 29 rises in the leeward portion 29 and flows into the connecting portion 26 through the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 to flow into the flow path on the leeward side of the heat transfer flat tubes 11.

[0058] As described above, in the second embodiment, the regulating flow path 30 includes the windward inflow path 31 and the leeward inflow path 33. The windward inflow path 31 is provided in the first partition member 21, and communicates the refrigerant inflow portion 24 with the windward portion 28 so that the refrigerant flows in from the refrigerant inflow portion 24. The leeward inflow path 33 is provided in the first partition member 21, and communicates the refrigerant inflow portion 24 with the leeward portion 29 so that the refrigerant flows in from the refrigerant inflow portion 24. The cross-sectional area of ​​the windward inflow path 31 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward inflow path 33.

[0059] According to the above structure, similar to the first embodiment, since the opposite side portion 27 is divided into the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29 by the third partition member 23, even if the heat exchanger 5 is set in an inclined state, the refrigerant rising in the windward portion 28 will not move to the leeward portion 29 side. Therefore, compared with the case where the third partition member 23 is not provided, it is possible to suppress the ratio of the refrigerant flowing to the flow path located on the upstream side of the air flow direction from changing from a desired ratio. In addition, according to the above structure, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the windward inflow passage 31 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward inflow passage 33, it is possible to more easily make the flow rate of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 larger than the flow rate of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36.

[0060] Implementation 3

[0061] Reference Figure 8 , the header 12B involved in the third embodiment is described.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the header 12B of the third embodiment, the regulating flow path 30 includes a windward inflow path 31 and a leeward inflow path 33, and also includes a windward portion 28 and a leeward portion 29, which is different from the header 12A of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the windward portion 28 is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward portion 29. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the windward inflow path 31 is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward inflow path 33.

[0063] According to the above structure, similar to the first embodiment, since the opposite side portion 27 is divided into the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29 by the third partition member 23, even if the heat exchanger 5 is set in an inclined state, the refrigerant rising in the windward portion 28 will not move to the leeward portion 29 side. Therefore, compared with the case where the third partition member 23 is not provided, it is possible to suppress the ratio of the refrigerant flowing to the flow path located on the upstream side of the air flow direction from changing from a desired ratio. In addition, according to the above structure, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the windward portion 28 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward portion 29, it is relatively easy to make the flow rate of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 larger than the flow rate of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36.

[0064] Implementation 4

[0065] Reference Fig. 9 , the header 12C involved in the fourth embodiment is described.

[0066] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the header 12C of the present embodiment 4, the regulating flow path 30 has a plurality of windward communication holes 35 and a plurality of leeward communication holes 36 in addition to the windward inflow path 31 and the leeward inflow path 33, which is different from the header 12A of the present embodiment 2. In the present embodiment 4, the sum of the areas (cross-sectional areas) of the cross sections of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 perpendicular to the extending direction of the windward communication holes 35 is greater than the sum of the areas (cross-sectional areas) of the cross sections of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 perpendicular to the extending direction of the leeward communication holes 36. In addition, the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 and the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 are different depending on the positions in the vertical direction. For example, the cross-sectional area (aperture) of a predetermined number of windward communication holes 35 located on the upper side of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 is greater than the cross-sectional area (aperture) of the windward communication holes 35 located on the lower side of the predetermined number of windward communication holes 35. In addition, the cross-sectional area (aperture) of a predetermined number of leeward communication holes 36 located on the upper side of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 is larger than the cross-sectional area (aperture) of the leeward communication holes 36 located on the lower side of the predetermined number of leeward communication holes 36. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the windward inflow passage 31 is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward inflow passage 33.

[0067] According to the above structure, similar to the first embodiment, since the opposite side portion 27 is divided into the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29 by the third partition member 23, even if the heat exchanger 5 is set in an inclined state, the refrigerant rising in the windward portion 28 will not move to the leeward portion 29 side. Therefore, compared with the case where the third partition member 23 is not provided, it is possible to suppress the ratio of the refrigerant flowing to the flow path located on the upstream side of the air flow direction from changing from a desired ratio. In addition, according to the above structure, since the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36, it is possible to more easily make the flow rate of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 greater than the flow rate of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36.

[0068] Implementation method 5

[0069] Fig.10 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a header 12D of a heat exchanger 5 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0070] like Fig.10 As shown, in the header 12D of the fifth embodiment, the regulating flow path 30 has a communication path 34 in addition to the windward inflow path 31 and the communication path 32 , which is different from the header 12 of the first embodiment.

[0071] In the fifth embodiment, the upper end of the third partition member 23 is separated from the upper wall 20c. Thus, a connecting passage 34 is provided between the upper end of the third partition member 23 and the upper wall 20c. That is, a connecting passage 34 is provided at the upper end of the third partition member 23. The upper end of the third partition member 23 is an example of an end in the vertical direction of the third partition member 23. The regulating flow path 30 of the structure as described above allows the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inlet portion 24 to flow to the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29 via the windward inlet passage 31 and the connecting passages 32 and 34, and allows the flow rate of the plurality of windward connecting holes 35 to be greater than the flow rate of the plurality of leeward connecting holes 36.

[0072] In addition, in the fifth embodiment, the plurality of windward communication holes 35 and the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 are located above the communication path 32. In addition, in the fifth embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 and the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 are the same. In addition, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the windward portion 28 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication path 32.

[0073] In the header 12D having the above-described structure, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inflow portion 24 flows from the windward inflow passage 31 into the windward portion 28 of the opposite side portion 27. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the windward portion 28 rises in the windward portion 28 and flows into the connection portion 26 through the plurality of windward communication holes 35 to flow into the flow path on the windward side of the heat transfer flat tubes 11. Further, the remaining portion of the refrigerant flowing into the windward portion 28 flows into the leeward portion 29 through the communication passage 34. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the leeward portion 29 descends in the leeward portion 29 and flows into the connection portion 26 through the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 to flow into the flow path on the leeward side of the heat transfer flat tubes 11. Further, the remaining portion of the refrigerant flowing into the leeward portion 29 flows into the windward portion 28 through the communication passage 32 and then rises again in the windward portion 28. That is, a portion of the refrigerant circulates in the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29. The windward portion 28 may also be referred to as an outward trip or an ascending loop, and the leeward portion 29 may also be referred to as a return trip or a descending loop.

[0074] According to the fifth embodiment having the above configuration, since the refrigerant circulates in the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29 , it is easy to suppress the backflow of the refrigerant (the downward flow of the refrigerant in the windward portion 28 ).

[0075] Furthermore, in Embodiment 5, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the windward portion 28 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication path 32. Therefore, it is easy to suppress the backflow of the refrigerant (the downward flow of the refrigerant in the windward portion 28).

[0076] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the plurality of windward communication holes 35 and the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 are located above the communication passage 32. Furthermore, the communication passage 32 is provided at the lower end portion of the third partition member 23. Therefore, since the refrigerant easily returns from the leeward portion 29 to the windward portion 28 via the communication passage 32, a large amount of refrigerant can be easily suppressed from flowing from the leeward portion 29 into the connecting portion 26.

[0077] Implementation 6

[0078] Fig.11 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a header 12F of a heat exchanger 5 according to the sixth embodiment. Fig.12 This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of a header 12F of a heat exchanger 5 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0079] like Fig.11 As shown, the header 12F of the sixth embodiment is different from the header 12D of the fifth embodiment in that the windward communication holes 35 and the leeward communication holes 36 and a plurality of fourth partition members 40 are provided. The sixth embodiment can also be applied to embodiments other than the fifth embodiment.

[0080] A windward communication hole 35 and a leeward communication hole 36 are provided for each of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 connected to the connection portion 26. The plurality of windward communication holes 35 and the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 are formed of circular or elliptical holes. At least a portion of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of windward communication holes 35 are different from each other, and at least a portion of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 are different from each other.

[0081] The plurality of fourth partition members 40 are disposed in the connection portion 26, and are formed into a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction, and divide the connection portion 26 in a manner corresponding to each of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 connected to the connection portion 26. The plurality of fourth partition members 40 divide the connection portion 26 into a plurality of step portions 41. The plurality of step portions 41 overlap in the vertical direction with the plurality of fourth partition members 40 interposed therebetween.

[0082] like Fig.12 As shown, among the pair of windward communication holes 35 located on the upper and lower sides of a fourth partition member 40, the windward communication hole 35 on the upper side is closer to the fourth partition member 40 than the windward communication hole 35 on the lower side. In addition, among the pair of leeward communication holes 36 located on the upper and lower sides of a fourth partition member 40, the leeward communication hole 36 on the upper side is also closer to the fourth partition member 40 than the leeward communication hole 36 on the lower side. At this time, the fourth partition member 40 is located above the middle position of two adjacent heat transfer flat tubes 11 in the vertical direction.

[0083] In the header 12F of the above-described structure, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inflow portion 24 flows from the windward inflow passage 31 into the windward portion 28 of the opposite side portion 27. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the windward portion 28 rises in the windward portion 28 and flows into each step portion 41 of the connecting portion 26 through the plurality of windward communication holes 35 to flow into the flow path on the windward side of the heat transfer flat tubes 11. Further, the remaining portion of the refrigerant flowing into the windward portion 28 flows into the leeward portion 29 through the communication passage 34. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the leeward portion 29 descends in the leeward portion 29 and flows into each step portion 41 of the connecting portion 26 through the plurality of leeward communication holes 36 to flow into the flow path on the leeward side of the heat transfer flat tubes 11. Further, the remaining portion of the refrigerant flowing into the leeward portion 29 flows into the windward portion 28 through the communication passage 32 and then rises again in the windward portion 28.

[0084] As described above, in Embodiment 6, the windward communication hole 35 and the leeward communication hole 36 are provided for each of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 connected to the connection portion 26. With the above structure, the refrigerant can be evenly distributed to the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11.

[0085] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the header 12F has a plurality of fourth partition members 40 that partition the connection portion 26 in a manner corresponding to each of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 connected to the connection portion 26. According to the above structure, since the refrigerants in each stage portion 41 are not mixed, it is easier to evenly distribute the refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11.

[0086] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the opposite side portion 27 is divided into the windward portion 28 and the leeward portion 29 by the third partition member 23, and the connecting portion 26 is divided into a plurality of step portions 41 by the fourth partition member 40, and each step portion 41 is provided with a windward communication hole 35 and a leeward communication hole 36. Therefore, the refrigerant can be more accurately distributed to the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11.

[0087] In addition, in the present embodiment, the fourth partition member 40 is located above the middle position of two heat transfer flat tubes 11 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. According to the above structure, compared with the case where the fourth partition member 40 is located below the middle position of two heat transfer flat tubes 11 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, the distance between the fourth partition member 40 and the lower part of the upper heat transfer flat tube 11 is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant.

[0088] Implementation 7

[0089] Fig.13 It is a vertical cross-sectional view of a header 12G of a heat exchanger 5 according to the seventh embodiment.

[0090] like Fig.13As shown, the number of windward communication holes 35 and leeward communication holes 36 and the number of the plurality of fourth partition members 40 in the header 12G of the seventh embodiment are different from those of the header 12F of the sixth embodiment. The seventh embodiment can also be applied to embodiments other than the sixth embodiment.

[0091] In the seventh embodiment, the number of the windward communication holes 35 and the number of the leeward communication holes 36 are less than the number of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 connected to the connection portion 26. In addition, the number of the windward communication holes 35 is greater than the number of the leeward communication holes 36. In addition, the plurality of fourth partition members 40 divides the connection portion 26 into a number less than the number of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 connected to the connection portion 26. In the seventh embodiment, the plurality of fourth partition members 40 divides the connection portion 26 in such a manner that a plurality (two as an example) of heat transfer flat tubes 11 are connected to each stage portion 41.

[0092] According to the above configuration, compared with a case where the connection portion 26 is divided into sections corresponding to each of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes 11 connected to the connection portion 26, the structure of the header 12G can be simplified.

[0093] Although the embodiments have been described above, the disclosed technology is not limited to the above contents, and may include various embodiments not described here, etc. In addition, the embodiments may be combined.

[0094] Explanation of symbols

[0095] 5…Heat exchanger

[0096] 11…Heat transfer flat tube

[0097] 12~12D, 12F, 12G, 13…Manifold

[0098] 20…Main body

[0099] 21 ... first partition member

[0100] 22 ... second partition member

[0101] 23…third partition member

[0102] 24…Refrigerant inlet

[0103] 25…upper side

[0104] 26…Connection

[0105] 27…Opposite side

[0106] 28…Windward

[0107] 29…Leeward

[0108] 30…Regulating flow path

[0109] 31…Windward flow into the passage

[0110] 32, 34…connecting roads

[0111] 33…Leeward Inflow Passage

[0112] 35…windward connecting hole

[0113] 36…Leeward connecting hole

[0114] 40 ... fourth partition member

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, include: A plurality of heat transfer flat tubes are stacked in a manner such that the sides with larger widths face each other; as well as A header connected to the ends of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes and diverting the refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes, The header has: A tubular main body; a first partition member that divides the internal space of the main body into a refrigerant inflow portion into which the refrigerant flows, and an upper side portion located above the refrigerant inflow portion; a second partition member that divides the upper side portion into a connection portion connected to the plurality of the heat transfer flat tubes and an opposite side portion located on an opposite side of the plurality of the heat transfer flat tubes relative to the connection portion; a third partition member that divides the opposite side portion into a windward portion and a leeward portion located on the leeward side of the windward portion from the flow of external air; as well as a plurality of fourth partition members, which divide the connection portion in a manner corresponding to each of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes connected to the connection portion; The second partition member is provided with a plurality of windward communication holes and a plurality of leeward communication holes, wherein the plurality of windward communication holes are arranged side by side in the stacking direction of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes and connect the windward portion with the connecting portion, and the plurality of leeward communication holes are arranged side by side in the stacking direction and connect the leeward portion with the connecting portion. The header is provided with a regulating flow path therein, which allows the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inlet portion to flow to the windward portion and the leeward portion and makes a flow rate of the plurality of windward communication holes greater than a flow rate of the plurality of leeward communication holes.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the regulating flow path include: a windward inflow passage provided in the first partition member so that the refrigerant inflow portion communicates with the windward portion and the refrigerant flows in from the refrigerant inflow portion; as well as A communication path is provided at an end portion of the third partition member in the stacking direction.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the regulating flow path include: a windward inflow passage provided in the first partition member so that the refrigerant inflow portion communicates with the windward portion and the refrigerant flows in from the refrigerant inflow portion; as well as a leeward inflow passage provided in the first partition member, which allows the refrigerant inflow portion to communicate with the leeward portion and allows the refrigerant to flow in from the refrigerant inflow portion, The cross-sectional area of ​​the windward inflow passage is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the leeward inflow passage. 4 . The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein the windward communication hole and the leeward communication hole are respectively provided for each of the plurality of heat transfer flat tubes connected to the connection portion. 5 . The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , comprising a plurality of the windward communication holes having different cross-sectional areas and a plurality of the leeward communication holes having different cross-sectional areas.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the regulating flow path comprises the plurality of windward connecting holes and the plurality of leeward connecting holes, and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of windward connecting holes is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of leeward connecting holes. 7 . The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein the regulating flow path comprises the windward portion and the leeward portion, and an area of ​​a horizontal cross section of the windward portion is larger than an area of ​​a horizontal cross section of the leeward portion.

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