Heat exchanger, and refrigeration cycle device comprising heat exchanger
The heat exchanger addresses deformation and spacing issues in serpentine fins by enhancing rigidity and manufacturability through bent protrusions, ensuring effective heat transfer and reduced corrosion.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024067511
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-30
AI Technical Summary
Conventional heat exchangers with serpentine fins and flat tubes face issues of deformation due to external forces, difficulty in narrowing the spacing between flat tubes, and reduced heat exchange performance, which are exacerbated by protrusions extending in the airflow direction.
The heat exchanger design includes serpentine fins with bent protrusions that have increased rigidity, allowing for narrower spacing between flat tubes and improved manufacturability by aligning raised portions during assembly, thereby preventing deformation and enhancing heat transfer area.
The design suppresses deformation of serpentine fins, improves manufacturability, and maintains heat exchange performance by increasing the rigidity of protrusions, allowing for efficient heat transfer and reduced gap-related corrosion.
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Figure 2025163892000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger including fins and flat tubes, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the heat exchanger. [Background technology]
[0002] BACKGROUND ART In a conventional heat exchanger including fins and flat tubes, the fins protrude from the flat tubes in the direction of air flow (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The heat exchanger of Patent Document 1 comprises a pair of headers arranged parallel to each other at a distance from each other, a plurality of flat tubes extending parallel to each other at a distance between the headers, and a plurality of serpentine fins arranged between the flat tubes, each of which has alternating ridges and spaces that form upper and lower ridges, each of which extends laterally in the width direction of the serpentine fin relative to the longitudinal axis of the flat tubes, the width of the serpentine fin being wider than that of the flat tubes, the ridges of the serpentine fins being arranged so as to extend outside the outermost front and rear planes formed by the outermost edges of the flat tubes, a pair of protrusions on both sides of each ridge that extend outside the front and rear outermost edges of the flat tubes, the flat tubes being arranged between these pairs of protrusions, thereby holding the serpentine fins in a predetermined position relative to the flat tubes.
[0003] The heat exchanger of Patent Document 1 is characterized by the fact that the serpentine fins are held in a predetermined position relative to the flat tubes, and the protrusions do not protrude significantly in the airflow direction. Therefore, to improve the heat exchange performance of the serpentine fins and flat tubes, it is conceivable to increase the protrusions in the airflow direction, i.e., to extend the serpentine fins directly to both sides of the airflow direction, thereby increasing the heat transfer area of the serpentine fins. However, if the protrusions protrude in the airflow direction in this manner, they are more likely to deform in the direction of the flat tubes when external forces are applied to them during manufacturing or use. Such deformation of the protrusions results in a decrease in heat exchange performance. Furthermore, to improve heat exchange performance, the spacing between adjacent flat tubes needs to be narrowed. However, in conventional heat exchangers, the structure of the serpentine fins makes it difficult to narrow the spacing between the flat portions of the flat tubes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-310990 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] To address this issue, a heat exchanger having a structure in which the intervals between adjacent flat tubes are narrowed to suppress deformation of the serpentine fins can be considered.
[0006] 14 and 15, in such a heat exchanger, the serpentine fin 80 has a main body portion 81 arranged between adjacent flat tubes 70 in the first direction D1, and a pair of protrusions 82 protruding from the main body portion 81 on both sides in the third direction D3. The main body portion 81 is in contact with the flat portions of the flat tubes 70 and has a plurality of base surfaces 81a parallel to the flat portions of the flat tubes 70, and a plurality of bent portions 81b bent in one direction in the first direction D1 (leftward in FIGS. 14 and 15) relative to the base surface 81a. Joint surfaces, which are parts of the base surfaces 81a and bent portions 81b of the main body portion 81, are brazed to the flat portions of the flat tubes 70 and have a rectangular plate shape parallel to the flat tubes 70. The pair of protrusions 82 have a plurality of base surfaces 82a parallel to the flat portions of the flat tubes 70, a plurality of bent portions 82b bent in the other direction of the first direction D1 (to the right in FIGS. 14 and 15) relative to the base surfaces 82a, and a plurality of ridge portions 82c bent in one direction of the first direction D1 (to the left in FIGS. 14 and 15) relative to the base surfaces 82a. The ridge portions 82c are provided at both ends of the bent portions 82b in the second direction D2.
[0007] In the heat exchanger shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the pair of protrusions 82 have base surfaces 82a parallel to the flat portions of the flat tubes 70 and bent portions 82b bent in the first direction D1 relative to the base surfaces 82a. Thus, the protrusions 82 of the serpentine fins 80 are provided with bent portions 82b bent in the first direction D1 relative to the base surfaces 82a parallel to the flat portions of the flat tubes 70. This increases the rigidity of the protrusions 82 of the serpentine fins 80 compared to conventional designs, thereby suppressing deformation of the protrusions 82 of the serpentine fins 80 due to external forces. Furthermore, providing the bent portions 82b increases the heat transfer area of the serpentine fins 80. Furthermore, the structure of the serpentine fins 80 allows the distance between the flat portions of adjacent flat tubes 70 to be narrower than conventional designs.
[0008] In the heat exchanger shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the protrusions 82 of the serpentine fins 80 have an M-shape in which, as viewed in the third direction D3, the bent portions 82b are bent in the opposite direction of the first direction D1 relative to the base surface 82a, and the peaks 82c are bent in one direction of the first direction D1 relative to the base surface 82a. This further increases the rigidity of the protrusions 82 of the serpentine fins 80. However, in this heat exchanger, the serpentine fins 80 and the flattened tubes 70 are stacked during manufacturing, but positioning the serpentine fins 80 in the second direction D2 is difficult, and improvements in manufacturability were necessary. Furthermore, although the rigidity of the protrusions 82 of the serpentine fins 80 is increased compared to conventional heat exchangers, it is still not sufficient, and there is a problem in that the protrusions 82 may be deformed in the first direction D1 if an external force is applied to them during manufacturing or use.
[0009] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a heat exchanger that can improve manufacturability and suppress deformation of the protrusion due to external forces. [Means for solving the problem]
[0010] A heat exchanger according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of flat tubes each having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths therein, arranged in a first direction with gaps through which air flows, and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a main body portion disposed between adjacent flat tubes and in contact with a flat portion of a first flat tube that is one of the adjacent flat tubes; and a plurality of outer fins each having a pair of protruding portions protruding from the main body portion in a third direction that is the air flow direction and intersects the first direction and the second direction, The main body portion has a first base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube, a first bent portion bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface, and ridge portions bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface and provided at both ends of the first bent portion in the second direction, and the main body portion has a second base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube, and a second bent portion bent in one direction in the first direction relative to the second base surface, and the pair of protrusions are provided at the first bent portion and have raised portions extending in the first direction.
[0011] Furthermore, a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of flat tubes each having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths therein, arranged in a first direction with gaps through which air flows, and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a main body portion disposed between adjacent flat tubes and in contact with a flat portion of a first flat tube that is one of the adjacent flat tubes; and a plurality of outer fins each having a pair of protruding portions protruding from the main body portion in a third direction that is the air flow direction and intersects the first direction and the second direction, the pair of protruding portions having a first base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube and a second base surface that is parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube. The tube has a first bent portion bent in the first direction relative to a first base surface, a ridge portion bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface and provided at both ends of the first bent portion in the second direction, and an inclined portion formed between the first bent portion and the ridge portion, and the main body portion has a second base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube and a second bent portion bent in one direction in the first direction relative to the second base surface, and the pair of protrusions are provided on the inclined portion and have raised portions extending in the direction of gravity, which is both the first direction and one direction in the second direction.
[0012] A refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure includes the above-described heat exchanger. [Effects of the Invention]
[0013] In the heat exchanger disclosed herein, the pair of protrusions are provided on the first bent portion and have raised portions extending in the first direction. Alternatively, the pair of protrusions are provided on the inclined portion and have raised portions extending in the first direction and the direction of gravity. Therefore, the positions of the raised portions can be aligned with the first bent portion adjacent to the first bent portion where the raised portions are provided in the first direction, or with the inclined portion adjacent to the inclined portion where the raised portions are provided in the first direction. This facilitates positioning of the outer fins in the second direction when stacking the outer fins and flat tubes during manufacturing, improving manufacturability. Furthermore, by providing the raised portions, the rigidity of the protrusions is improved, and when an external force is applied to the protrusions during manufacturing or use, the raised portions can prevent the protrusions from deforming in the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view showing a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle device equipped with the heat exchanger of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing the AA cross section of the heat exchange element shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heat exchange member of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is an enlarged view of the heat exchange element shown in FIG. 6, taken along the arrow B. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view of a heat exchange member of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heat exchange member of a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged view of the heat exchange element shown in FIG. 9 taken along the arrow C. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view of a heat exchange member of a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a heat exchange member of a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a front view of a heat exchange member of a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchange element of a conventional heat exchanger. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a front view of a heat exchange element of a conventional heat exchanger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Heat exchangers according to embodiments 1 to 3 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following drawings, including FIG. 1, the relative dimensional relationships and shapes of the components may differ from those in reality. In the following drawings, identical reference numerals denote identical or equivalent components, and this applies throughout the entire specification. To facilitate understanding, directional terms (e.g., "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "front," "rear," etc.) are used as appropriate. However, these terms are used merely for the sake of convenience and do not limit the arrangement or orientation of the device or components. In the specification, the relative positions of the components, the extension direction of each component, and the arrangement direction of each component are, in principle, those when the heat exchanger is installed and ready for use.
[0016] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic front view showing a heat exchanger 101 according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 1, the direction of refrigerant flow when the heat exchanger 101 is used as an evaporator is indicated by solid white arrows. As shown in Fig. 1, the heat exchanger 101 includes a plurality of heat exchange elements 10 arranged in a first direction D1, and a first header 40 and a second header 50 connected to ends of the plurality of heat exchange elements 10.
[0017] Fig. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 equipped with the heat exchanger 101 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the heat exchanger 101 constitutes a part of a refrigerant circuit 100c of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100.
[0018] In the first embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is described as being applied to an air conditioner. However, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can be applied to refrigeration cycle apparatuses other than air conditioners, such as refrigerators, freezers, vending machines, refrigeration systems, or water heaters.
[0019] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 has a compressor 102, a heat exchanger 101, an expansion device 105, an indoor heat exchanger 104, and a flow path switching device 103. In this example, the compressor 102, the heat exchanger 101, the expansion device 105, and the flow path switching device 103 are provided in the outdoor unit 100A, and the indoor heat exchanger 104 is provided in the indoor unit 100B.
[0020] The compressor 102, the flow switching device 103, the heat exchanger 101, the expansion device 105, and the indoor heat exchanger 104 are connected to one another via refrigerant pipes to form a refrigerant circuit 100c in which a refrigerant can circulate. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, when the compressor 102 operates, a refrigeration cycle is performed in which the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 102, the heat exchanger 101, the expansion device 105, and the indoor heat exchanger 104 while undergoing a phase change.
[0021] The outdoor unit 100A is provided with an outdoor fan 107 that forcibly passes outdoor air through the heat exchanger 101. The indoor unit 100B is provided with an indoor fan 106 that forcibly passes indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 104. In the following, the outdoor fan 107 is also referred to as a fan.
[0022] The compressor 102 draws in a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, compresses the drawn refrigerant, and discharges a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The compressor 102 is, for example, an inverter compressor whose capacity, which is the amount of refrigeration delivered per unit time, is controlled by changing the operating frequency.
[0023] The heat exchanger 101 functions as an evaporator or a condenser, and exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air generated by the operation of the outdoor fan 107, thereby evaporating the refrigerant into gas or condensing the refrigerant into liquid. The heat exchanger 101 functions as an evaporator during heating operation, and as a condenser during cooling operation.
[0024] The indoor heat exchanger 104 functions as an evaporator or a condenser, and exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air generated by the operation of the indoor fan 106, thereby evaporating the refrigerant into a gas or condensing it into a liquid. The indoor heat exchanger 104 functions as a condenser during heating operation, and as an evaporator during cooling operation.
[0025] The expansion device 105 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand it. The expansion device 105 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve that can adjust the opening of the expansion valve, and by adjusting the opening, the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 104 is controlled during cooling operation, and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 101 is controlled during heating operation.
[0026] The flow path switching device 103 is, for example, a four-way valve that switches between cooling operation and heating operation by switching the direction of the refrigerant flow. Note that the flow path switching device 103 may be a combination of a two-way valve and a three-way valve instead of a four-way valve.
[0027] The indoor fan 106 is provided near the indoor heat exchanger 104 and supplies indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 104, and the airflow rate of the indoor fan 106 is adjusted by controlling its rotation speed. The outdoor fan 107 is provided near the heat exchanger 101 and supplies outdoor air to the heat exchanger 101, and the airflow rate of the outdoor fan 107 is adjusted by controlling its rotation speed.
[0028] The operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can be switched between cooling operation and heating operation. In Fig. 2, the direction of refrigerant flow during cooling operation is indicated by dashed arrows, and the direction of refrigerant flow during heating operation is indicated by solid arrows.
[0029] During cooling operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the flow path switching device 103 is switched so as to guide the refrigerant from the compressor 102 to the heat exchanger 101 and guide the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger 104 to the compressor 102, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 2 . Then, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 102 is sent to the heat exchanger 101. In the heat exchanger 101, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air and is condensed. Thereafter, the refrigerant is sent to the expansion device 105, where it is decompressed, and then sent to the indoor heat exchanger 104. Thereafter, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 104 and evaporates, and then returns to the compressor 102. Therefore, during cooling operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the heat exchanger 101 functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 104 functions as an evaporator.
[0030] During heating operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the flow path switching device 103 is switched so as to guide the refrigerant from the compressor 102 to the indoor heat exchanger 104 and guide the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 101 to the compressor 102, as shown by the solid lines in FIG. 2 . Then, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 102 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 104. In the indoor heat exchanger 104, the refrigerant releases heat to the indoor air and is condensed. Then, the refrigerant is sent to the expansion device 105, where it is decompressed, and then sent to the heat exchanger 101. Then, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air in the heat exchanger 101 and evaporates, and then returns to the compressor 102. Therefore, during heating operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100, the heat exchanger 101 functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 104 functions as a condenser.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the heat exchanger 101 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the heat exchanger 101 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the AA cross section of the heat exchange element 10 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the heat exchange element 10 of the heat exchanger 101 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the direction of refrigerant flow when the heat exchanger 101 is used as an evaporator is indicated by solid white arrows. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the direction of air flow is indicated by dashed white arrows. Below, the schematic configuration of the heat exchanger 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6. The illustrated heat exchanger 101 is merely an example, and its configuration is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technology according to the embodiments.
[0032] As shown in Fig. 6, the heat exchange element 10 is composed of flat tubes 20 and outer fins 30. The flat tubes 20 extend in a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, and are arranged so that their tube axes are aligned with the second direction D2. As shown in Fig. 5, the outer fins 30 are arranged between adjacent flat tubes 20. As shown in Fig. 1, a gap G through which air flows is formed between adjacent heat exchange elements 10 in the first direction D1. Then, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, in the heat exchanger 101, air flows along a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.
[0033] In the following description, the extension direction of the heat exchange element 10 (of the flat tubes 20) shown in FIG. 1, i.e., the second direction D2, is defined as the vertical direction parallel to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the arrangement direction of the multiple heat exchange elements 10, i.e., the first direction D1, is defined as the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the third direction D3, which is parallel to the air flow direction in the heat exchanger 101, is defined as the depth direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Note that the arrangement of the heat exchanger 101 is not limited to the above case.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1 , one end 13a of each of the heat exchange members 10 in the tube axis direction is connected to a first header 40. The other end 13b of each of the heat exchange members 10 in the tube axis direction is connected to a second header 50. The first header 40 and the second header 50 are arranged with their longitudinal directions facing the arrangement direction of the heat exchange members 10, i.e., the first direction D1. That is, the longitudinal directions of the first header 40 and the second header 50 are parallel to each other. In the following description, the first header 40 and the second header 50 may be simply referred to as headers without any distinction being made between them.
[0035] (header) The first header 40 and the second header 50 are cylindrical bodies with closed ends, and have spaces formed therein through which the refrigerant flows. The first header 40 and the second header 50 extend in a first direction D1, and in the examples shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, have rectangular parallelepiped outer shapes, and in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction D1, have a rectangular cross-sectional shape with long sides in a third direction D3.
[0036] 1, 3, and 4, the outer shapes of the first header 40 and the second header 50 are rectangular parallelepipeds, but this shape is not limited thereto. The outer shapes of the first header 40 and the second header 50 may be, for example, cylindrical or elliptical, and the cross-sectional shapes of the first header 40 and the second header 50 may be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the first header 40 and the second header 50 may be configured as a cylindrical body with both ends closed as described above, but may also be configured as a stack of plate-like bodies with slits formed therein. Furthermore, the first header 40 and the second header 50 may have different outer shapes or cross-sectional shapes.
[0037] The first header 40 and the second header 50 also have refrigerant flow ports 41 and 51, respectively, through which the refrigerant can flow in and out. Specifically, the refrigerant flow port 41 is provided in a wall portion constituting one end of the first header 40 in the first direction D1 (the left wall portion of the first header 40 in FIG. 1). The refrigerant flow port 51 is provided in a wall portion constituting one end of the second header 50 in the first direction D1 (the right wall portion of the second header 50 in FIG. 1). When the heat exchanger 101 functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant flow port 41 serves as a refrigerant inlet in the heat exchanger 101, and the refrigerant flow port 51 serves as a refrigerant outlet in the heat exchanger 101. When the heat exchanger 101 functions as a condenser, the refrigerant flow port 51 serves as a refrigerant inlet in the heat exchanger 101, and the refrigerant flow port 41 serves as a refrigerant outlet in the heat exchanger 101. The positions at which the refrigerant flow ports 41 and 51 are provided in the first header 40 and the second header 50 are not limited to the positions described above, and can be changed as appropriate.
[0038] Furthermore, a plurality of insertion holes (not shown) are formed in the header upper wall portion of the first header 40 located on the lower side in the heat exchanger 101, and the plurality of insertion holes are arranged in parallel in the first direction D1 to correspond to the plurality of heat exchange members 10. The plurality of insertion holes are holes into which the lower ends 13a of the plurality of heat exchange members 10 are inserted, and penetrate the header upper wall portion of the first header 40 in the thickness direction, i.e., in the second direction D2.
[0039] Furthermore, a plurality of insertion holes (not shown) are formed in the header lower wall portion of the second header 50 located on the upper side in the heat exchanger 101, and the plurality of insertion holes are arranged in parallel in the first direction D1 to correspond to the plurality of heat exchange members 10. The plurality of insertion holes are holes into which the upper ends 13b of the plurality of heat exchange members 10 are inserted, and penetrate the header lower wall portion of the second header 50 in the thickness direction, i.e., in the second direction D2.
[0040] The heat exchange members 10 have their ends 13a and 13b inserted into the insertion holes of the first header 40 and the second header 50, respectively, and are joined together by joining means such as brazing or adhesive.
[0041] Next, an example of the operation of the heat exchanger 101 when used as an evaporator will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, low-pressure refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state flows into the heat exchanger 101 from the refrigerant flow port 41. In the heat exchanger 101, the low-pressure refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state first flows into the first header 40 and is distributed to each of the flat tubes 20 of the multiple heat exchange elements 10 by the first header 40. In each flat tube 20, the refrigerant flows in a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 23 (see FIG. 5 described later). In the refrigerant flow paths 23 of each flat tube 20, the low-pressure refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state flows in the second direction D2 toward the second header 50 and passes through the flat tubes 20. At this time, the low-pressure refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state exchanges heat with air flowing through the gaps G between adjacent heat exchange elements 10 via the components that make up the heat exchange elements 10, releasing heat to the air and evaporating, becoming a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the plurality of flat tubes 20 flows into the second header 50 and merges in the second header 50. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant that has merged in the second header 50 flows out from the refrigerant flow port 41 provided in the second header 50 to the outside of the heat exchanger 101 (for example, the compressor 102 in FIG. 2).
[0042] (heat exchange member 10) As shown in FIG. 5 , the flat tube 20 is a flat, perforated tube having a cross-sectional shape that is flat in one direction, such as an oval shape, and having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 23 formed by through-holes inside. The flat tube 20 has a pair of flat portions 21 that face the first direction D1 and extend in the third direction D3, and a pair of curved portions 22 that are located at both ends of the flat portions 21 in the third direction D3 and curve outwardly. The flat tubes 20 are arranged in the first direction D1 with gaps G through which air can flow, and extend along a second direction D2 that intersects with the first direction D1. The flat tube 20 is an extruded tube formed by extrusion molding. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the flat tube 20 may also be a roll-formed tube formed by bending a single rectangular flat plate.
[0043] 5 and 6, the outer fin 30 has a main body portion 31 disposed between adjacent flat tubes 20 in the first direction D1, and a pair of protrusions 32 protruding from the main body portion 31 on both sides in the third direction D3. The main body portion 31 is in contact with the flat portion 21 of the flat tube 20 and has a plurality of base surfaces 31a (hereinafter also referred to as second base surfaces) parallel to the flat portion 21 of the flat tube 20, and a plurality of bent portions 31b bent in one direction in the first direction D1 relative to the base surface 31a. The number of base surfaces 31a and bent portions 31b is not limited to the above, and each may be singular. The base surface 31a is brazed to the flat portion 21 of the flat tube 20 and has a rectangular plate shape parallel to the flat portion 21 of the flat tube 20. The pair of protrusions 32 have a plurality of base surfaces 32a parallel to the flat portion 21 of the flat tube 20, a plurality of bent portions 32b bent in the other direction of the first direction D1 relative to the base surface 32a, and a plurality of ridge portions 32c bent in one direction of the first direction D1 relative to the base surface 32a. The ridge portions 32c are provided at both ends of the bent portions 32b in the second direction D2. The plurality of bent portions 32b are arranged within the width (thickness) of the flat tube 20 in the first direction D1. Here, the other direction of the first direction D1 is the opposite direction to the one direction of the first direction D1.
[0044] The number of base surfaces 32a, bent portions 32b, and peak portions 32c is not limited to the above, and may be singular. The bent portions 32b are bent in the positive direction of the first direction D1 (to the right in FIGS. 5 and 6) relative to the base surface 32a. However, this is not a limitation, and the bent portions 32b may be bent in the negative direction of the first direction D1 (to the left in FIGS. 5 and 6) relative to the base surface 32a. The peak portions 32c are bent in the negative direction of the first direction D1 (to the left in FIGS. 5 and 6) relative to the base surface 32a. However, this is not a limitation, and the peak portions 32c may be bent in the positive direction of the first direction D1 (to the right in FIGS. 5 and 6) relative to the base surface 32a. The outer fin 30 is formed by bending a single rectangular flat plate. However, this is not a limitation, and the outer fin 30 may be formed by connecting multiple rectangular flat plate members.
[0045] Furthermore, the base surface 31a of the main body 31 and the base surface 32a of the protruding portion 32 are connected on the same plane. In this way, the main body 31 and the protruding portion 32 are connected on the same plane, so that the main body 31 and the protruding portion 32 can be firmly connected, and the rigidity of the outer fin 30 can be increased.
[0046] In order to improve the heat exchange performance of the multiple heat exchange elements 10, the gap G (see FIGS. 1 and 5), i.e., the distance between the flat portions 21 of adjacent flat tubes 20, is set narrow. The distance is set, for example, within a range of 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. In conventional heat exchangers, the structure of the serpentine fins makes it difficult to narrow the distance between the flat portions of adjacent flat tubes, and it is difficult to set the distance within a range of 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. On the other hand, in the heat exchanger 101 according to the first embodiment, the outer fins 30 have the above structure, so it is possible to set the distance between the flat portions 21 of adjacent flat tubes 20 within a range of 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.
[0047] Furthermore, the bent portions 32b of the pair of protrusions 32 are bent only in the positive direction of the first direction D1 relative to the base surface 32a. In other words, none of the multiple bent portions 32b are bent in the negative direction of the first direction D1 relative to the base surface 32a. In this way, the bent portions 32b of the pair of protrusions 32 are bent only in the same direction relative to the base surface 32a. Therefore, only one flat tube 20 is arranged between the pair of protrusions 32, and multiple flat tubes 20 are not arranged between the pair of protrusions 32. In other words, flat tubes 20 are arranged only in the bending direction of the protrusions 32 between the pair of protrusions 32, and flat tubes 20 are not arranged in the non-bending direction of the protrusions 32. In this way, by arranging only one flat tube 20 between the pair of protrusions 32, the movement of adjacent flat tubes 20 in the third direction D3 is not affected. In other words, even if adjacent flat tubes 20 move in the third direction D3, they do not come into contact with the bent portions 32b of the outer fins 30, so deformation of the outer fins 30 due to movement of adjacent flat tubes 20 in the third direction D3 can be suppressed.
[0048] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the heat exchange element 10 shown in FIG. 6 along the arrow B. FIG. 8 is a front view of the heat exchange element 10 of the heat exchanger 101 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pair of protrusions 32 includes a plurality of base surfaces 32a, a plurality of bent portions 32b, a plurality of peaks 32c, and a plurality of raised portions 32d. As described above, each protrusion 32 of each outer fin 30 includes a plurality of bent portions 32b arranged side by side in the second direction D2. Furthermore, since a plurality of outer fins 30 are arranged in the first direction D1 in the heat exchanger 101, a plurality of bent portions 32b are also arranged side by side in the first direction D1. The raised portions 32d are provided at the ends of some of the bent portions 32b in the third direction D3 and extend in the first direction D1. The raised portions 32d are not limited to being provided at the ends of the bent portions 32b and may be provided anywhere in the bent portions 32b. However, providing the cut-and-raised portion 32d at the end of the bent portion 32b can further improve the rigidity of the protrusion 32. The cut-and-raised portion 32d has a rectangular, flat, plate-shaped flat portion 32da that extends in the first direction D1 and faces the third direction, and an extending portion 32db that extends from the end of the flat portion 32da in the first direction D1 to the outside in the third direction D3 (the side opposite the flat tube 20). The extending portion 32db is in contact with the bent portion 32b where it is provided and the bent portion 32b adjacent to it in the first direction D1 (the rightward direction in FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0049] In this way, a plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d are provided on the pair of protruding portions 32, and the positions of the plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d are aligned with the bent portion 32b on which the cut-and-raised portions 32d are provided and the bent portion 32b adjacent to the bent portion 32b in the first direction D1 (the rightward direction in FIG. 7 ). By doing so, when the outer fin 30 and the flat tubes 20 are stacked during manufacturing, the positioning of the outer fin 30 in the second direction D2 becomes easy, improving manufacturability. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d on the pair of protruding portions 32, the rigidity of the protruding portions 32 is improved, and when an external force is applied to the protruding portions 32 during manufacturing or use, the plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d can suppress deformation of the protruding portions 32 in the first direction D1.
[0050] 8, the plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d are not aligned in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. That is, the cut-and-raised portions 32d are not provided on all of the bent portions 32b arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, but are provided at intervals in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 (skipping one or more bent portions 32b). This is to ensure that the extending portion 32db comes into contact with the bent portion 32b on which it is provided and the bent portion 32b adjacent to it in the first direction D1. In other words, if the cut-and-raised portions 32d were provided on all of the bent portions 32b arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the bent portion 32b at which it is provided and the bent portion 32b adjacent to it in the first direction D1 would no longer exist (due to the cut-and-raised portions 32d being cut and raised).
[0051] Although the extending portion 32db has been described as being in contact with the bent portion 32b on which it is provided and the bent portion 32b adjacent thereto in the first direction D1, this is not a limitation. The extending portion 32db may not be in contact with the bent portion 32b on which it is provided and the bent portion 32b adjacent thereto in the first direction D1, with a small gap (e.g., 0.1 mm) formed between them. Furthermore, although the cut-and-raised portion 32d has been described as having the extending portion 32db, this is not a limitation. The cut-and-raised portion 32d may not have the extending portion 32db, and the end of the flat portion 32da of the cut-and-raised portion 32d in the first direction D1 may be in contact with the bent portion 32b on which it is provided and the bent portion 32b adjacent thereto in the first direction D1, or a small gap (e.g., 0.1 mm) may be formed between the bent portion 32b. However, a configuration in which the extending portion 32db is in contact with the bent portion 32b on which it is provided and the bent portion 32b adjacent to it in the first direction D1 can achieve a greater effect described above, i.e., improved manufacturability and increased rigidity of the protruding portion 32. Similarly, a configuration in which the cut-and-raised portion 32d has the extending portion 32db can achieve a greater effect described above, i.e., improved manufacturability and increased rigidity of the protruding portion 32.
[0052] In the first embodiment, one bent portion 32b is provided with one raised portion 32d, but this is not limited thereto, and one bent portion 32b may have a plurality of raised portions 32d spaced apart in the third direction D3.
[0053] As described above, the heat exchanger 101 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of flat tubes 20 each having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 23 therein, arranged in a first direction D1 with gaps through which air flows, and extending along a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, a main body portion 31 disposed between adjacent flat tubes 20 and in contact with the flat portion 21 of a first flat tube that is one of the adjacent flat tubes 20, and a plurality of outer fins 30 each having a pair of protruding portions 32 protruding from the main body portion 31 in a third direction D3 that is the air flow direction and intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, The pair of protrusions 32 have a first base surface parallel to the flat portion 21 of the first flat tube and a first bent portion bent in a first direction D1 relative to the first base surface, and the main body portion 31 has a second base surface parallel to the flat portion 21 of the first flat tube and a second bent portion bent in one direction in the first direction D1 relative to the second base surface, and the pair of protrusions 32 are bent in the first direction D1 relative to the first base surface and have ridge portions 32c provided at both ends of the first bent portion in the second direction D2, and raised portions 32d provided at the first bent portion and extending in the first direction D1.
[0054] According to the heat exchanger 101 of the first embodiment, the pair of protrusions 32 have cut-and-raised portions 32d provided at the first bent portions and extending in the first direction D1. Therefore, the positions of the cut-and-raised portions 32d can be aligned with the first bent portions where the cut-and-raised portions 32d are provided and the first bent portions adjacent to the cut-and-raised portions in the first direction D1. During manufacturing, the outer fins 30 and the flat tubes 20 are stacked. This facilitates positioning of the outer fins 30 in the second direction D2, improving manufacturability. Furthermore, the provision of the cut-and-raised portions 32d improves the rigidity of the protrusions 32. When an external force is applied to the protrusions 32 during manufacturing or use, the cut-and-raised portions 32d can prevent the protrusions 32 from deforming in the first direction D1. As a result, deterioration in heat exchange performance due to deformation of the protrusions 32 can be suppressed. Furthermore, water can be prevented from accumulating in the areas where the gaps between adjacent outer fins 30 become smaller due to deformation of the protrusions 32, which can prevent corrosion of the outer fins 30 and the flat tubes 20. Furthermore, the deformation of the protrusions 32 reduces the gap between the adjacent outer fins 30, which can prevent the air flow in the third direction D3 from becoming poor.
[0055] In the heat exchanger 101 according to the first embodiment, the cut-and-raised portion 32d is provided at the end of the first bent portion.
[0056] According to the heat exchanger 101 of the first embodiment, the rigidity of the protrusion 32 can be further improved.
[0057] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 101 according to embodiment 1, the cut-and-raised portion 32d has a rectangular flat plate-shaped planar portion 32da extending in the first direction D1 and facing the third direction D3, and an extension portion 32db extending from the end of the planar portion 32da outward in the third direction D3.
[0058] According to the heat exchanger 101 of the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain the effects of further improving productivity and improving the rigidity of the protrusions 32.
[0059] In the heat exchanger 101 according to the first embodiment, the extending portion 32db is in contact with the first bent portion adjacent to the first bent portion at which the extending portion 32db is provided in the first direction D1.
[0060] According to the heat exchanger 101 of the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain the effects of further improving productivity and improving the rigidity of the protrusions 32.
[0061] Embodiment 2 The second embodiment will be described below, but explanations of parts that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals.
[0062] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a heat exchange element 10 of a heat exchanger 101 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the heat exchange element 10 shown in FIG. 9 along the arrow C. FIG. 11 is a front view of the heat exchange element 10 of the heat exchanger 101 according to the second embodiment. In the heat exchange element 10 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the pair of protrusions 32 have a plurality of base surfaces 32a, a plurality of bent portions 32b, a plurality of peaks 32c, and a plurality of raised portions 32d. The raised portions 32d are provided at the ends of some of the bent portions 32b in the third direction D3 and extend in the first direction D1. The positions of the raised portions 32d are not limited to the ends of the bent portions 32b and may be anywhere in the bent portions 32b. However, providing the raised portions 32d at the ends of the bent portions 32b can further improve the rigidity of the protrusions 32. The cut-and-raised portion 32d has a rectangular, flat, plate-shaped flat portion 32da extending in the first direction D1 and facing the third direction, and an extending portion 32db extending from an end of the flat portion 32da in the first direction D1 toward the inside in the third direction D3 (toward the flat tube 20). The extending portion 32db is in contact with the bent portion 32b on which it is provided and the bent portion 32b adjacent to it in the first direction D1 (to the right in FIGS. 9 and 10). That is, in the first embodiment, the extending portion 32db of the cut-and-raised portion 32d extends from the end of the flat portion 32da toward the outside in the third direction D3, whereas in the second embodiment, the extending portion 32db of the cut-and-raised portion 32d extends from the end of the flat portion 32da toward the inside in the third direction D3.
[0063] In this way, a plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d are provided on the pair of protruding portions 32, and the positions of the plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d are aligned with the bent portion 32b on which the cut-and-raised portions 32d are provided and the bent portion 32b adjacent to the bent portion 32b in the first direction D1 (the rightward direction in FIG. 10 ). By doing so, when the outer fin 30 and the flattened tubes 20 are stacked during manufacturing, the positioning of the outer fin 30 in the second direction D2 becomes easy, improving manufacturability. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d on the pair of protruding portions 32, the rigidity of the protruding portions 32 is improved, and when an external force is applied to the protruding portions 32 during manufacturing or use, the plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d can suppress deformation of the protruding portions 32 in the first direction D1.
[0064] Furthermore, by configuring the extending portion 32db of the cut-and-raised portion 32d to extend inward in the third direction D3 from the end of the flat portion 32da, the plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d can be aligned in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In other words, even if the cut-and-raised portion 32d is provided on all of the bent portions 32b arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, there will still be bent portions 32b where the extending portion 32db is located and bent portions 32b adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 (even if the cut-and-raised portion 32d is raised). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 , the cut-and-raised portion 32d can be provided on all of the bent portions 32b arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Furthermore, since the cut-and-raised portions 32d can be provided on all of the bent portions 32b arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, when the outer fins 30 and the flattened tubes 20 are stacked during manufacturing, positioning of the outer fins 30 in the second direction D2 becomes easier, further improving manufacturability. Furthermore, by providing the cut-and-raised portions 32d on all of the bent portions 32b arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the rigidity of the protruding portions 32 is further improved, and when an external force is applied to the protruding portions 32 during manufacturing or use, the multiple cut-and-raised portions 32d can further suppress deformation of the protruding portions 32 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, by providing the multiple cut-and-raised portions 32d aligned in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, only one type of outer fin 30 is required, further improving manufacturability and reducing manufacturing costs.
[0065] In addition, in embodiment 2, one bent portion 32b is provided with one raised portion 32d, but this is not limited to this, and one bent portion 32b may be provided with multiple raised portions 32d spaced apart in the third direction D3.
[0066] As described above, in the heat exchanger 101 according to embodiment 2, the cut-and-raised portion 32d has a rectangular flat plate-shaped planar portion 32da extending in the first direction D1 and facing the third direction D3, and an extension portion 32db extending inward in the third direction D3 from the end of the planar portion 32da.
[0067] According to the heat exchanger 101 of the second embodiment, the cut-and-raised portions 32d can be provided on all of the bent portions 32b arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Furthermore, since the cut-and-raised portions 32d can be provided on all of the bent portions 32b arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, when the outer fins 30 and the flattened tubes 20 are stacked during manufacturing, positioning of the outer fins 30 in the second direction D2 becomes easier, thereby further improving manufacturability. Furthermore, by providing the cut-and-raised portions 32d on all of the bent portions 32b arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the rigidity of the protruding portions 32 is further improved. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the protruding portions 32 during manufacturing or use, the cut-and-raised portions 32d can further suppress deformation of the protruding portions 32 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, by arranging the multiple cut-and-raised portions 32d in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, only one type of outer fin 30 is required, which further improves manufacturability and reduces manufacturing costs.
[0068] In the heat exchanger 101 according to the second embodiment, the extending portion 32db is in contact with the first bent portion adjacent to the first bent portion at which the extending portion 32db is provided in the first direction D1.
[0069] According to the heat exchanger 101 of the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain the effects of further improving productivity and improving the rigidity of the protrusions 32.
[0070] Embodiment 3 Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described, but explanations of parts that overlap with the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and parts that are the same as or equivalent to the first and second embodiments will be given the same reference numerals.
[0071] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a heat exchange element 10 of a heat exchanger 101 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view of the heat exchange element 10 of the heat exchanger 101 according to the third embodiment. In the heat exchange element 10 according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the pair of protrusions 32 have a plurality of base surfaces 32a, a plurality of bent portions 32b, a plurality of peaks 32c, a plurality of inclined portions 32e, and a plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d. The inclined portions 32e are formed between the bent portions 32b and the peaks 32c and are inclined with respect to the flat portions 21 of the flat tubes 20. The cut-and-raised portions 32d are provided in the center of some of the inclined portions 32e and extend in the direction of gravity, which is one of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Note that the position where the cut-and-raised portions 32d are provided is not limited to the center of the inclined portions 32e and may be provided anywhere on the inclined portions 32e. However, providing the cut-and-raised portion 32d at the center of the inclined portion 32e can improve the drainage performance of the protrusion 32. The cut-and-raised portion 32d has a rectangular, flat planar portion 32da that extends in the first direction D1 and the direction of gravity and is oriented perpendicular to the third direction D3, and an extending portion 32db that extends from an end of the planar portion 32da in the first direction D1 and the direction of gravity so as to be perpendicular to the planar portion 32da. The extending portion 32db is in contact with the inclined portion 32e on which it is provided and the inclined portion 32e adjacent to it in the first direction D1 (to the right in FIG. 13).
[0072] In this way, a plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d are provided on the pair of protrusions 32, and the positions of the plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d are aligned with the inclined portion 32e on which the cut-and-raised portions 32d are provided and the inclined portion 32e adjacent thereto in the first direction D1 (the rightward direction in FIG. 13 ). By doing so, when the outer fins 30 and the flattened tubes 20 are stacked during manufacturing, the outer fins 30 can be easily positioned in the second direction D2, improving manufacturability. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d on the pair of protrusions 32, the rigidity of the protrusions 32 is improved, and when an external force is applied to the protrusions 32 during manufacturing or use, the plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d can prevent the protrusions 32 from deforming in the first direction D1.
[0073] 13, the plurality of cut-and-raised portions 32d are not aligned in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. That is, the cut-and-raised portions 32d are not provided on all of the inclined portions 32e aligned in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, but are provided at intervals in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 (skipping one or more inclined portions 32e). This is to ensure that the extending portion 32db comes into contact with the inclined portion 32e on which it is provided and the inclined portion 32e adjacent to it in the first direction D1. That is, if the cut-and-raised portions 32d were provided on all of the inclined portions 32e aligned in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the inclined portion 32e on which it is provided and the inclined portion 32e adjacent to it in the first direction D1 would no longer exist (due to the cut-and-raised portions 32d being cut and raised).
[0074] The cut-and-raised portions 32d are spaced apart in the direction in which the flat portions 32da extend (to the lower right in FIG. 13 ). Providing the cut-and-raised portions 32d in this manner allows water droplets adhering to the outer fins 30 to flow from the cut-and-raised portions 32d toward the outer fins 30 adjacent to the cut-and-raised portions 32d, as indicated by the outline arrows in FIG. 13 . In other words, water droplets adhering to the outer fins 30 collect and flow from the upstream side toward the downstream side. Furthermore, because the water droplets can be collected in a portion of the heat exchanger 101 (to the lower right in the third embodiment), the water droplets can be directed toward the drain outlet (not shown) of the outdoor unit 100A. This improves drainage. Furthermore, the flat surface 32da of the raised portion 32d is a rectangular flat plate oriented perpendicular to the third direction D3, and the area of the raised portion 32d when viewed in the third direction D3, which is the direction of the air flow, is small, so that the air resistance caused by the raised portion 32d can be suppressed.
[0075] In addition, in embodiment 3, one inclined portion 32e is provided with one raised portion 32d, but this is not limited to this, and one inclined portion 32e may be provided with multiple raised portions 32d spaced apart in the third direction D3.
[0076] As described above, the heat exchanger 101 according to the third embodiment includes a plurality of flat tubes 20 each having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 23 therein, arranged in a first direction D1 with gaps through which air flows, and extending along a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, a main body portion 31 disposed between adjacent flat tubes 20 and in contact with a flat portion 21 of a first flat tube that is one of the adjacent flat tubes 20, and a plurality of outer fins 30 each having a pair of protruding portions 32 protruding from the main body portion 31 in a third direction D3 that is the air flow direction and intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and the pair of protruding portions 32 are parallel to the flat portion 21 of the first flat tube. The main body 31 has a first base surface parallel to the flat portion 21 of the first flat tube, a first bent portion bent in a first direction relative to the first base surface, ridge portions 32c bent in the first direction D1 relative to the first base surface and provided at both ends of the first bent portion in the second direction D2, and an inclined portion 32e formed between the first bent portion and the ridge portion 32c, and the main body 31 has a second base surface parallel to the flat portion 21 of the first flat tube, and a second bent portion bent in one direction in the first direction D1 relative to the second base surface, and the pair of protrusions 32 have cut-and-raised portions 32d provided on the inclined portion 32e and extending in the direction of gravity, which is one direction of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.
[0077] According to the heat exchanger 101 of the third embodiment, the pair of protrusions 32 includes cut-and-raised portions 32d provided on the inclined portions 32e and extending in the direction of gravity, which is one of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Therefore, the positions of the cut-and-raised portions 32d can be aligned with the inclined portions 32e on which the cut-and-raised portions 32d are provided and the inclined portions 32e adjacent to the cut-and-raised portions 32d in the first direction D1. During manufacturing, the outer fins 30 and the flat tubes 20 are stacked. This facilitates positioning of the outer fins 30 in the second direction D2, improving manufacturability. Furthermore, providing the cut-and-raised portions 32d improves the rigidity of the protrusions 32. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the protrusions 32 during manufacturing or use, the cut-and-raised portions 32d can prevent the protrusions 32 from deforming in the first direction D1. As a result, deterioration in heat exchange performance due to deformation of the protrusions 32 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the deformation of the protrusions 32 reduces the gaps between adjacent outer fins 30, thereby preventing water from accumulating and corroding the outer fins 30 and the flat tubes 20. The deformation of the protrusions 32 also reduces the gaps between adjacent outer fins 30, thereby preventing the air flow in the third direction D3 from becoming poor.
[0078] Furthermore, by providing the cut-and-raised portions 32d at intervals in the extension direction of the flat portion 32da, water droplets adhering to the outer fins 30 can flow from the upstream side toward the downstream side, from the cut-and-raised portion 32d to the outer fin 30 adjacent to the one on which the cut-and-raised portion 32d is provided. In other words, water droplets adhering to the outer fins 30 flow from the upstream side toward the downstream side while collecting. Furthermore, because the water droplets can be collected in a part of the heat exchanger 101, it is possible to direct the water droplets toward the drain outlet of the outdoor unit 100A. This improves drainage performance.
[0079] In the heat exchanger 101 according to the third embodiment, the cut-and-raised portion 32d is provided in the center of the inclined portion 32e.
[0080] According to the heat exchanger 101 of the third embodiment, the drainage performance of the protruding portion 32 can be improved.
[0081] Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 101 according to embodiment 3, the cut-and-raised portion 32d has a rectangular flat plate-shaped planar portion 32da extending in the first direction D1 and the direction of gravity and facing in a direction perpendicular to the third direction D3, and an extension portion 32db extending from the end of the planar portion 32da perpendicular to the planar portion 32da.
[0082] The heat exchanger 101 according to the third embodiment can achieve the effects of further improving manufacturability and the rigidity of the protrusion 32. Furthermore, the flat surface 32da of the cut-and-raised portion 32d has a rectangular flat plate shape oriented in a direction perpendicular to the third direction D3, and the area of the cut-and-raised portion 32d when viewed in the third direction D3, which is the direction of the air flow, is small, thereby suppressing the air resistance caused by the cut-and-raised portion 32d.
[0083] In the heat exchanger 101 according to the third embodiment, the extending portion 32db is in contact with the inclined portion 32e on which the extending portion 32db is provided and the inclined portion 32e adjacent to the inclined portion 32e in the first direction D1.
[0084] According to the heat exchanger 101 of the third embodiment, it is possible to obtain the effects of further improving productivity and improving the rigidity of the protrusions 32.
[0085] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described below. (Appendix 1) a plurality of flat tubes each having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths therein, arranged in a first direction with gaps through which air flows, and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a main body portion disposed between adjacent flat tubes and in contact with a flat portion of a first flat tube, which is one of the adjacent flat tubes; and a plurality of outer fins each having a pair of protrusions protruding from the main body portion in a third direction that is the air flow direction and intersects with the first direction and the second direction, The pair of protruding portions have a first base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube, a first bent portion bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface, and ridge portions bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface and provided at both ends of the first bent portion in the second direction, the main body portion has a second base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube and a second bent portion bent in one direction of the first direction with respect to the second base surface, The pair of protrusions are a cut-and-raised portion provided at the first bent portion and extending in the first direction; heat exchanger. (Appendix 2) The cut-and-raised portion is provided at the end of the first bent portion 10. The heat exchanger of claim 1. (Appendix 3) The cut-and-raised portion is a rectangular flat plate-shaped planar portion extending in the first direction and facing the third direction; an extension portion extending outward in the third direction from an end of the planar portion; 3. A heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The extending portion is in contact with the first bent portion adjacent to the first bent portion in the first direction. 10. A heat exchanger as described in Appendix 3. (Appendix 5) The cut-and-raised portion is a rectangular flat plate-shaped planar portion extending in the first direction and facing the third direction; an extension portion extending inward in the third direction from an end of the flat portion; 3. A heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 6) The extending portion is in contact with the first bent portion adjacent to the first bent portion in the first direction. 6. The heat exchanger of claim 5. (Appendix 7) a plurality of flat tubes each having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths therein, arranged in a first direction with gaps through which air flows, and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a main body portion disposed between adjacent flat tubes and in contact with a flat portion of a first flat tube, which is one of the adjacent flat tubes; and a plurality of outer fins each having a pair of protrusions protruding from the main body portion in a third direction that is the air flow direction and intersects with the first direction and the second direction, The pair of protrusions have a first base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube, a first bent portion bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface, a peak portion bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface and provided at both ends of the first bent portion in the second direction, and an inclined portion formed between the first bent portion and the peak portion, the main body portion has a second base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube and a second bent portion bent in one direction of the first direction with respect to the second base surface, The pair of protrusions are a cut-and-raised portion provided on the inclined portion and extending in a direction of gravity, which is one of the first direction and the second direction; heat exchanger. (Appendix 8) The cut-and-raised portion is The inclined portion is provided at the center thereof. 8. The heat exchanger of claim 7. (Appendix 9) The cut-and-raised portion is a rectangular flat plate-shaped planar portion extending in the first direction and the gravity direction and facing a direction perpendicular to the third direction; an extension portion extending from an end of the planar portion so as to be perpendicular to the planar portion; 9. The heat exchanger of claim 7 or 8. (Appendix 10) The extending portion is in contact with the inclined portion adjacent to the inclined portion on which the extending portion is provided in the first direction. 10. The heat exchanger of claim 9. (Appendix 11) A refrigeration cycle device comprising the heat exchanger according to any one of appendices 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]
[0086] 10 heat exchange element, 13a end, 13b end, 20 flat tube, 21 flat portion, 22 curved portion, 23 refrigerant flow path, 30 outer fin, 31 main body, 31a base surface, 31b bent portion, 32 protruding portion, 32a base surface, 32b bent portion, 32c mountain portion, 32d cut-and-raised portion, 32da flat portion, 32db extension portion, 32e inclined portion, 40 first header, 41 refrigerant flow port, 50 second header, 51 refrigerant flow port, 70 flat tube, 80 serpentine fin, 81 main body, 81a base surface, 81b bent portion, 82 protruding portion, 82a base surface, 82b bent portion, 82c mountain portion, 100 refrigeration cycle device, 100A outdoor unit, 100B Indoor unit, 100c refrigerant circuit, 101 heat exchanger, 102 compressor, 103 flow path switching device, 104 indoor heat exchanger, 105 throttling device, 106 indoor fan, 107 outdoor fan.
Claims
1. a plurality of flat tubes each having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths therein, arranged in a first direction with gaps through which air flows, and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a main body portion disposed between adjacent flat tubes and in contact with a flat portion of a first flat tube, which is one of the adjacent flat tubes; and a plurality of outer fins each having a pair of protrusions protruding from the main body portion in a third direction that is the air flow direction and intersects with the first direction and the second direction, The pair of protruding portions have a first base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube, a first bent portion bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface, and ridge portions bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface and provided at both ends of the first bent portion in the second direction, the main body portion has a second base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube and a second bent portion bent in one direction in the first direction with respect to the second base surface, The pair of protrusions are a cut-and-raised portion provided at the first bent portion and extending in the first direction; heat exchanger.
2. The cut-and-raised portion is provided at the end of the first bent portion The heat exchanger of claim 1 .
3. The cut-and-raised portion is a rectangular flat plate-shaped planar portion extending in the first direction and facing the third direction; an extension portion extending outward in the third direction from an end of the planar portion; 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The extending portion is in contact with the first bent portion adjacent to the first bent portion in the first direction. The heat exchanger according to claim 3.
5. The cut-and-raised portion is a rectangular flat plate-shaped planar portion extending in the first direction and facing the third direction; an extension portion extending inward in the third direction from an end of the flat portion; 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.
6. The extending portion is in contact with the first bent portion adjacent to the first bent portion in the first direction.
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5.
7. a plurality of flat tubes each having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths therein, arranged in a first direction with gaps through which air flows, and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a main body portion disposed between adjacent flat tubes and in contact with a flat portion of a first flat tube, which is one of the adjacent flat tubes; and a plurality of outer fins each having a pair of protrusions protruding from the main body portion in a third direction that is the air flow direction and intersects with the first direction and the second direction, The pair of protrusions have a first base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube, a first bent portion bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface, a peak portion bent in the first direction relative to the first base surface and provided at both ends of the first bent portion in the second direction, and an inclined portion formed between the first bent portion and the peak portion, the main body portion has a second base surface parallel to the flat portion of the first flat tube and a second bent portion bent in one direction in the first direction with respect to the second base surface, The pair of protrusions are a cut-and-raised portion provided on the inclined portion and extending in the direction of gravity, which is one of the first direction and the second direction; heat exchanger.
8. The cut-and-raised portion is The inclined portion is provided at the center thereof.
8. The heat exchanger of claim 7.
9. The cut-and-raised portion is a rectangular flat plate-shaped planar portion extending in the first direction and the gravity direction and facing a direction perpendicular to the third direction; an extension portion extending from an end of the planar portion so as to be perpendicular to the planar portion; 9. The heat exchanger according to claim 7 or 8.
10. The extending portion is in contact with the inclined portion adjacent to the inclined portion on which the extending portion is provided in the first direction.
10. The heat exchanger of claim 9.
11. A refrigeration cycle device comprising the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Heat exchanger and its manufacture
JP1997310990A