Heat exchangers, indoor units for air conditioning, and air conditioners

Abstract

Reduce the amount of water remaining in the heat exchanger. [Solution] The fins (30) of the heat exchanger (10) comprise a plate-shaped main body portion (45) and a cylindrical collar portion (40). Heat transfer tubes (20) are inserted through the collar portion (40). The main body portion (45) of the fin (30) comprises an annular recess portion (50) surrounding the base end of the collar portion (40) and a cut-out portion (60) located below the recess portion (50). The recess portion (50) is a recessed portion in the direction of the protrusion of the collar portion (40). The shortest distance L between the recess portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) is 1.5 mm or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger, an indoor unit for air conditioning, and an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cross-fin type heat exchanger. This heat exchanger includes a plurality of fins and heat transfer tubes. The heat exchanger is provided in an indoor unit for air conditioning. In the heat exchanger, the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes exchanges heat with the air passing between the fins.

[0003] A collar portion protruding in a cylindrical shape is formed on the fin. The heat transfer tube is inserted through the collar portion of the fin. A recessed portion is formed on the fin. The recessed portion is a portion recessed in the protruding direction of the collar portion and is formed in an annular shape surrounding the periphery of the base end of the collar portion. The tip of the collar portion of the fin adjacent to the fin fits into the recessed portion of the fin.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] [[ID=Z]] When cooling air in a heat exchanger, water vapor in the air condenses on the surface of the fin. Most of the condensed water generated on the surface of the fin flows down along the surface of the fin. However, since the recessed portion of the fin is a recessed portion, the water generated on the surface of the fin is likely to be retained. The water retained in the recessed portion continues to stay in the heat exchanger even after the operation of the indoor unit for air conditioning stops. If water stays in the recessed portion for a long time, microorganisms such as mold and bacteria will multiply, and as a result, the air passing through the heat exchanger will be contaminated.<X

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to reduce the amount of water that remains in the heat exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of this disclosure is a heat exchanger (10) comprising fins (30) and heat transfer tubes (20) passing through the fins (30). The fins (30) comprise a plate-shaped body portion (45) and a cylindrical collar portion (40) protruding from the body portion (45), through which the heat transfer tubes (20) are inserted. The body portion (45) comprises an annular recess (50) surrounding the base end of the collar portion (40) and a cut-out portion (60) located below the recess (50). The recess (50) is a recessed portion in the direction of the protrusion of the collar portion (40). The shortest distance between the recess (50) and the cut-out portion (60) is 1.5 mm or less.

[0008] When the heat exchanger (10) of the first embodiment cools air, water vapor in the air condenses on the surface of the fins (30). On the fins (30) of the heat exchanger (10), the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) located below the recessed portion (50) are in close proximity to each other. Therefore, the condensed water present in the recessed portion (50) is easily drawn out from the recessed portion (50) to the cut-out portion (60), reducing the amount of water remaining in the recessed portion (50). As a result, the amount of water remaining in the heat exchanger (10) decreases.

[0009] A second aspect of this disclosure is that, in the first aspect described above, the shortest distance between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) is 0.5 mm or more.

[0010] In the second embodiment, a lower limit of the shortest distance between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-up portion (60) is set.

[0011] A third aspect of this disclosure is, in the first aspect described above, the cut-out portion (60) is a portion that is raised in the direction of projection of the collar portion (40).

[0012] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is, in the second aspect described above, the cut-out portion (60) is a portion that is raised in the direction of projection of the collar portion (40).

[0013] In the third and fourth embodiments, the cut-up portion (60) is raised in the direction of the protrusion of the collar portion (40).

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the color portion includes a first color portion (40a) and a second color portion (40b) located below the first color portion (40a), the recessed portion includes a first recessed portion (50a) surrounding the base end of the first color portion (40a) and a second recessed portion (50b) surrounding the base end of the second color portion (40b), the reference line (SL) is a straight line perpendicular to the central axis of the first color portion (40a) and the central axis of the second color portion (40b), and the cut-up portion (60) includes a cut edge (61) extending along the reference line (SL).

[0015] In the fifth embodiment, the cut edge (61) of the cut-up section (60) extends along the reference line (SL). Air passing between the first collar section (40a) and the second collar section (40b) strikes the cut edge (61) of the cut-up section (60). As a result, heat transfer between the air and the fin (30) is promoted.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the fifth aspect, the cutting edge includes a first cutting edge (61a) located on the side closer to the reference line (SL) and a second cutting edge (61b) located on the side further from the reference line.

[0017] In a sixth embodiment, the cut edge (60) comprises a first cut edge (61a) and a second cut edge (61b).

[0018] A seventh aspect of this disclosure is the sixth aspect, wherein the upper end of the second cutting edge (61b) is located above the upper end of the first cutting edge (61a).

[0019] In the seventh aspect, the portion of the raised portion (60) located between the upper ends of the first cutting edge (61a) and the second cutting edge (61b) faces the first color portion (40a) side.

[0020] In the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the sixth or seventh aspect described above, the upper end of the first cutting edge (61a) is located below the lowermost part of the first recessed portion (50a).

[0021] In the eighth aspect, the water present in the lowermost part of the first recessed portion (50a) can be discharged to the raised portion (60). Therefore, the amount of water remaining in the heat exchanger (10) decreases.

[0022] In the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the fifth to eighth aspects described above, the raised portion (60) includes a first inclined surface portion (62) located at the end on the first color portion (40a) side, a second inclined surface portion (63) located at the end on the second color portion (40b) side, and a flat surface portion (64) located between the first inclined surface portion (62) and the second inclined surface portion (63).

[0023] In the raised portion (60) of the ninth aspect, the first inclined surface portion (62), the flat surface portion (64), and the second inclined surface portion (63) are formed in this order from top to bottom.

[0024] In the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the ninth aspect described above, the point in the raised portion (60) closest to the first recessed portion (50a) is located on the first inclined surface portion (62).

[0025] In the tenth aspect, one point in the first inclined surface portion (62) is closest to the first recessed portion (50a) among the raised portion (60).

[0026] In the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the fifth to tenth aspects described above, air passes in a direction intersecting the reference line (SL), and in the passing direction of the air, the raised portion (60) is located on the downstream side of the reference line (SL).

[0027] In the fin (30) of the 11th aspect, a raised portion (60) is formed in a portion downstream of the reference line (SL) in the air passage direction.

[0028] In the 12th aspect of the present disclosure, in the 11th aspect described above, an end portion of the raised portion (60) overlaps with the first color portion (40a) when viewed from the air passage direction.

[0029] In the fin (30) of the 12th aspect, a part or the whole of an end portion of the raised portion (60) is located downstream of the first color portion (40a) in the air passage direction.

[0030] In the 13th aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the 1st to 12th aspects described above, the fin includes a first fin (30a) and a second fin (30b) located adjacent to the first fin (30a), and a protruding end of the color portion (40) of the second fin (30b) fits into the recessed portion (50) of the first fin (30a).

[0031] In the heat exchanger (10) of the 13th aspect, the relative positions of the first fin (30a) and the second fin (30b) are maintained by fitting the protruding end of the color portion (40) of the second fin (30b) into the recessed portion (50) of the first fin (30a).

[0032] In the 14th aspect of the present disclosure, in the 13th aspect described above, the arrangement pitch of the first fin (30a) and the second fin (30b) is 1.5 mm or less.

[0033] In the 14th aspect, an upper limit value of the arrangement pitch of the first fin (30a) and the second fin (30b) is set.

[0034] In the 第15の態様 of the present disclosure, in the 13th or 14th aspect described above, the height of the raised portion (60) in each of the first fin (30a) and the second fin (30b) is 30% or more of the arrangement pitch of the first fin (30a) and the second fin (30b).

[0035] It should be noted that there seems to be a typo in the original text where "第15の態様" is not in English. I translated it as "15th aspect" as best as possible while keeping the original text structure. If this is incorrect, please provide the correct English for that part. In the 15th embodiment, the height range of the cut-out portion (60) of each of the first fin (30a) and the second fin (30b) is set by the ratio of the arrangement pitch of the first fin (30a) and the second fin (30b).

[0036] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is that, in any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, the radial width of the recess (50) is constant over the entire circumference of the recess (50).

[0037] In the sixteenth embodiment, the recess (50) is formed in an annular shape of constant width and surrounds the base end of the collar (40) all around.

[0038] A seventeenth aspect of this disclosure is the sixteenth aspect described above, wherein the radial width of the recess (50) is 0.4 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0039] In the 17th embodiment, the width range of the recess (50) is set.

[0040] An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, comprises a fin (30) made of a hydrophilic material and a hydrophilic layer (65) covering the surface of the main body (45).

[0041] The fin (30) of the 18th embodiment includes a hydrophilic layer (65).

[0042] A 19th aspect of this disclosure is an indoor air conditioning unit (120) comprising a heat exchanger (10) according to any one of the first to eighteen aspects described above and a blower fan (125).

[0043] The air conditioning indoor unit (120) of the 19th embodiment comprises a heat exchanger (10) and a blower fan (125).

[0044] Twenty-tenth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioner (100) comprising an indoor air conditioner (120) as described in the 19th aspect above, and a refrigerant circuit (130) to which the heat exchanger (10) of the indoor air conditioner (120) is connected, wherein the air conditioner (100) performs a cooling operation in which the heat exchanger (10) functions as an evaporator, and when the cooling operation is completed, a drying operation is started by operating the blower fan (125) with the supply of refrigerant to the heat exchanger (10) stopped.

[0045] The air conditioner (100) of the 20th embodiment performs a cooling operation. During the cooling operation, condensed water is generated in the heat exchanger (10), which functions as an evaporator. When the cooling operation is finished, the air conditioner (100) starts a drying operation. During the drying operation, the supply of refrigerant to the heat exchanger (10) is stopped, and the blower fan (125) operates. As a result, air passes through the heat exchanger (10), and the condensed water remaining in the heat exchanger (10) evaporates. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a piping diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the indoor unit of an air conditioner. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit of an air conditioner. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the indoor heat exchanger installed in the indoor unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the main heat exchange section that constitutes the indoor heat exchanger. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main heat exchange section, showing an enlarged portion of the VI-VI section in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main heat exchange section, showing an enlarged portion of the VII-VII section in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the fins in the main heat exchange section. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the main heat exchange section, showing an enlarged portion of Figure 6. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main heat exchange section, showing an enlarged portion of the cross-section passing through the central axis of the nearest junction (NP) and the collar portion (40a) in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] An embodiment will now be described. This embodiment is an air conditioner (100).

[0048] -Air conditioner- As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner (100) comprises an outdoor unit (110) and an indoor unit (120). The air conditioner (100) also comprises a refrigerant circuit (130). The refrigerant circuit (130) includes a compressor (131), an outdoor heat exchanger (132), an expansion valve (133), an indoor heat exchanger (10), and a four-way switching valve (134).

[0049] The outdoor unit (110) houses a compressor (131), an outdoor heat exchanger (132), an expansion valve (133), and a four-way switching valve (134). The outdoor unit (110) is also equipped with an outdoor fan (111). The indoor unit (120) houses an indoor heat exchanger (10). The indoor unit (120) is also equipped with an indoor fan (125).

[0050] The refrigerant circuit (130) is constructed by connecting a compressor (131), an outdoor heat exchanger (132), an expansion valve (133), an indoor heat exchanger (10), and a four-way directional control valve (134) with piping. The discharge pipe of the compressor (131) is connected to the first port of the four-way directional control valve (134). The suction pipe of the compressor (131) is connected to the second port of the four-way directional control valve (134). In the refrigerant circuit (130), the outdoor heat exchanger (132), the expansion valve (133), and the indoor heat exchanger (10) are arranged in order from the third port to the fourth port of the four-way directional control valve (134).

[0051] The four-way switching valve (134) switches between a first state, shown by a solid line in Figure 1, and a second state, shown by a dashed line in Figure 1. In the first state, the four-way switching valve (134) communicates with the third port and the second port communicates with the fourth port. In the second state, the four-way switching valve (134) communicates with the fourth port and the second port communicates with the third port.

[0052] -Indoor unit- As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the indoor unit (120) is wall-mounted. The indoor unit (120) is installed on the wall of the room. This indoor unit (120) is an air conditioning indoor unit.

[0053] The indoor unit (120) is equipped with a casing (121). The casing (121) is formed in the shape of a horizontally elongated box. An intake port (122) is formed at the top of the casing (121). An outlet port (123) is formed at the bottom of the casing (121).

[0054] A flap (124) is provided at the outlet (123) of the casing (121). The flap (124) is formed in the shape of an elongated plate. The flap (124) is a component for adjusting the direction of the air blown out from the outlet (123). The flap (124) can be displaced between a closed position that covers the outlet (123) and an open position that opens the outlet (123).

[0055] The casing (121) houses an indoor heat exchanger (10), an indoor fan (125), and an air filter (126). The indoor fan (125) is a so-called cross-flow fan. The indoor heat exchanger (10) is installed from the front to the top of the indoor fan (125). The air filter (126) is installed from the front to the top of the indoor heat exchanger (10).

[0056] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the indoor heat exchanger (10) comprises a first heat exchange section (11), a second heat exchange section (12), and a third heat exchange section (13). The first heat exchange section (11) is located on the upper side towards the front of the indoor fan (125). The second heat exchange section (12) is located on the lower side towards the front of the indoor fan (125). The third heat exchange section (13) is located on the upper side towards the rear of the indoor fan (125).

[0057] Each of the first heat exchange section (11), the second heat exchange section (12), and the third heat exchange section (13) comprises a main heat exchange section (11a, 12a, 13a) and a secondary heat exchange section (11b, 12b, 13b). In each heat exchange section (11, 12, 13), the main heat exchange section (11a, 12a, 13a) is located downstream of the airflow (in other words, on the side of the indoor fan (125)), and the secondary heat exchange section (11b, 12b, 13b) is located upstream of the airflow (in other words, on the side of the air filter (126)).

[0058] -Air conditioner operation- The air conditioner (100) performs cooling, heating, and drying operations.

[0059] <Cooling operation> Cooling operation is an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger (10) of the indoor unit (120) cools the air. This cooling operation includes both cooling operation and dehumidification operation.

[0060] During cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (134) is set to the first state and the compressor (131) operates. In the refrigerant circuit (130), the refrigerant circulates and the refrigeration cycle is performed. In the refrigerant circuit (130), the outdoor heat exchanger (132) functions as a heat radiator and the indoor heat exchanger (10) functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit (120) cools the air drawn in from the indoor space by the indoor heat exchanger (10) and blows the cooled air back into the indoor space.

[0061] <Heating operation> The heating operation is an operation in which the indoor heat exchanger (10) of the indoor unit (120) heats the air. This heating operation is a heating operation.

[0062] During heating operation, the four-way switching valve (134) is set to the second state and the compressor (131) operates. In the refrigerant circuit (130), the refrigerant circulates and the refrigeration cycle is performed. In the refrigerant circuit (130), the indoor heat exchanger (10) functions as a heat radiator and the outdoor heat exchanger (132) functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit (120) heats the air drawn in from the indoor space using the indoor heat exchanger (10) and blows the heated air back into the indoor space.

[0063] <Drying operation> The drying operation is performed to dry the indoor heat exchanger (10) of the indoor unit (120).

[0064] During the cooling operation, water vapor in the air condenses in the indoor heat exchanger (10), and the resulting condensed water adheres to the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (10). At the end of the cooling operation, some of the condensed water generated during the cooling operation remains on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (10). Therefore, in this embodiment, the air conditioner (100) starts a drying operation when the cooling operation is completed.

[0065] During drying operation, the indoor fan (125) operates and the flap (124) is set to the closed position. Also, during drying operation, the compressor (131) is stopped and the refrigerant does not circulate in the refrigerant circuit (130). Consequently, the refrigerant does not flow through the indoor heat exchanger (10). When the indoor fan (125) operates, air passes through the indoor heat exchanger (10), and the condensed water adhering to the indoor heat exchanger (10) evaporates.

[0066] -Indoor heat exchanger- The indoor heat exchanger (10) is a cross-fin type heat exchanger. As described above, the indoor heat exchanger (10) comprises a first heat exchange section (11), a second heat exchange section (12), and a third heat exchange section (13). Each of the main heat exchange sections (11a, 12a, 13a) and secondary heat exchange sections (11b, 12b, 13b) of each heat exchange section (11, 12, 13) is equipped with multiple fins (30) and multiple heat transfer tubes (20).

[0067] The structure of the main heat exchange section (11a) of the first heat exchange section (11) will be described below. In the following description, "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," and "back" refer to the directions shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0068] Furthermore, the structure of the main heat exchange section (12a) of the second heat exchange section (12) and the structure of the main heat exchange section (13a) of the third heat exchange section (13) are substantially the same as the structure of the main heat exchange section (11a) of the first heat exchange section (11). In addition, the structure of the secondary heat exchange sections (11b, 12b, 13b) of each heat exchange section (11, 12, 13) is substantially the same as the structure of the main heat exchange section (11a) of the first heat exchange section (11), except that multiple heat transfer tubes (20) are arranged in a single line.

[0069] <Main heat exchange section of the first heat exchange unit> As shown in Figure 5, the main heat exchange section (11a) of the first heat exchange section (11) is equipped with multiple fins (30), multiple heat transfer tubes (20), and multiple U-shaped tubes (25).

[0070] The fins (30) are rectangular plate-shaped components. The material of the fins (30) is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Multiple fins (30) are arranged in a single row in the left-right direction. The fins (30) will be described in more detail later.

[0071] The heat transfer tube (20) is a circular tube formed in a hairpin shape. The material of the heat transfer tube (20) is copper or a copper alloy. The material of the heat transfer tube (20) may also be aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The heat transfer tube (20) comprises a pair of straight tube sections (21) and a curved tube section (22) that is continuous with one end of each straight tube section (21) (the left end in Figure 5).

[0072] The straight section (21) of the heat transfer tube (20) passes through the fins (30) which are arranged in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 6, the multiple heat transfer tubes are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction. Also, as shown in Figure 7, the straight section (21) of the heat transfer tube (20) is inserted through the collar section (40) of the fins (30), which will be described later.

[0073] The U-shaped tube (25) is a circular tube formed in a U-shape. The U-shaped tube (25) is joined to the other end (right end in Figure 5) of the straight section (21) of the heat transfer tube (20). The U-shaped tube (25) connects adjacent heat transfer tubes (20).

[0074] In the main heat exchange section (11a), air passes between multiple fins (30) arranged in the left-right direction. The air passing through the main heat exchange section (11a) flows from front to back, as shown in Figure 6.

[0075] -fin- As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the fin (30) is a rectangular plate-shaped member. The fin (30) is formed by press-forming a metal plate.

[0076] The longer front side of the fin (30) is the leading edge (31). The longer rear side of the fin (30) is the trailing edge (32). Of the fin (30), the portion in front of the center line (CL) in the front-to-rear width direction of the fin (30) is the front row portion (33). The front row portion (33) includes the leading edge (31). Of the fin (30), the portion behind the center line (CL) in the front-to-rear width direction of the fin (30) is the rear row portion (34). The rear row portion (34) includes the trailing edge (32).

[0077] The fin (30) comprises one main body (45) and multiple collar parts (40). The main body (45) has the same number of recesses (50) as the collar parts (40) and multiple cut-out sections (60). The relative positions of the collar parts (40), recesses (50), and cut-out sections (60) are the same in both the front row (33) and the rear row (34).

[0078] A hydrophilic layer (65) is formed on the surface of the fin (30). The surface of the fin (30) is covered with the hydrophilic layer (65). The hydrophilic layer (65) is a coating made of a hydrophilic material.

[0079] In the following explanation, "front" refers to the side facing the protruding direction of the colored portion (40), and "back" refers to the side opposite to the protruding direction of the colored portion (40).

[0080] <Main body> The main body (45) is a plate-like portion that extends from the front row (33) to the rear row (34). The main body (45) includes a front edge (31) and a rear edge (32).

[0081] <Color section> As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the collar portion (40) is a cylindrical part that protrudes from the main body portion (45). The collar portion (40) is a continuous part of the main body portion (45) and is formed integrally with the main body portion (45). The tip of the collar portion (40) has a shape that widens towards the outer circumference.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, in the fin (30), multiple colored sections (40) are formed in both the front row (33) and the rear row (34). In both the front row (33) and the rear row (34), the multiple colored sections (40) are arranged in a single row in the vertical direction. In both the front row (33) and the rear row (34), the pitch of the multiple colored sections (40) arranged in a single row is constant. The positions of the colored sections (40) in the front row (33) and the rear row (34) are offset in the vertical direction.

[0083] <Indented area> The recessed portion (50) is an annular portion that surrounds the base end of the collar portion (40). One recessed portion (50) is provided for each of the multiple collar portions (40).

[0084] As shown in Figure 7, the recessed portion (50) is recessed in the direction of the protrusion of the collar portion (40). Thus, the recessed portion (50) is an annular portion along the base end of the collar portion (40) and is recessed on the front side of the fin (30).

[0085] The radial width W of the recess (50) is constant around the entire circumference of the recess (50). The width W of the recess (50) is 0.7 mm. Preferably, the width W of the recess (50) is between 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm (0.4 ≤ W ≤ 1.0). The inner diameter Di of the bottom of the recess (50) is larger than the outer diameter Do of the tip of the collar (40).

[0086] <Pitch of the arrangement of the main body> As shown in Figure 7, in the main heat exchange section (11a), the collar portion (40) of the adjacent fin (30) fits into the recess (50) of each fin (30). One fin in the main heat exchange section (11a) is designated as the first fin (30a), and the fin located on the back side of the first fin (30a) is designated as the second fin (30b). In the main heat exchange section (11a), the tip of the collar portion (40) of the second fin (30b) fits into the recess (50) of the first fin (30a). The tip of the collar portion (40) of the second fin (30b) is in contact with the back surface of the recess (50) of the first fin (30a).

[0087] In the main heat exchange section (11a), the tip of the collar portion (40) of the fin (30) contacts the back surface of the adjacent fin (30), thereby maintaining a constant arrangement pitch of the body portions (45) of adjacent fins (30). The arrangement pitch of the body portions (45) of the fins (30) is the fin arrangement pitch FP. The fin arrangement pitch FP in the main heat exchange section (11a) is 1.3 mm. It is desirable that the fin arrangement pitch FP in the main heat exchange section (11a) be 1.5 mm or less (FP ≤ 1.5).

[0088] <Shape of the cut-up section> As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cut-up portion (60) is a bulging portion on the front side of the main body portion (45). Therefore, the cut-up portion (60) rises in the direction of the protrusion of the collar portion (40). The cut-up portion (60) is formed by cutting and raising a part of the main body portion (45).

[0089] As shown in Figure 6, in the fin (30), multiple cut-up sections (60) are provided in both the front section (33) and the rear section (34). In both the front section (33) and the rear section (34), two cut-up sections (60) are provided between adjacent collar sections (40).

[0090] In both the front row (33) and rear row (34) of the fin (30), the straight line perpendicular to the central axis of each color section (40) arranged in a vertical row is the reference line (SL). Between adjacent color sections (40) in the front row (33), one cut-up section (60) is provided on both the front and rear sides of the reference line (SL) of the front row (33). Between adjacent color sections (40) in the rear row (34), one cut-up section (60) is provided on both the front and rear sides of the reference line (SL) of the rear row (34).

[0091] The cut-out portion (60) formed on the fin (30) in this embodiment has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front side of the fin (30). Note that the shape of this cut-out portion (60) is merely an example.

[0092] The cut edge (60) comprises a first cut edge (61a) and a second cut edge (61b). Each of the first cut edge (61a) and the second cut edge (61b) is a straight cut extending along the reference line (SL). The first cut edge (61a) and the second cut edge (61b) are both cut edges (61).

[0093] The first cutting edge (61a) and the second cutting edge (61b) are parallel to each other. Furthermore, each of the first cutting edge (61a) and the second cutting edge (61b) is parallel to the reference line (SL). Each of the first cutting edge (61a) and the second cutting edge (61b) extends along the reference line (SL). In both the front row section (33) and the rear row section (34), the first cutting edge (61a) is located closer to the reference line (SL), and the second cutting edge (61b) is located further away from the reference line (SL).

[0094] The second cutting edge (61b) is longer than the first cutting edge (61a). Therefore, the upper end of the second cutting edge (61b) is located above the upper end of the first cutting edge (61a). Also, the lower end of the second cutting edge (61b) is located below the lower end of the first cutting edge (61a).

[0095] The cutting and bending section (60) comprises a first slope section (62), a flat section (64), and a second slope section (63). In the cutting and bending section (60), the first slope section (62), the flat section (64), and the second slope section (63) are arranged in order from top to bottom.

[0096] The first inclined surface (62) and the second inclined surface (63) are each parallelogram-shaped. The first inclined surface (62) is sloped such that its lower edge is higher than its upper edge. The second inclined surface (63) is sloped such that its upper edge is higher than its lower edge. The planar surface (64) is a flat area extending from the lower edge of the first inclined surface (62) to the upper edge of the second inclined surface (63). The shape of the planar surface (64) is trapezoidal.

[0097] As described above, the upper end of the second cut edge (61b) is located above the upper end of the first cut edge (61a). Therefore, when the fin (30) is viewed from the front (as shown in Figure 6), the first bevel (62) faces the collar (40) located above the first bevel (62). Also, the lower end of the second cut edge (61b) is located below the lower end of the first cut edge (61a). Therefore, when the fin (30) is viewed from the front (as shown in Figure 6), the second bevel (63) faces the collar (40) located below the second bevel (63).

[0098] In the fin (30) of this embodiment, the height H of the cut-up portion (60) is 0.4 mm. It is desirable that the height H of the cut-up portion (60) be 30% or more of the arrangement pitch FP of the fin (30) (0.3 ≤ H / FP).

[0099] <Relative positional relationship between the cut-out section, the colored section, and the recessed section> The relative positional relationship between the cut-up section (60), the colored section (40), and the recessed section (50) will be explained with reference to Figure 9. As described above, the relative positional relationship between the cut-up section (60), the colored section (40), and the recessed section (50) is the same in both the front row section (33) and the back row section (34).

[0100] In this explanation, any one colored portion (40) is the first colored portion (40a), and the colored portion (40) located below and adjacent to the first colored portion (40a) is the second colored portion (40b). Also, the recessed portion (50) surrounding the base end of the first colored portion (40a) is the first recessed portion (50a), and the recessed portion (50) surrounding the base end of the second colored portion (40b) is the second recessed portion (50b). Here, we will explain the relative positional relationship between the first colored portion (40a), the second colored portion (40b), the first recessed portion (50a), and the second recessed portion (50b), and the cut-up portions (60a, 60b) located between the first colored portion (40a) and the second colored portion (40b).

[0101] In the cut-up section (60a) located in front of the reference line (SL), the first cut edge (61a) is located behind the foremost part (FE) of the first recess (50a) and the second recess (50b), and the second cut edge (61b) is located in front of the foremost part (FE) of the first recess (50a) and the second recess (50b). In the cut-up section (60b) located behind the reference line (SL), the first cut edge (61a) is located in front of the rearmost part (RE) of the first recess (50a) and the second recess (50b), and the second cut edge (61b) is located behind the rearmost part (RE) of the first recess (50a) and the second recess (50b).

[0102] As described above, the reference line (SL) is a straight line perpendicular to the central axis of each color section (40) arranged in a vertical line. Therefore, the reference line (SL) is perpendicular to the central axis of the first color section (40a) and the central axis of the second color section (40b).

[0103] In the two cut-up sections (60a, 60b) located between the first color section (40a) and the second color section (40b), the upper end of each first cut edge (61a) is located below the lowest point (BE) of the first recessed section (50a), and the upper end of each second cut edge (61b) is located above the lowest point (BE) of the first recessed section (50a). Furthermore, in these two cut-up sections (60a, 60b), the lower end of each first cut edge (61a) is located above the highest point (TE) of the second recessed section (50b), and the lower end of each second cut edge (61b) is located below the highest point (TE) of the second recessed section (50b).

[0104] When the main heat exchange section (11a) is viewed from the front, the upper ends of each cut-up section (60a, 60b) overlap with the first collar section (40a), and the lower ends of each cut-up section (60a, 60b) overlap with the second collar section (40b). As described above, the air passing through the main heat exchange section (11a) flows from front to back. Therefore, the upper ends of each cut-up section (60a, 60b) overlap with the first collar section (40a) when viewed from the direction of air passage. Also, the lower ends of each cut-up section (60a, 60b) overlap with the second collar section (40b) when viewed from the direction of air passage.

[0105] In the two cut-up sections (60a, 60b) located below the first depression (50a), the point closest to the first depression (50a) is the nearest point of contact (NP). In each cut-up section (60a, 60b), the nearest point of contact (NP) is included in the first slope section (62). The nearest point of contact (NP) is located on the upper long side of the first slope section (62).

[0106] The distance from the nearest contact point (NP) of each cut-up portion (60a, 60b) to the outer edge of the first recessed portion (50a) is the shortest distance L between the first recessed portion (50a) and the cut-up portions (60a, 60b). In the fin (30) of this embodiment, the shortest distance L between the first recessed portion (50a) and the cut-up portions (60a, 60b) is 1.5 mm. It is desirable that the shortest distance L between the first recessed portion (50a) and the cut-up portions (60a, 60b) is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm (0.5 ≤ L ≤ 1.5).

[0107] -The shortest distance between the recessed area and the cut-up area- The reason why it is desirable to set the shortest distance L between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-up portion (60) to 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less is explained below.

[0108] <Upper limit of the shortest distance L> In the indoor heat exchanger (10), which functions as an evaporator, water vapor contained in the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger (10) condenses on the surface of the fins (30). As a result, condensed water adheres to the surface of the fins (30).

[0109] As shown in Figure 10, condensed water (w1) adhering to the back surface of the recessed portion (50) of the fin (30a) enters the gap between the back surface of the recessed portion (50) and the tip of the collar portion (40) of the adjacent fin (30b). This gap is relatively intricate. Therefore, the condensed water (w1) that enters this gap is difficult to discharge.

[0110] On the main body (45) of the fin (30), condensed water (w2) adheres to the back surface of the portion between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60). The back surface of the main body (45) where this condensed water (w2) adheres is substantially a vertical surface. Therefore, when the diameter of the droplet-shaped condensed water (w2) exceeds a certain value (for example, 1.5 mm), it flows down along the back surface of the cut-out portion (60).

[0111] On the other hand, in the fin (30) of this embodiment, the shortest distance L between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) is set to 1.5 mm. Therefore, the condensed water (w2) adhering to the back surface of the main body portion (45) combines with the condensed water (w1) accumulated on the back side of the recessed portion (50) before it flows down. The condensed water (w2) that has combined with the condensed water (w1) flows down along with the condensed water (w1). In this way, the condensed water (w1) is discharged from the back side of the recessed portion (50).

[0112] Thus, by setting the shortest distance L between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) to the diameter of the condensed water (w2) when the droplet-shaped condensed water (w2) can remain on the back surface of the main body portion (45), the condensed water (w2) can be combined with the condensed water (w1) accumulated on the back surface of the recessed portion (50), thereby allowing the condensed water (w1) to be discharged from the back surface of the recessed portion (50). Therefore, in the fin (30) of this embodiment, it is desirable to set the shortest distance L between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) to 1.5 mm or less.

[0113] <Lower limit of the shortest distance L> In the main body portion (45) of the fin (30), condensed water (w3) adheres to the surface of the portion between the recessed portion (50) and the raised portion (60). In the fin (30) of this embodiment, the raised portion (60) is raised in the direction of the protrusion of the collar portion (40). Therefore, if the shortest distance L between the recessed portion (50) and the raised portion (60) is made too short, the condensed water (w3) adhering to the surface of the main body portion (45) will adhere to both the first slanted portion (62) and the recessed portion (50) of the raised portion (60). As a result, the condensed water (w3) adhering to the surface of the main body portion (45) will not easily flow down and will tend to remain on the surface of the main body portion (45).

[0114] Thus, if the shortest distance L between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) is made too short, condensed water (w3) adhering to the surface of the main body portion (45) will be more likely to remain on the main body portion (45), and the amount of condensed water remaining on the fin (30) may increase. Therefore, in the fin (30) of this embodiment, it is desirable to set the shortest distance L between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) to 0.5 mm or more.

[0115] Furthermore, if the shortest distance L between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) is made too short, there is a risk that the portion of the main body (45) located between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) may break when the fin (30) is formed by press working. Considering this problem during press working, it is desirable to set the shortest distance L between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) to 1.0 mm or more in the fin (30) of this embodiment.

[0116] -Features of the Embodiment (1)- In the fins (30) of the indoor heat exchanger (10) of this embodiment, the shortest distance L between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) is set to 1.5 mm or less. Therefore, the discharge of condensed water from the back side of the recessed portion (50) can be promoted, and the amount of condensed water remaining in the indoor heat exchanger (10) can be reduced.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the amount of condensed water remaining in the indoor heat exchanger (10) after the air conditioner (100) is stopped can be reduced. Therefore, the growth of microorganisms in the indoor heat exchanger (10) while the air conditioner (100) is stopped can be suppressed. As a result, pollution of the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger (10) can be suppressed, and the comfort level of the indoor space where the indoor unit (120) is installed can be maintained at a high level.

[0118] -Features of the Embodiment (2)- In the fins (30) of the indoor heat exchanger (10) of this embodiment, the cut-out portion (60) is raised in the direction of protrusion of the collar portion (40). In addition, in the fins (30) of this embodiment, the shortest distance between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) is set to 0.5 mm or more. Therefore, the amount of condensed water remaining in the portion between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) of the main body portion (45) of the fin (30) can be reduced. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, the amount of condensed water remaining in the indoor heat exchanger (10) can be reduced.

[0119] -Features of the Embodiment (3)- In the fins (30) of the indoor heat exchanger (10) of this embodiment, the upper end of the first cut edge (61a) of the cut-up portion (60) is located below the lowest point (BE) of the recessed portion (50) located above the cut-up portion (60) (see Figure 9). Also, in this fin (30), the nearest contact point (NP), which is the point in the cut-up portion (60) closest to the recessed portion (50), is located on the first inclined surface (62). Therefore, the condensed water (w1) that has entered the back side of the recessed portion (50) and the condensed water (w2) that has adhered to the back surface of the main body portion (45) flow down along the back surface of the cut-up portion (60).

[0120] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the discharge of condensed water from the back side of the recess (50) can be promoted, and the amount of condensed water remaining in the indoor heat exchanger (10) can be reduced.

[0121] -Features of the Embodiment (4)- In the fins (30) of the indoor heat exchanger (10) of this embodiment, the ends of the cut-up portions (60) overlap with the collar portions (40) when viewed from the direction of air passage. Therefore, the length of the cut-up portions (60) can be made as long as possible, thereby promoting heat transfer between the fins (30) and the air.

[0122] -Modified Embodiments- The indoor heat exchanger (10) of the above embodiment may be modified as follows. Note that the following modifications may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the function of the indoor heat exchanger (10).

[0123] <First variation> In the fin (30) of this embodiment, the cut-out portion (60) may be raised on the opposite side from the protruding direction of the collar portion (40) (in other words, on the back side of the main body portion (45)).

[0124] <Second variation> In the fin (30) of this embodiment, the shape of the cut-out portion (60) may be such that one of the first cut edge (61a) and the second cut edge (61b) protrudes on the front side of the main body portion (45), and the other protrudes on the back side of the main body portion (45).

[0125] <Third variation> In the fin (30) of this embodiment, the number and arrangement of the cut-up portions (60) shown in Figure 6 are merely examples.

[0126] For example, in the front row portion (33) of the fin (30), two cut-up portions (60) may be provided between two adjacent collar portions (40) on the front and rear sides of the reference line (SL). Similarly, in the rear row portion (34) of the fin (30), two cut-up portions (60) may be provided between two adjacent collar portions (40) on the front and rear sides of the reference line (SL).

[0127] For example, in the front row portion (33) of the fin (30), the cut-up portion (60) may be provided only on the rear side of the reference line (SL). Similarly, in the rear row portion (34) of the fin (30), the cut-up portion (60) may be provided only on the rear side of the reference line (SL).

[0128] For example, in the fin (30), the cut-out portion (60) may be provided only in the rear row portion (34) of the front row portion (33) and the rear row portion (34).

[0129] Furthermore, if multiple cut-out sections (60) are formed between two adjacent collar sections (40) in the front row section (33) or rear row section (34) of the fin (30), the shortest distance between the recessed section (50) and each of the multiple cut-out sections (60) located below the recessed section (50) does not need to be 1.5 mm or less. In this case, it is sufficient that the minimum value of the shortest distance between the recessed section (50) and each of the multiple cut-out sections (60) located below the recessed section (50) is 1.5 mm or less. In other words, in this case, it is sufficient that there is at least one cut-out section (60) whose shortest distance from the recessed section (50) is 1.5 mm or less. In this case, it is desirable that the cut-out section (60) whose shortest distance from the recessed section (50) is 1.5 mm or less be located behind the reference line (SL).

[0130] <Fourth variation> In the fin (30) of this embodiment, the shape of the cut-up portion (60) shown in Figure 6 is merely an example. For example, the shape of the cut-up portion (60) may be rectangular when viewed from the front side of the fin (30).

[0131] While embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, elements of the embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments described above may be combined or substituted as appropriate. In addition, the designations "First," "Second," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish the phrases to which these designations are given, and do not limit the number or order of such phrases. [Industrial applicability]

[0132] As described above, this disclosure is useful for heat exchangers, indoor units for air conditioning, and air conditioners. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10 Heat exchanger 20 heat transfer tubes 30 fins 30a First Fin 30b Second fin 40 Color section 40a First color section 40b Second Color Section 45 Main body 50 Recessed area 50a First depression 50b Second depression 60 Cutting and lifting section 61 Cutting edge 61a First cutting edge 61b Second cutting edge 62 First Slope 63 Second Slope 64 Plane part 65 Hydrophilic layer SL reference line 120 Indoor unit (indoor unit for air conditioning) 125 Blower fan 130 Refrigerant Circuit

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (10) comprising fins (30) and heat transfer tubes (20) that penetrate the fins (30), The above fin (30) is, A plate-shaped main body (45), It comprises a cylindrical collar portion (40) protruding from the main body portion (45), The heat transfer tube (20) is inserted through the above-mentioned collar portion (40). The main body (45) described above is An annular recess (50) surrounds the base end of the above-mentioned colored portion (40), The system comprises a cut-up portion (60) located below the recessed portion (50), The recessed portion (50) is a recessed portion in the direction of the protrusion of the collar portion (40). The shortest distance between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) is 1.5 mm or less. heat exchanger.

2. The shortest distance between the recessed portion (50) and the cut-out portion (60) is 0.5 mm or more. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

3. The above-mentioned cut-out portion (60) is a raised portion in the direction of protrusion of the above-mentioned collar portion (40). The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

4. The above-mentioned cut-out portion (60) is a raised portion in the direction of protrusion of the above-mentioned collar portion (40). The heat exchanger according to claim 2.

5. The above-mentioned colored portion includes a first colored portion (40a) and a second colored portion (40b) located below the first colored portion (40a). The recessed portion includes a first recessed portion (50a) surrounding the base end of the first color portion (40a) and a second recessed portion (50b) surrounding the base end of the second color portion (40b). The reference line (SL) is a straight line perpendicular to the central axis of the first color section (40a) and the central axis of the second color section (40b). The cut-up portion (60) has a cut edge (61) that extends along the reference line (SL). A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The above-mentioned cutting edge includes a first cutting edge (61a) located on the side closer to the reference line (SL) and a second cutting edge (61b) located on the side further from the reference line. The heat exchanger according to claim 5.

7. The upper end of the second cutting edge (61b) is located above the upper end of the first cutting edge (61a). The heat exchanger according to claim 6.

8. The upper end of the first cut edge (61a) is located below the lowest part of the first recess (50a). The heat exchanger according to claim 6.

9. The above-mentioned cut-up section (60) is The first inclined portion (62) located at the end of the first color portion (40a) mentioned above, The second slope portion (63) located at the end of the second color portion (40b) mentioned above, It comprises a flat portion (64) located between the first inclined portion (62) and the second inclined portion (63). The heat exchanger according to claim 5.

10. The point in the cut section (60) closest to the first depression (50a) is located on the first slope section (62). The heat exchanger according to claim 9.

11. Air passes in the direction intersecting the above reference line (SL), In the direction of air passage described above, the cut-up section (60) is located downstream of the reference line (SL). The heat exchanger according to claim 5.

12. The end of the cut-up portion (60) overlaps with the first color portion (40a) when viewed from the direction of air passage. The heat exchanger according to claim 11.

13. The above fin includes a first fin (30a) and a second fin (30b) located next to the first fin (30a). The tip of the collar portion (40) of the second fin (30b) fits into the recess portion (50) of the first fin (30a). A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

14. The arrangement pitch between the first fin (30a) and the second fin (30b) is 1.5 mm or less. The heat exchanger according to claim 13.

15. The height of the cut-out portion (60) on each of the first fin (30a) and the second fin (30b) is 30% or more of the arrangement pitch of the first fin (30a) and the second fin (30b). The heat exchanger according to claim 13.

16. The radial width of the recessed portion (50) is constant over the entire circumference of the recessed portion (50). A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

17. The radial width of the recessed portion (50) is 0.4 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The heat exchanger according to claim 16.

18. The fin (30) is made of a hydrophilic material and includes a hydrophilic layer (65) that covers the surface of the main body (45). A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

19. A heat exchanger (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a blower fan (125) are provided. Indoor unit for air conditioning.

20. The air conditioning indoor unit (120) described in claim 19 and the refrigerant circuit (130) to which the heat exchanger (10) of the air conditioning indoor unit (120) is connected, An air conditioner (100) that performs a cooling operation in which the heat exchanger (10) above functions as an evaporator, Once the above cooling operation is complete, the supply of refrigerant to the heat exchanger (10) is stopped, and the blower fan (125) is activated to start a drying operation. Air conditioner.

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