heat exchanger

Abstract

The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes extending in the vertical direction and a horizontal distributor connected to the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes. The horizontal distributor has an inlet port, which is provided at one end of the horizontal distributor in the parallel direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, through which a refrigerant flows in from the outside, a first flow path extending from the inlet port toward the other end of the horizontal distributor along the parallel direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, a second flow path provided above the first flow path, which extends along the parallel direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes and is connected to the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, a third flow path branching downward from the first flow path and joining the second flow path, and a fourth flow path branching upward from the first flow path and joining the second flow path.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes extending vertically and spaced apart from one another in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and a distributor that distributes a refrigerant to each of the heat transfer tubes. The distributor includes a first member having a plurality of first through holes spaced apart from one another in the first direction, a second member including a first groove facing the plurality of first through holes, and a third member having at least one second groove facing at least one of the plurality of first through holes. The first groove extends in the first direction. A first space within the groove and a second space within at least one second groove are connected via a third space within the plurality of first through holes. The flow resistance of the third space is higher than the flow resistance of the first space and the flow resistance of the second space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 078746 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above heat exchanger has a problem in that as the number of heat transfer tubes increases, the distribution deviation of the refrigerant may become large.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a heat exchanger that can reduce deviation in refrigerant distribution to a plurality of heat transfer tubes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A heat exchanger according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes extending in a vertical direction and a horizontal distributor connected to lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, wherein the horizontal distributor is provided with: an inlet port, which is provided on one end side of the horizontal distributor in a parallel direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes and through which a refrigerant flows in from an outside; a first flow path extending from the inlet port toward the other end of the horizontal distributor along the parallel direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes; a second flow path provided above the first flow path, which extends along the parallel direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes and is connected to the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes; a third flow path branching downward from the first flow path and merging with the second flow path; and a fourth flow path branching upward from the first flow path and merging with the second flow path. The horizontal distributor has a structure in which a plurality of plate-like members are stacked. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, deviation in refrigerant distribution to a plurality of heat transfer tubes can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a horizontal distributor in the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a top view showing the configuration of a horizontal distributor in the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the IV-IV cross section of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant in a horizontal distributor of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a horizontal distributor in a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the configuration of a horizontal distributor in the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the VIII-VIII cross section of FIG. 7. [Figure 9]10 is an enlarged top view showing a curved portion of a serpentine flow path in a horizontal distributor of a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure includes all possible combinations of the configurations shown in the following embodiments. In particular, the combinations of components are not limited to those in the respective embodiments; components described in one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment. In the following description, directional terms (e.g., "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," "rear," etc.) may be used as appropriate to facilitate understanding. However, these terms are for explanatory purposes and do not limit the present disclosure. In the drawings, components designated with the same reference numerals are identical or equivalent, and this applies throughout the entire specification. The relative dimensional relationships or shapes of the components in the drawings may differ from those in actuality.

[0010] Embodiment 1 A heat exchanger according to a first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the heat exchanger according to the present embodiment. The up-down direction in Fig. 1 represents the vertical up-down direction. The left-right direction in Fig. 1 represents the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10.

[0011] 1, the heat exchanger of this embodiment includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes 10, a plurality of heat transfer fins 11, a horizontal distributor 20, and a gas header 12. The heat exchanger of this embodiment is a component of a refrigeration cycle device in which a refrigerant circulates, and functions as an evaporator.

[0012] The heat transfer tubes 10 are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. Each heat transfer tube 10 extends in an up-down direction, for example, in the vertical up-down direction. In this embodiment, flat tubes having a flat cross-sectional shape are used as the heat transfer tubes 10. Each heat transfer tube 10 is arranged so that the major axis direction in the cross section is along the air flow direction. Each heat transfer fin 11 is provided between two adjacent heat transfer tubes 10. Each heat transfer fin 11 is formed in a corrugated shape.

[0013] The gas header 12 is connected to the upper ends of the heat transfer tubes 10. The gas header 12 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The gas header 12 is located on the outlet side of the heat exchanger in the refrigerant flow when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

[0014] The horizontal distributor 20 is connected to the lower ends of the multiple heat transfer tubes 10. The horizontal distributor 20 is located on the inlet side of the heat exchanger in terms of the flow of refrigerant when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. In the parallel direction of the heat transfer tubes 10, an inlet pipe 21 is connected to one end of the horizontal distributor 20. The inlet pipe 21 is connected to an inlet port that opens on the top surface of the horizontal distributor 20. The refrigerant that flows into the horizontal distributor 20 from the inlet pipe 21 is distributed to the multiple heat transfer tubes 10.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a horizontal distributor in a heat exchanger according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a planar configuration of each plate-like member 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 of the horizontal distributor 20, viewed along the plate thickness direction, i.e., the extension direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. In this embodiment, the plate thickness direction of each plate-like member 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 and the extension direction of the heat transfer tubes 10 are parallel to the vertical direction. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the configuration of a horizontal distributor in a heat exchanger according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the horizontal distributor 20, in which the plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 are stacked, viewed from above along the plate thickness direction. 2 and 3 represent the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The up and down direction in FIG.

[0016] 2 and 3, the horizontal distributor 20 is a stacked horizontal distributor having a configuration in which nine flat plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 are stacked. The plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 are stacked in this order from above, i.e., from the gas header 12 side. Slits or through-holes of different shapes are formed in the plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180 other than the plate-like member 190. The plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 are brazed together with the inlet pipe 21, the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10, the plurality of heat transfer fins 11, and the gas header 12. Each of the plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 is formed into a rectangular shape having a long side along the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10 and a short side along the major axis direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The outline shape of the outer edge of each of the plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 is, for example, the same. The plate thicknesses of the plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 may be the same or different from one another. The plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 are arranged so that their plate surfaces are perpendicular to the extension direction of the heat transfer tube 10.

[0017] The plate-shaped member 110 is formed with a plurality of heat transfer tube insertion slits 110a into which the lower ends of the heat transfer tubes 10 are inserted. Inlet pipe insertion holes 110b with a circular cross section into which the inlet pipes 21 are inserted are formed at one end of the plate-shaped member 110 in the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The heat transfer tube insertion slits 110a and the inlet pipe insertion holes 110b penetrate the plate-shaped member 110 in the plate thickness direction. In this embodiment, flat tubes are used as the heat transfer tubes 10, and therefore the heat transfer tube insertion slits 110a are formed with a flat shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of each heat transfer tube 10. The diameter of the inlet pipe insertion holes 110b is larger than the outer diameter of the inlet pipes 21.

[0018] The plate-shaped member 120 is formed with a plurality of heat transfer tube stop slits 120a against which the lower ends of the heat transfer tubes 10 abut and are secured. An inlet pipe insertion hole 120b having the same diameter as the inlet pipe insertion hole 110b is formed on one end side of the plate-shaped member 120. The heat transfer tube stop slits 120a and the inlet pipe insertion hole 120b penetrate the plate-shaped member 120 in the thickness direction. When viewed in the thickness direction, each heat transfer tube stop slit 120a overlaps with each heat transfer tube insertion slit 110a. The major diameter of each heat transfer tube stop slit 120a is smaller than the major diameter of the heat transfer tube 10. Thus, the heat transfer tube 10 inserted into the heat transfer tube insertion slit 110a is secured by the plate-shaped member 120. When viewed in the thickness direction, the inlet pipe insertion hole 120b overlaps with the inlet pipe insertion hole 110b.

[0019] One gas-liquid mixing slit 130a is formed in the plate-shaped member 130. An inlet pipe insertion hole 130b having the same diameter as the inlet pipe insertion hole 110b is formed on one end side of the plate-shaped member 130. The gas-liquid mixing slit 130a and the inlet pipe insertion hole 130b penetrate the plate-shaped member 130 in the plate thickness direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction, the gas-liquid mixing slit 130a overlaps with all of the heat transfer tube contact and retaining slits 120a. When viewed in the plate thickness direction, the inlet pipe insertion hole 130b overlaps with the inlet pipe insertion holes 110b and 120b.

[0020] A plurality of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a and two liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 140c are formed in plate-shaped member 140. An inlet pipe insertion hole 140d having the same diameter as inlet pipe insertion hole 110b is formed on one end side of plate-shaped member 140. The plurality of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a, liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 140c, and inlet pipe insertion hole 140d penetrate plate-shaped member 140 in the plate thickness direction.

[0021] The multiple gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a are arranged in parallel along the direction in which the heat transfer tubes 10 are arranged side by side. When viewed in the plate thickness direction, all of the gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a overlap with the gas-liquid mixing slits 130a. The total area of ​​the multiple gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a is smaller than the area of ​​the gas-liquid mixing slits 130a. The multiple gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a are arranged in parallel, for example, at equal intervals along the direction in which the heat transfer tubes 10 are arranged side by side. In this embodiment, the number of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a is smaller than the number of heat transfer tubes 10. However, the number of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a can be increased or decreased as necessary.

[0022] The liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 140c are provided on both sides of the gas refrigerant ejection hole 140a in the major axis direction of the heat transfer tube 10. Each of the liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 140c extends along the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. When viewed in the thickness direction, the gas refrigerant ejection hole 140a and the liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 140c overlap with the gas-liquid mixing slit 130a. When viewed in the thickness direction, the inlet pipe insertion hole 140d overlaps with the inlet pipe insertion holes 110b, 120b, and 130b.

[0023] One gas refrigerant flow slit 150a and two liquid refrigerant supply slits 150b and 150c are formed in plate-shaped member 150. An inlet pipe insertion hole 150d having the same diameter as inlet pipe insertion hole 110b is formed at one end of plate-shaped member 150. Gas refrigerant flow slit 150a, liquid refrigerant supply slits 150b and 150c, and inlet pipe insertion hole 150d penetrate plate-shaped member 150 in the plate thickness direction.

[0024] The gas refrigerant flow slit 150a extends in the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. When viewed in the thickness direction, the gas refrigerant flow slit 150a overlaps with all of the gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a. The area of ​​the gas refrigerant flow slit 150a is larger than the sum of the areas of the multiple gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a. The liquid refrigerant supply slit 150b has the same shape as the liquid refrigerant supply slit 140b and overlaps with the liquid refrigerant supply slit 140b when viewed in the thickness direction. The liquid refrigerant supply slit 150c has the same shape as the liquid refrigerant supply slit 140c and overlaps with the liquid refrigerant supply slit 140c when viewed in the thickness direction. The inlet pipe insertion hole 150d overlaps with the inlet pipe insertion holes 110b, 120b, 130b, and 140d when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0025] A plurality of gas refrigerant separation slits 160a and two liquid refrigerant supply slits 160b, 160c are formed in plate-shaped member 160. An inlet port 160d is formed at one end of plate-shaped member 160. The plurality of gas refrigerant separation slits 160a, liquid refrigerant supply slits 160b, 160c, and inlet port 160d penetrate plate-shaped member 160 in the plate thickness direction.

[0026] The multiple gas refrigerant separation slits 160a are arranged in parallel in the direction in which the heat transfer tubes 10 are arranged side by side. When viewed in the plate thickness direction, all of the gas refrigerant separation slits 160a overlap with the gas refrigerant flow slits 150a. The total area of ​​the multiple gas refrigerant separation slits 160a is smaller than the area of ​​the gas refrigerant flow slits 150a. The number of gas refrigerant separation slits 160a can be increased or decreased as necessary. The liquid refrigerant supply slit 160b has the same shape as the liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 150b, and overlaps with the liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 150b when viewed in the plate thickness direction. The liquid refrigerant supply slit 160c has the same shape as the liquid refrigerant supply slits 140c, 150c, and overlaps with the liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 150b when viewed in the plate thickness direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction, the inlet port 160d overlaps with the inlet pipe insertion holes 110b, 120b, 130b, 140d, and 150d. The diameter of the inlet port 160d is smaller than the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 21. In the horizontal distributor 20, the inlet port 160d opens upward through the inlet pipe insertion holes 110b, 120b, 130b, 140d, and 150d.

[0027] One two-phase refrigerant flow slit 170a and two liquid refrigerant supply slits 170b, 170c are formed in the plate-shaped member 170. The two-phase refrigerant flow slit 170a and the liquid refrigerant supply slits 170b, 170c penetrate the plate-shaped member 170 in the plate thickness direction.

[0028] The two-phase refrigerant flow slit 170a extends in the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. When viewed in the thickness direction, the two-phase refrigerant flow slit 170a overlaps with all of the gas refrigerant separation slits 160a and inlet ports 160d. The liquid refrigerant supply slit 170b has the same shape as the liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 150b, and 160b, and overlaps with the liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 150b, and 160b when viewed in the thickness direction. The liquid refrigerant supply slit 170c has the same shape as the liquid refrigerant supply slits 140c, 150c, and 160c, and overlaps with the liquid refrigerant supply slits 140c, 150c, and 160c when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0029] Two liquid refrigerant separation slits 180a and 180b are formed in the plate-shaped member 180. The liquid refrigerant separation slits 180a and 180b penetrate the plate-shaped member 180 in the plate thickness direction.

[0030] Each of the liquid refrigerant separation slits 180a, 180b extends along the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. When viewed in the thickness direction, the liquid refrigerant separation slit 180a overlaps with the liquid refrigerant supply slit 170b and one end of the two-phase refrigerant flow slit 170a in the major axis direction of the heat transfer tube 10. When viewed in the thickness direction, the liquid refrigerant separation slit 180b overlaps with the liquid refrigerant supply slit 170c and the other end of the two-phase refrigerant flow slit 170a in the major axis direction of the heat transfer tube 10.

[0031] The plate-like member 190 does not have any slits or through-holes.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the IV-IV cross section of Fig. 3. Fig. 4 shows a cross section perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The up-down direction in Fig. 4 represents the vertical up-down direction. The left-right direction in Fig. 4 represents the major axis direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The direction perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 4 represents the arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. Fig. 4 shows a flow direction 201 of the main stream of the two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the horizontal distributor 20, a flow direction 202 of the liquid refrigerant, a flow direction 203 of the gas refrigerant, and a flow direction 204 of the two-phase refrigerant distributed to each heat transfer tube 10.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, in a cross section perpendicular to the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10, the horizontal distributor 20 is formed with a first flow path 31, a second flow path 32, third flow paths 33a and 33b, and a fourth flow path .

[0034] The first flow path 31 is mainly formed by the two-phase refrigerant flow slit 170a. The first flow path 31 is in communication with the inlet pipe 21 via the inlet port 160d. The two-phase refrigerant flows into the first flow path 31 through the inlet pipe 21 and the inlet port 160d. The first flow path 31 extends from the inlet port 160d toward the other end of the horizontal distributor 20 along the parallel direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The main stream of the two-phase refrigerant that flows into the first flow path 31 from the inlet port 160d flows toward the other end of the horizontal distributor 20.

[0035] The second flow path 32 is mainly formed by the gas-liquid mixing slit 130a. The second flow path 32 is provided above the first flow path 31. The second flow path 32 extends in parallel with the first flow path 31 along the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The second flow path 32 is connected to the lower end of each heat transfer tube 10.

[0036] The third flow paths 33a and 33b are provided on both sides of the first flow path 31 in the major diameter direction of the heat transfer tube 10. Liquid refrigerant separated from the two-phase refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 31 mainly flows through the third flow paths 33a and 33b.

[0037] The third flow path 33a is mainly formed by a liquid refrigerant separation slit 180a, a liquid refrigerant supply slit 170b, a liquid refrigerant supply slit 160b, a liquid refrigerant supply slit 150b, and a liquid refrigerant supply slit 140b. The third flow path 33a branches downward from one end of the first flow path 31 in the major diameter direction of the heat transfer tube 10, travels upward outside the first flow path 31, and merges with the second flow path 32.

[0038] The third flow path 33b is mainly formed by the liquid refrigerant separation slit 180b, the liquid refrigerant supply slit 170c, the liquid refrigerant supply slit 160c, the liquid refrigerant supply slit 150c, and the liquid refrigerant supply slit 140c. The third flow path 33b branches downward from the other end of the first flow path 31 in the major diameter direction of the heat transfer tube 10, travels upward outside the first flow path 31, and merges with the second flow path 32.

[0039] The fourth flow path 34 is mainly formed by a plurality of gas refrigerant separation slits 160a, a plurality of gas refrigerant circulation slits 150a, and a plurality of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a. The fourth flow path 34 branches upward from the first flow path 31. The gas refrigerant separated from the two-phase refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 31 mainly flows through the fourth flow path 34.

[0040] Next, the flow of refrigerant in the heat exchanger of this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant in the horizontal distributor of the heat exchanger according to this embodiment. Figure 5 shows the same cross section as Figure 4. In Figure 5, liquid refrigerant is indicated by dot hatching.

[0041] The two-phase refrigerant that flows into the horizontal distributor 20 through the inlet pipe 21 flows through the first flow path 31 from one end to the other end of the horizontal distributor 20. A portion of the liquid refrigerant in the two-phase refrigerant branches downward from the main flow of the two-phase refrigerant and flows into each of the third flow paths 33a and 33b due to gravity and the static pressure difference inside the horizontal distributor 20. Because the static pressure of the second flow path 32 is lower than the static pressure of the first flow path 31, the liquid refrigerant that flows into the third flow paths 33a and 33b flows upward through the third flow paths 33a and 33b and is supplied to the second flow path 32.

[0042] Meanwhile, part of the gas refrigerant of the two-phase refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 31 branches upward from the main flow of the two-phase refrigerant due to buoyancy and the static pressure difference inside the horizontal distributor 20, and passes through the gas refrigerant separation slit 160a and flows into the fourth flow path 34. Because the static pressure of the second flow path 32 is lower than the static pressure of the first flow path 31, the gas refrigerant that has flowed into the fourth flow path 34 is ejected from the gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a into the second flow path 32 as gas refrigerant 205. The gas refrigerant ejected into the second flow path 32 merges with the liquid refrigerant in the second flow path 32 and mixes with the liquid refrigerant to form a two-phase refrigerant. The two-phase refrigerant in the second flow path 32 is distributed to the multiple heat transfer tubes 10.

[0043] In this embodiment, the gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a are arranged in parallel along the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10, which makes the quality fraction distribution of the two-phase refrigerant more uniform in the second flow path 32. This reduces deviation in refrigerant distribution to the heat transfer tubes 10.

[0044] The two-phase refrigerant distributed to each heat transfer tube 10 is heated and evaporated by heat exchange with the air, becoming gas refrigerant and flowing into the gas header 12. The gas refrigerant that has flowed into the gas header 12 flows out of the heat exchanger through an outflow pipe (not shown).

[0045] As described above, the heat exchanger according to this embodiment includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes 10 extending in the vertical direction and a horizontal distributor 20 connected to the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10. The horizontal distributor 20 is formed with an inlet port 160d, a first flow path 31, a second flow path 32, third flow paths 33a and 33b, and a fourth flow path 34. The inlet port 160d is provided at one end of the horizontal distributor 20 in the parallel arrangement direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10, and a refrigerant flows into the inlet port 160d from the other end of the horizontal distributor 20 in the parallel arrangement direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10. The second flow path 32 is provided above the first flow path 31 and extends in the parallel arrangement direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10. The second flow path 32 is connected to the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10. The third flow paths 33a and 33b branch downward from the first flow path 31 and merge with the second flow path 32. The fourth flow path 34 branches upward from the first flow path 31 and merges with the second flow path 32.

[0046] The liquid refrigerant of the two-phase refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 31 flows into the third flow path 33a or the third flow path 33b branching downward from the first flow path 31 due to gravity and the static pressure difference inside the horizontal distributor 20. The gas refrigerant of the two-phase refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 31 flows into the fourth flow path 34 branching upward from the first flow path 31 due to buoyancy and the static pressure difference inside the horizontal distributor 20. The liquid refrigerant that has flowed through the third flow path 33a or the third flow path 33b and the gas refrigerant that has flowed through the fourth flow path 34 join together in the second flow path 32 to become two-phase refrigerant, which is then distributed to each heat transfer tube 10. In this embodiment, the two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the first flow path 31 of the horizontal distributor 20 is temporarily separated into the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigerant can be distributed to each heat transfer tube 10 regardless of the flow state and flow velocity of the refrigerant when it entered the horizontal distributor 20. Therefore, even when the number of heat transfer tubes 10 is large, the deviation in distribution of the refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10 can be reduced.

[0047] In the heat exchanger according to the present embodiment, a gas refrigerant flow slit 150a and a plurality of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a are formed in the fourth flow path 34. The gas refrigerant flow slit 150a is an example of a refrigerant flow space. The gas refrigerant flow slit 150a is provided above the first flow path 31 and below the second flow path 32. The gas refrigerant flow slit 150a extends in the direction in which the heat transfer tubes 10 are arranged side by side. The gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a are an example of a refrigerant ejection hole. The plurality of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a are provided above the gas refrigerant flow slit 150a and below the second flow path 32. The plurality of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a are arranged in parallel in the direction in which the heat transfer tubes 10 are arranged side by side.

[0048] According to this configuration, gas refrigerant is ejected from the plurality of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a into the liquid refrigerant in the second flow path 32, thereby forming a two-phase refrigerant. The plurality of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a are arranged in parallel along the parallel arrangement direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10. This makes it possible to more uniform the quality fraction distribution of the two-phase refrigerant in the second flow path 32 in the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. This makes it possible to further reduce deviations in refrigerant distribution to the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10.

[0049] In the heat exchanger according to this embodiment, the horizontal distributor 20 has a configuration in which a plurality of plate-like members are stacked.

[0050] This configuration allows for a reduction in the number of components and cost of the horizontal distributor 20. In addition, since the horizontal distributor 20 can be made thinner, the refrigerant volume within the horizontal distributor 20 can be reduced.

[0051] Embodiment 2 A description will be given of a heat exchanger according to embodiment 2. This embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that inertial force is mainly used to separate the liquid refrigerant from the gas refrigerant.

[0052] FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a horizontal distributor in a heat exchanger according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a planar configuration of each plate-like member 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, 310, and 190 of the horizontal distributor 20, viewed along the plate thickness direction, i.e., the extension direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. In this embodiment, the plate thickness direction of each plate-like member 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, 310, and 190 and the extension direction of the heat transfer tubes 10 are parallel to the vertical direction. FIG. 7 is a top view showing the configuration of a horizontal distributor in a heat exchanger according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the horizontal distributor 20, in which the plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, 310, and 190 are stacked, viewed from above along the plate thickness direction. 6 and 7, the left-right direction represents the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The up-down direction in FIG.

[0053] 6 and 7, the horizontal distributor 20 is a stacked horizontal distributor having a configuration in which eight flat plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, 310, and 190 are stacked. The plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, 310, and 190 are stacked in this order from above, i.e., from the gas header 12 side. Slits or through-holes of different shapes are formed in the plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, and 310 other than the plate-like member 190. The plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, 310, and 190 are integrated by brazing together with the inlet pipe 21, the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10, the plurality of heat transfer fins 11, and the gas header 12. Each of the plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, 310, and 190 is formed in a rectangular shape with a long side along the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10 and a short side along the major axis direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The outline shapes of the outer edges of the plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, 310, and 190 are, for example, the same. The plate thicknesses of the plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, 310, and 190 may be the same or different from each other. The plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 300, 310, and 190 are arranged so that their plate surfaces are perpendicular to the extension direction of the heat transfer tubes 10.

[0054] The plate-like members 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 190 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0055] One gas refrigerant extraction hole 300a, two liquid refrigerant supply slits 300b and 300c, and one inlet port 300d are formed in the plate-shaped member 300. The gas refrigerant extraction hole 300a, the liquid refrigerant supply slits 300b and 300c, and the inlet port 300d penetrate the plate-shaped member 300 in the plate thickness direction.

[0056] The inlet port 300d is provided on one end side of the plate-shaped member 300 in the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. When viewed in the plate thickness direction, the inlet port 300d overlaps with the inlet pipe insertion holes 110b, 120b, 130b, 140d, and 150d. The diameter of the inlet port 300d is smaller than the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 21.

[0057] The gas refrigerant extraction holes 300a are provided on the other end side of the plate-shaped member 300 in the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. When viewed in the plate thickness direction, the gas refrigerant extraction holes 300a overlap with the gas refrigerant circulation slits 150a.

[0058] Liquid refrigerant supply slit 300b has the same shape as liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 150b and overlaps with liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 150b when viewed in the plate thickness direction. Liquid refrigerant supply slit 300c has the same shape as liquid refrigerant supply slits 140c, 150c and overlaps with liquid refrigerant supply slits 140b, 150b when viewed in the plate thickness direction. Inlet port 300d overlaps with inlet pipe insertion holes 110b, 120b, 130b, 140d, and 150d when viewed in the plate thickness direction.

[0059] One two-phase refrigerant flow slit 310a is formed in plate-shaped member 310. Two-phase refrigerant flow slit 310a penetrates plate-shaped member 310 in the plate thickness direction. Two-phase refrigerant flow slit 310a has a starting end 310a1, a terminal end 310a2, and a serpentine flow path 310a3.

[0060] The starting end 310a1 is provided on one end side of the plate-like member 310 in the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. When viewed in the plate thickness direction, the starting end 310a1 overlaps with the inlet port 300d.

[0061] The terminal end portion 310a2 is provided on the other end side of the plate-shaped member 310 in the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. When viewed in the plate thickness direction, the terminal end portion 310a2 overlaps with the gas refrigerant extraction hole 300a.

[0062] The serpentine flow path 310a3 connects the starting end 310a1 and the terminal end 310a2. The serpentine flow path 310a3 extends in a serpentine manner from the starting end 310a1 to the terminal end 310a2 in a horizontal plane, with at least one curved portion 310a4. A liquid refrigerant extraction hole 310a5 is formed on the outer periphery of each curved portion 310a4. The liquid refrigerant extraction hole 310a5 has a shape in which the outer periphery of the side wall of each curved portion 310a4 is partially recessed toward the outer periphery. When viewed in the plate thickness direction, the liquid refrigerant extraction hole 310a5 overlaps with the liquid refrigerant supply slit 300b or the liquid refrigerant supply slit 300c. Furthermore, when viewed in the plate thickness direction, the outer periphery of each curved portion 310a4 may overlap with the liquid refrigerant supply slit 300b or the liquid refrigerant supply slit 300c. When viewed in the thickness direction, the inner periphery of each curved portion 310a4 and the serpentine flow path 310a3 other than the curved portion 310a4 do not overlap with either the liquid refrigerant supply slit 300b or the liquid refrigerant supply slit 300c.

[0063] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7. Fig. 8 shows a cross section perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The up-down direction in Fig. 8 represents the vertical up-down direction. The left-right direction in Fig. 8 represents the major axis direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The direction perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 8 represents the arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. Fig. 8 shows a flow direction 201 of the main stream of the two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the horizontal distributor 20, a flow direction 202 of the liquid refrigerant, a flow direction 203 of the gas refrigerant, and a flow direction 204 of the two-phase refrigerant distributed to each heat transfer tube 10.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8, in a cross section perpendicular to the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10, the horizontal distributor 20 is formed with a first flow path 31, a second flow path 32, third flow paths 33a and 33b, and a fourth flow path .

[0065] The first flow path 31 is mainly formed by a two-phase refrigerant flow slit 310a. The first flow path 31 is connected to the inlet pipe 21 via the inlet port 300d. The two-phase refrigerant flows into the first flow path 31 through the inlet pipe 21 and the inlet port 300d. The first flow path 31 extends in a serpentine manner in a horizontal plane from the starting end 310a1 to the terminal end 310a2. The main flow of the two-phase refrigerant that flows into the first flow path 31 from the inlet port 300d flows toward the other end of the horizontal distributor 20.

[0066] The second flow path 32 is mainly formed by the gas-liquid mixing slit 130a. The second flow path 32 is provided above the first flow path 31. The second flow path 32 extends along the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10. The second flow path 32 is connected to the lower end of each heat transfer tube 10.

[0067] The third flow paths 33a and 33b are provided along both ends of the horizontal distributor 20 in the major axis direction of the heat transfer tube 10. The liquid refrigerant separated from the two-phase refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 31 mainly flows through the third flow paths 33a and 33b.

[0068] The third flow path 33a is mainly formed by the liquid refrigerant supply slit 300b, the liquid refrigerant supply slit 150b, and the liquid refrigerant supply slit 140b. The third flow path 33a is located on one end side of the horizontal distributor 20 in the major axis direction of the heat transfer tube 10. The third flow path 33a branches off from the first flow path 31 on the outer circumferential side of the curved portion 310a4 of the first flow path 31 (for example, the liquid refrigerant extraction hole 310a5) and merges with the second flow path 32. The portion where the third flow path 33a branches off from the first flow path 31 is not shown in FIG. 8.

[0069] The third flow path 33b is mainly formed by the liquid refrigerant supply slit 300c, the liquid refrigerant supply slit 150c, and the liquid refrigerant supply slit 140c. The third flow path 33b is located on the other end side of the horizontal distributor 20 in the major axis direction of the heat transfer tube 10. The third flow path 33b branches off from the first flow path 31 on the outer circumferential side of the curved portion 310a4 of the first flow path 31 (for example, the liquid refrigerant extraction hole 310a5) and merges with the second flow path 32.

[0070] The fourth flow path 34 is mainly formed by the gas refrigerant extraction hole 300a, the gas refrigerant circulation slit 150a, and the plurality of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a. The fourth flow path 34 branches upward from the terminal end 310a2 of the first flow path 31 and connects the terminal end 310a2 and the second flow path 32. The fourth flow path 34 mainly receives gas refrigerant separated from the two-phase refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 31. The fourth flow path 34 may branch from the first flow path 31 on the inner circumferential side of the curved portion 310a4 and connect the inner circumferential side of the curved portion 310a4 and the second flow path 32. In this case, in addition to the gas refrigerant extraction hole 300a, the plate-shaped member 300 may be formed with a gas refrigerant extraction hole for connecting the inner circumferential side of the curved portion 310a4 and the second flow path 32.

[0071] Next, the flow of refrigerant in the heat exchanger of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is an enlarged top view showing a curved portion of the serpentine flow path in the horizontal distributor of the heat exchanger according to this embodiment. In Fig. 9, the liquid refrigerant is indicated by dot hatching.

[0072] 9, the two-phase refrigerant flowing through first flow path 31 from starting end 310a1 to terminal end 310a2 is separated into liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant at curved portion 310a4 due to inertial force. The liquid refrigerant, which has a relatively high density, flows toward the outer periphery of curved portion 310a4 and is collected in liquid refrigerant extraction holes 310a5. The liquid refrigerant collected in liquid refrigerant extraction holes 310a5 flows upward through third flow path 33a or third flow path 33b due to the static pressure difference inside horizontal distributor 20 and is supplied to second flow path 32.

[0073] On the other hand, because the gas refrigerant mainly flows on the inner circumferential side of the curved portion 310a4, it is not collected in the liquid refrigerant extraction holes 310a5 and reaches the terminal end 310a2 as it is. The gas refrigerant that reaches the terminal end 310a2 flows upward through the gas refrigerant extraction holes 300a, which are part of the fourth flow path 34, and flows into the gas refrigerant flow slit 150a. The gas refrigerant that flows into the gas refrigerant flow slit 150a flows from the other end toward one end of the horizontal distributor 20 in the parallel direction of the heat transfer tubes 10, and diffuses throughout the space within the gas refrigerant flow slit 150a. The gas refrigerant in the gas refrigerant flow slit 150a is then ejected from the gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a into the second flow path 32 due to the static pressure difference within the horizontal distributor 20. The gas refrigerant ejected into the second flow path 32 merges with the liquid refrigerant in the second flow path 32 and mixes with the liquid refrigerant to form a two-phase refrigerant. The two-phase refrigerant in the second flow path 32 is distributed to the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10 .

[0074] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a plurality of gas refrigerant ejection holes 140a are arranged in parallel along the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes 10, which makes the quality fraction distribution of the two-phase refrigerant more uniform in the second flow path 32. This reduces deviation in refrigerant distribution to the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10.

[0075] The two-phase refrigerant distributed to each heat transfer tube 10 is heated and evaporated by heat exchange with the air, becoming gas refrigerant and flowing into the gas header 12. The gas refrigerant that has flowed into the gas header 12 flows out of the heat exchanger through an outflow pipe (not shown).

[0076] As described above, the heat exchanger according to this embodiment includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes 10 extending in the vertical direction and a horizontal distributor 20 connected to the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10. The horizontal distributor 20 is formed with an inlet port 300d, a first flow path 31, a second flow path 32, third flow paths 33a and 33b, and a fourth flow path 34. The inlet port 300d is provided at one end of the horizontal distributor 20 in the parallel arrangement direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10, and receives refrigerant from the outside. The first flow path 31 extends from the inlet port 300d toward the other end of the horizontal distributor 20 so as to have at least one curved portion 310a4 in a horizontal plane. The second flow path 32 is provided above the first flow path 31 and extends along the parallel arrangement direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10. The second flow path 32 is connected to the lower ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10. The third flow paths 33a and 33b branch off from the first flow path 31 on the outer circumferential side of the curved portion 310a4 and merge with the second flow path 32. The second flow path 32 is connected to the terminal end 310a2 of the first flow path 31 or the inner circumferential side of the curved portion 310a4.

[0077] Of the two-phase refrigerant flowing through the curved portion 310a4 of the first flow path 31, the liquid refrigerant flows around the outer periphery of the curved portion 310a4 due to inertia and flows into the third flow path 33a or the third flow path 33b. The gas refrigerant flows around the inner periphery of the curved portion 310a4 and flows into the fourth flow path 34, or reaches the terminal end 310a2 of the first flow path 31 and flows into the fourth flow path 34. The liquid refrigerant that has flowed through the third flow path 33a or the third flow path 33b and the gas refrigerant that has flowed through the fourth flow path 34 join together in the second flow path 32 to form a two-phase refrigerant. In this embodiment, the two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the first flow path 31 of the horizontal distributor 20 is temporarily separated into the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigerant can be distributed to each heat transfer tube 10 regardless of the flow state and flow velocity of the refrigerant when it flows into the horizontal distributor 20. Therefore, even when the number of heat transfer tubes 10 is large, the deviation in distribution of the refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer tubes 10 can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 heat transfer tube, 11 heat transfer fin, 12 gas header, 20 horizontal distributor, 21 inlet pipe, 31 first flow path, 32 second flow path, 33a third flow path, 33b third flow path, 34 fourth flow path, 110 plate-shaped member, 110a heat transfer tube insertion slit, 110b inlet pipe insertion hole, 120 plate-shaped member, 120a heat transfer tube stop slit, 120b inlet pipe insertion hole, 130 plate-shaped member, 130a gas-liquid mixing slit, 130b inlet pipe insertion hole, 140 plate-shaped member, 140a gas refrigerant ejection hole, 140b liquid refrigerant supply slit, 140c liquid refrigerant supply slit, 140d inlet pipe insertion hole, 150 plate-shaped member, 150a gas refrigerant flow slit, 150b liquid refrigerant supply slit, 150c liquid refrigerant supply slit, 150d Inlet pipe insertion hole, 160 plate-shaped member, 160a gas refrigerant separation slit, 160b liquid refrigerant supply slit, 160c liquid refrigerant supply slit, 160d inlet port, 170 plate-shaped member, 170a two-phase refrigerant flow slit, 170b liquid refrigerant supply slit, 170c liquid refrigerant supply slit, 180 plate-shaped member, 180a liquid refrigerant separation slit, 180b liquid refrigerant separation slit, 190 plate-shaped member, 201 flow direction, 202 flow direction, 203 flow direction, 204 flow direction, 205 gas refrigerant, 300 plate-shaped member, 300a gas refrigerant extraction hole, 300b liquid refrigerant supply slit, 300c liquid refrigerant supply slit, 300d inlet port, 310 plate-shaped member, 310a two-phase refrigerant flow slit, 310a1 starting end, 310a2 Terminal portion, 310a3 serpentine flow path, 310a4 curved portion, 310a5 liquid refrigerant extraction hole.

Claims

1. A plurality of heat transfer tubes extending in the vertical direction; a horizontal distributor connected to lower ends of the heat transfer tubes; Equipped with The horizontal distributor includes: an inlet port provided on one end side of the horizontal distributor in the parallel direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, through which a refrigerant flows in from an outside; a first flow path extending from the inlet port toward the other end of the horizontal distributor along a parallel direction of the heat transfer tubes; a second flow path provided above the first flow path, extending along the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes, and connected to the lower ends of the heat transfer tubes; a third flow path branching downward from the first flow path and joining the second flow path; a fourth flow path that branches upward from the first flow path and joins the second flow path, The horizontal distributor is a heat exchanger having a configuration in which a plurality of plate-like members are stacked.

2. A plurality of heat transfer tubes extending in the vertical direction; a horizontal distributor connected to lower ends of the heat transfer tubes; Equipped with The horizontal distributor includes: an inlet port provided on one end side of the horizontal distributor in the parallel direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, through which a refrigerant flows in from an outside; a first flow path extending from the inlet port toward the other end of the horizontal distributor so as to have at least one curved portion in a horizontal plane; a second flow path provided above the first flow path, extending along the parallel arrangement direction of the heat transfer tubes, and connected to the lower ends of the heat transfer tubes; a third flow path branching from the first flow path at an outer circumferential side of the curved portion and joining the second flow path; a fourth flow path that connects the terminal end of the first flow path or the inner circumferential side of the curved portion to the second flow path;

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2 , wherein the horizontal distributor has a structure in which a plurality of plate-like members are stacked.

4. The fourth flow path includes: a refrigerant flow space provided above the first flow path and below the second flow path, the refrigerant flow space extending along a direction in which the heat transfer tubes are arranged side by side; The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a plurality of refrigerant outlet holes provided above the refrigerant flow space and below the second flow path, the plurality of refrigerant outlet holes being arranged in parallel along the parallel direction of the plurality of heat transfer tubes.

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