Header member, heat exchanger unit, and method for manufacturing the header member

Abstract

To branch or aggregate a first fluid and a second fluid with a simple configuration without mixing them in a heat exchanger configured such that a plurality of first heat transfer pipes and a plurality of second heat transfer pipes are arranged so as to adjoin each other.SOLUTION: A header member includes: first flow passage parts which are arranged between ends of a plurality of first heat transfer pipes of a heat exchanger and first external piping connection parts, and second flow passage parts arranged between ends of a plurality of second heat transfer pipes of the heat exchanger and second external piping connection parts. The first flow passage parts have a plurality of first flow passages which are connected to the plurality of first heat transfer pipes, respectively, and the plurality of first flow passages are sequentially connected stepwise to be connected to one first external piping connect part. The second flow passage parts are connected to the plurality of second heat transfer pipes, respectively, and have a plurality of second flow passages which are formed independently from the plurality of first flow passages, and the plurality of second flow passages are sequentially connected stepwise to be connected to one second external piping connection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a header member, a heat exchanger unit, and a method for manufacturing a header member.

Background Art

[0002] In a heat exchanger, there is a type in which a plurality of heat transfer tubes through which a fluid flows are arranged in parallel. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of a header of a heat exchanger provided with a distribution flow path that distributes a plurality of flow paths from a refrigerant inflow portion to a plurality of heat transfer tubes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, there is a heat exchanger configured such that a plurality of first heat transfer tubes through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes through which a second fluid flows are bundled adjacent to each other. In a heat exchanger having such a configuration, in the header on the inflow side with respect to the heat exchanger, it is necessary to distribute the first fluid and the second fluid to each of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes and the plurality of second heat transfer tubes. Also, in the header on the outflow side from the heat exchanger, it is necessary to merge the first fluid and the second fluid flowing out from the plurality of first heat transfer tubes and the plurality of second heat transfer tubes, respectively. At this time, it is necessary to branch or converge the flow path of the first fluid and the flow path of the second fluid without the flow path of the first fluid and the flow path of the second fluid intersecting each other.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems and aims to provide a header member, a heat exchanger unit, and a method for manufacturing a header member that can branch or combine the first fluid and the second fluid in a simple configuration without mixing them, for a heat exchanger configured in which a plurality of first heat transfer tubes and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes are arranged adjacent to each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the header member according to the present disclosure is attached to a heat exchanger in which a plurality of first heat transfer tubes through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes through which a second fluid different from the first fluid flows are arranged adjacent to each other, and comprises a first external piping connection part located away from the end of the heat exchanger to which a first external piping for supplying or discharging the first fluid to the heat exchanger can be connected, a first flow path part located between the ends of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes and the first external piping connection part, and a part located away from the end of the heat exchanger to the heat exchanger The apparatus comprises a second external piping connection to which a second external piping for supplying or discharging two fluids can be connected, and a second flow path section disposed between the ends of a plurality of second heat transfer tubes and the second external piping connection section, wherein the first flow path section has a plurality of first flow paths connected to each of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes, and the plurality of first flow paths are connected sequentially in stages to the first external piping connection section, and the second flow path section has a plurality of second flow paths connected to each of the plurality of second heat transfer tubes and formed independently of the plurality of first flow paths, and the plurality of second flow paths are connected sequentially in stages to the first external piping connection section. The first flow path section and the second flow path section are provided with a plurality of flow path stages in which, in the first direction in which the first heat transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube extend, the number of first flow paths and the second flow paths arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction decreases as they move away from the heat exchanger, and are provided with at least one first flow path connection section arranged between adjacent flow path stages, connecting a plurality of first flow paths closer to the heat exchanger in the first direction and one first flow path closer to the first external piping connection section, and are provided with at least one second flow path connection section arranged between adjacent flow path stages, connecting a plurality of second flow paths closer to the heat exchanger in the first direction and one second flow path closer to the second external piping connection section. The first channel section and the second channel section are stacked in the first direction to form a plurality of stacked bodies A hole that penetrates the interior The laminates are composed of, It is fixed to other adjacent laminates in the first direction, and inside It has the first channel connection and the second channel connection.

[0007] The heat exchanger unit according to this disclosure comprises a heat exchanger having a plurality of first heat transfer tubes through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes through which a second fluid flows, and a header member as described above, disposed at at least one end of the heat exchanger.

[0008] The method for manufacturing a header member according to this disclosure is a method for manufacturing a header member as described above, and includes the steps of: acquiring information on the distribution of the flow rate of the first fluid between a plurality of first channels in the first channel section and information on the distribution of the flow rate of the second fluid between a plurality of second channels in the second channel section; determining the shape of the first channel and the second channel based on the acquired information on the distribution of the flow rate of the first fluid between a plurality of first channels and information on the distribution of the flow rate of the second fluid between a plurality of second channels, such that the flow resistance becomes constant; forming the first channel section and the second channel section based on the determined shapes of the first channel and the second channel section; forming the first external piping connection section and the second external piping connection section; and manufacturing the header member by connecting the formed first external piping connection section, the first channel section, the second external piping connection section, and the second channel section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the header member, heat exchanger unit, and method for manufacturing the header member of this disclosure, a heat exchanger in which a plurality of first heat transfer tubes and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes are arranged adjacent to each other can be branched or combined in a simple configuration without mixing the first fluid and the second fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a heat exchanger unit equipped with a header member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the layout of the first channel in the first channel section of the header member described above. [Figure 4]This diagram schematically shows the layout of the first channel connection section in the first channel section of the header member described above, which connects the first channel of the first channel stage and the first channel of the second channel stage. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows the layout of the first channel connection section in the first channel section of the header member described above, which connects the first channel of the second channel stage and the first channel of the third channel stage. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows the layout of the first channel connection section in the first channel section of the header member described above, which connects the first channel of the third channel stage and the first channel of the fourth channel stage. [Figure 7] This diagram schematically shows the layout of the first and second flow channels of the fourth flow channel stage in the first flow channel section of the header member described above. [Figure 8] This diagram schematically shows the layout of the second channel in the second channel section of the header member described above. [Figure 9] This diagram schematically shows the layout of the second channel connection section in the header member described above, which connects the second channel of the first channel stage and the second channel of the second channel stage. [Figure 10] This diagram schematically shows the layout of the second channel connection section in the header member described above, which connects the second channel of the second channel stage and the second channel of the third channel stage. [Figure 11] This diagram schematically shows the layout of the second channel connection section in the header member described above, which connects the second channel of the third channel stage and the second channel of the fourth channel stage. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the procedure for manufacturing a header member according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 13] This figure schematically shows the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit provided in the header member according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows the procedure for manufacturing a header member according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]A cross-sectional view showing the configurations of a first flow rate distribution adjuster and a second flow rate distribution adjuster provided in a header member according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing a header member, a heat exchanger unit, and a method for manufacturing a header member according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to only these embodiments.

[0012] (First Embodiment) (Configuration of Heat Exchanger Unit) The heat exchanger unit 1A is arranged in the middle of a pipe and is capable of exchanging heat between fluids at different temperatures. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger unit 1A includes a heat exchanger 2, a first header 3A, and a second header 3B. [[ID=I8]]

[0013] (Configuration of Heat Exchanger) The heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat with the supplied first fluid F1 and second fluid F2. The first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 are different fluids. The first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 are each a gas or a liquid. The first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 are at least different in temperature. Note that the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 may be different in, for example, the type of fluid in addition to the temperature.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 2 comprises a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21, a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22, and a casing 23. Each of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21 and each of the plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22 extends in a first direction D1. The first heat transfer tubes 21 and the second heat transfer tubes 22 are each formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the first direction D1. In other words, the first direction D1 is the direction in which the first heat transfer tubes 21 and the second heat transfer tubes 22 extend, and is the flow direction of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in the heat exchanger 2. The first heat transfer tubes 21 and the second heat transfer tubes 22 are open on both sides of the end in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first heat transfer tubes 21 and the second heat transfer tubes 22, as viewed from the first direction D1, is, for example, rectangular (square). Furthermore, the first heat transfer tube 21 and the second heat transfer tube 22 are not limited to having a rectangular cross-section; their cross-sectional shapes, as viewed from the first direction D1, may be circular, polygonal, or the like. The first heat transfer tube 21 and the second heat transfer tube 22 are tubular members formed from, for example, a metal material.

[0015] Multiple first heat transfer tubes 21 and multiple second heat transfer tubes 22 are arranged adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, multiple first heat transfer tubes 21 and multiple second heat transfer tubes 22 are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and in the third direction D3 perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In both the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, adjacent first heat transfer tubes 21 and second heat transfer tubes 22 are in contact with each other. In other words, when viewed from the first direction D1, one first heat transfer tube 21 is not adjacent to any other first heat transfer tubes 21, but is surrounded only by multiple second heat transfer tubes 22. The same number of multiple first heat transfer tubes 21 and multiple second heat transfer tubes 22 are arranged (for example, 32 of each in this embodiment). The number of multiple first heat transfer tubes 21 and multiple second heat transfer tubes 22 can be appropriately changed depending on the environment in which they are used.

[0016] The second direction D2 is the width direction of the heat exchanger 2, for example, the horizontal direction. The third direction D3 is the length direction of the heat exchanger 2, for example, the vertical direction.

[0017] Multiple first heat transfer tubes 21 and multiple second heat transfer tubes 22 are bundled together and housed within a casing 23. The casing 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in a first direction D1. In this embodiment, the casing 23 is formed, for example, in a rectangular cross-section when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0018] A first fluid F1 flows through each of the multiple first heat transfer tubes 21. A second fluid F2, different from the first fluid F1, flows through each of the multiple second heat transfer tubes 22. The direction of flow of the first fluid F1 in the first heat transfer tubes 21 and the direction of flow of the second fluid F2 in the second heat transfer tubes 22 may be the same or they may be in opposite directions. In this embodiment, the direction of flow of the first fluid F1 in the first heat transfer tubes 21 and the direction of flow of the second fluid F2 in the second heat transfer tubes 22 are, for example, opposite in the first direction D1.

[0019] (Configuration of header members) As shown in Figure 1, the first header 3A and the second header 3B are attached to the heat exchanger 2. The first header 3A is attached to one end (first side) of the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1. The second header 3B is attached to the other end (second side) of the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1. In other words, the second header 3B is positioned on the opposite side of the heat exchanger 2 from the first header 3A in the first direction D1. The second header 3B is positioned facing the first header 3A in a symmetrical manner with respect to the heat exchanger 2.

[0020] The first header 3A is located on the inlet side of the first fluid F1 to the heat exchanger 2 and on the outlet side of the second fluid F2. One first external pipe 8A and one second external pipe 9A can be connected to the first header 3A. The first header 3A branches the first fluid F1 that has flowed through the first external pipe 8A and sends it to multiple first heat transfer tubes 21. The first header 3A collects the second fluid F2 that has flowed through multiple second heat transfer tubes 22 and sends it into one second external pipe 9A.

[0021] The second header 3B is located on the outlet side of the first fluid F1 from the heat exchanger 2 and on the inflow side of the second fluid F2. The second header 3B is connected to one first external pipe 8B and one second external pipe 9B, which are different from the first header 3A. The second header 3B collects the first fluid F1 that has flowed through multiple first heat transfer tubes 21 and sends it into one first external pipe 8B. The second header 3B branches the second fluid F2 that has flowed through one second external pipe 9B and sends it to multiple second heat transfer tubes 22.

[0022] The first header 3A and the second header 3B are each composed of header members 30P. The header members 30P that make up the first header 3A and the second header 3B will be described below. The header members 30P that make up the first header 3A and the header members 30P that make up the second header 3B are configured the same except that they are positioned in different orientations and the flow directions of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 are reversed. As shown in Figure 3, the header member 30P comprises a header body 31, a first external piping connection part 32, a second external piping connection part 33, a first flow path part 34, and a second flow path part 35 (see Figure 8).

[0023] The header body 31 is attached to the end of the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1. The header body 31 is attached to the heat exchanger 2 by various joining means such as welding, bonding, and bolting. The header body 31 is made of the same material as the casing 23. The header body 31 is made of, for example, a metal material, a ceramic material, a resin material, etc. The header body 31 is formed in a rectangular (square) cross-section when viewed from the first direction D1. The header body 31 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the header body 31 is composed of a plurality (for example, four in this embodiment) of laminated bodies 311a to 311d stacked in the first direction D1. The four laminated bodies 311a to 311d are arranged in order so as to move away from the end of the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1. Each laminated body 311a to 311d is fixed to the other adjacent laminated bodies 311a to 311d in the first direction D1. In the first direction D1, the laminate 311a, which is positioned closest to the heat exchanger 2, is fixed to the end of the heat exchanger 2.

[0024] The first external piping connection section 32 is located on the header member 30P at a position away from the end of the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1. The first external piping connection section 32 is fixed to the laminate 311d located at the position furthest from the end of the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1. Only one first external piping connection section 32 is located on the header member 30P. The first external piping connection section 32 is connectable to either the first external piping 8A, which supplies the first fluid F1 to the heat exchanger 2, or the first external piping 8B, which discharges the first fluid F1 to the heat exchanger 2. The first external piping connection section 32 has, for example, a coupler or screw fitting that can be attached to and detached from the first external piping 8A and 8B.

[0025] The second external piping connection section 33 is located on the header member 30P at a position away from the end of the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1. The second external piping connection section 33 is fixed to the laminate 311d at the position furthest from the end of the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1. Only one second external piping connection section 33 is located on the header member 30P. The second external piping connection section 33 is arranged in a spaced-out manner relative to the first external piping connection section 32 in a direction intersecting the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the second external piping connection section 33 is located at a position offset from the first external piping connection section 32 in the third direction D3. The second external piping connection section 33 is connectable to a second external pipe 9A that supplies a second fluid F2 to the heat exchanger 2, or a second external pipe 9B that discharges the first fluid F1 to the heat exchanger 2. The second external piping connection section 33 has, for example, a coupler or screw fitting that can be attached to and detached from the second external pipes 9A and 9B.

[0026] The first flow channel section 34 is positioned between the ends of the multiple open first heat transfer tubes 21 and the first external piping connection section 32. The first flow channel section 34 has multiple first flow channels 36 and multiple first flow channel connection sections 37.

[0027] Multiple first flow channels 36 are formed in the header body 31. More specifically, the multiple first flow channels 36 in this embodiment are formed by holes penetrating the interior of the laminated bodies 311a to 311d. The multiple first flow channels 36 are connected to the ends of all first heat transfer tubes 21 at positions close to the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1. The multiple first flow channels 36 are connected sequentially in stages to a single first external piping connection section 32. In other words, the multiple first flow channels 36 are connected to the first external piping connection section 32 at positions furthest from the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1.

[0028] The first flow channel section 34 is equipped with multiple flow channel stages R1 to R4. The multiple first flow channels 36 are formed across the multiple flow channel stages R1 to R4 in the first direction D1. The multiple flow channel stages R1 to R4 are located sequentially in the first direction D1. In addition, each flow channel stage R1 to R4 may be arranged to span across the laminated bodies 311a to 311d in the first direction. That is, there may be two flow channel stages arranged within one laminated body 311a to 311d. In the multiple flow channel stages R1 to R4 of the first flow channel section 34, the number of first flow channels 36 aligned in the second direction D2 decreases as the distance from the heat exchanger 2 increases in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, in the multiple flow channel stages R1 to R4 of the first flow channel section 34, the number of first flow channels 36 aligned along the virtual planes extending in the second direction D2 and the third direction, when viewed from the first direction D1, decreases as the flow channel stage is further away from the heat exchanger 2.

[0029] Specifically, among the multiple flow path stages R1 to R4, the first flow path stage R1, which is closest to the end of the heat exchanger 2, has a primary first flow path 361 among the multiple first flow paths 36. Each primary first flow path 361 is directly connected to one first heat transfer tube 21. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the number of primary first flow paths 361 in the first flow path stage R1 is the same as the number of first heat transfer tubes 21 when viewed from the first direction D1. In other words, the primary first flow paths 361 are the most numerous among the multiple first flow paths 36.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the second-stage flow channel R2, which is adjacent to the first-stage flow channel R1 in the first direction D1 opposite to the heat exchanger 2, has secondary first flow channels 362 among the multiple first flow channels 36. As shown in Figure 5, the number of secondary first flow channels 362 in the second-stage flow channel R2, when viewed from the first direction D1, is, for example, one-quarter the number of primary first flow channels 361 (8 in this embodiment). In other words, the number of secondary first flow channels 362 is less than the number of primary first flow channels 361.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the third stage flow channel R3, which is adjacent to the second stage flow channel R2 in the first direction D1 opposite to the heat exchanger 2, has tertiary first flow channels 363 among the multiple first flow channels 36. As shown in Figure 6, the number of tertiary first flow channels 363 in the third stage flow channel R3, when viewed from the first direction D1, is, for example, one-quarter the number of secondary first flow channels 362 (2 in this embodiment). In other words, the number of tertiary first flow channels 363 is less than the number of secondary first flow channels 362.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the fourth stage flow path R4, adjacent to the third stage flow path R3 on the side away from the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1, has a quaternary first flow path 364 among the multiple first flow paths 36. In this embodiment, the fourth stage flow path R4 is the flow path stage closest to the first external piping connection 32. The quaternary first flow path 364 is directly connected to the first external piping connection 32. As shown in Figure 7, in the fourth stage flow path R4, when viewed from the first direction D1, there are, for example, half the number of tertiary first flow paths 363 (1 in this embodiment). In other words, the number of quaternary first flow paths 364 is less than the number of tertiary first flow paths 363. Therefore, the quaternary first flow path 364 is the fewest among the multiple first flow paths 36.

[0033] Furthermore, in adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4, it is preferable that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one first flow path 36 closest to the first external piping connection 32 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one first flow path 36 closest to the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1 (cross-sectional area as viewed from the first direction D1). Therefore, the flow path cross-section of one secondary first flow path 362 in the second flow path stage R2 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one primary first flow path 361 in the first flow path stage R1. The flow path cross-section of one tertiary first flow path 363 in the third flow path stage R3 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one tertiary first flow path 363. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one quaternary first flow path 364 in the fourth flow path stage R3 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one tertiary first flow path 363. Therefore, in this embodiment, among the multiple first flow paths 36, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the quaternary first flow path 364 is the largest, and the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the primary first flow path 361 is the smallest.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, at least one first flow path connection section 37 is located between adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4. The first flow path connection section 37 connects multiple adjacent first flow paths 36 in the first direction D1. One first flow path connection section 37 connects multiple (many) first flow paths 36 close to the heat exchanger 2 that are adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, and one first flow path 36 close to the first external piping connection section 32. In adjacent flow path stages, the first flow path connection section 37 connects at least two first flow paths 36 that are located closest to each other when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a primary first channel connection section 371 is positioned between the first channel stage R1 and the second channel stage R2, which are adjacent in the first direction D1. The primary first channel connection section 371 connects a plurality (four in this embodiment) of primary first channels 361 in the first channel stage R1 to one of the secondary first channels 362 in the second channel stage R2. The primary first channel connection section 371 extends within the laminate 311a along a virtual plane that extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In this embodiment, one primary first channel connection section 371 is connected to a total of four primary first channels 361 that are adjacent in diagonal directions intersecting the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, including the primary first channels 361 that are closest to each other when viewed from the first direction D1 in the first channel stage R1.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, a secondary first channel connection section 372 is positioned between the second channel stage R2 and the third channel stage R3, which are adjacent in the first direction D1. The secondary first channel connection section 372 connects multiple (four in this embodiment) secondary first channels 362 of the second channel stage R2 to one tertiary first channel 363 of the third channel stage R3. The secondary first channel connection section 372 extends within the laminate 311b along a virtual plane that extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In this embodiment, one secondary first channel connection section 372 connects a total of four secondary first channels 362 that are adjacent in diagonal directions intersecting the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, including the two secondary first channels 362 that are closest to each other when viewed from the first direction D1 in the second channel stage R2.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, a tertiary first channel connection section 373 is positioned between the third channel stage R3 and the fourth channel stage R4, which are adjacent in the first direction D1. The tertiary first channel connection section 373 connects multiple (two in this embodiment) tertiary first channels 363 of the third channel stage R3 to one quaternary first channel 364 of the fourth channel stage R4. The tertiary first channel connection section 373 extends within the laminate 311c along a virtual plane that extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the tertiary first channel connection section 373 connects multiple tertiary first channels 363 that are located closest to each other when viewed from the first direction D1 in the third channel stage R3. The tertiary first channel connection section 373 connects two adjacent tertiary first channels 363 that intersect diagonally in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0038] The number and arrangement of the multiple first channels 36 connected at the first channel connection section 37 can be changed as appropriate, but it is preferable to make the channel length of the first channel connection section 37 as short as possible.

[0039] The first flow channel section 34, configured in this way, branches or combines the flow of the first fluid F1 to the heat exchanger 2. Specifically, in the first header 3A located on the inflow side of the first fluid F1 to the heat exchanger 2, the first fluid F1 flows from the first external piping 8A through the first external piping connection section 32 into the first flow channel section 34. In the first flow channel section 34, the first fluid F1 flows from the quaternary first flow channel 364 of the fourth flow channel stage R4 to the tertiary first flow channel connection section 373. The first fluid F1 that has flowed into the tertiary first flow channel connection section 373 branches and flows into multiple tertiary first flow channels 363 of the third flow channel stage R3. Subsequently, the first fluid F1 flows from each tertiary first flow channel 363 to the secondary first flow channel connection section 372. The first fluid F1 that has flowed into the secondary first flow channel connection section 372 branches and flows into multiple secondary first flow channels 362 of the second flow channel stage R2. Subsequently, the first fluid F1 flows from each secondary first flow channel 362 into the primary first flow channel connection section 371. The first fluid F1 that has flowed into the primary first flow channel connection section 371 branches and flows into multiple primary first flow channels 361 of the first flow channel stage R1. As a result, the first fluid F1 flows into each of the multiple first heat transfer tubes 21 via the primary first flow channels 361.

[0040] Furthermore, in the second header 3B located on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 2 for the first fluid F1, the first fluid F1 flows from multiple first heat transfer tubes 21 into the first flow channel section 34. In the first flow channel section 34, the first fluid F1 flows from each of the multiple first heat transfer tubes 21 into each of the multiple primary first flow channels 361 of the first-stage flow channel R1. The first fluid F1 that has flowed into the multiple primary first flow channels 361 merges and flows into the primary first flow channel connection section 371. The first fluid F1 that has flowed into the primary first flow channel connection section 371 flows into one of the secondary first flow channels 362 of the second-stage flow channel R2. The first fluid F1 that has flowed into the secondary first flow channel connection section 372 merges and flows into the secondary first flow channel connection section 372. The first fluid F1 that has flowed into the secondary first flow channel connection section 372 flows into one of the tertiary first flow channels 363 of the third-stage flow channel R3. The first fluid F1 that flows into the tertiary first channel 363 merges with the tertiary first channel connection 373 and flows into it. The first fluid F1 that flows into the tertiary first channel connection 373 flows into the quaternary first channel 364 of the fourth channel stage R4. As a result, the first fluid F1 reaches one of the first external piping connection 32 via the quaternary first channel 364 and flows into the first external piping 8B.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, the second flow channel section 35 is located between the ends of the multiple open second heat transfer tubes 22 and the second external piping connection section 33. The second flow channel section 35 has multiple second flow channels 38 and multiple second flow channel connection sections 39.

[0042] Multiple second flow channels 38 are formed in the header body 31. More specifically, the multiple second flow channels 38 in this embodiment are formed together with the first flow channels 36 by holes penetrating the interior of the laminates 311a to 311d. The multiple second flow channels 38 are formed independently of the multiple first flow channels 36 and the first flow channel connection parts 37. In the first direction D1, the multiple second flow channels 38 are connected to the ends of all the second heat transfer tubes 22 at positions close to the heat exchanger 2. The multiple second flow channels 38 are connected sequentially in stages to a single second external piping connection part 33. In other words, the multiple second flow channels 38 are connected to the second external piping connection part 33 at positions furthest from the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1.

[0043] The second flow channel section 35, like the first flow channel section 34, is equipped with multiple flow channel stages R1 to R4. In this embodiment, the flow channel stages R1 to R4 of the second flow channel section 35 are the same as those of the first flow channel section 34. The multiple second flow channels 38 are formed across the multiple flow channel stages R1 to R4 in the first direction D1. In the multiple flow channel stages R1 to R4 of the second flow channel section 35, the number of second flow channels 38 aligned in the second direction D2 decreases as the distance from the heat exchanger 2 increases in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, in the multiple flow channel stages R1 to R4 of the second flow channels 38, the number of first flow channels 36 aligned along a virtual plane extending in the second direction D2 and the third direction, when viewed from the first direction D1, decreases as the flow channel stage moves further away from the heat exchanger 2. The second flow channels 38 in this embodiment have the same configuration as the multiple first flow channels 36.

[0044] Specifically, among the multiple flow path stages R1 to R4, the first flow path stage R1, which is closest to the end of the heat exchanger 2, has primary second flow paths 381 among the second flow paths 38. Each primary second flow path 381 is directly connected to one second heat transfer tube 22. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, the number of primary second flow paths 381 in the first flow path stage R1 is the same as the number of second heat transfer tubes 22 when viewed from the first direction D1. In other words, the primary second flow paths 381 are the most numerous among the multiple second flow paths 38.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the second-stage flow channel R2, which is adjacent to the first-stage flow channel R1 in the first direction D1 opposite to the heat exchanger 2, has secondary second flow channels 382 among the multiple second flow channels 38. As shown in Figure 10, the number of secondary second flow channels 382 in the second-stage flow channel R2, when viewed from the first direction D1, is, for example, one-quarter the number of primary second flow channels 381 (8 in this embodiment). In other words, the number of secondary second flow channels 382 is less than the number of primary second flow channels 381.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the third stage flow channel R3, which is adjacent to the second stage flow channel R2 in the first direction D1 opposite the heat exchanger 2, has tertiary second flow channels 383 among the multiple second flow channels 38. As shown in Figure 11, the number of tertiary second flow channels 383 in the third stage flow channel R3, when viewed from the first direction D1, is, for example, one-quarter the number of secondary second flow channels 382 (2 in this embodiment). In other words, the number of tertiary second flow channels 383 is less than the number of secondary second flow channels 382.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the fourth stage flow path R4, adjacent to the third stage flow path R3 on the side away from the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1, has a quaternary second flow path 384 among the multiple second flow paths 38. In this embodiment, the fourth stage flow path R4 is the flow path stage closest to the second external piping connection 33. The quaternary second flow path 384 is directly connected to the second external piping connection 33. As shown in Figure 7, in the fourth stage flow path R4, when viewed from the first direction D1, there are, for example, half the number of tertiary second flow paths 383 (one in this embodiment). In other words, the number of quaternary second flow paths 384 is less than the number of tertiary second flow paths 383. Therefore, the quaternary second flow path 384 is the fewest among the multiple second flow paths 38.

[0048] Furthermore, in adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4, it is preferable that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one second flow path 38 closest to the second external piping connection 33 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one second flow path 38 closest to the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1 (the cross-sectional area as viewed from the first direction D1). Therefore, the flow path cross-section of one secondary second flow path 382 in the second flow path stage R2 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one primary second flow path 381 in the first flow path stage R1. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one secondary second flow path 382 in the third flow path stage R3 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one tertiary second flow path 383. Therefore, in this embodiment, among the multiple second flow paths 38, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the tertiary second flow path 384 is the largest, and the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the primary second flow path 381 is the smallest.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, at least one second flow path connection section 39 is located between adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4. The second flow path connection section 39 connects multiple adjacent second flow paths 38 in the first direction D1. One second flow path connection section 39 connects multiple (many) second flow paths 38 close to the heat exchanger 2 that are adjacent to each other in the first direction D1, and one second flow path 38 close to the second external piping connection section 33. In adjacent flow path stages, the second flow path connection section 39 connects at least two second flow paths 38 that are located closest to each other when viewed from the first direction D1. Furthermore, the second flow path connection section 39 is formed independently so as not to interfere with the first flow path connection section 37 or the first flow path 36.

[0050] Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, a primary-second channel connection section 391 is positioned between the first-stage channel step R1 and the second-stage channel step R2, which are adjacent in the first direction D1. The primary-second channel connection section 391 connects multiple (four in this embodiment) primary-second channels 381 of the first-stage channel step R1 to one secondary-second channel 382 of the second-stage channel step R2. The primary-second channel connection section 391 extends within the laminate 311a along a virtual plane that extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In this embodiment, one primary-second channel connection section 391 is connected to a total of four primary-second channels 381 that are adjacent in diagonal directions intersecting the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, including the primary-second channels 381 that are closest to each other when viewed from the first direction D1 in the first-stage channel step R1.

[0051] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, a secondary second channel connection section 392 is positioned between the second channel stage R2 and the third channel stage R3, which are adjacent in the first direction D1. The secondary second channel connection section 392 connects multiple (four in this embodiment) secondary second channels 382 of the second channel stage R2 to one tertiary second channel 383 of the third channel stage R3. The secondary second channel connection section 392 extends within the laminate 311b along a virtual plane that extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In this embodiment, one secondary second channel connection section 392 connects a total of four secondary second channels 382 that are adjacent in diagonal directions intersecting the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, including the two secondary second channels 382 that are closest to each other when viewed from the first direction D1 in the second channel stage R2.

[0052] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, a tertiary second channel connection section 393 is positioned between the third channel stage R3 and the fourth channel stage R4, which are adjacent in the first direction D1. The tertiary second channel connection section 393 connects multiple (two in this embodiment) tertiary second channels 383 of the third channel stage R3 to one quaternary second channel 384 of the fourth channel stage R4. The tertiary second channel connection section 393 extends within the laminate 311c along a virtual plane that extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the tertiary second channel connection section 393 connects multiple tertiary second channels 383 that are located closest to each other when viewed from the first direction D1 in the third channel stage R3. The tertiary second channel connection section 393 connects two adjacent tertiary second channels 383 that intersect diagonally in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0053] The number and arrangement of the multiple second channels 38 connected at the second channel connection section 39 can be changed as appropriate, but it is preferable to make the channel length of the second channel connection section 39 as short as possible.

[0054] Furthermore, in order to avoid intersecting with the first channel connection portion 37, the second channel connection portion 39 is positioned within the laminated bodies 311a to 311d with a position offset from the first channel connection portion 37 in the first direction D1.

[0055] The second flow channel section 35, configured in this way, branches or combines the flow of the second fluid F2 to the heat exchanger 2. Specifically, in the second header 3B located on the inflow side of the second fluid F2 to the heat exchanger 2, the second fluid F2 flows from the second external piping 9B through the second external piping connection section 33 into the second flow channel section 35. In the second flow channel section 35, the second fluid F2 flows from the quaternary second flow channel 384 of the fourth flow channel stage R4 to the tertiary second flow channel connection section 393. The second fluid F2 that has flowed into the tertiary second flow channel connection section 393 branches and flows into multiple tertiary second flow channels 383 of the third flow channel stage R3. Subsequently, the second fluid F2 flows from each tertiary second flow channel 383 to the secondary second flow channel connection section 392. The second fluid F2 that has flowed into the secondary second flow channel connection section 392 branches and flows into multiple secondary second flow channels 382 of the second flow channel stage R2. Subsequently, the second fluid F2 flows from each secondary second flow channel 382 into the primary second flow channel connection section 391. The second fluid F2 that has flowed into the primary second flow channel connection section 391 branches and flows into multiple primary second flow channels 381 of the first flow channel stage R1. As a result, the second fluid F2 flows into multiple second heat transfer tubes 22 via the primary second flow channels 381.

[0056] Furthermore, in the first header 3A located on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 2 for the second fluid F2, the second fluid F2 flows from multiple second heat transfer tubes 22 into the second flow channel section 35. In the second flow channel section 35, the second fluid F2 flows from each of the multiple second heat transfer tubes 22 into each of the multiple primary second flow channels 381 of the first-stage flow channel R1. The second fluid F2 that has flowed into the multiple primary second flow channels 381 merges and flows into the primary second flow channel connection section 391. The second fluid F2 that has flowed into the primary second flow channel connection section 391 flows into one of the secondary second flow channels 382 of the second-stage flow channel R2. The second fluid F2 that has flowed into the secondary second flow channels 382 merges and flows into the secondary second flow channel connection section 392. The second fluid F2 that has flowed into the secondary second flow channel connection section 392 flows into one of the tertiary second flow channels 383 of the third-stage flow channel R3. The second fluid F2 that flows into the tertiary second channel 383 merges with the tertiary second channel connection 393 and flows in. The second fluid F2 that flows into the tertiary second channel connection 393 flows into the quaternary second channel 384 of the fourth channel stage R4. As a result, the second fluid F2 reaches one of the second external piping connection 33 via the quaternary second channel 384 and flows into the second external piping 9A.

[0057] (Procedure for manufacturing header components) Next, a method for manufacturing the header member 30P as described above will be explained. As shown in Figure 12, the method for manufacturing the header member 30P according to the embodiment of this disclosure, S10, includes a step S12 for determining the shapes of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38, a step S13 for forming the first flow path portion 34 and the second flow path portion 35, a step S14 for forming the first external piping connection portion 32 and the second external piping connection portion 33, and a step S15 for manufacturing the header member 30P.

[0058] In step S12, which determines the shapes of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38, the shapes of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38 are determined. Specifically, for example, as described above, in adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4, the shape is determined such that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one first flow path 36 and second flow path 38 that is close to the first external piping connection part 32 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​multiple first flow paths 36 and second flow paths 38 that are close to the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1.

[0059] In step S13, which forms the first channel section 34 and the second channel section 35, the first channel section 34 and the second channel section 35 are formed based on the shapes of the first channel section 36 and the second channel section 38 determined in step S12. In this embodiment, multiple first channels 36 (361 to 363) and second channels 38 (381 to 383) are formed in each of the laminated bodies 311a to 311d. Subsequently, the header body 31 is formed by stacking the laminated bodies 311a to 311d in the first direction D1.

[0060] In step S14, which involves forming the first external pipe connection part 32 and the second external pipe connection part 33, the first external pipe connection part 32 and the second external pipe connection part 33 are each formed into a predetermined shape.

[0061] In step S15, which manufactures the header member 30P, the first flow channel section 34 and the second flow channel section 35 formed in step S13 are connected and fixed to the first external piping connection section 32 and the second external piping connection section 33 formed in step S14. This manufactures the header members 30P that constitute the first header 3A and the second header 3B.

[0062] (Effects and Benefits) In the header member 30P with the above configuration, the first flow channel section 34 has a plurality of first flow channels 36, each connected to a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21. The second flow channel section 35 has a plurality of second flow channels 38, each connected to a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22. The plurality of first flow channels 36 are connected sequentially in stages to a single first external piping connection section 32. The plurality of second flow channels 38 are connected sequentially in stages to a single second external piping connection section 33. The plurality of second flow channels 38 are formed independently of the first flow channels 36. In this way, the plurality of first flow channels 36 and the plurality of second flow channels 38, which are connected sequentially in stages, are connected to a single first external piping connection section 32 and a single second external piping connection section 33 without the fluids flowing through them mixing. As a result, for a heat exchanger 2 with a configuration in which a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21 and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22 are arranged adjacent to each other, the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 can be branched or combined in a simple configuration without mixing.

[0063] Furthermore, the first flow channel section 34 and the second flow channel section 35 are connected by a first flow channel connection section 37 and a second flow channel connection section 39, respectively, which are located between adjacent flow channel stages R1 to R4. Therefore, in the first direction D1, the number of first flow channels 36 and second flow channels 38 in each flow channel stage gradually decreases as the distance from the heat exchanger 2 increases, from the flow channel stages R1 to R3 that are closer to the heat exchanger 2 to the flow channel stages R2 to R4 that are closer to the first external piping connection section 32. This makes it possible to branch or combine the first flow channels 36 and second flow channels 38 with respect to the heat exchanger 2 using a simple configuration.

[0064] Furthermore, the first flow path connection section 37 and the second flow path connection section 39 connect two or more first flow paths 36 or second flow paths 38 that are located closest to each other when viewed from the first direction D1 in adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4. This allows the flow path length of the first flow path connection section 37 and the second flow path connection section 39 to be shortened. As a result, the overall flow path length in the first flow path section 34 and the second flow path section 35 can also be shortened. Consequently, pressure loss in the first flow path section 34 and the second flow path section 35 can be suppressed.

[0065] Furthermore, the first channel section 34 and the second channel section 35 are composed of multiple laminates 311a to 311d. This makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the first channel 36 and the second channel 38 are sequentially connected by the first channel connection section 37 and the second channel connection section 39 simply by stacking multiple laminates 311a to 311d.

[0066] Furthermore, in adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one first flow path 36 and one second flow path 38 near the first external piping connection 32 is made larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​multiple first flow paths 36 and one second flow path 38 near the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1. This suppresses pressure loss when multiple first flow paths 36 and multiple second flow paths 38 merge or branch off with one first flow path 36 and one second flow path 38. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in efficiency of the flow of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in the first flow path section 34 and the second flow path section 35.

[0067] The heat exchanger unit 1A with the above configuration comprises a heat exchanger 2 and a header member 30P. This makes it possible to provide a heat exchanger unit 1A with a header member 30P that allows for branching or combining the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in a simple configuration without mixing them, for a heat exchanger 2 in which a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21 and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0068] In the manufacturing method S10 of the header member 30P with the above configuration, a header member 30P equipped with a first flow path 36 and a second flow path 38 can be manufactured. Therefore, for a heat exchanger 2 in which a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21 and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22 are arranged adjacent to each other, a header member 30P can be provided that branches or combines the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in a simple configuration without mixing them.

[0069] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the header member, heat exchanger unit, and method for manufacturing the header member according to the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment described below, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures and their descriptions are omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first flow path section 34 and the second flow path section 35 of the header member 30Q have a first flow rate distribution adjustment section 70A and a second flow rate distribution adjustment section 70B.

[0070] In the heat exchanger unit 1B (see Figure 1), the first header 3A and the second header 3B are each composed of a header member 30Q. The header member 30Q includes a header body 31, a first external piping connection part 32, a second external piping connection part 33, a first flow path part 34, and a second flow path part 35, similar to the header member 30P in the first embodiment described above, as well as a first flow rate distribution adjustment part 70A and a second flow rate distribution adjustment part 70B, as shown in Figure 13.

[0071] The first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A is located in the first flow path section 34. The first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A adjusts the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 in the multiple first flow paths 36. The first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A adjusts the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 in the multiple first flow paths 36 so that the flow resistance of the first flow paths 36 in each flow path stage R1 to R4 is constant. Specifically, the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A adjusts the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 in the multiple first flow paths 36 by changing at least one of the flow path diameter, curvature, and flow path surface roughness for at least one of the multiple first flow paths 36. In other words, the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A is formed as a part of the multiple first flow paths 36 or as the first flow path 36 itself. For example, the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A is formed by making the curvature of the first flow path 36 with the greatest flow resistance among the multiple first flow paths 36 larger than that of the other first flow paths 36 in the same flow path stage. In this case, the curvature of a portion of the connection portion between the first flow path 36 and the first flow path connection portion 37 is adjusted to differ depending on the location where it is positioned. As a result, the flow resistance is reduced in a portion of the multiple first flow paths 36. Furthermore, the first flow rate distribution adjustment portion 70A is formed, for example, by making the surface roughness of the flow path rougher in the first flow path 36 with the highest flow rate (lowest flow resistance) among the multiple first flow paths 36 compared to the other first flow paths 36 in the same flow path stage. In this case, the surface roughness of a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the multiple first flow paths 36 is adjusted to differ depending on the location where it is positioned. As a result, the flow resistance may be increased in a portion of the multiple first flow paths 36.

[0072] The second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B is located in the second flow path section 35. The second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B adjusts the flow rate distribution of the second fluid F2 in the multiple second flow paths 38. In the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B, as with the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A, the flow rate distribution of the second fluid F2 in the multiple second flow paths 38 is adjusted so that the flow resistance of the second flow paths 38 in each flow path stage R1 to R4 is constant. Specifically, the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B adjusts the flow rate distribution of the second fluid F2 in the multiple second flow paths 38 by changing at least one of the flow path diameter, curvature, and flow path surface roughness for at least one of the multiple second flow paths 38. In other words, the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B is formed as a part of the second flow path 38 or as the second flow path 38 itself. For example, the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B is formed by making the curvature of the second flow path 38 larger than that of the other second flow paths 38 in the same flow path stage in the second flow path 38 with the greatest flow resistance among the multiple second flow paths 38. As a result, the flow resistance is reduced in some of the multiple second flow channels 38. Furthermore, the second flow rate distribution adjustment section 70B is formed, for example, by making the surface roughness of the flow channel rougher in the second flow channel 38 with the highest flow rate (lowest flow resistance) among the multiple second flow channels 38 compared to the other second flow channels 38 in the same flow channel stage. As a result, the flow resistance may be increased in some of the multiple second flow channels 38.

[0073] (Procedure for manufacturing header components) Next, we will explain how to manufacture the header member 30Q as described above. As shown in Figure 14, the manufacturing method S20 of the header member 30Q according to the embodiment of this disclosure includes a step S21 of acquiring flow rate distribution information in the first flow channel 34 and the second flow channel 35, a step S22 of determining the shapes of the first flow channel 36 and the second flow channel 38, a step S23 of forming the first flow channel 34 and the second flow channel 35, a step S24 of forming the first external piping connection part 32 and the second external piping connection part 33, and a step S25 of manufacturing the header member 30Q.

[0074] In step S21, which acquires flow rate distribution information in the first flow channel section 34 and the second flow channel section 35, the flow rate distribution information for the first flow channel section 34 is acquired as the flow rate distribution information for the first fluid F1 between multiple first flow channels 36 in the first flow channel section 34. In addition, the flow rate distribution information for the second flow channel section 35 is acquired as the flow rate distribution information for the second fluid F2 between multiple second flow channels 38 in the second flow channel section 35.

[0075] Let's explain an example of how to obtain flow rate distribution information for the first channel 36. When the first channel 36 is divided into small sections in the first direction D1, the pressure loss dP of the first channel 36 in each small section i This is expressed by equation (1) below.

number

[0076] Here, ξ i χ is the resistance coefficient of the flow path. i D is the length of the infinitesimal interval. i ρ is the equivalent diameter of the flow path, G is the mass flow rate of the fluid, ρ is the density of the fluid, A is the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, and the subscript i is the number of the infinitesimal section.

[0077] Based on equation (1) above, the total loss dP of the entire flow path for each of the first flow paths 36 is expressed by equation (2) below.

number

[0078] Based on the total pressure loss dP in the multiple first flow channels 36 calculated by equation (2) above, the conditions under which the flow resistance of the first flow channels 36 in each flow channel stage R1 to R4 remains constant are adjusted. As a result, the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 in the multiple first flow channels 36 is adjusted.

[0079] In this way, using equations (1) and (2) above, the pressure loss in the multiple first flow channels 36 and the multiple second flow channels 38 is calculated by a computer device. Based on the calculated pressure loss in the multiple first flow channel sections 34 and second flow channel sections 35, information on the flow rate distribution in the first flow channel section 34 and second flow channel section 35 is obtained.

[0080] Alternatively, the distribution information of fluid flow rates in multiple first flow channels 36 and multiple second flow channels 38 may be obtained through simulation analysis using a computer device.

[0081] In step S22, which determines the shapes of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38, the shapes of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38 are determined based on the flow rate distribution information of the first fluid F1 among the multiple first flow paths 36 and the flow rate distribution information of the second fluid F2 among the multiple second flow paths 38 obtained in step S21, so that the flow resistance is constant. At this time, if the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 among the multiple first flow paths 36 is non-uniform beyond a defined range, the shape of the first flow path 36 is determined with the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 in the multiple first flow paths 36 adjusted by the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A. If the flow rate distribution of the second fluid F2 among the multiple second flow paths 38 is non-uniform beyond a defined range, the shape of the second flow path 38 is determined with the flow rate distribution of the second fluid F2 in the multiple second flow paths 38 adjusted by the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B. Specifically, the shapes of the first flow distribution adjustment unit 70A and the second flow distribution adjustment unit 70B are determined by changing at least one of the following for a portion of the multiple first flow channels 36 and second flow channels 38: the diameter of the flow channel, the curvature, and the surface roughness of the flow channel.

[0082] In step S23, which forms the first channel section 34 and the second channel section 35, the first channel section 34 and the second channel section 35 are formed based on the shapes of the first channel section 36 and the second channel section 38 determined in step S22. In the second embodiment, multiple first channels 36 (361-363) and second channels 38 (381-383) are formed according to the shapes determined for each of the laminates 311a-311d. At that time, the diameter, curvature, and surface roughness of the channels are formed to differ partially depending on the laminates 311a-311d and the positions in which they are formed. Subsequently, the header body 31 is formed by stacking the laminates 311a-311d in the first direction D1.

[0083] In step S24, which involves forming the first external pipe connection part 32 and the second external pipe connection part 33, the first external pipe connection part 32 and the second external pipe connection part 33 are each formed into a predetermined shape.

[0084] In step S25, which manufactures the header member 30Q, the first flow channel section 34 and the second flow channel section 35 formed in step S23 are connected and fixed to the first external piping connection section 32 and the second external piping connection section 33 formed in step S24. This manufactures the header member 30Q that constitutes the first header 3A and the second header 3B.

[0085] (Effects and Benefits) The header member 30Q with the above configuration can adjust the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 in the multiple first flow channels 36 and the flow rate distribution of the second fluid F2 in the multiple second flow channels 38 by the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B. As a result, in the process of connecting the multiple first flow channels 36 and the multiple second flow channels 38 in a stepwise manner so that they gradually decrease, the flow rate distribution due to the difference in flow resistance caused by the difference in flow length in each flow channel stage can be appropriately adjusted.

[0086] Furthermore, the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B change at least one of the following for each of the multiple first flow channels 36 and multiple second flow channels 38: the diameter of the flow channel, the curvature, and the surface roughness of the flow channel. The diameter of the flow channel, the curvature, and the surface roughness of the flow channel contribute to the pressure loss in each flow channel. Therefore, by changing at least one of the diameter of the flow channel, the curvature, and the surface roughness of the flow channel, it is possible to fine-tune the pressure loss in each flow channel. This makes it possible to keep the flow resistance of the first flow channels 36 and the second flow channels 38 constant in each flow channel stage R1 to R4, and to equalize the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in the heat exchanger 2.

[0087] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method S20 for the header member 30Q described above, header members 30P and 30Q equipped with a first flow path 36 and a second flow path 38 whose shapes are determined to be constant based on the flow rate distribution information of the first fluid F1 in the first flow path section 34 and the flow rate distribution information of the second fluid F2 in the second flow path section 35 can be manufactured. Therefore, header members 30P and 30Q can be provided for a heat exchanger 2 in which a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21 and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22 are arranged adjacent to each other, which can branch or combine the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in a simple configuration without mixing them.

[0088] (Modified version of the second embodiment) In the above embodiment, the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B are configured to change at least one of the diameter, curvature, and surface roughness of the flow channels for a plurality of first flow channels 36 and a plurality of second flow channels 38. However, the form of the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B is not limited to being a part of the flow channels.

[0089] The first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B may be separate components from the plurality of first flow paths 36 and the plurality of second flow paths 38. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A may be provided with an orifice 72A that narrows the flow path cross-sectional area in at least one of the first flow paths 36. Similarly, the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B may be provided with an orifice 72B that narrows the flow path cross-sectional area in at least one of the second flow paths 38.

[0090] By providing orifices 72A and 72B in at least one of the first flow channels 36 and the second flow channels 38, the flow resistance in a portion of the multiple first flow channels 36 and the second flow channels 38 can be increased. This makes it possible to adjust the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in the multiple first flow channels 36 and the second flow channels 38, regardless of their shapes. Furthermore, even when the flow rates of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in the multiple first flow channels 36 and the second flow channels 38 change, the flow rate distribution can still be adjusted.

[0091] In the second embodiment described above, the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B adjust the flow rate distribution so that the flow resistance of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38 in each flow path stage R1 to R4 becomes constant. However, it is not limited to making the flow resistance constant. The adjustment of the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 by the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B may be such that the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 approaches a preset distribution.

[0092] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and may include design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of this disclosure.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the procedures for manufacturing the header members 30P and 30Q, S10 and S20, were shown, but the order can be changed as appropriate.

[0094] It should be noted that the first channel 36 and the second channel 38 are not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. For example, the first channel 36 and the second channel 38 may be formed by tubular bodies arranged in the header body 31, or they may be formed separately from the header body 31. In other words, the first channel section 34 and the second channel section 35 are not limited to being composed of laminated bodies 311a to 311d. The first channel section 34 and the second channel section 35 may be composed of a single block-shaped member.

[0095] Furthermore, although four flow path stages were arranged in this embodiment, the number of flow path stages is not limited to four; it may be three or fewer, or five or more.

[0096] Furthermore, in each of the multiple flow path stages R1 to R4, the flow path cross-sectional areas of the multiple first flow paths 36 and the multiple second flow paths 38 may all be different, or they may all be the same, or only some may be the same.

[0097] <Note> The manufacturing methods S10 and S20 for the header members 30P and 30Q, the heat exchanger unit 1A, and the header members 30P and 30Q described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0098] (1) The header members 30P and 30Q according to the first embodiment are header members 30P and 30Q attached to a heat exchanger 2 in which a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21 through which a first fluid F1 flows and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22 through which a second fluid F2 different from the first fluid F1 flows are arranged adjacent to each other, and include a first external piping connection part 32 located away from the end of the heat exchanger 2 to which first external piping 8A and 8B for supplying or discharging the first fluid F1 to the heat exchanger 2 can be connected, a first flow path part 34 located between the ends of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21 and the first external piping connection part 32, and the second The first external pipe connection section 34 includes a second external pipe connection section 33 to which second external pipes 9A and 9B for supplying or discharging fluid F2 can be connected, and a second flow path section 35 disposed between the ends of a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22 and the second external pipe connection section 33. The first flow path section 34 has a plurality of first flow paths 36, each connected to the plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21, and the plurality of first flow paths 36 are connected sequentially in stages to the first external pipe connection section 32. The second flow path section 35 has a plurality of second flow paths 38, each connected to the plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22 and formed independently of the plurality of first flow paths 36, and the plurality of second flow paths 38 are connected sequentially in stages to the first external pipe connection section 33. Examples of the first external piping connection part 32 and the second external piping connection part 33 include couplers and screw fittings.

[0099] These header members 30P and 30Q have multiple first flow paths 36 and multiple second flow paths 38 that are connected sequentially in stages. These flow paths are connected to one first external piping connection 32 and one second external piping connection 33 without the fluids flowing through them mixing. As a result, for a heat exchanger 2 in which multiple first heat transfer tubes 21 and multiple second heat transfer tubes 22 are arranged adjacent to each other, the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 can be branched or combined in a simple configuration without mixing.

[0100] (2) The header members 30P and 30Q according to the second embodiment are the header members 30P and 30Q of (1), wherein the first flow channel section 34 and the second flow channel section 35 are provided with a plurality of flow channel stages R1 to R4 in which the number of the first flow channels 36 and the second flow channels 38 decreases in the second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1 as they move away from the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1 in which the first heat transfer tube 21 and the second heat transfer tube 22 extend, and are arranged between adjacent flow channel stages R1 to R4. Furthermore, it has at least one first flow path connection 37 that connects a plurality of first flow paths 36 close to the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1 and one of the first flow paths 36 close to the first external piping connection 32, and at least one second flow path connection 39 that is located between adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4 and connects a plurality of second flow paths 38 close to the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1 and one of the second flow paths 38 close to the second external piping connection 33.

[0101] As a result, the first flow path connection section 37 and the second flow path connection section 39 are positioned between adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4. Therefore, in the first direction D1, the number of first flow paths 36 and second flow paths 38 in each flow path stage gradually decreases as the distance from the heat exchanger 2 increases, between the flow path stages R1 to R4 closer to the heat exchanger 2 and the flow path stages R1 to R4 closer to the first external piping connection section 32. This allows the first flow paths 36 and second flow paths 38 to be branched or combined with respect to the heat exchanger 2 in a simple configuration.

[0102] (3) The header members 30P and 30Q according to the third embodiment are the header members 30P and 30Q of (2), wherein the first flow path connection portion 37 connects at least two first flow paths 36 located in the closest positions when viewed from the first direction D1 in adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4, and the second flow path connection portion 39 connects at least two second flow paths 38 located in the closest positions when viewed from the first direction D1 in adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4.

[0103] As a result, the first flow path connection section 37 and the second flow path connection section 39 connect at least two first flow paths 36 and two second flow paths 38 that are located closest to each other when viewed from the first direction D1 in adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4. This shortens the flow path length of the first flow path connection section 37 and the second flow path connection section 39. Therefore, the overall flow path length in the first flow path section 34 and the second flow path section 35 can also be shortened. Consequently, pressure loss in the first flow path section 34 and the second flow path section 35 can be reduced.

[0104] (4) The header members 30P and 30Q according to the fourth embodiment are the header members 30P and 30Q of (2) or (3), wherein the first flow channel section 34 and the second flow channel section 35 are composed of a plurality of laminates 311a to 311d stacked in the first direction D1, and the plurality of laminates 311a to 311d have the first flow channel connection section 37 and the second flow channel connection section 39.

[0105] This makes it easy to realize a configuration in which the first channel 36 and the second channel 38 are sequentially connected by the first channel connection part 37 and the second channel connection part 39 simply by stacking multiple laminates 311a to 311d.

[0106] (5) The header members 30P and 30Q according to the fifth embodiment are the header members 30P and 30Q of (2) or (3), wherein in adjacent flow path stages R1 to R4, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38 that is close to the first external piping connection part 32 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional areas of multiple of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38 that are close to the heat exchanger 2 in the first direction D1.

[0107] This reduces pressure loss when multiple first flow channels 36 and multiple second flow channels 38 merge or diverge between one first flow channel 36 and one second flow channel 38. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in efficiency of the flow of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in the first flow channel section 34 and the second flow channel section 35.

[0108] (6) The header member 30Q according to the sixth embodiment is any one of the header members 30Q of (2) to (4), and comprises a first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A arranged in the first flow channel section 34 and adjusting the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 in a plurality of first flow channels 36, and a second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B arranged in the second flow channel section 35 and adjusting the flow rate distribution of the second fluid F2 in a plurality of second flow channels 38.

[0109] This allows for adjustment of the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 in multiple first flow channels 36 and the flow rate distribution of the second fluid F2 in multiple second flow channels 38. As a result, in the process of connecting multiple first flow channels 36 and multiple second flow channels 38 in a stepwise manner, the flow rate distribution due to differences in flow resistance caused by differences in flow length, etc., can be appropriately adjusted.

[0110] (7) The header member 30Q according to the seventh embodiment is the header member 30Q of (6), wherein the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A changes at least one of the diameter of the flow path, curvature, and surface roughness of the flow path for a plurality of first flow paths 36 so that the flow resistance of the first flow path 36 in the flow path stages R1 to R4 is constant, and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B changes at least one of the diameter of the flow path, curvature, and surface roughness of the flow path for a plurality of second flow paths 38 so that the flow resistance of the second flow path 38 in the flow path stages R1 to R4 is constant.

[0111] The diameter, curvature, and surface roughness of the flow channels contribute to the pressure loss in each channel. Therefore, by changing at least one of the diameter, curvature, and surface roughness of the flow channels, it is possible to fine-tune the pressure loss in each channel. This makes it possible to keep the flow resistance of the first flow channel 36 and the second flow channel 38 constant in each flow channel stage R1 to R4, thereby achieving a uniform flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in the heat exchanger 2.

[0112] (8) The header member 30Q according to the eighth embodiment is the header member 30Q of (6) or (7), wherein the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70A and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit 70B are provided with orifices 72A and 72B that narrow the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in at least one of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38.

[0113] This makes it possible to adjust the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in multiple first and second flow paths 36 and 38, regardless of the shapes of the first and second flow paths 38. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the flow rate distribution even when the flow rates of the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in multiple first and second flow paths 36 and 38 change.

[0114] (9) The heat exchanger unit 1A according to the ninth embodiment comprises a heat exchanger 2 having a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21 through which a first fluid F1 flows and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22 through which a second fluid F2 flows, and any one of (1) to (8) header members 30P, 30Q arranged at at least one end of the heat exchanger 2.

[0115] This makes it possible to provide a heat exchanger unit 1A equipped with header members 30P and 30Q that branch or combine the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in a simple configuration without mixing them.

[0116] (10) A method for manufacturing the header member 30Q according to the tenth embodiment is a method for manufacturing the header member 30Q S20 of any one of (1) to (8), comprising: a step S21 of acquiring information on the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 among a plurality of first flow channels 36 in the first flow channel section 34, and information on the flow rate distribution of the second fluid F2 among a plurality of second flow channels 38 in the second flow channel section 35; and based on the acquired information on the flow rate distribution of the first fluid F1 among a plurality of first flow channels 36 and the flow rate distribution of the second fluid F2 among a plurality of second flow channels 38 The process includes: S22, a step of determining the shapes of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38 so that the flow resistance is constant; S23, a step of forming the first flow path section 34 and the second flow path section 35 based on the determined shapes of the first flow path 36 and the second flow path 38; S24, a step of forming the first external piping connection section 32 and the second external piping connection section 33; and S25, a step of manufacturing the header member 30Q by connecting the formed first external piping connection section 32, the first flow path section 34, the second external piping connection section 33, and the second flow path section 35.

[0117] This makes it possible to manufacture a header member 30Q equipped with a first flow path 36 and a second flow path 38 whose shapes are determined so that the flow resistance is constant, based on the flow rate distribution information of the first fluid F1 in the first flow path section 34 and the flow rate distribution information of the second fluid F2 in the second flow path section 35. Therefore, a header member 30Q can be provided for a heat exchanger 2 in which a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 21 and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 22 are arranged adjacent to each other, which can branch or combine the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 in a simple configuration without mixing them. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1A, 1B... Heat exchanger unit 2...Heat exchanger 3A...First Header 3B...Second Header 8A, 8B…First external piping 9A, 9B…Second external piping 21…First heat transfer tube 22...Second heat transfer tube 23…Casing 30P, 30Q… Header components 31…Header body 32...First external piping connection 33...Second external piping connection 34…First channel section 35...Second flow path section 36…First channel 361... Primary first channel 362...Secondary First Channel 363...Third first channel 364...Quadratic First Channel 37…First flow path connection section 371... Primary first flow path connection section 372...Secondary first flow path connection section 373...Tertiary First Flow Channel Connection 38…Second flow path 381…Primary and secondary flow path 382…Secondary second flow path 383…Third second flow path 384…fourth second flow path 39...Second channel connection 391... Primary-second channel connection section 392...Secondary second channel connection section 393...Tertiary Second Flow Channel Connection 70A…First flow distribution adjustment section 70B…Second flow rate distribution adjustment section 72A, 72B... Orifice 311a~311d...Laminate D1…first direction D2…Second direction D3...Third direction F1…first fluid F2…Second fluid R1~R4…Flow path stage S10, S20...Method for manufacturing header members S21... A process for acquiring flow rate distribution information in the first and second flow channels. S12, S22... Process for determining the shapes of the first and second flow channels. S13, S23... Process for forming the first channel section and the second channel section. S14, S24... Process for forming the first external piping connection and the second external piping connection. S15, S25... Process for manufacturing header components.

Claims

1. A header member attached to a heat exchanger in which a plurality of first heat transfer tubes through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes through which a second fluid different from the first fluid flows are arranged adjacent to each other, A first external piping connection part is provided, located away from the end of the heat exchanger, and to which a first external piping for supplying or discharging the first fluid to the heat exchanger can be connected. A first flow path section is provided between the ends of the multiple first heat transfer tubes and the first external piping connection section, A second external piping connection section is provided, located away from the end of the heat exchanger, to which a second external piping for supplying or discharging the second fluid to the heat exchanger can be connected. The system comprises a second flow path section positioned between the ends of a plurality of the second heat transfer tubes and the second external piping connection section, The first flow channel section has a plurality of first flow channels connected to the plurality of first heat transfer tubes, Multiple first flow paths are connected sequentially in stages to one first external piping connection section. The second flow channel section is connected to each of the multiple second heat transfer tubes and has multiple second flow channels formed independently of the multiple first flow channels. Multiple of the aforementioned second flow paths are connected sequentially in stages to one of the aforementioned second external piping connection sections. The first flow channel section and the second flow channel section are provided with a plurality of flow channel stages in which, in the first direction in which the first heat transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube extend, the number of the first flow channels and the second flow channels arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction decreases as they move away from the heat exchanger. A first flow path connection is provided, which is located between adjacent flow path stages and connects a plurality of first flow paths that are close to the heat exchanger in the first direction with one of the first flow paths that is close to the first external piping connection. It has at least one second flow path connection section, which is arranged between adjacent flow path stages and connects a plurality of second flow paths closer to the heat exchanger in the first direction with one second flow path closer to the second external piping connection section, The first channel section and the second channel section are composed of holes that are stacked in the first direction and penetrate the interior of a plurality of stacked bodies. A header member comprising a plurality of laminates fixed to other adjacent laminates in the first direction, and having the first channel connection portion and the second channel connection portion inside.

2. The first channel connection section connects at least two first channels located at the closest positions when viewed from the first direction in adjacent channel stages. The header member according to claim 1, wherein the second flow path connection portion connects at least two second flow paths located at the closest positions when viewed from the first direction in adjacent flow path stages.

3. A first flow rate distribution adjustment unit is provided in the first flow path section and adjusts the flow rate distribution of the first fluid in a plurality of the first flow paths, The header member according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second flow rate distribution adjustment unit disposed in the second flow path section and adjusting the flow rate distribution of the second fluid in a plurality of the second flow paths.

4. The first flow rate distribution adjustment unit changes at least one of the flow diameter, curvature, and flow surface roughness of a plurality of first flow channels so that the flow resistance of the first flow channel in the flow channel stage remains constant. The header member according to claim 3, wherein the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit varies at least one of the flow diameter, curvature, and flow surface roughness of a plurality of second flow channels so that the flow resistance of the second flow channel in the flow channel stage is constant.

5. The header member according to claim 3, wherein the first flow rate distribution adjustment unit and the second flow rate distribution adjustment unit are provided with an orifice that narrows the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path.

6. A heat exchanger having a plurality of first heat transfer tubes through which a first fluid flows and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes through which a second fluid flows, A heat exchanger unit comprising a header member according to claim 1 or 2, which is disposed at at least one end of the heat exchanger.

7. A method for manufacturing a header member according to claim 1 or 2, A step of acquiring information on the flow rate distribution of the first fluid between a plurality of first channels in the first channel section, and information on the flow rate distribution of the second fluid between a plurality of second channels in the second channel section. A step of determining the shape of the first flow path and the second flow path such that the flow resistance is constant, based on the acquired information on the flow rate distribution of the first fluid between a plurality of first flow paths and the flow rate distribution of the second fluid between a plurality of second flow paths. A step of forming the first channel section and the second channel section based on the determined shapes of the first channel section and the second channel section, The process of forming the first external piping connection and the second external piping connection, A method for manufacturing a header member, comprising the step of manufacturing the header member by connecting the formed first external pipe connection portion, the first flow path portion, the second external pipe connection portion, and the second flow path portion.

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