heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger which can make a refrigerant easily flow.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger 10 includes upstream-side core parts 16 and downstream-side core parts 14 as a plurality of core parts which are stacked in an airflow direction 12 and in which refrigerant continuously flows, the plurality of core parts each including an upper header tank 20A, 20B to which refrigerant is supplied, a lower header tank 22A, 22B arranged below the upper header tank 20A, 20B, and a plurality of tubes 24 connecting the upper header tank 20A, 20B to the lower header tank 22A, 22B, and exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing therein and air flowing therearound. The heat exchanger 10 comprises a communication passage 26 which provides communication between a lower header tank 22B of the upstream-side core parts 16 as one core part and an upper header tank 20A of the downstream-side core parts 14 as the other core part which is stacked in the airflow direction 12, and through which refrigerant circulates from the lower header tank 22B to the upper header tank 20A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger having stacked core parts, each of which has upper and lower header tanks and heat exchange pipes through which a refrigerant flows between the upper and lower header tanks.

[0003] A partition is provided inside the header tank, and in the core part, a lower path for flowing refrigerant from the upper header tank to the lower header tank and an upper path for flowing refrigerant from the lower header tank to the upper header tank are formed by heat exchange pipes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-118335 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in this heat exchanger, downward paths that allow the refrigerant to flow downward and upward paths that allow the refrigerant to flow upward alternately. Therefore, when condensing the refrigerant in the heat exchange tubes in the core section to perform heat exchange, the refrigerant, whose density has increased, needs to be pushed up multiple times within the heat exchange tubes, which impairs the flow of the refrigerant.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has an object to provide a heat exchanger that can facilitate the flow of refrigerant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger that heats air by condensing a refrigerant that undergoes a phase change between a liquid phase and a gas phase comprises: an upper header tank to which refrigerant is supplied; a lower header tank located below the upper header tank; and a plurality of tubes that connect the upper header tank and the lower header tank and perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the air flowing around the upper header tank and the lower header tank; each core section is stacked in the air flow direction and through which refrigerant flows continuously; and a communication passage that communicates the lower header tank of one of the core sections with the upper header tank of the other core section that is stacked in the air flow direction and allows the refrigerant to flow from the lower header tank to the upper header tank. The upper header tank of the downstream core section in the air flow direction, which is arranged downstream in the air flow direction, has a refrigerant inlet at one end thereof through which the refrigerant flows in, and the lower header tank of the upstream core section in the air flow direction, which is arranged upstream in the air flow direction, has a refrigerant outlet at one end thereof through which the refrigerant flows out, and the communication passage communicates the other end of the lower header tank of the downstream core section in the air flow direction with the other end of the upper header tank of the upstream core section in the air flow direction. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the heat exchanger of the above aspect, the refrigerant supplied to one core part flows from the upper header tank of that core part to the lower header tank side through the tube. The refrigerant in the lower header tank of one core part is supplied to the other core part through the communication passage. The refrigerant supplied to the other core part flows from the upper header tank of that core part to the lower header tank through the tube.

[0009] Therefore, the refrigerant, which condenses and becomes denser as it flows downstream, can flow from top to bottom in the tubes of both core sections that are connected by the communication passage. This eliminates the need to push the condensed, denser refrigerant from bottom to top in the tubes of the core section. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a heat exchanger that can facilitate the flow of refrigerant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the communication passage. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a front view showing the first block. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the second block. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing the third block. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the fourth block. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view showing the fifth block. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the sixth block. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the passage resistance of the communication passage formed using each block. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main part showing the first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a main part showing the second modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the third modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the adapter of the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A heat exchanger 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] First, the overall configuration of a heat exchanger 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The heat exchanger 10 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown). The heat exchanger 10 exchanges heat between a refrigerant that is circulated in an air conditioner (not shown) and undergoes a phase change between a liquid phase and a gas phase, and air used for air conditioning.

[0014] Specifically, the heat exchanger 10 is provided in an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) unit (not shown) through which air used for air conditioning passes. The heat exchanger 10 is a condenser that exchanges heat with the air used for air conditioning when the air conditioner performs heating operation, condensing the refrigerant and heating the air.

[0015] The heat exchanger 10 has an upstream core portion 16 as one core portion to which a refrigerant is supplied, a downstream core portion 14 as the other core portion to which a refrigerant is supplied from the upstream core portion 16, and reinforcing members 18 provided on both sides of the heat exchanger 10.

[0016] The downstream core section 14 and the upstream core section 16 are arranged overlapping each other in the air flow direction 12. The downstream core section 14 is arranged upwind, and the upstream core section 16 is arranged downwind.

[0017] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 10 is described as being configured with two core sections, the downstream core section 14 and the upstream core section 16, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The heat exchanger 10 may be configured with three or more core sections. Furthermore, the upstream core section 16 and the downstream core section 14 refer to one core section and the other core section of a set of core sections arranged consecutively in the refrigerant flow direction.

[0018] The downstream core section 14 and the upstream core section 16 each have upper header tanks 20A, 20B to which refrigerant is supplied, and lower header tanks 22A, 22B located below the upper header tanks 20A, 20B. The downstream core section 14 each has a plurality of tubes 24 connecting the upper header tank 20A and the lower header tank 22A and exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the surrounding air, and a plurality of fins (not shown). The upstream core section 16 each has a plurality of tubes 24 connecting the upper header tank 20B and the lower header tank 22B and exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the surrounding air, and a plurality of fins (not shown).

[0019] The header tanks 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B, the tubes 24, and the fins are made of a metal such as aluminum, and are joined together by brazing or the like to form an integrated unit.

[0020] The heat exchanger 10 also has a communication passage 26 that connects the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core section 16 and the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core section 14.

[0021] (tube) The tubes 24 provided in the core portions 14, 16 connect the header tanks 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B of the core portions 14, 16 to each other, and perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air flowing around.

[0022] The cores 14, 16 are arranged to intersect with the air flow direction 12 so that air passes between the tubes 24. The cores 14, 16 are arranged to overlap with each other in the air flow direction 12 so that air passes continuously.

[0023] The multiple tubes 24 are arranged in parallel and stacked at intervals. The tubes 24 are formed in a flat shape and stacked in the thickness direction. Fins are provided between adjacent tubes 24. The tubes 24 are stacked in a direction intersecting the air flow direction 12. A flow path through which a refrigerant flows is formed within the tubes 24.

[0024] (fin) The fins are provided between adjacent tubes 24 and are stacked alternately with the tubes 24. The fins are formed in a wave shape along the longitudinal direction of the tubes 24 and are joined to two adjacent tubes 24. Air supplied by a blower (not shown) of an air conditioner passes around the multiple tubes 24 and the fins. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing inside the tubes 24 can exchange heat with the air via the surfaces of the tubes 24 and the fins. In this way, the fins promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

[0025] (reinforcing member) The reinforcing members 18 are provided on both side portions of the downstream core portion 14 and the upstream core portion 16. The reinforcing members 18 abut against the fins provided on both side portions of the downstream core portion 14 and the upstream core portion 16. The longitudinal ends of the reinforcing members 18 are engaged with the header tanks 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B, respectively, and connect and reinforce the pair of header tanks 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B. When the downstream core portion 14 and the upstream core portion 16 are formed by brazing the tubes 24 and the fins, the reinforcing members 18 are brazed to the fins and become integrated with the downstream core portion 14 and the upstream core portion 16.

[0026] (Header tank) Each of the header tanks 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B is cylindrical and long in the direction in which the tubes 24 are arranged. Each of the header tanks 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B has a closed cross section. When the heat exchanger 10 is attached, the upper surface of each of the upper header tanks 20A and 20B is curved, with the central portion in the width direction protruding upward. Each of the end portions of the header tanks 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B has approximately the same shape.

[0027] The upper header tanks 20A, 20B and the lower header tanks 22A, 22B of each core portion 14, 16 are arranged opposite each other. The longitudinal ends of the multiple tubes 24 are inserted into and joined to the opposed upper header tanks 20A, 20B and lower header tanks 22A, 22B. Each header tank 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B temporarily stores a refrigerant.

[0028] One end of the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core section 16 forms a refrigerant inlet 30 through which the refrigerant flows. A supply pipe 31 that supplies the refrigerant is connected to this refrigerant inlet 30. In other words, the upstream core section 16 has the refrigerant inlet 30 through which the refrigerant flows at one end of one side 32.

[0029] The other end of the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core section 16 is closed. The refrigerant that has flowed into the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core section 16 flows to the lower header tank 22B via each tube 24. As the refrigerant flows through the tubes 24, it exchanges heat with the air.

[0030] One end of the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core section 16 is closed. The other end of the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core section 16 forms a refrigerant outlet 34 from which the refrigerant flows out. The refrigerant outlet 34 is connected to the above-mentioned communicating passage 26.

[0031] The other end of the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core portion 14 forms a refrigerant inlet 28 through which the refrigerant flows in. The refrigerant inlet 28 is connected to the above-mentioned communication passage 26.

[0032] As a result, the communicating passage 26 communicates the upstream core section 16 with the downstream core section 14 at the other end of the other side section 36 of the upstream core section 16. Specifically, the communicating passage 26 allows the refrigerant flowing out from the other end of the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core section 16 to flow into the other end of the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core section 14.

[0033] One end of the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core section 14 is closed. The refrigerant that flows into the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core section 14 flows to the lower header tank 22A through each tube 24. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the air while flowing through the tubes 24.

[0034] The other end of the lower header tank 22A of the downstream core section 14 is closed. One end of the lower header tank 22A of the downstream core section 14 forms a refrigerant outlet 40 through which the refrigerant flows out. A recovery pipe 42 that recovers the refrigerant is connected to the refrigerant outlet 40.

[0035] (Communication path) FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the communication passage 26. As shown in FIG.

[0036] 1 and 2, the communication passage 26 is made up of a lower connector 50, an upper connector 52, and a pipe member 54 that connects the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52. The inner cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe member 54 is sufficiently larger than the inner cross-sectional area of ​​the tube 24.

[0037] The lower connector 50 is connected to the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core member 16 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The upper connector 52 is connected to the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core member 14 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0038] One end of the pipe member 54 is connected to the connection hole 56 of the lower connector 50, and the other end is connected to a connection hole (not shown) of the upper connector 52. The pipe member 54 connects the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52.

[0039] With the lower connector 50 connected to the corresponding lower header tank 22B and the upper connector 52 connected to the corresponding upper header tank 20A, the connection holes 56 of the lower connector 50 and the connection holes (not shown) of the upper connector 52, to which the pipe members 54 are connected, face each other. Furthermore, the connection holes 56 of the lower connector 50 and the connection holes (not shown) of the upper connector 52 open in the same direction as the extension direction of the tubes 24 (see FIG. 1) that extend vertically.

[0040] (block) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 are configured by a block 60 as the same member.

[0042] The block 60 constituting the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 has a flat surface 62 arranged facing each of the cores 14, 16. The block 60 also has a mountain-shaped protrusion 64 protruding from the side opposite the surface 62. This allows the block 60 to be formed in the shape of a triangular prism.

[0043] One surface 62 of the block 60 has first insertion holes 66 and second insertion holes 68 into which the ends of the stacked upper header tanks 20A, 20B or the ends of the stacked lower header tanks 22A, 22B can be inserted. The first insertion holes 66 and second insertion holes 68 have substantially the same shapes as the ends of the header tanks 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B. The first insertion holes 66 and second insertion holes 68 are arranged at the same intervals as the intervals between the stacked header tanks 20A, 20B, 22A, and 22B.

[0044] The innermost portion of the second insertion hole 68 is closed by a closing surface 70. As a result, the second insertion hole 68 forms a closing portion 72 that closes the end of the header tank into which the second insertion hole 68 is inserted.

[0045] The block 60 has the aforementioned connecting hole 56 communicating with the first insertion hole 66 in an end face 74 (see FIG. 2 ) which serves as an intersecting plane extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the one face 62. The first insertion hole 66 has a rear face 76 on the rear side which is parallel to the one face 62. An internal passage 78 communicating with the connecting hole 56 opens in the rear face 76.

[0046] The connecting hole 56 opens perpendicular to the end face 74 (see FIG. 2) and extends parallel to the one surface 62. The connecting hole 56 is disposed at a midpoint between a center line C1 passing through the center of the first insertion hole 66 and a center line C2 passing through the center of the second insertion hole 68 (see FIG. 3). In other words, the first insertion hole 66 and the second insertion hole 68 are disposed at positions symmetrical with respect to the connecting hole 56.

[0047] As a result, by arranging the end face 74 where the connection holes 56 are open facing upward, the block 60 can be used as the lower connector 50. Also, by arranging the end face 74 where the connection holes 56 are open facing downward, the block 60 can be used as the upper connector 52.

[0048] 1, in the block 60 constituting the lower connector 50, an end of the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core member 16 is inserted into the first insertion hole 66, connecting the lower header tank 22B to the connection hole 56. In addition, an end of the lower header tank 22A of the downstream core member 14 is inserted into the second insertion hole 68, closing off the end of the lower header tank 22A.

[0049] In the block 60 that constitutes the upper connector 52, the end of the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core member 16 is inserted into the second insertion hole 68, closing the end of the upper header tank 20B. Also, the end of the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core member 14 is inserted into the first insertion hole 66, connecting the upper header tank 20A to the connection hole 56.

[0050] This connection hole 56 is located midway between a center line C1 passing through the center of the first insertion hole 66 and a center line C2 passing through the center of the second insertion hole 68 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the connection hole 56 of the lower connector 50 made of a block 60 arranged with its end face 74 facing upward and the connection hole 56 of the upper connector 52 made of a block 60 arranged with its end face 74 facing downward face each other.

[0051] Furthermore, the connection holes 56 open perpendicular to the end face 74 and extend parallel to the surface 62. Therefore, the opening direction of the connection holes 56 of the lower connector 50 and the opening direction of the connection holes 56 of the upper connector 52 coincide with the extension direction of the tubes 24 extending vertically.

[0052] (Internal passage) 3, the internal passage 78 that connects the first insertion hole 66 and the connecting hole 56 extends linearly in a direction obliquely at 40 degrees relative to the inner surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66. This internal passage 78 is formed, for example, by cutting using a drill.

[0053] In this embodiment, a plurality of blocks 60 having different shapes of internal passages 78 were prepared (blocks 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-4, 60-5, 60-6). Then, the passage resistance was measured in the communication passage 26 using each block 60.

[0054] (First Block) FIG. 4 is a front view showing the first block 60-1.

[0055] 4, the internal passage 78 of the first block 60-1 is composed of a machined hole 80 formed in a straight line obliquely from the inner surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connecting hole 56. This machined hole 80 is formed parallel to the end surface 74 of the first block 60-1.

[0056] (Second Block) FIG. 5 is a front view showing the second block 60-2.

[0057] 5, the internal passage 78 of the second block 60-2 is composed of a machined hole 82 that is formed in a straight line obliquely from the back surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connecting hole 56. This machined hole 82 inclines in a direction approaching the end surface 74 of the second block 60-2 as it extends from the back surface 76 toward the connecting hole 56. The angle α1 formed by a parallel line 84 that is parallel to the end surface 74 and the center line C3 of the machined hole 82 is 25.4 degrees.

[0058] This allows the refrigerant to flow more smoothly than when the connection hole 56 and the cut hole 82 are perpendicular to each other.

[0059] (Third Block) FIG. 6 is a front view showing the third block 60-3.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the internal passage 78 of the third block 60-3 is composed of a first cut hole 86 and a second cut hole 88 that are formed in a straight line obliquely from the back surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connection hole 56.

[0061] The first machined hole 86 and the second machined hole 88 are formed so as to overlap partially, and form one internal passage 78. The opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the third block 60-3, which opens to the rear surface 76, is larger than the opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the first block 60-1.

[0062] The first machined hole 86 and the second machined hole 88 are formed parallel to the end face 74 of the third block 60-3.

[0063] (Fourth Block) FIG. 7 is a front view showing the fourth block 60-4.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the internal passage 78 of the fourth block 60-4 is composed of a first cut hole 90, a second cut hole 92, and a third cut hole 94, which are formed in a straight line in an oblique direction from the rear surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connection hole 56.

[0065] The first machined hole 90, the second machined hole 92, and the third machined hole 94 are formed so as to overlap with each other to form one internal passage 78. The opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the fourth block 60-4, where it opens to the back surface 76, is larger than the opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the third block 60-3.

[0066] The first, second and third machined holes 90, 92 and 94 are formed parallel to the end face 74 of the fourth block 60-4.

[0067] (Fifth Block) FIG. 8 is a front view showing the fifth block 60-5.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, the internal passage 78 of the fifth block 60-5 is composed of a first machined hole 96 and a second machined hole 98 formed in a straight line obliquely from the inner surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connecting hole 56.

[0069] The first machined hole 96 is formed parallel to the end face 74. The second machined hole 98 is inclined in a direction approaching the end face 74 of the fifth block 60-5 as it extends from the rear face 76 toward the connecting hole 56. The angle α2 formed by the parallel line 84 parallel to the end face 74 and the center line C4 of the second machined hole 98 is 25.4 degrees.

[0070] The first machined hole 96 and the second machined hole 98 are formed to overlap with each other to form a single internal passage 78. The opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the fifth block 60-5, which opens to the rear surface 76, is larger than the opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the first block 60-1 and the opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the second block 60-2.

[0071] (Sixth Block) FIG. 9 is a front view showing the sixth block 60-6.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, the internal passage 78 of the sixth block 60-6 is composed of a first cut hole 100 and a second cut hole 102 formed in a straight line in an oblique direction from the back surface 76 of the first insertion hole 66 toward the connection hole 56.

[0073] The first machined hole 100 is formed parallel to the end face 74. The second machined hole 102 is inclined in a direction approaching the end face 74 of the sixth block 60-6 as it extends from the back face 76 toward the connecting hole 56. The angle α3 formed by the parallel line 84 parallel to the end face 74 and the center line C5 of the second machined hole 102 is 37 degrees.

[0074] The first machined hole 100 and the second machined hole 102 are formed to overlap with each other to form a single internal passage 78. The opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the sixth block 60-6, where it opens to the rear surface 76, is larger than the opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the first block 60-1 and the opening area of ​​the internal passage 78 of the second block 60-2.

[0075] The holes 80, 82, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, and 102 that form the internal passages 78 of the blocks 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-4, 60-5, and 60-6 are drilled with the same diameter. The components of the blocks 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-4, 60-5, and 60-6, other than the internal passages 78, are the same.

[0076] Next, the passage resistance will be described.

[0077] 10 is a graph showing the passage resistance of the communication passage 26 formed using each of the blocks 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-4, 60-5, and 60-6. The bar shapes showing the passage resistance of each communication passage 26 are labeled with the symbols of the blocks used.

[0078] In this graph, the passage resistance is expressed as a numerical value and is shown as the length of a bar. In this graph, the vertical axis represents the passage resistance, and the smaller the passage resistance, the better.

[0079] This graph shows that the passage resistance of the communication passage 26 formed by the sixth block 60-6 is the lowest, and that the configuration using the sixth block 60-6 is superior to the configurations using the other blocks 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-4, and 60-5. For this reason, the sixth block 60-6 is used in each of the connectors 50 and 52 of this embodiment.

[0080] In this embodiment, the connectors 50 and 52 are configured using the sixth block 60-6, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The connectors 50 and 52 may be configured using any of the aforementioned blocks 60-1, 60-2, 60-3, 60-4, 60-5, and 60-6.

[0081] (tube member) 2, the pipe member 54 is made of a cylindrical member that extends linearly. One end and the other end of the pipe member 54 are formed with ridges 110 that extend in the circumferential direction.

[0082] A ring brazing material 112 formed into a ring shape is attached to the outer periphery of the tube member 54. The ring brazing material 112 melts when heated, and brazes the tube member 54 to each of the connectors 50, 52.

[0083] (Action and effect) According to the above embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0084] The heat exchanger 10 heats air by condensing a refrigerant that undergoes a phase change between a liquid phase and a gas phase. The heat exchanger 10 includes upper header tanks 20A, 20B to which the refrigerant is supplied, lower header tanks 22A, 22B disposed below the upper header tanks 20A, 20B, and a plurality of tubes 24 connecting the upper header tanks 20A, 20B and the lower header tanks 22A, 22B and exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the air flowing around them, and includes an upstream core section 16 and a downstream core section 14 as a plurality of core sections that are stacked in an air flow direction 12 and through which the refrigerant flows continuously. The heat exchanger 10 is provided with a communication passage 26 that connects the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core portion 16 as one core portion to the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core portion 14 as the other core portion arranged on top of each other in the air flow direction 12, and allows the refrigerant to flow from the lower header tank 22B to the upper header tank 20A.

[0085] In the heat exchanger 10 having this configuration, the refrigerant supplied to the upstream core section 16, which serves as one of the core sections, flows from the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core section 16 to the lower header tank 22B via the tubes 24. The refrigerant in the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core section 16 is supplied to the downstream core section 14, which serves as the other core section, via the communication passages 26.

[0086] The refrigerant supplied to the downstream core section 14 flows from the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core section to the lower header tank 22A via the tubes 24. As a result, the refrigerant flowing through each of the core sections 14, 16 condenses in each of the core sections 14, 16, increasing its density as it flows from top to bottom.

[0087] Therefore, the refrigerant, which condenses and becomes denser as it flows downstream, can flow from top to bottom in the tubes 24 of both core portions 14, 16, which are connected by the connecting passages 26. This eliminates the need to push the condensed, denser refrigerant from bottom to top in the tubes 24 of each core portion 14, 16. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger 10 that allows the refrigerant to flow easily.

[0088] The upper header tank 20B of the upstream core portion 16, which serves as one of the core portions, has at one end a refrigerant inlet 30 through which the refrigerant flows in, and the lower header tank 22A of the downstream core portion 14, which serves as the other core portion, has at one end a refrigerant outlet 40 through which the refrigerant flows out. The communication passage 26 communicates the other end of the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core portion 16, which serves as one of the core portions, with the other end of the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core portion 14, which serves as the other core portion.

[0089] According to this configuration, the refrigerant flows into the upstream core portion 16 from one end of the upper header tank 20B, and flows out from the other end of the lower header tank 22B via the communication passages .

[0090] Therefore, the temperature of the flowing refrigerant decreases as it moves from one end where the refrigerant flows in to the other end where the refrigerant flows out of the upstream core section 16, so the temperature of the upstream core section 16 decreases as it moves from one end to the other end.

[0091] Further, the refrigerant flows into the downstream core portion 14 from the other end of the upper header tank 20A via the communication passage 26, and the refrigerant flows out from the other end of the lower header tank 22A.

[0092] Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the downstream core section 14 decreases as it moves from the other end where the refrigerant flows in to the one end where the refrigerant flows out, and so the temperature of the downstream core section 14 decreases as it moves from the other end to the one end.

[0093] One end of the upstream core portion 16, which has a higher temperature, is arranged overlapping one end of the downstream core portion 14, which has a lower temperature. The other end of the upstream core portion 16, which has a lower temperature, is arranged overlapping the other end of the downstream core portion 14, which has a higher temperature.

[0094] Therefore, in the heat exchanger 10 in which the upstream core section 16 and the downstream core section 14 are arranged on top of each other, the temperature difference between one end and the other end is suppressed, and the temperature distribution of the heat exchanger 10 is made uniform.

[0095] The communication passage 26 is also composed of a lower connector 50 that is connected to the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core portion 16 as one of the core portions so that it can communicate with the lower header tank 22B of the downstream core portion 14 as the other core portion, an upper connector 52 that is connected to the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core portion 14 as the other core portion, and a pipe member 54 that is connected to a connection hole 56 that the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 have and that connects the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52.

[0096] According to this configuration, by changing the length of the pipe member 54, the distance between the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 can be changed.

[0097] Therefore, even if the length of the tube 24 of each core portion 14, 16 is changed due to a change in specifications, the change in specifications can be accommodated simply by changing the length of the tube member 54 connecting the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52.

[0098] When the lower connectors 50 are connected to the corresponding lower header tanks 22A, 22B and the upper connectors 52 are connected to the corresponding upper header tanks 20A, 20B, the connection holes 56 of the lower connectors 50 and the upper connectors 52, to which the pipe members 54 are connected, face each other and open in the same direction as the extension direction of the tubes 24.

[0099] With this configuration, it is possible to accommodate changes in the length of the tube 24 without changing the angle of the connection hole 56, compared to when a pipe member 54 is installed at an angle between the two connectors 50, 52 to connect the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52.

[0100] The lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 are made of the same material.

[0101] This configuration makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs compared to when the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 are configured as separate members.

[0102] The members that make up the lower connector 50 and the upper connector 52 are composed of a block 60 having, in one surface 62, a first insertion hole 66 and a second insertion hole 68 into which each end of the upper header tanks 20A, 20B arranged on top of each other or each end of the lower header tanks 22A, 22B arranged on top of each other, and having, in an end surface 74 that serves as an intersecting plane extending in a direction that intersects with the extension direction of the one surface 62, a connection hole 56 that communicates with the first insertion hole 66, and is located at a position midway between a center line C1 that passes through the center of the first insertion hole 66 and a center line C2 that passes through the center of the second insertion hole 68.

[0103] According to this configuration, by arranging the block 60 so that the connection holes 56 open downward, the block 60 can be used as the upper connector 52. Also, by arranging the block 60 so that the connection holes 56 open upward, the block 60 can be used as the lower connector 50.

[0104] Therefore, the block 60 can be used as the upper connector 52 and the lower connector 50 simply by changing the orientation of the block 60 .

[0105] The second insertion hole 68 of the block 60 is not connected to the connection hole 56 and forms a blocking portion 72 blocked by the blocking surface 70 .

[0106] Therefore, the end of the header tank inserted into the second insertion hole 68 of the block 60 can be blocked by the blocking portion 72. Therefore, compared to the case where a blocking member must be separately prepared to block the end of each header tank 20B, 22A, costs can be reduced and the effort required to attach the blocking member is not required.

[0107] (First Modification) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main part showing the first modified example.

[0108] In a heat exchanger 200 according to the first modification, a lower adapter 202 is connected to an end of a lower header tank 22B of the upstream core section 16 and an end of a lower header tank (not shown) of the downstream core section .

[0109] The lower adapter 202 is made of a rectangular parallelepiped block of aluminum. The lower adapter 202 has a closing portion (not shown) that closes the end of the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core portion 16.

[0110] The lower adapter 202 is connected to an end of a lower header tank (not shown) of the downstream core section 14, and has a tubular section 204 that communicates with the lower header tank (not shown). The tubular section 204 forms a refrigerant discharge path 206 that discharges the refrigerant from the lower header tank (not shown) of the downstream core section 14. A recovery pipe (not shown) that recovers the refrigerant is connected to the tubular section 204.

[0111] The cylindrical portion 204 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of a lower header tank (not shown) of the downstream core portion 14. This allows the recovery pipe (not shown) connected to the cylindrical portion 204 to be drawn out in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the lower header tank (not shown).

[0112] In this modified example, it is possible to reduce the space required on one side 32 of the heat exchanger 200 compared to when the recovery pipe connected to the lower header tank (not shown) of the downstream core section 14 is bent and routed in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the lower header tank.

[0113] (Second Modification) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a main part showing the second modified example.

[0114] In the heat exchanger 300 according to the second modification, an upper adapter 302 is further connected to an end of the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core section 16 and an end of the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core section .

[0115] The upper adapter 302 is made of a rectangular parallelepiped block of aluminum. The upper adapter 302 has a closing portion (not shown) that closes the end of the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core portion 14.

[0116] The upper adapter 302 is connected to an end of the upper header tank 20B (not shown) of the upstream core member 16, and has a cylindrical portion 304 that communicates with the upper header tank 20B. The cylindrical portion 304 constitutes a refrigerant supply path 306 that supplies refrigerant to the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core member 16. A supply pipe (not shown) that supplies refrigerant is connected to the cylindrical portion 304.

[0117] The cylindrical portion 304 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core portion 16. This allows the supply pipe connected to the cylindrical portion 304 to be drawn out in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the upper header tank 20B.

[0118] In this modified example, it is possible to reduce the space required on one side 32 of the heat exchanger 300 compared to when the supply piping connected to the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core section 16 is bent and routed in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the upper header tank 20B.

[0119] (Third Modification) Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the third modified example, and Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of an adapter 421 of the third modified example.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 13, the heat exchanger 400 according to the third modified example has a refrigerant discharge path 402 on one side 32 of the downstream core portion 14, which serves as the other core portion, that communicates with the lower header tank 22A (not shown) and extends toward the upper header tank 20A.

[0121] (refrigerant discharge path) The refrigerant discharge path 402 is made up of a discharge connector 410, an adapter 412, and a pipe member 414 that connects the discharge connector 410 and the adapter 412.

[0122] (Exhaust connector) The discharge connector 410 is configured from the block 60 described above, and the block 60 is used as the discharge connector 410 by arranging the end surface 74 where the connection hole 56 of the block 60 opens upward.

[0123] An end of the lower header tank 22B of the upstream core member 16 is inserted into the second insertion hole 68 of the discharge connector 410, and the end of the lower header tank 22B is closed by the closing surface 70 of the second insertion hole 68. An end of a lower header tank (not shown) of the downstream core member 14 is inserted into the first insertion hole 66 of the discharge connector 410, and the lower header tank (not shown) is connected to the connection hole 56 of the discharge connector 410.

[0124] (adapter) As shown in FIG. 14, the adapter 412 is made of a block of aluminum formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0125] The adapter 412 has a first cylindrical portion 420 to which an end of the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core portion 16 is connected and which communicates with the upper header tank 20B. The adapter 412 has a second cylindrical portion 422 provided on the side of the first cylindrical portion 420.

[0126] The adapter 412 is connected to an end of the upper header tank 20A of the downstream core portion 14 and has a blocking hole (not shown) that blocks the end of the upper header tank 20A.

[0127] The adapter 412 has a connection hole 424 that opens toward the discharge connector 410, and the connection hole 424 faces the connection hole 56 of the discharge connector 410. The connection hole 424 communicates with the second cylindrical portion 422.

[0128] (tube member) One end of the tube member 414 is connected to the connection hole 56 of the discharge connector 410. The other end of the tube member 414 is connected to the connection hole 424 of the adapter 412.

[0129] A supply pipe (not shown) for supplying a refrigerant is connected to the first cylindrical portion 420 of the adapter 412. A recovery pipe (not shown) for recovering the refrigerant is connected to the second cylindrical portion 422 of the adapter 412.

[0130] As a result, the refrigerant supplied from the supply piping is supplied to the upper header tank 20B of the upstream core member 16 via the adapter 412. In addition, the refrigerant discharged from the lower header tank (not shown) of the downstream core member 14 is recovered by a recovery piping connected to the first cylindrical portion 420 of the adapter 412 via the discharge connector 410 and the pipe member 414.

[0131] A heat exchanger 400 according to this modification has a refrigerant discharge passage 402 on one side 32 of an upstream core portion 16 serving as the other core portion, the refrigerant discharge passage 402 communicating with the lower header tank 22A and extending toward the upper header tank 20A.

[0132] According to the heat exchanger 400 having this configuration, the supply pipes and the recovery pipes can be pulled out from the upper part of one end of the heat exchanger 400. This makes the installation of the pipes easier than when the supply pipes and the recovery pipes are pulled out from different positions.

[0133] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 10,200,300,400 Heat exchanger 12 Flow direction 14 Downstream core part (one of the core parts) 16 Upstream core section (other core section) 20A, 20B Upper header tank 22A, 22B Lower header tank 24 tubes 26 Communication path 30 Refrigerant inlet 40 Refrigerant outlet 50 Lower Connector 52 Upper connector 54 Pipe members 56 Connection hole 60 blocks 62 one side 66 First insertion hole 68 Second insertion hole 74 End face (intersection face) C1 center line C2 center line

Claims

1. A heat exchanger that heats air by condensing a refrigerant that undergoes a phase change between a liquid phase and a gas phase, a plurality of cores each including an upper header tank to which a refrigerant is supplied, a lower header tank disposed below the upper header tank, and a plurality of tubes connecting the upper header tank and the lower header tank and performing heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the air flowing around the upper header tank and the lower header tank, the cores being stacked in the air flow direction and through which the refrigerant flows continuously; a communication passage that connects the lower header tank of one of the core portions with the upper header tank of the other core portion that is arranged to overlap in the air flow direction, and that allows a refrigerant to flow from the lower header tank to the upper header tank; Equipped with the upper header tank of the downstream core section in the air flow direction, which is arranged downstream in the air flow direction, has a refrigerant inlet at one end thereof, through which the refrigerant flows in, and the lower header tank of the upstream core section in the air flow direction, which is arranged upstream in the air flow direction, has a refrigerant outlet at one end thereof, through which the refrigerant flows out, the communication passage communicates the other end of the lower header tank of the downstream core portion in the air flow direction with the other end of the upper header tank of the upstream core portion in the air flow direction. A heat exchanger characterized by:

2. 2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, The communication passage is composed of a lower connector connected to be able to communicate with the lower header tank of the core part on the downstream side in the air flow direction, an upper connector connected to be able to communicate with the upper header tank of the core part on the upstream side in the air flow direction, and a pipe member connected to connection holes of the lower connector and the upper connector, which connects the lower connector and the upper connector. A heat exchanger characterized by:

3. 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, when the lower connector is connected to the corresponding lower header tank and the upper connector is connected to the corresponding upper header tank, the connection holes of the lower connector and the upper connector to which the pipe members are connected face each other and open in the same direction as the extending direction of the tubes. A heat exchanger characterized by:

4. 4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, The lower connector and the upper connector are made of the same material. A heat exchanger characterized by:

5. 5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, The member is composed of a block having, on one surface thereof, a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole into which each end of the upper header tank arranged to be stacked or each end of the lower header tank arranged to be stacked can be inserted, and having the connection hole communicating with the first insertion hole in an intersecting plane extending in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the one surface, the connection hole being located at an intermediate position between a center line passing through the center of the first insertion hole and a center line passing through the center of the second insertion hole. A heat exchanger characterized by:

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