Heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger (10) is provided with: a plurality of cores (16, 14) which are provided so as to overlap in the direction of flow of air and through which a refrigerant continuously flows, each of the plurality of cores (16, 14) having: an upper header (20A, 20B) to which the refrigerant is supplied; a lower header box (22A, 22B) that is disposed below the upper header box (20A, 20B); and a plurality of tubes (24) that connect the upper header boxes (20A, 20B) and the lower header boxes (22A, 22B) and that exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the air flowing therearound. And a communication path that connects the lower header box (22B) of the core section (16) on one side and the upper header box (20A) of the core section (14) on the other side, and that causes a refrigerant to flow from the lower header box (22B) to the upper header box (20A), the core section (16) on one side and the core section (14) on the other side being disposed so as to overlap each other in the direction of flow of air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a heat exchanger. Background Art

[0002] JP2016-118335A discloses a heat exchanger in which cores are stacked. The core has upper and lower headers and heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows between the upper and lower headers.

[0003] A partition is provided in the header, and a lower passage for refrigerant to flow from an upper header to a lower header and an upper passage for refrigerant to flow from a lower header to an upper header are formed in the core by heat exchange tubes. Summary of the invention

[0004] However, in this heat exchanger, the lower passage for the refrigerant to flow downward and the upper passage for the refrigerant to flow upward alternately exist. Therefore, when the refrigerant is condensed and heat exchanged by the heat exchange tube of the core, the refrigerant with increased density needs to be pushed up several times in the heat exchange tube, which deteriorates the flow of the refrigerant.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger that can facilitate the flow of refrigerant.

[0006] According to a technical solution of the present invention, a heat exchanger for condensing a refrigerant that undergoes a phase change between a liquid phase and a gas phase and heating the air comprises: a plurality of cores, a plurality of which are overlapped in the direction of air flow for continuous flow of the refrigerant, the plurality of cores respectively comprising: an upper header to which the refrigerant is supplied; a lower header arranged at a lower position than the upper header; and a plurality of tubes connecting the upper header and the lower header for heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air flowing around; and a connecting passage that connects the lower header of the core on one side with the upper header of the core on the other side so that the refrigerant flows from the lower header to the upper header, the core on one side being overlapped in the direction of air flow with the core on the other side.

[0007] In the heat exchanger of the above technical solution, the refrigerant supplied to the core on one side flows from the upper header of the core to the lower header via the tube. The refrigerant in the lower header of the core on one side is supplied to the core on the other side via the communication path. The refrigerant supplied to the core on the other side flows from the upper header of the core to the lower header via the tube.

[0008] Therefore, the refrigerant that condenses and increases in density as it flows toward the downstream side can flow from top to bottom in the tubes of the two cores connected by the connecting path. As a result, it is not necessary to push up the refrigerant that condenses and increases in density from bottom to top in the tubes of the core. Therefore, the purpose is to provide a heat exchanger that can make the refrigerant flow easily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the communication path.

[0011] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a front view showing the first block.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a front view showing the second block.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a front view showing the third block.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a front view showing the fourth block.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a front view showing the fifth block.

[0017] Fig. 9 It is a front view showing the sixth block.

[0018] Fig.10 This is a graph showing the passage resistance of the communication passage formed using each block.

[0019] Fig.11 It is a perspective view showing the main parts of the first modification example.

[0020] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing the main parts of the second modification example.

[0021] Fig.13 It is a perspective view of a third modified example.

[0022] Fig.14 It is an enlarged view of the adapter of the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, a heat exchanger 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] First, refer to Figure 1The overall structure of the heat exchanger 10 will be described. Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The heat exchanger 10 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown). The heat exchanger 10 exchanges heat between a refrigerant that circulates in an air-conditioning device (not shown) and undergoes a phase change between a liquid phase and a gas phase and air used for air conditioning.

[0026] Specifically, the heat exchanger 10 is provided in an HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) unit (not shown) through which air used for air conditioning passes. The heat exchanger 10 is a condenser that exchanges heat with the air used for air conditioning when the air conditioning device is in heating operation, condenses the refrigerant, and heats the air.

[0027] The heat exchanger 10 includes an upstream core 16 as a core on one side to which refrigerant is supplied, a downstream core 14 as a core on the other side to which refrigerant from the upstream core 16 is supplied, and a reinforcing member 18 provided on both sides of the heat exchanger 10 .

[0028] The downstream core portion 14 and the upstream core portion 16 are arranged so as to overlap in the air flow direction 12. The downstream core portion 14 is arranged on the upwind side, and the upstream core portion 16 is arranged on the downwind side.

[0029] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the heat exchanger 10 is composed of two core parts, the downstream core part 14 and the upstream core part 16, is described, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The heat exchanger 10 may also be composed of three or more core parts. In addition, the upstream core part 16 and the downstream core part 14 represent the core part on one side and the core part on the other side of a group of core parts arranged continuously in the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0030] The downstream core 14 and the upstream core 16 respectively include upper headers 20A and 20B to which refrigerant is supplied and lower headers 22A and 22B disposed below the upper headers 20A and 20B. The downstream core 14 includes: a plurality of tubes 24 that connect the upper header 20A and the lower header 22A and perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air flowing around; and a plurality of fins (not shown). In addition, the upstream core 16 includes: a plurality of tubes 24 that connect the upper header 20B and the lower header 22B and perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air flowing around; and a plurality of fins (not shown).

[0031] The headers 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B, the tubes 24, and the fins are formed of metal such as aluminum, and are joined to each other by brazing or the like to form an integral body.

[0032] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 10 includes a communication passage 26 that allows the lower header 22B of the upstream core portion 16 and the upper header 20A of the downstream core portion 14 to communicate with each other.

[0033] (Tube)

[0034] The tubes 24 provided in the cores 14 and 16 connect the headers 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B of the cores 14 and 16 to each other, and perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air flowing around.

[0035] The cores 14 and 16 are provided to intersect the air flow direction 12 so that the air passes between the tubes 24. The cores 14 and 16 are provided to overlap in the air flow direction so that the air passes continuously.

[0036] The plurality of tubes 24 are arranged in parallel and stacked at intervals. The tubes 24 are formed into a flat shape and stacked in the thickness direction. Fins are provided between adjacent tubes 24. The tubes 24 are stacked in a direction intersecting the air flow direction 12. A flow path for the refrigerant to flow is formed in the tubes 24.

[0037] (Fin)

[0038] The fins are provided between adjacent tubes 24 and are alternately stacked with the tubes 24. The fins are formed into a wave shape along the length direction of the tubes 24 and are joined to two adjacent tubes 24. Air supplied by a fan (not shown) of the air conditioner passes around the plurality of tubes 24 and the fins. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing inside the tubes 24 can exchange heat with the air via the surface of the tubes 24 and the fins. In this way, the fins promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

[0039] (Reinforcement member)

[0040] The reinforcing members 18 are respectively provided on both sides of the downstream core 14 and the upstream core 16. The reinforcing members 18 abut against the fins provided on both sides of the downstream core 14 and the upstream core 16. The ends of the reinforcing members 18 in the longitudinal direction are respectively fixed to the respective headers 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B, and the paired headers 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B are connected and reinforced. When the tubes 24 and the fins are brazed to form the downstream core 14 and the upstream core 16, the reinforcing members 18 are brazed to the fins and become one with the downstream core 14 and the upstream core 16.

[0041] (Header box)

[0042] Each header 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B is a cylindrical shape that is long in the arrangement direction of the tubes 24. The cross section of each header 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B is a closed cross section shape. The upper surface of each upper header 20A, 20B is formed into a curved surface shape in which the center portion in the width direction protrudes upward in the state where the heat exchanger 10 is installed. Each end of each header 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B has substantially the same shape.

[0043] The upper headers 20A, 20B and the lower headers 22A, 22B of the cores 14, 16 are arranged opposite to each other. The ends of the plurality of tubes 24 in the longitudinal direction are connected in a state of being inserted into the upper headers 20A, 20B and the lower headers 22A, 22B arranged opposite to each other. The headers 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B temporarily store refrigerant.

[0044] One end of the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 forms a refrigerant inlet 30 for the refrigerant to flow in. A supply pipe 31 for supplying the refrigerant is connected to the refrigerant inlet 30. That is, the upstream core 16 has a refrigerant inlet 30 for the refrigerant to flow in at one end of one side portion 32.

[0045] The other end of the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 is closed. The refrigerant having flowed into the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 flows toward the lower header 22B via the tubes 24. While flowing through the tubes 24, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air.

[0046] One end of the lower header 22B of the upstream core 16 is closed. The other end of the lower header 22B of the upstream core 16 forms a refrigerant outflow port 34 through which the refrigerant flows out. The refrigerant outflow port 34 is connected to the communication path 26 described above.

[0047] The other end of the upper header 20A of the downstream core portion 14 forms a refrigerant inlet 28 through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant inlet 28 is connected to the communication path 26 described above.

[0048] Thus, the communication passage 26 connects the upstream core 16 and the downstream core 14 at the other end of the other side portion 36 of the upstream core 16. Specifically, the communication passage 26 allows the refrigerant flowing out of the other end of the lower header 22B of the upstream core 16 to flow into the other end of the upper header 20A of the downstream core 14.

[0049] One end of the upper header 20A of the downstream core 14 is closed. The refrigerant having flowed into the upper header 20A of the downstream core 14 flows toward the lower header 22A via the tubes 24. While flowing through the tubes 24, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air.

[0050] The other end of the lower header 22A of the downstream core 14 is closed. One end of the lower header 22A of the downstream core 14 forms a refrigerant outflow port 40 through which the refrigerant flows out. The refrigerant outflow port 40 is connected to a recovery pipe 42 for recovering the refrigerant.

[0051] (Connecting Road)

[0052] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the communication path 26 .

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the communication passage 26 is composed of a lower connector 50, an upper connector 52, and a pipe member 54 that connects the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52. The cross-sectional area of ​​the inner side of the pipe member 54 is sufficiently larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner side of the pipe 24.

[0054] The lower connector 50 is connected to the lower header 22B of the upstream core 16 in a communicable manner. The upper connector 52 is connected to the upper header 20A of the downstream core 14 in a communicable manner.

[0055] One end of the pipe member 54 is connected to the connection hole 56 of the lower connector 50 , and the other end thereof is connected to a connection hole (not shown) of the upper connector 52 . The pipe member 54 allows the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 to communicate with each other.

[0056] When the lower connector 50 is connected to the corresponding lower header 22B and the upper connector 52 is connected to the corresponding upper header 20A, the connection hole 56 of the lower connector 50 connected to the pipe member 54 and the connection hole (not shown) of the upper connector 52 connected to the pipe member 54 are opposite to each other. In addition, the connection hole 56 of the lower connector 50 and the connection hole (not shown) of the upper connector 52 are opposite to each other in that they are connected to the pipe 24 (refer to FIG. Figure 1 ) is opened in the same direction as the extension direction.

[0057] (piece)

[0058] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 are constituted by a block 60 which is the same member.

[0060] The block 60 constituting the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 has a flat surface 62 disposed toward each of the cores 14 and 16. The block 60 also has a mountain-shaped protrusion 64 protruding toward the side opposite to the surface 62. Thus, the block 60 is formed into a triangular prism shape.

[0061] The block 60 has a first insertion hole 66 and a second insertion hole 68 on one side 62, into which the ends of the upper headers 20A and 20B arranged in an overlapping manner or the ends of the lower headers 22A and 22B arranged in an overlapping manner can be inserted. The first insertion hole 66 and the second insertion hole 68 are substantially the same shape as the ends of the headers 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B. In addition, the first insertion hole 66 and the second insertion hole 68 are arranged at the same interval as the arrangement interval of the headers 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B arranged in an overlapping manner.

[0062] The interior of the second insertion hole 68 is closed by a closing surface 70. Thus, the second insertion hole 68 constitutes a closing portion 72 that closes the end of the inserted header.

[0063] Block 60 is at end face 74 (refer to Figure 2 ) has the aforementioned connection hole 56 connected to the first insertion hole 66, and the end surface 74 serves as a cross surface and extends in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the one surface 62. The first insertion hole 66 has an inner surface 76 parallel to the one surface 62 on the inner side. The internal passage 78 connected to the connection hole 56 opens on the inner surface 76.

[0064] The connection hole 56 and the end surface 74 (see Figure 2 ) is opened vertically and extends parallel to the surface 62. The connection hole 56 is arranged at a middle position between the center line C1 passing through the center of the first insertion hole 66 and the center line C2 passing through the center of the second insertion hole 68 (refer to Figure 3 That is, the first insertion hole 66 and the second insertion hole 68 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the connection hole 56 .

[0065] Thus, by arranging the end surface 74 of the connection hole 56 to face upward, the block 60 can be used as the lower connector 50. Also, by arranging the end surface 74 of the connection hole 56 to face downward, the block 60 can be used as the upper connector 52.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the block 60 constituting the lower connector 50 is inserted into the end of the lower header 22B of the upstream core 16 through the first insertion hole 66, so that the lower header 22B communicates with the connection hole 56. In addition, the end of the lower header 22A of the downstream core 14 is inserted into the second insertion hole 68, so that the end of the lower header 22A is closed.

[0067] The block 60 constituting the upper connector 52 is inserted into the end of the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 through the second insertion hole 68 to close the end of the upper header 20B. Furthermore, the end of the upper header 20A of the downstream core 14 is inserted into the first insertion hole 66 to communicate the upper header 20A with the connection hole 56.

[0068] The connection hole 56 is arranged at a midpoint between a center line C1 passing through the center of the first insertion hole 66 and a center line C2 passing through the center of the second insertion hole 68 (see Figure 3 ). Therefore, the connection hole 56 of the lower connector 50 formed by the block 60 arranged with the end surface 74 facing upward and the connection hole 56 of the upper connector 52 formed by the block 60 arranged with the end surface 74 facing downward face each other.

[0069] The connection hole 56 opens perpendicularly to the end surface 74 and extends parallel to the one surface 62. Therefore, the opening direction of the connection hole 56 of the lower connector 50 and the opening direction of the connection hole 56 of the upper connector 52 coincide with the extending direction of the tube 24 extending vertically.

[0070] (Internal Passage)

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the internal passage 78 that connects the first insertion hole 66 and the connection hole 56 extends linearly in a direction inclined 40 degrees with respect to the inner surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66. The internal passage 78 is formed by cutting with a drill, for example.

[0072] In the present embodiment, a plurality of blocks 60 (blocks 60 - 1 , 60 - 2 , 60 - 3 , 60 - 4 , 60 - 5 , and 60 - 6 ) having internal passages 78 of different shapes are prepared, and passage resistance is measured in the communication passages 26 using each block 60 .

[0073] (First block)

[0074] Figure 4 1 is a front view showing the first block 60 - 1 .

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, the internal passage 78 of the first block 60-1 is constituted by a cut hole 80 formed linearly in an oblique direction from the inner surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connection hole 56. The cut hole 80 is formed parallel to the end surface 74 of the first block 60-1.

[0076] (Second block)

[0077] Figure 5 2 is a front view showing the second block 60 - 2 .

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, the internal passage 78 of the second block 60-2 is composed of a cut hole 82 formed in a straight line in an inclined direction from the inner surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connection hole 56. The cut hole 82 is inclined toward the end surface 74 of the second block 60-2 as it moves from the inner surface 76 toward the connection hole 56. The angle α1 formed by the parallel line 84 parallel to the end surface 74 and the center line C3 of the cut hole 82 is 25.4 degrees.

[0079] This allows the refrigerant to flow more smoothly compared to a case where the connecting hole 56 and the cut hole 82 are orthogonal to each other.

[0080] (Third block)

[0081] Figure 6 It is a front view showing the third block 60-3.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the internal passage 78 of the third block 60 - 3 is composed of a first cut hole 86 and a second cut hole 88 which are linearly formed in an oblique direction from the inner surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connection hole 56 .

[0083] The first cutting hole 86 and the second cutting hole 88 are formed in a partially overlapping manner to form an internal passage 78. The opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the third block 60-3 opening on the inner surface 76 is larger than that of the internal passage 78 of the first block 60-1.

[0084] The first cut hole 86 and the second cut hole 88 are formed in parallel with the end surface 74 of the third block 60 - 3 .

[0085] (Fourth block)

[0086] Figure 7 It is a front view showing the fourth block 60 - 4 .

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, the internal passage 78 of the fourth block 60 - 4 is composed of a first cut hole 90 , a second cut hole 92 , and a third cut hole 94 which are linearly formed in an oblique direction from the inner surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connection hole 56 .

[0088] The first cutting hole 90, the second cutting hole 92 and the third cutting hole 94 are partially overlapped to form an internal passage 78. The opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the fourth block 60-4 opening on the inner surface 76 is larger than that of the internal passage 78 of the third block 60-3.

[0089] The first cut hole 90 , the second cut hole 92 , and the third cut hole 94 are formed in parallel with the end surface 74 of the fourth block 60 - 4 .

[0090] (Fifth Block)

[0091] Figure 8 It is a front view showing the fifth block 60 - 5 .

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, the internal passage 78 of the fifth block 60 - 5 is composed of a first cut hole 96 and a second cut hole 98 which are linearly formed in an oblique direction from the inner surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connection hole 56 .

[0093] The first cut hole 96 is formed parallel to the end surface 74. The second cut hole 98 is inclined toward the end surface 74 of the fifth block 60-5 as it moves from the inner surface 76 toward the connecting hole 56. The angle α2 formed by the parallel line 84 parallel to the end surface 74 and the center line C4 of the second cut hole 98 is 25.4 degrees.

[0094] The first cutting hole 96 and the second cutting hole 98 are partially overlapped to form an internal passage 78. The opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the fifth block 60-5 opening on the inner surface 76 is larger than the opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the first block 60-1 and the opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the second block 60-2.

[0095] (Sixth Block)

[0096] Fig. 9 It is a front view showing the sixth block 60-6.

[0097] like Fig. 9 As shown, the internal passage 78 of the sixth block 60 - 6 is composed of a first cut hole 100 and a second cut hole 102 which are linearly formed in an oblique direction from the inner surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connection hole 56 .

[0098] The first cut hole 100 is formed parallel to the end surface 74. The second cut hole 102 is inclined toward the end surface 74 of the sixth block 60-6 as it moves from the inner surface 76 toward the connecting hole 56. The angle α3 formed by the parallel line 84 parallel to the end surface 74 and the center line C5 of the second cut hole 102 is 37 degrees.

[0099] The first cutting hole 100 and the second cutting hole 102 are partially overlapped to form an internal passage 78. The opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the sixth block 60-6 opening on the inner surface 76 is larger than the opening areas of the internal passages 78 of the first block 60-1 and the second block 60-2.

[0100] In addition, the cut holes 80, 82, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102 forming the internal passage 78 of each block 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-4, 60-5, 60-6 are formed by using drills of the same diameter. In addition, the components other than the internal passage 78 of each block 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-4, 60-5, 60-6 are the same.

[0101] Next, the passage resistance will be described.

[0102] Fig.10 1 is a graph showing the passage resistance of the communication passage 26 formed using the blocks 60 - 1 , 60 - 2 , 60 - 3 , 60 - 4 , 60 - 5 , and 60 - 6 . The bar shapes showing the passage resistance of each communication passage 26 are given the reference numerals of the blocks used.

[0103] In this graph, the length of the bar represents the numerical passage resistance. In this graph, the vertical axis represents the passage resistance, and the smaller the passage resistance, the better.

[0104] The graph shows that the communication path 26 formed by the sixth block 60-6 has the lowest path resistance, and the structure using the sixth block 60-6 is superior to the structures using the other blocks 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-4, and 60-5. Therefore, each connector 50, 52 of this embodiment uses the sixth block 60-6.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the connectors 50 and 52 are configured by the sixth block 60 - 6 , but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The connectors 50 and 52 may be configured by using any of the aforementioned blocks 60 - 1 , 60 - 2 , 60 - 3 , 60 - 4 , 60 - 5 , and 60 - 6 .

[0106] (Pipe components)

[0107] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pipe member 54 is composed of a cylindrical member extending linearly. A ridge 110 extending in the circumferential direction is formed at one end and the other end of the pipe member 54 .

[0108] A brazing material ring 112 formed of a brazing material in an annular shape is attached to the outer periphery of the pipe member 54. The brazing material ring 112 melts when heated, and brazes the pipe member 54 to the connectors 50, 52.

[0109] (Function and Effect)

[0110] According to the above embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0111] The heat exchanger 10 is a heat exchanger 10 that condenses the refrigerant that undergoes a phase change between a liquid phase and a gas phase to heat the air. The heat exchanger 10 includes an upstream core 16 and a downstream core 14, which are a plurality of cores that are overlapped in the air flow direction 12 and through which the refrigerant flows continuously. The upstream core 16 and the downstream core 14 each include: an upper header 20A, 20B to which the refrigerant is supplied; a lower header 22A, 22B that is disposed at a position lower than the upper header 20A, 20B; and a plurality of tubes 24 that connect the upper header 20A, 20B and the lower header 22A, 22B to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air flowing around. The heat exchanger 10 has a connecting passage 26, which connects the lower header 22B of the upstream side core 16 of the core on one side with the upper header 20A of the downstream side core 14 of the core on the other side, so that the refrigerant flows from the lower header 22B to the upper header 20A, and the upstream side core 16 and the downstream side core 14 are arranged to overlap in the air flow direction 12.

[0112] According to the heat exchanger 10 of this structure, the refrigerant supplied to the upstream core 16 as the core on one side flows from the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 to the lower header 22B via the tube 24. The refrigerant in the lower header 22B of the upstream core 16 is supplied to the downstream core 14 as the core on the other side via the communication path 26.

[0113] The refrigerant supplied to the downstream core 14 flows from the upper header 20A of the downstream core to the lower header 22A via the tube 24. Thus, the refrigerant flowing through the cores 14 and 16 condenses in the cores 14 and 16 to increase density and flows from top to bottom.

[0114] Therefore, the refrigerant, which condenses and increases in density as it flows downstream, can flow from top to bottom in the tubes 24 of the two cores 14 and 16 connected by the connecting passage 26. Thus, it is not necessary to push up the refrigerant, which condenses and increases in density, from bottom to top in the tubes 24 of the cores 14 and 16. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger 10 that can facilitate the flow of the refrigerant.

[0115] Furthermore, the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 as the core on one side has a refrigerant inlet 30 for the refrigerant to flow in at one end, and the lower header 22A of the downstream core 14 as the core on the other side has a refrigerant outflow port 40 at one end. The communication passage 26 connects the other end of the lower header 22B of the upstream core 16 as the core on one side with the other end of the upper header 20A of the downstream core 14 as the core on the other side.

[0116] According to this structure, the refrigerant flows into the upstream core portion 16 from one end of the upper header 20B, and the refrigerant flows out from the other end of the lower header 22B through the communication path 26 .

[0117] Therefore, in the upstream core portion 16 , the temperature of the refrigerant flowing from one end portion where the refrigerant flows in toward the other end portion where the refrigerant flows out decreases, and thus the temperature of the upstream core portion 16 decreases from one end portion toward the other end portion.

[0118] Furthermore, with respect to the downstream side core portion 14 , the refrigerant flows in from the other end portion of the upper header 20A via the communication path 26 , and the refrigerant flows out from the other end portion of the lower header 22A.

[0119] Therefore, in the downstream core portion 14 , the temperature of the refrigerant flowing from the other end portion where the refrigerant flows in toward the one end portion where the refrigerant flows out decreases, and thus the temperature of the downstream core portion 14 decreases from the other end portion toward the one end portion.

[0120] The hotter end of the upstream core portion 16 overlaps with the colder end of the downstream core portion 14. The hotter end of the upstream core portion 16 overlaps with the hotter end of the downstream core portion 14.

[0121] Therefore, in the heat exchanger 10 in which the upstream core portion 16 and the downstream core portion 14 are arranged to overlap each other, the temperature difference between one end portion and the other end portion can be suppressed, and the temperature distribution of the heat exchanger 10 can be made uniform.

[0122] In addition, the connecting passage 26 is composed of a lower connector 50 connected to the lower header 22B of the upstream core portion 16 of the core portion on one side in a communicable manner, an upper connector 52 connected to the upper header 20A of the downstream core portion 14 of the core portion on the other side in a communicable manner, and a pipe member 54 connected to a connecting hole 56 provided in the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 and connecting the lower connector 50 with the upper connector 52.

[0123] According to this configuration, by changing the length of the pipe member 54 , the distance between the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 can be changed.

[0124] Therefore, even when the length of the tube 24 of each core portion 14 or 16 is changed due to a specification change, the specification change can be handled by simply changing the length of the tube member 54 connecting the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 .

[0125] When the lower connector 50 is connected to the corresponding lower header boxes 22A, 22B and the upper connector 52 is connected to the corresponding upper header boxes 20A, 20B, the connection hole 56 of the lower connector 50 connected to the pipe member 54 and the connection hole 56 of the upper connector 52 connected to the pipe member 54 are opposite to each other and open in the same direction as the extension direction of the pipe 24.

[0126] According to this structure, compared with the case where the pipe member 54 is disposed obliquely between the connectors 50 and 52 to connect the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 , the length change of the pipe 24 can be handled without changing the angle of the connection hole 56 .

[0127] The lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 are formed of the same member.

[0128] According to this structure, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed compared with the case where the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 are formed of different members.

[0129] The components constituting the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 are constituted by a block 60, which has a first insertion hole 66 and a second insertion hole 68 on one side 62, into which the ends of the overlapping upper headers 20A, 20B or the ends of the overlapping lower headers 22A, 22B can be inserted, and the block 60 has a connection hole 56 connected to the first insertion hole 66 on an end surface 74 serving as an intersection surface extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the one side 62, and the connection hole 56 is arranged at a midpoint between a center line C1 passing through the center of the first insertion hole 66 and a center line C2 passing through the center of the second insertion hole 68.

[0130] According to this structure, by arranging the block 60 so that the connection hole 56 opens downward, the block 60 can be used as the upper connector 52. In addition, by arranging the block 60 so that the connection hole 56 opens upward, the block 60 can be used as the lower connector 50.

[0131] Thus, the block 60 can be used as both the upper connector 52 and the lower connector 50 by merely changing the orientation of the block 60 .

[0132] Furthermore, the second insertion hole 68 of the block 60 is not connected to the connection hole 56 , and constitutes a closed portion 72 closed by the closing surface 70 .

[0133] Therefore, the end of the header inserted into the second insertion hole 68 of the block 60 can be closed by the closing portion 72. Therefore, compared with the case where a closing member for closing the end of each header 20B, 22A must be separately prepared, the cost can be reduced and the labor and time for installing the closing member are not required.

[0134] (First Modification)

[0135] Fig.11 It is a perspective view showing the main parts of the first modification example.

[0136] In the heat exchanger 200 of the first modified example, a lower adapter 202 is connected to an end of the lower header 22B of the upstream core 16 and an end of the lower header (not shown) of the downstream core 14 .

[0137] The lower adapter 202 is formed of a block made of aluminum in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The lower adapter 202 has a closing portion (not shown) that closes the end of the lower header 22B of the upstream core 16 .

[0138] The lower adapter 202 has a cylinder 204, which is connected to the end of the lower header (not shown) of the downstream core 14 and communicates with the lower header (not shown). The cylinder 204 constitutes a refrigerant discharge path 206 for discharging refrigerant from the lower header (not shown) of the downstream core 14. A recovery pipe (not shown) for recovering the refrigerant is connected to the cylinder 204.

[0139] The cylinder 204 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the lower header (not shown) of the downstream core 14. Thus, the recovery pipe (not shown) connected to the cylinder 204 can be led out in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the lower header (not shown).

[0140] In this variation, compared with the case where the recovery pipe connected to the lower header (not shown) of the downstream core 14 is bent and the recovery pipe is routed in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the lower header, the space required on one side 32 of the heat exchanger 200 can be reduced.

[0141] (Second Modification)

[0142] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing the main parts of the second modification example.

[0143] In the heat exchanger 300 of the second modified example, an upper adapter 302 is further connected to an end portion of the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 and an end portion of the upper header 20A of the downstream core 14 .

[0144] The upper adapter 302 is formed of a block made of aluminum in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The upper adapter 302 has a closing portion (not shown) that closes the end of the upper header 20A of the downstream core 14 .

[0145] The upper adapter 302 has a cylindrical portion 304 that is connected to an end portion (not shown) of the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 and communicates with the upper header 20B. The cylindrical portion 304 constitutes a refrigerant supply path 306 for supplying refrigerant to the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16. A supply pipe (not shown) for supplying refrigerant is connected to the cylindrical portion 304.

[0146] The cylinder 304 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16. Thus, the supply pipe connected to the cylinder 304 can be led out in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the upper header 20B.

[0147] In this modification, compared with the case where the supply pipe connected to the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 is bent and routed in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the upper header 20B, the space required for one side 32 of the heat exchanger 300 can be reduced.

[0148] (Third Modification)

[0149] Fig.13 It is a perspective view of a third modified example. Fig.14 It is an enlarged view of an adapter 421 according to a third modification.

[0150] like Fig.13 As shown, the heat exchanger 400 of the third variant has a refrigerant discharge path 402 on one side 32 of the downstream core 14 of the core on the other side, and the refrigerant discharge path 402 is connected to the lower header 22A (not shown) and extends toward the upper header 20A side.

[0151] (Refrigerant discharge path)

[0152] The refrigerant discharge passage 402 is constituted by a discharge connector 410 , an adapter 412 , and a pipe member 414 that allows the discharge connector 410 and the adapter 412 to communicate with each other.

[0153] (Discharge connector)

[0154] The discharge connector 410 is constituted by the block 60 described above, and the block 60 is used as the discharge connector 410 by arranging the end surface 74 of the block 60 where the connection hole 56 opens to face upward.

[0155] The end of the lower header 22B of the upstream core 16 is inserted into the second insertion hole 68 of the discharge connector 410, and the end of the lower header 22B is closed by the closing surface 70 of the second insertion hole 68. The end of the lower header (not shown) of the downstream core 14 is inserted into the first insertion hole 66 of the discharge connector 410, and the lower header (not shown) communicates with the connection hole 56 of the discharge connector 410.

[0156] (adapter)

[0157] like Fig.14 As shown, the adapter 412 is formed of a block made of aluminum in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0158] The adapter 412 has a first cylindrical portion 420 connected to the end of the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 and communicating with the upper header 20B. The adapter 412 has a second cylindrical portion 422 provided on the side of the first cylindrical portion 420.

[0159] The adapter 412 has a closed hole (not shown) that is connected to the end of the upper header 20A of the downstream core 14 and closes the end of the upper header 20A.

[0160] The adapter 412 has a connection hole 424 that opens toward the discharge connector 410 and faces the connection hole 56 of the discharge connector 410. The connection hole 424 communicates with the second cylindrical portion 422.

[0161] (Pipe components)

[0162] One end of the tube member 414 is connected to the connection hole 56 of the discharge connector 410 . The other end of the tube member 414 is connected to the connection hole 424 of the adapter 412 .

[0163] A supply pipe (not shown) for supplying the refrigerant is connected to the first cylindrical portion 420 of the adapter 412. A recovery pipe (not shown) for recovering the refrigerant is connected to the second cylindrical portion 422 of the adapter 412.

[0164] Thus, the refrigerant supplied from the supply pipe is supplied to the upper header 20B of the upstream core 16 via the adapter 412. In addition, the refrigerant discharged from the lower header (not shown) of the downstream core 14 is recovered by the recovery pipe connected to the first cylinder 420 of the adapter 412 via the discharge connector 410 and the pipe member 414.

[0165] The heat exchanger 400 of this modification has a refrigerant discharge passage 402 on one side 32 of the upstream core portion 16 as the other core portion, the refrigerant discharge passage 402 communicating with the lower header 22A and extending toward the upper header 20A.

[0166] According to the heat exchanger 400 of this structure, the supply pipe and the recovery pipe can be led out at the upper part of one end of the heat exchanger 400. Therefore, the pipe installation work is easier than when the supply pipe and the recovery pipe are led out from different positions.

[0167] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above embodiments are only a part of application examples of the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific structures of the above embodiments.

[0168] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-118920 filed with the Japan Patent Office on July 26, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated into this specification by reference.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger that condenses a refrigerant that undergoes a phase change between a liquid phase and a gas phase to heat air, wherein: The heat exchanger has: A plurality of cores are provided overlappingly in the air flow direction for continuous flow of refrigerant, and the plurality of cores respectively include: an upper header box to which the refrigerant is supplied; a lower header box disposed at a lower position than the upper header box; and a plurality of pipes connecting the upper header box and the lower header box to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air flowing around; as well as A connecting passage connects the lower header of the core on one side with the upper header of the core on the other side, allowing the refrigerant to flow from the lower header to the upper header, and the core on one side and the core on the other side are arranged to overlap in the air flow direction.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: The upper header of the core on one side has a refrigerant inlet at one end for refrigerant to flow in, and the lower header of the core on the other side has a refrigerant outflow port at one end for refrigerant to flow out. The communication passage allows the other end of the lower header of the core on one side to communicate with the other end of the upper header of the core on the other side.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The communication route is composed of a lower connector connected to the lower header of the core on one side in a communicable manner, an upper connector connected to the upper header of the core on the other side in a communicable manner, and a pipe member connected to the connection holes provided in the lower connector and the upper connector and connecting the lower connector with the upper connector.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein: In a state where the lower connector is connected to the corresponding lower header and the upper connector is connected to the corresponding upper header, the connection hole of the lower connector connected to the pipe member and the connection hole of the upper connector connected to the pipe member are opposite to each other and open in the same direction as the extending direction of the pipe.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein: The lower connector and the upper connector are formed of the same member.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein: The component is composed of a block, which has a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole on one side through which the ends of the overlapping upper headers or the ends of the overlapping lower headers can be inserted, and the block has the connecting hole connected to the first insertion hole on an intersecting surface extending in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the one side, and the connecting hole is arranged at a middle position between a center line passing through the center of the first insertion hole and a center line passing through the center of the second insertion hole.

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