Heat exchangers and refrigeration cycle systems

Abstract

Conventional heat exchangers have the problem that condensation water is drained downwards by sequentially flowing down multiple plate-shaped fin sections, which means that drainage takes a long time. [Solution] The heat exchanger 11 comprises a plurality of flattened tubes 61 and fins. The plurality of flattened tubes 61 extend in the vertical direction. The fins are arranged between adjacent first flattened tubes 611 and second flattened tubes 612 that are arranged along a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The fins have a plurality of plate-shaped fin portions 81. The plurality of fin portions 81 include a first fin portion 811. The first fin portion 811 has a notch portion 812a cut out in a first direction from the end on the first flattened tube 611 side. The length L3 of the notch portion 812a along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flattened tube 611 at the end on the first flattened tube 611 side is longer than the length of the notch portion 812a along the longitudinal direction at the other end in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] It relates to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-147785), there is known a heat exchanger including a plurality of flat tubes extending in the vertical direction and fins disposed between adjacent flat tubes, the plurality of plate-like fin portions being connected in a wave shape in the vertical direction.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In Patent Document 1, there is a problem that since the condensed water is sequentially transmitted through the plurality of plate-like fin portions and drained downward, it takes time for drainage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The heat exchanger according to the first aspect includes a plurality of flat tubes, fins, an upper header, and a lower header. The plurality of flat tubes extend in the vertical direction. Refrigerant flows inside the plurality of flat tubes. The fins are disposed between an adjacent first flat tube and second flat tube. The first flat tube and the second flat tube are arranged along a first direction. The first direction is a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The upper header and the lower header are respectively connected to the upper ends and the lower ends of the plurality of flat tubes. The upper header and the lower header extend in the first direction. The fins have a plurality of plate-like fin portions and a plurality of curved portions. The plurality of fin portions include a first fin portion. The plurality of curved portions connect the plurality of fin portions in a wave shape along the vertical direction. The first fin portion has a notch. The notch is cut out in the first direction from an end on the first flat tube side. The length along the longitudinal direction of the cross section of the first flat tube at the end on the first flat tube side of the notch is longer than the length along the longitudinal direction of the other end in the first direction of the notch.

[0005] In the first type of heat exchanger, condensation is drained downwards through the notch. In other words, the condensation is drained downwards along the surface of the first flattened tube by the notch. As a result, the heat exchanger can efficiently drain condensation. Furthermore, the heat exchanger can efficiently drain condensation with a smaller shape compared to a case where the length of the cross-section of the first flattened tube at the first flattened tube end of the notch is less than or equal to the length of the other end of the notch in the first direction along the longitudinal direction.

[0006] The heat exchanger in the second aspect is the heat exchanger described in the first aspect, wherein the length of the notch along the longitudinal direction at the first flattened tube side end is 20% or more of the longitudinal length of the first flattened tube.

[0007] The heat exchanger of the third aspect is the heat exchanger described in the first or second aspect, wherein, when viewed along the vertical direction, the longitudinal center of the first flattened tube side end of the notch is located downwind of the center line parallel to the first direction of the first flattened tube.

[0008] In this configuration, the heat exchanger from the third perspective can drain condensation water blown away by the wind downwards.

[0009] The heat exchanger of the fourth view is the heat exchanger described in any one of the first, second, or third views, wherein the first fin section has a first cut-up section and a second cut-up section. The second cut-up section is located upwind of the first cut-up section. The length of the second cut-up section along the first direction is shorter than that of the first cut-up section. When viewed along the vertical direction, the notch and the second cut-up section overlap along the first direction.

[0010] In the fourth aspect of the heat exchanger, this configuration allows for the formation of a notch in the first fin portion by utilizing the region between the first flattened tube and the second cut-up portion.

[0011] The fifth aspect of the heat exchanger comprises multiple flattened tubes, fins, an upper header and a lower header, The system comprises: Multiple flattened tubes extending vertically. Coolant flows through the multiple flattened tubes. Fins are positioned between adjacent first and second flattened tubes. The first and second flattened tubes are positioned along a first direction, which intersects the vertical direction. Upper and lower headers are connected to the upper and lower ends of the multiple flattened tubes, respectively. Upper and lower headers extend in the first direction. Fins have multiple plate-like fin sections and multiple curved sections. The curved sections connect the multiple fin sections in a corrugated manner along the vertical direction. The first flattened tube has a first groove on its first surface facing the second flattened tube. The first groove extends vertically.

[0012] In the fifth-view heat exchanger, condensed water is drained downwards through the first groove. As a result, the heat exchanger can efficiently drain condensed water.

[0013] The heat exchanger of the sixth aspect is the heat exchanger described in the fifth aspect, wherein the first flattened tube has a second groove on the second surface opposite to the second flattened tube. The second groove extends in the vertical direction. When viewed along the vertical direction, the first groove and the second groove do not overlap along the first direction.

[0014] The heat exchanger in the sixth perspective, with this configuration, can suppress the reduction in the strength of the first flattened tube caused by the formation of two grooves in the first flattened tube.

[0015] The heat exchanger of the seventh aspect is the heat exchanger described in the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the first flattened tube has a plurality of refrigerant flow paths inside. The first groove is formed between adjacent refrigerant flow paths that are included in the plurality of refrigerant flow paths.

[0016] The heat exchanger of the eighth aspect is the heat exchanger described in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the first groove includes a third groove and a fourth groove. The fourth groove is located on the opposite side of the first plane from the third groove when viewed along the vertical direction. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth groove is smaller than that of the third groove when viewed along the vertical direction.

[0017] The heat exchanger according to the eighth aspect sucks the condensed water on the surface of the first fin portion into the first groove portion by capillary action. As a result, the heat exchanger can drain the condensed water more efficiently.

[0018] The heat exchanger according to the ninth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, and the plurality of fin portions include the first fin portion. The first fin portion has a notch portion. The notch portion is notched in the first direction from the end portion on the side of the first flat tube. The notch portion and the first groove portion face each other along the first direction.

[0019] The heat exchanger according to the ninth aspect can drain the condensed water more efficiently by widening the flow path of the condensed water flowing downward on the surface of the first flat tube.

[0020] The refrigeration cycle device according to the tenth aspect includes the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of an outdoor unit. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of an outdoor heat exchanger. [[ID=2८]] [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a heat exchanger. [Figure 5] It is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part of a heat exchanger. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of a part of a heat exchanger as viewed from above along the vertical direction. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of a part of a heat exchanger as viewed from above along the vertical direction. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of a part of a heat exchanger as viewed from above along the vertical direction. [[ID=4५]]

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] <First Embodiment> (1) Configuration of the refrigeration cycle Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration cycle device 1. The refrigeration cycle device 1 uses a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to cool or heat an object whose temperature is to be adjusted. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is an air conditioner that cools or heats the air in the target space. The refrigeration cycle device 1 may also be, for example, a hot water supply system and a floor heating system. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is a multi-system air conditioner for buildings. The refrigeration cycle device 1 may also be, for example, a central air conditioning system air conditioner.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the refrigeration cycle device 1 mainly comprises an indoor unit 20 and an outdoor unit 30. The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected by liquid refrigerant connecting pipes 51 and gaseous refrigerant connecting pipes 52, forming a refrigerant circuit 50. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 50 is, for example, a single refrigerant such as R32, or a mixed refrigerant such as R454C. The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other by a communication line 98.

[0024] (1-1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 20 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the target space. As shown in Figure 1, the indoor unit 20 mainly comprises an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, an indoor expansion valve 23, and an indoor control unit 29.

[0025] The indoor heat exchanger 21 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the air in the target space. The indoor heat exchanger 21 is, for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having multiple fins and multiple heat transfer tubes.

[0026] The indoor fan 22 draws air from the target space into the indoor unit 20 and causes heat exchange to occur between the drawn-in air and the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21. The indoor fan 22 supplies the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 to the target space. The indoor fan 22 is, for example, a centrifugal fan such as a turbo fan or a sirocco fan.

[0027] The indoor expansion valve 23 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 50. The indoor expansion valve 23 is, for example, an electronically operated expansion valve with adjustable opening. The indoor control unit 29 controls the operation of each component of the indoor unit 20.

[0028] The indoor control unit 29 is configured to receive various signals transmitted from the operating remote control corresponding to the indoor unit 20. The indoor control unit 29 exchanges control signals and signals related to various settings with the outdoor control unit 39 of the outdoor unit 30 via the communication line 98.

[0029] (1-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 30 is installed outdoors, for example, on the roof of a building. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the outdoor unit 30. As shown in Figure 1-2, the outdoor unit 30 mainly comprises a casing 40, a compressor 31, a flow path switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, an outdoor expansion valve 34, an accumulator 35, an outdoor fan 36, and an outdoor control unit 39. The outdoor unit 30 also has an intake pipe 54a, a discharge pipe 54b, gas refrigerant piping 54c, 54e, and liquid refrigerant piping 54d.

[0030] The suction pipe 54a connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the suction side of the compressor 31. An accumulator 35 is provided in the suction pipe 54a. The discharge pipe 54b connects the discharge side of the compressor 31 to the flow path switching valve 32. The gas refrigerant piping 54c connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The liquid refrigerant piping 54d connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51. An outdoor expansion valve 34 is provided in the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. A liquid side shut-off valve 37 is provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant piping 54d and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 51. The gas refrigerant piping 54e connects the flow path switching valve 32 to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 52. A gas side shut-off valve 38 is provided at the connection between the gas refrigerant piping 54e and the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 52. The liquid-side shut-off valve 37 and the gas-side shut-off valve 38 are valves that are opened and closed manually.

[0031] The casing 40 houses a compressor 31, a flow path switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, an outdoor expansion valve 34, an accumulator 35, an outdoor fan 36, an outdoor control unit 39, an intake pipe 54a, a discharge pipe 54b, gas refrigerant piping 54c, 54e, and liquid refrigerant piping 54d. As shown in Figure 2, the casing 40 has a bottom frame 42 that spans a pair of mounting legs 41, support columns 43 that extend vertically from the corners of the bottom frame 42, a discharge grille 44 attached near the upper end of the support columns 43, and a front panel 45. Air intake ports 40a to 40c are provided on the sides of the casing 40, and an air outlet port 40e is provided on the top surface of the casing 40. The air outlet 40e is covered by an air outlet grille 44, and the outdoor fan 36 is positioned facing the air outlet grille 44. The bottom frame 42 forms the bottom surface of the casing 40, and the outdoor heat exchanger 33, accumulator 35, and compressor 31 are mounted on the bottom frame 42. The bottom frame 42 is in contact with the lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and functions as a drain pan to receive condensation water generated in the outdoor heat exchanger 33.

[0032] The compressor 31 draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the suction pipe 54a, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism, and discharges the compressed refrigerant to the discharge pipe 54b. The compressor 31 is, for example, a rotary type or a scroll type positive displacement compressor.

[0033] The flow path switching valve 32 is a mechanism that switches the flow path of the refrigerant between a first state and a second state. In the first state, as shown by the dashed line in the flow path switching valve 32 in Figure 1, the intake pipe 54a is connected to the gas refrigerant piping 54e and the discharge pipe 54b is connected to the gas refrigerant piping 54c. In the second state, as shown by the solid line in the flow path switching valve 32 in Figure 1, the intake pipe 54a is connected to the gas refrigerant piping 54c and the discharge pipe 54b is connected to the gas refrigerant piping 54e. During cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the first state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 in the order of outdoor heat exchanger 33, outdoor expansion valve 34, indoor expansion valve 23, indoor heat exchanger 21, and returns to the compressor 31. In the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator. The flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the second state during heating operation. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 in the order of indoor heat exchanger 21, indoor expansion valve 23, outdoor expansion valve 34, outdoor heat exchanger 33, and returns to the compressor 31. In the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a condenser.

[0034] The outdoor heat exchanger 33 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and the outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger 33 is composed of one or more heat exchangers 10. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is composed of three heat exchangers 11 that have basically the same structure (hereinafter, these three heat exchangers 11 may be referred to as heat exchangers 11a to 11c). The liquid refrigerant piping 54d is connected to the end of the lower header 96a of the heat exchanger 11a. The end of the upper header 95a of the heat exchanger 11a and the end of the upper header 95b of the heat exchanger 11b are connected by a header connecting pipe 55. The end of the lower header 96a of the heat exchanger 11a and the end of the lower header 96b of the heat exchanger 11b are connected by a header connecting pipe 56. The end of the upper header 95b of heat exchanger 11b and the end of the upper header 95c of heat exchanger 11c are connected by a header connecting pipe 57. The end of the lower header 96b of heat exchanger 11b and the end of the lower header 96c of heat exchanger 11c are connected by a header connecting pipe 58. The gas refrigerant pipe 54c is connected to the end of the upper header 95c of heat exchanger 11c. As shown in Figure 2, heat exchangers 11a to 11c are each positioned along the three sides of the casing 40, facing the air intake ports 40a to 40c.

[0035] During heating operation, the refrigerant flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 in the direction of the solid arrow shown in Figure 3. Specifically, the refrigerant flows into the lower header 96a of the heat exchanger 11a from the end of the lower header 96a via the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. A portion of the refrigerant that flows into the lower header 96a is divided into multiple flat pipes 61a of the heat exchanger 11a. The refrigerant that has been divided into the multiple flat pipes 61a flows upward through the multiple flat pipes 61a and flows into the upper header 95a of the heat exchanger 11a. The refrigerant that has flowed into the upper header 95a flows into the upper header 95b of the heat exchanger 11b via the header connecting piping 55. A portion of the refrigerant that has flowed into the lower header 96a flows into the lower header 96b of the heat exchanger 11b via the header connecting piping 56. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the lower header 96b is divided into multiple flat tubes 61b of the heat exchanger 11b. The refrigerant divided into the multiple flat tubes 61b flows upward through the multiple flat tubes 61b and flows into the upper header 95b. The refrigerant flowing into the upper header 95b flows into the upper header 95c of the heat exchanger 11c via the header connecting pipe 57. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the lower header 96b flows into the lower header 96c of the heat exchanger 11c via the header connecting pipe 58. The refrigerant flowing into the lower header 96c is divided into multiple flat tubes 61c of the heat exchanger 11c. The refrigerant divided into multiple flat tubes 61c flows upward through the multiple flat tubes 61c and flows into the upper header 95c. The refrigerant flowing into the upper header 95c flows out from the end of the upper header 95c via the gas refrigerant pipe 54c.

[0036] During cooling operation, the refrigerant flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 in the direction of the dashed arrow shown in Figure 3. The flow of the refrigerant during cooling operation is the opposite of the flow of the refrigerant during heating operation.

[0037] The structure of the multiple flattened tubes 61a to 61c, the upper headers 95a to 95c, and the lower headers 96a to 96c of the heat exchangers 11a to 11c will be described later as a description of the structure of the multiple flattened tubes 61, the upper header 95, and the lower header 96 of the heat exchanger 11.

[0038] The outdoor expansion valve 34 is a mechanism for regulating the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant piping 54d. The outdoor expansion valve 34 is, for example, an electronically operated expansion valve with adjustable opening. The accumulator 35 is a container that has a gas-liquid separation function, which separates the incoming refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

[0039] The outdoor fan 36 draws outdoor air into the outdoor unit 30 through intake ports 40a to 40c on the side of the casing 40, and performs heat exchange between the drawn-in air and the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The outdoor fan 36 blows out the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 upwards from the outlet 40e on the top surface of the casing 40. The outdoor fan 36 is, for example, an axial fan such as a propeller fan.

[0040] The outdoor control unit 39 controls the operation of each component of the outdoor unit 30. The outdoor control unit 39 exchanges control signals, various setting signals, etc., with the indoor control unit 29 of the indoor unit 20 via the communication line 98.

[0041] (1-3) Controller The indoor control unit 29 and the outdoor control unit 39 work together to function as a controller 99. The controller 99 controls the operation of the entire refrigeration cycle system 1.

[0042] For example, when the controller 99 receives an instruction to start cooling or heating operation from the operating remote control corresponding to the indoor unit 20, it switches the flow path switching valve 32 to the first state or the second state. The controller 99 then adjusts the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23, the rotation speed of the compressor 31, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 36, etc., so that the temperature of the target space reaches the temperature corresponding to the set temperature.

[0043] (2) Detailed structure of the heat exchanger Figure 4 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 11. Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the heat exchanger 11. As shown in Figure 4, the heat exchanger 11 mainly comprises a plurality of flattened tubes 61, a plurality of fins 71, an upper header 95, and a lower header 96. The plurality of flattened tubes 61, the plurality of fins 71, the upper header 95, and the lower header 96 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. For example, the plurality of flattened tubes 61, the plurality of fins 71, the upper header 95, and the lower header 96 are integrally joined by brazing.

[0044] (2-1) Flat tube As shown in Figure 4, the multiple flattened tubes 61 extend vertically. As shown in Figure 5, each of the multiple flattened tubes 61 has two flattened surfaces P1 that serve as heat transfer surfaces. The flattened surfaces P1 are located on the longitudinal side of the cross-section of the flattened tube 61 when viewed along the vertical direction. The longitudinal length L1 of the cross-section of the flattened tube 61 is, for example, 20 mm. The transverse length L2 of the cross-section of the flattened tube 61 is, for example, 1.2 mm to 2 mm.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple flattened pipes 61 are arranged at regular intervals along the first direction. The regular interval is, for example, 8 mm. The first direction is perpendicular (intersecting) to the vertical direction. More specifically, the first direction is perpendicular (intersecting) to the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the flattened pipe 61 when viewed along the vertical direction. Therefore, the multiple flattened pipes 61 are arranged at regular intervals along the first direction such that each flattened surface P1 is perpendicular to the first direction. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the flattened pipe 61 is the airflow direction.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple flattened tubes 61 each have multiple refrigerant flow paths F1 inside. The refrigerant flows vertically through the multiple refrigerant flow paths F1. In the heat exchanger 11, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant flowing through the multiple refrigerant flow paths F1 and the outside air.

[0047] (2-2) Finn The multiple fins 71 are components that increase the heat transfer area of ​​the heat exchanger 11. The multiple fins 71 are so-called corrugated fins. As shown in Figure 4, the multiple fins 71 extend in the vertical direction. Each of the multiple fins 71 is positioned between adjacent flattened tubes 61 that are included in the multiple flattened tubes 61. As shown in Figure 5, each of the multiple fins 71 has multiple plate-shaped fin portions 81 and multiple curved portions 83. The multiple fin portions 81 are arranged along the vertical direction such that their plate surfaces are approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. The multiple curved portions 83 connect the multiple fin portions 81 in a corrugated manner along the vertical direction. In other words, the multiple fin portions 81 are connected in a corrugated manner in the vertical direction such that their plate surfaces are approximately parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the multiple fins 71 are arranged so that the windward side of the multiple fins 71 protrudes from the multiple flattened pipes 61. By arranging the multiple fins 71 so that the windward side protrudes from the multiple flattened pipes 61, the temperature of the windward end of the multiple fins 71 approaches the temperature of the outdoor air. As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can reduce the amount of frost formation on the windward end of the multiple fins 71.

[0049] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the heat exchanger 11, viewed from above along the vertical direction. In Figure 6, any adjacent first flattened tube 611 and second flattened tube 612 are shown, which are part of a plurality of flattened tubes 61. Also in Figure 6, any one first fin section 811 is shown, which is part of a plurality of fin sections 81 located between the first flattened tube 611 and the second flattened tube 612.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the first fin portion 811 has a notch portion 812a. The notch portion 812a is cut out in a first direction from the end on the first flattened pipe 611 side. The length L3 of the notch portion 812a along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flattened pipe 611 at the end on the first flattened pipe 611 side is longer than the length of the other end of the notch portion 812a in the first direction (the end on the second flattened pipe 612 side) along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flattened pipe 611. The first fin portion 811 also has a notch portion 812b. The notch portion 812b is cut out in a first direction from the end on the second flattened pipe 612 side. The length L4 of the notch portion 812b along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the second flat pipe 612 at the end of the notch portion 812b on the second flat pipe 612 side is longer than the length of the notch portion 812b along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the second flat pipe 612 at the other end in the first direction (end on the first flat pipe 611 side). In this embodiment, when viewed along the vertical direction, the shapes of the notches 812a and 812b are triangular. Preferably, the length L3 of the notch portion 812a along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flat pipe 611 at the end of the notch portion 812a on the first flat pipe 611 side is 20% or more of the length L1 of the cross-section of the first flat pipe 611 in the longitudinal direction. The length L4 of the notch portion 812b at the end of the second flattened pipe 612 along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the second flattened pipe 612 is 20% or more of the length L1 of the cross-section of the second flattened pipe 612 in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, when viewed along the vertical direction, the longitudinal center C1 of the cross-section of the first flat pipe 611 at the end of the notch 812a on the first flat pipe 611 side is located on the center line 97 parallel to the first direction of the cross-section of the first flat pipe 611. Also, when viewed along the vertical direction, the longitudinal center C2 of the cross-section of the second flat pipe 612 at the end of the notch 812b on the second flat pipe 612 side is located on the center line 97 parallel to the first direction of the cross-section of the second flat pipe 612.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the first fin section 811 has a plurality of cut-up sections 813. The plurality of cut-up sections 813 are arranged in line in the wind direction. The plurality of cut-up sections 813 include a first cut-up section 813a and a second cut-up section 813b. The second cut-up section 813b is located upwind of the first cut-up section 813a. The length of the second cut-up section 813b along the first direction is shorter than that of the first cut-up section 813a. When viewed along the vertical direction, the notch section 812a and the second cut-up section 813b overlap along the first direction. When viewed along the vertical direction, the notch section 812b and the second cut-up section 813b overlap along the first direction. Here, "overlap" means that one overlaps with part or all of the other.

[0053] (2-3) Top header and bottom header The upper header 95 and lower header 96 are hollow members. As shown in Figure 4, the upper header 95 and lower header 96 extend in a first direction. The upper header 95 and lower header 96 are connected to the upper and lower ends of a plurality of flattened pipes 60, respectively.

[0054] For example, refrigerant flows into the upper header 95 from the end of the upper header 95. The refrigerant that flows into the upper header 95 is divided into multiple flat pipes 60. The refrigerant that has been divided into the multiple flat pipes 60 flows downward through the multiple flat pipes 60 and flows into the lower header 96. The refrigerant that has flowed into the lower header 96 flows out from the end of the lower header 96. For example, refrigerant flows into the lower header 96 from the end of the lower header 96. The refrigerant that has flowed into the lower header 96 is divided into multiple flat pipes 60. The refrigerant that has been divided into multiple flat pipes 60 flows upward through the multiple flat pipes 60 and flows into the upper header 95. The refrigerant that has flowed into the upper header 95 flows out from the end of the upper header 95. The solid arrows in Figure 4 show the flow of refrigerant when the refrigerant flows in from the end of the lower header 96 and flows out from the end of the upper header 95.

[0055] (3) Features (3-1) Conventionally, heat exchangers are known that include multiple flattened tubes extending vertically and fins arranged between adjacent flattened tubes, with multiple plate-shaped fin sections arranged vertically in a corrugated pattern.

[0056] Conventional heat exchangers have the problem that condensation water is drained downwards by sequentially flowing down multiple plate-shaped fin sections, which means that drainage takes a long time.

[0057] The heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of flattened tubes 61, fins 71, an upper header 95, and a lower header 96. The plurality of flattened tubes 61 extend vertically. A refrigerant flows through the plurality of flattened tubes 61. The fins 71 are positioned between adjacent first flattened tubes 611 and second flattened tubes 612. The first flattened tubes 611 and second flattened tubes 612 are positioned along a first direction. The first direction is perpendicular (intersecting) to the vertical direction. The upper header 95 and lower header 96 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the plurality of flattened tubes 61, respectively. The upper header and lower header extend in the first direction. The fins 71 have a plurality of plate-shaped fin sections 81 and a plurality of curved sections 83. The plurality of fin sections 81 include a first fin section 811. The plurality of curved sections 83 connect the plurality of fin sections 81 in a corrugated manner along the vertical direction. The first fin portion 811 has a notch portion 812a. The notch portion 812a is cut out in a first direction from the end on the first flattened pipe 611 side. The length L3 of the notch portion 812a along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flattened pipe 611 at the end on the first flattened pipe 611 side is longer than the length of the other end of the notch portion 812a along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flattened pipe 611 in the first direction.

[0058] In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, condensed water is drained downwards by passing through the notch 812a. In other words, the condensed water is drained downwards by flowing along the surface of the first flattened pipe 611 through the notch 812a. As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can efficiently drain condensed water. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 11 can efficiently drain condensed water with a smaller shape compared to a case where the length L3 along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flattened pipe 611 at the end of the notch 812a on the first side is less than or equal to the length along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flattened pipe 611 at the other end of the notch 812a in the first direction.

[0059] (3-2) In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the length L3 along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flattened pipe 611 at the end of the notch 812a on the first flattened pipe 611 side is 20% or more of the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flattened pipe 611.

[0060] (3-3) In the heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the first fin portion 811 has a first cut-up portion 813a and a second cut-up portion 813b. The second cut-up portion 813b is located upwind of the first cut-up portion 813a. The length of the second cut-up portion 813b along the first direction is shorter than that of the first cut-up portion 813a. When viewed along the vertical direction, the notch portion 812a and the second cut-up portion 813b overlap along the first direction.

[0061] As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can utilize the region between the first flattened tube 611 and the second cut-up portion 813b to form a notch 812a in the first fin portion 811.

[0062] (3-4) The refrigeration cycle device 1 of this embodiment includes a heat exchanger 11.

[0063] (4) Variations (4-1) Variation 1A As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, when viewed along the vertical direction, the longitudinal center C1 of the cross-section of the first flat pipe 611 at the end of the notch 812a on the first flat pipe 611 side was located on the center line 97 parallel to the first direction of the cross-section of the first flat pipe 611. Also, when viewed along the vertical direction, the longitudinal center C2 of the cross-section of the second flat pipe 612 at the end of the notch 812b on the second flat pipe 612 side was located on the center line 97 parallel to the first direction of the cross-section of the second flat pipe 612.

[0064] However, when viewed along the vertical direction, the longitudinal center C1 of the cross-section of the first flat pipe 611 at the end of the notch 812a on the first flat pipe 611 side may be located downwind of the center line 97 parallel to the first direction of the cross-section of the first flat pipe 611. Also, when viewed along the vertical direction, the longitudinal center C2 of the cross-section of the second flat pipe 612 at the end of the notch 812b on the second flat pipe 612 side may be located downwind of the center line 97 parallel to the first direction of the cross-section of the second flat pipe 612.

[0065] As a result, the heat exchanger 11 can drain the condensed water blown away by the wind downwards.

[0066] When viewed along the vertical direction, the longitudinal center C1 of the cross-section of the first flat pipe 611 at the end of the notch 812a on the first flat pipe 611 side may be located upwind of the center line 97 parallel to the first direction of the cross-section of the first flat pipe 611. Also, when viewed along the vertical direction, the longitudinal center C2 of the cross-section of the second flat pipe 612 at the end of the notch 812b on the second flat pipe 612 side may be located upwind of the center line 97 parallel to the first direction of the cross-section of the second flat pipe 612.

[0067] On the upwind side of the heat exchanger 11, there is a large temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger 11 and the outdoor air. Therefore, even if the center C1 is located upwind of the center line 97, or if the center C2 is located upwind of the center line 97, the heat exchanger 11 can still perform sufficient heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger 11 and the outdoor air.

[0068] (4-2) While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims.

[0069] <Second Embodiment> The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Aside from the details described in this embodiment, it is basically the same as the first embodiment.

[0070] (1) Detailed structure of the heat exchanger In this embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is composed of a heat exchanger 12 instead of the heat exchanger 11 in the first embodiment. The heat exchanger 12 has a plurality of flattened tubes 62 instead of the plurality of flattened tubes 61 in the first embodiment. Also, the heat exchanger 12 has a plurality of fins 72 instead of the plurality of fins 71 in the first embodiment. Each of the plurality of fins 72 has a plurality of plate-shaped fin portions 82 instead of the plurality of fin portions 81 in the first embodiment.

[0071] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the heat exchanger 12, viewed from above along the vertical direction. In Figure 7, any adjacent first flattened tube 621 and second flattened tube 622 are shown, which are part of a plurality of flattened tubes 62. Also in Figure 7, any one first fin section 821 is shown, which is part of a plurality of fin sections 82 located between the first flattened tube 621 and the second flattened tube 622.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the first flattened pipe 621 has a first groove 911 on the flattened surface P211 (first surface) on the side of the second flattened pipe 622. The first groove 911 extends vertically from the upper header 95 to the lower header 96. The multiple flattened pipes 62 have multiple refrigerant flow paths F2 inside. The first groove 911 is formed between adjacent refrigerant flow paths F2 that are included in the multiple refrigerant flow paths F2. The first groove 911 includes a third groove 911a and a fourth groove 911b. When viewed along the vertical direction, the fourth groove 911b is located on the opposite side of the flattened surface P211 from the third groove 911a. When viewed along the vertical direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth groove 911b is smaller than that of the third groove 911a.

[0073] As shown in Figure 7, the first flattened pipe 621 has a second groove 912 on the flattened surface P212 (second surface) opposite to the second flattened pipe 622. The second groove 912 extends vertically from the upper header 95 to the lower header 96. When viewed along the vertical direction, the first groove 911 and the second groove 912 do not overlap along the first direction. The second groove 912 is formed between adjacent refrigerant flow paths F2 included in a plurality of refrigerant flow paths F2. The second groove 912 includes a fifth groove 912a and a sixth groove 912b. When viewed along the vertical direction, the sixth groove 912b is located on the opposite side of the flattened surface P212 from the fifth groove 912a. When viewed along the vertical direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the sixth groove 912b is smaller than that of the fifth groove 912a.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, the second flattened pipe 622 has a first groove 921 and a second groove 922. The position and shape of the first groove 921 and the second groove 922 are the same as those of the first groove 911 and the second groove 912, respectively.

[0075] For example, the first groove 911 and the second groove 912 are formed during the extrusion process of the flattened tube 62 in the manufacturing process of the flattened tube 62.

[0076] The first fin section 821 has a plurality of cut-up sections 823. The plurality of cut-up sections 823 are arranged in the direction of airflow.

[0077] (2) Characteristics (2-1) The heat exchanger 12 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of flattened tubes 62, fins 72, an upper header 95, and a lower header 96. The plurality of flattened tubes 62 extend vertically. A refrigerant flows through the plurality of flattened tubes 62. The fins 72 are positioned between adjacent first flattened tubes 621 and second flattened tubes 622. The first flattened tubes 621 and second flattened tubes 622 are positioned along a first direction. The first direction is perpendicular (intersecting) to the vertical direction. The upper header 95 and lower header 96 are connected to the upper and lower ends of the plurality of flattened tubes 62, respectively. The upper header 95 and lower header 96 extend in the first direction. The fins 72 have a plurality of plate-shaped fin portions 82 and a plurality of curved portions 83. The plurality of curved portions 83 connect the plurality of fin portions 82 in a corrugated manner along the vertical direction. The first flattened pipe 621 has a first groove 911 on the flattened surface P211 (first surface) on the side facing the second flattened pipe 622. The first groove 911 extends in the vertical direction.

[0078] In the heat exchanger 12 of this embodiment, condensed water is drained downward through the first groove 911. As a result, the heat exchanger 12 can efficiently drain condensed water.

[0079] (2-2) In the heat exchanger 12 of this embodiment, the first flattened tube 621 has a second groove 912 on the flattened surface P212 (second surface) opposite to the second flattened tube 622. The second groove 912 extends in the vertical direction. When viewed along the vertical direction, the first groove 911 and the second groove 912 do not overlap along the first direction.

[0080] In the heat exchanger 12, the formation of two grooves in the first flattened tube 621 can suppress a decrease in the strength of the first flattened tube 621.

[0081] (2-3) In the heat exchanger 12 of this embodiment, the first flattened tube 621 has a plurality of refrigerant flow paths F2 inside. The first groove 911 is formed between adjacent refrigerant flow paths F2 that are included in the plurality of refrigerant flow paths F2.

[0082] (2-4) In the heat exchanger 12 of this embodiment, the first groove 911 includes a third groove 911a and a fourth groove 911b. When viewed along the vertical direction, the fourth groove 911b is located on the opposite side from the flattened plane P211 (first surface) from the third groove 911a. When viewed along the vertical direction, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth groove 911b is smaller than that of the third groove 911a.

[0083] The heat exchanger 12 draws condensed water from the surface of the first fin portion 821 into the first groove portion 911 by capillary action. As a result, the heat exchanger 12 can drain the condensed water more efficiently.

[0084] (3) Variant (3-1) Modification 2A Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the heat exchanger 12, viewed from above along the vertical direction. Figure 8 shows the first flattened tube 621, the second flattened tube 622, and the first fin section 821, viewed from above along the vertical direction.

[0085] As shown in Figure 8, the first fin portion 821 may have a notch portion 822a. The notch portion 822a is cut out in a first direction from the end on the first flattened pipe 621 side. The notch portion 822a and the first groove portion 911 face each other along the first direction. The first fin portion 821 may also have a notch portion 822b. The notch portion 822b is cut out in a first direction from the end on the second flattened pipe 622 side. The notch portion 822b and the second groove portion 922 face each other along the first direction. The shapes of the notches 822a and 822b may be the same as the shapes of the notches 812a and 812b in the first embodiment.

[0086] As a result, the heat exchanger 12 can more efficiently drain condensation water because the flow path for condensation water traveling downward along the surface of the first flattened pipe 621 is widened. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 12 can more efficiently drain condensation water because the flow path for condensation water traveling downward along the surface of the second flattened pipe 622 is widened.

[0087] (3-2) Modification 2B In this embodiment, the first groove 911 extended vertically from the upper header 95 to the lower header 96. However, the first groove 911 does not need to be in contact with the upper header 95 and the lower header 96. In this case, for example, the first groove 911 and the second groove 912 are formed in the manufacturing process of the flattened tube 62 after the extrusion process of the flattened tube 62.

[0088] As a result, the heat exchanger 12 can stabilize the connection between the first flattened tube 621 and the upper header 95 and the lower header 96.

[0089] (3-3) While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1. Refrigeration cycle system 11,12 Heat exchanger 61, 62 Multiple flattened tubes 71,72 Finn 81,82 Multiple fin sections 83 Multiple curved sections 95 Top Header 96 Bottom Header 97 Center line 611,621 1st flat tube 612,622 2nd flat tube 811 First Fin Section 812a Notch 813a First cut section 813b Second cut section 821 First fin section 822a Notch 911 First groove 911a Third groove 911b Fourth groove 912 Second groove C1 center F2 Refrigerant flow path L3 Length P211 Flat surface (first side) P212 Flat surface (2nd surface) [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0091] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-147785

Claims

1. Multiple flattened tubes (61) extending vertically, through which a refrigerant flows, A fin (71) is positioned between adjacent first flattened tubes (611) and second flattened tubes (612) arranged along a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, An upper header (95) and a lower header (96) are connected to the upper and lower ends of the plurality of flattened pipes, respectively, and extend in the first direction, Equipped with, The fin has a plurality of plate-shaped fin portions (81) including a first fin portion (811), and a plurality of curved portions (83) that connect the plurality of fin portions in a wave-like manner along the vertical direction. The first fin portion has a notch (812a) cut out in the first direction from the end on the first flattened pipe side, and the length (L3) of the notch along the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the first flattened pipe at the end on the first flattened pipe side is longer than the length of the other end of the notch along the longitudinal direction in the first direction. Heat exchanger (11).

2. The length (L3) of the notch portion along the longitudinal direction at the first flattened pipe side end is 20% or more of the longitudinal length of the first flattened pipe. The heat exchanger (11) according to claim 1.

3. When viewed along the vertical direction, the longitudinal center (C1) of the notch at the first flattened pipe side end is located downwind of the center line (97) of the first flattened pipe parallel to the first direction. The heat exchanger (11) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first fin portion is, The first cut-up section (813a) and A second cut-up section (813b) is located upwind of the first cut-up section and has a shorter length in the first direction than the first cut-up section, It has, When viewed along the vertical direction, the notched portion and the second cut-out portion overlap along the first direction. The heat exchanger (11) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Multiple flattened tubes (62) extending vertically, through which a refrigerant flows, A fin (72) is positioned between adjacent first flattened tubes (621) and second flattened tubes (622) arranged along a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, An upper header (95) and a lower header (96) are connected to the upper and lower ends of the plurality of flattened pipes, respectively, and extend in the first direction, Equipped with, The fin has a plurality of plate-shaped fin portions (82) and a plurality of curved portions (83) that connect the plurality of fin portions in a wave-like manner along the vertical direction. The first flattened pipe has a first groove (911) extending vertically on the first surface (P211) on the side of the second flattened pipe, Heat exchanger (12).

6. The first flattened tube has a second groove (912) extending vertically on the second surface (P212) opposite to the second flattened tube, When viewed along the vertical direction, the first groove and the second groove do not overlap along the first direction. The heat exchanger (12) according to claim 5.

7. The first flattened tube has a plurality of refrigerant flow paths (F2) inside, The first groove is formed between adjacent refrigerant channels included in the plurality of refrigerant channels. The heat exchanger (12) according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The first groove portion is, The third groove (911a) and When viewed along the vertical direction, a fourth groove (911b) is located on the opposite side from the first surface from the third groove and has a smaller cross-sectional area than the third groove, including, The heat exchanger (12) according to claim 5 or 6.

9. The plurality of fin portions include a first fin portion, The first fin portion has a notch (822a) cut out in the first direction from the end on the first flattened pipe side, The notch and the first groove face each other along the first direction, The heat exchanger (12) according to claim 5 or 6.

10. Heat exchanger (11, 12) according to claim 1 or 5, Equipped with, Refrigeration cycle device (1).

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