Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A heat exchanger according to an embodiment includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes, a first header, and a second header. The heat transfer tube has a refrigerant flow path through which a refrigerant flows. The heat transfer tube is flat. The heat transfer tubes are arranged side by side. The first header is connected to one end of each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes. The second header is connected to the other ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes. The first header has a first intermediate plate, a first inner end plate, and a first outer end plate. The first intermediate plate has formed therein one or more first spatial flow paths that communicate with the refrigerant flow paths of the adjacent heat transfer tubes. The second header has a second intermediate plate, a second inner end plate, and a second outer end plate. The second intermediate plate has formed therein one or more second spatial flow paths that communicate with the refrigerant flow paths of the adjacent heat transfer tubes. The refrigerant flow path, the first spatial flow path, and the second spatial flow path constitute a plurality of composite flow paths. The combined flow path is configured by alternately communicating one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow path of the plurality of heat transfer tubes through the first spatial flow path and the second spatial flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device. Background Art

[0002] Heat exchangers are used in air conditioning equipment, refrigeration equipment, etc. For example, a heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes and headers. The heat exchange tubes have refrigerant flow paths. The headers are provided at the ends of the heat exchange tubes.

[0003] In a heat exchanger having the above structure, the efficiency of heat exchange may be reduced.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: WO 2015 / 037641 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device capable of performing efficient heat exchange.

[0009] Solution for Solving the Above Technical Problem

[0010] The heat exchanger according to the embodiment includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes, a first header, and a second header. The heat transfer tubes have refrigerant flow paths through which refrigerant flows. The heat transfer tubes are flat in shape. The heat transfer tubes are arranged side by side. The first header is connected to one end of the plurality of heat transfer tubes. The second header is connected to the other end of the plurality of heat transfer tubes. The first header includes a first intermediate plate, a first inner end plate, and a first outer end plate. The first intermediate plate is formed with one or more first space flow paths communicating with the refrigerant flow paths of adjacent heat transfer tubes. The first inner end plate and the first outer end plate sandwich the first intermediate plate in the thickness direction. The second header includes a second intermediate plate, a second inner end plate, and a second outer end plate. The second intermediate plate is formed with one or more second space flow paths communicating with the refrigerant flow paths of adjacent heat transfer tubes. The second inner end plate and the second outer end plate sandwich the second intermediate plate in the thickness direction. The refrigerant flow paths, the first space flow paths, and the second space flow paths constitute a plurality of composite flow paths. The composite flow paths are configured by alternately connecting one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow paths of the plurality of heat transfer tubes through the first space flow paths and the second space flow paths. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is an overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 A perspective view of a part of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a part of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 An overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 An overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger according to the third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 A schematic configuration diagram of a first modification of the header.

[0018] Figure 8 A schematic configuration diagram of a second modification of the header.

[0019] Figure 9 A schematic configuration diagram of a third modification of the header.

[0020] Figure 10 A schematic configuration diagram of a fourth modification of the header. Detailed embodiments

[0021] Hereinafter, the heat exchanger and the refrigeration cycle device of the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic configuration diagram of the refrigeration cycle device of the embodiment.

[0023] As Figure 1 shown, the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a compressor 2, a four-way valve 3, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 4, an expansion device 5, and an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 6. The components of the refrigeration cycle device 1 are connected by a pipe 7. In Figure 1 it, the flow direction of the refrigerant (heat medium) during refrigeration operation is shown by a solid arrow. The flow direction of the refrigerant during heating operation is shown by a dashed arrow.

[0024] The compressor 2 includes a compressor main body 2A and a liquid receiver 2B. The compressor main body 2A compresses the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant taken into the interior into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The liquid receiver 2B separates the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and supplies the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor main body 2A.

[0025] The four-way valve 3 reverses the flow direction of the refrigerant to switch between cooling operation and heating operation. During cooling operation, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 2, the four-way valve 3, the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the expansion device 5, and the indoor heat exchanger 6 in sequence. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser. The indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator.

[0026] During heating operation, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 2, the four-way valve 3, the indoor heat exchanger 6, the expansion device 5, and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 in sequence. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.

[0027] The condenser condenses the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 by dissipating heat to the external air, turning it into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The expansion device 5 reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant fed from the condenser, turning it into a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The evaporator vaporizes the low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant fed from the expansion device 5 by absorbing heat from the external air, turning it into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0028] In the refrigeration cycle device 1, the refrigerant as the working fluid circulates while undergoing a phase change between the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant dissipates heat during the phase change from the gaseous refrigerant to the liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat during the phase change from the liquid refrigerant to the gaseous refrigerant. The refrigeration cycle device 1 uses the heat dissipation or heat absorption of the refrigerant to perform heating, cooling, defrosting, etc.

[0029] Figure 2 It is an overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. The heat exchanger of the embodiment is used as one or both of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 (refer to Figure 1 ). Hereinafter, the case where the heat exchanger of the embodiment is used as the outdoor heat exchanger 4 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 (refer to Figure 1 ) will be described as an example. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 is simply referred to as "heat exchanger 4".

[0030] As Figure 2 shown, the heat exchanger 4 includes a plurality of heat exchangers 104. The plurality of heat exchangers 104 include a first heat exchanger 104A, a second heat exchanger 104B, and a third heat exchanger 104C. In addition, in Figure 2 , the structure of the heat exchanger 104 is simply shown.

[0031] A plurality of heat exchangers 104 are connected to an inlet flow path 101 and an outlet flow path 102. The inlet flow path 101 includes a supply flow path 111, a distributor 112, a first introduction flow path 113, a second introduction flow path 114, and a third introduction flow path 115. The supply flow path 111 branches into three flow paths (the first introduction flow path 113, the second introduction flow path 114, and the third introduction flow path 115). The distributor 112 distributes the refrigerant from the supply flow path 111 to the first introduction flow path 113, the second introduction flow path 114, and the third introduction flow path 115.

[0032] The first introduction flow path 113 is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 104A. The second introduction flow path 114 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 104B. The third introduction flow path 115 is connected to the inlet of the third heat exchanger 104C. In the present embodiment, the inlet is the opening of the first refrigerant port connected to the first through hole 42, and the first through hole 42 communicates with the space flow path 16A (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0033] The outlet flow path 102 includes a first discharge flow path 123, a second discharge flow path 124, a third discharge flow path 125, and a collecting flow path 121. One end of the first discharge flow path 123 is connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger 104A. One end of the second discharge flow path 124 is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger 104B. One end of the third discharge flow path 125 is connected to the outlet of the third heat exchanger 104C. In the present embodiment, the outlet is the opening of the second refrigerant port connected to the second through hole 43, and the second through hole 43 communicates with the space flow path 16E (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0034] The other ends of the first discharge flow path 123, the second discharge flow path 124, and the third discharge flow path 125 are connected to the collecting flow path 121. Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the first discharge flow path 123, the second discharge flow path 124, and the third discharge flow path 125 can be concentrated in the collecting flow path 121 and discharged to the outside of the system.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a part of the heat exchanger of the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 104.

[0036] The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined as follows. The Z direction is the length direction (extension direction) of the first header and the second header. For example, the Z direction is the vertical direction. The +Z direction is the upward direction. The X direction is the central axis direction (extension direction) of the heat exchange tubes. For example, the X direction is the horizontal direction. The +X direction is the direction from the second header toward the first header. The Y direction is the direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction. The YZ plane is the plane formed by the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0037] As Figure 3 shown, the heat exchanger 104 has a first header 10, a second header 20, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes (heat transfer tubes) 30.

[0038] The first header 10 is connected to the end portion (+X direction end portion) of the heat exchange tube 30. The second header 20 is connected to the end portion (-X direction end portion) of the heat exchange tube 30.

[0039] The first header 10 and the second header 20 are formed in a flat plate shape parallel to the YZ plane. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the X direction, the first header 10 and the second header 20 are rectangular. The shapes of the first header 10 and the second header 20 are rectangular in a rectangular shape with the length direction along the Z direction. The first header 10 and the second header 20 are formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and a small specific gravity. As the material having a high thermal conductivity and a small specific gravity, metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloy can be cited.

[0040] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger 104. As Figure 4 shown, the first header 10 includes a first inner end plate 11, a first intermediate plate 14, and a first outer end plate 17. The first inner end plate 11 and the first outer end plate 17 sandwich the first intermediate plate 14 in the thickness direction. The first inner end plate 11 is disposed on the inner surface (second surface) side of the first intermediate plate 14. That is, the first inner end plate 11 overlaps with the surface (second surface) on the -X direction side of the first intermediate plate 14. The first outer end plate 17 is disposed on the outer surface (first surface) side of the first intermediate plate 14. That is, the first outer end plate 17 overlaps with the surface (first surface) on the +X direction side of the first intermediate plate 14. The first inner end plate 11, the first intermediate plate 14, and the first outer end plate 17 are rectangular.

[0041] The first intermediate plate 14 has a plurality of space flow paths 16 (16A to 16E) (first space flow paths). The space flow path 16 serves as a flow path for the refrigerant. The space flow path 16 is formed by through holes penetrating the first intermediate plate 14 in the thickness direction. The opening on the inner surface side of the space flow path 16 is closed by the first inner end plate 11. The opening on the outer surface side of the space flow path 16 is closed by the first outer end plate 17.

[0042] The plurality of space flow paths 16 includes space flow paths 16A to 16E. The space flow path 16A is oblong when viewed from the X direction. The "oblong shape" is a shape formed by two parallel and opposite straight lines and curved convex shapes (such as semicircular, elliptical arc shapes, etc.) connecting the ends of the two straight lines to each other. The major axis direction of the space flow path 16A is parallel to the Y direction.

[0043] The space flow paths 16B to 16D are rectangular when viewed from the X direction. For example, the space flow paths 16B to 16D are rectangular with rounded corners (a rectangular shape with rounded corners). The space flow path 16E is oval when viewed from the X direction. The major axis direction of the space flow path 16E is parallel to the Y direction.

[0044] The space flow paths 16A to 16E are arranged side by side in the Z direction. The space flow path 16A is located at the highest position among the space flow paths 16A to 16E (i.e., on the +Z direction side). The space flow path 16E is located at the lowest position among the space flow paths 16A to 16E (i.e., on the -Z direction side).

[0045] At the position of the space flow path 16A on the first inner end plate 11, one through hole 41 is formed. At the positions of the space flow paths 16B to 16D on the first inner end plate 11, two through holes 41, 41 are respectively formed. The two through holes 41, 41 are formed at intervals in the Z direction. At the position of the space flow path 16E on the first inner end plate 11, one through hole 41 is formed.

[0046] The through hole 41 is formed in a slit shape along the Y direction. The +X direction end of the heat exchange tube 30 is inserted into the through hole 41. The +X direction end of the heat exchange tube 30 opens to the space flow path 16 of the first intermediate plate 14.

[0047] At the position of the space flow path 16A on the first outer end plate 17, a first through hole 42 is formed. For example, the first through hole 42 is circular. A tubular first refrigerant port is inserted into the first through hole 42. The first refrigerant port has a flow path for the refrigerant to flow. The end of the first refrigerant port opens to the space flow path 16A. This opening serves as an inlet for introducing the refrigerant into the heat exchanger 104 or an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 104.

[0048] At the position of the space flow path 16E on the first outer end plate 17, a second through hole 43 is formed. For example, the second through hole 43 is circular. A tubular second refrigerant port is inserted into the second through hole 43. The second refrigerant port has a flow path for the refrigerant to flow. The end of the second refrigerant port opens to the space flow path 16E. This opening serves as an inlet for introducing the refrigerant into the heat exchanger 104 or an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 104.

[0049] When the refrigerant is introduced into the heat exchanger 104 through the first refrigerant port, the space flow path 16A becomes an inlet space flow path for introducing the refrigerant. When the refrigerant is discharged from the heat exchanger 104 through the first refrigerant port, the space flow path 16A becomes an outlet space flow path for discharging the refrigerant.

[0050] When introducing refrigerant into the heat exchanger 104 through the second refrigerant port, the space flow path 16E becomes the introduction space flow path for introducing refrigerant. When discharging refrigerant from the heat exchanger 104 through the second refrigerant port, the space flow path 16E becomes the discharge space flow path for discharging refrigerant.

[0051] The second header 20 includes a second inner end plate 21, a second intermediate plate 24, and a second outer end plate 27. The second inner end plate 21 and the second outer end plate 27 sandwich the second intermediate plate 24 in the thickness direction. The second inner end plate 21 is disposed on the inner surface side of the second intermediate plate 24. That is, the second inner end plate 21 overlaps with the surface of the second intermediate plate 24 on the +X direction side. The second outer end plate 27 is disposed on the outer surface side of the second intermediate plate 24. That is, the second outer end plate 27 overlaps with the surface of the second intermediate plate 24 on the -X direction side. The second inner end plate 21, the second intermediate plate 24, and the second outer end plate 27 are rectangular.

[0052] The second intermediate plate 24 has a plurality of space flow paths 26 (26A to 26D) (second space flow paths). The space flow path 26 becomes a flow path for refrigerant. The space flow path 26 is formed by a through hole that penetrates the second intermediate plate 24 in the thickness direction. The opening on the inner surface side of the space flow path 26 is closed by the second inner end plate 21. The opening on the outer surface side of the space flow path 26 is closed by the second outer end plate 27.

[0053] The plurality of space flow paths 26 include space flow paths 26A to 26D. The space flow paths 26A to 26D are rectangular when viewed from the X direction. For example, the space flow paths 26A to 26D are rounded quadrilateral shapes (rectangular shapes with rounded corners).

[0054] The space flow paths 26A to 26D are arranged side by side in the Z direction. The space flow path 26A is located at the highest position among the space flow paths 26A to 26D (that is, located closest to the +Z direction side). The space flow path 26D is located at the lowest position among the space flow paths 26A to 26D (that is, located closest to the -Z direction side).

[0055] At positions corresponding to the space flow paths 26A to 26D on the second inner end plate 21, two through holes 41, 41 are respectively formed. The two through holes 41, 41 are formed at intervals in the Z direction.

[0056] The through hole 41 is formed in a slit shape along the Y direction. The -X direction end of the heat exchange tube 30 is inserted into the through hole 41. The -X direction end of the heat exchange tube 30 opens to the space flow path 26 of the second intermediate plate 24.

[0057] The heat exchange tube 30 is a flat tube formed in a flat shape. The external shape dimension (outer diameter) of the heat exchange tube 30 in the Y direction is larger than the external shape dimension (outer diameter) in the Z direction. The internal shape dimension (inner diameter) of the heat exchange tube 30 in the Y direction is larger than the internal shape dimension (inner diameter) in the Z direction. For example, the external shape dimension (outer diameter) of the heat exchange tube 30 in the Y direction is more than twice the external shape dimension (outer diameter) in the Z direction. For example, the internal shape dimension (inner diameter) of the heat exchange tube 30 in the Y direction is more than twice the internal shape dimension (inner diameter) in the Z direction. For example, the shape of the cross section (YZ cross section) of the heat exchange tube 30 orthogonal to the length direction is an oval shape.

[0058] The heat exchange tube 30 extends in the X direction. A refrigerant flow path 34 is formed inside the heat exchange tube 30. Refrigerant flows in the refrigerant flow path 34. The heat exchange tube 30 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity and low specific gravity. As the "material with high thermal conductivity and low specific gravity", metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloy can be cited.

[0059] A plurality of heat exchange tubes 30 are arranged side by side at intervals in the Z direction. The +X direction end portion of the heat exchange tube 30 is inserted into the through hole 41 formed in the first header 10. Thereby, the +X direction end portion of the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 opens to the space flow path 16 of the first header 10. Therefore, the space flow path 16 communicates with the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30.

[0060] The -X direction end portion of the heat exchange tube 30 is inserted into the through hole 41 formed in the second header 20. Thereby, the -X direction end portion of the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 opens to the space flow path 26 of the second header 20. Therefore, the space flow path 26 communicates with the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30.

[0061] The gap between the first header 10 and the heat exchange tube 30 is sealed by, for example, brazing or the like. The gap between the second header 20 and the heat exchange tube 30 is sealed by, for example, brazing or the like.

[0062] An external air flow path along the Y direction is formed between the vertically adjacent heat exchange tubes 30. The heat exchanger 4 circulates external air in the external air flow path by means of a blower fan (not shown) or the like. The heat exchanger 4 causes heat exchange between the external air flowing in the external air flow path and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow path 34. The heat exchange is carried out indirectly via the heat exchange tube 30.

[0063] At Figure 1When the refrigeration cycle device 1 shown performs refrigeration operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser. In this case, the gaseous refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 2 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 4. While flowing through the heat exchange tubes 30, the gaseous refrigerant dissipates heat to the outside air and condenses. The condensed refrigerant becomes a liquid refrigerant and flows out of the system.

[0064] When Figure 1 the refrigeration cycle device 1 shown performs heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to the above. The liquid refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 4. While flowing through the heat exchange tubes 30, a part of the liquid refrigerant evaporates and becomes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and flows out of the system.

[0065] As Figure 3 shown, the refrigerant flows into the interior of the first header 10 from one of the first refrigerant port and the second refrigerant port.

[0066] When the refrigerant is introduced from the first refrigerant port, the refrigerant flowing into the space flow path 16A from the first refrigerant port flows in the -X direction in the heat exchange tubes 30 (30A), and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 26A of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows in the +X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 26A in the heat exchange tubes 30 (30B), and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 16B of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows in the -X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 16B in the heat exchange tubes 30 (30C), and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 26B of the second header 20.

[0067] The refrigerant flows in the +X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 26B in the heat exchange tubes 30 (30D), and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 16C of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows in the -X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 16C in the heat exchange tubes 30 (30E), and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 26C of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows in the +X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 26C in the heat exchange tubes 30 (30F), and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 16D of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows in the -X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 16D in the heat exchange tubes 30 (30G), and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 26D of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows in the +X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 26D in the heat exchange tubes 30 (30H), and flows into the space flow path 16E of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows out through the second refrigerant port from the space flow path 16E.

[0068] When the refrigerant is introduced from the second refrigerant port, the refrigerant flowing into the space flow path 16E from the second refrigerant port flows in the -X direction in the heat exchange tube 30 (30H) and flows into the lower part of the space flow path 26D of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows in the +X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 26D in the heat exchange tube 30 (30G) and flows into the lower part of the space flow path 16D of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows in the -X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 16D in the heat exchange tube 30 (30F) and flows into the lower part of the space flow path 26C of the second header 20.

[0069] The refrigerant flows in the +X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 26C in the heat exchange tube 30 (30E) and flows into the lower part of the space flow path 16C of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows in the -X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 16C in the heat exchange tube 30 (30D) and flows into the lower part of the space flow path 26B of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows in the +X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 26B in the heat exchange tube 30 (30C) and flows into the lower part of the space flow path 16B of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows in the -X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 16B in the heat exchange tube 30 (30B) and flows into the lower part of the space flow path 26A of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows in the +X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 26A in the heat exchange tube 30 (30A) and flows into the space flow path 16A of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows out through the first refrigerant port from the space flow path 16A.

[0070] The space flow path 16 (the first space flow path) of the first header 10, the space flow path 26 (the second space flow path) of the second header 20, and the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 constitute a composite flow path 40. The composite flow path 40 is a meandering flow path that shuttles between the first header 10 and the second header 20.

[0071] The composite flow path 40 is formed by alternately connecting one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of a plurality of heat exchange tubes 30 through the space flow path 16 and the space flow path 26. Specifically, the space flow path 16 connects the +X direction ends (one end) of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of two adjacent heat exchange tubes 30. The space flow path 26 connects the -X direction ends (the other end) of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of two adjacent heat exchange tubes 30.

[0072] The space flow path 16 connecting two refrigerant flow paths 34 and the space flow path 26 connecting these two refrigerant flow paths 34 are alternately arranged in the arrangement direction (Z direction) of the heat exchange tubes 30.

[0073] For example, the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30A and 30B communicate with each other through the space flow path 26 at one end. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30B and 30C communicate with each other through the space flow path 16 at the other end. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30C and 30D communicate with each other through the space flow path 26 at one end. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30D and 30E communicate with each other through the space flow path 16 at the other end. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30E and 30F communicate with each other through the space flow path 26 at one end. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30F and 30G communicate with each other through the space flow path 16 at the other end. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30G and 30H communicate with each other through the space flow path 26 at one end.

[0074] In this way, the composite flow path 40 is formed into a meandering flow path by alternately communicating the one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow path 34.

[0075] The composite flow path only needs to have a structure in which the refrigerant flow paths of the first and second heat exchange tubes among the first to third heat exchange tubes communicate with each other through the space flow path of one header, and the refrigerant flow paths of the second and third heat exchange tubes communicate with each other through the space flow path of the other header. Specifically, for example, the composite flow path 40 only needs to have a structure in which the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the first and second heat exchange tubes 30A and 30B communicate with each other through the space flow path 26 at one end, and the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the second and third heat exchange tubes 30B and 30C communicate with each other through the space flow path 16 at the other end.

[0076] The heat exchanger 4 of the present embodiment (refer to Figure 2 ) includes a plurality of heat exchangers 104 (104A to 104C), and thus has a plurality of composite flow paths 40. The composite flow path 40 is formed by alternately communicating the one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 30 through the space flow path 16 and the space flow path 26. In the composite flow path 40, heat exchange is efficiently performed during the circulation of the refrigerant. In the heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant is divided into a plurality of parts and circulated through the composite flow path 40 respectively, so that the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0077] In the heat exchanger 4 of the present embodiment (refer to Figure 2 ), the outlets of the plurality of composite flow paths 40 are connected to the common collecting flow path 121 via the leading-out flow paths 123, 124, and 125. Therefore, the refrigerant from the plurality of composite flow paths 40 can be led out of the system together. As a result, the configuration of the flow path can be simplified.

[0078] Figure 5 It is an overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger 204 of the second embodiment. The components common to the heat exchanger 4 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0079] As Figure 5 shown, in the heat exchanger 204, the first headers 10 of the heat exchangers 104A to 104C are integrated with each other. The second headers 20 of the heat exchangers 104A to 104C are also integrated with each other. Therefore, the heat exchanger 204 can operate together. Thus, the heat exchanger 204 is excellent in terms of operability.

[0080] Figure 6 is an overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger 304 of the third embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the configurations common to other embodiments and the description thereof is omitted.

[0081] As Figure 6 shown, the heat exchanger 304 includes a first heat exchanger 104A and a second heat exchanger 304B.

[0082] An inlet flow path 301 and an outlet flow path 302 are connected to the heat exchangers 104A and 304B. The inlet flow path 301 includes a supply flow path 111, a distributor 112, a first introduction flow path 113, and a second introduction flow path 114. The supply flow path 111 branches into two flow paths (the first introduction flow path 113 and the second introduction flow path 114).

[0083] The first introduction flow path 113 is connected to the inlet port of the first heat exchanger 104A. The inlet port is an opening of the first refrigerant port connected to the first through hole 42, and the first through hole 42 communicates with the space flow path 16A (see Figure 3 ). The second introduction flow path 114 is connected to the inlet port of the second heat exchanger 304B. The inlet port is an opening of the second refrigerant port connected to the second through hole 43, and the second through hole 43 communicates with the space flow path 16E (see Figure 3 ).

[0084] The outlet flow path 302 includes a first discharge flow path 123, a second discharge flow path 124, and a collecting flow path 121.

[0085] One end of the first discharge flow path 123 is connected to the outlet port of the first heat exchanger 104A. The outlet port is an opening of the second refrigerant port connected to the second through hole 43, and the second through hole 43 communicates with the space flow path 16E (see Figure 3 ). One end of the second discharge flow path 124 is connected to the outlet port of the second heat exchanger 304B. The outlet port is an opening of the first refrigerant port connected to the first through hole 42, and the first through hole 42 communicates with the space flow path 16A (see Figure 3 ).

[0086] In the heat exchanger 304, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 104A is located at a lower position. The outlet of the second heat exchanger 304B is located at a higher position. Therefore, the outlet flow paths 123 and 124 connected to the outlets can be shortened. As a result, the configuration of the outlet flow path 102 can be simplified.

[0087] Figure 7 It is a schematic configuration diagram of a first modified example of the header. The same reference numerals are given to the configurations common to other embodiments and the description thereof is omitted.

[0088] As Figure 7 shown, the intermediate plate 414 of the header 410 has a plurality of space flow paths 416 (416A, 416B). A plurality of through holes 41 are formed in the inner end plate 11. Figure 7 The four through holes 41 shown are sequentially referred to as through hole 41A, through hole 41B, through hole 41C, and through hole 41D from the top.

[0089] The space flow path 416A includes the topmost through hole 41A and the third through hole 41C from the top. Therefore, the space flow path 416A connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through hole 41A and the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through hole 41C.

[0090] The space flow path 416B includes the second through hole 41B from the top and the fourth through hole 41D from the top. Therefore, the space flow path 416B connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through hole 41B and the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through hole 41D.

[0091] In the header 410, by using the space flow path 416 including a plurality of through holes 41 located at separated positions, the degree of freedom of the flow path configuration can be improved.

[0092] The header 410 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0093] Figure 8 It is a schematic configuration diagram of a second modified example of the header. The same reference numerals are given to the configurations common to other embodiments and the description thereof is omitted.

[0094] As Figure 8 shown, the intermediate plate 514 of the header 510 has a plurality of space flow paths 516 (516A, 516B).

[0095] The space flow path 516A includes the topmost through hole 41A and the fourth through hole 41D from the top. Therefore, the space flow path 516A connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through hole 41A and the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through hole 41D.

[0096] The spatial flow path 516B includes the second through-hole 41B from the top and the third through-hole 41C from the top. Therefore, the spatial flow path 516B connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41B with the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41C.

[0097] In the header 510, by using the spatial flow path 516 including a plurality of through-holes 41 located at separated positions, the degree of freedom in the flow path configuration can be improved.

[0098] The header 510 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0099] Figure 9 It is a schematic configuration diagram of a third modification example of the header. The same reference numerals are assigned to the configurations common to other embodiments and the description thereof is omitted.

[0100] As Figure 9 shown, preferably in the header 610, at least a part of the opening 51a (outlet) of the first refrigerant port 51 connected to the first through-hole 42 is located at a position lower than the opening 34a of the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41, and the first through-hole 42 communicates with the spatial flow path 16A.

[0101] According to this configuration, the liquid refrigerant introduced into the spatial flow path 16A through the heat exchange tube 30 easily flows into the first refrigerant port 51 from the opening 51a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat exchange efficiency due to, for example, the backflow of the liquid refrigerant.

[0102] The header 610 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0103] Figure 10 It is a schematic configuration diagram of a fourth modification example of the header. The same reference numerals are assigned to the configurations common to other embodiments and the description thereof is omitted.

[0104] As Figure 10 shown, in the header 710, the first through-hole 42 and the second through-hole 43 are formed at positions different from each other in the Y direction. For example, in Figure 10 , the left-right positions of the first through-hole 42 and the second through-hole 43 are different.

[0105] According to this configuration, it is possible to arrange the first refrigerant port connected to the first through-hole 42 and the second refrigerant port connected to the second through-hole 43 so that their positions in the Y direction (the width direction of the heat exchange tube 30) are offset. Thus, it is possible to arrange the inlet and the outlet so that their positions in the Y direction are offset. As a result, it is difficult for the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path to interfere with each other.

[0106] The header 710 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0107] As described above, the heat exchanger and the refrigeration cycle device of the embodiment have been described, but the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the foregoing examples. For example, the number of the space flow paths formed in the header is not particularly limited. The number of the space flow paths may be one or more (any number of two or more). In Figure 4 In the first header 10 and the second header 20 shown, the number of the intermediate plates is one, but the number of the intermediate plates is not particularly limited. The number of the intermediate plates may be one or more. The first header 10 and the second header 20 have a structure in which one intermediate plate overlaps with two end plates, but the number of the end plates may also be one.

[0108] In Figure 4 In the heat exchanger shown, the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are formed only in the first outer end plate, but the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet may also be formed in the second outer end plate. The refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet can be formed in one of the first outer end plate and the second outer end plate.

[0109] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the refrigerant is distributed into a plurality of portions and each of them flows in the composite flow path, so that the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0110] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

[0111] Description of reference numerals

[0112] 1 Refrigeration cycle device

[0113] 4, 204, 304 Heat exchanger

[0114] 10 First header

[0115] 11 First inner end plate

[0116] 14 First intermediate plate

[0117] 16 Space flow path (first space flow path)

[0118] 17 First outer end plate

[0119] 20 Second header

[0120] 21 Second inner end plate

[0121] 24 Second intermediate plate

[0122] 26 Spatial flow path (second spatial flow path)

[0123] 27 Second outer end plate

[0124] 30 Heat exchange tube (heat transfer tube)

[0125] 34 Refrigerant flow path

[0126] 34a Opening

[0127] 40 Composite flow path

[0128] 51a Opening (outlet)

[0129] 121 Converging flow path.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, it comprises: a plurality of flat heat transfer tubes having refrigerant flow paths for refrigerant to flow therethrough and arranged side by side; a first header connected to one end portion of the plurality of heat transfer tubes; a second header connected to the other end portion of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, the first header having: a first intermediate plate formed with one or more first space flow paths communicating with the refrigerant flow paths of the adjacent heat transfer tubes; a first inner end plate and a first outer end plate sandwiching the first intermediate plate in the thickness direction, the second header having: a second intermediate plate formed with one or more second space flow paths communicating with the refrigerant flow paths of the adjacent heat transfer tubes; a second inner end plate and a second outer end plate sandwiching the second intermediate plate in the thickness direction, the refrigerant flow paths, the first space flow paths and the second space flow paths constitute a plurality of composite flow paths, the composite flow paths are constituted by alternately connecting one end portion and the other end portion of the refrigerant flow paths of the plurality of heat transfer tubes through the first space flow paths and the second space flow paths.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, the outlets of the plurality of composite flow paths are connected to a common collecting flow path.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, the outlet of the composite flow path is located at a position lower than the opening of the refrigerant flow path communicated with the outlet.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, the inlet and the outlet of the composite flow path are formed on one of the first outer end plate and the second outer end plate, the inlet and the outlet are formed at positions different from each other in the width direction of the heat transfer tube.

5. A refrigeration cycle device, characterized in that, it has the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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