Heat exchangers and air conditioners

Abstract

A heat exchanger comprising: heat exchanger tubes arranged in a step direction; and wire fins including wavy portions formed into a wavy shape by a wire line and having a wavy shape, and heat exchanger tube joint portions inserted into and joined to the heat exchanger tubes, wherein a periodic interval direction, which is the direction in which the waves of the wire fins advance, is along the step direction of the heat exchanger tubes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and an air conditioner, and particularly to a heat exchanger and an air conditioner having wire fins.

Background Art

[0002] In order to obtain a high-performance and high-density heat exchanger with a smaller amount of refrigerant gas, it is necessary to make the heat transfer tubes such as flat tubes or circular tubes thinner and arrange a larger number of them at closer intervals. However, in order to cope with this using the conventional plate fin method, there are approaching limits in forming the fins and assembling them by closely attaching the heat transfer tubes and the fins.

[0003] Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a wire fin type flat tube heat exchanger in which wire fins are wound around a flat tube has been proposed, and as a method of winding the wire fins around the flat tube, it is disclosed that the wire fins are formed and then wound around the flat tube. There is also a heat exchanger in which wire fins are woven into a net shape around a tube.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the wire fin type flat tube heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1, the wave period spacing direction of the corrugated wire fins is perpendicular to the step direction of the flat tube. In other words, the wave period spacing direction of the corrugated wire fins is parallel to the refrigerant flow path direction of the flat tube. In this case, if there is variation in the spacing between the flat tubes, there will be areas where the wire fins contact the flat tubes and areas where they do not, and the line contact length between the wire fins and the flat tubes will not be extended, making it difficult to obtain a reliable heat transfer joint surface.

[0006] Furthermore, if the wire fins and flat tubes are not joined together, and the wire fins are simply wrapped around the flat tubes, it is not easy to arrange and assemble multiple wire fins and multiple flat tubes while maintaining the heat transfer bonding surface. Moreover, it is difficult to absorb variations in the spacing between the flat tubes and ensure reliable contact between the wire fins and flat tubes to stabilize the heat transfer bonding.

[0007] Conventional heat exchangers make it difficult to wrap wire around heat transfer tubes that are low in rigidity and elongated, such as flat tubes or multiple hairpin-shaped bent tubes. Therefore, it is difficult to increase the area of ​​line contact between the wire fins and the flat tubes to obtain a highly reliable heat transfer joint surface.

[0008] This disclosure aims to provide a heat exchanger and an air conditioner that improve the heat transfer performance between wire fins and heat transfer tubes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The heat exchanger according to this disclosure comprises heat transfer tubes arranged in a stepped direction, and wire fins having corrugated portions formed from wire and having a corrugated shape, and heat transfer tube joint portions inserted into and joined to the heat transfer tubes, wherein the periodic interval direction, which is the direction in which the waves of the wire fins propagate, is aligned with the stepped direction of the heat transfer tubes. Furthermore, the heat transfer tube is a flattened tube with a cross-section having a long axis, and the heat transfer tube is sandwiched between the wire fins from the direction of the long axis. .

[0010] Furthermore, the air conditioner according to this disclosure is provided inside the housing and comprises a heat transfer tube and a wire fin having a corrugated portion having a corrugated shape and a heat transfer tube joint portion inserted into and joined to the heat transfer tube, wherein the periodic interval direction, which is the direction in which the waves of the wire fin propagate, is arranged along the step direction of the heat transfer tube. Furthermore, the heat transfer tube is a flattened tube with a cross-section having a long axis, and the heat transfer tube is sandwiched between the wire fins from the direction of the long axis. The system comprises a heat exchanger and a blower fan provided inside the housing which blows the air that has undergone heat exchange through the heat exchanger to the outside of the housing, wherein the heat exchanger is circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped and is arranged to surround the blower fan. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the heat exchanger and air conditioner of this disclosure, the wire fins and heat transfer tubes are joined such that the periodic spacing direction of the corrugated wire fins aligns with the step direction of the heat transfer tubes. As a result, the contact length between the heat transfer tubes and the wire fins is extended, and the heat transfer performance between the wire fins and the heat transfer tubes can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the wire fins and heat transfer tubes of a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 before it is assembled. [Figure 4] This is an image diagram of the wire fins of a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner equipped with a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the first wire fin, the second wire fin, and the heat transfer tube of a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2 before it is assembled. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] It is a partial perspective view of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3 viewed in the refrigerant flow path direction. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3 viewed in the stage direction. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing the second connection wire of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing the third connection wire of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger in FIG. 14 viewed in the stage direction. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 17] It is a side view of the blower fan arranged together with the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner provided with the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 20] It is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 6 viewed in the refrigerant flow path direction. [Figure 21] It is a schematic diagram of heat exchange according to a modified example of Embodiment 6.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Also, the relationships of the sizes of the components in the drawings below, including Figure 1, may differ from those in reality. Furthermore, in the following description, terms indicating direction will be used as appropriate to facilitate understanding of this disclosure, but these terms are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit this disclosure. Examples of terms indicating direction include "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," or "back."

[0014] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the wire fins 1 and heat transfer tubes 2 of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1 before assembly.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the heat exchanger 100 has wire fins 1 and heat transfer tubes 2. In the following description, the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant flow path 600 is the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes which are heat transfer tubes 2, which is the depth direction of the flat tubes, and is referred to as the refrigerant flow path direction Y. The direction in which multiple refrigerant flow paths 600 are arranged in a row is the row direction of the flat tubes which are heat transfer tubes 2, and is referred to as the longitudinal axis direction Z. In addition, multiple heat transfer tubes 2 are arranged in a row, and the predetermined direction in which multiple heat transfer tubes 2 are arranged is the short axis direction of the flat tubes which are heat transfer tubes 2, and is referred to as the step direction X.

[0016] Furthermore, the direction of the wave period in the wire fin 1, which is the direction in which the wave propagates, is referred to as the period interval direction U. Also, in the wire fin 1, the direction of the wave amplitude is referred to as the amplitude direction W. Furthermore, the direction in which the wire fins 1 are arranged at predetermined intervals is the overlapping direction, which is the depth direction, and is referred to as the overlapping direction V.

[0017] The heat transfer tube 2 is, for example, a flattened tube having a flattened cross-section. Inside the heat transfer tube 2, multiple refrigerant flow paths 600 having a predetermined length are formed to overlap. The refrigerant flow paths 600 are arranged in a row in the vertical direction, for example. Note that in Figure 1, the refrigerant flow paths 600 are shown in only one of the three heat transfer tubes 2, and are omitted from the illustration for the other two heat transfer tubes 2. Multiple heat transfer tubes 2 are arranged in a stepped direction X at predetermined intervals. The stepped direction X is, for example, the vertical direction.

[0018] Each heat transfer tube 2 is arranged so that multiple refrigerant flow paths 600 of a predetermined length overlap, that is, in Figure 1, multiple tubes are arranged in the longitudinal axis Z, which is the vertical direction. Multiple heat transfer tubes 2 are arranged at predetermined intervals in a predetermined direction, in the stepped direction X, which is the short axis direction. It is desirable that the multiple heat transfer tubes 2 are arranged at approximately equal intervals.

[0019] The wire fins 1 are fins formed from aluminum wire or other aluminum material in a corrugated shape. The wire fins 1 are provided at predetermined intervals in the refrigerant flow direction Y of the heat transfer tube 2. The intervals between the wire fins 1 may be equal or unequal. Multiple wire fins 1 are provided in a predetermined number.

[0020] The wire fin 1 consists of a fixed portion 101 and a corrugated portion 105. The fixed portion 101 is a heat transfer tube joint that is joined to the heat transfer tube 2, and has a wire fin arc portion 103 and a wire fin straight portion 104. The fixed portion 101 is fixed to the heat transfer tube 2 by line contact. The corrugated portion 105 is a plurality of corrugated parts formed in the periodic interval direction U.

[0021] The wire fin arc portion 103 is an arc-shaped portion formed on one end of the fixing portion 101 in the amplitude direction W. The other end of the fixing portion 101 in the amplitude direction W is an opening 103a for inserting the wire fin 1 into the heat transfer tube 2.

[0022] The heat transfer tube 2 has a flattened tube shape, comprising a heat transfer tube arc section 203 and a heat transfer tube straight section 204. The heat transfer tube arc section 203 has a first end 201 and a second end 202 in the longitudinal axis Z of the heat transfer tube 2. The first end 201 and the second end 202 are formed in an arc shape having a radius approximately the same as that of the wire fin arc section 103.

[0023] The fixed portion 101 and the corrugated portion 105, which are the heat transfer joints of the wire fin 1, are formed at predetermined intervals in the periodic interval direction U. The total amplitude H of the wire fin 1 may be the same as the major axis dimension P, which is the dimension in the major axis direction of the heat transfer tube 2. When the heat exchanger 100 is assembled, the wire fin 1 is arranged so that the periodic interval direction U is in the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2.

[0024] The opening 103a of the wire fin 1 is inserted from one end of the heat transfer tube 2 in the longitudinal direction Z, for example, the first end 201, until the wire fin arc portion 103 and the heat transfer tube arc portion 203 come into contact. The wire fin arc portion 103 is inserted into the heat transfer tube arc portion 203 from one side in the longitudinal direction Z of the heat transfer tube 2, that is, from insertion direction A in Figure 3. The wire fin 1 is inserted into the heat transfer tube 2, for example, by press-fitting. Alternatively, the wire fin 1 may be inserted by press-fitting, where it is press-formed and tightly fitted to the heat transfer tube 2 using a jig or the like after the heat transfer tube 2 has been inserted.

[0025] The wire fin 1 is inserted until the curved portion 103 of the wire fin 1 contacts the curved portion 203 of the heat transfer tube 2, at which point the straight portion 104 of the wire fin contacts the straight portion 204 of the heat transfer tube, and they are thermally joined. The wire fin 1 and the heat transfer tube 2 are thermally joined, for example, by brazing or zinc spraying.

[0026] Since the radius of the wire fin arc portion 103 is formed to be approximately the same as the radius of the heat transfer tube arc portion 203, the wire fin arc portion 103 and the heat transfer tube arc portion 203 can come into contact with each other in their arc shapes. This improves the contact rate between the wire fin 1 and the heat transfer tube 2, and ensures a sufficient contact length, thereby improving thermal conductivity and allowing the wire fin 1 and the heat transfer tube 2 to be thermally joined. Furthermore, since the fixing portion 101 to which the heat transfer tube 2 is joined in the wire fin 1 is inserted while being press-fitted into the heat transfer tube 2, the straight portion 104 of the wire fin can come into linear contact with the straight portion 204 of the heat transfer tube. Consequently, the contact length between the wire fin 1 and the heat transfer tube 2 is increased compared to when the wire fin 1 is not press-fitted, improving reliability and heat transfer performance.

[0027] Furthermore, even when the wire fin 1 and the heat transfer tube 2 are tightly bonded by press molding, the straight portion 104 of the wire fin makes linear contact with the straight portion 204 of the heat transfer tube, increasing the contact length, improving reliability, and also improving heat transfer performance.

[0028] The wire fin arc portion 103 provided on the fixing portion 101 of the wire fin 1 is shaped into an arc so as to be in contact with the heat transfer tube arc portion 203 of the heat transfer tube 2 in an arc-like manner, thereby increasing the contact length with the heat transfer tube 2. The wire fin straight portion 104 provided on the fixing portion 101 of the wire fin 1 is provided so as to be in linear contact with the heat transfer tube straight portion 204, and the wire fin straight portion 104 and the heat transfer tube straight portion 204 are thermally joined so as to be in linear contact.

[0029] As described above, the wire fin 1 has multiple fixed portions 101 and a wavy portion 105 arranged in the periodic interval direction U, and the periodic interval direction U is arranged to be approximately parallel to the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2. Therefore, even if there is variation in the spacing K between the heat transfer tubes 2, the wire fin arc portion 103 of the wire fin 1 is inserted into the heat transfer tube arc portion 203 of the heat transfer tube 2 in a press-fit manner, thereby absorbing the variation in spacing K.

[0030] Figure 4 is an illustrative diagram of the wire fin 1 of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 4, the wire fin 1 before being inserted into the heat transfer tube 2 and the wire fin 1 after being inserted into the heat transfer tube 2 are shown side by side. As shown in Figure 4, in the wire fin 1 before being inserted into the heat transfer tube 2, the spacing between adjacent fixed parts 101 is wider than the spacing K, which is the tube pitch of adjacent heat transfer tubes 2.

[0031] Since the wire fin 1 is formed in a corrugated shape, when the wire fin 1 is inserted into the heat transfer tube 2, the corrugated portion 105 expands and contracts in accordance with the distance K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2, and the shape of the corrugated portion 105 deforms. This allows for the absorption of variations in the dimensional distance K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2.

[0032] The wire fin 1 is inserted by press-fitting into one end of the heat transfer tube 2 in the longitudinal axis direction Z, for example, the first end 201, from the insertion direction A in Figure 3. Therefore, even if there is variation in the dimensional spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2, the deformation of the corrugated portion 105 prevents the wire fin 1 from coming off or shifting position from the heat transfer tube 2, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the heat exchanger 100.

[0033] The wire fin 1 is formed by shaping a wire, such as aluminum wire, into a corrugated form. The wire fin 1 is thermally connected to the heat transfer tube 2 such that the wave period interval direction U is parallel to the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2. The length H in the amplitude direction W of the corrugated portion 105 of the wire fin 1 is equal to the length P in the column direction Z, which is the long axis direction of the heat transfer tube 2. It is preferable that the length H in the amplitude direction W of the corrugated portion 105 of the wire fin 1 be approximately equal to, or shorter than, the length P in the column direction Z, which is the long axis direction of the heat transfer tube 2. By doing so, the corrugated portion 105 of the wire fin 1 does not protrude in the column direction Z, which is the long axis direction of the heat transfer tube 2, thereby improving the ease of assembly and reliability of the heat exchanger 100.

[0034] Next, let's explain the effects. The fixed portion 101 of the wire fin 1 configured in this way, which is the heat transfer tube joint, has a wire fin arc portion 103 and two wire fin straight portions 104. The wire fin arc portion 103 and the wire fin straight portions 104 are thermally joined to the heat transfer tube arc portion 203 and the heat transfer tube straight portions 204 of the heat transfer tube 2 in a state of line contact, respectively. Therefore, the length over which the wire fin 1 is in line contact with the heat transfer tube 2 is extended, the contact length is extended, the reliability of the joint is improved, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0035] Furthermore, the wire fin 1 is formed in a corrugated shape, and the corrugated portion 105 of the wire fin 1 is in the direction of the periodic interval direction U, and can expand and contract in the direction of the distance K between the heat transfer tubes 2, so that no problem occurs even if the dimension of the distance K between the heat transfer tubes 2 varies. Therefore, the corrugated portion 105 of the wire fin 1 can absorb the variation in the distance K between the heat transfer tubes 2. As a result, the straight portion 204 of the heat transfer tube 2 and the straight portion 104 of the wire fin 1 can be thermally joined in close contact.

[0036] In Figure 1, the wire fins 1 are folded back at the straight section 204 of the heat transfer tube 2a located at the outermost end in the step direction X among the multiple heat transfer tubes 2. Therefore, multiple wire fins 1 are arranged in the refrigerant flow direction Y using a single wire. For example, in a configuration where the wire fins 1 are woven into a mesh around the tube, the formed wire fins 1 must be wrapped around each individual heat transfer tube, reducing productivity. In contrast, the wire fins 1 of the heat exchanger 100 are folded back at the straight section 204 of the heat transfer tube 2a located at the outermost end in the step direction X. In other words, the folded section 1a is formed on the wire fin 1 at the straight section 204 of the heat transfer tube 2a located at the outermost end in the step direction X. As a result, the productivity of the heat exchanger 100 is improved.

[0037] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100, the wire fins 1 are formed in a corrugated shape, and in addition to the curved portion 103 of the wire fins, the straight portion 104 of the wire fins also makes line contact with the heat transfer tubes 2. Therefore, the length of line contact between the wire fins 1 and the heat transfer tubes 2 is longer than when the fins and heat transfer tubes are in contact only at the curved portion. Moreover, by selecting the shape of the wire fins 1 and the direction in which they are combined, that is, the direction of joining, the contact force between the wire fins 1 and the heat transfer tubes 2 is increased, improving the reliability and heat transfer performance of the joint.

[0038] The wire fin 1 is formed into a corrugated shape using a wire such as aluminum wire, and is thermally joined to the heat transfer tube 2 such that the periodic spacing direction U of the wire fin 1 is parallel to the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2. The corrugated portion 105 of the wire fin 1 expands and contracts in the direction of the periodic spacing direction U and the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2, and the expansion and contraction of the corrugated portion 105 can absorb variations in the spacing K. Therefore, even if the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 varies, the heat transfer performance can be improved without reducing the reliability of the joint.

[0039] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner 140 equipped with a heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 5, the air conditioner 140 is configured such that the heat exchanger 100 and the blower fan 500 are arranged inside a housing 130. The housing 130 is, for example, an indoor unit placed in a room. The blower fan 500 blows the air that has undergone heat exchange via the heat exchanger 100 into or outside the room. If the housing 130 is an indoor unit, the blower fan 500 blows the air into the room.

[0040] The heat exchanger 100 is composed of wire fins 1 and heat transfer tubes 2. The wire fins 1 are formed in a corrugated shape using wire. The heat transfer tubes 2 are, for example, flat tubes and are arranged in the step direction X. The wire fins 1 are joined to the heat transfer tubes 2 such that the periodic interval direction U, which is the direction in which the waves of the wire fins 1 propagate, is aligned with the step direction X. The periodic interval direction U of the wire fins 1 is the direction in which the waves propagate and is the direction of the periodic interval. As a result, in the heat exchanger 100, the contact length between the wire fins 1 and the heat transfer tubes 2 is increased, improving reliability and heat transfer performance, as well as improving the reliability and thermal efficiency of the air conditioner 140.

[0041] As described above, in the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1, the heat transfer tubes 2 and the wire fins 1 are connected such that the periodic spacing direction U of the wire fins 1 is parallel to the step direction X of the heat transfer tubes 2. Therefore, the contact length between the heat transfer tubes 2 and the wire fins 1 is increased, and the heat transfer performance between the wire fins 1 and the heat transfer tubes 2 is improved.

[0042] Furthermore, the wire fins 1 are inserted from the row direction Z, which is the long axis direction of the heat transfer tubes 2, and the heat transfer tubes 2 are sandwiched between them. Therefore, even if there is variation in the dimension of the spacing K between the heat transfer tubes 2, the deformation of the corrugated portion 105 prevents the wire fins 1 from coming off or shifting position from the heat transfer tubes 2, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the heat exchanger 100.

[0043] Furthermore, the wire fin 1 has a corrugated portion 105 and a fixed portion 101 which is a heat transfer tube joint. Since the heat transfer tubes 2 are pressed into the fixed portion, even if there is variation in the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2, the expansion and contraction of the corrugated portion 105 can absorb the variation in spacing K.

[0044] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 100 makes it possible to provide an air conditioner 140 with high thermal efficiency.

[0045] Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the first wire fin 11, the second wire fin 12, and the heat transfer tube 2 of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1, in that the wire fin 1 is inserted from one end of the heat transfer tube 2 along its long axis Z, thereby extending the line contact length between the wire fin 1 and the heat transfer tube 2, in that the wire fin 1 is sandwiched between the heat transfer tube 2 from both sides along its long axis Z. In Embodiment 2, parts common to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6 or Figure 7, the wire fin 1 is composed of a first wire fin 11 and a second wire fin 12. The first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 are formed in a corrugated shape using wire such as aluminum wire, similar to Embodiment 1. The heat transfer tube 2 is, similar to Embodiment 2, for example, a flattened tube, and is composed of multiple refrigerant flow paths 600 having a predetermined length arranged in a superimposed manner. Figure 4 illustrates how multiple refrigerant flow paths 600 are arranged in a vertical direction.

[0047] The direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant flow path 600 is the longitudinal direction of the flat pipe or the depth direction of the flat pipe, as in Embodiment 1, and is referred to as the refrigerant flow path direction Y. The direction in which multiple refrigerant flow paths 600 are arranged in a row is referred to as the longitudinal axis direction Z of the flat pipe or the row direction Z. In addition, multiple heat transfer tubes 2 are arranged in a predetermined direction and at predetermined intervals, and the predetermined direction in which the heat transfer tubes 2 are arranged in a row is the short axis direction of the flat pipe, and is referred to as the step direction X. It is desirable that the predetermined intervals between the multiple heat transfer tubes 2 be equal.

[0048] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 2 before assembly. As shown in Figure 8, the first wire fin 11 is composed of a fixed portion 111 joined to the heat transfer tube 2 and a corrugated portion 115, and the second wire fin 12 is composed of a fixed portion 121 joined to the heat transfer tube 2 and a corrugated portion 125.

[0049] In Figure 8, the direction of the wave period of the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12, where the wave propagation direction is referred to as the period interval direction U, and the wave amplitude direction is referred to as the amplitude direction W. Also in Figure 8, the total amplitude of the wave of the first wire fin 11 is shown as H1, and the total amplitude of the wave of the second wire fin 12 is shown as H2.

[0050] The fixing portion 111 has a wire fin arc portion 113 and two wire fin straight portions 114, and the fixing portion 121 has a wire fin arc portion 123 and two wire fin straight portions 124. The first wire fin 11 is fitted onto the heat transfer tube 2 and fixed to the heat transfer tube 2 by line contact at the fixing portion 111. The second wire fin 12 is fitted onto the heat transfer tube 2 and fixed to the heat transfer tube 2 by line contact at the fixing portion 121.

[0051] The corrugated sections 115 and 125 are each formed in a shape in which multiple waves advance along the periodic interval direction U. The first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 are each provided at predetermined intervals along the refrigerant flow path direction Y of the heat transfer tube 2. The predetermined intervals may be equal or unequal. In addition, multiple first wire fins 11 and second wire fins 12 are each provided in a predetermined number. The number of first wire fins 11 and second wire fins 12 may be equal or different. The direction in which the first wire fins 11 and second wire fins 12 are provided at predetermined intervals is referred to as the refrigerant flow path direction Y, the overlapping direction V, or the overlapping depth direction V.

[0052] The fixing portion 111 of the first wire fin 11 has a wire fin arc portion 113 at one end in the amplitude direction W, which is one of the directions of periodic spacing U, overlapping V, and amplitude direction W. The other end of the fixing portion 111 has an opening 113a formed for insertion into the heat transfer tube 2. On the other hand, the fixing portion 121 of the second wire fin 12 has an opening 123a at one end in the amplitude direction W, which is formed for insertion into the heat transfer tube 2, and the other end has a wire fin arc portion 123 formed in an arc shape.

[0053] The heat transfer tube 2 is provided with multiple refrigerant flow paths 600 in the longitudinal depth direction, which is the step direction X and the refrigerant flow path direction Y, and in the longitudinal direction Z. Furthermore, the first end 201 and the second end 202 of the heat transfer tube 2 in the longitudinal direction Z are formed in an arc shape. Of the first end 201 and the second end 202 in the longitudinal direction Z, the first end 201 is a heat transfer tube arc section 213 formed in an arc shape having the same radius as the wire fin arc section 113. The second end 202 is a heat transfer tube arc section 223 formed in an arc shape having the same radius as the wire fin arc section 123.

[0054] Multiple fixing portions 111 and corrugated portions 115 of the first wire fin 11 are arranged at predetermined intervals such that the periodic interval direction U aligns with the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2. Multiple fixing portions 111 and corrugated portions 115 of the second wire fin 12 are also arranged at predetermined intervals such that the periodic interval direction U aligns with the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2.

[0055] The first wire fin 11 is moved in insertion direction B in Figure 8 until the wire fin arc portion 113 of the first wire fin 11 contacts the heat transfer tube arc portion 213, thereby press-fitting and inserting the first end portion 201 of the heat transfer tube 2 in the longitudinal axis direction Z through the opening 113a. The second wire fin 12 is moved in insertion direction C in Figure 8 until the wire fin arc portion 123 of the second wire fin 12 contacts the heat transfer tube arc portion 223. As a result, press-fitting and inserting the second end portion 202 of the heat transfer tube 2 in the longitudinal axis direction Z through the opening 123a in insertion direction B.

[0056] The radius of the wire fin arc portion 113 is formed to be approximately the same as the radius of the heat transfer tube arc portion 213, allowing the wire fin arc portion 113 and the heat transfer tube arc portion 213 to contact each other with approximately the same shape. Therefore, the wire fin arc portion 113 and the heat transfer tube arc portion 213 can contact each other with a high contact rate, ensuring a sufficient contact length and enabling thermal joining. Similarly, the radius of the wire fin arc portion 123 is formed to be approximately the same as the radius of the heat transfer tube arc portion 223, allowing the wire fin arc portion 123 and the heat transfer tube arc portion 223 to contact each other with approximately the same shape. Therefore, the wire fin arc portion 123 and the heat transfer tube arc portion 223 can contact each other with a high contact rate, ensuring a sufficient contact length and enabling thermal joining.

[0057] Furthermore, since the first wire fin 11 is inserted into the heat transfer tube 2 while being press-fitted, the straight portion 114 of the wire fin can make linear contact with the straight portion 214 of the heat transfer tube. Similarly, since the second wire fin 12 is inserted into the heat transfer tube 2 while being press-fitted, the straight portion 124 of the wire fin can make linear contact with the straight portion 214 of the heat transfer tube. Therefore, the contact length between the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 and the heat transfer tube 2 is increased compared to when they are not press-fitted, improving reliability and also improving heat transfer performance.

[0058] The first wire fin 11 has a wire fin arc portion 113 formed in an arc shape so as to contact the heat transfer tube 2's heat transfer tube arc portion 213 in an arc shape, thereby extending the contact length between the fixing portion 111 and the heat transfer tube 2. Furthermore, the first wire fin 11 is provided with a wire fin straight portion 114 that contacts the heat transfer tube 2's straight portion 214 in a straight line, and the wire fin straight portion 114 is thermally joined to the heat transfer tube straight portion 214 in a straight line contact state.

[0059] Similarly, the second wire fin 12 has a wire fin arc portion 123 formed in an arc shape so as to contact the heat transfer tube arc portion 213 of the heat transfer tube 2 in an arc shape, thereby extending the contact length between the fixing portion 121 and the heat transfer tube 2. Furthermore, the second wire fin 12 is provided with a wire fin straight portion 124 that contacts the heat transfer tube straight portion 214 of the heat transfer tube 2 in a straight line, and the wire fin straight portion 124 is thermally joined to the heat transfer tube straight portion 214 in a straight line.

[0060] The first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 are both positioned such that their periodic spacing direction U aligns with the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2. The wire fin arc portion 113 of the first wire fin 11 is inserted into the heat transfer tube arc portion 213 of the heat transfer tube 2, and the wire fin arc portion 123 of the second wire fin 12 is inserted into the heat transfer tube arc portion 223 of the heat transfer tube 2. Even if there is variation in the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2, the variation in spacing K can be absorbed by the wire fin arc portion 113 of the first wire fin 11 and the wire fin arc portion 123 of the second wire fin 12 being inserted while being press-fitted.

[0061] The first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 are inserted by press-fitting from insertion direction B and insertion direction C, respectively, along the long axis Z of the heat transfer tube 2, so that the corrugated portions 115 and 125 can deform to match the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2. Therefore, even if there is variation in the dimension of the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2, the deformation of the corrugated portions 115 and 125 can suppress the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 from coming off or shifting position from the heat transfer tube 2. Furthermore, the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12, which are formed into a corrugated shape from a wire such as aluminum wire, have their periodic spacing direction U aligned with the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2 and are thermally bonded to the heat transfer tube 2.

[0062] In Figure 8, the length H1 in the amplitude direction W of the wavy portion 115 of the first wire fin 11 and the length H2 in the amplitude direction W of the wavy portion 125 of the second wire fin 12 are approximately equal, so H1 ≈ H2. Moreover, the total length H1 + H2 of the length H1 in the amplitude direction W of the wavy portion 115 of the first wire fin 11 and the length H2 in the amplitude direction W of the wavy portion 125 of the second wire fin 12 is approximately equal to the length L in the longitudinal direction Z of the heat transfer tube 2, that is, the length Z in the column direction, so H1 + H2 ≈ L. The total length H1 in the amplitude direction W of the wavy portion 115 of the first wire fin 11 and the length H2 in the amplitude direction W of the wavy portion 125 of the second wire fin 12 should be approximately equal to or shorter than the longitudinal direction Z of the heat transfer tube 2. The longitudinal direction Z is, that is, the column direction Z length L. As a result, the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 do not protrude in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tube 2, that is, in the column direction Z, thus improving ease of assembly and reliability.

[0063] In addition, in Fig. 8, the length H1 in the amplitude direction W of the first wire fin 11 and the length H2 in the amplitude direction W of the second wire fin 12 are substantially equal, that is, H1≒H2. However, the lengths H1 and H2 do not have to be equal. The length H1 in the amplitude direction W of the first wire fin 11 and the length H2 in the amplitude direction W of the second wire fin 12 may be changed so as to be more efficient according to the flow direction of the wind or the flow rate in the state of being installed as the heat exchanger 100. That is, the length H1 in the amplitude direction W of the first wire fin 11 may be longer than the length H2 in the amplitude direction W of the second wire fin 12, that is, H1>H2. Also, the length H1 in the amplitude direction W of the first wire fin 11 may be shorter than the length H2 in the amplitude direction W of the second wire fin 12, that is, H1<H2.

[0064] Also, in Fig. 8, the radius r1 of the first wire fin 11 and the radius r2 of the second wire fin 12 are substantially equal, that is, r1≒r2. However, they may be changed so as to be more efficient according to the flow direction of the wind or the flow rate in the state of being installed as the heat exchanger 100. That is, the radius r1 of the first wire fin 11 may be larger than the radius r2 of the second wire fin 12, that is, r1>r2. Also, the radius r1 of the first wire fin 11 may be smaller than the radius r2 of the second wire fin 12, that is, r1<r2.

[0065] Next, the effects will be described. The fixing portion 111 of the first wire fin 11 has a wire fin arc portion 113 and a wire fin straight portion 114. The wire fin arc portion 113 and the wire fin straight portion 114 of the first wire fin 11 are thermally joined to the heat transfer tube arc portion 213 and the heat transfer tube straight portion 214 of the heat transfer tube 2 by line contact, respectively. Therefore, since the length of the line contact between the first wire fin 11 and the heat transfer tube 2 can be extended, the contact length is extended, the reliability of the joint portion is improved, and moreover, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0066] Similarly, the fixing portion 121 of the second wire fin 12 has a wire fin arc portion 123 and a wire fin straight portion 124. Furthermore, the wire fin arc portion 123 and the wire fin straight portion 124 of the second wire fin 12 are thermally joined to the heat transfer tube arc portion 213 and the heat transfer tube straight portion 214 of the heat transfer tube 2 by line contact, respectively. Therefore, the length over which the second wire fin 12 is in line contact with the heat transfer tube 2 can be extended, thereby increasing the contact length, improving the reliability of the joint, and also improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0067] Furthermore, the first wire fin 11 has a wavy portion 115, and the second wire fin 12 has a wavy portion 125. Therefore, even if the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 varies, the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 can expand and contract in the periodic spacing direction U, which is the direction of the spacing K, so no problems occur. In this way, the wavy portion 115 of the first wire fin 11 and the wavy portion 125 of the second wire fin 12 absorb the variation in the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2. As a result, the straight portion 214 of the heat transfer tube 2 and the straight portion 114 of the first wire fin 11 are in close contact, and the straight portion 224 of the heat transfer tube 2 and the straight portion 124 of the second wire fin 12 are in close contact. Then, the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 are thermally joined in this state.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 are folded back at the straight sections 214 and 224 of the heat transfer tube 2a located at the outermost end of the heat transfer tube 2a in the step direction X, among the multiple heat transfer tubes 2. In other words, the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 are configured to be arranged in multiples in the refrigerant flow direction Y using a single wire. Specifically, the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 have folded-back sections 11a and 12a at the straight sections 114 and 124 of the wire fin 12 that are located on the heat transfer tube 2a located at the outermost end of the heat transfer tube 2a in the step direction X. Therefore, the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 are folded back at the folded-back sections 11a and 12a and shifted in the refrigerant flow direction Y.

[0069] As described above, the first wire fin 11 is formed in a corrugated shape, and not only the wire fin arc portion 113 but also the wire fin straight portion 114 are in line contact with the heat transfer tube 2. Similarly, the second wire fin 12 is also formed in a corrugated shape, and not only the wire fin arc portion 123 but also the wire fin straight portion 124 are in line contact with the heat transfer tube 2. Therefore, the line contact length between the first wire fin 11 and the heat transfer tube 2 is extended compared to the case where the fin and the heat transfer tube are in contact at the arc-shaped fitting line portion.

[0070] Furthermore, the shape of the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12, as well as the direction in which they are combined with or joined to the heat transfer tube 2, are selected and assembled in such a way that the contact force with the heat transfer tube 2 is increased. As a result, the reliability and thermal conductivity of the joint between the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 and the heat transfer tube 2 can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, the first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12, which are formed in a corrugated shape from aluminum wire or the like, are thermally joined to the heat transfer tube 2 such that the periodic spacing direction U is aligned with the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2. The corrugated first wire fin 11 and the second wire fin 12 can expand and contract in the periodic spacing direction U and in the direction of the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2. Therefore, the corrugated portion 115 of the first wire fin 11 and the corrugated portion 125 of the second wire fin 12 can absorb variations in the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2. Thus, even if there are variations in the spacing K between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2, thermal conductivity and heat transfer can be improved without reducing the reliability of the joint.

[0072] Embodiment 3. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiments 1 and 2 in that, in the heat exchanger 100, when dew drips occur, the dew 150 can be collected at a predetermined location and discharged. In Embodiment 3, parts common to Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9, the heat exchanger 100 is installed at an angle to the horizontal. Below the heat exchanger 100, a drain pan 30 is positioned to receive the dew 150 generated in the heat exchanger 100.

[0074] When the heat exchanger 100 is installed in an indoor unit such as an air conditioner 140, dew 150 is generated on the heat exchanger 100. However, if the heat exchanger 100 is installed approximately horizontally, the dripping of dew during heat exchange is not considered. By installing the heat exchanger 100 at an angle to the horizontal, the dew 150 falls from the lower top 60 located below the wire fin 1, or from the lower top 50 of the lower end of the heat transfer tube 2.

[0075] The dew 150 generated by heat exchange flows to the lower top 50 of the second end 202, which is located lower than the first end 201 of the heat transfer tube 2. Alternatively, the dew 150 flows to the lower top 60 of the corrugated portion 105 located lower on the wire fin 1. The dew 150 accumulates at the lower tops 50 and 60, and when it grows to a certain size, it falls downward as droplets.

[0076] Therefore, the dew 150 temporarily accumulates at multiple locations on both ends of the wire fin 1 in the longitudinal axis Z, that is, on the lower arc-shaped second end 202 or the lower top 60 of the corrugated portion 105, which is located below the first end 201 or the second end 202, before falling downwards. Alternatively, the dew 150 temporarily accumulates at multiple locations on the lower top 60 of the corrugated portion 105 before falling downwards. In addition, the dew 150 also falls downwards from the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2.

[0077] In this way, the dew 150 flows to multiple locations on the lower tops 50 and 60 in the periodic interval direction U and overlapping direction V, where the lower tops 50 of the second end 202 of the heat transfer tube 2 and the lower tops 60 of the corrugated portion 105 of the wire fin 1 are located. The dew 150 then falls into the drain pan 30 below the heat exchanger 100. In addition, the dew 150 accumulates at multiple locations on the lower tops 50 in the step direction X and refrigerant flow direction Y, where the lower tops 50 of the heat transfer tube 2 are located, and the dew 150 grows to a certain size. Subsequently, the dew 150 can fall from a wide area of ​​the lower tops 50 and 60, that is, from multiple locations, into the drain pan 30 located below the heat exchanger 100.

[0078] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 3 as viewed in the refrigerant flow direction Y. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 3 as viewed in the step direction X.

[0079] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2 and the lower top 60 of the wire fin arc portion 103 of the wire fin 1 are connected by a first connecting wire 70. As described above, the dew 150 temporarily accumulates at multiple locations below the heat exchanger 100, and then falls from these locations downwards from the heat exchanger 100. The temporarily accumulated dew 150 travels along the first connecting wire 70, is collected at a predetermined location, and falls from that location into the drain pan 30. The first connecting wire 70 prevents dew splashing, which occurs when the temporarily accumulated dew 150 is blown out of the air outlet before it has fallen.

[0080] In this way, the dew 150 is collected at a predetermined location and discharged into the drain pan 30, so that the condensation water generated on the heat exchanger 100 does not temporarily accumulate. This eliminates the problem of drainage treatment due to the temporary accumulation of dew 150, or the problem of dew flying out from the air outlet.

[0081] The first connecting wire 70 connects the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2 to the lower top 60 of the wire fin arc portion 103 of the wire fin 1. The first connecting wire 70 connects the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2 to the lower top 60 of the wire fin arc portion 103 of the wire fin 1 in the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2 and in the periodic spacing direction U of the wire fin 1. Therefore, it connects adjacent wire fin arc portions 103 in the wave amplitude direction W of the wire fin 1.

[0082] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 100 is installed at a predetermined angle, for example, 3 to 10 degrees, in a predetermined direction, for example, the step direction X. In Figure 11, the right side D of Figure 11, which is one side in the step direction X, is installed lower than the left side E of Figure 11, which is the other side. Therefore, dew 150 flows from the right side D of Figure 11, which is one side in the step direction X, to the left side E of Figure 11, which is the other side. Consequently, the dew 150 generated on the heat exchanger 100 collects at the bottom of the heat exchanger 100 due to gravity, but the heat exchanger 100 is tilted at a predetermined angle. Therefore, the dew 150 that collects at the bottom of the heat exchanger 100 does not accumulate but flows along the first connecting wire 70 in a predetermined direction, for example, from the right side D of Figure 11, which is one side in the step direction X, to the left side E of Figure 11, which is the other side. The dew 150 then collects at the lower end of the left side E of Figure 11, which is the other side in the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2, and falls downward from there. Therefore, the dew 150 generated on the heat exchanger 100 can be collected at the lower end of the left side E in Figure 11, which is the other direction X of the heat transfer tube 2, without accumulating.

[0083] In other words, the dew 150 generated in the heat exchanger 100 is collected at one end in the predetermined direction X, which is the left side E in Figure 11. This makes drainage easier and also suppresses the accumulation of dew 150, thus suppressing dew splashing.

[0084] Furthermore, if draining the dew 150 that falls into the drain pan 30 becomes a problem, the drain pan 30 can be tilted at a predetermined angle, for example, 3 to 10 degrees. This allows the dew 150 in the drain pan 30 to be collected and discharged in one or a predetermined location.

[0085] As described above, the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2, from which dew 150 easily drips, and the lower top 60 of the wire fin 1 are connected by a plurality of first connecting wires 70, and the heat exchanger 100 is inclined in a predetermined direction, for example, in the step direction X. Therefore, the dew 150 does not accumulate at the lower end of the heat exchanger 100, but flows along the first connecting wire 70 to the end of the heat transfer tube 2 in the stepped direction X, which is the end of the heat exchanger 100 in the inclined direction, and is drained by falling downwards.

[0086] This makes it possible to obtain a heat exchanger 100 that is less prone to dew dripping or dew splashing. Furthermore, because the lower tops 60 of the corrugated portions 105 of the wire fins 1 are connected to each other by the first connecting wire 70, deformation of the corrugated portions 105 after the wire fins 1 are attached to the heat transfer tubes 2 is suppressed. In addition, since the lower tops 60 of the corrugated portions 105 are connected to each other, the heat transfer area can be increased, making it possible to obtain a high-performance heat exchanger 100.

[0087] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the second connecting wire 75 of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 13, the upper top portion 65 of the corrugated portion 105 may be connected by the second connecting wire 75. The second connecting wire 75 connects the upper top portion 65 of the corrugated portion 105 in a predetermined direction of the heat transfer tube 2, for example, in the step direction X. This further increases the heat transfer area and makes it possible to obtain a heat exchanger 100 with even higher performance.

[0088] Figures 10-13 illustrate an example in which the first connecting wire 70 or the second connecting wire 75 is arranged in a predetermined direction, for example, in the step direction X, at the lower or upper part of the heat exchanger 100. The first connecting wire 70 improves drainage, making it less likely for dew 150 to temporarily accumulate at the lower part of the heat exchanger 100. In addition, the heat transfer area is increased by the first connecting wire 70 and the second connecting wire 75.

[0089] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the third connecting wire 85 of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger 100 of Figure 14 as viewed in the step direction X. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the heat exchanger 100 may also be equipped with a third connecting wire 85. The third connecting wire 85 is a depth-direction connecting wire that extends in the depth direction V, in addition to the first connecting wire 70 and the second connecting wire 75 that extend in the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2.

[0090] The third connecting wire 85 connects the upper tops 65 or lower tops 60 of the corrugated portion 105 of the wire fin 1. The third connecting wire 85 is positioned to extend in the direction Y of the refrigerant flow path of the heat transfer tube 2 and toward the overlapping depth direction V of the wire fin 1.

[0091] In this case, the heat exchanger 100 only needs to be installed tilted at a predetermined angle, for example, 3 to 10 degrees, in a predetermined direction, for example, in the refrigerant flow direction Y. Since the heat exchanger 100 is installed lower on one side than on the other in the refrigerant flow direction Y, it is tilted so that dew 150 flows from one side to the other in the refrigerant flow direction Y. Therefore, the dew 150 generated on the heat exchanger 100 collects at the bottom of the heat exchanger 100 due to gravity, but the heat exchanger 100 is tilted at a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction. The dew 150 collected at the bottom of the heat exchanger 100 flows along the third connecting wire 85 from one side to the other in a predetermined direction, for example, in the refrigerant flow direction Y, collects at the lower end of the heat transfer tube 2 on the other side in the refrigerant flow direction Y, and falls downward from there. Thus, the dew 150 generated on the heat exchanger 100 can be concentrated at the lower end of the other side of the heat transfer tube 2.

[0092] In other words, the dew 150 generated in the heat exchanger 100 can be concentrated at one end in a predetermined direction, for example, in the refrigerant flow path direction Y, thus suppressing the accumulation of dew 150. Therefore, draining the dew 150 becomes easier, and since the accumulation of dew 150 is suppressed, dew splashing or dripping can also be suppressed.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the heat exchanger 100 may also be equipped with a second connecting wire 75 in addition to the third connecting wire 85. The second connecting wire 75 is provided in a direction approximately perpendicular to the third connecting wire 85, which is a depth-direction connecting wire. The second connecting wire 75 and the third connecting wire 85 are formed in a mesh-like structure.

[0094] The second connecting wire 75 is provided at the lower or upper part of the heat exchanger 100 so as to extend in the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2, and is arranged in a manner approximately perpendicular to the third connecting wire 85 in the refrigerant flow direction Y. Here, as described above, the second connecting wire 75 is arranged so as to extend in the step direction X of the heat transfer tube 2, and in the periodic interval direction U of the wire fin 1, connecting the upper tops 65 or lower tops 60 of the corrugated portion 105 of the wire fin 1.

[0095] The third connecting wire 85 is provided at the lower or upper part of the heat exchanger 100 so as to extend in the direction Y of the refrigerant flow path of the heat transfer tube 2, and multiple wires are arranged in substantially parallel directions X in the step direction.

[0096] The second connecting wire 75 is arranged so as to extend in the direction of the refrigerant flow path Y of the heat transfer tube 2 and toward the overlapping depth direction V of the wire fin 1. The second connecting wire 75 connects the upper tops 65 or lower tops 60 of the corrugated portion 105 of the wire fin 1.

[0097] The third connecting wire 85 and the second connecting wire 75 are arranged in a mesh pattern, intersecting at approximately right angles, and the third connecting wire 85 and the second connecting wire 75 are connected at the intersection. In this way, the third connecting wire 85 and the second connecting wire 75 are arranged in a mesh pattern, intersecting at approximately right angles. Therefore, the drainage of dew 150 is good both in the step direction X of the heat transfer tubes 2 and in the refrigerant flow direction Y of the heat transfer tubes 2, and a heat exchanger 100 can be obtained in which dew dripping and dew splashing are less likely to occur.

[0098] Furthermore, the second connecting wire 75 and the third connecting wire 85 do not necessarily have to be arranged so as to intersect at approximately a right angle; the second connecting wire 75 may be arranged so as to intersect the third connecting wire 85 at a predetermined angle.

[0099] When the second connecting wire 75 and the third connecting wire 85 are provided so as to intersect at approximately right angles, the direction in which the second connecting wire 75 or the third connecting wire 85 is provided becomes perpendicular to the inclination direction of the heat exchanger 100, depending on the inclination direction of the heat exchanger 100. In other words, when the heat exchanger 100 is inclined in the direction in which one of the second connecting wire 75 or the third connecting wire 85 is provided, the direction in which the other of the second connecting wire 75 or the third connecting wire 85 is provided becomes perpendicular to the inclination direction of the heat exchanger 100.

[0100] The second connecting wire 75 is provided so as to intersect the third connecting wire 85 at a predetermined angle. Even if the heat exchanger 100 is tilted in the direction in which either the second connecting wire 75 or the third connecting wire 85 is provided, the direction in which the other connecting wire 75 or the third connecting wire 85 is provided will not be perpendicular to the tilting direction of the heat exchanger 100. As a result, the drainage of dew 150 is improved.

[0101] As described above, either the second connecting wire 75 or the third connecting wire 85, or both, are connected to the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2, the second end 202 of the wire fin 1, or the lower top 60 of the wire fin 1. Therefore, dew 150 can be suppressed from accumulating and temporarily accumulating at the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2, the second end 202 of the wire fin 1, or the lower top 60 of the wire fin 1, which are the lower ends of the heat exchanger 100 and the starting points for dew dripping. As a result, a heat exchanger 100 that is less prone to dew dripping or dew splashing can be obtained.

[0102] In other words, either the second connecting wire 75 or the third connecting wire 85, or both, are connected to the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2, the second end 202 of the wire fin 1, or the lower top 60 of the wire fin 1. This allows the dew 150 generated in the heat exchanger 100 to be collected at predetermined locations, for example, near the end of the heat transfer tube 2 in the step direction X, or near the end of the heat transfer tube 2 in the refrigerant flow direction Y. As a result, the dew 150 collects at the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2, the second end 202 of the wire fin 1, or the lower top 60 of the wire fin 1, which are the starting points for dew dripping at the lower end of the heat exchanger 100, and its temporary accumulation can be suppressed.

[0103] Here, both the second connecting wire 75 and the third connecting wire 85 may be connected in a mesh-like manner to the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2, the second end 202 of the wire fin 1, or the lower top 60 of the wire fin 1 to constitute the heat exchanger 100. With this configuration as well, the dew 150 generated in the heat exchanger 100 is collected at a predetermined location, for example, near the end of the heat transfer tube 2 in the step direction X, or near the end of the heat transfer tube 2 in the refrigerant flow direction Y. By connecting the second connecting wire 75 and the third connecting wire 85 in a mesh-like manner to constitute the heat exchanger 100, the dew 150 can be collected at a predetermined location without being limited in the inclination direction of the heat exchanger 100, thus improving the flexibility of the installation of the heat exchanger 100.

[0104] Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the accumulation and retention of dew 150 in the approximate center of a wide area at the lower end of the heat exchanger 100, where dew dripping or dew splashing is likely to occur. Also, the dripping of dew 150 from a wide area at the lower end is suppressed, and the dew 150 can be concentrated in predetermined areas where dew dripping or dew splashing is less likely to occur, for example, near the ends of the heat transfer tubes 2 in the step direction X, or near the ends of the heat transfer tubes 2 in the refrigerant flow path direction Y. As a result, a heat exchanger 100 and an air conditioner 140 that are less prone to dew dripping or dew splashing can be obtained.

[0105] In the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 3 described above, the first connecting wire 70 connects to the end of the second wire fin 12 in the amplitude direction W. Dew 150 that collects below the heat exchanger 100 flows along the first connecting wire 70 and falls downward, so that the dew 150 generated on the heat exchanger 100 does not accumulate and is collected at the lower end of the heat transfer tube 2. As a result, dew splashing is suppressed and drainage becomes easier as the dew 150 is collected.

[0106] Embodiment 4. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 17 is a side view of the blower fan 500 arranged together with the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 4. Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiments 1 to 3, which are linear, in that the heat exchanger 100 is circular in shape. In Embodiment 4, parts common to Embodiments 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0107] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the heat exchanger 100 is configured with heat transfer tubes 2, a third wire fin 16, and a fourth wire fin 17 arranged in a circular shape. The heat exchanger 100 is arranged in a circular shape around a blower fan 500, which is a circular fan. The heat exchanger 100 is provided at a predetermined gap 510 radially and outward from the outer diameter 501 of the blower fan 500, such as a propeller fan, a sirocco fan, or a cross-flow fan.

[0108] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 100 is configured such that the refrigerant flow direction Y of the heat transfer tubes 2, the third wire fin 16, and the fourth wire fin 17 are arranged substantially parallel to the axial direction of the blower fan 500. In Embodiment 4, the wave period interval direction U of the circularly arranged third wire fin 16 and fourth wire fin 17 is the circumferential direction of the circularly arranged third wire fin 16 and fourth wire fin 17. Also, the wave period interval direction U of the third wire fin 16 and fourth wire fin 17 is the circumferential direction of the fan outer diameter 501 of the blower fan 500.

[0109] Furthermore, since the heat exchanger 100 uses third wire fins 16 and fourth wire fins 17 formed in a corrugated shape using aluminum or other wire, the corrugated sections 115 and 125 can be freely deformed. This increases the degree of freedom in arranging the heat transfer tubes 2, and makes it possible to freely arrange the shape of the heat exchanger 100. Therefore, the heat exchanger 100 can be freely shaped, such as circular, fan-shaped, or U-shaped.

[0110] The heat exchanger 100, composed of heat transfer tubes 2, a third wire fin 16, and a fourth wire fin 17, is arranged radially with respect to the outer diameter 501 of the blower fan 500. The heat transfer tubes 2, the third wire fin 16, and the fourth wire fin 17 are arranged in an arc shape such that a predetermined radial gap 510 between the blower fan 500 and the heat exchanger 100 is approximately equally spaced at any position and angle in the circumferential direction of the blower fan 500. In Embodiment 4, the heat exchanger 100 is arranged around the blower fan 500 with respect to its rotation axis 530, surrounding the blower fan 500. The step direction X of the heat transfer tubes 2 and the periodic spacing direction U of the third wire fin 16 and the fourth wire fin 17 correspond to the circumferential direction of the blower fan 500.

[0111] Figure 16 shows an example in which the heat exchanger 100 is arranged to surround the entire circumference of the circular blower fan 500. However, the heat exchanger 100 does not have to surround the entire circumference of the circular blower fan 500. The heat exchanger 100 only needs to be able to achieve a predetermined airflow rate and a predetermined heat exchange efficiency, and may be arranged in an arc shape or a fan shape around the circumference of the circular blower fan 500. Furthermore, since the long axis Z of the heat transfer tube 2 is positioned to face the blower fan 500, wind or air can be efficiently directed onto the third wire fin 16 and the fourth wire fin 17. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

[0112] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 100 can be configured in a circular or U-shape to surround the blower fan 500 without bending the heat transfer tubes 2. Since the long axis Z of the heat transfer tubes 2 is positioned toward the blower fan 500, air can be efficiently directed toward the third wire fin 16 and the fourth wire fin 17. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

[0113] As described above, the heat exchanger 100, composed of heat transfer tubes 2, a third wire fin 16, and a fourth wire fin 17, is arranged in a circular, arc-shaped, or fan-shaped configuration relative to the circular blower fan 500. The heat exchanger 100 is arranged radially in the circumferential direction and is positioned close to the circular blower fan 500 with a predetermined gap 510 that is approximately equal in distance. Therefore, the airflow from the blower fan 500 can be efficiently obtained over the entire circumferential area of ​​the heat exchanger 100, i.e., the entire arc-shaped area, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency and enabling the creation of a heat exchanger 100 that can be miniaturized. Thus, since the heat exchanger 100 can be miniaturized, it is possible to obtain a small, lightweight, low-cost, and highly efficient outdoor unit for an air conditioner 140, an air conditioner 140, a heat source unit for a water heater, or a water heater by using the heat exchanger 100.

[0114] In other words, the heat exchanger 100 is formed by arranging the third wire fins 16 and the fourth wire fins 17, which are formed from wavy wires, so that their periodic spacing direction U aligns with the step direction X of the multiple heat transfer tubes 2, and by thermally joining them to the multiple heat transfer tubes 2. The heat exchanger 100 is arranged within the housing in a circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped manner so as to surround the blower fan 500, which is a circular fan. As a result, the heat exchanger 100 makes it possible to obtain a small, lightweight, low-cost, and highly efficient indoor unit, outdoor unit, air conditioner 140, heat source unit for a water heater, or water heater.

[0115] According to the heat exchanger 100 of Embodiment 4 described above, the heat exchanger 100 is circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped. Even if the heat exchanger 100 is circular, fan-shaped, or U-shaped, the corrugated portion 105 can be freely deformed by the corrugated wire fins 1, which increases the degree of freedom in arranging the heat transfer tubes 2, and allows for free selection of the shape of the heat exchanger 100.

[0116] Furthermore, the heat transfer tubes 2 can be arranged in a circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped configuration. Even if the heat transfer tubes 2 are arranged in a circular, fan-shaped, or U-shaped configuration, the wavy portion 105 can be freely deformed by the wire fins 1 which are shaped accordingly. This increases the degree of freedom in arranging the heat transfer tubes 2, allowing for free selection of the shape of the heat exchanger 100.

[0117] Embodiment 5. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner 140 equipped with a heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 5. Embodiment 5 differs from Embodiments 1 to 3, in that the heat exchanger 100 is arranged to surround the blower fan 500, in which case the heat exchanger 100 is arranged in a straight line. Also, in Embodiment 5, the overlapping depth direction V of the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19 in the refrigerant flow direction Y of the heat transfer tube 2 is arranged approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis 530 of the blower fan 500. Therefore, it differs from Embodiment 4, in which the overlapping depth direction V of the third wire fin 16 and the fourth wire fin 17 in the refrigerant flow direction Y of the heat transfer tube 2 is arranged approximately parallel to the rotation axis 530 of the blower fan 500. In Embodiment 5, parts common to Embodiments 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted, and the differences from Embodiments 1 to 4 will be described in detail.

[0118] In the heat exchanger 100, the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19, which are formed in a corrugated shape using aluminum or other wire, can be freely deformed in the corrugated section. This increases the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the heat transfer tubes 2, and makes it possible to freely arrange the shape of the heat exchanger 100. Therefore, the heat exchanger 100 can be freely selected in shape, such as circular, fan-shaped, or U-shaped.

[0119] As shown in Figure 18, the heat exchanger 100 is arranged in a U-shape around the blower fan 500, enclosing at least a portion of the blower fan 500. The heat exchanger 100, together with the blower fan 500, is housed in a housing 130, forming an air conditioner 140. The housing 130 is, for example, an indoor unit placed in a room.

[0120] In the refrigerant flow direction Y of the heat transfer tube 2, the overlapping direction V of the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19 is arranged approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the blower fan 500. The heat exchanger 100 is composed of the heat transfer tube 2, the fifth wire fin 18, and the sixth wire fin 19. In the step direction X, the heat exchanger 100 is composed of a linear portion and an arc-shaped portion. The linear portion is composed of a first linear portion M1, a second linear portion M2, and a third linear portion M3, and the arc-shaped portion, for example a quarter-arc portion, is composed of a first arc-shaped portion N1 and a second arc-shaped portion N2.

[0121] The first straight section M1 is provided in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 530 so as to face the blower fan 500. That is, the refrigerant flow path direction Y of the heat transfer tube 2 constituting the first straight section M1 is positioned to be substantially parallel to the airflow direction of the blower fan 500. The second straight section M2 and the third straight section M3 are provided on the side of the blower fan 500 and are positioned perpendicular to the rotating shaft 530.

[0122] A first arc section N1 is provided between the first straight section M1 and the second straight section M2, connecting the first straight section M1 and the second straight section M2, and is arc-shaped. A second arc section N2 is provided between the first straight section M1 and the third straight section M3, connecting the first straight section M1 and the third straight section M3, and is arc-shaped.

[0123] In the first arc section N1, the number of corrugated portions of the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19 provided between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 is less than the number of corrugated portions of the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19 provided between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 in the first straight section M1 or the second straight section M2. Therefore, in the first arc section N1, the spacing between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 is reduced, and the radius of the arc forming the first arc section N1 can be reduced. Thus, a small and compact heat exchanger 100 can be obtained.

[0124] In the first arc section N1, the number of corrugated portions of the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19 provided between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 may be the same as the number of corrugated portions of the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19 provided between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 in the first straight section M1 or the second straight section M2. As the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19 deform, the distance between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 in the first arc section N1 decreases, and thus the radius of the arc forming the first arc section N1 is reduced. Therefore, a small and compact heat exchanger 100 can be obtained.

[0125] Similarly, in the second arc section N2, the number of corrugated portions of the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19 provided between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 is less than the number of corrugated portions of the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19 provided between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 in the first straight section M1 or the third straight section M3. Therefore, in the second arc section N2, the spacing between adjacent heat transfer tubes 2 is reduced, and the radius of the arc forming the second arc section N2 can be reduced. Thus, a small and compact heat exchanger 100 can be obtained.

[0126] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 100 can be configured in a circular or U-shape to surround the blower fan 500 without bending the heat transfer tubes 2. Since the long axis Z of the heat transfer tubes 2 is positioned to face the blower fan 500, air can be efficiently directed onto the fifth wire fin 18 and the sixth wire fin 19. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

[0127] In Embodiment 5, the wave period interval direction U of the fifth wire fin 18 and sixth wire fin 19, which are arranged in a circular or U-shape, is the same as the wave period interval direction U of the fifth wire fin 18 and sixth wire fin 19 of the heat exchanger 100, which is arranged in a circular or U-shape, and is therefore the circumferential direction of the circular heat exchanger 100 or the U-shaped direction of the U-shaped heat exchanger 100.

[0128] As described above, the heat exchanger 100 can be constructed without bending the heat transfer tubes 2. Therefore, the heat exchanger 100 can be constructed and housed in a product's storage space or storage shape without causing a decrease in pressure resistance performance or reliability due to deformation of the heat transfer tubes 2. Furthermore, the periodic spacing direction U of the fifth wire fins 18 and sixth wire fins 19, which are formed from wavy wires, is arranged along the step direction X of the heat transfer tubes 2, and the fifth wire fins 18 and sixth wire fins 19 are thermally joined to the heat transfer tubes 2. Since the heat exchanger 100 can be formed in a circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped form, it can be arranged inside the housing so as to surround the circular blower fan 500. This makes it possible to obtain a small, lightweight, low-cost, and highly efficient indoor unit, outdoor unit, air conditioner 140, heat source unit for a water heater, or water heater.

[0129] As described above, with respect to the air conditioner 140 according to Embodiment 5, since the heat exchanger 100 provided in the housing 130 has wire fins 1, the heat exchanger 100 can be arranged to surround the blower fan without bending the heat transfer tubes 2. Therefore, the heat exchanger 100 can be configured to fit the storage space or shape of the product and housed in the air conditioner 140 without causing a decrease in pressure resistance performance or reliability due to deformation of the heat transfer tubes 2.

[0130] Furthermore, the enclosure 130 is, for example, an indoor unit placed inside a room, and it is possible to obtain a small, lightweight, low-cost, and highly efficient indoor unit.

[0131] Embodiment 6. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 6. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 6 as viewed in the refrigerant flow direction Y. Embodiment 6 differs from Embodiments 1 to 5 in that the heat transfer tubes 2 are cylindrical tubes. In Embodiment 6, parts common to Embodiments 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 to 5.

[0132] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the heat exchanger 100 is composed of heat transfer tubes 800, which are cylindrical tubes, and seventh wire fins 850 formed for the cylindrical tubes. Multiple heat transfer tubes 800 are arranged in a predetermined direction at predetermined intervals, preferably at equal intervals. The seventh wire fins 850 are thermally connected to the multiple heat transfer tubes 800.

[0133] In the heat transfer tube 800, the predetermined direction to which the seventh wire fin 850 is connected is referred to as the step direction L. The direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant flow path 900 of the heat transfer tube 800 is the longitudinal direction or the depth direction, and is referred to as the refrigerant flow path direction M. The heat transfer tube 800 is configured by arranging multiple refrigerant flow paths 900, each having a predetermined length, so that they overlap. The multiple heat transfer tubes 800 are arranged in a direction approximately perpendicular to the wave direction of the seventh wire fin 850. The direction in which the multiple heat transfer tubes 800 are arranged in a row is referred to as the circular tube row direction N.

[0134] The seventh wire fin 850, like the wire fin 1, is formed into a wavy shape using a wire such as aluminum wire. In the seventh wire fin 850, the direction in which the wave propagates and the direction of the period are referred to as the period interval direction U, and the direction in which the amplitude of the wave is referred to as the amplitude direction W. The seventh wire fin 850, like the wire fin 1, is composed of a fixed part 870 and a wavy part 860. The fixed part 870 has a wire fin arc part 871, and is fixed to the heat transfer tube 2 by line contact at the wire fin arc part 871. The wavy part 860 is formed by wire so that the wave shape propagates in the period interval direction U. The seventh wire fin 850 is arranged at predetermined intervals, for example, equal intervals or unequal intervals, in the refrigerant flow path direction M of the heat transfer tube 800. Multiple seventh wire fins 850 are provided, for example, a predetermined number. In the seventh wire fin 850, the refrigerant flow direction M of the heat transfer tubes 800, which are provided at predetermined intervals, is referred to as the overlapping direction V or the overlapping depth direction V.

[0135] With this configuration, even if the heat transfer tube 800 is a small-diameter circular tube, the corrugated seventh wire fin 850 can be used. The seventh wire fin 850 has a fixed portion 870 and a corrugated portion 860 that is formed in a corrugated shape. Even if the spacing between adjacent heat transfer tubes 800 varies slightly, when the heat transfer tube 800 is inserted into the fixed portion 870 with a slight press-fit, the spring properties of the corrugated portion 860 cause the corrugated portion 860 to expand and contract, absorbing the spacing variations. As a result, the heat transfer tube 800 and the seventh wire fin 850 can be in close thermal contact. Therefore, assembly is improved and heat transfer performance is also improved.

[0136] Furthermore, the wave period interval direction U of the seventh wire fin 850, which is formed from a wavy wire, is aligned with the stepped direction of the heat transfer tube 800, and is thermally joined to the heat transfer tube 800 to form a heat exchanger 303. The heat exchanger 100 makes it possible to obtain a small, lightweight, low-cost, and highly efficient air conditioner 140. Similarly, the heat exchanger 100 can also make it possible to obtain a small, lightweight, low-cost, and highly efficient indoor unit, outdoor unit, air conditioner 140, heat source unit for a water heater, or water heater.

[0137] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 100 can be arranged in a circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped configuration so as to surround the blower fan 500, which is a circular fan. This makes it possible to obtain a small, lightweight, low-cost, and highly efficient air conditioner 140 using the heat exchanger 100. In addition, by arranging the heat transfer tubes 800 so that the row direction N faces the blower fan 500, wind or air can be efficiently directed onto the seventh wire fin 850. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

[0138] In Figures 1 and 6, in the heat transfer tube 2a located at the outermost end in the step direction X, one wire fin 1, a first wire fin 11, or a second wire fin 12 is folded back at a folded portion 1a, a folded portion 11a, or a folded portion 12a, respectively. Multiple wire fins 1, 1, or 2 are arranged in the refrigerant flow direction Y by being folded back at a folded portion 1a, a folded portion 11a, or a folded portion 12a, respectively. By arranging multiple wire fins 1, 1, or 2 in the refrigerant flow direction Y, it becomes unnecessary to cut the wire fins 1, 1, or 2. Therefore, a low-cost heat exchanger 100 can be obtained.

[0139] The third wire fin 16, fourth wire fin 17, fifth wire fin 18, sixth wire fin 19, or seventh wire fin 850 may also be folded back at the heat transfer tube 2a or heat transfer tube 800a provided at the outermost end in the step direction X. The third wire fin 16, fourth wire fin 17, fifth wire fin 18, sixth wire fin 19, or seventh wire fin 850 can also be arranged in multiples in the refrigerant flow direction Y by being folded back. The third wire fin 16, fourth wire fin 17, fifth wire fin 18, sixth wire fin 19, or seventh wire fin 850 does not need to be cut, and a low-cost heat exchanger 100 can be obtained.

[0140] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger 100 according to a modified example of Embodiment 6. As shown in Figure 21, in the heat exchanger 100, a continuous coiled wire may be used as a single eighth wire fin 851. This improves workability and work efficiency.

[0141] Furthermore, the wire fins 1 may not be configured such that a single wire fin is folded back at the folded portion 1a and arranged in multiples in the refrigerant flow direction Y, but rather multiple wire fins may be arranged in the refrigerant flow direction Y of the heat transfer tube 2. By arranging multiple wire fins 1 in the refrigerant flow direction Y of the heat transfer tube 2, pre-cut wavy wire fins 1 to a predetermined length can be used, thereby improving ease of assembly. The same applies to the first wire fins 11 to the eighth wire fins 851.

[0142] As described above, the heat exchanger 100 is composed of wire fins 1 and heat transfer tubes 2. The heat exchanger 100 is placed inside the housing 130 and can constitute an air conditioner 140. The wire fins 1 are formed in a corrugated shape using wire. The heat transfer tubes 2 are, for example, flat tubes and are arranged in the step direction X. The wire fins 1 are joined to the heat transfer tubes 2 such that the periodic interval direction U, which is the direction in which the waves of the wire fins 1 propagate, is aligned with the step direction X. A first connecting wire 70 is connected to the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tubes 2, the second end 202 of the wire fins 1, or the lower top 60 of the wire fins 1. Also, inside the housing 130, a drain pan 30 is placed below the heat exchanger 100 to receive dew 150 that falls from the heat exchanger 100. Inside the housing 130, the heat exchanger 100 is positioned so as to be tilted by a predetermined angle.

[0143] This prevents dew from accumulating and accumulating at the starting points of dew dripping at the lower end of the heat exchanger 100, such as the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2, the second end 202 of the wire fin 1, or the lower top 60 of the wire fin 1. As a result, a heat exchanger 100 and an air conditioner 140 that are less prone to dew dripping or dew splashing can be obtained.

[0144] Furthermore, a first connecting wire 70 is provided at the bottom of the heat exchanger 100, and since the heat exchanger 100 is installed at an angle, the location where the dew 150 generated in the heat exchanger 100 falls is specified to a predetermined location. In addition to the first connecting wire 70, the heat exchanger 100 may also be provided with a second connecting wire 75 or a third connecting wire 85. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the installation location of the drain pan 30 is increased, and the size of the drain pan 30 can be reduced.

[0145] In the air conditioner 140, the first connecting wire 70 or the second connecting wire 75 may be connected in a mesh pattern, intersecting with the third connecting wire 85 at approximately right angles. This allows for good drainage of dew 150 both in the step direction X of the heat transfer tubes 2 and in the refrigerant flow direction Y of the heat transfer tubes 2, resulting in a heat exchanger 100 or air conditioner 140 that is less prone to dew dripping or dew splashing.

[0146] The heat exchanger 100 may be used in a water heater instead of an air conditioner 140. The heat exchanger 100 may also be used in an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a heat source unit for a water heater, or in a water heater. The wire fins 1 may be the first wire fins 11 to the eighth wire fins 851. The first connecting wire 70 may be the second connecting wire 75 or the third connecting wire 85. The heat transfer tube 2 may be a cylindrical heat transfer tube 800. The first connecting wire 70 may be connected to the lower top 50 of the heat transfer tube 2, as well as to the second end 202 of the wire fin 1, or to the lower top 60 of the wire fin 1.

[0147] Furthermore, the air conditioner 140 is equipped with a heat exchanger 100 that is thermally joined to the heat transfer tubes 2, with the wire fins 1, which are formed into a corrugated shape from wire, arranged such that the periodic spacing direction U of the wire fins 1 aligns with the step direction of the heat transfer tubes 2. The periodic spacing direction U of the wire fins 1 is the direction in which the waves propagate and is the direction of the periodic interval. The air conditioner 140 is equipped with a blower fan 500 for blowing the air that has undergone heat exchange via the heat exchanger 100 into or outside the room. In addition, the air conditioner 140 is equipped with an indoor unit or an outdoor unit in which the heat exchanger 100 is arranged in a circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped configuration so as to surround the blower fan 500. As a result, a small, lightweight, low-cost, and highly efficient air conditioner 140 can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1 Wire fin, 1a Folded section, 2 Heat transfer tube, 2a Heat transfer tube, 11 First wire fin, 11a Folded section, 12 Second wire fin, 12a Folded section, 16 Third wire fin, 17 Fourth wire fin, 18 Fifth wire fin, 19 Sixth wire fin, 30 Drain pan, 50 Lower top section, 60 Lower top section, 65 Upper top section, 70 First connecting wire, 75 Second connecting wire, 85 Third connecting wire, 100 Heat exchanger, 101 Fixing section, 103 Wire fin arc section, 103a Opening, 104 Wire fin straight section, 105 Corrugated section, 111 Fixing section, 113 Wire fin arc section, 113a Opening, 114 Wire fin straight section, 115 Corrugated section, 121 Fixing section, 123 Wire fin arc section, 123a Opening, 124 straight wire fin section, 125 corrugated section, 130 housing, 140 air conditioner, 150 dew, 201 first end, 202 second end, 203 arc section of heat transfer tube, 204 straight section of heat transfer tube, 213 arc section of heat transfer tube, 214 straight section of heat transfer tube, 223 arc section of heat transfer tube, 224 straight section of heat transfer tube, 303 heat exchanger, 500 blower fan, 501 fan outer diameter, 510 predetermined gap, 530 rotating shaft, 600 refrigerant flow path, 800 heat transfer tube, 800a heat transfer tube, 850 seventh wire fin, 851 eighth wire fin, 860 corrugated section, 870 fixed section, 871 arc section of wire fin, 900 refrigerant flow path.

Claims

1. Heat transfer tubes arranged in a stepped direction, A wire fin having a wavy portion formed from a wire and having a wavy shape, and a heat transfer tube joint portion that is inserted into and joined to the heat transfer tube, Equipped with, The periodic interval direction, which is the direction in which the waves of the wire fin propagate, is aligned with the step direction of the heat transfer tube. The heat transfer tube is a flattened tube whose cross-section has a major axis, The aforementioned wire fins include: The heat transfer tube is sandwiched from the direction of its long axis. heat exchanger.

2. The aforementioned wire fin is Pressed into the aforementioned heat transfer tube The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

3. The wire fin has ends in the wave amplitude direction, further comprising connecting wires that connect adjacent ends. The heat exchanger according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned wire fin is made of aluminum, The wire fins and the heat transfer tubes are, They are joined by brazing or zinc spraying. A heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

5. It is circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped. A heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The heat transfer tubes are arranged in a circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped configuration. A heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The heat exchanger is provided as described in claim 1 or 2. Air conditioner.

8. A heat exchanger is provided inside the housing and comprises a heat transfer tube and a wire fin having a corrugated portion having a corrugated shape and a heat transfer tube joint portion inserted into and joined to the heat transfer tube, wherein the periodic interval direction, which is the direction in which the waves of the wire fin propagate, is arranged along the step direction of the heat transfer tube, the heat transfer tube is a flattened tube with a cross-section having a major axis, and the wire fin has a heat exchanger in which the heat transfer tube is sandwiched from the direction of the major axis, A fan is provided inside the housing and blows out the air that has undergone heat exchange via the heat exchanger to the outside of the housing. Equipped with, The heat exchanger is, It is circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped. It is arranged to surround the aforementioned blower fan. Air conditioner.

9. The aforementioned enclosure is an indoor unit installed inside a room. The air conditioner according to claim 8.

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