Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device in which refrigerant leakage from between a plurality of tabular bodies of a stacked header can be inhibited by brazing of the tabular bodies using neither a bolt nor a nut.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger according to an embodiment includes a stacked header made by stacking a plurality of tabular bodies. A recess is extended in a stacking direction of the tabular bodies from the tabular body at one end among the tabular bodies to the tabular body at the other end on a lateral surface of each of the tabular bodies in the stacked header. A fixing component composed of the same material as the tabular bodies and intended for fixing the tabular bodies is fitted into the recess in the stacked header so that the tabular bodies are mutually subjected to surface pressure.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] A heat exchanger according to an embodiment includes a stacked header formed by stacking multiple plates. The stacked header has recesses extending from one end plate to the other end plate on the side of the multiple plates in the stacking direction of the multiple plates. The stacked header also has fastening components fitted into the recesses, the fastening components being made of the same material as the multiple plates and used to fasten the multiple plates together so that surface pressure is applied to the multiple 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 a first example of a first header of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an external view showing a second example of the first header of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a first header of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 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 also has a recess S (shown in FIG. 3) in which a fixing part 13 for fixing the three plate-like bodies 111-113 is disposed. More specifically, the fixing part 13 is made of the same material as the three plate-like bodies 111-113, and is fitted into the recess S to fix 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. In this case, 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 through the pipe insertion portion 111A (shown in FIG. 5) and is distributed, and flows out to the heat transfer tubes 30 through 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 through the heat transfer tube insertion portions 212A (shown in FIG. 6) and flows out to the heat transfer tubes 30 again through 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 through 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 a first example of the first header 10. FIG. 3(A) is a front view showing the plate-like body 111 of the first header 10. FIG. 3(B) is a perspective view showing the first header 10 in a state before the fixing parts 13 are fitted. FIG. 3(C) is a perspective view showing the first header 10 in a state after the fixing parts 13 are fitted. 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 FIGS. 3A to 3C, the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 are provided with recesses S. The recesses S are slits that run in the X-axis direction and are preferably provided between adjacent spatial channels 113A (shown in FIG. 5), which will be described later. For example, the recesses S are provided between the third spatial channel 83 and the fifth spatial channel 85 (shown in FIG. 5) or between the first spatial channel 81 and the second spatial channel 82 (shown in FIG. 5). The recesses S extend in the Z-axis direction on the side surfaces (YZ plane) of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 from the end plate-like body 111 at one end to the end plate-like body 112 at the other end. For example, the fixing part 13 is an H-shaped part that includes two opposing plates (a first plate F1 and a second plate F2) that contact the outer surfaces of the end plate-like bodies 111 and 112, respectively, and a connecting plate (a third plate F3) that connects the two opposing plates and engages with the recesses S.

[0029] 3(B) and (C), the fixing part 13 has a first plate F1, a second plate F2, and a third plate F3. The first plate F1 and the second plate F2 are surfaces parallel to the XY plane, and the third plate F3 is a surface parallel to the XZ plane. The third plate F3 is formed to connect the first plate F1 and the second plate F2, and the fixing part 13 is substantially H-shaped. The fixing part 13 is not limited to an H-shape and may be formed, for example, in a U-shape connecting the upper end of the first plate F1 and the upper end of the second plate F2.

[0030] 3(B) and 3(C), the fixing component 13 is moved in the positive and negative directions of the X axis so that its engaging portion faces the recess S of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, and is fitted into the recess S. That is, the third plate F3 of the fixing component 13 is preferably formed so as to engage with the thickness of the slit of the recess S. Furthermore, the distance (distance in the Z axis direction) between the first plate F1 and the second plate F2 is preferably set to a distance that applies surface pressure in the stacking direction of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113. Then, just as with the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 and the fixing component 13 are also brazed together. Preferably, a brazing material is applied to the third plate F3 of the fixing component 13 before it is fitted into the recess S. Furthermore, it is preferable that the brazing material be applied to the surfaces of the first plate F1 and the second plate F2 of the fixing part 13 that come into contact with the plate-like bodies 111 and 112 before they are fitted into the recesses S. This allows the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 and the fixing part 13 to be brazed more optimally.

[0031] The fixing components 13, like the other components of the first header 10, are made of aluminum (for example, a 3000-series aluminum alloy). On the other hand, the brazing filler metal is made of aluminum with a relatively low melting point (for example, a 4000-series aluminum alloy). 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 the plate-like bodies 111-113 and the fixing components 13 can be joined together.

[0032] By configuring in this manner, the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 and the fixing part 13 are in close contact with each other via the solder material, and the positional relationship of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 is maintained, so there is no particular restriction on the position of the recess S into which the fixing part 13 is fitted.

[0033] 3(A) to 3(C), one recess S is provided on each of two opposing side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, but this is not limited to this case. For example, two recesses S may be provided on only one side surface of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, or one recess S may be provided on one of the two opposing side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 and two recesses S may be provided on the other side surface. Furthermore, recesses S may be provided on three side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, or recesses S may be provided on four side surfaces.

[0034] Furthermore, when recesses S are provided on two opposing side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, it is preferable that a first recess is provided on one of the two opposing side surfaces and a second recess is provided on the other side surface, and that the first recess and the second recess are misaligned in the Y-axis direction. By intentionally misaligning the positions of the first recess and the second recess provided on each of the two opposing side surfaces in the Y-axis direction, it is possible to control the orientation of the top, bottom, front, and back of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113.

[0035] By sandwiching the fixing component 13 into the first header 10, defects of the first header 10 that occur during brazing can be improved. Also, by using the same material for the fixing component 13 as the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, corrosion between dissimilar metals does not become a problem. Furthermore, by providing recesses S in the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, it is possible to use them to manage the stacking direction orientation.

[0036] The fixing parts of the first header 10 are not limited to the fixing parts 13 shown in Fig. 3. For example, the fixing parts of the first header 10 may be fixing parts 14 having a shape that covers the side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111-113 when fitted into the recesses S of the plate-like bodies 111-113. This case will be described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0037] Fig. 4 is an external view showing a second example of the first header 10. Fig. 4(A) is a perspective view showing the first header 10 in a state before the fixing parts 14 are fitted. Fig. 4(B) is a perspective view showing the first header 10 in a state after the fixing parts 14 are fitted. Note that the refrigerant piping to be inserted is not shown in Figs. 4(A) and 4(B). Also, the directions along two sides of the plate-like bodies 111-113 are defined as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (i.e., the stacking direction of the three plate-like bodies 111-113) is defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0038] 4(A) and 4(B), the plates 111 to 113 are provided with recesses S. The recesses S are provided on the side surfaces (XZ planes) of the plates 111 to 113, extending in the Z-axis direction from the end plate 111 at one end of the plates 111 to 113 to the end plate 112 at the other end.

[0039] The fixing component 14 is made by combining, for example, two J-shaped members (G1 and G31, and G2 and G32). The fixing component 14 is made of the same material as the plate-like bodies 111 to 113. The fixing component 14 has a first plate G1, a second plate G2, and a third plate G3. The first plate G1 and the second plate G2 are parallel to the YZ plane, and the main surface of the third plate G3 is parallel to the XZ plane. That is, the second plate G2 is disposed parallel to the first plate G1. The third plate G3 is formed to connect the upper ends of the first plate G1 and the second plate G2, and includes an L-shaped member G31 on the first plate G1 side and an L-shaped member G32 on the second plate G2 side. Each of the L-shaped members G31 and G32 has a substantially L shape. Furthermore, by forming the two L-shaped members G31, G32 facing each other, the fixing part 14 made up of the two J-shaped members has a generally M-shape as a whole. However, the fixing part 14 is not limited to an M-shape. Furthermore, although the fixing part 14 has a structure in which two J-shaped members are combined, for example, the fixing part 14 may be made up of a single part, or the fixing part 14 may have only one third plate G3.

[0040] Furthermore, the fixing component 14 has an engaging portion that fits into the recess S to fix the plate-like bodies 111-113. That is, the third plate G3 of the fixing component 14 is preferably formed so that its surface portion parallel to the YZ plane fits into the thickness of the slit in the recess S. Furthermore, the distance (distance in the X-axis direction) between the first plate G1 and the second plate G2 is preferably set to a distance that applies surface pressure to the side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111-113. The fixing component 14 has a shape (approximately U-shaped) that covers three of the four side surfaces (surfaces having a Z-axis component) of the plate-like bodies 111-113 when fitted into the recess S. For example, the three side surfaces are the side surface on which the recess S is provided and two side surfaces adjacent to that side surface. The fixing part 14 is moved in the negative direction of the Y axis (the direction of the dashed arrow in FIG. 4(A)) so that the protrusion of its engaging part faces the recess S of the plate-like body 111-113, and is fitted into the recess S. Then, just as with the plate-like body 111-113, the fixing part 14 and the plate-like body 111-113 are brazed together. With this configuration, the plate-like body 111-113 and the fixing part 14 are in close contact with each other via the brazing material, and the positional relationship between the plate-like body 111-113 is maintained, so there is no particular limitation on the position of the recess S into which the fixing part 14 is fitted.

[0041] The fixing part 14 may have a shape (a square shape) that covers all four side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111-113 when fitted into the recess S. In this case, the fixing part 14 is moved in the positive direction (or negative direction) of the Z axis so that the convex part of the engagement part thereof is aligned with the recess S of the plate-like bodies 111-113, and the convex part is fitted into the recess S. Then, just as with the plate-like bodies 111-113, the plate-like bodies 111-113 and the fixing part 14 are brazed together.

[0042] The fixing part 14 has a shape that covers the stacking surfaces (surfaces having a Z-axis component) of the side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, and can therefore also cover the surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113 that are less corrosion-resistant. By applying corrosion-resistant processing (anti-corrosion processing) to the fixing part 14 in the same way as the fixing part 13 (shown in FIG. 3), the corrosion resistance of the first header 10 can be further improved.

[0043] Furthermore, when recesses S are provided on two opposing side surfaces of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, it is preferable that a first recess is provided on one of the two opposing side surfaces and a second recess is provided on the other side surface, and that the first recess and the second recess are misaligned in the X-axis direction. By intentionally misaligning the positions of the first recess and the second recess provided on each of the two opposing side surfaces in the X-axis direction, it is possible to control the orientation of the plate-like bodies 111 to 113, top and bottom, front and back.

[0044] 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. 5 and 6.

[0045] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the first header 10. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the second header 20. Note that in Figs. 5 and 6, the recess S and fixing parts 13, 14 of the first header 10 described above in Figs. 3 and 4 are omitted from the illustration.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, 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. 5 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, 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 6 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The plates 111-113 are stacked while clad with brazing material. Furthermore, the joining surfaces of the fixing part 13 with the end plates 111, 112 before brazing are clad (applied) with brazing material. The fixing part 13 is then fitted into the recess S to fix the plates 111-113, and the plates are then heated in a heating furnace to braze them together. 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).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above description, the third plates F3, G3 of the fixing parts 13, 14 are formed to fit into the recess S, but this is not limited to this. For example, there may be a recessed portion between the third plates F3, G3 of the fixing parts 13, 14 and the recess S where the molten brazing material can accumulate during joining.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above description, the fixing part 14 has an engagement portion for the recess S on a surface parallel to the YZ plane, but this is not limited to this. For example, the fixing part 14 may have an engagement portion on a surface parallel to the XY plane at both ends of the third plate G3 in the Z axis direction. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the recess S formed along the Z axis direction. Even if the recess S is not provided, the engagement portions at both ends each contact the outer surfaces of the end plate-like bodies 111, 112, so the first header 10 can be held more stably.

[0066] On the other hand, if the fixing component 14 further has engaging portions with surfaces parallel to the XY plane at both ends in the Z-axis direction of the third plate G3, recesses S may be provided along the Z-axis direction. In this case, the tips (surfaces parallel to the YZ plane) of the two L-shaped members G31, G32 engage with the recesses S, and the engaging portions at both ends contact the outer surfaces of the end plate-like bodies 111, 112, respectively. This allows the first header 10 to be held more stably than if the recesses S were not provided.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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]

[0071] 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, 14...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 comprises: a recessed portion is provided on a side surface of the plurality of plate-like bodies, the recessed portion extending in a stacking direction of the plurality of plate-like bodies from a plate-like body at one end to a plate-like body at the other end of the plurality of plate-like bodies, a fixing part made of the same material as the plurality of plate-like bodies and configured to fix the plurality of plate-like bodies so that a surface pressure is applied to the plurality of plate-like bodies is fitted into the recess; heat exchanger.

2. The fixing part is an H-shaped part including two opposing plates that respectively contact the outer surfaces of end plate-like bodies located at both ends of the plurality of plate-like bodies, and a connecting plate that connects the two opposing plates and engages with the recessed part. The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

3. the fixing component has a shape that covers the side surfaces of the plurality of plate-like bodies when fitted into the recesses of the plurality of plate-like bodies, The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

4. The fixing parts are subjected to corrosion resistance treatment.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3.

5. the recesses are a first recess provided on one of two opposing side surfaces of the plurality of plate-like bodies and a second recess provided on the other side surface, The first recess and the second recess are offset in position in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of plate-like bodies. The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

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

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