Heat exchanger

Abstract

A heat exchanger (10) is provided with a plurality of flat tubes (20) and fins (30). The flat tubes (20) are arranged in a first direction. The fins (30) are joined to the flat tubes (20). The heat exchanger (10) exchanges heat between a refrigerant flowing through the flat tubes (20) and air flowing in a second direction intersecting the first direction outside the flat tubes (20). The fin (30) has a first joining section (32) and a first plate section (33). The first joining part (32) is joined to the first flat tube (20a). The first plate portion (33) is located between the downstream end (30b) of the air flow and the first joining portion (32). The first plate part (33) is provided with a first protruding part (133), and the first protruding part (133) is used for enabling water to flow in the first direction in the vicinity of the first flat tube (20a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to heat exchangers. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a heat exchanger having flat tubes and fins is known. As such a heat exchanger, for example, International Publication No. 2018 / 003123 (Patent Document 1) can be cited.

[0003] The fin of the heat exchanger of Patent Document 1 has a water guide region disposed above and below each of the plurality of flat tubes and a drainage region disposed on one side of each of the plurality of flat tubes. The water guide region has a water guide structure for guiding water to the drainage region, and the drainage region has a drainage structure for guiding water in the direction of gravity. Summary of the invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, water generated around the flat tubes is introduced into the water guide area and then transported to the drainage area. Thus, drainage is performed in two stages, so it takes time to drain.

[0006] Means for solving problems

[0007] The heat exchanger of the first viewpoint has fins and a plurality of flat tubes. The flat tubes are arranged in a first direction. The fins are joined to the flat tubes. The heat exchanger allows heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the flat tubes and the air flowing outside the flat tubes along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The fins have a first joint and a first plate portion. The first joint is joined to the first flat tube. The first plate portion is located between the downstream end of the air flow and the first joint. A first protrusion is formed on the first plate portion, and the first protrusion is used to make water flow in the first direction near the first flat tube.

[0008] In the heat exchanger of the first aspect, the water near the first flat tubes can flow in the first direction by the first protrusions. Therefore, the time required to drain the water near the flat tubes attached to the fins in the first direction can be reduced.

[0009] A heat exchanger according to a second aspect is the heat exchanger according to the first aspect, wherein the first protrusion extends in the first direction.

[0010] In the heat exchanger of the second aspect, the first protrusion extends in the first direction, so that water can be transported along the first protrusion. Therefore, the time required to drain water near the flat tubes attached to the fin in the first direction can be further reduced.

[0011] The heat exchanger of the third aspect is the heat exchanger of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the distance between the downstream end of the first flat tube in the air flow and the first protrusion in the second direction is smaller than the distance between the downstream end of the fin in the air flow and the first protrusion in the second direction.

[0012] In the heat exchanger according to the third aspect, since the first protrusion is arranged on the upstream side of the flat tubes in the first plate portion, splashing of water from the heat exchanger can be suppressed.

[0013] The heat exchanger of the fourth aspect is a heat exchanger of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the fin further has a second joint portion and a second plate portion. The second joint portion is joined to a second flat tube adjacent to the first flat tube in the first direction. The second plate portion is located between the first joint portion and the second joint portion. A second protrusion is formed on the second plate portion, and the second protrusion extends in a direction inclined relative to the first direction and the second direction.

[0014] In the heat exchanger according to the fourth aspect, water between the first flat tubes and the second flat tubes can be discharged via the second protrusions.

[0015] The heat exchanger according to a fifth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first protrusion extends in the vertical direction, and the second protrusion extends obliquely downward from the vicinity of a downstream portion of the first flat tube in the air flow.

[0016] In the heat exchanger according to the fifth aspect, the water on the downstream side below the first flat tubes can flow downward by the second protrusions.

[0017] The heat exchanger according to a sixth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first protrusion extends in the vertical direction, and the second protrusion extends obliquely downward from the vicinity of an upstream portion of the first flat tube in the air flow.

[0018] In the heat exchanger according to the sixth aspect, the water on the upstream side below the first flat tubes can flow downward by the second protrusions.

[0019] The heat exchanger of the seventh aspect is a heat exchanger of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the fin further comprises a second joint portion, a second plate portion, and a third plate portion. The second joint portion is joined to a second flat tube adjacent to the first flat tube in the first direction. The second plate portion is located between the first joint portion and the second joint portion. The third plate portion is located between the downstream end of the air flow and the second plate portion. A third protrusion continuous with the first protrusion is formed on the third plate portion.

[0020] In the heat exchanger according to the seventh aspect, the water in the vicinity of the first flat tubes can flow to the second flat tubes in the first direction by the first protrusions and the third protrusions.

[0021] The heat exchanger of the eighth aspect is a heat exchanger of any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the fin further comprises a second joint portion and a second plate portion. The second joint portion is joined to a second flat tube adjacent to the first flat tube in the first direction. The second plate portion is located between the first joint portion and the second joint portion. A notch for promoting heat transfer is formed in the second plate portion.

[0022] In the heat exchanger according to the eighth aspect, heat transfer between the air and the fins can be promoted by the notches.

[0023] A heat exchanger according to a ninth aspect is a heat exchanger according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein a plurality of fins are arranged in the extending direction of the flat tubes, a fin pitch of the fins is 1.2 mm to 1.4 mm, and a height of the first protrusion is 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0024] In the heat exchanger according to the ninth aspect, in the heat exchanger having a plurality of stacked fins, the first protrusion can easily achieve a reduction in the time required for draining water in the first direction.

[0025] The heat exchanger according to a tenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and is included in an indoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus.

[0026] The heat exchanger according to the tenth aspect can be applied to a heat exchanger of an indoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning apparatus including a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the fins that make up the heat exchanger.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the flow of water.

[0032] Figure 6 It is an enlarged view of the fin constituting the heat exchanger of the modified example.

[0033] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of fins constituting a heat exchanger according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] (1) Air conditioning unit

[0035] Reference Figure 1 An air conditioning device including a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 As shown, the air-conditioning device 200 is a device used for cooling and heating the interior of a building or the like by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation.

[0036] The air conditioning device 200 mainly includes an outdoor unit 220, an indoor unit 230, a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 240 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 250 connecting the outdoor unit 220 and the indoor unit 230. Furthermore, the vapor compression refrigerant circuit 210 of the air conditioning device 200 is formed by connecting the outdoor unit 220 and the indoor unit 230 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 240 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 250.

[0037] (1-1) Outdoor unit

[0038] The outdoor unit 220 is installed outdoors and mainly includes a compressor 221 , a flow path switching mechanism 222 , an outdoor heat exchanger 223 , and an expansion mechanism 224 .

[0039] The compressor 221 is a mechanism that compresses low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle to high pressure.

[0040] The flow switching mechanism 222 is a mechanism for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant when switching between cooling operation and heating operation. In cooling operation, the flow switching mechanism 222 connects the discharge side of the compressor 221 to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 223, and connects the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 231 (described later) to the suction side of the compressor 221 via the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 250 (see Figure 1 In addition, during heating operation, the flow switching mechanism 222 connects the discharge side of the compressor 221 to the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 231 via the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 250, and connects the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 to the suction side of the compressor 221 (see Figure 1 222 in the flow path switching mechanism 222).

[0041] The outdoor heat exchanger 223 is a heat exchanger that functions as a radiator of the refrigerant during cooling operation and as an evaporator of the refrigerant during heating operation. The liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 223 is connected to the expansion mechanism 224 , and the gas side is connected to the flow path switching mechanism 222 .

[0042] The expansion mechanism 224 is a mechanism that decompresses the high-pressure liquid refrigerant after dissipating heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 223 before being sent to the indoor heat exchanger 231 during cooling operation, and decompresses the high-pressure liquid refrigerant after dissipating heat in the indoor heat exchanger 231 before being sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 223 during heating operation.

[0043] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 220 is provided with an outdoor fan 225 for sucking outdoor air into the outdoor unit 220 , supplying the outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 223 , and then exhausting the outdoor air to the outside of the outdoor unit 220 .

[0044] (1-2) Indoor unit

[0045] The indoor unit 230 is installed indoors and mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 231 and an indoor fan 232 .

[0046] The indoor heat exchanger 231 is a heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant during cooling operation and as a radiator of the refrigerant during heating operation. The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 231 is connected to the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 240, and the gas side is connected to the gas refrigerant communication pipe 250.

[0047] Furthermore, the indoor unit 230 is provided with an indoor fan 232 for sucking indoor air into the indoor unit 230 , supplying the indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 231 , and then exhausting the indoor air to the outside of the indoor unit 230 .

[0048] (1-3) Action

[0049] (1-3-1) Refrigeration operation

[0050] When the air conditioner 200 performs cooling operation, the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 221, and is discharged after being compressed to the high pressure in the refrigeration cycle. The high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 221 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 223 through the flow path switching mechanism 222. The high-pressure refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 223 exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 225 in the outdoor heat exchanger 223 to dissipate heat. The high-pressure refrigerant after dissipating heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 223 is sent to the expansion mechanism 224 and is decompressed to the low pressure in the refrigeration cycle. The low-pressure refrigerant after being decompressed in the expansion mechanism 224 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 231 through the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 240. The low-pressure refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 231 exchanges heat with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 232 in the indoor heat exchanger 231 and evaporates. As a result, the indoor air is cooled and blown into the room. The low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 231 is sucked into the compressor 221 again through the gas refrigerant communication pipe 250 and the flow path switching mechanism 222 .

[0051] (1-3-2) Heating operation

[0052] When the air conditioner 200 performs heating operation, the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 221, and is discharged after being compressed to the high pressure in the refrigeration cycle. The high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 221 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 231 through the flow path switching mechanism 222 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 250. The high-pressure refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 231 exchanges heat with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 232 in the indoor heat exchanger 231 to dissipate heat. As a result, the indoor air is heated and blown indoors. The high-pressure refrigerant after dissipating heat in the indoor heat exchanger 231 is sent to the expansion mechanism 224 through the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 240 and is decompressed to the low pressure in the refrigeration cycle. The low-pressure refrigerant after being decompressed in the expansion mechanism 224 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 223. The low-pressure refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 223 exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied by the indoor fan 232 in the outdoor heat exchanger 223 and evaporates. The low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 223 is sucked into the compressor 221 again through the flow switching mechanism 222 .

[0053] (2) Heat exchanger

[0054] (2-1) Overall structure

[0055] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 5 A heat exchanger 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The heat exchanger 10 according to the present embodiment includes Figure 1 Specifically, the heat exchanger 10 is an indoor unit 230 of the air conditioning device 200. Figure 1 The indoor heat exchanger 231 is shown.

[0056] like Figure 2 to Figure 5 As shown, the heat exchanger 10 includes a plurality of flat tubes 20 and a plurality of fins 30. The flat tubes 20 are arranged in a first direction. The fins 30 are connected to the flat tubes 20. The heat exchanger 10 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the flat tubes 20 and the air flowing outside the flat tubes 20. The heat exchanger 10 performs heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant without mixing with each other.

[0057] The air flows outside the flat tube 20 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction here is the up-down direction. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. Specifically, the second direction is the left-right direction. And, as Figure 2 to Figure 5 As shown, the air flow is from left to right. In other words, the left side is the upstream side of the air flow, and the right side is the downstream side of the air flow.

[0058] (2-2) Detailed structure

[0059] (2-2-1) Flat tube

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of flat tubes 20 are arranged in parallel with each other at intervals in the first direction. Figure 2 As shown, the flat tube 20 extends in a third direction. The third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction. The third direction here is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. Specifically, the third direction is the front-rear direction.

[0061] like Figure 2 to Figure 5 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube 20 is a flat ellipse or a rounded rectangle. The length (width) of the flat tube 20 in the second direction is longer than the length (thickness) of the flat tube 20 in the first direction. The flat tube 20 is made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0062] The flat tubes 20 are heat transfer tubes through which the refrigerant flows. The flat tubes 20 are provided with a plurality of through holes 21 arranged in the second direction for passing the refrigerant that exchanges heat with the air in the heat exchanger 10. The plurality of through holes penetrate along the third direction.

[0063] (2-2-2) Fin

[0064] The fins 30 are joined to the plurality of flat tubes 20. Here, the flat tubes 20 and the fins 30 are joined to each other by brazing. The fins 30 increase the heat transfer area between the flat tubes 20 and the air, thereby promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

[0065] like Figure 2As shown, the plurality of fins 30 are arranged in parallel with each other at intervals in the third direction. The fins 30 extend in the first direction. The fins 30 are arranged in a manner intersecting (orthogonal in this case) the extension direction of the flat tube 20. In the present embodiment, the plurality of fins 30 are arranged in parallel and at equal intervals. In other words, the plurality of fins 30 are arranged in the third direction at a predetermined fin pitch P. The fin pitch P of the present embodiment is greater than or equal to 1.2 mm and less than or equal to 1.4 mm.

[0066] The fin 30 is in the shape of a flat plate. The fin 30 is formed by press working or the like. The fin 30 is made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0067] like Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown, the fin 30 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions 31 through which the flat tubes 20 pass. The insertion portion 31 is cut out in the second direction from the upstream end 30a of the air flow toward the downstream end 30b. The plurality of insertion portions 31 are arranged at intervals in the first direction.

[0068] The fin 30 includes a first joint portion 32, a first plate portion 33, a second joint portion 34, a second plate portion 35, and a third plate portion 36. Figure 3 In the description, the flat tubes 20 located on the upper side are referred to as first flat tubes 20a, and the flat tubes 20 located on the lower side are referred to as second flat tubes 20b. The first flat tubes 20a and the second flat tubes 20b are adjacent to each other in the first direction.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the first joint portion 32 is joined to the first flat tube 20a. Here, the first joint portion 32 is U-shaped when viewed in section. The first joint portion 32 of this embodiment is a clamp portion. In detail, the first joint portion 32 stands up in a third direction from the insertion portion 31 on one side (front) of the fin 30 toward the other side (back) of the adjacent fin 30.

[0070] The first plate portion 33 is located between the downstream end 30b of the air flow and the first engaging portion 32. The first plate portion 33 is continuous with the first engaging portion 32. The first protrusion 133 and the rib 134 are formed on the first plate portion 33.

[0071] The first protrusions 133 cause water to flow in the first direction near the first flat tubes 20a. In other words, the first protrusions 133 are water guiding ribs that cause water near the first flat tubes 20a to flow in the first direction.

[0072] like Figure 4As shown, the distance L1 between the downstream end 120a of the air flow of the first flat tube 20a and the first protrusion 133 in the second direction is smaller than the distance L2 between the downstream end 30b of the air flow of the fin 30 and the first protrusion 133 in the second direction. The distance L1 is preferably less than 1 / 3 of the distance L2, and more preferably less than 1 / 5 of the distance L2.

[0073] The first protrusion 133 extends in the first direction. Figure 3 to Figure 5 In the embodiment, the first protrusion 133 extends in the vertical direction. The first protrusion 133 of the present embodiment extends in the gravity direction. Therefore, the first protrusion 133 of the present embodiment causes water to flow downward by its own weight near the downstream side of the first joint 32 joined to the first flat tube 20a.

[0074] The height of the first protrusion 133 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm. The height is a distance protruding from one surface of the fin 30 toward the other surface of the adjacent fin 30 (distance in the third direction).

[0075] The rib 134 is a rib for promoting heat transfer. The rib 134 protrudes from one surface toward the other surface of the adjacent fin 30. The rib 134 is rectangular in cross-sectional view. Figure 3 to Figure 5 In the embodiment, the length (width) of the rib 134 in the second direction is greater than the length (width) of the first protrusion 133 in the second direction.

[0076] The second engaging portion 34 is engaged with the second flat tube 20 b . The second engaging portion 34 has the same shape as the first engaging portion 32 .

[0077] The second plate portion 35 is located between the first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 34. The second plate portion 35 is continuous with the first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 34. The second plate portion 35 is formed with a second protrusion 135 and a notch 37.

[0078] The second protrusion 135 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction. Figure 3 to Figure 5 In the figure, the second protrusion 135 extends from the upper end of the second plate portion 35 toward the lower right. The second protrusion 135 is a water guide rib that discharges water between the first flat tubes 20a and the second flat tubes 20b.

[0079] The second protrusion 135 of this embodiment extends obliquely downward from the vicinity of the downstream portion of the air flow of the first flat tube 20a. Specifically, the second protrusion 135 extends from the vicinity of the downstream end 120a toward the downstream side of the air flow in a manner connected to the third protrusion 136. Therefore, the second protrusion 135 here is a water guide rib that discharges water near the downstream portion of the air flow between the first flat tube 20a and the second flat tube 20b to the lower right.

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, the downstream end 120a of the air flow of the first flat tube 20a is connected to the second end of the second protrusion 135 (at Figure 4 The distance L3 in the second direction between the upstream end 30a of the air flow of the fin 30 and one end of the second protrusion 135 in the second direction (in the left end) is greater than that in the second direction. Figure 4 The distance L3 is preferably less than 1 / 3 of the distance L4, and more preferably less than 1 / 5 of the distance L4.

[0081] The height of the second protrusion 135 may be the same as, lower than, or higher than the height of the first protrusion 133. Here, the height of the second protrusion 135 is, for example, not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 0.6 mm.

[0082] The notches 37 are used to promote heat transfer. The notches 37 are arranged in a plurality in the second direction (in Figure 3 In addition, the notch 37 extends in the first direction. Here, the notch 37 is recessed from the other side toward one side of the adjacent fin 30.

[0083] The third plate portion 36 is located between the downstream end 30 b of the air flow and the second plate portion 35 . The third plate portion 36 is continuous with the first plate portion 33 and the second plate portion 35 .

[0084] The third plate portion 36 includes a third protrusion 136 that is continuous with the first protrusion 133. The third protrusion 136 is a water guiding rib that allows water from the first protrusion 133 to flow in the first direction.

[0085] The third protrusion 136 extends in the first direction. Figure 3 to Figure 5 In the embodiment, the third protrusion 136 extends in the vertical direction. The third protrusion 136 of the present embodiment extends in the gravity direction. Therefore, the third protrusion 136 of the present embodiment causes the water from the first protrusion 133 to flow downward.

[0086] The position of the third protrusion 136 in the second direction is the same as that of the first protrusion 133. In other words, the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136 are linearly continuous in the up-down direction.

[0087] The height of the third protrusion 136 may be the same as the height of the first protrusion 133, may be lower than the height of the first protrusion 133, or may be higher than the height of the first protrusion 133. Here, the height of the third protrusion 136 is the same as the height of the first protrusion 133.

[0088] In addition, the fin 30 of the present embodiment does not have a shape that hinders the water conduction of the first protrusion 133 , the second protrusion 135 , and the third protrusion 136 .

[0089] and, Figure 3 The region of the fin 30 that is joined to the first flat tube 20a and the second flat tube 20b is shown, but Figure 2 As shown, the fin 30 of the present embodiment is joined to three or more flat tubes 20. Furthermore, a linear rib formed by the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136 extends from the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the fin 30.

[0090] (2-3) Action

[0091] exist Figure 1 When the air conditioner 200 shown in the figure is in cooling operation or heating operation, in the refrigerant circuit 210, the refrigerant is sent to the flat tubes 20 of the heat exchanger 10 as the indoor heat exchanger 231. The refrigerant flows through the plurality of through holes 21 of the flat tubes 20. Furthermore, the refrigerant flowing in the flat tubes 20 exchanges heat with the indoor air flowing outside the flat tubes 20. At this time, condensed water may be generated around the joint portion of the fin 30 with the flat tube 20.

[0092] like Figure 5 As shown, the water W as condensed water attached to the upper portion of the first flat tube 20a moves along the first joint portion 32. Specifically, the water W moves along the curved portion of the first protrusion 133 in an arc shape.

[0093] Furthermore, the water moving along the first protrusion 133 and the water W attached to the lower portion of the first flat tube 20a are moved along the second protrusion 135 in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction (in Figure 5 right side) moves.

[0094] Then, the water W flows in the first direction (at Figure 5 The middle is the lower side) moves.

[0095] In this way, the water W generated around the first flat tubes 20a is directly introduced into the first protrusions 133 and the second protrusions 135 and discharged downward along the third protrusions 136. In other words, by discharging the water W downward along the first protrusions 133, the second protrusions 135, and the third protrusions 136, it is possible to prevent the water W generated around the first flat tubes 20a from being caught midway, and the speed of drainage can be increased.

[0096] It should be noted that, according to the amount of water W, the height of the first protrusion 133, the height of the second protrusion 135, the height of the third protrusion 136, etc. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the water W sometimes flows on the left side of the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136. For example, when the height of the second protrusion 135 is higher than the height of the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136, the water W mainly flows on the right side of the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136. On the other hand, when the height of the second protrusion 135 is lower than the height of the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136 or is the same as the height of the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136, the water W mainly flows on the left side of the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136.

[0097] (3) Features

[0098] (3-1)

[0099] The heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment has fins 30 and a plurality of flat tubes 20. The flat tubes 20 are arranged in a first direction. The fins 30 are joined to the flat tubes 20. The heat exchanger 10 allows heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the flat tubes 20 and the air flowing outside the flat tubes 20 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The fins 30 have a first joining portion 32 and a first plate portion 33. The first joining portion 32 is joined to the first flat tube 20a. The first plate portion 33 is located between the downstream end 30b of the air flow and the first joining portion 32. A first protrusion 133 is formed on the first plate portion 33, and the first protrusion 133 is used to make water flow in the first direction near the first flat tube 20a.

[0100] In the heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment, the water W near the first flat tubes 20a can flow in the first direction by the first protrusions 133. Therefore, the time required to drain the water near the first flat tubes 20a attached to the fins 30 in the first direction can be reduced.

[0101] In the heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment, water generated around the first flat tubes 20a is not sent to the downstream ends 30b of the airflow of the fins 30, but is drained using the first protrusions 133 near the first flat tubes 20a. Therefore, splashing of water from the fins 30 can be suppressed.

[0102] (3-2)

[0103] In the heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment, the first protrusion 133 extends in the first direction. Therefore, the water W can be transported along the first protrusion 133. Therefore, the time required to discharge the water W adhering to the vicinity of the first flat tube 20a of the fin 30 in the first direction can be further reduced.

[0104] (3-3)

[0105] In the heat exchanger 10 of this embodiment, a distance L1 between the downstream end 120a of the first flat tube 20a and the first protrusion 133 in the second direction is smaller than a distance L2 between the downstream end 30b of the fin 30 and the first protrusion 133 in the second direction.

[0106] Thus, the first protrusion 133 is disposed in the first plate portion 33 near the first flat tubes 20a and on the upstream side of the air flow. Therefore, splashing of water from the heat exchanger 10 can be further suppressed.

[0107] (3-4)

[0108] In the heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment, the fin 30 further includes a second joint portion 34 and a second plate portion 35. The second joint portion 34 is joined to the second flat tube 20b adjacent to the first flat tube 20a in the first direction. The second plate portion 35 is located between the first joint portion 32 and the second joint portion 34. The second protrusion 135 is formed on the second plate portion 35, and the second protrusion 135 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction.

[0109] Here, the water W between the first flat tubes 20 a and the second flat tubes 20 b can be discharged by the second protrusions 135 .

[0110] (3-5)

[0111] In the heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment, the first protrusion 133 extends in the up-down direction. The second protrusion 135 extends obliquely downward from the vicinity of the downstream portion of the first flat tube 20a in the air flow.

[0112] Here, the second protrusions 135 can cause the water W below and on the downstream side of the first flat tubes 20 a to flow downward.

[0113] (3-6)

[0114] In the heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment, the fin 30 further includes a second joint portion 34, a second plate portion 35, and a third plate portion 36. The second joint portion 34 is joined to the second flat tube 20b adjacent to the first flat tube 20a in the first direction. The second plate portion 35 is located between the first joint portion 32 and the second joint portion 34. The third plate portion 36 is located between the downstream end 30b of the air flow and the second plate portion 35. The third protrusion 136 is formed on the third plate portion 36 and is continuous with the first protrusion 133.

[0115] Here, the first protrusions 133 and the third protrusions 136 allow the water W near the first flat tubes 20 a to flow to the second flat tubes 20 b in the first direction.

[0116] Furthermore, the water W below and on the downstream side of the first flat tubes 20 a can be guided to the third protrusions 136 by the second protrusions 135 , and can flow further downward by the third protrusions 136 .

[0117] (3-7)

[0118] In the heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment, the fin 30 further includes a second joint portion 34 and a second plate portion 35. The second joint portion 34 is joined to the second flat tube 20b adjacent to the first flat tube 20a in the first direction. The second plate portion 35 is located between the first joint portion 32 and the second joint portion 34. A notch 37 for promoting heat transfer is formed in the second plate portion 35.

[0119] Here, the notches 37 can promote heat transfer between the air and the fins 30. Thus, heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the flat tubes 20 and the air flowing outside the fins 30 can be promoted.

[0120] (3-8)

[0121] In the heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment, a plurality of fins 30 are arranged in the extending direction of the flat tubes 20. The fin pitch P of the fins 30 is 1.2 mm to 1.4 mm. The height of the first protrusion 133 is 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0122] Thus, in the heat exchanger 10 in which the plurality of fins 30 are stacked, the first protrusions 133 can easily reduce the time required for draining water in the first direction.

[0123] (3-9)

[0124] The heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment is included in the indoor unit 230 of the air conditioning device 200. In other words, the heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment can be applied to the indoor unit 230 of the air conditioning device 200. The heat exchanger 10 of the present embodiment can reduce the time for drainage and can suppress the splashing of water from the fins 30, and therefore, is suitable for use in the indoor heat exchanger 231 arranged indoors.

[0125] (4) Modification

[0126] (4-1) Modification 1

[0127] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the second protrusion 135 extends obliquely downward from the vicinity of the downstream portion of the air flow of the first flat tube 20a, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 6As shown, the second protrusion 135 extends obliquely downward from the vicinity of the upstream portion 120b of the air flow of the first flat tube 20a. Here, the second protrusion 135 extends downward and rightward from the vicinity of the upstream end of the air flow of the first joint 32.

[0128] like Figure 6 As shown, the downstream end 120a of the air flow of the first flat tube 20a is connected to the second end of the second protrusion 135 (at Figure 6 The distance between the upstream end 30a of the air flow of the fin 30 and the second end of the second protrusion 135 (in the left end) in the second direction is greater than that between the upstream end 30a of the air flow of the fin 30 and the second end of the second protrusion 135 (in the left end Figure 6 The distance in the second direction is large.

[0129] In this modification, the water W attached to the lower portion of the first flat tube 20a flows from the upstream side of the air flow along the second protrusion 135 in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction (in Figure 6 Then, the third protrusion 136 connected to the second protrusion 135 moves in the first direction (in the Figure 6 The middle is the lower side) moves.

[0130] As described above, in the heat exchanger 11 of this modification, the first protrusion 133 extends in the up-down direction. The second protrusion 135 extends obliquely downward from the vicinity of the upstream portion 120b of the air flow of the first flat tube 20a.

[0131] Here, the second protrusions 135 can cause the water W below and on the upstream side of the first flat tubes 20 a to flow downward.

[0132] (4-2) Modification 2

[0133] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136 are formed as water guiding ribs for causing water to flow in the first direction, but other water guiding ribs may be further formed. Figure 7 As shown, in the heat exchanger 12 of this modified example, a fourth protrusion 138 for causing water to flow in the first direction is further formed on the downstream side of the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136 in the air flow.

[0134] Specifically, the fourth protrusion 138 is formed near the downstream end 30b of the fin 30 in the air flow so as to extend in the first direction. The fourth protrusion 138 continuously extends from the upper end to the lower end of the fin 30. The fourth protrusion 138 is parallel to the first protrusion 133 and the third protrusion 136 and is linear.

[0135] (4-3) Modification 3

[0136] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the fin 30 is formed with the notch 37, rib 134, etc. for promoting heat transfer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The notch, rib, etc. for promoting heat transfer are formed appropriately. In this modified example, ribs for promoting heat transfer are further formed on both sides of the third protrusion 136. The ribs on both sides are, for example, L-shaped when viewed in cross section.

[0137] (4-4) Modification 4

[0138] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the heat exchanger 10 is applied to the indoor heat exchanger 231 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. In this modification, the heat exchanger 10 is applied to the outdoor heat exchanger 223 .

[0139] (4-5) Modification 5

[0140] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the heat exchanger 10 is applied to the air conditioner 200, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The heat exchanger 10 may also be applied to a refrigeration device such as a hot water supply device, a floor heating device, or a refrigeration device.

[0141] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this disclosure is described, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure described in the claims.

[0142] Description of symbols

[0143] 1: Air conditioning unit

[0144] 10, 11, 12: Heat exchanger

[0145] 20, 20a, 20b: Flat tube

[0146] 30: Fins

[0147] 30b, 120a: Downstream end

[0148] 32: First joint

[0149] 33: First board

[0150] 34: Second joint

[0151] 35: Second board

[0152] 36: Third board

[0153] 37: Notch

[0154] 133: First protrusion

[0155] 135: Second protrusion

[0156] 136: The third protrusion

[0157] 200: Air conditioning unit

[0158] 210: Refrigerant circuit

[0159] 230: Indoor unit

[0160] Prior art literature

[0161] Patent Literature

[0162] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 003123

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (10), comprising a plurality of flat tubes (20) arranged in a first direction and fins (30) connected to the flat tubes, so that heat is exchanged between a refrigerant flowing in the flat tubes and air flowing outside the flat tubes in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein: The fin has: a first engaging portion (32) engaged with the first of the flat tubes; and a first plate portion (33) located between the downstream end of the air flow and the first joint portion, A first protrusion (133) is formed on the first plate portion, and the first protrusion (133) is used to make water flow in the first direction near the first flat tube.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: The first protrusion extends in the first direction.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A distance (L1) between an airflow downstream end (120a) of the first flat tube and the first protrusion in the second direction is smaller than a distance (L2) between an airflow downstream end (30b) of the fin and the first protrusion in the second direction.

4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The fin also has: a second engaging portion (34) engaged with a second flat tube adjacent to the first flat tube in the first direction; and a second plate portion (35) located between the first joint portion and the second joint portion, A second protrusion (135) is formed on the second plate portion, and the second protrusion (135) extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein: The first protrusion extends in the up-down direction, The second protrusion extends obliquely downward from the vicinity of a downstream portion of the first flat tube in the air flow.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein: The first protrusion extends in the up-down direction, The second protrusion extends obliquely downward from the vicinity of an upstream portion of the first flat tube in the air flow.

7. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The fin also has: a second engaging portion (34) engaged with a second flat tube adjacent to the first flat tube in the first direction; a second plate portion (35) located between the first joint portion and the second joint portion; and a third plate portion (36) located between the downstream end of the air flow and the second plate portion, The third plate portion has a third protrusion (136) formed thereon which is continuous with the first protrusion.

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The fin also has: a second engaging portion (34) engaged with a second flat tube adjacent to the first flat tube in the first direction; and a second plate portion (35) located between the first joint portion and the second joint portion, A notch (37) for promoting heat transfer is formed in the second plate portion.

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: A plurality of the fins are arranged in the direction in which the flat tubes extend. The fin pitch (P) of the fins is greater than or equal to 1.2 mm and less than or equal to 1.4 mm, The height of the first protrusion is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 0.6 mm.

10. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The heat exchanger is included in an indoor unit (230) of an air conditioning device (200).

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