Heat exchanger

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in heat exchange efficiency occurring when a fin pitch is secured in a heat exchanger provided with flat tubes and fins. The one or more fin pitch regulation parts (340) are in contact with adjacent fins (30) to regulate the fin pitch. Each of the fins (30) is provided with one fin pitch-defining section (340) for N (N is an integer of 2 or more) flat tubes. The fin pitch regulation section (340) of each of the fins (30) includes two or more raised sections (341) formed by cutting and raising heat transfer sections (330) of each of the fins (30) in two or more directions, the heat transfer sections (330) being located at locations other than the communication section (320).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger including a plurality of fins and a plurality of flat tubes. Background Art

[0002] A heat exchanger including a plurality of flat tubes and a plurality of fins is used in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, etc. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-163318) shows an example in which an outdoor heat exchanger used in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes flat tubes and fins. Summary of the invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the outdoor heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1, the spacers provided on the fins abut against the adjacent fins to maintain a predetermined interval between the adjacent fins. The predetermined interval between the fins is the fin pitch. However, if the spacers are arranged on the fins in order to ensure the fin pitch, the heat exchange efficiency is reduced. In particular, when the heat exchanger is used for an indoor unit and requires miniaturization, the reduction in heat exchange efficiency caused by the spacers becomes a problem.

[0005] In a heat exchanger including flat tubes and fins, there is a problem of suppressing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency that occurs when ensuring a sufficient fin pitch.

[0006] Means for solving problems

[0007] The heat exchanger of the first viewpoint includes a plurality of fins and a plurality of flat tubes, and performs heat exchange of air passing along a first direction between the plurality of flat tubes and the plurality of fins. Each fin includes a plurality of through portions, a connecting portion, and a heat transfer portion having one or more fin spacing regulating portions. A plurality of flat tubes are passed through the plurality of through portions. The connecting portion is not passed through by the plurality of flat tubes but extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction. One or more fin spacing regulating portions are in contact with adjacent fins to regulate the fin spacing. In each fin, one fin spacing regulating portion is provided for N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) flat tubes. The fin spacing regulating portion of each fin includes two or more rising portions, and the two or more rising portions are formed by cutting and raising the heat transfer portion of each fin located outside the connecting portion in two or more directions.

[0008] In the heat exchanger of the first aspect, more than two rising portions of the fin pitch defining portion are cut and raised in more than two directions, so that a gap is formed between the more than two rising portions, which can prevent at least one of the ventilation path and the drainage path from being narrowed at the fin pitch defining portion.

[0009] The heat exchanger of a second aspect is the heat exchanger of the first aspect, wherein the fin pitch defining portion includes three rising portions formed by cutting and raising the heat transfer portion of each fin other than the communicating portion in three directions.

[0010] In the heat exchanger of the second aspect, three gaps are formed between the three rising portions, so that at least one of the ventilation path and the drainage path can be prevented from being narrowed at the fin pitch defining portion, and the fin pitch can be stably defined.

[0011] A heat exchanger according to a third aspect is the heat exchanger according to the first aspect, wherein the fin pitch defining portion includes four rising portions formed by cutting and raising the heat transfer portion of each fin other than the communication portion in four directions.

[0012] In the heat exchanger according to the third aspect, since four gaps are formed between the four rising portions, it is possible to suppress the ventilation path and the drainage path from being narrowed at the fin pitch defining portion.

[0013] A heat exchanger according to a fourth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the number of the flat tubes is four or more, and one fin pitch regulating portion is provided for each of the four flat tubes.

[0014] In the heat exchanger according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat transfer coefficient due to the provision of the fin pitch regulating portion in the heat transfer portion.

[0015] A heat exchanger according to a fifth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the number of the flat tubes is six or more, and one fin pitch regulating portion is provided for each of the six flat tubes.

[0016] In the heat exchanger according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat transfer coefficient due to the provision of the fin pitch regulating portion in the heat transfer portion.

[0017] A heat exchanger according to a sixth aspect is a heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the number of fin pitch regulating portions in each fin is 3 or more. The 3 or more fin pitch regulating portions of each fin are arranged so that the number of flat tubes between adjacent fin pitch regulating portions is the same.

[0018] In the heat exchanger according to the sixth aspect, the fin pitch defining portions are arranged so that the portions where the thermal conductivity is reduced are arranged regularly, and thus, a reduction in the overall thermal conductivity can be suppressed compared to a case where the portions are arranged irregularly.

[0019] In the heat exchanger of the seventh aspect, in the heat exchanger of any one of the first to sixth aspects, each through portion of each fin has: a first rising portion, which stands up along the corresponding flat tube and contacts with an adjacent fin; and a second rising portion, which stands up along the corresponding flat tube and does not contact with an adjacent fin.

[0020] In the heat exchanger according to the seventh aspect, since the first rising portion of the through-portion is in contact with the adjacent fin, it is possible to suppress buckling from occurring when the flat tube is inserted.

[0021] The heat exchanger according to an eighth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the air passing in the first direction is indoor air that has undergone heat exchange in an indoor unit that performs indoor air conditioning.

[0022] A heat exchanger according to a ninth aspect is a heat exchanger including a plurality of flat tubes and a plurality of fins. Each fin has a plurality of through-portions through which the plurality of flat tubes pass. Each through-portion has a first rising portion that rises along the corresponding flat tube and contacts an adjacent fin.

[0023] In the heat exchanger of the ninth aspect, when there are other portions for specifying the fin pitch in addition to the first rising portions, the first rising portions can suppress buckling and fin crushing during insertion of the flat tubes and assist in ensuring the fin pitch of the other portions for specifying the fin pitch.

[0024] A heat exchanger according to a tenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the ninth aspect, wherein the first rising portion is provided on only one of two side surfaces of each flat tube in the longitudinal direction of each fin.

[0025] In the heat exchanger of the tenth aspect, since the first rising portion is provided only on one of the two side surfaces of the flat tube, the height of the first rising portion can be increased to a height close to the thickness of the flat tube compared to the case where the first rising portion is provided on both sides.

[0026] The heat exchanger of an eleventh aspect is the heat exchanger of the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect, wherein each through portion has a second rising portion that rises along the corresponding flat tube and does not contact the adjacent fin as a portion other than the first rising portion. The first rising portion rises higher than the second rising portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the structure of an air conditioner.

[0028] Figure 2 The diagram shows the appearance of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a plan view of the indoor heat exchanger in the indoor unit.

[0030] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the indoor unit taken along line II.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the first heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchange section.

[0032] Figure 6 It means that Figure 5 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the cross section of the first heat exchange portion obtained by cutting at plane B.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a plan view of the first heat exchange portion observed along the thickness direction of the flat tube.

[0034] Figure 8 It is a partially enlarged plan view showing a part of the fin.

[0035] Fig. 9 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a fin where the fin pitch regulating portion is not formed.

[0036] Fig.10 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a part of a fin on which a fin pitch regulating portion is formed.

[0037] Fig.11 It is a graph showing the air-side heat transfer coefficient of various fins.

[0038] Fig.12 It means Fig.11 The curve graph corresponds to a partially enlarged plan view of a structural example of the fin.

[0039] Fig.13 It means Fig.11 The curve graph corresponds to a partially enlarged plan view of another structural example of the fin.

[0040] Fig.14 It means Fig.11 The graph corresponds to a partially enlarged plan view of another example of the fin structure.

[0041] Fig.15 It means Fig.11 The graph corresponds to a partially enlarged plan view of another example of the fin structure.

[0042] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the indoor unit.

[0043] Fig.17 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the indoor unit.

[0044] Fig.18 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the indoor unit.

[0045] Fig.19 It is a partially enlarged plan view showing the structure of the fin of Modification Example B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] (1) Overall structure

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchanger of the embodiment is, for example, an indoor heat exchanger 1 applied to an indoor unit 110 of an air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 includes the indoor unit 110 and an outdoor unit 120. The indoor unit 110 is connected to the outdoor unit 120 via communication pipes 131 and 132.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 110 includes a casing 111 and an indoor fan 112 in addition to the indoor heat exchanger 1. The indoor unit 110 is a wall-mounted type that is hung on a wall WL in the room RM. The indoor unit 110 has a roughly rectangular appearance. The casing 111 mainly constitutes the outer surface of the indoor unit 110. The casing 111 accommodates the indoor heat exchanger 1 and the indoor fan 112 inside. The casing 111 has: an inlet 113, which allows indoor air to flow into the interior of the casing 111; and a blow-out port 114, which is used to blow out the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 1. The posture (rotation angle) of the baffle 115 is controlled. By changing the posture of the baffle 115, the opening of the blow-out port 114 and the wind direction of the airflow blown out from the blow-out port 114 are adjusted.

[0049] The outdoor unit 120 is installed outside (outdoors) of the room RM, for example, on the roof of a building or near an outer wall of a building. The outdoor unit 120 includes a compressor 122 , a four-way valve 123 , an outdoor heat exchanger 124 , an expansion valve 125 , and an outdoor fan 126 .

[0050] The compressor 122 sucks low-pressure refrigerant from the suction port, compresses it to a high pressure, and discharges it from the discharge port. The compressor 122 is, for example, a positive displacement compressor that can change the capacity by changing the rotation speed of the built-in motor. The four-way valve 123 has a first valve port P1, a second valve port P2, a third valve port P3, and a fourth valve port P4.

[0051] The four-way valve 123 switches to the first state ( Figure 2 The state shown by the dashed line in the middle) and the second state ( Figure 2The flow direction of the refrigerant is switched by adjusting the valve port (as shown by the solid line in the figure). In the first state, the first valve port P1 is connected to the fourth valve port P4, and the second valve port P2 is connected to the third valve port P3. In the second state, the first valve port P1 is connected to the second valve port P2, and the third valve port P3 is connected to the fourth valve port P4. The first valve port P1 is connected to the discharge port of the compressor 122. The second valve port P2 is connected to the inlet and outlet on the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 124. The third valve port P3 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 122. The fourth valve port P4 is connected to the connecting pipe 132.

[0052] The outdoor heat exchanger 124 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the outside air. The inlet and outlet on the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 124 are connected to the expansion valve 125. The inlet and outlet on the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 124 are connected to the second valve port P2 of the four-way valve 123.

[0053] The expansion valve 125 decompresses the refrigerant. The expansion valve 125 is provided between the communication pipe 131 and the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 124. The expansion valve 125 is, for example, an electric expansion valve capable of controlling the opening degree.

[0054] The compressor 122, the four-way valve 123, the outdoor heat exchanger 124, the expansion valve 125, and the indoor heat exchanger 1 form a refrigerant circuit 200. In the refrigerant circuit 200, the refrigerant circulates in the compressor 122, the four-way valve 123, the outdoor heat exchanger 124, the expansion valve 125, and the indoor heat exchanger 1, and a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is implemented. Air conditioning based on the air conditioner 100 is performed by implementing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. When the four-way valve 123 is switched to the first state (the state shown by the dotted line), the refrigerant circulating in the compressor 122, the indoor heat exchanger 1, the expansion valve 125, and the outdoor heat exchanger 124 circulates in a manner that returns to the compressor 122, and a heating operation is performed. When the four-way valve 123 is switched to the second state (the state shown by the solid line), the refrigerant circulating in the compressor 122, the outdoor heat exchanger 124, the expansion valve 125, and the indoor heat exchanger 1 circulates in a manner that returns to the compressor 122, and a cooling operation is performed.

[0055] The indoor fan 112 generates an airflow of indoor air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 1. The indoor air passes through the indoor heat exchanger 1, thereby promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger 1 and the indoor air. The indoor fan 112 can change the air volume passing through the indoor heat exchanger 1 by changing the rotation speed of the built-in motor.

[0056] The outdoor fan 126 generates an airflow of the outside air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 124. The outdoor fan 126 delivers the outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 124, thereby promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 124 and the outside air. The outdoor fan 126 can change the air volume passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 124 by changing the rotation speed of the built-in motor.

[0057] (1-1) Heating operation

[0058] When the indoor unit 110 receives a signal regarding an execution instruction of a heating operation, for example, from the remote controller 150, the air conditioner 100 starts the heating operation. During the heating operation, the air conditioner 100 switches the four-way valve 123 to the first state. For example, in order to make the room temperature consistent with the set temperature received from the remote controller 150, the air conditioner 100 adjusts the rotation speed of the compressor 122, the opening degree of the expansion valve 125, and the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 126. In addition, the air conditioner 100 adjusts the rotation speed of the indoor fan 112 in such a manner as to achieve the set air volume received from the remote controller 150, for example. During the heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 124 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant, and the indoor heat exchanger 124 functions as a radiator of the refrigerant.

[0059] During the heating operation, in the refrigerant circuit 200, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 122 exchanges heat with the indoor air delivered by the indoor fan 112 in the indoor heat exchanger 1 to dissipate heat. The indoor air heated in the indoor heat exchanger 1 is blown into the room as conditioned air. The refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the indoor heat exchanger 1 is decompressed by the expansion valve 125. The refrigerant expanded by the decompression exchanges heat with the external air delivered by the outdoor fan 126 in the outdoor heat exchanger 124 to evaporate. In the refrigerant circuit 200, the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 124 is sucked into the compressor 122 to be compressed.

[0060] (1-2) Refrigeration operation

[0061] The indoor unit 110 starts cooling operation when receiving a signal regarding an execution instruction of cooling operation from the remote controller 150. During cooling operation, the air conditioner 100 switches the four-way valve 123 to the second state. For example, in order to make the room temperature consistent with the set temperature received from the remote controller 150, the air conditioner 100 adjusts the rotation speed of the compressor 122, the opening of the expansion valve 125, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan 112. In addition, the air conditioner 100 adjusts the rotation speed of the indoor fan 112 in such a manner as to achieve the set air volume received from the remote controller 150, for example. During cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 124 acts as a radiator of the refrigerant, and the indoor heat exchanger 1 acts as an evaporator of the refrigerant.

[0062] During cooling operation, in the refrigerant circuit 200, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 122 exchanges heat with the external air delivered by the outdoor fan 126 in the outdoor heat exchanger 124 to dissipate heat. The refrigerant cooled in the outdoor heat exchanger 124 is decompressed by the expansion valve 125. The refrigerant expanded by the decompression exchanges heat with the indoor air delivered by the indoor fan 112 in the indoor heat exchanger 1 and evaporates. The indoor air cooled in the indoor heat exchanger 1 is blown into the room as conditioned air. In the refrigerant circuit 200, the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 1 is sucked into the compressor 122 and compressed.

[0063] (2) Detailed structure

[0064] (2-1) Indoor heat exchanger 1

[0065] In the present embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 1 is composed of three heat exchange parts, namely, a first heat exchange part 11, a second heat exchange part 12, and a third heat exchange part 13. The difference between the first heat exchange part 11, the second heat exchange part 12, and the third heat exchange part 13 is the configuration position inside the housing 111. In the present embodiment, the case where the structures of the first heat exchange part 11, the second heat exchange part 12, and the third heat exchange part 13 are the same is described. Therefore, below, the structure of the first heat exchange part 11 is described as an example, and the description of the structure of the second heat exchange part 12 and the third heat exchange part 13 is omitted. However, the heat exchanger disclosed in the present invention can also be applied when the structures of the first heat exchange part 11, the second heat exchange part 12, and the third heat exchange part 13 are different. In addition, the configuration of the first heat exchange part 11, the second heat exchange part 12, and the third heat exchange part 13 inside the housing 111 will be described later. In addition, when the first heat exchange part 11, the second heat exchange part 12, and the third heat exchange part 13 are collectively referred to as the heat exchange part 10.

[0066] Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows a state where the first heat exchange unit 11 is viewed from obliquely above. Figure 6 The first heat exchange part 11 is shown in Figure 5 A cross section cut and enlarged at the B plane. Figure 7 1 shows the first heat exchange unit 11 viewed along the thickness direction of the flat tube 20. The width direction (first direction), thickness direction (second direction), and length direction of the flat tube 20 used in the following description are as follows: Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 The width direction of the flat tube 20 coincides with the first direction in which air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 1 for heat exchange passes. The thickness direction of the flat tube 20 coincides with the second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0067] The first heat exchange unit 11 includes a plurality of flat tubes 20, a plurality of fins 30, a first header 41, a second header 42, and a third header 43. The first heat exchange unit 11 is a stacked heat exchanger in which a plurality of flat tubes 20 are stacked at predetermined intervals in the thickness direction of the flat tubes 20 using a plurality of fins 30. In the present embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 1 includes an inner heat exchange unit 10i and an outer heat exchange unit 10o.

[0068] The flat tube 20 is a heat transfer tube for refrigerant to flow inside. The cross section of the flat tube 20 is formed into a flat elliptical shape. The flat tube 20 is a porous tube having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 201 formed in a manner orthogonal to the cross section. The plurality of refrigerant flow paths 201 are arranged in a width direction of the flat tube 20. The flat tube 20 is formed by extrusion molding using, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The flat tube 20 of this embodiment is arranged along the length direction of the indoor unit 110. The flat tube 20 has two side surfaces 211, 212. The two side surfaces 211, 212 extend in the width direction and the length direction.

[0069] The fin 30 is a strip-shaped plate material through which a plurality of flat tubes 20 pass at regular intervals. The fin 30 has a plurality of through-portions 310, which are peripheral portions of slit-shaped notches for inserting the flat tubes 20. The notches of the through-portions 310 are formed so as to extend from one end edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the fin 30 toward the other end edge perpendicular to the end edge when viewed in the thickness direction of the fin 30. The plurality of through-portions 310 are formed at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the fin 30. The fin 30 is formed, for example, of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0070] The flat tube 20 is inserted into the through-portion 310 in such a manner that the width direction coincides with the insertion direction of the through-portion 310 into the notch. The plurality of fins 30 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 20. In other words, the predetermined interval refers to the fin pitch. The fins 30 and the flat tube 20 are joined by brazing at the through-portion 310. The plurality of flat tubes 20 are joined to the fins 30 in such a manner that the ends of the plurality of flat tubes 20 are arranged in the thickness direction of the flat tube 20. In other words, the plurality of flat tubes 20 are joined to the fins 30 in such a manner that they are arranged in multiple layers. Figure 5 and Figure 7 An outer edge formed by a plurality of fins 30 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 20 and a portion of the plurality of fins 30 are shown.

[0071] The inner heat exchange section 10i and the outer heat exchange section 10o are each formed into substantially the same shape by joining a specified number of flat tubes 20 and a specified number of fins 30. The inner heat exchange section 10i is arranged at a position closer to the indoor fan 112 than the outer heat exchange section 10o. The inner heat exchange section 10i and the outer heat exchange section 10o are overlapped in the thickness direction of the flat tubes 20. In other words, the first heat exchange section 11 is composed of two columns of the inner heat exchange section 10i and the outer heat exchange section 10o. In contrast, the number of flat tubes 20 in each column becomes the number of layers of the first heat exchange section 11. A flow path for the airflow generated by the indoor fan 112 to flow is formed by the gaps between adjacent flat tubes 20 and the gaps between adjacent fins 30 of each of the inner heat exchange section 10i and the outer heat exchange section 10o. Figure 6 The dotted arrows in FIG. 7 indicate the flow of the airflow flowing in the flow path.

[0072] The first header 41 , the second header 42 , and the third header 43 are cylindrical members that connect the refrigerant flow paths 201 of the plurality of flat tubes 20 to each other at the ends of the plurality of flat tubes 20 .

[0073] The first header 41 is provided so as to interconnect the refrigerant flow paths 201 of the plurality of flat tubes 20 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes 20 included in the inner heat exchange part 10i. Specifically, one end in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of flat tubes 20 included in the inner heat exchange part 10i is inserted into the first header 41 through an opening formed in the side surface of the first header 41, and is fixed to the first header 41 by brazing or the like.

[0074] The second header 42 is provided so that the refrigerant flow paths 201 of the plurality of flat tubes 20 of the inner heat exchange section 10i and the refrigerant flow paths 201 of the plurality of flat tubes 20 of the outer heat exchange section 10o are connected to each other at the other ends of the flat tubes 20 of the inner heat exchange section 10i and the other ends of the flat tubes 20 of the outer heat exchange section 10o in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the other ends of the flat tubes 20 of the inner heat exchange section 10i and the other ends of the flat tubes 20 of the outer heat exchange section 10o in the longitudinal direction are inserted into the second header 42 through openings formed in the side surfaces of the second header 42, and are fixed to the second header 42 by brazing or the like.

[0075] The third header 43 is provided so as to interconnect the refrigerant flow paths 201 of the plurality of flat tubes 20 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes 20 included in the outer heat exchanger 10o. Specifically, one end in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of flat tubes 20 included in the outer heat exchanger 10o is inserted into the third header 43 through an opening formed in the side surface of the third header 43, and is fixed to the third header 43 by brazing or the like. The third header 43 is connected to the communication pipe 132 via a branch pipe 431.

[0076] The refrigerant flowing into the first header 41 through the connecting pipe 131 flows into the second header 42 through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 201 formed in the flat tubes 20 of the inner heat exchange section 10i. The refrigerant flowing into the second header 42 flows into the connecting pipe 132 through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 201 formed in the outer heat exchange section 10o through the third header 43. Furthermore, the refrigerant flowing into the first header 41 through the connecting pipe 132 flows into the third header 43 through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 201 formed in the flat tubes 20 of the outer heat exchange section 10o. The refrigerant flowing into the third header 43 flows into the connecting pipe 131 through the first header 41 through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 201 formed in the inner heat exchange section 10i.

[0077] The first heat exchanger 11 is arranged so that when the indoor unit 110 is observed from the side (when observed in the horizontal direction along the wall WL), the thickness direction of the flat tube 20 is inclined backward relative to the up-down direction (vertical direction). As a result, the upper end of the first heat exchanger 11 is arranged closer to the wall WL than the lower end. The second heat exchanger 12 is arranged so that when the indoor unit 110 is observed from the side, the thickness direction of the flat tube 20 is inclined forward relative to the up-down direction (vertical direction). As a result, the lower end of the second heat exchanger 12 is arranged closer to the wall WL than the upper end. The third heat exchanger 13 is arranged so that when the indoor unit 110 is observed from the side, the thickness direction of the flat tube 20 is inclined forward relative to the up-down direction (vertical direction). As a result, the lower end of the third heat exchanger 13 is arranged closer to the wall WL than the upper end.

[0078] (2-1-1) Fin 30

[0079] Figure 8 A portion of one fin 30 is shown. Each fin 30 has a plurality of through portions 310, a communication portion 320, and a plurality of heat transfer portions 330. The communication portion 320 is a portion that is continuous in the second direction. Figure 8 The dashed line extending in the second direction is a boundary line between the heat transfer part 330 and the connecting part 320. The through-portion 310 is a peripheral portion around the notch. A hoop portion 311 is formed on the peripheral portion and rises along the flat tube 20. In this embodiment, the hoop portion 311 is equivalent to the through-portion 310. The direction along the flat tube 20 is a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The heat transfer part 330 is a portion other than the through-portion 310 and the connecting part 320.

[0080] Each fin 30 also has a fin pitch regulating portion 340, a bridge-shaped cut-and-raised portion 350, and a convex portion 360. The fin pitch regulating portion 340, the cut-and-raised portion 350, and the convex portion 360 are structures formed in the heat transfer portion 330. The fin pitch regulating portion 340 contacts the adjacent fins 30 to regulate the fin pitch. The fin pitch between adjacent fins 30 is determined by the height h1 of the fin pitch regulating portion 340 (see Fig.10 ). The fin pitch regulating portion 340 includes two or more rising portions 341, and the two or more rising portions 341 are formed by cutting and raising the heat transfer portion 330 of each fin 30 located outside the connecting portion 320 in two or more directions. Therefore, a gap 342 is formed between the rising portions 341. In each fin 30, one fin pitch regulating portion 340 is provided for N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) flat tubes 20. When the number of fin pitch regulating portions 340 in each fin 30 is three or more, it is preferred that the three or more fin pitch regulating portions 340 of each fin 30 are arranged so that the number of flat tubes 20 between adjacent fin pitch regulating portions 340 is the same. For example, if the number of fin pitch regulating portions 340 of each fin 30 is four and N=4, the first configuration Fig.10 The structure, followed by 3 Fig. 9 The structure, then configure Fig.10 The structure is then followed by 3 Fig. 9 The structure, then configure Fig.10 The structure is then followed by 3 Fig. 9 The structure, then configure Fig.10 structure.

[0081] The hoop portion 311 of the through portion 310 can be divided into a first rising portion 316 and a second rising portion 317. The first rising portion 316 is a portion of the hoop portion 311 that rises along the through flat tube 20 and contacts the adjacent fin 30. In contrast, the second rising portion 317 is a portion that rises along the through flat tube 20 and does not contact the adjacent fin 30. The first rising portion 316 is only disposed on the two opposite sides 318 and 319 of the notch (see Figure 8 ) on one side.

[0082] The first rising portion 316 assists in maintaining the fin pitch defined by the fin pitch defining portion 340. Furthermore, the first rising portion 316 suppresses buckling of the fin 30 when the flat tube 20 is inserted. In order to easily suppress buckling, the first rising portion 316 is preferably provided at the entrance of the notch of the through portion 310. Furthermore, the length L2 of the first rising portion 316 is preferably less than 50% of the length L1 of the fin 30 in the first direction. In order to stably support the fin 30, the surface of the first rising portion 316 in contact with the adjacent fin 30 is preferably rectangular.

[0083] (2-1-2) Specific Structure of Fin Pitch Regulating Section 340

[0084] exist Figure 8 FIG. 4 shows a portion of the fin 30 when N is 4. Fig. 9 FIG. 3 shows a portion of the fin 30 where the fin pitch defining portion 340 is not formed between adjacent flat tubes 20. Fig.10 , a portion of the fin 30 where the fin pitch regulating portion 340 is formed between adjacent flat tubes 20 is shown. When N=4, one fin pitch regulating portion 340 is provided for four flat tubes 20. In other words, when N=4, four flat tubes 20 are arranged between two adjacent fin pitch regulating portions 340 in each fin 30.

[0085] exist Fig. 9 The heat transfer portion 330 of the fin 30 shown in the figure, which does not have the fin pitch defining portion 340, has three bridge-shaped cut-and-raised portions 350. Fig.10 The heat transfer section 330 having the fin pitch defining section 340 shown is formed with only one bridge-shaped cut-and-raised section 350. The bridge-shaped cut-and-raised section 350 allows the airflow passing through the flat portion of the heat transfer section 330 that is not cut and raised to pass along both sides of the cut-and-raised section 350. Such a bridge-shaped cut-and-raised section 350 is sometimes referred to as a slit. The heat transfer section 330 having three bridge-shaped cut-and-raised sections 350 can perform heat exchange more efficiently than the heat transfer section 330 having one bridge-shaped cut-and-raised section 350.

[0086] There are four gaps 342 between the four rising portions 341 of the fin pitch regulating portion 340. Two of the four gaps 342 are arranged in a manner of being arranged in the first direction, and the remaining two are arranged in a manner of being arranged in the second direction. The rising portion 341 is formed by forming a cross cutting line on the flat heat transfer portion 330 and cutting it up in a manner that the bending line becomes a circle. As a result, the airflow flowing in the first direction can easily flow through the two gaps 342. In addition, condensed water can easily flow through the other two gaps 342 in the second direction.

[0087] (2-1-3) Fin pitch specification and thermal conductivity

[0088] Fig.11 A graph showing the relationship between the fin pitch defining portion 340 and heat conduction is shown. Fig.11 The graph shown shows the use of Fig.12 The structure X1 of the fin 30 shown in FIG. Fig.13 The structure Y1 of the fin 530 shown in FIG. Fig.14 The structure Y2 of the fin 630 shown in FIG. Fig.14The air side thermal conductivity (W / m 2 ). These graphs are graphs for comparing the difference in heat conducted from fins 30, fins 530, fins 630, and fins 730 to the air when the temperatures of fins 30, fins 530, fins 630, and fins 730 of the same area and the temperature of the air are set to the same condition. The use of fins with higher air-side thermal conductivity can provide a heat exchanger with better heat exchange efficiency. The graphs show the results of measurements of three rows of fins under the conditions of a row spacing of 10 mm and a layer spacing of 9.7 mm. The air flow direction is the direction indicated by arrows AF.

[0089] "N" on the horizontal axis of the graph corresponds to the number of flat tubes 20 corresponding to one fin pitch regulating portion 340, 540 in each fin of the configuration X1, Y1. In the case of N=1, the fin pitch regulating portion 340, 540 is formed in all the heat transfer portions 330. In other words, in the case of N=1, no fin pitch regulating portion 340, 540 is formed in each fin 30, 530. Fig. 9 In the case of N=2, two flat tubes 20 are arranged between the adjacent fin pitch defining portions 340 and 540. In other words, in the case of N=2, for example, the fins 30 alternately have Fig. 9 The structure shown and Fig.10 In the case of N=3, three flat tubes 20 are arranged between the adjacent fin pitch defining portions 340 and 540. In other words, in the case of N=3, for example, in each fin 30, Fig. 9 After the construction shown appears twice in succession Fig.10 The construction shown occurs once.

[0090] Fig.12 The illustrated structure X1 is a structure using the fin 30 of the above embodiment, wherein the heat transfer portion 330 is provided with a fin pitch regulating portion 340 , one bridge-shaped cut-and-raised portion 350 , and a convex portion 360 , and the through portion 310 is provided with a first rising portion 316 . Fig.12 The structure X1 shown is Fig.13 The difference between the structure Y1 shown is the structure of the fin pitch defining portions 340 and 540. The fin pitch defining portion 340 has a gap 342, but the fin pitch defining portion 540 does not have a structure corresponding to the gap 342. Fig.12 The fin spacing regulating portion 340 has four rising portions 341, but Fig.13 The fin pitch regulating portion 540 has only one portion that stands up in a circular shape. Fig.14In the structure Y2 shown in FIG. 1 , two spacers 640 disclosed in Patent Document 1 are provided in the heat transfer portion 330. Therefore, only one bridge-shaped cut-and-raised portion 350 is provided in the heat transfer portion 330. Fig.11 As shown in the dashed line graph, Fig.14 The structure Y2 shown has low air-side thermal conductivity. Fig.15 In the structure Y3 shown in FIG. 1 , the fin pitch regulating portion 740 is provided in the through portion 710. Such a structure Y3 in which only the fin pitch regulating portion 740 is provided in the through portion 710 is difficult to manufacture and is not practical, but three bridge-shaped cut-and-raised portions 350 can be provided in each of the heat transfer portions 330. Fig.11 As shown in the single dot-dash line graph, Fig.15 The structure Y3 shown has good air-side thermal conductivity.

[0091] Fig.12 and Fig.13 The air-side thermal conductivity of N=1 in the structures X1 and Y1 shown is lower than that of the structure Y2. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The air side thermal conductivity of the structures X1 and Y1 shown above when N=2 is better than that of the structure Y2. Fig.15 The air side thermal conductivity of the structure Y3 shown in FIG. Fig.12 The structures X1 and Fig.13 Compared with the structure Y1 shown in FIG. 1 , the air-side thermal conductivity of the structure X1 is higher than the air-side thermal conductivity of the structure Y1 regardless of the value of N.

[0092] (3) Modification

[0093] (3-1) Modification A

[0094] In the above embodiment, the indoor unit 110 is described as a wall-mounted type. However, the indoor unit to which the indoor heat exchanger 1 described in the above embodiment can be applied is not limited to the wall-mounted type. The indoor heat exchanger 1 disclosed in the present invention can be applied to, for example, a room that is embedded in a ceiling and distributes conditioned air using ducts, Fig.16 The duct type indoor unit shown in the figure. Fig.16 In the process, airflow is generated in the indoor heat exchanger 1 by means of the indoor fan 112. Fig.16 The indoor fan 112 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan. The centrifugal fan may be, for example, a Sirocco fan. Fig.16 The shape of the indoor heat exchanger 1 shown is an I-shape when viewed from the side, but it may also be, for example, Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the shape viewed from the side is bent into a wedge shape. In this case, Fig.17As shown, the indoor fan 112 may be, for example, a cross-flow fan, or a centrifugal fan may be used instead of the cross-flow fan. Fig.17 In FIG. 1 , the double-dashed arrow AF indicates the direction of air flow. Fig.18 As shown, the heat exchanger 1 may also be configured to be N-shaped when viewed from the side. Fig.18 In the indoor unit 110, as shown by arrow AF, the indoor fan 112 is configured to allow air to flow from bottom to top in the direction of gravity. Fig.18 In the structure of the indoor unit 110, the air may flow from top to bottom.

[0095] (3-2) Modification B

[0096] In the above embodiment, the case where the number of the rising portions 341 of the fin pitch defining portion 340 is four has been described. Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , the number of the rising portions 341 of one fin pitch regulating portion 340 is three. In this case, Fig.19 As shown, the gaps 342 between the adjacent rising portions 341 are staggered in the air flow direction (first direction), thereby reducing the resistance of the airflow. In addition, the gaps 342 between the adjacent rising portions 341 are arranged in the direction of condensation water flow (second direction), thereby making it easy for the condensation water to flow.

[0097] Furthermore, the number of the rising portions 341 of the fin spacing defining portion 340 can be set to two. When the number of the rising portions 341 is set to two, if the two gaps 342 are arranged in the direction of air flow (first direction), the air flow can flow easily. When the number of the rising portions 341 is set to two, if the two gaps 342 are arranged in the direction of condensation water flow (second direction), the condensation water can flow easily. In addition, the sizes of the two or more rising portions 341 can be the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment, but can also be different as in the above-mentioned embodiment. Fig.19 Not the same size as shown.

[0098] (3-3) Modification C

[0099] In the above embodiment, the case where the fin pitch regulating portion 340 and the first rising portion 316 are combined is described. However, the fin pitch regulating portion 340 and the first rising portion 316 may not be combined. For example, the fin pitch regulating portion 340 may be provided without providing the first rising portion 316. Furthermore, the first rising portion 316 may be combined with a fin pitch regulating portion other than the fin pitch regulating portion 340.

[0100] (3-4) Modification D

[0101] In the above embodiment, the case where the hoop portion 311 is provided in the through portion 310 is described. However, the hoop portion 311 may not be provided, and only the first rising portion 316 may be raised in the through portion 310 .

[0102] (3-5) Modification E

[0103] In the above embodiment, the case where the bridge-shaped cut-and-raised portion 350 is formed on the heat transfer portion 330 is described. However, the structure for promoting heat exchange is not limited to the bridge-shaped cut-and-raised portion 350 (slit). For example, the structure for promoting heat exchange may also be a louver-shaped cut-and-raised portion cut obliquely with respect to the plane of the heat transfer portion 330.

[0104] (4) Features

[0105] (4-1)

[0106] In the above-mentioned embodiment or modification, each fin 30 has a plurality of through portions 310, a connecting portion 320, and one or more fin pitch regulating portions 340. A plurality of flat tubes 20 are penetrated through the plurality of through portions 310. The connecting portion 320 does not allow the plurality of flat tubes 20 to penetrate but extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. One or more fin pitch regulating portions 340 are in contact with adjacent fins 30 to regulate the fin pitch. In each fin 30, one fin pitch regulating portion 340 is provided for N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2) flat tubes 20. The fin pitch regulating portion 340 of each fin 30 includes two or more rising portions 341, and the two or more rising portions 341 are formed by cutting and raising the heat transfer portion 330 of each fin 30 located outside the connecting portion 320 in two or more directions. Since the two or more rising portions 341 of the fin pitch defining portion 340 are cut and raised in two or more directions, a gap 342 is formed between the two or more rising portions 341, and it is possible to suppress at least one of the ventilation path and the drainage path from being narrowed at the fin pitch defining portion 340. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat exchange efficiency or drainage performance due to the fin pitch defining portion 340.

[0107] (4-2)

[0108] As described in Modification B Fig.19In the case where the fin pitch regulating portion 340 includes three rising portions 341 cut and raised in three directions, the fin pitch regulating portion 340 can support adjacent fins 30 at three points using the three rising portions 341. As a result, the fin pitch regulating portion 340 can firmly support adjacent fins 30 and can stably regulate the fin pitch. In addition, the fin pitch regulating portion 340 including the three rising portions 341 has three gaps 342, so that at least one of the ventilation path and the drainage path can be suppressed from being narrowed at the fin pitch regulating portion 340 by the arrangement of the gaps 342.

[0109] (4-3)

[0110] The fin pitch regulating portion 340 of the above embodiment includes four rising portions 341 cut and raised in four directions. Since the four rising portions 341 of the fin pitch regulating portion 340 are cut and raised in four directions, two gaps 342 can be arranged in a row in the first direction, and the other two gaps 342 can be arranged in a row in the second direction. By arranging the two gaps 342 in the first direction, it is possible to suppress the ventilation path from becoming narrower. In addition, by arranging the two gaps 342 in the second direction, it is possible to suppress the drainage path from becoming narrower. As a result, the ventilation path and the drainage path can be suppressed from becoming narrower at the fin pitch regulating portion 340 by arranging the gaps 342.

[0111] (4-4)

[0112] like Fig.11 As shown in the graph of the structure X1, by providing one fin pitch regulating portion 340 for four flat tubes or one fin pitch regulating portion 340 for six flat tubes, the proportion of the portion provided with the fin pitch regulating portion 340 in each fin 30 is reduced, thereby suppressing the reduction in thermal conductivity. Reducing the proportion of the portion provided with the fin pitch regulating portion 340 means increasing N, in other words, reducing the ( Fig.10 The number of structures / Fig. 9 The value of the number of structures).

[0113] (4-5)

[0114] In the above embodiment, when the number of the fin pitch regulating portions 340 in each fin 30 is three or more, it is preferred that the three or more fin pitch regulating portions 340 in each fin 30 are arranged so that the number of flat tubes 20 between adjacent fin pitch regulating portions 340 is the same. If arranged in this way, the portions where the thermal conductivity is reduced by the arrangement of the fin pitch regulating portions 340 are arranged regularly, and the reduction in the overall thermal conductivity can be suppressed compared to the case where the fin pitch regulating portions 340 are arranged irregularly.

[0115] (4-6)

[0116] Each through portion 310 of each fin 30 of the above embodiment includes a first rising portion 316 that rises along the corresponding flat tube 20 and contacts the adjacent fin 30, and a second rising portion 317 that rises along the corresponding flat tube 20 and does not contact the adjacent fin 30. Since the first rising portion 316 of the through portion 310 contacts the adjacent fin 30, buckling can be suppressed when the through portion 310 is inserted into the flat tube 20. In addition, the first rising portion 316 can assist in ensuring the fin pitch.

[0117] (4-7)

[0118] Each through portion 310 of each fin in the above embodiment has a first rising portion 316 that rises along the corresponding flat tube 20 and contacts the adjacent fin 30. When there is another portion that specifies the fin pitch in addition to the first rising portion 316, the first rising portion 316 can suppress buckling and fin crushing when the flat tube 20 is inserted, and assist in ensuring the fin pitch based on the other portion that specifies the fin pitch. In the above embodiment, the other portion that specifies the fin pitch is the fin pitch specifying portion 340, but the other portion that specifies the fin pitch is not limited to the fin pitch specifying portion 340.

[0119] (4-8)

[0120] The first rising portion 316 of the above-described embodiment is provided only on two side surfaces 211 and 212 of each flat tube 20 in the longitudinal direction of each fin 30 (see Figure 6 ) on one side. In other words, the through-portion 310 is only disposed on two opposite sides 318 and 319 of the notch (see Figure 8 Since the first rising portion 316 is provided on only one of the two side surfaces of the flat tube 20, the height of the first rising portion 316 can be increased to a height close to the thickness of the flat tube 20, compared with the case where the first rising portion 316 is provided on both sides.

[0121] 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.

[0122] Description of symbols

[0123] 1Indoor heat exchanger (Example of heat exchanger)

[0124] 20 flat tube

[0125] 30 fins

[0126] 310 through section

[0127] 316 First rising part

[0128] 317 Second rising part

[0129] 320 Connectivity

[0130] 330 heat transfer unit

[0131] 340 Fin spacing specification

[0132] 341 Standing part

[0133] Prior art literature

[0134] Patent Literature

[0135] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-163318

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (1), comprising a plurality of fins (30) and a plurality of flat tubes (20), for performing heat exchange of air passing in a first direction between the plurality of flat tubes and the plurality of fins, wherein: Each of the fins has: a plurality of through-holes (310) through which the plurality of flat tubes pass; a connecting portion (320) which is not penetrated by the plurality of flat tubes but extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and One or more fin pitch regulating parts (340) contacting adjacent fins to regulate the fin pitch, In each of the fins, one fin pitch regulating portion is provided for each of N flat tubes, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The fin pitch regulating portion of each of the fins includes two or more rising portions (341), and the two or more rising portions (341) are formed by cutting and raising the heat transfer portion (330) of each of the fins located outside the connecting portion in two or more directions.

2. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The fin pitch defining portion includes three rising portions, and the three rising portions are formed by cutting and raising the heat transfer portion of each fin at a portion other than the communicating portion in three directions.

3. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The fin pitch defining portion includes four rising portions, and the four rising portions are formed by cutting and raising the heat transfer portion of each fin at a location other than the communicating portion in four directions.

4. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The number of flat tubes is 4 or more. One fin pitch regulating portion is provided for each of four flat tubes.

5. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The number of flat tubes is 6 or more. One fin pitch regulating portion is provided for each of six flat tubes.

6. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The number of the fin pitch defining portions in each of the fins is 3 or more, The three or more fin pitch defining portions of each of the fins are arranged so that the number of flat tubes between the adjacent fin pitch defining portions is the same.

7. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: Each of the through portions of each of the fins has: a first rising portion (316) that rises along the corresponding flat tube and contacts the adjacent fin; and a second rising portion (317) that rises along the corresponding flat tube and does not contact the adjacent fin.

8. The heat exchanger (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The air passing in the first direction is indoor air that undergoes heat exchange in an indoor unit that performs indoor air conditioning.

9. A heat exchanger (1) comprising a plurality of flat tubes (20) and a plurality of fins (30), wherein: Each of the fins has a plurality of through-portions (310) through which the plurality of flat tubes pass. Each of the through-portions has a first rising portion (316) that rises along the corresponding flat tube and contacts the adjacent fin.

10. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The first rising portion is provided on only one of two side surfaces of each of the flat tubes in the longitudinal direction of each of the fins.

11. The heat exchanger (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: Each of the through-portions has a second rising portion (317) that rises along the corresponding flat tube and does not contact the adjacent fin as a portion other than the first rising portion. The first rising portion rises higher than the second rising portion.

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