Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A heat exchanger according to an embodiment includes: a main heat exchange unit having a plurality of main refrigerant flow paths through which a refrigerant flows; and an auxiliary heat exchange unit through which the refrigerant flows between the main heat exchange unit and the auxiliary heat exchange unit. The auxiliary heat exchange unit has: a plurality of heat transfer tubes having an auxiliary refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows; and the collecting pipe is connected with the heat transfer pipe. The header has: a first plate connected to a refrigerant flow pipe for guiding the refrigerant; one or a plurality of intermediate plates in which a spatial flow path into which the refrigerant is introduced is formed; and a second plate connected to the heat transfer tube. The spatial flow path has a joining part where the plurality of auxiliary refrigerant flow paths join.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A heat exchanger is used in air conditioning equipment, refrigeration equipment, and the like. For example, a heat exchanger is provided with a main heat exchange portion and an auxiliary heat exchange portion. In this heat exchanger, a refrigerant sometimes flows in the order of the auxiliary heat exchange portion, the main heat exchange portion. In a case where the auxiliary heat exchange portion has a plurality of refrigerant flow paths, there is a possibility that heat exchange performance in the main heat exchange portion is degraded due to the influence of a difference in flow rate of the refrigerant, pressure loss, and the like in the plurality of flow paths.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2015 / 133626 SUMMARY PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION The present application is to provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device capable of suppressing degradation of heat exchange performance in a main heat exchange portion.

[0004] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS A heat exchanger according to an embodiment has a main heat exchange portion having a plurality of main refrigerant flow paths through which a refrigerant flows, and an auxiliary heat exchange portion through which the refrigerant flows between the main heat exchange portion. The auxiliary heat exchange portion has a plurality of heat transfer tubes having auxiliary refrigerant flow paths through which the refrigerant flows, and a header connected to the heat transfer tubes. The header has a first plate connected to a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows, one or a plurality of intermediate plates formed with a space flow path into which the refrigerant is introduced, and a second plate connected to the heat transfer tubes. The space flow path has a merging portion at which a plurality of the auxiliary refrigerant flow paths merge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration view of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 is a configuration view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of an auxiliary heat exchange portion in a first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of an auxiliary heat exchange portion in a second embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5is a configuration view showing the structure of the auxiliary heat exchange portion in the third embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the auxiliary heat exchange portion in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

[0013] As shown in Figure 1 , the refrigeration cycle device 1 is provided with 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 constituent elements of the refrigeration cycle device 1 are connected by pipes 7. In Figure 1 , the flow direction of the refrigerant (heat medium) at the time of refrigeration operation is shown by solid arrows. The flow direction of the refrigerant at the time of heating operation is shown by dotted arrows.

[0014] The compressor 2 is provided with a compressor main body 2A and a reservoir 2B. The compressor main body 2A compresses the low-pressure gas refrigerant taken into the inside into high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. The reservoir 2B separates the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and supplies the gas refrigerant to the compressor main body 2A.

[0015] The four-way valve 3 reverses the flow direction of the refrigerant and switches between the refrigeration operation and the heating operation. At the time of the refrigeration operation, the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor 2, the four-way valve 3, the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the expansion device 5, and the indoor heat exchanger 6. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser. The indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator.

[0016] At the time of the heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor 2, the four-way valve 3, the indoor heat exchanger 6, the expansion device 5, and the outdoor heat exchanger 4. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.

[0017] The condenser condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 by radiating heat to the outside air and makes it into high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The expansion device 5 reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the condenser and makes it into low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The evaporator vaporizes the low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent from the expansion device 5 by absorbing heat from the outside air and makes it into low-pressure gas refrigerant.

[0018] In the refrigeration cycle unit 1, the refrigerant, serving as the working fluid, circulates while undergoing phase change between gaseous and liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant dissipates heat during the phase change from gaseous to liquid and absorbs heat during the phase change from liquid to gaseous. The refrigeration cycle unit 1 utilizes the heat dissipation or absorption of the refrigerant for heating, cooling, defrosting, and other functions.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a configuration diagram of the heat exchanger in the embodiment. For example, the heat exchanger in the embodiment is used as the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6 of the refrigeration cycle unit 1 (see Figure 1). Figure 1 One or both of them. Hereinafter, the heat exchanger in the embodiment is used as the outdoor heat exchanger 4 of the refrigeration cycle unit 1 (see reference). Figure 1 The following example illustrates the situation. Outdoor heat exchanger 4 will be referred to simply as "heat exchanger 4".

[0020] (First Embodiment) like Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger 4 according to the first embodiment includes a main heat exchange unit 100, an auxiliary heat exchange unit 200, and a pipe unit 70 connecting these.

[0021] The main heat exchange unit 100 has multiple first refrigerant flow paths 101 (main refrigerant flow paths) and multiple second refrigerant flow paths 102 (main refrigerant flow paths) for refrigerant circulation. The piping unit 70 has distributors 71 and 72. The first refrigerant flow path 101 is connected to the first distributor 71. The second refrigerant flow path 102 is connected to the second distributor 72. The two distributors 71 and 72 are connected to the auxiliary heat exchange unit 200.

[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the auxiliary heat exchange unit 200.

[0023] The X, Y, and Z directions are defined as follows: The Z direction is the direction of the long side of the first manifold. The Z direction is the height direction. For example, the Z direction is vertical. +Z is upward. -Z is downward. The X direction is the direction of the central axis (extension direction) of the heat transfer tube. The X direction is orthogonal to the Z direction. For example, the X direction is horizontal. +X is the direction from the heat transfer tube toward the first manifold. -X is the opposite direction to +X.

[0024] The Y direction is orthogonal to the X and Z directions. The Y direction is the left-right direction. +Y is one direction of the Y direction. -Y is another direction of the Y direction. For example, the Y direction is the horizontal direction. The Y direction is the width direction of the first manifold. The Y direction is the first direction. The X direction is the second direction. The Z direction is the third direction. The YZ plane is the plane formed by the Y and Z directions.

[0025] likeFigure 3 As shown, the auxiliary heat exchange unit 200 includes a first manifold 10, a plurality of heat transfer pipes 30 (heat transfer sections), and a second manifold (not shown). The auxiliary heat exchange unit 200 can connect with the main heat exchange unit 100 (see reference 100). Figure 2 Refrigerant flows between the heat transfer pipes 30 and 30. The first manifold 10 is connected to the +X side end (one end) of the heat transfer pipe 30. The second manifold is connected to the -X side end (one end) of the heat transfer pipe 30.

[0026] The first manifold 10 is formed as a flat plate parallel to the YZ plane. For example, when viewed from the X direction, the first manifold 10 is rectangular. The shape of the first manifold 10 is a rectangle with its long side along the Z direction. The first manifold 10 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity and low specific gravity. For example, the first manifold 10 is formed of metals such as aluminum or aluminum alloys.

[0027] The first manifold 10 (manifold) includes a first plate 11, a first intermediate plate 12, a second intermediate plate 13, a third intermediate plate 14, and a second plate 15. The first plate 11, the first intermediate plate 12, the second intermediate plate 13, the third intermediate plate 14, and the second plate 15 are stacked in this order.

[0028] The first intermediate sheet 12 overlaps the surface of the first sheet 11 on the -X side. The second intermediate sheet 13 overlaps the surface of the first intermediate sheet 12 on the -X side. The third intermediate sheet 14 overlaps the surface of the second intermediate sheet 13 on the -X side. The second sheet 15 overlaps the surface of the third intermediate sheet 14 on the -X side. When viewed from the thickness direction (X direction), the first sheet 11, the first intermediate sheet 12, the second intermediate sheet 13, the third intermediate sheet 14, and the second sheet 15 are approximately rectangular. The first intermediate sheet 12, the second intermediate sheet 13, and the third intermediate sheet 14 can be collectively referred to as "intermediate sheets 12-14". Intermediate sheets 12-14 are examples of "intermediate sheets".

[0029] The side portion of the first manifold 10 on the -Y side is the first side portion 10a. The side portion of the first manifold 10 on the +Y side is the second side portion 10b.

[0030] The first plate 11 is formed in a flat plate shape. A first connection port 50 and a second connection port 51 are formed on the first plate 11. The first connection port 50 is connected to a first refrigerant port 52 (refrigerant flow pipe). The second connection port 51 is connected to a second refrigerant port 53 (refrigerant flow pipe). The first refrigerant port 52 and the second refrigerant port 53 are mounted on the first plate 11. The first refrigerant port 52 and the second refrigerant port 53 have flow paths for refrigerant flow. For example, the first refrigerant port 52 and the second refrigerant port 53 are perpendicular to the first plate 11.

[0031] Spatial flow paths 16 are formed on intermediate plates 12-14. Spatial flow paths 16 include: connecting spaces 17 and 18 formed on the first intermediate plate 12; connecting spaces 21-24 formed on the second intermediate plate 13; and compartments 26-29 formed on the third intermediate plate 14.

[0032] The connecting spaces 17 and 18 formed on the first intermediate plate 12 penetrate the first intermediate plate 12 along the thickness direction. The connecting spaces 17 and 18 are the first connecting space 17 (first confluence, confluence portion) and the second connecting space 18 (second confluence, confluence portion). The connecting spaces 17 and 18 are oblong in shape when viewed from the X direction. The major axis direction of the connecting spaces 17 and 18 is parallel to the Z direction. The major axes of the connecting spaces 17 and 18 are the same. The minor axes of the connecting spaces 17 and 18 are the same.

[0033] The first communicating space 17 is located further towards the -Y side than the center of the first intermediate plate 12 in the Y direction. The first communicating space 17 is formed near the center of the first manifold 10 in the Y direction (width direction) close to the first side portion 10a (one side portion). The center of the first communicating space 17 is located lower than the center of the first intermediate plate 12 in the Z direction. The central portion of the first communicating space 17 is located at a position overlapping with the opening of the first refrigerant port 52.

[0034] The second connecting space 18 is located further towards the +Y side than the center of the first intermediate plate 12 in the Y direction. The second connecting space 18 is formed near the second side portion 10b (the other side) relative to the center of the first manifold 10 in the Y direction (width direction). The second connecting space 18 is located on the +Y side compared to the first connecting space 17. The center of the second connecting space 18 is located higher than the center of the first connecting space 17. The center of the second connecting space 18 is located higher than the center of the first intermediate plate 12 in the Z direction. The central portion of the second connecting space 18 overlaps with the opening of the second refrigerant port 53.

[0035] The connecting spaces 21 to 24 formed on the second intermediate plate 13 penetrate the second intermediate plate 13 along the thickness direction. The connecting spaces 21 to 24 are the first connecting space 21, the second connecting space 22, the third connecting space 23, and the fourth connecting space 24. The connecting spaces 21 to 24 are circular when viewed from the X direction. The diameters of the connecting spaces 21 to 24 are the same.

[0036] The first connecting space 21 and the third connecting space 23 are located further towards the -Y side than the center of the second intermediate plate 13 in the Y direction. The first connecting space 21 and the third connecting space 23 are separated in the Z direction. The third connecting space 23 is located on the +Z side relative to the first connecting space 21. The first connecting space 21 is located in a position that communicates with the first connecting space 17. For example, the first connecting space 21 is located at a position that overlaps with the lower end of the first connecting space 17. The third connecting space 23 is located in a position that communicates with the first connecting space 17. For example, the third connecting space 23 is located at a position that overlaps with the upper end of the first connecting space 17.

[0037] The second connecting space 22 and the fourth connecting space 24 are located further towards the +Y side than the center of the second intermediate plate 13 in the Y direction. The second connecting space 22 and the fourth connecting space 24 are separated in the Z direction. The fourth connecting space 24 is located on the +Z side relative to the second connecting space 22. The second connecting space 22 is located in a position that communicates with the second connecting space 18. For example, the second connecting space 22 is located at a position that overlaps with the lower end of the second connecting space 18. The fourth connecting space 24 is located in a position that communicates with the second connecting space 18. For example, the fourth connecting space 24 is located at a position that overlaps with the upper end of the second connecting space 18.

[0038] The compartments 26 to 29 formed on the third intermediate plate 14 penetrate the third intermediate plate 14 along the thickness direction. The compartments 26 to 29 are the first compartment 26, the second compartment 27, the third compartment 28, and the fourth compartment 29. The compartments 26 to 29 are elongated oval when viewed from the X direction. The major axis of the compartments 26 to 29 is parallel to the Y direction. The major axes of the compartments 26 to 29 are the same as each other. The minor axes of the compartments 26 to 29 are the same as each other.

[0039] Chambers 26 to 29 are formed by being spaced apart in the Z direction. The second chamber 27 is located on the +Z side relative to the first chamber 26. The third chamber 28 is located on the +Z side relative to the second chamber 27. The fourth chamber 29 is located on the +Z side relative to the third chamber 28.

[0040] The first compartment 26 is located overlapping with the first communication space 21. For example, the -Y side end of the first compartment 26 is located overlapping with the first communication space 21. The second compartment 27 is located overlapping with the second communication space 22. For example, the +Y side end of the second compartment 27 is located overlapping with the second communication space 22. The third compartment 28 is located overlapping with the third communication space 23. For example, the -Y side end of the third compartment 28 is located overlapping with the third communication space 23. The fourth compartment 29 is located overlapping with the fourth communication space 24. For example, the +Y side end of the fourth compartment 29 is located overlapping with the fourth communication space 24.

[0041] Multiple outlets 41 to 44 are formed on the second plate 15. The outlets 41 to 44 penetrate the second plate 15 along the thickness direction. The outlets 41 to 44 are the first outlet 41, the second outlet 42, the third outlet 43, and the fourth outlet 44. The outlets 41 to 44 are configured as slits along the Y direction.

[0042] Outlets 41 to 44 are formed at intervals in the Z direction. The second outlet 42 is located on the +Z side relative to the first outlet 41. The third outlet 43 is located on the +Z side relative to the second outlet 42. The fourth outlet 44 is located on the +Z side relative to the third outlet 43.

[0043] The first outlet 41 is located at a position overlapping with the first compartment 26. The second outlet 42 is located at a position overlapping with the second compartment 27. The third outlet 43 is located at a position overlapping with the third compartment 28. The fourth outlet 44 is located at a position overlapping with the fourth compartment 29.

[0044] The heat transfer tube 30 is a flat tube formed in a flat shape. The external dimension (outer diameter) of the heat transfer tube 30 in the Y direction is larger than the external dimension (outer diameter) in the Z direction. For example, the outer diameter of the heat transfer tube 30 in the Y direction is more than twice the outer diameter in the Z direction. For example, the shape of the cross section (YZ section) of the heat transfer tube 30 orthogonal to the length direction is approximately oblong or approximately elliptical.

[0045] One or more refrigerant flow paths 31 (auxiliary refrigerant flow paths) are formed inside the heat transfer tube 30. Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow paths 31. Multiple refrigerant flow paths 31 arranged in the Y direction (width direction) can be formed within the internal space of the heat transfer tube 30 through one or more partition walls. The heat transfer tube 30 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity and low specific gravity. For example, the heat transfer tube 30 is formed of metals such as aluminum or aluminum alloys.

[0046] The plurality of heat transfer tubes 30 include a first heat transfer tube 32, a second heat transfer tube 33, a third heat transfer tube 34, and a fourth heat transfer tube 35. The first heat transfer tube 32 is connected to a first outlet 41. The second heat transfer tube 33 is connected to a second outlet 42. The third heat transfer tube 34 is connected to a third outlet 43. The fourth heat transfer tube 35 is connected to a fourth outlet 44.

[0047] The first heat transfer tube 32, the second heat transfer tube 33, the third heat transfer tube 34, and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 are positioned at different heights. They are spaced apart in the Z-direction. The second heat transfer tube 33 is located adjacent to the +Z side relative to the first heat transfer tube 32. The third heat transfer tube 34 is located adjacent to the +Z side relative to the second heat transfer tube 33. The fourth heat transfer tube 35 is located adjacent to the +Z side relative to the third heat transfer tube 34.

[0048] The first heat transfer tube 32 allows refrigerant to flow between the first compartment 26 and the second compartment 27. The third heat transfer tube 34 allows refrigerant to flow between the third compartment 28 and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 allows refrigerant to flow between the fourth compartment 29.

[0049] An external airflow path along the Y direction is formed between adjacent heat transfer tubes 30 (32-35). For example, the heat exchanger 4 allows external air (external gas) to circulate in the external airflow path via a blower fan (not shown). F indicates the direction of external air flow. The heat exchanger 4 is capable of heat exchange between the external air flowing in the external airflow path and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow path 31. The heat exchange occurs indirectly through the heat transfer tubes 30.

[0050] The flow of refrigerant is described in detail below. Figure 3 The diagram shows the flow of refrigerant when heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant flowing into the first manifold 10 of the auxiliary heat exchange section 200 through the second refrigerant port 53 is introduced into the second connecting space 18. The refrigerant flowing into the second connecting space 18 is split into the -Z side and the +Z side. The refrigerant split into the -Z side flows into the second compartment 27 through the second connecting space 22. The refrigerant flows from the second compartment 27 to the second heat transfer pipe 33. The refrigerant split into the +Z side flows into the fourth compartment 29 through the fourth connecting space 24. The refrigerant flows from the fourth compartment 29 to the fourth heat transfer pipe 35.

[0052] The refrigerant flowing into the second heat transfer tube 33 and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 flows through the auxiliary heat exchange section 200 and then, for example, is turned back via the second manifold (not shown) and flows into the first heat transfer tube 32 and the third heat transfer tube 34. The refrigerant flows through the first heat transfer tube 32 and the third heat transfer tube 34 and then into the spatial flow path 16 of the first manifold 10.

[0053] Refrigerant from the first heat transfer pipe 32 (refrigerant flow path 31) is introduced into the first connecting space 17 through the first compartment 26 and the first connecting space 21. Refrigerant from the third heat transfer pipe 34 (refrigerant flow path 31) is introduced into the first connecting space 17 through the third compartment 28 and the third connecting space 23.

[0054] Refrigerant from the first communication space 21 and refrigerant from the third communication space 23 converge in the first connecting space 17 (merging section). Refrigerant flows from the first refrigerant port 52 to the main heat exchange section 100 (see reference). Figure 2 ) is exported.

[0055] The refrigerant flow path 31, the first compartment 26, and the first connecting space 21 of the first heat transfer tube 32 constitute the first auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path 31, the third compartment 28, and the third connecting space 23 of the third heat transfer tube 34 constitute the third auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The first connecting space 17 allows the two auxiliary refrigerant flow paths (the first auxiliary refrigerant flow path and the third auxiliary refrigerant flow path) to converge. The first connecting space 17 is a confluence portion where the refrigerant flow path 31 of the first heat transfer tube 32 and the refrigerant flow path 31 of the third heat transfer tube 34 converge.

[0056] When heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, the refrigerant flow direction is the same as when heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator (see reference). Figure 3 (Opposite direction) The first side 10a of the first manifold 10 is located upstream of the external airflow direction F.

[0057] The refrigerant flow path 31, the second compartment 27, and the second connecting space 22 of the second heat transfer tube 33 constitute the second auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path 31, the fourth compartment 29, and the fourth connecting space 24 of the fourth heat transfer tube 35 constitute the fourth auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The second connecting space 18 allows the two auxiliary refrigerant flow paths (the second auxiliary refrigerant flow path and the fourth auxiliary refrigerant flow path) to converge.

[0058] When the heat exchanger 4 of this embodiment is used as an evaporator, a first connecting space 17 (merging portion) is formed in the first manifold 10, which merges the refrigerant flow path of the first heat transfer tube 32 and the refrigerant flow path of the third heat transfer tube 34. When the heat exchanger 4 of this embodiment is used as a condenser, a second connecting space 18 (merging portion) is formed in the first manifold 10, which merges the refrigerant flow path of the second heat transfer tube 33 and the refrigerant flow path of the fourth heat transfer tube 35. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path structure can be simplified. Therefore, compared with the case where the merging portion is provided outside the manifold, the effects of refrigerant flow difference and pressure loss in multiple flow paths can be reduced. Therefore, the main heat exchange section 100 (refer to...) can be suppressed. Figure 1 The decrease in heat exchange performance in the process.

[0059] In heat exchanger 4, compared to the case where the junction is located outside the manifold, the number of pipes can be reduced. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced. Thus, heat exchanger 4 can be made more compact (miniaturized).

[0060] The first connecting space 17 (merging section) is formed in the first manifold 10 at a position on the first side portion 10a, near the upstream side of the external air flow direction F. Therefore, when the heat exchanger 4 is used as a condenser and heat is exchanged with the external air in the heat transfer tube 30, more refrigerant can flow to the position on the upstream side of the heat transfer tube 30 near the flow direction F. On the upstream side of the external air flow direction F, the temperature difference between the external air and the refrigerant is larger, which increases the amount of heat exchange. Therefore, the heat exchange performance in the auxiliary heat exchange section 200 can be improved.

[0061] (Second Implementation) Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the auxiliary heat exchange section 300 in the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment. (Refer to the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment). Figure 3 The common components of the figures are labeled with the same reference numerals and the descriptions are omitted.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the auxiliary heat exchange unit 300 has a first manifold 310 and a plurality of heat transfer pipes 30.

[0063] The first manifold 310 includes a first plate 11, a first intermediate plate 112, a second intermediate plate 113, a third intermediate plate 114, and a second plate 15. The first plate 11, the first intermediate plate 112, the second intermediate plate 113, the third intermediate plate 114, and the second plate 15 are stacked in this order.

[0064] Spatial flow paths 116 are formed in intermediate plates 112 to 114. Spatial flow paths 116 include: a connecting space 117 and a communicating space 118 formed in the first intermediate plate 112; compartments 121, 122 and a connecting space 123 formed in the second intermediate plate 113; and compartments 126, 127 and a communicating space 128 formed in the third intermediate plate 114.

[0065] The connecting space 117 formed in the first intermediate plate 112 is circular. The connecting space 117 is located further to the +Y side than the center of the first intermediate plate 112 in the Y direction.

[0066] The connecting space 118 is located further towards the -Y side than the center of the first intermediate plate 112 in the Y direction. The connecting space 118 is located on the -Y side compared to the linking space 117. The connecting space 118 is designed as an elongated circle. The major axis of the connecting space 118 is parallel to the Z direction.

[0067] The compartments 121 and 122 formed in the second intermediate plate 113 are designated as first compartment 121 and second compartment 122. Compartments 121 and 122 are elongated oval in shape. The major axis of compartments 121 and 122 is parallel to the Y-direction. Compartments 121 and 122 are spaced apart in the Z-direction. The second compartment 122 is located on the +Z side relative to the first compartment 121. Compartments 121 and 122 are located in positions communicating with the communicating space 118.

[0068] Communication space 123 is circular in shape. Communication space 123 is located on the +Z side of the first compartment 121 and on the -Z side of the second compartment 122. Communication space 123 is located in communication with communication space 117.

[0069] The compartments 126 and 127 formed in the third intermediate plate 114 are designated as first compartment 126 and second compartment 127. Compartments 126 and 127 are elongated oval in shape. The major axis of compartments 126 and 127 is parallel to the Y-direction. Compartments 126 and 127 are spaced apart in the Z-direction. The second compartment 127 is located on the +Z side relative to the first compartment 126. The first compartment 126 is located in a position communicating with the first compartment 121. The second compartment 127 is located in a position communicating with the second compartment 122.

[0070] Furthermore, the first outlet 41 of the second plate 15 is located at a position overlapping with the first compartment 126. The fourth outlet 44 of the second plate 15 is located at a position overlapping with the second compartment 127.

[0071] The connecting space 128 (convergence section) is configured to be approximately rectangular (rounded quadrilateral shape). The connecting space 128 is located on the +Z side of the first compartment 126 and on the -Z side of the second compartment 127. The connecting space 128 is located in a position that connects with the communication space 123.

[0072] In addition, the second outlet 42 and the third outlet 43 of the second plate 15 are located at positions that overlap with the communicating space 128.

[0073] The diagram shows the flow of refrigerant when heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerant flowing into the first manifold 310 of the auxiliary heat exchange section 300 through the second refrigerant port 53 flows to the second heat transfer pipe 33 and the third heat transfer pipe 34 via the connecting space 117, connecting space 123, and connecting space 128.

[0075] After the refrigerant flowing through the second heat transfer tube 33 and the third heat transfer tube 34 flows within the auxiliary heat exchange section 300, it is turned back, for example, via the second manifold (not shown), and flows from the first heat transfer tube 32 and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 into the spatial flow path 116 of the first manifold 310.

[0076] Refrigerant from the first heat transfer pipe 32 (refrigerant flow path 31) is introduced into the connecting space 118 through the first compartment 126 and the first compartment 121. Refrigerant from the fourth heat transfer pipe 35 (refrigerant flow path 31) is introduced into the connecting space 118 through the second compartment 127 and the second compartment 122. The refrigerant from the first heat transfer pipe 32 and the refrigerant from the fourth heat transfer pipe 35 merge in the connecting space 118. The refrigerant flows from the first refrigerant port 52 to the main heat exchange section 100 (see reference). Figure 2 ) is exported.

[0077] The refrigerant flow path 31, the first compartment 126, and the first compartment 121 of the first heat transfer tube 32 constitute the first auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path 31, the second compartment 127, and the second compartment 122 of the fourth heat transfer tube 35 constitute the fourth auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The connecting space 118 allows the two auxiliary refrigerant flow paths (the first auxiliary refrigerant flow path and the fourth auxiliary refrigerant flow path) to merge.

[0078] When heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, and when refrigerant flows to heat exchanger 4 functioning as an evaporator (see [reference]). Figure 4 The air flows in the opposite direction. The first side 10a of the first manifold 10 is located upstream of the flow direction F of the external air.

[0079] The refrigerant flow path 31 of the second heat transfer tube 33 is the second auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path 31 of the third heat transfer tube 34 is the third auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The connecting space 128 allows the two auxiliary refrigerant flow paths (the second auxiliary refrigerant flow path and the third auxiliary refrigerant flow path) to merge.

[0080] When the heat exchanger 4 of this embodiment is used as an evaporator, a connecting space 118 (merging portion) is formed in the first manifold 310, which merges the refrigerant flow path of the first heat transfer tube 32 with the refrigerant flow path of the fourth heat transfer tube 35. When the heat exchanger of this embodiment is used as a condenser, a connecting space 128 (merging portion) is formed in the first manifold 310, which merges the refrigerant flow path of the second heat transfer tube 33 with the refrigerant flow path of the third heat transfer tube 34. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path structure can be simplified. Therefore, compared with the case where the merging portion is provided outside the manifold, the effects of refrigerant flow difference and pressure loss in multiple flow paths can be reduced. Therefore, the main heat exchange section 100 (refer to...) can be suppressed. Figure 1The decrease in heat exchange performance in the process.

[0081] In heat exchanger 4, compared to the case where the junction is located outside the manifold, the number of pipes can be reduced. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced. Thus, heat exchanger 4 can be made more compact (miniaturized).

[0082] The connecting space 118 is formed in the first side portion 10a of the first manifold 310, near the upstream side of the external air flow direction F. Therefore, when the heat exchanger 4 is used as a condenser and exchanges heat with the external air in the heat transfer tube 30, more refrigerant can flow towards the upstream side of the heat transfer tube 30 near the flow direction F. On the upstream side of the external air flow direction F, the temperature difference between the external air and the refrigerant is larger, which increases the amount of heat exchange. Therefore, the heat exchange performance in the auxiliary heat exchange section 300 can be improved.

[0083] In this embodiment, the compartments 121 and 122 formed on the second intermediate plate 113 are set to an elongated oval shape, but the shape of the compartments 121 and 122 is not limited to this, and they can also be set to a circular shape. In this case, when the heat exchanger 4 is used as a condenser and heat is exchanged with the outside air in the heat transfer tube 30, more refrigerant can be directed to the upstream side near the flow direction F.

[0084] (Third implementation) Figure 5 This is a configuration diagram showing the structure of the auxiliary heat exchange unit 400 in the heat exchanger according to the third embodiment. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the auxiliary heat exchange unit 400. Common configurations of heat exchangers in other embodiments are labeled with the same reference numerals and descriptions are omitted.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the auxiliary heat exchange unit 400 has a first manifold 410, a plurality of heat transfer tubes 30, and a third manifold 420. The heat transfer tubes 30 may be serpentine tubes.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, the first manifold 410 includes a first plate 411, an intermediate plate 414, and a second plate 415. The first plate 411, the intermediate plate 414, and the second plate 415 are stacked in this order.

[0087] A spatial flow path 216 is formed in the first manifold 410. The spatial flow path 216 has a connecting space 128 formed in the intermediate plate 414. A second outlet 42 and a third outlet 43 are formed in the second plate 415.

[0088] Figure 6 This illustrates the flow of refrigerant when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

[0089] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the refrigerant flowing into the third manifold 420 of the auxiliary heat exchange section 400 through the second refrigerant port (omitted in the figure) is split and flows to the first heat transfer pipe 32 and the fourth heat transfer pipe 35 (see reference). Figure 4 The refrigerant flowing through the first heat transfer tube 32 and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 flows through the auxiliary heat exchange section 400 and then, for example, turns back via the second manifold (not shown) and flows into the spatial flow path 216 of the first manifold 410 through the second heat transfer tube 33 and the third heat transfer tube 34.

[0090] Refrigerant from the second heat transfer pipe 33 (refrigerant flow path 31) and refrigerant from the third heat transfer pipe 34 (refrigerant flow path 31) are introduced into the connecting space 128 (merging section) and merge. Refrigerant flows from the first refrigerant port 52 to the main heat exchange section 100 (see reference). Figure 2 ) is exported.

[0091] In this embodiment of the heat exchanger, a connecting space 128 (merging portion) is formed in the first manifold 410, which merges the refrigerant flow paths of the second heat transfer tube 33 and the third heat transfer tube 34. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path structure can be simplified. Therefore, compared to the case where the merging portion is located outside the manifold, the effects of refrigerant flow differences and pressure losses in multiple flow paths can be reduced. Therefore, the main heat exchange section 100 (see reference 100) can be suppressed. Figure 1 The heat exchange performance in the process decreases.

[0092] The heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device of the embodiments have been described above, but the configuration of the embodiments is not limited to the above examples.

[0093] For example, in Figure 3 In the heat exchanger 4 shown, the first manifold 10 has three intermediate plates 12 to 14, but the number of intermediate plates can be one or more (any number of two or more). That is, the number of intermediate plates can be one or more. In the first and second embodiments, a flat tube is used as the heat transfer tube 30, but a serpentine tube can also be used as the heat transfer tube 30. In the first and second embodiments, the diameters of the connecting spaces are the same, but the diameters of the connecting spaces can also be different.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the piping unit 70 has two distributors 71 and 72, which distribute refrigerant to the two refrigerant flow paths 101 and 102 through their respective distributors 71 and 72 (see reference). Figure 2However, the flow path structure is not limited to this. For example, the flow path can also be a structure in which one distributor distributes refrigerant to two refrigerant flow paths 101 and 102.

[0095] In this embodiment, the merging section merges two auxiliary refrigerant flow paths, but the number of auxiliary refrigerant flow paths merged by the merging section can be multiple (any number of more than two). For example, the merging section can also merge three or more auxiliary refrigerant flow paths.

[0096] According to at least one embodiment described above, a confluence portion is formed in the manifold to allow multiple auxiliary refrigerant flow paths to converge. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path structure can be simplified. Therefore, compared to the case where the confluence portion is located outside the manifold, the effects of refrigerant flow differences and pressure losses in the multiple flow paths can be reduced. Therefore, the decline in heat exchange performance in the main heat exchange section can be suppressed.

[0097] While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope or spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0098] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Refrigeration circulation unit 4. Heat exchanger 10, 310, 410 First manifold (manifold) 10a First side (one side) 11, 411, No. 1 board material 12, 112 First intermediate board (intermediate board) 13, 113 Second intermediate board (intermediate board) 14, 114 Third intermediate board (intermediate board) 15, 415, No. 2 board material 16, 116, 216 spatial flow paths 17 First Connecting Space (Confluence) 18, 118 Second Connecting Space (Convergence Point) 26. First Sub-compartment (Sub-compartment) 28. Third Sub-compartment (Sub-compartment) 30 heat transfer tubes 31 Refrigerant Flow Path (Auxiliary Refrigerant Flow Path) 32. First heat transfer tube (heat transfer tube) 33. Second heat transfer tube (heat transfer tube) 34. Third heat transfer tube (heat transfer tube) 35. 4th heat transfer tube (heat transfer tube) 52. First refrigerant port (refrigerant flow pipe) 53. Second refrigerant port (refrigerant flow pipe) 100 Main heat exchange section 101 First refrigerant flow path (main refrigerant flow path) 102 Second refrigerant flow path (main refrigerant flow path) 128 Connecting Space (Convergence Area) 200, 300, 400 Auxiliary heat exchange section 414 Intermediate sheet material.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, have: The main heat exchange section has multiple main refrigerant flow paths for refrigerant circulation; And an auxiliary heat exchange section for the refrigerant to circulate between the main heat exchange section and the main heat exchange section. The auxiliary heat exchange unit includes: multiple heat transfer tubes, and has an auxiliary refrigerant flow path for the refrigerant to circulate; and manifolds, connected to the heat transfer pipes, The manifold has the following features: The first plate is connected to a refrigerant flow pipe that guides the refrigerant; One or more intermediate plates form a spatial flow path for the refrigerant to be introduced; And the second plate, connected to the heat transfer tube, The spatial flow path has a confluence section that allows multiple auxiliary refrigerant flow paths to merge.

2. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of heat transfer tubes includes: a first heat transfer tube; a second heat transfer tube, vertically adjacent to the first heat transfer tube; and a third heat transfer tube, vertically adjacent to the second heat transfer tube. The confluence section causes the auxiliary refrigerant flow path of the first heat transfer tube to merge with the auxiliary refrigerant flow path of the third heat transfer tube.

3. The heat exchanger as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of heat transfer tubes includes: a first heat transfer tube; a second heat transfer tube, vertically adjacent to the first heat transfer tube; and a third heat transfer tube, vertically adjacent to the second heat transfer tube. The confluence section merges the auxiliary refrigerant flow path of the second heat transfer tube with the auxiliary refrigerant flow path of the third heat transfer tube.

4. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The confluence portion is formed at a position near one side of the center in the width direction relative to the manifold. The side portion is located upstream of the flow direction of the external gas when heat exchange occurs in the heat transfer tube.

5. A refrigeration circulation device, characterized in that, It has a heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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