Heat exchanger and air conditioner comprising same

Abstract

The invention provides a heat exchanger and an air conditioner including the same, which can improve the rigidity of a fin laminated body formed by laminating a plurality of fins for a laminated plate type heat exchanger. A heat exchanger (18) is provided with: a plurality of fins, each of which has an internal flow path through which a first fluid flows, and which form a fin laminated body (40) by laminating the plurality of fins in a state in which a gap through which a second fluid passes is separated; a first end plate and a second end plate respectively attached to both ends of the fin laminate (40) in the lamination direction; and a reinforcing member (52) that is supported by the first end plate and the second end plate and surrounds an end portion of the fin laminate (40) when viewed in the lamination direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger and an air conditioner comprising the heat exchanger. Background Art

[0002] At present, there is known a laminated plate heat exchanger including a plurality of fins formed by joining a first plate and a second plate, for example, as described in Patent Document 1. Internal flow paths for refrigerant flow are formed in each of the plurality of fins. Heat exchange is performed between air flowing between the plurality of fins and the refrigerant flowing inside each fin.

[0003] The stack of multiple fins in the stacked plate heat exchanger (fin stack) is produced by alternately stacking a first plate and a second plate and then pressing and heating them in the stacking direction. Therefore, the first plate and the second plate are produced, for example, by stamping a metal thin plate (brazing plate) with a brazing material layer provided on both sides.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-180856 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the case of a stacked plate heat exchanger, if the number of stacked fins increases, the fin stack becomes a flat plate that is longer in the stacking direction. Therefore, the fin stack is easily deformed in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction. In particular, when the fin has a short side direction and a long side direction (length direction), the fin stack is easily deformed in its short side direction. As a result, if a collision (external force) is applied to the fin stack in the short side direction and / or the long side direction (for example, a single heat exchanger falls during transportation or a product falls while being carried on a product), the fin stack is deformed. If the fin stack is deformed, the fin stack is likely to collide with other components around it, such as a fan, causing damage to at least one of the fan and the fin stack. In addition, if the collision applied to the fin stack is large, the fin stack is likely to undergo plastic deformation and cannot be restored to its original shape.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the rigidity of a fin stack formed by stacking a plurality of fins in a stacked plate type heat exchanger.

[0010] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0011] In order to solve the above technical problems, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a heat exchanger is provided, which has:

[0012] A plurality of fins, each of which has an internal flow path for a first fluid to flow, wherein the plurality of fins are stacked with gaps for a second fluid to pass therethrough to form a fin stack;

[0013] A first end plate and a second end plate respectively mounted at both ends of the fin stack in a stacking direction; and

[0014] A reinforcing member is supported by the first end plate and the second end plate and surrounds an end portion of the fin stack when viewed in the stacking direction.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner, comprising:

[0016] A compressor that delivers refrigerant;

[0017] a heat exchanger through which the refrigerant flows; and

[0018] a fan to generate an air flow through the heat exchanger,

[0019] The heat exchanger has:

[0020] A plurality of fins, each of which has an internal flow path for a refrigerant to flow, wherein the plurality of fins are stacked with gaps for air to pass therethrough to form a fin stack;

[0021] A first end plate and a second end plate respectively mounted at both ends of the fin stack in a stacking direction; and

[0022] A reinforcing member surrounding an end portion of the fin stack when viewed in the stacking direction.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, in a stacked plate type exchanger, the rigidity of a fin stack formed by stacking a plurality of fins can be increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an indoor unit in an air conditioner.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a heat exchanger.

[0028] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of a heat exchanger.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the reinforcement component.

[0030] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the reinforced component along line AA.

[0031] Fig. 7A This is a perspective view of a heat exchanger in a state where the fins are deformed in the long-side direction.

[0032] Figure 7B This is a perspective view of a heat exchanger in a state where the fins are deformed in the short-side direction.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a reinforcement member in a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view of a reinforcement member in a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0035] Description of Reference Numerals

[0036] 18 Heat exchanger

[0037] 40 Fin stack

[0038] 52 Reinforcement components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] A heat exchanger in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of fins, each of which has an internal flow path for a first fluid to flow, and a fin stack is formed by stacking the plurality of fins in a state of being separated by gaps for a second fluid to pass through; a first end plate and a second end plate respectively installed at both ends of the stacking direction of the fin stack; and a reinforcing component, which is supported by the first end plate and the second end plate and surrounds the ends of the fin stack when viewed in the stacking direction.

[0040] According to the above-mentioned one aspect, in the stacked plate type heat exchanger, the rigidity of the fin stack formed by stacking a plurality of fins can be increased.

[0041] For example, the reinforcing member may surround one end portion of the fin stack in a first direction which is a longitudinal direction of the fin when viewed in the stacking direction.

[0042] For example, the reinforcing component may also include: a main body portion, which extends in the stacking direction and is respectively opposite to the multiple fins in the fin stack in the first direction; a first side wall portion, which extends in the first direction from one end of the main body portion in the second direction which is the short side direction of the fin, is arranged on one side in the second direction relative to the fin stack and is opposite to the fin; and a second side wall portion, which extends in the first direction from the other end of the main body portion in the second direction, is arranged on the other side in the second direction relative to the fin stack and is opposite to the fin.

[0043] For example, one of the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion may be opposite to the plurality of fins in the fin stack in the second direction, and the other of the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion may be opposite to a part of the plurality of fins in the fin stack in the second direction.

[0044] For example, both the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion may extend in the stacking direction so as to face each of the plurality of fins in the fin stack in the second direction.

[0045] For example, the main body of the reinforcing member may have a through hole.

[0046] Another embodiment of an air conditioner of the present invention includes: a compressor that delivers refrigerant; a heat exchanger through which the refrigerant flows; and a fan that generates an air flow through the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger has: a plurality of fins, each of which has an internal flow path through which the refrigerant flows, and a fin stack is formed by stacking the plurality of fins in a state where gaps are separated for air to pass; a first end plate and a second end plate respectively installed at both ends of the fin stack in a stacking direction; and a reinforcing component that surrounds the ends of the fin stack when viewed in the stacking direction.

[0047] According to the above-mentioned other aspect, in the stacked plate type heat exchanger mounted in the air conditioner, the rigidity of the fin stack formed by stacking a plurality of fins can be increased.

[0048] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0049] (Implementation Method 1)

[0050] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an indoor unit in an air conditioner.

[0051] like Figure 1As shown, the air conditioner 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes an indoor unit 12 disposed indoors and an outdoor unit 14 disposed outdoors.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 12 is equipped with: a housing 16 arranged indoors, a heat exchanger 18 arranged in the housing 16 and performing heat exchange with the indoor air, and a cross-flow fan 20 that generates an indoor air flow so that the indoor air passes through the heat exchanger 18. The housing 16 is provided with an air intake port 16a opening upward, an air intake port 16b opening forward, and a blow-out port 16c facing obliquely downward. When the cross-flow fan 20 rotates, the indoor air flows into the housing 16 through the air intake ports 16a and 16b and passes through the heat exchanger 18. The air after passing through the heat exchanger 18 is blown out of the housing 16 to the outside (outside the housing) through the blow-out port 16c. In addition, a drain pan 22 is provided below the heat exchanger 18 to store moisture in the air condensed on the surface of the heat exchanger 18.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the outdoor unit 14 is equipped with a heat exchanger 24 for exchanging heat with outdoor air, an axial flow fan 26 for generating an outdoor air flow so that the outdoor air passes through the heat exchanger 24, and a compressor 28 for sending the refrigerant (first fluid) passing through the heat exchangers 18 and 24. The heat exchanger 18, the heat exchanger 24, and the compressor 28 are connected via a refrigerant pipe 30. The refrigerant pipe 30 is provided with an expansion valve 32 for decompressing the refrigerant and a four-way valve 34 for changing the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0054] During cooling operation, the refrigerant is sent out from the compressor 28, passes through the four-way valve 34, the heat exchanger 24 of the outdoor unit 14, the expansion valve 32, the heat exchanger 18 of the indoor unit 12 in sequence, and returns to the compressor 28. During heating operation, the refrigerant is sent out from the compressor 28, passes through the four-way valve 34, the heat exchanger 18 of the indoor unit 12, the expansion valve 32, the heat exchanger 24 of the outdoor unit 14 in sequence, and returns to the compressor 28. The refrigerant flow during cooling operation and the refrigerant flow during heating operation are switched by the four-way valve 34. In addition, during cooling operation, water droplets generated by condensation of indoor air on the surface of the heat exchanger 18 flow along the surface of the heat exchanger 18 and fall into the drain pan 22.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 418 is an exploded stereogram of a heat exchanger. The XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in the figure is used to facilitate understanding of the embodiment and does not limit the embodiment. The X-axis direction represents the short side direction of the fins constituting the fin stack in the heat exchanger, the Y-axis direction represents the long side direction of the fins, and the Z-axis direction represents the thickness direction of the fins and the stacking direction of the fins. In addition, in the figure, the blank arrows represent the flow direction of the air A (second fluid) flowing into the heat exchanger 18. In the case of the present embodiment 1, the air A passing through the heat exchanger 18 flows along the X-axis direction.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchanger 18 includes a fin stack 40. A first end plate 42 and a second end plate 44 are respectively installed at both ends of the stacking direction of the fin stack 40. The first end plate 42 is provided with: an inflow side connecting pipe 42a connected to the refrigerant piping 30 for the refrigerant to flow in; and an outflow side connecting pipe 42b connected to the refrigerant piping 30 for the refrigerant to flow out.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, the fin stack 40 is formed by stacking a plurality of substantially rectangular fins 46 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction). By stacking a plurality of fins 46, the heat exchanger 18 is formed as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the fin 46 is in a flat plate shape that is long in the stacking direction of the fins 46. In the case of Embodiment 1, a plurality of fins 46 are stacked in the left-right direction of the indoor unit 12.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, an internal flow path 46a for the refrigerant to flow is provided inside each of the plurality of fins 46. In the case of the first embodiment, the plurality of fins 46 are formed by joining a first plate 48 and a second plate 50 to each other in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fin stack 40. The internal flow path 46a is formed between the first plate 48 and the second plate 50.

[0059] For example, the first plate 48 and the second plate 50 are produced by processing, for example, stamping, a metal thin plate provided with a brazing material layer on both sides, a so-called brazing plate. The brazing plate is produced by forming an aluminum-silicon alloy layer as a brazing material on both sides of a thin plate made of an aluminum alloy. The first plate 48 and the second plate 50 are joined by melting the brazing material layer once under heating and solidifying again.

[0060] The first plate 48 and the second plate 50 are joined to each other to form an internal flow path 46a through which the refrigerant flows. In the case of the first embodiment, a recess is formed on the inner surface of the first plate 48 that faces the second plate 50. The internal flow path 46a is formed by covering the recess with the second plate 50.

[0061] In addition, the internal flow path 46a communicates with the inside of the tubular headers 46b and 46c provided at both ends in the long-side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46. That is, the internal flow path 46a is provided in the central part in the long-side direction of the fin 46, and its both ends communicate with the inside of the headers 46b and 46c, respectively. In addition, these headers 46b and 46c are formed by joining the cylindrical part formed in the first plate 48 and the cylindrical part formed in the second plate 50, respectively.

[0062] The headers 46b of the plurality of fins 46 are connected and joined to form an inlet manifold, which is connected to the inlet connecting pipe 42a of the first end plate 42. Thus, the refrigerant passing through the inlet connecting pipe 42a flows into the internal flow passages 46a of the fins 46.

[0063] In addition, the headers 46c of the plurality of fins 46 are connected and joined to form an outflow manifold, which is connected to the outflow connecting pipe 42b of the first end plate 42. Thus, the refrigerant flowing out of the internal flow paths 46a of the fins 46 flows to the outflow connecting pipe 42b.

[0064] The plurality of fins 46 are stacked with gaps therebetween. Specifically, the gap between two adjacent fins 46 is formed by joining the header 46b of one fin 46 to the header 46b of the other fin 46, and joining the header 46c of one fin 46 to the header 46c of the other fin 46. Air A flows through the gap.

[0065] According to the heat exchanger 18 , heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing through the internal flow path 46 a of each fin 46 and the air A flowing through the gaps between the fins 46 .

[0066] In addition, in the case of the first embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchanger 18 includes a reinforcement member 52 .

[0067] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional diagram of the reinforcement component. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the reinforcement component along line A-A.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the reinforcing member 52 is a member that suppresses deformation of the fin stack 40 by being attached to the fin stack 40. Here, deformation of the fin stack 40 will be described.

[0069] Fig. 7A This is a perspective view of a heat exchanger in a state where the fins are deformed in the long side direction. Figure 7B This is a perspective view of a heat exchanger in a state where the fins are deformed in the short-side direction.

[0070] As mentioned above, in addition, Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchanger 18, i.e., the fin stack 40, is a flat plate that is long in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, and is a structure with gaps between the fins 46. Fig. 7A As shown in FIG. 1 , if the external force F1 acts in the long-side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46, the fin stack 40 is easily deformed in the long-side direction of the fin 46. Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 1 , if the external force F2 acts in the short-side direction (X-axis direction) of the fin 46, the fin stack 40 is easily deformed in the short-side direction of the fin 46. The external forces F1 and F2 are generated, for example, when the heat exchanger 18 falls during transportation. Of course, if the external forces F1 and F2 become larger, the fin stack 40 may be plastically deformed and cannot be restored to its original shape.

[0071] In order to suppress deformation of the fin stack 40 due to the external forces F1 and F2 , that is, to increase the rigidity of the fin stack 40 , the heat exchanger 18 is provided with a reinforcing member 52 .

[0072] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the case of the first embodiment, the reinforcing member 52 is made by stamping a thin metal plate, for example, a stainless steel thin plate. The reinforcing member 52 is a member that is long in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46. In addition, the reinforcing member 52 is in a "コ" shape when viewed in the stacking direction, and surrounds one end of the fin stack 40 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46. That is, when viewed in the stacking direction, the reinforcing member 52 surrounds three sides of one end of the fin stack 40 except for the direction from one end of the fin stack 40 toward the other end.

[0073] In the case of the first embodiment, the reinforcing component 52 includes: a strip-shaped main body portion 52a extending in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fin 46; a first side wall portion 52b extending from one end of the main body portion 52a in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the fin 46 to the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46; and a second side wall portion 52c extending from the other end of the main body portion 52a in the short side direction of the fin 46 to the long side direction of the fin 46.

[0074] In the case of the first embodiment, the main body 52a of the reinforcing member 52 extends from the first end plate 42 toward the second end plate 44 in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, and is respectively opposite to and in contact with the plurality of fins 46 in the fin stack 40 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fins 46. In addition, in the case of the first embodiment, the size of the main body 52a of the reinforcing member 52 in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the fin 46 is smaller than the size in the short side direction of the fin 46, and the reason will be described later.

[0075] In the case of the first embodiment, the first side wall portion 52b of the reinforcing member 52 extends from the first end plate 42 toward the second end plate 44 in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, similarly to the main body portion 52a, and is opposed to and in contact with the plurality of fins 46 in the fin stack 40 in the short-side direction (X-axis direction) of the fins 46. In addition, the first side wall portion 52b is arranged on one side in the short-side direction of the fin 46 relative to the fin stack 40, that is, in the case of the first embodiment, it is arranged on the downstream side in the flow direction of the air A, and is opposed to the plurality of fins 46.

[0076] In the case of the first embodiment, the first side wall portion 52b extends substantially perpendicular to the main body portion 52a. In addition, the extension length of the first side wall portion 52b extending from the main body portion 52a is set to a length that does not hinder the flow of air A flowing in the short-side direction (X-axis direction) along the central portion (i.e., the portion where the internal flow path 46a is provided) of each fin 46 in the long-side direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the first side wall portion 52b extends from the main body portion 52a so as not to overlap with the internal flow path 46a when viewed in the short-side direction of the fin 46.

[0077] In addition, in the case of the present embodiment 1, the reinforcing member 52 is supported on the first end plate 42 and the second end plate 44 via the first side wall portion 52b. Specifically, a first mounting portion 52d mounted on the first end plate 42 and a second mounting portion 52e mounted on the second end plate 44 are provided at both ends of the first side wall portion 52b in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46. The first and second mounting portions 52d and 52e are fixed to the first and second end plates 42 and 44, for example, by screws or the like. Therefore, the reinforcing member 52 is not fixed to the plurality of fins 46 of the heat exchanger 18.

[0078] In the case of the first embodiment, the second side wall portion 52c of the reinforcing member 52 extends in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46 similarly to the first side wall portion 52b, but its extension length is shorter. That is, the second side wall portion 52c is opposed to and in contact with a portion of the fins 46 in the fin stack 40 in the short-side direction (X-axis direction) of the fins 46. In addition, the second side wall portion 52c is arranged on the other side of the short-side direction of the fins 46 relative to the fin stack 40, that is, in the case of the first embodiment, it is arranged on the upstream side in the flow direction of the air A, and is opposed to a portion of the fins 46.

[0079] In the case of the first embodiment, the second side wall portion 52c extends substantially perpendicular to the main body portion 52a. In addition, the extension length of the second side wall portion 52c extending from the main body portion 52a is set to a length that does not hinder the flow of air A flowing in the short-side direction (X-axis direction) along the central portion (i.e., the portion where the internal flow path 46a is provided) of each fin 46 in the long-side direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the second side wall portion 52c extends from the main body portion 52a so as not to overlap with the internal flow path 46a when viewed in the short-side direction of the fin 46.

[0080] In the case of the first embodiment, the second side wall portion 52c is spaced apart from the first side wall portion 52b in the short-side direction (X-axis direction) of the fin 46. That is, one end of the long-side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46 in the fin stack 40 is arranged between the first side wall portion 52b and the second side wall portion 52c. As a result, when viewed in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fin 46, one end of the fin stack 40 is surrounded by the main body portion 52a of the reinforcing member 52, the first side wall portion 52b, and the second side wall portion 52c.

[0081] According to the reinforcing component 52, Fig. 7A As shown, when an external force F1 acts on the fin stack 40 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46, the main body 52a of the reinforcing component 52 suppresses the flexural deformation of the fin stack 40 in the long side direction, that is, the partial displacement in the long side direction (especially the displacement in the long side direction of the central part in the long side direction).

[0082] In addition, if Figure 7B As shown, when an external force F2 acts on the fin stack 40 in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the fin 46, the first and second side wall portions 52b, 52c of the reinforcing component 52 suppress the flexural deformation in the short side direction of the fin stack 40, that is, the partial displacement in the short side direction (especially the displacement in the short side direction of the central portion in the long side direction (Y-axis direction)).

[0083] The reinforcing member 52 of the first embodiment is preferably attached to the lower end portions of both end portions of the heat exchanger 18 (the fin stack 40 ) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the fins 46 .

[0084] Specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger 18 is arranged above the drain pan 22. In addition, the heat exchanger 18 is arranged in the indoor unit 12 in a state where the long side direction of the fins 46 is substantially aligned with the up-down direction of the indoor unit 12. At this time, if the reinforcing member is attached to the end of the heat exchanger 18 located at the lower side, the moisture in the air condensed on the surfaces of the plurality of fins 46 may be retained in the reinforcing member 52 and cannot move to the drain pan 22.

[0085] As a countermeasure, in the case of the first embodiment, the dimension of the main body 52a of the reinforcing member 52 in the short-side direction (X-axis direction) of the fin 46 is smaller than the dimension in the short-side direction of the fin 46. Thus, moisture in the air condensed on the surface of the fin 46 can move to the drain pan 22 via the lower portion of the fin 46 not covered by the main body 52a of the reinforcing member 52.

[0086] In addition, if Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the external forces F1 and F2 also act on the reinforcing member 52 via the fin stack 40. The reinforcing member 52 has an L-shaped structure so as not to be deformed by the external forces F1 and F2. That is, the reinforcing member 52 has high rigidity because the main body 52a and the first side wall 52b are orthogonal to each other and extend in the entire stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fin 46.

[0087] According to the first embodiment described above, in the stacked plate type heat exchanger 18 , the rigidity of the fin stack 40 formed by stacking a plurality of fins 46 can be increased.

[0088] (Implementation Method 2)

[0089] The heat exchanger of the second embodiment is different from the heat exchanger of the first embodiment described above in terms of the reinforcing member. Therefore, the second embodiment will be described with focus on the reinforcing member.

[0090] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a reinforcement member in a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0091] like Figure 8As shown, the reinforcing member 152 in the heat exchanger 118 of the second embodiment is a member that is long in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, similarly to the reinforcing member 52 of the first embodiment. In addition, the reinforcing member 152 is in a "コ" shape when viewed in the stacking direction, and surrounds one end of the fin stack 40 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46.

[0092] The reinforcing component 152 includes: a strip-shaped main body portion 152a extending along the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fin 46; a first side wall portion 152b extending from one end of the main body portion 152a in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the fin 46 to the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46; and a second side wall portion 152c extending from the other end of the main body portion 152a in the short side direction of the fin 46 to the long side direction of the fin 46.

[0093] In the case of the second embodiment, the main body 152a of the reinforcing member 152 extends from the first end plate 42 toward the second end plate 44 in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, and is in contact with each of the plurality of fins 46 in the fin stack 40 in the long-side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fins 46. In addition, in the case of the second embodiment, the size of the main body 152a of the reinforcing member 152 in the short-side direction (X-axis direction) of the fins 46 is substantially the same as the size in the short-side direction of the fins 46.

[0094] In the case of the second embodiment, the first and second side wall portions 152b and 152c extend from the first end plate 42 toward the second end plate 44 in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, similarly to the main body portion 152a. Thus, the first and second side wall portions 152b and 152c are respectively opposite to and in contact with the plurality of fins 46 in the fin stack 40 in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the fins 46. That is, the first and second side wall portions 152b and 152c are respectively opposite to each other throughout the stacking direction. As a result, when viewed in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, one end of the fin stack 40 is surrounded by the main body portion 152a, the first side wall portion 152b, and the second side wall portion 152c of the reinforcing member 152.

[0095] According to the second embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, in the stacked plate heat exchanger 118 , the rigidity of the fin stack 40 formed by stacking a plurality of fins 46 can be increased.

[0096] In addition, considering that moisture in the air condensed on the surface of the fin 46 moves to the drain pan 22, the reinforcement component 152 of this embodiment 2 is suitable for being installed at the upper end of the two ends of the heat exchanger 118 (fin stack 40) in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46.

[0097] (Implementation 3)

[0098] The heat exchanger of the third embodiment differs from the heat exchanger of the first embodiment in the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member of the third embodiment is an improved member of the second embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment will be described with focus on the reinforcing member.

[0099] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view of a reinforcement member in a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0100] like Fig. 9 As shown, the reinforcing member 252 in the heat exchanger 218 of the present embodiment 3 is a member that is long in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, similarly to the reinforcing member 52 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In addition, the reinforcing member 252 is in a "コ" shape when viewed in the stacking direction, and surrounds one end of the fin stack 40 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46.

[0101] The reinforcing component 252 includes: a strip-shaped main body portion 252a extending along the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fin 46; a first side wall portion 252b extending from one end of the main body portion 252a in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the fin 46 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46; and a second side wall portion 252c extending from the other end of the main body portion 252a in the short side direction of the fin 46 in the long side direction of the fin 46.

[0102] In the case of the third embodiment, the main body 252a of the reinforcing member 252 extends from the first end plate 42 toward the second end plate 44 in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, and is opposed to and in contact with each of the plurality of fins 46 in the fin stack 40 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fins 46. In addition, in the case of the third embodiment, the size of the main body 252a of the reinforcing member 252 in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the fins 46 is substantially equal to the size of the fins 46 in the short side direction.

[0103] In the case of the third embodiment, both the first and second side wall portions 252b and 252c extend from the first end plate 42 toward the second end plate 44 in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, similarly to the main body portion 252a. Thus, both the first and second side wall portions 252b and 252c are respectively opposite to and in contact with the plurality of fins 46 in the fin stack 40 in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the fins 46. That is, the first and second side wall portions 252b and 252c are respectively opposite to each other throughout the stacking direction. As a result, when viewed in the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fins 46, one end of the fin stack 40 is surrounded by the main body portion 252a, the first side wall portion 252b, and the second side wall portion 252c of the reinforcing member 252.

[0104] In the case of the third embodiment, considering that the moisture in the air condensed on the surface of the fin 46 moves to the drain pan 22, a plurality of through holes 252d are formed in the main body 252a of the reinforcing member 252. Thus, the moisture in the air condensed on the surface of the fin 46 can move to the drain pan 22 through the through holes 252d.

[0105] According to the third embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, in the stacked plate heat exchanger 218 , the rigidity of the fin stack 40 formed by stacking a plurality of fins 46 can be increased.

[0106] As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described by taking the above-mentioned embodiment as an example, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0107] For example, in the case of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3, if Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the reinforcing components 52, 152, 252 are only installed at one end of the fin stack 40 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. The reinforcing components may also be installed at both ends of the fin stack 40 in the long side direction (Y-axis) of the fin 46. In this case, the reinforcing component installed at one end of the fin stack 40 may be different from the reinforcing component installed at the other end. For example, the reinforcing component 152 of embodiment 2 may be installed at one end of the fin stack 40 located on the upper side, and the reinforcing component 52 of embodiment 1 or the reinforcing component 252 of embodiment 3 may be installed at the other end.

[0108] In addition, in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, if Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the reinforcing member 52 is mounted on one end of the fin stack 40 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the fin 46. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as it does not hinder the air flow through the gap between the fins 46, it can also be mounted on the end of the fin stack 40 in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the fin 46. In this case, for example, a plurality of through holes for air to pass through are provided in the reinforcing member 52.

[0109] In addition, in the case of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3, the first side wall portion 52b, 152b, 252b and the second side wall portion 52c, 152c, 252c are at least partially opposite to each other in the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the fin 46. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. In the reinforcing component, the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion may not be opposite to each other. For example, the first side wall portion may be arranged in the center of the stacking direction (Z-axis direction) and the second side wall portion may be arranged on the outside of the stacking direction. However, considering the bending rigidity of the reinforcing component, it is preferred that the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are at least partially opposite to each other.

[0110] In addition, the heat exchanger of the above-mentioned Embodiment 1 is provided in an air conditioner for performing indoor air conditioning. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. The heat exchanger of the embodiment of the present invention can be used in a device that requires heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid.

[0111] That is, the heat exchanger of the embodiment of the present invention broadly comprises: a plurality of fins, each of which has an internal flow path for a first fluid to flow, and is formed into a fin stack by stacking them while leaving a gap for a second fluid to pass through; a first end plate and a second end plate, which are respectively installed at both ends of the stacking direction of the fin stack; and a reinforcing component, which is supported by the first end plate and the second end plate and surrounds the ends of the fin stack when viewed in the stacking direction.

[0112] Industrial Applicability

[0113] The present invention is applicable not only to a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and air, but also to a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that: have: A plurality of fins, each of which has an internal flow path for a first fluid to flow, wherein the plurality of fins are stacked with gaps for a second fluid to pass therethrough to form a fin stack; A first end plate and a second end plate respectively mounted at both ends of the fin stack in a stacking direction; and A reinforcing member is supported by the first end plate and the second end plate and surrounds an end portion of the fin stack when viewed in the stacking direction.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reinforcing member surrounds one end portion of the fin stack in a first direction which is a longitudinal direction of the fin when viewed in the stacking direction.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reinforcing component comprises: a main body extending in the stacking direction and facing the plurality of fins in the fin stack in the first direction; A first side wall portion extending in the first direction from one end of the main body portion in a second direction which is a short-side direction of the fin, arranged on one side in the second direction with respect to the fin stack and facing the fin; and The second side wall portion extends in the first direction from the other end of the main body portion in the second direction, is arranged on the other side in the second direction with respect to the fin stack, and is opposed to the fin.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that: One of the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion is opposed to each of the plurality of fins in the fin stack in the second direction, The other of the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion faces a part of the plurality of fins in the fin stack in the second direction.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that: Both the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion extend in the stacking direction so as to face each of the plurality of fins in the fin stack in the second direction.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main body portion of the reinforcing member has a through hole.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: A compressor capable of delivering refrigerant; a heat exchanger through which the refrigerant flows; and a fan to generate an air flow through the heat exchanger, The heat exchanger has: A plurality of fins, each of which has an internal flow path for a refrigerant to flow, wherein the plurality of fins are stacked with gaps for air to pass therethrough to form a fin stack; A first end plate and a second end plate respectively mounted at both ends of the fin stack in a stacking direction; and A reinforcing member surrounding an end portion of the fin stack when viewed in the stacking direction.

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