Heat exchanger and air conditioner equipped with the same

Abstract

To inhibit first and second fin laminated bodies from coming into contact with each other in a plate laminated type heat exchanger having the first and second fin laminated bodies that are arranged adjacently.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger includes: first and second fin laminated bodies 40A and 40B formed by laminating a plurality of fins with a gap in between; and a connection member 60 for connecting the first and second fin laminated bodies 40A and 40B so that the respective fin lamination directions of the first and second fin laminated bodies 40A and 40B are parallel to each other, and each of one side of fin longitudinal direction end surfaces 40Aa and 40Bb of the first and second fin laminated bodies 40A and 40B is adjacent to each other. The connection member 60 connects the first and second fin laminated bodies 40A and 40B in a state that at least a part is interposed between the fin longitudinal direction end surface 40Aa of the first fin laminated body 40A and the fin longitudinal direction end surface 40Bb of the second fin laminated body 40B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and an air conditioner including the heat exchanger. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1, there is known a plate-stacked heat exchanger configured by stacking a plurality of fins each formed by joining a first plate and a second plate. Each of the fins has an internal flow path through which a refrigerant flows. Heat exchange occurs between the air flowing between the fins and the refrigerant flowing inside each of the fins.

[0003] A stack of multiple fins (fin stack) in such a plate-stacked heat exchanger is produced by stacking first and second plates alternately, and then heating them while pressing them in the stacking direction. For this purpose, each of the first and second plates is produced, for example, by press-molding a thin metal plate (brazing plate) with a brazing material layer provided on both sides. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-180856 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in the case of a plate-stacked heat exchanger, as the number of fins increases, the fin stack becomes flat and long in the fin stacking direction. Therefore, the fin stack is easily deformed in a direction perpendicular to the fin stacking direction. In particular, when the fins have a short side direction and a long side direction, the fin stack is easily deformed in the short side direction. As a result, when an impact (external force) is applied to the fin stack in the short side direction and / or long side direction (for example, when the heat exchanger is dropped alone during transportation, or when the product is dropped while mounted on the product), the fin stack is deformed.

[0006] In a heat exchanger configured by arranging multiple fin stacks adjacent to each other with the fin stacking directions parallel to each other, when at least one of the fin stacks is deformed, it may come into contact with the other fin stack, which may result in damage to at least one of the fin stacks.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress contact between a first fin stack and a second fin stack in a plate-stacked heat exchanger having first and second fin stacks arranged adjacent to each other so that the fin stacking directions are parallel to each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, first and second fin stacks each formed by stacking a plurality of fins each having an internal flow passage through which a first fluid flows, with gaps provided therebetween through which a second fluid passes; a connecting member that connects the first and second fin stacks such that the fin stacking directions of the first and second fin stacks are parallel to each other and one fin longitudinal end surface of each of the first and second fin stacks is adjacent to each other, A heat exchanger is provided, in which the connecting member connects the first and second fin stacks with at least a portion of the connecting member being interposed between the fin longitudinal end face of the first fin stack and the fin longitudinal end face of the second fin stack.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, A compressor that outputs a refrigerant; a heat exchanger through which a refrigerant flows; a fan for generating an air flow through the heat exchanger; The heat exchanger, first and second fin stacks each formed by stacking a plurality of fins each having an internal flow passage through which a first fluid flows, with gaps provided therebetween through which a second fluid passes; a connecting member that connects the first and second fin stacks so that the fin stacking directions of the first and second fin stacks are parallel to each other and one fin longitudinal end surface of each of the first and second fin stacks is adjacent to each other, An air conditioner is provided in which the connecting member connects the first and second fin stacks with at least a portion of the connecting member being interposed between the fin longitudinal end face of the first fin stack and the fin longitudinal end face of the second fin stack. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, in a plate-stacked heat exchanger having first and second fin stacks arranged adjacent to each other with their fin stacking directions parallel to each other, contact between the first fin stack and the second fin stack can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] Schematic cross-sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner. [Diagram 3]A perspective view of a fin stack in a heat exchanger. [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view of a fin stack [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing two fin stacks in a connected state. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks. [Figure 7] A rear perspective view of the connecting member [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of a connecting member connecting two fin stacks, viewed in the fin stacking direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a connecting member according to a second embodiment; [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting member according to a second embodiment in a state in which two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a connecting member according to a third embodiment; [Figure 14] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting member according to a third embodiment in a state in which two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a connecting member according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 17] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting member according to a fourth embodiment in a state in which two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to a fifth embodiment; [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a connecting member according to a fifth embodiment; [Figure 20] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting member according to a fifth embodiment in a state in which two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to a sixth embodiment; [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a connecting member according to a sixth embodiment; [Figure 23] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting member according to a sixth embodiment in a state in which two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to a seventh embodiment; [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a connecting member according to a seventh embodiment; [Figure 26] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting member according to a seventh embodiment in a state in which two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to an eighth embodiment; [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of a connecting member according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 29] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting member according to an eighth embodiment in a state in which two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises first and second fin stacks each formed by stacking a plurality of fins, each having an internal flow path through which a first fluid flows, with gaps provided for a second fluid to pass through, and a connecting member that connects the first and second fin stacks so that the fin stacking directions of the first and second fin stacks are parallel to each other and so that one fin longitudinal end face of each of the first and second fin stacks is adjacent to each other, and the connecting member connects the first and second fin stacks with at least a portion of the connecting member interposed between the fin longitudinal end face of the first fin stack and the fin longitudinal end face of the second fin stack.

[0013] According to one such embodiment, in a plate-stacked heat exchanger having first and second fin stacks arranged adjacent to each other with their fin stacking directions parallel to each other, contact between the first fin stack and the second fin stack can be suppressed.

[0014] For example, the first and second fin stacks may be connected by the connecting member so that the fin longitudinal end faces of the first fin stack and the fin longitudinal end faces of the second fin stack face each other and approach each other from one end to the other end in the fin short direction.

[0015] For example, the connecting member may include a first fin stack support portion that contacts and supports the first fin stack, and a second fin stack support portion that contacts and supports the second fin stack.

[0016] For example, the first fin stack support portion may include a fin longitudinal contact portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface of the first fin stack.

[0017] For example, the fin longitudinal contact portion of the first fin stack support portion may include a plurality of through holes.

[0018] For example, the first fin stack support portion may include a fin short-side contact portion that contacts one fin short-side end face of the first fin stack.

[0019] For example, the second fin stack support portion may include a fin longitudinal contact portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface of the second fin stack.

[0020] For example, the second fin stack support portion may include a fin short-side contact portion that contacts one fin short-side end face of the second fin stack.

[0021] For example, the first fin stack support part may include a fin longitudinal contact part that contacts the fin longitudinal end face of the first fin stack and a fin short-side contact part that contacts one of the fin short-side end faces of the first fin stack, the second fin stack support part may include a fin short-side contact part that contacts one of the fin short-side end faces of the second fin stack, the fin longitudinal contact part of the first fin stack support part may have a plurality of through holes, and the connecting member may further include a connection part that extends between and connects the fin short-side contact part of the first fin stack support part and the fin short-side contact part of the second fin stack support part.

[0022] For example, the first fin stack support portion includes a fin longitudinal contact portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end face of the first fin stack, a first fin lateral contact portion that contacts one of the fin lateral end faces of the first fin stack, and a second fin lateral contact portion that contacts the other fin lateral end face of the first fin stack, the second fin stack support portion includes a fin lateral contact portion that contacts one of the fin lateral end faces of the second fin stack, and The fin longitudinal contact portion may have a plurality of through holes, the connecting member may include a connection portion extending between and connecting the first fin short-side contact portion on the first fin stack support portion and the fin short-side contact portion on the second fin stack support portion, the second fin stack may have a chamfered surface between the fin longitudinal end face and the other fin short-side end face, and the fin longitudinal contact portion on the first fin stack support portion may contact the chamfered surface of the second fin stack.

[0023] For example, the first fin stack has a first chamfered surface between the fin longitudinal end face and one of the fin lateral end faces, and a second chamfered surface between the fin longitudinal end face and the other fin lateral end face, the second fin stack has a third chamfered surface between the fin longitudinal end face and one of the fin lateral end faces, and a fourth chamfered surface between the fin longitudinal end face and the other fin lateral end face, and the first fin stack support portion has a fin longitudinal contact portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end face of the first fin stack, a first fin lateral contact portion that contacts one of the fin lateral end faces of the first fin stack, and a second fin lateral contact portion that contacts the other fin lateral end face of the first fin stack. the second fin stack support portion includes a fin short-side contact portion that contacts the one fin short-side end face of the second fin stack, and a third chamfered surface contact portion that contacts the third chamfered surface; the connecting member includes a connection portion that extends between and connects the first fin short-side contact portion on the first fin stack support portion and the third chamfered surface contact portion on the second fin stack support portion, and the fin long-side contact portion on the first fin stack support portion contacts the fourth chamfered surface of the second fin stack.

[0024] For example, each of the first and second fin stacks may include end plates at both ends in the fin stacking direction, and both ends of the connecting member in the fin stacking direction may be fixed to the end plates of each of the first and second fin stacks.

[0025] For example, the connecting member may be a pressed product made of a single metal plate.

[0026] An air conditioner of another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a compressor that sends out a refrigerant, a heat exchanger through which the refrigerant flows, and a fan that generates a flow of air that passes through the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger has first and second fin stacks each formed by stacking a plurality of fins, each having an internal flow path through which the refrigerant flows, with gaps provided for air to pass through, and a connecting member that connects the first and second fin stacks so that the fin stacking directions of the first and second fin stacks are parallel to each other and so that one fin longitudinal end face of the first and second fin stacks is adjacent to each other, and the connecting member connects the first and second fin stacks with at least a portion of the connecting member interposed between the fin longitudinal end face of the first fin stack and the fin longitudinal end face of the second fin stack.

[0027] According to this alternative embodiment, in a plate-stacked heat exchanger having first and second fin stacks arranged adjacent to each other with their fin stacking directions parallel to each other, contact between the first fin stack and the second fin stack can be suppressed.

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment has an indoor unit 12 arranged indoors, and an outdoor unit 14 arranged outdoors.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the indoor unit 12 is equipped with a housing 16 installed indoors, a heat exchanger 18 arranged in the housing 16 to exchange heat with indoor air, and a cross-flow fan 20 that generates a flow of indoor air so that the indoor air passes through the heat exchanger 18. The housing 16 is formed with an intake port 16a that opens upward, an intake port 16b that opens forward, and an outlet port 16c that faces diagonally downward. When the cross-flow fan 20 rotates, indoor air flows into the housing 16 through the intake ports 16a and 16b and passes through the heat exchanger 18. The air that has passed through the heat exchanger 18 is blown out of the housing 16 through the outlet port 16c. A drain pan 22 that stores moisture in the air that condenses on the surface of the heat exchanger 18 is provided below the heat exchanger 18.

[0032] 1, the outdoor unit 14 is equipped with a heat exchanger 24 that exchanges heat with outdoor air, an axial flow fan 26 that generates a flow of outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through the heat exchanger 24, and a compressor 28 that sends out a refrigerant (first fluid) that passes through the heat exchangers 18, 24. The heat exchanger 18, the heat exchanger 24, and the compressor 28 are connected via a refrigerant piping 30. An expansion valve 32 that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and a four-way valve 34 that changes the flow direction of the refrigerant are arranged on the refrigerant piping 30.

[0033] During cooling operation, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 28, passes through the four-way valve 34, the heat exchanger 24 of the outdoor unit 14, the expansion valve 32, and the heat exchanger 18 of the indoor unit 12, in that order, and returns to the compressor 28. During heating operation, the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 28, passes through the four-way valve 34, the heat exchanger 18 of the indoor unit 12, the expansion valve 32, and the heat exchanger 24 of the outdoor unit 14, in that order, and returns to the compressor 28. The four-way valve 34 switches the flow of the refrigerant during cooling operation and the flow of the refrigerant during heating operation. During cooling operation, water droplets generated by condensation of indoor air on the surface of the heat exchanger 18 flow along the surface of the heat exchanger 18 and fall into the drain pan 22.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchanger 18 of the indoor unit 12 is made up of a plurality of fin stacks 40A to 40C.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fin stack in a heat exchanger. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the fin stack. Note that the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in the drawings is for facilitating understanding of the embodiment, and does not limit the embodiment. The X-axis direction indicates the short-side direction of the fins constituting the fin stack 40A-40C in the heat exchanger 18, the Y-axis direction indicates the long-side direction of the fins, and the Z-axis direction indicates the thickness direction of the fins and the fin stacking direction. In the drawings, the outline arrows indicate the flow direction of air A (second fluid) flowing into the fin stack 40A-40C. In the case of the present embodiment 1, the air A passing through the fin stack 40A-40C mainly flows in the short-side direction of the fins (X-axis direction).

[0036] 3 and 4, each of the fin stacks 40A-40C has first and second end plates 42, 44 at both ends in the fin stacking direction. The first end plate 42 is provided with an inlet side connecting pipe 42a connected to the refrigerant piping 30 through which the refrigerant flows in, and an outlet side connecting pipe 42b connected to the refrigerant piping 30 through which the refrigerant flows out.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4, each of the fin stacks 40A-40C is formed by stacking a plurality of substantially rectangular fins 46 in the fin thickness direction (Z-axis direction). By stacking the many fins 46, each of the fin stacks 40A-40C becomes a flat plate that is elongated in the fin stacking direction, as shown in Fig. 3. In the case of the first embodiment, the multiple fins 46 are stacked in the left-right direction of the indoor unit 12.

[0038] 4, an internal flow path 46a through which a coolant flows is provided inside each of the multiple fins 46. In the case of the first embodiment, each of the multiple fins 46 is formed by joining a first plate 48 and a second plate 50 to each other in the fin stacking direction (Z-axis direction) of the fin stack 40. The internal flow path 46a is formed between the first plate 48 and the second plate 50.

[0039] For example, the first plate 48 and the second plate 50 are produced by processing, for example, pressing, a thin metal plate with brazing material layers on both sides, a so-called brazing plate. The brazing plate is produced, for example, by forming an aluminum-silicon alloy layer as a brazing material on both sides of a thin plate made of an aluminum alloy. The first plate 48 and the second plate 50 are joined by heating the brazing material layer to melt it once and then solidifying it again.

[0040] By joining the first plate 48 and the second plate 50 to each other, an internal flow path 46a through which the refrigerant flows is formed between them. In the case of the first embodiment, a recess is formed on the inner surface of the first plate 48 facing the second plate 50. The second plate 50 covers this recess, thereby forming the internal flow path 46a.

[0041] The internal flow passage 46a is connected to the insides of tubular headers 46b, 46c provided at both ends of the fin 46 in the fin longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). That is, the internal flow passage 46a is provided in the central portion of the fin 46 in the fin longitudinal direction, and both ends thereof are connected to the insides of the headers 46b, 46c. Each of these headers 46b, 46c is formed by joining a cylindrical portion formed in the first plate 48 and a cylindrical portion formed in the second plate 50.

[0042] The headers 46b of the fins 46 are connected and joined to form an inlet manifold. The inlet manifold is connected to the inlet connecting pipe 42a of the first end plate 42. As a result, the refrigerant that has passed through the inlet connecting pipe 42a flows into the internal flow passages 46a of each of the fins 46.

[0043] Additionally, the headers 46c of the fins 46 are connected and joined to form an outflow side manifold. The outflow side manifold is connected to the outflow side connecting pipe 42b of the first end plate 42. As a result, the refrigerant flowing out from the internal flow paths 46a of the fins 46 flows toward the outflow side connecting pipe 42b.

[0044] The multiple fins 46 are stacked with gaps between them. Specifically, the gap between two adjacent fins 46 is formed by joining the header 46b of one fin 46 to the header 46b of the other fin 46 while joining the header 46c of one fin 46 to the header 46c of the other fin 46. Air A flows through this gap.

[0045] According to the fin stacks 40A to 40C of the heat exchanger 18, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the internal flow paths 46a of each of the fins 46 and the air A flowing through the gaps between the fins 46.

[0046] In the case of the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, in the heat exchanger 18, the multiple fin stacks 40A to 40C are arranged in parallel with each other so that the fin stacking directions are parallel to each other. The fin stacks 40A and 40B are arranged adjacent to each other, and the fin stacks 40A and 40C are arranged adjacent to each other. Specifically, the two fin stacks are arranged adjacent to each other so that the end faces in the fin longitudinal direction are adjacent to each other. The fin stack 40A is arranged adjacent to the top of the fin stack 40B, and the fin stack 40C is arranged adjacent to the rear of the fin stack 40A. With this arrangement, as shown in Fig. 2, the crossflow fan 20 is surrounded by the multiple fin stacks 40A to 40C when viewed in the extension direction of the rotation center line of the crossflow fan 20 (viewed in the direction perpendicular to the drawing).

[0047] In the case of the first embodiment, in heat exchanger 18, fin stacks 40A and 40B are connected to each other.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing two fin stacks in a connected state, Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects the two fin stacks, Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of the connecting member, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member in a state in which the two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction.

[0049] 5 to 8, the heat exchanger 18 includes a connecting member 60 that connects the two fin stacks 40A, 40B. The connecting member 60 is made, for example, by pressing (i.e., cutting and bending) a single metal plate such as stainless steel. The connecting member 60 is a member that is long in the fin stacking direction of the fin stacks 40A, 40B. In the drawings, the fin stacking direction of the fin stacks 40A, 40B is indicated by arrow S.

[0050] In the case of the first embodiment, the connecting member 60 connects to each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B at both ends in the fin stacking direction. Specifically, the connecting member 60 includes a first fixing portion 60a fixed to the end plates 42, 44 provided at both ends of one fin stack 40A, and a second fixing portion 60b fixed to the end plates 42, 44 provided at both ends of the other fin stack 40B. The first and second fixing portions 60a, 60b are fixed to the end plates 42, 44 of the first and second fin stacks 40A, 40B, respectively, via fixing screws 62, for example.

[0051] Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment 1, the connecting member 60 includes a first fin stack support portion 60c that supports one fin stack 40A, and a second fin stack support portion 60d that supports the other fin stack 40B.

[0052] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the fin stacks 40A, 40B are arranged such that one of the fin longitudinal end faces (fin longitudinal end faces) 40Aa, 40Bb are adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the fin stacks 40A, 40B are adjacently arranged such that the fin longitudinal end faces 40Aa, 40Bb face each other and approach each other from one end to the other end in the fin short side direction. In other words, the fin longitudinal end faces 40Aa, 40Bb approach each other from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flow direction of air A passing through the fin stacks 40A, 40B.

[0053] In the case of the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, a portion of the connecting member 60 disposed between the fin longitudinal end faces 40Aa, 40Bb of the fin stacks 40A, 40B has a V-shaped cross section when viewed in the fin stacking direction. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the first fin stack support part 60c has a first fixing part 60a at both ends in the fin stacking direction. The second fin stack support part 60d also has a second fixing part 60b at both ends in the fin stacking direction. The first and second fin stack support parts 60c, 60d are connected to each other at the ends in the fin short side direction (i.e., the ends downstream in the flow direction of air A) as shown in Fig. 8.

[0054] The first fin stack support portion 60c of the connecting member 60 includes a fin longitudinal contact portion 60e that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 40Aa of one of the fin stacks 40A to support the fin stack 40A in the fin longitudinal direction. In the case of the first embodiment, the entire first fin stack support portion 60c is the fin longitudinal contact portion 60e itself. The fin longitudinal contact portion 60e in the first fin stack support portion 60c is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction. In addition, the fin longitudinal contact portion 60e contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 40Aa of the fin stack 40A over the entire fin stacking direction. That is, the fin longitudinal contact portion 60e contacts the multiple fins 46 in the fin stack 40A in the fin longitudinal direction. The connecting member 60 supports one of the fin stacks 40A via such a first fin stack support portion 60c.

[0055] The second fin stack support portion 60d of the connecting member 60 includes a fin longitudinal contact portion 60f that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 40Ba of the other fin stack 40B to support the second fin stack 40B in the fin longitudinal direction. In the case of the first embodiment, the entire second fin stack support portion 60d is the fin longitudinal contact portion 60f itself. The fin longitudinal contact portion 60f in the second fin stack support portion 60d is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction. In addition, the fin longitudinal contact portion 60f contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 40Ba of the fin stack 40B over the entire fin stacking direction. That is, the fin longitudinal contact portion 60f contacts the multiple fins 46 in the fin stack 40B in the fin longitudinal direction. The connecting member 60 supports the other fin stack 40B via such a second fin stack support portion 60d.

[0056] The fin stacks 40A, 40B are fixed to each other by such a connecting member 60. Furthermore, a portion of the connecting member 60 is interposed between the fin longitudinal end face 40Aa of the fin stack 40A and the fin longitudinal end face 40Ba of the fin stack 40B, which are adjacent to each other. This prevents the fin stacks 40A, 40B from coming into contact with each other when at least one of the fin stacks 40A, 40B is deformed.

[0057] Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, the fin longitudinal direction contact portion 60e of the first fin stack support portion 60c of the connecting member 60 contacts and supports the fin longitudinal direction end face 40Aa of one fin stack 40A on the side closer to the other fin stack 40B. This suppresses displacement of the fin stack 40A in the fin longitudinal direction of the fin stack 40A, particularly in the direction approaching the other fin stack 40B.

[0058] At the same time, the fin longitudinal contact portion 60f of the second fin stack support portion 60d contacts and supports the fin longitudinal end face 40Ba of the other fin stack 40B on the side closer to one fin stack 40A. This suppresses displacement of the fin stack 40B in the fin longitudinal direction of the fin stack 40B, particularly in the direction approaching the one fin stack 40A.

[0059] According to the above-described embodiment 1, in a plate-stacking type heat exchanger 18 having fin stacks 40A, 40B arranged adjacent to each other so that the fin stacking directions are parallel to each other, contact between the fin stack 40A and the fin stack 40B can be suppressed.

[0060] (Embodiment 2) The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in terms of the connecting member, and therefore the second embodiment will be described focusing on the different connecting member.

[0061] Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to embodiment 2. Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of the connecting member according to embodiment 2. And Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member according to embodiment 2 in a state in which the two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction.

[0062] 9 to 11, connecting member 160 in the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment is produced by pressing a single metal plate such as stainless steel. Connecting member 160 includes first fixing portion 160a fixed to end plates provided on both ends of one fin stack 40A, and second fixing portion 160b fixed to end plates provided on both ends of the other fin stack 40B.

[0063] In the second embodiment, the connecting member 160 includes a first fin stack support portion 160c that supports one fin stack 40A, and a second fin stack support portion 160d that supports the other fin stack 40B.

[0064] In the second embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 160c of the connecting member 160 includes a fin longitudinal contact portion 160e that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 40Aa of one fin stack 40A to support the fin stack 40A in the fin longitudinal direction. The second fin stack support portion 160d includes a fin longitudinal contact portion 160f that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 40Ba of the other fin stack 40B to support the fin stack 40B in the fin longitudinal direction. The fin longitudinal contact portions 160e, 160f are thin plate-shaped extending in the fin stacking direction. The fin longitudinal contact portions 160e, 160f are connected to each other at one end in the fin lateral direction (i.e., the end downstream in the flow direction of air A).

[0065] Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment 2, the first fin stack support portion 160c of the connecting member 160 includes a fin short-side contact portion 160g that contacts one fin short-side end face 40Ab of the fin stack 40A in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40A. In the case of the present embodiment 2, the fin short-side contact portion 160g is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Ab of the fin stack 40A on the side into which air A flows in.

[0066] In the second embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 160g of the first fin stack support portion 160c of the connecting member 160 extends from the end of the fin long-side contact portion 160e that is upstream in the flow direction of the air A. The extension length of the fin short-side contact portion 160g from the fin long-side contact portion 160e is preferably a length that does not exceed the header 46c of the fin 46 in the fin stack 40A. This prevents the flow of air A passing through the longitudinal center portion of the fin 46 in the fin stack 40A (i.e., the portion where the internal flow path 46a through which the refrigerant flows is provided) from being obstructed by the fin short-side contact portion 160g.

[0067] Similarly, the second fin stack support portion 160d of the connecting member 160 includes a fin short-side contact portion 160h that contacts one fin short-side end face 40Bb of the fin stack 40B in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40B. In the case of the second embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 160h is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Bb of the fin stack 40B on the side into which air A flows.

[0068] Furthermore, in the case of the second embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 160h of the second fin stack support portion 160d of the connecting member 160 extends from the end of the fin long-side contact portion 160f that is upstream in the flow direction of the air A. The extension length of the fin short-side contact portion 160h from the fin long-side contact portion 160f is preferably a length that does not exceed the header 46b of the fin 46 in the fin stack 40B. This prevents the flow of the air A along the longitudinal center portion of the fin 46 in the fin stack 40B (i.e., the portion where the internal flow path 46a through which the refrigerant flows is provided) from being obstructed by the fin short-side contact portion 160h.

[0069] According to this embodiment 2, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, in a plate stacked type heat exchanger having fin stacks 40A, 40B arranged adjacent to each other so that the fin stacking directions are parallel to each other, contact between fin stack 40A and fin stack 40B can be suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, connecting member 160 prevents each of fin stacks 40A, 40B from being displaced in the fin short-side direction, particularly toward the upstream side in the flow direction of air A. This prevents each of fin stacks 40A, 40B from contacting other components of the adjacent air conditioner on the upstream side.

[0071] (Embodiment 3) The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in terms of the connecting member, and therefore the third embodiment will be described focusing on the different connecting member.

[0072] Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to embodiment 3. Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view of the connecting member according to embodiment 3. And Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member according to embodiment 3 in a state in which the two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction.

[0073] 12 to 14, connecting member 260 in the heat exchanger according to the third embodiment is produced by pressing a single metal plate such as stainless steel. Connecting member 260 includes first fixing portion 260a fixed to end plates provided on both ends of one fin stack 40A, and second fixing portion 260b fixed to end plates provided on both ends of the other fin stack 40B.

[0074] In the third embodiment, the connecting member 260 includes a first fin stack support portion 260c that supports one fin stack 40A, and a second fin stack support portion 260d that supports the other fin stack 40B.

[0075] In the third embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 260c of the connecting member 260 includes a fin longitudinal contact portion 260e that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 40Aa of one fin stack 40A to support the fin stack 40A in the fin longitudinal direction. The fin longitudinal contact portion 260e is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction. The second fin stack support portion 260d does not substantially include a portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 40Ba of the other fin stack 40B.

[0076] Furthermore, in the case of the third embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 260c of the connecting member 260 includes a fin short-side contact portion 260g that contacts one fin short-side end face 40Ab of the fin stack 40A in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40A. In the case of the third embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 260g is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Ab of the fin stack 40A on the side into which the air A flows in. In addition, the fin short-side contact portion 260g is connected to one end of the fin long-side contact portion 260e in the fin short-side direction (i.e., the end upstream in the flow direction of the air A).

[0077] The second fin stack support portion 260d of the connecting member 260 includes a fin short-side contact portion 260i that contacts the other fin short-side end face 40Bc of the fin stack 40B in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40B. In the case of the third embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 260i is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Bc of the fin stack 40B on the side from which the air A flows out. The fin short-side contact portion 260i is connected to the other end in the fin short-side direction of the fin long-side contact portion 260e of the first fin stack support portion 260c (i.e., the end downstream in the flow direction of the air A).

[0078] According to this embodiment 3, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, in a plate stacked type heat exchanger having fin stacks 40A, 40B arranged adjacent to each other so that the fin stacking directions are parallel to each other, contact between fin stack 40A and fin stack 40B can be suppressed.

[0079] Furthermore, displacement of each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B in the fin short-side direction is suppressed by the connecting member 260. This prevents each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B from contacting other components of the air conditioner adjacent to it in the fin short-side direction.

[0080] (Embodiment 4) The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in terms of the connecting member. The fourth embodiment is also similar to the third embodiment. Therefore, the fourth embodiment will be described focusing on the different connecting member.

[0081] Fig. 15 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to embodiment 4. Fig. 16 is a rear perspective view of the connecting member according to embodiment 4. And Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member according to embodiment 4 in a state in which the two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction.

[0082] 15 to 17, connecting member 360 in the heat exchanger according to the fourth embodiment is produced by pressing a single metal plate such as stainless steel. Connecting member 360 includes first fixing portion 360a fixed to end plates provided on both ends of one fin stack 40A, and second fixing portion 360b fixed to end plates provided on both ends of the other fin stack 40B.

[0083] In the case of the fourth embodiment, the connecting member 360 includes a first fin stack support portion 360c that supports one fin stack 40A, and a second fin stack support portion 360d that supports the other fin stack 40B.

[0084] In the fourth embodiment, the second fin stack support portion 360d of the connecting member 360 includes a fin longitudinal contact portion 360f that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 40Ba of the other fin stack 40B to support the fin stack 40B in the fin longitudinal direction. The fin longitudinal contact portion 360f is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction. The first fin stack support portion 360c does not substantially include a portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 40Aa of one fin stack 40A.

[0085] Furthermore, in the case of the fourth embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 360c of the connecting member 360 includes a fin short-side contact portion 360j that contacts the other fin short-side end face 40Ac of the fin stack 40A in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40A. In the case of the fourth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 360j is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Ac of the fin stack 40A on the side from which the air A flows out. In addition, the fin short-side contact portion 360j is connected to the other end in the fin short-side direction of the fin long-side contact portion 360f of the second fin stack support portion 360d (i.e., the end downstream in the flow direction of the air A).

[0086] The second fin stack support portion 360d of the connecting member 360 includes a fin short-side contact portion 360h that contacts one fin short-side end face 40Bb of the fin stack 40B in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40B. In the case of the fourth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 360h is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Bb of the fin stack 40B on the side into which the air A flows in. The fin short-side contact portion 360h is connected to one end in the fin short-side direction of the fin long-side contact portion 360f of the second fin stack support portion 360d (i.e., the end upstream in the flow direction of the air A).

[0087] According to this embodiment 4, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, in a plate stacked type heat exchanger having fin stacks 40A, 40B arranged adjacent to each other so that the fin stacking directions are parallel to each other, contact between fin stack 40A and fin stack 40B can be suppressed.

[0088] Furthermore, displacement of each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B in the fin short-side direction is suppressed by the connecting member 360. This prevents each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B from contacting other components of the air conditioner adjacent to it in the fin short-side direction.

[0089] (Embodiment 5) The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in terms of the connecting member. The fifth embodiment is also similar to the third embodiment. Therefore, the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on the different connecting member.

[0090] Fig. 18 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to embodiment 5. Fig. 19 is a rear perspective view of the connecting member according to embodiment 5. And Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member according to embodiment 5 in a state in which the two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction.

[0091] 18 to 20, a connecting member 460 in a heat exchanger according to the fifth embodiment is produced by pressing a single metal plate such as stainless steel. The connecting member 460 includes a first fixing portion 460a fixed to end plates provided on both ends of one fin stack 40A, and a second fixing portion 460b fixed to end plates provided on both ends of the other fin stack 40B.

[0092] In the case of the fifth embodiment, the connecting member 460 includes a first fin stack support portion 460c that supports one fin stack 40A, and a second fin stack support portion 460d that supports the other fin stack 40B.

[0093] Furthermore, in the case of the fifth embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 460c of the connecting member 460 includes a fin longitudinal direction contact portion 460e that contacts the fin longitudinal direction end surface 40Aa of one fin stack 40A to support the fin stack 40A in the fin longitudinal direction. The fin longitudinal direction contact portion 460e is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction. The second fin stack support portion 460d does not substantially include a portion that contacts the fin longitudinal direction end surface 40Ba of the other fin stack 40B.

[0094] Furthermore, in the case of the fifth embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 460c of the connecting member 460 includes a fin short-side contact portion 460g that contacts one fin short-side end face 40Ab of the fin stack 40A in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40A. In the case of the fifth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 460g is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Ab of the fin stack 40A on the side into which the air A flows in. In addition, the fin short-side contact portion 460g is connected to one end of the fin long-side contact portion 460e in the fin short-side direction (i.e., the end upstream in the flow direction of the air A).

[0095] The second fin stack support portion 460d of the connecting member 460 includes a fin short-side contact portion 460i that contacts the other fin short-side end face 40Bc of the fin stack 40B in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40B. In the case of the fifth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 460i is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Bc of the fin stack 40B on the side from which the air A flows out. The fin short-side contact portion 460i is connected to the other end in the fin short-side direction of the fin long-side contact portion 460e of the first fin stack support portion 460c (i.e., the end downstream in the flow direction of the air A).

[0096] Furthermore, in the case of the fifth embodiment, the fin longitudinal direction contact portion 460e in the first fin stack support portion 460c of the connecting member 460 includes a plurality of through holes 460k. The plurality of through holes 460k are formed in the fin longitudinal direction contact portion 460e and are aligned at intervals in the fin stacking direction. The reason why the plurality of through holes 460k are provided will be described.

[0097] During cooling operation, moisture contained in the air A condenses on the surfaces of the multiple fins 46 in each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B. The water droplets that condense on each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B eventually move to the drain pan 22 located below the fin stacks 40A, 40B, as shown in FIG.

[0098] When one fin stack 40A is positioned above the other fin stack 40B, water droplets generated in the fin stack 40A first move to the fin stack 40B (i.e., along the surfaces of the fins 46 in the fin stack 40B) and then move to the drain pan 22. At this time, the fin longitudinal contact portion 460e of the first fin stack support portion 460c of the connecting member 460 impedes the movement of water droplets from the fin stack 40A to the fin stack 40B. In order to enable the movement of water droplets from the upper fin stack 40A to the lower fin stack 40B, a plurality of through holes 460k through which water droplets pass are formed in the fin longitudinal contact portion 360e.

[0099] According to this embodiment 5, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, in a plate stacked type heat exchanger having fin stacks 40A, 40B arranged adjacent to each other so that the fin stacking directions are parallel to each other, contact between fin stack 40A and fin stack 40B can be suppressed.

[0100] Furthermore, displacement of each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B in the fin short-side direction is suppressed by the connecting member 460. This prevents each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B from coming into contact with other components of the air conditioner adjacent to it in the fin short-side direction.

[0101] Furthermore, when one fin stack 40A is positioned above the other fin stack 40B, water droplets generated by condensation on the fin stack 40A can move to the fin stack 40B without being blocked by the connecting member 460. As a result, the water droplets can move to the drain pan 22 located below the fin stack 40B.

[0102] (Embodiment 6) The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in terms of the connecting member. The sixth embodiment is also similar to the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the sixth embodiment will be described focusing on the different connecting member.

[0103] Fig. 21 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to embodiment 6. Fig. 22 is a rear perspective view of the connecting member according to embodiment 6. And Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member according to embodiment 6 in a state in which the two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction.

[0104] 21 to 23, a connecting member 560 in a heat exchanger according to the sixth embodiment is produced by pressing a single metal plate such as stainless steel. The connecting member 560 includes a first fixing portion 560a fixed to end plates provided on both ends of one fin stack 40A, and a second fixing portion 560b fixed to end plates provided on both ends of the other fin stack 40B.

[0105] In the sixth embodiment, the connecting member 560 includes a first fin stack support portion 560c that supports one fin stack 40A, and a second fin stack support portion 560d that supports the other fin stack 40B.

[0106] Furthermore, in the case of the sixth embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 560c of the connecting member 560 includes a fin longitudinal direction contact portion 560e that contacts the fin longitudinal direction end surface 40Aa of one fin stack 40A to support the fin stack 40A in the fin longitudinal direction. The fin longitudinal direction contact portion 560e is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction. The second fin stack support portion 560d does not substantially include a portion that contacts the fin longitudinal direction end surface 40Ba of the other fin stack 40B.

[0107] The fin longitudinal contact portion 560e in the first fin stack support portion 560c of the connecting member 560 includes a plurality of through holes 560k. The multiple through holes 560k are formed in the fin longitudinal contact portion 560e and aligned at intervals in the fin stacking direction.

[0108] Furthermore, in the case of the sixth embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 560c of the connecting member 560 includes a fin short-side contact portion 560g that contacts one fin short-side end face 40Ab of the fin stack 40A in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40A. In the case of the sixth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 560g is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Ab of the fin stack 40A on the side into which the air A flows in. In addition, the fin short-side contact portion 560g is connected to one end of the fin long-side contact portion 560e in the fin short-side direction (i.e., the end upstream in the flow direction of the air A).

[0109] The second fin stack support portion 560d of the connecting member 560 includes a fin short-side contact portion 560i that contacts the other fin short-side end face 40Bc of the fin stack 40B in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40B. In the case of the sixth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 560i is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Bc of the fin stack 40B on the side from which the air A flows out. The fin short-side contact portion 560i is connected to the other end in the fin short-side direction of the fin long-side contact portion 560e of the first fin stack support portion 560c (i.e., the end downstream in the flow direction of the air A).

[0110] Furthermore, the second fin stack support portion 560d of the connecting member 560 includes a fin short-side contact portion 560h that contacts one fin short-side end face 40Bb of the fin stack 40B in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40B. In the case of the sixth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 560h is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Bb of the fin stack 40B on the side into which air A flows in.

[0111] In the case of the sixth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 560h of the second fin stack support portion 560d is connected to the fin short-side contact portion 560g of the first fin stack support portion 560c via a connection portion 560m. The connection portion 560m extends between and connects the fin short-side contact portions 560g, 560h.

[0112] In addition, the connection portion 560m suppresses the air A from flowing into the fin stack 40A through the multiple through holes 560k formed in the fin longitudinal contact portion 560e of the first fin stack support portion 560c. The air A that flows into the fin stack 40A through the through holes 560k does not flow along the longitudinal center portion of the multiple fins 46 in the fin stack 40A (i.e., the portion where the internal flow passage 46a through which the refrigerant flows is provided) and does not substantially exchange heat with the refrigerant. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases. In order to suppress the shortcut of the air A through the through holes 560k that causes such a decrease in heat exchange efficiency, the connection portion 560m suppresses the air A from passing through the through holes 560k.

[0113] According to this embodiment 6, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, in a plate stacked type heat exchanger having fin stacks 40A, 40B arranged adjacent to each other so that the fin stacking directions are parallel to each other, contact between fin stack 40A and fin stack 40B can be suppressed.

[0114] Furthermore, displacement of each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B in the fin short-side direction is suppressed by the connecting member 560. This prevents each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B from contacting other components of the air conditioner adjacent to it in the fin short-side direction.

[0115] Furthermore, when one fin stack 40A is positioned above the other fin stack 40B, water droplets generated by condensation on the fin stack 40A can move to the fin stack 40B without being blocked by the connecting member 560. As a result, the water droplets can move to the drain pan 22 located below the fin stack 40B.

[0116] Furthermore, the connection portion 560m of the coupling member 560 prevents the air A from taking a shortcut via the through hole 560k.

[0117] (Embodiment 7) The seventh embodiment is an effective embodiment when the size of the fin stack in the fin stacking direction is large, that is, when the number of fin stacks is large, and the fin stack is prone to displacement in the fin short-side direction.

[0118] Fig. 24 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to embodiment 7. Fig. 25 is a rear perspective view of the connecting member according to embodiment 7. And Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member according to embodiment 7 in a state in which the two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction.

[0119] 24 to 26, connecting member 660 in the heat exchanger according to the seventh embodiment is produced by pressing a single metal plate such as stainless steel. Connecting member 660 includes a first fixing portion 660a fixed to end plates provided on both ends of one fin stack 40A, and a second fixing portion 660b fixed to end plates provided on both ends of the other fin stack 40B.

[0120] In the seventh embodiment, the connecting member 660 includes a first fin stack support portion 660c that supports one fin stack 40A, and a second fin stack support portion 660d that supports the other fin stack 40B.

[0121] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 660c of the connecting member 660 includes a fin longitudinal direction contact portion 660e that contacts the fin longitudinal direction end surface 40Aa of one fin stack 40A to support the fin stack 40A in the fin longitudinal direction. The fin longitudinal direction contact portion 660e is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction. The second fin stack support portion 660d does not substantially include a portion that contacts the fin longitudinal direction end surface 640Ba of the other fin stack 640B.

[0122] The fin longitudinal contact portion 660e in the first fin stack support portion 660c of the connecting member 660 includes a plurality of through holes 660k. The multiple through holes 660k are formed in the fin longitudinal contact portion 660e and aligned at intervals in the fin stacking direction.

[0123] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 660c of the connecting member 660 includes a fin short-side contact portion 660g that contacts one fin short-side end face 40Ab of the fin stack 40A in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40A. In the seventh embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 660g is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Ab of the fin stack 40A on the side into which air A flows in. In addition, the fin short-side contact portion 660g is connected to one end of the fin long-side contact portion 660e in the fin short-side direction (i.e., the end upstream in the flow direction of air A).

[0124] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 660c of the connecting member 660 includes a fin short-side contact portion 660j that contacts the other fin short-side end face 40Ac of the fin stack 40A in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 40A. In the seventh embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 660j is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 40Ac of the fin stack 40A on the side from which the air A flows out. The fin short-side contact portion 660j is connected to the other end of the fin long-side contact portion 660e in the fin short-side direction (i.e., the end downstream in the flow direction of the air A).

[0125] The second fin stack support portion 660d of the connecting member 660 includes a fin short-side contact portion 660h that contacts one fin short-side end face 640Bb of the fin stack 640B in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 640B. In the case of the seventh embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 660h is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 640Bb of the fin stack 640B on the side into which air A flows in.

[0126] In the seventh embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 660h of the second fin stack support portion 660d is connected to the fin short-side contact portion 660g of the first fin stack support portion 660c via the connection portion 660m. The connection portion 660m extends between and connects the fin short-side contact portions 660g, 660h.

[0127] In the seventh embodiment, the fin stack 40A is sandwiched between fin short-side direction contact portions 660g, 660j of the first fin stack support portion 660c. This limits the displacement of the fin stack 40A in both directions in the fin short-side direction.

[0128] On the other hand, in the fin stack 640B, displacement of the fin in the short-side direction toward the upstream side in the direction of air A flow is limited by the fin short-side direction contact portion 660h of the second fin stack support portion 660d of the connecting member 660. In contrast, displacement of the fin in the short-side direction toward the downstream side in the direction of air A flow is limited by the fin long-side direction contact portion 660e of the first fin stack support portion 660c.

[0129] Specifically, in the case of the seventh embodiment, the fin stack 640B supported by the second fin stack support portion 660d of the connecting member 660 has a chamfered surface 640Bd between the fin longitudinal end face 640Ba and the other fin lateral end face 640Bc. That is, one corner portion of each of the multiple fins in the fin stack 640B is chamfered.

[0130] The fin stack 640B is sandwiched between the fin short-side contact portion 660h of the connecting member 660, which contacts the fin short-side end face 640Bb, and the fin long-side contact portion 660e, which contacts the chamfered surface 640Bd. As a result, displacement of the fin stack 640B in both directions in the fin short-side direction is limited by the connecting member 660, similar to the fin stack 40A.

[0131] According to this embodiment 7, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, in a plate stacked type heat exchanger having fin stacks 40A, 640B arranged adjacent to each other so that the fin stacking directions are parallel to each other, contact between the fin stack 40A and the fin stack 640B can be suppressed.

[0132] Furthermore, the connecting members 660 prevent each of the fin stacks 40A, 640B from being displaced in both directions along the fin's short side. This prevents each of the fin stacks 40A, 640B from coming into contact with other components of the air conditioner adjacent to it in the fin's short side direction.

[0133] Furthermore, when one fin stack 40A is positioned above the other fin stack 640B, water droplets generated by condensation on the fin stack 40A can move to the fin stack 640B without being blocked by the connecting member 660. As a result, the water droplets can move to the drain pan 22 located below the fin stack 640B.

[0134] Furthermore, the connection portion 660m of the coupling member 660 prevents the air A from taking a shortcut via the through hole 660k.

[0135] (Embodiment 8) Like the above-described embodiment 7, this embodiment 8 is an effective embodiment when the fin stack is easily displaced in the fin short-side direction because the size of the fin stack in the fin stacking direction is large, i.e., because the number of fin stacks is large.

[0136] Fig. 27 is a front perspective view of a connecting member that connects two fin stacks in a heat exchanger according to embodiment 8. Fig. 28 is a rear perspective view of the connecting member according to embodiment 8. And Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member according to embodiment 8 in which the two fin stacks are connected, as viewed in the fin stacking direction.

[0137] As shown in Fig. 29, in the case of the eighth embodiment, the fin stacks 740A and 740B have a different shape from the fin stacks 40A and 40B of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 8 when viewed in the fin stacking direction. Specifically, the fin stack 740A has chamfered surfaces 740Ad and 740Ae between the fin short-side end faces 740Ab and 740Ac, respectively, and the fin long-side end face 740Aa. Similarly, the fin stack 740B has chamfered surfaces 740Bd and 740Be between the fin short-side end faces 740Bb and 740Bc, respectively, and the fin long-side end face 740Ba.

[0138] 27 to 29, connecting member 760 in the heat exchanger according to the eighth embodiment is produced by pressing a single metal plate such as stainless steel. Connecting member 760 includes a first fixing portion 760a fixed to end plates provided on both ends of one fin stack 740A, and a second fixing portion 760b fixed to end plates provided on both ends of the other fin stack 740B.

[0139] In the eighth embodiment, the connecting member 760 includes a first fin stack support portion 760c that supports one fin stack 740A, and a second fin stack support portion 760d that supports the other fin stack 740B.

[0140] In the eighth embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 760c of the connecting member 760 includes a fin longitudinal contact portion 760e that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 740Aa of one fin stack 740A to support the fin stack 740A in the fin longitudinal direction. The fin longitudinal contact portion 760e is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction. The second fin stack support portion 760d does not substantially include a portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface 740Ba of the other fin stack 740B.

[0141] The fin longitudinal contact portion 760e in the first fin stack support portion 760c of the connecting member 760 includes a plurality of through holes 760k. The multiple through holes 760k are formed in the fin longitudinal contact portion 760e and aligned at intervals in the fin stacking direction.

[0142] Furthermore, in the case of the eighth embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 760c of the connecting member 760 includes a fin short-side contact portion 760g that contacts one fin short-side end face 740Ab of the fin stack 740A in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 740A. In the case of the eighth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 760g is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 740Ab of the fin stack 740A on the side into which air A flows in.

[0143] In the case of the eighth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 760g is connected to the fin long-side contact portion 760e via the chamfered surface contact portion 760n in the first fin stack support portion 760c of the connecting member 760. The chamfered surface contact portion 760n contacts the chamfered surface 740Ad of the fin stack 740A to support the fin stack 740A.

[0144] Furthermore, in the case of the eighth embodiment, the first fin stack support portion 760c of the connecting member 760 includes a fin short-side contact portion 760j that contacts the other fin short-side end face 740Ac of the fin stack 740A in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 740A. In the case of the eighth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 760j is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 740Ac of the fin stack 740A on the side from which the air A flows out.

[0145] In the case of the eighth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 760j is connected to the fin long-side contact portion 760e via the chamfered surface contact portion 760p in the first fin stack support portion 760c of the connecting member 760. The chamfered surface contact portion 760p contacts the chamfered surface 740Ae of the fin stack 740A to support the fin stack 740A.

[0146] The second fin stack support portion 760d of the connecting member 760 includes a fin short-side contact portion 760h that contacts one fin short-side end face 740Bb of the fin stack 740B in the fin short-side direction to support the fin stack 740B. In the case of the eighth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 760h is a thin plate extending in the fin stacking direction, and contacts the fin short-side end face 740Bb of the fin stack 740B on the side into which air A flows in.

[0147] In the case of the eighth embodiment, the fin short-side contact portion 760h of the second fin stack support portion 760d is connected to the fin short-side contact portion 760g of the first fin stack support portion 660c via the connection portion 760m and the chamfered surface contact portion 760q. The chamfered surface contact portion 760q contacts the chamfered surface 740Be of the fin stack 740B to support the fin stack 740B. The connection portion 760m extends between the fin short-side contact portion 760g and the chamfered surface contact portion 760q to connect them.

[0148] In the eighth embodiment, the fin stack 740A is sandwiched between fin short-side direction contact portions 760g, 760j of the first fin stack support portion 760c. This limits the displacement of the fin stack 740A in both directions in the fin short-side direction.

[0149] On the other hand, displacement of the fin stack 740B in the fin short-side direction upstream in the direction of air A flow is limited by the fin short-side direction contact portion 760h of the second fin stack support portion 760d of the connecting member 760. In contrast, displacement of the fin short-side direction downstream in the direction of air A flow is limited by the chamfered surface 740Bd of the fin stack 740B contacting the fin long-side direction contact portion 760e of the first fin stack support portion 760c.

[0150] According to this embodiment 8, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, in a plate stacked type heat exchanger having fin stacks 740A, 740B arranged adjacent to each other so that the fin stacking directions are parallel to each other, contact between fin stack 740A and fin stack 740B can be suppressed.

[0151] Furthermore, displacement of each of fin stacks 740A, 740B in both directions along the fin's short side is suppressed by connecting member 760. This prevents each of fin stacks 740A, 740B from contacting other components of the air conditioner adjacent to it in the fin's short side direction.

[0152] Furthermore, when one fin stack 740A is positioned above the other fin stack 740B, water droplets generated by condensation on the fin stack 740A can move to the fin stack 740B without being blocked by the connecting member 760. As a result, the water droplets can move to the drain pan 22 located below the fin stack 740B.

[0153] Furthermore, the connection portion 760m of the coupling member 760 prevents the air A from taking a shortcut via the through hole 760k.

[0154] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned multiple embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0155] For example, in the case of the above-mentioned first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the fin stacks 40A, 40B are connected by a connecting member 60 such that one fin longitudinal end face 40Aa, 40Ba of each of the fin stacks 40A, 40B face each other and approach each other from one end of the fin to the other end in the fin short direction. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the opposing fin longitudinal end faces 40Aa, 40Ba of the fin stacks 40A, 40B may be parallel to each other.

[0156] The heat exchanger according to the first embodiment is provided in an air conditioner that performs indoor air conditioning. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be used in a device that needs to perform heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid.

[0157] That is, a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a broad sense, comprises first and second fin stacks each formed by stacking a plurality of fins, each having an internal flow path through which a first fluid flows, with gaps provided for a second fluid to pass through, and a connecting member that connects the first and second fin stacks so that the fin stacking directions of the first and second fin stacks are parallel to each other and so that one fin longitudinal end face of each of the first and second fin stacks is adjacent to each other, and the connecting member connects the first and second fin stacks with at least a portion of the connecting member being interposed between the fin longitudinal end face of the first fin stack and the fin longitudinal end face of the second fin stack. [Industrial Applicability]

[0158] The present disclosure is applicable not only to heat exchangers that perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and air, but also to heat exchangers that perform heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 40A fin stack 40Aa Fin longitudinal end face 40B Fin Stack 40Ba Fin longitudinal end face 60 Connecting member

Claims

1. a first fin stack and a second fin stack each formed by stacking a plurality of fins each having an internal flow passage through which a first fluid flows, with gaps provided therebetween through which a second fluid passes; a connecting member that connects the first and second fin stacks such that fin stacking directions of the first and second fin stacks are parallel to each other and one fin longitudinal end surface of each of the first and second fin stacks is adjacent to each other, A heat exchanger, wherein the connecting member connects the first and second fin stacks with at least a portion of the connecting member being interposed between the fin longitudinal end surface of the first fin stack and the fin longitudinal end surface of the second fin stack.

2. 2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first and second fin stacks are connected by the connecting member so that the fin longitudinal end faces of the first fin stack and the fin longitudinal end faces of the second fin stack face each other and approach each other from one end to the other end in the fin short direction.

3. The connecting member is a first fin stack support portion that contacts and supports the first fin stack; The heat exchanger according to claim 2 , further comprising: a second fin stack support portion that contacts and supports the second fin stack.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3 , wherein the first fin stack support portion includes a fin longitudinal contact portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface of the first fin stack.

5. The heat exchanger of claim 4 , wherein the fin longitudinal contact portion of the first fin stack support portion comprises a plurality of through holes.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 3 , wherein the first fin stack support portion includes a fin short-side contact portion that contacts one fin short-side end face of the first fin stack.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 3 , wherein the second fin stack support portion comprises a fin longitudinal contact portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface of the second fin stack.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 3 , wherein the second fin stack support portion includes a fin short-side contact portion that contacts one fin short-side end face of the second fin stack.

9. The first fin stack support portion comprises: a fin longitudinal contact portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface of the first fin stack; and a fin short-side contact portion that contacts one of the fin short-side end faces of the first fin stack, the second fin stack support portion includes a fin short-side contact portion that contacts one fin short-side end surface of the second fin stack, the fin longitudinal contact portion of the first fin stack support portion includes a plurality of through holes; 4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the connecting member further includes a connection portion extending between and connecting the fin short-side contact portion at the first fin stack support portion and the fin short-side contact portion at the second fin stack support portion.

10. The first fin stack support portion comprises: a fin longitudinal contact portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface of the first fin stack; a first fin short-side contact portion that contacts one of the fin short-side end faces of the first fin stack; and a second fin short-side contact portion that contacts the other fin short-side end surface of the first fin stack, the second fin stack support portion includes a fin short-side contact portion that contacts one fin short-side end surface of the second fin stack, the fin longitudinal contact portion of the first fin stack support portion includes a plurality of through holes; the connecting member includes a connection portion extending between and connecting the first fin short-side contact portion of the first fin stack support portion and the fin short-side contact portion of the second fin stack support portion, the second fin stack has a chamfer surface between the fin longitudinal end surface and the other fin lateral end surface, The heat exchanger according to claim 3 , wherein the fin longitudinal contact portion of the first fin stack support portion contacts the chamfered surface of the second fin stack.

11. the first fin stack has a first chamfered surface between the fin longitudinal end face and one of the fin lateral end faces, and a second chamfered surface between the fin longitudinal end face and the other fin lateral end face; the second fin stack has a third chamfered surface between the fin longitudinal end face and one of the fin lateral end faces, and a fourth chamfered surface between the fin longitudinal end face and the other fin lateral end face; The first fin stack support portion comprises: a fin longitudinal contact portion that contacts the fin longitudinal end surface of the first fin stack; a first fin short-side contact portion that contacts one fin short-side end surface of the first fin stack; a second fin short-side contact portion that contacts the other fin short-side end surface of the first fin stack; a first chamfered surface contact portion that contacts the first chamfered surface; and a second chamfered surface contact portion that contacts the second chamfered surface; The second fin stack support portion comprises: a fin short-side contact portion that contacts the one fin short-side end surface of the second fin stack; and a third chamfered surface contact portion that contacts the third chamfered surface; the connecting member includes a connection portion extending between and connecting the first fin short-side direction contact portion of the first fin stack support portion and the third chamfer surface contact portion of the second fin stack support portion, The heat exchanger according to claim 3 , wherein the fin longitudinal contact portion of the first fin stack support portion contacts the fourth chamfered surface of the second fin stack.

12. Each of the first and second fin stacks includes an end plate at each end in the fin stacking direction, The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein both ends of the connecting member in the fin stacking direction are fixed to the end plates of the first and second fin stacks, respectively.

13. 2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is a pressed product made of a single metal plate.

14. A compressor that outputs a refrigerant; a heat exchanger through which a refrigerant flows; a fan for generating an air flow through the heat exchanger; The heat exchanger, first and second fin stacks each formed by stacking a plurality of fins, each of which has an internal flow passage through which a coolant flows, with gaps therebetween for air to pass through; a connecting member that connects the first and second fin stacks so that the fin stacking directions of the first and second fin stacks are parallel to each other and one fin longitudinal end surface of each of the first and second fin stacks is adjacent to each other, An air conditioner wherein the connecting member connects the first and second fin stacks with at least a portion of the connecting member being interposed between the fin longitudinal end face of the first fin stack and the fin longitudinal end face of the second fin stack.

Images