Heat exchangers and air conditioners

Abstract

To suppress variation in the amount of coolant flowing into a plurality of heat exchanger tubes of a heat exchanger.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger according to an embodiment comprises: a header provided with a first channel through which a coolant flows in a first direction; a plurality of heat exchanger tubes which are arranged at intervals in the first direction, and each of which is provided with a second channel connected to the first channel, extended in a second direction crossing the first direction and subjected to the inflow of the coolant; and a guide member which is provided in the first channel, and which is provided for at least the heat exchanger tube, nearest to an end on the first-direction side of the first channel, of the plurality of heat exchanger tubes. The guide member has a guide surface which at least partially faces an end connection to the second channel in the first channel, which is inclined with respect to the first direction toward a second direction as it heads in the first direction, and which guides the coolant flowing in the first direction to the side of the second channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a heat exchanger and an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional air conditioner, during cooling operation, a high-temperature gaseous refrigerant from a compressor flows to an outdoor heat exchanger where it exchanges heat. For example, the heat exchanger has a header into which the refrigerant from the compressor flows and a plurality of heat transfer tubes connected to the header into which the refrigerant flows from the header. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4887213 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of heat exchanger, if there is variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing into the plurality of heat transfer tubes, there is a risk that the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger will decrease.

[0005] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to suppress variations in the amount of refrigerant flowing into a plurality of heat transfer tubes of a heat exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a header having a first flow path through which a refrigerant flows in a first direction; a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged at intervals in the first direction, each having a second flow path connected to the first flow path and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, into which the refrigerant flows; and a guide member provided in the first flow path and for at least one of the plurality of heat transfer tubes that is closest to an end of the first flow path on the first direction side, the guide member having a guide surface that at least a portion of which faces a connection port of the first flow path with the second flow path and is inclined with respect to the first direction so as to move in the second direction as it moves in the first direction, and that guides the refrigerant flowing in the first direction toward the second flow path.

[0007] In the heat exchanger, for example, the guide member is provided for each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, including the heat transfer tube closest to the end of the first flow path.

[0008] In the heat exchanger, for example, the guide member is provided for a heat transfer tube that is different from the heat transfer tube farthest from the end of the first flow path among the plurality of heat transfer tubes.

[0009] In the heat exchanger, for example, the guide surfaces have areas that decrease with increasing distance from the end of the first flow path.

[0010] In the heat exchanger, for example, the first flow path includes a first portion on the second direction side of the guide member and a second portion on the opposite side of the guide member to the second direction.

[0011] In the heat exchanger, for example, when viewed from the first direction, the width of the guide member in the second direction is within a range of 10% to 40% of the diameter of the first flow path.

[0012] In the heat exchanger, for example, the header has a first member that is not provided with the guide member, and a second member that is provided with the guide member, is a separate member from the first member, and is connected to the first member.

[0013] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the heat exchanger and a compressor, and the gaseous refrigerant from the compressor flows into the first flow path of the heat exchanger.

[0014] According to the heat exchanger and air conditioner described above, for example, it is possible to suppress variations in the amount of refrigerant flowing into the plurality of heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant system diagram that schematically shows an air conditioner during cooling operation according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing a heat exchanger and a part of a refrigerant pipe according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing a part of the heat exchanger of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the heat exchanger of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the amount of refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed. In this specification, the vertically upward direction is basically defined as the upward direction, and the vertically downward direction is basically defined as the downward direction. In addition, in this specification, components according to the embodiment and descriptions of the components may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may also be identified by names different from those in this specification. The components may also be described using expressions different from those in this specification.

[0017] The drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements may differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings may include portions in which the dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

[0018] 1 is a refrigerant system diagram that schematically shows an air conditioner 10 during cooling operation according to an embodiment. The air conditioner 10 is, for example, a home air conditioner. However, the air conditioner 10 is not limited to this example and may be another air conditioner such as a commercial air conditioner.

[0019] 1, an air conditioner 10 includes an outdoor unit 11, an indoor unit 12, refrigerant piping 13, and a control device 14. The outdoor unit 11 is disposed outdoors, for example. The indoor unit 12 is disposed indoors, for example.

[0020] The air conditioner 10 includes a refrigeration cycle in which an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping 13. A refrigerant flows between the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 through the refrigerant piping 13. The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are also electrically connected to each other by, for example, electrical wiring.

[0021] The outdoor unit 11 has an outdoor heat exchanger 21, an outdoor blower fan 22, a compressor 23, an accumulator 24, a four-way valve 25, and an expansion valve 26. The indoor unit 12 has an indoor heat exchanger 31 and an indoor blower fan 32. The outdoor heat exchanger 21 is an example of a heat exchanger.

[0022] The refrigerant pipe 13 is, for example, a pipe made of metal. The refrigerant pipe 13 has two refrigerant pipes 41 and 42. The refrigerant pipe 41 connects the indoor heat exchanger 31 and the outdoor heat exchanger 21. The compressor 23, the accumulator 24, and the four-way valve 25 are provided in the refrigerant pipe 41. The refrigerant pipe 42 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 31. The expansion valve 26 is provided in the refrigerant pipe 42.

[0023] In cooling operation, the refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchanger 31 to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 through the refrigerant pipe 41, and flows from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to the indoor heat exchanger 31 through the refrigerant pipe 42. The arrows in Fig. 1 indicate the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation. In heating operation, the refrigerant flows from the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to the indoor heat exchanger 31 through the refrigerant pipe 41, and flows from the indoor heat exchanger 31 to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 through the refrigerant pipe 42.

[0024] The outdoor heat exchanger 21 of the outdoor unit 11 acts as a condenser to release heat from the refrigerant during cooling operation, and acts as an evaporator to absorb heat from the refrigerant during heating operation. The outdoor blower fan 22 blows air toward the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and air in the outdoor heat exchanger 21. In other words, the outdoor blower fan 22 generates an airflow that exchanges heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 21.

[0025] Compressor 23 has suction port 23a and discharge port 23b. Compressor 23 draws in refrigerant through suction port 23a and discharges the compressed refrigerant through discharge port 23b. In this way, compressor 23 compresses the refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle and causes the refrigerant to circulate.

[0026] The accumulator 24 is connected to the suction port 23a of the compressor 23. The accumulator 24 separates the gaseous refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant. This allows the compressor 23 to draw the gaseous refrigerant that has passed through the accumulator 24 from the suction port 23a. The accumulator 24 is configured integrally with the compressor 23, and can serve as the suction port of the compressor 23.

[0027] The four-way valve 25 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 21, the indoor heat exchanger 31, the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23, and the accumulator 24 (the suction port 23a of the compressor 23). The four-way valve 25 switches the flow paths connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 21, the indoor heat exchanger 31, the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23, and the accumulator 24, respectively, during heating operation and cooling operation, thereby changing the direction in which the refrigerant flows.

[0028] 1, during cooling operation, the four-way valve 25 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 21 to the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23. Furthermore, during cooling operation, the four-way valve 25 connects the indoor heat exchanger 31 to the accumulator 24. As a result, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 23 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 21, and the refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 31 flows to the accumulator 24.

[0029] 1, during heating operation, the four-way valve 25 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the accumulator 24. Furthermore, during heating operation, the four-way valve 25 connects the indoor heat exchanger 31 and the discharge port 23b of the compressor 23. As a result, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 23 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 31, and the refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 flows to the accumulator 24.

[0030] The expansion valve 26 is, for example, an electromagnetic expansion valve. However, other types of expansion valves may be used as the expansion valve 26. The opening degree of the expansion valve 26 is controlled by the control device 14, thereby adjusting the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion valve 26.

[0031] The indoor heat exchanger 31 of the indoor unit 12 absorbs heat as an evaporator during cooling operation and releases heat as a condenser during heating operation. The indoor blower fan 32 blows air toward the indoor heat exchanger 31 to promote heat exchange between the indoor heat exchanger 31 and the air. In other words, the indoor blower fan 32 generates an airflow that exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger 31.

[0032] The control device 14 includes, for example, an outdoor control device 14a and an indoor control device 14b. The outdoor control device 14a and the indoor control device 14b are electrically connected to each other via electrical wiring. At least one of the outdoor control device 14a and the indoor control device 14b is a computer including, for example, a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcontroller, and a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a flash memory. Note that the control device 14 is not limited to this example. For example, the control device 14 may include only one of the outdoor control device 14a and the indoor control device 14b.

[0033] The outdoor control device 14a controls the outdoor blower fan 22, the compressor 23, the four-way valve 25, and the expansion valve 26 of the outdoor unit 11. The indoor control device 14b controls the indoor blower fan 32 of the indoor unit 12.

[0034] The control device 14 controls the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12, causing the air conditioner 10 to perform cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidifying operation, and other operations. The indoor control device 14b may receive signals from, for example, a remote controller, or may receive signals from an information terminal such as a smartphone via a communication device.

[0035] 2 is a front view schematically showing a heat exchanger 50 and a portion of the refrigerant piping 13 according to the embodiment. The outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 31 each have a heat exchanger 50. The heat exchanger 50 of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the heat exchanger 50 of the indoor heat exchanger 31 have a general configuration in common. Therefore, the following description of the heat exchanger 50 will generally be common to the heat exchanger 50 of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the heat exchanger 50 of the indoor heat exchanger 31. Note that the heat exchanger 50 of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the heat exchanger 50 of the indoor heat exchanger 31 may differ from each other in, for example, shape, size, arrangement, shape and arrangement of heat transfer tubes 53, or shape and arrangement of fins 54. Furthermore, the two heat exchangers 50 may be heat exchangers of different types or configurations, such as one heat exchanger 50 being a microchannel heat exchanger and the other heat exchanger 50 being a fin tube heat exchanger.

[0036] For convenience, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined below. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis and Y-axis extend horizontally. The Z-axis extends vertically. Note that the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis may be inclined obliquely with respect to the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0037] Furthermore, in this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis and includes the +X direction indicated by the X axis arrow and the -X direction opposite to the X axis arrow. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis and includes the +Y direction indicated by the Y axis arrow and the -Y direction opposite to the Y axis arrow. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis and includes the +Z direction indicated by the Z axis arrow and the -Z direction opposite to the Z axis arrow. For example, the +Z direction is the upward direction, and the -Z direction is the downward direction. The -Z direction is an example of a first direction, and the +X direction is an example of a second direction.

[0038] The heat exchanger 50 has two headers 51, 52, a plurality of heat transfer tubes 53A to 53F, and a plurality of fins 54. The two headers 51, 52 extend in the Z direction and are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The plurality of heat transfer tubes 53A to 53F are provided between the two headers 51, 52. The plurality of heat transfer tubes 53A to 53F extend in the X direction and are arranged at intervals from each other in the Z direction. The plurality of fins 54 are provided across the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53A to 53F. Hereinafter, the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53A to 53F will be collectively referred to as heat transfer tube 53.

[0039] The header 51 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 41. The header 52 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 42. A refrigerant flows through the internal flow paths of the headers 51 and 52. For example, during cooling operation, when the heat exchanger 50 of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a condenser, a high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flows into the header 51 of the heat exchanger 20 of the outdoor heat exchanger 21.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a front view schematically showing a part of the heat exchanger 50 of the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the heat exchanger 50 of the embodiment.

[0041] 3 and 4, the header 51 is formed of, for example, a circular pipe with the Z direction as its longitudinal direction. The header 51 is provided with a first flow path 61 extending in the Z direction. One end 61a, which is the end of the first flow path 61 on the +Z direction side, is open. In other words, the one end 61a is an opening (open end). The other end 61b, which is the end of the first flow path 61 on the -Z direction side, is closed.

[0042] One end 61a of the first flow path 61 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 41. When the heat exchanger 50 of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a condenser during cooling operation, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flows from the compressor 23 into the one end 61a of the first flow path 61 in the header 51 of the heat exchanger 20 of the outdoor heat exchanger 21. That is, at this time, the one end 61a serves as a refrigerant inlet. The refrigerant flowing in from the one end 61a flows in the -Z direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 4 , the first flow path 61 has a connection port 61e with the second flow path 62 of the heat transfer tube 53. The connection port 61e penetrates the header 51 in the X direction. The connection port 61e is provided for each heat transfer tube 53. That is, the first flow path 61 has a plurality of connection ports 61e provided at intervals in the first direction between the one end 61a and the other end 61b. The refrigerant that has flowed in from one end 61a flows from each connection port 61e into the second flow passage 62 of each heat transfer tube 53. The connection port 61e is also referred to as an opening.

[0043] Furthermore, a plurality of guide members 55A to 55C are provided in the first flow path 61. Hereinafter, the plurality of guide members 55A to 55C will be collectively referred to as guide member 55. Details of the guide members will be described later.

[0044] The header 51 is configured by combining a plurality of first members 71A to 71D and a plurality of second members 72A to 72C. Hereinafter, the plurality of first members 71A to 71D will be collectively referred to as the first member 71, and the plurality of second members 72A to 72C will be collectively referred to as the second member 72. The first member 71 and the second member 72 are connected by, for example, welding. Note that the connection between the first member 71 and the second member 72 is not limited to the above. For example, the connection between the first member 71 and the second member 72 may be by threaded engagement of screws provided on the first member 71 and the second member 72, or may be by other means. The first member 71 does not include a guide member 55. The first member 71 is a tubular member made of a metal material. The second member 72 includes a guide member 55. The second member 72 is connected to a heat transfer tube 53. That is, the second member 72 is a joint. The second member 72 is a tubular member made of a metal material. The material of the second member 72 is preferably easier to process than the first member 71, such as brass. When the second member 72 is made of brass, the processing becomes easier and it becomes easier to form the guide member 55 inside the second member 72. The materials of the first member 71 and the second member 72 are not limited to those mentioned above. The material of the first member 71 and the material of the second member 72 may be the same. The header 52 may have the same configuration as the header 51 or a different configuration.

[0045] The heat transfer tubes 53 are made of a metal such as copper or aluminum. The heat transfer tubes 53 are arranged at intervals in the Z direction and extend substantially in the X direction between the two headers 51 and 52. The heat transfer tubes 53 are connected to a second member 72 of the header 51. The refrigerant flows through the heat transfer tubes 53 between the two headers 51 and 52. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , the heat transfer tubes 53 are provided with a second flow path 62. The second flow path 62 is connected to the first flow path 61 and extends from the first flow path 61 in the +X direction intersecting the -Z direction. Specifically, the second flow path 62 has a connection port 62a connected to the connection port 61e of the first flow path 61. The connection port 62a is the end of the second flow path on the -X direction side. The connection port 62a is also referred to as an opening. The refrigerant flows into the connection port 62a of the second flow path 62 from the connection port 61e of the first flow path 61. The heat transfer tube 53 is also called a refrigerant tube.

[0046] The heat transfer tubes 53A to 53F are arranged such that the positions of the tubes increase in the −Z direction from the heat transfer tube 53A to the heat transfer tube 53F. That is, of the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53F, the heat transfer tube 53A is closest to the one end 61a of the first flow path 61 of the header 51, and the heat transfer tube 53F is farthest from the one end 61a of the first flow path 61 of the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53F.

[0047] The fins 54 are arranged in the X direction at intervals. Each of the fins 54 is connected to at least one of the heat transfer tubes 53. As a result, the fins 54 promote heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes 53 and the air.

[0048] Next, the guide member 55 will be described. The guide member 55 guides a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the -Z direction through the first flow path 61 of the header 51 to the second flow path 62 side of the heat transfer tube 53. The guide member 55 is made of, for example, a metal material.

[0049] 3, guide members 55A to 55C are provided for the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53C. That is, guide members 55A to 55C are provided for each of the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53C, including the heat transfer tube 53A that is closest to one end 61a of the first flow path 61, among the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53F. Guide member 55 is provided for the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53C that are different from the heat transfer tube 53F that is farthest from one end 61a of the first flow path 61, among the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53C.

[0050] The guide members 55A to 55C are provided on the second members 72A to 72C of the header 51, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the guide members 55 are formed of a strip-shaped plate material. The guide members 55 may have other shapes. Both ends of each guide member 55 in the Y direction are fixed to the second member 72 by caulking, welding, or the like. As shown in FIG. 4, as an example, gaps 61f and 61g are formed between both ends of the guide member 55 in the Y direction and the inner circumferential surface of the second member 72. One or both of the gaps 61f and 61g may be absent. The method of fixing the guide members 55 is not limited to the above. The guide members 55 may be integrally formed with the second member 72.

[0051] The guide member 55 is disposed so as to overlap at least the center of the diameter of the first flow path 61, and the refrigerant can pass through the +X direction side and the −X direction side of the guide member 55. In other words, the first flow path 61 includes a first portion 61c on the +X direction side of the guide member 55 and a second portion 61d on the −X direction side of the guide member 55.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the guide member 55 has a guide surface 55a. The guide surface 55a is a surface of the guide member 55 on the +Z direction side. The guide surface 55a is flat. Note that the guide surface 55a may be curved. At least a portion of the guide surface 55a faces the connection port 61e of the first flow path 61 and the connection port 62a of the second flow path 62. In other words, at least a portion of the guide surface 55a is aligned in the X direction with the connection port 61e of the first flow path 61 and the connection port 62a of the second flow path 62. Only a portion of the guide surface 55a may face the connection port 61e of the first flow path 61 and the connection port 62a of the second flow path 62, or the entire guide surface 55a may face the connection port 61e of the first flow path 61 and the connection port 62a of the second flow path 62. The guide surface 55a is inclined with respect to the X and Z directions so as to move in the +X direction as it approaches the -Z direction. The inclination angle α of the guide surface 55a with respect to the X direction is, for example, 30 degrees. Note that the inclination angle of the guide surface 55a is not limited to the above.

[0053] When viewed from the -Z direction (line of sight in FIG. 4), the width L1 of the guide member 55 in the +X direction is within a range of 10% to 40% of the diameter D1 of the first flow path 61. As an example, the width L1 of the guide member 55 in the +X direction is 27% of the diameter D1 of the first flow path 61. Note that the width L1 of the guide member 55 is not limited to the above.

[0054] In the above configuration, during cooling operation, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant from the compressor 23 flows into the heat exchanger 50 of the outdoor heat exchanger 21. Specifically, the gaseous refrigerant flows into one end 61a of the first flow path 61 of the header 51. The gaseous refrigerant that has flowed into the first flow path 61 flows in the −Z direction through the first flow path 61 and is diverted to the multiple heat transfer tubes 53. In this embodiment, guide members 55A to 55C are provided for the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53C that are relatively close to the one end 61a of the first flow path 61 among the multiple heat transfer tubes 53. As a result, some of the refrigerant is guided to the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53C by the guide surfaces 55a of the guide members 55A to 55C. Furthermore, some of the refrigerant further flows in the −Z direction through the first portion 61c and the second portion 61d of the first flow path 61.

[0055] Here, if guide member 55 is not provided, the flow rate of the gaseous refrigerant that flows into first flow path 61 increases in the order from heat transfer tube 53A to 53F. That is, the flow rate of the gaseous refrigerant that flows into first flow path 61 decreases in the order from heat transfer tube 53F to 53A. This is thought to be because the refrigerant pressure is lower and the flow rate is faster nearer one end 61a, which is the refrigerant inlet of first flow path 61, and therefore the refrigerant is less likely to flow into second flow path 62 of heat transfer tube 53 in heat transfer tube 53 that is closer to one end 61a.

[0056] In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, guide members 55A-55C are provided for heat transfer tubes 53A-53C among the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53, which are relatively close to one end 61a of first flow path 61. Some of the refrigerant is guided to heat transfer tubes 53A-53C by guide surfaces 55a of guide members 55A-55C. This increases the amount of refrigerant that enters heat transfer tubes 53A-53C compared to a case where guide members 55A-55C are not provided, thereby suppressing variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing from header 51 into the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53. Note that in the present embodiment, guide members 55 are not provided for heat transfer tubes 53D-53F, which are relatively far from one end 61a, which is the refrigerant inlet of first flow path 61, because the refrigerant flows easily through these tubes.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the amount of refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 50 of the embodiment. The inventors performed a simulation of the refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger 50. In the simulation, a model including the header 51, guide member 55, and a portion of the heat transfer tube 53 of the heat exchanger 50, as shown in FIG. 5, was used. This simulation showed that the amount of refrigerant flowing out of the multiple heat transfer tubes 53 was approximately the same. This effect was particularly pronounced when the width L1 of the guide member 55 in the +X direction was within a range of 10% to 40% of the diameter D1 of the first flow path 61. In FIG. 5, the lengths of the arrows F1 to F6 extending from each heat transfer tube 53 indicate the amount of refrigerant flowing out of each heat transfer tube 53. The results of this simulation showed that the configuration of this embodiment suppresses variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing into the multiple heat transfer tubes 53.

[0058] As described above, the heat exchanger 50 of this embodiment includes the header 51, the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53, and the guide member 55. The header 51 is provided with a first flow path 61 through which a refrigerant flows in the -Z direction (first direction). The plurality of heat transfer tubes 53 are arranged at intervals in the -Z direction. Each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53 is provided with a second flow path 62 that is connected to the first flow path 61, extends in the +X direction (second direction) that intersects the -Z direction, and into which the refrigerant flows. The guide member 55 is provided in the first flow path 61. The guide member 55 is provided for at least the heat transfer tube 53 that is closest to one end 61a (end) on the -Z direction side of the first flow path 61, among the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53. The guide member 55 has a guide surface 55a. At least a portion of guide surface 55a faces connection port 61e of first flow path 61 to second flow path 62, and is inclined relative to the -Z direction so as to move toward the +X direction as it moves toward the -Z direction, thereby guiding the refrigerant flowing in the -Z direction toward the second flow path 62.

[0059] According to this configuration, the gaseous refrigerant that flows into the first flow path 61 from one end 61a of the first flow path 61 is guided by the guide surface 55a of the guide member 55 to at least the heat transfer tube 53A that is closest to the one end 61a on the −Z direction side of the first flow path 61, among the multiple heat transfer tubes 53. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing from the header 51 into the multiple heat transfer tubes 53.

[0060] The guide members 55 are provided for each of the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53C, including the heat transfer tube 53A that is closest to the one end 61a of the first flow path 61, among the heat transfer tubes 53.

[0061] According to this configuration, the guide surfaces 55a of the guide members 55 guide the refrigerant to each of the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53C, including the heat transfer tube 53A that is closest to the one end 61a of the first flow path 61, among the heat transfer tubes 53. This makes it possible to further suppress variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing from the header 51 into the heat transfer tubes 53.

[0062] The guide member 55 is provided for the heat transfer tubes 53A to 53C other than the heat transfer tube 53F which is the farthest from the one end 61a of the first flow path 61 among the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53.

[0063] According to this configuration, the configuration of the heat exchanger 50 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the guide members 55 are provided for all the heat transfer tubes 53 .

[0064] The first flow path 61 includes a first portion 61c on the +X direction side of the guide member 55, and a second portion 61d on the opposite side of the guide member 55 in the +X direction.

[0065] With this configuration, the refrigerant can flow to the downstream side of the guide member 55 by the first portion 61c and the second portion 61d.

[0066] When viewed from the −Z direction, the width L1 of the guide member 55 in the +X direction is within the range of 10% to 40% of the diameter D1 of the first flow path 61.

[0067] With this configuration, the variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing from the header 51 into the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53 can be further suppressed.

[0068] The header 51 also has a first member 71 that does not have a guide member 55, and a second member 72 that has a guide member 55, is a separate member from the first member 71, and is connected to the first member 71.

[0069] According to this configuration, the guide member 55 can be formed more easily than in a configuration in which the header 51 is not divided into the first member 71 and the second member 72.

[0070] Next, a modified example will be described. In this modified example, the areas of the guide surfaces 55a of the guide members 55 become smaller as they move away from the one end 61a of the first flow channel 61, that is, as they move in the -Z direction.

[0071] With this configuration, the variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing from the header 51 into the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53 can be further suppressed.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example in which a plurality of guide members 55 are provided is shown, but this is not limiting. For example, a guide member 55 may be provided only on the heat transfer tube 53A that is closest to the one end 61a of the first flow path 61 among the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which the number of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53 is six is ​​shown, but the number is not limited to this. The number of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 53 may be any number as long as it is plural.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the headers 51, 52 are aligned in the X direction and the heat transfer tube 53 has a linear shape, but this is not limiting. For example, the headers 51, 52 may be aligned in the Y direction and the heat transfer tube 53 may have a folded shape.

[0075] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which one end 60a of the first flow path 61 is located on the +Z direction side and the other end 60b is located on the -Z direction side, but this is not limiting. One end 60a of the first flow path 61 may be located on the -Z direction side and the other end 60b on the +Z direction side. That is, the heat exchanger 50 may be disposed upside down in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the header 51 is formed by combining the first member 71 and the second member 72, but is not limited to this. For example, the header 51 may be formed by a single member (pipe).

[0077] In the above embodiment, the headers 51, 52 are provided on both the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the headers 51, 52 may not be provided on one of the heat exchangers 50 of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 31.

[0078] In the above description, suppression is defined as, for example, preventing an event, action, or effect from occurring or reducing the magnitude of an event, action, or effect.

[0079] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10...air conditioner, 50...heat exchanger, 51...header, 53A-53F...heat transfer tube, 55, 55A-55C...guide member, 55a...guide surface, 61...first flow path, 61a...one end (end), 61c...first part, 61d...second part, 61e...connection port, 62...second flow path, 71, 71A-71D...first member, 72, 72A-72C...second member, D1...diameter, L1...width.

Claims

1. a header provided with a first flow path through which a refrigerant flows in a first direction; a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged at intervals in the first direction, each heat transfer tube having a second flow path connected to the first flow path and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, into which the refrigerant flows; a guide member provided in the first flow path and provided for at least one of the plurality of heat transfer tubes that is closest to an end of the first flow path on a side opposite to the first direction; Equipped with the guide member has a guide surface, at least a portion of which faces a connection port of the first flow path with the second flow path, which is inclined with respect to the first direction so as to approach the second direction as it approaches the first direction, and which guides the refrigerant flowing in the first direction toward the second flow path, the heat transfer tube farthest from the end of the first flow path among the plurality of heat transfer tubes is not provided with the guide member facing the heat transfer tube; heat exchanger.

2. a header provided with a first flow path through which a refrigerant flows in a first direction; a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged at intervals in the first direction, each heat transfer tube having a second flow path connected to the first flow path and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, into which the refrigerant flows; a guide member provided in the first flow path and provided for at least one of the plurality of heat transfer tubes that is closest to an end of the first flow path on a side opposite to the first direction; Equipped with the guide member has a guide surface, at least a portion of which faces a connection port of the first flow path with the second flow path, which is inclined with respect to the first direction so as to approach the second direction as it approaches the first direction, and which guides the refrigerant flowing in the first direction toward the second flow path, the guide member is provided for each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, including the heat transfer tube closest to the end of the first flow path, The guide surfaces each have an area that decreases with increasing distance from the end of the first flow path. heat exchanger.

3. the guide member is provided for each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, including the heat transfer tube closest to the end of the first flow path, The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

4. The guide surfaces each have an area that decreases with increasing distance from the end of the first flow path. The heat exchanger according to claim 3.

5. The first flow path includes a first portion on a side of the guide member in the second direction and a second portion on a side of the guide member in a direction opposite to the second direction.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

6. When viewed from the first direction, the width of the guide member in the second direction is within a range of 10% to 40% of the diameter of the first flow path.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the header includes a first member not provided with the guide member, and a second member provided with the guide member, which is a separate member from the first member and is connected to the first member; 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2; A compressor; Equipped with The gaseous refrigerant from the compressor flows into the first flow path of the heat exchanger. Air conditioner.

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