Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A heat exchanger according to an embodiment comprises a plurality of heat transfer pipes, a first header, and a second header. The heat transfer pipes have coolant passages through which a coolant circulates. The heat transfer pipes have a flattened shape. The heat transfer pipes are arranged in parallel. The first header is connected to end portions of the plurality of heat transfer pipes. The second header is connected to other end portions of the plurality of heat transfer pipes. The first header has a first intermediate plate, a first inner end plate, and a first outer end plate. One or more first space passages communicated with the coolant passages of adjacent heat transfer pipes are formed at the first intermediate plate. The second header has a second intermediate plate, a second inner end plate, and a second outer end plate. One or more second space passages communicated with the coolant passages of adjacent heat transfer pipes are formed at the second intermediate plate. The coolant passages, the first space passages, and the second space passages form a plurality of composite passages. The composite passages are formed by end portions and other end portions of the coolant passages of the plurality of heat transfer pipes being communicated with each other in an alternating pattern by the first space passages and the second space passages.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Heat exchangers are used in air conditioning equipment, refrigeration equipment, and the like. For example, a heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes and headers. The heat exchange tubes have refrigerant flow paths. The headers are provided at the ends of the heat exchange tubes.

[0003] In the heat exchanger having the above structure, the efficiency of heat exchange may be low.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of efficient heat exchange.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The heat exchanger according to the embodiment has a plurality of heat transfer tubes and a first header. The heat transfer tubes have refrigerant flow paths through which refrigerant flows. The heat transfer tubes are flat in shape. The heat transfer tubes are In the minor axis direction arranged in parallel. The first header is in the form of a plate that intersects with the extending direction of the heat transfer tubes.The first header is connected to one end of a plurality of the heat transfer tubes. The first header has a first intermediate plate, a first inner end plate, and a first outer end plate. The first intermediate plate is formed with one or more first space flow paths that communicate with the refrigerant flow paths of the heat transfer tubes. The first inner end plate and the first outer end plate sandwich the first intermediate plate in the thickness direction. The first space flow paths communicate one end of the refrigerant flow paths of the plurality of heat transfer tubes with each other. The refrigerant flow paths and the first space flow paths constitute a plurality of composite flow paths. The composite flow path is a flow path that extends from one inlet port that introduces the refrigerant into the first spatial flow path, through the refrigerant flow paths of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, to one outlet port that discharges the refrigerant from the first spatial flow path. An inlet and The aforementioned an outlet are formed in the first outer end plate. The direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the heat transfer tube and the minor axis direction is the major axis direction. The inlet and the outlet Multiple entries in the same column are formed at different positions from each other Long diameter in the direction of the heat transfer tubes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] Schematic configuration diagram of the refrigeration cycle device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] Overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Perspective view of a part of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view of a part of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger of the third embodiment. [Figure 7] Schematic configuration diagram of the first modification of the header. [Figure 8] Schematic configuration diagram of the second modification of the header. [Figure 9] Schematic configuration diagram of the third modification of the header. [Figure 10] Schematic configuration diagram of the fourth modification of the header.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, the heat exchanger and the refrigeration cycle device of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the refrigeration cycle device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a compressor 2, a four-way valve 3, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 4, an expansion device 5, and an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 6. The components of the refrigeration cycle device 1 are connected by a pipe 7. In Figure 1, the flow direction of the refrigerant (heat medium) during the cooling operation is indicated by a solid line arrow. The flow direction of the refrigerant during the heating operation is indicated by a dashed line arrow.

[0010] The compressor 2 includes a compressor main body 2A and an accumulator 2B. The compressor main body 2A compresses the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant taken into the interior to a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The accumulator 2B separates the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and supplies the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor main body 2A.

[0011] The four-way valve 3 reverses the flow direction of the refrigerant and switches between the cooling operation and the heating operation. During the cooling operation, the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor 2, the four-way valve 3, the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the expansion device 5, and the indoor heat exchanger 6. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser. The indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator.

[0012] During the heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor 2, the four-way valve 3, the indoor heat exchanger 6, the expansion device 5, and the outdoor heat exchanger 4. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.

[0013] The condenser converts the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant by releasing heat to the outside air and condensing it. The expansion device 5 reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the condenser to a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The evaporator converts the low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent from the expansion device 5 into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant by absorbing heat from the outside air and vaporizing it.

[0014] In the refrigeration cycle device 1, the refrigerant, which is the working fluid, circulates while undergoing a phase change between the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant releases heat during the process of changing from the gaseous refrigerant to the liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat during the process of changing from the liquid refrigerant to the gaseous refrigerant. The refrigeration cycle device 1 performs heating, cooling, defrosting, etc. by utilizing the heat release or heat absorption of the refrigerant.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. The heat exchanger of the embodiment is used as one or both of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6 (see FIG. 1) of the refrigeration cycle device 1. Hereinafter, the case where the heat exchanger of the embodiment is used as the outdoor heat exchanger 4 (see FIG. 1) of the refrigeration cycle device 1 will be described as an example. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 is simply referred to as "heat exchanger 4".

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchanger 4 includes a plurality of heat exchangers 104. The plurality of heat exchangers 104 includes a first heat exchanger 104A, a second heat exchanger 104B, and a third heat exchanger 104C. Note that in FIG. 2, the structure of the heat exchanger 104 is simplified for representation.

[0017] An inlet flow path 101 and an outlet flow path 102 are connected to the plurality of heat exchangers 104. The inlet flow path 101 includes a supply flow path 111, a distributor 112, a first introduction flow path 113, a second introduction flow path 114, and a third introduction flow path 115. The supply flow path 111 branches into three flow paths (the first introduction flow path 113, the second introduction flow path 114, and the third introduction flow path 115). The distributor 112 distributes the refrigerant from the supply flow path 111 to the first introduction flow path 113, the second introduction flow path 114, and the third introduction flow path 115.

[0018] The first introduction flow path 113 is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 104A. The second introduction flow path 114 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 104B. The third introduction flow path 115 is connected to the inlet of the third heat exchanger 104C. In the present embodiment, the inlet is the opening of the first refrigerant port connected to the first through hole 42 communicating with the space flow path 16A (see FIG. 3).

[0019] The outlet flow path 102 includes a first outlet flow path 123, a second outlet flow path 124, a third outlet flow path 125, and a collective flow path 121. One end of the first outlet flow path 123 is connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger 104A. One end of the second outlet flow path 124 is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger 104B. One end of the third outlet flow path 125 is connected to the outlet of the third heat exchanger 104C. In the present embodiment, the outlet is the opening of the second refrigerant port connected to the second through hole 43 communicating with the space flow path 16E (see FIG. 3).

[0020] The other ends of the first outlet flow path 123, the second outlet flow path 124, and the third outlet flow path 125 are connected to the collective flow path 121. Therefore, the refrigerant led out from the first outlet flow path 123, the second outlet flow path 124, and the third outlet flow path 125 can be collected in the collective flow path 121 and led out of the system.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a part of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 104. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined as follows. The Z direction is the longitudinal direction (extending direction) of the first header and the second header. For example, the Z direction is the vertical direction. The +Z direction is the upward direction. The X direction is the central axis direction (extending direction) of the heat exchange tubes. For example, the X direction is the horizontal direction. The +X direction is the direction from the second header to the first header. The Y direction is the direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction. The YZ plane is the plane formed by the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the heat exchanger 104 has a first header 10, a second header 20, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes (heat transfer tubes) 30. The first header 10 is connected to the +X direction end (one end) of the heat exchange tube 30. The second header 20 is connected to the -X direction end (the other end) of the heat exchange tube 30.

[0023] The first header 10 and the second header 20 are formed in a flat plate shape parallel to the YZ plane. In this embodiment, when viewed from the X direction, the first header 10 and the second header 20 are rectangular. The shapes of the first header 10 and the second header 20 are rectangular with the longitudinal direction along the Z direction. The first header 10 and the second header 20 are formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and a small specific gravity. Examples of the material having a high thermal conductivity and a small specific gravity include metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloys.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger 104. As shown in FIG. 4, the first header 10 includes a first inner end plate 11, a first intermediate plate 14, and a first outer end plate 17. The first inner end plate 11 and the first outer end plate 17 sandwich the first intermediate plate 14 in the thickness direction. The first inner end plate 11 is disposed on the inner surface (second surface) side of the first intermediate plate 14. That is, the first inner end plate 11 is overlapped with the surface (second surface) on the -X direction side of the first intermediate plate 14. The first outer end plate 17 is disposed on the outer surface (first surface) side of the first intermediate plate 14. That is, the first outer end plate 17 is overlapped with the surface (first surface) on the +X direction side of the first intermediate plate 14. The first inner end plate 11, the first intermediate plate 14, and the first outer end plate 17 are rectangular.

[0025] The first intermediate plate 14 has a plurality of space flow paths 16 (16A to 16E) (first space flow paths). The space flow path 16 serves as a flow path for the refrigerant. The space flow path 16 is formed by a through hole that penetrates the first intermediate plate 14 in the thickness direction. The opening on the inner surface side of the space flow path 16 is closed by the first inner end plate 11. The opening on the outer surface side of the space flow path 16 is closed by the first outer end plate 17.

[0026] The plurality of space flow paths 16 include the space flow path 16A to the space flow path 16E. The space flow path 16A is formed in an oval shape when viewed from the X direction. The "oval shape" is a shape composed of two straight lines that are parallel to each other and face each other, and a curved convex shape (for example, a semi-circular shape, an elliptical arc shape, etc.) that connects the ends of the two straight lines. The major axis direction of the space flow path 16A is parallel to the Y direction.

[0027] The spatial flow paths 16B to 16D are rectangular when viewed from the X direction. For example, the spatial flow paths 16B to 16D are rounded quadrangles (rectangles with rounded corners). The spatial flow path 16E is oval when viewed from the X direction. The major axis direction of the spatial flow path 16E is parallel to the Y direction.

[0028] The spatial flow paths 16A to 16E are arranged side by side in the Z direction. The spatial flow path 16A is at the highest position among the spatial flow paths 16A to 16E (i.e., located furthest in the +Z direction). The spatial flow path 16E is at the lowest position among the spatial flow paths 16A to 16E (i.e., located furthest in the -Z direction).

[0029] The first inner end plate 11 has one through hole 41 formed in a position corresponding to spatial flow path 16A. The first inner end plate 11 has two through holes 41, 41 formed in positions corresponding to spatial flow paths 16B to 16D, respectively. The two through holes 41, 41 are formed with an interval in the Z direction. The first inner end plate 11 has one through hole 41 formed in a position corresponding to spatial flow path 16E.

[0030] The through-holes 41 are slit-shaped along the Y direction. The +X-direction ends of the heat exchanger tubes 30 are inserted into the through-holes 41. The +X-direction ends of the heat exchanger tubes 30 open to the spatial flow paths 16 of the first intermediate plate 14.

[0031] A first through-hole 42 is formed in the first outer end plate 17 at a position corresponding to the spatial flow path 16A. For example, the first through-hole 42 is circular. A tubular first refrigerant port is inserted into the first through-hole 42. The first refrigerant port has a flow path through which the refrigerant flows. An end of the first refrigerant port opens into the spatial flow path 16A. This opening serves as an inlet (inlet) for introducing the refrigerant into the heat exchanger 104 or an outlet (outlet) for discharging the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 104.

[0032] A second through hole 43 is formed in the first outer end plate 17 at a position corresponding to the spatial flow path 16E. For example, the second through hole 43 is circular. A tubular second refrigerant port is inserted into the second through hole 43. The second refrigerant port has a flow path through which the refrigerant flows. An end of the second refrigerant port opens into the spatial flow path 16E. This opening serves as an inlet for introducing the refrigerant into the heat exchanger 104 or an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 104.

[0033] When the refrigerant is introduced into the heat exchanger 104 through the first refrigerant port, the spatial flow path 16A serves as an introduction spatial flow path through which the refrigerant is introduced. When the refrigerant is discharged from the heat exchanger 104 through the first refrigerant port, the spatial flow path 16A serves as an outlet spatial flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged. When the refrigerant is introduced into the heat exchanger 104 through the second refrigerant port, the spatial flow path 16E serves as an inlet spatial flow path through which the refrigerant is introduced. When the refrigerant is discharged from the heat exchanger 104 through the second refrigerant port, the spatial flow path 16E serves as an outlet spatial flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged.

[0034] The second header 20 includes a second inner end plate 21, a second intermediate plate 24, and a second outer end plate 27. The second inner end plate 21 and the second outer end plate 27 sandwich the second intermediate plate 24 in the thickness direction. The second inner end plate 21 is disposed on the inner surface of the second intermediate plate 24. That is, the second inner end plate 21 is superimposed on the surface of the second intermediate plate 24 on the +X direction side. The second outer end plate 27 is disposed on the outer surface of the second intermediate plate 24. That is, the second outer end plate 27 is superimposed on the surface of the second intermediate plate 24 on the -X direction side. The second inner end plate 21, the second intermediate plate 24, and the second outer end plate 27 are rectangular.

[0035] The second intermediate plate 24 has a plurality of spatial flow paths 26 (26A to 26D) (second spatial flow paths). The spatial flow paths 26 serve as flow paths for the refrigerant. The spatial flow paths 26 are formed by through holes that penetrate the second intermediate plate 24 in the thickness direction. The openings on the inner surface side of the spatial flow paths 26 are closed by the second inner end plate 21. The openings on the outer surface side of the spatial flow paths 26 are closed by the second outer end plate 27.

[0036] The plurality of spatial flow paths 26 include spatial flow paths 26A to 26D. The spatial flow paths 26A to 26D are rectangular when viewed from the X direction. For example, the spatial flow paths 26A to 26D are in the shape of a rounded rectangle (a rectangle with rounded corners).

[0037] The spatial flow paths 26A to 26D are arranged side by side in the Z direction. The spatial flow path 26A is at the highest position among the spatial flow paths 26A to 26D (that is, it is located on the +Z direction side). The spatial flow path 26D is at the lowest position among the spatial flow paths 26A to 26D (that is, it is located on the -Z direction side).

[0038] On the second inner end plate 21, two through holes 41, 41 are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the spatial flow paths 26A to 26D. The two through holes 41, 41 are formed at intervals in the Z direction. The through hole 41 is in the shape of a slit along the Y direction. The -X direction end of the heat exchange tube 30 is inserted into the through hole 41. The -X direction end of the heat exchange tube 30 opens into the spatial flow path 26 of the second intermediate plate 24.

[0039] The heat exchange tube 30 is a flat tube formed in a flat shape. The heat exchange tube 30 has a larger outer dimension (outer diameter) in the Y direction than in the Z direction. The heat exchange tube 30 has a larger inner dimension (inner diameter) in the Y direction than in the Z direction. For example, the outer dimension (outer diameter) of the heat exchange tube 30 in the Y direction is more than twice the inner dimension (inner diameter) in the Z direction. For example, the inner dimension (inner diameter) of the heat exchange tube 30 in the Y direction is more than twice the inner dimension (inner diameter) in the Z direction. For example, the shape of the cross section (YZ cross section) of the heat exchange tube 30 perpendicular to the length direction is an oval shape.

[0040] The heat exchange tube 30 extends in the X direction. Inside the heat exchange tube 30, a refrigerant flow path 34 is formed. Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path 34. The heat exchange tube 30 is formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and a small specific gravity. Examples of the "material having a high thermal conductivity and a small specific gravity" include metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloys.

[0041] A plurality of heat exchange tubes 30 are arranged in parallel at intervals in the Z direction. The +X direction end portion of the heat exchange tube 30 is inserted into a through hole 41 formed in the first header 10. Thereby, the +X direction end portion of the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 opens into the space flow path 16 of the first header 10. Therefore, the space flow path 16 communicates with the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30.

[0042] The -X direction end portion of the heat exchange tube 30 is inserted into a through hole 41 formed in the second header 20. Thereby, the -X direction end portion of the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 opens into the space flow path 26 of the second header 20. Therefore, the space flow path 26 communicates with the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30.

[0043] The gap between the first header 10 and the heat exchange tube 30 is sealed by, for example, brazing or the like. The gap between the second header 20 and the heat exchange tube 30 is sealed by, for example, brazing or the like.

[0044] An outside air flow path along the Y direction is formed between the heat exchange tubes 30 adjacent to each other vertically. The heat exchanger 4 circulates outside air through the outside air flow path by a blower fan (not shown) or the like. The heat exchanger 4 performs heat exchange between the outside air flowing through the outside air flow path and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 34. The heat exchange is performed indirectly through the heat exchange tube 30.

[0045] When the refrigeration cycle device 1 shown in Fig. 1 performs a cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser. In this case, the gaseous refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 2 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The gaseous refrigerant dissipates heat to the outside air and condenses as it flows through the heat exchange tube 30. The condensed refrigerant becomes a liquid refrigerant and flows out of the system.

[0046] When the refrigeration cycle device 1 shown in Fig. 1 performs a heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the reverse direction to the above. The liquid refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 4. A part of the liquid refrigerant evaporates as it flows through the heat exchange tube 30 and becomes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and flows out of the system.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 3, the refrigerant flows into the interior of the first header 10 from one of the first refrigerant port and the second refrigerant port. When introducing the refrigerant from the first refrigerant port, the refrigerant flowing into the space flow path 16A from the first refrigerant port flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30A) in the -X direction and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 26A of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30B) in the +X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 26A and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 16B of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30C) in the -X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 16B and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 26B of the second header 20.

[0048] The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30D) in the +X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 26B and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 16C of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30E) in the -X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 16C and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 26C of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30F) in the +X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 26C and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 16D of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30G) in the -X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 16D and flows into the upper part of the space flow path 26D of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30H) in the +X direction from the lower part of the space flow path 26D and flows into the space flow path 16E of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows out from the space flow path 16E through the second refrigerant port.

[0049] When introducing the refrigerant from the second refrigerant port, the refrigerant flowing into the space flow path 16E from the second refrigerant port flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30H) in the -X direction and into the lower part of the space flow path 26D of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30G) in the +X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 26D and into the lower part of the space flow path 16D of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30F) in the -X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 16D and into the lower part of the space flow path 26C of the second header 20.

[0050] The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30E) in the +X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 26C and into the lower part of the space flow path 16C of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30D) in the -X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 16C and into the lower part of the space flow path 26B of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30C) in the +X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 26B and into the lower part of the space flow path 16B of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30B) in the -X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 16B and into the lower part of the space flow path 26A of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tube 30 (30A) in the +X direction from the upper part of the space flow path 26A and into the space flow path 16A of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows out through the first refrigerant port from the space flow path 16A.

[0051] The space flow path 16 (the first space flow path) of the first header 10, the space flow path 26 (the second space flow path) of the second header 20, and the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 constitute a composite flow path 40. The composite flow path 40 is a meandering flow path that reciprocates between the first header 10 and the second header 20.

[0052] The composite flow path 40 is configured by alternately connecting the space flow path 16 and the space flow path 26 to one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 30. Specifically, the space flow path 16 connects the +X direction ends (one ends) of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of two adjacent heat exchange tubes 30. The space flow path 26 connects the -X direction ends (the other ends) of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of two adjacent heat exchange tubes 30.

[0053] The space flow path 16 connecting the two refrigerant flow paths 34 and the space flow path 26 connecting these two refrigerant flow paths 34 are alternately arranged in the arrangement direction (Z direction) of the heat exchange tubes 30. For example, the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30A and 30B communicate with each other at one end through the space flow path 26. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30B and 30C communicate with each other at the other end through the space flow path 16. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30C and 30D communicate with each other at one end through the space flow path 26. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30D and 30E communicate with each other at the other end through the space flow path 16. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30E and 30F communicate with each other at one end through the space flow path 26. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30F and 30G communicate with each other at the other end through the space flow path 16. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30G and 30H communicate with each other at one end through the space flow path 26. In this way, the composite flow path 40 has a meandering flow path by alternately connecting one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow path 34.

[0054] The composite flow path may have a structure in which the refrigerant flow paths of the first and second heat exchange tubes among the first to third heat exchange tubes communicate with each other through the space flow path of one header, and the refrigerant flow paths of the second and third heat exchange tubes communicate with each other through the space flow path of the other header. Specifically, for example, the composite flow path 40 may have a structure in which the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the first and second heat exchange tubes 30A and 30B communicate with each other at one end through the space flow path 26, and the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the second and third heat exchange tubes 30B and 30C communicate with each other at the other end through the space flow path 16.

[0055] Since the heat exchanger 4 (see FIG. 2) of this embodiment includes a plurality of heat exchangers 104 (104A to 104C), it has a plurality of composite flow paths 40. The composite flow path 40 is configured by alternately communicating the space flow path 16 and the space flow path 26 with one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow path 34 of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 30. In the composite flow path 40, heat exchange is efficiently performed during the process of refrigerant flow. In the heat exchanger 4, since the refrigerant is distributed into a plurality and each is made to flow through the composite flow path 40, the efficiency of heat exchange can be enhanced.

[0056] In the heat exchanger 4 (see FIG. 2) of this embodiment, the outlets of the plurality of composite flow paths 40 are connected to a common collecting flow path 121 via the leading-out flow paths 123, 124, 125. Therefore, the refrigerant from the plurality of composite flow paths 40 can be led out of the system collectively. Thus, the configuration of the flow path can be simplified.

[0057] FIG. 5 is an overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger 204 of the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the common configurations with the heat exchanger 4 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, in the heat exchanger 204, the first headers 10 of the heat exchangers 104A to 104C are integrated with each other. The second headers 20 of the heat exchangers 104A to 104C are also integrated with each other. Therefore, the heat exchanger 204 can be handled collectively. Thus, the heat exchanger 204 is excellent in terms of handleability.

[0059] FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of the heat exchanger 304 of the third embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the common configurations with other embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the heat exchanger 304 includes a first heat exchanger 104A and a second heat exchanger 304B. In the heat exchangers 104A and 304B, an inlet flow path 301 and an outlet flow path 302 are connected. The inlet flow path 301 includes a supply flow path 111, a distributor 112, a first introduction flow path 113, and a second introduction flow path 114. The supply flow path 111 branches into two flow paths (the first introduction flow path 113 and the second introduction flow path 114).

[0061] The first introduction flow path 113 is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 104A. The inlet is the opening of the first refrigerant port connected to the first through hole 42 that leads to the space flow path 16A (see FIG. 3). The second introduction flow path 114 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 304B. The inlet is the opening of the second refrigerant port connected to the second through hole 43 that leads to the space flow path 16E (see FIG. 3).

[0062] The outlet flow path 302 includes a first discharge flow path 123, a second discharge flow path 124, and a collecting flow path 121. One end of the first discharge flow path 123 is connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger 104A. The outlet is the opening of the second refrigerant port connected to the second through hole 43 that leads to the space flow path 16E (see FIG. 3). One end of the second discharge flow path 124 is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger 304B. The outlet is the opening of the first refrigerant port connected to the first through hole 42 that leads to the space flow path 16A (see FIG. 3).

[0063] In the heat exchanger 304, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 104A is at a low position. The outlet of the second heat exchanger 304B is at a high position. Therefore, the discharge flow paths 123 and 124 connected to the discharge holes can be shortened. Thus, the configuration of the outlet flow path 102 can be simplified.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first modification of the header. The same reference numerals are given to the common configurations with other embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 7, in the header 410, the intermediate plate 414 has a plurality of space flow paths 416 (416A, 416B). A plurality of through holes 41 are formed in the inner end plate 11. The four through holes 41 shown in FIG. 7 are, in order from the top, the through holes 41A, 41B, 41C, and 41D.

[0065] The space flow path 416A includes the topmost through-hole 41A and the third through-hole 41C from the top. Therefore, the space flow path 416A connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41A and the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41C.

[0066] The space flow path 416B includes the second through-hole 41B from the top and the fourth through-hole 41D from the top. Therefore, the space flow path 416B connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41B and the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41D.

[0067] In the header 410, by using the space flow path 416 that includes a plurality of through-holes 41 at separated positions, the degree of freedom in the flow path configuration can be increased. The header 410 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a second modification of the header. The same reference numerals are given to the common configurations with other embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, in the header 510, the intermediate plate 514 has a plurality of space flow paths 516 (516A, 516B).

[0069] The space flow path 516A includes the topmost through-hole 41A and the fourth through-hole 41D from the top. Therefore, the space flow path 516A connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41A and the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41D.

[0070] The space flow path 516B includes the second through-hole 41B from the top and the third through-hole 41C from the top. Therefore, the space flow path 516B connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41B and the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41C.

[0071] In the header 510, by using the space flow path 516 that includes a plurality of through holes 41 at distant positions, the degree of freedom in the flow path configuration can be increased. The header 510 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a third modification of the header. The same reference numerals are given to the common configurations with other embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 9, in the header 610, at least a part of the opening 51a (outlet) of the first refrigerant port 51 connected to the first through hole 42 communicating with the space flow path 16A is preferably located at a position lower than the opening 34a of the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through hole 41.

[0073] According to this configuration, the liquid refrigerant introduced into the space flow path 16A by the heat exchange tube 30 easily flows into the first refrigerant port 51 from the opening 51a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by, for example, a reverse flow of the liquid refrigerant. The header 610 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fourth modification of the header. The same reference numerals are given to the common configurations with other embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 10, in the header 710, the first through hole 42 and the second through hole 43 are formed at different positions in the Y direction. For example, in FIG. 10, the first through hole 42 and the second through hole 43 are different in position in the left - right direction.

[0075] According to this configuration, the first refrigerant port connected to the first through hole 42 and the second refrigerant port connected to the second through hole 43 can be arranged with their positions shifted in the Y direction (the width direction of the heat exchange tube 30). Thereby, the inlet and the outlet can be arranged with their positions shifted in the Y direction. Therefore, the introduction flow path and the discharge flow path are less likely to interfere with each other. The header 710 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0076] As described above, the heat exchanger and the refrigeration cycle device of the embodiment have been described. However, the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the foregoing examples. For example, the number of space flow paths formed in the head is not particularly limited. The number of space flow paths can be one or more (any number of two or more). In the first header 10 and the second header 20 shown in FIG. 4, the number of intermediate plates is one, but the number of intermediate plates is not particularly limited. The number of intermediate plates can be one or more. The first header 10 and the second header 20 have a structure in which one intermediate plate and two end plates are stacked, but the number of end plates may be one.

[0077] In the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 4, the refrigerant inlet and outlet are formed only in the first outer end plate, but the refrigerant inlet and outlet may be formed in the second outer end plate. The refrigerant inlet and outlet can be formed in one of the first outer end plate and the second outer end plate.

[0078] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, since the refrigerant is distributed into a plurality and each is circulated through the composite flow path, the efficiency of heat exchange can be improved.

[0079] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0080] 1… Refrigeration cycle device, 4,204,304… Heat exchanger, 10… First header, 11… First inner end plate, 14… First intermediate plate, 16… Space flow path (first space flow path), 17… First outer end plate, 20… Second header, 21… Second inner end plate, 24… Second intermediate plate, 26… Space flow path (second space flow path), 27… Second outer end plate, 30… Heat exchange tube (heat transfer tube), 34… Refrigerant flow path, 34a… Opening, 40… Composite flow path, 51a… Opening (discharge port), 121… Collecting flow path.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger having a refrigerant flow path through which refrigerant flows, and a plurality of flat heat transfer tubes arranged in parallel in the minor diameter direction, and a first header in the form of a plate intersecting the extending direction of the heat transfer tubes and connected to one ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes. The first header has a first intermediate plate in which one or a plurality of first space flow paths communicating with the refrigerant flow path of the heat transfer tubes are formed, and a first inner end plate and a first outer end plate sandwiching the first intermediate plate in the thickness direction. The first space flow path communicates one ends of the refrigerant flow paths of the plurality of heat transfer tubes with each other. The refrigerant flow path and the first space flow path constitute a plurality of composite flow paths. The composite flow path is a flow path from one inlet for introducing the refrigerant into one of the first space flow paths, through the refrigerant flow paths of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, to one outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the other one of the first space flow paths. The inlet and the outlet are formed in the first outer end plate. The direction orthogonal to the extending direction and the minor diameter direction of the heat transfer tube is the major diameter direction. The inlet and the outlet are formed at different positions from each other in the major diameter direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes belonging to the same row. A heat exchanger.

2. Further comprising a second header connected to the other ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, wherein the second header has a second intermediate plate in which one or a plurality of second space flow paths communicating with the refrigerant flow path of the heat transfer tubes are formed, and a second inner end plate and a second outer end plate sandwiching the second intermediate plate in the thickness direction. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

3. The outlets of the plurality of composite flow paths are connected to a common collecting flow path. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

4. The outlet of the composite flow path is at a position lower than the opening of the refrigerant flow path with which this outlet communicates. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

5. A refrigeration cycle apparatus having the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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