Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

Provided are a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device with which it is possible to suppress leakage of a refrigerant from among a plurality of plate-shaped bodies by brazing the plurality of plate-shaped bodies of a laminated header without using bolts and nuts. A heat exchanger according to an embodiment is provided with a laminated header in which a plurality of plate-shaped bodies are laminated. The laminated header is formed by extending a recess from one end of the plurality of plate-shaped bodies to the other end of the plurality of plate-shaped bodies in the lamination direction of the plurality of plate-shaped bodies on the side surfaces of the plurality of plate-shaped bodies. Furthermore, in the laminated header, a fixing member is fitted into the recess, the fixing member being made of the same material as the plurality of plate-shaped bodies and fixing the plurality of plate-shaped bodies such that surface pressure is applied to the plurality of plate-shaped bodies.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, a distributor (stacked header) is known for distributing a supply fluid to each heat transfer tube of a heat exchanger. This distributor distributes the supply fluid to each heat transfer tube of the heat exchanger by stacking multiple plate-like bodies to form branching flow paths that branch from a single inlet flow path into multiple outlet flow paths (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The multiple plate-like bodies constituting the stacked manifold are brazed in a heating furnace. When brazing is performed in a heating furnace, it is important to temporarily assemble the multiple plate-like bodies before brazing. Without temporary assembly, the multiple plate-like bodies will fall off randomly in the heating furnace, and if the gap is large, the brazing fillet will not be formed on the joint surface, which will cause refrigerant leakage. Therefore, for example, in order to temporarily assemble the multiple plate-like bodies before brazing in the stacked manifold, there is a method of using bolts (bolts with shafts in through holes extending from the plate-like body at one end to the plate-like body at the other end of the multiple plate-like bodies in the stacking direction) and nuts.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 130834 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] The bolt and nut fastening method can cause galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar metal contact, depending on the material of the bolts. Furthermore, the increased number of parts and labor-intensive processes make it unsuitable for mass production.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device capable of suppressing leakage of refrigerant from between a plurality of plate-like bodies by brazing the plurality of plate-like bodies of a stacked header without using bolts and nuts.

[0010] Means used to solve problems

[0011] A heat exchanger according to an embodiment includes a stacked header formed by stacking a plurality of plate-like bodies. The stacked header is formed by providing recessed portions extending from one end of the plurality of plate-like bodies to the other end of the plurality of plate-like bodies in the direction in which the plurality of plate-like bodies are stacked. Furthermore, the stacked header is formed by embedding fixing members in the recessed portions. The fixing members are made of the same material as the plurality of plate-like bodies and are used to secure the plurality of plate-like bodies by applying surface pressure to the plurality of plate-like bodies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is an external view showing a first example of a first header of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is an external view showing a second example of the first header of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a first header of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a second header of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment.

[0018] Description of Reference Numerals

[0019] 1…Refrigeration cycle device

[0020] 4…Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

[0021] 6…Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

[0022] 10…Laminated header (first header)

[0023] 11k, 111~113...plate-shaped body

[0024] 13, 14…Fixing parts

[0025] 20…Laminated header (second header)

[0026] 21m, 211~213...plate-shaped body

[0027] 30…heat pipe

[0028] 40… fins DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 1The refrigeration cycle device 1 of the embodiment is shown. The refrigeration cycle device 1 is, for example, a chiller, an air conditioner, or a water heater. Figure 1 As 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, an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 6, and a pipe 7. The components 2 to 6 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 are connected by the pipe 7. Figure 1 In FIG, the flow direction of the refrigerant (heat medium) during cooling operation is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow direction of the refrigerant during heating operation is indicated by dotted arrows.

[0032] The compressor 2 includes a compressor body 2A and an accumulator 2B. The compressor body 2A compresses the low-pressure gas refrigerant taken in to form a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. The accumulator 2B separates the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and supplies the gas refrigerant to the compressor body 2A.

[0033] The four-way valve 3 reverses the flow direction of the refrigerant to switch between cooling and heating operation. Figure 1 , the state of four-way valve 3 during cooling operation is shown. During cooling operation, refrigerant flows sequentially through compressor 2, four-way valve 3, outdoor heat exchanger 4, expansion device 5, and indoor heat exchanger 6. In this case, outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, while indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator.

[0034] On the other hand, through Figure 1 In the cooling operation shown, four-way valve 3 is switched. During heating operation, refrigerant flows sequentially through compressor 2, four-way valve 3, indoor heat exchanger 6, expansion device 5, and outdoor heat exchanger 4. In this case, indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser, while outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.

[0035] The condenser condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 by transferring heat to the outside air, thereby converting it into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The expansion device 5 reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant fed from the condenser, converting it into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The evaporator vaporizes the low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant fed from the expansion device 5 by absorbing heat from the outside air, thereby converting it into a low-pressure gas refrigerant.

[0036] In refrigeration cycle device 1, a refrigerant, serving as a working fluid, circulates while changing phases between a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. During the phase change from gas refrigerant to liquid refrigerant, the refrigerant dissipates heat. During the phase change from liquid refrigerant to gas refrigerant, the refrigerant absorbs heat. Refrigeration cycle device 1 utilizes the refrigerant's heat dissipation or absorption to perform operations such as heating, cooling, and defrosting.

[0037] Figure 2 : is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger of the embodiment is used as the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 (see Figure 1 ) or both. Hereinafter, a case where the heat exchanger of the embodiment is used as the outdoor heat exchanger 4 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 will be described as an example.

[0038] Figure 2 The outdoor heat exchanger 4 is shown. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 includes a stacked header (distributor, hereinafter referred to as a “first header”) 10 , a stacked header (distributor, hereinafter referred to as a “second header”) 20 , a plurality of heat transfer tubes 30 , and a plurality of fins 40 .

[0039] The outdoor heat exchanger 4 (the same applies to the indoor heat exchanger 6 ) is a heat exchanger serving as an air heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle device 1 and the air.

[0040] The first header 10, also known as a plate-type header, is formed by stacking k (k is an integer greater than or equal to 3) rectangular plate bodies 111 to 11k. The k plate bodies 111 to 11k are made of, for example, aluminum (e.g., a 3000-series aluminum alloy) and comprise three plate bodies 111 to 113 (end plate bodies 111 and 112 and a middle plate body 113). The description will be made of a case where the middle plate body of the first header 10 is one of the middle plate bodies 113, but the present invention is not limited to this case. Furthermore, the first header 10 includes a pipe insertion portion 111A provided on the end plate body 111 for inserting the refrigerant pipe W1; a pipe insertion portion 111B provided on the end plate body 111 for inserting the refrigerant pipe W2; and a heat transfer pipe insertion portion 112A provided on the end plate body 112 for inserting the plurality of heat transfer pipes 30.

[0041] In addition, the first header 10 has a recess S ( Figure 3 In the figure, a fixing member 13 for fixing the three plate-like bodies 111 to 113 is arranged. Specifically, the fixing member 13 is made of the same material as the three plate-like bodies 111 to 113 and is embedded in the recess S in order to fix the three plate-like bodies 111 to 113 by applying surface pressure to each other. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , a case where the first header 10 includes one fixing member 13 is illustrated.

[0042] The second header 20, like the first header 10, is composed of m (m is an integer greater than or equal to 3) stacked rectangular plates 211 to 21m. The second header 20 is made of, for example, aluminum (e.g., a 3000-series aluminum alloy) and comprises three plates 211 to 213 (end plates 211 and 212 and a middle plate 213). In this case, the middle plate of the second header 20 is one of the middle plates 213, but this is not the only option. The second header 20 has multiple heat transfer pipe insertion portions 212A for inserting the plurality of heat transfer pipes 30.

[0043] Heat transfer pipe 30 is connected between heat transfer pipe insertion portion 112A of first header 10 and heat transfer pipe insertion portion 212A of second header 20. Heat transfer pipe 30 is a flat tube or round tube with multiple flow paths formed therein. Heat transfer pipe 30 is made of, for example, copper or aluminum (e.g., 3000 series aluminum alloy).

[0044] A plurality of fins 40 are joined to the heat pipe 30. The fins 40 are made of, for example, aluminum (for example, 3000 series aluminum alloy). Figure 2 In FIG. 8 , the number of the heat transfer pipes 30 is shown as eight, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of the heat transfer pipes 30 may be two.

[0045] Next, the flow of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 including the first header 10 will be described.

[0046] In the case of cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, while the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator. Figure 2 direction of the arrow in the figure) through the pipe insertion portion 111A ( Figure 5 ) flows into the first header 10 and is distributed, and flows out to the plurality of heat pipes 30 ( Figure 2 The refrigerant exchanges heat with the air supplied by the blower in the plurality of heat pipes 30. The refrigerant flowing in the plurality of heat pipes 30 passes through the plurality of heat pipe insertion portions 212A ( Figure 6 ) flows into the second header 20, and flows out again through the plurality of heat pipe insertion portions 212A to the plurality of heat pipes 30 ( Figure 2 The refrigerant flowing through the plurality of heat transfer pipes 30 flows into the first header 10 through the plurality of heat transfer pipe insertion portions 112A, merges, and is redistributed. After repeating this leftward and rightward flow of the refrigerant while performing heat exchange, the refrigerant flows out of the refrigerant pipe W2 through the pipe insertion portion 111B ( Figure 2In the case of heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator, while the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser. At this time, the refrigerant from the refrigerant pipe W2 ( Figure 2 The opposite direction of the arrow in FIG) flows out of the refrigerant pipe W1 along the path opposite to the cooling operation ( Figure 2 in the opposite direction of the arrow).

[0047] Figure 3 1 is an external view showing a first example of the first header 10 . Figure 3 (A) is a front view showing the plate-like body 111 of the first header 10 . Figure 3 (B) is a perspective view showing a state before the first header 10 is fitted into the fixing member 13 . Figure 3 (C) is a perspective view showing the first header 10 after being fitted into the fixing member 13. The directions along the sides of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 are defined as the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis (short-side direction) and the Y-axis (long-side direction) is defined as the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is synonymous with the stacking direction of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown in (A) to (C), the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 are provided with recesses S. The recesses S are slits cut along the X-axis direction and are preferably provided in adjacent space flow paths 113A ( Figure 5 For example, the concave portion S is provided between the third spatial flow path 83 and the fifth spatial flow path 85 ( Figure 5 As shown), between the first space flow path 81 and the second space flow path 82 ( Figure 5 Furthermore, recess S is provided on the side surfaces (Y-Z plane) of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, extending along the Z-axis direction from the end plate-like body 111 at one end to the end plate-like body 112 at the other end. For example, the fixing member 13 is an H-shaped member comprising two opposing plates (a first plate F1 and a second plate F2) that are in contact with the outer surfaces of the end plate-like bodies 111 and 112, respectively, and a connecting plate (a third plate F3) that connects the two opposing plates and engages with the recess S.

[0049] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in Figures (B) and (C), the fixing member 13 comprises a first plate F1, a second plate F2, and a third plate F3. The first plate F1 and the second plate F2 are parallel to the XY plane, while the third plate F3 is parallel to the XZ plane. The third plate F3 is formed to connect the first plate F1 and the second plate F2, and the fixing member 13 has a generally H-shaped form. The fixing member 13 is not limited to an H-shaped form; for example, it may also be formed in a U-shaped form, connecting the upper end of the first plate F1 to the upper end of the second plate F2.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown in (B) and (C), the fixing component 13 moves in the positive and negative directions of the X-axis with its engaging portion toward the recess S of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, and is embedded in the recess S. That is, the third plate F3 of the fixing component 13 is preferably formed to engage with the thickness of the slit of the recess S. In addition, the interval between the first plate F1 and the second plate F2 (the distance in the Z-axis direction) is preferably set to such an interval that surface pressure is applied to the stacking direction of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113. Moreover, as with the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 and the fixing component 13 are also brazed. It is preferable to apply brazing material to the third plate F3 of the fixing component 13 before embedding into the recess S. Moreover, it is also preferable to apply brazing material to the surfaces of the first plate F1 and the second plate F2 of the fixing component 13 that are in contact with the plate-like bodies 111 and the plate-like bodies 112 before embedding into the recess S. This allows the plate-shaped bodies 111 to 113 and the fixing member 13 to be brazed more appropriately.

[0051] Fixing member 13, like the other components of first header 10, is made of aluminum (e.g., a 3000-series aluminum alloy). Meanwhile, the brazing filler metal is made of aluminum with a relatively low melting point (e.g., a 4000-series aluminum alloy). Specifically, by placing first header 10 in a furnace, only the brazing filler metal melts, allowing the plates 111-113 to be joined together, and the plates 111-113 to fixing member 13 to be joined.

[0052] With this configuration, the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 and the fixing member 13 are in close contact with each other via the brazing material, and the positional relationship of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 can be maintained. Therefore, the position of the recess S into which the fixing member 13 is fitted is not particularly limited.

[0053] In addition, Figure 3 In (A) to (C), one recess S is provided on each of two opposing side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, but this is not limiting. For example, two recesses S may be provided on only one side surface of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, or one recess S may be provided on one of the two opposing side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, and two recesses S may be provided on the other side surface. Furthermore, recesses S may be provided on three or four side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113.

[0054] Furthermore, when the recesses S are provided on two opposing side surfaces, the first recess is provided on one of the two opposing side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111-113, and the second recess is provided on the other side surface. The first recess and the second recess are preferably offset in the Y-axis direction. By intentionally offsetting the positions of the first recess and the second recess provided on the two opposing side surfaces in the Y-axis direction, the top and bottom orientations of the plate-like bodies 111-113 can be controlled.

[0055] By sandwiching the fixing member 13 within the first header 10, defects in the first header 10 that may occur during brazing can be alleviated. Furthermore, by using the same material as the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 for the fixing member 13, intermetallic corrosion is not a problem. Furthermore, by providing recesses S in the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, they can also be used to manage the orientation of the stacking direction.

[0056] In addition, the fixing member for the first header 10 is not limited to Figure 3 For example, the fixing member 13 shown in the figure may be a fixing member 14 of a shape that covers the side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 while being fitted into the recessed portions S of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113. In this case, the fixing member 14 may be a fixing member 14 of a shape that covers the side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113. Figure 4 Provide explanation.

[0057] Figure 4 1 is an external view showing a second example of the first header 10 . Figure 4 (A) is a perspective view showing a state before the first header 10 is fitted into the fixing member 14 . Figure 4 (B) is a perspective view showing the state of the first header 10 after being fitted into the fixing member 14. Figure 4 In (A) and (B), the illustration of the inserted refrigerant pipe is omitted. In addition, the directions along the two sides of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 are defined as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (i.e., the stacking direction of the three plate-like bodies 111 to 113) is defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown in (A) and (B), the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 are provided with recesses S. The recesses S are provided on the side surfaces (XZ plane) of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 and extend along the Z-axis direction from the end plate-like body 111 at one end to the end plate-like body 112 at the other end.

[0059] The fixing member 14 is made, for example, by combining two J-shaped members (reference numerals G1 and G31, and reference numerals G2 and G32). The fixing member 14 is made of the same material as the plate-like bodies 111 to 113. The fixing member 14 includes a first plate G1, a second plate G2, and a third plate G3. The first plate G1 and the second plate G2 are parallel to the YZ plane, while the main surface of the third plate G3 is parallel to the XZ plane. In other words, the second plate G2 is parallel to the first plate G1. The third plate G3 is formed by connecting the upper ends of the first plate G1 and the second plate G2, and includes an L-shaped member G31 on the first plate G1 side and an L-shaped member G32 on the second plate G2 side. The L-shaped members G31 and G32 each have a roughly L-shaped shape. Furthermore, by forming the two L-shaped members G31 and G32 facing each other, the fixing member 14, consisting of two J-shaped members, has a roughly M-shaped shape as a whole. However, the fixing member 14 is not limited to the M-shape. Also, the fixing member 14 is a combination of two J-shaped members, but for example, the fixing member 14 may be formed of a single member, and the fixing member 14 may include a single third plate G3.

[0060] In addition, in order to fix the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, the engaging portion of the fixing component 14 is embedded in the recess S. That is, the third plate G3 of the fixing component 14 is preferably formed so that the surface portion thereof parallel to the YZ plane engages with the thickness of the slit of the recess S. In addition, the interval (the distance in the X-axis direction) between the first plate G1 and the second plate G2 is preferably set to such an interval that surface pressure is applied to the side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113. The fixing component 14 has a shape (roughly a U-shape) that covers three of the four side surfaces (surfaces having a Z-axis direction component) of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 when embedded in the recess S. For example, the three side surfaces are the side surface provided with the recess S and the two side surfaces adjacent to the side surface. The fixing component 14 is oriented in the negative direction (in the Y-axis direction) of the Y-axis in such a way that the convex portion of the engaging portion thereof faces the recess S of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113. Figure 4 The plate-like bodies 111 to 113 are moved in the direction of the dotted arrow in (A) and inserted into the recess S. Furthermore, similarly to the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 and the fixing member 14 are also brazed. With this configuration, the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 and the fixing member 14 are in close contact via the brazing material, and the positional relationship of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 can be maintained. Therefore, there is no particular limitation on the position of the recess S into which the fixing member 14 is inserted.

[0061] Alternatively, the fixing member 14 may have a shape (R-shaped) that covers all four side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111-113 when fitted into the recessed portion S. In this case, the fixing member 14 moves in the positive (or negative) direction of the Z axis so that the convex portion of its engaging portion follows the recessed portion S of the plate-like bodies 111-113, and the convex portion fits into the recessed portion S. Furthermore, similar to the connection between the plate-like bodies 111-113, the plate-like bodies 111-113 and the fixing member 14 are also brazed.

[0062] The fixing member 14 is shaped to cover the stacked surface (surface with Z-axis component) of the side surface of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, and thus can also cover the corrosion-resistant surface of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113. Figure 3 Similarly, by performing corrosion resistance processing (anti-corrosion processing) on ​​the fixing member 14, the corrosion resistance of the first header 10 can be further improved.

[0063] Furthermore, when the recesses S are provided on two opposing side surfaces, the first recess is provided on one of the two opposing side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111-113, and the second recess is provided on the other side surface. The first recess and the second recess are preferably offset in the X-axis direction. By intentionally offsetting the positions of the first recess and the second recess provided on the two opposing side surfaces in the X-axis direction, the top and bottom orientations of the plate-like bodies 111-113 can be controlled.

[0064] Next, the structure of the headers 10 and 20 will be described. The headers 10 and 20 only need to be components that have three or more plate-like bodies and function as distributors. As an example of the headers 10 and 20, Figure 5 and Figure 6 A case where three plate-like bodies are provided will be described.

[0065] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the first header 10 . Figure 6 : is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the second header 20. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In, for Figure 3 and Figure 4 The recessed portion S and the fixing members 13 and 14 of the first header 10 are omitted from the illustration.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, the first header 10 is composed of two end plate-like bodies 111, 112 and one or more middle plate-like bodies 113 (for example, one middle plate-like body 113) sandwiched between the end plate-like bodies 111, 112. The plate-like bodies 111 to 113 have the same shape when viewed from above. Figure 5In the figure, the case of k=3 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this case. The number of the middle plate-like bodies 113 can be changed arbitrarily.

[0067] Plates 111 to 113 have multiple through-holes extending in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, end plate 111 has pipe insertion sections 111A and 111B as through-holes. End plate 112 has multiple heat transfer pipe insertion sections 112A as through-holes. Middle plate 113 has multiple space flow passages 113A as through-holes, which serve as refrigerant flow paths.

[0068] The plurality of spatial flow paths 113A includes eight spatial flow paths (first to eighth spatial flow paths 81 to 88). The first spatial flow path 81 and the eighth spatial flow path 88 are formed into an oblong shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. An "oblong shape" is a shape formed by two parallel, opposing straight lines and a curved, convex curve (e.g., a semicircular, elliptical arc, etc.) connecting the ends of the two straight lines. The major diameter direction of the first spatial flow path 81 and the eighth spatial flow path 88 is parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0069] The first spatial flow path 81 is located at the highest position among the first to eighth spatial flow paths 81 to 88. The eighth spatial flow path 88 is located at the lowest position among the first to eighth spatial flow paths 81 to 88.

[0070] The second spatial flow path 82 and the third spatial flow path 83 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction at a position lower than the first spatial flow path 81. The fourth spatial flow path 84 is arranged lower than the second spatial flow path 82. The fifth spatial flow path 85 is arranged lower than the third spatial flow path 83. The fourth spatial flow path 84 and the fifth spatial flow path 85 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The sixth spatial flow path 86 is arranged lower than the fourth spatial flow path 84. The seventh spatial flow path 87 is arranged lower than the fifth spatial flow path 85. The sixth spatial flow path 86 and the seventh spatial flow path 87 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The eighth spatial flow path 88 is arranged lower than the sixth spatial flow path 86 and the seventh spatial flow path 87.

[0071] A pipe insertion portion 111A is formed on the end plate-shaped body 111 at a position corresponding to the third spatial flow path 83 of the middle plate-shaped body 113. For example, the pipe insertion portion 111A is a circular through-hole. The refrigerant pipe W1 is inserted into the pipe insertion portion 111A. The pipe insertion portion 111A serves as an inlet for introducing the refrigerant into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 or as an outlet for withdrawing the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0072] A pipe insertion portion 111B is formed on the end plate-shaped body 111 at a position corresponding to the sixth spatial flow path 86 of the middle plate-shaped body 113. For example, the pipe insertion portion 111B is a circular through-hole. The opening area of ​​the pipe insertion portion 111A can be equal to the opening area of ​​the pipe insertion portion 111B. The refrigerant pipe W2 is inserted into the pipe insertion portion 111B. The pipe insertion portion 111B serves as an inlet for introducing the refrigerant into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 or as an outlet for withdrawing the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0073] On the end plate-shaped body 112, at a position corresponding to the first spatial flow path 81 of the middle plate-shaped body 113, two heat-conducting pipe insertion portions 112A are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction. On the end plate-shaped body 112, at positions corresponding to the second spatial flow path 82 to the seventh spatial flow path 87, two heat-conducting pipe insertion portions 112A are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. In addition, on the end plate-shaped body 112, at a position corresponding to the eighth spatial flow path 88 of the middle plate-shaped body 113, two heat-conducting pipe insertion portions 112A are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction. The heat-conducting pipe insertion portion 112A is formed into a slit shape along the X-axis direction. The heat-conducting pipe 30 ( Figure 2 shown).

[0074] The other party, such as Figure 6 As shown, the second header 20 is composed of two end plate-shaped bodies 211, 212 and one or more middle plate-shaped bodies 213 (for example, one middle plate-shaped body 213) sandwiched between the end plate-shaped bodies 211, 212. The plate-shaped bodies 211 to 213 have the same shape when viewed from above. Figure 6 In the figure, the case of m=3 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this case. The number of the middle plate-like bodies 213 can be changed arbitrarily.

[0075] The plate-like bodies 212 and 213 have multiple through-holes extending in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the end plate-like body 212 has multiple heat transfer pipe insertion portions 212A as through-holes. The middle plate-like body 213 has multiple space flow paths 213A as through-holes, which serve as refrigerant flow paths. Meanwhile, the end plate-like body 211 does not have any through-holes.

[0076] The plurality of space channels 213A includes eight space channels (first to eighth space channels 91 to 98). The first to eighth space channels 91 to 98 are arranged at a height (Y-axis direction) offset from the second to seventh space channels 82 to 87 of the first header by half a degree.

[0077] The first and second spatial channels 91, 92 are located at the highest positions among the first to eighth spatial channels 91, 98, and are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The third spatial channel 93 is arranged lower than the first spatial channel 91. The fourth spatial channel 94 is arranged lower than the second spatial channel 92. The third and fourth spatial channels 93, 94 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The fifth spatial channel 95 is arranged lower than the third spatial channel 93. The sixth spatial channel 96 is arranged lower than the fourth spatial channel 94. The fifth and sixth spatial channels 95, 96 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The seventh spatial channel 97 is arranged lower than the fifth spatial channel 95. The eighth spatial channel 98 is arranged lower than the sixth spatial channel 96. The seventh and eighth spatial channels 97, 98 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction.

[0078] Two heat transfer pipe insertion portions 212A are arranged on the end plate 212 at positions corresponding to the first spatial flow paths 91 to 98 of the middle plate 213, spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The heat transfer pipe insertion portions 212A are formed as slits along the X-axis. The heat transfer pipe 30 is inserted into the heat transfer pipe insertion portions 212A.

[0079] Each of these plate-like bodies 111 to 113 (the same applies to plate-like bodies 211 to 213) is brazed. The brazing filler metal only needs to be applied (coated) to at least one of the two opposing surfaces of the stacked plate-like bodies 111 to 113. For example, before brazing, the end plate-like bodies 111 and 112 are not coated (coated) with brazing filler metal, while the middle plate-like body 113 is coated (coated) with brazing filler metal on both surfaces.

[0080] The plate-like bodies 111 to 113 are stacked starting from a state coated with brazing filler metal. Furthermore, the surfaces of the fixing member 13 that join the end plate-like bodies 111 and 112 prior to brazing are coated (applied) with brazing filler metal. After the fixing member 13 is inserted into the recess S to secure the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, they are heated in a heating furnace and brazed. The plate-like bodies 111 to 113 (the same also applies to the plate-like bodies 211 to 213) are each, for example, approximately 1 to 10 mm thick and made of aluminum (e.g., a 4000 series aluminum alloy).

[0081] The plate-like bodies 111 to 113 (the same also applies to the plate-like bodies 211 to 213) are processed by stamping or cutting, respectively. In the case of stamping, a plate having a thickness of 5 mm or less that can be stamped is used, and in the case of cutting, a plate having a thickness of 5 mm or more can also be used.

[0082] In the above description, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 is configured such that, when refrigerant flows into one pipe insertion portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 4, refrigerant flows out of the pipe insertion portion on the same side of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 (two pipe insertion portions 111A and 111B are arranged on the end plate-shaped body 111 of the first header 10). However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may also be configured such that, when refrigerant flows into one pipe insertion portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 4, refrigerant flows out of the other pipe insertion portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 (one pipe insertion portion is arranged on the end plate-shaped body 111 of the first header 10, and the other pipe insertion portion is arranged on the end plate-shaped body 211 of the second header 20) (see Patent Document 1). In this case, the header having one heat transfer pipe insertion portion distributes the refrigerant, while the header having the other heat transfer pipe insertion portion merges the refrigerant.

[0083] In the above description, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 includes the first header 10 and the second header 20. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may include only the first header 10, and the connected heat transfer pipe 30 may be a serpentine pipe.

[0084] Moreover, in the above description, the third plates F3, G3 of the fixing parts 13, 14 are formed to fit into the recess S, but this is not limited to this. For example, there may be a recessed portion between the third plates F3, G3 of the fixing parts 13, 14 and the recess S where the molten solder accumulates during joining.

[0085] In the above description, the fixing member 14 has engaging portions on surfaces parallel to the YZ plane that engage with the recessed portions S, but this is not limiting. For example, the fixing member 14 may also have engaging portions on surfaces parallel to the XY plane at both ends of the third plate G3 in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the recessed portions S formed along the Z-axis are unnecessary. Even without the recessed portions S, the engaging portions at both ends contact the outer surfaces of the end plate-like bodies 111 and 112, respectively, thereby more stably holding the first header 10.

[0086] On the other hand, if the fixing member 14 also includes engaging portions parallel to the XY plane at both ends of the third plate G3 in the Z-axis direction, recesses S formed along the Z-axis direction may also be provided. In this case, the front ends (surfaces parallel to the YZ plane) of the two L-shaped members G31 and G32 engage with the recesses S, and the engaging portions at both ends contact the outer surfaces of the end plate-like bodies 111 and 112, respectively. This allows for more stable retention of the first header 10 compared to a case where the recesses S are not provided.

[0087] In the above description, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 has been described as having two rows of heat transfer tubes 30 inserted in the X-axis direction of the first header 10 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the heat transfer tubes 30 may be inserted in a single row.

[0088] In this manner, the distribution and merging flow paths can be formed in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 by stacking and brazing the plate bodies 111 to 113 of the first header 10 and stacking and brazing the plate bodies 211 to 213 of the second header 20 to connect the flow paths.

[0089] As described above, according to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device having a stacked header, by brazing k plate bodies without using bolts (bolts having shafts in through holes extending from the end plate body 111 to the end plate body 112 along the Z-axis direction) and nuts, leakage of refrigerant from between the k plate bodies (the same also applies to the m plate bodies) can be suppressed.

[0090] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments may be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, wherein: A stacked header is provided, wherein a plurality of plate-like bodies are stacked. The stacked header, The recessed portions are provided on the side surfaces of the plurality of plate-like bodies, extending from the plate-like body at one end to the plate-like body at the other end along the stacking direction of the plurality of plate-like bodies, and A fixing member is fitted into the recess. The fixing member is made of the same material as the plurality of plate-like bodies and is used to fix the plurality of plate-like bodies by applying surface pressure to each other.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The fixing member is an H-shaped member including two opposing plates and a connecting plate. The two opposing plates are respectively in contact with the outer side surfaces of the end plate bodies located at both ends of the plurality of plate bodies. The connecting plate connects the two opposing plates and engages with the recess.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The fixing member has a shape that covers the side surfaces of the plurality of plate-like bodies in a state of being fitted into the recessed portions of the plurality of plate-like bodies.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein: The fixing member is subjected to corrosion-resistant processing.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The recessed portion is a first recessed portion provided on one of two opposing side surfaces of the plurality of plate-like bodies and a second recessed portion provided on the other side surface. The first recess and the second recess are positioned at positions in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of plate-like bodies.

6. A refrigeration cycle device, A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided.

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