Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger capable of inhibiting leakage of a refrigerant from among a plurality of plate-like bodies, when the plurality of plate-like bodies of a laminated header are brazed without use of a bolt and a nut, and a refrigeration cycle device.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger according to an embodiment comprises a laminated header in which a plurality of plate-like bodies is stacked. The laminated header is brought into contact via a brazing filler metal with each of outside surfaces of the end plate-like bodies, which are positioned at both ends, of the plurality of plate-like bodies. A fixing component for sandwiching the plurality of plate-like bodies is arranged so that bearing can be applied to the plurality of plate-like bodies.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device. [Background technology]

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

[0003] The multiple plates that make up the stacked header are brazed together in a heating furnace. When brazing in a heating furnace, it is important to temporarily assemble the multiple plates together before brazing. Without this temporary assembly, the multiple plates will fall apart in the heating furnace, and if there is a large clearance, a brazing fillet will not form at the joint surface, causing refrigerant leakage. For this reason, for example, a method is used to temporarily assemble the multiple plates together in a stacked header before brazing them (a bolt with a shaft in a through hole that extends from one end of the multiple plates to the other end of the multiple plates). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 130834 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Fixing methods using bolts and nuts can cause galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar metal contact depending on the bolt material. Also, the increased number of parts increases the amount of work required, making this method unsuitable for mass production.

[0006] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device that can suppress refrigerant leakage from between multiple plate-like bodies by brazing multiple plate-like bodies of a stacked header without using bolts and nuts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The heat exchanger according to the embodiment includes a stacked header formed by stacking a plurality of plates. The stacked header is configured with fixing parts that contact the outer surfaces of end plates located at both ends of the plurality of plates via brazing material and sandwich the plurality of plates so that surface pressure is applied to the plurality of plates. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of a first header of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the effect when the U-shaped part of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment is sandwiched so that the refrigerant pipe is inserted into the through-hole. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the width and arrangement of a first plate of a U-shaped component of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the width and arrangement of the second plate of the U-shaped component of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a first header of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a second header of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is, for example, a chiller, an air conditioner, or a water heater. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 includes a compressor 2, a four-way valve 3, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 4, an expansion device 5, an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 6, and piping 7. The components 2 to 6 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 are connected by the piping 7. In FIG. 1, the flow direction of the refrigerant (heat medium) during cooling operation is indicated by solid arrows. The flow direction of the refrigerant during heating operation is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0012] The compressor 2 comprises a compressor main body 2A and an accumulator 2B. The compressor main body 2A compresses the low-pressure gas refrigerant taken in to produce high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. The accumulator 2B separates the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and supplies the gas refrigerant to the compressor main body 2A.

[0013] The four-way valve 3 reverses the flow direction of the refrigerant to switch between cooling and heating operation. In Figure 1, the four-way valve 3 is shown in cooling operation. During cooling operation, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 2, four-way valve 3, outdoor heat exchanger 4, expansion device 5, and indoor heat exchanger 6 in this order. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, while the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator.

[0014] On the other hand, by switching the four-way valve 3 from the cooling operation state shown in Fig. 1 to the heating operation state, the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor 2, four-way valve 3, indoor heat exchanger 6, expansion device 5, and outdoor heat exchanger 4. In this case, the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser, while the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.

[0015] The condenser converts the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 into high-pressure liquid refrigerant by condensing it through heat transfer to the outside air. The expansion device 5 reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the condenser, converting it into low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The evaporator converts the low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant sent from the expansion device 5 into low-pressure gas refrigerant by absorbing heat from the outside air and vaporizing it.

[0016] In the refrigeration cycle device 1, the refrigerant, which is the working fluid, circulates while changing phase between gaseous and liquid refrigerants. The refrigerant releases heat during the phase change from gaseous to liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat during the phase change from liquid to gaseous refrigerant. The refrigeration cycle device 1 performs operations such as heating, cooling, and defrosting by utilizing the heat release or absorption of the refrigerant.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the heat exchanger according to the embodiment is used as one or both of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6 (see Fig. 1) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. Hereinafter, a case where the heat exchanger according to the embodiment is used as the outdoor heat exchanger 4 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 will be described as an example.

[0018] 2 shows the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 includes a stacked header (distributor, hereinafter referred to as the “first header”) 10, a stacked header (distributor, hereinafter referred to as the “second header”) 20, a plurality of heat transfer tubes 30, and a plurality of fins 40.

[0019] The outdoor heat exchanger 4 (and the indoor heat exchanger 6) is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle device 1 and the air, and serves as an air heat exchanger.

[0020] The first header 10, also called a plate-type header, is formed by stacking k (k is an integer equal to or greater than 3) rectangular plate-like bodies 111-11k. The k plate-like bodies 111-11k are made of, for example, aluminum (e.g., a 3000-series aluminum alloy) and consist of three plate-like bodies 111-113 (end plate-like bodies 111 and 112 and a central plate-like body 113). While the first header 10 will be described as having only one central plate-like body, the central plate-like body 113, the number of central plates is not limited to this case. The first header 10 also has a pipe insertion portion 111A provided on the end plate-like body 111 into which the refrigerant pipe W1 is inserted, a pipe insertion portion 111B provided on the end plate-like body 111 into which the refrigerant pipe W2 is inserted, and a heat transfer tube insertion portion 112A provided on the end plate-like body 112 into which multiple heat transfer tubes 30 are inserted.

[0021] The first header 10 is also configured with fixing parts 13 that sandwich the three plate-like bodies 111-113. More specifically, the fixing parts 13 are made of the same material as the three plate-like bodies 111-113, and are in contact with the outer surfaces of the end plate-like bodies 111, 112 located at both ends of the three plate-like bodies 111-113 via brazing material, sandwiching the three plate-like bodies 111-113 so that surface pressure is applied to the three plate-like bodies 111-113. Note that Fig. 2 illustrates an example in which the first header 10 includes one fixing part 13.

[0022] Similar to the first header 10, the second header 20 is formed by stacking m (m is an integer of 3 or more) rectangular plate-like bodies 211-21m. The second header 20 is made of, for example, aluminum (e.g., a 3000 series aluminum alloy) and is composed of three plate-like bodies 211-213 (end plate-like bodies 211, 212 and a central plate-like body 213). In this case, the central plate-like body of the second header 20 is the single central plate-like body 213, but this is not limited to this case. The second header 20 has a plurality of heat transfer tube insertion portions 212A into which a plurality of heat transfer tubes 30 are inserted.

[0023] The heat transfer tube 30 is connected between the heat transfer tube insertion portion 112A of the first header 10 and the heat transfer tube insertion portion 212A of the second header 20. The heat transfer tube 30 is a flat or circular tube with multiple flow passages formed therein. The heat transfer tube 30 is made of, for example, copper or aluminum (for example, 3000 series aluminum alloy).

[0024] A plurality of fins 40 are joined to the heat transfer tubes 30. The fins 40 are made of, for example, aluminum (for example, a 3000 series aluminum alloy). Although FIG. 2 shows a case in which there are eight heat transfer tubes 30, the number of heat transfer tubes 30 is not limited to this. For example, there may be two heat transfer tubes 30.

[0025] Next, the flow of refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 including the first header 10 will be described.

[0026] During cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, while the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator. At this time, in the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant from the refrigerant pipe W1 (in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 2) flows into the first header 10 via the pipe insertion portion 111A (shown in FIG. 7) and is distributed, and flows out to the heat transfer tubes 30 via the heat transfer tube insertion portions 112A (flow to the left in FIG. 2). In the heat transfer tubes 30, the refrigerant exchanges heat with, for example, air supplied by a blower. The refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes 30 flows into the second header 20 via the heat transfer tube insertion portions 212A (shown in FIG. 8) and flows out to the heat transfer tubes 30 again via the heat transfer tube insertion portions 212A (flow to the right in FIG. 2). The refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes 30 flows into the first header 10 via the heat transfer tube insertion portions 112A, where it joins and is distributed again. After heat exchange while the refrigerant repeatedly flows leftward and rightward, the refrigerant flows out of the refrigerant pipe W2 via the pipe insertion portion 111B (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2). In heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator, while the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser. At this time, the refrigerant from the refrigerant pipe W2 (in the opposite direction to the arrow in FIG. 2) follows a route opposite to that in cooling operation and flows out of the refrigerant pipe W1 (in the opposite direction to the arrow in FIG. 2).

[0027] Fig. 3 is an external view showing an example of the first header 10. Fig. 3(A) is a perspective view showing the fixing part 13 of the first header 10. Figs. 3(B) to 3(D) are perspective views showing a state in which the fixing part 13 is sandwiched between the first header 10 of the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The directions along two sides of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 are defined as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction (short direction) and the Y-axis direction (longitudinal direction) is defined as the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is synonymous with the stacking direction of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the fixing part 13 is a part that contacts the outer surfaces of the end plates (for example, the end plates 111 and 112 shown in FIG. 1) located at both ends of the three plate-like bodies 111 to 113 via brazing material, and sandwiches the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 so that surface pressure is applied to the plate-like bodies 111 to 113. For example, the fixing part 13 is a U-shaped part that includes two opposing plates (a first plate F1 and a second plate F2) that contact the outer surfaces of the end plates 111 and 112, respectively. Below, a case where the fixing part 13 is a U-shaped part will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this case.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3A, the U-shaped part 13 includes a first plate F1, a second plate F2, and a third plate F3. The first plate F1 and the second plate F2 are parallel to the XY plane, and the third plate F3 is parallel to the YZ plane. The third plate F3 is formed to connect the first plate F1 and the second plate F2, giving the U-shaped part 13 a substantially U-shape. The first plate F1 of the U-shaped part 13 has a through-hole 131 formed therein for inserting the refrigerant pipe W1 connected to the end plate 111. The second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13 has a through-hole 132 formed therein for inserting the heat transfer tube 30 connected to the end plate 112.

[0030] Fig. 3(B) shows a state in which one U-shaped part 13 is sandwiched in the first header 10 so that the refrigerant pipe W1 and the heat transfer pipe 30 are inserted into the through holes 131, 132, respectively. Fig. 3(C) shows a state in which one U-shaped part 13 is sandwiched in the first header 10 so that the refrigerant pipe W1 and the heat transfer pipe 30 are inserted into the through holes 131, 132, respectively, and two U-shaped parts 13 are sandwiched so that the refrigerant pipes W1, W2 are not inserted. Fig. 3(D) shows a state in which one U-shaped part 13 is sandwiched in the first header 10 so that the refrigerant pipe W1 and the heat transfer pipe 30 are inserted into the through holes 131, 132, respectively, and one U-shaped part 13 is sandwiched in the first header 10 so that the refrigerant pipe W2 and the heat transfer pipe 30 are inserted into the through holes 131, 132, respectively.

[0031] 2 and 3(B) to 3(D), the U-shaped part 13 is arranged so that the refrigerant pipe W1 and the heat transfer pipe 30 are inserted through the through holes 131 and 132, respectively. In other words, the U-shaped part 13 is arranged so that the through hole 131 of the U-shaped part 13 is on the outer surface side of the end plate body 111, and so that the through hole 132 of the U-shaped part 13 is on the outer surface side of the end plate body 112. Note that the U-shaped part 13 is not limited to only those having the through holes 131 and 132 as shown in FIG. 3(C).

[0032] By sandwiching the U-shaped part 13 in the first header 10, it is possible to improve defects of the first header 10 that occur during brazing. In addition, it is possible to improve the pressure resistance strength of the first header 10.

[0033] Furthermore, the smaller the diameter and thickness of the refrigerant pipe W1, the more likely the joint between the end plate body 111 and the refrigerant pipe W1 will break, and the thinner the plate body 111, the more likely the joint will fail. Therefore, reinforcement of the base of the refrigerant pipe W1 is necessary. In this embodiment, the U-shaped part 13 is clamped so that the refrigerant pipe W1 is inserted into the through-hole 131. Similarly, the U-shaped part 13 is clamped so that the heat transfer tube 30 is inserted into the through-hole 132.

[0034] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the effect when the U-shaped part 13 is sandwiched so that the refrigerant pipe W1 is inserted into the through-hole 131. Fig. 4(A) is a side view showing a state without the U-shaped part 13. Fig. 4(B) is a side view showing a state in which the U-shaped part 13 is sandwiched so that the refrigerant pipe W1 is inserted into the through-hole 131.

[0035] When joining the refrigerant pipe W1 to the end plate 111, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the joint T is tapered, weakening the base of the refrigerant pipe W1 and making it prone to cracking. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4(B), a U-shaped part 13 is inserted into the through-hole 131 so that the refrigerant pipe W1 is inserted and fixed by the U-shaped part 13. This configuration reinforces the base of the refrigerant pipe W1, making it less likely to break even if the diameter and thickness of the refrigerant pipe W1 are small. Furthermore, even if the plate thickness of the end plate 111 is thin, poor joining is less likely to occur. While the relationship between the joint T of the refrigerant pipe W1 and the end plate 111 and the through-hole 131 has been described above, the same applies to the joint between the heat transfer tube 30 and the end plate 112 and the through-hole 132 (shown in FIG. 3(A)).

[0036] The U-shaped part 13 is made of aluminum (for example, a 3000-series aluminum alloy) like the other components of the first header 10. On the other hand, the brazing filler metal is made of aluminum (for example, a 4000-series aluminum alloy) that has a relatively low melting point. That is, by placing the first header 10 in a furnace, only the brazing filler metal melts, and the plate-like bodies 111-113 can be joined together and between the plate-like bodies 111-113 and the U-shaped part 13.

[0037] Next, the size of the U-shaped part 13 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the width (width in the Y-axis direction) and arrangement of the first plate F1 of the U-shaped part 13. FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are front views showing the first header 10. FIG. 5(C) is a front view showing a first header 10' which is a comparative example of the first header 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the width (width in the Y-axis direction) and arrangement of the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13. FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) are rear views showing the first header 10. FIG. 6(C) is a rear view showing a first header 10' which is a comparative example of the first header 10.

[0038] 5(A) and 5(B), it is preferable that the widths of the first plate F1 of the U-shaped part 13 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are equal to or greater than the diameter of the refrigerant pipe W1, and that the first plate F1 of the U-shaped part 13 is sized to entirely cover at least one or more spatial flow passages formed in the central plate 113 (if there are multiple central plates 113, all of the central plates 113 or a central plate 113 relatively close to the end plate 111) when viewed from the positive direction of the Z axis. It is also preferable that the first plate F1 of the U-shaped part 13 be positioned to entirely cover at least one or more spatial flow passages formed in the central plate facing the end plate 111 when viewed from the positive direction of the Z axis. For example, when the U-shaped part 13 arranged in the first header 10 is viewed from the positive direction of the Z axis, the first plate F1 of the U-shaped part 13 is positioned so that, of all the spatial flow paths 81 to 88 (shown in FIG. 7 ) formed in the middle plate-like body 113 facing the end plate-like body 111, (a) A configuration in which one spatial flow path 83 is entirely covered; (b) A configuration in which the two spatial channels 82 and 83 are entirely covered (FIG. 5(A)), or (c) A configuration that covers the entire five spatial channels 81 to 85 (FIG. 5(B)). It is preferable that:

[0039] 6(A) and 6(B), it is preferable that the widths of the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are equal to or greater than the diameter of the refrigerant pipe W1, and that the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13 is sized to entirely cover at least one or more spatial flow passages formed in the central plate 113 (if there are multiple central plates 113, all of the central plates 113 or a central plate 113 relatively close to the end plate 112) when viewed from the negative direction of the Z axis. It is also preferable that the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13 be positioned to entirely cover at least one or more spatial flow passages formed in the central plate facing the end plate 112 when viewed from the negative direction of the Z axis. For example, when the U-shaped part 13 arranged in the first header 10 is viewed from the negative direction of the Z axis, the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13 is positioned so that, of all the spatial flow paths 81 to 88 (shown in FIG. 7) formed in the middle plate-like body 113 facing the end plate-like body 112, (d) A configuration in which one spatial flow path 83 is entirely covered; (e) A configuration in which the two spatial channels 82 and 83 are entirely covered (FIG. 6(A)), or (f) A configuration that covers the entire five spatial channels 81 to 85 (FIG. 6(B)). In addition, from the viewpoint of the manufacturing load, it is preferable that the configuration of the first plate F1 and the configuration of the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13 are substantially the same.

[0040] On the other hand, in FIG. 5(C), the first plate F1 of the U-shaped part 13′ is positioned to cover only a portion of the spatial flow paths (e.g., five spatial flow paths 81-85) formed in the central plate-like body facing the end plate-like bodies 111 and 112. Specifically, the first plate F1 of the U-shaped part 13′ is positioned to cover only the upper portions of the spatial flow paths 84 and 85 formed in the central plate-like body 113, and is not positioned to cover the entirety of the five spatial flow paths 81-85. In this case, stress may be concentrated in the spatial flow paths 84 and 85, which are only partially covered. By configuring the first plate F1 of the U-shaped part 13 as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and (B), stress concentration can be suppressed compared to the configuration of the first plate F1 of the U-shaped part 13′ shown in FIG. 5(C).

[0041] Similarly, in Fig. 6(C), the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13' is positioned to cover only a portion of the entirety of a predetermined number of spatial flow paths (for example, five spatial flow paths 81-85) formed in the central plate-like body facing the end plate-like bodies 111, 112. By configuring the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13 as shown in Figs. 6(A) and (B), stress concentration can be suppressed compared to the configuration of the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13' shown in Fig. 6(C).

[0042] Next, the configuration of the headers 10, 20 will be described. The headers 10, 20 may be any headers that have three or more plate-like bodies and function as distributors. As an example of the headers 10, 20, a header having three plate-like bodies will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8.

[0043] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the first header 10. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the second header 20. Note that in Figs. 7 and 8, the U-shaped part 13 of the first header 10 described above in Figs. 3 to 5 is omitted from the illustration.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, the first header 10 is composed of two end plate-like bodies 111, 112 and one or more middle plate-like bodies 113 (for example, one middle plate-like body 113) sandwiched between the end plate-like bodies 111, 112. The plate-like bodies 111 to 113 have the same external shape in a plan view. Note that, although FIG. 7 illustrates the case where k=3, the present invention is not limited to this case. The number of middle plate-like bodies 113 can be changed as desired.

[0045] The plates 111-113 have a plurality of through-holes that penetrate in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the end plate 111 has pipe insertion sections 111A and 111B as through-holes. The end plate 112 has a plurality of heat transfer tube insertion sections 112A as through-holes. The middle plate 113 has a plurality of spatial flow paths 113A as through-holes that serve as refrigerant flow paths.

[0046] The plurality of spatial channels 113A include eight spatial channels (first spatial channel 81 to eighth spatial channel 88). The first spatial channel 81 and the eighth spatial channel 88 are elliptical when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The "elliptical shape" is a shape formed by two parallel and facing straight lines and curved convex lines (for example, semicircular or elliptical arc) connecting the ends of the two straight lines. The major axis directions of the first spatial channel 81 and the eighth spatial channel 88 are parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0047] The first spatial flow path 81 is located at the highest position among the first spatial flow paths 81 to the eighth spatial flow paths 88. The eighth spatial flow path 88 is located at the lowest position among the first spatial flow paths 81 to the eighth spatial flow paths 88.

[0048] The second spatial flow path 82 and the third spatial flow path 83 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction and at a lower position than the first spatial flow path 81. The fourth spatial flow path 84 is arranged at a lower position than the second spatial flow path 82. The fifth spatial flow path 85 is arranged at a lower position than the third spatial flow path 83. The fourth spatial flow path 84 and the fifth spatial flow path 85 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The sixth spatial flow path 86 is arranged at a lower position than the fourth spatial flow path 84. The seventh spatial flow path 87 is arranged at a lower position than the fifth spatial flow path 85. The sixth spatial flow path 86 and the seventh spatial flow path 87 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The eighth spatial flow path 88 is arranged at a lower position than the sixth spatial flow path 86 and the seventh spatial flow path 87.

[0049] A piping insertion portion 111A is formed in the end plate-like body 111 at a position corresponding to the third spatial flow path 83 of the central plate-like body 113. For example, the piping insertion portion 111A is a circular through-hole. A refrigerant piping W1 is inserted into the piping insertion portion 111A. The piping insertion portion 111A serves as an inlet for introducing the refrigerant into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 or an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0050] A piping insertion portion 111B is formed in the end plate-like body 111 at a position corresponding to the sixth spatial flow path 86 of the central plate-like body 113. For example, the piping insertion portion 111B is a circular through-hole. The opening area of ​​the piping insertion portion 111A may be equal to the opening area of ​​the piping insertion portion 111B. A refrigerant piping W2 is inserted into the piping insertion portion 111B. The piping insertion portion 111B serves as an inlet for introducing the refrigerant into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 or an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0051] The end plate-like body 112 has two heat transfer tube insertion portions 112A arranged at a distance in the X-axis direction at positions corresponding to the first spatial flow path 81 of the central plate-like body 113. The end plate-like body 112 has two heat transfer tube insertion portions 112A arranged at a distance in the Y-axis direction at positions corresponding to the second spatial flow path 82 to the seventh spatial flow path 87. The end plate-like body 112 also has two heat transfer tube insertion portions 112A arranged at a distance in the X-axis direction at a position corresponding to the eighth spatial flow path 88 of the central plate-like body 113. The heat transfer tube insertion portions 112A have a slit shape along the X-axis direction. Heat transfer tubes 30 (shown in FIG. 2) are inserted into the heat transfer tube insertion portions 112A.

[0052] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, the second header 20 is composed of two end plate-like bodies 211, 212 and one or more middle plate-like bodies 213 (for example, one middle plate-like body 213) sandwiched between the end plate-like bodies 211, 212. The plate-like bodies 211 to 213 have the same external shape in a plan view. Note that Figure 8 shows the case where m = 3, but the present invention is not limited to this case. The number of middle plate-like bodies 213 can be changed as desired.

[0053] The plates 212, 213 have multiple through-holes that penetrate in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the end plate 212 has multiple heat transfer tube insertion portions 212A as through-holes. The middle plate 213 has multiple spatial flow paths 213A as through-holes that serve as refrigerant flow paths. On the other hand, the end plate 211 does not have any through-holes.

[0054] The plurality of spatial channels 213A include eight spatial channels (first spatial channel 91 to eighth spatial channel 98). The height (Y-axis direction) of the arrangement of the first spatial channel 91 to eighth spatial channel 98 is shifted by half a channel from the second spatial channel 82 to seventh spatial channel 87 of the first header.

[0055] The first spatial flow path 91 and the second spatial flow path 92 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction at the highest position among the first spatial flow path 91 to the eighth spatial flow path 98. The third spatial flow path 93 is arranged at a lower position than the first spatial flow path 91. The fourth spatial flow path 94 is arranged at a lower position than the second spatial flow path 92. The third spatial flow path 93 and the fourth spatial flow path 94 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The fifth spatial flow path 95 is arranged at a lower position than the third spatial flow path 93. The sixth spatial flow path 96 is arranged at a lower position than the fourth spatial flow path 94. The fifth spatial flow path 95 and the sixth spatial flow path 96 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The seventh spatial flow path 97 is arranged at a lower position than the fifth spatial flow path 95. The eighth spatial flow path 98 is arranged at a lower position than the sixth spatial flow path 96. The seventh spatial flow path 97 and the eighth spatial flow path 98 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction.

[0056] Two heat transfer tube insertion sections 212A are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction on the end plate-like body 212 at positions corresponding to the first spatial flow paths 91-98 of the central plate-like body 213. The heat transfer tube insertion sections 212A are slit-shaped along the X-axis direction. The heat transfer tubes 30 are inserted into the heat transfer tube insertion sections 212A.

[0057] These plate-like bodies 111 to 113 (the same applies to plate-like bodies 211 to 213) are brazed together. The brazing material may be clad (applied) on at least one of the two opposing surfaces of the stacked plate-like bodies 111 to 113. For example, before brazing, the end plate-like bodies 111 and 112 are not clad (applied) with brazing material, whereas both surfaces of the central plate-like body 113 are clad (applied) with brazing material.

[0058] The plates 111-113 are stacked while clad with brazing material. Furthermore, the brazing material is clad (applied) on the joining surfaces of the U-shaped part 13 with the end plates 111, 112 before brazing. The plates 111-113 are then fixed with the U-shaped part 13 sandwiched between them, and are then heated in a heating furnace to be brazed. The plates 111-113 (as well as the plates 211-213) each have a thickness of, for example, about 1-10 mm and are made of aluminum (for example, a 4000 series aluminum alloy).

[0059] The plate-like bodies 111 to 113 (and the same goes for the plate-like bodies 211 to 213) are each processed by press working or cutting work. When processing by press working, a plate material having a thickness of 5 mm or less that can be pressed is used, and when processing by cutting work, a plate material having a thickness of 5 mm or more may be used.

[0060] In the above description, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 is configured such that when the refrigerant flows into one of the pipe insertion portions of the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant flows out of the pipe insertion portion on the same side of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 (two pipe insertion portions 111A, 111B are arranged in the end plate-like body 111 of the first header 10). However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may be configured such that when the refrigerant flows into one of the pipe insertion portions of the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant flows out of the other pipe insertion portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 (one pipe insertion portion is arranged in the end plate-like body 111 of the first header 10, and the other pipe insertion portion is arranged in the end plate-like body 211 of the second header 20) (see Patent Document 1). In this case, the header with one of the heat transfer tube insertion portions distributes the refrigerant, and the header with the other heat transfer tube insertion portion merges the refrigerant.

[0061] In the above description, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 has a shape including the first header 10 and the second header 20, but this is not limited to this. For example, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may have only the first header 10, and the connected heat transfer tubes 30 may be serpentine tubes.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above description, the width in the X-axis direction of the first plate F1 and the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13 is formed to be approximately equal to the width in the X-axis direction of the first header 10, but this is not limited to this. For example, the width in the X-axis direction of the first plate F1 and the second plate F2 of the U-shaped part 13 may be the width of one spatial flow path 113A formed in the first header 10.

[0063] In the above description, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 has been described as having two rows of heat transfer tubes 30 inserted in the X-axis direction of the first header 10, but this is not limited to this. For example, the heat transfer tubes 30 may be in one row.

[0064] In this way, by stacking and brazing the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 of the first header 10 and stacking and brazing the plate-like bodies 211 to 213 of the second header 20 to connect the respective flow paths, a mixed flow path can be formed in the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0065] As described above, with a heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device equipped with a stacked header, refrigerant leakage from between k plate-shaped bodies (the same applies to m plate-shaped bodies) can be suppressed by brazing k plate-shaped bodies without using bolts (bolts with an axis in a through hole extending in the Z-axis direction from end plate-shaped body 111 to end plate-shaped body 112) and nuts.

[0066] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1...Refrigeration cycle device 4…Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 6…Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 10...Stacked header (first header) 11k, 111-113...plate-shaped body 13...Fixing parts 20...Stacked header (second header) 21m, 211~213...plate-shaped body 30...Heat transfer tube 40…Fin

Claims

1. A stacked header is provided, which is formed by stacking a plurality of plate-like bodies, The stacked header includes: Fixing components are arranged in contact with outer surfaces of end plate-like bodies located at both ends of the plurality of plate-like bodies via brazing material, and sandwich the plurality of plate-like bodies so that surface pressure is applied to the plurality of plate-like bodies. heat exchanger.

2. the fixing component has a through hole for inserting a refrigerant pipe connected to one of the end plates, The fixing part is arranged so that the refrigerant pipe is inserted into the through hole. The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

3. The fixing part is a U-shaped part having two opposing plates each in contact with the outer surface of the end plate-like body. The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

4. the fixing part is a U-shaped part having two opposing plates each in contact with an outer surface of the end plate-like body, the widths of the two opposing plates of the U-shaped part in the directions along the two sides of the plate-like body are equal to or larger than the diameter of the refrigerant pipe connected to one of the end plate-like bodies, and when viewed from the stacking direction of the plurality of plate-like bodies, the two opposing plates of the U-shaped part are sized to entirely cover at least one or more spatial flow paths formed in a middle plate-like body other than the end plate-like body among the plurality of plate-like bodies; The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

5. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A refrigeration cycle device comprising:

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