Heat exchanger

Abstract

To improve distributivity of media flowing in a closed flow channel when heat exchange is performed by making the two media flow in a so-called opposed flow.SOLUTION: A first flow channel of a heat exchanger includes: a distribution flow channel FA_in provided at a side where a first medium flows into a tube; a plurality of opposed flow channels FA_exc for making the first medium flowing from the distribution flow channel FA_in in a direction opposed to a direction where a second medium flows; and a collection flow channel FA_out provided at a side for collecting the first medium flowing in the opposed flow channels FA_exc and draining to the outside of the tube. Adjustment parts 211a, 211b for narrowing a part each of the distribution flow channel FA_in and the collection flow channel FA_out are disposed in at least one of the distribution flow channel FA_in and the collection flow channel FA_out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1 below, there is known a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between two media, in which the two media that perform heat exchange flow in opposing directions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6713345 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the distribution of the heat recovery medium flowing through the closed flow path may be uneven, resulting in regions where the flow is extremely small and regions where the flow is excessive.

[0005] The present disclosure has an object to improve the distribution of a medium flowing in a closed flow path when heat exchange is performed by flowing two media in a so-called countercurrent manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger, comprising a plurality of tubes (21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, 21F) arranged at a predetermined interval and having a first flow path through which a first medium passes, and fins (22) that contact each of the tubes arranged opposite to each other and form a second flow path (FB) through which a second medium passes and exchanges heat with the first medium. The first flow path has a distribution flow path (FA_in) provided on the side where the first medium flows into the tube, a plurality of counter flow paths (FA_exc) that cause the first medium flowing from the distribution flow path to flow in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second medium flows through the second flow path, and a collection flow path (FA_out) provided on the side that collects the first medium that has flowed through the counter flow path and causes it to flow out of the tube. At least one of the distribution flow path and the collection flow path is provided with an adjustment section (211a, 211b, 211Eb, 212b) that narrows a part of the distribution flow path and the collection flow path. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, when heat exchange is performed by flowing two media in a so-called countercurrent manner, it is possible to improve the distribution of the media flowing inside a closed flow path. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a heat exchanger according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the inside of a tube of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the flow path configuration of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a flow path configuration of a heat exchanger according to a modified example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a flow path configuration of a heat exchanger according to a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining internal flow paths of a heat exchanger according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the inside of a tube of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the inside of a tube according to a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the inside of a tube according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the inside of a tube according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0010] A heat exchanger 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat between a first medium and a second medium. The heat exchanger 2 includes tubes 21 and fins 22. The tubes 21 are configured so that the first medium flows therethrough. A plurality of tubes 21 are provided, and the tubes 21 and the fins 22 are stacked alternately.

[0011] The first medium is a liquid such as cooling water. The first medium flows from a first header tank (not shown) into the tube 21, flows into a second header tank (not shown), turns around, flows into another tube 21, and flows into the first header tank. The first header tank is provided with an inlet portion that receives the first medium and an outlet portion that allows the first medium to flow out.

[0012] A distribution flow path FA_in, an opposing flow path FA_exc, and a collection flow path FA_out are provided inside the tube 21. The distribution flow path FA_in, the opposing flow path FA_exc, and the collection flow path FA_out configure a first flow path through which the first medium flows.

[0013] The fins 22 are formed with a second flow path FB through which the second medium flows. The second medium is, for example, air. The fins 22 and the tubes 21 are in contact with each other and configured to be capable of heat exchange. Therefore, the second medium flowing through the fins 22 and the first medium flowing through the tubes 21 are configured to be capable of heat exchange.

[0014] 1, an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis are set, which are perpendicular to each other. The x-axis is set along the direction in which the second medium flows in the second flow path FB. The y-axis is set along the direction in which the tubes 21 extend. The z-axis is set along the direction in which the tubes 21 and the fins 22 are stacked.

[0015] The internal structure of the tube 21 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The tube 21 has a structure in which an inner fin is covered by a pair of shells. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a first shell 211 and an inner fin 213 with one of the shells removed.

[0016] A plurality of adjustment units 211a are provided at positions corresponding to the distribution flow paths FA_in of the first shell 211. A plurality of adjustment units 211b are provided at positions corresponding to the collection flow paths FA_out of the first shell 211.

[0017] An inner fin 213 is disposed between the multiple adjustment parts 211a and the multiple adjustment parts 211b. The inner fin 213 has a wave shape that alternately contacts the first shell 211 and the second shell (not shown in FIG. 2). The first medium flows between the inner fin 213 and the first shell 211 and between the inner fin 213 and the second shell, so that a counter flow path FA_exc is formed in this portion.

[0018] The distribution flow path FA_in is a flow path into which the first medium flowing into the tube 21 flows first. The distribution flow path FA_in is formed along the y-axis. Various means can be adopted for making the first medium flowing into the tube 21 flow into the distribution flow path FA_in first. One example is to provide a communication portion with a first header tank (not shown) and a second header tank (not shown) only at a position corresponding to the distribution flow path FA_in. Another example is to adjust the first medium to flow only into the distribution flow path FA_in by deforming the end of the tube 21. These are only examples, and it is sufficient that the flow path into which the first medium flowing into the tube 21 flows is the distribution flow path FA_in.

[0019] The counter flow passage FA_exc is a flow passage that causes the first medium flowing from the distribution flow passage FA_in to flow in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second medium flows through the second flow passage FB. The counter flow passage FA_exc is a flow passage that connects the distribution flow passage FA_in and the collection flow passage FA_out. A plurality of counter flow passages FA_exc are provided along the x-axis.

[0020] The collection flow channel FA_out is a flow channel provided on the side that collects the first medium that has flowed through the counter flow channel FA_exc and causes it to flow out of the tube 21. The collection flow channel FA_out is formed along the y-axis.

[0021] The adjustment portion 211a is provided so as to narrow a part of the distribution flow path FA_in. The adjustment portion 211a also plays a role in positioning the inner fin 213. The adjustment portion 211a is arranged so as to be denser on the downstream side (the positive y-axis side in FIG. 2) of the distribution flow path FA_in than on the upstream side (the negative y-axis side in FIG. 2).

[0022] The adjustment section 211b is provided so as to narrow a part of the collection flow path FA_out. The adjustment section 211b also plays a role in positioning the inner fin 213. The adjustment section 211b is arranged so as to be denser on the upstream side (the negative y-axis side in FIG. 2) of the collection flow path FA_out than on the downstream side (the positive y-axis side in FIG. 2).

[0023] The adjustment units 211a and 211b have an aspect that is provided to narrow a part of the distribution flow path FA_in and the collection flow path FA_out, and from that viewpoint, a method other than providing adjustment units of the same shape and changing the number of adjustment units on the upstream side and downstream side can be adopted. For example, an elliptical adjustment unit having a major axis along the flow path can be provided on the downstream side of the distribution flow path FA_in, and an elliptical adjustment unit having a major axis along the flow path can be provided on the upstream side of the collection flow path FA_out.

[0024] With reference to FIG. 3, the relationship between the distribution flow path FA_in, the counter flow path FA_exc, and the collection flow path FA_out, which serve as the first flow path in the tube 21, and the second flow path FB will be described.

[0025] As described above, the first medium that flows from the distribution flow path FA_in into the counter flow path FA_exc exchanges heat with the second medium flowing through the second flow path FB, and then is collected by the collection flow path FA_out and flows outside the tube 21.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, in the configuration of the tube 21, the first medium flowing through the counter flow path FA_exc and the second medium flowing through the second flow path FB flow in a completely counter direction with an angle of 0° between them.

[0027] The shape of the tube and the positional relationship between the first flow path and the second flow path are not limited to those described above. Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the flow of the first medium in a modified tube 21A and the relationship with the second flow path FB.

[0028] Tube 21A is bent at 90 degrees near its center. Although not shown in Fig. 4, inner fins (not shown) in tube 21A have angles that change to accommodate the bent portions of tube 21A. Fins (not shown) between multiple tubes 21A also have angles that change to accommodate the bent portions of tube 21A.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 4, the angle change of the counter flow passage FA_exc and the angle change of the second flow passage FB are almost the same, so that the first medium flowing through the counter flow passage FA_exc and the second medium flowing through the second flow passage FB in the tube 21A also flow in a completely counter flow manner with an angle of 0°. In the portion where the tube 21A is bent, the inner fin and the fin may not be formed to be completely aligned, and in that case, the angle between the first medium flowing through the counter flow passage FA_exc and the second medium flowing through the second flow passage FB may not be 0°. If the angle between the first medium flowing through the counter flow passage FA_exc and the second medium flowing through the second flow passage FB is within 45°, the effect of heat exchange as counter flows can be achieved.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the flow of the first medium in a tube 21B as a modified example and the second flow path FB.

[0031] Tube 21B is formed in an annular shape so that one end and the other end are close to each other. Although not shown in Fig. 5, inner fins (not shown) in tube 21B are provided in an annular shape so as to correspond to the curved state of tube 21B. Fins (not shown) between multiple tubes 21B are also provided in an annular shape so as to correspond to the curved state of tube 21B.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the counter flow paths FA_exc are arranged in a radial direction from the circular center of the tube 21B, and the second flow path FB is also arranged in a radial direction from the circular center of the tube 21B, so that in the tube 21B too, the first medium flowing through the counter flow path FA_exc and the second medium flowing through the second flow path FB flow in completely countercurrent fashion with an angle of 0° between them.

[0033] The inner fin 213 described with reference to Fig. 2 is formed without any gaps from the distribution flow path FA_in to the collection flow path FA_out so that the adjacent opposing flow paths FA_exc are completely separated. An inner fin 213C as shown in Fig. 6 may be used. The inner fin 213C is configured so that a gap is provided midway and adjacent portions are offset. The inner fin 213C is not formed so as to completely separate the adjacent opposing flow paths FA_exc, but the object of the present disclosure can be achieved even in such an embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the adjustment portions 211b and 212b. As shown in Fig. 7, the adjustment portion 211b is a convex portion formed by making the first shell 211 recessed from the outside. The adjustment portion 212b is a convex portion formed by making the second shell 212 recessed from the outside. The adjustment portions 211b and 212b are provided at corresponding positions, and play a role in narrowing a part of the collection flow path FA_out by abutting against each other. The same is true for the distribution flow path FA_in, so illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] 8, no adjustment portion is provided in the second shell 212D, and only the adjustment portion 211b is formed. In this manner, even if only one adjustment portion 211b is provided, it can play a role of narrowing a part of the collection flow path FA_out.

[0036] 9, the adjustment portion 211Eb provided on the first shell 211E abuts against the second shell 212D. In this way, even though there is only one adjustment portion 211Eb, by abutting against the opposing shell, it can more reliably fulfill the role of narrowing a part of the collection flow path FA_out.

[0037] The tube 21F shown in Fig. 10 has a two-stage shell structure. Fig. 10(A) shows a partial cross-sectional view of a portion where the adjustment portions 211b and 212b are formed, and Fig. 10(B) shows a partial cross-sectional view of a portion where the adjustment portions 211b and 212b are not formed.

[0038] The first shell 211F has a first portion 211Fn, a second portion 211Fw, and a step portion 211Fa. The step portion 211Fa is provided between the first portion 211Fn and the second portion 211Fw. The second portion 211Fw protrudes outward from the first portion 211Fn and is a portion in which the inner fins 213F are accommodated.

[0039] The second shell 212F has a first portion 212Fn, a second portion 212Fw, and a step portion 212Fa. The step portion 212Fa is provided between the first portion 212Fn and the second portion 212Fw. The second portion 212Fw protrudes outward from the first portion 212Fn, and is a portion in which the inner fin 213F is accommodated.

[0040] The first portion 211Fn and the first portion 212Fn are disposed opposite each other and form the collection flow path FA_out. The second portion 211Fw and the second portion 212Fw are disposed opposite each other and are portions where the inner fins 213F are disposed.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), the inner fin 213F is positioned by steps 211Fa and 212Fa.

[0042] [Note] Notes 1 to 10 below can be combined in any way as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[0043] [Appendix 1] A first flow path through which a first medium passes is formed inside a plurality of tubes 21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, and 21F that are arranged at predetermined intervals; fins 22 that contact the tubes 21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, and 21F that are arranged opposite to each other and form a second flow path FB through which a second medium that exchanges heat with the first medium passes; The first flow path is a distribution flow path FA_in provided on a side where the first medium flows into the tubes 21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, and 21F; a plurality of counter flow paths FA_exc for causing the first medium flowing in from the distribution flow path FA_in to flow through the second flow path FB in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second medium flows; a collection flow path FA_out provided on the side where the first medium that has flowed through the counter flow path FA_exc is collected and flows out of the tube; At least one of the distribution flow path FA_in and the collection flow path FA_out is provided with an adjustment portion 211a, 211b, 211Eb, 212b that narrows a portion of the distribution flow path FA_in or the collection flow path FA_out.

[0044] In the case where the first medium flowing in from the distribution flow path is distributed to and collected in an opposing flow path, if both the distribution flow path and the collection flow path have a uniform cross-sectional shape, the first medium will take a shortcut and flow in large amounts upstream, will not flow at all or only in very small amounts midstream, and will flow in large amounts downstream due to drift, making it difficult to flow the first medium uniformly in the opposing flow paths.

[0045] Therefore, by providing an adjustment section 211a, 211b, 211Eb, 212b that narrows a part of the distribution flow path FA_in and the collection flow path FA_out in at least one of the flow paths, the flow rate of the first medium flowing into the counter flow path FA_exc can be adjusted, and shortcuts and drift can be suppressed. As a result, the temperature distribution of the first medium in the tube longitudinal direction becomes more uniform, and a temperature distribution occurs in the direction in which the second flow path FB extends, improving the temperature characteristics as a heat exchanger. For example, even in a usage mode in which heat exchange is partially performed in the longitudinal direction of the tubes 21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, 21F, the temperature drift is reduced, and the adaptability when used as a heat exchanger generating hot and cold air for an air conditioner is improved.

[0046] [Appendix 2] The adjustment units 211a, 211b, 211Eb, and 212b are arranged in a heat exchanger 2 described in Appendix 1 so that the rate at which the distribution flow path FA_in and the collection flow path FA_out are narrowed is denser toward the downstream side on the distribution flow path FA_in side and denser toward the upstream side on the collection flow path FA_out side.

[0047] In the distribution flow path FA_in, the rate of narrowing is made denser on the downstream side than on the upstream side to prevent the flow of the first medium from stagnating upstream, while in the collection flow path FA_out, the rate of narrowing is made denser on the upstream side than on the downstream side to prevent the first medium from entering too much of the opposing flow path FA_exc upstream of the distribution flow path FA_in, so that the first medium flows as evenly as possible throughout the opposing flow path FA_exc.

[0048] [Appendix 3] The heat exchanger 2 described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the counter flow path FA_exc and the second flow path FB are arranged so that the flow direction of the first medium flowing through the counter flow path FA_exc and the flow direction of the second medium flowing through the second flow path FB intersect at an angle of 45° or less.

[0049] This is not limited to the case where the opposing flow path and the second flow path form completely opposing flows, but by making the flow direction of the first medium and the flow direction of the second medium intersect at an angle of 45° or less, it is possible to suppress shortcuts and drift while also achieving a uniform temperature distribution in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0050] [Appendix 4] 4. The heat exchanger 2 of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first medium is a liquid and the second medium is a gas.

[0051] Since drift is likely to occur due to the inertia of the liquid, drift can be suppressed by providing the adjustment units 211a, 211b, 211Eb, and 212b.

[0052] [Appendix 5] The heat exchanger 2 described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the tubes 21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, 21F include shells 211, 211E, 211F, 212, 212D, 212F that cover the entire first flow path, and inner fins 213, 213C, 213F that are covered by the shells 211, 211E, 211F, 212, 212D, 212F to form the opposing flow path FA_exc.

[0053] By forming the counter flow passages FA_exc by the inner fins 213, 213C, it is possible to easily form counter flow passages of various shapes according to the shapes of the inner fins 213, 213C.

[0054] [Appendix 6] The heat exchanger 2 according to claim 5, wherein the shells 211F, 212F include an area having a height lower than the height of a portion corresponding to the inner fin 213F.

[0055] Since the shells 211F, 212F include the first portions 211Fn, 212Fn that are regions with heights lower than the height of the second portions 211Fw, 212Fw corresponding to the inner fins 213F, a step can be formed inside the tube. The step portions 211Fa, 212Fa formed by the regions with heights lower than the height of the portions corresponding to the inner fins 213F can play a role in holding the inner fins 213F.

[0056] [Appendix 7] The heat exchanger 2 according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the adjustment portions 211a, 211b, 211Eb, and 212b are formed by protrusions protruding into the insides of the tubes 21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, and 21F.

[0057] By forming the convex portion, the section modulus of that portion can be increased, and the rigidity of the tube can be improved even if the distribution flow path FA_in and the collection flow path FA_out are secured to be wide. In addition, the surface area of ​​the distribution flow path FA_in and the collection flow path FA_out can be increased.

[0058] [Appendix 8] 8. The heat exchanger 2 according to claim 7, wherein the protrusions are formed by depressing the shells 211, 211E, 211F, 212, 212D, and 212F from the outside.

[0059] The shells 211, 211E, 211F, 212, 212D, and 212F are recessed from the outside to form the protrusions, so that the protrusions can be formed by a simple method. Since recesses corresponding to the protrusions are formed, the flow on the second flow path side can be disturbed, which contributes to lowering resistance. In addition, the surface area on the second flow path side can also be increased.

[0060] [Appendix 9] The heat exchanger (2) according to any one of appendices 5 to 8, wherein the plate thickness of the inner fins (213, 213C, 213F) is equal to or smaller than the plate thickness of the shells (211, 211E, 211F, 212, 212D, 212F).

[0061] By making the plate thickness of the inner fins 213, 213C, and 213F equal to or smaller than the plate thickness of the shells 211, 211E, 211F, 212, 212D, and 212F, it is possible to form fine internal flow paths.

[0062] [Appendix 10] 10. The heat exchanger 2 according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flow path length of the first flow path is 5 times or more the flow path length of the second flow path.

[0063] The flow path length of the first flow path can be defined as, for example, the length from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of the tubes 21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, and 21F. The flow path length of the second flow path can be defined as, for example, the length of the longest portion of the second flow path FB formed by the fin 22 and the tubes 21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, and 21F.

[0064] The present embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to these specific examples are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they have the features of the present disclosure. The elements of each of the above-mentioned specific examples and their arrangements, conditions, shapes, etc. are not limited to those exemplified and can be changed as appropriate. The combination of each of the elements of each of the above-mentioned specific examples can be changed as appropriate as long as no technical contradiction occurs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 2: Heat exchanger 21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, 21F: Tube 211, 211E, 211F: First shell 212, 212D, 212F: Second shell 213, 213C, 213F: Inner fin 22: Finn FA_in: Distribution flow path FA_exc: Counterflow channel FA_out: collection flow path FB: Second flow path 211a, 211b, 211Eb, 212b: Adjustment section

Claims

1. a plurality of tubes (21, 21A, 21B, 21D, 21E, 21F) each having a first flow path formed therein through which a first medium passes and arranged at predetermined intervals; fins (22) that contact each of the tubes arranged opposite to each other and form a second flow path (FB) through which a second medium that exchanges heat with the first medium passes; The first flow path is A distribution flow path (FA_in) provided on a side where the first medium flows into the tube; a plurality of counter flow paths (FA_exc) that cause the first medium flowing from the distribution flow path to flow through the second flow path in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second medium flows; a collection flow path (FA_out) provided on the side that collects the first medium that has flowed through the opposing flow path and causes it to flow out of the tube; At least one of the distribution flow path and the collection flow path is provided with an adjustment section (211a, 211b, 211Eb, 212b) that narrows a part of the distribution flow path and the collection flow path.

2. 2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment section is provided so that a rate at which the distribution flow path and a portion of the collection flow path are narrowed becomes denser toward a downstream side on the distribution flow path side and becomes denser toward an upstream side on the collection flow path side.

3. 2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the opposing flow paths and the second flow path are arranged such that a flow direction of a first medium flowing through the opposing flow paths and a flow direction of a second medium flowing through the second flow path intersect at an angle of 45° or less.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the first medium is a liquid and the second medium is a gas.

5. 2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the tube includes a shell (211, 211E, 211F, 212, 212D, 212F) covering the entire first flow path, and an inner fin (213, 213C, 213F) covered by the shell to form the opposing flow path.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5 , wherein the shells (211F, 212F) include regions having a height lower than a height of a portion corresponding to the inner fins (213F).

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 5 , wherein the adjustment portion is formed by a protrusion protruding into the inside of the tube.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7 , wherein the protrusion is formed by depressing the shell from the outside.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 5 , wherein the thickness of the inner fin is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the shell.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein a length of the first flow passage is at least five times a length of the second flow passage.

Images