Heat exchangers and air conditioners

Abstract

The heat exchanger includes: a plurality of flat tubes for refrigerant to flow inside, and a plurality of fins disposed between the flat tubes and transferring heat of the refrigerant flowing in the flat tubes. The upstream end of the flat tubes for airflow is located at the same position as or protrudes beyond the upstream end of the fins, and an opening is formed at the upstream end of the flat tubes or the upstream end of the fins.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to heat exchangers with flat tubes and fins, as well as air conditioners. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, heat exchangers with flat tubes and fins were known. Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger with multiple flat tubes and corrugated fins equipped with multiple louvers. In Patent Document 1, the upstream end of the fins for airflow is an extension that protrudes beyond the upstream end of the flat tubes. Normally, air undergoing heat exchange on the upstream side of the fins loses heat or cold energy equivalent to the amount exchanged, thus reducing the amount of heat exchange on the downstream side. In Patent Document 1, because the upstream end of the fins protrudes beyond the upstream end of the flat tubes, the contact area between the fins and the flat tubes on the upstream side is smaller. Therefore, Patent Document 1 aims to achieve a balance between the heat exchange amounts on the upstream and downstream sides by reducing the amount of heat exchange on the upstream side and suppressing the decrease in the amount of heat exchange on the downstream side.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5563162

[0004] However, in the heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Document 1, the upstream end of the fins protrudes more than the upstream end of the flat tube, thus reducing the strength of the fins. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a heat exchanger and air conditioner that achieves a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream side and the heat exchange volume on the downstream side, and ensures the strength of the fins.

[0006] The heat exchanger disclosed herein comprises: a plurality of flat tubes through which refrigerant flows; and a plurality of fins disposed between the flat tubes and transferring heat to the refrigerant flowing in the flat tubes, wherein the upstream end of the airflow of the flat tubes is located at the same position as or protrudes beyond the upstream end of the fins, and an opening is formed at the upstream end of the flat tubes or the upstream end of the fins.

[0007] According to this disclosure, the upstream end of the flat tube for airflow is located at the same position as or protrudes beyond the upstream end of the fin. Therefore, the strength of the fin can be ensured. Furthermore, an opening is formed at the upstream end of the flat tube or the upstream end of the fin. This allows for a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fin. In other words, a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides can be achieved, and the strength of the fin is ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1This is a circuit diagram representing the air conditioner in Implementation Method 1.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a front view showing the heat exchanger of Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube and fins of Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube and fins of Embodiment 2.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube and fins of Embodiment 3.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube and fins of Embodiment 3.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a flat tube and fins, representing a variation of Embodiment 3.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube and fins of embodiment 4.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a front view showing the heat exchanger of embodiment 5.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube and fins of embodiment 5.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a flat tube and fins, representing a variation of embodiment 5.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube and fins of embodiment 6. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the heat exchanger and air conditioner of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Additionally, including... Figure 1 Within the following figures, there are instances where the size relationships of the constituent components differ from the actual dimensions. Furthermore, in the following description, terms indicating direction are appropriately used to facilitate understanding of this disclosure; however, these terms are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Examples of terms indicating direction include "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," or "rear." Additionally, in some of the figures, the shaded lines of the sectional views are partially omitted.

[0021] Implementation method 1.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a circuit diagram representing the air conditioner 1 in embodiment 1. For example... Figure 1 As shown, air conditioner 1 is a device for adjusting the air in an indoor space, and includes an outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit 3 connected to the outdoor unit 2. The outdoor unit 2 is equipped with a compressor 6, a flow path switching device 7, a heat exchanger 8, an outdoor fan 9, and an expansion unit 10. The indoor unit 3 is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 11 and an indoor fan 12.

[0023] The compressor 6, flow path switching device 7, heat exchanger 8, expansion section 10, and indoor heat exchanger 11 are connected by refrigerant piping 5, forming a refrigerant circuit 4 for the flow of refrigerant as the working gas. The compressor 6 draws in refrigerant at a low temperature and low pressure, compresses the drawn-in refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state, and then discharges it. The flow path switching device 7, for example, is a four-way valve that switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 4. The heat exchanger 8, for example, performs heat exchange between outdoor air and the refrigerant. The heat exchanger 8 functions as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation.

[0024] The outdoor fan 9 is a device that supplies outdoor air to the heat exchanger 8. The expansion unit 10 is a pressure-reducing valve or expansion valve that expands the refrigerant by reducing its pressure. The expansion unit 10 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening can be adjusted. The indoor heat exchanger 11, for example, performs heat exchange between indoor air and refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation. The indoor fan 12 is a device that supplies indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 11.

[0025] (Operating mode, refrigeration operation)

[0026] Next, the operating modes of air conditioner 1 will be explained. First, the cooling operation will be explained. In cooling operation, the refrigerant drawn into compressor 6 is compressed by compressor 6 and discharged in a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous state. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from compressor 6 flows into heat exchanger 8, which functions as a condenser, through flow path switching device 7. In heat exchanger 8, it exchanges heat with outdoor air supplied by outdoor fan 9, condensing and liquefying. The condensed liquid refrigerant flows into expansion section 10, where it expands and depressurizes, becoming a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. Then, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into indoor heat exchanger 11, which functions as an evaporator. In indoor heat exchanger 11, it exchanges heat with indoor air supplied by indoor fan 12, evaporating and vaporizing. At this time, the indoor air is cooled, and cooling is implemented indoors. The evaporated low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is drawn into compressor 6 through flow path switching device 7.

[0027] (Operating mode, heating operation)

[0028] Next, the heating operation will be explained. During heating operation, the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 6 is compressed by the compressor 6 and discharged as a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 6 flows through the flow path switching device 7 into the indoor heat exchanger 11, which functions as a condenser. In the indoor heat exchanger 11, it exchanges heat with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 12, condensing and liquefying. At this time, the indoor air is heated, and heating is implemented indoors. The condensed liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion section 10, where it expands and depressurizes, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. Then, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 8, which functions as an evaporator. In the heat exchanger 8, it exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 9, evaporating and vaporizing. The evaporated low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is drawn into the compressor 6 through the flow path switching device 7.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a front view showing the heat exchanger 8 of Embodiment 1. Next, the heat exchanger 8 will be described in detail. Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger 8 is, for example, a parallel flow heat exchanger 8. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 8 can also be a finned tube heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 8 includes flat tubes 20, fins 30, and manifolds 40. The flat tubes 20 are tubes for refrigerant flow inside, and multiple such tubes are arranged and are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the flat tubes 20 can use a cladding with an aluminum core material. The flat tubes 20 are, for example, multiple flow paths 21 for refrigerant flow (see reference). Figure 3 They are arranged in a row.

[0030] Fins 30 are components that transfer heat to the refrigerant flowing in the flat tube 20, and are, for example, corrugated fins that are bent and arranged between the flat tubes 20. Fins 30 have an inclined surface 30a that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction (see reference). Figure 3 And alternately fold back. A ventilation path 31 for airflow is formed between the fins 30 and the flat tubes 20. The fins 30 are, for example, made of aluminum. Alternatively, the fins 30 can also be plate fins. The manifold 40 supplies refrigerant flow internally and distributes the refrigerant to the connected multiple flat tubes 20; it is, for example, made of aluminum. Thus, the fins 30 can use the same material as the flat tubes 20, or they can use a different material.

[0031] The manifold 40 has one end connected to multiple flat tubes 20 and the other end connected to multiple flat tubes 20. Furthermore, the interior of the manifold 40 can be configured to divide the flow path 21 for refrigerant flow by one or more partitions. One manifold 40 is connected to a refrigerant piping 5, and the manifold 40 is connected to the flow path switching device 7 via the refrigerant piping 5. The other manifold 40 is connected to a refrigerant piping 5, and the manifold 40 is connected to the expansion section 10 via the refrigerant piping 5. The manifold 40 can also be made of the same material as the flat tubes 20.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube 20 and fins 30 in Embodiment 1, and it shows... Figure 2 A partial view of the AA section. Figure 3 Air flows from top to bottom. For example... Figure 3 As shown, fins 30 are disposed between each other in the flat tube 20, and have a plurality of louvers 32 disposed on the inclined surface 30a. Here, in the fins 30, the planar portion without louvers 32 is wider on the upstream side of the airflow compared to the downstream side. A rectangular slit 33 is formed in the middle of the plurality of louvers 32.

[0033] Furthermore, two holes 34, which are rectangular openings 50 extending along the length direction of the fin 30, are formed at the upstream end of the fin 30. Specifically, the holes 34 are formed at a position upstream of 3 / 4L from the downstream end relative to the overall length L of the fin 30. As a result, the heat transfer area at the upstream end of the fin 30 for airflow is smaller than that at the downstream end. In addition, the downstream end of the fin 30 is located on the same plane as the downstream end of the flat tube 20. Alternatively, the downstream end of the fin 30 may be located upstream of the downstream end of the flat tube 20. The upstream end of the flat tube 20 is located at the same position as the upstream end of the fin 30.

[0034] According to Embodiment 1, the upstream end of the airflow in the flat tube 20 is located at the same position as the upstream end of the fin 30. The fin 30 does not protrude beyond the flat tube 20, thus preventing it from tipping over during manufacturing or transport. Therefore, the strength of the fin 30 can be ensured. Furthermore, an opening 50 is formed at the upstream end of the fin 30. This allows for a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fin 30. In other words, a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides can be achieved, and the strength of the fin 30 is ensured.

[0035] Furthermore, a hole 34, serving as an opening 50, is formed at the upstream end of the fin 30. Normally, air undergoing heat exchange on the upstream side of the fin 30 loses heat or cold energy accordingly, thus reducing the amount of heat exchange on the downstream side. In this embodiment 1, the hole 34, serving as an opening 50, is formed at the upstream end of the fin 30, therefore the heat transfer area at the upstream end of the fin 30 where air flows is smaller than that at the downstream end. This allows for a balance between the amount of heat exchange on the upstream and downstream sides of the fin 30. Thus, this embodiment 1 achieves a balance between the amount of heat exchange on the upstream and downstream sides of the fin 30, and ensures the strength of the fin 30.

[0036] Conventionally, it is known that the upstream end of a finned airflow section is an extension that protrudes beyond the upstream end of a flat tube. In this case, the protruding fin may tip over during manufacturing or transport, reducing heat transfer performance. When drainage slits are formed in the fins, the fin strength is further reduced, increasing the likelihood of fin tipping. Furthermore, if the fin extension is to be drained, the heat transfer area on the upstream side of the fin increases, making it prone to frost formation on the upstream side. Therefore, frost resistance is reduced.

[0037] In contrast, in this embodiment 1, the upstream end of the flat tube 20 is located at the same position as the upstream end of the fin 30. Furthermore, a hole 34, serving as an opening 50, is formed at the upstream end of the fin 30. This allows for a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fin 30, and ensures the strength of the fin 30.

[0038] Furthermore, a hole 34, serving as an opening 50, is formed at the upstream end of the fin 30, thereby suppressing heat transfer on the upstream side of the fin 30 and preventing uneven frost formation. This prevents the ventilation path 31 supplying airflow from being blocked by frost. In addition, condensate adhering to the fin 30 passes through the hole 34, thereby improving drainage.

[0039] Implementation method 2.

[0040] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube 20 and fins 130 in Embodiment 2. The difference between the heat exchanger 108 of Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that the opening 50 is formed at the upstream end of the fins 130 in a gap 134 between the flat tube 20 and the fins 130. In Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to Embodiment 1, and descriptions are omitted; the focus is on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the width of the upstream end of the fin 130 is narrower than that of the downstream end. Therefore, a gap 134 is formed between the upstream end of the fin 130 and the flat tube 20. The upstream end of the flat tube 20 is located at the same position as the upstream end of the fin 130, similar to that in Embodiment 1.

[0042] According to Embodiment 2, the upstream end of the flat tube 20 is located at the same position as the upstream end of the fin 130. The fin 130 does not protrude beyond the flat tube 20, thus preventing the fin 130 from tipping over during manufacturing or transport. That is, the strength of the fin 130 can be ensured. Furthermore, a gap 134 is formed between the upstream end of the fin 130 and the flat tube 20, so the heat transfer area of ​​the upstream end of the fin 130 where airflow occurs is smaller than that of the downstream end. Therefore, a balance between the heat exchange amount on the upstream side and the heat exchange amount on the downstream side of the fin 130 can be achieved. Thus, Embodiment 2 achieves a balance between the heat exchange amount on the upstream side and the heat exchange amount on the downstream side of the fin 130, and ensures the strength of the fin 130.

[0043] Furthermore, a gap 134 is formed between the upstream end of the fin 130 and the flat tube 20, thereby suppressing heat transfer on the upstream side of the fin 130 and preventing uneven frost formation. This also prevents the ventilation path 31 supplying airflow from being blocked by frost. Additionally, condensate adhering to the fin 130 passes through the gap 134, thereby improving drainage.

[0044] Implementation method 3.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube 220 and fins 230 in Embodiment 3. The difference between the heat exchanger 208 of Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1 is that the opening 50 is formed at the upstream end of the fins 230, creating a gap 234 between the fins and the flat tube 220. In Embodiment 3, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to Embodiments 1 and 2, and descriptions are omitted, focusing on the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0046] like Figure 5As shown, the width of the upstream end of the flat tube 220 is narrower than that of the downstream end. The upstream front end of the flat tube 220 is thinner and curved. As a result, a gap 234 is formed between the fin 230 and the flat tube 220 at the upstream end. The upstream end of the flat tube 220 protrudes more than the upstream end of the fin 230.

[0047] According to Embodiment 3, the upstream end of the flat tube 220 protrudes more than the upstream end of the fin 230. The fin 230 does not protrude more than the flat tube 220, thus preventing the fin 230 from tipping over during manufacturing or transport. That is, the strength of the fin 230 can be ensured. Furthermore, a gap 234 is formed between the upstream end of the fin 230 and the flat tube 220, so the heat transfer area of ​​the upstream end of the fin 230 for airflow is smaller than that of the downstream end. Therefore, a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fin 230 can be achieved. Thus, Embodiment 3 achieves a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fin 230 and ensures the strength of the fin 230.

[0048] Furthermore, a gap 234 is formed between the upstream end of the fin 230 and the flat tube 220, thereby suppressing heat transfer on the upstream side of the fin 230 and preventing uneven frost formation. This prevents the ventilation path 31 supplying airflow from being blocked by frost. Additionally, condensate adhering to the fin 230 passes through the gap 234, thereby improving drainage. Furthermore, the curved front end of the flat tube 220 reduces ventilation resistance.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube 220 and fins 230 in Embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 illustrates a case where two rows of flat tubes 220 are arranged in a column direction parallel to the airflow direction. In this case, as... Figure 6 As shown, the front end of the upstream flat tube 220 tapers, while the front end of the downstream flat tube 220 remains unchanged. This is because sufficient heat transfer to the fins 230 has already been achieved at the downstream end of the upstream flat tube 220, therefore it is not necessary to taper the front end of the downstream flat tube 220.

[0050] (Modified Example)

[0051] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube 220a and fins 230a in a modified example of Embodiment 3. Figure 7As shown, in the modified heat exchanger 208a, a cut-out gap 234a is formed on one side of the upstream end of the flat tube 220a adjacent to the fin 230a. Even in the modified example, a gap 234a is formed between the upstream end of the fin 230a and the flat tube 220a, so the heat transfer area of ​​the upstream end of the airflow in the fin 230a is smaller than that of the downstream end. Therefore, the modified example can achieve a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream side and the heat exchange volume on the downstream side of the fin 230a.

[0052] Implementation method 4.

[0053] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube 20 and fins 330 of Embodiment 4. The heat exchanger 308 of Embodiment 4 differs from those of Embodiments 1-3 in that it includes a reinforcing portion 360 to strengthen the fins 330. In Embodiment 4, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to Embodiments 1-3, and descriptions are omitted; the focus is on the differences from Embodiments 1-3.

[0054] like Figure 8 As shown, the upstream end of the fin 330 protrudes beyond the upstream end of the flat tube 20. Furthermore, reinforcing portions 360 are disposed between the portions of the fin 330 that protrude beyond the flat tube 20. The reinforcing portions 360 are, for example, made of a resin with high thermal resistance.

[0055] According to Embodiment 4, the fins 330 protrude beyond the flat tube 20, but reinforcing portions 360 are provided between the protruding portions of the fins 330 and the flat tube 20, thus preventing the fins 330 from tipping over during manufacturing or transportation. That is, the strength of the fins 330 can be ensured. Furthermore, the upstream end of the fins 330 does not contact the flat tube 20, therefore the heat transfer area of ​​the upstream end of the fins 330 for airflow is smaller than that of the downstream end. Therefore, a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fins 330 can be achieved. Thus, Embodiment 4 achieves a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fins 330 and ensures the strength of the fins 330.

[0056] Furthermore, since the upstream end of the fin 330 does not contact the flat tube 20, heat transfer on the upstream side of the fin 330 can be suppressed, thus preventing uneven frost formation. This also prevents the ventilation path 31 supplying airflow from being blocked by frost. Additionally, condensate adhering to the fin 330 flows along the resin-reinforced reinforcement 360, thereby improving drainage.

[0057] Implementation method 5.

[0058] Figure 9 This is a front view showing the heat exchanger 408 of embodiment 5. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube 20 and fins 430 in Embodiment 5. The difference between Embodiment 5 and Embodiments 1-4 is that a reinforcing portion 434 is formed in the fins 430. In Embodiment 5, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to Embodiments 1-4, and descriptions are omitted; the focus is on the differences from Embodiments 1-4.

[0059] like Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 As shown, a plurality of reinforcing portions 434 are formed on the upstream end of the inclined surface 30a of the fin 430 to strengthen the fin 430. The reinforcing portions 434 bend the fin 430 into a rectangular shape with concave and convex shapes. In addition, the upstream end of the fin 430 protrudes more than the upstream end of the flat tube 20.

[0060] According to Embodiment 5, the fin 430 protrudes beyond the flat tube 20, but a reinforcing portion 434 is formed at the upstream end of the fin 430, thus preventing the fin 430 from tipping over during manufacturing or transportation. That is, the strength of the fin 430 can be ensured. Furthermore, the upstream end of the fin 430 does not contact the flat tube 20, therefore the heat transfer area at the upstream end of the fin 430 where airflow occurs is smaller than that at the downstream end. Therefore, a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fin 430 can be achieved. Thus, Embodiment 5 achieves a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fin 430 and ensures the strength of the fin 430.

[0061] Furthermore, since the upstream end of the fin 430 does not contact the flat tube 20, heat transfer on the upstream side of the fin 430 can be suppressed, thus preventing uneven frost formation. This also prevents the ventilation path 31 supplying airflow from being blocked by frost. Additionally, condensate adhering to the fin 430 flows along the resin-reinforced reinforcement 434, thereby improving drainage.

[0062] (Modified Example)

[0063] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube 20 and fins 430a in a modified example of embodiment 5. (See attached image.) Figure 11As shown, in the modified heat exchanger 408a, compared to embodiment 5, the fins 430a protrude further beyond the flat tube 20. Furthermore, the reinforcing portion 434a is larger than in embodiment 5. Thus, while the fins 430a protrude significantly beyond the flat tube 20, a larger reinforcing portion 434a is formed at the upstream end of the fins 430a, thereby preventing the fins 430a from tipping over during manufacturing or transport. Additionally, a wider area at the upstream end of the fins 430a does not contact the flat tube 20, resulting in a smaller heat transfer area at the upstream end of the fins 430a where airflow occurs compared to the downstream end. Therefore, a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fins 430a can be achieved. In this way, the modified embodiment achieves a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream and downstream sides of the fins 430a and ensures the strength of the fins 430a.

[0064] Implementation method 6.

[0065] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flat tube 20 and fins 530 of Embodiment 6. The heat exchanger 508 of Embodiment 6 differs from those of Embodiments 1-5 in that it has an opening and closing louver 535 at the opening 50. In Embodiment 6, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to Embodiments 1-5, and descriptions are omitted; the focus is on the differences from Embodiments 1-5.

[0066] like Figure 12 As shown, the fin 530 has an opening / closing louver 535 disposed at the opening 50 and for opening and closing the opening 50. The upstream end of the flat tube 20 is located at the same position as the upstream end of the fin 530, similar to that in Embodiment 1.

[0067] According to Embodiment 6, the upstream end of the flat tube 20 is located at the same position as the upstream end of the fin 530. The fin 530 does not protrude beyond the flat tube 20, thus preventing the fin 530 from tipping over during manufacturing or transport. That is, the strength of the fin 530 can be ensured. Furthermore, an opening 50 for opening and closing the louvered plate 535 is formed at the upstream end of the fin 530, so the heat transfer area at the upstream end of the fin 530 for airflow is smaller than that at the downstream end. Therefore, a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream side and the heat exchange volume on the downstream side of the fin 530 can be achieved. Thus, Embodiment 6 achieves a balance between the heat exchange volume on the upstream side and the heat exchange volume on the downstream side of the fin 530, and ensures the strength of the fin 530.

[0068] Furthermore, an opening 50 is formed at the upstream end of the fin 530 for the louver 535 to open and close, thereby suppressing heat transfer on the upstream side of the fin 530 and preventing uneven frost formation. This prevents the ventilation path 31 for airflow from being blocked by frost. Additionally, condensate adhering to the fin 530 passes through the opening 50, thereby improving drainage.

[0069] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0070] 1…Air conditioner; 2…Outdoor unit; 3…Indoor unit; 4…Refrigerant circuit; 5…Refrigerant piping; 6…Compressor; 7…Flow path switching device; 8…Heat exchanger; 9…Outdoor fan; 10…Expansion section; 11…Indoor heat exchanger; 12…Indoor fan; 20…Flat pipe; 21…Flow path; 30…Fin; 30a…Inclined surface; 31…Ventilation path; 32…Louvre; 33…Slit; 34…Hole; 40…Manifold; 50…Opening; 10 8… Heat exchanger; 130… Fin; 134… Gap; 208, 208a… Heat exchanger; 220, 220a… Flat tube; 230… Fin; 234, 234a… Gap; 308… Heat exchanger; 330… Fin; 360… Reinforcing section; 408, 408a… Heat exchanger; 430, 430a… Fin; 434, 434a… Reinforcing section; 508… Heat exchanger; 530… Fin; 535… Opening / closing louver.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, have: Multiple flat tubes, which allow the refrigerant to flow inside; and Multiple fins are disposed between each other in the flat tube and transfer heat to the refrigerant flowing in the flat tube. The upstream end of the flat tube protrudes beyond the upstream end of the fins, where the airflow is directed. An opening is formed at the upstream end of the flat tube or at the upstream end of the fin. The opening is a hole formed at the upstream end of the fin. The hole is a rectangular opening that extends along the direction of airflow and along the length of the fin.

2. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, have: Multiple flat tubes, which allow the refrigerant to flow inside; and Multiple fins are disposed between each other in the flat tube and transfer heat to the refrigerant flowing in the flat tube. The upstream end of the flat tube protrudes beyond the upstream end of the fins, where the airflow is directed. An opening is formed at the upstream end of the flat tube or at the upstream end of the fin. The opening is formed at the upstream end of the fin, creating a gap between it and the flat tube. The width of the upstream end of the fin is narrower than that of the downstream end.

3. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, have: Multiple flat tubes, which allow the refrigerant to flow inside; and Multiple fins are disposed between each other in the flat tube and transfer heat to the refrigerant flowing in the flat tube. The upstream end of the flat tube protrudes beyond the upstream end of the fins, where the airflow is directed. An opening is formed at the upstream end of the flat tube or at the upstream end of the fin. The opening is formed at the upstream end of the fin, creating a gap between it and the flat tube. The width of the upstream end of the flat tube is narrower than that of the downstream end.

4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fins have louvers that are disposed in the opening and open / close the opening.

5. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, have: Multiple flat tubes that allow refrigerant to flow inside; Multiple fins are disposed between each other in the flat tube and transfer heat to the refrigerant flowing in the flat tube, the upstream ends of the multiple fins protruding from the upstream ends of the flat tube. as well as The reinforcing sections, which are disposed within the fins and protrude beyond the flat tube, reinforce the fins. An opening is formed at the upstream end of the flat tube or at the upstream end of the fin. The opening is a hole formed at the upstream end of the fin. The hole is a rectangular opening that extends along the direction of airflow and along the length of the fin.

6. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, have: Multiple flat tubes, which allow the refrigerant to flow inside; and Multiple fins are disposed between each other in the flat tube and transfer heat to the refrigerant flowing in the flat tube. The upstream ends of the multiple fins protrude beyond the upstream ends of the flat tube. A concave-convex reinforcing portion is formed at the upstream end of the fin to strengthen the fin. An opening is formed at the upstream end of the flat tube or at the upstream end of the fin. The opening is a hole formed at the upstream end of the fin. The hole is a rectangular opening that extends along the direction of airflow and along the length of the fin.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that, It has a heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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